Forget about Ingmar Bergman, Stellan Skarsgard and Noomi Rapace. The cinema of Sweden has a brand new face — and by new, we mean very, very old. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Jonas Jonasson, The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is the single most profitable film in the history of Swedish cinema. What drove audiences in such numbers to such a singularly unfunny comedy we'll chalk up to cultural misunderstanding The film, to its credit, delivers exactly what it promises to. On the day of his centennial, geriatric explosives expert Allan Karlsson (Robert Gustafsson) decides he's had enough of life in his retirement home and promptly shimmies through the curtains for a stroll. While at the bus station purchasing a one-way ticket to wherever, Karlsson accidentally comes into the possession of a suitcase full of drug-money — the first in a series of hi-larious coincidences and knee-slapping misunderstandings that follow the senior citizen wherever he seems to go. Indeed, the addlebrained pensioner is no stranger to misadventure. As flashbacks soon reveal, Karlsson apparently met, and influenced, most of the major figures of the 20th century, including Franco, Stalin and both Eisenhower and Reagan. He was also the lynchpin in the Manhattan Project, served as a spy for both sides during the Cold War, and spent some time in a Siberian gulag for his troubles. The film's most obvious compatriot would be something like Forrest Gump, but frankly, the comparison doesn't flatter. Gump wasn't exactly the sharpest hammer in the cutlery draw, but he had a certain childlike innocence that helped endear him to an audience. Karlsson, on the other hand, is just plain dumb. As such, it's difficult to care about either his past or his present, the latter of which sees him on the run from some skinhead bikers, intent on getting their money back in whatever way they can. The comedy is broadly slapstick, but with an undertone of callous black humour. Putting aside the fact that Karlsson helped invent the atom bomb and apparently feels not the least bit bad about it, the film regularly sees him cause the deaths, albeit mostly accidental, of people who cross his path. As it turn out, stupidity and nastiness doesn't make for an entertaining mix. The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared can hardly disappear from cinemas soon enough. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6SEiaODjTZw
On the big screen, the Jurassic franchise keeps finding a way. After 1993's page-to-cinemas hit Jurassic Park proved such a smash, more movies were always going to follow. So spawned sequels in 1997 and 2001, then the first three Jurassic World flicks in 2015, 2018 and 2022 — and now there's a fourth of the latter on the way in 2025. But it isn't just on screens that this saga continues to pop up. Welcome to ... your latest reason to be surrounded by lifelike prehistoric creatures in 2024, Melburnians. After roaring into Sydney in 2023, and teasing a trip further south since early this year, Jurassic World: The Exhibition has opened in Brunswick. Head to The Fever Exhibition Hall from Friday, August 2 and you'll feel like you've been transported to Isla Nublar, complete with a walk through the big-screen saga's famed gates. From there, you'll mosey around themed environments featuring life-sized versions of the movie franchise's dinos, including a brachiosaurus, velociraptors — yes, get ready to say "clever girl" — and a Tyrannosaurus rex. Attendees can get roaming while staring at animatronics, including the new ankylosaurus and carnotarus. Also linking in with the animated Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous series, there's baby dinos, such as the show's Bumpy. Now, all that's left is to decide which Jurassic franchise character that you want to emulate (the best choices: Laura Dern's palaeobotanist Ellie Sattler, Sam Neill's palaeontologist Alan Grant and Jeff Goldblum's mathematician Ian Malcolm, of course). And no, when Michael Crichton penned Jurassic Park in 1990, then Steven Spielberg turned it into a 1993 film, they wouldn't have expected that this'd be the result 31 years — and five more movies — later.
When it comes to sharing movies that've recently premiered at Cannes with Australian audiences, timing is kind to Sydney Film Festival. One fest is in May, the other is in June — and SFF makes the most of it. Indeed, in 2025, its main program announcement was packed with 15 films that would hit Cannes, then Sydney. Next, Eddington joined the lineup, doing the same. The event's closing-night pick Splitsville falls into that category as well. Now comes a late drop of nine additional Australian-premiere titles that'll get the Harbour City's projectors whirring, most of which have also only recently debuted in France. Both Sentimental Value and Sîrat are heading to Sydney after collecting prizes in Cannes. The first nabbed the Cannes Grand Prix for filmmaker Joachim Trier, who reunites with his The Worst Person in the World lead Renate Reinsve (Presumed Innocent), and also has Stellan Skarsgård (Andor) and Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) in his cast. The Morocco-set second film picked up a Cannes Jury Prize, and boasts Pedro Almodóvar (The Room Next Door) as a producer. Both are playing SFF as special presentations. Or, audiences can look forward to the Dardenne brothers' (Tori and Lokita) Young Mothers, which collected Cannes' Screenplay Prize — and Cannes Queer Palme and Best Actress-recipient The Little Sister. Plus, joining Reinsve, Skarsgård and Fanning among the big-name stars on Sydney Film Festival's expanded program: Gael García Bernal (Holland) and Joel Edgerton (Dark Matter). In Magellan, which is directed by Filipino great Lav Diaz (Phantosmia), Bernal plays the title character. As for Edgerton, the Australian actor pops up in The Plague, where peer pressure at a summer camp drives the narrative. SFF has also added Two Prosecutors and Eagles of the Republic, each of which screened in competition at Cannes. Sergei Loznitsa (The Invasion) is behind Two Prosecutors, which takes place in 1937 under Stalin's rule. Tarik Saleh (Cairo Conspiracy) helms Eagles of the Republic, another of Sydney Film Festival's movies set in a complicated political climate — this time as part of a satirical thriller about an Egyptian film star. It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley debuted at Sundance 2025, not Cannes, but is also an eagerly anticipated newcomer on the lineup. That's what happens when documentarian Amy Berg (Janis: Little Boy Blue, West of Memphis) turns her attention to the late, great singer almost three decades after his tragic passing. "The festival starts in just two days, but we think its never too late to add the most-exciting new films to the festival, fresh from their international premieres," said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. "From sweeping historical epics and urgent political dramas to intimate portraits and unforgettable performances, these films continue our commitment to showcasing the most exciting cinema from around the world." Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
Glen Waverley has long been a hub for food, thanks to a myriad of Asian grocers and small but tasty dumpling places on Kingsway. The last few years have also seen neighbouring shopping centre The Glen undertake a flashy development, extending the retail options to include the likes of Huxtaburger and a new fresh food market hall, and evolving the overall look of the place. The latest in this revamp is the news that the top floor of the centre will become a huge 4000-square-metre sky garden. The new space will be part of a new residential development named — you guessed it — Sky Garden. As well as topping off The Glen with some natural goodness and adding a bit of life to what can otherwise be a sterile environment, the garden will also be the bottom floor of a huge new residential complex of 555 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that will be built above the centre. The garden will be designed by Aspect Studios and is another move towards utilising industrial space for a more natural and eco-friendly focus. According to developers the Golden Age Group, the 4000-square-metre space will feature "outdoor dining and entertainment amenities". And, as well as green views to the Dandenong Ranges in the east and the bay in the south, the garden will extend up the new apartment structure too — each apartment will come with a balcony with vertical greenery. Unfortunately, the gardens will only be accessible to residents of the new apartments. So, if you manage snag one, lucky you — but the rest of us will have to be happy knowing the city has received another much-needed injection of flora and chlorophyll. It follows in the wake of the news that Melbourne's south will soon see a 2000-square-metre rooftop farm and restaurant as part of the new Burwood Brickworks development, a sustainable shopping centre designed by eco-designer Joost Bakker. This one will be open to the public. There are big changes afoot over here — the apartment block and the new developments at The Glen are expected to cost $450 million and construction is expected to commence in late 2019. But don't panic: the dumplings on Kingsway are safe for now.
Heading to the snow is an experience many of us spend the long winter days at work daydreaming about. But a trip to the snow-covered mountains should be about so much more than just clipping on your skis or snowboard. With a multi-day trip to Victoria's Alpine Resorts, you can take your snow trip to new heights — literally and figuratively — with an array of elevated adventures. Whether you're a snow-sport aficionado, want to soak up the picturesque scenery from lush, on-mountain accommodation, or are hankering to see the sights from above, Victoria's alpine region has you covered. From Mt Hotham to Falls Creek, Mt Buller to Dinner Plain and Mt Stirling, here are our picks for turning your mid-year winter break into a bucket-list trip to remember. See the Sights on a Snowshoeing Adventure While shredding your heart out on the slopes is a staple for most snow trips, there are some other incredible (and somewhat underrated) ways to get up close and personal with Mother Nature, like snowshoeing. If you want something that's low impact on your body but high impact on views, snowshoeing could be your new favourite alpine activity. Dinner Plain has a bunch of trails to suit a range of fitness levels, including shorter walks on the edge of town through to longer treks over mountain ridges for the more intrepid travellers. You can take a guided snowshoe tour in Mt Stirling or Mt Buller, or DIY on a self-guided stroll in Falls Creek. To take things even further, you can have the time of your life on a Snowshoe to Cheese Fondue experience in Mt Hotham. Here, you'll wind through breathtaking snow gums at sunset before tucking into an unforgettable three-course dinner, complete with gooey cheese fondue and Glühwein in a hidden eco-village. Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing or Snowboarding Okay, so we said a snow trip is about more than clipping on your snow-sport gear, but that doesn't mean you should skip it altogether. Classics are classics for a reason, right? If you've only ever stuck to either skiing or snowboarding, consider this your sign to step out of your comfort zone and try the alternative sport. There are amazing runs at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Dinner Plain to suit all levels. You'll just need to let go of your ego when you have to return to the green runs. Never skied or snowboarded before? You're in for a real treat. With expert guidance from knowledgeable instructors, you'll be carving up the slopes in no time. Take Flight to See the Sights Soaring above the rugged alpine peaks really is an experience like no other. With a bird's-eye view, you can soak in the spectacular sights of Victoria's High Country from new heights and zoom out from the world for a moment in time. Take a scenic helicopter flight between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham and be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views as you glide above the snowy summits. Or take the opportunity to see the region from above with a helicopter ride over the ridges and valleys of Mt Stirling and Mt Buller to tick off this bucket-list experience. Hang Out with Huskies A husky sled tour might seem like something you only see in the movies, but in Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, you can live out your Hollywood fantasy in real life. Let a team of alpine huskies whisk you away into the magical scenery of Mt Hotham's and Dinner Plain's backcountry trails with Howling Huskys, or let Australian Sled Dog Tours take you on a trip of a lifetime in Mt Buller. Try Out a New Angle with Cross-Country Skiing If you're a seasoned skier and want to level up your on-slope action, adding a cross-country skiing session to your trip is a must. If you're feeling super adventurous, try exploring the wild and sprawling cross-country trails on Mt Stirling, where there are over 60 kilometres of trails to discover. Falls Creek has loads of patrolled tracks ideal for newcomers, while Dinner Plain has paths that snake around the Alpine Village so you can get a taste of the action without venturing too far from home. Refuel at Incredible On-Mountain Food and Drink Venues After all that time on the slopes, you're guaranteed to work up an appetite. And thankfully, the food and drink scene in Victoria's Alpine Resorts delivers, no matter where you choose to base yourself. From ambient wine bars in Dinner Plain to new great counter meals in Falls Creek, there's an eating and drinking option to please all palates. If you head to Mt Buller, make sure you grab some fresh waffles for breakfast or low-and-slow smoked goodies for lunch at the on-mountain restaurant Spurs Smokehouse. In Mt Hotham, it's the raclette lunch that has us salivating. Here, you'll scrape melted French cheese onto baked potatoes and enjoy them alongside a spread of charcuterie, smoked meats and a selection of curated booze. Rest Your Head at Spectacular On-Mountain Accommodation In Victoria's High Country, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to stellar accommodation. As far as choosing where to stay, we recommend going all in on your snow trip and cosying up in some on-mountain accommodation if you really want your trip to soar. That way, you get to be close to all the action without having to faff about with draining logistics. There's alpine accommodation to suit a range of group sizes and budgets. For a touch of luxury, Mt Buller's Breathtaker Hotel will hit the spot after a long day on the slopes. If you're after something a little more adventurous, glamping in the snow might be more your style. There are also charming lodges, chalets and resorts to recharge in — many with sweeping views of the pristine mountains. Get away from it all with an adventure at Victoria's Alpine Resorts. For more information and to start planning, visit the website.
In an age in which we spend more time looking at screens than we do looking at each other, the organisers of a monthly public meet-up are trying to encourage a little old-school human connection. Held once a month in cities around the world, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Eye Gazing is exactly what it sounds like: a group of strangers meet in a public place in order to create a silent bond. The events are run by The Human Connection Movement, a group that aims to change the way that people interact for the better. "We're here to empower people to stay open and lead with an open heart whilst maintaining authenticity, courage and awareness," reads a description on the event page for the group's upcoming Melbourne meet. It's set to take place in Fitzroy Gardens on Saturday, January 7. It's free to attend, although you will need to register online. Image: The Human Connection Movement/YouTube.
UPDATE, April 24, 2021: Parasite is available to stream via Stan, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When writer-director Bong Joon-ho lets two families roam around and unleash their best and worst in an opulent South Korean mansion, he couldn't have placed them in a better spot. The kind of house that anyone would dream of living in, Parasite's main setting is a multi-storey playground filled with wide-open spaces, gleaming surfaces and modernist decor, all opening out onto a grassy, leafy backyard. A real estate agent's fantasy as well, this not-so-humble abode is the bricks-and-mortar pinnacle of success and wealth. As created by production designer Lee Ha-jun to meet Bong's specific vision (a real house that matched the filmmaker's needs simply didn't exist), the labyrinthine structure is a puzzle box, too. Within its walls, mysteries linger. Here, anything and everything could happen. Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen — but the way that this sprawling central home encapsulates the movie's very essence is a towering feat. Already lauded and applauded, not to mention awarded the top prizes at both the Cannes and Sydney film festivals, Parasite isn't short on achievements. Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Parasite possesses a pitch-perfect cast of both veteran and up-and-coming actors, all playing their parts with devastating precision. It's scripted, with Okja assistant director turned first-time co-writer Han Jin-won, to tease, mesmerise, infuriate, satirise and amuse in equal measures. And its look and pace, courtesy of the finessed work of cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo (Bong's Mother) and editor Yang Jin-mo (Bong's Okja), is as polished and probing as its all-important setting. When viewers first meet Ki-taek (Song Kang-ho), his wife Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), and their young but grown-up children Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and Ki-jung (Park So-dam), they're dwelling in a damp, cockroach-infested basement apartment. They're also all out of work. Piggybacking whichever unlocked wi-fi network they can find keeps them going — and, when the streets outside are being fumigated, the family isn't opposed to keeping the windows open to take advantage of the free pest control (health consequences be damned). Combined, their only regular source of income comes from folding pizza boxes, with zero other prospects on the horizon. Then Ki-woo's former classmate Min (Park Seo-joon) asks if he'll fill in at a lucrative private tutoring gig. While Ki-woo doesn't have the requisite university degree such a position usually needs, it's easy to manufacture thanks to Ki-jung's impressive photoshop skills. Taking plenty of cues from this early bit of subterfuge, Parasite could be dubbed the ultimate 'fake it till you make it' movie. Stepping foot inside the film's main setting, Ki-Woo wows not only his new, quickly love-struck teenage pupil Da-hye (Jung Ziso), but her flighty mother Yeon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong) too. He's soon part of the household, which also includes tech entrepreneur patriarch Park (Lee Sun-kyun), pre-adolescent son Da-song (Jung Hyeon-jun) and their housekeeper (Lee Jeong-eun). With Ki-woo eager to bring his own family into this rich, luxurious orbit, an underhanded plan emerges. Without spoiling any specifics from this narrative juncture onwards, Bong was inspired to write Parasite after spotting a smudge on his pants. This intriguing tidbit gives very little away, although corrupting an otherwise pristine environment — and pondering whether a splatter of disarray makes supposed perfection and privilege better or worse — is the film's thematic stomping ground. The movie's lush locale draws viewers in, all so that it can shatter the allure. Slippery performances, with seemingly clear-cut characters becoming anything but, do the same. So too does Bong and his crew's exacting craftsmanship, which keeps audiences both immersed and guessing. Add shifting tones and changing genres to the fold as well, because evolution and elusiveness are among the movie's most crucial tools. Indeed, from sets and actors to framing and mood, every element of Parasite is weaponised. More than that, it's all calibrated and wielded for maximum impact. This isn't just a killer picture on all of the standard levels, however. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite also makes a killer statement. It shouldn't escape attention that three of the past year's absolute best and most astute works, all from South Korean or Japanese filmmakers, have taken aim at the increasing gap between the haves and the have nots. Or, looking to America as well, that one of 2019's great horror releases plays in the same terrain while also bringing race into the equation. Parasite shares its grifting, struggling family with Hirokazu Kore-eda's Shoplifters, its tonal flips and wiliness with Lee Chang-dong's Burning, and its malevolent tone with Jordan Peele's Us, adding to a blossoming field of urgent, intense and diverse cinema that interrogates the societal status quo with a rightfully scathing eye. That said, there's no mistaking Bong's dark, devious and delightful thriller for any other film — or for anything but a hands-down masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc
There are many reasons to thank Mike White, creator and writer of The White Lotus, for bringing the hit HBO series to our screens. He's responsible for one of the best TV shows of both 2021 and 2022 — a program that has weaponised luxurious settings, helped set travel itineraries, thoroughly eaten the rich, spun twisty murder-mysteries, and kept viewers guessing throughout each and every episode of both season one and season two. He's also helped shower affection and attention upon the one and only Jennifer Coolidge, a screen icon who always deserves such love. Indeed, if it wasn't for White and The White Lotus, the world wouldn't have had the joy that is Coolidge's various awards speeches for playing Tanya McQuoid. For folks in Sydney on Saturday, June 10, worshipping the White-and-Coolidge pairing — hearing Coolidge talk about her time on The White Lotus, too — won't just involve checking out Emmy and Golden Globe clips. In huge news in general, and for the Vivid Sydney lineup, the duo is coming to the Harbour City for what's set to be the biggest in-conversation session of the 23-day, 300-plus-event festival. [caption id="attachment_891047" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HBO[/caption] While Vivid dropped its program back in March, it has been making additions since, including literally underground light and laser show Dark Spectrum and now this. Unsurprisingly, the Vivid team has dubbed its latest addition one of the biggest announcements in the festival's 13-year history — which is no small feat for an event that's seen everyone from The Cure to Robert Pattinson and Spike Lee grace its bill in past years. Coolidge and White won't just chat about The White Lotus, McQuoid's utter lack of luck in love and a certain fateful boat ride — and, on White's part, likely skirt around answering where the third season will be set (the word so far: Thailand). They'll also discuss their full careers, and both have plenty to dive into. Coolidge has been a screen presence for years, thanks to parts in everything from American Pie, Best in Show and the Legally Blonde franchise through to Party Down's original run, Joey and Promising Young Woman. As for White, he's written the screenplay for School of Rock, and acted in it — and given the TV-watching world the Laura Dern-starring Enlightened, which he also appeared on. He has Year of the Dog and Brad's Status on his directing resume as well, and penned and produced episodes of Dawson's Creek and Freaks and Geeks. Also, he was famously an Amazing Race and Survivor contestant. Benjamin Law will be asking the questions at this in-conversation event, which takes place at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. Tickets are on sale now — and they'll get snapped up quicker than McQuoid falls in love. "We're thrilled to share that The White Lotus creator Mike White and star of the series Jennifer Coolidge will join this year's Vivid Sydney lineup. Securing these huge megastars cements Vivid Sydney 2023 as the biggest and most culturally relevant program yet," said Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini, announcing the addition to the fest's program. "This exclusive event will allow audiences to see behind the curtain on what has become a massive cultural zeitgeist and hear from two of the hottest figures in the creative industries right now." Vivid Sydney 2023 will run from Friday, May 26–Saturday, June 17, with Mike White and Jennifer Coolidge in Conversation taking place on Saturday, June 10 at Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney. For further information and tickets, head to the event's website. Top image: HBO.
