Set amongst every food critic's favourite street is The Meatball and Wine Bar, Flinders Lane's artisan meatball venue. The past year has seen almost half a million beef, pork, chicken, fish and vegetable balls leave swilling with wine in the stomachs of satisfied customers, and now that a second venue has made its debut in Swan Street (and a third is in the works), it's time we showed thanks to the one-year-old. That's right, CityBalls has kept the ball rolling all year and is set to blow out the candles in celebration. Thursday, 26 September, will see 135 Flinders Lane in party-mode. $40 will get you through the doors from 6pm for a welcome drink and meal. But if you're lucky, you might just nab one of two double passes we're giving away. To be in the running to win tickets for you and a friend, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already) and email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. But the ball's in your court.
Poodle Bar & Bistro's famed Patio Party is returning for its ninth instalment on Sunday, November 3, and this one's set to be one of its best. For this Poodle Patio Party, Sam Medeiros (Rocco's Bologna Discoteca) will be plating up tacos out in the back while plonk experts Mahmood Fazal and Ibrahim Khudeira will be running the wine program. [caption id="attachment_894032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Pham[/caption] The star of the show will no doubt be the tunes (as always). Throughout the day, there'll be rolling DJ sets by Claddy and Colette, Edd Fisher (Waxo Paradiso), Dawn Sports and KHB. Tickets are priced at $10 a pop, with food and drinks available to purchase as you go.
Catching public transport can be frustrating at the best of times, but there could be even more painful commutes ahead as Victoria's public transport union gears up for two big ol' strikes. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has voted to proceed with industrial action, with 98 percent of members in favour of the strike, in response to ongoing, failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. A strike could see frontline and back-of-house tram staff taking industrial action for up to 48 hours, refusing to wear uniforms, make last-minute changes to timetables (including short shunting), accept roster changes or do voluntary overtime — which could lead to some serious tram chaos. https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/photos/a.486088274788960/2539626552768445/?type=3&theater The RTBU has been negotiating a new wage deal and improved working conditions with Yarra Trams for months, with the existing agreement expiring on June 30. "Yarra Trams have pushed drivers to breaking point to meet impossible targets, it's no wonder they are mad at their further attempts to strip away conditions," said RTBU Secretary Luba Grigorovitch in a statement. There's no word yet on when this would happen, though it'd likely take place in the next 30 days. And, if you're a public transport regular, you'll know for sure it won't be pretty — especially since it could coincide with another public transport strike. Melbourne's train network is about to be affected by its own strike, with the RTBU set to kick off industrial action on Monday, August 12. On the Monday — and the following Monday, August 19 — all train travel will be free for commuters as RTBU members keep ticket barriers open and refuse to sell, upload or check Myki cards, all day long. Commuter-facing train employees will also scrap their uniforms indefinitely from August 12, too, and workers will refuse to participate in any training for Melbourne's soon-to-launch high-capacity trains between August 12–18. Between these dates, drivers will also refuse to operate any train that doesn't have fully operational public address systems and passenger emergency intercoms. And there'll be no skipping stations, alternate services running, or announcements by drivers to alert when their trains are running late. The industrial action could carry over to V/Lines, too, with an RBTU Victoria member commenting on the above Facebook post: "V/Line has only just come to the table to start bargaining. Their day will come if they don't take the talks seriously." We'll keep you updated with that. For the moment, no date has been set for the tram strike, but we'll let you know as soon as there is. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
A free and confronting exhibition that explores the merging of human and animal. In part celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, My Monster: The Human Animal Hybrid will illuminate how we as a society still fear, yet are fascinated, by human-animal hybrids. Through the work of over thirty artists, the exhibition will ask the question of what a hybrid future might look like for animals and humans, given recent biotechnological developments. Just like the monster in Shelley's book, the hybrid is unnatural, an outsider — a monster that blurs the lines between the human and animal realms. The exhibition's aim is also to remind us that we are all, really, still animals, so get ready to feel a sense of disquiet upon seeing the exhibition. And a word of warning: some parts are considered confronting, so beware. Top image: Kate Clark, 'And She Meant It'
Signature Style, the title of Craft Victoria's latest exhibition that shares the space with Caroline Phillips' Enmeshed, refers to an elusive and attractive concept creative folk have been consciously trying to achieve since loincloths were en Vogue. It’s about finding that one quality the narcissist within us all hopes we will be forever remembered for. As I am writing this in the peak of Melbourne’s heatwave, one could be forgiven for assuming my signature style is a sweat moustache and clammy hands — unintentional, but sometimes beauty is that way. Sweat pools aside, the creative practice behind developing an identifiable signature style is often a very insular, independent experience. Signature Style eschews the idea of individual artistic creativity, exploring models of collaborative practise in contemporary jewellery. Occupying half of the bright, light-filled Craft Victoria space, the exhibition brings together some of Melbourne’s most innovative emerging creatives, resulting in a widely varied collection of work, using equally unusual mediums. After all, everybody knows you can’t have a contemporary jewellery show without some human hair and teeth involved, right? Particularly striking is Cosmic Elevator, an installation piece by Karla Way and Dylan Martorell. An ambiguous form lies in an ornate tiki-esque structure, decorated by flowers and heavily adorned in colourful beads and found objects, as though an offering to tropical gods. Elsewhere artist Natalia Milosz-Piekarksa and contemporary dancer Katherine Doube have created a minimal and refined video work. Dance and movement inform the film, which features a wearable shoulder piece that clings like barnacles and moves with the dancing model like a lurking, deep-sea creature. Flexing the muscles of Gen Y, an iPad showing footage of attractive hoodlums recklessly putting Mentos into their soft drinks and proceeding to dribble all down their nice, clean clothes while wearing various pieces of jewellery accompanies a display of pieces by Dan Bell et al. Nearby cosmic rocks hang from a frame of knotted ropes and brightly beaded chains that seem to scream, “I am fun and flirty but don’t touch me for I am also art” — or something along those lines. Image via Craft Victoria.
A photography, light, sound and dodgem car experience will take over a secret Melbourne location this month when local photographer p1xels unveils Alpha Beta Gamma. Running from August 9–16, the immersive exhibition will transport visitors to the site of Ukraine's 1986 Chernobyl disaster (without the radiation, of course). The artist visited the site of this well-known nuclear explosion in June (and even spent the night there). Located near the city of Pripyat, the disaster took place at the height of the Cold War. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from a 30-kilometre radius to the plant, and this 'exclusion zone' is still one of the most radioactively contaminated areas in the world — with scientists expecting it to remain uninhabitable for a whopping 20,000 years. The photography on display in Alpha Beta Gamma examines nature's reclamation of the deserted town. Alongside the photographs, visitors will walk through a dodgem car installation — which mimics the images from Pripyat's abandoned amusement park — and be immersed in a light and sound show that will make you feel as if you are standing inside the exclusion zone. There'll also be a pop-up bar, so you can sip a beer or wine while exploring the immersive exhibition. If you've been extra curious about the nuclear disaster since binge-watching HBO's chilling series Chernobyl, this may be the exhibition for you. The exhibition is free to the public, however you must register over here or follow @p1xels to find the secret location — which will be released 24 hours prior to opening night on Friday, August 6 at 6pm.
It's fair to say that MasterChef Australia winner and media personality chef Adam Liaw is a national treasure. When he's not blessing us with insights on Twitter or presenting cooking shows on TV that make our tummies grumble, he's off collaborating with flavoursome chip brand, Red Rock Deli. And on Wednesday, May 15, Liaw will be hosting an intimate secret supper for 20 guests. The location remains a secret for now — as does the menu. All we know so far is that the three-course menu will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's newest flavour — Limited-Edition Thai Red Chilli and Creamy Coconut. [caption id="attachment_718821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] It's all very hush-hush — but we've done some prying. First up, Liaw did tell us that the menu is 'a journey in three parts'. The first dish will hero chilli, while the dessert will incorporate the creamy texture of coconut. For the main, you can expect both flavours to be featured. We also know that Liaw's knowledge of Asian cuisines is extraordinary — he was born in Malaysia to an English Singaporean mother and Hainanese Chinese father and is the Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine — and he loves bringing elements from these cuisines into his cooking. "The one thing I always come back to is not how different they are, but how much common ground there is. Every cuisine has its comfort foods, sweet treats, grilled meats and balanced tastes. Once you understand the context of the food, the ingredients can be combined and integrated to create something new," he told us. [caption id="attachment_659258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chaco Bar, Leticia Almeida[/caption] So, in trying to crack the menu code, we thought we'd find out a little about the Asian restaurants that Liaw visits in Sydney (and the dishes he orders) for inspiration. He name-dropped a few of his recent favourites, which may give us an idea of what to expect. First up: wagyu carpaccio with sea urchin, parmesan and truffle — a bold flavour combo — from Darlinghurst's Chaco Bar. And, if you're feeling brave, Liaw recommends the 'char-siu' roasted Glacier toothfish from Mr Wong. What is a Glacier toothfish? And why do we want to eat it? It just goes to show that a menu item that starts with 'char-siu' (which is traditionally served as barbecued pork) can end however it likes and, if Liaw suggests it, we'll give it a go. He also mentioned Mama Mulan's Mongolian-style lamb ribs with cumin and the Moo ping marinated pork skewers with jim jaew from Khao Pla as inspirational dishes. [caption id="attachment_611319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Wong[/caption] Rounding out Liaw's top six were hot pot chain The Dolar Shop and Ho Jiak — both in Haymarket. "[They're] doing fantastic things with modern, creative Asian food while still understanding Australia's love of authenticity," he says. From Dolar Shop, he rates the Sichuan broth, whole big eye ocean perch and sweet potato noodles. You had us at whole big eye ocean perch, Mr Liaw. Adam Liaw's Secret Supper is now sold out but we've still got two tickets to give away. To be in with a chance, head this way. And, while you wait for the big night to roll around, you can get cracking on this Liaw-certified recommendation circuit. Top Image: Kitti Gould.
For not the first time in his career, Steven Spielberg deserves some serious credit. Lincoln is not only the director's most accomplished, audacious, and affecting film of perhaps the past 20 years but also his most surprising given the focus of the story he chose to tell. It's actually hard not to envisage the faces of the DreamWorks executives as he walked into their offices and said: "I'm ready to make another film". Jackpot. "And I want to do it about Lincoln." Double jackpot. Our most beloved president — bring on the inevitable Oscars and fortunes! "But instead of focussing on the Civil War=" ...uh-huh... "-and rather than looking at his assassination" ...yeeeeah… "-I want to spend three hours talking about the passing of some legislation by the House of Representatives." …Okay, umn…Steven, are you SURE you don't want to do it about the War? Because the War was VERY interesting…I mean there were explosions and everything. Well, screw that imaginary Dreamworks executive, because it's precisely that specificity and lack of action that makes Lincoln such an unexpectedly compelling biopic. It's also a notable counterpoint to 2011's Iron Lady in that, instead of covering the president's entire life, it essentially focuses on just a few weeks in January 1865 when Lincoln attempted to enact the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery. The traditional challenge for any historical narrative is that the audience already knows how it ends, meaning tension must be sought elsewhere, in the emotions rather than the events. Apollo 13 is a fine example of this. We all know Lovell and his crew made it back safely, but those final few minutes remain impossibly tense because we're so invested in the characters that didn't know. Hence the drama in Lincoln comes not from 'Would the anti-slavery bill pass?' but rather 'How did it pass, and at what cost?' The result is a beautifully nuanced film about statesmanship, quiet contemplation, and — above all else — principle. After years of devastating Civil War, Lincoln (in another mesmerising performance by Daniel Day-Lewis) finally finds himself presented with an opportunity to end the bloodshed subject only to the southern states' right to maintain slavery. With even his own children on the battlefield, the decision to make peace seems obvious, and yet, so too does equality — something deemed so obvious as to be self-evident. "We are stepped out upon the world stage now," he declares to his cabinet amid fierce opposition to the bill, "with the fate of human dignity in our hands." That he persisted and triumphed is why history reveres him, but how he did it and with whose help is why it's so worth watching.
If you're a West Melburnian and have places to be this weekend, make sure you leave time to get there on foot — art's taken your parking space. From noon till 4pm this Sunday, December 18 the carpark of the new West End development on Rosslyn Street is being commandeered by four artists, DJ Django and a small legion of food trucks. The aim is to transform the concrete-grey gloom of a city carpark into a vibrant 'urban gallery' in just four hours. Artists George Rose, Phibs, Georgia Hill and Ken Taylor will fight the clock to jazz up the space you disconsolately park your Corolla each night (well, hypothetically). Rose will be upping the ante by running two half-hour lettering workshops throughout the afternoon, while local DJ Django changes everything you thought you knew about carpark acoustics. The event only runs for four hours, but on the off-chance you're skin and bone after two, Gorilla Grill, Nuoc Mama's Food Truck and The Grace Caravan will be on standby to dispense emergency victuals.
