It's safe to say Gami Chicken and Beer has secured its status as one of Australia's go-to fried chicken joints, slinging its signature Korean-style chook from 26 locations across the country. Now, it's set to launch four stores in Melbourne's west, kicking off with one in Werribee. And, to celebrate, Gami is giving Melburnians a few very good reasons to jump on board, handing out a whopping 1000 pieces of its boneless fried chicken — for free. These fried chicken morsels — RSPCA-approved and rocking Gami's signature blend of 17 herbs and spices — will be up for grabs at midday and again 5pm, on both Tuesday, December 15 and Wednesday, December 16 at the new location. The chain has yet to mention any restrictions, such as one piece per person, but there will only be 250 pieces available at each session — so you should head in early if you want a freebie. Once you're hooked, you're probably going to want to schedule a return visit pretty quick, to try other Gami favourites like the chicken spare ribs, the vegetarian chicken and the aptly named Potato Heaven, featuring three layers of cheesy potato goodness, and chilled Gunbae lagers from Brunswick's Thunder Road Brewery. And if you can't make it down for a free piece, the Watton Street store is already open for lunch and dinner daily. Gami Fried Chicken Giveaway runs from 12–12.30pm and 5–5.30pm each day.
Since interstate borders began to ease in late 2020, airlines have been launching flight sales left, right and centre to encourage travel-starved Aussies to explore their own backyards. The latest super-cheap deal focuses on one particular route, between Sydney and Melbourne — and three different carriers are all offering up bargains. It all started with Rex, which announced last year that it'd start flying between the two cities for the first time in 2021. The airline kicked off the route at the beginning of March, and now it's doing $39 fares from Sydney to Melbourne. That cost includes up to 23 kilograms of checked baggage, as well as onboard refreshments. And, it's available on flights until Saturday, August 28. When Rex announced its new bargain fares yesterday, Monday, May 3, it flagged that it expected its rivals to follow in its footsteps. "The resulting copycat moves from our competitors will mean that there will be hundreds of thousands of $39 fares available," said John Sharp, Deputy Chairman of Rex. Unsurprisingly, that's exactly what has happened, with Virgin and Jetstar also offering their own ultra-cheap flights between the New South Wales and Victorian capitals. Virgin Australia is also doing $39 flights, and its fares also include checked baggage, as well as seat selection. The airline has stopped handing out free snacks to economy passengers, though. If you book with the carrier, you can nab the special price for trips up until Wednesday, December 15. Over at Jetstar, $30 fares are on offer. That means that you'll save $9 each way, but you'll only receive seven kilograms of carry-on baggage and none of checked luggage. At the time of writing, the cheap price is available on flights up until Tuesday, August 31. It's worth noting that the $30–39 fares aren't on offer for every single economy seat on every flight between the two cities — so, depending on exactly when you want to travel, you may end up paying extra. But, if you're a Sydneysider keen to head south for a getaway, perhaps to attending the new Rising Festival, visit ACMI's upcoming Disney exhibition or see Moulin Rouge! The Musical, you have plenty of cheap flight options. For Melburnians eager to watch Hamilton, make a date with Vivid's bright lights or head to Sydney's new winter fest, that's also the case. For further details about Jetstar, Virgin and Rex's cheap Sydney–Melbourne flights, and to book, head to the Jetstar, Virgin and Rex websites.
Just shy of 18, Fitzroy's Polly Bar is no young'un — though it sure knows how to party as if it were. Head along on Saturday, September 16, and witness those youthful moves first-hand, as the Brunswick Street bar trips back in time to the glory days of 1999 in celebration of its milestone birthday. You're invited to don your finest pre-2000 threads and spend an evening kicking it old-school with '90s tunes and retro cocktails at this local legend velvet-clad bar. Get ready to turn back the clock with liquid treats like the tropical Blue Hawaiian, the froth-topped Fluffy Duck, London's famous Fig Bramble, and even the Screaming Orgasm, which Polly bar staff will be serving over a scoop of neapolitan ice cream. The best part? Prices will be turning back to 1999 as well.
Step into the future at the sixth annual Melbourne Knowledge Week, with a lineup of talks and workshops built around the very latest in social and technological innovation. An initiative of the City of Melbourne, this year's program features more than 50 events across 35 different venues, ranging from forums with leading scientists, thinkers and entrepreneurs, to brainstorming sessions with time-travellers Doc Brown and Marty McFly. That last event, hosted by The Carlton Connect Initiative, lets participants pitch their ideas for a Back to the Future movie set in the year 2041. Other highlights of the seven-day ideas festival include talks on wearable tech, virtual reality and gamification, The RMIT Global Futures Forum on the challenges and opportunities facing international business, and Speed Date a Leader, wherein you get to network with some of Melbourne's most successful industry leaders. Who knows — you may even get lucky. For the full Melbourne Knowledge Week program, go here.
In a year where lots of time was spent tripping in and out of lockdowns, both the ups and downs were plentiful. While stay-at-home orders were a curse we could have all done happily without, we also saw wins like the debut of a much-anticipated citywide arts fest, a suite of clever culinary pop-ups and a joyful post-lockdown music festival descending on the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. What's more, Melbourne scored an abundance of new venues to add to that ever-growing list of must-visits; from glamorous restaurants to suburban brewery bars. We pulled together a shortlist of our favourite new venues and the most exciting events that saw us all through this year's good times and bad as part of Concrete Playground's Best of 2021 Awards. And now, we're presenting the cream of the crop, with both a reader-voted People's Choice award and an overall CP Pick in each of these categories: Best New Restaurant Best New Bar Best Event Best New Space Best Lockdown Pivot So, without further ado, here are your winners for 2021: BEST NEW EVENT [caption id="attachment_752127" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wade Malligan[/caption] CP PICK: PLAY ON VICTORIA On October 30, as we slowly emerged from yet another lengthy lockdown, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl hosted Melbourne's first big event in months: new one-day music fest Play On Victoria. Unsurprisingly a sell-out success, it was held for a solely double-vaccinated audience of 4000 punters, in an effort to test the state's reopening settings in the post-lockdown period. It also gifted us with a long-awaited opportunity to catch some live tunes, after one heck of a musical dry spell. Local music-lovers got right back into the swing of things, as acts like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Baker Boy, Amyl and the Sniffers, Grace Cummings, and Vika and Linda Bull all took to the stage. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: VAN GOGH AT THE LUME After years of hype, Melbourne's new 3000-square-metre, 11-metre-high immersive digital art gallery opened in November, set to project some of the world's most famous artworks in large-scale format. Its inaugural exhibition is currently celebrating the works and life of Vincent van Gogh, allowing you to walk through his famous masterpieces including The Starry Night and Sunflowers. For the latter, there's a dedicated mirror infinity room filled with sunflowers. Elsewhere, expect a reimagined Café Terrace 1888, and a life-size recreation of Van Gogh's The Bedroom. On top of that, a carefully curated fusion of colour, sound, taste and aroma lets you experience the works of the famed Dutch artist like never before. After a stack of time spent cooped up at home, it's no surprise this multi-sensory wonder has been going down a treat with Melburnians. BEST LOCKDOWN PIVOT CP PICK: GOMI RAMEN SHOP Melbourne chefs Ryan Maher and Ben Reardon launched their ramen delivery business back in June 2020, dropping handmade, ready-to-heat soup kits to select suburbs each week under the Gomi Boys label. The orders kept flooding in and the fanbase continued to grow — so much so, that the duo were able to crowd-fund their first bricks-and-mortar venue this year, with Gomi Ramen Bar opening its doors on Sydney Road this month. The 60-seat eatery is serving a range of the guys' cult-favourite ramen varieties, heroing their slurp-worthy hand-made noodles, house-made ferments, preserves and flavour-packed broths. Head in now to find the likes of a niboshi tonkotsu with pork and chicken, and a mushroom miso number, alongside loads of Japanese snacks. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: CA COM BÁNH MÌ BAR When Anchovy co-owners Jia-Yen Lee and Thi Le first started slinging khao jee pâté — the Lao cousin of the Vietnamese banh mi — from a window during last year's lockdown, it was never meant to become a permanent venture. But as the pandemic continued and the street food offering earned itself a loyal following, it became clear the Ca Com pop-up was here for the long run. Now, it's spawned its own standalone shopfront next door. Named after the Vietnamese words for 'anchovy', Ca Com's rotating banh mi menu was exactly the kind of accessible, lockdown-friendly fare the neighbourhood was craving. The pop-up has run on and off through lockdowns, with a hibachi on the window sill used to barbecue proteins. The lineup changes regularly, giving the team a chance to flex their creativity and trial new flavour combinations for its many dedicated Melbourne fans. BEST NEW BAR CP PICK: PEARL DIVER COCKTAIL & OYSTERS Arriving just in time for the festive season and its associated indulgences, Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters is a sparkling newcomer from The Speakeasy Group's (Eau de Vie, Nick & Nora's, Mjolner) Alex Boon and Pez Collier. Its focus is on memorable, produce-driven cocktails and oysters sourced from the country's best-growing regions. Libations show respect for individual ingredients and a penchant for creativity, while an oft-changing wine list represents only that which is 'fun' and 'delicious'. Oysters are the kitchen's headline act, served au naturale, dressed (think, creme fraiche and caviar, or a lemon granita) or cooked. Other upscale snacks include the likes of a duck terrine, house-made buffalo halloumi, and comté-topped waffle fries. [caption