Dropping all commitments, staying indoors and bingeing Netflix was just shorthand for being an introvert six months ago. Now, it's the reality of many of our lives. As Australia, along with the rest of the world, battles to contain COVID-19, many of us are spending more time indoors than ever before, and we're searching for new ways to fill the minutes of the day that seem to tick by at a glacial pace. Streaming marathons, virtual trivia nights, indoor exercises and completing many, many jigsaw puzzles are solid ways to pass the time. But it's unlikely you'll ever have these chunks of uninterrupted free time at your disposal again, so you may as well use them to learn a new trick or two. There are a bunch of courses, workshops and activities that'll help you upskill while you're bunkering down — here are eight of our picks. LEARN TO COOK WITH SOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST CHEFS Chances are you'll be getting quite familiar with your kitchen over the next couple of weeks. If up until now, you've mainly used the kitchen as a place to grab cutlery for your takeaway feast, then you're going to be looking for a little guidance. In a very real example of the 'we're all in this together' aspect of this crisis, many of the world's best chefs are also social distancing, self-isolating or in quarantine, and they're using that spare time to share some of their top tips. Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura is live streaming nightly tutorials on Instagram, while celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has launched the Keep Cooking and Carry On series, with easy-to-follow recipes and simple swaps (since some ingredients can be hard to come by), which you can catch on 10 Play. Meanwhile, if you're inspired by (almost) your entire Instagram feed making sourdough and want to have a crack at your own loaf, Bon Appetit's baking extraordinaire Claire Saffitz has a step-by-step tutorial saved on her Instagram highlights. A little closer to home, Aussie culinary legend Maggie Beer has started her own social media cooking series, as have chefs like Mitch Orr (Ciccia Bella), Neil Perry (Rockpool Bar & Grill) and Danielle Alvarez (Fred's). LEARN TO CODE FOR FREE Coding is going be such an important skill in the future it's now part of the curriculum for primary school students. But you haven't completely missed the boat just because you graduated (many) moons ago. There are hundreds of online courses you can take to learn to code, including General Assembly's. As well as Dash, its free online coding course, GA is also running free sessions on UX design and data analytics. If you want to have some fun with it, also check out Girls Who Code. The platform is releasing fun online and offline coding activities to download every week — like debugging tasks and a digital storytelling game — and each one also showcases a woman kicking goals in the tech world. [caption id="attachment_696381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jean Malek[/caption] LEARN TO WRITE WITH LITERARY LEGENDS Have you always thought you were capable of writing the next great Australian novel, if only you weren't so busy? Now is the time to put your money where your mouth is. If you're not feeling quite so confident, Masterclass can help you get started. Like many other online education platforms, this San Francisco-based startup offers extensive courses on a range of topics, but what sets it apart is the truly astonishing lineup of instructors. For writing, that includes author Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid's Tale, The Testaments) leading a creative writing course, Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code, Inferno) teaching on writing thrillers and essayist David Sedaris (Calypso, Me Talk Pretty One Day) on storytelling and humour. If words aren't your thing, Masterclass also has legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz teaching photography, Martin Scorsese teaching filmmaking, Doctor Jane Goodall explaining conservation and Hans Zimmer speaking on film scoring. Of course, the big names come at a price. There's an annual membership fee of AUD$280, but that grants access to every course on the platform. Plus, Masterclass is currently running a limited-time 'buy one, get one free' membership offer, so you can split that cost with a mate. LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY (AND LEVEL UP YOUR INSTAGRAM GAME) Photography as an art form has been muddled in recent years by way of us all documenting everything we do, eat, drink or see on social media. But there is a huge quality difference between pointing and shooting on your phone (and then promptly forgetting about it), and mastering manual mode on a DSLR camera. Once you get into it, you'll appreciate the value of a well-framed, well-lit HD photo so much more. Throughout April, Nikon is making its suite of online photography tutorials free to stream. Each video is hosted by a professional photographer covering topics like the fundamentals of photography and videography, understanding DSLR features, unlocking creativity and tips on shooting different subjects or environments. For now, you may be stuck practising on your pets, kids or housemates but, when the restrictions are lifted, you can reenter the world with your camera in hand, ready to capture all the beautiful things you missed. Just remember, nobody really cares what you ate for dinner — even in high definition. [caption id="attachment_662277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] LEARN TO MAKE WINE AND COCKTAILS We're not here to encourage excessive drinking, but we're also not going to skirt around the facts: you're probably consuming a bit of alcohol at home during this time. There are plenty of bars that have pivoted to delivering cocktails to your door, but you may also want to have a go shaking and stirring, too. If it's just recipes you're after, we've got plenty to get you started. Just pick your poison: vodka, gin, prosecco or spiced rum. Or you could go the whole hog and follow Ina Garten's (otherwise known as Barefoot Contessa) hilarious giant cosmopolitan recipe, which went viral on Instagram. If you want more of a guiding hand, check out Sydney Cocktails' Home Five O'Clock-tails video tutorials. Each day at 5pm, it'll share a new cocktail masterclass on Facebook, and it's getting Aussie bartenders who are out of work due to the current lockdown restrictions to host them. Or you could use this extra time to become the oenophile you've always wanted to be with The University of Adelaide's online course: World of Wine: From Grape to Glass. The free six-week course will teach you everything from the principles of grape growing and sustainable vineyard management to how to critique and describe a specific drop. You'll never need bluff your way through a restaurant wine list again (that is, once we're allowed back into restaurants). LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE IN PREPARATION FOR FUTURE TRAVEL Aussies have always been avid travellers, so it's safe to say there'll be plenty of itchy feet raring to set off on adventures as soon as the travel restrictions are lifted. You may not be able to make any solid plans right now, so use the spare time to add another language to your travel arsenal instead. The Open University has a number of introductory language courses available via its free Open Learn platform including German, Spanish, French, Welsh and ancient Greek and Latin. Each course takes between 5–20 hours to complete, so they should eat up a chunk of self-isolation time. After you've mastered your second, third or fourth language, take a look at some of the other courses available on the platform — there's everything from forensic psychology and art history to Egyptian mathematics. LEARN TO PLAY THE GUITAR OR MAKE MUSIC You've seen the Italians singing from their balconies, watched Lin-Manuel Miranda and the rest of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton singing 'Alexander Hamilton' via Zoom and danced up a storm to a virtual gig or two in your living room. And now it's time for you to create your own beats. Figure out which of your roommates has a neglected guitar hidden in the back of their wardrobe and jump onto Fender's website — it's offering three months of free online guitar, bass and ukulele lessons right now. Meanwhile, Apple is offering a 90-day trial on music production software system Logic Pro X, and Ableton is granting free access to a bunch of its music making resources, including the Ableton Live 10 Suite program, Spectral Textures presets pack and the Learning Music and Learning Synths tutorials. LEARN TO PAINT AND DRAW (WITH A GLASS OF WINE IN HAND) After spending so much time inside, you may get a little tired of staring at those same blank bedroom walls. Get those creative juices flowing and make something that you'll actually enjoy looking at via a virtual paint and sip class. All of the studios are currently shut down, so some of them, like Sydney's Cork and Canvas, have pivoted to offering online classes instead. For $25, you can access a step-by-step video tutorial to follow along whenever you like with a glass of wine in hand. And, if you need supplies, the studio is also delivering creative kits with paintbrushes, paint and canvases to your doorstep. There are single packs ($65), double packs ($120) and family packs ($230) available, and they all include a $20 voucher to Different Drop so the vino side of things is sorted, too. Or, you could check out the National Gallery of Victoria's Virtual Drop-By Drawing sessions, which are now happening online. Melbourne artists like Minna Gilligan and Kenny Pittock will guide you through a sketching session inspired by a piece from the gallery's collection, and all you'll need is a pencil, piece of paper and internet connection.
There's still a sprinkling of sunny days left to come before we're entrenched in the depths of winter, and you definitely want to make the most of them. So today, instead of handing over your lunch break to a sad desk sandwich, load up on endorphins and fresh air with a few restorative lunchtime laps at the historic Fitzroy Pool. The 50-metre outdoor pool is a whole lot less crazy at this time of year than in the middle of summer, so you shouldn't have too much of an issue nabbing a lane all to yourself. Plus, at just $6.50 for a casual pass, it's downright affordable. Oh, and did we mention the pool's heated? Fire up those muscles, have a splash beneath that legendary Aqua Profonda sign and head back to work feeling invincible.
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?
In this age of seemingly endless streaming platforms, there's never a shortage of things to watch. New movies hit the likes of Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and DocPlay all the time, as well as the plethora of other online viewing services that just keep popping up, especially in 2020 — and they're all ready to be viewed and enjoyed by your ravenous eyeballs. With such an ongoing onslaught of content fighting for everyone's attention, there's always a new highlight. This year has been full of them, in fact, and we've been rounding up the best streaming standouts each and every month. But, with 2020 now almost at a close, we're in reflective mode — so, from a 12-month period that saw us all glued to our screens at home far more than we ever dreamed of back in January, we've picked the 12 very best straight-to-streaming flicks from the past year. These movies didn't play in local cinemas, even for just a short period, but they're all absolute must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcqItifbNUA SMALL AXE British filmmaker Steve McQueen hasn't directed a bad movie — and, dropping five new features as part of the Small Axe anthology, that isn't changing now. The director of Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave and Widows gifts viewers a quintet of films that are as exceptional as anything he's ever made, with every entry in this new series taking place in England, in the 60s, 70s and 80s, with London's West Indian community at its centre. The first, Mangrove, tells an infuriating true tale about a police campaign to target a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill. From there, Lovers Rock spends time at a house party as two attendees dance into each other's orbits, and Red, White and Blue follows a young forensic scientist who decides to join the force to change it from the inside. Next, Alex Wheatle explores the life of the award-winning writer of the same name, while Education unpacks unofficial moves to segregate children of colour in schools. There's no weak link here — only stunning, stirring, standout cinema that tells blistering tales about Black London residents doing everything it takes to resist their racist treatment. Every film is sumptuously shot, too, thanks to cinematographer Shabier Kirchner (Bull), and the cast spans everyone from Lost in Space's Shaun Parkes and Black Panther's Letitia Wright to Star Wars' John Boyega. All five Small Axe films are available to stream via Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ord7gP151vk MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM Chadwick Boseman, Oscar-winner. That combination of words is very likely to become a posthumous reality for the late, great actor, thanks to his last screen role. Boseman is just that phenomenal in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. He has earned that term before in Get on Up, Black Panther and Da 5 Bloods, but his performance in this stage-to-screen production is such a powerhouse effort that it's like watching a cascading waterfall drown out almost everything around it. He plays trumpeter Levee Green, who is part of the eponymous Ma Rainey's (Viola Davis, Widows) band. On a 1920s day, the always-nattering, big-dreaming musician joins Ma — who isn't just a fictional character, and was known as the Mother of Blues — and the rest of his colleagues for a recording session. Temperatures and tempers rise in tandem in the Chicago studio, with Levee and Ma rarely seeing eye to eye on any topic. Davis is in thundering, hot-blooded form, while Colman Domingo (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Glynn Turman (Fargo) also leave a firm impression. It's impossible take your eyes off of the slinkily magnetic Boseman though, as would prove the case even if he was still alive to see the film's release. Adapting the play of the same name by August Wilson (Fences), director George C. Wolfe (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) lets Boseman farewell the screen with one helluva bang. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTfJp2Ts9X8 UNCUT GEMS The best film of 2020, based on Australian release dates, might only screen on Netflix on our shores. That might seem a big call, but the anxiety-dripping, riveting Uncut Gems is a stone-cold masterpiece, complete with one of the greatest performances of Adam Sandler's career (alongside Punch-Drunk Love and The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)). Far, far removed from his Netflix comedies of late, the actor is all hustle and bustle as Jewish American diamond-district jeweller Howard Ratner. A compulsive gambler who is deeply in debt, about to get divorced and being shaken down by a loan shark (Eric Bogosian) he's related to by marriage, he's always trying to lure in high-profile clientele. When he comes into possession of a rare black opal — the uncut gem of the title — basketballer Kevin Garnett becomes interested, sparking a wild chain of events. Writer/directors Josh and Benny Safdie last worked their gritty, vivid and relentlessly tense magic with the Robert Pattinson-starring Good Time to exhilarating and mesmerising effect, and this uncompromisingly chaotic thriller and all-round exceptional character study is even better. Uncut Gems is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RDTPfsLAI DA 5 BLOODS A fiery examination of both the Vietnam War and US race relations, Da 5 Bloods is a Spike Lee film through and through. It nods liberally to its influences, such as Apocalypse Now, but only the acclaimed Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman filmmaker could've made a war movie this affecting, incisive, entertaining and politically astute — especially given its focus on African American men expected to fight and die for the same country that still struggles to treat them equally. Plot-wise, the part combat drama, part heist thriller, part history lesson follows four ex-soldiers (Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock Jr) who make the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City decades after the conflict. They're searching for buried gold, as well as for the remains of their beloved squad leader (Chadwick Boseman, as seen in flashbacks). In Lee's hands, and with Lindo taking charge as a PTSD-afflicted, MAGA hat-wearing veteran, the results are energetic, passionate, and both intellectually and emotionally stunning. Da 5 Bloods is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7X0O9lZ_jQ WOLFWALKERS From FernGully: the Last Rainforest to Moana — and including everything from Studio Ghibli's Pom Poko and Princess Mononoke to Pixar's Wall-E, too — many an animated movie has combined eye-catching frames with an important message about the environment. Irish film Wolfwalkers joins the pile and rockets to the top, thanks to one of the most visually and emotionally enchanting features of the year. Story-wise, it follows young wannabe hunter Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey, The Bookshop). In a tale set centuries ago, she moves to Ireland with her father Bill (Sean Bean, Snowpiercer) when he's hired to eradicate the last wolf pack lurking in the woods. The locals, as overseen by an English Lord Protector (Simon McBurney, The Loudest Voice), want to wipe out the wolves so that they can tear down the forest in the name of progress. But, after sneaking out to go exploring, Robyn befriends a girl called Mebh (feature first-timer Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into the creatures while they're dreaming. As well as a rousing eco-conscious narrative, Wolfwalkers delivers distinctive and delightful animation. Expect earthy, natural colours, with greens, browns, oranges and yellows dancing across the screen. Expect a line-heavy visual style, too, which is almost reminiscent of woodblock prints. And, expect another all-round beauty from co-director Tomm Moore, who also helmed the Oscar-nominated and equally beautiful duo The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. Wolfwalkers is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs--6c7Hn_A SOUL Released earlier in 2020, Onward definitely wasn't Pixar's best film — but Soul, its straight-to-streaming latest movie, instantly contends for the title. The beloved animation studio has always excelled when it takes big leaps. Especially now, 25 years into its filmmaking tenure, its features prove particularly enchanting when they're filled with surprises (viewers have become accustomed to seeing toys, fish, rats and robots have feelings, after all). On paper, Soul initially seems similar to Inside Out, but switching in souls for emotions. It swaps in voice work by Tina Fey for Amy Poehler, too, and both movies are helmed by director Peter Docter, so there's more than one reason for the comparison. But to the delight of viewers of all ages, Soul is a smart, tender