The super-adorable Finders Keepers Markets have been home to Melbourne's most creative and quirky designers for more than six years. The independent hip-fest is returning to their home at Carlton Gardens' Royal Exhibition Hall in October for three days of food, music and sweet, sweet design. The biannual, designer-centric, come-one-come-all mini-festival has managed to bridge the gap between local market and exclusive exhibition, creating a space for independent designers to engage with the wider community. You'll be able to nab some marvellous treats difficult to find anywhere else. From bespoke leather goods to bespoke stationary, upcycled journals to upcycled bicycle reflectors, every stall will be a unique shopping experience that combines innovative design with grassroots feel-goodery. As usual, there will be live music, a cafe, food trucks, a bar and thousands of other Melburnians celebrating independent art and design. Finder Keepers is open 6-10pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday.
The annual Melbourne Food & Wine Festival — Victoria's biggest and arguably greatest food and drink fest — is returning in 2025 with another stacked lineup of experiences. All in all, over 200 different food- and drink-filled events have been squeezed into the ten-day festival, which is running from Friday, March 21–Sunday, March 30. The World's Longest Lunch will once again kick off the festival, this time led by Curtis Stone. He's based in LA these days, but will be returning to Melbourne to lead the massive three-course communal feast, which takes place along a 600-metre table in Kings Domain. A couple days later, we then get to experience another iteration of the World's Longest Brunch, this time led by Julia Busuttil Nishimura. But unlike previous years, this version won't be set up along another long table outside at Kings Domain. Instead, you'll spend the morning moving throughout the Botanical Gardens, dining at three different locations. The first stop is at Tecoma Lawn, where brunch-goers will sample Julia's cinnamon buns, lemon mascarpone tart, and chocolate and almond pasticcini. This is followed by a selection of savoury bites at Taxodium Lawn and a grazing feast at The Alto. There'll even be a huge cake station at this year's World's Longest Brunch, which has carved itself out as the cooler, younger version of the World's Longest Lunch. But these two headline events are just the beginning. You've then got the Global Dining Series, which sees 20 international chefs, drink legends and producers descend on Melbourne for a heap of takeovers and collaborations. Most notably, Daniel Calvert from Sézanne — currently ranked number one in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants — will be joining Dan Hunter at Brae for two intimate services. London's much-celebrated St John and Brat are also running their own residencies, bringing a taste of British fine-dining to Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_842980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World's Longest Lunch[/caption] Some of the city's top bakers and patissiers are also joining forces again this year for the Baker's Dozen pop-up, which will be taking over Fed Square on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. No need to traipse all over Melbourne to find your favoruite sweets — they'll all be in one place for this hugely popular two-day event. This year, you'll stop by and find treats from To Be Frank, All Are Welcome, Antara 128, Lumos, Baker Bleu, Kudo, Lulu & Me, Mietta by Rosemary, Madeleine de Proust, The Flour Melbourne, Monforte Viennoiserie, Raya, Tarts Anon, Lune, The Invy Baker x Urbanstead, plus special guests AP Bakery (from Sydney) teaming up with local bakery Iris. But pastry fans don't just get to celebrate during these two days. Throughout the week, you can also pop over to Melbourne Quarter to try cardamom buns and other sweet treats from Richard Hart's pop-up bakery. His cardamom buns are world-famous, and you can usually only find them at his bakery Hart Bageri in Copenhagen. [caption id="attachment_981421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Busuttil Nishimura by Kristoffer Paulsen.[/caption] Three free events are also on the agenda for the 2025 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, with over 3000 free bites up for grabs across the week. First, you can drop by Emporium's Dim City for free dim sims that have been reimagined by top chefs Rosheen Kaul, John Rivera and Eun Hee An. Something Saucy then sees the crew from Super Norma give away bowls of their hugely popular pasta down a Melbourne laneway. And lastly, Taco Truck founder Raph Rashid is teaming up with Tom Sarafian to create a mashup of Mexican and Middle Eastern eats that are also all free. A lot of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival events can be pretty expensive, so it's a huge win to see these free events included in the lineup. Regional Victoria is also getting a shoutout this year, with over 30 events taking place beyond Melbourne. This includes a long lunch run by some of Murrindindi Shire's top hospitality teams, brewers and winemakers; a luxe dinner championing fermented food and bevs at Healesville's Giant Steps Wine; a Macedon Ranges winemakers lunch; and a big bush dance out at the Gippsland Jersey farm. We've touched on a heap of events here, but this really is just the surface of what's on offer. As always, we highly recommend you dig through the festival's website to discover more of what's on offer — and book out your faves before tickets sell out.
Food enthusiasts in Fitzroy are in for a good time at Bontempo Pizzeria. In fact, that's literally what the name of the restaurant means, 'good time'. The second venture from the team behind Fratellino in South Yarra, this newly opened Brunswick Street eatery is serving woodfired pizza alongside an array Italian staples, and is generally doing everything it can to deliver what it promises. "With the space we have we can cater to everyone, from couples to families and larger groups," says co-owner Joe Kavanagh. "We know that if we keep it simple by teaming good quality pizza and pasta with affordable drinks in a casual atmosphere, the rest will take care of itself." Kavanagh points to The Bont, the restaurant's signature pizza made with whiskey-infused Western Plains pulled pork, fresh basil, garlic, sage, tomato and mozzarella, as a menu highlight. Other standout options include the Salsicce e Funghi with pork and fennel sausage, mushrooms, garlic, parsley and mozzarella; and the Zucca, a vegetarian number with roast pumpkin, feta, basil, pine nuts, spinach, rosemary, garlic and tomato. All Bontempo's pizzas are made in a Valoriani clay wood-fire oven imported from Italy and custom-built on site. If you're not in the mood for pizza (although we can't fathom why that would be), you might want to try the Fettuccine Gamberoni made with king prawns, white wine, garlic, cream and a dash of napoli. Alternatively, you can sink your teeth into a chargrilled swordfish steak. For dessert, choose from classic Italian sweets such as affogato and chocolate calzone. As for beverages, Bontempo offers a wide range of local and Italian wines, as well as beers from Fitzroy Cellars and Thunder Road Brewing, and cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Bontempo Pizzeria at 416–418 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more info, visit their website. Images: Tom Ross.
Here in Melbourne, we're proud to be one of Australia's premiere late-night destinations. Melbourne comes to life at night. A vast range of places to eat and drink thrive until the (very) early hours — not only can you get a cocktail after 2am, you can also get a Le Bon Ton cheeseburger with table service, partake in a hot dog eating competition until 4am, or eat pizza whenever you damn well like (24-hours pizza shops). You'll often hear cities complain about their public transport system, but here in Melbourne we've come to kind of like ours. Mainly because all night public transport has helped transform our city into a 24 hour oasis, where there's something to eat, drink or do at any hour of the night, and a safe way to get home afterwards. Unlike our friends in Sydney and Brisbane, we can save ourselves a bit of money at the end of the night by hopping on the Night Network of train, tram and buses during a night out or on the way home. Here is our extensive late night guide to Melbourne. Read this, stay out until dawn and get home safe. WHEN YOU'RE AFTER A LATE NIGHT BITE Isn't Melbourne the best? Our selection of food to eat only slightly dwindles after 12am. Melbourne establishment Mamasita on Collins Street is renowned for two reasons: their bomb, late-night Mexican menu and the fact that it's mostly gluten free. They're open until midnight on Friday and Saturday night (make sure you book beforehand). We seriously recommend the pork and pineapple taco as a late night snack. Not keen for Mexican? Collingwood's Le Bon Ton is a short walk from the Peel Street stop on the 86 tram, and they serve Melbourne's best cheeseburger (big call, but you gotta try it) and smoked stacks of meat (chargrilled wagyu, cheese and various charcuterie) until 3am. Follow it up with a house-made sweet pie for dessert — the banana cream with white chocolate, vanilla custard and toasted meringue is calling you. Ramen is an anytime food, but it's especially a late-night food. Our 24-hour ramen bar Shujinko Ramen enables your late-night habits. Stop by anytime (literally). Bourke Street trams and Swanston Street trams are equidistant. Close by in Chinatown is Belleville Chicken, who know that the best way to cook a chook is over an open flame, and the best way to serve it up is with a side of poutine. They serve food until 1am on weekends in a social, mess hall style atmosphere. More Japanese: fancy supper club Izakaya Den (just off Bourke St in the CBD) is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and 11pm on weeknights. The prices are high, so this isn't the best place to stop after a few drinks. Although, you can indulge and save on cab fare by getting the tram home, the spicy tuna tataki with garlic soy will melt in your mouth and the Kurobuta pork belly will change the way you think about pork belly. 8-bit down the road is open for precious, gooey, meaty burgers and salted caramel milkshakes until 11pm in the CBD. Choo Choos, within the Toff in Town, stays open and serves dinner until 5am on weekends, 3am on weeknights and is conveniently located near the Swanston Street tram. See also: Lord of the Fries, Massive Weiners on Chapel Street (hot dogs until 4am on weekends), The Black Pearl in Fitzroy for cocktails and nachos until 3am, and Milk the Cow in Carlton for cheese plates and wine until 1am. ONE LAST DRINK BEFORE YOU LEAVE Many people don't know that Nieuw Amsterdam has a 24-hour license. The CBD cocktail bar regularly stays open until 5am, so you can head down at any time of the day or night to try out both their stunning 1920s interior design and their tasty drinks. The basement bar serves food all the way up until 5am. Settle into a fancy booth and eat some food until it's time to hop on the train home. The people responsible for The Everleigh on Gertrude Street also run Heartbreaker in the CBD. She's described as The Everleigh's seedier sister and she certainly is (but not in a bad way). You can grab yourself one of their famous cocktails in a bottle — choose between a Negroni, Old Fashioned, Martini and Manhattan and relax in the grungy, retro atmosphere until 3am. Siglo on Spring Street will make you feel like you're in a Woody Allen film. It can get pricey, but it's open until 3am every night serving whisky and cocktail in a very luxurious atmosphere. The intimate terrace overlooks the city and they make a mean rum cocktail. On that note, the equally as classy Melbourne Supper Club is open until 7am. Cheeseboards, ploughman platters and drinks are available until 3am at whisky bar Boilermaker House. Glamorama is perfect for a dance, and open until 5am. Magic Mountain Saloon serves food and cocktails until 3am, and the classic place to sip on a gin and tonic, Bar Ampere, is open until 3am as well. FEEL LIKE A LATE NIGHT DANCE? Boney is always good for a dance and hosts some quality gigs, but generally the party doesn't kick off until late. It's super central, sitting on the corner of Little Collins and Exhibition Street — close to both late night food and public transport. There's something for everything at the Toff In Town on Swanston Street, it's like a layer cake of possibility. Whatever your poison, you'll find it at the Toff. It's always loaded up on gigs, dance floors and excellent company and, in summer, a most excellent rooftop bar called Rooftop Bar is open until 1am above it. Nearby is Lounge, open until 3am on weekends and (weirdly) Tuesdays. New Guernica is right near the Elizabeth Street tram, that stays open and is generally packed with people dancing until 5am. Outside of the city but close to tram lines is Revolver Upstairs (classic), and the tiki bar of your dreams in Fitzroy, LuWow. Yah Yahs on Smith Street is always a winner, open until 5am and almost guaranteed to have 'Come On Eileen' on the playlist every night. Rock and roll bar Cherry Bar can't be forgotten — generally open until 3am on weekends. MUSIC, MOVIES AND KARAOKE Cinema Nova near the Swanston St tram does it old school in many ways. You can take your drinks into the cinema, they only take cash and they do late (we mean late) sessions. Fearlessly walk into a 11:00pm session and enjoy the empty theatre, knowing that the late night trams from Lygon street have you covered on transport. If you're on the south side check out The Astor, they regularly host late night screenings of classic movies and movie marathons, or Hoyts in Crown Casino has a regular 11pm session and its own dedicated tram stop. There are gigs all around town to catch. The Public Bar in North Melbourne is one of the few venues in Melbourne with a 24-hour license, and while they don't normally stay open until then, you're definitely in for a late one if you head here. Rainbow Karaoke in the CBD is a karaoke bar with 44 private rooms and three VIP rooms, each with its own decor. Have a late night one and don't worry about getting home — the Night Network runs all night and on weekends. Words: Imogen Baker and Kelly Pigram.
