The word 'piquancy' means a sharp, spicy, appetising flavour. So, really, it seems like quite a good name for Hawthorn's newest Indian eatery. Opening tonight — Wednesday, April 5 — on Auburn Road, the new restaurant from the team behind St Kilda's Babu Ji will feature a mix of traditional dishes and lesser-known street foods, and will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner. "It's a name that's not obviously Indian, so people won't have a preconceived opinion of the food," said co-owner Mani Waraich. "We hope our venue will help shift the usual perception of Indian food, which is the typical curry and rice menu." Of course, you will find curry and rice on the menu, along with classic dishes like chari pork chops and Babu Ji's tandoori chicken. But you'll also find a variety of other options, including pani puri, beetroot-cured paneer and even gluten-free naan. "We have a diverse menu and want people to experience all the elements of a contemporary Indian meal," said Waraich. The Piquancy wine list, meanwhile, has been carefully curated by sommelier Jeff Sault. You'll also be able to choose from some 40 crafts beers. Assuming you like the food, the restaurant will also be offering a number of ticketed cooking classes, the details of which should be made available soon. Piquancy is now open at 123 Auburn Road, Hawthorn. For more information, visit thepiquancy.com.au. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Sydney’s most beloved southern cooking restaurant just got a little sweeter. Now you can take Hartsyard home with you — no, not a new takeaway window, a family cookbook which includes all of your favourite recipes from Enmore’s go-to eatery. The restaurant’s dynamic duo, Gregory Llewellyn and Naomi Hart, give patrons their own way to enjoy their recipes at home. The couple make a great team — Gregory the cook and Naomi the writer — and easily caught the attention of Murdoch Books. The publisher loved the idea of their neighbourhood eatery, a place where friends can gather for food that is simply home cooking at its best. Since the fried chicken is the Hartsyard claim to fame, they’ve based their cookbook around the recipe and its counterparts. For a quick preview of how you can impress your friends with your Aussie-American flare, we’re bringing you our picks for the top recipes from the cookbook (apart from the fried chicken, of course). SNACKS: PORK BELLY CRACKLING An ode to street food from San Juan, the chicharron you’ll find in the cookbook is unlike any pork crackling you’re used to. Gregory combines the crispy skin with the supple fat of the pork belly for an indulgent snack. True to the recipe’s Puerto Rican roots, it’s suggested to serve with Hartsyard’s now infamous hot sauce (pg 188) and a lemon wedge. Since this recipe will take a while, take Gregory’s advice and have a few drinks at hand. pg 41 THE FEED: OYSTER PO' BOYS A real down home, Louisiana dish, Hartsyard is known for these sliders nearly as much as for their fried chicken. Of course, the dish has an Aussie twist, served on homemade English muffins instead of the traditional baguette. The oysters soak in buttermilk for a full day, which gives them that creaminess that you love from the restaurant. Again, the homemade hot sauce really gives the dish that extra kick. pg 97 SIDES: HUSHPUPPIES The Hartsyard team loves corn done any style, but there is no better way than fried. Essentially a cornmeal fritter, the recipe is a basic version that encourages experimentation. Southern cooking is a heavy meal from entrée to mains to sides, and hushpuppies are a prime example of this classic combo of fried with fried. Recommended with the dirty chicken gravy (pg 191). pg 128 SALAD & VEG: BROAD BEANS ON THE BARBIE This dish really sticks to the motto 'keep it simple' — charred broad beans with salt, made Hartsyard-style with their lemon jam and romesco sauce (pg 198). Tender and juicy, this dish is a perfect excuse to get your hands dirty, and southern cooking really should be eaten with your hands. You’ll also get to enjoy making your guests do most of the work for you, just like Gregory does with this dish in his kitchen. pg 172 SWEET TREATS: BANANA CREAM PIE A brainchild of Hartsyard pastry chef Andrew Bowden, the key to this dish is the fresh cream. No matter how full your friends are after your decadent meal, they’ll be fighting over the last piece of this pie. Gregory’s favourite part of the dish is the combo of cocoa and banana, making this dessert one irresistible treat. pg 230 Fried Chicken & Friends: The Hartsyard Family Cookbook is out now via Murdoch Books. Order your hardcover copy for $49.99 over here. Images: Fried Chicken & Friends: The Hartsyard Family Cookbook.
The Royal Exhibition Building is set to be overrun with pooches of every shape and size. Returning for its third year, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show will welcome more than 250 exhibitors and upwards of 25,000 visitors. Whether you’re in the market for a new family pet or are just looking for a bit of a cuddle, you won’t find a more adorable event in Melbourne. Obviously, cat people need not apply. This year’s show includes a number of special guests on both two legs and four. Service dogs from Victoria Police and Border Protection will be on patrol, while celebrity vets such as Dr. Katrina Warren will run seminars on canine health. Several of Victoria’s dog shelters will be there, with no shortage of rescued animals looking for permanent homes. Oh, and in case that doesn’t make your heart melt, they’ve also got a dedicated puppy patting zone.
In the latest show of the Australian hospitality scene's support for marriage equality, the owners of Brisbane bar The End are ramping up production of their Rainbow Beer through a $100,000AUD Pozible campaign, with 50 percent of all profits supporting initiatives run by Australian Marriage Equality. The campaign will enable large-scale production of the brew, which, at its core, aims to bring the conversation of LGBTQI+ rights to the forefront. "We have lots of friends and family that identify in that community and the marriage debate is just a blatant beacon of unfairness, so if we can do anything to help we feel we have the responsibility to do it," says owner Nick Goding. "We want to encourage as many people to get on board as possible and I'm currently on the campaign trail in Melbourne to get more bars involved." The 'pro-love' beer has been on tap in small batch quantities at their West End bar since 2011, but, along with Goding, owners Timothy Lovett and Ben Johnston have been feeling lately that this quiet contribution isn't enough. Their plan is to make the simple, hand-painted brand louder and stronger by expanding it past their local community. "We were having a general chat about the Cooper's boycott controversy and how terrible the marriage equality debate is, then had a look in front of us at our Rainbow Beer and thought we could make it a larger force for positive change," says Goding. The beer itself is a crisp, easy-drinking German-style pilsner. The gents collaborated on the recipe with a Queensland microbrewery to make it a solid craft brew but also a sessionable one. If successful, the Pozible campaign will allow Rainbow Beer to be offered in cartons and wholesale for bars and consumers around Australia. Pledges range from $15 to $4000, with the latter a pledge to become a 'Rainbow Bar', which includes 12 kegs and the option for an ongoing contract. "We hope that having a bunch of bars with Rainbow cans in their fridge will help keep the conversation going," says Goding. ""As great as it is to be able to make the beer and do the donations, the message of equality is by far the most important part of the campaign." Apart from the donated portion, the pledges will cover beer production and canning as well as packaging and distribution. The Pozible campaign is only running through May 12, though, so the time to check it out is now. The debate around marriage equality has been continuously escalating in recent months, with Airbnb's incomplete rings, Skyy Vodka's Cheers to Equality and Smirnoff's We're Open campaigns also recently launched. According to Galaxy Research polls, 64 percent of Australians support marriage equality, so it's likely more brands will herald their support for the cause.
If you see one film over the next few months, make it Berlin Syndrome. Based on a novel of the same name, the film follows Australian photojournalist Clare (played by Teresa Palmer) as she embarks on her first solo trip to Berlin. While travelling, she meets and begins a passionate romance with charismatic local man Andi. Their relationship soon takes an unexpected and sinister turn—she wakes one morning to discover that Andi has left for work and locked her inside his apartment, with no intention of ever letting her leave. Filmed on location in Berlin and Melbourne, the film is a thoughtful, psychological thriller directed by Australian Cate Shortland (who also directed the critically acclaimed Somersault). It examines tough topics such as emotional manipulation, gaslighting and Stockholm syndrome in a provocative fashion, leaving the audience with a new outlook on the relationship that can occur between captor and captive. The film is released nationally on April 20. To celebrate, we're hosting an advanced screening of Berlin Syndrome at Kino in Sydney on Thursday, April 13 at 6.30pm. Register your details below to go into the draw to win one of 50 double passes, and subscribe to Palace Cinemas if you're keen to receive session times in your inbox. [competition]616346[/competition]
If a South Korean jaunt has been on your bucket list for a while, here's a Melbourne event you shouldn't miss: Korea Festival returns to Federation Square after a three-year hiatus, bringing Squid Game-inspired challenges, Korean street food and live entertainment to Melbourne. This vibrant slice of Korean culture is set to drop in Melbourne for one-day-only on Saturday, May 13. It's free for everyone to attend, with a lineup of live performances including Taekwondo demonstrations, K-Pop dances and singing competitions promised throughout the day. Between snacking and drinking your fill from a wide variety of Korean food stands, festival goers can also challenge themselves to Squid Game-inspired tests, including the now-famous Red Light, Green Light game. The Netflix show's tug-of-war and the traditional game of Ttakji will also be available to play if you're keen to showcase your skills. Image: Supplied.