and contemplative piece of stunning filmmaking all on its own terms. It's Pixar at its most existential, and with a strikingly percussive soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to further help it stand out. At its centre sits aspiring jazz musician-turned-music teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy). Just as he's about to get his big break, he falls down a manhole, his soul leaves his body, and he's desperate to get back to chase his dreams. But that's not how things work, and he's saddled with mentoring apathetic and cynical soul 22 (the always hilarious Fey) in his quest to reclaim his life. Soul is available to stream via Disney+ from Friday, December 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAveuCPBYSw I'M YOUR WOMAN Normally, when a criminal's latest job takes a turn for the worst for whatever reason, the film that tells their tale follows their part in the aftermath. I'm Your Woman isn't that movie. It looks like that kind of feature. It resembles one with exacting precision. But that isn't the narrative that's on offer here, and refreshingly so. Directed and co-written by Julia Hart (Fast Colour) with such a supreme handling of style, story and genre, this is a 70s-esque crime affair, but it focuses on Jean (Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), the wife of a thief who has gone missing after a big score goes south. The aggrieved gangsters chasing her husband are also unlikely to be kind to Jean and her baby, so she's whisked off into hiding in the middle of the night with zero notice. That's a drastic change that she's unprepared to cope with — but, with help from the her spouse's ex-acquaintance Cal (Arinzé Kene, How to Build a Girl), she also discovers that she's far more resilient than she thinks. Compelling from the moment it opens with Jean clad in a magenta robe, add I'm Your Woman to the pile of movies that serves up a big shift in a familiar genre (see also: Sylvie's Love below), and does so in a spectacular fashion. I'm Your Woman is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTg62vsV4U I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS For much of I'm Thinking of Ending Things two-hour-plus running time, the film's characters sit and talk as discomfort fills the space around them. The movie's protagonist (Wild Rose's Jessie Buckley) and her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) awkwardly chat as they drive through the snow to the Oklahoma farm where the latter grew up. They both endure several seesawing conversations with Jake's erratic and eccentric mother (Toni Collette) and father (David Thewlis) once they arrive. And, steam-of-consciousness narration also provides a soundtrack. But given this feature is written and directed by Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, it was never going to be a straightforward flick about meeting the parents. Instead, it's a purposely ambiguous and complex exploration of identity, choice and the very nature of human existence — complete with sudden ballet dances, strange overnight stops at deserted dessert stands and flashes to an unhappy janitor (Guy Boyd) — and it's a fascinating, challenging, visually stunning trip the entire way. I'm Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSCKfXpAGHc HAMILTON If you haven't been lucky enough to catch Hamilton on the stage — and, let's face it, most of us haven't — a filmed "live capture" version of the popular hip hop musical here to fill the gap. The story, for those who aren't intimately acquainted with US revolutionary history, chronicles the Caribbean-born eponymous "bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" from his arrival in New York in the early 1770s. As the informative opening number explains, Alexander Hamilton will go on to become "the ten-dollar Founding Father without a father", with the production charting how he "got a lot farther by working a lot harder, by being a lot smarter and by being a self-starter". And, as shot on Broadway back in 2016, the results really are as phenomenal as we've all been hearing for the past five years. The entire cast, including not only creator, writer and star Lin-Manuel Miranda but Tony-winners Daveed Diggs (Snowpiercer) and Leslie Odom Jr (Murder on the Orient Express), Mindhunter's Jonathan Groff and Waves' Renee Elise Goldsberry, is superb, as is every element of the production. Infectiously exuberant from its first moments, and not only lively but frequently funny, Miranda's rich, dense but always accessible words and songs interrogate US history with passion, intelligence and energy. They'll also become firmly lodged in your head, too, so don't say we didn't warn you. The filmed version of Hamilton is available to stream via Disney+. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QpnvmMmag&feature=emb_logo PALM SPRINGS It wasn't the first movie to play with temporal trickery; however, Groundhog Day has a lot to answer for. Films about folks stuck in a loop, repeating the same day or events over and over, now almost comprise their own genre — but, wearing its allegiance to the aforementioned Bill Murray-starring comedy on its sleeves, Palm Springs is one of the best of them. Here, Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Andy Samberg plays Nyles, who has ventured to the titular location with his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner, Brightburn) to attend a friend's nuptials. He gets drunk, makes a speech and a scene, befriends fellow wedding guest Sarah (Cristin Milioti, Modern Love) and disappears into a cave, warning the latter not to follow. When dawn breaks, it's the same day again. Then variations on the same events happen once more, and they just keep repeating over and over. Also featuring an initially intense JK Simmons (21 Bridges) as another ceremony attendee, Palm Springs has a wealth of fun with its concept, and becomes one of the year's most enjoyable movies in the process. Produced by Samberg alongside his Lonely Island colleagues Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, directed by feature first-timer Max Barbakow and written by Lodge 49's Andy Siara, it also finds its own way to grapple with the time-loop genre's usual elements — the repetition that feels like being stuck in purgatory, and the existential malaise that comes with it — in a smart and funny rom-com that boasts particularly great performances from Samberg and Milioti. Palm Springs is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfTmT6C5DnM DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD Mortality is no one's favourite subject. Confronting the certainty of our own demise is so difficult, we all just generally carry on as though it won't happen. And the reality that everyone we know and love will die, including our parents, is just as tough to deal with. Facing not only the fact that her father is advancing in age, but that he's suffering dementia — meaning that she'll lose him mentally before he passes away physically — cinematographer and documentarian Kirsten Johnson (Cameraperson) conjured up a playful and poignant project. In Dick Johnson Is Dead, she stages her dad's death over and over. He's very much alive and he takes part, with the father-daughter duo bonding during what time they have left together in the process. While it might sound morbid, this moving movie is anything but. As well as the scenes that give the film its title, it also provides an insightful chronicle of the Johnsons' lives. Tender, thoughtful, personal and intimate, and driven by both Dick and Kirsten's presence, the result is perhaps the most affecting feature of the year — and a very worth winner of the Special Jury Award for Innovation in Non-Fiction Storytelling at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Dick Johnson Is Dead is available to stream now via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGvYFB6GHRY SPACESHIP EARTH When it premiered at Sundance in January this year, Spaceship Earth wouldn't and couldn't have seemed as topical as it does at present. The documentary's subject: Biosphere 2, the biodome in the Arizona desert that played host to eight inhabitants for two years in the early 90s — all isolating themselves from the world by choice, in the name of science, to see if a closed-off, fully self-sustaining vivarium could work if/when humanity ever ventures beyond the earth. It sounds like pure sci-fi, but this is 100-percent reality. With the help of a treasure trove of archival material as well as present-day interviews from many of the folks involved at the time, filmmaker Matt Wolf takes viewers through the unusual and fascinating experiment. While it would've been very easy to play up the outlandishness of the whole project (indeed, as seen in media clips from the time, many an onlooker did), this doco approaches Biosphere 2 and the passionate people who made it happen with thoughtfulness and appreciation, in what proves a supremely mesmerising, engaging and intelligent film. Spaceship Earth is available to stream via DocPlay.
Right now, the culinary name on everyone's lips in Melbourne is Rosheen Kaul. The chef made a name for herself when turning Brunswick East's Etta into one of the city's best restaurants and publishing her hugely successful cookbook Chinese-ish: Home cooking, not quite authentic, 100% delicious. Kaul has made it to the big leagues, but still doesn't feel like she's fully cooked — "I will not say I've reached my final form as yet," she shares with Concrete Playground. To get closer to that final form, Kaul decided to leave Etta and throw herself back into the wild. She's now writing a new cookbook, collaborating with chefs all over Australia and judging the upcoming S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition — alongside the likes of Josh Niland, Jake Kellie, Brigitte Hafner and Brent Savage. Kaul has already played a great part in helping develop what contemporary Australian cuisine is and can be, but she has plenty more to give. We also spoke with her about her future plans — both for herself and the country's culinary landscape — as well as the best advice that she has ever received and how it helped her become so successful. On Joining the Big Leagues in Melbourne's Food Scene "There is an incredible responsibility that comes with being a more-prominent face in the Melbourne food scene. I am acutely aware that I represent a demographic that is only now seeing representation in food media, and I am both honoured and empowered to have a platform to share my experiences as a female chef and as an Asian Australian." On What Kaul Has Been Up to Since Leaving Etta "I had planned to take a break when I left Etta, but I definitely underestimated how bored I'd be without the high energy and stimulation of kitchen life. I'm nearly at the finish line with the manuscript for my next cookbook, and I'm spending the rest of the year travelling around Australia cooking with some of my amazing friends and peers in their venues interstate. It's a brilliant way to keep myself in the kitchen, and frequently put myself well out of my comfort zone. Cooking my food in different spaces and running different types of services is really helping me zone in on the core of my style of cooking. Beyond the woodfire, beyond a specific style of service, I've had to figure out precisely what makes my food 'me' — that can be applied to say a breakfast pop-up, a charcuterie pop-up, a rural pub takeover or a completely lo-fi open fire in the bush. I'm excited to see all of the different forms my food takes around Australia." [caption id="attachment_962874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Annika Kafcaloudis[/caption] On Kaul's Upcoming Cookbook "I'm incredibly excited about this next book. I can't reveal the title as yet, and it will be published with the same publisher as Chinese-ish — so it will be fantastic. After the international success of Chinese-ish, I didn't think I would write another one as I felt like I couldn't possibly top the first, but inspiration comes from all sorts of places, and I was hit with an absolute bullet train of inspiration one day and I knew I had to get it all out in a book. See, the thing is I wrote Chinese-ish before Etta, and still didn't quite know who I was as a chef, nor had I really zoned in on my style of cooking as yet. Writing Chinese-ish gave me an incredible insight to my own identity as a person straddling multiple worlds and cultures, and my time at Etta gave me the platform to put that on a plate and the time to refine my ideas. I will not say I've reached my final form as yet, but I am miles away from the chef I was when I wrote my first book. There was no need for me to reach into my past for recipes this time — rather, each of the 160-odd recipes are Rosheen originals born from the confidence and self-awareness I've gained over the past few years. Vibrant, colourful, delicious and bold — it's a book of sauces, condiments and dressings as wildly cross-cultural as I am. I can't wait to share it with you all next year." On Judging at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year Academy Competition with Some Huge Names in Food "Big names indeed, and I'm honoured to be counted among them. Josh Niland, particularly, is a chef whose work I've followed for many years, and learned so many techniques from that I've applied in my own kitchens and taught my own chefs. Brigitte curates one of the most incredible, immersive dining experiences in the country with such a generous style of cooking and I've had the privilege of dining at Tedesca Osteria twice. Brent Savage's restaurants are legendary, and some of the most pitch-perfect dining experiences I've had in Sydney were at Bentley and Cirrus. And Jake Kellie, I've admired for many years during his time at Burnt Ends, and I'm thrilled to be cooking with him at Arkhe in August." On the Importance of Celebrating and Supporting Young Chefs "Australia doesn't share the same long history of haute cuisine as other countries, and it is only now that we are beginning to articulate what 'Australian cuisine' is, was and can be — encompassing native and traditional ingredients and influence from waves of immigration, and reflective of where we are as a nation. It's hugely important to support our young chefs in Australia on that journey to define who we are, and to have more chefs that thrive on the world stage. For Australia, we're at the precipice of our culinary journey, and we have to see the ideas of the current industry taken to the next level by the next generation of chefs." [caption id="attachment_962876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Etta by Annika Kafcaloudis.[/caption] On How Melbourne's Food Scene Stacks Up Against Other World-Leading Culinary Cities "I'm originally from Singapore, and I can say with certainty that the dining scene in Melbourne is well up there with cities like London and Paris. Not as saturated, sure, but the fresh ideas, breadth of styles and respect for ingredients coupled with incredibly strong skills puts this city firmly in the same calibre. Melbourne did host the World's 50 Best a few years ago for a reason, so I certainly am not biased in this opinion. What I do love about cooking in Melbourne is the freedom. We have sensational produce, young farmers serious about healing our topsoil — growing truly delicious ingredients — and such a wealth of cultures and histories to be inspired by. It's an incredible time to be a chef in Melbourne." On the Best Advice That Kaul Has Ever Received "I've been told a few things in my life that have focused and sharpened my trajectory, the major one being to be a sponge: learn anything and everything from the people around you. Everyone is good at something, and whether it be a Demi-Chef or a Head Chef training you, there is always something to learn, whether you agree with them or not. The more talking you're doing, the less you're learning. When I was working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts once said 'the moment you lose your temper, you've lost control of the situation'. I held that statement close when I started running my first kitchen. If you stay calm, calculated, and ready for any and all possibilities, you'll never be taken by surprise. Three steps ahead, always." And Some Advice for Young Chefs Looking to Succeed in the Industry "Leave your ego at the door. You also have to continually challenge yourself — don't ever be the smartest person in the room — because complacency is akin to failure, and there were times when I was feeling a little too comfortable at Etta. The best thing I could do for myself as a 31-year-old chef was to throw myself out into the world again and seek new challenges. It's a scary thing, defending your credibility, but I know I can be more, and it is worth every bit of fear and discomfort." Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen.
D.O.C Espresso has sat in the same spot on Lygon Street for 20 years, playing a big part in Melbourne's contemporary Italian restaurant renaissance — which saw a more modern style of Italian dining take over the city. After so many years of business, the crew thought the space needed a little love, and so shut up shop for renovations back in August this year. But the team didn't just redo the interiors during this break. The chefs also redesigned the menu and the owners renamed the venue D.O.C Osteria. It reopened on Thursday, October 24, and is already welcoming old regulars back to see what they think of the changes. The new fitout sees the space gain a little more glamour — while still holding onto its semi-casual charm — with the inclusion of gold finishes, luxe red marble countertops and banquette seating. The weatherproof streetside dining area and courtyard out back also got a little revamp, plus the team expanded the kitchen to help the chefs make more fresh pasta onsite. As it was with D.O.C Espresso, Osteria has a strong focus on pasta — keeping a few dishes from the previous menu while reworking others and creating a smattering of new creations. Regulars will be glad to see that the famed lasagne remains — as does the funghi pasta, but in a slightly different form. We will admit that we preferred the original version, but this porcini and portobello number is still worth ordering. The mixed seafood linguine, though, is an absolute banger. Packed with calamari, prawns, mussels and rockling, and dowsed in garlic and chilli, it is more or less a must-order. The small bites have also been given a heap of love, helping D.O.C become a great destination for sipping and snacking — either alone, on a date or with a few mates. Get around the trio of cicchetti, its succulent marbled Rangers Vallery black Angus skewer, and a moreish crochetta — a crumbed and deep-fried cube of bucatini pasta, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese and black pepper. The playful take on a classic panzanella salad is also a huge win, made with ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce and a balsamic crunch. There's a really good blend of simple comfort food and more elevated interpretations of classics — letting diners choose their own kind of Italian dining adventure. There are also plans to renovate the D.O.C Delicatessen & Espresso next door soon, helping it transition into a specialty grocer, paninoteca and cafe. D.O.C Osteria is open from 12pm every day of the week, and is located at 326 Lygon Street, Carlton. For more details, you can check out the venue's website.