It's an oldie but a goodie. Jimmy Kimmel pulled one of his most loved pranks at SXSW this week, asking punters whether they knew fake bands with his 'Lie Witness News' crew. Unknowing SXSWer after SXSwer praised the likes of Mary-Kate and Nasty, Cheese Whiz Khalifa and DJ Gluten — "hard to tolerate?" — with one punter even going so far as to describe DJ Underwire as "mixing it up with turntablism". Heh. It's straight-up baffling how Kimmel (and subsequent spin-offs) has managed to do this at festival after festival and catch starry-eyed posers in the act of posing, having pulled this stunt year after year, Coachella after Coachella. But my giddy aunt, it's fun to watch. These aren't the only shenanigans going down at SXSW. Check out our roundup of nine incredible things you're missing at this year's festival.
In a rare instance of critics and audiences agreeing with each other, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dressmaker were the two big winners at the 2016 Australian Film Critics Association Awards. Held last night at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne, the ceremony reflected on the past 12 months of Australian cinema, with the year's two biggest box office takers proving popular with critics as well. Critically acclaimed action blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road took home the award for Best Film, as well as Best Director for George Miller and Best Cinematography for John Seale. The Dressmaker, meanwhile, swept through the acting categories, with Best Actress for Kate Winslet, Best Supporting Actress for Judy Davis and Best Supporting Actor for Hugo Weaving. The film's director and co-writer Jocelyn Moorhouse was present to accept the awards of behalf of her cast, while also taking home the Best Screenplay Award for herself and husband P. J. Hogan. Ryan Corr won Best Actor for his work in Holding the Man. In the international film categories, last year's Oscar winner Birdman took home Best English Language Film, while German drama Phoenix won for Best Foreign Language Film. Amy Winehouse doco Amy won Best Documentary. The association also gave out its annual writing awards, bestowed by a panel of journalists and film industry practitioners. This year's winners were critics Rebecca Harkins-Cross, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Luke Goodsell. You can check out the winners here. To get a head start on the next crop of likely AFCA Award winners, check out our list of the ten Australian films to watch out for in 2016.
Gin lovers are in for a treat come September, with the opening of a specialty gin bar in the CBD. Gin Lane is the brainchild of James Tait, whose previously tended bar at such boozy institutions as Coda, Black Pearl and 1806. The man knows his liquor, that's for damn sure. Along with his wife Cara and business partner Peter Bartholomew, Tait will offer up 400 varieties of gin, as well as a healthy stock of wine and a selection of around 20 beers. Not bad for a bar named after an 18th century artwork about the evils of alcohol consumption. The bar will also serve food, with Tait bringing in a mysterious 'consultant chef' whose identity has so far been kept a secret. Given that Bartholomew's investment portfolio includes such mouth-watering spots as MoVida and Lee Ho Fook, our expectations are fairly high. Gin Lane will occupy a two-story space at the Parliament end of the city, on the corner of Bourke Street and Windsor Lane. The second level will include a sizeable outdoor area, with Tait telling Gourmet Traveller he wanted to create "a great place to enjoy a drink on a sunny afternoon or a warm evening." He also promised a space that was "bright, organic, fresh and light. There's a lot of greenery in Melbourne's bar scene at the moment, but we're making a statement that we're not one of those dingy places." Gin Lane is slated to open in September at 19-21 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Via Gourmet Traveller. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Overcoming systemic discrimination, both in the music industry and society more broadly, Indigenous hip hop artists are the vanguard of an exciting new era of Aussie hip hop. In the words of politically-conscious rapper Briggs, star of the ABC's Cleverman and Black Comedy: They're growing up fast, they're growing up tough, They're giving back everything they never got as a pup, And if they want something, you're giving it up, If they want something, you're giving it up. It's tempting to say that Indigenous hip hop is undergoing a renaissance of late, but it wouldn't be entirely accurate — the scene has been strong for years, it's just that now it's finally starting to get the attention it deserves. One initiative responsible for this greater recognition is Klub Koori, a regular showcase of emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians produced by Koori Radio. So, before they storm the stage on Thursday, July 7 at Carriageworks and with NAIDOC Week in full swing, we thought we'd introduce you to some Indigenous artists who are coming up fast and coming up tough. Oh, and they do want something: the throne. JIMBLAH Hailing from the Larrakia Nation in the Northern Territory, Jimblah sums up the paradox of 'traditional' (read: predominantly white) Aussie hip hop when he raps: "I see your fans, they're a bunch of racist kids, so who's to blame?" While there are few examples of overt racism in the local scene there is a definite racist undertone — so much so that those paragons of Aussie hip hop Hilltop Hoods felt compelled to write a whole song about it. Jimblah's fiery pull no punches lyricism — highlights include: "Australia just look what we made here/From slave ships to Great Britain's blood on their hands/Understand the royal fam, flying the flag/Unlawfully stands a generation unlawfully here" — has seen him garner significant critical acclaim. LADY LASH A Kokatha/Greek woman from far western South Australia, Lady Lash is a generic anomaly. Combing equal parts jazz, hip hop and soul interwoven with powerful storytelling, her music pushes sonic boundaries in profoundly beautiful ways. Having taken out the Victorian Indigenous Performing Arts Award for Most Promising Act and The Age Music Victoria Award for Best Indigenous Act with her debut album Crystal Mercy: The Fisherman's Daughter, Lady Lash is set to release her third album Therapy Tapes later this year. NOOKY 2016 has been an exciting year for Yuin Nation rapper and @IndigenousX host Nooky. Taking out the Australia Council Dreaming Award at the National Indigenous Arts Awards not only came with prestige but also a very tangible $20,000 grant towards developing his debut album. Signed to Briggs' label Bad Apples Music and having collaborated with Taboo from The Black Eyed Peas (after a chance encounter and cypher at The Block in Redfern), it's safe to say that his debut album is being hotly anticipated. It seems as though it's only a matter of time before Nooky blows up, so get on board early. TASMAN KEITH Splitting his formative years between inner city Sydney and Bowraville in the bucolic Nambucca Valley, Tasman Keith's music reflects these contrasting locales, combining sun-kissed beats with an effortless flow and lyrical dexterity reminiscent of early '90s East Coast hip hop. Having burst onto the scene in 2015 with his debut single 'B You', Tasman, the son of legendary Australian hip hop pioneer Wire MC, pays homage to his Gumbaynggirr heritage while epitomising the thoughtful, soulful sound that seems to be emerging in the local scene. At just 18 years old, Tasman Keith is definitely one to watch out for. Klub Koori is happening at Carriageworks on Thursday, July 7 at 7pm. Tickets are just $10 +BF.
In the heart of Chinatown, China Red is one of those spots that is deceptively small at first glance. But you should always try your luck, even if it looks too busy, as there's a downstairs dining room that always has space for hungry dumpling seekers. Inside is a classic dumpling house specialising in xiao long bao, veggie dumplings and salt and pepper squid, as well as bigger more traditional dishes like pipis in a spicy XO sauce. The gimmick of China Red is ordering everything through a touch screen menu at each table. Great for getting carried away and over-ordering — or adding extra dishes when you're halfway through and realise how delicious everything is. China Red allows BYO beer and wine. Start by ordering some dim sums, with the prawn and chive perfectly flavoured and the peking pork dumplings a real hit. The scallop and prawn dumplings don't miss a beat while the vegetarians options is there to cover all bases. Follow it up with a seafood and bean curd soup and some chicken san choi bao before moving onto a main. We'd suggest the fish fillet with pickled cabbage and the sliced beef in satay sauce. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Cumulus Inc is the kind of venue where you are being given a new fork before you've even realised your other one just hit the floor — yes that did happen. One of Andrew McConnell's many venues, Cumulus has been a Melbourne favourite since its opening in 2008. Service is seamless and the food is well, simply divine. Whole lamb shoulder to share ($69) falls off the bone, while tiny morsels of the kitchen's charcuterie selection ($26) does nicely to whet the appetite. Just when we didn't think things could get any better, enter Cumulus Up. Above Cumulus Inc, Up is a mix between a waiting room for the main act downstairs and an entity in itself. While it encompasses some of the sleek design elements from Inc, it uses more exposed brick and dark detail to give it a relaxed yet classy finish. They keep things tight with a small wine list of 12 varieties by the glass. If you're going for white wine, the Di Majo Norante Falangbina from Molise Italy is divine, while the Mengoba Flor de Brezo Mencia from Bierzo, Spain is a beautiful red. The staff know the list inside out and will point you in the right direction every time. The food, it was always going to be good, we expected this. What we didn't expect was the duck waffle with foie gras and prunes ($10). It's going to be a thing; we can just feel it happening. Other bites on the menu include anchovy toast with fresh curd ($50) and zucchini flower fritters ($9). Larger meals come in the form of bass grouper with crab sauce and fennel ($38) and dry aged 800g rib eye ($90 to share). If cheese is your thing, finish your evening with a Brie de Meaux, white mould, cow's milk cheese from France ($16) or a Perl Las, a cow's milk blue from Wales ($16). Desserts see profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce ($15) and ice cream and sorbet available by the scoop ($4 a scoop). This newcomer makes you want to linger, yet lets you come and go as you please. A beautiful offshoot from Cumulus Inc, and we're excited to see where they take it from here. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen and Harvard Wang.
