Messina in a can. Nothing says novelty summer food quite like it. The ever-innovative team at Gelato Messina seem to be taking cues from Andy Warhol this season, launching their International Soup Kitchen exclusively at the Royal Croquet Club pop-up festival opening this Friday, January 16. While Warhol's original cans would send you into crippling debt, Messina's tins are little artworks in their own right that'll only set you back $9 each. Four tasty-sounding gelato sundaes will be on offer from Messina's own festival soup kitchen, adorably encased in a bespoke soup tin. Choose from Black Forest Bisque (chocolate fondant gelato, cherry jam, kirsch cream, kirsch soaked sponge), Faux Pho (Salted coconut sorbet, kaffir lime marshmallow, lychee coconut cream, chilli cashew crunch), Zuppa Duppa (Hazelnut gelato, wild strawberry preserve, pistachio crunch, amaretti biscotti), and American Chow Down (Peanut gelato, oreo custard, cream cheese mousse, pretzel crunch). You'll find the Messina International Soup Kitchen at the Royal Croquet Club, alongside fellow nosh wizards Meatmother, Mr Claws, Miss Chu and DOC. Opening Friday, January 16 and running until Sunday, February 1, the Royal Croquet Club is a pop-up food festival happening on the lower level of Birrarung Marr, Melbourne, along the banks of the Yarra River. Centred around a full-sized croquet pitch, the festival features themed bars, roving entertainment and live music from the likes of The Kite String Tangle, Norman Jay MBE, Miami Horror DJs and Japanese Wallpaper. Find the Royal Croquet Club at Birrarung Marr, Melbourne from January 16 - February 1. For trading hours and entry prices, head to the Royal Croquet Club website.
Sicario begins with an ordinary-looking slice of Arizona's desert-bordered suburbia, roving over rows of homes as far as the eye can see. As the kidnap extraction operation that will soon storm the doors of one particular house — and find much, much more than they bargained for — swiftly reveals, there’s little that’s normal behind the average facade. In a powerful start to his latest feature after Incendies, Prisoners and Enemy, director Denis Villeneuve ensures the chasm between perception and reality is apparent; indeed, it will echo throughout the feature. It's a fitting kernel of thought to plant in the minds of viewers who will witness 121 minutes of procedural tension seemingly concerned with the titular term — cartel slang for hitman in Mexico — in the context of the drug war, but actually delving into the haziness of trying to do the right thing by any means. It certainly bears remembering that Villeneuve doesn’t make films that could be considered easy viewing. As written by actor-turned-screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Sons of Anarchy), Sicario jumps into the United States' furtive attempts to arrest the impact of the narcotics trade, then creeps through shades of grey, shimmers of complex uncertainty and slivers of necessary compromise. Accordingly, three figures earn the grim film's focus: FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), plus government contractors Matt (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro). After leading the charge in the opening events, the former is asked to volunteer to work with the latter two men to bring a drug lord to justice. Their idea of how to do so, abandoning the rules in favour of operating in the shadows, differs to the by-the-book approach Macer prefers. Comparisons to Zero Dark Thirty prove apt and earned for an effort that treats its bristling violence and brutal set pieces as routine, strands its protagonist with reaching for an end result that can't be achieved by above-board means, and navigates the moral quandaries and harsh realities that spring. The striking, sunlit visuals, lensed by 12-time Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (Skyfall) and seething with gritty texture, add to the overwhelming feeling of inevitability and despair Macer is saddled with, with as much said by the framing — often preferring to peer on at conversations from a distance, or capture action via aerial shots — as by the dialogue. Such rich imagery is matched not only by an unrelenting, rattling, bass-heavy score, but also by a trio of performances that simmer on screen. Blunt, continuing a spate of great choices of late that has included Looper and Edge of Tomorrow, finds the right mix of resilience and vulnerability as the woman at the centre of a puzzle she's being precluded from piecing together. Del Toro wears the feature's weariness, vagueness and murkiness in his gaze, while Brolin does the same thing with his sly smile and casual attitude — and becomes the film's standout player in the process. Indeed, Brolin acts as a weathervane for Sicario's end result, offering layers of quiet power that build with every exchange and altercation into an ever-troubling picture of ambiguity and unease. You're never quite comfortable with his character, nor should you be with the feature he's in, as compelling, confronting, stunning and downright exceptional as it is.
Think there's just one Hottest 100 in January? Think again. Indeed, the second important countdown of the month goes rather well with the music poll that just proclaimed Flume's 'Never Be Like You' the nation's best track of 2016. In the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list, great brews are in the spotlight — and once again, Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale has come out on top. It's the second year that the Byron Bay brewery has been dubbed the country's best yeasty tipple, and their third win overall. With 1600 different beers in the running, winning is no easy feat. Run by GABS — or the annual brew fest also known as the 'Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular', the 'people's choice' poll is decided by booze-lovers around the country, and received its most amount of votes ever in 2016. In massive news for new bevs, 21 brews that first wet lips in the past year were included in the GABS Hottest 100, including the American Pale Ale made by Gold Coast-based, Mick Fanning-co-owned Balter Brewing. And recognising the strength of Australia's indie beer scene, a whopping 80% of drinks hailed from independent brewers. If you're thinking, "less background, more beer", here's what you've been waiting for: the rundown of the best beverages from the past year that just keep tempting tastebuds. Working your way through them isn't just a great way to show your appreciation for locally made brews — consider it research for the 2017 countdown. GABS HOTTEST 100 AUSSIE CRAFT BEERS OF 2016 1. Pacific Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 2. IIPA - Double IPA - Pirate Life Brewing 3. Hop Hog - American Pale Ale - Feral Brewing Company 4. XPA - American Pale Ale - Balter - NEW 5. IPA - American IPA - Pirate Life Brewing 6. Little Dove - American Pale Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co - NEW 7. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Pirate Life Brewing 8. Crankshaft - American IPA - BentSpoke Brewery 9. Former Tenant - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 10. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 11. IPA - American IPA - Fixation Brewing Co. 12. War Hog - American IPA - Feral Brewing Company 13. Beechworth Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Bridge Road Brewers 14. 150 Lashes - Australian Pale Ale - James Squire 15. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Little Creatures 16. Newtowner - Australian Pale Ale - Young Henrys Brewing Company 17. Indian Summer Ale - Australian Pale Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 18. Kolsch - Kölsch - 4 Pines Brewing Co 19. Barley Griffin - Australian Pale Ale - BentSpoke Brewery 20. Throwback IPA - IPA (Specialty) - Pirate Life Brewing 21. Sonic Prayer - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 22. Taco - Specialty Beer - Two Birds Brewing 23. India Red Ale - American IPA - Prancing Pony Brewery 24. Golden Stout Time - Sweet Stout - Big Shed Brewing 25. Korben D. - Double IPA - Akasha Brewing Co 26. Single Fin - British Golden Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co 27. Three Sheets - Australian Pale Ale - Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 28. Cloud Catcher - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 29. Karma Citra - IPA (Specialty) - Feral Brewing Company 30. Atomic - American Pale Ale - Gage Roads Brewing Co 31. Coffee Ramjet 2016 - Wood-Aged Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co - NEW 32. Tusk – Nov 2016 - IPA (Specialty) - Feral Brewing Company - NEW 33. Nail Red - American Amber Ale - Nail Brewing 34. Ramjet 2016 - Wood-Aged Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co - NEW 35. Dark - Dark Mild - White Rabbit Brewery 36. Summer Ale - Blonde Ale - Mountain Goat Beer 37. Wild Yak - Australian Pale Ale - Yak Ales - NEW 38. Steam Ale - California Common - Mountain Goat Beer 39. Kosciuszko Pale Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Kosciuszko Brewing Company 40. Grizz - American Amber Ale - 2 Brothers Brewery 41. Small Ale - IPA (Specialty) - Colonial Brewing Company 42. Dog Days - American Wheat - Little Creatures 43. Footscray Ale - American Pale Ale - West City Brewing 44. Spearhead - Australian Pale Ale - Cricketers Arms 45. Vanilla Milk Stout - Sweet Stout - Thirsty Crow 46. Modus Pale - American Pale Ale - Modus Operandi Brewing Co 47. Furphy Refreshing Ale - Kölsch - Little Creatures 48. American Amber Ale - American Amber Ale - 4 Pines Brewing Co 49. Nail VPA - American Pale Ale - Nail Brewing 50. Californicator - American IPA - Big Shed Brewing 51. Freshie Salt & Pepper - Gose - Nomad Brewing Co 52. Mt Tennent Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Pact Beer Co 53. Fat Yak - American Pale Ale - Yak Ales 54. Kung Foo - Pale Lager - 2 Brothers Brewery 55. KRUSH! - American Pale Ale - KAIJU! Beer - NEW 56. Windjammer - American IPA - Green Beacon Brewing Co 57. Reginald - American IPA - Blackman's Brewery 58. Pale Ale - American Pale Ale - Hawkers Beer 59. Session Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Mismatch Brewing Company 60. Calypso - Pale Ale (American-style) - Odyssey Craft Brewing Co. 61. 8BiT - American IPA - Stockade Brew Co - NEW 62. Hop Thief 8 - American Pale Ale - James Squire - NEW 63. The Chop - American IPA - Hop Nation Brewing Co - NEW 64. Sunset Ale - American Amber Ale - Two Birds Brewing 65. IPA - American IPA - Little Creatures 66. Rogers' Beer - American Amber Ale - Little Creatures 67. Watermelon Warhead - Berliner Weisse - Feral Brewing Company 68. Hop Culture - American IPA - Mornington Peninsula Brewery - NEW 69. Miss Pinky - Soured Fruit Beer - Boatrocker Brewing Co 70. Bright Ale - Blonde Ale - Little Creatures 71. Sly Fox - American Pale Ale - Feral Brewing Company 72. Hop Thief 7 - American Pale Ale - James Squire 73. Praline - Belgian Specialty Ale - La Sirène Brewing 74. Copy Cat - American IPA - Mash Brewing 75. Elsie The Milk Stout - Sweet Stout - Batch Brewing Co 76. Fancy Pants - American Amber Ale - Mountain Goat Beer 77. The Fox - Vienna-style Lager - Rabbit & Spaghetti Brewing Co. 78. Growler - American Brown Ale - 2 Brothers Brewery 79. IPA - American IPA - Hawkers Beer 80. Peanut Brittle Gose - Gose - Bacchus Brewing Co 81. Rare Breed: Pulped Fiction Blood Orange IPA - Double IPA - Mountain Goat Beer - NEW 82. Yenda Pale Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Australian Beer Co 83. Garden Ale - Australian Pale Ale - Stone and Wood Brewing Co 84. Hazelnut Brown - Brown Ale (UK-style) - Bad Shepherd 85. Bling Bling - Double IPA - Bridge Road Brewers 86. Beach Ale - Blonde Ale - Odyssey Craft Brewing Co. - NEW 87. Mornington Pale - American Pale Ale - Mornington Peninsula Brewery 88. Fred - IPA (American-style) - Murray's Craft Brewing Co 89. Imperial IPA - IPA (Specialty) - 4 Pines Brewing Co - NEW 90. F-Yeah - American Pale Ale - Big Shed Brewing 91. Session IPA - American IPA - Modus Operandi Brewing Co - NEW 92. Bling - American IPA - Bridge Road Brewers 93. Project #22: Bert (The Royal Albert Collab) - Australian Pale Ale - Colonial Brewing Company - NEW 94. Sourpuss - Berliner Weisse - Wayward Brewing Company 95. B.F.H. (Barrel Fermented Hog) - American IPA - Feral Brewing Company 96. 28 - American Pale Ale - Burleigh Brewing Company 97. Thanks Captain Obvious - American IPA - BrewCult 98. ALT Brown - American Brown Ale - Balter - NEW 99. The Chancer - Blonde Ale - James Squire 100. Hopsmith - American IPA - Akasha Brewing Co NEW — First brewed in 2016.