id="attachment_812442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Blachford[/caption] PEOPLE'S CHOICE: HOPE ST RADIO The new wine bar and kitchen from internet radio station Hope St Radio became a go-to for knock-offs in the inner north. It's an expansive indoor-outdoor space beside Collingwood Yards' central courtyard, decked out with timber booths and mural art by Alice McIntosh. Chef Ellie Bouhadana's food offering heroes after-work snacks and dinner options; best enjoyed alongside local beers and sustainably-produced wines. The menu rotates regularly, though expect plates like lamb rigatoni, marinated sardines, and focaccia with whipped garlic and thyme butter. Unsurprisingly, music is a big part of the bar's DNA, with a custom sound set-up featuring tunes from Hope St's expert curation of artists, and a live broadcast program to keep you buzzing through the end of each week. BEST NEW RESTAURANT CP PICK: ROBATA From the team behind South American eateries San Telmo, Pastuso, Palermo and Asado, comes this playful, neon-heavy restaurant taking its cues from the streets of Tokyo. Robata embraces the art of charcoal grilling, celebrating Japanese techniques and traditions with its custom-built robatayaki grill. An izakaya-style menu is headlined by yakitori and kushiyaki skewers cooked over charcoal; including the must-try chicken meatballs with cured yolk and tare sauce. You'll find various sashimi and small bites, too, alongside larger Japanese-accented plates. Meanwhile, the bar's pouring a strong spread of sake, Japanese whisky and craft brews, backed by clever cocktails like the shochu-infused espresso martini. [caption id="attachment_833161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James[/caption] PEOPLE'S CHOICE: FARMER'S DAUGHTERS This impressive, three-level venue from acclaimed chef Alejandro Saravia (Pastuso) is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Gippsland's finest produce. On the first floor, a gourmet deli, food store and eatery turns out share-friendly fare like O'Connor beef carpaccio, and crumbed Lakes Entrance fish matched with spring onion hollandaise. Upstairs, the restaurant plates up a more formal celebration of provenance, complete with an open kitchen fuelled by charcoal and wood. It's a sophisticated space of gentle greens and greys, with a seasonal set menu and a Gippsland-focused drinks list. But as the crowning glory, the secluded rooftop cocktail bar is a summertime favourite, delivering innovative, produce-driven sips against a backdrop of native mountain pepper trees. BEST NEW SPACE [caption id="attachment_819111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tom Blachford[/caption] CP PICK: SOCIETY Opened in the new 80 Collins dining precinct, this much-anticipated venture from Chris Lucas (Chin Chin) is sporting a timeless (and dramatic) aesthetic that fuses elements of art deco, mid-century, art nouveau and brutalist sensibilities. And it's guaranteed to wow. The high-impact look plays out strikingly across its two restaurants — Society Dining Room and Lillian Terrace — plus the upmarket Society Lounge bar and various other private spaces. It's the vision of Melbourne designers Russell & George, who worked closely with Lucas to create something that would have a deep connection to the city. They designed every element from the chairs to the dazzling chandeliers, and the spaces are complemented by a curation of works by Victorian artist David Noonan. [caption id="attachment_773820" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharyn Cairns[/caption] PEOPLE'S CHOICE: GIMLET AT CAVENDISH HOUSE When it comes to creating smash-hit venues in stunning spaces, it's no secret legendary chef Andrew McConnell has a knack. He's the mind behind favourites like Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co and Marion, to name a few. And it appears he's done it again with Gimlet — a cocktail bar and restaurant in the CBD's 1920s heritage building Cavendish House. While it originally launched in 2020, thanks to lockdowns this is the first year anyone's had much of a chance to experience its magic. Sydney-based architecture and design studio Acme (The Grounds Of Alexandria) is behind the fitout, which nabbed a commendation in this year's Eat Drink Design Awards. It sees the historic space filled with black and gold marble bars, leather booths, geometric tiles and honeycomb chandeliers inspired by famed Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. Congratulations to all the winners. Our city is a better place with you in them.
Just because you're not surrounded by actual family for the festive season, doesn't mean you can't have the next best thing. Like, say, a big ol' party with some adoptive fam, at Lucky Coq's orphan's Christmas celebration on December 24. The Southside party spot is opening its doors to Melbourne revellers, with a Yuletide shindig that'll run from 4pm until late, taking over the venue's sunny courtyard. And you'll be glad to know there won't be a single dry turkey or bad carol. [caption id="attachment_756091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jake Roden[/caption] Instead, you're in for a dazzling DJ lineup, featuring sounds from the likes of Matt Bates, Nayzi, Morbs and Tom Leese, with a back-to-back set from Tommy G and Mark Sewell. A festive slew of drinks specials includes $5 tinnies of Mountain Goat Lager and $20 Pimms jugs, and when the usual Lucky Hour rocks in from 4–7pm, there'll also be $6 basics, schooners and wine to have you feeling extra merry. Lucky Coq's usual menu of $5 pizzas rounds out the fun. Images: Jake Roden
Grab your specs, all you book worms and literary nerds out there, because the program for this year's Melbourne Writers Festival has finally been unveiled. Running from August 25 until September 3, this year's festival lineup is packed cover-to-cover with authors, journalists, activists, historians, bloggers, playwrights and more. The festival will begin with an address on Australian Identity by two-time Miles Franklin Literary Award winner Kim Scott. The evening will continue with an opening night party featuring music by Indigenous and Torres Straight Island artists curated by DJ Sovereign Trax. Scott is one of a number of prominent local guests; others include ABC journalist Stan Grant, social commentator and writer Jane Caro, author and journalist Benjamin Law and engineer and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Major international guests, meanwhile, include journalist and transgender activist Janet Mock, National Book Award winning author Joyce Carol Oates, young adult writer Angie Thomas and former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor. The festival will wrap up with a talk from Robert Fisk, a journalist for The Independent who has reported from battlefields in Syria, Iraq, Algeria, Afghanistan and Lebanon. Plus, there will be a glorious day filled with free Harry Potter activities, including readings, performances and a Sorting Hat. It says it's "for families" but we doubt they'd kick you out. "Literature has always been a platform for revolutionary ideas and a way to escape the politics of despair," festival director Lisa Dempster said. "Melbourne Writers Festival will explore the darkness of discrimination, oppression and war, but the program is threaded through with hope. We're listening to voices too long shut out, searching for the ideas that can bring us out of dark places and into the light." The Melbourne Writers Festival will take place on August 25 till September 3. Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday, July 21. For the full program visit mwf.com.au.
Poodle Bar & Bistro, aka The Kennel, is celebrating its 5th birthday in style this Labour Day long weekend. Renowned for its European-style cuisine, moody interiors and stellar cocktail selection, this not-so-old dog is breaking out a few new tricks to ring in the occasion, with the venue's biggest-ever free party. Kicking things off at 2pm, deli-sandwich newcomer Carlito's will be in the house serving hot and fresh Italian sandwiches. As you'd expect, party cocktails will be pouring late into the night, while you can always satiate yourself with Poodle's house-made plonk for a cheaper alternative. Then, make your way upstairs to the first-ever Poodle Private Dining Rave Room with Turbo Thot on the decks – it'll be as debaucherous as it sounds. Every birthday bash needs a killer soundtrack – good thing the DJ lineup is stacked with talent, as DJ Sarah (in2stellar), Pjenné, Yumdoggmillionaire, Myles Mac and DJ Possum guide the tunes across the rest of the venue. Entry is free, but RSVP is required to attend. Just know, you're gonna need some hair of the dog come Monday morning. [caption id="attachment_993580" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Michael Pham[/caption]
It's been a big year for Melbourne's iconic cocktail haunt The Everleigh, first scoring a nomination at The Spirited Awards for Best International Cocktail Bar, and in July unveiling a sleek new look after a much-hyped makeover. So it's only fitting that the world-class bar has some very big things planned for it's sixth birthday party later this month. One and all are invited to join in the fun on Sunday, September 24, as The Everleigh welcomes its sixth year in fine form, with a 1960s Vegas-themed birthday extravaganza. Infused with all the glitz and glamour of this golden era and taking cues from the city's iconic Sands Hotel, it'll be one for the press pages. Prepare yourself for an evening of live performances, show girls, big bands and of course, plenty of exceptional drinks. The Everleigh will be showing off its new-look digs in all their elegant, old-world glory, including the latest addition, The Starling Room. Starting scouting out some worthy party threads now — you'll need to dress to impress Marlene Dietrich and Frank Sinatra, specifically. Image: James Morgan.
Somewhere between Margaret Preston and that giant plastic island, Australia popped its domestic relationship with nature on the backburner. Chrysanthemum versus bottlebrush? Sorry, we cried, but we have bigger fish to fry (sorry for the fish jokes,Torsten Knorr). That is, unless you have been hanging our around Flinders Lane or Melbourne-based artist Vicki Mason, in which case you will know that our hedgerows are as topical as ever. The New-Zealand born jeweller has taken over Craft's Gallery One with pieces inspired by the front gardens of South-West Melbourne. Vignettes from a Suburban Front Yard is a collection that returns to ideas of private versus public, recurring fashions and suburban house pride with fresh eyes. In fact you might want to ignore what I said earlier about bigger fish, because Mason is taking on a whale with Vignettes — the artist would like to open up a dialogue about the consequences of aspiring to a rural aesthetic within the realities of urban sprawl, and the associated challenges for Australia... And, there goes Wordsworth rolling around in his grave again.