Sydney, get ready for winter — and to be ensconced in projections once again. Vivid, Sydney's annual festival of light, music and ideas, is returning for 23 days and nights from May 24 to June 15. The most overt (and unavoidable) aspect of the program is the lights, and for the second year running their glow will head across the bridge to light up Luna Park. It will extend the reach of the CBD's Light Walk from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo with a collection of 50 large-scale projections stretching along the walk's three kilometres. Should make good viewing from the ferry. Some of the immersive light installations you'll encounter throughout the precincts include a pop-up 'winter camp' in Barangaroo, a 'robot spaceland' in Darling Harbour, 300 large-scale animal sculptures in Taronga Zoo, a playable cascading harp in Chatswood and an immersive field of 500 fireflies in the Royal Botanic Garden. Pixar is also jumping on board this year, and will be projecting characters from its classic animated flicks onto the façade of the Argyle Cut in the Rocks. The Sydney Opera House's sails will this year be lit up with hypnotic images of Australian flora from LA artist and video maker Andrew Thomas Huang (who has previously created music videos for Björk), and Customs House will be transformed into an underwater wonderland — covered in neon projections of creatures found under the Harbour it overlooks. Vivid Music is once again in fine form. As was previously announced, The Cure will do four shows at the Sydney Opera House from May 24–28 — their only Australian shows this time round. Tickets have already been allocated via ballot, so we hope you jumped on that already. Joining them for the Vivid Live component of the program at the Opera House will be folk rock singer Sharon Van Etten, performing hits of her poignant new album Remind Me Tomorrow, American singer Maggie Rogers and Perth up-and-comer Stella Donnelly, who's heading to the harbour city fresh off the back of the release of her new album Beware of the Dogs. Jónsi, from Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, and Alex Summers (known as Jónsi & Alex) will be performing an ethereal show complete with a 21-piece orchestra and 12-member choir in the Concert Hall. The Opera House's super popular Studio Parties will also make their return. Last year's music lineup throwback came in the form of 90s hits Ice Cube and Cat Power. This year, British electronic group Underworld, best known for the house and techno hits they released in the 90s, will be flying the nostalgia flag. If the name is a little unfamiliar to you, you'll definitely recognise their single 'Born Slippy (Nuxx)'. Famed jazz musician Herbie Hancock, who started his career in the Miles David Quintet back in the 60s, will also be taking to the stage, performing hits from across his five-decade career. Another big one is a performance from FKA Twigs who's bringing her experimental dream pop to Carriageworks, and Rüfüs Du Soul will take over the arts precinct for three nights of electro bangers on June 13, 14 and 15. The City Recital Hall has a solid program this year, including a performance by Paul Kelly and James Ledger. Live music gigs will also be held across the city as part of the program, including at the Lansdowne, Ziggy's hairdresser and 107 Redfern. Vivid Ideas is, of course, back for those keen to delve into creativity, science and technology — and this year it's scored Spike Lee as its big-ticket speaker. Lee will be in town to chat about his personal political views as well as his award-winning 2018 flick BlackKklansman. There's plenty more where that came from, check the Vivid Sydney website for more details. Images: DNSW and Hamilton Lund.
Successful documentaries are often boiled down to a well-worn old adage, with the best films frequently benefiting from filmmakers simply being in the right place at the right time. The saying seems to ring true for Australian Jennifer Peedom, although calling the experienced high-altitude director 'fortunate' isn't quite appropriate. When she went to Nepal in 2014, she was motivated by reported tensions between travellers and their Sherpa guides. With the chasm between the two groups screaming for more attention, Peedom planned to make a movie about one of the local workers, the unassuming Phurba Tashi Sherpa, who was on the cusp of making history. But then nature struck, and the movie had to change. A time capsule of the toughest climbing season imaginable, as well as an exercise in quick-thinking filmmaking at its best, Sherpa is undoubtedly the superior Everest-based movie of the last 12 months. Forget re-enactments, high-profile actors looking frosty, strained accents and 3D special effects. In capturing the blackest day the mountain has ever seen with on-the-ground footage of a tragedy unfolding, as well as the build up to the Khumbu Icefall avalanche and the harrowing, heartbreaking aftermath, the film presents devastating details that could only spring from real life. Phurba's feat — ascending the world's highest peak for a record-breaking 22nd time — would've made a rousing story in its own right, as well as a powerful testament to the largely unrecognised role the Sherpa people play in the mountain's growing tourism industry. The weather had other plans, however. As the ice and snow began to move, his tale became even more emblematic of the broader situation facing Nepalese residents, and brought the appalling labour conditions of the Sherpas, who make wealthy Westerners' treks possible, sharply into focus. With the precision of a master craftsperson and the breathtaking vision to match, Peedom balances the personal plight of one pivotal figure with the anger-inspiring human rights issues that surround the mountain. Viewers will find themselves simultaneously marvelling at the images Peedom and her trio of cameramen have recorded, and wanting to leap out of their seat with frustration at the dangers the Sherpas face just to make a living. In that way, Sherpa is more than just a tale of triumph over adversity. Instead, it's a high-stakes, high-altitude dissection of commercial and financial interests triumphing over a very human cost, as pieced together with an insider's perspective and understanding. Interviewees hail from all sides of the business of climbing, but there's never any doubting the film's allegiances. That's not a consequence of Peedom's lack of balance, but simply a reflection of the galling reality on the mountain. Offering an astonishing account of a just-as-astonishing slice of life, documentary filmmaking doesn't get much better than this.
In the early 90s, British artist Cornelia Parker decided to blow up a garden shed. She approached the British Army (who were more than happy to oblige), and together they detonated an explosion that saw 2000 household items fly across several fields in the countryside. Fragments of wood, broken bicycle wheels and a shattered violin — along with thousands of other objects — were collected by the officers, and Parker reconfigured the shed, suspending objects from the ceiling around one central lightbulb. That artwork, Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991), is now considered Parker's most famous work, and it's currently casting haunting shadows across the gallery walls at the MCA this summer. The major exhibition, which spans three decades of the artist's career, has four large-scale artworks that transform the gallery's rooms. War Room (2015) is like walking into the Twin Peaks red room, except the blood-red walls are crafted from discarded strips of paper sourced from a Remembrance Poppy factory in London. Parker has created a tent-like structure with 'absent poppies' that's as much about honouring those who've died in conflict, as it is about the duality of war and peace. Showing both sides of the story is something Parker plays with a lot in her work. Another large-scale piece, Magna Carta (An Embroidery) (2015), is a 12-metre-long hand-stitched version of the Magna Carta Wikipedia page. Parker created the work to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Britain's earliest democratic document, and she invited 200 people from both sides of the law to embroider a panel — including notable whistleblowers Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker (why not?) and current prison inmates. When you look closely you'll see coffee stains from those who worked from prison — and underneath you'll see a mirrored reflection of the back of the work. There's also a satisfying violence to Cornelia Parker's practice. She's shot dice through a dictionary, precipitated a handgun and chopped a toy Oliver Twist in half using the guillotine that beheaded Marie Antoinette. She also steamrolled a collection of silver (sourced from car boot sales) to create another full-room installation, Thirty Pieces of Silver (1988–89). The 30 suspended circles of silverware represent a Bible story of betrayal — and there's a palpable sense of dread when the pools of brass and silver glisten and move with passing air. Though the larger works in this exhibition, part of the tenth Sydney International Art Series, are the ones you'll Instagram, there's a lot of joy — and foreboding — to be found in Cornelia Parker's smaller artworks. One of our favourites is News at Five (Terror-ble Joke), News at Seven (Chilling), and News at Ten (Bathtub Terror) (all 2017) — three blackboards covered with chalk writing from a five-year-old, a seven-year-old and a ten-year-old. Each child has captured the essence of televised news reports and you can make out words like 'monster', 'nukes' and 'Trump in a grump'. All terrifying and amusing at the same time. Cornelia Parker is the first major presentation of the her works in Australia, and the exhibition runs until February 16. But don't leave it until 2020 before you visit, as you'll want to return to delve deeper into the playful violence behind one of Britain's most important female artists working today. Images: Installation views of Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991); War Room (2015); Subconscious of a Monument (2001-05); Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991); and Thirty Pieces of Silver (1988–89). All images courtesy of the artist, the MCA and Frith Street Gallery, London. Photos by Anna Kucera.
And now for something completely impractical. Artist Victor Solomon has created our dream basketball hoop, one we're encouraged to miss and be too short to slam dunk. For his newest series Literally Balling (heh), Solomon has crafted three beautiful backboards of stained, Tiffany-style glass. The whole thing's kind of Meret Oppenheim for basketball. Solomon has made unusable the tools of million-dollar paycheck earners — the Le Brons and Durants of the globe's top basketball stars. Fascinated by the obvious link between the players and their affluent lifestyles, Solomon has cheekily rendered their main moneymaker useless — but pretty as hell. The artist spend hundreds of hours cutting and shaping the stained glass backboards, and used gold chains and crystals to replace the net. Pretty sure no one should try a Jordan on one of these. Via Vice.
It has been nearly two years since Bruce Munro's spectacular Field of Light started illuminating Uluru, with more than 200,000 people flocking to the Red Centre to see its ocean of colour. In fantastic news for anyone who hasn't made the trek yet, or anyone keen to view its beautiful, multi-hued splendour again, the eye-catching installation's season has been extended. The gorgeous piece will now keep shining all the way through until December 31, 2020. This is the second time that Field of Light's run has been lengthened. Initially set to remain in place until March 2017, it was first expanded until March this year. In total, the artwork's 50,000 glass lights will twinkle across an area of 49,000 square metres — the size of nine football fields — for just shy of five years. As well as casting Australia's sacred rock in a whole new light, the Uluru display marks the latest (and largest) incarnation of artist Bruce Munro's project, which previously illuminated the grounds at the likes of London's Victoria & Albert Museum and the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Run on solar power, and named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku — which translates to 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara — for its Northern Territory stint, the installation took 40 people six weeks to set up. The British-born Munro, who first came up with the idea for Field of Light while visiting Uluru back in 1992, said he is "greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork." He continued, "it's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this — flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru — is immensely powerful to people." Keen on making the trip? Check out out Weekender's Guide to the Red Centre During Field of Light. By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward. Image: Field of Light: Bruce Munro. Photo by Mark Pickthall.
As we tick over into the second half of the year, Melbourne's contemporary arts calendar shows no signs of slowing down with a diverse range of exhibitions taking place across the major and budding art institutions this month. This month, be welcomed into the 'mob' at Footscray Community Arts Centre where you'll have the opportunity to create your own works, touch up your art history knowledge with a new exhibition at the Heide Museum of Modern Art and pick the brain of one of Australia's leading painters in a free 'micro-course' by David Thomas. These – and many more – are just some of the great art exhibitions and experiences that are on display for free this month.
