Okay, so National Margarita Day (February 22) might technically be an American thing. But we know a couple of marg-loving Melbourne venues that aren't about to let the opportunity pass by without some proper, cocktail-fuelled celebrations of their own. Brunswick's Howler and new pop-up sister venue Howlerwood is marking the occasion with a whole month of margarita-inspired fun, including plenty of specials and even a few cheeky freebies. Well-known for their margarita offerings, both bars will be kicking up their heels with a weekly Margarita Hour, running 6–7pm every Friday through February. Head on into either spot and treat yourself to a signature marg concoction for just $10. Then, for Margarita Day Eve on Sunday, February 21, the bars are handing out free margs — simply roll in between 3–4pm to nab your complimentary cocktail.These won't be just any old margaritas, either. Talented bartenders have assembled a top-notch rotation of drinks crafted on their own signature recipes, featuring both regular sips and slushie-style varieties. On the menu, expect punchy flavours like jalapeño, blood orange, mandarin and watermelon. Meanwhile, the kitchen's range of tacos and quesadillas promises a fitting match, whichever you choose — it's servicing Howler Wednesday to Sunday, and Howlerwood on Wednesdays and Thursday. Images: Will Hamilton-Coates
"I love scotch. Scotchy scotch scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly." Just like the way Ron Burgundy expresses his love of scotch, Melburnians too are food fiends to a fault. We have our favourite bars and nosh spots and we may as well have a PhD in where to get the best doughnuts. With such a slew of delights at every turn, it takes a fair bit to send us scuttling across town — but when the goods are worth it, we'll happily travel miles. In order to warrant such a trip, the rules are simple: the venue must to be truly special, or at the very least have some damn fine drinks. At The Kilburn in Hawthorn, they have both. Occupying a prime seat at the corner of Burwood and Glenferrie Roads, The Kilburn lives in a heritage building that once housed the Hawthorn Commercial Bank of Australia. Previously the cigar haven Baranows Lounge, owner Ben Baranow and his father set about rejuvenating the venue as a whisky bar, and opened up in April. When you exit the hustle of Glenferrie Road, you'll slip through the double doors into whisky paradise. The venue has been revamped with a careful eye; there's plenty of gleaming copper and stained glass, set off with touches of leather and low seating. All of this gives way to the commanding wall of whisky that presides over the venue. Take a seat at the long wooden bar and order up a boilermaker to sooth your post-work soul, or nab one of the leather booths for a tête-à-tête over a whisky flight. If you're up at the bar you'll most likely be treated to a bit of a chat about whatever you've ordered, and if you're flummoxed by choice (as you may well be — there’s over 600 whiskies on offer) the bartenders will happily guide you through your options. The thoughtful cocktail list uses innovation to make the whiskies shine without overshadowing, and offerings like The Queen Millionaire ($18) and the Killer Burns ($19) are both worth a sip. There are also plenty of non-whisky based imbibements, like the Rolling Rock Margarita ($19), which is equal parts dizzying and delicious. The boilermaker list is nothing short of exciting, and combines a range of beers and ciders with whiskies ($16-24) for the perfect pick-me-up. Whisky heads can up the ante with a whisky flight (from $24) and explore a region in greater depth. Plus, if nothing on the list quite hits the spot, a bespoke boilermaker or cocktail would be nothing doing: "If we can make it, we will," says bartender Lam. If you're peckish, opt for a Ploughman's Plate, piled high with cured meats, cheese, pickles and the lightest of duck parfaits (small $19, large $27.50). If you're just after something light, why not sample some blue cheeses paired with a flight ($40), or just grab the cheese on its own ($22.50). Hungrier than all that? Then just plump for a pizza, lovingly provided by Santoni Pizza across the road. Hawthorn is producing some big hitters who are doing great things, and The Kilburn is no different. If you're not a Hawthorn local, make the trip. It's well worth it. Wanna bone up on your whiskies? Take a look at our whisky cheat guide. Images: Thomas Ernest Graham
Ageing Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) is convinced that he's won a fortune. A piece of junk mail tells him he must travel to Nebraska to collect his million dollars, and he refuses to believe that it might be less than the truth. When his family finally accepts that he's going to go no matter what, they grudgingly agree to accompany him, with his son David (Will Forte) taking him on the trip. Along the way, they encounter family members and old acquaintances, all of whom feel Woody owes them something. Woody's imagined fortune becomes the talk of the town, as old grievances and closeted skeletons make themselves known. Director Alexander Payne, who achieved critical attention with his films Citizen Ruth and Election, hits his stride with a mixtape of his biggest hits. Like About Schmidt, there is a self-centred patriarch on a journey; like The Descendants, the countryside is innately tied to familial secrets; like Sideways, there is a sudden heist to reclaim lost property. Nobody does family secrets like Payne, and Nebraska sees him at the peak of his powers. Dern, who has been a reliable supporting actor for decades, finally gets his shot at a starring role, and it's impossible to overstate how astonishingly good he is as Woody. There's no self-consciousness as he plays a vague, alcoholic man in search of a fortune he decides he's owed. Forte, best known for his turns on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, nails the knowing pathos of Woody's suffering son, and the casting of Breaking Bad's Bob Odenkirk as his older brother is inspired. June Squibb, who is probably best remembered as Jack Nicholson's ill-fated wife in About Schmidt, shines as Woody's wife: gossipy and accepting, dismissive and loyal. The more you examine these characters, the more it becomes clear that they are riddled with contradictions in the way that human beings often are but movie characters are not. This is the film's biggest triumph, and a testament to the combined efforts of Payne, the cast, and writer Bob Nelson's confident script. Also notable is the brilliant score by Mark Orton, which echoes the film's pared-back simplicity with a low-key soundtrack that manages to stick in your brain in the best way possible. Filmed in black and white, and dwelling on the uglier, blander side of middle America, Nebraska should be a depressing experience draped in award-grabbing worthiness. But it's not. In fact, it's laugh-out-loud funny throughout, and unexpectedly uplifting. There's a joyful tension that infuses every moment and makes this one of the most compelling, memorable, essential films of the year. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YvW_DmfKfSk
If you think you don't know who Cody ChesnuTT is then you will be pleased to learn that you are wrong. He is the soulful singer of the incredibly catchy 'Look Good In Leather', one of many brilliant songs from his debut album The Headphone Masterpiece. The Roots (you will know them) also reworked ChesnuTT's song 'The Seed' for their famous album Phrenology. Since then it has been a long time between drinks — Australia last saw ChesnuTT in 2006. Thankfully though he is back with his second studio album and an Australian tour this month. Landing On A Hundred was released late last year and is well worth seeing performed live. In fact, anyone compared to music legends Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Jimmy Hendrix and Prince is worth seeing, especially for under $50. So hand over a gold note, get your change and enjoy an evening of musical artistry at the Foxtel Festival Hub as part of the Melbourne Festival on Wednesday October 16 or Thursday October 17.
Victoria already boasts a hefty fleet of self-charging electric buses, but the system's about to become even greener, in a win for both the environment and commuters. Off the back of an extensive trial, the state's locally made Volvo hybrid vehicles are set to score new technology that'll allow them to achieve zero emissions along certain areas of their route. Once Volvo's new Zone Management system is fitted out across the whole existing fleet of electric buses, it'll enable them to run exclusively in electric drive mode when travelling through designated zones. That not only allows for the cut in emissions, but also means passengers can enjoy a quieter ride. Plus, other road users, pedestrians and outdoor diners aren't forced to cop an earful of those loud bus noises as the vehicles drive past. The Zone Management system is a first for Australia, run using a combination of geofencing technology and telematics — so a virtual perimeter enforced via technological means. Once installed, it'll help maximise vehicle performance, without the need for pricey charging infrastructure or dipping into the state's electricity grid. Keen to check out the difference for yourself? The system is already getting a run, with nine of Victoria's hybrid buses currently using the new technology, including those on inner-city bus routes 630 and 605. The system will be rolled out across the rest of the fleet over the next four months. Victoria's 50-strong hybrid bus fleet was officially launched in 2019, with the aim of saving 1724 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. That's the equivalent of around 365 passenger vehicles, or the annual electricity usage of around 300 homes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CDCVictoria (@cdcvictoria) The Volvo Zone Management system is currently being installed across CDC Victoria's entire fleet of hybrid buses. You can find out more about the company's sustainability efforts at the website.