The Mornington Peninsula has temporarily lost one of its most celebrated wineries and cellar doors, after Pt Leo Estate suffered a minor fire on Friday, May 20. The venue took to Instagram over the weekend to share the news, confirming the site's restaurants, cellar door and sculpture park would be shut until further notice. Fortunately, it seems no one was injured in the blaze, with the post stating: "Our guests and team are safe and well." It goes on to confirm that all existing dining reservations from May 21 onwards have been cancelled, encouraging people to get in touch via email if they need any more information. [caption id="attachment_822391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pt Leo Estate, by Chris McConville[/caption] The team hasn't yet shared word on how much damage was incurred, nor how long the estate might be out of action. They did, however, thank their customers, saying: "We appreciate your understanding and support and hope to welcome you back soon." The Pt Leo Estate fire comes four years after Main Ridge winery Ten Minutes by Tractor had its restaurant gutted by flames in the middle of service, and was forced to close its doors for over 18 months to rebuild. Fingers crossed that this latest fire is a whole lot less devastating and that long lunches at Laura will be back on the menu in no time. Pt Leo Estate will remain shut until further notice. For updates, see the website. Top Image: by Anson Smart
A free and confronting exhibition that explores the merging of human and animal. In part celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, My Monster: The Human Animal Hybrid will illuminate how we as a society still fear, yet are fascinated, by human-animal hybrids. Through the work of over thirty artists, the exhibition will ask the question of what a hybrid future might look like for animals and humans, given recent biotechnological developments. Just like the monster in Shelley's book, the hybrid is unnatural, an outsider — a monster that blurs the lines between the human and animal realms. The exhibition's aim is also to remind us that we are all, really, still animals, so get ready to feel a sense of disquiet upon seeing the exhibition. And a word of warning: some parts are considered confronting, so beware. Top image: Kate Clark, 'And She Meant It'
Finding a food truck in Melbourne is like a cryptic little treasure hunt. First, you must do the research: following your favourite foodie on Twitter and deciphering covert announcements of their location. Then, you must painstakingly track down said truck through Google Maps, ducking and parkouring through alleyways and parks as if the eventual tacos are some prestigious prize for those with the best detective skills. Fast food has never been so difficult. That is until now. After a ban was lifted by the City of Melbourne this week, today marks the first day food trucks have been allowed into the CBD. As part of a three month trial period, 12 local favourites will be permitted to operate in the main city grid over seven allotted locations. The participating vendors include a selection of Melbourne's best: Taco Truck, Gumbo Kitchen, Happy Camper Pizza, Mr Burger and Banh Mi Boys among others. It's a daring move for Melbourne City Council — one that's bound to irritate city food vendors. A few months ago, they only had novelty parachutes of molten cheese to compete with, now they have a dozen established eateries. In fact, food trucks have already caused a headache for local merchants in Docklands and some of the inner suburbs. Due to mounting pressure, Yarra City Council even made a ruling last year that the trucks are not allowed to operate within 100 metres of existing businesses. But fans of food trucks are used to walking 100 metres to get their fill. This new ruling will put an end to burger-hunting in the back streets of Brunswick and Richmond. No longer does a bowl of nachos necessitate a full-scale search squad. From now until early August, you may just stumble across your favourite meals on wheels after exiting the NGV. Food trucks will operate on a rotating roster at the following locations: Outside National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road On the east side of St Kilda Road, near the Floral Clock and adjacent to Walkers Fountain; opposite the Victorian College of the Arts Boathouse Drive, Melbourne, east of the bollards Birdwood Avenue, near Shrine of Remembrance Landsdowne Street, 50m north of Wellington Parade Linlithgow Ave, adjacent to the King George V Memorial East side of Birdwood Ave, outside Gate D of the Royal Botanic Gardens Via Good Food. Photo credit: avlxyz via photopin cc.
The days are long and drenched with sunlight, and you've got time on your hands to lie on the sand or in the grass and while it away with a book into the late summer hours. But you want the hours to be worthwhile, and sometimes it's really difficult to make a decision or to know where to start. Moreover, you want something enjoyable and easy to read that isn't going to turn your brain to marshmallow. So to help you out, Concrete Playground has come up with some suggestions for the best books to read over your summer. We've got new stuff and old stuff. Books you've never heard of and books everybody's heard of. Romances, mysteries, high quality smut, and stories both sweet and weird and wonderful. Compiled lovingly by somebody who's found the first legitimate use for her English major, we hope that these books delight you and make summer all the more wonderful. The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano If you've spent time in inner-city bookshops over the past couple of years, you've probably noticed a slow infiltration of the name Roberto Bolano onto every 'Recommended' shelf around. It's been a long time since an author has taken on cult status quite like Bolano has. When once asked what me might have done had he not become a writer, Bolano answered "a homicide detective. I would have been the sort of person who comes back alone to the scene of a crime by night, unafraid of ghosts." He said that just a few months before his untimely death in 2003, and ever since Bolano's ghost has been figuratively haunting international literature. The Savage Detectives is one of his greatest works. Divided into three sections, the novel is ostensibly about the adventures of two young Mexican poets from the 1970s until the turn of the twentieth century, as they drink, have sex, travel the world, and argue long and loud, narrated solely by the people they come into contact with. Written in luminous, ferocious prose, you have never read anything like The Savage Detectives before. If you read nothing else this summer but for the newspaper and the labels on bottles of cider, please, we implore you, read this. Citrus County by John Brandon John Brandon is one of 'those McSweeney’s guys'. Trumpeted by Dave Eggers, amongst others, as a kind of modern-day Catcher In The Rye (but then, isn’t everything?), Citrus County pulses with the heat and humidity of the backwaters of Florida. Combining your standard narrative of lonesome adolescence with the most sinister kind of crime novel, Citrus County has become something of an underground literary sensation. The story follows Toby, a fourteen year old with a case of minor delinquency, and his tentative relationship with Shelby, the new girl in his class. The catch is that Toby has kidnapped Shelby's four-year-old sister Kaley and hidden her in a bunker in the woods. The story emerges out of the sluggish apathy of the swamps and sun and hits you like a slap in the face, completely subverting your expectations about what novels are 'supposed' to do. It is at once 'easy to read' when it's too hot to think too hard, while also being a very, very good book. Axolotl Roadkill by Helene Hegemann Axolotl Roadkill, both when it was published in its original German two years ago and then translated into English earlier this year, was smothered in hype, like so many chips soaking in a puddle of cheap pub gravy. For one thing, the book was written by a seventeen-year-old girl, a filmmaker from Berlin who comes across as both bone-achingly cool and distressingly talented. For another, it's a bit like the first season of <em>Skins</em> in novel form. One effusive reviewer aptly praised Hegemann for "conjuring dialogue like David Mamet, romanticising the afterlife like Jack Kerouac and hallucinating as sadistically as the Marquis de Sade." That just about sums it up. Axolotl Roadkill is at once a portrait of a young girl so emotionally stunted there’s no hope for a happy ending or any kind of redemption, and also a broader critique of a society which prefers to float along on the surface of things, refusing to grow up or to ever really care about anything too deeply. The novel isn’t perfect – and got waylaid with nasty accusations of plagiarism which Hegemann, playing semantics, termed 'mixing' – but it is savage, and raw, and completely worth reading, regardless of the suffocating hype. Outer Dark by Cormac McCarthy Cormac McCarthy has the uncanny ability to render both horrific and beautiful descriptions from the same bloody, violent subject matter, in all of his novels. The sentences are long, heartwrenching rambling things which read as though a desert mystic is spinning them out of the threads of the dark universe around him. For that is very much the image of Cormac McCarthy, arguably the world's most adored misanthrope. While his more well-known novels are those that have been adapted to cinema, like The Road and No Country For Old Men, Outer Dark, his second novel, is worthy of just as much rapturous attention. Set somewhere in the deep south at the turn of the century, Rinthy gives birth to her brother Culla's baby, who abandons the baby in the woods. The novel follows the two of them, wandering separately, looking for the baby and attempting to assuage the sin. The world of Outer Dark is one abandoned by God, with no causality, and where human beings are indistinguishable from animals. It may be disturbing and unsettling, but Outer Dark is one of the finest things you could read over the next few stifling months. The Heart is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers Regularly included in lists of the top 100 English language novels of the 20th century, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter was a sensation when it was published in the 1940s, propelling Carson McCullers, a waif-like twenty three year-old in androgynous clothing, into the throes of the literary spotlight. The novel centres on a deaf man, John Singer, in a Southern small town during the depression. Four characters - one an alcoholic labourer, another the owner of a diner, a black doctor and a young, idealistic teenage girl - all flock to him, each believing that he is the only person in the world who can truly understand them, despite not being able to hear a single word they say. No matter the heartache each character expresses, one thing comes across: the bitter loneliness and isolation that plagues the lives of the most disparate people, who cannot connect. Office Girl by Joe Meno In some senses Office Girl is a little like a Zooey Deschanel movie. It's a little bit twee, but not in an un-endearing sense. The semi-experimental novel published by Joe Meno earlier this year is the story of two former art-school kids in late '90s Chicago. Both ride around the city on their bikes, Jack recording the sounds of everyday life, while Odile defaces public advertisements with pictures of hairy genitalia. Often a little absurd and self-conscious, the novel is also an affectionate portrait of what it's like to be creative and lost in your twenties. Appropriately enough for a novel about people who want to change the world through art, the novel comes complete with photographs by Todd Baxter and illustrations by Cody Hudson. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Cloud Atlas was published almost nine years ago, so it's hardly a new phenomenon, but given that the film version has just been released, there has never been a more apt time to read the book before you go to sit in a cinema and gaze adoringly at Ben Whishaw while appreciating the sheer moxy of the Wachowskis and Tom Twyker in adapting such a profoundly unadaptable book. The novel is composed of six different story lines, structured in a pattern very similar to Italo Calvino's If on a winter’s night a traveller, but with the added feature of a 'mirror' effect. Stretching from the nineteenth century into a post-apocalyptic future, and dabbling in genres as various as crime, science fiction and South Pacific adventure, each narrative ends abruptly at a moment of suspense, only to be returned to in the second half of the book. Completely original and endlessly entertaining, Cloud Atlas is definitely worth toting around with you to the beach until the pages get logged with sand. Blindness by Jose Saramago Saramago won the Nobel Prize for literature back in 1998 and remains one of the only Nobel laureates whose work is truly enjoyable to read. Blindness is one of his best-known works. In an unnamed city at an unnamed time, an epidemic of blindness begins to sweep through the population, an infection seemingly spread from just looking upon a blind person. For the safety of the rest of the city, the government locks up those afflicted in an abandoned mental asylum in the middle of the forest, fighting an increasingly hopeless battle and leaving them at the mercy of themselves. Eventually conditions degenerate, and the inmates are left to roam the devastated city trying to survive. On the most simplistic level, the blindness is allegorical of lack of sight, from a man who lived through dictatorship, and revolution. In this world it is the small heroisms of individuals that count. NW by Zadie Smith Although nothing Zadie Smith has written, arguably, has equalled her debut novel <em>White Teeth</em>, her books are reliably excellent. NW is all about roots, specifically about what it's like to be from North West London, where with its halal butchers, African hairdressers and housing estate blocks, seems a world away from the clean white avenues of central London. The novel follows four people now in the their mid 30s, all raised on the same housing estate, over the summer of 2010. Like the streets of North West London itself, the things which happen in the story are fractured and volatile, and there are only tentative conclusions. Seen across the complexities of race and class, NW is also about the kind of angst and disillusionment of people who are told they're supposed to be happy, yet can't feel it, let alone see it. Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan Pulphead is a collection of long essays, which, when you say it just like that, doesn’t sound like a particularly riotous thing to read. But the essays in Pulphead are those of a man styling himself as a next generation David Foster Wallace, Jon Ronson or even Hunter S. Thompson. They are, in short, brilliant. With a wit and energy rarely present in journalism, Sullivan takes us to a Christian rock festival and Tea Party rallies. He races across the south in search of obscure lost blues musicians and nineteenth century botanists and then a few pages later we find him pondering the origins of Axl Rose and Michael Jackson. The stories in Pulphead form a journey through the back roads and badlands, with John Jeremiah Sullivan, a journalist previously published in The Paris Review and The New York Time, undertaking a quest for some kind of enlightenment in the parts of America we rarely see or even acknowledge.
Political art can often feel too blunt or on the nose. Nicholas Mangan's creation of an operational coconut-oil refinery accompanied by copper etching replicas of photographs and newspapers might seem obscure at first, but a cursory glance over Progress In Action's historical context reveals the direct nature of Mangan's exhibit. Therein lies the beauty of the work — propelled to ask what coconut oil and copper have to with anything, the viewer moved to do some investigating of their own will unravel a story of greed, murder and civil war just a stone's throw away from Australian shores. Progress In Action centres around a fascinating moment in history: the establishment in 1964 of the Panguna mine in Bouganville, a small autonomous country within Papua New Guinea. The digging of the mine was an enormous economic investment by Australian mining company Rio Tinto, as the copper-rich island yielded enough profit to make up over 20% of the nation's total GDP. Interesting, then, that the local population saw only 0.5% of those profits. By the late '80s Bouganville's local population, who had long been protesting the mine's devastating environmental impact as well as its extreme social implications (a state of Apartheid was imposed on the island, separating white workers from the native citizens) militarised into the Bouguanville Revolutionary Army (BRA) and began to wreak havoc upon the mine. In response, the PNG government sent in its own troops and in a diabolical move, completely blockaded the island, sealing the BRA in with the mine and shutting them off from medical supplies and food imports. With all external resources denied them, the Bouganvillian population resourcefully improvised various tactics to survive, the most ingenius of which was to use coconuts as fuel. With no petroleum available, they instead refined coconut meat to power generators and engines, running their cars and power systems off the island's plentiful natural resource. They continued to fight back and the mine was eventually shut down in 1989. This is where outsider Mangan enters the scene. Through Progress In Action, Mangan has replicated the MacGyvered oil refinery system, producing enough coconut fuel to power a video artwork about the continuing environmental struggles in Bouganville. Progress in Action may lack much in the way of striking spacial composition and breathtaking craft, but the exhibition's simply and effectively communicated, compelling back story makes it difficult to fault as a political arts experience. It's so rare to find visual art that inspires and encourages the viewer to further explore and research its subject, but Mangan provides an exception that shows us how art can be more than just a pretty picture. Image credit Nicholas Mangan, Progress In Action
Stir up your future at The StandardX, as the boutique hotel hosts another instalment of its monthly Tarot & Tinis series. Hosted in The Loft from 7–9pm on Tuesday, September 2, the crew has teamed up with a couple of local legends to make this experience even more divine. Giving a voice to your inner conflicts, Leah Musch, aka Radical Self, will turn the cards on the night, helping guests connect with their intuition and uncover inner feelings. At the same time, Clifton Hill's Darling Distillery is serving a specially curated martini menu. Distilled just a suburb away, the team is pouring a trio of sublime cocktails, including the Salt N Peppa Gin Martini and the Breakfast Martini — a tasty non-alc option. If you're keen to try all three, mini martini flights are available on the night. With tarot card readings on the house with your drink across this two-hour celestial event, you're welcome to indulge in more cocktails until close. Meanwhile, take the chance to head to the rooftop bar for another glimpse of the cosmos.
Legendary architectural historian and photographer, Richard Nickel, once famously said that "great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men". Private developers, whom are often viewed as the modern equivalent to the Biblical tax collector, seem to sit fairly squarely in this latter category. Derided and debased by society, private developers are seen as men who value profitability above productivity, men who look at an architectural treasure and only see it's potential for money-making and who with one foul swoop of a wrecking ball can reduce cultural icons into rubble and dust. While this characterisation may not be entirely fair, these photographs commemorate the destruction wreaked by private developers. They provide a vision of beautiful buildings being demolished and the modern monstrosities that are often left in their wake. Here are seven stories of stunning theatres transformed into multi-storey carparks, modernist masterpieces replaced with multi-lane highways, and sandstone sanctuaries turned into apartment blocks. Have a closer look at these fascinating photographs and the stories behind them to see how the price of "progress" often appears to be the destruction of a rich and beautiful architectural history. Garrick Theatre - Chicago, Illinois Formerly known as the Schiller Theatre Building, the Garrick Theatre was one of the tallest buildings in Chicago upon its completion in 1892. Despite quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the city's premiere cultural centres, housing everything from German operas to traveling theatre productions to television studios in its 68-year-history, the theatre was demolished in 1960 after a long battle with Chicago residents and preservationists. While Richard Nickel attempted to honour the theatre's legacy by hording and collecting hundreds of artifacts and ornaments that adorned the iconic building, the site now plays home to a car parking facility. The Wabash Terminal - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The demolition of the Wabash Terminal provides a snapshot into the incredible destruction that was Pittsburgh's post-WWII urban development project. 1,500 businesses were forced to relocate, more than 5,000 families were uprooted and more than 3,700 buildings were razed. The Wabash Terminal was one of the centrepieces of robber baron, Jay Gould's elaborate (and ultimately failed) plans to construct a transcontinental railroad empire at the turn of the 20th Century. Its demolition, beginning in late 1953, was a long and brutal process with workmen armed with crowbars and sledgehammers taking down the building brick by brick. Biltmore Hotel - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma These images, taken from a live video broadcast in 1977, played a significant role in sparking public outrage and subsequently bringing to an end the "Urban Renewal program" in post-war America. The 26-story, 300-room Biltmore Hotel was one of the largest buildings to be demolished in this nationwide program to eliminate urban slums. These startling images, for many Americans, brought into sharp focus what terms like "redevelopment" and "restruturing" actually meant: widespread and often indiscriminate destruction of major cities. Before and after shots of the US Post Office - Boston, Massachusetts The majestic US Post Office was located in the heart of Boston and was an architectural centrepiece of the city upon its opening in 1870. Only half a century later, the building fell victim to the wrecking ball with very little explanation given as to why this beautiful building was seen as requiring demolition. Pennsylvania Station - New York, New York On July 14, 1966 Pulitzer Prize-winning architectural critic, Ada Louise Huxtable wrote this "obituary" of New York's iconic Pennsylvania Station in the New York Times: “Pennsylvania Station succumbed to progress this week at the age of 56, after a lingering decline. The building’s one remaining facade was shorn of eagles and ornament yesterday, preparatory to leveling the last wall. It went not with a bang, or a whimper, but to the rustle of real estate stock shares. The passing of Penn Station is more than the end of a landmark. It makes the priority of real estate values over preservation conclusively clear. It confirms the demise of an age of opulent elegance, of conspicuous, magnificent spaces, rich and enduring materials, the monumental civic gesture, and extravagant expenditure for esthetic ends.” Pruitt-Igoe Public Housing Complex – St. Louis, Missouri Depending on who you speak to, the demolition of this massive 33-building public housing complex designed by George Hellmuth and World Trade Center architect Minoru Yamasaki represents either the death knell of Modernist architecture or the rebirth of St Louis as a modern metropolis. Initially built to combat the problem of St Louis' ever-growing slums, the buildings experienced a rapid and dramatic deterioration upon its unveiling in 1956. By the late 1960s the overcrowded complex became a hotbed for gang violence and crime and Pruitt-Igoe, St Louis' shining example of the wonders of urban renewal, was a national embarrassment and a global symbol of American poverty, crime and racial tensions. When it was torn down in the mid-1970s, St Louis may have been able to say goodbye to an embarrassing icon, this was little consolation for the thousands of poor and disadvantaged Americans who woke up one morning to find they were now homeless. Astor House - New York, New York Through much of the 1800s Astor House was considered to be America's most luxurious 5-star hotel, with the likes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Abraham Lincoln (on his way to his inauguration no-less) frequenting the iconic Broadway hotel. By the early 20th Century however Astor House gained a reputation as an "old-fashioned" establishment and in 1913 the building began its long drawn-out demolition, with subway constructions and a transportation building eventually replacing the decadent hotel.