Catch the latest releases under the starry skies on Melbourne's newest outdoor screen. With a few months of successful service under their best, the team at Lido Cinemas, the eight-screen theatre which opened in Hawthorn earlier this year, have put the finishing touches on what is quite literally their crowning feature: a 100-seat rooftop cinema complete with beanbags and a bar. And now that the summer sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, we've finally gotten a glimpse at their lineup. Spoiler alert: it's pretty bloody great. Lido on the Roof will launch on Thursday, November 12 and will screen films until Easter. Opening night will feature the new James Bond movie Spectre, highlighting the cinema's focus on new releases — something which should help differentiate them from Melbourne's numerous other outdoor screens, where the programs tends to be a little more on the retro side. Other films on the program include holiday blockbusters such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, family fare like Goosebumps and Pixar's The Good Dinosaur, and anticipated comedies including Sisters and Zoolander 2. They'll also screen a number of this year's likely Oscar contenders, including same-sex romance Carol starring Cate Blanchet and Rooney Mara, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's new Western The Revenant featuring a grizzled Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Aaron Sorkin-scripted biopic Steve Jobs starring Michael Fassbender as the tech icon. Rounding out the lineup are a handful of nostalgic gems, including The Lion King, The Princess Bride and perennial Yuletide favourite Elf. That said, we're probably most excited for a late January screening of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, which should pair quite nicely with his new film The Hateful Eight which hits cinemas around the same time. The Lido is located at 675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn. The full rooftop program will be made available online on November 12.
Need to do refresh your spring or summer wardrobe? Online vintage treasure trove Hawkeye Vintage will let you into its covetable virtual closet with a huge sale on bags, clothing and accessories. Held over on its Instagram on September 11–12 and 18–19, it'll feature 1000s of items from the 70s to the 90s, including the likes of Chanel bags and Gucci scarves. The pieces on offer will run from the affordable right up to the super expensive, but all will be going at a reduced price. Given some of the brands on offer — including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, YSL, Celine and Fendi — you'll be able to pick up some bargains, or opt for a few investment pieces. As the sale will be help on Instagram instead of in-store (unlike the brand's previous sales), the rules are a little different. There'll be no jostling over bags and boots at this one. You'll find all the nitty-gritty over on one of Hawkeye's Instagram Story highlights, but the short of it is this: when you see an item you like, DM sold with the item number and description, wait for a confirmation message and then you'll need to make a payment within 30 mins. There are a few different payment options available, too, including layby, and shipping is free across Australia. Hawkeye Vintage Marathon Live Designer Sale runs from 9am–5pm.
Get ready for a whole buttload of hard-hitting news blasted directly into your eyeholes. Satirical news organisation The Onion is about to launch EDGE, a brand new web series lampooning the sensationalist style of VICE Media — and if the early teasers are anything to go by, it looks like they've absolutely nailed it. Naturally we're a little hesitant to report on any so-called news stories coming out of The Onion, given that their entire business model is based on elaborate lies. Still, from what we can tell, this time it's actually legit. The series is set to premiere online on Monday, August 3 and will, according to The Hollywood Reporter, consist of short, documentary style videos less than four minutes in length. A twitter account has been set up for the series, promising to "throw acid in the face of ignorance" and asking anyone who has witnessed or participated in global horror worth reporting on to call "the EDGE Atrocity Tip Line." A couple of their correspondents, aka "news warriors", are also on the platform, as you can see below. Let's get fucked on truth. — Nic Moss (@NicMossEDGE) July 28, 2015 Nobody points a camera at dark-skinned people like @EDGEtv. Nobody. — Chase Vaughn (@ChaseVaughnEDGE) July 28, 2015 This teaser video, meanwhile, does a pretty perfect job of capturing the guerrilla aesthetic that has made VICE so popular with the young people, what with their short attention spans and virtual reality headsets and so forth. "VICE is wrought with a distinct self-confidence, which of course gets our writers salivating," Onion VP of Production George Zwierzynski Jr. told THR. "The Onion team is highly competitive when it comes to other companies and publishers, so it's only natural we would take a stab at VICE as a whole." EDGE arrives a little more than a year after The Onion launched ClickHole, an online spoof of BuzzFeed where you can find such thought-provoking articles as 6 Heads You Never Realized Are Also On Mount Rushmore and How Many Of These Creatures From Greek Mythology Do You Believe In? The Onion has also previously produced content for television, albeit with limited success. Onion News Network, a parody of cable new shows, ran on IFC for two seasons, while Onion SportsDome on Comedy Central was cancelled after six months. Hopefully EDGE fares a little better on the web. Via THR. Top image via Dollar Photo Club.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President’s daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning’s Coachella festival lineup. Running over three weekends from April 10 - 19, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Big gun headliners AC/DC, Jack White and Drake mark the top of the weekend bills, with a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds filling out the rest — Interpol, Belle and Sebastian, Florence and the Machine, alt-J, St. Vincent, Ratatat, Jenny Lewis, FKA Twigs, Drive Like Jehu and Ol’Davey Guett-Guett to name a few. Homegrown legends are heading on over and representing with gusto, with Tame Impala, Chet Faker, Angus and Julia Stone, Vance Joy, What So Not and Alison Wonderland on the bill. Anyway, let’s be honest, you haven’t truly read any of those words — you’ll be wanting this:
Australian bars, restaurants, cafes, lounges and eateries are rolling around in international applause this week, with 15 of our best venues making the first round selection at the seventh annual Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Six spots in Sydney along with five in Melbourne and two each in Adelaide and the Gold Coast made the shortlist, amongst 241 finalists from 70 different countries. Based in the UK, the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards advertise themselves as "the world's only event dedicated exclusively to the design of food and drink spaces." Prizes are handed out in over 30 different categories including Best Bar and Best Restaurant, while they also give out more narrow awards for things like lighting scheme and use of colour. This year’s jury is comprised of 23 industry leaders and includes designers, chefs and restaurant critics. Naturally, the shortlist includes a pretty swish bunch of names. Competing in the Best Australia and Pacific Restaurant category are ACME, Bondi’s Best, Coogee Pavilion and Kazbah Souk in Sydney, Parwana Kutchi Deli and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide, and Kiyomi and Vivo Cucina on the Gold Coast. In the Best Australia and Pacific Bar category, Archie Rose Distilling Co. and Stillery in Sydney will compete with Greene Street Juice Co. and George Hotel Bar in Melbourne. Also in Melbourne, Bond Lounge has been included in the Best UK and International Nightclub section, along with Raw Trader and The Kettle Black, shortlisted for Best UK and International Cafe. Last year saw the gong for Best Australia and Pacific Restaurant go to South Australia’s Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, while Best Australia and Pacific Bar was given to Howler in Melbourne. This year’s winners will be announced in an awards ceremony in London on October 1. Via Architecture & Design.
There’s been a lot of well-deserved hype surrounding British band alt-J recently, following the release of their second album This is All Yours. Hell, their October 2014 shows in Sydney and Melbourne sold out in a matter of seconds, leaving a whole raft of fans who were gearing up to stomp and sing along to the pounding ‘Breezeblocks’ pretty disappointed. If that was you, well, chances are you already know that the Mercury Prize-winning band is returning to our shores this May. There’s no more Forum for these Leeds lads, though. This time round, they’re playing the slightly-harder-to-sell-out-instantaneously Rod Laver Arena. What the show will most likely lack in Miley Cyrus (who sings the ‘I’m a female rebel’ line in ‘Hunger of the Pine’ and is a big alt-J fan and should really just go on tour with them already), it will make up for with killer support acts Asgeir and Mansionair.