With a name like Canine Choreography, we reckon this Next Wave event pretty much sells itself. Created by Danielle Reynolds, this performance is billed as a humorous and sincere exploration of the world of freestyle dog dancing, which is apparently a thing. Reynolds will work alongside participants and their pooches — and yes, there will be costumes. The show will run for two nights only at Testing Grounds on May 11 and 12, and you'd be doggone mad to miss it. Photo credit: Kristy Macafee
It was first announced back in 2017 and originally slated to open its doors this March. Now, the three-year wait is over. Society, the much-anticipated venture from Chris Lucas (Chin Chin, Kisume), and Sepia's Martin Benn and Vicki Wild, will make its debut next Thursday, July 22. The long-awaited newcomer has made its home within the 80 Collins dining precinct, sporting a timeless aesthetic courtesy of renowned local architects Russell & George. The interior fuses elements of art deco, mid-century, art nouveau and brutalist sensibilities, with numerous works by Victorian artist David Noonan gracing the walls. Society Dining Room and Society Lounge will be the venue's first spaces to launch, with the second restaurant Lillian Terrace following suit in August. The food offering, by celebrated chef Benn, is a choose-your-own-adventure scenario with a multi-faceted menu of dishes that work as both shared and solo dining plates. The menu is considered, and the food boasts a level of precision inspired by ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. A strong team of head chefs helps to bring it all to life, including Rhys Connell (ex-Sepia), Luke Headon (ex-The Fat Duck) and Thomas Wooks (ex-Woodland House). At Society Dining Room, you're in for refined creations like albacore tuna matched with shiso and rhubarb, bonito with ume yuzu and roast chicken jellies, and a wagyu beef rib cap starring a Japanese pickle and wasabi butter. Meanwhile, the Lillian Terrace menu nods to the Euro influences of Benn's earlier career, running to plates like a spiced crown of chicken cooked over coals with charred lime and tomato, and a playful riff on the Napoleon mille feuille for dessert. [caption id="attachment_819105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] To match, expect a sharp drinks offering, with the headline act an impressive wine curation assembled by Loic Avril (ex-Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston). Think, two pouring lists, cellar displays you can browse before you order and Dom Perignon available by the glass. Even more top-notch drinking can be found at Society Lounge, where a cocktail list by World Class Bartender of the Year Orlando Marzo stars with delights like the caviar-infused martini. Find Society at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, from July 22. Society Dining Room and Lounge will initially open from 5.30pm nightly, with expanded opening hours to follow come August. Reservations are now open for the Dining Room, while the Lounge will take walk-ins only. Lillian Terrace will launch from August 5. Images: Food by Adrian Lander, interiors by Tom Blachford
If Ziggy's was a person, it would be that warm, welcoming uncle whose face totally erupts when he sees you. There is definitely a sense of belonging at this burger joint — even if you're only visiting for the first time. The eatery is run by Israeli duo Moshik Ferder and Assaf Stizki, who transformed the former restaurant in the Carlisle Street space into a relaxed burger joint. The international influence means you'll find flavours on the menu which span from the Middle East to Central America to Asia. Regulars swing in and out of the doors greeting the staff like they're childhood mates. The eatery, which has been around since 2011 is a Balaclava favourite for hearty burgers,as well as salads and sides It's almost a crime to visit Ziggy's and not indulge in the restaurant's brioche bun bombshells. Crowd favourites include the Recovery Burger ($16.9)– a double beef monster with double the bacon, double the cheese and Texan sauce (plus a little bit of lettuce of tomato making a smidge attempt to compensate for everything else). Note that this burger is not for the faint-hearted. But if you're up for more carbs, go the beer-battered chips with Ziggy sauce- a secret recipe sweet and tangy mixture. For something a little lighter, there is the smoked cheeseburger with beef ($10.9. If you prefer chicken, there's also a snitzel burger with mustard gherkin sauce ($12.9). The menu is not limited to burgers, although they dominate the orders. Shawarmas and falafel wraps are also available, alongside huge range of salads coming in the forms of grilled haloumi ($14.50), a steak salad ($14.50), or a shawarma salad with tahini $15.5. The restaurant also proves that you can find great dessert in the weirdest of places. Chances are you'll be full following your burger, but if you have the intestinal strength there are donuts. The bulbs of heaven are drizzled with dulce de leche, salted caramel and espresso sauce, freeze-dried raspberries and cookie dust. They are super overwhelming, but will make you very, very happy.
Dining rooms and offices across the city have stood silent for the past two months, sapping the CBD of its usual buzz. But the City of Melbourne is already setting its sights on sunnier days, unveiling a new plan to prioritise outdoor trading, dining and entertainment along streets and outside venues in the city. Designed to complement the Victorian Government's roadmap out of lockdown, the council's Inside Out initiative will aim to make things as easy as possible for venues and retailers navigating the reopening phase. The initial focus is firmly on open-air trade, with a push towards fast-tracking outdoor trading applications to remove as many hurdles as possible for operators. Plans currently under consideration also include an extension of retail trading hours as the weather warms up, and the closure of select laneways on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights so hospitality venues can offer outdoor dining into the evening. There are also plans to employ buskers to help liven up the streets and outdoor spaces. [caption id="attachment_827168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Godfrey for Visit Victoria[/caption] "This will be an exciting first for Melbourne. Imagine a bustling market with clothing racks and trestle tables on the street, along with food stalls and buskers that will help bring the vibrancy back to our beautiful city, safely," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said in a statement. Victoria's four-phase roadmap allows hospitality venues to start reopening for outdoor trade once 70 percent of the state's residents aged over 16 have been fully vaxxed, which is expected to happen in late October. Retail will fully reopen when Victoria is 80 percent double-dosed, which is predicted for around the first week of November. On top of its Inside Out program, the City of Melbourne is kicking on with other reinvigoration initiatives including its Flash Forward laneway creative art program and projects to help breathe new life into empty shopfronts. It's also keen to launch another round of the Melbourne Money dining rebate scheme, which originally kicked off in June. The Inside Out program is scheduled to launch from late October, in line with the government's roadmap. Images: Emily Godfrey for Visit Victoria.
Surrey Hills is no longer the alcoholic 'dry-zone' it was a mere decade ago. If the presence of The Hills Wine Bar — from the team behind Milton Wine Shop and The Alps — isn't enough to prove it, maybe the bar's life-size graphic of Maria von Trapp prancing through the Austrian Hills with a bottle of wine in either hand will. The modest-fronted bar on Union Road opened in 2017, and winds back farther than the passerby would expect. That means it provides plenty of perfect spots to sit and catch up over a bottle of wine — and with 220 varieties choose from, that's no easy task. There's also a trusty list of beers, a few ciders and some staple cocktails to at least keep the front of a balanced drinks menu. As for food, the bar offers up solid pizza options, including the Milk & Honey with prosciutto, pork, gorgonzola, rosemary, and honey. It's also added classic bar snacks and an attractive DIY cheese and charcuterie board selection. In keeping with its wine-centric vibe, The Hills also provides wine experiences for those eager to learn more about what they're drinking. These range from What is Natural Wine ($49) to the Burgundy Masterclass ($390) — and can take place in-house, at the office or even in your home.
If you're on the hunt for some new-school fun to make the impending frosty months go faster, you can stop searching right now. Someone, somewhere, has dreamed up the impressive combination of bumper cars and ice-skating — and is bringing the concept Down Under. In an Aussie first, Bumper Cars on Ice will hit Docklands' O'Brien Icehouse for three days this November. Oddly, it will happen after winter's finished — but, knowing Melbourne's weather, there's a high chance there will still be a frost in the air. Not a whole lot of info has dropped just yet, though, from the photos, it looks like this unique activity will have you pinballing around an ice rink in a bubble-shaped bumper car, slipping and sliding into mates. Tickets will set you back $37.84, which gets you ten minutes on the ice and all-day access to ice skating, which will have DJs and a bar serving mulled wine (of course). Bumper Cars on Ice runs in sessions from 5–11pm on Friday, 1.30–11pm on Saturday and 12.30–6pm on Sunday. Adults only sessions run from 7–10pm on the two nights. Updated: September 3, 2019.
No one ever needs an excuse to escape their daily routines with a stint of mini golf, ten-pin bowling or sleuthing through a challenge room, but on Tuesday, October 22, Funlab's venues are giving you a mighty great reason to anyway. That's when the company's Day of Fun rolls around for 2024, and lets you get putting, rolling and puzzle-solving for $8 a pop — all to help Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. All day at 45-plus venues Australia-wide, including in Melbourne, Funlab will donate all of its proceeds to the charity, which provides early-intervention mental health services to 12–25 year olds across Australia. So, you'll be aiding your own headspace — tap, tap, tapping your way around an indoor mini golf course will do that, for instance — and also showing some love to a great cause. Funlab's Melbourne sites include multiple Holey Moley, Strike Bowling and Archie Brothers joints, plus Chadstone's Hijinx Hotel and B. Lucky in Melbourne Central — and the $8 deal covers bowling, darts, laser tag, an hour of games and nine holes of golf (all at $8 per activity). Booking in advance is recommended, but Archie Brothers and B. Lucky are doing walk-ins only. Obviously, if you'd like to add a few drinks — these venues serve plenty — that'll cost you extra. [caption id="attachment_681171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] Top image: Markus Ravik.
Part of the crew that brought you the much talked about Armadale cafe Mammoth have unveiled their latest hospitality venture. Today they open the doors to Gilson, an all-day diner overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens on Domain Road. Just as Mammoth pushed the envelope with edgy café fare (like the doughnut lobster burger), Gilson is going about things a little differently to most, with owners Loren and Jamie McBride eschewing modernity and "of the moment" in favour of something much more timeless. The couple are involved in Mammoth and Northcote's Barry, and have most recently opened pizza place Primo. Open from 6am until midnight daily, Gilson is a riff on those deeply engrained, old-world European cafes; it's been built in the hopes of becoming a neighbourhood stalwart, right from the get-go. And, given it'll be slinging fresh flowers on weekends, offering take away pizzas, and hosting aperitivo sessions in the afternoons, there's little doubt Gilson will be winning over its South Yarra locals pretty darn quickly. A classic bistro menu — put together by chefs Emma Jeffrey and Pippa McLeod — has been crafted around local, seasonal produce, and the star of the show, Gilson's custom-built wood oven. This beaut will be working its own magic on the masses, turning out creations like wood-fire pizzas, and peach tarte Tatin. A brunch menu will be available until 3pm before the evening offering kicks in, which includes the aforementioned pizzas as well as a selection of sandwiches, small plates and dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and lamb osso bucco. Meanwhile, the enduring fit-out comes courtesy of Projects of Imagination, who've previously left their stylish mark on such foodie faves as Chin Chin and Supernormal. With their prime location across from the gardens, it looks set to be a prime posi to sit on the sidewalk with a spritz this summer. Gilson opens today, Tuesday, December 6 at 171 Domain Road, South Yarra. They'll be open from 6am until midnight seven days a week. For more info, visit gilsonrestaurant.com.au. Images: Emily Weaving.