The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular, better known as GABS, returns to Melbourne for its for its seventh year over the weekend of May 19–21. After humble beginnings right here in Melbourne, the festival has now expanded to cover three cities, two countries, and is rightfully considered by most as the best craft beer and cider festival in the Asia Pacific region. Creators Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone (The Local Taphouse, Stomping Ground Brewing Co.) are making 2017 the biggest year yet, upping the offering to a whopping 180 festival beers and ciders by introducing a third festival bar into the mix. These exclusive and often wacky specialty brews are created just for the event and are generally the festival's main draw, giving attendees the rare chance to try brand spanking new beers while meeting the brewers behind them. This year's festival brews include, strangely enough, three Thai inspired beers, a mango lassi IPA by 3 Ravens Brewery, a Pinot Grigio wild ale by Yulli's Brews and — possibly the most jarring — a 'mother's milk' beer from Brisbane Brewing Co. GABS Melbourne is the culmination of the city's Good Beer Week, and, since Melbourne is the GABS's original home, it is always the biggest (and, frankly, the best) of the bunch. Add in the 18-metre-high Yenda Ferris Wheel of Beer, wandering performances and food stalls from some of the best producers in the city and you've got yourself one hell of a party. The event is categorised in five sessions over three days, with tickets to multiple sessions also available. Tickets to all five sessions are already sold out — we wish those ticket holders the best of luck.
With Australia's craft beer scene going gangbusters and innovative new local drops hitting the shelves every week, it can be hard to keep track of what's worth buying. But if you fancy scouting out some winners, The Independent Beer Awards, affectionately known as The Indies, is a decent place to start. The Aussie awards just announced its top beer picks for 2019, after a team of judges drank their way through a record-breaking 1017 beers from 147 Australian breweries. The scoreless competition awards gold, silver, bronze and no medal across a range of categories, rather than the usual numerical quantification or points system. And what better than this expertly chosen lineup of winners to inform your springtime beer hit-list? The triple dry-hopped double Red Eye Rye imperial red ale from Carrum Downs' Dainton Brewery took out top honours, claiming the coveted title of Champion Australian Independent Beer. Better get that one in your fridge, stat. Meanwhile, the most celebrated venues included Victoria's 3 Ravens, named Champion Independent Australian Brewery in the small/medium category; Fixation Brewing Co, taking out the large category counterpart; and All Hands Brewing House at Sydney's King Street Wharf, which was bestowed the title of Champion Australian Independent Brewpub. State brewery winners included SA's Mismatch Brewing Co, the ACT's Bentspoke, Gage Roads from WA, 3 Ravens in Vic and Sydney's All Hands Brewing House. The Gold Coast's Balter Brewing Company was named Queensland State Champion, after its XPA took out top honours at GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list earlier this year for the second time in a row. Among The Indies' list of top brews in each style, you'll find a beer for just about every palate. There's the spring-perfect Surry Hills Pils from Sydney Brewery, which claimed the title of Champion Lager; Modus Operandi's big, bold Former Tenant as Champion IPA; and named Champion Session Beer, the Piss-Weak Sauce by Marrickville's Sauce Brewing Co. Also on the list are the Champion Porter/Stout — the Bunker by Collingwood's Stomping Ground — the Champion Pale Ale from Mismatch and the Champion European-Style Ale, claimed by Bright Brewery's Razor Witbier. You can check out the full list of The Indies' 2019 winners over at the website.
There are a few different ways you could celebrate the start of summer. But if you fancy ringing in the new season with a couple of glasses of something fruity, fizzy and free, then we've got just the thing. On Sunday, December 1, the good folk at Moon Dog are treating fans to the ultimate summer starter: free serves of its Fizzer alcoholic seltzer varieties. Roll into either Moon Dog World or Moon Dog Wild West on the first day of summer with a BYO vessel in tow, and you can have it filled for free with takeaway Fizzer poured fresh from the taps. These two sites will also be hosting DJs throughout the arvo, making both of them damn good Sunday sesh destinations. And again this year, there's a heap of other Melbourne venues participating in the BYO Cup Day. You can also grab your free seltzers from Arcadia Hotel in South Yarra, The Pinnacle in Fitzroy, Railway Club Hotel in Windsor and more. In total, 16 Melbourne venues will join the Brew Dog crew for the giveaway. You can bring any old drinking vessel you fancy to the spots, be it a watering can, water bottle or, heck, even a hollowed-out upside-down pineapple — but keep in mind they'll only fill it up to 1140 millilitres (a standard jug amount). You'll also want to ensure your container is clean and water-tight to avoid any nasty leaks. Check out the venue's website to find all the participating venues where you can score some free seltzer on Moon Dog's Fizzer BYO Cup Day.
Heading to the snow is an experience many of us spend the long winter days at work daydreaming about. But a trip to the snow-covered mountains should be about so much more than just clipping on your skis or snowboard. With a multi-day trip to Victoria's Alpine Resorts, you can take your snow trip to new heights — literally and figuratively — with an array of elevated adventures. Whether you're a snow-sport aficionado, want to soak up the picturesque scenery from lush, on-mountain accommodation, or are hankering to see the sights from above, Victoria's alpine region has you covered. From Mt Hotham to Falls Creek, Mt Buller to Dinner Plain and Mt Stirling, here are our picks for turning your mid-year winter break into a bucket-list trip to remember. See the Sights on a Snowshoeing Adventure While shredding your heart out on the slopes is a staple for most snow trips, there are some other incredible (and somewhat underrated) ways to get up close and personal with Mother Nature, like snowshoeing. If you want something that's low impact on your body but high impact on views, snowshoeing could be your new favourite alpine activity. Dinner Plain has a bunch of trails to suit a range of fitness levels, including shorter walks on the edge of town through to longer treks over mountain ridges for the more intrepid travellers. You can take a guided snowshoe tour in Mt Stirling or Mt Buller, or DIY on a self-guided stroll in Falls Creek. To take things even further, you can have the time of your life on a Snowshoe to Cheese Fondue experience in Mt Hotham. Here, you'll wind through breathtaking snow gums at sunset before tucking into an unforgettable three-course dinner, complete with gooey cheese fondue and Glühwein in a hidden eco-village. Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing or Snowboarding Okay, so we said a snow trip is about more than clipping on your snow-sport gear, but that doesn't mean you should skip it altogether. Classics are classics for a reason, right? If you've only ever stuck to either skiing or snowboarding, consider this your sign to step out of your comfort zone and try the alternative sport. There are amazing runs at Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller and Dinner Plain to suit all levels. You'll just need to let go of your ego when you have to return to the green runs. Never skied or snowboarded before? You're in for a real treat. With expert guidance from knowledgeable instructors, you'll be carving up the slopes in no time. Take Flight to See the Sights Soaring above the rugged alpine peaks really is an experience like no other. With a bird's-eye view, you can soak in the spectacular sights of Victoria's High Country from new heights and zoom out from the world for a moment in time. Take a scenic helicopter flight between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham and be captivated by the breathtaking panoramic views as you glide above the snowy summits. Or take the opportunity to see the region from above with a helicopter ride over the ridges and valleys of Mt Stirling and Mt Buller to tick off this bucket-list experience. Hang Out with Huskies A husky sled tour might seem like something you only see in the movies, but in Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, you can live out your Hollywood fantasy in real life. Let a team of alpine huskies whisk you away into the magical scenery of Mt Hotham's and Dinner Plain's backcountry trails with Howling Huskys, or let Australian Sled Dog Tours take you on a trip of a lifetime in Mt Buller. Try Out a New Angle with Cross-Country Skiing If you're a seasoned skier and want to level up your on-slope action, adding a cross-country skiing session to your trip is a must. If you're feeling super adventurous, try exploring the wild and sprawling cross-country trails on Mt Stirling, where there are over 60 kilometres of trails to discover. Falls Creek has loads of patrolled tracks ideal for newcomers, while Dinner Plain has paths that snake around the Alpine Village so you can get a taste of the action without venturing too far from home. Refuel at Incredible On-Mountain Food and Drink Venues After all that time on the slopes, you're guaranteed to work up an appetite. And thankfully, the food and drink scene in Victoria's Alpine Resorts delivers, no matter where you choose to base yourself. From ambient wine bars in Dinner Plain to new great counter meals in Falls Creek, there's an eating and drinking option to please all palates. If you head to Mt Buller, make sure you grab some fresh waffles for breakfast or low-and-slow smoked goodies for lunch at the on-mountain restaurant Spurs Smokehouse. In Mt Hotham, it's the raclette lunch that has us salivating. Here, you'll scrape melted French cheese onto baked potatoes and enjoy them alongside a spread of charcuterie, smoked meats and a selection of curated booze. Rest Your Head at Spectacular On-Mountain Accommodation In Victoria's High Country, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to stellar accommodation. As far as choosing where to stay, we recommend going all in on your snow trip and cosying up in some on-mountain accommodation if you really want your trip to soar. That way, you get to be close to all the action without having to faff about with draining logistics. There's alpine accommodation to suit a range of group sizes and budgets. For a touch of luxury, Mt Buller's Breathtaker Hotel will hit the spot after a long day on the slopes. If you're after something a little more adventurous, glamping in the snow might be more your style. There are also charming lodges, chalets and resorts to recharge in — many with sweeping views of the pristine mountains. Get away from it all with an adventure at Victoria's Alpine Resorts. For more information and to start planning, visit the website.
Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck trying to save the world from an asteroid? That's so 1998. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence attempting to stop a comet from wiping out life as we know it? That's the premise of Netflix's new disaster comedy Don't Look Up, which thankfully isn't a sequel to the aforementioned Armageddon. Instead, it's the latest film from The Big Short and Vice director Adam McKay — and it's set to hit the streaming platform in December. If it sounds familiar, that's because Don't Look Up was one of the big-name movies on Netflix's lengthy list of new flicks heading its way in 2021, as it start teasing back in January. And yes, while plenty of the films named back then have already hit the platform given the year is now nine months in — movies such as Malcolm & Marie, The White Tiger, The Dig, The Woman in the Window, Army of the Dead and Moxie — the streamer really is making us all wait for its starriest picture of 2021. DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Lawrence (X-Men: Dark Phoenix) play astronomy professor Dr Randall Mindy and his grad student Kate Dibiasky, who discover that a Mount Everest-sized comet is orbiting our solar system — and that it's on a direct collision course with earth. So, with just six months left until impact, they endeavour to tell everyone they can about the planet's impending demise, all by embarking upon a media tour. But the President (Meryl Streep, The Prom) and her son and Chief of Staff (Jonah Hill, The Beach Bum) barely seem to care, and neither does the public. Also featuring on-screen as the former "king of the world" and Katniss Everdeen try to save the world: Timothée Chalamet (Little Women), Cate Blanchett (Where'd You Go, Bernadette), Mark Rylance (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Tyler Perry (Those Who Wish Me Dead), Ron Perlman (Monster Hunter), Himesh Patel (Tenet), Melanie Lynskey (Mrs America), Kid Cudi (Bill & Ted Face the Music) and Ariana Grande. Yes, as seen in the just-dropped teaser trailer, this film does have quite the cast. Don't Look Up will hit Netflix just in time for your Christmas break, dropping on Friday, December 24. It'll also screen in some cinemas before that, if you'd like to see it on the big screen. And if you're wondering how the film will fare tonally, McKay looks like he's in The Big Short and Succession mode, rather than harking back to his Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Step Brothers days. That said, Blanchett does play a TV host, so maybe the filmmaker will have audiences thinking about Anchorman as well. Check out the teaser trailer for Don't Look Up below: Don't Look Up will be available to stream via Netflix on Friday, December 24, and in selected cinemas earlier in December. Image: Nico Tavernise/Netflix.
To the surprise of exactly no one: many of us are looking to upgrade our home comfort level at the moment. Aussie furniture brand Koala is keen to help you do just that, with its sixth birthday sale. Nab up to 20 percent off mattresses, sheets, sofas, desks and armchairs to help you upgrade your pad or improve your night's sleep. A heap of products from across the brand's range are on sale from Monday, September 20 through until Sunday, September 26, including Koala's new range of mattresses. You can take your pick from the freshly unveiled range of mattresses which are 15 percent off and have your new sleep set up delivered to you later that day with free express delivery. Also on offer is the WFH desk, which is made from Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, easy to assemble and designed with a home office in mind. If your home office set isn't quite doing the job, you can pick up the desk for a sweet 15 percent off. Comfy Koala armchairs, sofas, silky bed sheets, dining tables and more are going with a 20 percent discount, too, so you can give your whole house a makeover. And everything comes with a 120-night trial — though, it might be hard to give any of these up after four months of comfort. The party doesn't stop at the sale though, with Koala collaborating with Jimmy Brings to put on a birthday giveaway, hosting a cupcake class and a whole bunch more on the brand's Instagram account.