Stars, street dancing musicals and plenty of Spanish-language cinema treats: yes, it's that time again. 21 years since the Spanish Film Festival first showered Australian audiences with its filmic delights, it's celebrating the occasion in its usual vibrant style. That means 25 movies showcasing the best the country has to offer, from recent crowd-pleasers to beloved classics, side-splitting comedies to gothic fables, and beloved talents to new up-and-comers. The list goes on, spanning Oscar winners, international hits and fresh discoveries alike as this year's event tours Australia until May 13. Whether you want to see two of Spain's biggest stars share the screen at two different points in their careers, revisit one of the biggest animated movies of the past six months or delve into the works of acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Bigas Luna, it's on the bill — including these five must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzRjIMt2Wl8 LOVING PABLO From its titular drug baron subject, to its acclaimed Spanish director, to its high-profile stars, Loving Pablo comes to the Spanish Film Festival stacked with highlights. Here, Javier Bardem stars as Pablo Escobar opposite Penélope Cruz as journalist Virginia Vallejo — and while there's no shortage of movies telling the Colombian kingpin's tale, this one explores their romance. Helmed by A Perfect Day's Fernando León de Aranoa and based on Vallejo's memoir, it's an account of charisma, crime and trying to come out the other side in a world where violence and death threats are commonplace. Both leads were nominated for Spanish Academy Awards for their efforts, which shouldn't come as a surprise given their talents. Plus, if you're keen on another dose of the duo at the fest, they also feature in retrospective title Jamón Jamón. THE TRIBE There just aren't enough movies about cleaners turned street dancers, let alone cleaners turned street dancers who shoot to fame while strutting their stuff with the son they once put up for adoption. That's the story at the centre of The Tribe, and it's a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction scenario. Sure, it all sounds like something out of a feel-good, crowd-pleasing flick — which is exactly what this lively song-and-dance effort aims to be — however the film is based on a real-life dance troupe. There's more twists and turns to the on-screen tale, which features Spanish stars Carmen Machi and Paco León, but it isn't a spoiler to say that the actual group became a Spain's Got Talent hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaLeUkqNfnE JULIA IS It's a scenario that everyone can relate to: you arrive in a new city with huge hopes and plenty of enthusiasm, but your new surroundings just don't match your dreams. In Julia Is, that's how the Catalan architecture student's arrival in Berlin starts; however, as anyone who has faced the same situation knows, sometimes you just have to persevere. In the directorial debut of filmmaker and star Elena Martín, the feature tracks Julia's efforts to do just that as she finds her place in the German capital. The film won best feature and best director at last year's Málaga Film Festival, and it's certain to achieve something unusual at the Spanish Film Festival — instead of inspiring a trip to Spain, it'll make you want to go to Germany. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVLnw6PScuU ABRACADABRA The last time that director Pablo Berger teamed up with actress Maribel Verdú, the enchanting Blancanieves was the end result. For their second collaboration, they're not dabbling with a different take on Snow White, but with ghosts. Expect something just as out-of-the-ordinary as their initial team-up, however, courtesy of a comedy that's also filled with horror flourishes, insightful commentary and an all-round offbeat air. That's what happens when Verdú's housewife attends a wedding with her husband, who then get possessed by the spirit of a murderous waiter. Unsurprisingly, the experience drastically alters his behaviour — and inspires plenty of laughs as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFbJrR7XBQ8 GOLD No matter how many films chart treacherous treks through jungle landscapes, more keep coming. That's not a bad thing. As everything from Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo to The Lost City of Z and Jungle have demonstrated, there's something particularly alluring and fascinating about this sub-genre of movies, mirroring the obsession and passion of their protagonists. Gold is Spain's latest addition to the fold, not to be confused with the very average Matthew McConaughey flick of the same name from last year. Set in Central America in 1540, this adventure epic follows Spanish deserters trying avoid capture or death in their quest for freedom, with El Dorado their destination. The Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 17, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 17 to May 6; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 19 to May 6; and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from April 26 to May 13. For more information, visit the festival website.
It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of the year already, but the creative arts rest for nobody as we welcome another top selection of contemporary art exhibitions to Melbourne this November. Everything in this city seems a little bit brighter at this time of year, and headline art exhibitions are no different with the National Gallery of Victoria hosting Del Kathryn Barton's eclectic collage and video works. Meanwhile, the annual Linden Postcard Show presents the best 8x10 inch works by casual and experts alike and the Contemporary for Contemporary Photography showcases cutting-edge photomedia. There's also a behind-the-scenes take on photoshoots, and the work of eight 'fictional' artists to consider in challenging work at Blindside. Sounds good, right? Read on for all the details.
UPDATE: JANUARY 8, 2019 — Melbourne Zoo's 2019 Twilights program is closing with a big one. The summer music series has just announced its final act for the season, playing on Saturday, March 9, and it's The Presets. The ARIA Award-winning duo is known for its catchy electro tunes, such as 'My People' and 'Do What You Want', which are played throughout Aussie clubs and festivals. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 10. No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, José González and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 25 through Saturday, March 9. The full 2019 program has been released but, as is custom for Zoo Twilights, shows have already started selling out. Headlining is Cat Power — her first show is full, but a second one has been added on Sunday, February 9. Client Liaison will kick off the series (hope you already got a ticket to that one) Pastel pop duo Client Liaison kick off the program, and are joined on the lineup by other loved local acts rapper Briggs and Sampa the Great. New Zealand balladeer Marlon Williams will fly over across the ditch for a night, while R&B singer Aloe Blacc and neo-soul group The Internet will make the journey down from the States. Only one more show is left to be announced, with the final performance still a secret. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2019 PROGRAM Friday, January 25 – Client Liaison, supported by Kira Puru SOLD OUT Saturday, January 26 – Briggs and Archie Roach, supported by Alice Sky Friday, February 1 – Sampa the Great and REMI, supported by Thando Saturday, February 2 – Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson SOLD OUT Friday, February 8 – Vera Blue, supported by Kesmar SOLD OUT Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 – Cat Power, with special guests SOLD OUT Friday, February 15, Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17 – The Cat Empire, supported by The Meltdown SOLD OUT Friday, February 22 – Aloe Blacc, supported by Kaiit Saturday, February 23 — Rufus Wainwright, supported by Mojo Juju SOLD OUT Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 – Hanson, with special guests SOLD OUT Sunday, March 3 – The Internet, with special guests SOLD OUT Friday, March 8 – Marlon Williams, supported by Laura Jean Saturday, March 9 — The Presets with special guest Image: Ian Laidlaw.
There's one day a year when we don't trust anything. No dramatic headline, no kindly bought cup of coffee, no suspiciously fine-looking chair. But here's one you can believe. After letting you catch Pokemon worldwide last year, Google Maps has unleashed its 2015 April Fools Day Easter egg — this time turning the whole world into a game of Pac-Man. Head over to Maps if you think we're pulling something. Click on the Pac-Man icon at the bottom left of the screen and wait for Google to check out your neighbourhood. After analysing the streets, your location will be deemed fit for play or you'll be prompted to find a new preprepared playground by clicking the ol' 'I'm Feeling Lucky'. Then tear your to-do list in half because you'll be chasing cherries and avoiding Blinky, Pinky, Inky (and Clyde) around your neighbourhood all day. On mobile, you'll have to play in designated areas — but you have to find 'em. There's a whole bunch of riddles at this Google support page to find hidden Pac-Man pins around the world (you can also track these down on your desktop). Now head on over to Google Maps and angle your computer screen away from your boss's office.
Visitors and staff at Monash University are in for quite the treat. Opening this week on the University’s Clayton campus, Victa and Hoist is the latest member of the St. ALi cafe family, and will serve breakfast and lunch to current and previous staff, research degree candidates, alumni and their guests – but unfortunately, not students. The cafe is located in the former Monash Staff Club building at 32 Exhibition Walk. The kitchens will be manned by Chef Todd Thorburn, formerly of St. ALi North in Carlton. In addition to St. ALi’s famous coffee, breakfast options for early risers will include Dr. Marty’s bacon crumpets, cooked French toast style with avocado mash and tomato relish. For students surviving on Coco Pops and cold pizza, it’ll be hard not to feel a little jealous. Lunch options will include a flank steak burger with cheese, pickles and cress called the Mac Daddy, as well as a "more sophisticated version of a ploughman’s" that consists of house cured salmon, bonito panna cotta, edamame and pickled veggies. The opening of Victa and Hoist marks a poetic point in the career of St. ALi owner Salvatore Malatesta, who got his start in the cafe business nearly 20 years ago with Caffeine, a small coffee shop he opened at Melbourne University while he was studying arts/law on campus. In addition to Victa and Hoist, the St. ALi group owns Sensory Lab in David Jones and Sensory Lab Bondi, as well as Tom Thumb in Flinders Lane, Plantation in Melbourne Central and Clement Coffee Roasters in South Melbourne. Victa and Hoist will open Wednesday, April 15 at 32 Exhibition Walk, Monash University, Clayton Campus. CORRECTION 15/4/15: We originally ran this story reporting that Victa and Hoist will be open to students, when in fact, the restaurant is only open to staff, research degree candidates, alumni and their guests. CP apologises to both Victa and Hoist for an overrun of students on opening day, and to Monash students hoping to shake up their lunch options.