From the crime antics of Murder on the Orient Express to the slow TV phenomenon that was SBS' The Ghan, lengthy train journeys have chugging across our screens over the past year. If watching folks make a long trip in a locomotive has you wanting to hit the rails yourself, you'll soon have a new luxury Australian option: the Great Southern. Set to embark on its maiden journey in December 2019, the Great Southern will cross the country from Adelaide to Brisbane — and vice versa, of course. The trek up north will take three days and two nights, while the return leg will occur over four days and three nights. If that seems like a considerable amount of time, that's because this kind of trip isn't just about getting from A to B. It's also about taking in the scenery and the general experience. Passengers departing from Adelaide will stop at the Grampians National Park, then hop off again at Canberra, and also enjoy the northern New South Wales coast on their way to Queensland. For those boarding in Brisbane, dining by the beach in northern NSW awaits, as does a day in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle, plus some time at the Twelve Apostles. The latest venture by Great Southern Rail, the Great Southern will be comprised of 28 carriages and two locomotives, with up to 214 guests able to take each journey. It doesn't come cheap — starting at $1649 per person — but that price does include your food and wine onboard, any dining that takes place off the train, and all of the off-locomotive experiences across the multi-night the trip. As you'll clearly be sleeping on the train, that's also included. Great Southern Rail also operates Australia's other two long-distance train treks, The Ghan (which runs from Adelaide to Darwin) and and the Indian Pacific (which journeys from Sydney to Perth). Tickets will go on sale on Monday, December 3, with the Great Southern's first season taking to the rails between December 6, 2019 and January 27, 2020. It'll operate 16 departures over that period, should you be looking for a different kind of getaway across the summer of 2019–20. Image: Great Southern Rail.
As Melbourne emerged from its latest lockdown to enjoy its first weekend of freedom, photographer Julia Sansone hit the streets to capture the sights of a city in celebration mode for Concrete Playground. Not even cloudy skies could contain Melburnians' excitement for IRL catch-ups, brunch dates with mates and pints at the pub. Punters were out in force to enjoy some well-deserved meetings with those closest to them, and to support local businesses that have been closed for months. GABRIEL, FITZROY Smashed avo was back on the menu as cafes enjoyed the company of dine-in customers again. PAPIRICA, COLLINGWOOD Owner Yutaka Matsuda said he was excited, but nervous, to have people back into the cafe. He said the space is "so much warmer when people are in it". The venue will stick to takeaway until November 5, which was Melbourne's original reopening date. SALLY'S RETRO FASHION, FITZROY This Smith Street vintage store is one of the businesses offering outdoor retail until indoor retail is allowed again. Owners and staff say they're very excited to be able to give people some fun and excitement — and to be part of the community again. TERROR TWILIGHT, COLLINGWOOD This group of friends were happy to finally swap the Zoom catch-ups for IRL hangs — and to tick this Collingwood cafe off their list, together. Terror Twilight owner Kieran Spiteri said his team was feeling relaxed and happy to be back. THREE MONKEYS, PRAHRAN Merlette enjoyed a well-deserved rose and said she was loving being around people again. ARCHIES ALL DAY, FITZROY Gertrude Street came alive again, with brunch-goers flocking to fill its streetside beer gardens and parklets. THE GRACE DARLING, COLLINGWOOD Many hard-earned beer garden pints were sunk across the weekend. UNION HOTEL, WINDSOR BUILDERS ARMS HOTEL, FITZROY PEPE'S ITALIAN & LIQUOR, CBD Bartender Allie said she was stoked to be able to get back behind the bar and do what she loved. Josh, Persia and their pup Pepe celebrated Josh's birthday in the beer garden and are looking forward to returning to all their favourite dog-friendly venues. They fittingly kicked things off with a bar that's got the same name as their doggo. CHINATOWN, CBD Chinatown fired up once more, with punters happy to wait streetside for a spot at their favourite eateries. SECTION 8, CBD This famed laneway bar threw open its door to patrons who soaked up DJ sounds from Disco Mediterranea. PIDAPIPO, CARLTON Celebratory post-lockdown scoops were on the menu at Lygon Street's Pidapipo. Images: Julia Sansone for Concrete Playground.
In Melbourne it's not hard to find nosh that's gluten-free. But food that is completely not contaminated by gluten? That's a harder task. Unfortunately, it's one that's necessary if you suffer from coeliac disease and even a crumb can cause an immediate onset of illness (and long-term health issues). But, luckily, there are a few opportunities for coeliacs to leave the house without a Pyrex full of emergency snacks. These four restaurants have accreditation from Coeliac Australia, which means that all of their gluten-free food is prepared in a contained area separate from the gluten-containing food. That might not mean much if you don't self-destruct whenever a smidge of gluten enters your digestive system, but it means a whole heap for someone that is out for three days when it does. So don't just pity your coeliac mates — take them out to these places where they can eat pizza, pasta and late-night gyros and chips just like you.
Air out that mouldy tent, start rounding up the GoPros, Falls Festival have quite the epic 2014 lineup on their hands. With Byron now extended to a four-day program, Falls Festival is returning to its three sites (Lorne, Marion Bay and North Byron Parklands) for its annual New Year's Eve hootenanny. So who's on the bill? Returning with a Mercury Prize and a million debut album copies sold under their belt, Leeds foursome Alt-J are sure to be one of the packed sets this year. There'll be ass everywhere with the presence of the unmissable Big Freedia. The sublimely talented SBTRKT is set to play a huge live set (one of Laneway Festival's best sets to memory), while the formidable Jamie XX will keep the basslines well up in grill. Fresh from Glastonbury, George Ezra is set to be one of the festival highlights, with the debut set from the legendary Todd Terje, house monarchs Tensnake, Sydney trio Movement and San Francisco's Tycho sure to send everyone on a synthy, beats-fuelled odyssey. Altanta's favourite 'flower punk' band The Black Lips are in. Confirmed after a leak in Cleo, UK's Glass Animals are confirmed to get sultry. Festival favourites Cold War Kids return with their latest album's material (and a few oldies), while Australia's own ARIA-winners The Temper Trap return to the live circuit with material from their upcoming third record. Rap fans have some gleeful squealing to get to, with Brooklyn's Pro Era whiz Joey Bada$$, Killer Mike and El-P's Fool's Gold super-collab Run the Jewels, Melbourne's own Remi locked in. 'Stolen Dance' fans will have plenty to jig about with the first Australian tour of Milky Chance, Sydney's Bluejuice are playing their last round, London's Wolf Alice are sure to generate some buzz, and Canberran trio SAFIA are also buzzworthy inclusions. There's a few Splendour returns: Britpop-loving Sydney dudes DMAs, newbie hip hop firecracker Tkay Maidza, Sydney dance legends The Presets, electronic whiz kid The Kite String Tangle, returning rock heavyweights Spiderbait, singalong starters Sticky Fingers and Riptider Vance Joy. Falls will also see a kickass 'Boogie Nights' program featuring none other than the ever-kickass hip hop legends Salt n Pepa, Melbourne's best-dressed duo Client Liaison, Sydney partystarter Alison Wonderland and Canada's Badbadnotgood. THE FALLS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): ALT-J ASGEIR BIG FREEDIA THE BLACK LIPS BLUEJUICE COLD WAR KIDS DAN SULTAN DMAs EMPIRE OF THE SUN GEORGE EZRA GLASS ANIMALS JAGWAR MA JAMIE XX JOEY BADA$$ JOHN BUTLER TRIO JULIAN CASABLANCAS + THE VOIDZ KIM CHURCHILL THE KITE STRING TANGLE LA ROUX MILKY CHANCE MOVEMENT THE PRESETS REMI RUN THE JEWELS SAFIA SBTRKT SPIDERBAIT STICKY FINGERS THE TEMPER TRAP TENSNAKE TKAY MAIDZA TODD TERJE (live) TYCHO VANCE JOY WOLF ALICE BOOGIE NIGHTS: ALISON WONDERLAND BADBADNOTGOOD CLIENT LIAISON DJ FLETCH DJ WOODY PRESENTS 'HIP HOP IS 40' AV SHOW SALT N PEPA TWERKSHOP COMEDY DAMIEN POWER DANIEL TOWNES HARLEY BREEN LUKE McGREGOR TOMMY DASSALO URZILA CARLSON + MORE Update: Julian Casablancas + The Voidz have unfortunately pulled out of both their Australian tour and Falls appearance due to "unforeseen logistical circumstances". Image: Nigel Drought.
After a sell-out season in last year's Melbourne Fringe Festival this collaboration between Monash University Student Theatre and La Mama returns to the confines of the iconic Carlton venue for a 'Redux' season. The piece was written by Robert Reid (perhaps best known for The Joy of Text), who created this largely devised work in an intensive process with Monash students. The Well operates with a loose, fragmentary narrative that throws the apocalypse into a headlong collision with other moments that are hilariously mundane. What stood out in the play's premiere was the skill with which the performers enveloped the audience in their world, shepherding them around the small space and making them utterly complicit in the fragmentary storytelling that splintered around them. It's unclear how different this re-imagining will be to the original 2012 work under the new direction of Kate Brennan, but Reid's skill and the success of its first outing make this an essential piece of theatre as the year winds down.