Like mole people and the residents of Coober Pedy before them, New Yorkers are heading underground. Although New York City is traditionally famous for raised Chelsea-dwelling walkway The High Line, a space-hungry and innovative team headed by James Ramsay of Raad Studio have put together a Kickstarter campaign to fund a brand new underground park. Far more ambitious than anything imagined by Parks and Rec legend Leslie Knope (albeit with less miniature horses), the goal is set at $200,000. The money, earmarked to develop and test the solar, landscape and social components of such an ambitious scheme, is just halfway there. With the team's July 8 campaign deadline looming, there's never been a better time to throw some dosh at genuinely inspired urban development. While the team are still working towards New York City council approval, the project has been in development for five years, aiming to convert the unused Williamsburg Bridge Trolley Terminal into a fully functional, naturally-lit park. Natural light will be channeled into the subterranean space using some sort of bizarre, above-ground flower system (we clearly don’t understand the science but the Kickstarter video will explain it better). The park itself looks like a combination of the Temple of the Chachapoyan Warriors in Raiders of the Lost Ark and the citadel from Mass Effect; in essence it looks amazing and we want to stroll through it immediately. In the modern context of urban density and population crises erupting across the globe, alongside the generally fast-paced craziness of street-level New York, it’s no surprise that the city is leading the way in environmentally and socially friendly solutions to complex space problems. You go, NYC. Watch Lena Dunham in the Lowline promo video here, because of course Lena Dunham's in it: You can contribute to The Lowline Kickstarter here. Via dezeen. Images: The Lowline.
Sculpture by the Sea turns 21 in 2017 and 104 artists — from both Australia and overseas — have come to the party. Until November 5, the two-kilometre stretch of coast between Sydney's Bondi and Tamarama beaches will be dotted with works — overtaking beaches, peeking out of rock platforms, emerging from the sea and towering over cliffs. Since starting up in 1997, the event hasn't changed much. It's still free. It's still all about plugging public art and boosting artists' careers. And it still brings in the crowds, with about 500,000 people visiting each year. Every Saturday and Sunday will also see artist talks give you the chance to kick back on a bean bag and find out what goes on inside a sculptor's head. Here are five sculptures to look out for while you're wandering the Sculpture by the Sea trail during the next couple of weeks. [caption id="attachment_642057" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] JAMES DIVE: WHAT A TASTY LOOKING BURGER A giant hamburger, attached to a rope at one end and a fish hook at the other, lies on a rock platform. This, folks, is what artist James Dive imagined as the ultimate human bait. Dive last exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea 11 years ago with the now world-famous melting ice cream truck work Hot With a Chance of a Storm. [caption id="attachment_642056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] STEPHEN MARR: UNDER ONE SKY Two figures, dressed in suits covered in sky, against a backdrop of real-life sky, stand in an embrace, one another's limbs melting into one another's bodies. It's a beautiful moment of embrace and connection. [caption id="attachment_642110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] G Carr[/caption] KATHY ALLAM: PLASTIC PARADISE Kathy Allam creates art with items usually discarded. For Plastic Paradise, she collected 1000 green and blue bottles over three years to create this abstract plastic landscape that both glitters in the sunlight and makes a statement on single-use plastics. [caption id="attachment_642058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] HARRIE FASHER: THE LAST CHARGE Standing before this mini herd of mighty horses, it's not hard to imagine the terror of a stampede. Oberon-based artist Harrie Fasher built the sculpture as a centenary memorial to the charge of the Australian Light Horse in the Battle of Beersheba in Palestine on October 31, 1917. [caption id="attachment_642059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] DAVID BALL: ORB Needless to say, you have to check out the winner of the $60,000 Aqualand Award, which is the wealthiest annual sculpture prize in Australia. Orb is the creation of Mittagong-based sculptor David Ball and, inspired by his experience exploring the outdoors of Sydney's bushland, puts a striking frame around a familiar view. "Orb is a visual metaphor for a break in unity but also conveys humour as such a small force cause's disconnection," Ball said in a statement after winning the prize. Sculpture by the Sea is on display between Bondi and Tamarama beaches in Sydney until November 5. For more info, visit sculpturebythesea.com.
On Sunday, September 10, Sydney staged for a huge public rally through the city streets, flying rainbow flags (and dogs) to demand marriage equality and campaign for a 'Yes' vote. Support group Community Action Against Homophobia, who ran the rally, urged Australians to campaign for a 'Yes' postal vote. With the majority of Australians (a whopping two-thirds) supporting marriage equality, the rally was expectedly stacked — in all, organisers have estimated that a massive 30-40,000 people rocked up to show their support for all LGBTI+ Australians. The rally marked the first weekend after the High Court decided to uphold the government's (unnecessary, expensive and undeniably hurtful) postal plebiscite. Postal ballots will be sent out this week.
Not too long ago the only place to eat at Flinders Street Station was Lord of the Fries. Then Arbory opened right next to platform 13 and made killing time while waiting for the train not a horrible proposition. And now the station has scored another actually good food offering — and it's located in the Swanston Street-facing Clocks space. If you're familiar with Clocks then you're probably thinking RSL vibes and pokies noises right about now. But, after a renovation that took nine months and $3 million, the place is looking pretty different. Unfortunately the pokies are still out the back as the venue is still owned by Doxa Social Club, but the bistro has been replaced with Green Light Diner, an American-themed joint run by Steve Schreuder and Darran Smith (the ex-owner of Carlton's Roving Marrow). The duo took inspiration from the late-night diners of Los Angeles and have created their own day-to-night venue with all-day breakfast and a 1am license on weekends. The impressive fit-out has been designed by Studio Nine Architects, and looks like Edward Hopper's Nighthawks come to life. Think marble counter tops, leather booth seating and brass and copper fixtures, along with restoration of the building's original windows that haven't been used in decades. "The interior has a 1920s train station feel, like Grand Central in New York," says Smith. It certainly has an old-world vibe, one that works particularly well within the setting of the historic station, which was built in 1909. "[The clientele] is really a cross section of people who come through the station, from old locals who came in before the renovation to business folks and tourists" says Smith. Smith took inspiration from LA diners and their "brekkie sandwiches that you can eat all-day or late at night", as well as the salt beef bagels from Brick Lane in London. The breakfast menu is egg-centric, and accompanied by pub staples like porterhouse steaks, pork schnittys (with a fried egg if you so fancy) and parmas. For drinks, it'll start slinging pre-batched cocktails in the coming weeks, including negronis, espresso martinis and cosmos. The transformation isn't done yet, either, with a late-night whisky bar also in the works. Miss Guns will be located downstairs and is slated to be completed by the end of the year. This June, Green Light will also roll out monthly after-midnight feasts for hospitality folk, which will run on Sunday nights from midnight till 3am. "It's a chance to get people in the hospo industries together at the end of their work week for some networking, music and good food," says Smith. "There will be guest chefs each month, along with a few seats reserved for non-hospo people to come along and see what we get up to." Green Light Diner is now open at Shop 17, The Concourse, Flinders Street Station, Melbourne. Opening hours are Monday through Thursday 7am–9pm, Friday 7am–1am, Saturday 8am–1am and Sunday 8am–9pm. For more info, visit clocksatflinders.com.au.
Vegans don't often hang around delis. Amid the luncheon meats, smoked salami and dried charcuterie, there's usually not a whole lot to entice non-animal nommers in the door. But things are about to change for vegan Melburnians and generally curious foodies alike, with the opening of a brand new vegan deli by the brains behind Smith & Daughters. Already a favourite vegan spot in Fitzroy, Smith & Daughters have been serving up Latin and Spanish-inspired vegan fare since opening in April 2014. At present, the eatery only do dinner Tuesday to Friday, brunch and dinner on weekends. But now co-owners Mo Wyse and Shannon Martinez have an opportunity to cover that weekday lunch market — with pre-prepared meals at their new spinoff, Smith & Deli. According to Good Food, the new Jewish American-style deli will open around the corner on Moor Street; serving up anything from lasagna to soup, bagels to lunchboxes, all-important coffee — whatever's going on the day. And all vegan. Apparently Martinez can even make vegan smoked salmon out of watermelon. Yep. What the actual. The new space will be takeway-only, so if you're looking to sit and enjoy the Smith & Daughters vegan-food-so-good-you-wouldn't-know-it-was-vegan experience, hit the deli for lunch and come back in time for dinner at the flagship. Find Smith & Deli at 111 Moor Street, Fitzroy, set to open at the end of April. Via Good Food. Image: Smith & Daughters.
After one heck of a year in 2015 with Conor Oberst, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, and the motherflippin' Village People, Melbourne Zoo Twilights are bringing the after-hours concerts back for another summer. This summer's lineup is another slam dunk for the zoo, with beloved local and international artists every weekend from January 29 to March 12. Set amongst the bilbies and kangaroos of Melbourne Zoo, Twilights will see the likes of international dreamboat José González, supported by Tiny Ruins, alongside a solid crew Australian favourites like Tex Perkins and The Tennessee Four's Johnny Cash tribute Far from Folsom, the ever legendary Jebediah, C.W. Stoneking with Marlon Williams, Birds of Tokyo with Fractures, Josh Pyke with Winterbourne, San Cisco with Last Dinosaurs, John Butler Trio with Tinpan Orange, The Waifs and 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth' pop diva Belinda Carlisle with '80s new wave heroes Pseudo Echo. Tickets are $65, and that price not only includes the concert but full admission to the zoo itself. All profits also go towards the fight to save the near-extinct Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Of course, you're welcome to bring along your own picnic basket with loads of food, but you'll have to leave that bottle of wine at home. The event is fully licensed, but there's no BYO — an important measure to keep rubbish and glass away from those poor little animals. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2016 LINEUP: January 29 — Far From Folsom Featuring Tex Perkins and The Tennessee Four with Rachael Tidd, supported by Vic Simms January 30 — The Waifs, supported by Ruby Boots February 5 — José González, supported by Tiny Ruins February 6 — John Butler Trio, supported by Tinpan Orange February 12 — Josh Pyke, supported by Winterbourne February 13 — Birds Of Tokyo, supported by Fractures February 19 — Jebediah, supported by Glenn Richards February 20 — Mark Seymour & The Undertow, supported by Ben Salter February 26 — San Cisco, supported by Last Dinosaurs February 27 — Kasey Chambers, supported by Karise Eden March 4 — Colin Hay March 5 — C.W. Stoneking, supported by Marlon Williams March 11 — Björn Again March 12 — Belinda Carlisle, supported by Pseudo Echo Melbourne Zoo Twilights runs January 29 to March 12, 2016. Tickets on sale 8am Thursday, October 22 from Melbourne Zoo, and zoo members receive a 10 percent discount. By Shannon Connellan and Meg Watson. Image: Ian Laidlaw.