Australia's most interestingly named beer festival is back for another year. Blobfish makes its much-anticipated return to North Melbourne's Meat Market on July 22, once again pulling together a lineup that celebrates the sour, the funky and the delightfully different. Founded and helmed by the team at Footscray's own Hop Nation Brewing, the tasting party will run two sessions this year – day and night – offering punters the chance to sample a whole swag of rare and unusual beers from 44 Aussie and New Zealand labels. Some known, and some not so known. Whichever session you pick, you'll spend 4.5 hours sipping your way through a diverse range of sours, saisons, barrel-aged brews, fruity concoctions and rare small-batch runs, from the likes of NZ's Garage Project, Sydney's Wildflower and Van Dieman out of Tasmania. Locals among the line-up include La Sirène, Collingwood's Molly Rose and regional favourite Bridge Road Brewers, as well as Hop Nation's own funky, barrel-aged spin-off label, Site Fermentation Project. The options don't end there, either, with a 'lager lounge' where you can cleanse the palate between tastings, DJs running tunes all day, and whacky food like Kanga Asada Tacos by Dingo Ate My Taco, wild boar pies from Pie Thief, and Bluebonnet Barbecue's crazy-good smoked goat rolls with chimichurri and mushrooms. A ticket will cost you $80 (plus booking fee), and that includes entry, 60mL tastings of 44 festival brews, a Blobfish branded festival glass and a festival tasting guide. Images: Supplied
Some things just get better with age. And if its first 2017 program announcement is anything to go by, Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is certainly one of them. Celebrating its eighth run this November 17–25, the festival will again transform spaces throughout the city into unique live music venues — and, as usual, expect a few surprises. The biggest is the addition of a new all-ages event called Miscellanea, which'll take over all three levels of the Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday, November 19. You'll see the iconic building as never before, its many varied spaces playing host to a program of gigs, DJ sets and performances from the likes of HTRK, Tyrannamen, Taipan Tiger and Underground Lovers. The multi-genre event will even feature a Grand Organ takeover in the Main Hall. Also on the agenda is a November 11 performance by American singer-songwriter Ariel Pink at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, and the return of the annual Face The Music industry conference, with its diverse lineup of workshops, conversations and performances. This year, hear from the likes of legendary Ramones drummer Marky Ramone and German promoter Silke Westera, along with local minds like triple j music director Nick Findlay and Brisbane-based artist Mallrat. Meanwhile, Harvey Sutherland's Bermuda headlines an evening of live music gold for The Age Music Victoria Awards after-party, and Saturday, November 25 sees Ferdydurke and Section 8 join forces to host the ZOO street party. This will be a smorgasbord of visual art, live music and performance, featuring the likes of indigenous rapper Briggs and UK duo Fatima and Alex Nut.
Margaret River's Colonial Brewing Co. is coming for the east coast. And while Sydneysiders have been treated to a mini tap takeover at the Newtown Hotel, Melburnians are lucky enough to score an entire brewery. The WA brewers opened their second outpost in Port Melbourne earlier this year — and while it's been open to the public for a few months now, the venue has just added a new, state-of-the-art canning machine that spits out 100 tinnies a minute. This tinnie-only brewery's motto, "brewed small, lived big", may be on the sentimental side, but it is a good way to describe Colonial's ethos. The Margaret River brewery is situated on a farm and the brand encapsulates Aussie country living. Colonial doesn't make beer for craft snobs alone — instead, they're dedicated to creating sessionable brews, geared toward the everyday drinker and craft converts, and their core range includes pale, IPA and Kölsch classics. The beer to keep an eye out for is their Small Ale. A mid-strength beer in name only, the flavour profile and hop aroma successfully (and surprisingly) mimic a big West Coast IPA. For the cider heads out there, the newly released Bertie is refreshingly dry, though, we have to say, no match for the brews. This 'average Aussie'-meets-craft beer drinker mentality is reinforced by their 360 tinnie lids — the lids peel off completely, allowing for great aroma and airation, while still allowing consumers to enjoy the satisfaction of a good ol' beer in a can. As beer nerds ourselves, we wouldn't say it's a true replacement for pouring into a glass, but you have to appreciate the thought. If you're lucky, they may even given you a tinnie straight off the line during a brewery tour — truly fresh as. While the brewery is now officially launching its small town WA vibe into the east coast market, it isn't doing it without some self-awareness. When it comes to the Port Melbourne brewery, the fit-out is, well, much more Melbourne than its Margaret River counterpart. Think a lush indoor beer garden fitted out with hanging greenery, a graffiti wall and space for Food Truck Fridays, along with ping pong and beer pong tables (which ustilises their 360 cans as cups, of course). On Thursday nights they're also doing a very reasonably priced pizza and pot deal for $10. The eight-tap wooden bar also has a makeshift feel, and it's all tucked inside of a small entryway that you'd never expect to expand into this massive warehouse. You certainly couldn't mistake Colonial's brews for anything but Aussie beers, and we bet, as they expand, this WA brewery will go far in converting mainstream beer drinkers to craft — even those who swear they'll never go off VB. The Colonial Brewing Co. is open on Thursdays and Fridays from noon till 11pm at 89 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne. For more info, visit colonialbrewingco.com.au. Images: Simon Shiff.
You don't need an excuse to eat drink and be merry, and Melbourne certainly doesn't wait for one. But even though our food obsession is strong all year round, February sees it culminate in a delicious explosion of food, drink and the city's biggest epicures at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (February 27 - March 15). It's 19 days of unashamed indulgence and general nerding out about everything gastronomic. Last year it was all about water, and this time around it's all about the baker. Fresh bread, doughnuts, pastries and sweet things will be on show at the Artisan Bakery & Bar: this year's festival hub, which is returning to the river at Queensbridge Square. Head along to learn from world-class bakers Justin Gellatly and Eric Kayser, or one of the many events running across the two and a half weeks. There are lunches, dinners, masterclasses, food crawls and parties, so there's bound to be something that feeds your hunger. Haven’t booked yet? Don’t worry, you can still get your feed. These are our picks of the festival that you can still get along to.