What do Elvis Presley, Yayoi Kusama, Pablo Picasso and Ancient Greece have in common? In the coming months, all four will have items and objects on display across Victoria. Accordingly, if you're looking for an excuse to spend the cooler months in a museum or gallery, you have several — including peering at 44 ancient works dating back to the early bronze age. Those historic pieces will hit Melbourne Museum courtesy of Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections, a new exhibition that's set to open on Saturday, April 23. Co-created and presented with the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, the Australian-first showcase will feature pieces from the Greek organisation's collection — which happens to be the richest range of artefacts from Greek antiquity worldwide — all of which will be making an appearance Down Under for the first time. In the case of two of the exhibition's big highlights — the gold Theseus ring, which dates back to the 15th century BCE, as well as a 2500-year-old marble sphinx that depicts a female head with the body of a winged lion — they'll make their debut outside of the National Archaeological Museum, too. Also coming our way: a collection of artefacts depicting Greek hero Heracles, as well as pieces that date through to the Roman period. [caption id="attachment_845137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Column krater, clay, Herakles slaying the king of Egypt, Busiris, and his attendants. B. Maenad and Satyrs. By the Cleveland Painter.Unknown provenance.About 470 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Eleytherios Galanopoulos[/caption] Overall, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections will focus on not just Ancient Greece itself, but how the trade of ideas and goods influenced its culture — and how the Greeks also influenced the rest of the ancient world. "Since antiquity, the Greeks have always followed the open horizons of the sea, constantly travelling to every corner of the world. Extroversion, broad-mindedness and cosmopolitanism, as well as the ability to embrace and utilise foreign influences in a creative and original way have been integral elements of Hellenic culture," explains Minister of Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports Dr Lina Mendoni. Announcing the news, Museums Victoria CEO Lynley Crosswell said "we are excited to be collaborating with the National Archaeological Museum to bring some of the most remarkable artefacts direct from Athens for audiences in Melbourne to enjoy. This captivating exhibition will invite visitors to explore the cross-cultural connections that contributed to the formation of Ancient Greece." Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections opens at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, on Saturday, April 23. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the museum's website. Top image: One of a pair of antefixes Clay Representations of Chimaera and Bellerophon mounting his winged horse, Pegasus. From Thasos. 550-500 BC. Credit National Archaeological Museum and Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. Photographer Magoulas.
UPDATE, February 15, 2024: Supernormal Brisbane is now set to open in 2024. Head to the Supernormal website for further details. Big culinary names making a move to southeast Queensland: now that's a trend that Sunshine State residents love to see. In just the past couple of months, Guy Grossi has announced plans to open an Amalfi-inspired restaurant in Brisbane, and Hong Kong's Michelin-starred cantonese restaurant T'ang Court just launched on the Gold Coast. The latest eatery that's set to join them: Melbourne's famed Supernormal. Acclaimed chef Andrew McConnell has revealed that Supernormal will launch a second location in 443 Queen Street, Brisbane, in a new residential tower that's due to open in late 2023. It'll sit on the riverfront, and boast views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge — and also be perched between the Queen Street Mall and Howard Smith Wharves. "There is a special combination of relationship, location, environment and architecture at 443 Queen Street that we are seriously excited to be a part of," said McConnell, announcing the news via Trader House — the collective that spans his restaurants, specialty retail stores and events. "For the past seven years, we've welcomed many interstate and international guests to Supernormal in Melbourne. Now, we look forward to contributing to Brisbane's already growing and vibrant food scene." "There's also a bounty of some of the country's best produce available. What a thrill to be able to explore this as we refine our offering," McConnell continued. Supernormal Brisbane marks Trader House's first venue beyond its Melbourne base, and will seat around 120 diners both inside and out — including in a private dining setup. While it's obviously too early to reveal the menu, the Brisbane restaurant will feature a hefty focus on Queensland produce and seafood, while plating up contemporary Australian dishes that also take inspiration from McConnell's time in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. Fingers crossed that Melbourne's marinated claims, New England lobster rolls, Hunan-style beef tartare and whole roasted flounder make the jump. On architectural and interior design duties: Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of Sydney's ACME, with the agency also working on the design of Melbourne's Gimlet at Cavendish House — the only Australian venue to make the longlist in 2022 for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, coming in in 84th position. Brisbanites can expect Supernormal Brisbane to link in with the Brisbane Riverwalk precinct — 'tis the location for it — and operate seven days a week, including offering an all-day dining menu. The new venue will start welcoming in patrons 22 years after McConnell opened his first restaurant, Dining Room 211, in Melbourne in 2001. And, it folds into a career that's spanned plenty of other notable Victorian sites, including Cutler & Co, Cumulus Inc, Marion, Builders Arms Hotel, Meatsmith and Morning Market. Supernormal Brisbane is set to open at 443 Queen Street, Brisbane in late 2023 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced. For more information about Supernormal Melbourne, head to the restaurant's website. Images: Supernormal Melbourne, Nikki To / Jo McGann / Kristoffer Paulsen.
Fitzroy North's Horn Please has a surefire way to cure your Sunday hangover: all-you-can-eat curry. But, it's not just curry. It's six different vegan curries, plus rice and a couple of starters. And you can dispel any worries you've got about spending too much cash — all of this will only cost you $30. It's not just a great deal for those with day-after regrets, either. Can't be bothered cooking? Want a cheap date night? Have a vegan mate to entertain? Tick, tick, tick. [caption id="attachment_775009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] The all-you-can-eat deal is available across three 90-minute sittings every Sunday — 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. You'll kick things off with two entrees — maybe some cauliflower and spinach fritters — before digging into unlimited serves of curry. The lineup's set to vary, though you can bank on Horn Please favourites like chana masala and butternut squash curry, alongside newcomers like aloo gobi with cauliflower and potatoes. And as always, you can pair that food with wine, signature cocktails or brews from the legendary Horn Please beer fridge. You'll need to make a booking if you want to head along, so head over to the website quick smart. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Well, we don't know what kind of high-flying career goals you're reaching for this year, but here's one you might want to pop on your list. Domino's is offering one hard-working food-lover the chance to come on board as its new Chief Garlic Bread Taste Tester. Now there's a gem for the ol' resume, if ever we saw one. While the thought of being paid to scoff hot, buttery, garlic-infused carbs sounds like some sort of fantasy, Domino's ain't joking. The company has posted a real-deal job listing for the role on Linked In and is already taking applications. So what's involved in this dream gig, you ask? Unfortunately, it's just a one-day role, but the lucky employee will spend a tasty 7.5-hour work day at Domino's Brisbane HQ, sampling the company's various garlic breads and other products, scoring a sneak peek at future menu items and offering feedback to the team. Here's one of the garlicky dishes you could be getting paid to eat: https://www.facebook.com/DominosAustralia/photos/a.220268216411/10157998133836412/?type=3&theater You'll earn a tidy $30 an hour for your efforts, too. And return domestic flights will be provided if you live outside of Brisbane, as will one night's accommodation if a same day return flight isn't available. A lunchtime pizza feast is also included, so leave the packed lunch at home. Domino's has thrown down a few key qualifications you'll want to have if you're applying for the job, including "a detailed understanding of the pizza and garlic bread relationship", "a history of reviewing other people's food choices" and "working tastebuds". It's also after someone with at least five years' experience in garlic bread consumption — which is peanuts compared to what most of you seasoned garlic bread fiends would have under your belts. If you're ticking all of Domino's boxes for the gig, you'll probably want to have some degree of carb obsession and a solid grasp of the perfect 'crunch to softness' ratio. Oh, and vampire-identifying folk need not apply. To apply for the Chief Garlic Bread Taste Taster role, you'll need to complete the Domino's survey and apply via a 30-second video or 200-word essay, before Monday, October 7.
The celebrations have been a little scarce so far this year, but the festive season is coming in hot and the country is good and ready for some revelry. If you're a lover of craft brews, you won't find a much better accompaniment for those holiday happenings than the latest limited-edition offering from boutique booze retailer Craft Cartel: Australia's largest ever case of craft beer. Available now for pre-sale, the 100 Can Case features a monster edit of 100 tinnies from 25 of the country's best-loved indie breweries. Enough to see you through a good chunk of the summer picnics, backyard barbecues, beach sessions and Christmas Day lunches to come. Or, if you're the sharing type, enough to make you one very popular Christmas party guest. Favourites like Akasha, Bentspoke Brewing Co, Sauce Brewing and Young Henrys have goodies in the box, as do a range of the Victorian breweries hit especially hard by extra lockdowns this year, including Mornington Peninsula Brewery and Bridge Road Brewers. The style lineup is broad, too, featuring NEIPAs, brown ales and just about everything in between. They're all housed in a limited-edition custom timber box, with the whole thing clocking in at an impressive 40 kilograms. And, while it'll set you back a cool $499, the 100 Can Case also comes with ten $20 Craft Cartel vouchers, effectively sorting out all your Christmas present shopping in one neat hit. Of course, it's not the first time Craft Cartel has gone big on the beer front. Earlier this year, it stocked the slightly smaller Pabst Blue Ribbon 99 Can Carton, packed with 99 tins of the legendary USA lager. To register for pre-sale of the 100 Can Craft Beer Case, head to the website now. If there's stock left, it'll then go on sale to the general public this Thursday, November 26, for $499.
What'll start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then spread plenty of sports around Victoria? Every year, the AFL season does just that — but soon, the Commonwealth Games will as well. Just four years out from the event, and mere months away from 2022's games in Birmingham, England, regional Victoria has been named as the event's 2026 host. While the opening ceremony will take over the MCG — where else? — the games themselves will play out in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland. Each spot will operate as regional hub, scoring their own athletes' village and sports programs, and spreading the event around the state in the process. [caption id="attachment_831273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria[/caption] And, because the 2026 Commonwealth Games really are set to take advantage of as much of Victoria as they can, Shepparton will also host sporting and cultural events, too. If you're wondering exactly what'll be hosted where, it's been proposed that all of the aquatics events happen in Geelong, as well as hockey, gymnastics, table tennis, beach volleyball and the triathlon. Gippsland could host badminton and rugby, athletics and boxing has been earmarked for Ballarat, and Bendigo looks set to welcome weightlifting, lawn bowls and squash. The cycling program will likely take place from Gippsland to Bendigo, while Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland would all host cricket. And, there'll be a para sport program as well, with para athletics, para swimming, para lawn bowls, para table tennis, para triathlon and para powerlifting already locked in. It's official: the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the Regional Victoria games. — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) April 12, 2022 Announcing the news, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that "it's a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games — we can't wait to welcome the world to all of our state." It's estimated the 2026 games will give the Victorian economy a$3 billion boost, creating more than 600 full-time jobs before the event, as well as 3900 jobs while they're on and another 3000 afterwards. The Commonwealth Games will also feature cultural events spread across the state, and the Queen's Baton Relay will race through Victoria's various regions in the weeks leading up to the opening ceremony. And yes, Australia only recently held the games, back in 2018 on the Gold Coast. Also, this means that Australia will host two huge sporting events in the next decade, given that Brisbane has already been locked in as the site for the 2032 Olympic Games. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in regional Victoria in 2026, with exact dates to be announced. For more information, head to the Commonwealth Games website and Victorian Government website. Top image: StephenK1997 via Flickr.