It's the end of a midweek working day, so you're hankering for a spot of internet whimsy. Lucky for you, a group of film-savvy go-getters have created one hell of a cinematic mash-up: The Uncanny X-Men by Patrick Willems. Asking the question we've all wanted to ask, 'What if Wes Anderson Directed X-Men?' this movie-lovin' crew took months and months to create this little smirk-inducing video. Sure, it's not made by the Duke of Twee himself, but it's a nice way to appreciate both your favourite mutant taskforce and your go-to picture book director. This isn't the first time Willems and the crew have dabbled in parody. They also made What if Tommy Wiseau Directed 'Batman'? and What if Sergio Leone Directed 'The Punisher'?. In their latest Wes-capade, Professor X, Jean Grey, Wolverine and the Devo-looking mutant crew get the Tenenbaum treatment, with plenty of adorable references to Rushmore, Bottle Rocket and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. There's even a few cross-section house shots, and that Futura overlay. X-Men needs more slow-mo Wes moments, is all we can say. Via Polygon.
It's an accepted truth that the best things in life are free. But when it comes to the dating game, the best things are actually kinda pricey. Now, we're all keen to impress that Tinder hottie with seafood buffets, bottles of Moët and sweeping romantic gestures, but they're not what all dates are made of. Even those on a beer drinker's budget can take a lucky someone out on a sweet date. In fact, a cheap, activity-based date could be the best way to get to know your potential new lover without the pressure of trying to elegantly eat crab without splattering some on your face. Dating doesn't have to be all low-lit wine bars and fancy restaurants. It can be outdoors, in art galleries or at the pub — and it can be, you know, actually fun. [caption id="attachment_577886" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Anita Peeples.[/caption] GO BUSH(WALKING) Now, you may not want your potential new bae to see you sweating like a pig, dragging your failing body through the scrub and panting like a baboon in heat. But hear us out: it's free. Completely free! And if you can keep a lid on the sweating and moaning (save it for later *winks*), hiking through the lush bush or along a craggy cliff and quoting Walt Whitman poems (that you memorised that morning) could be a pretty cute date. Sydney has some stunning walks through the bush, along the beach and up mountains, while Melbourne boasts some sweet city hikes that'll keep your heart rate down. [caption id="attachment_578074" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Meghan Yabsley.[/caption] GO FOR A LONG BIKE RIDE Again, the idea of exercising with a new friend might gross you out, but, again, it's very free. You'll get to show off your activewear in a legitimate setting, fooling your new love into thinking you're sporty. Plus, bike riding is pretty easy if you have a bike with many, many gears and choose a path devoid of large vehicles and hills. Take your pick from our best bike tracks in Melbourne and Sydney. If you keep the speed down in order to chat and pack a cute, protein-heavy picnic, you'll be telling your grandkids about this date one day. Or your friends at the pub later. Either way. [caption id="attachment_577854" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Adrianna Calvo[/caption] CHECK OUT SOME LOCAL GALLERY OPENINGS If your new boo is an art fanatic, puff yourself up (while keeping your wallet plump) by taking them to an art show. The best thing about local art events is that they're usually cheap (or even free) and serve up equally cheap or free booze, leaving most of your date budget for a bohemian night of shenanigans. Nothing will put your date in the mood for a bottle of red wine on a rooftop or sharing Pez while strolling along the beach than a night of rebellious art — a reminder than you're only young and foolish once. IMPRESS THEM WITH USELESS KNOWLEDGE AT TRIVIA As mid-week trivia nights are generally populated by poor students and bohemian grown-ups, the getting is good (but cheap). It's a smooth idea for the group date, to introduce your date to your friends or — if you want to create a little us-against-the-world division — go it alone in a team of two. Perhaps one of the most romantic features of a trivia night is the standard 'phones away' rule which should, frankly, be a rule at all social occasions. Make sure you've got some conversation topics up your sleeve though because you won't be able to hide behind your phone if the chat dries up. (But don't worry, you're gonna do just fine.) SET UP A CUTE PICNIC This is a classic first date idea — and even though you're being a cheapskate, you can pass it off as sweet. The trick is to put some pre-planning into the park selection (a Melbourne secret garden is always a safe bet). If you want a talking point and potential puppy pats, woo them at one of Sydney's best dog parks. A few more tips: avoid playgrounds (which are often riddled with children), plan for the weather (no one likes a soggy sandwich) and learn the scientific names of the surrounding plants so you can really impress. And as the location is free, you can drop all your funds into a lush picnic basket stuffed full of cheese, bikkies and wine.
Next time you’re feeling peckish down near Southern Cross Station, do yourself a favour and pay a visit to The Archway. Home to the likes of 5 & Dime Bagels, T by Luxbite and Altius Coffee, this recently opened Flinders Lane food hub is already a primo lunchtime destination, and now they’ve added two more tasty vendors to the fold. Delhi Streets is a multigenerational affair, run by Charan Singh along with his restaurateur father Resham. Inspired by India’s bustling street food culture, the pair have opted away from heavy curries in favour of samosas, rice biryani and a selection of burgers and wraps, including one made with patties of spiced chickpeas and battered potatoes. They’ve also got sweet options, from hand-made Kulfi ice-cream pops to chocolate naan. To top things off, they’re fully licensed, serving Indian beers such as Kingfisher and Maharaja, with a spice-infused cocktail menu apparently on the way. Those looking for a healthier option down that end of the city can also find sanctuary at Hunters Roots. Husband and wife duo Jeffrey and Kerry Chew are serving a variety of fresh, organic breakfast and lunch options, including coconut yogurt parfait, homemade muesli slices and the intriguingly named ‘raw snickers bar.’ Accoutrements include almond milk, vegan coconut ice-cream, raspberry chia jam and cacao hazelnut ganache, all of which are made in-house. They also offer made to order pressed juices, to help wash everything down. The Archway’s final tenant, Mr Huang Jin Taiwanese Dumplings, is expected to open in the next couple of weeks — as if you weren’t already spoiled for choices. The Archway is located at 517 Flinders Lane. For more information visit The Archway’s website.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing a little adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the Melbourne landmarks and institutions we all love. This week, discover and rediscover the things that make Melbourne so great, with seven different detours through our city's classic spots. From Monday to Sunday, channel that Melburnian spirit, and enrich your everyday with one completely achievable, time-honoured activity that helps bypass any mundane roadblocks in your routine. This week, rediscover the classics of Melbourne we know and love, from lasagne at the iconic Pellegrini's counter in the CBD, to an old-school screening at the Coburg Drive-In, to a casual jog around The Tan. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Suzuran in Camberwell is unlike any takeaway sushi place you've ever been to, for not only does it serve fresh and inventive sushi for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, but it is also a Japanese market with a huge range of imported Japanese products. Suzuran prides itself on having the most extensive range of Japanese food and products available anywhere in Victoria, whether it is cooking ingredients or a quick snack, that brand of sake or beer you can't find elsewhere or everything you need to make the perfect at-home ramen. When ordering takeaway eats, the chefs will also make the food right in front of you, which is always one of the joys of Japanese dining as the theatre of Japanese cooking is second to none. This place is famous among Japanese food aficionados in Melbourne and is considered one of the most authentic offerings in the city. One of the specialties here is the uni (sea urchin), and if you've been too nervous to try it in the past, then be sure to give it a go here first, as it is consistently delicious and prepared to perfection. The sushi sets include nigiri with salmon and prawn, while the nigiri vegetarian is perfect for those who avoid meat. Other options include eel, cucumber, pickled radish and fermented soybean, as well as the classic salmon or tuna.
After surprisingly agreeing to take Kylie to new heights on her Kiss Me Once Australian tour, Giorgio Moroder has since announced a trio of his very own shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. If you're not familiar with this multi-syllabic name, then you mustn’t have watched The Never Ending Story, Cat People, American Gigolo or Scarface. Because Moroder wrote the soundtracks to all of them, as well as to a long list of other films. And when he wasn't busy making good movies even better in the '70s and '80s, he was casually earning his title as the godfather of disco and transforming electronica into a mainstream thing. Moroder and Donna Summers famously worked together on ‘Love To Love You Baby’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘I Feel Love’. Get the picture? Since then, loads and loads of artists have called on Moroder’s grooves, including Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Cher, Cheap Trick, Pat Benatar and Daft Punk. But the really cracking news is that, in January, he revealed that he’ll be releasing a solo studio album later this year — the first in thirty years. Titled 74 is the New 24, the album features Kylie, as well as Sia, Mikky Ekko, Britney Spears, Charli XCX and Matthew Koma. The title track's been filling dance floors all over the world, while second single 'Right Here, Right Now', has been hitting the Top Ten in Europe and Australian radio left right and centre. Image: Brad Elterman.
Move over, Dark Mofo. Victoria's Apollo Bay is getting an after dark arts festival of its very own. Creeping into the coastal shire on the eastern side of Cape Otway, WinterWild will take place on select Saturday nights in July and early August. Each evening will begin with a ceremonial bonfire on the beach, before branching out to the Mechanics Hall and beyond. Standout events on the program include a performance of Tosca by local opera company Cut Opera, a screening of the '90s cult surf film Litmus, sets by Sand Pebbles and Dirty Three's Mick Turner, and talks by Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford and Arnold Zable. Local cafes and restaurants will also get involved with the festival. Steve Earl's acclaimed La Bimba will devise a special festival menu, and provide a place for revellers to recover as the sun rises on Sunday morning. "This festival won't be for the faint-hearted," said festival director Roderick Poole. "It is very much aimed at adventurous spirits ready to take on a challenge; to embrace the harsh environment and celebrate the beauty of the elements at their extremes. WINTERWILD 2017 DATES: Water (July 1-2): Mick Turner (Dirty Three), Sand Pebbles, screening of Litmus with soundtrack performance by director Andrew Kidman. Earth (July 15-16): Butoh performer Yumi Umiumare, Tek Tek Ensemble, Tosca by Cut Opera. Air (July 29-30): Programmed by the Apollo Bay Writer's Festival, including Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford, Arnold Zable and Emilie Zoey Baker. Fire (Aug 12-13): Massed choir of 100 singers, ritual burning of festival sculpture, live music. WinterWild information and tickets at www.winterwild.com.au.