Hipster Santa has come to Sydney Central. He's sporting a red beanie, skinny jeans and an elaborate beard. He's traded Rudolph in for a vintage Citroën. And he's probably far more interested in a Bonsoy latte than a mince pie. If you've been good this year, head along to Central at Central Park between noon and 1pm to take a selfie with Hipster Santa. Please note: no sitting on his knee — that's, like, so cliched. If ironic selfies aren't your thing, maybe you'll want to partake in the activities in Hipster Santa's workshop — or hipster grotto, if you will. From Thursday to Sunday between 4-6pm you can do some gift-wrapping and decoration making. There's hula hooping classes and classic movie nights. Hipster Santa will even be performing his spin on traditional Christmas carols with his band, The Real Deers. Those in need of a giggle should check out Hipster Santa's blog on Tumblr. Apparently Santa's more interested in good vibes than good spelling. He’s also on Instagram @instahipstersanta and you can follow him on Twitter @hipster_santa to get details on ‘hipster hang nights’ or receive some hilarious (and potentially misspelt) hipster ramblings. We have to hand it to him, though, the man can dress.
Throughout cinematic history, it's been pretty common for filmmakers to take a normal situation and hype it up to the extreme. It's why the phrase 'based on a true story' exists — realistic experiences often aren't dramatic enough for the big screen. But, when it comes to tackling complex topics — like that of psychological manipulation — overdramatising isn't the most effective or the most responsible way to portray them on-screen. Modern filmmakers seem to be more aware of this than ever before, taking more care to represent victims (and perpetrators) of psychological abuse, manipulation and gaslighting accurately, rather than relying on stereotyped characters and the assumptions society often makes about these fraught situations. More and more, filmmakers are taking on the responsibility to do away with these problematic stereotypes, and talk about themes and nuances of manipulation in a way that doesn't place blame or loathing on the victim. Berlin Syndrome, the new feature from Somersault director Cate Shortland, is the latest film to do just that. It follows Australian photographer Clare (Teresa Palmer) as she explores the streets of Germany, which is where she meets a handsome, charming local teacher Andi (Max Riemelt). But this is not your run-of-the-mill holiday romance — things escalate quickly, and it soon becomes clear that Clare is not able to leave Andi's apartment at her will. She is being kept captive. To say this is a complicated situation would be an understatement. While being kept prisoner by Andi over an extended period of time, Clare finds herself grappling between her desire to escape and her emotions towards Andi. As the name of the film and her behaviour would suggest, Clare starts to experience Stockholm syndrome, a condition where a hostage feels empathy or affection towards their captor. But, unlike many archetypal female characters, Clare is never portrayed as weak — even when she appears to succumb to Andi. This type of psychological manipulation, to a lesser extent, is unfortunately pretty common in real-life abusive relationships. According to a 2012 Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey, one in four women and one in seven men have experienced emotional abuse by a partner. Emotional abuse is rarely portrayed in an accurate way on-screen. Historically, cinema's hostage and kidnap thrillers have painted the perpetrator as overtly villainous — think the Brie Larson-starring 2016 Oscar-winner Room, as a recent example — or as a literal beast, as is the case in Beauty and the Beast (although that's another problem altogether). Often characters that are being manipulated, or stuck in abusive relationships, are portrayed as weak and blamed for not recognising what's happening around them. Berlin Syndrome may be the latest film to portray the victim of abuse as strong, but it seems to be following a pattern of films being more thoughtful in their approach. Last year's Girl on the Train highlighted gaslighting, and how Rachel's husband used her drinking habits to continually manipulate and confuse her, and Netflix's Jessica Jones threw the model on its head, portraying the victim of abuse not only as strong, but with super-human strength. Manipulative situations are never clear-cut. It's possible to still have feelings for someone who treats you badly — to go back and forth between feelings of love, hate and protectiveness. Cinema has shown us that time and time again. In Berlin Syndrome, Shortland makes the situation relatable and, like the examples above, shows that even the 'strong' and 'normal' can be affected by psychological manipulation. But it's easy to see why filmmakers exaggerate these themes — manipulation in its most dramatic form (guns, suicide, violence) can form a compelling narrative. But it's important for us to realise that often it appears in real life in a much more subtle form. In the past, it seemed like filmmakers thought that we wouldn't understand psychological manipulation unless it was shoved in our face. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Berlin Syndrome is now showing in cinemas across the country — read our review and watch the trailer here. Words: Kelly Pigram and Sarah Ward.
There's no doubt we're a bunch of fierce lovers of the whole fabulous RuPaul's Drag Race franchise — you only need to look at the success of Drag Race Down Under to know just how much. Well, Drag Race fans across Australia and Aotearoa, we've got great news: your 2023 plans just got better — and brighter, bolder and sassier, too. Several of the biggest names from past US seasons are heading for our shores for a new, aptly named Legends tour in May 2023. Icons Trinity The Tuck (Drag Race season 9, All Stars season 4 and All Stars season 7), Monét X Change (Drag Race season 10, All Stars season 4 and All Stars season 7) and double winner Jinkx Monsoon (Drag Race season 5 and All Stars season 7) will be travelling across Australia and New Zealand in May 2023, treating fans to their one-hour show filled with all the dazzling high jinks and cabaret campery we've come to know and love through our screens. Across nine Australasian cities, the trio will be performing a mammoth 11 shows — including a one-hour performance during the opening night of Sydney's Drag Expo. They'll also have their own expo booths so fans can get autographs, photos and merchandise. The Legends tour kicks off in New Zealand with an all-ages show at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal on May 3, before the queens make their way up to Auckland and Wellington for a couple of R18 performances. They'll then head across the ditch to Hobart for an all-ages show on May 9, before delighting fans with shows in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Lucky Sydneysiders get several opportunities to see the queens — including an hour's R18 performance at the Drag Expo opening concert, before two all-ages shows that weekend. Finally, they'll finish things off with an R18 show in Perth before making their way home. If you're a true fan you'll probably want to save your pennies and fork out for one of the extremely limited VIP ticks — these include an extended meet and greet with Trinity, Monét, and Jinkx, and a personal photo moment. Start planning those photo 'fits now. It's a huge tour but if the hunger fans down under have for the show is anything to go by, we'd recommend getting in early for tickets — they're on sale now at itdevents.com. The full Legends 2023 schedule: Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, NZ All ages, seated Friday, May 5, 2023: Studio, Auckland, NZ Restricted 18+, standing Saturday, May 6, 2023: The Hunger Lounge, Wellington, NZ Restricted 18+, standing Tuesday, May 9, 2023: Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS All ages, seated Friday, May 12, 2023: Plenary 2 (MCEC), Melbourne, VIC All ages, seated Saturday, May 13, 2023: The Princess Theatre, Brisbane, QLD All ages, seated/standing Wednesday, May 17, 2023: The Great hall, Adelaide, SA All ages, seated/standing Friday, May 19, 2023: Drag Expo opening concert at Home The Venue, Sydney, NSW Restricted 18, standing Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 2023: Drag Expo, Sydney All Ages Tuesday, May 23, 2023: The Rechabite, Perth Restricted 18+, standing The Legends tour starring Trinity The Tuck, Monét X Change and Jinkx Monsoon will be touring Australia and New Zealand in May 2023. Tickets are on sale now.
Melbourne's southside is undoubtedly one of the most stylish parts of the city. And when it comes to men's fashion, there's a pretty good chance that Robinson Man has something to do with the most up-to-the-minute looks hitting the streets. The brand focuses on high-quality men's knitwear, with its fine hand-combed cashmere coming all the way to Prahran's High Street from the steppes of Mongolia. Robinson Man's architecturally designed space also features a host of like-minded brands that produce similarly stunning menswear, so you can quickly level-up your style game.
Ready for it? Whether you danced in the aisles at your local cinema or you haven't yet seen the concert film version of one of the biggest music tours currently traversing the globe, you'll be able to enjoy Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour at home from Thursday, December 14. Swifties, you'll be able to celebrate the pop star and newly crowned TIME Person of the Year's blockbuster film to celebrate the singer-songwriter's birthday. That falls on Wednesday, December 13 in 2023; however, with the time difference, Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is hitting digital on the Thursday in Australia and New Zealand. If your wildest dreams have been about getting in on Taylor Swift's Eras tour since it was first announced, then the pop superstar comes bearing gorgeous and enchanted news, clearly — including while the movie is still in cinemas. Missed out on tickets to see Swift when she plays Melbourne and Sydney in early 2024? Consider this the next best thing. Look what the world made Swift do: turn her current massive tour into a movie that's also proven a smash, taking in almost $250 million at the worldwide box office since releasing in October, ranking it in the top 20 for takings so far this year. While fans have been able to experience a money-can't-buy view of the 'Shake It Off', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together' and 'Bad Blood' musician's gig — working through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular — on the big screen, the extended version is coming to digital. Accordingly, donning your friendship bracelets at home means seeing three songs performed that aren't in the theatrical cut. The IRL Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, then headed to Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Next on the list: Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Canada, a return to the US and, of course, Australia, all in 2024. Check out the trailer for Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour Concert Film below: Taylor Swift: The 'Eras' Tour is still in cinemas, and will be available to rent on digital from Thursday, December 14 in Australia and New Zealand. Read our review.
If you're a regular at The Orrong Hotel, Marquis of Lorne, Union House or Mount Erica Hotel, this one will come as good news for you. Melbourne publican Matt Vero, best known for his involvement in the redevelopment of these Melbourne favourites, is teaming up with barista Matt Ward to open Highett's newest venue: Railway Wine Bar. The pair of Matt's first met back in 2010, later teaming up to open venues in Malvern and Highett, including Teo's Pizza which sits next door to Railway Wine Bar. While a curated selection of cheese and charcuterie is available at Railway Wine Bar, hungrier patrons coming through for a tipple have the option of ordering hot woodfired pizza from neighbouring Teo's. Turn to the list of wines by the bottle or glass for a jaunt through a selection of international and local favourites, with a particular focus on Australian vineyards and minimal intervention wines. Wines from Spain, France and Italy are peppered through the selective menu, plus an Argentinian Malbec. "Maison soleil, a McLaren Vale Pinot Noir has been a fan favourite so far," co-owner Matt Ward says. "There are no pure wine bars in Highett so we jumped on the opportunity to create a space where Highett locals could perch for a drink, rather than having to venture Hampton or Sandringham." Railway Wine Bar is now open from 4pm-late from Tuesdays to Thursdays; 3pm-late on Fridays and 2pm-late on the weekend.
Lego is awesome. It is brightly coloured, easy to use and small enough to fit in your pocket and take to the park. Until you step and fall on a piece when you're trying to do something important like run to answer the phone or stumble to the kitchen for coffee and aspirin because you're hungover. Those pointy edges hurt like hell. Small children, and grown ups who were once children, have been making mind-boggling things from Lego for quite a while, but while pinball machines, iPods and even a camera might be impressive, it's always seemed harder to create real-live people out of the coloured plastic bricks. However, Fine Clonier, specialists in Lego minifig customisation, ran a competition inviting people to create historical literary figures out of lego. The winning design went to Mark Twain, the man who wrote Huckleberry Finn, sporting a particularly dashing haircut, and who sagely proclaimed "go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company." But other literary Legos were also included which are equally worthy of your attention. A smug F.Scott Fitzgerald, a brooding Ernest Hemingway, and a very French and goateed Rene Descartes round out the literary Lego figures and give some much needed bookish cred to the otherwise sober Danish amusement. [Via Booklicious]
An ideal summer arvo of sipping should be two things: refreshing and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's a grassy backyard or sunshine-soaked dining room, lo-fi picnic or no-expense-spared soirée, there are more than a few ways to elevate your summer cocktail hour, be it for yourself or if you're inviting all your faves. Well versed in adding fizz and flavour to a party is CAPI, the family-owned and -run Victoria-based bev company that works creatively and passionately to deliver liquids that hit the mark on flavour with all natural ingredients and locally sourced water. Its latest release? Three summery cocktail mixers, bottled beautifully and only awaiting a few shots of your preferred liquor. With a ready-to-go cocktails in the fridge, your friends on the way (or the next chapter of your book at the ready) and some of these aesthetically pleasing recs locked down, your at-home cocktail hour will be a true summer delight. START WITH THE SIPS Your afternoon drinks menu is looking persuasive thanks to CAPI's new cocktail mixers. A charred pineapple daiquiri, perhaps? With the tropical sweetness balanced with slightly charred caramel notes and the cocktail's signature squeeze of lime, all there's room for is ice, rum and summer thirst. Can't go past a marg? We get it. But when you're leaning into an arvo with good company, you don't want to be hitting pause on the fun to shake your libation. This margarita mix is almost certainly lower in sugar than your local's pour, and combines Aussie limes, a lick of orange and the sweet kick of agave. Like it hot? The best people do. The spicy watermelon margarita mix beckons for your bottle of tequila, slices of the melon alongside and a chilli-salted rim. Each eight-serve bottle is a fully recyclable (like each and every item in CAPI's lineup of more than 20), but that's just the start of the brand's sustainability specs: bottles are freighted aboard mostly electric vehicles, are made from a minimum of 40% recycled glass (and are then 100% recyclable) and the company partners exclusively with freight providers who are committed to reducing carbon emissions — we're into it. SERVE UP WITH A SIDE OF COLOUR Don't think properly plating up changes the flavour of your food? Well, it certainly doesn't hurt. This is something the glassware gurus at Fazeek can attest to. Its range is bright, bold, architectural and a treat to look at (and dine off). For a lo-fi touch, pre-prepare your cocktail of choice and house it in the Vice Versa Carafe, then nab the Pearl Platter and pile it high with pickled veggies, a hunk of hard cheese and some rough-cut focaccia. Serve a salad in style and grab some of the delightfully different vessels — think rippled coupes or highballs — in differing shades. Expecting to host well into the night? Keep it bright with these striped candles and structured holders, and lean back to enjoy the golden glow of a balmy summer evening. [caption id="attachment_878061" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Javi Trapero[/caption] SNACK SENSIBLY We're calling it, it's going to be the summer of snacks: the salty and delicious gilda (pictured above) is finding its way onto many a menu, we're looking to long share-style meals that allow us to try it all and our tendency to finish a weekend with a pot-luck picnic is a nice tag-along to daylight savings. If you've got guests, ensure you're all fuelled by requesting they bring a plate of bite-sized morsels. Suggest the aforementioned gildas, a briny pintxo classic that sees an olive meet the salty hit of an anchovy and a pickled pepper. Or take the reins and grab your jarred goods, skewers and a funky plate, and lean in to the Mediterranean art of grazing away the daylight hours. Crusty bread alongside is a non-negotiable. [caption id="attachment_877977" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @handsshopau[/caption] ADORN YOUR TABLE Flirty and fruity — everything you want your cocktail arvo to be. After you get one of your five-a-day from your cocktail, get another from your table accessories. This woven pear placemat is an attention-demanding balance of on-trend and kitsch. Grab enough for all and set your table, or nab just one and use it at centrepiece. There are crabs and cakes, yellow pears and apples — all available from the cuter-than-cute Hands Shop, which brings the wares of local and international makers to Newtown's Australia Street. [caption id="attachment_878038" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @kane_lehanneur[/caption] CREATE SHADE No one has the time (or desire) for burnt skin, so ensure you've got pockets of shade while you while away your arvo. If you're outside, opt for an expertly, sturdily crafted — and delightfully artful — umbrella. This one sees Basil Bangs join forces with Kane Lehanneur, the Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist known for his fluid, large-scale floral works. Lehanneur created the print exclusively for the shade-slinging Northern Beaches brand, delivering an aesthetically pleasing way to dodge the rays with a cocktail in hand. CURATE SOME BOPS Last yet absolutely not least, you'll want to elevate the vibes of your summer sipping with a playlist chock-full of bouncy beats. If you're looking for a goodie, wrap your ears around funk-lords Groove Therapy's Mood Booster playlist. Or if you're after something slightly more ambient (with some dancy undertones), chuck on Spotify's Pollen playlist for guaranteed good vibes. Take your summer sips to the next level with CAPI cocktail mixers. Head to the website to have your bottles delivered, or find them in your nearest Dan Murphy's or Coles.