No matter how cold it gets, Melburnians are never ones to say no to a scoop of ice cream. But the city's newest ice cream treat is undeniably summery — and it's almost too cute to eat. Gracing the menu at South Korean soft serve joint Milkcow for a limited time, this watermelon ice cream sandwich features a juicy wedge of watermelon filled with vegan and dairy-free watermelon ice cream and sprinkled with pink Himalayan rock salt. Even those seeds are edible, made from chocolate chips. Milkcow's version of the frosty treat riffs on the one originally created by Dominique Ansel (of cronut fame) for the Tokyo store, and, more locally, Double Good at Brisbane's Eat Street Markets. A post shared by Dominique Ansel Bakery Japan (@dabjapan) on Aug 22, 2017 at 6:58pm PDT But if you want to get your hands on it now that it's landed in Melbourne, you'll have to be quick — it's only a temporary menu addition, with limited serves sold each day. You can get the watermelon ice cream sandwich at Milkcow, 287 Swanston Street and Level 2, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Ensure this weekend's lockdown dinner is a ducking good one, with a little help from Firebird. On Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, the flame-fuelled Vietnamese restaurant is bringing back its much-loved Mighty Ducks dinner packs for a special cameo appearance. But there's only 50 up for grabs, so you'll need to get in quick to nab one. Celebrating a Viet-style spin on French duck a l'orange, each meal box comes ready to heat and eat, kitted out with a whole roast duck, dressed egg noodles, gai lan, pickled ginger and grilled orange. There's also a serve of Firebird's signature 'excellent sauce' to tie it all together. Each standard pack feeds two to four people for an easy $70. Though you can also add on extra sides and various bottles of wine from Firebird's online store. Order in advance for pick up from the restaurant between 5.30–7pm either day, otherwise delivery is available for addresses within 10 kilometres. [caption id="attachment_764369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Firebird, by Jana Langhorst[/caption] Top Images: Jake Ellis
If you hadn't heard of Marionette before, chances are you have now. The Melbourne-born drinks label, which makes fruit liqueurs with a distinctly Aussie twist, is fast becoming a staple at bars across the city. Oh, and one of its four local founders was just named Australia's Best Bartender for 2022. But if you're yet to get acquainted with this innovative producer, you'll find the perfect opportunity this winter at Quincy Melbourne's club lounge The Q, as it hosts its Winter Orchard in the Sky. Each Thursday to Sunday throughout July and August, the sky-high hotel bar will be showcasing Marionette's unique fruit-forward creations, which reimagine European classics (think, Cointreau and Campari) with local ingredients like Mildura oranges and Tasmanian blackberries. Not only will you be able to sample the entire range straight or with ice, but The Q will be shaking up a special limited-edition cocktail menu celebrating Marionette's finest. Get set for creations like the Blackberry — fusing the Marionette Mure with JimmyRum Silver, lemon, ginger and Vietnamese mint — and another concoction starring Marionette Cassis with tequila, lime and ginger beer. What's more, if you visit on Friday, July 15, or Saturday, July 30, you'll catch the aforementioned top-ranked bartender Nick Tesar (Bar Liberty) on the tools for a couple of special guest appearances. [caption id="attachment_861330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Q[/caption] Top Images: The Q
Wine is a good time. Whether you're cracking a bottle of bubbly to celebrate something big or sipping a glass of red as you cook a midweek dinner, grape juice is a solid booze option. With so many wineries, grape varieties, styles, vintages, terroirs and tannins, the world of wine is both fascinating and exceedingly overwhelming. At the end of the day, though, you just want a tasty wine that'll suit your current scenario, which is where we come in. For the sake of journalism (and our love of wine), we teamed up with Vivino to chat about the wines we've been drinking, sipping and sinking this season. From juicy pink-hued pét-nats and stone fruit-forward skin contact vinos to zippy whites and inky Aussie reds that pair exceptionally well with spag bol, these bottles are the ones we reach for time and time again — and we reckon you will, too. Need to know even more about the drop you're about to drink? Then take a snap of the bottle in your hand — or simply search for it — in the Vivino app. There, you'll find zero-bullshit reviews, ratings, taste characteristics and prices from more regular wine drinkers. And, if you can't be bothered to track down a bottle IRL, you can also purchase some of them from Vivino, too, and get it delivered straight to your door. 2020 UNICO ZELO ESOTERICO SKIN CONTACT BLEND It's extremely rare that I buy the same wine more than once — I am, after all, an attention span-lacking millennial obsessed with the next shiny new thing. So, for a drop to have a permanent spot in my liquor lineup is a big deal. Enter Esoterico, from Adelaide Hills-based winery Unico Zelo. This amber-hued drop, made from a blend of fiano, zibbibo, moscato giallo, gewürztraminer and greco, is a real all-rounder. It carried me through some pivotal 2021 moments; its decent level of texture and funkiness made all those lockdown loungeroom parties a little more fun. It has notes of citrus and stone fruits, particularly mandarin and apricot, so it was the perfect drop during the picnic era. And it's acidic — almost spicy — so it has served me well over summer, too. Want more reviews? Check them out on Vivino, then buy yourself a bottle. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_833746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Teague[/caption] 2020 BODEGA ALBAMAR ALBARIŃO At an early Sunday dinner at recently opened wine bar La Salut, in Sydney's Redfern, I had a delightful glass of albariño from the Rías Baixas region in Spain (an area famous for that particular grape type). This wine is all bright, vibrant, delicate citrus vibes — extremely non-intimidating — and was the perfect bedfellow to the salty flavour-packed Catalan-inspired bites. It's like the white wine equivalent of running through a sprinkler after an innings of cricket on a hot summer day. But with alcohol! You can read more reviews of Albamar Albariño on Vivino. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director 2021 EXPRESS WINEMAKERS L'ORANGE SKIN CONTACT WHITE Hailing from a single vineyard in the deep south of WA, the amber-hued L'Orange from Express Winemakers brings sunshine straight to my hand. The skin contact white — mostly riesling, with a dash of semillon — is bright, juicy and sends off the same vit C vibes that its namesake fruit does. Ryan O'Meara, the young and fun gung-ho winemaker, kept those precious skins on for six days to deliver a tart, textured drop that's everything you'd expect from a skinsy sip. I'm a pét-nat lover at heart, but this white is the perfect go-between. I've got a bottle sitting tight for my upcoming weekender in western NSW, and I'll be pouring an ice-cold glass for my whole gang before we watch that golden sun set and breathe in the fresh country air. Want to nab yourself a glass too? You can purchase it from Vivino. Grace MacKenzie, Junior Staff Writer 2020 ARFION FEVER SKIN CONTACT BLEND Whenever I feel like drinking wine, I like to leave it to the experts. This includes when I'm at my local bottle-o, where most of my interactions with the staff usually go something like this: they see me staring in the skin contact wine section, they sniff out that I'm clueless, they ask me what I like, then they recommend a drop — and they always get it right. A recent delight was the 2020 Arfion Fever from the Yarra Valley. This bright, refined orange wine is a blend of five varieties — pinot gris, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, pinot noir and savagnin — that are fermented on skins, and the result is criminally delicious. It's one of those wines where, after the first sip, my partner and I gave each other an involuntary and knowing nod to say we'd be buying another bottle of this moreish nectar. And that we did — twice. Check out more reviews of Arfion Fever on Vivino. Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Producer 2021 BRAVE NEW WINE NAT DADDY PÉT-NAT Brave New Wine's Nat Daddy pét-nat became my go-to drop for the wave of picnics that hit during that two-week period last year when al fresco hangs were the only way you could see your mates. The fizzy and fruity blend of shiraz and sauvignon blanc basically begs to be drunk on a warm afternoon in the park. Brave New Wine has been producing vibrant, highly drinkable wines out of Western Australia's Great Southern wine region for the past five years. Each bottle is created with minimal intervention, is naturally fermented, and comes adorned with a fun eye-catching label that sets the tone for the light and breezy pét-nat. While variety is the spice of life, I keep coming back to Nat Daddy — and it's sure to feature heavily in my plans throughout 2022. Want to know more about this bottle of bubbly? You can read more reviews of Brave New Wine Nat Daddy on Vivino. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer 2019 GRANT BURGE BAROSSA INK SHIRAZ As the only New Zealand-based team member, I should absolutely be advocating for any of the world-class Kiwi drops. Instead, I'm risking my citizenship and coming in hot with this big, bold South Australian number, which has received cult-like status in recent years (it actually took home the top gong for wines under $25 in Australia's Vivino Community Awards). This wine has been named Ink Shiraz as it's so rich and full-bodied that it almost has a Ribena-like quality, making it the best accompaniment to a giant steak or a table full of Italian food. I know what you're thinking — a rich red, Sarah? In summer? But hear me out. Book in a night to yourself at home, turn the air-con as low it can go, and enjoy a large glass of this with a giant bowl of spag bol and the latest episode of Succession. Instant happiness. So, buy yourself a bottle of Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz from Vivino, stat. Sarah Templeton, New Zealand Editor 2020 KERRI GREENS PINOTS DE MORNINGTON ROSÉ If you're after a vino primed for catch-ups, this unfiltered drop from the Mornington Peninsula's Kerri Greens will definitely be your groove. When it comes to pink wine, the Pinots de Mornington rosé is my go-to. It's dry and moreish, with good texture and creaminess, and a taste that's reminiscent of fresh strawberries and cream. The blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot gris grapes also delivers some fun forest fruit flavours. It's also the kind of sip that stands up well alongside food — a handy trait if you like to snack your way through a Sunday sesh like me. Hot tip: match it with some fresh prawns and you'll be one happy chappy. All up, this drop is essential summer quaffing, and a primo accompaniment to beach picnics, barbecues and park sessions alike — and that's coming from a diehard beer fiend. Sound good? You can read more reviews of Kerri Greens Pinots de Mornington on Vivino, too. Libby Curran, Staff Writer Download the Vivino app and start discovering more ideal summer sips to stock up on — then buy them straight from the app. For more wine inspo, check out this year's Vivino Community Awards. Top image: Winona, Kitti Gould.