This weekend we celebrate the Year of the Goat for Chinese New Year, and we can't stop thinking about the feast that awaits us. In Chinese dining, dumplings are without a doubt the biggest crowd pleaser, and we thought it was high time we learned the art of their creation. So we went straight to the experts. And where better to look to than New Shanghai? Located in Emporium's cafe court, this Shanghainese chain has earned rave reviews for their handmade xiao long bao (steamed soup dumpling) and the sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork dumpling). Dim sum chef Yihua Wu is the dumpling master here — he's been making dumplings for 10 years, and it's safe to say he has his practice down to a fine art. He first learned how to make dumplings at home in Wuxi, and claims that it took years of practice to get him to the skill level he currently possesses. His xiao long bao consist of 18 folds at the tip of the dumpling. Considering how tiny and delicate these dumplings are, this is no easy task. Wu says it took him years to master the practise, and his tip for perfect parcels? Try to make the folds as even as possible. Now, Wu can make a basket of eight dumplings in two minutes, and on a weekend day he can be making up to 200 baskets a day. You can do the math. We love a good dumpling, and we're guessing that you do too. So without further ado, here is how you make — and eat — authentic dumplings. THE DOUGH Make a dough using simple ingredients of flour and water. The dough needs to be the right softness and elasticity to be used for making dumplings, so measurements and temperature need to be carefully monitored when preparing the dough. For the sheng jian bao, yeast is also added to the dough — that ensures they are more bulbous when fried, and have a breadier texture in comparison to xiao long bao. Let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes before filling. THE FILLING While the dough is resting, you can mix up your dumpling filling. Any sort of mince meat is a good base, just as long as it still contains fat so the meat doesn't go dry and the dumplings stay juicy. You can also throw some finely-chopped vegetables in the mix for some extra flavour. Ever wondered how they get the soup in the xiao long bao? It comes from boiled pig skin that has had the fat removed, and when the liquid is left to cool, it gets a sticky consistency, leaving you with a jelly substance. This jelly is then mixed into the mince filling, and when it is heated, it becomes liquid once more — and the dumpling is filled with soup. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Divide the dough into small balls and roll out into perfect circles, approximately 5cm in diameter. The dough should be close to 1mm thick, so roll them out so they are thin, but not too delicate. A good teaspoon of filling is added to the centre of the flat dough circle, and then the edges are brought together and folded many times. To be honest, this is certainly the most difficult part for beginners, so if you are playing at home, you'll need a bit of practice to make perfect. Once all the folds are made, pinch the tip of the dumpling closed. You should have something that looks like an adorable mini moneybag. COOKING Xiao long bao are steamed in a bamboo basket for four and a half minutes. Fried dumplings are cooked for about eight minutes. EATING Yes, there is a correct way to eat these dumplings, and it will save you from making a mess and burning your taste buds. Or at least it will ensure you don't do it again. For xiao long bao, sit the dumpling in a soup spoon and bite only the tip off first, to release steam. Once it has cooled slightly, you can suck out some of the soup. From there, you can eat the dumpling as you like — but this way, you won't burn your mouth and spill the soup. For the sheng jian bao, you can actually stab them to release some steam before taking a bite, and you don’t have to swallow it whole — it's best enjoyed over a few bites. New Shanghai are celebrating Chinese New Year with selection of special dishes in addition to their regular menu. We can vouch for their xiao long bao. newshanghai.com.au
For everyone who can't make a trip to IKEA to buy furniture and homewares without eating meatballs, but also doesn't eat meat, the Swedish retailer has added both vegetarian and plant-based versions to its range in recent years, including Down Under. But what if you feel the same about the chain's hot dogs? Enter IKEA's plant dogs, which have just hit Australian stores. Let's be honest — getting through a visit to the brand's warehouse-sized outlets doesn't just involve shopping, and also deciding that everything in your house could use a facelift, but also working up an appetite while browsing and buying. Accordingly, it usually entails tucking into one of IKEA's famed bites, whether you're sitting down for those meatballs mid-shop or nabbing a hot dog on the way to the car. Obviously, the original meaty hot dogs that've been on offer for more than four decades aren't going anywhere; however, these new plant dogs expand the range. They're made from rice protein, plus carrot, onion and apple — and they'll set you back $2 a dog. IKEA is working to make 50 percent of the meals in its restaurant meals plant-based by 2025, with offering plant dogs the next step in that direction. In Sydney only, on four individual dates, the brand is also busting out a plant dog truck to hand out freebies. You'll find it at IKEA Marsden Park from 2–6pm on Tuesday, May 28 and at IKEA Tempe from 11am–3pm on Wednesday, May 29. After that, it's popping up at Centenary Square in Parramatta from 12–4pm on Thursday, May 30 and at Dolphin Court at Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach, from 11am–3pm on Saturday, June 1. To nab a free taste — your choice of a plant dog or plant balls — from the yellow-hued truck at its Sydney stops, you will need to show your IKEA Family membership (and if you're not already a member, you can sign up for free online). IKEA's plant dogs are now available at its Australian stores — head to the chain's website for further details. The IKEA plant dog truck is popping up across Sydney from Tuesday, May 28–Thursday, May 30 and on Saturday, June 1.
You like gin. You drink G&Ts on a regular basis. But how well do you know the botanicals you're drinking? Bombay Sapphire has teamed up with a group of artists, chefs and bartenders to take you on a sensory adventure of where its botanicals are sourced. During the two-hour experience, aptly named Project Botanicals, guests will be given the global botanical tour — just pretend you're sampling coriander in Morocco and picking cubeb berries in Java. An important part of the sensory experience is the food and drink. Four dishes, cooked by Studio Neon chef Aaron Teece, will be paired with four cocktails created by some of Sydney's favourite bars. It's not just a standard food and drink pairing, though — the tasting experience will be interactive. You'll pick lemons, which are actually lemon cheesecakes, under a grove of trees in Spain while sipping on a drink created by Sydney's Mjolner. Next, wander down backstreets in China drinking Bar Moncur's liquorice-laced Jasmine Bloom and eating duck pancakes. You'll then travel across the globe some more before ending in Morocco with a lamb tagine and a vibrant cocktail from Union Electric. Throughout the immersive journey a 360-degree audio-visual artwork, created by Australian musician and producer Ta-ku together with award-winning animator Sam Price, will be playing around you. The multi-dimensional artwork, composed of music made exclusively for the event and a vivid light installation, will shift with each jump to a new location and hopes to alter perceptions of taste. Each session will run for two hours at the following times: 8.30pm on Thursday, 6pm and 8.30pm on Friday, 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday and 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.
A new chapter is being written in the annals of Melbourne cafe culture. Opening this week on High Street in Prahran, Fourth Chapter is serving up breakfast and lunch every day of the week, and boasts a menu we can't wait to try. The sunny new spot is owned by chef Sarah Whitfield, whose other venture, Trei Cafe, has become a Glen Waverly staple. This time she's teamed up with her sister, Jessica, and the results look absolutely stellar. Their all day breakfast menu includes such appetising options as baked rhubarb, apple and blackberry porridge, paleo toast with avocado and lemon, and that old Melbourne favourite, smashed avo, served on pumpkin sourdough with pesto and haloumi. Of course those all pale in comparison to the standout items: peanut butter s'more waffles with salted caramel, grilled banana and marshmallow. Peanut Butter S'more Waffle // Grilled bananas, marshmallow & salted caramel ✌🏼️ #Melbourne #Cafe #Lunch #Breakfast #BreakfastInMelbourne #Smores #FourthChapter A photo posted by F O U R T H C H A P T E R (@fourth_chapter) on Jun 3, 2016 at 3:05am PDT In addition to their sizable list of breakfast options, Fourth Chapter also offer a small number of lunch dishes from 11am. Think Southern fried chicken bao with pickled cabbage and sriracha aioli, and a pulled beef brisket cheeseburger with chilli mayo, American cheddar and sweet potato fries. Their beverage fare includes the usual mix of coffees and teas, along with kombucha and an array of extravagant smoothies. We're particularly taken with the strawberry shortcake variety, made with coconut mylk, almond crumble and strawberries, along with maca, chia, maple and whipped coconut cream. Fourth Chapter is located at 385 High Street, Prahran. For more information visit www.fourthchapter.com.au.
While wine and deep fried drumsticks might not seem like the most obvious of pairings, it’s certainly been a winning combination for Fitzroy fried chicken joint Belle's Hot Chicken. Since opening on Gertrude Street last year, Belle's has clocked up plenty of praise for its spicy, Southern-style fried chicken, but also has found itself becoming something of a hot spot for lovers of natural wine. Inspired by their surprise success in the fermented grape realm, Belle's have announced Bar Clarine, a spinoff natural wine bar set to open right next door. Natural wine – for those of you out of the loop — is wine made with minimal chemical or mechanical intervention, allowing for a more natural appearance and taste. The wine list at Belle’s features a number of local natural wines from producers such as Bill Downie, Tom Shobbrook and Patrick Sullivan. Bar Clarine is likewise expected to offer a broad variety of natural Australian wines, as well as a smaller selection from France, Italy and Spain. The food, on the other hand, will be a different beast entirely. Belle’s chef Morgan McGlone will concoct a French-inspired menu of light, seasonal market food, with plenty of cured meats, cheeses and terrines — and not a skerrick of hot chicken in sight. The teeny Bar Clarine will share an internal entrance with Belle's, and is expected to be able to seat around 20-25 people. It's currently expected to open in the first week of April. Via Good Food.
Continuing in the tradition of online services that ensure you never have to leave your living room, a brand new website and app is launching in Melbourne that will deliver groceries right to your door. Inspired by their success in Germany, ShopWings launched in Sydney in April, and now they're expanding to our fine city. The service lets you select your groceries over the web or the brand new app, before dispatching one of its shoppers to do the busy work for you and deliver within about two hours. Basically it’s like The Iconic, but for food. After entering your postcode, visitors to ShopWings can browse offerings from Aldi (other grocery chains will inevitably follow). From there, it’s simply a matter of filling your virtual shopping cart and heading to the checkout. The delivery fee comes in at a flat $8.90 — although in order to entice customers, your first use of the service is free. Once you’ve paid via credit card or PayPal, ShopWings guarantee delivery within two hours. They currently deliver to addresses in Southbank, South Yarra, Hawthorne and Fitzroy, with plans for expansion week by week to include most postcodes within a few months. Of course ShopWings isn’t Australia’s first online grocery service. Both Coles and Woolworths already offer home delivery, while Grocery Butler has been operating since mid-2013. Where this new operation aims to stand apart is in the quality of their service. ShopWings shoppers will even get in touch with you from the grocery store if an item you selected is out of stock, so that you can pick an alternative rather than going without dinner. Test out ShopWings over here, or download the app from the Google Play store — it'll be available in the App Store for iOS in the coming weeks. Image: ShopWings.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2018 — This Saturday, February 17 the city will welcome White Night, an all-night arts festival that runs from 7pm till 7am. While the city stays up all night, so will Supafish — it's been granted an all-night licence so it can serve drinks and play tunes until the sun comes up on Sunday. Say g'day to the Yarra River's newest resident, Supafish — a 300-capacity floating pop-up bar in the form of a giant futuristic fish. It's the brainchild of DJ Grant Smillie (Melbourne City Brewing Co, and LA's E.P. & L.P.) and Andrew Mackinnon (from marketing communication agency The Taboo Group), and is set to drop anchor just metres from the boys' previous collaboration, Ponyfish Island. Launching early December, Supafish will be settling in for the long, hot months of summer, slinging cocktails and Mexican fare daily up until February 26. At 38 metres long, this one's a little smaller than The Arbory's just-launched floating summer bar Arbory Afloat, though there's certainly no missing it, what with the huge glowing eyes and neon ribcage made from galvanised steel and recycled materials. The team's set out to create an immersive experience, from top to toe. Nick Peters and Matt Lane — who are behind Mexican eateries Hotel Jesus and Mamasita — have taken the reins on the food offering, so you'll be noshing on punchy plates like ceviche and huitlacoche (which is a type of corn fungus) quesadillas. Meanwhile, a range of refreshing tap cocktails run from margaritas and espresso martinis through to signature kombucha infusions, and Smillie himself is curating the summer's music program. Supafish will open daily from 11am till 1am, until February 26.