Winter might still be months away, and the final series of Game of Thrones too, but there is an event coming to Melbourne that will tide fans over — at least temporarily. Call your banners and get ready for a medieval-style banquet, all in the vein of GoT. Prepare for a meal that not only replicates the fascinating and often terrifying world of GoT that so many have come to depend on for meaning in life, but will include a share-style three-course feast, a selection of wine, bubbles and beer, and some murderous entertainment. While many details of the event are still shrouded in mystery (much like the eventual outcome of the series), two sittings will take place on Saturday, March 23: for lunch from 12–3pm, and for dinner from 7–10pm. The meal's location is yet to be revealed, but the specific theme is no secret. Taking its cues from a particularly notorious episode of HBO's hit series, this immersive banquet will be styled after the Red Wedding. Yes, you can assume there'll be some recreations of scenes from George R. R. Martin's saga — although here's hoping there's no regicide at this one. If, like Jon Snow, you know nothing, then you're in for an entertaining feast. Costumes are welcome, but no pretend (or real) weaponry. As for tickets, they'll cost you a few gold dragons — or $232.09 per person. The Red Wedding banquet will happen in Melbourne on Saturday, March 23, with tickets on sale now.
A blazing red neon sign is your first view of Lucy Liu, not Charlie's Angel, but one of Melbourne's most popular laneway eateries for great food and vibes in the heart of the city. Effectively sandwiched between Flinders, Russell and Collins streets, you've got no shortage of dining options in this area. You'd be kicking yourself if you passed her by. Once inside, the space is open and warm, with a design choice that never fails: an open kitchen. Time your booking or walk in at the right moment, and you could end up sitting with a view straight into it. Lucy's just turned 10, with much of the original kitchen team still a part of the family, so these veterans have every teaspoon and presentation detail locked down. What's on the menu? There's a healthy offering of bites, buns, plates both small and large and set menu banquets. A few suggestions: caramelised tofu betel leaf with pineapple and chilli or Pacific oysters with ponzu and Lucy's Sriracha to start. Follow that with a plate of kingfish sashimi with green nan jim, coconut and Thai basil (an original menu item) or fried chicken ribs with sour plum salt, lemon and kewpie. Go big with Lucy's softshell crab jianbing or a roast pork bun with house-made kimchi and sriracha mayo — or go full-feast and order another OG: drunken chicken with Shao Xing Wine and green onion dressing or a hefty slice of market fish. The banquet menus, ranging from $58pp to $78pp, give you a taste of all the hits in five or seven plates (vegan alternatives are available). The drinks menu is just as colourful and tasty to wash down all those treats. With nine specialty cocktails to choose from, plus half-strength cocktails or cocktails to share, so you're catered for whether you're planning on driving home or not. Wine comes by the glass, and Lucy has a few of her own bottles on offer, with an impressive lineup of local and imported beers and spirits to round it out.
'I Miss You' isn't just the name of a beloved blink-182 song. It isn't just a track they'll likely bust out on their 2024 tour Down Under, either. It's also the vibe being felt around Australia right now, clearly, because the band's tour keeps proving a huge hit — and adding new dates. Last week, blink-182 revealed that they were reforming their classic lineup of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, then hitting the road — and that Aussie fans would get their chance to see the end result live in February 2024. Then, they added more dates before tickets to the first gigs even went on sale, because the demand was already that huge. Now, another batch of shows is being added again. The first run of dates is already sold out, with tickets to those shows going on sale on Thursday, October 20. Now, one extra show per city has been added in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide — and tickets for those are up for grabs at 12pm local time today, Friday, October 21. Perth residents can now try to score tickets for Thursday, February 8 at RAC Arena, Melburnians can do the same for Monday, February 26 at Rod Laver Arena, and Sydneysiders can have an extra shot in Friday, February 23 at Qudos Bank Arena. As for Brisbanites, they have a new date on Wednesday, February 21 at Brisbane Entertainment Centre to pick from. DeLonge, Hoppus and Barker will play with Rise Against in support, starting their Australian run in Perth, then head to Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — then back to Sydney and Melbourne. For three decades, blink-182 have been the voice inside punk and rock fans' heads, especially in the late 90s and early 00s thanks to albums Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Now that they're back together after DeLonge left the band in 2015, blink-182 are also recording new music together, with single 'Edging' out now. Expect to hear everything from 'Dammit' and 'Josie' to 'What's My Age Again?' and 'All the Small Things' live, though. BLINK-182 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Thursday, February 8–Friday, February 9 — RAC Arena, Perth Sunday, February 11 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Tuesday, February 13–Wednesday, February 14 + Monday, February 26 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Friday, February 16–Saturday, February 17 + Friday, February 23 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Monday, February 19, Tuesday, February 20 + Wednesday, February 21 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Blink-182 will tour Australia and New Zealand in February 2024. Tickets to new shows in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne go on sale at 12pm on Friday, October 21 local time. For more information, head to the Live Nation website. Top image: Jack Bridgland.
In the words of Tyrion Lannister, it's not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy. That may be true, but you can certainly give it a go, when Game of Rhones returns for another year. An epic wine tasting event inspired by the grapes of France's Rhone Valley and the works of George R. R. Martin, this year's Game of Rhones will visit all Seven Kingdoms – by which we mean Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Wellington and Auckland. Each event will welcome more than 40 different winemakers, including Shaw + Smith, Yarra Yering, Tarrawarra Estate, Olivers Taranga and Paxton Biodynamic Wine (although exact producers vary city to city). There'll also be a number of food vendors on hand as well to ensure you don't go hungry. In between goblets, ticketholders will get the chance to chat with sommeliers at the Rhone Bar, vote for their favourite vintages as part of the People's Choice Award, and take part in a blind tasting 'torture chamber' that we promise is more fun than the name makes it sound. It should also go without saying that dressing up as your favourite GoT character is highly encouraged. Zombie John Snow, anyone?
There's nothing like summer in the city — warm days kicking back in the sun and balmy nights spent in the ocean air. From picnics and festivals to cinemas under the stars, there is lots to do al fresco. We've teamed up with White Claw Hard Seltzer to put this guide together to help you stay refreshed and make the most of the outdoors during the warmest months of the year. Here are five ways to take advantage of Melbourne's stunning openair spaces this sizzling season. All venue trading hours and events are subject to change based on COVID-19 developments. Check with the venue for the latest details, and stay up to date with current COVID-19 restrictions by visiting DHHS. [caption id="attachment_791774" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Exchange Beach Club[/caption] SWING BY A BAR AFTER THE BEACH Despite Melbourne not being especially known for its beach offering, the city is peppered with beachside bars and waterfront pubs that offer tranquil views and vibes. And there's nothing quite like a drink in the salty air for an after-work knock-off or a way to relax on the weekend. All three of these waterside spots stock White Claw, too, so you know you're in for a good time. The Exchange Beach Club, Port Melbourne Located on the shores of Port Melbourne, this pop-up kitchen is where to head to enjoy seafood snacks — we're talking oysters, lobster and prawn rolls, skin-on fries and grilled squid salad — while soaking in the rays from a daybed or cabana. The best part? The Exchange Beach Club is pup-friendly and there's an entire menu dedicated to treats for your furry friend, including doughnuts. Pontoon, St Kilda This chic establishment offers sweeping views of the beach with an a la carte style menu. If you feel like going a little bit fancy with handmade pasta and woodfired fish in the salty breeze, settle right in here. Interested? Mark February 13 in your calendar, when Pontoon will be hosting an epic shindig with White Claw from 5pm with local musicians Close Counters on the decks. Hopscotch, Southbank For more urban pub vibes, head to Hopscotch in Southbank. Here, you can expect eats and beats overlooking the Yarra. The brewpub serves street food-style dishes, such as tuna or eggplant tacos, vodka-cured king salmon and corn chip cheese croquettes. There are also burgers if you're extra peckish. Pay a visit on a Sunday arvo when Hopscotch hosts live musicians to soundtrack your end-of-the-weekend hangs. [caption id="attachment_833806" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arbory Afloat, Parker Blain[/caption] TAKE YOUR MEAL AL FRESCO Melbourne is ripe with places to eat and drink outdoors. Grab your mates and head to a primo al fresco table to kick back and revel in the fresh open air buzzing with city dwellers out and about. Arbory Afloat, CBD Take to Melbourne's renowned floating bar, Arbory Afloat, to enjoy an outdoor meal in the cocktail bar stationed on the Yarra. You can find the temporary bar and restaurant located in front of its sister venue, Arbory Bar & Eatery, where you'll be spoiled with a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired menu. Ciao Cielo, Port Melbourne Feeling like an Italian feed? Head to Ciao Cielo in Port Melbourne, a contemporary restaurant slinging oysters, house-made pasta, woodfired pizza and artisanal gelato. Here, you can enjoy a meal in the European-style beer garden, inspired by casual beachside dining on the Italian Riviera coastline. Welcome to Thornbury, Thornbury Another al fresco setting not to miss is Welcome to Thornbury's expansive outdoor setting featuring a steady rotation of food trucks. The sprawling, vibrant pub and beer garden feeds the hungry souls of the north with the likes of Mr Burger, Sparrow's Philly Cheese Steaks and Woking Amazing. [caption id="attachment_821536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NGV Friday Nights, Eugene Hyland[/caption] HAVE A BOOGIE AT AN OUTDOOR GIG It almost seems too good to be true, but yes, they're back. After a pretty grim past two years, the events season is upon us again, and it's time to make up for all those lost moments. Check out our recommendations for where to head for the outdoor party season. Live at the Bowl Kick off your year at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Running from January 5 to April 25, the Live at the Bowl series has a steady lineup of dance, music and circus events to enjoy, including The Jungle Giants, The Teskey Brothers with Orchestra Victoria and Piknic Électronik. Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival This month also features Williamstown's supersized festival on Saturday, January 22 at Seaworks Maritime Precinct. A famed 360-degree stage will host a range of stellar homegrown and international talent — think Aussie DJ HAAi, Lauren Hansom and Kelly Lee Owens. For the Love For the Love is returning on Saturday, March 5 at St Kilda's Catani Gardens. Punters will enjoy an all-Aussie lineup featuring the likes of Dom Dolla, Crooked Colours and Mallrat. When you need a break from the revelry, you can kick back in one of the VIP lounges, presented by Nana Judy. NGV Friday Nights The much-loved NGV Friday Nights are back to celebrate the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto and Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala exhibitions. Running all the way till late April, the after-hours weekly event boasts a lineup of Melbourne DJs playing disco, pop, lounge and house sets in the NGV Garden, plus pop-up bars and giveaways. ROLL OUT YOUR PICNIC BLANKET After multiple lockdowns where picnics were our only social escape, Melburnians are well accustomed to throwing an outing in the park. We've perfected the cheese platter and know just what crackers go with what dips. And with the city's abundant offering of green-filled outdoor spaces, there's no reason to stop now. Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North Edinburgh Gardens, the city's largest park at 24 hectares, is always a good time. As you snack and sip, you can people (and pup) watch to your heart's content — there's always someone kicking a footy around, plus skateboarders showing off and plenty of off-leash space for your four-legged friends. Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne East Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens also provides a stunning location to picnic with garden structures, floral displayers and sprawling lawns lined with elm trees. As with all City of Melbourne parks, you're allowed to enjoy a tipple here. Point Ormond Reserve, Elwood If you're south of the Yarra, Point Ormond Reserve is the perfect spot to whip out the picnic rug. It's right near Elwood Beach with a spectacular lookout over the ocean if you want a cheeky snap for the 'gram. CATCH A FLICK UNDER THE STARS Take advantage of balmy summer nights by grabbing a picnic rug and settling in for a movie under the stars at an openair cinema. Moonlight Cinema The ever-popular Moonlight Cinema has returned to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Garden with a stellar lineup of flicks accompanied by available bites from food trucks. It also offers BYO movie snacks and drinks, so pick up some cans of White Claw to take along. Cameo Cinemas Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave is where movie lovers can enjoy big releases and retro flicks from deck chairs and bean bags with choc-tops and freshly popped popcorn. You can't take drinks and snacks with you to this one but you can bring along your pup, which is a win in our books. Lido on the Roof Atop of Glenferrie Road picture house, this Hawthorn rooftop cinema is showcasing a selection of new releases in the fresh air, including the newest Bond on the block No Time to Die, the Princess Diana biopic Spencer and cult classic 10 Things I Hate About You. And, yes, popcorn is served here, too. For more information on White Claw, head to the website. Top image: For the Love
What brings all these boys to The Yard? No milkshakes, that's for sure. These 20 talented teens from Western Sydney have paired up with acclaimed choreographer Shaun Parker to create a compelling and adventurous dance work. Taking their experiences with race, gender, diversity and street culture as starting points, the performers express their take on contemporary culture while providing audiences with a wildly entertaining show. It's even described as a modern Lord of the Flies, which suggests its examination of bullying won't go easy. Apart from being thematically important, the scope of talent is phenomenal. From urban dance, acrobatics and music to soccer, basketball and martial arts, the teenagers have been finely honing their crafts under the expert guide of one of Australia's most celebrated and fun choreographers. Adding an extra dimension of awesome is an original electro score by Nick Wales, best known for his arrangements on Sarah Blasko’s I Awake.