Each year for six years now, Australia's annual Wineslinger Awards have named the country's top spots for ace drops, picking where you should be sipping and buying vino. There are two parts to its annual selections, starting with a longlist, then naming four winners. 2023's Top 55 arrived in November, so now it's time for the main gongs — aka the best of the best in Aussie wine venues. Accordingly, Wineslinger isn't about vino itself, or bars in general. As the name makes plain, it's focused on watering holes that specialise in wine. The four prizes cover the best Wineslinger, Best New Haunt, the Maverick prize for places that push the limits and the People's Choice gong. While the first three awards are voted on by around 150 industry experts, the latter stems from vino aficionados at home. [caption id="attachment_884952" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Roberto Pettinau[/caption] Melbourne boasts 2023's Wineslinger recipient, thanks to Marion in Fitzroy. The awards recognised the venue for laying "reasonable claim to capturing the essence of what are, somewhat inelegantly, known as 'barstaurants'," said the Young Gun of Wine team, which runs Wineslinger. "Perhaps this pitching of wine and food in equal measure was not necessarily the intent, but having one of Melbourne's best-loved culinary sons orchestrating the food message was always going to draw crowds. Having said all that, with the shared resource of the flagship Cutler & Co, the wine offer has always been formidable, and deserving of just as much attention." Marion took out the Wineslinger accolade after Sydney's Dear Sainte Éloise scored it in 2022, Melbourne's Embla nabbed it in 2021 and the Carlton Wine Room picked it up in 2020. The Best New Haunt field also went to a Victorian venue, with Collingwood's Commis receiving the nod for a joint that the Young Gun of Wine crew described as "equal parts wine den, cocktail lounge, shared-plate bistro, chic art gallery and chilled neighbourhood hangout". In the Maverick category, Silver Sands Beach Club in Aldinga in South Australia came out on top, earning some love for being "the type of wine clubhouse that will ideally serve the neighbouring McLaren Vale region and the Fleurieu Peninsula beach community, plus a steady stream of wine nerds making the pilgrimage south from Adelaide". As for the People's Choice, Western Australian's The Corner Dairy in Doubleview took the honours. That means that no New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory or Northern Territory sites made a showing in the four gongs, but all states and territories do feature on the full Top 55. The Wineslinger Awards were created by Rory Kent, who also founded the Young Gun of Wine Awards. Where the latter prize aims to recognise stellar up-and-comers, the former is all about excellent and innovative places where vino lovers can enjoy an ace drop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Young Gun of Wine (@younggunofwine) WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 WINNERS: Wineslinger: Marion, Fitzroy, Victoria Maverick: Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga, South Australia Best New Haunt: Commis, Collingwood, Victoria People's Choice: The Corner Dairy, Doubleview, Western Australia WINESLINGER AWARDS 2023 TOP 50: ACT Bar Rochford, Canberra Rizla, Braddon NSW 10 William Street, Paddington Bar Copains, Surry Hills Bar Heather, Byron Bay Bar Superette, Merimbula Beau, Surry Hills Bentley Restaurant & Bar, Sydney Caravin, Potts Point Dear Sainte Eloise, Potts Point Fix Wine, Sydney Le Foote, The Rocks Lil Sis, Chippendale P&V Merchants, Paddington The Sir George Hotel, Jugiong The Wine Library, Woollahra Where's Nick, Marrickville [caption id="attachment_623527" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To.[/caption] NT Stone House, Darwin QLD Agnes, Fortitude Valley Alba Bar + Deli, Brisbane Cru Bar + Cellar, Fortitude Valley Paloma Wine Bar, Burleigh Heads Snack Man, Fortitude Valley The End, West End Zero Fox, Teneriffe SA Alt. Wine Bar, Unley Good Gilbert, Goodwood Hellbound, Adelaide Jennie Wine Bar, Adelaide Loc Bottle Shop, Adelaide Silver Sands Beach Club, Aldinga Stanley Bridge Tavern, Verdun Stem Bar & Restaurant, Adelaide The Salopian Inn, McLaren Vale [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] TAS Havilah, Launceston Lucinda, Hobart Molto Bar and Cellar, Hobart VIC Bar Marenda, Daylesford Carlton Wine Room, Carlton City Wine Shop, Melbourne Commis, Collingwood Geralds Bar, Carlton North Gimlet, Melbourne Marion, Fitzroy Osteria Illaria, Melbourne Public Wine Shop, Fitzroy North Torquay Wine Store, Torquay Union Street Wine, Geelong Winespeake, Daylesford WA Besk, West Leederville Lalla Rookh, Perth Mayfair Lane, West Perth Mummucc', Wembley The Corner Dairy, Perth Wines of While, Perth For more information about the Wineslinger Awards, visit the awards' website. Top image: Marion, Harvard Wang.
There's just something about Merry People boots. Melburnians get it — gumboots are made for this city, and gumboots don't come much cooler than Merry People. Speaking of, the good folks at Merry People are sprouting up in Fitzroy for a two-day pop-up from Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5, running from 10am–4pm on both days. Merry People has been warming feet (and keeping them dry) since 2014. Usually, the boots are available via the website, so a bricks-and-mortar pop-up event is a nice treat — providing a golden opportunity for folks to try before they buy, chat with the team and meet founder Danielle Holloway. Plus, buying IRL gives a personal touch that online shopping just can't match. Merry People was born out of a blend of frustration and ambition. Holloway was frustrated with the lack of comfortable, stylish and versatile gumboots available in Melbourne. So, armed with fond memories of farm life in South Gippsland, she set out to bridge the gap between city cool and country comfort. What started with sketches and weekend stalls at farmers markets has blossomed into a Melbourne fave. And now's your chance to try a bunch of them for yourself at Hawker Spaces. But be warned: it's going to be hard to pick just one style.
If you're looking for a great excuse to get back out and explore the city, here it is: Xplore Melbourne is a free self-guided, augmented reality scavenger hunt that's kicked off this week, inviting you to rekindle your love of moseying around the CBD. Running now until January 2022, the experience will see you scanning QR codes and tracking down clues at ten locations throughout the city, to unlock various artworks, musical treats, giveaways and other fun treasures. With a flick of your smartphone, you'll be able to bring to life the vibrant works you encounter, by artists like Adnate, Meggs, Dvate and Kit Bennett. AR-fuelled performances featuring the likes of Cry Baby, Srisha, KrookLetter and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are also waiting to be unearthed along your journey. Along with the creative treasures, Xplore also offers the chance to collect some sweet giveaways and prizes as you go, including high tea at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Docklands staycations, jewellery, NGV double passes, Collins 234 gift cards and more. [caption id="attachment_832457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A new large-scale work by Meggs for Xplore[/caption]
The Sydney Opera House's First Nations dance competition will return for its sixth year in 2020. Starring more than 350 performers from all over the country, with different generations, nations and groups all represented, Dance Rites will be broadcast free online — which means, for the first time, all of Australia can join in on the festivities. Close to 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups will compete in this year's festival, including Djakapurra Dancers, led by Djakapurra Munyarryun (Songman for the Sydney 2000 Olympics); Mornington Island Dance Group, who performed for the opening of the Opera House in 1973; Dyiraamalang, an all-female group; and Luurnpa Dancers, led by acclaimed artist and senior law man Jimmy Tchooga. The first wave of performances will take place each night from Wednesday, November 11 through Saturday, November 14 (coinciding with NAIDOC Week). Then the finals will air the following week on Saturday, November 21. Each group will perform two dances — one traditional and one 'wildcard' dance. The judges' assessment is based on on authenticity, reclamation work, fusion of language and music and use of costumes, crafts and cultural materials. The winners will receive a cool $20,000, with additional prizes also up for grabs. [caption id="attachment_789029" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brolga Dance Academy[/caption] Top image: Anna Kucera
Beachgoers who aren't so keen on sharing their patch of sand with a swarm of strangers this summer have another (albeit much pricier) option: to buy their very own private beach. Northern NSW property agents Harcourts Northern Rivers have revealed a 22-acre parcel of beachfront has landed on the NSW market, boasting a whopping 500 metres of untouched ocean frontage and a cool $1.95 million price tag. The current Sydney-based owners have had the Patchs Beach Road acreage just south of Ballina for 15 years, though a busy schedule of overseas jaunts means they're now looking to pass it on to someone who'll be able to give it a bit more love and attention. While the idyllic spot currently has zero dwellings, it has been given the go-ahead for a two-level home to be built on 900 square metres. That means you can build a sweet, beachfront pad amid the rolling hills and native vegetation — y'know, with all those leftover pennies. You can check out the listing here if you're so inclined. We can dream. Via realestate.com.au. Images: Harcourts Northern Rivers.