A team of truly conscientious Italian cleaners will be toning down their enthusiasm this week, after accidentally cleaning up an entire art installation at the Museion, Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art in Bolanzo, Italy. Thinking the museum had really gone overboard with their opening night party, the cleaners painstakingly put Milanese artists Goldschmied & Chiari's installation Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight? in the bin; a wildly colourful work that consists of 300 empty champagne bottles, a disco ball, confetti, streamers and cigarette butts. The artists found a guide to the clubs of the Italian peninsula written in 1988 written by the then foreign minister Gianni de Michelis, sharing the name of the artwork Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight? According to artnet, the work is inspired by the hedonistic, consumerist period of '80s Italy and the "socialist politicians and their neverending parties". *whipcrack* IN THE BIN! The best part of this terribly awkward and tragic art tale? Because these cleaners were particularly meticulous in their job, they sorted the different elements of the work into their appropriate recycling receptacles, particularly the glass and paper elements. This means the museum will probably be able to rescue and reinstall the work. The museum's Facebook page says the work will be reinstalled as soon as possible. Eep. Via artnet. Images: Museion Bozen-Bolzano/Facebook, @MarleneP_/Twitter. UPDATE OCTOBER 29, 2015: Goldschmied & Chiari's installation has been restored and reopened in the Museion Bozen-Bolzano. "We greatly regret what happened to the artists' work: it was the result of a misunderstanding with the staff of the cleaning company," the museum said in a statement on its website. Party's back on! Happy friday?? #GoldschmiedChiari #doveandiamoaballarequestasera#2015 #Museion#alberodellacuccagna#Bolzano A video posted by Goldschmied & Chiari (@goldschmied_chiari) on Oct 23, 2015 at 10:15am PDT
If you're still on the lookout for Easter plans to make the most of your long weekend, look no further. The beautiful Terrace Cafe, reborn and redesigned by Darling Group (Higher Ground, Kettle Black, Stringers) late last year, is hosting an Easter Sunday high tea nestled in one of the city's leafiest spots. Running on Sunday, April 9 from 11am, the Easter High Tea will set you back $95 per person. The iconic lakeside cafe in the Royal Botanic Gardens will serve up a traditional tier of petit gateaux, scones and canapes. Expect the menu to run to the likes of lemon myrtle cheesecakes and mini smoked salmon and horseradish cream bagels. A glass of Pommery Champagne is also included in the price. Surrounded by greenery, the team's all-day cafe and adjoining event space have been designed in a nod to their lush outlook, with interiors by Technē featuring plenty of botanical references throughout. If you're after an even more indulgent experience, the Higher Ground team is also hosting a champagne and caviar brunch ($110 per person) with Pommery Champagne and Polaco Baerii Caviar served on blinis paired with fennel pollen creme fraiche. Images: Julian Lallo
Freedom Time — the free-spirited festival synonymous with balmy summer days, dance-fuelled nights and lush DJ sets — is gearing up for another huge season, dropping the lineup for its jam-packed third summer series. This time around, the Freedom Time gang are spreading the love even further, adding a January 7 visit to Sydney's Manning Bar and Gardens on top of the usual shows in Perth on New Year's Eve and at Melbourne's Coburg Velodrome on January 1. As always, the festival's gifting us with a diverse lineup of musical guests, assembling a mix of international greats and homegrown heroes that'll have you dancing your little feet off no matter your style. Headlining this eclectic bunch is famed Chicago house producer Larry Heard (aka Mr Fingers), Jamaican dancehall legend Johnny Osbourne and an inter-generational collaborative effort from Leroy Burgess and Melbourne's own Harvey Sutherland. Meanwhile, Rhythm Section International's Bradley Zero will present a handpicked label showcase in each city, featuring a crop of local acts performing alongside modern soul duo, Silentjay and Jace XL. Melbourne will also be grooving to sets from beloved local DJ CC:DISCO, Haiatus Kayote vocalist Nai Palm and singer-songwriter Sampa The Great. FREEDOM TIME 2018 LINEUP Larry Heard (aka Mr. Fingers) Leroy Burgess Harvey Sutherland Johnny Osbourne Sassy J Bradley Zero CC:DISCO Nai Palm Sampa The Great Wax'O Paradiso Nozu Jordan Rakei J'Nett SilentJay & Jace XL Band Krakatau 30/70 Prequel Heartical Hi Powa Phil Stroud Samantha Goldie Big Rig Umut Jeremy Spellacey Winters Cazeaux Oslo Pjenné Millú
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, or quit your desk job and open that business you've always wanted to give a red hot go? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of ten bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. No stranger to the idea of taking a massive risk and steering one's life on to a completely new path, founder and co-owner of Sydney's Ramblin' Rascal Tavern Charlie Lehmann had a completely different plan before opening his own bar. We had a chat to Charlie about his own business of taking chances. You can read the interview here. Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Charlie's being a total legend and helping us give away a cocktail masterclass for you and three mates, so you can see for yourself what happens when bold humans take big creative chances with big payoffs. Enter here to win.
There is nothing, nothing more purely joyous as hurtling down an epic plastic lane covered in soap bubbles and hose water. Slip 'N' Slides have pride of place in some of our Paddle Pop-dotted, sunburn-ridden backyard memories, but all is not lost to the slippery realms of memory. This year, a giant Slip 'N' Slide is coming to your city, with Nova's Slidestreet confirmed for Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne this summer. Created by the team behind Perth's ice skating pop-up, Winterland, the Slidestreet is inspired by the urban slide created by UK artist Luke Jerram. With its successful Perth run under its belt, the 315 metre-long Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Melburnians, you lucky, lucky bunch, you could also be casually getting the world's longest slide in February — permit permitting. At $15 +BF a slide, it's a teeny bit exxy for something you could DIY with a little help from Bunnings, but sometimes you just have to hand over the cashola for novelty bragging rights. And if you thought an entire event could be created around the humble Slip 'N' Slide, you're bang on. The whole day will feature food trucks, icy summer treats, DJs, pop-up bars — yep, the whole bloody works. We're guessing this is to give the sad, sad, slideless spectators something to do while their ticket-holding friends have All The Fun. Importantly, according to the Slidestreet rules, Go Pro selfie poles are NOT allowed on the slide. Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Tickets start at $15 +BF a slide, available here.
We thought it was Photoshopped. Twitter thought it was Photoshopped. The whole damn town thought, nay, could this be true? Hath Cadbury gone truly mad? Creating what could potentially be the most horrific melding of worldly flavours imaginable this side of ox tongue gelato (it's a thing)? Alas, it's true. Cadbury Australia have created a Dairy Milk chocolate variation, which adds a little caramel and a whole lot of Vegemite. That's right. Vegemite. BuzzFeed confirmed the terrible union this afternoon after noticing a sneaky snap on a Reddit feed in April. Cadbury itself confirmed the fusion on Twitter with this dramatic video. Behold. The Vegemite chocolate will be unleashed on the Australian public from June 1 (or sooner, as the Cadbury has mysteriously hinted in the video). Expect "Dairy Milk milk chocolate with smooth flowing caramel and VEGEMITE." Why Cadbury? Why? Was Pineapple Snack not enough tomfoolery for an age? Ah. We'll probably try it. Via BuzzFeed. Image: Reddit.
You grape-happy, foot-stomping folks did it. You dug deep into your pockets, put your cash where your wine-loving taste buds are and rocketed Melbourne’s first people-powered urban winery into existence. And now, you get to reap the sweet, sweet rewards. Come late February, Noisy Ritual, as the winery is known, will lurch into action. First step is the production of four batches of wine, concocted from grapes sourced from Victorian vineyards. Pinot noir will be making the trip from Geelong and Sunbury, while shiraz will be scuttling over from Geelong and Heathcote. If you’ve been forward-thinking enough to sign up as a Noisy Ritual member, you’re invited to every part of the process. That means blanking out as many Saturdays in your diary while vintage lasts: 28 February to 11 April. What else could possibly compete for your time with communal stomping and pressing, anyway? The good news is, if you’re not yet a member, you’re still welcome to the party. Noisy Ritual will also be hosting a pop-up bar throughout the period. Open between 7pm and 11pm on Saturday nights at 130 High Street, Preston South, it’s a place to check out the wine-making process, sample wines made by Noisy Ritual’s winemakers and try the latest drops from a handpicked selection of Melbourne’s craft beer creators. If, at some point along the way, you feel inspired to join, you might be able to grab one of the few memberships left. Initiated by a trio of Melbournians, Noisy Ritual is all about boosting wine-love in a friendly, welcoming environment. Too often, people who are new to wine feel intimidated by the tasting scene, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The team is made up of professional winemakers Alex and Sam, and their school mate Cam. After accidentally discovering a fermenter underneath Cam’s house, they decided to get their friends together to make a batch of wine. The process was so much fun, they wanted to share it with the rest of Melbourne. Following a successful crowd funding campaign, Noisy Ritual was born. Find the Noisy Ritual pop-up bar at 130 High Street, Preston. Open Saturdays 7pm-11pm from February 28 through April 4.
Since Tinder took the dating world by storm, its interface has been adopted for increasingly weird and wonderful reasons. If it's fluffy company you're after, Twindog lets you swipe right to find pups – and their owners – in your vicinity. If you're looking for a new job, jump on Switchapp and get chatting with hiring managers in seconds. Meanwhile, Tender has worked out that food is often a way more satisfactory remedy for loneliness than a date. Now the swipe right generation has an app for falling in love with art: wydr. With just a few quick motions and a little bit of disposable income, you can fill your house with paintings. Searches are available according to price categories and, so far, about four hundred artists have signed up. It's also a way for artists to receive community feedback on their work, with users able to submit likes, which are added up to produce a rating of between one and five hearts. The app is the creation of Swedish duo Matthias Dörner and Timo Hahn, and started as an assignment for their MBAs. But things got more serious after they won Startup Weekend in Zurich. "Why does it have to be so difficult to be original and to find affordable but still unique art for our homes?" asks the wydr site. "Most people are tired of generic posters from furniture stores and the intimidating way that you are treated in classic galleries with only little money in your pockets. At the same time artists have problems with getting exposure for their work. The question art lovers and artists are confronted with is why does it need to be so hard to find each other? The answer is wydr – the open art-trading platform, and your easy access to the art world." The app isn't aiming to compete with expensive galleries, but to get more affordable, original art to more people. After all, the average transaction at this point is a (relatively) scant US$430. "Wydr isn't for the art collector, but for the casual art lover," Dörner told artnet. "Art galleries are for the 1%, wydr for the 99%."