In 2024, Doja Cat topped the Triple J Hottest 100 of songs from 2023 and added Coachella headliner to her list of achievements. This year, she's notching up a first touring-wise: the superstar's debut arena gigs in Australia. Come December 2025, the 'Say So', 'Kiss Me More' and 'Vegas' talent will hit Melbourne, playing on Tuesday, November 25 at Rod Laver Arena. Her Aussie (and NZ) shows are part of the rapper's Ma Vie world tour, which also has international stints in Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok and Kaohsiung locked in for December. The run of dates takes its name from Doja Cat's upcoming fifth album Vie. Expect to hear Jack Antonoff- and Y2K-produced single 'Jealous Type' as part of her set, with new tune first debuted live at San Francisco's Outside Lands Music Festival at the beginning of August. [caption id="attachment_1018453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dana Jacobs/WireImage[/caption] Vie follows 2018's Amala, 2019's Hot Pink, Planet Her from 2021 and 2023's Scarlet on the Grammy-winner's discography. It's the latter that delivered 'Paint the Town Red' — 2023's Hottest 100 number one, which marked the first time that a female rapper and woman of colour topped the poll.The tune also sat at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks, was the first rap song to reach those heights in 2023 and topped the Billboard Global 200 chart for four weeks in a row, too. [caption id="attachment_1018452" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacob Webster[/caption] Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Scream in terror and then sashay away for Tales from the Grave, a frightening performance of drag, burlesque, cabaret and circus. For two nights only on Thursday, October 30–Friday, October 31, Melbourne's legendary queer institution, The 86, transforms into a twisted haven of mischief and unpredictable surprises. If you managed to make it to the widely popular Tales from the Drain last year, then you'll be pleased to know that devilish duo Azcadelia and Pomme de Terror will return for more terrorising antics. Expect a bigger, stranger and more immersive show than last year, with side quests and roving performances around every corner. Throughout the night, enjoy a tipple or two of frighteningly well-priced drinks and Halloween-themed cocktails. And make sure to go all out with your costumes, because there will be a chance to strut your scary stuff and win big prizes. If that's not enough immersion, then we recommend grabbing VIP tickets for an even more unforgettable experience. That includes reserved seating for either one person or groups of four, exclusive performer experiences, a butler escort, and a glass of bubbles or a can of Moondog (for singles) and a bottle of bubbles and mixed tapas (for groups of 4). Crowds went wild for Tales of the Drain's climactic finale, so strap in and get excited for an even more scandalous ending with Tales from the Grave. Tickets start at $36 for early-bird tickets and can be purchased online, with VIP tickets starting at $69. But be quick, because last year's show sold out weeks before Halloween.
If rice wrapped in nori is your idea of a perfect meal, then you might have June 18 permanently circled on your calendar. Each and every year, that's when the world's sushi devotees celebrate their favourite food for International Sushi Day. We're not saying that the Japanese dish will taste better on that date, but if you just can't get enough of it, it's definitely time to celebrate. This year, to mark the occasion, ten restaurants across Australia are offering a tasty special — and one that your bank account will like, too. If you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide — and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts — you can nab $1 sushi all day long via Deliveroo. Lunch, sorted. Sydneysiders can choose between Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse and Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining, while Melburnians will need to order from SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi and Wabi Sushi. In Brisbane, Sushi Kotobuki and Sushi Lovers Rosalie are doing the honours, and Adelaide's Kintaro Sushi Brickworks and Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park are also joining in. You can check out the full list below. To get your fix, all you need to do is jump on to Deliveroo, search for "$1 deals" and order — only on Saturday, June 18. Exactly which varieties you can score for $1 differ per store, but we see everything from teriyaki chicken, prawn tempura and karaage chicken with lettuce to salmon avocado, spicy tuna and chicken schnitzel rolls in your future. There is a $10 minimum order limit, and you can only get three $1 rolls per order — and while stocks last. INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY RESTAURANTS SYDNEY Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining MELBOURNE SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi Wabi Sushi BRISBANE Sushi Kotobuki Sushi Lovers Rosalie GOLD COAST Sushi Doori SUNSHINE COAST Flaming Sushi House ADELAIDE Kintaro Sushi Brickworks Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park
Whatever Frightened Rabbit are afraid of, we should all be glad that it clearly isn't being excellent at making music or coming to Australia. Having graced our shores last year for Groovin' the Moo and a run of sold-out sideshows, the Scottish indie rockers are back again to continue their festival-sideshow combination. After performing their heartfelt anthems at St. Jerome's Laneway Festival, the band will be performing Sydney and Melbourne sideshows that are not to be missed. Make sure that you pack your singing voices as well as your dancing shoes as the band's choruses demand to be chanted until the Hi-Fi transforms into a cavern of uplifting sound. With such a short gap between their last two visits, it could be a while until we see them again. Even if that wasn't the case, don't be a frightened rabbit and miss this. https://youtube.com/watch?v=KY4j8Ow-CTs
I scream, you scream, we've all been screaming for ice cream — and, this February, once again, our prayers have been answered. The annual Ice Cream Festival is back, and this year it's taking place at three of Victoria's chocolateries and ice creameries: in the Yarra Valley, along the Great Ocean Road and on the Mornington Peninsula. You may want to prepare the smelling salts because each venue will be trotting out 12 new flavours a day. For 12 days. That's 144 unique flavours all up — and this year it includes scoops like espresso martini, olive oil and salted pistachio, and watermelon and mint sorbet. For $20 you can book into a tasting session that covers 12 flavours at once, or just rampage around the place like a deranged, hungry Pac-Man and try to taste 'em all at $4.80 a pop. You can also go beyond ice cream, if you so please, and taste ice cream-topped pizzas, waffle ice cream sandwiches and giant OTT sundaes. What's more, each of the venues — in Yarra Glen, Bellbrae and Flinders — each have lovely grounds for you to lay around in and enjoy. The view may well be lost on you as you slide into a sugar-induced happiness coma, but that's okay. They aren't inventing all those flavours for you to not try them. The Ice Cream Festival will take place at three venues: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery at 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen; Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery at 1200 Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae; and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice creamery at 45 Cook Street, Flinders.
Kicking off this Thursday, November 2, the Bayside Food Truck Fiesta returns for its second year, offering to fill your Melbourne Cup long weekend with tasty eats, liquid treats and maybe even a few puppy pats. Set to take over the Sir William Fry Reserve in Highett for six delicious days, the family-friendly festival will feature more than 25 of Melbourne's most popular food trucks, along with an espresso martini pop-up bar and a swag of market stalls, music and entertainment. This year's Bayside Food Truck Fiesta will also play host to its first-ever Pupper Appreciation Party (actual name) in conjunction with some Melbourne Cup celebrations on Tuesday, November 7. Four-legged friends can enjoy a spot of pampering and even strut their stuff in a doggy Fashions on the Field competition, while humans can catch the all-important horse racing action up on the big screen. Food trucks confirmed for the weekend include TOASTA, Nuoc Mama's, Senor Churro, Dos Diablos, Yo India and Soul Kitchen Pizza Truck, and plenty more.
It's that time of year when sweet tooths unite to pay homage to the holiest of treats. Yep, National Doughnut Day is upon us and one northside food precinct is celebrating the occasion with one heck of a giveaway. On Friday, June 3, Preston Market's famed Hot Jam Donut Van will be handing out free doughnuts to the masses — over 800 free doughnuts, to be exact. The signature sweet treats will be up for grabs from 8am until they've all been snapped up. And what a great accompaniment to your weekly grocery shop, right? If you miss out on a freebie, it's not all bad news. You'll still be able to enjoy a doughnut-filled day, with those hot, jammy, cinnamon-dusted balls available to buy by the half-dozen for an easy $6.50.
There are a few choice ways you could celebrate the second annual Australian Cider Day this Saturday, March 13. But perhaps none quite so fitting as the festive garden party happening at Napoleone Cider's new Orchard Bar, nestled among the fruit trees of the brand's Yarra Valley property. From 10am, the tasting bar and its idyllic surrounds will come alive for a big day of craft cider celebrations, complete with live entertainment, street food and plenty of specialty fruit-based booze. You'll be able to spend your hours sipping a range of Napoleone's signature ciders, including the oak-aged Ap-pear-lachian, created exclusively for the occasion. To nosh, there'll be Taiwanese street eats courtesy of the Ghost Kitchen food truck (from noon), as well as a limited batch of those cult-favourite apple pies from the Mornington Peninsula's Johnny Ripe (from 10am until sold out). The entertainment will be just as crisp, with a serve of French jazz from noon until 3pm, followed by the tunes from Palm Tree Paddy (Ports of Paradise) rounding out the day. Enter the door prize competition and you could also win yourself a private party in the orchard for up to ten people. Australian Cider Day runs from 10am–8pm.
As businesses reopen and the holiday season sneaks up on us, Melburnians are returning to the CBD. To help make your last-minute Christmas shopping at little easier (and cheaper), the City of Melbourne has announced parking in the CBD will remain free over the Christmas and New Year period. Free untimed CBD parking was introduced back in August during stage four COVID-19 restrictions and rolled back in October with parking remaining free but time limits being reinforced, and has now been extended until Sunday, January 3 in order to encourage Melburnians to visit the CBD for Christmas shopping, activities, entertainment and outdoor dining. In a statement, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said shoppers "may be hesitant using public transport in the short term" so the decision was made to "temporarily make parking free in areas with green signs". In order to enjoy the free parking, you must print off a free parking voucher from the City of Melbourne website and display it on your dash. While parking is free there will be officers enforcing other restrictions, including time limits, disabled parking restrictions, clearways, no standing zones and residential permit restrictions. If you're looking for places to shop or activities to do in the Melbourne CBD check out our guide to shopping like a local or head along to the Melbourne Aquarium's new jellyfish exhibition Ocean Invaders. Free Melbourne CBD parking will be extended from Tuesday, December 1 to Sunday, January 3. All other parking restrictions apply. Head over to the City of Melbourne website to find out more and print off your free parking voucher.