There are no shortcuts to cooking the perfect Texas barbecue, so when approached to launch San Antone by Bludso's BBQ at Crown Melbourne late last year, Kevin Bludso had one condition: it had to be done right. The original Bludso's BBQ is located on Long Beach Boulevard in south central Los Angeles. It might seem like a strange place to go for authentic Texas barbecue, but Bludso's Compton dive — where ribs are served to-go in styrofoam take-out containers — is the only barbecue restaurant to be named by LA Times Pulitzer Prize-winning food journalist Jonathan Gold in his essential restaurants list each year. It's also perhaps the only restaurant to have its brisket likened to a Monet painting by the critic. So how did LA-born and bred Kevin Bludso come to be one of the best Texas barbecuers in the US? As he explains it, it's all about his childhood. "Back in the day, people in LA had migrated from everywhere," Bludso says. "You had Texans plus Mexicans in south central LA; you had Texas barbecue, you had Memphis barbecue, you had Kansas City barbecue." Then, as a nine-year-old boy, Bludso found himself shipped off for the summer to spend time with his grandmother, Willie May Fields, in Corsicana, Texas. "She had this semi-legal, semi-illegal smokehouse — a juke joint, halfway house — where she used to sell barbecue," he says. "And she had a small little room right off the highway, and she used to sell there on weekends." Corsicana was where he earned his chops. And while he "hated it" — working in the smokehouse in almost 50 degree heat, prepping the meat, cleaning greens — the ritual (or the rewards) of the work must have resonated with him. Bludso still uses his late grandmother's smoker today. If barbecue is in the blood in Texas, then the brisket is its heart and soul. It's prepared simply — a dry rub of salt and pepper, then cooked over wood. "Slow and low like a '64 Impala," says Bludso. It's also regional. Memphis barbecue is particularly famous for its use of sauces, and a lot of places in Tennessee don't use wood. It all depends on what's accessible at the time and in the region. Trying, then, to recreate authentic Texas barbecue in a foreign country is no easy feat. But we asked Kevin Bludso for a few tips on doing Texas barbecue in Melbourne. Here's what he divulged. STEP ONE: SELECTING THE WOOD There's a special reverence reserved for pitmasters. Working with wood is difficult, and it's their craft to find that perfect piece that will burn slowly and flavour the meat accordingly. "We use pecan, red oak and apple in the States," says Bludso. "We use apple here, but all the woods were totally different." That's where Noah Galuten comes in. Galuten, a former food writer and Bludso apprentice, is now a pitmaster in his own right. Trying to find the right wood was a long process, Galuten says. "First we were trying out bull-oak — which was the closest oak [to what we use in LA] we could find — but it was burning too bitter. Eventually, we ended up trying ironbark, which turned out pretty well." The issue with most Australian woods is that they burn too quickly and too hot. This might be good if you're hoping to throw a shrimp on the barbie — but in a smoker it catches and gives what Galuten calls a "bitter smoke". At San Antone, the ironbark is rounded out with Australian pecan and apple wood. The result is intoxicating. STEP TWO: CHOOSING THE BRISKET Finding a good brisket has been another challenge Bludso has faced in his Melbourne venture. The brisket — a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest — is essentially made up of two muscles: the flat (the leaner, flatter portion) and the point (the thicker section on the side of the cut). It's important that the cut has the right amount of fat on it too, and Bludso has had to work with a specialist butcher to meet his exact specifications and get the cuts just right. "We don't want no healthy briskets," says Bludso. "We want all our cows with high blood pressure and cholesterol." With fat comes flavour and, according to Bludso, you want at least an inch of fat if possible — especially on the point. On the underside, a little marbling is also important. STEP THREE: KNOWING WHEN IT'S DONE The brisket goes fat-side up into the smoker for anywhere between 12 to 15 hours. But knowing when it's done isn't a science — it's art. "You just know it by feel," says Bludso. "As time goes on you just know by picking it up, how it feels in the hand, poking it. You just know when it's done." Of course, Bludso 'just knows' because he's well practiced in the art of smoking. But as long as the smoker can maintain a consistent temperature — around 115 to 120 degrees celsius — there's no real reason to fuss over it. The fat cap protects the brisket from burning and maintains the moisture in the meat. Once off the smoker, the brisket gets wrapped in butcher's paper to rest before serving. But is it authentic? "Of course, you can't get it exactly as it is [in LA] because it's different, you know?" Bludso says. "I mean, we got holes in the wall where we can get some of our stuff from [in LA] that we just can't get out here. But — like I said — I really feel we got as close to American as our products and locations [allowed us]." If you've got access to a smoker, give this Texas barbecue thing a go. And if you don't, well, you know you can get the real thing at San Antone by Bludso's BBQ. The pit is even modelled on the smoker Bludso grew up cooking with, as used by his granny Willie May Fields.
Located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Ombra Salumi is the perfect location for an after-work bite and snack. Opened by the renowned Grossi family, the bar has a neat selection of cicchetti, a long list of cured meats — featuring everything from mortadella to capocollo — pizza and heartier snacks. It also has a 16-page drinks list, which covers everything from aperitivi, to beer to Australian and Italian wine. It also hosts a daily aperitivo hour when every drink you order will arrive with a complimentary (and complementary) plate of snacks.
If you're a creative kind of soul, chances are you had a crack at the art of ceramics at some point during those many long months of lockdown. Well, now, you can put your newfound passion for pottery to further good use, with a spin around Melbourne's new pop-up ceramics market. Taking over Fitzroy creator space Work-Shop on Sunday, December 12, Unearthed Clay will showcase a special lineup of emerging talent from within Melbourne's burgeoning ceramics scene. 20 up-and-coming ceramicists will be there slinging their latest creations — which means you'll be able to browse and buy some unique handmade goodies for that Christmas gift list. Among them, catch artists like Yen Qin Ceramics, Flo Ceramics Mama, Gillian Martin, Elso Collective, Hey Lenny and more. While you're there, you might even 'unearth' some inspiration for your own pottery practice. The pop-up comes courtesy of the minds behind Melbourne Ceramics Market, so you know it'll be an excellent curation of stallholders. It all kicks off at 10am. Images: Melbourne Ceramics Market
There's no denying the appeal of Victoria's High Country for foodies and outdoorsy types, but what about history and culture buffs? As it turns out, the northeastern region is an all-rounder destination — and, yes, that covers art, too. There are museums, studios and cultural landmarks dotted across these mountainous plains, showcasing the rich heritage and creative outlook of the region. Here, you'll find everything from bushranger folklore and Olympic alpine history to galleries with an emphasis on Indigenous artworks and art displayed on grain silos. Don't know where to start? With the help from the folks at Victoria's High Country, we've it narrowed down to six top-notch arty spots, so you can get straight to it. [caption id="attachment_806386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Robert Blackburn[/caption] BENALLA ART GALLERY For your first art-fuelled adventure, head west of Wangaratta to the small rural town of Benalla on the edge of the Broken River. Situated among lush botanical gardens, the Benalla Art Gallery is one of the best regional art spaces in Victoria. Its collection covers Australian art dating back to the early 19th century with an emphasis on traditional and contemporary Indigenous art, including works by Albert Namatjira, Destiny Deacon, Gordon Bennett and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. On display, expect to see paintings — on bark and on canvas — as well as weaving, textiles, printmaking, sculpture and photomedia. Once you're done admiring the exhibitions, take some time to enjoy coffee and cake in the cafe overlooking Lake Benalla. Time your visit right and you might be able to attend one of the gallery's workshops or talks, too. [caption id="attachment_806456" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist Tim Bowtell; photo by Delta Charlie Images[/caption] ST JAMES SILO ART Part of Australia's largest outdoor gallery, the northeastern section of The Silo Art Trail stretches from Benalla to the Winton Wetlands. There are several noteworthy murals that have been created through the project but, if you can only visit one, we'd suggest the silo in St James. Built in the mid-1900s, the silos in St James were constructed for the bulk bushels of wheat originally delivered to the site via horse and cart. Artist Tim Bowtell has skillfully depicted this motif on the silos' exteriors, along with a painting of local Sir George Coles, founder of the Coles supermarkets. Stop to marvel at the sheer scale of the artwork, while also appreciating the agricultural history of the area. [caption id="attachment_806377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Peter Dunphy[/caption] CRAIG'S HUT If you like to combine your cultural appreciation with the great outdoors then Craig's Hut, located on Mount Stirling, is the perfect landmark for you. Built for the set of The Man From Snowy River back in the 80s and then reconstructed in 2008 after bushfires destroyed it two years prior, the log cabin serves as both a piece of Australian film history and a way station for hikers and cross-country skiers. To reach it, you can either tackle the 19-kilometre track from Telephone Box Junction Car Park or drive up to Circuit Road Picnic Area and walk a shorter (but still very steep) 1.6 kilometres to the cattleman's hut. If you have a car suitable for off-roading, you can head on the 4WD track. No matter how you get there, you'll find the breathtaking view is more than worth the effort. [caption id="attachment_806371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Peter Dunphy[/caption] NED KELLY GUIDED WALKING TOUR As one of the preserved 19th-century gold mining towns, Beechworth has a history worth knowing. For example, did you know Ned Kelly — one of the country's most well-known outlaws — won a bare-knuckle boxing match in Beechworth that lasted 20 rounds? Well, now you do — and you can learn much more about the infamous bushranger and his connection to the town on a Ned Kelly Guided Walking Tour. Starting from the visitor centre at 1.15pm every day, the tour will talk you through many of the trials, tales and tribulations of Ned Kelly, his gang and what they got up to in town, including at the old courthouse and the site where the aforementioned boxing match took place. Afterward, if you're still keen on learning more about some of the area's colourful past, pay a visit to the Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct and the Old Beechworth Gaol. [caption id="attachment_807489" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Ashkanasy[/caption] THE NATIONAL ALPINE MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA Mount Buller's National Alpine Museum of Australia (NAMA) was established to preserve and display the rich cultural and environmental heritage of the country's alpine regions. Starting out with just 60 donated items, its collection now houses over 15,000 objects and materials that reveal the region's cattle, mining and timber history. It also looks into the fast-paced action of snow sports in Australia that goes beyond Olympic glossings. With objects from the late-19th century through to the present, NAMA's collection also tells many of the unsung stories and achievements of alpine personalities. TONY PRIDHAM FINE ART GALLERY If you have any interest in ornithology then you may already know of Tony Pridham. But for those left wondering, he's Australia's leading bird artist — and lauded Aussie artist Sidney Nolan's grand-nephew — so, a trip to his gallery is worth the 15-minute drive from Mansfield. Pridham's work hangs in galleries all over the world and his realist and hyperrealist artworks come from careful observation of wildlife in Australia, Africa, Europe and the USA. The Tony Pridham Fine Art Gallery exhibits limited-edition prints, sketches and original oil paintings and you might even catch the artist there while sitting behind his easel amid the gallery's gardens. Discover more and plan your next arty adventure at Victoria's High Country. Top image: Benalla Art Gallery, Visit Victoria / Robert Blackburn
One of the great things about Christmas is getting your family and friends to help you out with your homewares and furniture wishlist. Got your eye on a new lamp but spent your own pennies on festive shenanigans? Need some new linen, chairs or glassware, but not enough to bust your budget? Too busy splashing cash on gifts for everyone else to worry about your own broken shelves? Cue the handy answer to your mum's annual "what do you want for Christmas?" question — and cue IKEA's new way to assist, too. 'Tis the season for the Swedish retailer to launch its IKEA Gift Registry in Australia, capitalising upon all the present-buying — and just general browsing — that everyone's doing in December. This is a year-round offering, however, letting you set up a registry filled with all the IKEA products your house really needs, ready to send to whoever's doing the purchasing. Use it for Christmas or birthdays, the choice is yours. The registry will also come in handy for couples about to get hitched, and is bound to be super popular for housewarmings. Whichever fits, it operates in the same way — and it's also designed to help making gift-shopping even quicker. You'll need an IKEA Family account to create a registry, then it's a simple matter of adding whatever your heart and home desire, sharing it when your loved ones and waiting till the relevant big occasion. The gift registry updates in real time, too, so everyone can see what's already taken — avoiding double ups. IKEA has launched the registry alongside app-based checkout, a self-service feature that lets you scan what you're buying as you're browsing its ten Aussie stores. Once you've wandered the aisles, you can then just scan the QR code at the dedicated mobile checkouts, without needing to go through your trolley or bag again (or even unpack them). That leaves more time for eating Swedish meatballs, obviously. The last 12 months has seen IKEA add a range of new services in Australia, helping you fill your house with its wares. Also on the list: an online marketplace for discontinued, ex-display and pre-loved products, plan and order point concept stores outside its usual warehouse setup and sustainable living-focused shops. For more information about the IKEA Gift Registry, head to the chain's website.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — Stay Gold's New Year's Eve shindig will indulge both your retro and your festive urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 9pm on NYE. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the season. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Entry costs between $18.40–23.50 in advance, with the fun running through until 3am.