Part of the appeal of this big, buzzing, wonderful city of ours comes from the constant parade of activities, restaurant openings, festivals and cultural fun it's got on offer. But with only 24 hours in a day, how are we supposed to cram it all in and keep the #fomo to a minimum? No, the answer is not to stop sleeping. You can get out there and enjoy this fine city while still maintaining the routines of everyday life (like, y'know, sleeping eight hours a night and rocking up to work in the morning). Melbourne life can be pretty hectic, which is why we're here to help you harness the power of a coffee break — be it in the morning, at lunchtime of when you knock off work. Take the break you, as a hardworking human being, deserve. GET ON YA BIKE AND TAKE A SPIN AROUND TOWN Sure, you've got your well-trodden path to and from the office, but outside of that rushed, peak-hour commute, how much of the CBD do you really get a glimpse of? Score a fresh perspective and a healthy dose of fresh air, with a two-wheeled trundle around town in your mid-morning break. No bike? No worries! Those banks of blue bikes you've spotted around the place aren't just for tourists. Melbourne Bike Share is ideal for those casual jaunts around the city — and won't cost you a cent if your ride clocks in at under 30 minutes. INDULGE IN AN INNER CITY PICNIC Enjoy one of our city's green spaces and some of its epicurean delights simultaneously, with a mid-morning picnic in the park. The verdant surrounds of Carlton, Flagstaff, Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens are all just a few hops out of the concrete jungle and prove the perfect antidote to time spent in the office. Plus, with all the world-class foodie joints that call our city home, you're simply spoilt for choice when it comes to edible (and Instagrammable) accoutrements to your mini park party. Think, raw treats from Hunters Roots, bagels from 5 & Dime, guilt-free desserts from Raw Trader and cronuts from Rustica Canteen. [caption id="attachment_583879" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Shermaine Wee via Craft Victoria[/caption] GET CRAFTY AT CRAFT VICTORIA Shop for artisan locally-made pieces or take in an exhibition from some fresh local talent with a visit to Craft Victoria. The Flinders Lane space is a resource hub, gallery and shop all rolled into one, where you'll find the coolest hand-crafted textiles, jewellery, ceramic, glass and timber works going around. There's a vibrant program of exhibitions, as well as a curated window space offering a 24/7 design fix. Pop in on your mid-morning break for some inspiration from some very clever designers, or treat yourself to the ultimate Melbourne gift. HIT UP A POP-UP A good pop-up is the ultimate mini Melbourne mission, whether it's slinging designer threads, decadent bakery treats, or this month's newest food trend. Avoid the weekend queues and get a taste of the latest and greatest fleeting finds in your mid-morning break. Over by the Queen Victoria Markets, Ten Green Balloons currently sells a quirky mix of hand-picked vintage and new homewares and gifts, while the Original Chai Co. is your go-to for that traditionally crafted, comforting chai fix. And who knows what will be on offer next month? [caption id="attachment_554354" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pascal via Flickr[/caption] DROP IN TO THE STATE LIBRARY The State Library of Victoria has a whole lot more to offer than just books and a peaceful study space, with a program full of talks, tours, workshops and free exhibitions. Escape the office and swing by here to catch whatever they're putting on that day — perhaps it's a peek into the lives of WW1 soldiers and their families, a look at some of our country's media legends, or a glimpse of the personal stories behind the faces of Melbourne's Big Issue magazine.
After five days of furious face-melting solos, indulgently excessive jam sessions and an unprecedented quota of covers, Bluesfest raised a plastic cup to a well-attended, well-enjoyed and well-rained on festival for 2015. Returning to the Tyagarah Tea Farm over the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest once again solidified its well-worn spot in the Australian festival game as one of the tightest productions on the calendar. It goes without saying, this isn't festival director Peter Noble's first time at the rodeo. Everything just works. After three major headliners pulled out early in the game (The Black Keys, Lenny Kravitz and Ben Howard), expectations for this year's Byron Bay blues and roots festival were a little all over the shop. But at the end of the day, most muddy Bluesfesters probably forgot they were playing in the first place; memories erased by the sheer rhythmic speed of Rodrigo y Gabriela, the old-soul might and power of Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, and the somewhat random but nonetheless straight-up high-fiveworthy inclusion of Jurassic 5. Honestly, it probably took every Bluefest-attending journo every inch of self control not to use the phrase "rain didn't dampen spirits" in any post-festival write-up for this year's event. Boy, did we want to. Bluesfest 2015 welcomed its usual onslaught of autumn rain, creating bonafide mud swamps in the middle of the festival by Sunday. But this didn't stop the punters; Beth Hart enthusiasts braving the rain for one of the best Led Zeppelin covers ever burled, and Xavier Rudd's heaving tent of fans happily squidging through marshes of sludge for the set. If anything, the rain made legendary Spanish-style supergroup The Gipsy Kings' huge singalong rendition of 'Bamboleo' even more magic. Blending older legendary artists with new hotshots seemed to underpin the entire Bluesfest program this year — undeniably evident in the wide-ranging audience demographic too. Unsung soul hero Charles Bradley energetically howled and sexy-danced through his soulful set despite being 66 years old, while 31-year-old bright young hypecard Gary Clark Jr proved his reputation as one of the globe's best guitar players. If Bluesfest continues along this old/new programming balance, they're in for immeasurable years of new and returning ticket buyers. Bluesfest ain't goin' nowhere. And one last thing. After relentless discussion and noob shaming, we counted no less than six inappropriate headdresses at Bluesfest. Yeah next time, maybe not guys. Images: Andy Fraser. Words: Shannon Connellan.
Since the release of their dazzling 2011 album Civilian, Baltimore-based duo Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack aka Wye Oak have become one of the most loved modern folk artists of recent times. From their distorted, guitar-heavy brand of melancholic pop to their recent dabblings in synth-drenched, intricate melody stylings, this duo show off as much emotion as skill in their soaring tunes. Now, off the back of their 2014 album Shriek, and two years of nonstop touring, they're arriving in Australia for a handful of shows — primarily stemming from their appearance at Sydney Festival. Widely known and esteemed for their exuberant and thunderous live shows, Wye Oak take that extra mile on stage to let the infiniteness of their melodies and rhythmic innovations flourish. Shriek saw Wasner swap out her domineering guitar for galloping, layered synths, bringing the band to a sound that transcends disorientation and loss to a hopeful, trance-heavy, rhythmic sense of renewal and empowerment. Supported by Bachelorette (NZ) and Lowtide.
Prepare to have your funny bone well and truly tickled, because the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is upon us once again. From Wednesday, March 29 through to Sunday, April 23, hundreds of humorists from all around planet earth will descend upon dozens of venues around town to make you giggle, guffaw, snort, snicker and shoot milk out of your nose. Why you were drinking milk at a comedy show is a whole other question. This year's lineup is predictably packed, with big name international jokesters including Daniel Kitson, David O'Doherty, Jason Byrne and Paul Foot joining beloved locals including Aaron Gocs, Cal Wilson, Demi Lardner and Matt Okine. There'll also be musicals and debates and live podcast recordings, and even a silent comedy event inspired by silent discos. And that's to say nothing of the countless up-and-comers whose names you mightn't know yet, but who you'll no doubt be hearing a lot more from in festivals to come.
Every time one of Australia's many cultural film festivals rolls around, viewers are taken on a journey to another country. Celebrating its 20th event, the 2017 Spanish Film Festival is embracing that idea — and they have the perfect movie for it. This year's festival will close with The Trip to Spain, the third instalment in the Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon driving-and-dining series following 2010's The Trip and 2014's The Trip to Italy. Of course, the Spanish Film Festival has put together a hefty program that showcases more than two British comedians trading Michael Caine impressions while seeing gorgeous Spanish sights and ticking off the country's fine dining spots, with the full lineup boasting 38 features. Touring the country between April 18 and May 17, the festival will kick off with Kiki, Love to Love, which actually has an Australian connection. Telling five comic tales about the passionate lives of Madrid lovers, it's based on Hoges actor Josh Lawson's 2014 directorial debut The Little Death. The film's star Natalia de Molina will be attending the opening night festivities in Sydney and Melbourne. Elsewhere, expect a vibrant cross-section of Spanish-language cinema, including moving coming-of-age effort Summer 1993, the Penelope Cruz and Cary Elwes-starring The Queen of Spain, and tense dark comedy The Bar, all heading to our shores after screening at the Berlinale. Or, viewers can catch the Goya-winning revenge flick The Fury of a Patient Man, bank robber thriller Escape Plan, secret agent spoof Heroes Wanted, literary-focused Venice Film Festival hit The Distinguished Citizen, or social realist musical At Your Doorstep. Plus, the program also features walk-and-talk romance The Reconquest, Smoke & Mirrors' true tale of corruption from the makers of 2015 festival standout Marshland, and Spain in a Day — the latest crowd-shot time-capsule companion piece to 2011's Life in a Day, joining fellow efforts made in Britain, Japan, Italy and India. This year's festival selections don't stop there, with four films embracing the joys of flamenco, spanning both dance and music. For those keen on looking back as well as catching the latest cinematic fare, three retrospective screenings will showcase the work of actress, singer and filmmaker Ana Belén, who has more than 35 albums, 40 films and 30 theatrical productions on her resume. The Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 18, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona from April 18 to May 7; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth and Kino Cinemas from April 20 to May 7, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from April 27 to May 14. For more information, visit the festival website.