After another year chock full of closures and lockdowns, Melbourne's summer gig calendar is filling up joyfully fast. And here's another beauty to add to your hit-list: the return of Arts Centre Melbourne's concert series Live at the Bowl. Back for its second edition from Wednesday, January 5–Monday, April 25 after debuting in 2021, the event will see a diverse lineup of local and international artists descend upon the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a jam-packed program of performances. It's set to deliver good stuff for punters of all ages, covering everything from live music and dance, to circus and comedy. Firing up the iconic openair stage with a solid dose of live sounds will be big-name international acts including London Grammar, Peggy Gou, Kings of Leon and Thomas Schumacher, along with local stars like Flight Facilities, Lime Cordiale and The Jungle Giants. Electronic fans can get their fix with concerts such as Piknic Électronik and Synthony, and the MSO's famed free gigs will also be making their return. Elsewhere in the program, Soju Gang and Footscray Community Arts will team up to present a showcase of exciting talent in SorBaes: Double Dip, Songlines hosts its annual celebration of the survival of First Nations people for Share the Spirit and a special all-ages booze-free gig will serve up sounds from the next generation of local artists. Freestyle dance battles and the family-friendly Shaun the Sheep circus show are also in the mix, with more to be announced soon. [caption id="attachment_835006" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Indigenous grazing box by Jason Lau[/caption] Most of the events will be operating at the full capacity of 12,000 guests, with punters invited to pack a picnic rug to lounge on the rolling lawn or venture down in front of the stage for a boogie. Yep — dancing is allowed once again, folks. That said, in keeping with government requirements, you'll need to show proof of vaccination or a medical exemption to head along to any of the events. Meanwhile, the bar will be slinging a menu of wine, beer, spirits, seltzers and cocktails, alongside alcohol-free options from the likes of Lyres and Sobah. A rotation of food trucks will be on hand for when you've worked up an appetite dancing, plus select shows will also offer a couple of curated hampers — a cured meat selection from Andrews Choice and an Indigenous grazing box courtesy of Pawa Catering. Live at the Bowl returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 5–Monday, April 25. To check out the full program of events and nab tickets, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne website. Top image: Ian Laidlaw.
Sitting on level three of the Arbory crew's new HER building, Thai barbecue canteen BKK has been winning Melburnians over with punchy flavours cooked over flame and coal. Now, there's an even better reason to visit this winter, with flame-filled $15 bowls of noodles at lunchtime throughout the week. Running from Monday through to Fridays until the end of October, the limited-edition noods menu includes innovative takes on classic Thai dishes, including a light and herbal Issan chicken noodle soup paired with mushrooms and chilli, wok-fried noodles with pork, prawn and Chinese broccoli, and a tom yum number served as a salad complete with pork, chilli and fish sauces. Vegetarians can be catered for too, with all noodles available as a vegetarian meal upon request. Up at BKK, a roomy, open-concept kitchen takes centre stage, with exposed brick played against warm orange neon and terracotta floors. You can pair lunch witha a drinks offering's designed to complement the menu's gutsy flavours and heat, via fresh, interesting wines and tropical-leaning cocktails. Images: Supplied.
You wouldn’t think that the almost-impenetrable writing of Gertrude Stein would lend itself to the spirit-fingered, glittery world of musical theatre. But somehow, Tony-award winning composer Stephen Flaherty has wrangled Stein’s writing into the lyrics of an ambitious chamber musical, Loving Repeating. This may be an impressive feat from Flaherty but he’s perhaps best known to tragic 90s kids for his work with Lynn Ahrens on the not-sure-if-Disney-or-not animated classic, Anastasia. Loving Repeating is also the first offering from fledgling Melbourne theatre outfit Vic Theatre Company, a fledgling Melbourne theatre outfit who have an unashamed and admirable commitment to providing actors with sustainable work. For the company’s first show it features a stellar cast, including Australian TV and stage legend Deidre Rubenstein and Melbourne cabaret star Gillian Cosgriff.
From the youthful rough and tumble of 1973's Mean Streets, to the bona fide masterpiece that is 1990's Goodfellas, to the Boston-set crime machinations of 2006's The Departed, Martin Scorsese's filmography is filled with gangster movies. Throw in 1996's Casino as well, and the acclaimed director has basically become synonymous with the genre. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his latest film once again steps into the mobster fold — or, given Scorsese's penchant for working with the same actors over and over again, that it tasks a heap of familiar faces with getting down and dirty in America's criminal underworld. In the pipeline for years (since back before 2013's The Wolf of Wall Street, in fact), The Irishman corrals Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel into quite the true tale — of organised crime in the US post-World War II, as experienced by union official and hitman Frank Sheeran. De Niro plays the main role, while Pacino plays notorious union boss Jimmy Hoffa, with the movie particularly interested in the ongoing mystery that is the latter's disappearance. If that's not exciting enough, there's also the fact that Pesci — who won an Oscar for Goodfellas — makes his first on-screen appearance in almost a decade. The rest of the cast features plenty of big names, too, including Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Jack Huston and Jesse Plemons. And, because The Irishman's story spans decades, there's also the movie's use of 'de-ageing' special effects, with De Niro and Pacino playing their characters in both their younger and older versions. With the film releasing via Netflix sometime this spring, the fact that a filmmaker of Scorsese's calibre is making a huge, star-studded, potentially Oscar-worthy movie for the streaming platform is also notable, as well as a sign of the times. For those keen to see the great director's first flick since 2016's Silence on a big screen, watch this space (and probably cross your fingers, too). The Irishman will premiere at this year's New York Film Festival in September, and receive a limited theatrical release in the US; however, whether Netflix will pop it into cinemas Down Under has yet to be revealed. Check out The Irishman's first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3hh68LpkWQ&feature=youtu.be The Irishman will hit Netflix sometime this spring — we'll update you with a release date when it's announced.
Victoria's hot springs and wellness scene is eagerly awaiting the arrival of some huge new additions, including Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, East Gippsland's Metung Hot Springs and the luxe Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, opening soon within the Continental Sorrento. But one of the state's existing wellness destinations is also set to make some big improvements, with the Peninsula Hot Springs nabbing a cool $3.3 million investment to expand its accommodation and other facilities. Announced last week by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, the precinct has scored the funding boost courtesy of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund (RTIF). The money will be used to build a trio of new eco accommodation lodges, three outdoor massage pods and an undercover cafe dining space, as well as a new relaxation and sleep lounge in the Spa Dreaming Centre. Complementing the Peninsula Hot Springs' onsite glamping facilities, which launched in late 2020, the new lodges will each feature a plush 60-square-metre suite complete with wifi, room service, a mini bar, and split-system heating and cooling. They'll also open out onto their own garden and private hot spring bathing pool. Then, you've got the freestanding massage pods, immersed in the natural landscape near the precinct's accommodation offerings. They'll each be decked out with solar panelled roofing and hydronic heated flooring, ideal for private pamper sessions amongst the trees. Three pods are being built to start with, but there are plans to roll out 44 of them in total. Meanwhile, the Spa Dreaming Centre will soon be home to a new multi-purpose 16-person lounge zone overlooking the natural surrounds and open 24 hours a day. It'll be used as a relaxation space, as well as playing host to performances, workshops and other events. Part of the new funding will also go toward creating a new all-weather roofed dining area at the Amphitheatre cafe, to help ensure it's able to be enjoyed all year round. [caption id="attachment_790886" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Peninsula Hot Springs' existing glamping accomodation.[/caption] For more details on what's coming to the Peninsula Hot Springs, see the website.
Looking for something scary to do this Halloween? What about spending a night in the slammer? As the sun begins to set on the evening of Wednesday October 31, the Old Melbourne Gaol will throw open its iron gates and welcome you into its haunted halls. Once home to some of Australia's most notorious criminals, the historic prison was the scene of more than 100 hangings – including that of Ned Kelly himself. So it's hardly surprising that there have been plenty of reported ghost sightings there over the years. On the night, roaming Ghost Tour guides will regale you with spooky stories, while you'll also be able to purchase a variety of Halloween treats. The truly brave may also like to try an after-dark tour of the Watch House, a spooky walk through the original cell block once inhabited by the likes of Squizzy Taylor and Chopper Read. Halloween at the Old Melbourne Gaol will run from 5.30–11pm.
Having completed a sold out Australian tour only last year, funny man Gabriel Iglesias returns to Melbourne for two nights of high-octane laughs. Known for mixing storytelling with voice effects, Iglesias provides a roller coaster of comedic experience from start to finish. Known predominantly for his shows I'm Not Fat I'm Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy, Iglesias' comedy career has been moving forward in leaps and bounds. Having started work for a mobile phone company, Iglesias suddenly changed to a career in comedy, risking his financial security for a shot at his dream. Luckily for us, Inglesias has been performing to audiences all over the world for the last 12 years, and even featured in the 2012 film Magic Mike with Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum. Inglesias will be performing two nights of stand up at the Regent Theatre. Don't miss your chance at seeing this electric, life-filled performer in the flesh.