Things are getting spicy up at Mt Buller this August as Chin Chin takes over the kitchen at The Whitt — the Ski Club of Victoria's on-mountain dining room — for a weekend-long winter pop-up. Over three nights from Friday, August 1–Sunday, August 3, Chin Chin's Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper and his team will be plating up a multi-course tasting menu of the restaurant's greatest hits in a snow-capped, ski-in/ski-out setting. The menu includes signatures like Chin Chin's caramelised sticky pork and sour herb salad, butter chicken curry, and the much-imitated (yet still unrivalled) kingfish sashimi with lime, chilli, coconut and Thai basil — all served with a generous side of snow-dusted scenery. Kids can get in on the action with a $30 Feed Me menu of their own, and there'll be options for gluten-free and vegan diners, too. You can pair your meal with a frosty Snow Bunny Sour. Created exclusively for the pop-up, the cocktail features gin, lychee, ginger and sake, and has been designed for après-ski sipping. Bookings for this one-off alpine adventure are essential — and to do so, you can phone The Whitt on 5777 6024 or email reservations@skivictoria.com.au. Whether you're a snow junkie, a spice lover or both, Chin Chin at The Whitt is shaping up to be one of winter's hottest reasons to hit the slopes.
Perhaps you were one of the many folks who turned to clay to knead out their lockdown frustrations last year, or maybe you're just looking for a new creative outlet to add to your repertoire. Either way, newly-opened ceramics teaching studio Clae Space is destined to be one of your new happy places. A bright, friendly space situated in the leafy pocket of Research in Melbourne's northeast, Clae is the brainchild of ceramicist Daisy Cooper (Daisy Cooper Ceramics) and partner Joseph Smaje. [caption id="attachment_844598" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daisy Cooper & Joseph Smaje, by Catherine Elise[/caption] The pair has transformed part of their label's light-filled warehouse studio into an inviting teaching space. Here, on the doorstep of the Yarra Valley and Warrandyte, budding ceramic artists can disconnect from the world to immerse themselves in the practice and hone their skills. Under some expert tutelage, no less. Clae Space currently runs a handful of classes, including a six-week Intro to Hand Building course that guides students through the fundamentals of the art, dives into different techniques and sees them each creating their own personal ceramics project. [caption id="attachment_844597" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Catherine Elise[/caption] If you'd rather just get your hands dirty and blow off some steam with a one-off workshop, you'll also find regular 90-minute Taster Sessions, plus themed workshops, and the odd Clay, Wine and Cheese night. Cooper's also hosting regular workshops in the ancient Japanese art of kintsugi, which is centred on the idea of emphasising or celebrating an object's imperfections. In this class, you'll be taught how to use the practice to artfully repair broken ceramics pieces with bold golden seams, creating some unique new homewares for your own pad. Various private classes are available, too, if you fancy a mates' activity that's a little more creatively charged than bottomless brunch. Find Clae Space at Unit 6, 1625 Main Road, Research. Images: Catherine Elise
Benjy's has a dog-friendly karaoke courtyard. We repeat: dog-friendly karaoke. It's yet to be seen if this means doggos are encouraged to sing along, but it's the best regardless. If you've ever found yourself loitering on the northern end of Lygon Street with your diva pup and a song in your heart, your time has come. The venue has a karaoke bar, live bands and musicians, an all-day kitchen (serving vegetarian and vegan fare) and — perhaps most importantly — a beer garden that welcomes all your four-legged friends. The interior is worth a little scream — think Barbie, disco balls and a colour scheme inspired by those candy necklaces you used to crunch in high school. Basically, it provides all the raw ingredients for a banger of a night out — especially if you dress your dog up as Mariah Carey.
Bury all your preconceived notions of Australian films being dry, cerebral art-house wankfests. Mystery Road is the real thing. Writer, director, composer, cinematographer and visionary filmmaker Ivan Sen has delivered a new classic, an outback murder mystery with a rich tide of ideas unravelling and washing around the edges. Mystery Road is a masterclass in first-rate Australian acting. Hugo Weaving plays the kind of male role typical of a Lars Von Trier film: not a villain but a seriously messed-up, creepy bastard. Ryan Kwanten is a diabolically suss and casually racist roo-shooter. But it's Aaron Pedersen who carries the film with a devastating performance as Detective Jay Swan. He's a cowboy, a superman, a protector of a marginalised and deeply suspicious community, and an outsider in an uncaring, corrupt police establishment. Investigating the murder of a young Aboriginal woman, he unearths a trail of prostitution, drug rings and deep social dysfunction in his outback, ex-mission town. With each new body that's found, we feel his heart sink with sorrow — he doesn't have the comfort of distance enjoyed by his white copper colleagues. He's between two worlds, as is Mystery Road itself — it's a small movie but a big story to rival any Hollywood Western, with the desire to speak to a mass audience. The unavoidable political themes and Indigenous cultural perspectives are tethered to the recognisable narrative of a police procedural, making this a familiar but strange viewing experience. It works because it springs from Sen's experience growing up and just hanging out in down-and-out regional towns that have fallen off Australia's map: where the forgotten and poor are fatally vulnerable and totally absent from the national conversation. You might not recognise this set of life-experiences, but you'll recognise the Australianisms — the old-school, sweet-and-sour-pork Chinese restaurant; the characters' casually cagey glances; the quietly funny, laconic turns of phrase. These are all the details of a master storyteller. Mystery Road's slow-beating pulse finally riptides to a heart-stoppingly tense shoot-out. As the film's rhythms crested and fell, I found no easy explanations, no Hollywood signposts, just a genre piece of great complexity, subtlety and sophistication, and troubling beauty. This is an important film, a stunningly entertaining one, and a great one. https://youtube.com/watch?v=n7CmxOOr32I
The Queen Vic's Winter Night Market has wrapped for another year and there's still months to go before its summer version kicks off. Thankfully, in the interim, the precinct is here to fill your Hump Day void with a mini nocturnal market series, when its Europa Night Market returns to brighten up Wednesdays from September 21–October 26. For six weeks, the market will play host to a vibrant Euro-style bazaar, with entertainment and wafting food aromas promising to transport you to a different European destination each week. You can feast your way through over 25 food and drink vendors, shop an array of market stalls, and catch roving entertainers and live tunes, all designed to whisk you away to some far-flung locale. Kicking things off on September 21, the market will be saying 'ciao' to the flavours and sounds of Italy, with bites like Sicilian-style fried arancini and woodfired 400 Gradi pizza, plus entertainment by Siesta Cartel and Elvira. The following week will take you on a trip to Central and Eastern Europe, by way of pierogi, stacks of handmade baklava and traditional dance performances; while October 5 is your ticket to Oktoberfest, with a German-inspired beer hall serving up scores of sausages and Oompah band entertainment to match Brick Lane Brewing's special-release Europa Lager. The Iberian Peninsula will get a look-in on October 12, with piles of paella, Casa Nata's Portuguese tarts and a spot of fiery flamenco, before the following week serves up a Mediterranean affair complete with Croatian-style cevapi wraps, Greek pastries and Turkish dancers. A celebration of all things French wraps up the series on October 26 — bid the Europa Night Market adieu with an evening of oozy raclette, decadent filled croissants and entertainment from classic beret-clad French mime artists. The Europa Night Market returns 5–10pm Wednesdays, from September 21–October 26. Find it at the Queen Victoria Market, corner of Queen and Therry Streets, Melbourne.