Lumen People, a cafe-wine-bar hybrid based in North Melbourne, is hosting the ultimate boozy lunch this coming Sunday, April 14. Led by Chef Steve Chan, known for his Asian-Australian fusion at Sleepy's Cafe & Wine Bar, the menu will feature seasonal small plates, like tomato and egg soup with drop dumplings. This takeover also invites wine sommelier Raffaele Mastrovincenzo, previously from IDES and Vue De Monde, and Victorian representative for Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines, who has curated a handpicked selection of wine to go with Chan's menu. Elsewhere, ARIA award-winning DJ Stephen Charles, who has 15 years of global experience in providing tunes, will make an appearance. This unique afternoon at Lumen People will offer two sittings at 1pm and 3pm. Located at 2a/520 Victoria St, Lumen's boozy lunch shouldn't be missed for those seeking a Sunday sesh filled with culinary delights, wine, and groovy beats. [caption id="attachment_949578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Hugh McDonnell[/caption]
Celebrating the launch of the new Preston-based Gertrude Contemporary following the gallery's move after 32-years in Fitzroy, Forever Transformed represents the 17th edition of the gallery's flagship annual Octopus exhibition. Curated by artist and writer Georgie Meagher, as uncertainty and disruption grows in many people's lives, Forever Transformed delves into the concept of 'resilience' and what it means to adapt or change to survive, and whether bouncing back is always a good thing. Meagher has brought together artists such as Tony Albert, Rushdi Anwar, Sophie Cassar, Tabita Rezaire and Liz Linden to explore these ideas, with each artist providing their own interpretation of resilience and exploring alternative ideas such as perseverance, subversion and optimism. Each year the Octopus program invites a guest curator to explore new forms of curatorial practice, providing an exciting opportunity to see what's happening at the cusp of art thought today. Octopus 17: Forever Transformed takes place at the new Gertrude Contemporary in Preston from Friday, July 28 until Saturday, September 9. Image: Optimism #2 (2008), Tony Albert.
Taking its title from the French euphemism for orgasm, The Little Death wears its risque approach as a badge of honour. Erotic fetishes furnish six slight vignettes, purporting to normalise types of between-the-sheets behaviour; as the saying goes, everyone's doing it. Alas, more than parodying private peccadillos is needed to turn apparently twisted trysts into a smart sex comedy. Edginess doesn't equal astuteness, nor does painting with sitcom-style strokes cover ill-explored content. Any Questions for Ben? and House of Lies' Josh Lawson writes, directs and stars in an effort destined to be labelled a physicality fuelled Love Actually. Four couples monopolise the anthology feature, each with relationship issues. Maeve (Bojana Novakovic) wants Paul (Lawson) to fulfil her rape fantasies. Rowena (Kate Box) finds herself aroused whenever husband Richard (Patrick Brammall) cries. Phil (Alan Dukes) finds Maureen (Lisa McCune) at her most attractive when she is sleeping. Dan (Damon Herriman) and Evie (Kate Mulvany) make a foray into roleplaying that backfires. As the linking device between the tales, a new neighbour (Kim Gyngell) makes visits to disclose he's a registered sex offender. A final segment tackles phone sex and disability, as the hearing-impaired Sam (T.J. Power) places a call aided by operator Monica (Erin James). Finding farce in intimacy is far from a new conceit; however, it isn't enough to simply bring up taboo topics in contrived circumstances, especially in a superficial manner devoid of depth, discussion or development. Courting controversy and causing a reaction appears the film's only ambition, not thoughtfully examining sources of sexual satisfaction rarely addressed, or contemplating the human core of our deepest desires. Indeed, in pursuing broad and easy amusement, characterisation is absent — particularly regarding women. Unacceptable categorisations and implausible choices prevail, rendering female protagonists naive, cruel, selfish or complaining, whilst attempts to place Maeve and Rowena in charge of their destinies are undone by one-note personalities. Men, contrastingly, are presented with sympathy, even when potentially crossing the line. Consider Paul planning an elaborate rape upon request, and Phil drugging his wife to escape her nagging, the feature skirting around the latter's creepy consequences. The last standalone story may boast sincerity and sweetness otherwise lacking, followed by awkwardly offering comeuppance, but a late burst of heart and consequences can't overcome the bulk of the film's horrific skewering of kinkiness in rom-com confines. Though the ensemble cast toils valiantly and Lawson helms competently, each is poorly served by sketches neither dark nor different. Alas, The Little Death is not the subversive work it intends, instead just gratifying a too-neat account of the same offensive, over-used stereotypes of middle-class sex and romance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BnnhesQ8Rxc
Ted Lasso fans, rejoice — the Magic Mike franchise is taking its lead from the hit sitcom now. Swap soccer for stripping, obviously. From there, the sports-themed favourite and Magic Mike's Last Dance both transport their namesakes to London, then give them jobs under wealthy women managing publicly beloved assets after bitter marriage breakdowns, all as those ladies try to spite their exes while also finding themselves and sorting out their lives. In the third film in the Channing Tatum (Bullet Train)-starring series, there's a team to oversee featuring players from around the globe, too, plus a gruff butler doing his best not-AI Roy Kent impression. And, it all climaxes with a showcase event demanding dedicated training. That said, only this exceptionally choreographed but never earth-shattering flick fills its final quarter with wall-to-wall gyrating, including a male-revue number soundtracked by 1998 Dandy Warhols' single 'Boys Better' that has to be seen to be believed. New Magic Mike movie splashing glistening chiselled abs across the screen, same Magic Mike, though. Tatum and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh (Kimi) — the prolific creative force who helmed, shot and spliced the first instalment; then just lensed and cut the second with his regular assistant Gregory Jacobs (Wind Chill) directing; and now returns to his trio of OG roles (still credited as Peter Andrews for his cinematography and Mary Ann Bernard for his editing) — have Mike Lane living his own Groundhog Day in a way. The more things change, the more that plenty stays the same for the saga's hero. This series started out not just putting its star's ripped physique and knack for erotic dancing to eye-catching use, but drawing upon his own story thanks to Tatum's past onstage Florida. He isn't currently getting by stripping while striving to follow his passion, of course. Before Magic Mike was scorching the screen, he'd already made it big. But these films, all three of which are penned by Reid Carolin (Dog), understand that Tatum's reality isn't the way that this tale usually goes. In the franchise's first 2012 strip, Mike strutted in g-strings to make cash to design custom furniture, but little was turning out as planned. In 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL, Mike and his fellow Kings of Tampa (Archenemy's Joe Manganiello, The Boys in the Band's Matt Bomer, John Wick's Kevin Nash and Criminal Minds' Adam Rodriguez) kept disrobing on the road to other fully attired goals, but the group and film wholeheartedly appreciated the joy and empowerment that the series' central line of work gifts women. This time, Mike's business went bust in the pandemic, so he's bartending in Miami. When ultra-rich socialite Maxandra Mendoza (Salma Hayek Pinault, House of Gucci) tempts him back with a $6000 private sensual gig — because she needs a distraction from her messy separation — his prowess moving his hips and removing his clothing firmly remains a means to an end. Pouring drinks at a waterside charity gala, crossing paths with a former client from the first flick and spending a night dazzling Max: that's how Mike winds up on a plane to the UK, once more just following the money. Soon he's staying in Max's home — where valet Vincent (Ayub Khan-Din, London Bridge) frowns and Max's teen daughter Zadie (Jemelia George) proves cynical — and also turning director. In her divorce proceedings from adulterous media mogul Roger Rattigan (Alan Cox, New Amsterdam), she's now the owner of a theatre that shares his surname, and she has a Mike-inspired itch she wants scratched. Ditching the stuffy period drama that's been treading the boards there for years, she tasks him with spreading his talents by putting together an upmarket performance. Not that Magic Mike Live needs it, but Magic Mike's Last Dance doubles as an ad for the IRL tour, while having Tatum and company work towards staging exactly that kind of production. To address the 'Pony' in the room, Ginuwine's track gets another spin, its slinky, sultry beats again capturing the mood throbbing through this steamy, sweaty, lusty and thrusting — and sex- and body-positive — saga. Magic Mike's Last Dance makes viewers wait for the tune the series is virtually synonymous with, a delay that doesn't matter at all to the movie itself yet also echoes the underlying approach. Unlike round one, this isn't primarily a playful drama about the struggle to pursue the American dream. Unlike this stripper-verse's second swing, it isn't a joyous comedy, either. Teasing out what it knows the audience wants, it's primarily a will-they-won't-they romance and a backstage musical instead — a move that, although packaged with Tatum's smooth moves alongside his mostly personality-free fellow dancers, and given its pulse through Tatum and Hayek Pinault's chemistry, comes oiled with by-the-numbers melodrama. Viewers might remember that Magic Mike XXL was touted as a last ride, too; this second final hurrah isn't as focused or as thrilling a swan song. There's a clunkiness and awkwardness to Magic Mike's Last Dance that begins with the film's narration, which waxes lyrical about the seductive and connective power of dance, yet also feels distancing as it waves about an unnecessary fairy-tale vibe. Compared to its predecessors, this supposed farewell is tamer and politer in tone even at its raciest. It yearns for more titillation, and more flesh to back up Max's certainty that the world needs and women want Mike's skills — and it longs for more of Manganiello, Bomer, Nash, Rodriguez and their male camaraderie. Midway through, Magic Mike's Last Dance temporarily twists into Ocean's- and Logan Lucky-style caper, adding pointless padding. And while championing female pleasure, desire and erotic fantasies still thrums through the movie, it's with a light buzz rather than anything deeply penetrating. Still, at their weightiest (part one) and most entertaining (part two, also the horniest), the Magic Mike movies have never been flawless — and Magic Mike's Last Dance has other charms. Whenever dancing bumps and grinds across the screen, presses up against windows, dangles from beams or slides through onstage puddles (giving 2023 its second Singin' in the Rain nod in as many months), the film is ecstatic, as well as varied in its types and forms of fleet footwork. Whenever the committed Tatum and Hayek Pinault share the frame, flirting, bantering and getting acrobatic in that helluva opening tango, intimacy and radiance pierces through Soderbergh's uncharacteristically dark lensing. Indeed, when there's genuine heat to Magic Mike's Last Dance, it sizzles from that choreography and that core duo. Everything else too often feels like foreplay at its most routine and half-hearted.