After a year's delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympics are almost upon us. The 2020 games will be a little different to usual, though. Firstly, it's obviously now 2021, with the postponed games being held in Tokyo from Friday, July 23–Sunday, August 8. Also, there won't be any spectators due to the pandemic — with neither overseas travellers nor local residents permitted to attend. That's all well and good and interesting; however, we've found a much cuter display of sportsmanship that's also popping up this July. On Thursday, July 22, viewers can watch four adorable guide-dogs-to-be participating in their very own paw-lympics. Yep, that's a thing and we're definitely here for it. For the second year in a row, the folks at Seeing Eye Dogs have teamed up The Petbarn Foundation to host the Puppy Games — and it'll be streaming on a device near you, too. The event will see young trainee guide dogs Chessy, Frieda, Isobel and Ivory tackle a series of skill-testing challenges, with their every move captured on camera. Watch the pups hurtle through a time trial, take on a 'puppy patience' food bowl challenge and battle it out for glory in the 'dogstacle distraction course'. The games will stream at 1pm on Thursday via the event's website — and, whether you're in lockdown in Sydney, Victoria or South Australia, or you're located elsewhere in Australia, it sounds like perfect lunchtime viewing. The project aims to support fundraising efforts for the annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, of course, but also promises a much-needed boost of dopamine and general happy feels all round. Viewers can donate to the cause by hitting the link on the event's website. This year, the appeal is shooting for a goal of $750,000 to help cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for at least 15 Seeing Eye Dogs. Can't make Thursday's viewing? Fear not, the full event will be up on YouTube to rewatch any time you need a mood boost. The Puppy Games will stream via the event's website from 1pm on Thursday, July 22.
The Mornington Peninsula now has its own gluten-free brewpub thanks to Twøbays Brewing. The public tasting room in Dromana is set amongst the production brewery, which began operation in 2017. It's stainless steel tanks are visible from the brewpub side, and the entire facility overlooks the picturesque Arthur's Seat. Founder and beer enthusiast Richard Jeffares was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2016 and became inspired by similar gluten-free taprooms found in The States. Jeffares signed on head brewer Andrew Gow, whose resumé boasts 20 years in the business, including at Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Mountain Goat and Five Islands in Sydney's Wollongong. While most beers use gluten-containing malted barley, Twøbays instead uses gluten-free millet, rice and buckwheat — imported from Colorado and California — in all its beers. The brewpub boasts a range of core and specialty tap beers, from a lager and an XPA, to limited-edition creations like the Ball Park Bloom Belgian witbier. To try a few at once, patrons can nab a four-pony tasting paddle. Apart from brews, there's locally produced Quealy wine and Ten Sixty One cider to enjoy. And, adding to theme, there's also a wood-fired oven slinging gluten-free pizza. The taproom is a cash-free environment, though, so make sure you come with card in hand. Twøbays sells a selection of its beers online — all of which are Coeliac Australia certified — so keep an eye on the brewery's website for updates. If you're a keen home-brewer, Twøbays is also selling and shipping its gluten-free brew packs and malts across Australia.
Film-lovers, round up your friends; the fifteenth annual Manhattan Short Film Festival returns to the Astor in St Kilda, this October 3rd. Audiences here in Melbourne are invited to view and judge the ten international finalist films being shown, the results of which will be tallied along with the votes from other performances all around the world. Dutch offering A Curious Conjunction Of Coincidences, directed by Joost Reijimers, sees bad luck connect three men even though they all live in completely different centuries. Henrik M Dahlsbrakhan’s Norwegian short The Devil’s Ballroom takes viewers on a perilous arctic journey to the North Pole, as polar explorer makes a critical, life-changing decision. Inspired by the actions of his favourite comic book heroes, a young boy tries to save the day in director Tudor Giurgiu’s Romanian piece. Seven other finalist films from countries like the USA, Peru, Ireland and Russia will be shown too.
In need of plans this weekend? 1800 Lasagne is converting its restaurant into a pop-up bottle shop for the day and will be selling wines from its reserve cellar and everyday collection. The wine offerings range from pet nats to chardonnays, and pinot noirs to roses all sourced from Italy and Australia. To elevate the Saturday afternoon vibe, the Thornbury restaurant will offer free tastings and bites including a salumi board, house Giardiniera and marinated olives. Additionally, customers can purchase a variety of merch on the day. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 12 and head on down to 1800 Lasagne from 12pm—4pm for the wine market. Top image: Maksym Kaharlytskyi
15 years after the original, and 12 years after the first sequel, is anyone really clamouring for a third xXx? Probably not, but then again, there was also a time where nobody was all that interested in a new Fast and the Furious movie either, and now it's one of the most popular film series' in the world. xXx: Return of Xander Cage has a lot in common with the recent films in the automotive franchise, beyond the chrome dome and cocky attitude of their shared leading man. In an age where so many Hollywood action flicks are bogged down by pomposity and existential angst, these Vin Diesel vehicles offer dumb fun at its absolute finest. The major difference between the two franchises is that, while the Fast and Furious films play fast and loose with the laws of physics, Return of Xander Cage scarcely bothers with them at all. In reintroducing extreme athlete turn super spy Xander Cage (Diesel) by having him ski – yes, ski – through a Dominican rainforest, director D.J. Caruso and screenwriter F. Scott Frazier make it abundantly clear they have little interest in telling a story set in the real world. Frankly, that's fine by us. This isn't Jackie, damnit, this is xXx! It's hard to imagine anyone in the audience will actually care why a cabal of super crims want to steal a piece of hardware capable of turning satellites into projectiles. The important thing is that Cage is out to stop them, and he's going to look dope while he does it. Diesel is joined by an outstanding set of supporting players, each sexier and seemingly less suited to the world of international espionage than the last. Hong Kong and Thai martial art stars Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa, Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone, and Australia's own Ruby Rose are just a few of the names on the roster – and while their roles are thin and their dialogue often painfully cheesy, the cast never seems anything less than 100 per cent committed. The same can also be said for Toni Collette as a tough-as-nails CIA handler. Nothing the character does makes a modicum of sense, but we'll be damned if Collette doesn't make her entertaining to watch. If nothing else, Return of Xander Cage deserves considerable credit for the diversity of its cast. It's hard to think of a recent ensemble blockbuster that featured fewer white men – and while part of that probably has to do with the involvement of Chinese investors behind the scenes, it also fits in nicely with the film's political throughline. There's no flag waving here – indeed, an attempt by the CIA to appeal to our hero's sense of patriotism is met with a quip: "there are no more patriots, just rebels and tyrants." Outsiders all, Cage and his fellow daredevils have no time for authority, or the overreach of a system that puts security before civil liberty. And while it's a stretch to call the film a reaction to a Trump presidency, his ascension makes the film's rebellious spirit and multicultural flavour that much more appealing. Having said that, no one is buying a ticket to the new xXx movie to get a hot take on global politics. They're buying it to see things go boom – and go boom they certainly do. Caruso and co. deliver big time on the action, crafting set-pieces that (mostly) manage to toe the line between knowingly silly and genuinely exhilarating. It's hard to think too hard about the gaping holes in the plot when Vin Diesel is riding a motorbike underwater. And who said cinema was dead? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQEFmHsseaU
Melbournians can embrace their inner child during This Is a Door, a month-long festival of games and participatory performance launching on Halloween. Melbourne’s new games designers, in league with a handful of inventive companies, have crafted up four weeks of play to suit all tastes. Maybe you’ll try The Curse, a 30-minute puzzle/chase game designed by Pop Up Playground (PUP) (warning: if you have a phobia of clowns, skip it). The PUP team are also hosting a weekend of games including Belgian Roulette, Rainbow Running, Invisible Labyrinth and Impossible Bookclub — disclaimer: we have no idea what any of those games are but they sound great. Check out We Want You by Urban Codemakers, a game involving three guilds on a mission to transform the streets of St Kilda. Habitual pub dwellers should join Werewolf, a spin-off on the classic Mafia game by Euchronic Games. If craft is more your thing, settle yourself on The Nylon Zoo’s picnic blanket and design your own fabulous beast with the folks behind I See Magical Creatures. For the proudly nerdy, there’s Mech Combat, where you and a co-pilot can guide your own robotic war machine through the streets of St Kilda. Then make some Lego Poetry, photograph your own miniature literary moment and blast it into the social media sphere with the tag #legopoetry. Events take place at Luna Park, Theatre Works and other venues in St Kilda. Prices range from free (around half of the games) to $30. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. Check out all locations, dates and prices at the official website.
It's the kind of thing nightmares are made of. You arrive on day one of your dream job, but everyone is watching — including ever-present cameras. It's also the type of situation good documentaries can be born of, taking the fly-on-the-wall technique to its extreme. Trailing a fresh-faced new arrival in the hope that fireworks follow could be a waste of time, or it could result in something special. Both scenarios met Raf Simons when he commenced his latest post as artistic director for the House of Christian Dior in April 2012. His appointment was huge news in fashion circles, with the Belgian designer better known for his minimalistic ready-to-wear lines for his own label. Taking over the creative reigns of one of the biggest clothing houses in the industry, he had just two months to put together his first-ever haute couture collection. Observing in the atelier, director Frédéric Tcheng captures the chaos of Simons' trial-by-fire — though the dramas are few and the designs are many. From the moment he meets his new colleagues, to his reaction at the star-studded unveiling of eight weeks' worth of hard work, Dior and I charts his journey with an insider's perspective. It's that peek behind the high-pressure scenes that lifts the documentary, looking further than you might expect. Simons is focused on the massive mission at hand and reluctant to share much about his vision or processes, though he's not the only important figure to consider. The many others toiling away night and day, some mainstays in the workroom for decades, are just as crucial — and are treated accordingly. That's not just Tcheng's approach in trying to make a more interesting movie, but reflective of the status quo at Dior, where collaboration is essential. Also influential is that other figure, the legendary Christian Dior himself. The man who started the brand is worked into the film through snippets of his diary read aloud, his presence felt elsewhere in every shot bearing the label's name — and there's plenty — and discussion about its operating philosophy. Despite the title, however, what the documentary offers is an insight into the way those carrying on his legacy handle that task. Here, it's the I that has it. Tcheng is no stranger to the world of fancy frocks, celebrities and catwalks, having worked on Valentino: The Last Emperor and co-directed Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, with his affection for the industry evident. It would've just been something to catch a crisply shot glimpse of the hallowed halls responsible for some of the greatest looks of the last 70 years, especially for the already converted — but in his hands, Dior and I delivers more than that. With clear eyes, it shows the mania behind the magic and the team behind the icon. That, folks, really is fashion, beyond the parade of beautiful dresses.