Have you ever needed to convey an important message to someone in a big way, but sweated to find the perfect gift to do so? Maybe you needed to say, 'sorry for being a jerk', 'thanks for being a great mate', or simply, 'I love you'. Well, perhaps not surprisingly, there’s a website to fix that problem. Sorry Thanks I Love You is an online store that’s working to reignite the culture of giving. By taking a short personalised shopping quiz based on the person in mind (with questions such as ‘What were they like a kid?’ or ‘What would they do with 24 hours in NYC?’), Sorry Thanks I Love You has everything you could ever need to help you say any of those five little words (you'd hope). The site features handmade accessories, homewares, gourmet foods, fresh flowers from boutique florists and craft beverages sourced from around the world. This holiday season, you’ll be able to see and try out all these goodies for yourself at Sorry Thanks I Love You's new pop-up store in Pran Central. The store will features tonnes of products, including knives carved from Scandinavian reindeer antler, hand-woven Kashmiri scarves and traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping cloths. Gourmet goodies include wheels of Bruny Island cheese and premium single malt whisky distilled in highland Tasmania, which you can taste test in the store. Sorry Thanks I Love You will also be featuring wares from iconic jewellery makers Dinosaur Designs and iconic Finnish design brand Marimekko. The shop will offer gift wrapping for gold coin donation, with proceeds donated to Motor Neuron Disease Australia as part of Sorry Thanks I Love You’s Random Acts of Kindness project. Quality wares, gourmet goodies, and supporting good causes? There's no way your mum can be disappointed this Mothers' Day.
UPDATE: MAY 27, 2019 — Due to an overwhelming response, Matty Matheson's Sydney and Brisbane shows have been moved to bigger venues. The former will now take place at Marrickville's Factory Theatre (previously Oxford Art Factory) and the latter at Newstead's The Triffid (previously Brightside). All tickets already purchased will be valid for the new venues. New tickets for Sydney can be purchased here and Brisbane here. Chef Matty Matheson is stepping out of the kitchen and onto the stage, heading Down Under for an expletive-laden speaking tour next month. Known for his hit TV shows Dead Set On Life and It's Suppertime — and his new New York Times best-selling book, Matty Matheson: A Cookbook — the culinary star and award-winning author will hit up Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A colourful character famed for his larger-than-life personality, Matheson will be dishing up a his cooking (and life) tips, with an audience Q&A and a meet-and-greet session, too. He's set to serve his home truths on topics like addiction and mental health, the #MeToo movement and its impact on the food industry, and a few of his own life's ups and downs, as well as talking about his new web series, Just A Dash. https://www.instagram.com/p/BjKhY6iHrRZ/ Audiences will be treated to a true taste of this foodie legend, as Matheson tweaks each show to best represent himself, even down to the soundtrack plucked straight from his own playlists. MATTY MATHESON 2019 DATES Perth — Rosemount Hotel, Saturday, June 22 Sydney — Factory Theatre (previously Oxford Art Factory), Sunday, June 23 Melbourne — Corner, Tuesday, June 25 Brisbane —The Triffid (previously Brightside), Thursday, June 27 Tickets are $49 and go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, May 21 via the Secret Sounds website.
Whether you're catching up with mates or planning a casual date, Richmond's longstanding Prince Alfred pub is a pretty solid go-to. And now, on top of its usual pub grub, the hotel is offering up Bottomless Wagyu dinners every Sunday evening. Because who doesn't love a good Sunday session with plenty of food and cold bevvies? For two hours, you can fill up on as much wagyu beef as you like for just $35. Plus, you'll be loading up your plate with a bunch of sides — think beer-battered fries, fresh bread and creamy mash. There are two sessions available every week, so you can opt for either a 5pm or 7pm dinner. If you feel like taking things up a notch, you can make things boozy for an additional $20, which will get you unlimited drinks over the course of your sitting, with bourbon, house beer and wine on offer. Want to head down to the pub early? From 4pm onwards you can nab an Aperol spritz or an espresso martini for $15 a pop. If you're keen to book, head here — you'll want to get in quick to nab yourself a table.
Easter in Sydney doesn't just mean chocolate, hot cross buns and whatever other sweet treats the city's eateries happen to come up with at this time of year — it also means the Sydney Royal Easter Show. And, while you won't find the latter at El Camino Cantina's Tex-Mex Mex joint in Melbourne, of course, the chain is getting into the spirit of the event nationwide with its returning limited-edition margarita menu, which it has dubbed The Greatest Rita Show in 2024. For its latest batch of creative flavours, El Camino Cantina is serving up cream'n soda, sour lemonade, bubblegum, sour grape cloud, cherry bomb and chilli triple-buttered popcorn versions, too. The six showbag-inspired ritas are on offer from Monday, March 18–Sunday, April 7, in both 15-oz and 24-oz glasses — and they also come with new drunken bears, which are gummy bears infused with tequila and Grand Marnier. If you'd like to pair your sips with tacos, you'll find The Greatest Rita Show food menu on offer as well. Ever had a puffy taco? It's also a fresh limited-time addition, features a puffed-out taco shell, and comes filled with your choice of steak, marinated prawns, brisket, pulled pork and grilled chicken. To round out the bites, banana fritters are your dessert choice. In Melbourne, you'll find The Greatest Rita Show tempting your tastebuds at El Camino in Fitzroy.
Over 40 street food vendors are set up shop each week at Hank Marvin Market, a street food market happening every Saturday at Alma Park in St Kilda East. Transforming parks into a hub of fresh produce, food trucks and street food stalls, you've got to wonder: who is Hank? More than just a man, Hank Marvin draws on British Cockney slang for 'starving' — and quite rightly so, as Melburnians always seem to be hankering for their next good bite. Founder Paul Wesolek spent years working the market food scene in London, and now he's back to highlight the best of Melbourne's street food vendors — those who are committed to responsible farming methods, seasonality and quality — as well as 20 local traders selling design and fine craft goods. The lineup changes each week, but favourites like Hammer & Tong, Happy Camper Pizza and the Little Mushroom Co. are often there, along with artisan doughnuts from Cobb Lane Bakery and traditional wood-fired bagels from Shtetl Bagels.
The street game experts at Pop-Up Playground are back with their latest citywide adventure. Presented in conjunction with UK-based game designers Fire Hazard, Citydash is a game of mental and physical agility played right here on the streets of Melbourne. The fun begins in the grassy amphitheatre in Federation Square, and runs for roughly an hour. Teams will chase moving targets and decipher clues in real time, all while avoiding capture by the patrolling guards. Basically, it's like orienteering for grown-ups, mashed up with a big game of hide and seek. The game was a highlight of Pop-Up Playground's most recent Fresh Air Festival back in March, and returns with all new challenges and locations. Pop-Up Playground will run three sessions of Citydash across Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31. Tickets are $15 for earlybirds, with sales closing 24 hours before the event. For more information, visit www.citydash.net/melbourne.
Word of advice: if there are any major life decisions you need to make with your partner, perhaps you shouldn't bring them up while queuing at IKEA. And yet, that's exactly where M is standing when he suggests to his partner W that the two of them should think about having a baby. So begins Lungs, the critically acclaimed stage play from British playwright Duncan Macmillan, which makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Theatre Company on February 5. Kate Atkinson and Bert LaBonté star as the indecisive couple in question, whose fears and anxieties come bubbling to the surface as they consider starting a family. With the planet in such a bad state already, what is the moral cost of bringing a new life into the world? Lungs shapes up as a funny, poignant look at one of the most importance choices two people can ever make.
South Yarra's retro dive bar Leonard's House of Love is gearing up for a venue takeover this weekend when Sydney's famed burger joint Mary's comes to town for a greasy Sunday session. The House of Hell party starts at 2pm on Sunday, November 18 and goes until the wee hours, with the Mary's team taking over both the kitchen and bar. Leonard's usual ski trip-party atmosphere will be met with the rock 'n' roll vibes from the Mary's crew, and the tunes will likely follow suit. While most menu details are scarce, we do know there will be a list of funky specialty cocktails that includes the Unicorn Coola — a concoction of pet nat wine and watermelon juice, topped with a heaping portion of fairy floss and 100s and 1000s. In the kitchen, expect Mary's signature Maccas-style burgers (including the vego-friendly mushroom burger) on the menu. Its beloved fried chicken might even make an appearance, too. Whatever the menu, it's all in limited quantities, so get in early to avoid missing out on the best bits. Image: Mary's, Sydney.
It only takes one perfect record to make a musician a legend. For Ms Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was that album. The American singer and rapper fronted The Fugees before dropping her only solo release. She starred in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit as well. But come 1998, when the record that bears her name hit, it ensured that she'd always be an icon. 2023 marks 25 years since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill first arrived — and to celebrate, Hill is touring. Down Under, she has locked in three stops, including a stadium show on Tuesday, October 3 at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Home to singles 'Doo Wop (That Thing)', 'Ex-Factor', 'Everything Is Everything', 'Lost Ones' and 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You', The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a smash on the charts, with critics and at the Grammys. It peaked at number two in Australia; has been named in oh-so-many lists of 90s, hip hop and rap records, as well as albums of all time and releases by women; and earned five Grammys from ten nominations. During her tour, Hill will play tracks from her time with The Fugees, too — killing audiences softly with the iconic cover that the band is best known for, plus 'Ready or Not', 'Fu-Gee-La' and more. Top image: Città di Parma via Wikimedia Commons.
Online wine store Vinomofo is set to launch its next collab wine and you're invited to the party. Betty's Game rosé bar will pop-up in the incredibly leafy Glasshaus Inside on Saturday, September 22 from 1–5pm. And there'll be free wine tasting, free wine ice cream and dinosaur-themed everything. The rosé — which was made in partnership with Adam Foster from Heathcote's Syrahmi wines — comes just in time for spring. Vinomofo's wine experts will be in the 'haus', doling out free tastings of both Betty's Game and other labels from its collaboration series. The retailer is also bringing back its Winescream in a new rosé gelato flavour — and passing it around for free. Since the label was inspired by Jurassic Park, it'll be a dino-centric event with prizes, giveaways and giant board games. There'll be bottles and wines-by-the-glass for purchase and Mexican street food by Woofys, too. And the Glasshaus Institute will be operating as usual, so you can nab a potted plant to take home with your bottle.