Another year, another collaboration between two big cinema names who keep making stellar films together. With Bugonia, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos combine for their fourth joint feature, following 2018's The Favourite, 2023's Poor Things and 2024's Kinds of Kindness. The first of the bunch earned them both Oscar nominations. The second scored Stone her second Academy Award and made Lanthimos a contender again. The latest? It's a remake of a South Korean sci-fi comedy. If you've seen Save the Green Planet!, then you'll know the story. If you haven't, get ready for Lanthimos' take on it. Either way, the Greek filmmaker's new movie is all about a CEO of a major company, two men obsessed with conspiracies, the belief that said head honcho is an alien who'll destroy earth and, as a result, a kidnapping plot — as the just-dropped initial teaser trailer illustrates. Stone (Fantasmas) is the CEO. Doing the abducting to the sounds of Green Day's 'Basket Case' in the flick's debut glimpse: Jesse Plemons — who also worked with Lanthimos on Kinds of Kindness, and won the Best Actor Award at Cannes for his efforts — plus feature first-timer Aidan Delbis. And the mindset that sparks the kidnapping? "It all starts with something magnificent: a flower, then a honey bee. The workers gather pollen for the queen," explains Plemons' character. "But the bees, they're dying. And that's the way they planned it — to make us the same as the bees. But it is not in control anymore. We are." Bugonia's cast also spans Stavros Halkias (Tires) and Alicia Silverstone (Y2K). Behind the camera, while Lanthimos directs, Will Tracy (The Menu) adapted the screenplay from Jang Joon-hwan's 2003 film. Stone is one of Bugonia's producers, too — and so is her Eddington director Ari Aster (Beau Is Afraid). The movie has a date with cinemas Down Under from Thursday, October 30, 2025, but you can probably expect to hear more about it before then if you follow international film festival news — premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, where Poor Things did and won the Golden Lion, seems more than likely. Check out the trailer for Bugonia below: Bugonia releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Come 2026, seven years will have passed since the last Avengers movie, with Endgame releasing in 2019. If you've been counting down the days until the next huge Marvel team-up flick — as 2025's Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts* have all been laying the groundwork for — then you'll still be seeing it next year. Instead of checking it out in autumn Down Under, however, you'll need to put it on your viewing list for December. Disney has announced that the two upcoming Avengers movies, 2026's Doomsday and 2027's Secret Wars, have postponed their release dates by more than half a year each. Instead of arriving in April 2026 and May 2027, respectively, they'll now start screening in cinemas on Thursday, December 17, 2026 and Thursday, December 16, 2027. [caption id="attachment_996596" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney[/caption] If you want to consider this a new Christmas gift two years running, then, you can. Doomsday's cast is certainly stacked higher than a pile of presents, continuing to enlist just about every famous actor ever to suit up for a Marvel movie — or to do so again. Set to be the 38th Marvel Cinematic Universe entry — following the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which releases in July 2025 — Avengers: Doomsday boasts Robert Downey Jr (The Sympathizer) rejoining the franchise, a few folks who've been in past Avengers films, recent additions to the fold, familiar X-Men faces and more. Downey Jr's return comes fresh from him becoming an Oscar-winner thanks to Oppenheimer. While the last time that he was in an Avengers picture, he played Tony Stark aka Iron Man — a role he portrayed in ten MCU movies — this time he's stepping into Victor von Doom's shoes. [caption id="attachment_973924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 MARVEL.[/caption] It's a massive list from there, starting with Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki), alongside Anthony Mackie (Twisted Metal), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building), Letitia Wright (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Winston Duke (The Fall Guy) among those with prior Avengers experience. Also, Wyatt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), Florence Pugh (We Live in Time), David Harbour (A Working Man), Hannah John-Kamen (Breaking Point) and Lewis Pullman (Salem's Lot) are hopping from Thunderbolts* to Doomsday. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) are doing the same from The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Simu Liu (Last Breath) returns from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Danny Ramirez from Captain America: Brave New World and Tenoch Huerta Mejia from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Channing Tatum (Blink Twice) was in Deadpool and Wolverine, and will keep adding to his MCU resume. As Beast from the X-Men movies, Kelsey Grammer (Paper Empire) joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Marvels, while Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard) brought Professor Charles Xavier to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — and they're back again now. [caption id="attachment_989732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.[/caption] Ian McKellen (The Critic), Alan Cumming (Drive Back Home), Rebecca Romijn (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), James Marsden (Paradise): they're on the list of X-Men stars — actors who were bringing Marvel comics to the screen before the MCU even existed, but in films that were their own franchise until now — that are also part of Doomsday. Now that Disney owns Fox, which previously was behind the Deadpool, X-Men and Fantastic Four flicks, it's moving characters from all of the above into its ever-sprawling screen saga. After helming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo (The Electric State) are back as well, directing both Doomsday and Secret Wars. And character-wise, yes that's Thor, Loki, Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Ant-Man, Shuri, M'Baku, John Walker, Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Ghost, Robert Reynolds, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, Shang-Chi, Joaquin Torres, Namor, Gambit, Beast, Professor X, Magneto, Nightcrawler, Mystique and Cyclops covered. Check out the Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement video below: Avengers: Doomsday releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 17, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars on Thursday, December 16, 2027. Via Variety / The Hollywood Reporter. Top images: photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
When Raymond Tan got the keys to his soon-to-be CBD bakery in October last year, he never anticipated his cake shop creations would be delivered by hand from door to door around Melbourne as a result of a stage four lockdown. Yet, this turn of events has led to weekly sell-outs for the accounting graduate-turned-baker. He has now been successfully trialling at-home kits packed with Malaysian-inspired sweet and savoury treats for over a month. "The change has been good and bad," Tan told Concrete Playground. "I started as an at-home baker four or five years ago and it's always been a dream to have a bake shop in Melbourne." With multiple 'care packs' on offer, selections include grazing boxes such as the 'afternoon tea kit' ($45) filled with a slice of unbelievably fluffy chiffon cake, giant crumbly matcha cookies and scones. For something bigger, the impressive 'Raya at home kit' ($60) showcases the bakery's flaky shortcrust pies, scones, pandan and Thai tea-flavoured cakes — plus, a sweet spinach and yoghurt cake, which is Tan's take on a popular Turkish vegetable dessert. There's also kueh included in the kit. A sticky, gluttonous dessert popular in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, it's made with ingredients like peanut, kaya custard and coconut. "In the 'Raya at home kit', people get to taste it all," explains Tan. "It's great when people try my kueh, inspired by my Malaysian background. They're tedious to make but I've had a chance to learn thanks to being in [isolation] and my store is one of the only places to buy them in Melbourne, so I get lots of orders from people missing home." [caption id="attachment_781299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] To drink, you'll find hojicha tea and matcha from Zen Wonders in North Melbourne, which are included with kits or available to add on. There's bottled black and milk coffee, too, brewed from the two coffee blends roasted by Tan's neighbour-turned-friend. "Coffee is important, and luckily this coffee roaster [Come Back to Earth] lives right below my apartment, so we quickly became friends and developed these blends together," says Tan. "There's an O blend espresso coffee, inspired by the Malaysian kopi o, as well as a C blend, after kopi c, a coffee with sugar and milk." For the foreseeable future, Raya is offering weekly deliveries within 20 kilometres of the CBD shop on Saturdays for preorders placed on its website by Wednesday midnight prior. Pickup is available for anyone within the five-kilometre radius of the bake shop. "There's lots of changes that have happened and we are adapting weekly," says Tan. "We don't just offer kits but everything else on the menu can be delivered, including whole cakes to order. We're looking to continue rotating our specials as much as possible, too, so there's always something new to try." Find Raya at Shop 2, 61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open for takeaway from 9am–3pm Thursday–Sunday and preorders via the website are open from 6pm Monday to midnight on Wednesday for delivery on Saturday from 10am–4pm. Images: Julia Sansone
In case you were wondering if the IKEA/Airbnb experiment was actually any good, their guests were woken up in the most painfully adorable way possible. After a night staying in the IKEA showrooms, three families were woken up with breakfast in bed, live classical orchestras and tiny, tiny, extra fluffy puppies. But we don't care, not even, shut up, we're not jealous, you're jealous, whatevs. Just a couple of weeks ago, IKEA became the latest registered accommodation on Airbnb, offering Sydneysiders the opportunity to stay the night instore at the furniture giant's Tempe store in Sydney. For free. Setting up their room displays as so-called quirky accommodation, IKEA let three winning families snuggle in to their fake homes for one epic slumber party on Sunday, August 31. After a Sydney-wide competition, IKEA selected three young families to take the three temporary stays — leaving the unwashed, debaucherous rest of us to wait for some kind of bad review with crossed fingers. After the three winning families were to a big communal dinner feast (featuring dem meatballs), the lucky ducks had Playstations to take the slumber party vibe next level. Airbnb put on a whole bunch of sessions with top notch hoster Claire Ferguson on how to make your home better equipped to become an Airbnb hosting (there's the branding exercise). Before all those rotten customers rolled in for the day, IKEA woke up the three families in three pretty kickass ways (even though, you know, you're snuggled in with your parents and surrounded by flashing cameras, no biggie). Awkward strings: Sweet, sweet breakfast in bed with your parents: AND ADORABLE FLUFFBALLS: Plus, they got to keep their sheets. So. Have a great sheetless, puppyless day.
One big patch of Collingwood is about to look a whole lot different, with the suburb's old technical college site getting a big revamp. Beginning its launch to the public in March, the Johnston Street space is now home to Collingwood Yards, a new contemporary arts precinct that'll house creatives in music, visual arts, performance and digital media across three buildings. Opening in stages across 2021, starting with big opening day celebrations on Saturday, March 13, Collingwood Yards spreads across 6500 square metres — and that space will be getting mighty busy. The aim is to turn the precinct into a bustling inner-city community of artists, while also functioning as an incubator. [caption id="attachment_801197" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Stefan Postles[/caption] It has taken two years to transform the heritage-listed TAFE site, which includes a sprawling courtyard filled with trees that'll host concerts, festivals, markets and community events. Collingwood Yards' trio of buildings will also span retail and hospitality tenants, rooftop and basement bars, galleries, and workshop and performance spaces. And, it includes Keith Haring's eye-catching 1984 mural, which has been restored. While the precinct won't be up and running in its full glory straight away, you will be able to get a significant taste of what's in store at the open day. Beneath Haring's mural, youth music organisation and record label The Push will highlight Melbourne up-and-comers, while fellow Collingwood Yards tenants Bad Apples Music, Play On, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Hope Street Radio will also curate a live lineup. PBS106.7FM hasn't moved in yet, but it'll be providing DJs, while the Centre for Projection Art will be doing exactly what its name suggests. [caption id="attachment_801194" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Natalie Jurrijen[/caption] Attendees will also be able to check out tenants such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned fashion, jewellery and textiles business Blak Voltron, and music-focused gallery and print publisher Reverb Prints — and wander around an art and design market, watch screenings and drop into workshops. The open day will be held under COVID-safe protocols, with the site able to host more than 1200 people at once. Collingwood Yards opens at 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood on Saturday, March 13 — which is when its big open day celebrations will take place. For further details, head to the precinct's website. Images: Peter Clarke, Natalie Jurrijens and Stefan Postles.
From revamped gastropubs to enduring relics of a bygone time, country pubs are often the heart and soul of many regional communities. Sure, there are plenty here in Melbourne that offer up hearty feeds, but regional Victoria has pubs aplenty that are worth the road trip just for the food alone. And if ever there were a time to jump in the car and head to the country for a feed, winter is the time to do it. Because at the other end of your journey, you'll find roaring fireplaces to sit by, warm hospitality and really good food for even better prices. When the time comes, leave the city behind for a winter warming getaway and head to some of these welcoming eateries. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Victoria are allowed from May 31, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_722317" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] TINAMBA HOTEL Situated in Gippsland's east, Tinamba is just a speck on the map with a population of around just 500 people. But locals are likely to consider themselves pretty lucky with the local Tinamba Hotel offering up some great pub food — some of Victoria's best, in fact. Most of the pubs in the surrounding area offer a more ridgy-didge atmosphere but Tinamba Hotel is where you can get a more refined feed without fear of straying into pretentiousness. Plus, it's located just over halfway along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, making it an excellent pit stop to refuel if you're planning a cycling excursion. Menus change frequently, often highlighting locally grown produce, including fresh herbs and vegetables straight from the hotel garden, through dishes that take your pub classics to elevated heights. For dinner, there are freshly shucked oysters to start, while the braised ox cheek makes for a good winter dish. For those hunting for a bargain, the lunch menu offers incredible value with two courses for $35 or three courses for $45. 4-6 Tinamba-Seaton Rd, Tinamba [caption id="attachment_722322" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL With years of experience under their belts, restaurateur veterans Melissa Macfarlane and Frank Moylan ensure that the Royal George Hotel's legacy is kept in safe hands. The venue may be the oldest pub in Kyneton, but the duo behind it have set about offering something a little different to your standard pub fare. Having previously owned the pub back in the early 2000s, Macfarlane and Moylan are back in town and now bring a distinctly European flair to the menu. Order a bunch of plates to share, like stracciatella with 'nduja, kransky with sauerkraut and taramasalata with crisps and zaatar. Or, you can opt for one of the next-level toasties — think garlic prawn jaffle with chipotle mayo, beef brisket or roast pumpkin with sage, chilli honey and parmesan. Once lunch is complete, consider taking the short drive out of town to the Hanging Rock, where you can get some outstanding views across the wintry landscape. Or, have a poke around the shops along Piper Street — you'll find everything from quirky homewares stores to Animus Distillery, a small-batch handcrafted gin distillery. 24 Piper St, Kyneton ROYAL MAIL HOTEL Found in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, the Royal Mail Hotel is Dunkeld's headline dining destination. Home to Australia's largest working restaurant kitchen garden and a sprawling cellar that houses 28,000 high-quality bottles of wine, the Royal Mail Hotel is a countryside dream for gastronomes. Choose from two elegant spaces — the fancier, two-hatted Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel or the more laidback Parker Street Project. If you have the opportunity to break the bank, the former setting offers you a full dining experience with a seven-course degustation — something of a lavish undertaking. The entire venue is spectacular, with contemporary decor and floor-to-ceiling windows offering impressive views of Mount Sturgeon and Mount Abrupt. 98 Parker St, Dunkeld [caption id="attachment_724049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] FARMERS ARMS HOTEL A pub that has long remained central to its community, the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford may not have all the bells and whistles like some (ahem, Royal Mail) but it has cosy allure in spades. Built in 1857, the pub has gone through a number of iterations throughout its history, but even today it still manages to engender a quaint old-world charm. Seasonal ingredients make up the regularly changing menu but one particular belly-warmer is the eye fillet mignon, served wrapped in pancetta alongside mash, beans, garlic spinach and red wine jus. From counter seating and communal tables to cushioned booths and rustic beer garden, the Farmers Arms is one of the toastiest public houses around. And, for those who are planning an overnight stay at Daylesford, the Farmers Arms Hotel features some art-inspired suites with an array of plush furnishings. Located two kilometres from Lake Daylesford, the pub provides a charming base to explore the region. 1 East St, Daylesford [caption id="attachment_771084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL Only a 70-minute drive from Melbourne, Trentham is easy enough to get to — yet it's still most definitely a country town. At the heart of it all is The Cosmopolitan Hotel, with its 150-year history making it a chance for you to step back into the past. Renowned for serving up robust Australian pub classics, the pub's timber-clad building is perfect for a wintertime jaunt. The Cosmopolitan works with some of the region's top producers, including the highly respected Sher Wagyu, which supplies the pub's beef from the nearby community of Ballan. There's also a woodfired pizza menu, and you can end the meal with a cheese plate loaded with fruit loaf, quince paste and muscatels. If you're staying in the area, make sure you take a short hike up to Victoria's highest waterfall — Trentham Falls — which should be flowing heavily come wintertime. 21 High St, Trentham THE WANDI PUB Following years spent on the other side of the world from each other, friends Tim and Paddy had a chance encounter at The Wandi Pub — and almost instantly knew that they would run the place together. Acquiring the place in late-2015, the boys transformed the old-school pub into a bustling joint with cocktails, craft beers and, of course, some pretty tasty nosh. It's a regional pub with just a hint of city appeal. Inside, keep warm by the roaring fireplace or, if in the massive beer garden, cosy up to one of the fire pits dotted throughout while still getting that fresh country air. With nine beer taps available to choose from and frequent gigs, The Wandi is ideal for those wanting to escape the big smoke but still want their beer extra hoppy and their food mighty tasty. Afterwards, you can walk off your feed on the two-kilometre Diggings Walk, which takes you through former goldfields and across a Chinese-style swing bridge. Then, head to Nightingale Bros to pick up some alpine cider and seasonal produce — think chestnuts and persimmons. 580 Morses Creek Rd, Wandiligong [caption id="attachment_722359" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miranda Stokkel[/caption] THE AVOCA HOTEL First established during the 1850s gold rush, The Avoca Hotel — nestled in the Pyrenees wine region — relaunched in 2010 and embarked upon a new dynasty. Now widely recognised for its extensive wine list from the region's vineyards and the pub's subsequent support of its local community, The Avoca proudly wears a stream of accolades for its wines, hospitality and food. If you're not a wine person, there's also a huge range of local, regional and hard-to-find imported brews — and by no means is the food here an afterthought. Working closely with a wealth of local farmers and growers, The Avoca champions the region's produce while its kitchen garden also supplies several of the herbs and vegetables that make their way onto your plate. There are plenty of traditional food options but, for the adventurous eaters out there, it's not uncommon to see hares, eels, kidneys or even brains highlighted on the menu. After your feed, take that well-lined stomach on a cellar door tour of the region's wineries, including Blue Pyrenees Estate, Taltarni, Mount Avoca and more. 115 High St, Avoca Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Cosmopolitan Hotel via Visit Victoria.