After a smashing run last year, The Royal Croquet Club returns once more to get our summer off to a good start. Birrarung Marr will be transformed into the garden party of your dreams, with a specially curated food and drink lineup, plenty of awesome bands and DJs, and, of course, a spot of croquet if your heart desires. Foodie offerings for this year include Gazi, Bluebonnet Barbecue, Lady Carolina, Mamasita, Pidapipo, Ruyi and Tokyo Tina. As for musical delights, get ready for ALPINE, Nina Las Vegas, Touch Sensitive, GRMM, KLP, Lucille Croft, Paces, POOLCLVB and Running Touch. Did we mention entry for all of this is free? Grab yourself a snazzy summer cocktail and settle in for a night of great food, music, and posh garden sports.
Prepare to drool all over yourself Homer Simpson-style, because the Yaks Ale Melbourne Barbecue Festival is back. Now in its third year, this weekend-long celebration of all things smoked and slow-cooked will bring together some of the biggest names in local barbecue, along with celebrity pitmasters from Memphis to LA. Held on February 4 and 5 at Flemington Racecourse, the festival will feature live music acts, cooking demos and a four-way "butcher battle" between Troy Wheeler of Meatsmith, Gary McBean of Gary's Quality Meats, Tom Bouchier of Peter Bouchier Butchers, and Glenn Dumbrell of Char Char Char. But let's not beat around the bush here: you want to know about the food. Chances are, you won't be disappointed. Bluebonnet, Burn City Smokers, Fancy Hank's, Southside Smokers and Henrietta's Chicken Shop are but a few of the meat masters who'll be in attendance. Our advice? Start fasting now. Image: Southside Smokers.
The zero-waste movement started small, with cafes, bars, farmers markets and environmental groups encouraging us to ditch single-use cups, bags and straws. Now, the big guys have finally joined the party. Last month, Maccas pledged to ditch plastic straws by 2020 and Woollies has ditched single-use plastic bags (Coles will hopefully follow suit on August 29). And the latest company to jump on board is 7-Eleven, who has just launched a (surprisingly) great product. The world-first reusable coffee cup, dubbed the rCUP, is made from six recycled takeaway coffee cups. Costing a reasonable $15, the cup is made in collaboration with Simply Cups — a coffee cup recycling company that functions across Australia and the UK. Since launch, Simply Cups has upcycled more than 1.48 million takeaway cups into reusable cups, car park bumpers and hospital trays. The rCUP is 100 percent leak proof (supposedly) and fully insulated, so if you forget about your coffee it'll still be hot half-an-hour later. It's also available at all 7-Eleven stores across the country. To make the rCUPs, 7-Eleven needs single-use takeaway cups — and it's collecting them at over 200 stores across NSW, Vic, Qld and WA, too. The stores are collecting all takeaway coffee cups (not just their own), Slurpee cups and plastic straws to recycle together with Simply Cups. So next time you forget your keep cup, you don't have to feel as guilty. The rCUP is now available at all Australian 7-Eleven stores. You can recycle your takeaway coffee cups, plastic straws and Slurpee cups at select stores in NSW, Vic, Qld and WA.
It might seem obvious to declare, but light and colour play a fairly big role in the art world. Even the ornate works of the Renaissance with their much-coveted chiaroscuro are at their simplest, a study of light. So, ACCA is really going back to basics with this one. Their latest exhibition, Optical Mix is an examination of perception and light in its many, many forms. Through the work of ten internationally-acclaimed artists, Optical Mix explores the kinetic and illusory properties of light and colour. Work from the iconic psychedelic artist Bridget Riley will be on display to trick your eye and move off the wall in front of you. American conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth will be showing some of his signature neon texts. And, to reduce the concept right down to its core, Martin Creed's self-explanatory, minimalist work 'A lamp going on and off' will give you a first-hand account of what it's like to live in a haunted house. Other artists on show will include Callum Morton, Daniel Von Sturmer, Ken Jacobs, Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotowski, Nick Savvas, Ego Rondinone and Cake Industries. Running alongside Optical Mix at ACCA is Australian artist Christian Capurro's similarly light-based exhibition SLAVE. We suggest you head along on a rainy day and check out both exhibitions. If Melbourne winter won't grant us any sunshine, we can get our light from other sources.
Alone is a performance art installation. No, scratch that — it's a psychological experiment. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Devon Paulson and film producer Lawrence T. Lewis, it hurls participants into a city-wide, 'haunted house'-style scenario. And it's coming to Australia. Aided by a crowd of actors, the hour-long walkthrough will see participants transported around Melbourne, into inexplicable, scary or hilarious situations that are designed to mess with their sanity. Participants must sign a waiver beforehand and be in good physical and mental health, which just might says something about what the night will involve. They're then taken to a secret location to begin their terrifying abduction. No mobile phones are allowed and it's likely that your clothes will get dirty. "Alone explores the complex folds of the human psyche and the human condition, from the inside out," says Paulson. "The truth is that one needs to experience Alone to understand it." According to the website, "your body may be aggressively touched and moved or tenderly embraced or utterly left displaced and alone". Despite having organised the event 18 times over the last six years, the creators refuse to reveal details of previous stints. "What I can say is that the situations will cause participants to traverse the spectrum of human emotion," says Paulson. "But the crucial goal is to dislocate you, from the world, from others, from comfort, from self." And yes, it begins on Valentine's Day — but it's a completely solitary journey, so don't think about bringing your date. "Some experiences you may find yourself in a group situation, but as in life, you will eventually find yourself to be alone," reads a hard-hitting FAQ on the Alone website.
Cruise through the chronicles of local '80s coolness with this star-studded portrait retrospective from Robert Rooney. A well-respected artist, critic and man about town, Rooney had a host of famous faces around him at any given time. Featuring 75 photographs, this exhibition documents those faces — the spectacular and more often than not bespectacled elite of Melbourne's '80s art scene. Howard Arkley, iconic painter of suburbia (and sometimes Nick Cave), is one such face on show. Looking laid-back, hip and strangely baby-faced, the painter pictured above is indicative of the rest of the work in the collection. Rooney captured his subjects between puffs of a cigarette, over a quiet nightcap, or amidst the clutter of their artist's studio. It's an intimate set of works that give you an intriguing look behind the curtain. Other people who feature in the collection include surrealist painter Peter Booth, former NGV director James Mollison, and landscape painter Fred Williams.
If the just-dropped 2018 Good Food Month program is anything to go by, those stretchy pants are set to get a serious workout this June. Melbourne's annual month-long food fiesta is this year packed with more goodness than ever, featuring top Aussie chefs, masterclasses, rollicking parties and unique dining experiences that'll knock your socks off. Promising to inject a bit of sunshine into those impending frosty winter days, pop-up restaurant Melbourne Palms brings a taste of Palm Springs to Federation Square from June 13–23. It'll play host to a broad lineup of culinary gold, kicking off with a celebration of homegrown heroes Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co., Supernormal) and Alla Wolf-Tasker (Lake House), for the June 13 Melbourne Greats Party. All the way from Denmark, pioneering chef Bo Bech (of Michelin-starred Paustian and Restaurant Geist) will give Australia its first taste of his innovative cooking by treating diners to a thought-provoking wine-matched degustation on June 15. Meanwhile, sustainability and locality will be front and centre when Sydney's seafood king Josh Niland (Saint Peter) shares the inspiration and ethos behind his acclaimed fare, at a three-course brunch teamed with liquid treats from Coonawarra winery Brands Laira. Then, when Tipo 00's Andreas Papadakis joins fellow Aussie pasta masters Mitch Orr (Sydney's ACME) and Joel Valvasori-Pereza (Perth's Lulu La Delizia), diners are in for an all-out pasta party, with a four-course wine-matched dinner giving each chef the chance to win over tastebuds with his signature moves. Other sure-fire hits include a tasty take on date night as imagined by 8bit and dessert queen Christy Tania's Glacé Frozen, and a much-anticipated collaboration between Longsong's David Moyle and Embla's David Verheul. The 2018 Good Food Month runs from June 1-30. Tickets are on sale now at goodfoodmonth.com.