"Joey, there's no living with...with a killing" explains Alan Ladd's character in the 1953 cowboy epic Shane. "There's no going back from it. Right or wrong, it's a brand, a brand that sticks. There's no going back. Now you run on home to your mother and tell her...tell her everything's alright, and there aren't any more guns in the valley". Twice in Logan we hear this same passage, and it sets the theme for the entire film. Hugh Jackman's Logan, aka Wolverine, is one of modern cinema's greatest tortured souls: a near-invincible soldier of fortune forever seeking memories of better days lost to amnesia, whilst drinking to forget the ones even amnesia refuses to ensnare. Time has been no friend to the man unburdened by it, with lovers long since dead and buried, friends gone the same way, and no new mutants, we learn, born for the past twenty five years. Even his own body is at last breaking down, like an old turbine with grinding parts and blunt, malfunctioning blades. The immortal man is somehow dying, and he can't welcome it quickly enough. If it's not already obvious, Logan represents something of a seismic shift for the X-Men franchise – a billion dollar film series that has, until now, consisted largely of family-friendly crowd-pleasers. Ultra-violent and with Scorsese level foul language, Logan at long last unleashes the true, brutal fury of the eponymous beast whose gruesome deeds have, for the past seventeen years, only ever been teased out or implied. Limbs are severed and skulls are skewered with bloody repetition, yet neither the frequency nor the intensity of the violence ever feels gratuitous. This is a dark, gritty and yet soulful production that finally honours the character behind so much of the X-Men saga's enduring popularity. In the lead roll, Jackman imbues Logan with all the rage, self-loathing and pain befitting a man who's literally seen it all. With greying hair and a weathered face hidden beneath a wild, bushy beard, the actor limps and heaves his way through every scene with palpable discomfort. Alongside him, Patrick Stewart returns as the wheelchair-bound Professor Charles Xavier, now a prisoner to his own failing (yet terrifyingly powerful) mind, the implications of which are brilliantly woven into the script. Stephen Merchant, too, joins the franchise in a wonderfully soulful turn, whilst the film's villains are this time embodied by Narcos' Boyd Holbrook and the ever-reliable Richard E Grant. Then, finally, there's newcomer Dafne Keen as a young mutant named Laura, and if you've seen the film's trailer you'll likely have already guessed her connection to both this story and its key characters. In the interest of preserving what surprises we can, the less said about Keen the better, except to note that her performance is outstanding and her scenes with Jackman ground the film in a deeply personal way. This is a bold offering from director James Mangold and an extraordinary conclusion to an otherwise ho-hum trilogy of Wolverine-centric spinoffs (see also: X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine). In an age of unending sequels and computer-generated chaos, Logan is a timely reminder that for all of their spectacle, the best superhero films can begin and end with human-driven stories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH3OxVFvTeg
Fancy being able to shop an expert curation of wine, handpicked by two of the state's industry heavyweights? That's exactly the situation you're in for when you visit the new CBD bottle shop by restaurateur Christian McCabe (the man behind Embla and Lesa) and renowned winemaker Patrick Sullivan. The excellently named Punchin' Bottles made its home in the space next door to Embla on Russell Street in January 2020. The new drinks destination shines a spotlight on Victorian drops alongside a solid collection of carefully sourced European wines. Expect to find a rotating lineup of locally produced small-batch labels and top international finds, with plenty flying the flag for sustainable winemaking practices. And, if you've ever had the pleasure of being expertly guided through the wine list next door, you'll also know to expect some pretty top-notch service and advice to match the store's winning selection of wine. [caption id="attachment_758648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Punchin' Bottles is also set to host a series of weekly wine tasting sessions, showcasing favourites from both close to home and overseas. The program kicks off Wednesday, January 22, with a tasting of Adelaide Hills' Gentle Folk Wines, followed by some treats from Campbell Burton Wines on January 24 and 25 from 5–9pm. Keep an eye on the shop's Instagram for future events, too. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Melbourne has staked out most corners of the global culinary map, but there aren't too many American diners in the city. Lulie Tavern is trying to remedy that with its latest pop-up: Lulie's Weekend Diner. Every weekend from June 17, Lulie in Abbotsford will transform into a proper tribute to Americana, with extended opening hours, a new breakfast menu and plenty of brew coffee, courtesy of the guys at Coffee Supreme. It's as American as you're going to get without needing to leave a tip. For the menu, think American-style breakfast muffins with egg and cheese, pork and fennel sausage patties, hash browns, brekkie tacos, eggy French Toast and smoky baked beans. All the food groups you need for a rocking good Saturday morning (especially if you enjoyed a rocking good Friday night). The diner pop-up will run every Saturday and Sunday until mid-July, so you've got some time to catch this one. The menu runs most of the day, too, from 10am to 3pm. You can also grab Lulie's regular menu from midday, if wall-to-wall sausage patties aren't really your thing. Images: supplied.
Got a cookie obsession that just won't quit? Prepare to unleash the monster on Hawthorn's new dessert destination, The Cookie Box, where chunky, gooey handmade cookies reign supreme. The family-run brand has already proved a hit in Perth, where it launched in 2017, and and its first Melbourne shop on Chapel Street and now Hawthorn's scored a decadent outpost of its own. The Glenferrie Road store is dishing up eight permanent flavours from a classic pistachio to Nutella and a fruit-laced raspberry number. You can also sink your teeth into the monthly-changing experimental creation and a vegan version. All of the treats are rolled by hand, rested for 48 hours and baked fresh daily, crafted only on top-quality ingredients including free-range eggs and smooth Belgian chocolate. A solo cookie will set you back as little as $5. Otherwise, you can order a mixed half dozen and get ten percent off, teaming classic cookies with specials like Choc Full of Peanuts, matcha and white chocolate, and triple chocolate. The Cookie Box officially opens at 10am on Tuesday, September 8, which you can visit if you live within five kilometres of (under Melbourne's stage four restrictions), otherwise you can order delivery online via Doordash.
To help ease that transition into another Melbourne winter, the team at Welcome to Thornbury is bringing back one of its snuggliest, most tummy-pleasing weekend food events — a festival dedicated to the glorious combo of mulled wine and hot cheese. The ever-popular party descends on the Northside food truck park from noon, Saturday, May 28, pulling together a selection of hot, gooey creations from some of the city's favourite cheese-slinging vendors, with warming sips to match. This is where all your cheesiest dreams come true, with the likes of Sparrows Philly Cheese Steaks, Frencheese, Italy & Co, Bear Grilled and Mr Burger serving up signature delights of the melty variety. Of course, you won't find a better pairing to all that dairy than some hot, spiced booze; especially since the bar will be rounding out its usual offerings with no less than six different mulled wine varieties. Flavours range from the traditional, to a chilli-spiked version, to a sticky date pudding number and a mulled rosé. And if you can't decide, there's even a multi-pass that'll get you tasters of all six for $30.