Ah, Sydney. The pearl of the Australian east coast, known for its glittering harbour, awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking natural beauty. Unfortunately, it's also known for its hefty price tag. Sydney is expensive, we won't beat around the bush – but fortunately, there are plenty of ways around it. To give you the best of Sydney on a shoestring budget, we've teamed up with YHA Australia to bring you the best tips on how to see, eat and drink your way through the city on the cheap — starting with where to stay. Sydney Central YHA makes for an ace home base; with a rooftop pool and sauna, it's a well-situated spot to chill out after a day of traipsing around. There are frequent rooftop parties, $5 wine and cheese on Friday nights, $1 sausage sizzles on Mondays and Thursdays and even a new bar below the hostel pouring $8 pints. [caption id="attachment_728171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Central YHA rooftop pool.[/caption] Plus, the hostel offers private ensuite rooms, as well as exclusive use of multi-share rooms if you're travelling with a group. So if you're up for the conviviality of staying at a hostel but not for sharing your sleeping space, you can get the best of both worlds. Now that you know how to stay in the heart of Sydney without clearing out your bank account, read on to discover some more penny-pinching tips for eating, drinking and playing your way around the city. [caption id="attachment_557477" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Coogee to Bondi Walk.[/caption] LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS FOR A WALKING TOUR — FREE You don't have to spend a fortune to appreciate Sydney's manmade glories; you get the best views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from a distance. Walking tours are the best way to not only see the city but also to learn about the history and culture the present-day city was born from. I'm Free Walking Tours has a thorough Sydney Sights amble through the heart of the city, covering everything from colonial history to the best shopping districts. It's free, but you are expected to tip what you think the guide was worth when the tour concludes. Sydney Central YHA also runs a city walk at 10.15am and 2.15pm on Monday and Wednesday, and if you're craving that salty breeze, a Coogee to Bondi Beach walk at 11am on Thursdays. [caption id="attachment_652632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spice Alley via Destination NSW.[/caption] TAKE TO THE BACKSTREETS TO FIND AUTHENTIC STREET FOOD — VARIES Sydney Central YHA is perfect walking distance to some of the best street food Sydney's Chinatown has to offer. Chinese Noodle House on Quay Street is a solid favourite with students and city workers alike due to its BYO status and delicious but oh so cheap dumplings. Order the classic: the pork and chive pan-friend dumplings, and don't forget the sticky special-braised eggplant. Another local gem is the spicy white cut chicken at Two Sticks, Sydney's first Yunnan-style Chinese restaurant. The chicken and rice dish is a steal at $6.20 and will fill you up for an afternoon of exploring. Then there's Spice Alley just a few paces from the hostel. Also BYO, this hidden strip is full of eats from across Asia — from Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore to Japan. [caption id="attachment_671381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Botany View Hotel.[/caption] VISIT LOCAL WATERING HOLES ON A DIY PUB CRAWL — VARIES There's no better way to get to know a city and its people than to learn what — and how — they drink. And with pub-lined suburbs like Newtown, Surry Hills and Paddington, you'll have no issues finding a few pubs to help you do as the locals do. From Sydney Central YHA, we suggest heading to The Lansdowne to start a crawl from Chippendale to Newtown. With live music and a pizzeria inside, this pub will set a festive mood for the rest of your trek. From there, you'll encounter The Rose (just off City Road on Cleveland Street), then following City Road as it becomes King Street, you'll find a pocket of pubs, including the Newtown Hotel, The Courthouse, The Bank, The Union and Sydney Park Hotel at the end of King Street (get the fried chicken burger) — and that's not naming all of them. Plus, you could veer down Enmore Road after The Bank instead to find even more watering holes like The Duke and The Warren View. And while a lot of these inner west pubs pour many a local craft beer, Newtown is the gateway to the city's independent breweries. So, you could skip the pubs and go straight to the source on a DIY brewery crawl to the likes of Young Henrys, The Grifter and Batch Brewing. [caption id="attachment_693163" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Surry Hills Market by Letícia Almeida.[/caption] EXPLORE THE MANY OUTDOOR MARKETS OF SYDNEY — VARIES Weekends in Sydney are made for strolling through its many, many markets. You could very well spend an entire weekend going from one to the next. Kicking off on Friday, The Rocks holds a 'foodie' market featuring cuisines from all over — from arepas to gozleme to okonomiyaki. Then Haymarket follows suit with a weekly Friday night market on Dixon Street where you can bounce from one hawker-style stall to the next, feasting on dumplings, takoyaki (octopus balls) and the famous (and super cheap) custard puffs at Emperor's Garden. On Saturday morning, there's a whole slew of markets you can hit. Go for vintage finds at Surry Hills Market (held every first Saturday of the month), snag souvenirs at the weekly Glebe Markets, seek out fashionable threads at Paddington Markets and grab goods for a gourmet picnic at Carriageworks Farmers Market, also both weekly. And on Sunday, make tracks to Bondi where you'll find wares from local designers and craftspeople right next to the beach every week. [caption id="attachment_698082" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Gardens.[/caption] STROLL THROUGH A WORLD OF FLORA AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS — FREE No matter what time of year you visit, you should plan some outdoor R&R at Sydney's beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Over 200 years old and Australia's oldest scientific institution, the gardens begin in the heart of the city and stretch to the harbourfront. One moment you're admiring the diverse range of cacti, roses, native flora and even carnivorous plants, next you've stumbled upon the harbour. Time it well, and you may experience one of the city's stunning sunsets backdropping the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you're interested in learning the history of the gardens and how thousands of agricultural species came to be on our island continent, join one of the free guided walks that run daily. Or learn about the heritage and culture of the Cadigal people — the original owners of the city land — on the Aboriginal Heritage Tour. [caption id="attachment_701146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hubert by Daniel Boud.[/caption] SEEK OUT AN APERITIVO HOUR — FROM $5 You may be travelling on a shoestring, but that doesn't mean you can't eat well. If you want to hit a top eatery but don't want to fork out top dollar, make tracks to an aperitivo hour. While dinner at Sydney's beloved Hubert may remain on your bucket list for a splashier trip, you can still get a taste of the French bistro between the hours of 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Grab a seat at the bar and order from the apéritif menu, offering very affordable $5 croque monsieurs, $5 chicken liver parfait, $10 burgers, $10 negronis and $5 wine, beer, sake and G&Ts. At The Dolphin Hotel's wine room, every Sunday to Thursday from 5–7pm, you can sip wine and beer and eat Italian-inspired snacks for just $5–7. And keeping with the Italian theme, Maybe Frank in Surry Hills offers $10 cocktails and $10 mini pizzas Wednesday to Sunday till 6.30pm. Then there are the oyster happy hours you'll find throughout Sydney. Oysters may seem like a wallet-busting item, but several spots serve 'em fresh from just $1 each including The Morrison in the CBD, The Roosevelt in Potts Point and Gunther's Dining Room in Redfern. [caption id="attachment_612072" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D_O_T, 2016. Galerie Pompom.[/caption] VISIT SOME NEIGHBOURHOOD GALLERIES — FREE Yes, the Art Gallery of NSW and MCA are free and a treat to stroll through, but they aren't the only free art galleries worth a visit. Tucked away in the backstreets of Chippendale, you'll find many a small gallery featuring works by local and international artists. One of the most notable is the White Rabbit Gallery, housing the biggest collection of contemporary Chinese art in the southern hemisphere. It focuses on work designed after the year 2000 — and isn't for the faint-hearted. Exhibitions can be confronting, but all the while thought-provoking. After, walk a few blocks in any direction, and you'll find several small galleries featuring Australian and international works in several media, including Galerie Pompom, Nanda\Hobbs, Harrington Street Gallery and Goodspace Gallery at The Lord Gladstone pub. [caption id="attachment_726628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jorge Láscar.[/caption] HAVE A CLOSE-UP GEEZE AT THE OLD COATHANGER — $10 WITH YHA AUSTRALIA Translation: feast your eyes upon the nuts and bolts of Sydney Harbour Bridge and get one of the best viewpoints in the city. From the Pylon Lookout, you can see the iconic bridge from above as well as catch sweeping views of the city, the surrounding harbour and out toward the headlands. Plus, these high-up sights cost a fraction of the price of climbing the bridge itself. And with YHA Australia, you can take in a 360-degree view of the city for just $10. At the Pylon Lookout, you can take your own camera and visit the museum, where you'll learn about the bridge, its nine-year construction and the engineers, designers and construction workers who brought it to life. Let YHA Australia help you explore more of Australia without breaking the bank. Plan a trip to Sydney (or Melbourne or Brisbane) and book a stay right in the middle of the city with YHA Australia. Top image: Royal Botanic Gardens via Destination NSW.
It was true in The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman: Robert Eggers knows how to unnerve. So, what happens when the acclaimed filmmaker directs his attention to the second-most famous name there is in vampire tales for his fourth feature? If the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Nosferatu is anything to go by, embracing a twist on Bram Stoker's Dracula is about to turn out chillingly. More than a century has passed since the initial Nosferatu flickered across the big screen, a German Expressionist great that adapted Stoker's story with zero authorisation, hence changes such as its count being named Orlok. The film has been remade before, with Werner Herzog (The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft) giving viewers 1979's Nosferatu the Vampyre. Now, Eggers is sinking his teeth in — and visibly loving it. The new Orlok: Bill Skarsgård, fresh from action-star mode in Boy Kills World but pivoting back to creepy villains, just swapping IT and IT: Chapter Two's Pennywise for another insidious pop-culture figure. In the first look at Eggers' Nosferatu, the writer/director plays coy with his monster, but not with Orlok's impact. "My dreams grow darker," cries Lily-Rose Depp, trading the nightmare of The Idol for the gothic horror kind, as Ellen Hutter. Eggers' movie is being pitched as a tale of obsession, where Orlok is infatuated, Ellen haunted and nothing good springs. The teaser is teeming with fire and shadows, screaming and blood, and the type of unease that gets under your skin — so, exactly what the man behind it has made his calling card over the past decade. Joining Skarsgård and Depp is a stacked cast of fellow big names, including Willem Dafoe enjoying another stint in gothic mode after Poor Things and returning to Nosferatu after his Oscar-nominated performance in 2000's Shadow of a Vampire, where he played Max Schreck, the IRL actor who played Orlok back in 1922. Nicholas Hoult jumps from dancing with Dracula in Renfield to more undead eeriness, and Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy) and Ralph Ineson (The First Omen) all also feature. In the US, audiences have a silver-screen date with Nosferatu on Christmas — "succumb to the darkness Christmas 2024," the trailer asks — but viewers Down Under will see the film from Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Check out the trailer for Nosferatu below: Nosferatu releases in cinemas Down Under on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Fuel up for a tough day's work without spending a cent, as Chargrill Charlie's celebrates National Tradie Day with a hard yakka giveaway. Up for grabs from 9am on Friday, September 19, the first 50 tradies at each store location dressed in hi-vis or work gear will score a free roll of their choice, alongside regular chips and a 600ml drink. There's just one catch — you have to say "Tools Down. Rolls Up." So, whether you're a dunny diver, a chippy or a brickie, skip the servo pie and iced coffee for something a little more filling. With Chargrill Charlie's locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane involved, this one-time freebie is your chance to be rewarded for your dedication to the tools.
As Melbourne's art scene restarts after what has felt like an incredibly long hibernation, what better time than summer to get out and appreciate the many opportunities to experience art in person? In partnership with Bombay Sapphire, we've handpicked eight galleries to get you started — as well as some nearby watering holes that'll help you make the most of your day. [caption id="attachment_830446" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Ross[/caption] NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA It's an obvious choice, but don't leave the NGV off your list. While there's always something to see at this leading cultural institution, a show by French-born, Berlin-based sculptor Camille Henrot is top of our list this summer. Is Today Tomorrow, on until January 23, brings together sculpture, drawing, video and installation. It's a space to linger and consider the artist's ideas around influences including self-help, online secondhand marketplaces, cultural anthropology, literature, psychoanalysis and social media. Where to go afterwards: Before you head back across the river, visit Left Bank. It offers a selection of dishes and cocktails (and good people-watching) next to the water in Southbank. Keep it simple with snacks like thick-cut chips and aioli, or choose from classic or kilpatrick oysters, inventive vegan options like pulled jackfruit pizza, or the French decadence of a confit duck leg. Planning on heading to NGV Friday Nights? Left Bank's supper menu is available from 10.30pm until late. [caption id="attachment_775611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] State Library of Victoria redevelopment. Photo: Trevor Mein[/caption] STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA Aside from its impressive collection, the State Library is a chance to escape the hustle, bustle and heat outside and slow down. It's also home to an impressive art collection and a year-round series of free exhibitions. Whether you pull up a chair in the reading room first or not, you might like to check out its exhibition on — what else — books. It features some of the rarest works from the Library's collection that date as far back as the Middle Ages, including pirated editions of James Joyce, Ezra Pound, Sylvia Plath, Bob Dylan and Philip Roth, as well as artist responses to Dante's iconic Divine Comedy. Where to go afterwards: Afterwards, Beneath Driver Lane is ready to welcome you for refreshments. In an underground space that used to be the money order office for the General Post Office, choose from French bistro-style bar food favourites like steak frites, a homemade terrine and a selection of cheeses. It's all complemented by beers, boilermakers, a seasonal cocktail menu and a 500-strong spirits list, as well as a regular lineup of live blues acts to really set the mood. LINDEN NEW ART Housed in a Victorian mansion in St Kilda, Linden New Art's annual exhibition program features work by artists from near and far, with a focus on showing "brave new art" by mid-career artists. Showing this summer is Confined, a group show that brings together the work of three artists working with textiles to explore the lockdown experience. Where to go afterwards: Amble down Acland Street and head upstairs to the Prince Public Bar's lovely open dining room for a drink with a view, as well as some fresh sea air to complement your meal. Decide between a selection from the grill or an elevated take on a pub classic. Or, head downstairs to Little Prince Wine for antipasti and a bottle of something delicious – and something to take home with you. [caption id="attachment_840155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Penelope Davis, Plastic, exhibition at MARS 2021, phototgraphy by Simon Strong[/caption] MARS GALLERY Windsor's MARS Gallery has a wide-ranging program spanning sculpture, dance, video, painting and those works that are often our favourites – the ones that can't be put into neat categories. In February, MARS presents new work by three artists from Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association from the Tiwi Islands' Milikapiti. The exhibition brings together an artist painting with natural earth pigments sourced from Melville Island, a celebrated dancer now also maintaining a painting practice and an artist working with Jilamara (Tiwi body paint design) to create contemporary representations of Murrakupupuni (Country) and the artist's relationship to it. Where to go afterwards: Jungle Boy, the self-described "worst kept secret" in Windsor, is a sure bet for a drink afterwards. Hidden behind a Chapel Street sandwich shop, this lounge and a beer garden offers somewhere to escape the busy streets and relax among foliage with a drink in hand. [caption id="attachment_839250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY Also known as CCP, the Centre for Contemporary Photography is a must-visit on any Melbourne art tour. Here, emerging artists are represented alongside established photographers – watch out for the ILFORD CCP Salon in January, Australia's largest open-entry photomedia exhibition and competition. The gallery also hosts regular artist talks and hands-on workshops, which offers budding photographers a chance to develop their skills under the guidance of established artists. Where to go afterwards: Right near the corner of Johnston and Brunswick Streets, you'll find Black Pearl, one of Australia's most celebrated bars that's about to enter its third decade of trade. It's walk-ins only, so pop in after your art tour and find a table downstairs, settle into a comfortable couch, or pull up at the bar. Don't feel like you need to rush, either — the venue is open until 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. AUSTRALIAN GALLERIES Australian Galleries has enjoyed considerable success since it was established in 1956. Swing by the Collingwood space to find works by contemporary Australian artists among its monthly exhibition program and stock gallery. This summer, you can catch group exhibition Vivid, as well as solo shows by John Anderson and Jörg Schmeisser. Where to go afterwards: One of our favourite spots for wine, Marion has stiff competition on Gertrude Street but more than holds its own. See if you can score a table out the front if it's a balmy night and ask the waiter to recommend your next glass. Plan to eat here, too – why wouldn't you when dishes like gnochetti sardi, stuffed piquillo peppers and fig leaf panna cotta appear on its menu? [caption id="attachment_809706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] COUNIHAN GALLERY IN BRUNSWICK Set in the heart of Brunswick is Counihan Gallery, the City of Moreland's public art space. It is focused on presenting contemporary shows. Its permanent collection includes works by the gallery's namesake Noel Counihan, Angela Cavalieri, Maree Clarke, Graham Drendel, and Fiona Foley. There is also program of shows intended to recognise artists who live, work and contribute to the local community. Where to go afterwards: Keep the good times rolling at Howler, where the summer programming gives you a chance to support homegrown live music. The front bar is a perfect spot to catch up with friends before and after gigs, while the beer garden out the back might just be one of our favourites in town. [caption id="attachment_839110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Graeme Jones (Flickr)[/caption] GEELONG GALLERY Now that you've explored Melbourne's gallery scene, it might be time to venture a little further. And as Australia's only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is home to a number of excellent creative institutions. At Geelong Gallery, you'll find a mix of contemporary and historical Australian and international work. Right now, you'll find a Frederick McCubbin exhibition, an Archibald Prize retrospective, and Kerrie Poliness's site-specific 'Blue Wall Drawing #2'. Where to go afterwards: Head across Johnstone Park to Frankie for a delicious cocktail or to sample some of Geelong's best local produce from its seasonal menu of pan-Asian fare. Catering to all dietary requirements, this Geelong local isn't far away from the waterfront if you feel like a stroll afterwards, too. For more summer inspo, head to the Bombay Sapphire website. Top image: Unsplash
In Encanto, the Madrigal family might not talk about Bruno, but they sure do sing about him — and, thanks to that earworm of a Lin-Manuel Miranda-composed track, everyone watching soon does, too. Just try to catch the Golden Globe-winning, Oscar nominated animated hit without getting that song stuck in your head for weeks. No matter what you do, it's impossible. In fact, even mentioning the tune in this very paragraph will cause the same result. Yes, we know that everyone reading this now has 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' burrowed into their brains again — and there's absolutely nothing that we can do about it. But when a ditty takes up residence inside your skull and won't leave, you may as well lean in. And, over at Disney+, you can stream a sing-along version of Encanto that'll get you crooning with the movie from your couch. No longer solely the domain of special cinema screenings, Disney's sing-along takes on its famous musicals are heading to its streaming service. It was always bound to happen, and the Mouse House has started with the movie of the moment. As you watch, lyrics will dance across your TV screen when it's time to belt out ballads — so if you don't know all the words yet (or if you're viewing with someone who thinks they do, but inserts their own mistaken lyrics), they'll all be there for you. While Encanto is the first flick to get the sing-along Disney+ treatment among the company's popular musicals — and it hit the service back on Friday, March 18, so it's there to watch and warble along to now — it obviously won't be the last. The Mouse House has plenty of other tune-filled movies to its name, after all, and it's planning to build up a catalogue of them on its streaming service. Accordingly, before 2022 is out, Frozen, Frozen 2, and both the animated and live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast are all set to make their way to the platform. Exact dates haven't yet been revealed, but at least you now know there'll be other chances to get different Disney tunes stuck in your head — or 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' will just have 'Let It Go' and 'Be Our Guest' for company. The sing-along version of Encanto is available to stream via Disney+ now, with Frozen, Frozen 2, and both the animated and live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast set to hit the platform throughout 2022.