Welcome to Brunswick will accommodate both your stomach and your flaming sinuses at the day-long event that is the Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival. If spice is your mate and you think you can handle some of the hottest chilli situations Melbourne can throw at you, now's your time to prove your mettle. Some you'll even have to sign a waiver to taste, so you know they'll be life-affirming. There'll be sauce offerings from stalls such as Melbourne Hot Sauce, Hells Breath and Blair's Death Sauce. If you've come for the actual food side of things, you're in luck, too — if this year's fest is anything like past years, you won't go hungry. And drinks? Well, the bar team will be serving 'hot pocket' shots. That's what you'll need a waiver for (and maybe some milk, too). Brews will also be on the menu, if that's your tipple of choice. Head along from 12pm on Saturday, April 17.
Fancy a refreshing beverage to cool down this summer... on the house? Well, if you're in Victoria, you're in luck – these bars and pubs are offering a complimentary garden spritz on arrival on Friday, February 28. From beachside bars and pubs to inner-city drinking holes, enjoy a (refreshingly free) Chandon Spritz, and your summer will never be over. Chandon's Garden Spritz is a natural ready-to-serve blend of sparkling wine handcrafted with navel and blood oranges, dried orange peel and natural herbs and spices. All the way from the Yarra Valley, it's not too bitter, but not too sweet and has half the sugar of most spritzes thanks to its natural ingredients. For the perfect serve, just add ice and an orange slice, and top with a sprig of rosemary if you're feeling fancy. Republica St Kilda It's hard not to feel like a spritz when you're in St Kilda. With the ocean as your backdrop, sand on your feet and good vibes all around, it's always spritz o'clock at Republica St Kilda Beach. With endless views out towards the water, live music and classic pub feeds, the only thing to make your time here better is a complimentary spritz in hand. [caption id="attachment_817250" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] The Fifth Province, St Kilda Also in St Kilda, The Fifth Province Irish Bar & Restaurant brings a touch of Irish charm to the waterfront. But unlike Galway and the hearty dark ales, a Chandon Spritz wouldn't go astray. The menu is also a standout, with the likes of beef and Guinness stew or the roast chicken, leek, and mushroom pie also hitting the spot. The Bay Hotel, Mornington Only an hour from Melbourne's CBD, Mornington is a calm, beachside haunt that's perfect for those days you need to escape the hustle and bustle. And once you arrive, one of the best spots in town has to be The Bay Hotel. With its waterfront location, heritage facade and killer menu, serving up pub classics and seafood, you can't get much better than this. Perch at the bar or grab a table and order yourself a complimentary spritz for the ultimate summer arvo. [caption id="attachment_680532" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Giulia Morlando[/caption] Emerson, South Yarra Two words. Rooftop bar. This ritzy South Yarra institution is a club and cocktail bar with private booths and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views over the city. This is definitely the place to come if you want a dance and a good time. Plus, there's a selection of yummy little bites to keep you going all night long, along with drink options including cocktails, beer and (free) Chandon Garden Spritzes, of course. Baby, Richmond Richmond's neighbourhood Italian restaurant, Baby, is a laid-back spot perfect for indulging in wood-fired pizzas and pasta any time of the day. And no matter what time of the day those Italian cravings strike, there's always a good vibe here—Baby is never not buzzing with people. There is also a quaint outdoor area ideal for enjoying a Spritz or two. Half Moon Set on busy Church Street, Half Moon is a much-loved pub that has been pouring pints for Brighton locals since the 1960s. And now you can enjoy a spritz here too. Head to the beer garden or grab a spot at the rustic bar and enjoy some of the very best the beachside locale has to offer. Head into these venues around Australia on the last day of summer to receive a complimentary Chandon Spritz on arrival. First in best dressed and T&C's apply. Enjoy Chandon Responsibly. Images: Supplied.
Melburnians, your weekend plans just got bigger and better, because the Victorian Government will scrap density limits in hospitality and entertainment venues from this weekend. Premier Daniel Andrews announced today, Thursday, February 17, that the current restrictions on venue capacities that have been in effect since early January will end at 6pm on Friday, February 18. For more than a month, the hospo and entertainment industries have been operating under a one person per two-square-metre density requirement, as you've no doubt noticed whenever you've left the house for a bite to eat or just for something to do. And, also in mid-January, the Victorian Government shut down dance floors, too — but Victoria will also no longer resemble the town from Footloose, Health Minister Martin Foley confirmed as well. Basically, get ready to do more things in more places with more people — including make shapes — from this weekend onwards, all thanks to the decreasing community transmission and hospital admission numbers. Victorian residents will also be able to stop checking in via QR codes in retail stores, schools and when going to work at many workplaces; however, that requirement isn't changing in hospitality and entertainment venues. [caption id="attachment_705595" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jake Roden, Visit Victoria[/caption] "We always said these measures wouldn't be in place for a minute longer than they are needed, and with hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes," said the Premier. "These are safe and sensible measures which balance the need to support our health system with the benefits of easing restrictions across a range of settings," added the Health Minister. More rules are likely to ease next week, too, which Andrews and Foley both advised they hope to announce by next Friday, February 25 if the current trend of cases stabilises and continues. That'll ideally involve lifting mandatory mask-wearing in offices, and considering if it's appropriate to remove the recommendation that Victorians work from home. Victoria currently has 50,042 active COVID-19 cases, including 8501 new cases reported today, Thursday, February 17. Victoria's density, dance floor and QR check-in rules will ease at 6pm on Friday, February 18. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the state's rules and restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: The Lame Duck, Jess Middleton.
Food and drink substitutions are generally associated with 'healthy' changes. But that doesn't always have to be the case — they can make the dish (or drink) more sustainable, less ordinary, or just more fun. On this list, we've highlighted some of the most unusual food and drink swaps that really shouldn't work, but do. They push the skill of chefs and cocktail makers into new territory and shake up classic dishes and drinks, all while maximising sustainability in the food industry by using up kitchen waste. We've partnered with Patrón to reveal that traditional isn't always best. By mixing things up, you may develop a love of a whole new flavour profile that — like with tequila — meets you at the intersection between refinement and craftmanship. [caption id="attachment_642741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Middleton[/caption] MAKE AN OLD FASHIONED WITH PATRÓN TEQUILA INSTEAD OF WHISKY Why not make your next old fashioned with Patrón? The Patrón Añejo — a blend of silver tequilas aged for at least one year — gets the same high-quality treatment as your favourite whiskies but offers a different flavour depth that complements the citrus of the orange zest we all know and love in an old fashioned. Just take 60 millilitres of Patrón Añejo, add ten millilitres of simple syrup and a dash of bitters. Make sure to squeeze the oils from two strips of orange and stir with the biggest ice cubes you can find. [caption id="attachment_666149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matinee Coffee by Arlo Pyne[/caption] LEAVE OUT THE EGG FOR VEGAN (AND NOT-SO VEGAN) ALTERNATIVES More and more we're seeing egg being replaced in popular dishes for unusual trade-offs. Don't worry, your favourite cafes will still serve eggs on toast — brunch is sacred — but sometimes it doesn't hurt to give an alternative a try. Sydneysiders can try it out at Marrickville's Matinee Coffee — the cafe does vegan and gluten-free takes desserts you might find at a milk bar or diner, like the traditional lemon meringue pie made with aquafaba (that's the juice from chickpea cans, foamed up like egg whites). Or, swinging the other way, try the very un-vegan, pasta at Peter Gilmore's Quay, which uses bone marrow in the pasta instead of egg yolk. [caption id="attachment_601484" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Nikki To[/caption] EAT CARAMEL SLICE MADE WITH COD FAT (YES, REALLY) Here is one food swap that we bet has never crossed your mind: a caramel slice made with fat from a Murray cod. Chef Josh Niland from Saint Peter in Paddington, the revered fish restaurant enjoyed by Nigella Lawson and Jaime Oliver, has redefined the very genre of desserts with this luxurious caramel treat. The top layer of the dish sees the salty caramel's butter component switched with cod fat, and the accompanying biscuit is made with Hapuka roe, to create an unexpected delicacy that really is impressive. An added factor that will make you feel even better about the swap is the promise of waste-reduction — the chefs are using every part of the fish. POP YOUR BACON AND EGGS IN A BOWL OF RAMEN Newtown's Rising Sun Workshop is in itself — the cafe is situated inside a motorbike workshop. That means you can bring your wheels in and enjoy coffee and brekkie at the same time. But the real treat at Rising Sun Workshop is the breakfast ramen. Ditch the avo toast for delicious noodles swimming in buttered toast broth, topped with bacon and fried egg. SWAP GIN FOR PATRÓN SILVER IN A NEGRONI As with the old fashioned, swapping out tequila as the hero alcohol profile in your favourite cocktails can shake things up a little. Try Patrón Silver instead of gin. The smooth, clean spirit uses 100 percent of Weber Blue Agave, and is a number one tequila for bartenders across the world — you'll be set to impress your friends at your next dinner party. For the negroni, trade-in gin for Patrón Silver, and simply add equal measures of Martini Bitters and Martini Riserva Rubino Vermouth. Stir with ice and strain over fresh ice cubes in your favourite tumbler, and add an orange twist. BE DONE WITH BORING JAFFLES There was a time when a jaffle was about simplicity — ham, cheese, maybe baked beans if you were feeling fancy. But times have changed, and the jaffle has been reinvented with depth and flavour profiles that'll match even Patrón tequila cocktails. We first fell in love with the idea with Super Ling's ma po tofu jaffle in Carlton. More recently, Cavalier 2.0 in Sydney has popped a beef tongue bolognese lasagne-inspired jaffle on its menu. And you must take a visit to Potts Point for Ms.G's curry puff jaffle, complete with Malaysian-style chicken. [caption id="attachment_738008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] SWAP YOUR MARGHERITA FOR A SLICE TOPPED WITH CHINESE BOLOGNESE Tucked away on Grattan Street in Carlton is the ultimate food mash up, combining Chinese food, pasta and pizza. Chef Nick Stanton first married bolognese with the flavours of Hong Kong in a Chinese pasta dish at the now-closed Ramblr, but he's taken that beef-based sauce with him to Leonardo's Pizza Palace, and popped it on a chewy, doughy pizza base together with a creamy white sauce. The team used gochujang — a fermented chilli paste — Shaoxing wine, and stock infused with soy sauce for the oozy bolognese that'll go down in Aussie food history. Vegans can grab a plant-based version at sibling venue Leo's By The Slice at the old Ramblr site in South Yarra. Top image: Chris Middleton.
A restaurant that takes bookings basically has unicorn status these days. Not that we're fully against this walk-ins only business — it's been known to work in our favour — but sometimes you just want to be confident you'll be able to take your Dad to dinner without a grumpy one-hour wait. For those times, you'll need to find a restaurant you can book. Helping out with that conundrum will soon be San Fransisco-based restaurant booking service OpenTable, which will be launching in Australia later this month. OpenTable has been around since 1998, and while it's an international service — they're present in Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and the UK — they take up the most space in the North American market, where it supposedly facilitates 52% of restaurant reservations through its mobile app. The app is something of a cross between restaurant finder Zomato and reservation site Dimmi, which was bought out by TripAdvisor earlier this year. The OpenTable desktop site and mobile app lets you search restaurants with available tables, view the restaurant's menu, user reviews, and any other restaurants nearby you might be interested in. And while it isn't all too different to Dimmi in terms of functionality, it certainly looks a lot nicer and has some handy integrations for the hospitality industry, such as the Guest Centre booking management app for front-of-house staff. "Whether it’s at a cafe, neighbourhood bistro or hatted restaurant, Aussies love to dine out and we're committed to empowering what that experience means for people," says APAC VP and Managing Director Adam Clarke. "OpenTable's growth has been driven by our ability to develop products that cater for the changing needs of restaurants and diners. Here in Australia, we will continue to innovate by providing insight into dining trends and behaviours, and building on all we have learned over the past two decades." The OpenTable app is set to go live mid-December, and will allow you to make bookings at restaurants including Rockpool and MoVida. Of course, this service only works if your restaurant of choice doesn't work on a no-bookings system — no one can help you there, I'm afraid.