Pop this one in the diary: one of our favourite bars on Greville Street is teaming up with one of our favourite whisky distilleries. On Wednesday, June 21, White Oaks Saloon will be hosting a very special whisky dinner alongside Tasmania's Lark Distillery. If you haven't heard of Lark before, they were actually Australia's first carbon-neutral whisky distillery and they've been bottling some of the country's best single malts for over 30 years. White Oaks is a staple on the Prahran scene, with some of the best cocktails and desperately-need-a-napkin barbecue going around. The dinner itself will kick off at 7.30pm and run till 10pm. Tickets are $149, which gets you an incredible, three-course set menu with seven dishes. Wash it down with a gimlet on arrival and four carefully paired whiskies from the guys at Lark. For food, expect White Oaks Saloon's southern spread set menu, which runs to the likes of twice-cooked jalapeno poppers, Louisiana crab cakes, fried chicken and cajun fish tacos. If you like your whisky neat and your BBQ sticky, this is the party for you. Seats are filling up fast, but there are still some tickets available. Bookings through the website. Images: Supplied
The first few months of the year in Melbourne can get hot and claustrophobic. So sometimes it's best to get out — even if it's just for a day. Hiking is an activity you can do with friends or on your own that gets you outside, in the sun and — better yet — it costs nothing. We spent the winter looking for the best spots so you could spend the summer exploring. Here are some long and short hikes for everyone — from the fitness enthusiast to the fair-weather walker. THE EAST-WEST LOOP, YOU YANGS REGIONAL PARK The You Yangs are located near Geelong, less than an hour's drive from Melbourne. There are plenty of easy walking tracks in the area with mostly gentle terrain. With splendid views of the surrounding countryside, it's a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. There's no need for hiking boots, the trails are fine for small children and families and there are plenty of great picnic spots to have lunch and take it easy. The East-West loop is a four-kilometre track that starts at the Turntable car park, offering varied terrain without too much of an incline. THE MONOLITH AND PULPIT ROCK, MT BUFFALO This is an easy 13.4-kilometre circuit showcasing the most picturesque landmarks and lookouts at Mt Buffalo. The area is striking in its beauty, although doesn't have the same sense of isolation as more difficult hikes in the area. This walk won't take longer than four hours, being of an easy grade with pleasant spots to stop and picnic along the way. There's even a vendor selling ice cream and coffee. The starting point, Lake Catani Campground, is about a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne, but is a well serviced campsite with plenty of amenities. MT STAPYLTON, THE GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK The Grampians offers some of the best hiking in Victoria. Located a three-hour drive from Melbourne, the Mt Stapylton loop is 4.6 kilometres and takes just under three hours to complete. It is a hike of moderate difficulty that offers grand views and fun terrain. Starting at the Mount Zero Campground, follow the signs through ferns and low gullies, past looming cliff faces, to finish with a quick scramble to a spectacular outlook. This walk is challenging in some sections but easy if you have good balance and shoes that grip. I wouldn't recommend attempting this one after heavy rainfall. MT STIRLING, MT BULLER Mt Buller is better known for its skiing terrain, but in summer (especially during the shoulder season) it's a wonderful place to go hiking. From October to December (before the 4WD and mountain biking season begins) you have the entire mountain to yourself. Heading from the Mt Buller village, take the shared mountain bike track to Howqua gap and follow the signage to Mt Stirling. The walk is about 12 kilometre and takes four–five hours. On a sunny day, the summit is a perfect spot for lunch. This hike is for those with a reasonable level of fitness and hiking boots are recommended. Some of the uphill sections can be challenging, but are well worth the effort. SOUTHERN CIRCUIT, CATHEDRAL RANGES Only a two-hour drive from Melbourne, the Southern Circuit in the Cathedral Ranges is perfect for a day trip. This hike is not for beginners, with steep climbs and lots of rock scrambling. Sturdy hiking boots, agility and a head for heights are a must. This walk is 11 kilometres and takes three-four hours, starting and finishing at Cooks Mill Campground. The track takes you up to Sugarloaf Peak for spectacular views and back down along the Razorback. Make sure you pay attention to the trail markers as it's easy to get lost in this area. CRAIG'S HUT, MT BULLER Craig's Hut was originally built for the set of The Man From Snowy River. It was kept as a waystation for hikers and cross-country skiers. Over the years it has been rebuilt after bushfires and now stands as a landmark in the area. The walk from Telephone Box Junction to Craig's Hut is 21 kilometres and takes six hours, depending on your fitness. It is very steep and challenging in some place and takes a sandy, rocky 4WD track in others. This walk gets the heart pumping and the legs burning; the views are nothing short of breath-taking. Images: Visit Victoria
Melbourne's newest outdoor cinema isn't on a rooftop, next to a beach or in a park. No, this one is popping up somewhere a little different: Melbourne Zoo. Running from January 1–14, the inaugural Up Late program sees the Zoo screening 14 docos about marine conservation, sustainability and the environment on its lawns. On the lineup, you'll find A Plastic Ocean (about the world's current marine pollution), National Geographic's Sea of Shadows and an Australian doco about the fight to save the Great Barrier Reef called Beauty and the Reef. And, as it wouldn't really be a film festival about animals and the environment without him, our favourite nature narrator David Attenborough will also make an on-screen appearance, with his doco Light on Earth, about bioluminescent organisms, screening on Saturday, January 12. Before the main screenings start at 6.10pm, you'll be able to listen to a talk by a leading conservationist — on topics such as Antarctica, octopuses and plastic-free living — at 5.30pm, then catch a short film at 6.05pm. Entry to the film is included with a general zoo ticket (which'll set you back $38) and you can also buy snacks on-site. BYO blanket. Talks start at 5.30pm, followed by a short film at 6.05pm and feature film at 6.10pm.
It's time to make the pilgrimage to the Supernatural Amphitheatre once again, Golden Plains has opened the ballot for 2017. Taking place over a long weekend under a full moon, Meredith's other beloved festival returns for three days next March 11-13. And they've announced on heck of a legend to top the bill: Neil Finn. As always, the lineup will appear on one stage in the Supernatural Amphitheatre, fronted by one of history's greatest songwriters. Crowded House legend Neil Finn will play a special career-spanning set under the full moon. It's been seven years since Finn played The Sup', so this should be pretty special. Also on the lineup is Nicholas Jaar, The Specials, Kurt Vile, Chain & the Gang, Princess Nokia and Teenage Fanclub, as well as local faves Total Giovanni and Camp Cope. Meanwhile, Golden Plains is set to be the same festival you know and love — no dickheads, no need to hide your goon sacks, no commercial sponsors — but with a new sound system, new campground, new foods and kids under 12 can attend the festival free. GOLDEN PLAINS 2017 LINEUP Neil Finn Nicolas Jaar The Specials Chain & The Gang Total Giovanni Margaret Glaspy Kurt Vile Princess Nokia Teenage Fanclub Camp Cope The Damned Olympia Wax'o Paradiso HABITS ORB Cash Savage And The Last Drinks J A Z Z Party Ausmuteants Benny And The Flybyniters The Dusty Millers Brooke Powers The Peep Tempel [embed]https://youtu.be/j8U1gC2JilQ[/embed]
Go dotty about the world, and it'll go dotty about you: that's the Yayoi Kusama story. For seven decades, the Japanese artist has thrust polka dots to the centre of her paintings, collages and installations, making her a contemporary art favourite — and all of those years of circular creativity are now coming to Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art. From 4 November 2017 to 11 February 2018, GOMA will host Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, a major showcase of her lengthy and prolific career since the 1950s. Co-curated with the National Gallery Singapore, where the exhibition is currently on display until September, it will boast than 70 of her pieces — featuring 24 works from her recent My Eternal Soul series, which has been ongoing since 2009, and currently comprises 500 canvases in total. Kusama's early painterly experiments, a multi-decade presentation of her 'net' paintings, soft-sculpture and assemblage will also grace the gallery's spaces, as will performance documents and large-scale installations. With the celebrated artist no stranger to the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA, a number of her iconic pieces will be making a return. Two artworks commissioned for the gallery's 2002 Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art will feature, including Narcissus garden in the QAG Watermall. Of course, the beloved interactive experience that is The Obliteration Room will also be brightening up GOMA's Children's Art Centre for the first time since summer 2014-2015. Fans of plastering a white room full of coloured dot-shaped stickers, rejoice. Fans of Kusama's bright riot of dots and hues, rejoice as well. Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibits at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art from 4 November 2017 to 11 February 2018. For more information, head to the gallery website. Image: Yayoi Kusama in front of Life is the Heart of a Rainbow (2017) ©YAYOI KUSAMA, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore, Victoria Miro, London, David Zwirner, New York
Social Enterprise Free to Feed knows better than most, the power that food has to connect people and communities. It regularly works with its culinarily gifted participants to run dinners where people from all backgrounds can come together to better understand the experiences and needs of refugees and people seeking asylum. Money made during these nights also feeds right into supporting those within said communities. The latest Free to Feed venture comes in the form of The Story Table — a dinner series that spotlighta the voices and experiences of refugees and individuals seeking asylum. The first dinner — named 'Beyond Arrival' — is taking place on Friday, October 18, and will be led by led by Bahaa — a refugee from Aleppo — and Thae — a Karen woman from Burma. Guests will enjoy a large pescatarian feast, featuring dishes like sabzi polo and baked tamarind fish. Tickets for the dinner are going for $85 a pop, or $45 for low-income earners, students, and people from refugee and new migrant backgrounds. [caption id="attachment_939899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Biddle[/caption]