There's something very human about pulling up a chair to watch a sports final with cold drinks and hot food in hand until the last siren. Come grand final season (the best time of year), it's easy to watch the game at home, but squeezing the whole group onto one couch and keeping them happy with chips and party pies isn't what you want. Instead, why not venture out across town? These venues around Melbourne have unmissable offerings for the AFL Grand Final weekend. Head to any of the venues to watch any of the final matches or snag a booking to catch the big game on Saturday, September 28. If you can afford to be picky, pick The Terminus Hotel in Abbotsford. As always, the Terminus team is abandoning the classic grand final specials in favour of something bolder with the return of the annual AFL Grand Final Block Party. Flockhart Street will be closed for the day to play host to big-screen broadcasts, bottomless drinks, roaming canapés and live music before and after the game itself from $109pp. If you're a bit of a footy diehard, former Collingwood player Dane Swan will be visiting Imperial Hotel on Bourke Street for a breakfast meet and greet. Tickets are $95pp and include a breakfast package and guaranteed seats for the game later in the day. If the game is just part of the day for you, Garden State Hotel will offer a beverage package for $135pp that includes the game and live music until 3am (whether you're celebrating a win or recovering from a loss). Across the river, Hopscotch is offering a siren-to-siren beverage and share plates package for $109pp. The offerings continue all across town. The Espy will have the game screening in the Gerswhin Room alongside three hours of drinks and snacks for $110pp. Middle Park Hotel has a similar offer with its VIP package: a drink on entry, roaming canapés and premium reserved seating for $49pp. The Prince Alfred Hotel is making a whole long weekend out of the occasion — with live music and a DJ on Thursday the 26th from 4pm until late and an extended happy hour from 3–7pm on Thursday. Come Saturday, a DJ will follow the big game until late, and there's even live music from 2–5pm on Sunday the 29th. Finally, the Victoria Hotel in Yarraville will have the game playing on screens big and small throughout the beer garden and sports bar, perfect for enjoying the prime seating, welcome snack and complimentary beer included in the $45pp VIP package. The Local in Port Melbourne will be offering live music from 3pm on Friday, then a footy raffle entry and live music after the game on Saturday included in your $30pp ticket. If you find yourself in Melbourne's north on game day, our pick would be Brewdog Pentridge, where you can catch the game live and loud when it takes over the beer garden from 11am. For more information on any of these venues, visit the Australian Venue Co. website and download The Pass app to start exploring and claim exclusive rewards across these venues.
Mall Santa season is long gone but exquisitely cheesy photo ops should not be relegated to just one holiday. If you are in need of another seasonal profile pic captured by a talented professional, you are in luck. This Easter, both you and your four-legged friend can roll up to Moonee Ponds Central and get the deed done. From Saturday, April 2, running through to Easter Thursday on April 14, families, housemates, pals and pets are all welcome so there's no minimum age required to be the star of the shoot. Need a colourful new head shot? Here's your chance! Just don't forget to book. And remember to wear something eggcellent. To book your next family portrait, head to the website.
Shannon Bennett has injected colour and vibrance into the Royal Botanic Gardens' once tired Observatory cafe, reviving the large space as Jardin Tan to create the perfect spot for families, joggers, tourists and Melburnians alike. With prime position overlooking the Shrine of Remembrance, Jardin Tan sets out to please with its multiple dining areas. Grab a snack from the front-of-house kiosk to keep you going as you stroll the gardens, get down to business in the glassed atrium, or sit out the back near the blossoming fig tree on the sun-drenched deck. Any way you decide, it's clear that the space has been designed to maximise the location. It's a stunning space that glistens with colour, glass and a bit of neon — for good measure. With a menu that calls upon a little bit of history and is inspired by the fusion of cuisines created by France's colonisation of Vietnam, Jardin Tan's food offering is just as dynamic. Depending on the time of day, sink your teeth into carefully crafted small and large plates that are bursting with clever combinations. Consider the banana blossom salad, with prawn, papaya, tofu and green mango ($16.50) or the banh cuon, with noodle wrapped pork mince, mint and fish sauce ($14). At breakfast, don't miss the banh xeo (crispy pancake with pork and shrimp; $18) washed down with a Vietnamese iced coffee ($6) for an authentic start to the day. Fresh cakes and croissants litter the main counter, courtesy of Burnham Beeches bakery in the Dandenongs – another of Bennett's newest ventures – as well as a wide variety of daily salads. Recently extended hours also mean that Jardin Tan is now open for dinner seven nights a week, bar menu included. Given summer in Melbourne, it couldn't be better timed. Jardin Tan probably isn’t the cheapest Vietnamese in the city, but it comes close to ticking all the boxes: fresh produce, great location, and decent coffee. If you're after a welcoming space that provides just enough exoticism in its Melbourne roots, this is it.
When gallery owner Susan (Amy Adams) first rifles through a manuscript penned by her ex-husband Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal), the pages draw blood. Her finger bleeds from a simple paper cut, but another, unseen wound also opens — one caused by her actions 19 years earlier, that she thought her now-strained second marriage to the wealthy Hutton (Armie Hammer) had healed. Already an insomniac and riddled with stress about her latest exhibition opening, she's drawn to the dark tale told found within those pages. There, a man by the name of Tony (also played by Gyllenhaal) finds his family holiday with his wife (Isla Fisher) and daughter (Ellie Bamber) interrupted by Texan troublemakers (including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Karl Glusman). Before long, the story segues from road rage terror to nightmarish tragedy to an account of violence that can only be solved with more of the same. As Susan reads, ravenously leafing through the novel at any moment that she can, it inspires memories of her younger, happier days with Edward. That's the film's second narrative within a narrative, one in which Susan earns the disapproval of her mother (Laura Linney) by wedding a writer of little means, and then struggles as their married bliss inevitably falters. And so Nocturnal Animals becomes a nesting doll of pain, heartbreak, betrayal, sorrow and, eventually, revenge. Alluring exteriors hide ugly depths on multiple levels. The film constantly juxtaposes beauty and horror; an opening sequence is filled with fleshy, scantily clad women dancing in a cloud of glitter. Who better than director Tom Ford to usher audiences into such a seductive, psychologically complex world? Nocturnal Animals is a bolder, blunter and more brutal movie than the fashion designer turned filmmaker's first effort behind the lens, A Single Man. In adapting Austin Wright's 1993 novel Tony and Susan, the writer-director proves that he still knows how to provoke a reaction. Still, where A Single Man heaved with emotion as it bewitched the eye, Nocturnal Animals seethes with emptiness. As shot by cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, the film's glossy visuals feel like vacant vessels, styled meticulously, and yet never containing more than the obvious. In a pulpy, throwaway thriller, that's fine, but Ford aims much higher than that. Ensuring that his feature wears his clear influences, from Alfred Hitchcock and Brian de Palma to David Lynch and Douglas Sirk, prominently on its impeccably dressed sleeves, he strives to craft a sensual, suspenseful exploration of regret, and the aches that mistakes can bring. Sadly, he comes up short. The cast of the work is expectedly first-rate, from the glassy-eyed Adams to the increasingly frantic Gyllenhaal to the ever-stellar, scene-stealing Michael Shannon as a cop helping Tony seek justice. Some play real characters within the world of the film, while others are literary manifestations of decades worth of pain. But then if there's one thing that Ford excels at as much as making his features look stunning, it's casting. Everyone's performance is perfectly pitched, which is perhaps why the overall lack of feeling behind the film's luxurious facade feels so very disappointing.
That most wonderful of foodstuffs is getting one day to call its own when Queen Vic Market dedicates a whole ten hours to the dumplings of the world. The market is celebrating tasty things in parcels from Italy, Nepal, India, Poland and Japan when it hosts the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival. Wander through the market's stalls anytime from midday to 10pm on Monday, November 4, and you'll find xiao long bao, pierogies, momos, matzah balls, gyoza and more to gorge. If you need a short break from stuffing your face with dumplings, you'll be able to pause and enjoy roaming performers, face painting and DJs. If you want to eat even more, we suggest joining the all-important dumpling eating competition. While entry is free, you will need to register online to get in — so hop to it over here. Melbourne International Dumpling Festival runs from midday–10pm.
If you haven't been able to book a trip to Spain in 2019, this dinner may be a very tasty consolation — stunning St Kilda bar Pontoon is throwing a paella party by the water. Across three days — Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 — the beachside bar will be serving up bottomless pans of the tasty Spanish dish. For just $25, guests will have two hours of endless access to three takes on paella. You'll be able to choose form arroz negro, with squid ink black rice, chorizo and squid; a version with chicken, green beans and smoked paprika; and finally a mussel and squid-heavy paella with lots of saffron. Guests might be able to catch Head Chef Rhys Hunter in action, too, whipping up a big pans of paella in the fiery kitchen — which you'll then be able to enjoy out on the beachfront deck. And of course, there's no chance of going thirsty — the bar's lineup of top Spanish wines and jugs of sangria are a perfect match, both to the rice dish and to those stunning beach views. While the bottomless feed will only set you back $25, you will need a minimum of two people to enjoy the deal — so call a mate and make a date ASAP. To make a booking, call (03) 9525 5445 or email ahoy@pontoonstkildabeach.com.au. Bottomless paella is available from midday. Images: Simon Shiff