Hotel Sorrento has just landed a new venue as part of the first stage of renovations originally announced early last year. Here, in a buzzy pocket of the Mornington Peninsula, Hotel Sorrento has sat for nearly 150 years boasting enviable bay vistas. Now, the historic sandstone building is welcoming an overhauled food and drink offering helmed by George Calombaris as part of the first stage of its redevelopment, including modern Cantonese diner Shihuishi and a 12-seat chef's table in the Dining Room. "The goal is to create dishes that not only satisfy the palate but tell a story of the region and the community's rich history," George Calombaris says. Shihuishi is the newest addition to the Hotel Sorrento family, nestled in the original, grand Hotel Sorrento ballroom. Head chef Junlin (Jerry) Yi (ex-Red Spice Road) is unafraid to stray from tradition, from prawn crackers paired with crème fraîche; to spanakopita dumplings that marry whipped feta and dill. Deeper into the menu, patrons will discover Australian-Canto cuisine that nods to the Chinese restaurant that stood onsite back in the 1980s. A prawn, lap cheong and onion stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser, along with duck pancakes and black pepper beef, served on a sizzling plate. Other classics run to the likes of steamed barra with soy, ginger and spring onion, or the ever-popular pork and prawn shumai. A generous list of cocktails, wine as well as beer and mocktails completes the offering. Don't miss the Dynasty Margarita, a playful mixture of tequila, green tea, honey, lime, jalapeños, Szechuan and rosemary salt. Meanwhile, in the Dining Room, Calombaris and Executive Chef Lucas Menezes Caporal will curate a new, rotating chef's table menu for 12 guests, who will score a front-row seat to all the culinary action. [caption id="attachment_902007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Dining Room[/caption] Currently, three outdoor bars, Front Bar, Dining Room and Shihuishi are open to guests. The first stage of Hotel Sorrento's hefty makeover encompasses a new 30-metre pool, wellness retreat, day spa and new luxury suites. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Shihuishi is open Thursday–Sunday for lunch and dinner. The Dining Room is open seven days a week, also for lunch and dinner.
The sky-high likeness of a child is set to land atop Melbourne's Hamer Hall, although you won't be able to spot it unless you know it's there. Soaring at a huge 100 metres tall, large-scale public art commission Child of Now is the work of multidisciplinary artist Robert Walton and First Nations author and activist Claire G Coleman — and, because it's an augmented reality piece, it will only be visible on digital screens and mobile devices. Fusing art and computer science, it's set to take to its rooftop perch in 2024. Across a cleverly executed ten-day performance — with dates yet to be revealed — the virtual being will appear to age from zero to 100 years, all while undertaking normal human activities like playing, walking, communicating and dreaming each day. As the installation wraps up on the tenth day, visitors viewers will watch the then 100-year-old character fall asleep for the final time, with the vision played out alongside an onsite candlelit vigil. Child of Now will also be available to watch online, so it can be experienced by people all over the world. The ambitious work is designed to glimpse into the future of an imagined child born in 2021; however, this isn't just any random kid. Child of Now is being created and shaped over the space of a few years, using input from a diverse group of 14,400 Melburnians. The artists, along with a crew of University of Melbourne tech specialists, will use volumetric body scanning and interactive technology to gather these public contributions, fusing all of the captured visions, thoughts and experiences together to generate the final product. And if you're wondering where they plucked that number from, 14,400 is the number of minutes that tick by in ten days. [caption id="attachment_807506" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Child of Now by Robert Walton. Concept image by Xavier Irvin.[/caption] If it sounds like a hefty project, that's because it is. That's why Child of Now isn't expected to be completed and ready for its Hamer Hall performance until 2024. In the meantime, the artists have been busy making a series of giant virtual holograms, which'll then be animated, and working on the artificial intelligence technology needed to do just that. Then, later this year, a Child of Now prototype will appear at Arts Centre Melbourne. That's when the team will call for assistance, too, giving the public the chance to participate. Child of Now is currently in production. The ten-day installation is slated to appear atop Hamer Hall in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced. Top image: Child of Now concept image by Xavier Irvine
If you love locally-brewed craft beer The Alehouse Project is where you need to park yourself come midnight. This year, 13 breweries are making one-off event beers (and one cider) just for the night. Breweries on the bill include 3 Ravens, 7 cent, Bacchus, Black Dog, BrewCult, Cavalier, Holgate, Kaiju!, Make Beer, Masked, Moon Dog, St Ronan's Cider and Temple. Doors open at 5pm and DJs will play until 1am, and you won't be want for nibbles — there'll be canapes available until 10pm. A cool $99 ticket will get you access to all 13 taps, house wine and spirits — if beer isn't your jam.
The daily COVID-19 press conference has become ritual watching for many Victorians, as Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos and Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton front the cameras to hash out the latest pandemic details for the masses. But, if you're the kind of person that likes to dig a little deeper, you'll now find a goldmine of virus data and extra information over at the Victorian Government's new data dashboard. Available to view on the Department of Health and Human Services website and updated regularly, these new live logs share details of outbreaks, active case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths, as well as the figures relating to COVID-19 cases in aged-care settings. There's also a new colour-coded map showing the active cases in each local government area and postcode, per 100,000 residents, which you can take a peek at below. The DHHS has had a COVID-19 case map on its website for a while now, but this is the first one to show data by postcode. [caption id="attachment_781463" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Victorian cases numbers by location as of 12.30pm on Monday, August 24.[/caption] The DHHS is also now releasing information about the state's 'high-risk locations', as identified by public health experts during contract tracing. If you find you've been at any of these spots on the dates indicated, the DHHS recommends keeping an eye out for any COVID-19 symptoms and getting tested immediately if you get even a sniffle. Locations will stay listed here for 14 days after the date of the most recent exposure. On the list at the moment: Danny's IGA X-Press in Armadale, Bendigo Marketplace, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Woolworths Docklands, Bunnings Fairfield and Coles in Hallam. Highlighting these locations will become increasingly important as the state's stay-at-home restrictions are eased. The dashboard has been introduced in response to strong public demand, as a way to help locals stay on top of information relating to the pandemic. "We've heard loud and clear that Victorians want to know more about coronavirus in their community — as part of their efforts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," said Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos in a statement. The mine of data will continue to be updated as more information is made available, gathered with the help of local councils, health providers and community organisations across Victoria. For more information about COVID-19 in Victoria, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. You can also check out more figures and graphs on its Victorian coronavirus data page.
Aussie supermarket giant Woolworths has gotten a little bit creative with its latest waste minimisation efforts, transforming unsold loaves of bread into beer. A hefty haul of over 350 kilograms of unwanted, leftover bread has been rescued and used to create a new limited-edition pale ale it has fittingly dubbed Loafer. As well as helping to cut down on a big chunk of bread going to landfill, the beer is also helping to raise funds for Aussies in need. You can pick up a six-pack of the new brew from BWS and Dan Murphy's stores, with a portion of profits heading to support the Feed Australia Appeal. Funds will be used to lend a helping hand to Aussies impacted by food insecurity, through a variety of local food relief programs. Pitched as the company's first "circular economy craft beer", Loafer was brewed by Goulburn's Tribe Breweries. Apparently, the bread-infused base gives the easy-drinking brew "the aroma of fresh toast", which mingles with bright, hoppy pear and pineapple accents. Grab a few Loafers for your fridge and, for once, you can kick back feeling pretty good about your beer drinking. Each six-pack sold raises 50 cents or the equivalent of one meal through Feed Appeal, while a carton donates $2 which is enough to feed a family of four. Last year, Woolworths joined fellow supermarket group Coles in another high-profile move in the war on waste, ditching single-use plastic bags from its stores. This latest limited-run initiative won't have quite the same widespread impact, though we're sure it'll do a whole lot better at quenching your thirst. Loafer pale ale is available from BWS and Dan Murphy's stores across Australia. A six-pack will set you back $25 and a carton $73.
In excellent news for anyone who loves scouting out new tunes from fresh local talent, the folks at Rare Finds have announced an east coast touring circuit, kicking off in January 2018. The Sydney-based PR and artist management company has long been a champion of emerging Aussie artists, hosting regular showcases in Brisbane and Sydney over the past two years. Now it's teamed up with Oporto and creative collective Pilerats to bring its latest musical finds to a stage near you. Touring once a month across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, each Rare Finds circuit will feature a curation of up-and-coming acts, providing an all-important live platform for these emerging artists. Headlining the first tour in January 2018 is Sunshine Coast songstress Ayla, off the back of her second EP Let's Talk Monday. She'll be joined by a different lineup in each city: Asha Jefferies, Royal & The Southern Echo and DJ Tom Bloomfield in Brisbane; Otious, Magnets and British India DJs in Melbourne; and Aikonawena, The Longboys and Rare Finds DJs on the Sydney leg. Catch the first iteration of the Rare Finds circuit on January 12 at Brisbane's Black Bear Lodge, January 19 at Melbourne's Penny Black and January 20 at Oxford Art Factory's Gallery Bar in Sydney. Tickets to the Sydney and Brisbane shows are less than $15 and the Melbourne gig is free. The Rare Finds east coast circuit will take place in January 2018 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. For more info and to buy tickets, visit rarefinds.com.au.
It might have missed out on its 2020 run and faced its fair share of hiccups in 2021, but the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) isn't about to let anything stop it from hosting a bumper celebration for its 30th anniversary edition this year. The annual citywide homage to Melbourne's renowned food and drink scene returns this autumn for a special two-week 2022 instalment, headlined by the iconic Nigella Lawson. MFWF turns the big 3-0 with the help of a tantalising program of events from Friday, March 25–Saturday, April 9. And, as always, it's set to dish up a star-studded lineup of culinary guests, both local and international. Among them, you'll catch bestselling author Lawson as she hosts a lavish Sunday lunch, followed by a fireside chat and Q&A led by Matt Preston. Elsewhere, Arabella Douglas and Christine Manfield join forces for a thought-provoking feast championing Asian and Indigenous ingredients and traditions, and renowned Hong Kong chef Jowett Yu takes over Nomad for a special sneak-peek at his latest exciting culinary project. Plenty more buzz-worthy appearances come from the likes of Firedoor's Lennox Hastie, Michelin-starred Sydney chef Skye Gyngell and Momofuku's Paul Carmichael, plus Dave Pynt of Singapore restaurant Burnt Ends. Meanwhile, the World's Longest Lunch event will this year be helmed by Attica's legendary Ben Shewry, featuring a three-course al fresco feed to remember. And chefs Shane Delia (Maha), Joseph Abboud (Rumi) and Kirsty Chiaplias (Babajan) are set to lend a modern Middle Eastern flavour to the World's Longest Brunch. [caption id="attachment_842990" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shane Delia, Ben Shewry, Joseph Abboud and Kirsty Chiaplias; by Josh Robenstone[/caption] As festival hub, the Queen Victoria Market will play host to a slew of food-focused parties and happenings — including returning favourites like multi-venue pasta celebration The Big Spaghetti, hot chip party Maximum Chips and the Shannon Martinez-helmed plant-based fiesta Welcome to the Jungle. Highlights of Melbourne's famed, globally influenced snack scene will be showcased across two days at the inaugural Snacktown event, while locally produced liquid treats take centre stage at New Crush — a party dedicated to Victoria's finest sips, complete with demos, producer chats, specialty concoctions and even a booze-free silent disco. Meat-lovers can sink their teeth into a special lunch series dedicated to all things steak, and the perennial favourite Crawl and Bite program will serve its usual lineup of progressive feasts, this time exploring suburbs including Armadale, South Yarra, Collingwood, Fitzroy and Footscray. Catch the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival from Friday, March 25–Saturday, April 9 at venues across the city. Check out the full program over at the website and grab tickets from 10am on Thursday, February 17.
Melburnians were delighted last year when it was announced that our favourite preserved historic steam train would be immersed in a modern-day light projection show. If you missed out on tickets last year, you're in luck — the immersive, illuminated light show spearheaded by the team that has led projections for White Night is returning once again. Running from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, July 9, the historic steam train will be transformed with Train of Lights, projected directly onto the Wright Forest. Passengers will be immersed in colours, patterns and native wild animal projections that spectacularly leap from Puffing Billy onto timber trestle bridges, into trees and onto the distant open countryside. The Puffing Billy team has partnered with Resolution X to deliver the unique light projections. The acclaimed lighting company's little black book of clients includes White Night, Vivid events and Melbourne Fashion week runways. One of the best-preserved steam railway lines in the world, Puffing Billy departs Emerald Lake Park on a 24-kilometre journey through the Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook, before returning to Lakeside. A visitor's centre and Railway Cafe are available from the departure point if you want to extend your trip. 'Train of Lights' will run from Friday, June 23–Sunday, July 9. There are a limited number of tickets available, with many dates already sold out. Head to the Puffing Billy website to book a spot.
As part of the 2013–14 Sydney International Art Series and part of an exclusive deal with the NSW government, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and Destination NSW present, War Is Over! (if you want it): Yoko Ono. Legendary artist, musician, activist and perhaps one of the most controversial figures in the history of rock 'n' roll, Yoko Ono has developed her first solo exhibition made up of five decades worth of art in diverse media. Over the past decade skeptics of Ono and her involvement with the Beatles disintegration in 1970, have let the past go and have started to embrace Ono's musical and artistic endeavours. Ono brings back to life the iconic message, 'War Is Over!' that she and her late husband John Lennon spent years spreading around the world. First appearing in 1969 across billboards worldwide, the message may be the most recognised symbol of public outcry for peace during the Vietnam War. Over the past decade some of those who were once skeptical of Ono and her possible involvement in the Beatles 1970 disintegration, have let the past go and begun to embrace Ono's musical and artistic endeavours. MCA Senior Curator Rachel Kent has worked closely with Ono on the survey. The exhibition reaffirms Ono's belief in a better future. Sydney's MCA will be the only Australian venue for Ono's artwork which includes performances, sculpture, written texts, films, sound compositions, and participatory pieces of art that involve the viewers. The exhibit is to be presented throughout the Level Three Galleries in November of next year. Ono is expected to attend.