Moby, whether the name references the great white literary whale or the American DJ from the early nineties known for his veganism and support of animal rights, is making a name for itself down on the corner of High Street, Armadale. Run by childhood friends Christina Higgins and Stephen Svensen, Moby's collective menu expertise reflects Christina's time working for Yotam Ottolenghi's catering company in London and Stephen's successful dishes from Melbourne cafes Pillar of Salt and Barry. They're doing innovative food with an emphasis on vegetables and grains and a Middle Eastern flourish. At peak times you might encounter a short wait, but never long enough to make you think about all the other things you could be doing with your day. And the staff are just so darned friendly, you don't mind the interlude. They smile apologetically and tell you it won't be long — and, usually, it isn't. There are a couple of blue-tiled communal tables — one downstairs and one on the mezzanine floor — and a window-hugging ledge if you're not ordering anything too huge. When it's warm, there is even a 'rooftop' deck that beats any wobbly-table sidewalk situation, although they have those too and Moby's tables seemed pretty stable. And the food? It's good. The menu announces breakfast, more breakfast and lunch, with plenty of options depending on your appetite and time of the day. Crowd favourites from the breakfast section appear to be the smashing pumpkins (pumpkin with whipped avocado on sourdough; $17.50) or the braised wild mushroom omelette, Frenchified just a little by Comté cheese and truffle roasted hazelnuts ($18.50). Assail the senses with the citrus-cured ocean trout; light and delicate, the trout is offset by the potato and leek croquettes and poached egg and the swathe of bright pink beetroot labne is a well-executed Ottolenghian flourish. Every element of this dish is eye-closingly delicious and together they buzz with flavour harmony. One of the only real complaints about Moby is the tempura prawn dish. It's a nice idea — crispy tempura prawns, yuzu mayo, shaved iceberg and mini milk buns — but three prawns (that's one per bun) do not a preponderance make. The prawns themselves are fine, but the abundance of bread, as nice as it may be, make the dish less than a standout and for $21. The southern fried chicken sub might be more satisfying. Judging by the crowds, the neighbourhood is glad to have Moby, and the ocean trout and the upper deck alone make it worth a visit.
Fancy prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France? It's just casual summer weekendery when So Frenchy So Chic is in town. The ever-popular one-day French festival is waltzing back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion for its ninth year running on Sunday, January 12. If you haven't been before, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including (but not limited to) gourmet picnic hampers, tartlets and terrines, offensively good wine and croquet all to a chill French soundtrack. So Frenchy hinges around a solid lineup of eclectic artists you may be yet to meet — and ones you might've, too. If you haven't heard of Corine and her brand of French disco-electronica, consider this your introduction. And, while you've likely heard of French pop royalty Lou Doillon, given that she's been on the bill before, this time she'll be playing tracks from her latest album. Don't miss Nouvelle Vauge either, with the group bringing their chilled-out covers of new wave hits to town for their third So Frenchy appearance. Also on the lineup is up Senegal-born French folkster Tété, as well as a blend of beats, tango, bossa nova and jazz from Gotan Project co-founder Philippe Cohen Solal, who'll do a DJ set. If you're not the most organised of picnickers, So Frenchy is putting on the works again with fancy picnic boxes and cheese plates. Filled with brioche buns, gruyere tarts, crusty baguettes, quiche lorraines, parfait, cheeses and more, the picnic boxes are one to preorder if you don't want to miss out. But So Frenchy won't let you go hungry; there'll be a huge banquet of seafood, charcuterie, pastries and more available on the day. And of course, there'll be plenty of Laurent Perrier Champagne, French beer, and rosé, red and whites wines as well. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $84 a pop. If you've got kids, you'll be happy to know that the whole thing is very family friendly, and children under 12 can get in for free. Images: Liz Sunshine.
Christmas shopping can be one of the most hectic tasks leading up to the holiday season, but the good news is that The Big Design Market Melbourne is officially back after a three-year hiatus. Scheduled to set up camp for three days at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the market will feature more than 270 design stalls spanning designer homeware, limited-edition art prints, local fashion, jewellery, stationery and more. Elsewhere, a slew of tastemakers will serve up exceptional culinary experiences at the food emporium including coffee from the classic ST. ALi, savoury pies from Footscray's iconic Pie Thief, fresh Portuguese tarts from Natas & Co and innovative cocktails from Sydney's Archie Rose Distilling Co and Original Spirit Co. Celebrating 10 years, The Big Design Market has also teamed up with One Billion Stars for Weaving Day this December. Guests are welcome to take part in a free workshop led by Maryann Talia Pau – a Samoan-Australian artist and weaver – where they will learn how to create an eight-pointed star to support One Billion Stars' goal: to weave one billion stars by 2032 to raise awareness for violence-free communities. The Big Design Market will run from Friday, December 2–Sunday, December 4 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton. Tickets are now available to purchase online. Images: Amelia Stanwix
Taking over the Jewish Museum of Australia from October 22, 2017 until March 25, 2018, Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait aims to provide a different insight into the beloved singer-songwriter, stepping through topics of faith, fashion, music and London life. And, thanks to an accompanying music program, it'll also offer up a soundtrack to match. In a series of Thursday evening sessions taking place on November 9, December 14, January 11, February 8 and March 8, the museum will showcase five genres of music that Winehouse worked within and was inspired by, via a series of live performances. it all kicks off with a celebration of jazz and big band tunes with The Rookies, before moving on to soul and R&B with Thando, gospel with Phia and Melbourne Indie Voices, Motown with Vince Peach and hip hop with DJ MzRizk. Presented with Hear Them Holler, tickets cost $16 ($12 for concessions and museum members), and include entry to the exhibition. Other events in the program range from Ashleigh Kreveld's Amy and I, an interactive cabaret performance from the experienced Winehouse impersonator, to Amy Winehouse — a tribute, which takes over the Memo Music Hall with a concert drawn from her repertoire featuring a heap of local talent. Image: Festival passes, various dates. © The Jewish Museum
The Wheeler Centre is packing a punch, presenting a program of important panels and impressive parties as part of Middlesex: Queer Week. The program explores sexuality and identity in all their alternate forms, offering you the chance to have a think about trans bodies at The Wheeler Centre and have a big ol' Queer Party at the "climax" of the week at the Melba Spiegeltent. The program features a long list of guest speakers including Christos Tsiolkas, Buck Angel, Anne Hunter, Amy Middleton, Selina Jenkins, Benjamin Law and much more — a lineup that's sure to deliver entertaining and thought-provoking conversation. Over the next five days, various talks will cover topics such as sexuality and sexual identity as a spectrum and the evolution of gay representation on screen, stage and page. Check out the full program here, and remember to book, as sessions are selling out fast!
When, towards the end of May, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the next stage in Victoria's gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, he advised that more limits would lift in mid-June if the state continued to make progress. That's been the case over the past few weeks, so Premier Andrews has today, Sunday, June 14, revealed exactly what's in store — and allowing more people into more venues is at the top of the list. Since June 1, Victorians have been able to dine-in at cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs with 20-person limits, and visit galleries, museums, drive-in cinemas, historic sites, zoos and outdoor amusement parks with the same caps in place, too. The state's residents have also been able to gather with 20 people both inside and outside of homes, and head away on holiday and stay overnight, as part of a sizeable range of relaxed restrictions. Next, from 11.59pm on Sunday, June 21, the Victorian Government is expanding the list of permitted activities — and increase the corresponding person limits. That date coincides with when the state's current State of Emergency is next due to end, and the list of changes is considerable, with all of the following back on the cards: Cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs can host up to 50 seated patrons — and, at pubs and clubs, you'll no longer be required to purchase a meal with your drinks. Gatherings of up to 50 people in libraries, community centres and halls, in addition to the people needed to operate the space. Religious ceremonies of up to 50 people, in addition to those required to conduct the service. Cinemas, concert venues, auditoriums and theatres will be allowed to reopen with 50-person limits per space. 50-person limits at galleries, museums and amusement parks. All sports training and competition for people under 18 years of age. All non-contact sports for people of all ages. Indoor sports centres and physical recreation spaces, including gyms, can reopen with 20 people per space — and a cap of up to 10 in each group for those over the age of 18. Local football teams, soccer clubs and other contact sports can resume training for over-18s from July 13, then resume their full competitions from July 20. Clubs and community facilities can reopen their changerooms. Holiday accommodation and camping sites will able able to reopen communal spaces such as showers and kitchens. Ski season can begin, and ski accommodation can reopen. The majority of the above changes had already been flagged back in May; however Premier Andrews has now confirmed that they'll definitely be going ahead. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1271963165903872003 Announcing the eased restrictions, he also noted that maintaining COVID-19-safe practices is essential. "For every small step we take, our own personal responsibility grows," he explained. "If Victoria was its own nation, our testing rates would be amongst the highest in the world. But we can't afford a backwards step. These changes — and any further that follow — must be determined in accordance with the data." Accordingly, as has proven the case throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the standard social-distancing requirements will still apply — so sticking with physical distancing, maintaining four square metres per person indoors, hand and cough hygiene, and frequent cleaning and disinfection. Victorians are also advised to still continue to work from home. "If you can keep working from home — you must do that too," Premier Andrews said. "We still want to limit the number of people moving around our state and help protect those who do have to go to the workplace." To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Kate Shanasy
"We shall fight on the beaches," Winston Churchill told British parliament on June 4, 1940, as World War II raged in Dunkirk. "We shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." His impassioned words came at the end of a heated speech, after a heated month of political debate, in the heated early days of the global conflict. Churchill had been Prime Minister of England for mere weeks, and spent that entire time caught up in arguments about the country's response to Hitler. His colleagues wanted to negotiate, but he refused. It certainly seems as though filmmakers have taken Churchill's words to heart over the past 12 months. They won't give up on bringing this tense period to the big screen, whether in movies about Churchill, the Battle of Dunkirk or both. With Their Finest, Lone Scherfig came at it with a light, romantic drama about morale-raising movies. With Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan delivered a stunningly immersive account of war at sea, in the air and on the shore. Australian director Jonathan Teplitzky took a slightly different approach, with intimate biopic Churchill focusing on the lead up to the D-Day landings in 1944. It's not hard to see echoes of the latter film in Joe Wright's Darkest Hour, however, which recreates the cigar-smoking, whiskey-swilling politician's other crucial moment in power. With Gary Oldman in the lead role, Darkest Hour steps through the turbulence that awaited Churchill when he took on the nation's top job in such troubled times. With colleagues Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) and Lord Halifax (Stephen Dillane) certain that a peace treaty with Nazi Germany is the only way to save Britain from bombing, mass casualties and catastrophe, he has a considerable fight on his hands. The film includes glimpses of the ordeal at Dunkirk, but speeches, rather than bullets, are the main focus. In between verbal scuffles, Churchill seeks support and advice from his wife Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas), has cautious lunches with King George (Ben Mendelsohn) and initially overwhelms his young secretary (Lily James) with his erratic nature. While both Churchill and Dunkirk are clearly no strangers to cinemas of late, Darkest Hour has one particular weapon all of its own: recent Golden Globe winner Oldman. The veteran actor gives a captivating performance, even coming hot on the heels of Brian Cox's excellent work in Churchill just months ago. Lured out of retirement by Oldman, special-effects makeup artist Kazuhiro Tsuji creates flawless prosthetics; however it's the man beneath them who always commands attention. Rumbling through terse confrontations, showing Churchill's tender side at home and letting his anxieties seep out in brief, quiet moments, Oldman delivers a vibrant and complicated portrayal not only marked by its impressive imitation, but by the immense range on display. The film as a whole doesn't prove quite as consistent. Tackling Dunkirk for the second time following 2007's Atonement, Wright serves up several acutely judged and thoroughly engrossing scenes, as well as an array of inventively composed shots. Frustratingly though, he also wades into moments of easy comedy and unconvincing sentimentality — most egregiously in a sequence where Churchill takes public transport without his minders and receives some down-to-earth wisdom from his constituents. In his defence, the filmmaker is partly trapped by the straightforward script, with The Theory of Everything screenwriter Anthony McCarten checking all of the expected boxes. Thankfully, Darkest Hour can always rely on Oldman, whose performance stands out above the formula. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKvpSr7p1g
So, you've been eyeing off all the new must-visit venues that opened within the newly revamped Continental Sorrento earlier this year — but you're not actually a Mornington Peninsula local? Well, fret not, because you can now stay right onsite, with the precinct's luxury 108-room InterContinental Hotel opening this week. The latest Aussie offering for IHG Hotels & Resorts, the new seaside hotel occupies both a reimagined section of the existing 147-year-old limestone building and a separate newly-built wing. A collection of penthouses is also to come, to be unveiled later this year. Steered by renowned firm Woods Baggot (W Melbourne, Barlow), sophisticated interiors mirror this old-meets-new energy, with plenty of modernised nods to the art deco and Victorian elements the site has rocked in eras past. There's a refined Mediterranean edge to the aesthetic, with sweeping bay vistas and, in each of the premium options, a complimentary in-room bar heroing local craft brews, vino and spirits. Of course, facilities here lean to the fancy, including the blissful cabana-ringed guest-only pool deck, with palms, water views and a look that's plucked straight from your dream Euro beach holiday. Guests also have the Continental Sorrento's full suite of offerings on their doorstep, from the public bar, to fine diner Audrey's upstairs. Gracing the walls throughout the hotel, expect to see a standout art collection, further fusing the past and the present with a broad-ranging curation of works by Aussie artists. Keep an eye out for the reimagined snaps from vintage Mornington Peninsula beach parties, capturing those cool coastal charms through the decades. There's more luxury to come, too, with the site's Aurora Spa & Bathhouse slated to launch later this year, featuring a thermal bathhouse and wellness centre. Find the InterContinental Sorrento at 23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento. Rooms start from $595 per night. You can learn more and book a stay over on the website.