It's been three years since Docklands last lit up brightly for the flame-filled winter arts celebration that is the City of Melbourne's Firelight Festival. But inner-city precinct set to bask in that glow once more, as the free festival returns from its pandemic-enforced hiatus to deliver a huge 2022 edition next month. From Friday, July 1–Sunday, July 3, Firelight will see Docklands come alive with a family-friendly, after-dark program of performance, entertainment, culinary delights and fire-inspired art. This year's lineup promises plenty of reasons to yank yourself off the couch and into the night, headlined by Skunk Control's Adrift — an enchanting light installation set to transform Buluk Park into a luminous forest of light stems and giant petals. Other works set to dazzle crowds nightly include a ten-metre-long glowing lion made of thousands of LEDs that moves to its own soundscape; and a bold laser and light show, which will light up Victoria Harbour every hour with its water jets and giant fiery phoenix. More than 100 performers will descend on the precinct across the three-day festival, ranging from musicians and fire-twirlers to circus acts and flaming trumpeters. And with a collection of fire sculptures, flame jets and fire pits, things are sure to be super toasty as you're exploring the festival's offerings. Of course, appetites are sorted, too, with festival vendors slinging a menu packed with wintry delights. Think, smoked meats, woodfired pizza and roasted marshmallows, washed down with hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Get out the thermals, crank the heating and start plotting that next snow weekend — Melbourne is shivering through its coldest day of the year so far. The city's forecast to reach a top of just 12 degrees today, which is not only the chilliest we've seen in 2019, but the coldest May day to hit Melbourne in the past seven years, according to The Age. Some frostier parts of the state won't even make it to double digits on the temperature gauge, with the BOM forecasting temperatures six-to-ten degrees below average across some of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania. Yep, while most of Victoria was enjoying maximum temperatures of 20 degrees or over for much of last week, it seems this week's weather is here to remind us that winter is most definitely coming. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1133521136518668288 The BOM has even issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across the south of the state and mountain areas, with some winds reaching up to 122 kilometres per hour this morning. And Melbourne itself is looking at a 90 percent chance of showers this afternoon, along with possible thunderstorms and hail. In happy news for snow bunnies, the chill has also coincided with Victoria's alpine areas scoring plenty of the white stuff — a couple of weeks before the ski season officially kicks off. Mount Hotham has seen over 40 centimetres fall already this week, and, further afield in NSW's alpine areas, both Thredbo and Perisher copped an extra 20 centimetres overnight. https://twitter.com/_hotham/status/1132926068564750340 The BOM's is also forecasting blizzard conditions for some alpine areas throughout the day — with Hotham experiencing a blizzard already this morning. So, yeah, it's gonna be a chilly one today. Time to pull out your second doona. And stay safe. The Victorian State Emergency Service recommends that you move your car away from trees (if possible) and secure any furniture you might have in your backyard or balcony.
Working from home certainly has its advantages, including the lack of commute, the expanded wardrobe choices and, if you have a pet, the fact that your favourite furry friend can curl by your side. Don't have your own four-legged bestie? Always eager for more doggos in your life? Add a lunchtime date with Guide Dogs Australia to your schedule, and enjoy the overwhelming cuteness of the organisation's first puppy zoom meeting. With Wednesday, April 29 marking International Guide Dog Day, Guide Dogs Australia is giving the country what it wants: adorable dogs, virtually. The puppy zoom meeting will run for half an hour from midday, and feature gorgeous little labrador guide dog puppies — as well as experienced guide dogs, too. One of the pups, a three-week-old cutie, is even called Zoom — so you can bet it'll get plenty of attention. And yes, the whole event is taking place via Zoom, the platform, as most things in life seem to be at the moment. As well as gawking at endearing dogs, you'll also learn more about the guide dog journey — and how they assist people with blindness or low vision. Guide Dogs Australia's Puppy Zoom Meeting runs for free via Zoom from 12–12.30pm on Wednesday, April 29.
After a big, busy week at work, a little complimentary entertainment surely doesn't go astray. Especially when it comes in the form of some free Friday evening wine. New organic, vegan wine company Minimum is a collaboration between Matt and Lentil Purbrick (Grown & Gathered) and Tahbilk Head Winemaker Alister Purbrick. And it's launching in style this Friday, September 13, with a free after-work wine tasting session in the Mercedes Me store mezzanine. You're invited to swing by and sample first-release drops like the 2018 sangiovese syrah, 2018 chardonnay and the 2019 sangiovese rosato, while chatting all things organic vino with Matt and Alister. They'll share their own story and the secrets to making wine with a minimal footprint, while a lineup of local talent throws down some live tunes to round out those pre-weekend vibes. Clock off early and head in from 5pm. Images: Hilary Walker
Nothing takes the edge off Melbourne's wintry chill quite like a hearty flame-driven feed; especially when it comes courtesy of not one, but two much-loved local restaurants. So, on Thursday, August 18, Prince Dining Room promises to really warm things up with a dinner headlined by Firebird's Anthony Choi and the St Kilda venue's own alum, Dan Hawkins (now Mitchelton Wines). The pair is bringing the heat as they take to the kitchen's custom chargrill and woodfired oven for Cooking With Fire, marrying bold Vietnamese and Mediterranean flavours to create one vibrant four-course spread. [caption id="attachment_864318" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Hawkins and Anthony Choi[/caption] Char and smoke guide not only the food menu, but also the night's drinks offering, with the bar whipping up an exclusive lineup of sips starring plenty of smoky spirits and flame-licked garnishes. Tickets to the feast are $95, though you might fancy adding paired wine and cocktails for an extra $40. Book your spot online.
If there's one place we're gagging to get to right now, its the pub. There's nothing quite like that first sip of a freshly poured froth monster on a warm day with your mates. But, since we're bunkering down at home for a little while longer yet, our pals at Bridge Road Brewers are bringing the beer to your house, instead. On Thursday, September 23, you can take part in Sour Times, a one-hour virtual sour beer tasting session with Bridge Road Brewers founder Ben Kraus and head brewer James Dittko. These two beer brainiacs will take you on an exploration of the sour beer style, highlighting brewing techniques, recipe development and sampling some of Bridge Road Brewers delicious sours, of course. To make sure you're all kitted out for this sampling session, the folks at Bridge Road Brewers will send you a sour beer tasing pack filled with tasty treats. Inside the pack you'll find a Belgium table beer named Hoppy Sour, a raspberry sour with passionfruit for extra tang and a tropical sour that'll take your palate poolside. Want to make your next virtual work drinks a little more brew-tiful? You can. Sour Times Virtual Tasting with Bridge Road Brewers will kick off at 6pm on Thursday, September 23. For more information and to book, visit the website.
If you've spent any time partying in the inner north, there's a good chance you've enjoyed a few boozy nights in the Dr Morse beer garden. But with the venue undergoing a major revamp for its 12th birthday, the arrival of Bistro Disco – a New York-style Italian eatery – is more than enough reason to plan your next visit. With the bar stepping into a new era through a refreshed fit-out and menu, the idea behind the change is found within the venue's motto: "drink, dinner, dance." While Dr Morse's owners felt they had the last part covered, they believed it was time to give the other aspects more attention. The result? Quality pasta dishes, steak mains and an extended wine and cocktail list. With the renovations recently completed, a three-day celebration runs from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, featuring a stellar lineup of DJs. Get down on Friday for sets from Nice Girl, Dawn Again & Nick Saw, Sunset Boys and Earl Grey, while Saturday welcomes Disko Bizarro and Disco Mediterranea. Finally, Sunday wraps the event with appearances from Steely Anne, Otologic and Billie Jean. "This isn't about leaving the past behind; it's about creating a new future where the drinking and dining is on par with the dance floor," says co-owner Pete Walsh. "Now we've created a space where guests can enjoy a cocktail, savour plates of pasta, and stick around for a boogie."
UPDATE, January 24, 2022: Cucinetta's 29-cheese gnocchi is now sticking around until Sunday, February 6. This article has been updated to reflect that change. UPDATE, January 6, 2022: Cucinetta's 29-cheese gnocchi has been postponed until mid-January, kicking off on Wednesday, January 12. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Melburnians, you really love your cheese. You've tried a 150-cheese pizza, bought buckets of the stuff on the cheap and have entered cheese-fuelled comas in a cheese cave. Now, you can kick off 2022 with another ultra-cheesy experience: a 29-cheese gnocchi. South Yarra's Cucinetta is the eatery behind the wondrous creation, which it's bringing back for a fourth year. If you're keen, it's available between Wednesday, January 12–Sunday, February 6 for both lunch and dinner. The handmade potato gnocchi is oven-baked with 29 cheeses sourced from Thomastown's That's Amore Cheese, including buffalo mozzarella, truffled caciotta (a fresh cow's milk cheese), smoked scamorza, blue cheese and salted ricotta. Setting you back $39.99, it can be enjoyed with one of 29 wines on the regularly changing list and eaten inside the 29-square-metre restaurant. Sensing a theme? Cucinetta really likes the number 29. If you, like us, fancy yourself a bit of a cheese fanatic, you're probably curious as to what the 29 cheeses are. Well, here's the full list: Fior di latte Buffalo mozzarella Burrata Scamorza bianca Caciotta Pepper caciotta Chilli caciotta Truffle caciotta Ricotta delicata Ricotta salata Mascarpone Squacquerone Buffalo bocconcini Buffalo ricotta Buffalo caciotta Buffalo mozzarella (smoked) Smoked bocconcini Smoked scamorza Smoked caciocavallo Diavoletto Secret of The Forest Drunken buffalo Lavato Panettone Panettone with truffle Caciocavallo Bufalotto Blue cheese Formaggio di vacca
If you've ever been (or tried to be) vegan, you'll know there's a certain bliss that comes with having a whole smorgasbord of plant-based products at your disposal. So we expect squeals aplenty at the news that the Big Vegan Market is back, and will once again grace the sprawling interior of Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building on May 11 and 12. Kicking off at 10am on both days, the event pulls together a dizzying, all-vegan array of food, drinks, craft, beauty and fashion, with more than 200 vendors signing up to showcase their cruelty-free wares. Head in to snack on treats from the likes of gelato truck Billy van Creamy, Collingwood pizzeria Red Sparrow and all-vegan CBD pastry shop Weirdoughs, while indulging in some guilt-free retail therapy, spying sustainably crafted threads from Velvety and animal-free wares from The Karma Collective. Given the stacks of businesses involved, they're really just a few of the goodies on offer. Jump on the Facebook page for the day's full lineup of vegan vendors. The Big Vegan Market runs from 10am–6pm.