In the 70s and 80s, it was Countdown. In the 90s and early 00s, it was Recovery. Last year, the ABC added The Set to its roster of music-focused TV shows. Fronted by triple j's Linda Marigliano and newly minted Wimbledon quad doubles champion Dylan Alcott, the newcomer was a hit — and now it's returning for a second season in August. Screening on ABC weekly from 9.30pm on Wednesday, August 28, The Set features live music performances in front of a live studio audience — and will once again spotlight a different main band each week, who'll then invite two guest acts to perform as well. To end each show, the week's artists all team up in a one-off musical collaboration, because the series has a definite party atmosphere. That extends to the audience; with the whole thing taking place on a purpose-built share house set, which also includes a backyard, 250 folks get to head along, in person, enjoying the gig. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_pcuYplrTg While this year's bands haven't yet been announced, 2018's lineup included Baker Boy, Vera Blue, Ball Park Music and The Presets, as well as Illy, Odette, Wafia, Mallrat, Angie McMahon, Tia Gostelow, LANKS and Kult Kyss. The Set's second season will screen from Wednesday, August 28 till Wednesday, October 9, which each week's episode available on iView after it airs.
There are many, many excellent and very familiar things to do in New South Wales — from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to watching the sunset from the Cape Byron Lighthouse. But there are loads of other, more unusual possibilities, too. And some of them might never have crossed your mind. How about snorkelling with fur seals in the wild? Riding a camel along a beach? Crawling through an 1880s mine shaft? Get ready to throw out your old adventure playbook and re-write it. Here are seven things you didn't know you could do in Australia's most populated state. RIDE A CAMEL ON THE BEACH You might be aware that Australia has the biggest herd of wild camels in the world — there are over one million roaming around out there. But, did you know that, in New South Wales, you can ride one of the mighty humped beasts with waves crashing at your feet? This wondrous adventure is less than three hours away from Sydney. In Port Stephens, Oakfield Ranch leads camel rides along sweeping Stockton Beach. Should you be contemplating further escapades in the area, check out our weekender's guide to the area. SAND BOARD THE BIGGEST MOVING SAND DUNES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Just behind Stockton Beach are the Stockton Sand Dunes, the biggest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Once you're immersed, you'll feel as though you're in some far-off desert. That's one of the reasons why the first Mad Max film was shot here. Hands-down, the most fun way to experience them is with a sand board under your arm. After climbing your way to the top, slide back down head first (or, if your balance is good, standing) at epic speeds. You'll need to book with a local operator — or, to avoid enormous tour groups, go with the small, family-owned Sand Dune Safaris. SNORKEL WITH FUR SEALS IN THE WILD Around five hours south of Sydney is the coastal town of Narooma and, nine kilometres offshore, lies Barunguba (otherwise known as Montague Island). This pristine nature reserve is home to around 90 bird species, 12,000 little penguins and the biggest fur seal colony in New South Wales, which attracts 2500 seasonal residents — some of which you can snorkel with. Several tour operators are available and it's possible to add time exploring Montague Island. If you're keen to spend more time on the Far South Coast, our road tripper's guide might come in handy. GO HOT AIR BALLOONING ABOVE A 23 MILLION-YEAR-OLD VOLCANIC CRATER North and west of Byron Bay is the Tweed hinterland, a land of ancient rainforest, wild rivers and rugged mountain peaks. Twenty-three million years ago, a volcano erupted here, creating a caldera 40 kilometres wide and 1000 metres deep. To see it in all its lush beauty, wake up before sunrise and ride a hot air balloon with Byron Bay Ballooning. This dreamy escapade takes you way up into the air for an hour or so and, on landing, treats you to a champagne breakfast. EAT DOUBLE-HATTED FARE OVERLOOKING THE TASMAN SEA There's no shortage of delicious fare wherever you go in New South Wales, but there aren't many spots where you can feast on two-hatted dishes while gazing at the Tasman Sea. Paper Daisy Restaurant, within Halcyon House, near Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast, is one of them. Here, Executive Chef Jason Barratt (ex-Circa, The Prince, Attica) is in the kitchen whipping up ocean-inspired combinations. Start with lobster, white radish and granny smith apple, before moving onto kingfish baked in local kelp, sweet corn, smoked onion and dried prawn. Then, for dessert, pear with spiced date, almond and roasted fennel ice cream. CRAWL THROUGH AN 1880s COAL MINE On the road between Broken Hill and Silverton — around 1200 kilometres west of Sydney — lies Day Dream, one of Australia's first coal mines. Built in the 1880s, it's now a tourist attraction, where you can experience a day-in-the-life of a 19th century miner. Prepare for darkness, dust and lots of squeezing through teeny-tiny spaces — all 30 metres underground. Mining is still a dangerous business, but was way more terrifying back then. In fact, workers did it so tough that their bosses handed out opium to ease the pain. When that wore off, horehound beer, which caused temporary blindness, was the next refuge. You'll hear these and other tales on a 1.5-hour tour. Find more tips for exploring Broken Hill over here. VISIT THE (HUGE) TELESCOPE THAT HELPED BROADCAST MAN'S FIRST WALK ON THE MOON You might recognise this one from The Dish, the 2000 indie comedy by Australian writer-director Rob Sitch, who's also responsible for The Castle. Located around 360 kilometres west of Sydney near Parkes, the 64-metre-wide telescope helped broadcast man's first moonwalk and has since found more than half of the 2000 known pulsars. When you're finished marvelling at its architecture, feast on a beef and red wine pie in the on-site cafe and check out the memorabilia in the gift shop. Should you be travelling by vehicle, our road tripper's guide to Central NSW might help. Discover more adventures around NSW at visitnsw.com. All images: Destination NSW
There's been a whole lot of buzz surrounding Society, the upcoming project from restaurateur Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Kisume) and Sepia's Martin Benn and Vicki Wild. The much-hyped venue is slated to open within the new 80 Collins Street precinct this winter, joining other high-profile hospitality tenants including champagne bar Nick & Nora's and Alejandro Saravia's paddock-to-plate restaurant Farmer's Daughters. But it seems that's not all the collaborators have up their sleeves, with news of yet another joint venture Lucas and Benn are set to launch before the year is out. Colourful, high-energy diner Yakimono will join the 80 Collins Street family in late 2021, taking over the space next door to Society. It's a vibrant, two-storey affair, with an open kitchen that'll be heroing a charcoal-driven Japanese-style grill menu full of adventurous twists. The contemporary all-day food offering is set to showcase plenty of chef Benn's creative and technical flair, while the space itself will nod to the haunts that Lucas loved and frequented during his own years spent living in Japan. While further details are scarce for now, it's safe to say Yakimono will be anything but boring, with Lucas' and Benn's culinary track records and the restaurant's Instagram teasing plenty of bright colours and neon. Yakimono is set to open in the 80 Collins Street building in late 2021. Stay tuned and we'll share more details as they land.
After its unfortunate COVID-forced cancellation last year, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) is making up for any missed culinary opportunities. The 2021 edition of the much-loved annual event has been reimagined as not one, but three mini festivals. The first of these served up a slew of events across the city back in March, and now it's time for course number two. The MFWF Winter Edition is set to deliver a broad lineup of 150 food and drink events from August 20–29. Across ten culinary-packed days, you'll find brand new events, along with a handful of the hot-ticket happenings originally meant to debut in 2020. Queen Victoria Market is set to play host to an array of demonstrations, workshops, activations and parties, including a shindig dedicated to the many varied incarnations of the humble hot chip. For $35 at Maximum Chips 2021, you'll score a welcome drink, live entertainment and (most importantly) all-you-can-eat chips, with varieties ranging from crinkle-cut spuds and the classic shoestring; to French fries and fluffy potato gems. Also at QVM, The Convenient Store retail pop-up will be slinging a fresh rotation of smash-hit snacks (and cocktails) from a cast of beloved venues. Expect Andrew McConnell's (Cumulus Inc, Supernormal) katsu sando which itself nods to Japan's Lawson convenience store's egg sandwich. The Remixed Grill plates up a fire-driven, wine-matched feast soundtracked by live tunes and helmed by ten legendary chefs, such as Shane Delia (Maha, Maha Bar), Tina Li (Dainty Sichuan, Little Sichuan) and Tom Sarafian (Little Andorra, ex-Bar Saracen). And each weekend, a Starward Whisky pop-up bar will be matching specialty whisky cocktails to exclusive bites from some of Melbourne's hottest emerging chef talent — think: Rosheen Kaul (Etta), Nabil Ansari (Sunda) and Lorena Corso (Napier Quarter). [caption id="attachment_819137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Le Bon Ton, by Jake Roden[/caption] Meanwhile, Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez will head up a plant-based food fiesta dubbed Welcome to the Jungle, featuring a rock 'n roll edge and tiki drinks from the LuWow crew. And rounding out the QVM program, there'll be a family-friendly pasta celebration dubbed The Big Spaghetti, serving a Nonna-worthy lineup of 20 different signature dishes from pasta masters including Tipo 00 and Marameo. Crawl and Bite will take food-lovers on progressive dining adventures through pockets and suburbs such as Footscray, Flemington and Carlton's Lygon Street, while Le Bon Ton will host a lively Louisianan shrimp boil complete with paired wine and seafood-covered tables. Or, drop by Belles for an evening of Barbadian snacks, reggae tunes and rum punch, led by the legendary Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seiobo). The program is brimming with opportunities to show some love to Melbourne's hard-hit hospitality industry, so you'd best bring your appetites, folks. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Winter Edition program runs from August 20–29 at venues across Melbourne. Tickets are on sale from 9am Thursday, July 15 — head to the website to grab yours and to check out the full program. Images: Josh Robenstone
Chicken has become one of most talked about topics in the culinary world this year. But unlike other passing fads (Nutella, we're looking at you), the discussion has been in many ways warranted. Because there's been a lot happening with chicken in Australia. There was the free-range egg scandal that saw significant changes to the way free-range chicken products are classified in Australia, and a new interest about where the chicken we eat comes from. Meanwhile, pundits have called out chicken — particularly rotisserie and charcoal chicken — as one of the biggest emerging food trends of 2016. Philippe Mouchel was perhaps the first chef to import and use a French rotisserie in Melbourne in the early '90s. Under the guidance of the three-hatted Paul Bocuse, famous for his contributions to the nouvelle cuisine movement, Mouchel moved from France to Japan and then Australia to open the Paul Bocuse restaurant. It was here that Normandy-born Mouchel first made his mark on the Melbourne fine dining scene. Having now just launched his new restaurant, Philippe, Mouchel has brought his much-loved rotisserie back to Melbourne. And along with it, the rotisserie chicken that shot to stardom at PM24, his previous short-lived collaboration with George Calombaris. So why has rotisserie chicken — traditionally relegated to suburban chicken shops (and always served with chips) — made a resurgence in Australia's fine dining scene? And why now? We have a chat to Sydney and Melbourne's top chook-cooking chefs to find out. IT'S ABOUT TRADITION Having grown up in a relatively self-sufficient family, a Sunday roast of chicken, duck, rabbit or goose — whichever it was that made it first from their garden to the table — was a way of life for Mouchel. "When I moved to Lyon, working for Mr Bocuse, we had a fireplace, and we used to cook the chicken that way as well," says Mouchel. "It is something you cannot forget, I think. And this is what I like to cook." "If you go to the market in France, everyone has their own rotisserie chickens," says Mouchel. "Everything about the process is natural, the potatoes and vegetables served with the chicken cook underneath it in its natural juices. "It is something that is very close to my heart and that I love. It is a fantastic way to eat I think because it really keeps in all the flavour." But it's also unique, Mouchel explains. Each region within France has their own special chicken from that area. "It's very easy to sell chicken," says Mouchel. "You can say, this is a chicken from Normandy, or this is a chicken from Bresse. Different chickens, different breeds, different prices and different tastes as well." For the ex-Momofuku chef who re-launched Sydney's The Paddington late last year, Ben Greeno, the French tradition took a similar hold over his imagination. "I spent a lot of time in France as a kid on holidays and stuff, and you'd always see those big rotisseries," says Greeno. It was these early memories of the French way of cooking and an opportunity to cook chicken a different way in Sydney that saw him install three gas-powered rotisseries in The Paddington's kitchen. [caption id="attachment_555619" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ben Greeno's chicken at The Paddington, Sydney.