Christmas Day is a time of gathering together and celebrating the year with loved ones, but too often we can get bogged down with the stress of preparing an extravagant spread for our guests. Book in for a multi-course feast that's prepared for you this year, so you can ditch the time spent in the kitchen and simply sit back and enjoy a hassle-free Christmas Day with family and friends. The Pass has you covered with a range of festive feasts across their venues in Melbourne, from Italian fare at sunny Tippy-Tay to oysters at the beachy Prince Hotel and Christmas classics at Melbourne's oldest licensed pub. The Prince It wouldn't be a summer Christmas without some fresh seafood, so get your fix at this airy art-deco dining room near the beach in St Kilda. Gather your family at The Prince for share-style plates, including Sydney rock oysters, prawn cocktail and prosciutto with gnocco fritto, before moving on to the main course of corn-fed roast duck and vintage sirloin steak, balanced out with some sides. After lunch, walk it off with a short stroll to the beach for a true-blue Aussie Christmas. Tickets are $130 for adults and $60 for kids, with two seating times. Book your spot at The Prince's website. Tippy-Tay Make this Christmas stand out with a trip to the Amalfi Coast, sans the airport queues and long flights. Vibrant Italian restaurant Tippy-Tay, located in the Garden State Hotel, is serving a four-course menu on Christmas Day, with a cheeky drink on arrival included. Start with some antipasto, such as salmon crudo, squacquerone cheese with tomato and gremolata, and Akoya oysters with a peach and finger lime mignonette, followed by two pastas, a roast flounder and lamb shoulder. If that's not enough, you'll also be treated to a classic Christmas trifle and pavlova before you leave. The set menu is $150 per person and $75 for kids. Book your spot at Tippy-Tay's website. State of Grace For something more low-key, head to CBD bar State of Grace for a casual — but hearty — three-course lunch of modern Australian plates. Expect dishes such as a seafood platter with rainbow trout carpaccio and oysters, stracciatella with pickled mushrooms and crispy fruit loaf, roasted porterhouse with red wine jus, pan-seared barramundi with sauce vierge, and cannoli and Christmas pudding for dessert. A vegetarian menu is also available. Close out the day at the rooftop bar with festive drinks and city skyline views. The set menu is $165 for adults and $55 for children, with two seating times. Book your spot at the State of Grace's website. Village Belle Known for its beloved Sunday roast, you can look forward to standout Christmas classics at this laidback St Kilda pub. The Village Belle's Christmas offering is full of familiar family favourites, including oysters, Queensland prawns, a tomato and mozzarella salad and cold cuts, followed by bourbon and apricot-glazed ham, slow-cooked turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing. For dessert, there's mince pies, cherries, and a loaded strawberry and passionfruit pav. The set menu is $125 for adults and $50 for kids 12 and under, with two seating times. Book your spot at the Village Belle's website. The Smith For al fresco vibes without the risk of getting caught in any unpredictable weather, pull up a seat at The Smith's light-filled atrium with a retractable roof. The menu has a real mix of surf and turf, from prawn cocktail and oysters to pork terrine, honey and mustard-glazed ham, and turkey with sage and onion stuffing. The Smith have swapped out the pavlova for a cosy Christmas pudding with brandy sauce, as well as a tasteful cheese selection. The set menu is $145 for adults and $45 for kids, with two seating times. Book in at The Smith's website. Yarra Botanica Skip the meal prep and cleaning duties, and ring in Christmas with a glass of bubbly overlooking the Yarra River instead at the Yarra Botanica. The pontoon bar is serving their full food and drinks menu all day, but you can also opt out of any decision making with a $95 set menu, which includes a glass of sparkling. The share-style menu includes prawn cocktail, lamb chops with coffee-infused jus and curry leaf cream, cherry-infused meatloaf with cherry jus and burnt onion, and lamingtons and pavlova to finish. Book a table at the Yarra Botanica's website. Imperial Hotel One of the advantages of a summer Christmas is that you can celebrate in the sunshine. Head up to the Imperial Hotel's rooftop for lunch and tipples paired with panoramic views across the city skyline. Downstairs, the Bourke Street pub is serving a range of festive plates with a three-course, share-style feast. If you'd rather pick and choose, the Imperial Hotel will have its usual à la carte offerings available on the rooftop. The set menu is $140 for adults and $40 for kids 12 and under, with two seating times. Book a table at the Imperial Hotel's website. Bridge Hotel Keep Christmas casual this year at the charismatic and eccentric pub that is the Bridge Hotel. The Richmond institution features five themed spaces, a loft area and cobblestone laneway running through the venue. Come for a three-course feast of festive faves — think oysters, prawns, ham, turkey, mince pies and pavlova — and stay for 20 beers on tap and drinks in the laneway. The set menu is $120 for adults, $60 for kids 15 and under, and free for kids under four. Book your spot at the Bridge Hotel's website. The Duke of Wellington Since Christmas is so steeped in tradition, why not celebrate at Melbourne's oldest licensed pub? Don't let the recently renovated fitout fool you — The Duke of Wellington has been slinging drinks on Flinders Street for over 160 years. Enjoy a merry three-course spread at the pub's rustic Public Bar or elegant Dining Room, before closing out the day with drinks out on the rooftop. The set menu is $159 for adults and $49 for kids 12 and under, with two seating times. Book your spot at The Duke of Wellington's website. Tables are filling fast so book in now. Find out more about The Pass at the website.
Home to the biggest pizzas in town, the team at Shawcross bring a little slice of New York City to the streets of Fitzroy — pun very much intended. These are the gents behind Phat Brats the gourmet hot dogs, so they are tried and tested in taking something old and making it new again. Pizzas are available by the whole pizza (12") or by the ‘slice’ (from a massive 22" pie). Polish off a large one by yourself, and you can win yourself a free t-shirt. The Fat Tony is a classic, with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil, while the Bloody Vegans is hummus, spinach, tomato, red onions, green olives, and lemon. ‘Kick-ass’ salads see the carb-conscious diners among us sigh with relief with well, due to combinations like chicken, spinach, edaname, avocado, red onion, and quinoa.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 28 through November 5. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think a 30-team dragon boat race and a Venetian-style circus and carnival, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes their tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon.
The Australian Shakespeare Company is back with another round of Shakespeare Under the Stars, bringing the Bard's famed works to your summer must-see list. And, Melburnians have two choices — including a light and lively comedy, plus a dark and brooding tragedy. In the first category sits A Midsummer Night's Dream, running from Friday, December 18–Sunday, January 24. Following an impending marriage, feuding lovers and an amateur acting troupe, it's set in a forest full of fairies — so the fact that you'll be watching in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is rather apt. The production stars Hugh Sexton as Theseus and Oberon, and Alison Whyte as Hipolyta and Titania. Then, from Saturday, January 30–Saturday, March 6 in the same place, you can settle in for one of the historic playwright's best-known and moodiest works: Macbeth. Get ready for a story of the conflict between morality and power, as the lead character as he becomes consumed by ambition, following a prophecy that he will become the King of Scotland. Patrons are encouraged to pack a picnic, nab a spot on the grass and enjoy the sunset before watching either show — or both. There'll also be an onsite bar, and you can pre-order catering, too. And, obviously, everything will be happening in a COVID-19-safe way.
Usually, Betty's Burgers serves up exactly what its name suggests. Sometimes, though, the chain adds something a little different to its menu. Both last year and this year, it has whipped up indulgent but affordable lobster rolls. For Easter 2020, it went with a prawn roll. Now, it's cooking up a limited-edition steak sanga. Combining a piece of wagyu steak, cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and the chain's in-house sauce — as made from onion relish and sriracha mayonnaise — all on a long bun, Betty's new steak sandwich is available for dine-in (where open), takeaway and delivery from its restaurants spotted across Australia. If your stomach is already rumbling, you can tuck into one for $16 — or order a 'steak night' package and get two sangas, two serves of fries and a bottle of shiraz for $55. You'll need to get in quickly, though — while Betty's hasn't provided an end date for its latest addition to its menu, it's definitely a short-term affair that's only available until stocks last. And, if it's anything like the aforementioned lobster roll, expect it to sell-out — fast. When it isn't making steak sangas, Betty's is known for its Shake Shack-style burgs and frozen custard desserts (called concretes). While you can now grab one of the chain's burgers at over 20 locations across Australia, including six Sydney outlets, four Melbourne spots, four Brisbane outposts, one Toowoomba eatery and one location in Adelaide, the company first began in Noosa, and then expanded to the Gold Coast. With the chain's stores open for takeaway and most of them offering delivery via UberEats and Deliveroo, you can get your steak sandwich to pick-up or brought to your door. To check which options your local has, head to the Betty's Burgers' website or download the app for iOS or Google Play. Betty's Burgers' steak sandwich is available at all Australian stores for a limited time. To order, download the Betty's Burgers app for iOS or Google Play.
Melbourne's CBD is now home to KNDRD — a drop-in mindfulness and meditation studio which has taken up residence along Block Place. It's open weekdays and caters to busy nine-to-fivers who need a quick, introspective destress session before, during or directly after the workday. The aim is to make meditation more accessible and, to this end, your first class is absolutely free. What is mindfulness, exactly? KNDRD defines it as "the practice of bringing your awareness and intention to the present moment, without judgement." It's that bit usually at the start and end of your yoga class, but extended for an entire 30-minute session. The classes start with breathing exercises and move into guided meditation. You're encouraged to sit, stand or lie in any position that is comfortable and wear any clothes that suit you — so you don't really have to change out of your work clothes, either. All of the instructors are certified at an internationally recognised training program and the studio has been approved by a scientific advisory board — so you know the practice has a scientific basis, too. For now, the primary instructor is Jossy Jimenez, who has an extensive resumé within the field, including a masters in Human Development and certifications in mindfulness facilitation (TMF) and mindfulness awareness practices (MAPs) from UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour. While drop-ins are of course the expected, you can also book your cushion ahead of time here, with your first class on the house. Going forward, a single class costs $15, or you can nab a five-class pass for $69 and 10-class pass for $129. If you're really keen to jump into mindfulness practice, the studio is also hosting a three-hour masterclass this Saturday, October 27. If all goes well, you'll likely see more KNDRD studios pop-up around Melbourne and across Australia, too. KNDRD is now open at Level 3, 34–36 Block Place, Melbourne. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 8am–7pm. To book your class, head over here.