It's always an exciting time when Melbourne Music Week (MMW) unveils a fresh program, heralding the many diverse sonic offerings set to take over the city during its annual celebration of music. But this year's reveal comes with an extra layer of anticipation, as it follows off the back of a year heavy on lockdowns. But oh boy, is MMW 2021 living up to the hype. Running from Friday, December 3–Sunday, December 12, this year's edition of MMW is set to deliver a hefty lineup of close to 70 events, featuring over 300 artists. As always, the celebrations will unfold right across the city, with 23 different venues involved. MMW's opening night Wominjeka festivities will take over the newly launched MPavilion, with a lineup curated by Noongar woman and artist Bumpy. Hitting the stage, you'll catch Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Squid Nebula, Kee'ahn, the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe and more. [caption id="attachment_832257" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Press Club[/caption] The return of the ever-popular Live Music Safari will see more than 70 live acts and DJs get back to doing their thing, gracing stages at 12 beloved venues for a full day and evening of glorious free gigs. Think, Press Club, Kylie Auldist, Soju Gang, DJ Jnett and others. Meanwhile, across eight huge nights, Max Watts plays host to the MMW Club showcase, featuring unmissable shows from the likes of Carl Cox, Akosia, Pinch Points and Billy Davis. A tasty array of big-name headline shows is also on the menu, with Camp Cope darling Georgia Maq descending on the Melbourne Museum for a night of blissed-out pop; Butter Sessions and Research Records hosting a genre-bending electronic showcase at The Forum; and Lucianblomkamp hitting The Capitol to show off some of his latest and greatest collaborations. Elsewhere in the program, the Carlton International Jazz Festival takes over Colour Club, a series of panel discussions deep-dives into various aspects of music production, and a live set from Alex Albrecht soundtracks a morning of guided mindfulness and yoga at MPavilion. And for the night owls, the Kick Ons series will fire up Sub Club for some much-deserved after-party gigs, featuring late-night jams from some of your favourite MMW acts. Melbourne Music Week 2021 will run from December 3–December 12 at various locations across the city. To check out the full program and buy tickets, see the website.
Prepare to step inside the mind of a cinematic genius. In most cases, that'd be a big call, but when it comes to David Lynch it's undeniably true. No one has ever made movies or TV shows quite like the man who brought us Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and a little series called Twin Peaks, and we mean no one — and anyone that's come even somewhat close over the past five decades has clearly been influenced by the visionary filmmaker. Don't just take our word for it, or the mourning world's following the icon's heartbreaking death in January 2025. Experience his movie marvels for yourself as part of the ACMI's month-long Focus on David Lynch tribute. The Federation Square venue is diving deep into his distinctive audiovisual catalogue, screening every fictional feature that he has ever made between Thursday, February 6–Saturday, March 1. Yes, it'll be both wonderful and strange. While most movies are showing across multiple sessions, the season is debuting each title in chronological order — so you can indeed start with the stunning, mindblowing debut that is Eraserhead and end with Inland Empire, aka the picture that the director famously wanted Laura Dern to win an Oscar for so badly that he campaigned on Hollywood Boulevard with a live cow. Also on the eclectic lineup: the moving and thoughtful The Elephant Man, Lynch's take on Dune long before Timothée Chalamet became Paul Atreides in two 2020s flicks, his Nicolas Cage-starring Palme d'Or winner Wild at Heart, his old-man-on-a-lawnmower tale The Straight Story and the twisty thrills (and ace 90s soundtrack) of Lost Highway. Then there's the thing that we've all been waiting for: no, not Twin Peaks the series, but the show's exceptional horror sequel/prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me on the big screen. BYO damn fine cup of coffee. As well as individual tickets ($14 for members, $16 for concessions and $20 otherwise), you can pick up three- ($39/42/48) and six-film ($72/78/90) program passes if you'd like to see quite a bit of not just Lynch's work, but Laura Dern (Lonely Planet) and Kyle MacLachlan (Blink Twice) in front of his lens.
It might be named for its frozen yoghurt offering, but Melbourne's YOMG also makes a pretty mean burger. And you can try one for free, when the group celebrates its first foray southside, having landed at Windsor's delivery-only Deliveroo Editions kitchen. Yep — these burgers are finally available to order south of the Yarra. This Friday, September 13, the crew will be hitting spots like Balaclava and South Yarra stations, as well as St Kilda's Acland Street, to hand out hundreds of free Yo My With Cheese burgers to the masses. The freebies — crafted with all-Aussie angus beef, double cheese and secret sauce — will be dolled out on the hour, every hour, from 11am to 2pm. If you can't make it, or you simply want a surer burger bet, the next best thing awaits you on the Deliveroo app. Hit up YOMG in the app's Deliveroo Editions section between midday and 1pm and you can order the same classic cheeseburger for just $1 a pop. YOMG burgers will be given out for free at 11am, midday, 1pm and 2pm, with burgers available for $1 on Deliveroo from midday–1pm.
In one of the best local comedies of the past decade, members of a Chinese Australian family go about their lives on the Sunshine Coast. In one of the most engaging Aussie game shows of the last few years, Indigenous comedians, actors, musicians and artists hang out in a gallery and test their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The first program comes courtesy of The Family Law, while the second arrives in the form of Faboriginal — and if you haven't seen either by now, it's time to rectify that. Both series are streaming as part of SBS On Demand's Australian Made collection, which is being showcased on the free platform in partnership with Sydney Festival — and was curated by the fest's artistic director Wesley Enoch, too. The full lineup includes ten television shows that explore the diversity of Australian culture. They're great to watch at any time of the year, but they're also an excellent way to reflect upon the nation on and around January 26. Other titles include documentary series Untold Australia, which steps through Aussie tales you don't normally hear about; First Australians, which tackles the country's history from a First Nations perspective; and Future Dreaming, where four young Aboriginal Australians ponder what their lives might hold. In addition to animated series Little J and Big Cuz, the full lineup also features two Ray Martin-fronted factual programs: Is Australia Racist?, which interrogates that very question; and First Contact, which takes six non-Indigenous people into Aboriginal Australia for the first time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXpwQw_QaNI
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week get out and about — run into the sunset, learn to tap and celebrate Melbourne's 24-hour nightlife. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
It's been a minute since we've been able to enjoy a classic pub session, but the good folk at The Builders Arms Hotel are here to fill that void. This Friday, September 25, the Fitzroy boozer is hosting another virtual edition of its ever-popular pub trivia, complete with banter aplenty, a prize haul and some next-level pub grub. Get set to test your knowledge of all things food, booze, tunes and local culture, as Triple R's Cam Smith reprises his role of quiz host with the most, challenging those iso brains across three question rounds, including a hands-on sensory round. What's more, you can elevate your at-home pub experience by adding on one of Head Chef Andy Barker's curry bundles. For $35, you get a finish-at-home dinner kit starring slow-cooked duck and snake bean curry (or a vegetarian alternative) served with sides like date chutney and coconut rice. On the night, you'll be battling it out for both glory and some sweet prizes, with awards for the likes of Best Team Name, The Lucky Dip and The Golden Ticket. Trivia participation is free, though you'll need to register online to secure a spot and get details about how to play. Your special kit for the sensory round can be picked up from the Builders Bottle-O on Friday afternoon, along with any curry bundle orders. The venue's also got a solid curation of beer and wine, if you fancy a quiz tipple to round out the fun.
In news that's miffed more than a few snow bunnies just days out from the start of the ski season, New South Wales ski resort Thredbo has announced an all-out tobogganing ban on its property. A statement published on Thredbo's website says that "to maximise safety for guests, employees, and resort property, Thredbo prohibits the use of toboggans and other miscellaneous snow sliding equipment that is associated with 'Snow Play' within our leasehold area". The statement pointed out the "inherent risk" of sliding around on a toboggan, due to limited control, and suggested that too many punters have been breaking the rules, taking the snow sliding equipment beyond the designated tobogganing areas and out onto ski runs. It doesn't look like there'll be any back-tracking on the resort's decision either, with the statement confirming that "no enquiries will be entertained from toboggan or miscellaneous snow sliding equipment users". While fellow NSW ski resort Perisher hasn't formally mentioned any changes to its snow play offering, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that tobogganing is currently prohibited there as well. If that's the case, it looks like you'll have to travel to interstate to get your tobogganing kicks this winter. The ACT's Selwyn Snow Resort and Corin Forest, and Victorian ski resorts Mount Hotham and Falls Creek don't appear to have made any changes to their tobogganing and snow play policies. Victoria's Mount Buller and Mount Stirling have gone one step further, confirming they won't be following Thredbo's lead. "Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management has no plans to ban tobogganing in existing authorised areas on Mt Buller or Mt Stirling," said the group's CEO, Mark Bennetts. "Tobogganing is a great family activity, and we look forward to welcoming all guests to our resorts to enjoy a day in the snow".