[/caption] IT'S A NEW OLD WAY OF COOKING Rotisseries these days are much more widespread than when Mouchel first landed in Australia, but even today very few restaurants use them all the way through the cooking process. But for Greeno and his new team, this was part of the challenge. "We decided we'd do it from nothing, from the raw product all the way through." This is why The Paddington, in Sydney's inner east, is one of many venues ruffling feathers. After undergoing a major renovation by hospo monolith Merivale, Greeno took over as executive chef and made chicken the star of the menu. It's his free-range Bannockburn birds that are drawing a crowd at The Paddington. Henrietta's Chicken Shop in Melbourne have taken a more Australian approach to the chicken shop. But with a former sommelier in Stuart Brookshaw at the helm, there's more than enough restaurant experience at the table. His emphasis, like Mouchel and Greeno, is on local and sustainable ingredients. Which extends from his choice of either Bannockburn or Milawa chooks, all the way through to his use of mallee root coals and native lemon myrtle seasoning. But that's where the similarities stop; Brookshaw uses an entirely different process to the French rotisserie method. Here the chickens are injection-brined overnight, rolled in a dry rub and spit roasted over smoke and fire. By contrast, in Mouchel's kitchen, mushrooms and herbs are stuffed underneath the skin, before the chicken is seasoned only with salt and pepper. "There's no secret," says Mouchel, "People think it's very complicated, it's really very easy. But you need a good quality chicken first." [caption id="attachment_581500" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Philippe Mouchel's truffle chicken at Philippe, Melbourne.[/caption] IT'S RESPONDING TO DEMAND FOR QUALITY PRODUCE The chicken industry in Australia has nowhere near the diversity of France or England, but, as Brookshaw explains, "If you look at where chicken is, it's exactly where [the] beef [industry] was about 13-14 years ago." Which is on the verge of something much bigger. About 95 percent of all chicken eaten in Australia is one of two breeds, says Brookshaw — and around 85 percent still comes from the major suppliers. But the trend is now that people are more aware and interested in where their food is coming from, which means more space in the market for small producers to exist. There are currently only two specialty chicken producers in Australia licensed to breed the famous Bresse birds from France. Prized by top restaurants for their complexity of flavour, the Bresse is a slow growing and much taller chicken, with a larger thigh and leg region than the standard broiler bird. At around $50 a bird wholesale, they're not cheap. But as a more fastidious market continues to prove, there is demand for organic, hand-reared and specialty birds in Australia. Chefs are embracing and taking advantage of the better quality produce available to them, and that's not just limited to chicken. "Like everything else, if you want to cook a nice meal then you need to use beautiful ingredients if you can afford them," says Mouchel. And while Australia may not have reached its peak yet, it's very much on it's way to becoming a more diverse and specialty supplier. "Chicken is the last domain in a lot of ways," says Brookshaw. And it's true — we already know where products like beef come from, so presumably, it's just a matter of time until the chicken industry catches up. And Greeno would tend to agree. "Ten years ago, in England, if you wanted to get a really good chicken you were very limited." Like England, it looks like Australia will get there eventually. [caption id="attachment_572031" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Stuart Brookshaw's chicken at Henrietta's Chicken Shop, Melbourne.[/caption] SO CAN CHICKEN BE A TREND? "Everybody keeps saying, 'why do you think chicken is this new hot trend?' And I probably don't agree with that," says Greeno. "I mean, is it? There're some guys in Sydney that have opened a chicken shop; there are some guys in Melbourne that have opened a chicken shop. But I don't see everybody doing chicken. Dan Pepperell is doing a fantastic chicken down at Hubert, but it's just a chicken. I was doing roasted chickens at Momofuku, I was serving them with fucking witlof and black truffle, but I was still doing chicken." Whether it is a trend or some seriously trumped up charges, some interesting things are happening with chicken right now. Perhaps it isn't the hottest new trend of 2016, but rather a slow growing Bresse that will come into maturity over the next five, ten or even 20 years. [caption id="attachment_567954" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Rotisserie chicken at Mercado, Sydney.[/caption] OKAY, WHERE DO I GET SOME CHICKEN? Get your chicken fix from any of the following good restaurants. Chicken breast rôtissoire at Philippe The dish that started it all. The Belair Club at The Premises Breakfast or lunch with a solid take on the classic chicken and stuffing sandwich. Charcoal chicken at Henrietta's New world charcoal chicken cooked with native ingredients. Don't forget the potato salad. The GLT at Bar Liberty The soon to be cult classic (a chicken skin sandwich) from ex-Attica staff. Rotisserie chicken at The Paddington French-style rotisserie chicken and late night chicken bacon sandwiches. Chicken fricassee at Restaurant Hubert The go-to dish at this bound-to-become Sydney institution. Spit-roasted chicken at Mercado A picture-perfect chicken available in half or whole. Top image: The Paddington.
UPDATE, July 9, 2021: The Farewell is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Ask someone how'd they prefer to shuffle off this mortal coil, and you'll likely receive the most cliched of answers: to pass peacefully in their sleep. That's certainly better than any alternative (other than somehow managing to live forever), although it's rarely realistic. Still, if you could give a loved one that gift, sparing them the pain of knowing that the end was near, would you? If they were diagnosed with terminal cancer, had mere months or weeks left to live, and invasive medical treatment would only cloud their remaining days, is it better to let them carry on blissfully unaware? Whether such choices are tender mercies or rob one's nearest and dearest of the chance to say goodbye sits at the heart of The Farewell, a sensitive and stirring drama set within a culture where keeping impending death from the unwell is commonplace. Drawing deeply on her own experience, writer-director Lulu Wang also uses this complicated issue as fuel to contemplate identity, belonging, tradition and cultural displacement. Born in China and raised in New York, Billi (Awkwafina) is firmly ensconced in the Big Apple. An aspiring writer, she's constantly hoping for grants to fund her work, is perennially behind on her rent and largely relies on credit cards to get by. But when her father Haiyan (Tzi Ma) and mother Jian (Diana Lin) deliver the news that her beloved paternal grandmother, Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), has stage four lung cancer, Billi is determined to journey back to China — even when her parents advise her not to go. She's conflicted, however, about her family's decision not to tell their mentally spritely, physically ailing matriarch about her condition. Instead, they're all making the trip under an elaborate cover story, rushing Billi's cousin Hao Hao (Chen Han) to marry his Japanese girlfriend Aiko (Aoi Mizuhara). Such subterfuge is standard in her homeland ("when people get cancer, they die," the Chinese saying goes, referring to the impact such an illness can have on one's will to live), but it rubs against the western sensibilities that've been instilled in Billi since moving to America. One of Wang's most affecting and astute moves, of which there are many, is to task her cast with conveying this moral and emotional dilemma in their every expression and movement. In an intuitive portrayal that's worlds away from her scene-stealing, over-the-top turn in last year's Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina lives, breathes and wears Billi's internal turmoil. When the character is plastering on the happiest face she can to hide the truth from Nai Nai, her hunched shoulders reveal her pain. When she's trying to have a quiet, genuine moment with the woman she knows will soon be gone — a vibrant, irrepressibly bossy old lady who bustles about like a near-unstoppable force of nature — sorrow lingers in her eyes. This isn't just Billi's burden, but one shared even by those who support the decision to keep Nai Nai in the dark, sparking stellar performances across the board. Guilt and regret seeps from recognisable Chinese American star Ma (Wu Assassins), playing the son who travelled across the globe to pursue a better life. Chinese Australian actor Lin (The Family Law) tussles with Jian's own difficulties, caught as she is between a crumbling husband and an angry daughter. And as Hao Hao, Han may barely utter more than a few sentences as he endeavours to contain his sadness, but he's always a tense ball of visible discomfort. Favouring the same approach in all facets of the film, Wang styles The Farewell with naturalism at the fore. Dialogue flows freely, often from Nai Nai as she snaps out wedding plans and comments on Billi's appearance as a grandmother is known to, but a picture truly speaks a thousand words here. Collaborating with cinematographer Anna Franquesa Solano, the sophomore filmmaker tells her tale free from any rose-coloured fondness. This is a warm movie, however it steadfastly depicts its central situation, setting and struggle as they are. In practical terms, that means realism and nuance — Billi and her family exist within the film's Changchun locale, and its day-to-day minutiae is baked into every scene, and yet her visiting protagonist doesn't play tourist, for example. The same description applies to the movie's handling of its illness storyline, which is never squeezed for easy sentiment or used as weepie fodder. Wang also finds the right balance between organic humour and earnest emotion, never overstating one or the other — a tactic that particularly resonates when Billi begins to question the existence she was given in America, as well as the links to her broader family and heritage she feels it has robbed her of. All of these choices reinforce The Farewell's takeaway message: that in life and death alike, there is no simple path. There are no clear-cut answers, either, including when you're tossing up whether to tell someone they're dying or keep that knowledge from them. Far from treating these notions as obvious, Wang navigates the many complexities that prove her point with a lived-in maturity. She has literally been there, seen that and emerged to tell the tale, after all. As a result, what could've been a straightforward tearjerker in other hands benefits from her personal and poignant touch, and never heads down the blatant route. This is a subtle, thoughtful and heartfelt film that serves up a continual array of surprises — the kind that can and do get thrown in everyone's way, because that's what grappling with life's ups, downs, comings and goings is like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0yh_ZIqq0c
For one night only, Hawkers Beer in Reservoir will be transformed into a beanbag movie theatre for Good Beer Week. Patrons at the Brewery Cinema will be able to kick back and enjoy a Tarantino double feature, with Reservoir Dogs followed by Pulp Fiction. Each ticket also entitles you to a wood-fired pizza of your choosing, along with four tasty beverages to wash it down. The first film kicks off at 6pm, but the bar will be open from noon in case you want to get your drinking started early.
For a few weeks this winter, Melbourne's Palace Balwyn Cinema, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth and Palace Cinema Como will turn extra frosty — on their big screens, that is. Running from Thursday, July 11 through Wednesday, July 31, and marking the event's sixth year, the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival returns with a suitably wintery showcase of cinema from Europe's coldest climes, featuring 21 films from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. Whether you're keen on irreverent comedies, dark dramas or Nordic noir, they're all on the lineup. If you're a fan of Denmark's most popular film series or one of Sweden's hugely successful crime authors, they're on the program too. Sci-fi, rom-coms, character studies, award-winners, festival hits — the list goes on, because Scandinavian cinema is a diverse realm. The 2019 festival kicks off with laughs, as all good things should, thanks to Danish comedy Happy Ending. Next, it heads to Iceland with direct-from-Cannes drama A White, White Day — the latest film from Hlynur Palmason, the director of SFF 2018's Winter Brothers. Also on the bill: the Stellan Skarsgård-starring, Norwegian-made, Berlinale Silver Bear winner Out Stealing Horses; the spaceship-set futuristic Swedish flick Aniara; and, from Finland, the SXSW hit Aurora, about a party girl who befriends an Iranian refugee. Definite highlights also hail from the thriller domain, as Scandi-loving cinephiles would expect. If you saw the first three page-to-screen Department Q instalments at previous festivals, you can see how the series ends with The Purity of Vengeance, which is now the highest-grossing Danish film ever. For those who've read, re-read and watched everything Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-related, make a date with documentary Steig Larsson: The Man Who Played with Fire, which delves into the late author and journalist's archives. As an added bonus, it's screening alongside a retrospective of the original Swedish Millennium Trilogy films, starring Noomi Rapace. Images: Department Q; A White, White Day; Happy Ending; Out Stealing Horses; Sonja.
Take your tastebuds on a trip across Italy without forking out for a plane fare, when this world-renowned showcase of Italian vino returns to say 'ciao' to Melbourne. The Top Italian Wines Roadshow is back for its 16th instalment, descending on Q Events by Metropolis on Wednesday, May 17. This is your chance to swirl and sip more than 200 wines from 50-plus Italian wineries, as you immerse yourself in an afternoon of tastings, masterclasses and more. The lineup's set to trip right through the country's major winemaking regions, celebrating plenty of its leading producers along the way. Across four free masterclasses (12pm, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm), expert wine judges Lorenzo Ruggeri and Giuseppe Carrus will guide punters through a tasting of 15 award-winning pours as they dive into Italy's winemaking history. Then from 5pm, you'll take the reins yourself as you take a spin through the evening's tasting showcase, sampling drops from a huge array of winemakers at your leisure. Lots of these aren't usually available in Australia, so it's your chance to discover some new favourites while chatting to the people who made them. Tickets to the tasting come in at $35.