Canberra music, food and art festival Spilt Milk is set to return to the capital this November, celebrating its third outing with a suitably huge lineup. Heading up the bill is none other than US hip hop star Childish Gambino, fresh off the back of a #1 Billboard Charts debut for his single This Is America. He hasn't yet announced any other Australian shows, but Spilt Milk isn't billing his appearance as an exclusive, so chances are he'll announce at least a few more shows. (We've still got out fingers crossed that he bring his Pharos festival here after New Zealand.) He'll be joined at the capital's Commonwealth Park on November 17 by fellow international stars, UK pop legends The Wombats and LA producer RL Grime. There's also plenty of homegrown goodness on the menu, with the likes of Sydney singer-songwriter Vera Blue, indie-pop sensation Jack River, dance floor darling Hayden James and Canberra's own high-energy duo Peking Duk all set to take the Spilt Milk stage. But the musical lineup's not to be outdone by the rest of the program, with a ripper serve of visual art, tasty eats and pop-up bars on the cards. Get ready for a multisensory feast, as Hamburg-based artist Stefanie Thiele leads a team of local talent in creating a wondrous playground of installations and art experiences. And keep those taste buds satisfied throughout the day, with eats from the likes of Dirty Bird Food Truck, Bao Brothers, Happy As Larry and Chur Burger. If you fancy being a part of Spilt Milk round three, you'd best not dilly dally — the festival's debut event in 2016 sold out in a mere 18 minutes, while the following year's tickets were all snapped up within nine minutes. This year, Canberra locals will get first dibs, with Homegrown tickets on sale July 1. After that, pre-sale tickets will be available Australia-wide from noon on July 3, with a general admission release on sale at 12pm, Thursday, July 5. In the meantime, here's what you came for — the full lineup for Spilt Milk 2018. SPILT MILK 2018 LINEUP Blanke Camouflage Rose Channel Tres Childish Gambino Cub Sport Ebony Boadu Hatchie Hayden James Jack River Kinder Kira Puru Kwame Manu Crook$ Methyl Ethel Miss Blanks Moaning Lisa Peking Duk RL Grime Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Shockone Skeggs Thandi Phoenix The Jungle Giants The Wombats Thundamentals Vera Blue Willaris. K YG ARTISTS Faith Kerehona JBR Roskoe Stefanie Thiele VOIR (With more to be announced) FOOD Bao Brothers Eatery Chur Burger Dirty Bird Food Truck Happy As Larry Sofrito Paella Image: Cole Bennetts.
Calling all live theatre enthusiasts – get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare's comedy in the heart of the St Kilda Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Shakespeare Company has announced its new musical production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, which will debut this year on Saturday, December 3. Following its contemporary interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the production company will deliver the same quality experience with a star-studded list of actors featuring Elle Sejean-Allen, Ellis Dolan and Chris Broadstock. The musical has enlisted a predominantly female cast including Anne Page (Lucy May Knight) and Fenton (Sarah Clarke) who play each other's romantic love interests. The recycled costumes and set design, which has been crafted from reused and reclaimed materials, is another highlight of the production. The best part? Picnics are encouraged and seating can be provided by the venue. The Merry Wives of Windsor will run from Saturday, December 3 to Saturday, December 24. Tickets can now be purchased via the Melbourne Shakespeare Company website. [caption id="attachment_876724" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shae Khreish[/caption] Top Image: Shae Khreish
UPDATE: MARCH 13, 2020 — Due to the current global situation surrounding COVID-19, My Chemical Romance has decided to postpone their trip Down Under. And, as a result, Download has cancelled its Sydney and Melbourne festivals. Ticket holders will receive a full refund — including booking and payment processing fees — and organisers are currently working with My Chemical Romance and Deftones to schedule separate headline shows in 2020. We'll let you know when these are announced. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. The black parade is coming back to Australia, with the freshly reunited My Chemical Romance heading to Sydney and Melbourne for the 2020 Download Festival. The US group went its separate ways in 2013, but it seems you just can't keep this 00s emo outfit apart. Just last week, MCR announced that they're literally getting the band back together, and, after selling out their first reunion gig in Los Angeles quick smart, they're taking the show on the road. If you're keen relive your angsty emo teenage years and catch Gerard Way and co eight years after they last came to our shores for the 2012 Big Day Out, you'll need to head to the aforementioned festival — MCR aren't doing any sideshows on this tour. But, when Download hits Melbourne's Flemington Showgrounds on Friday, March 20 and Sydney's Parramatta Park on Saturday, March 21, the headliners will have plenty of support, including a heap of other rock and heavy metal standouts from the past few decades. They include Deftones, Jimmy Eat World, Clutch and Ministry — aka some heavy hitters in the worlds of alternative metal, punk-influenced rock, hard rock and industrial metal. Those keen on melodic metal will want to flock to Sweden's In Flames, while Scotland's Alestorm will get silly with pirate metal (yes, that's a thing), and Italy's Lacuna Coil will play their brand of rhythmic metal. And, no matter your tastes, Mongolia's The HU promise something you probably haven't seen before: hard rock combined with traditional Mongolian throat singing. Basically, if it's a type of rock or metal (of the musical kind), you'll find it on Download's lineup. Testament, Carcass, Baroness, New Year's Day and Venom Prism help round out the overseas contingent, while Australia is represented by local punk legends Bodyjar, plus Hands Like Houses, In Hearts Wake, Ne Obliviscaris and Clowns [caption id="attachment_749356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Deftones[/caption] DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2020 FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT My Chemical Romance (only Aus shows) Deftones Jimmy Eat World Clutch (only Aus shows) Ministry In Flames Testament Alestorm (only Aus shows) Carcass Lacuna Coil (only Aus shows) Hands Like Houses In Hearts Wake The HU Baroness Ne Obliviscaris Bodyjar New Years Day Clowns Venom Prison SKYND Thornhill Disentomb Stand Atlantic Plini RedHook Dregg Download 202o was scheduled to hit Melbourne's Flemington Showgrounds on Friday, March 20 and Sydney's Parramatta Park on Saturday, March 21. Top image: My Chemical Romance performing by NBSTwo via Flickr
Life is a cabaret, old chum — or at least that's what we've been told. Now we'll get the chance to find out. Heating up venues in both Prahran and the CBD, the latest edition of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival will welcome more than 100 different performers from around Australia and the world, for two weeks of singing, dancing and outrageous fun from June 14. This year's festival hub will be based out of Chapel Off Chapel, with additional shows at The Space Arts and Dance Centre and Love Machine Nightclub in Prahran, as well as The Butterfly Club in the city. The fun begins on Tuesday, June 14 with an opening night gala featuring some of the biggest acts of the festival, and won't stop until Sunday, June 26, with a closing night billed as "Australia's biggest piano bar party". In between, punters can check out over 40 different shows, from acts like UK performer Joe Stilgoe to Steve Ross (dubbed The Crown Prince of New York Cabaret by The New York Times) and local performers like Yana Alana, Imogen Spendlove, Geraldine Quinn and Rod Davies. Here's five shows you shouldn't miss.
Anyone who has experienced the joys of travelling through South East Asia, and the huge variety of delicious flavours found in hawker markets, will share the excitement of returning to those tastes here in Melbourne upon a visit to Rice Paper Scissors. Fitzroy is the locale for the restaurant's second venue, with the first having been open for a while now in the CBD. It's safe to say that the team has not dropped the ball in the duplicate — the food and atmosphere are just as great as the original. The atmosphere is very relaxed, a welcome difference from the chaos and noise of true hawker markets. For people like us who don't just want one dish, but want all the food, there is cause for celebration. The style here is all about sharing plates and multiple mini meals. The friendly staff will explain how to get to grips, quite literally, with the perfectly presented food — you are encouraged to eat with your hands for most dishes, and a lemon water basin is provided to refresh those sticky fingers between delicious bites. We found the amount of attention given to the menu for those with dietary restrictions exceptional and truly reflects that this team understand the Fitzroy area. The majority of meals can be altered for vegetarians and vegans. Expertly treated tofu replaces the meat component of these dishes in an exceptional way — even your meat-loving companions will adore them. Having said that, those carnivorously inclined will definitely find a lot on the menu to sink their teeth into. Leaving the difficult task of what to pick from the menu in the capable hands of our waiter, we were excited about each new and impressively presented meal to arrive. The crispy coconut cups ($16.50) are filled with caramelised pork with prawn and smoked salmon caviar. The vegetarian adaption is equally as explosive. Yam pla foo — or tapioca-dusted barramundi ($17) — with a green apple and roast cashew salad was a standout dish, full of zesty, fresh flavours matched perfectly with the flawlessly cooked fish. Or there's suckling pug steamed buns ($17) enhanced by pickled cucumber and hoisin sauce. You can order five different dishes for $45 per person, which is easily enough to fill two hungry bellies. If you're after something with a little kick, then look no further than the Thai influenced cocktails. The Rice Paper Spritzer ($19) is made with plum wine, gin, rose syrup and prosecco, and an interesting version of an espresso martini ($17) using condensed milk is available for those with a sweet tooth. Our pick for a refreshing summer drink over some spicy food would be the Lemongrass Tom Collins ($22): lemongrass infused gin with cucumber and sparkling soda. If you can't make it to Fitzroy, Rice Paper Scissors also has a second location in the city, at 15 Hardware Lane, Melbourne. Updated Monday, April 11 Appears in: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
If your sweet tooth has had to endure a scarcity of Black Star's famed pastries since the brand's St Kilda outpost shut for renovations, you'll soon be able to satisfy those cravings by feeding it exactly what it's been missing. The Bayside store is back in the game as of this week, throwing open its doors to show off a head-to-toe makeover. Welcoming cake fiends from Thursday, October 6, the new-look Acland Street outpost now boasts a new production kitchen and a revamped minimalist storefront — with stepped stadium-style seating and a grand mirrored installation taking pride of place. Cabinets will once again be stocked full of Black Star's signature sweet treats, headlined by the cult-favourite Strawberry Watermelon Cake. You'll also find a range of all-day eats, including egg-and-bacon rolls, ham-and-cheese croissants and ratatouille tarts — as well as all the usual winners from the drinks list, including the new Strawberry Watermelon Latte and Hot Chocolate Mirage. This time around, however, the store has an extra sweet offering for time-starved cake lovers. The new Cake Concierge pick-up service allows you to pre-order your treats, phone ahead with an ETA and be met at a designated valet bay, so staff can run your order out to you — along with a complimentary coffee. All of the cake, none of the hassle of leaving your car. As you'd expect, Black Star is launching its new store with some cake-filled celebrations, on Saturday, October 8. There'll be giveaways galore and free coffees by St Ali, plus a two-for-one cake deal that'll let you mix and match your favourites on the cheap. Find Black Star Pastry's new-look store at 2C Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 8am–4pm Wednesday to Sunday.