Thornbury locals will know Pastificio Sandro well. The Italian grocer fills its cabinets with its own handmade pasta and ready-made meals, along with stacks of local and imported produce. To enjoy Sandro's cooking prowess in its full glory, you used to have to buy its pasta and sauces separately (or its excellent meat lasagne) and cook it all up at home. But there's now another way. Every Friday and Saturday night, diners who book a seat online can head around the back alleyway and find the entrance to its new secret restaurant p r o v a. Here, you'll either sit at the large table where they make the very pasta you'll be eating or at one of the smaller tables by the pasta cabinet, and tuck into a six-course feast ($125). Head Chef Adrian Bressanutti (ex-Stokehouse and Tipo 00) has created a menu of contemporary Italian eats — of course, featuring plenty of pasta. Bressanutti has worked at some of the best pasta spots in Melbourne, so we have very high expectations. We're also hoping the team's limoncello tiramisu and cannoli make their way onto the plates. Diners can also add wine pairings to the whole experience, curated by Andrew Barry (ex-Gingerboy and Anchovy), or just order as they please from the small selection of wine and beer. And don't worry too much if you can't get one of the 14 seats. You can always settle on Pastificio Sandro's fresh pastas, sauces and desserts while you wait for availabilities. You can find p r o v a at the rear of Pastificio Sandro, located at 822 High Street, Thornbury. It's open from 6pm–late on Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Set on a serene peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown Gardens boasts stunning lake and alpine views as well as a beautiful collection of blooms. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the gardens' tranquil setting is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. As the gardens are conveniently located a short walk from downtown Queenstown, many community activities are held within the grounds. We suggest taking a rug, a picnic and some friends, kicking back and enjoy the views of the lake through the Douglas Firs. Once you're sufficiently relaxed, stretch your legs and take a stroll around the beautiful lawns. Be sure to check out the water feature and rose garden for an added bit of pretty.
You probably know NYC's High Line or Paris' Promenade Plantée; now get ready for the arrival of Melbourne's Greenline. The first of a five-site rejuvenation project has just been completed, bringing loads more green space and scenic boardwalks to the Yarra River – Birrarung. Stretching for 450 metres between Batman Avenue and the eastern edge of Federation Square, this reimagined spot is now ready to be explored by the public, launching just in time to offer even more stellar vantage points for the New Year's Eve fireworks. Yet this project's benefits extend far beyond just a single night of fun. Visitors will now encounter 70 new native trees, over 25,000 native plants and 900 square metres of lawn, garden beds, seats and shaded resting areas, levelling up this central part of town. Meanwhile, this initial stage of the Greenline also features a 200-metre boardwalk, ideal for a riverside jog as the sun rises or a quiet spot for a lunch break. Complemented by a six-metre-wide promenade, there's no shortage of space to experience the river from a new perspective. "Hundreds of thousands of people will soon enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in all of Melbourne, with the transformed Birrarung Marr boasting breathtaking scenery from every angle," said Councillor Rafael Camillo, Deputy Portfolio Head for Infrastructure, Safety and Cleaning. With the first major milestone of the Greenline project now wrapped up, locals can look ahead to the arrival of future sections. When all five sites are complete — tentatively pencilled in for 2030 — the Greenline will provide a four-kilometre continuous green pathway from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge. Site 1 of the Greenline is now open, located from Batman Avenue to the eastern edge of Federation Square. Head to the website for more information. Images: City of Melbourne.
It's the northeastern suburbs' go-to for retail therapy, but come next year, Westfield Doncaster shopping centre will have a whole lot more to offer in terms of food, when it unveils a $30 million upgrade to its Level 2 food and entertainment hub. Developers have announced that work on the makeover is already underway, as they set out to create a contemporary and lush new rooftop precinct. An assortment of indoor and outdoor areas will complement the existing Village Cinemas site, boasting up to 14 new restaurants and eateries once complete. While the exact retailers are under wraps for now, we're told to expect a mix of "much-loved favourites" and "new culinary experiences". Other plans for the space include a sunny central courtyard accessed via a series of laneways and pathways, as well as a sculpture garden, a foliage-filled lobby area, a conservatory and a variety of leafy communal spaces. Best of all, the new rooftop precinct will be open day and night — perfect for those pre- or post-movie hangs. The space should be up and running by some time in 2020. The $30 million upgrade is separate to (but coincides with) the centre's proposed $500 million masterplan redevelopment, which was given the green light from the state government earlier this year. This half-a-billion redevelopment, which is still awaiting further approvals, includes the addition of a 14-storey tower, as extra 43,000 square metres of retail offerings and 18,000 of office space. We'll let you know when there are anymore updates on that. Westfield Doncaster's new-look level 2 food and entertainment is slated for completion in 2020. We'll let you know when the retailers are announced.
Bringing together the work of over 50 Australian and international designers, NGV's latest exhibition explores how everyday objects can be transformed to enhance our lives and the planet. From fashion and food to health and technology, Making Good examines the tangible ways design is evolving to bring about a better humanity. Throughout the exhibition, you'll find trailblazing innovations like flushable, plastic-free pregnancy tests, as well as microbiome-safe, prebiotic-infused lubricant made in Melbourne. To tackle waste, check out Good-Edi's edible coffee cups and Loliware's seaweed-based biodegradable straws. Other standout designs include a leather alternative made from seafood waste and mushrooms by TômTex. And for those who keep saying they'll start running but never do, then eco-conscious running shoes designed to disperse seeds with every step might be the motivation you need. While Gush, a Singapore-based paint brand, offers a science-backed formula that actively purifies the air. There's even the Light Phone III, a minimalist smartphone offering only the essentials. Plus, Besley & Spresser's Oyster Terrazzo is a terrazzo-style building material created from Sydney Rock Oyster shells, recycled marble and local ochres. "The innovations presented in Making Good reflect a pivotal moment in how designers are conceptualising their work, going beyond function to consider the social and environmental impact of products," says NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday opens on Friday, August 29, at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Entry is free, but make sure you check out this innovative exhibition before it ends on February 1, 2026.
It has been a while coming, but Australia will finally see the opening of a long-awaited Ace Hotel in May 2022 — with the first look inside the Surry Hills-based outpost unveiled at last to reveal gorgeously sleek, modernist lodgings for Sydney-based travellers or staycationers. Melbourne-based architecture and design studio Flack Studio was responsible for creating the spaces, which balance warm minimalist designs, earthy tones that feel lifted straight from the Australian landscape, and the heritage of the site housed in the historic Tyne House brick factory on Commonwealth Street. Says Flack Studio founder, David Flack, "Surry Hills has been home to so many culturally important movements and people, and has always been a home for creatives and migrating cultures. We wanted to preserve the creative, slightly renegade energy of the space since its origins as one of Australia's early brickworks." We do love a renegade energy! This will mark the first Southern Hemisphere address for the American hotel chain - a favourite among the global creative set (and hilariously parodied in the Portlandia episode "Blunderbuss"). And while specific details are being kept on the downlow, we do know that Sydney's Ace will feature a ground floor restaurant, bar and cafe in the lobby and a restaurant and bar on the rooftop. Each of the hotel's 264 rooms are either doubles or twin doubles for four guests. Reservations are now open for booking for when the Ace opens from 1 May 2022. Ace Hotel is located at 47 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. Images: Anson Smart
When the original UK version of The Office turned workplace awkwardness, cringeworthy bosses and frustrating coworkers into a huge comedic success two decades ago, it found humour in parts of the 9-to-5 grind that we all recognise. When the hit show inspired the hugely popular American series, the mere fact that it sparked a spinoff also spoke to another employment truth: that office chaos, overbearing managers and unpleasant colleagues aren't a mere product of one place, company or country. It's no wonder that more iterations have kept following, with everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland serving up their takes. Next, marking the franchise's 13th adaptation, comes Australia's own The Office — and it now has a trailer. It's time to clock on: come Friday, October 18, The Office is reopening, this time Down Under. Back in 2023, Prime Video announced that it was making an Aussie version of the sitcom, featuring actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Time Bandits) as Flinley Craddick Managing Director Hannah Howard. This is also the first take worldwide with a female boss. Move over David Brent, and also Michael Scott — it's now Howard's turn to become the manager that no one wants but everyone has worked for. She oversees a packaging company. When she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch, with everyone working from home instead, she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously, that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office's Aussie stint. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit (The Pledge), Zoe Terakes (Talk to Me) and Claude Jabbour (Last King of the Cross). Also featuring: Susie Youssef (Deadloch), Justin Rosniak (Colin From Accounts), Carlo Ritchie (A Beginner's Guide to Grief), Rick Donald (Population: 11), and Chris Bunton (Wolf Like Me). Viewers will be able to binge Ward and company's antics, with the entire eight-episode first season of the The Office dropping at once — so get your staplers in jelly ready. Check out the trailer for the Australian version of The Office below: The Australian version of The Office streams via Prime Video from Friday, October 18, 2024. Images: John Platt and Prime Video, © BBCS and Bunya Entertainment.
Only in Melbourne would you find a simple, neighbourhood sandwich shop staffed and run by a cadre of the city's finest chefs. Hector's Deli, now open on Buckingham Street in Richmond, is just that. Co-founded by two former Stokehouse chefs, Dom Wilton and Jason Barratt, the shop is the result of a lot of time and a little planning, and the eternal search for the simplicity of exceptional sandwiches. Hector's hits a refreshing balance of local corner store and Italian deli, with none of the pretension you might expect from these hospitality guns. "We're waiting around to open a restaurant [in about a year] and in in the meantime, we decided to open a sandwich store — there's no deep meaning behind it," says Wilton. The 'we' he's referring are the duo's other business partners, Edward Ring and barista Zac Kelly. "We have a group of really well-trained, high-quality staff with a depth of experience in hospitality, waiting around for this [new venture] to open. There's so much bullshit out there. We didn't want to over complicate things." They haven't. The menu is simple: six sandwich offerings, five savoury and one sweet, all made with quality ingredients. A ham and cheese toastie with mortadella, provolone and tomato chutney. An eggplant parma sandie. A smoked trout bagel with caviar and cream cheese. A sweet brioche bun filled with Nutella and ice cream. It's a sandwich lover's dream. "At the moment we're just doing sandwiches; we're not doing any avocado toast, or any sides, or deconstructed breakfasts, just keeping everything in a sandwich press or toaster," says Wilton. In the near future, they'll be expanding their deli offering to sliced meats, cheese boards, and booze (liquor license pending). This no-BS philosophy has echoed throughout the rest of the venture, too. It took the team three months from ideation to opening and it was probably so quick because they weren't messing around with interior designers. "We went in and painted it ourselves and kept it really minimal" says Wilton. "We got our chairs from a dude who owned a Laundromat. Everything was done quickly and DIY, it wasn't a thought-out, arduous process." When you chuck in some sleek but nostalgic branding by Tristan Ceddia and Never Now, the result is straightforward and effortless. It's just some locals doing what they love and, subscribing to Liz Lemon's world view: all anyone wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich. Hector's Deli is located at 1/94 Buckingham Street, Richmond. Open Wednesday through Friday from 7.30am to 3.30pm and Saturday through Sunday from 8am to 3pm. For more info, visit hectorsdeli.com.au.
Plans for the renewal of Fishermans Bend have been in the works for a while now, but just exactly what it is all going to look like has been uncertain. However, the Victorian Government has just released a new framework for the new suburb, and it provides the most fleshed-out vision for it yet. If you're not familiar with Fishermans Bend, that's because you probably haven't had much reason to give it a visit. As you can see from the map below, it's the space of land below South Melbourne and sandwiched between Port Melbourne and the Yarra. To the south, it's accessible from Yarraville over the West Gate. At the moment, it's largely industrial — but the Andrews Government plans to turn the 480-hectare site into a brand new suburb, complete with residential housing, commercial buildings, new schools, community centres and plenty of green open space by 2050. According to the Government's newly released Fishermans Bend Framework, when developed, 80,000 people will live in the suburb and the same amount will work there. Labor is calling it Australia's largest urban renewal project. This new framework completely reworks the previous Liberal Government's rezoning of the area, capping building heights in an attempt to stop the suburb from becoming overdeveloped. To complement this, the Andrews Government has worked a considerable amount of parks and public spaces into its plan — apparently the open space will add up to the equivalent of 60 MCGs. It will also require all new builds to include at least six percent of affordable housing. The plan is for the suburb to be largely car-free, with residents and workers using bike lanes, walking tracks and public transport instead. While the framework does mention future tram and train connections, these don't appear to be fully worked in with current transport plans yet. For this all to go ahead, the Andrews Government will have to win at next month's state election. If it does, it will then work with the community and council to develop precinct plans, with the view for the first drafts to be released to the public in the first half of 2019. You can find all the documents and more info — and have your say on the renewal — here.
When looking for the perfect (or just good enough, depending on how desperate you are) Airbnb it's important to tick off the basics: walls, roof, bed, running water, no undisclosed housemates that will appear halfway through your stay etc. Then you can get to the extras. Perhaps the house comes with gratis Corn Flakes and milk, has a rooftop or has a sweet recycling system in place. While we can't be sure of the cereal situation, this Airbnb on the Brazilian island of Florianópolis certainly ticks off the last criteria. And it doesn't just feature a reclaimed piece of furniture or two — it's made almost entirely of recycled materials. Uruguayan visual artist (and, evidently, handy carpenter) Jaime has built the incredible home — dubbed 'Cabana Floripa' — from scraps he collected from homes demolished in the area. The walls are mostly built from reclaimed glass and bottles, along with other bits of 'garbage' like pieces of wood, ceramics and mirror. And not only does it looks amazing from the outside, the inside is just as (if not more) ridiculously colourful and mismatched. The home is close to the beach, can sleep you and six of your mates and comes with a loft bed, air conditioning, a kitchen, bathroom and all the basics. Jaime, who's lived on the island for 30 years, also lives on the property (although in another house), so he'll no doubt be able to show you 'round and tell you where all the bits and pieces have come from. You can book the Cabana Floripa here for around $80AUD a night. Via Inhabitat.