There are many ways to mark the winter solstice — from swimming naked in Tasmania at Dark Mofo (which is back, by the way) to catching the legendary Belgrave Lantern Festival. But, if your favourite way to warm up on the shortest day of the year involves copious amounts of excellent wine and good food, then the Yarra Valley's Shortest Lunch might be the way to go. For two days, thirteen small, family-run wineries will join forces to bring you tastings, eats and live music. They range from winemakers like Boat O'Craigo, who've been looking after the same plot of land for generations, to young, dynamic creators like Fin Wines, who are experimenting with new ways of doing things. All in all, more than 100 wines will be available for tasting. Meanwhile, menus will range from slow-cooked ragu on parmesan polenta and baked gnocchi in vodka sauce to sticky date pudding and house-made chocolate Florentine. Three types of tickets are on offer. The entry ticket at $35 buys you free tastings at all 13 wineries, plus a glass to keep. Pay another $35 for the wine and dine ticket, and you'll also get a meal voucher and a glass of wine. Or, go all out on the VIP ticket for $100, which gives you all the above as well as a bottle of wine. Book before Sunday, June 1, to score a 10% discount.
When you're fresh from donning armour and sparking an international frenzy in one of TV's biggest franchises, what comes next? For Ryan Corr, following up his stint as Ser Harwin Strong in House of the Dragon means sliding into a six-part Brisbane-shot ABC dramedy about loss and mental health. In its themes, tone, scale and budget, In Limbo is in another world to Game of Thrones and its prequel series — it's about a thirtysomething man struggling with the sudden death of his best friend and his mental health in general, and it's also a supernatural buddy comedy — but the Australian star wouldn't have that contrast of parts any other way. "I guess subconsciously, I try to get them as different as possible, like going from a bikie to a man in a suit," Corr says of picking his roles two decades into his career. "I think that I do that because I've done this since I was a kid, and I'm in pursuit of that challenge, and knocking down boundaries that I didn't think I could necessarily do." Corr has done plenty since earning his first screen credit as a teenager in Aussie series The Sleepover Club. Most homegrown TV shows since have featured the charismatic actor, from Blue Heelers, Neighbours, Underbelly and Tangle to Love Child, Cleverman, Hungry Ghosts and Wakefield — and, of course, his 60-plus-episode run on Packed to the Rafters. On the big screen, he made his movie debut in the film adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, then added everything from rom-com Not Suitable for Children and horror sequel Wolf Creek 2 to biopic Holding the Man and bikie drama 1% to his resume, plus Ali's Wedding, Mary Magdalene, Ladies in Black and High Ground as well. Across a body of work with no shortage of highlights, his two most recent projects still stand out. House of the Dragon had Corr playing the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms and, amid the global attention that followed, sparked an onslaught of 'Six Things You Might Not Know About Ser Harwin Strong' and 'Ryan Corr Has Gone From Blue Water High to Westeros'-style articles. "I don't see myself as a six-foot-five strong knight, and sure as hell not the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms," he says. "But the challenge was how do I replicate that in my idea of what strength is and what the essence is? And can I portray that?" In Limbo, which is streaming now on ABC iView and airing weekly on ABC TV, swaps physical brawn for emotional vulnerability. After crane operator Charlie loses his lifelong best mate Nate (Bob Morley, Love Me), everything unsurprisingly changes, but Nate remains a presence in his life from the afterlife. "When I got the script, it really moved me. I found it laugh-out-loud funny, and really upsetting at times — and I thought it was really fresh. I don't think we've tried to deal with themes like this in quite this way before," Corr advises. There's a sense of responsibility that comes with a series like In Limbo, as well as that challenge that Corr is always seeking. Thanks to its subject matter, the show always felt personal while he was making it, too. Corr chatted with Concrete Playground about all about the above, having a profound reaction to the project, balancing In Limbo's tones and themes, his past year and his career highlights so far. ON MAKING A COMEDY THAT'S THOUGHTFUL AND WEIGHTY — AND IN LIMBO'S PERSONAL FEEL "There was a much longer rehearsal process than usual, where we just got to sit down together, weigh in and talk about what we were about to tackle subject-wise — and there were safety networks all around us while we did so — and also start to share and open up about our own lives and experiences, both direct and indirectly, to do with loss, so that we could develop trust together as people while we navigate these ideas. Because I think the series has to have heart. I found that everyone in the making of it — the crew all up in Brisbane, everyone that read this script — had a profound reaction to it and said 'I want to be a part of this'. I think you can feel everyone leaning into it in the final product. I hope so. I've, of course, experienced loss, as have most people that I know. I think it's a very personal tale. I very much based Charlie's relationship with Nate on some of my early childhood friends, who are a bridge past that now — we're not friends anymore, they're more like brothers and sisters, they are my family. So I very much know where that relationship lives, and the idea of losing one of them is the earth-shattering. We all actively worked through it, communicating with each other, personalising what we've been through and were going through, so that we could trust each other — and so you can invest the series with that heart and that meaning. I don't think it's possible if you don't." ON DRAWING UPON REALITY TO INFORM IN LIMBO'S MIX OF TONES AND GENRES "When I lost my grandfather, I was sitting around with a group of my friends and family, and we're all holding hands as he was literally leaving. And he did something funny in some of his final breaths, he made a funny noise or something. And so I found that my family were all holding each other and crying, and then laughing all of a sudden. We were saying goodbye to someone we love, and all of a sudden he made one of the funny noises and we laughed, and there was a wonderful lesson in that — it had both. And I think in life, it has both. And what In Limbo tries to explore is that — I think In Limbo is more about life than it is about death. Strangely, in the losing of Nate, Charlie discovers more about himself in the pursuit of trying to find answers about Nate. He becomes closer to his family, and it exposes things, it brings things to the forefront that he may have not been dealing with previously. And in a strange way, Nate guides Charlie through — in death, Nate helps Charlie through his life. And it's about the way that the people that are left continue to live, the way they come together, and the way they support each other and water those relationships and friendships, and help each other grieve and process. And that's what life is, you know? And within that, within this thing that we call life, there are often — at least I've found — moments of hysterical laughter, of mundane things that make you lose your shit laughing." ON PREPARING FOR IN LIMBO "Like with all characters, there are some parts that you research and some parts of yourself. I have some experiences with mental health myself personally, and with my family and with my friends. So it's not hard for me to go to places where I was in darker spaces with my anxiety and depression, and knowing what that felt like, and not being able to see the light. One the things that In Limbo brings up is that it's not always visible. In fact, it's very, very rarely visible. And I remember, just simply for me personally, that it wasn't until I was going through some shit for a couple of years until I was like 'oh, I don't think I'm happy right now' or 'I think what I'm feeling is muted. I don't feel the highs. I don't feel the lows'. I remember that being rather confronting, like 'oh [how long] have I felt like this for?". One of things that In Limbo tries to do is shed a bit of light on that. You ask more often if people are okay. When they say that they are, it's not always necessarily the full story. And it's about just trying a little further, it's about asking a little more and it's about checking on yourself. Everyone in In Limbo, we all have to pull from our personal worlds. This is an intimate story, and it's about family and it's about loss. So researching things like this, you have to draw from things in your own life, and then have an environment where you can leave that at the door and feel safe to expose it with other people and be safe going home afterwards. I think they very much made that environment for us." ON THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES WITH TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH "It's not our responsibility to give answers or to hammer over the head any of our ideas around this — it's about starting a conversation, and I think that everyone in the creative process very much took that responsibility on board, and tried to keep that close through the shooting of it as our as our main drive. Our number-one prerogative was to take that responsibility seriously. You have responsibility to all characters you play. If you're doing it properly, it has to cost you something — and particularly with something like this, there's no phoning it in. So we made sure that being comfortable around dealing with these things, both as performers and as people, was right the forefront. And that we weren't trying to hand people any simple answers." ON WHAT CORR LOOKS FOR IN A PART "It can be a number of things, but usually something that challenges me or that I don't think I can do initially — something where I go 'all right, now we're gonna go over here'. It's about challenge and primarily it's about chase. It's about the pursuit of great writing and great directors. When you have language on your side, when you have great ideas on your side, that's the pursuit of this industry. It's raising to those writers and it's raising to those ideas — not making it about yourself and saying 'this is how it is when I feel', it's about trying to play your part in the whole of the narrative. It's really the pursuit of writing that excites me — and directors that, when you sit down and have meetings with them, the way they talk about their ideas gets you excited and inspires you, and you can see it as they talk. It's working with creatives who have a similar pursuit as I do." ON JUMPING FROM HOUSE OF THE DRAGON TO IN LIMBO "Obviously there's a difference in the scale and the reach, but honestly there's not a big difference between In Limbo and Thrones. There's more people, but it's ultimately always the same job. In fact, if anything, I find that the the bigger they get and the more expansive, the less personal they become, and the less involved with the people you're working with. You can shoot a scene over half a week [on House of the Dragon] — one scene of a sequence over half a week. On In Limbo, we're shooting 16 scenes the day and then waking up at 4am to do it again the next day. And we had bugger all time to do it in, like five weeks, so it becomes a completely different exercise in trusting each other. [With House of the Dragon] you just expand upon that. Instead of going into a house that we've decked out in Brisbane, it's a giant setpiece that is an operational castle — you can walk up the stairs, and there's 30 people teaching someone dance for next week, teams and teams of people. It's the same thing extended upon, obviously, because there's huge amounts of money involved, and because the shows are so big. I just tried to go in and fill Harwin's shoes the best way I knew how. There wasn't a huge amount of him in the book, so I had to fill in the lines. That part of it was exactly the same as sitting in the lounge room with In Limbo… working through these scenes, mining them for the best ideas, workshopping the best ways to do it, rehearsing it and then getting out there and trying to give it our all." ON THE PROJECT ON CORR'S RESUME THAT STANDS OUT "Honestly, every one — but two things. Kevin Jackson is my acting mentor who's just recently passed away — he was the acting teacher at NIDA for many, many years, and is responsible for framing the lives and artistry of many people that I know, including myself. I went at 17. I'd done teen shows, and I made the decision at that age — I was like 'I want take this seriously and I want to study it'. So I took myself out of the industry, went to drama school and that's where I met a man in Kevin that taught me what great writing was and how what we did was above ourselves. Like I say, he is 'the writer is God'. He's the reason that I pursue writing the way that I do. It's not about how you feel, it's not about bringing it down to you. It's about pain reaching these ideas. Can you make something of these ideas? And therefore it's universal. When I was growing up, I took a lot of my lessons, my understanding of emotion, my understanding of love, my understanding of grief, from a lot of the films that I inhaled. That was my go-to, that's what spoke to me and that felt important to me. And so, if I'm going to do it as my career, Kevin was very much a pivotal part of helping me understand what it is that we do. Also Holding the Man, I would say as an experience, as a film, working with [director] Neil Armfield, working with Tommy [playwright and screenwriter Tommy Murphy]. And having for the first time the yardstick of what I was doing, as my job slightly changed. It wasn't just 'here's my version of a character and I hope it's good' — it was someone's family. And I met that family, and I had them hand over their journals and their personal belongings, and I had his friends reach out from all throughout Melbourne. And we had the Victorian AIDS Council say, 'hey, can we can we do rehearsals here?'. I was just overwhelmed with the amount of compassion and the amount of love that reached towards us in doing it. And it made me realise that my job here wasn't to do a good job — it was to represent a real person's memory and their legacy and their love to the absolute nth degree that I possibly can. That felt important and, like with In Limbo, I felt a responsibility to the people that I was playing and to what it meant, and that really resonated with me throughout the years. It's not like you can have jobs like that all the time, but it really did entrench what this industry, what this thing that I call a job, what the arts can be and what it can do and how important it is." In Limbo streams via ABC iView. Read our full review. House of the Dragon streams via Binge. Read our full review.
Fitzroy's Grub is teaming up with some of the sweetest folks in town for a series of extravagant weekly high teas. After a sold-out run last year, Sweet Set will again treat punters to an eight-course menu in Grub's upstairs space every Sunday afternoon in August and September. Each week will include four savoury creations from Grub head chef Ben McMenamin paired with with four sweet numbers from a rotating lineup of Melbourne's best pastry chefs. Expect French pastries from Pierrick Boyer, cakes infused with native ingredients from Sticky Fingers Bakery and some next-level baked goods from All Are Welcome's Boris Portnoy, who used to be the head pastry chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Meadowood in the Napa Valley. Vegans haven't been forgotten about, either — they'll get a look in on August 12 when Miss Ladybird Cakes and Citizen Cacao team up to do dual vegan and non-vegan menus. The whole thing costs $79 per person, and includes a glass of prosecco and either a pot of tea or coffee. Sessions will run at 11am, 1.15pm and 3pm each week, and we suggest getting your friends on board now — these pastry parties sold out last year. We promise not to tell your dentist if you promise not to tell ours. SWEET SET 2018 LINEUP August 5 — Bernard Chu, LuxBite August 12 — Gina Tubb, Miss Ladybird Cakes (non-vegan set) with Georgie Castle, Citizen Cacao (vegan set) August 19 — Cassandra Morris, Fig & Salt August 26 — Boris Portnoy, All Are Welcome September 2 — Anthony Hart and Michael Furness, Don't Lose Your Temper September 9th — Hayley McKee, Sticky Fingers Bakery September 16 — Matt Forbes, Cobb Lane September 23 — Andrea Reiss, Bibelot September 30 — Pierrick Boyer
A four-and-a-half hour opera may seem like a hard sell, but keep reading! Einstein on the Beach is no ordinary theatrical experience. First performed in 1976, combining the talents of three of America's seminal modern artists — composer Philip Glass, stage designer Robert Wilson and choreographer Lucinda Childs — it virtually reinvented opera as an art form. Conceived as a portrait of the 20th century's greatest scientist in sound and movement, the piece follows no storyline but rather seeks to represent Einstein and his ideas through a series of abstract movements with names like 'Night Train', 'I Feel the Earth Move' and 'Spaceship'. Mathematical choruses, abstract poetry, whirling dancers, evocative backdrops wrought in light and, of course, Glass's epic soundscapes combine to make a piece definitive of the modern age. This revival, which last year saw the piece return to stage for the first time in two decades, was overseen by Glass, Wilson and Childs themselves and provides a rare opportunity to see this unique work performed. While the audience are free to come and go during the performance, under the spell of Glass's music the long running time may simply slide by. Time is, after all, relative.