If you thought seafood was best suited to sultry summer days, Port Melbourne's favourite seafood restaurant might change your mind. The Aussie-born chain Kickin' Inn already has 12 NSW restaurants under its belt, with this first in Melbourne opening back in 2021. Kickin' Inn took over the former Rose Hotel site and has cured those lingering winter blues with a signature offering of seafood tossed through punchy house-made 'Kajun' sauces. For the uninitiated, Port Melbourne's Kickin' Inn offers an all-in, bibs-and-gloves experience, where diners do away with cutlery and get their hands messy with bags full of prawns, mud crab, pipis and shellfish — using only the tools that your god gave you. The Cajun-inspired house sauces — here, dubbed 'Kajun' — are more than mere support acts, with the venue boasting five flavour-charged secret recipes. If feasting is on the agenda, you'll find an abundance of snacks to kick things off. These include baby octopus, mozzarella cheese sticks, freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and wings galore. After that, you've got some big decisions to make. Choose your main event from a slew of ocean-fresh goodies including Alaskan king crab, pounds of peeled prawns, a pile of baby octopus, blue swimmer pieces, or a mess of mussels and pipis. Pick a matching sauce, whack in some additions like corn or chorizo, and dial up the heat level as high as you dare — keeping in mind the 'inferno' option is only halfway up the scale. Meanwhile, a separate lunch menu features more solo-friendly feeds from a prawn spaghetti to a mini mixed bag of seafood served with rice. It's one of the tastiest and most fun seafood restaurants in Melbourne.
The 2017 Melbourne International Film Festival is already slated to start with a Jungle trek, take audiences on a retro sci-fi trip and showcase a hefty dose of Cannes titles. But that's just the first act — there's way (way) more where that came from. This year MIFF will screen 358 films in total, representing 68 countries, and including 251 features, 88 shorts, 17 virtual reality experiences and 12 talks. Phew. Taking over 13 venues across Melbourne from August 3 to 20, the 2017 festival — the event's 66th — also boasts 31 world premieres and 135 Australian premieres. That's quite the batch of numbers, but cinephiles only need remember one more: how many films you can cram in over the fest's 18-day run. Leading the charge among the complete program is closing night's Gurrumul Elcho Dreaming, which will enjoy its world premiere at MIFF. The documentary explores of the life and music of Aussie artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, formerly of Yothu Yindi, and ensures that this year's festival is bookended with local flicks. Elsewhere, fellow Australian picks span street art documentary Have You Seen the Listers?, Melissa George and Ewen Leslie in The Butterfly Tree, and a virtual reality peek into asylum seeker life in VR short Inside Manus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJweqjIWtbg Other new titles include the Jon Hamm and Geena Davis-starring Marjorie Prime, about holographic recreations of deceased loves ones; Beatriz at Dinner, featuring Salma Hayek, Chloe Sevigny and John Lithgow; Lucky, which sees Twin Peaks' Harry Dean Stanton and David Lynch appear together on screen; and Beach Rats, this year's Sundance US Dramatic comp director winner. An IMAX screening of Terrence Malick's 40-years-in-the-making documentary Voyage of Time, the David Wenham-directed walk-and-talk effort Ellipsis, and Swedish indigenous drama Sami Blood are also on the bill, alongside a triple dose of Hong Sang-soo thanks to Yourself and Yours, Claire's Camera and On the Beach at Night Alone, as well as the world premiere of Ben Elton's newbie Three Summers. Of course, MIFF isn't just about screening films — it's also about showcasing the talented folks behind them. One of the best movies of the year so far, the Armie Hammer-starring romance Call Me By Your Name, comes to MIFF with Italian director Luca Guadagnino in attendance, while iconic Aussie filmmaker Jane Campion will introduce a screening of her new TV mini-series Top of the Lake: China Girl. Plus, diving deeper into its themed strands, this year's festival will also feature a program of '80s and early '90s Australian films directed by women, a tribute to The Party filmmaker Sally Potter's cinematic output to date and a selection of animal docos (expect chicken, rats, dolphins and more). Getting into genre territory, MIFF's usual Night Shift lineup jumps from real-life serial killer thrills with My Friend Dahmer to Takashi Miike's Blade of the Immortal to the US-made, Colombia-set The Belko Experiment from Jungle filmmaker Greg McLean, with plenty of others in between. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2KRS_hinE All of the above joins a sizeable selection of already-revealed, excitement-worthy flicks, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos, '90s-set AIDS activism drama BPM, Palme d'Or winner The Square, Robert Pattinson crime flick Good Time, Michael Haneke's Happy End and the Andy Samberg-produced Brigsby Bear. Plus, more RPatz in The Lost City of Z, Aussie actress Emily Browning playing a Melburnian in New York opposite Jason Schwartzman and the Beastie Boys' Adam Horovitz in Golden Exits, swoon-inducing queer romance God's Own Country, transgender drama A Fantastic Woman, New Zealand horror amusement park-based Spookers, and Aussie efforts Ali's Wedding, Australia Day and That's Not Me are also on the stacked bill.
Two Birds Brewing is celebrating five years of making stellar, award-winning beers. Australia's first female owned and operated brewery is celebrating in fashion with an Australia-wide, week long birthday bash. As a big thank you to patrons around the country, co-owners Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis are offering up their Golden Ale and Sunset Ale flagship brews for just five bucks a schooner — in a whopping 25 venues across Queensland, Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania. Lewis and Allen have also each brewed a birthday beer — the Two Birds G&T IPA and Two Birds PX Belgian Dubbel — which will be tapped at each venue on Thursday, June 16. This is one killer way to celebrate and we'll be raising a glass to these two badass birds throughout the week. The Two Birds $5 birthday schooners will be available from Monday, June 13 – Sunday, June 19, with the Birthday beer tapped on Thursday, June 16. Their beers will be tapped at the following bars and pubs. VICTORIA The Nest - Two Birds Brewery and Tasting Room, Spotswood The Valley Cellar Door - Wine Bar, Moonee Ponds Stray Neighbour, Preston Junction Beer Hall & Wine Room, Newport Freddie Wimpoles, St Kilda The Park, Werribee Beer Deluxe, Hawthorn Cookie, Melbourne CBD Terminus Hotel, Fitzroy North Cambrian Hotel, Bendigo NEW SOUTH WALES Hotel Sweeney's, Sydney CBD Royal Albert Hotel, Surry Hills The Welcome Hotel - Ajò Restaurant, Rozelle The Public, Cammeray Grain Store, Newcastle East QUEENSLAND The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba Flux Restaurant & Lounge, Noosaville Lester and Earl, Palm Beach Death Valley Bar & Records, Morningside Woolly Mammoth, Fortitude Valley
Giving two cents to your younger, wide-eyed, keen-for-life-lessons self is a luxury only those with Time Turners or Deloreans can afford. So the next best thing is asking those (a little) older and (a lot) wiser for their mad tips on how to be a bonafide boss. From directing one of Australia's best festivals to producing next-level electronica, from shooting Arcade Fire to handpicking and delivering the best music in Australia and the world right to your eardrums, these five Aussie folks have already kicked major goals in their respective creative industries. So we tugged their ears, made 'em give up the goods and lay some sweet advice on us. Disclaimer: This editor knows these five humans and is lucky to, hence why they dished out such excellent advice. [caption id="attachment_564974" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Tim Da Rin.[/caption] CLARE DOWNES, SECRET GARDEN FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Some people plod on through this little ol' life of ours settling for mundane thrills and spills. But folks like Clare Downes, festival director for NSW's Secret Garden Festival, are different. They've managed to find some unfathomable way to create a career out of unpretentious, unbridled, balls-to-the-wall fun. Founding Secret Garden and running it for eight glorious years on her family's property just outside Sydney, Clare's successfully created a made-by-mates-for-mates event that gets bigger — but not a skerrick less genuine — every year. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I did. I went to uni and studied communications journalism. What's the most random job you've had? I helped organise an elephant polo tournament in Sri Lanka. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? I can't listen to music when I really, really need to focus. I put on my noise cancelling headphones and don't come up for air for hours. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Unicorn wrangler counts. Ha. I would love to advise on sustainable tourism, particularly in Asia. I might still do that ya know? I have many more years of living to go I hope. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? You're here for a good time, not a long time. So don't let fear drive any decision. Grit and kindness goes a long way in the workforce. So don't worry so much if you're not the top of the class. Don't feel like you have to wear heels, just 'cause everyone else is. RICH LUCANO, PHONDUPE Bit of a night owl with a love for crisp, atmospheric, hip hop-infused, Nicholas Jaar-meets-TV on the Radio-like electronica? You're in good company with Rich Lucano. NYC and Sydney-based, Rich is one half of Phondupe with Nathan Chan. The pair produce pretty damn unpindownable beats — check out the duo's Greenhouse EP and The Ecstasy Of single series to know what we're talking about. What's the most random job you've had? One time... I was hired to dress up in a penguin costume and cruise around the city in a hummer with four fellow penguins, cranking hip hop and drawing attention by any means possible. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Right now... Al Dobson Jr — 'Malful (Nebetia)' Alex Seidel — 'Quinn' OKE — 'Sundews' But I'm a big believer in a good disco breakfast. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'd be a pizza chef that yelled at anyone who asked for a chicken topping. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? - Quit your band and pick up a drum machine - Learn how to DJ asap. - If you have an empty wallet and a bunch of ticket stubs, you're doing the right thing. - Listen to as much international radio as you can. - This fluoro phase will be over soon, don't worry. - Please stop wearing Rabens. Your poor feet. - Get a photo of you shaking Kanye's hand. No one will ever believe that happened. - Buy some bitcoins. - Eat more pizza. - You don't know shit but everything's going to be great. [caption id="attachment_564976" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: FBi Radio.[/caption] STEPHEN GOODHEW, FBi RADIO MUSIC DIRECTOR Looking for new music? How about the best new tunes out there? How about the best new Australian music? Stephen Goodhew knows his shit, ask him for tips. Go on. FBi Radio's insanely knowledgable music director steers the beloved Sydney radio station and its listeners toward damn good tunes every day — 50 percent Australian music, half of that coming from Sydney. Epic job. You can listen to Stephen present 'The Playlist' every week. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? Yeah, I went to uni, but it was done pretty half-assed. I did a three year degree over six years, just doing one or two subjects a semester. The reason being was so that I could focus on extracurricular activities (i.e my band), which was great, but also meant that I came away feeling pretty 'meh' about the whole uni experience. I studied a Bachelor of Media at Macquarie University, but here's the thing; you don't actually need a degree to do a lot of jobs in media. Don't get me wrong, it certainly helps to have on your resume, but most people I know who land jobs do so based on their work experience. I would definitely recommend doing as many internships/volunteer positions as you can while you're studying, even if it means your degree takes a little longer. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Deafheaven — 'Dream House': Straight up, I challenge you to listen to this song and not feel compelled to run up a mountain or swim Bass Strait. If you're looking for something of a productivity sprint, this is the song. Steve Reich — 'Music for 18 Musicians': This is the track for the medium pace long-haul. It has this wonderful hypnotic quality about it that I find helps me focus, while it's constant momentum keeps me pushing forward. The fact that it's 61 minutes in length also helps set something of a time-goal as well. Todd Terje — 'Delorean Dynamite': Whenever this song plays all I can think is that I'm creating a real life '80s style montage of inspiration and by god I better not mess it up. Great motivator. A+. What's the most random job you've had? I've never done anything super random like helping rhinos breed for the sake of conservation, but I did used to work in a tea store for a number of years, which was a slightly weird segue into alternative radio, but there you go. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm fascinated by people and their motivations. Chances are if we've ever had a conversation that's lasted longer than five minutes, I've probably tried to work out your Myers-Briggs personality type. So with that in mind, I'd probably say, psychologist. I guess that's probably not quite as exciting as I'd like it to sound, but it sure beats a hard day in the field helping endangered herbivores procreate. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? People are generally more worried about what you think of them than the other way around. Act with a quiet confidence, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way. BRIDIE CONNELLAN, UNIVERSAL MUSIC MARKETING DIRECTOR If you've listened to Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, The Weeknd, Lorde, Disclosure, Jarryd James or The Preatures, chances are Bridie's had a hand in your Spotify playlist. Universal Music's Marketing Director switched course from journalism and writing for Rolling Stone, kicking goals for Sydney's TITLE store as Creative Director before moving to Universal and invading Sydney with Disclosure face paste-ups citywide. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? The brain the brain the centre of the chain. I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) at the University Of Sydney — biggest bunch of badasses all trying to out-do each other on cultural capital and debating Bourdieu's relevance. Occasionally we learnt things about 'the media' but mostly we drank wine and stayed in the media lab until 4am wrestling with Final Cut Pro. But seriously it was the realest. Four huge years of digging into the theoretical side make everything I do now have so much more cultural relevance to me, and I made some of the best friends of my life there. Go study kids. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? R.L. Grime — 'Scylla': 'Cause you feel heaps good saving the world. Kanye West — 'Black Skinhead': I keep it 300, like the Romans. Gang of Youth — 'Magnolia': Play it LOUD, and imagine your mates cheering you on. What's the most random job you've had? I was Khloe Kardashian's 'Talent Escort' for the MTV Music Awards. Yeah I'm not gonna explain that further. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm a sucker for existential theory and questioning the shit out of everything so I'd be a white-haired monochrome-wardrobed philosophy academic probably halfway through my next book on the flaws of Descartes which will probably remain unfinished. Because #being. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Stop wearing that Franz Ferdinand t-shirt, they're not very good. [caption id="attachment_564979" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Hazal Alkic.[/caption] YAYA STEMPLER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND FBi RADIO PRESENTER If you've seen an impossibly epic photograph of [insert musician here] and [insert Australian music event here], it's likely Yaya Stempler snapped it. The Israel-raised, Sydney-based photographer shoots some of Australia's best music photography — she's responsible for making the likes of Blur, Arcade Fire, D'Angelo, Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, deadmau5, Phoenix and more look damn good. Keen to chat about the tunes as well as shoot them, Yaya's also a presenter on Sydney's FBi Radio. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I studied screen media and broadcasting at St Leonard's TAFE and a fine art degree majoring in photomedia at COFA. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? David Bowie — 'Suffragette City' Santigold — 'L.E.S Artistes' Clams Casino — 'Treetop' What's the most random job you've had? I was a fire juggler once in Mexico. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Definitely an orangutan whisperer. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Don't doubt your abilities, trust your instincts, think before you speak and drink lots of water. Top image: Tim Da Rin.
Myer and eBay have joined forces to take online shopping to the next level with their creation of the world's first Virtual Reality Department Store. Available today, their cardboard 'shoptical' device allows users to browse, personalise, and purchase over 12,500 Myer products just with your face. The best part — they're giving out 15,000 of them for free. For our sceptical readers who didn't automatically click away at the word free, here's the deal. The 'shoptical' device seems pretty simple — you download the eBay VR Department Store app on your smart phone and insert the phone into the cardboard shoptical — very, very similar to Google Cardboard's design. You can then browse, research and eventually purchase any item in the catalogue by holding your gaze on a product. The VR store is continually personalised while you use it and will suggest products based on what it knows about you. Creepy? Yes. Convenient? Also yes. While the new VR Store doesn't quite diminish the age old online shopping problem of ordering without trying on, the shopticals do give an unprecedented, up close and personal view of products – think 3D images that take you inside the jumper you're looking at. The product range, pricing and stock information will also be updated in real time, which is a brand new feat for virtual reality experiences. For those looking to try before they buy, you can trial the VR Department Store by booking your place at a special exhibition on Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20 at The Harbourside Room, Level 6, 140 George Street in Sydney. While this device may not be for the old school shoppers out there, it's definitely a huge leap forward for online converts. If you made it this far and still think this sounds bloody brilliant, we just want to repeat that they're really giving out 15,000 for free.
So you think you're a Facebook aficionado? Is your Instagram game on point? Fancy doing this for a living? At General Assembly's latest panel event, you could learn how to turn your mad hashtag skills into a full-time job. Watch a panel of social media experts come together to discuss how this medium is drastically changing marketing for businesses and marketing professionals alike. Speakers include Troy Townsend (Tiger Pistol), Jess Hatzis (Willow & Blake, Frank Body), Katherine Chalhoub (Web Profits) and Charl Laubscher (Love + Money). The panel will be moderated by Erika Geraerts (also for Willow & Blake and Frank Body), steering these industry experts to discuss the top trends we can look forward to this year. They’ll offer insights from personal experience that will help shape the way you use social media for business, as well as sharing their predictions. After the panel, there'll be drinks and networking opportunities for those who stick around — because it’s all about being social. We give this event a big blue thumbs up.
Sick of mediocre Spotify radio playlists? Let's get to the good stuff, the physical stuff. Melbourne online record store vinyl. finds itself a bricks and mortar location on the first and third Saturday of every month, and this Saturday it's heading to the Northcote Social Club. Vinyl. only deals with new pressings of records, so you can expect the latest and greatest in pristine condition, no exceptions. As well as providing an eclectic mix of music-you're-yet-to-meet, the vinyl. pop-up endeavours to support Australian music by sourcing their vinyl from official Australian suppliers such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Australia, Inertia Warner and Rocket Distribution. Best of all, entry to the pop-up shop is free, but we certainly can’t guarantee you’ll walk out of there with a full wallet; you’re sure to leave with some musical gold. Happy treasure hunting.
This latest exhibition from the Monash University Museum of Art is inviting you into another world. Dark, surreal and strangely alluring, the work of Sydney-based artist Justene Williams is a dark riff on reality. And, in this new series of video installations, she draws you into the most entrancing set of images you've seen since your first episode of The Mighty Boosh. Though her creations appear other-worldy and even magical, they surprisingly find their origin in the mundane. Williams has stated the works were very much inspired by her now-deceased father, his work and the life they shared together. Accordingly, many of the sets in her work are composed of or decorated with everyday materials like inflatable pools and barbecues. Regardless, we suggest leaving your rationality at the door with this one; this is a collection of works best experienced by submitting yourself to its total hypnotism.
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Astor Theatre has been reborn. After temporarily shutting down in April, Melbourne’s most iconic picture palace is open for business once again, and is celebrating with a red carpet premiere worthy of Tinseltown’s golden age. The gala will mark the first Melbourne screening of Women He’s Undressed, a documentary about Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly, a three-time Oscar winner who worked on dozens of Hollywood classics including Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon and Some Like It Hot. The red carpet rolls out at 6.15pm this Thursday for a 7pm screening with an introduction by the film’s director Gillian Armstrong. The screening will be followed by an afterparty in the art deco foyer, with beer, wine, canapés and live entertainment. Hopefully the candy bar will still be open too — because after all, no trip to The Astor is complete without a choc-ice choc top. The good news? It looks like they’ll be available for many years to come.
Canadian producer Dan Snaith, aka Caribou, is headed to Australia for one of summer's most anticipated tours. One of the major headliners for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Caribou has locked in two extra special sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. Caribou's latest record, Our Love, features the feelgood lead single 'I Can’t Do Without You', released in August last year and placing a very respectable #55 in this year's Hottest 100. Playing with some very '90s inspired R&B beats and '80s synth, Our Love is a record that's not only danceable but also engrossing to sit back and absorb. Caribou's no spring chicken at the electronic game; Snaith boasts a career spanning ten years with an impressive back catalogue. Fans of Caribou will remember his 2010 album Swim, with tracks like the expansive 'Sun' and the alluring 'Odessa' that won the hearts of many. To see these wonderfully layered, intricate and incredibly beautiful songs played live comes highly recommended — so if you’re not heading along to Laneway, do not miss this.
Thanks to the wonders of retro programs, seeing a beloved horror movie on a big screen is a fairly common occurrence these days — but what about those less lauded and not-so-loved frightening films from years gone by? Or the flicks initially deemed too gritty or nasty for cinemas? Or the up-and-coming genre hits? Thankfully, Friday Fright Night is their time to shine. Presented by Monster Fest, the new weekly program wades through horror at its most out-there, both made at home and abroad, and including rarely screened cult fare alongside fear-inducing classics. That the lineup kicks off with the first-ever Australian screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 should give an indication of the types of movies on offer. The rest of the schedule spans an eclectic bunch, lurching from French splatter onslaught High Tension, to the ever-controversial Irreversible, and even featuring Team America: World Police. Or, check out Patrick Stewart in alien invasion vampire horror effort Lifeforce, and Lisa McCune in Aussie gross-out offering Body Melt. Yes, it seems no one can escape this program — except maybe those with weak stomachs.
Melbourne is never short of innovative and intriguing film events, and the latest is Here My Eyes at Howler. Hear My Eyes screens films that are accompanied by an original score performed live by local musicians, Sleep Decade. The experimental, audiovisual experience is a playful alternative to more traditional screenings, and $15 to see a film and live music gig all rolled into one sounds like a pretty good deal to us. For Hear My Eyes first event they will be screening Jessica Oreck’s acclaimed The Vanquishing of the Witch Baba Yaga, which combines documentary footage with hand-drawn animated storyboard panels. One for all you film nerds out there, the 16mm shots of the visually stunning Romanian, Hungarian and Polish forests and countrysides are truly captivating. Pair that with an ambient and experimental soundscape and you’ve got yourself quite an extraordinary Thursday night.