An undisputed rising star of the Australian comedy scene, Becky Lucas is one of the must-watch young acts at the festival this year, with a resume most comics would kill for. She's written for Josh Thomas' Please Like Me and Matt Okine's upcoming show on Stan, and opened for the likes of Wil Anderson, Joel Creasey and Jim Norton. (She's also one of the funniest people on Twitter, for what it's worth.) Her new Melbourne International Comedy Festival show Little Bitch is about, amongst other things, drunk emailing, sharehouse living and sex while wearing a backpack. Who can't relate to at least one of those things?
Few combinations sound like they could take the edge off winter quite like that of whisky, wine and roaring fire. So things are set to get very cosy when Caulfield Racecourse hosts its annual festival dedicated to this very trinity, from Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21. The second edition of Whisky, Wine & Fire will see punters fending off that Melbourne chill in style, with a program of tastings, fire-driven feasts, hot cocktails and art. A lineup of twelve top Aussie winemakers and eleven distillers will be showcasing their finest winter drops, from boutique shiraz to bone-warming whisky creations. Some of the names you'll see on the boozy lineup include Laphroaig, Maker's Mark, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg and Starward. On the food front, you'll catch a diverse spread of pop-up restaurants, playing with fire to deliver a menu full of heat- and smoke-driven fare. Pastuso's Alejandro will be serving smoky meats and whisky-cured pastrami jaffles, while Charlie Carrington from Atlas Dining will be dishing up smoked ham hock and shrimp gritz. Milk and Cow will also be bringing its many cheeses, Bluebonnet its low-and-slow meats and Tokyo Tina its baos and yakitori. For dessert, Glacé's Christy Tania will have chocolate and whisky lava cakes and sticky date puddings with whisky caramel sauce. The entertainment offering promises to warm those cockles, too — think, live tunes, expert-led booze talks and a theatrical fire sculpture garden to wander through, preferably with a hot toddy in hand. Tickets are $16.50 and include a reusable tasting glass. Whisky, Wine & Fire will run from 5.30–10.30pm on Thursday, 5.30–11pm on Friday, 4–11pm on Saturday and 4–9pm on Sunday. Updated June 18, 2019.
The Other Son attempts to question the passionate attachment to identity that lies at the bloody heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Seventeen-year-old Joseph Silberg (Jules Sitruk), the son of Orith (Emmanuelle Devos), a French doctor, and Alon (Pascal Elbe), an Israeli army officer, has spent his youth playing guitar and studying at the local synagogue. He is gearing up to enlist in the Israeli army for compulsory national service when a shock discovery reveals that he is not at all who he, or his family, has always assumed him to be. In the turmoil of a Gulf War evacuation, the doctors at the Haifa hospital in which Joseph was born swapped him with the newborn Yacine Al Bezaaz (Mehdi Dehbi), a Palestinian with an auto mechanic father, Said (Khalifa Natour), and full-time mother, Leila (Areen Omari). Director Lorraine Levy takes a gentle approach, conveying the ensuing drama through a patchwork of scenes that focus on personal reactions and intimate familial relationships. While both mothers reach out to their biological sons, simultaneously retaining maternal love for their 'adoptees', the fathers struggle with denial and anger. Much of the film explores the self-examination undertaken by Joseph and Yacine, and their development of a friendship based on mutual experience. Commendably, Levy raises her questions of individual versus collective identity and religious division versus common humanity without preaching. However, the material tends to sketch, rather than probe deeply. We are left contemplating, but not necessarily as profoundly affected as we might anticipate. For example, one scene depicts Joseph in conversation with his rabbi, confounded that, despite a lifetime of study, he is no longer considered a Jew. In the moment, his fragility and confusion are clear, and we witness him visibly upset around his peers, but the psychological and emotional ramifications of such an upheaval are really only touched upon. Similarly, the heavy political context forms an ever-present backdrop, but the film portrays little of its violent reality. One exception to this is Bilal, Yacine’s fanatical brother. Horrified to discover that he has spent his life sharing a room with 'the enemy', he becomes relentlessly vitriolic towards Yacine yet overwhelmingly accepting of Joseph. We recognise Bilal as symbolic of the fervour that feeds prejudice. Despite these tendencies mitigating its ultimate impact on the emotional level, The Other Son is carried by some highly nuanced and watchable performances. Jules Sitruk brings an arresting vulnerability to the dreamy, creative Joseph and Mehdi Dehbi an impressive strength to the elusive and self-possessed Yacine. Some viewers may find hope in the film's fundamentally optimistic outlook; others may baulk at its slightly simplistic relationship to a conflict that no amount of negotiation or bloodletting seems to be able to bring to an end.
Grab a bite, hunt down a bargain or sit back under the twilight sky and enjoy a show. The Southside’s favourite market-cum-cultural festival is back for another year. Starting at 5.30pm on January 15 and running every Thursday evening for the following seven weeks, The South Melbourne Night Market features dozens of merchants and stalls selling clothes, crafts and everything in-between. There’s also a plethora of dining options, with many of Melbourne’s favourite food vendors including Chingon Taco Truck, Nem N Nem Vietnamese and 196 Below Ice Cream setting up shop along the Coventry and Cecil Street strips. Each week will also feature a different live music act. First up is the La Ramba Flamenco Band along with local singer-songwriter Sarah Carnegie. Other standouts include Geelong funk-rockers The Kite Machine, Queensland folk singer Davy Simony and home-grown indie kids The Black Harrys.
A little over six months ago, Asahi-owned Matilda Bay made Harry Sexton, Phil Sexton (the original founder of Matilda Bay), Miriam White and Andy Dunn redundant. It was a real kick in the guts, but the team didn't let the huge brand defeat them — deciding instead to open a new brewery within the former Temple site in Brunswick. They named the new venture Keeper Brewing, and have decided to focus on brewing just one beer (something almost unheard of within the craft beer industry). They consider themselves perfectionists, and so are giving all their love into crafting one of the best pilsners in Australia. But this doesn't mean that you can only get one kind of beer when visiting the new bar. The team also has a regularly rotating selection of guest beers from independent brewers, plenty of cocktails and a short but well-curated selection of local wines. Both Harry and Phil have a background in winemaking, so this wine list is in very safe hands. The food here is all made to complement the beers on show, featuring dishes like sweet potato and jalapeno croquettes, crispy polenta with honey and blue cheese, pork and fennel sausage rolls, fried schoolfish with house-made tartare sauce, and a very affordable cheese board. In fact, the entire menu is priced well within reason, highlighting the crew's desire to make the brewery bar an accessible community space. Taking this to the next level, the team is also planning to work with artists on exhibitions and gallery evenings, host live music gigs, and get a steady stream of DJs playing long sets — either inside by the steel brewing equipment or out in the courtyard. It's currently a small operation, but Keeper Brewing is working hard to get itself on the map and fight hard for other independent brewers. Co-owner Harry Sexton shared, "The last real mission of this brewery is to be another voice shouting out to our customers about the current state of the brewing industry in Australia. "We have a duopoly — the same as Coles and Woolies — where two big Japanese-owned breweries are controlling nearly 90% of all beer drunk in our country. They have bought up some of the best craft breweries, and brew these beers all over the country in shared breweries. "It really is hard nowadays to work out where your beer is coming from. With Keeper Pilsner, at least you can be sure it's coming from Brunswick." You'll find Keeper Brewing at 122 Weston Street, Brunswick East, open Thursday–Sunday. For more information, you can check out the brewery's website.
When it comes to happy hours in Melbourne, Baby Pizza is always right up there with the best — with its autumn, winter and spring aperitivo sessions featuring discounted drinks and cheap (or free) snacks. But for summer this year, the crew has switched it up a little, swapping out aperitivo experiences for spritzes. Drop by any day from 4–6pm, and you'll be met with $9.50 cocktails, plus a $7.5o wine and $6.5o beer (Peroni Rossa). On the cocktail front, you've got the choice of three spritzes: Baby's elderflower spritz, limoncello and basil spritz, and Chandon spritz, which comes with sparkling wine and orange bitters. The food menu is the same usual — offering up some of Melbourne's best pizzas — but things do change up a little on Fridays and Saturdays. From 12–4pm on these days, guest DJ will be bringing some bigger vibes — best enjoyed out on the terrace. This deal is running all summer long, so you've got plenty of time to take advantage of Baby's spritz- and pizza-filled summer.
Dessert lovers, rejoice: this winter, Dandenong Market is transforming into a sweet tooth's haven for one day only. It's hard to think of a better way to warm up. Swing by on Saturday, June 7, between 10am–3pm, to munch your way through cookies, cakes, slices and pastries galore. Whatever your dietaries — from gluten-free to vegan — you won't miss out. Plus, you'll come across desserts from all over the world, including Greek loukoumades from 776 BC, Filipino delicacies from Inasal Express, and Polynesian desserts and milkshakes from Maui's Snack Bar. Also joining the fray is Butter Mafia with its decadent, gluten-free brownies; Country Fair Poffertjes who'll be flipping mini-Dutch pancakes; and Pauly's who'll be piping fresh, creamy cannoli. Then there's Golden Popcorn with hand-popped kettle corn in a bunch of flavours, Churros Ole serving hot churros with dipping sauces, and Clarissa Creates Cheesecakes — among many, many others.
It's that time of year again. The bargain-filled Click Frenzy sale return for its next online shopping riot, kicking off at 7pm on Tuesday, March 17 — and, this time around, it's focusing on Aussie businesses in need. The site's inaugural Places in Need event arrives on the heels of Australia's devastating bushfire season and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This double-whammy has hit the travel sector hard, and Click Frenzy plans to aid local businesses through its quarterly sale. As of 7pm, you'll have access to the usual array of bargain deals on airfare, holiday packages and accommodation, as well as on experiences, tours, car hire and travel insurance. Over 500 deals will be on offer, with big names like Virgin Australia, Travel Online, Flight Centre and Klook all on board. Those deals will specifically focus on a combination of lesser-known Australian gems and well-traversed destinations where tourism is especially low. Of course, in this period of uncertainty, it's not expecting travellers to book a trip for next week. Instead, there'll be flexible dates and cancellation terms — with the intention that consumers will hold onto their vouchers or book for future dates. Now for the deals: expect 70-percent-off Flight Centre packages, 50-percent-off Travel Online destinations, 20-percent-off Hamilton Island stays and 25-percent-off Metro Hotels across Australia. [caption id="attachment_765150" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shotever Jet Boat[/caption] A few of the New South Wales-specific offers include $400-off luxury stays at White Sand Jervis Bay, a free private tour of biodynamic vineyard Lark Hill Wines, a $100 voucher in Bundanoon (when staying at Fulford Folly) and one-night-free accommodation at Redleaf Carriages in Fitzroy Falls. There's also $30 off Sydney-based experiences via Klook, including the Harbour Bridge Climb, skydiving and hot air balloon bookings. Now may be a time to tick these off your bucket list. Other featured deals around the country include one-night-free stays at Waverley House Cottages in Lake Entrance, Yarranungara Yurt Retreat in Oxley and Aurora Ozone Hotel on Kangaroo Island (which was devastated by the bushfires. And the Mansfield Zoo in Victoria is offering adult camping for child prices. And if you're a member (or want to register for free), you get additional benefits, including early access to all of the deals. There's no official 'end' time to the sale this year, either so you'll have extra time to explore and book. Choose wisely. Click Frenzy's Places in Need kicks off at 7pm on Tuesday, March 17. You can find all the tasty travel bargains here. Check each individual deal for exact terms and conditions. Top image: Kangaroo Island by Isaac Forman
