No one in the world asked for cough drop-flavoured KitKats, but that's a flavour that the chocolate brand has indeed whipped up. It's known for creating weird and wonderful varieties, as you will have spotted if you've ever been to Japan and perused the confectionary section of a convenience store — and if you're an Australian chocolate fiend keen on some creative sweets this Christmas, the company has quite the feast on offer as well. Actually, KitKat's new Aussie range of festive-themed choccies are inspired by an Australian Christmas feast, with four flavours available in one pack. It's designed to mimic the experience of eating your way through a multi-course Xmas lunch or dinner, so there's a prosciutto, melon and champagne variety to start with — which comes as part of a white chocolate KitKat. Next, it's on to the main course, aka a milk chocolate KitKat that tastes like baked ham with orange and clove glaze. But you can't just have meat without some vegetables on the side, so there's also a honey glazed carrots KitKat, because of course there is. Then, last but not least comes the Christmas pudding with brandy custard version — for dessert, although the whole chocolate spread obviously falls into that category. Folks in Sydney and Melbourne can pick up a KitKat Chocolatory Christmas Feast pack for $25 in-store — and each one comes with one finger of all of the aforementioned flavours. If you're keen and you live elsewhere throughout Australia, you can order packs online to be delivered to your door. For more information about the KitKat Chocolatory Christmas Feast pack, head to KitKat's Australian website.
Learning to always keep hand sanitiser within arm's reach is a very 2020 lesson. Working out how many jigsaw puzzles you can do in a single month is too. So is accepting change — because a year can start out normally, then transform into something completely different. And while we didn't need a pandemic to tell us this, a person's entire life can go through similar shifts as well. Someone can start out in one job, for instance, then make a once-in-a-lifetime leap to pursue another. That's the story behind Wilson Brewing Company, which is based in Albany. It also applies at Illegal Tender Rum Co, in Springfield in Western Australia's midwest. Or, a person can jump into the wine industry in one part of the country, then end up making it in a completely different area. That tale rings true at Ferngrove Wines in the Great Southern region, for instance. What hasn't changed lately, though, is how much Australians love Wilson, Illegal Tender and Ferngrove's drinks. When BWS asked Aussies to pick the country's top tipples as part of its Local Luvvas initiative, all three emerged victorious in WA. They'll now receive an extra helping hand with getting their products stocked in more BWS stores — and we've chatted to key players from all three to discover just how life's changes brought them to this point. FROM THE MINING INDUSTRY TO MAKING BEER IN AN OLD NURSERY If you were to ask the entire Australian population how they'd spend their time if they could have any job they wanted, we're betting that a considerable number would mention brewing beer. Matty Wilson would now, but he mightn't have known how much he loves his work if he hadn't been a boilermaker in the Pilbara first. It was there, as one of the mining industry's many fly-in, fly-out employees, that his cousin Leon first introduced him to brewing. "I was instantly addicted, and loved the combination of science, cooking and chemistry," he says. "After about six months, I realised that I had a knack for brewing and recipe development — and started thinking about opening a brewery in Albany." Opening a brewery isn't a part-time endeavour, of course. For Wilson, it meant calling time on his existing career, buying an old garden nursery with a big dilapidated shed out the back, and putting all his energy into making Wilson Brewing Company a reality. He didn't completely farewell his old skills at first, though, using them over the course of nine months to fix up the property and build his first brew kit by hand — a key early step in making the leap into the professional beer business after five years of home brewing. That was back in 2016 — and while it represented an enormous change for Wilson, this year would bring more. "2020 has proven to be a time of overcoming challenges," he says; however, it has also been one of "banding together and supporting each other". When he started Wilson Brewing, he sold his first keg to the Earl of Spencer Pub in Albany. Now, in this tough period, the community in WA's southwest and the state as a whole has been pivotal. "They've truly proven why it is so great to live here," Wilson shares. "We have had unprecedented support, and have had the opportunity to support others like never before. We learned that we can take a beating, stick it out, and come out the other end stronger and still chasing our dreams." LEAVING A CAREER AS AN ELECTRICIAN TO DISTILL RUM At first glance, Illegal Tender Rum Co's origin story is rather similar to Wilson Brewing Company's — and that of the former's Codie Palmer to the latter's Matty Wilson, too. Palmer was previously an instrumentation electrician by trade, working in iron ore mining in Dampier. Now, after selling his house and car to finance his dream, he has been distilling professionally for six years out of Dongara. For Palmer, however, making rum was always his "true calling". In fact, he's been doing it for more than half of his life. "There is something about it that just ensnared me; something with the process and how you could take raw ingredients and really make them your own," he says, explaining that it's "a curiosity that beckons to you like a bright light in the night". He relishes the process, and the hard work that's required along the way. "A truly great spirit is something that is nurtured from start to finish — no shortcuts," he notes, explaining how Illegal Tender guides its 100-percent Australian ingredients through the brewing stage, then through fermentation, then double distillation, and finally through maturation. In 2020, Illegal Tender has been making something else as well: hand sanitiser. Add that to the big changes that have marked Palmer's rum-distilling path — but, while unexpected, it's one he'll always cherish. "It saw us help thousands of vulnerable people in our area, and that's something that we will be proud of for the rest of our days," he says. Indeed, it has allowed him to support a community that has supported him. "Without it, we simply would not be around. When we began our journey, it was the local support we received from the very beginning that made us feel like we were a part of a greater family," he explains. "Being local should be something all producers are proud of… and supporting locals should be at the forefront of people's minds in this day and age." SWAPPING THE BAROSSA VALLEY FOR WA'S GREAT SOUTHERN REGION Unlike his fellow Local Luvvas winners, Ferngrove Wines' Craig Grafton didn't experience a stint in mining before following his vino dreams. But he still probably wouldn't have predicted that he'd become the chief winemaker at a Western Australian vineyard — especially given that he grew up north of South Australia's Barossa Valley; has spent time working in the Yarra and Clare valleys, Geelong and Bellarine, and Mildura; and has also plied his trade in the Bordeaux region of Southern France, in California's Sonoma Valley, and also in Nashik in India and Ningxia in China. The move to WA was the result of years of respect for the area, though. "I have always held the Great Southern region in high regard," he says, noting that that's proven true across his 20 years as a winemaker. And if you're going to make a top-notch drop, Grafton believes that you need the very best location. "It is a little clichéd, but it is absolutely true that great wines really are made in the vineyard." Ferngrove's location since 1998 — where "the cool climate of the Frankland River allows our vines to produce some incredibly intense fruit, and we have relatively warm days which allow the fruit to fully ripen in flavour," as Grafton explains — is a little off the beaten path. It's 360 kilometres south of Perth, in fact. That makes local support crucial for Ferngrove Wines, even before 2020 delivered its challenges. "Being loved as a local winery is what we've been striving for as remotely located vineyard. We have to work a little harder to get our wines out there, and it means that we have to shout and scream at the top of our lungs that we are a winery that's worth tasting, enjoying and seeking out," he says. As a self-confessed wine fanatic, that's a task that Grafton enjoys, however; "the romance, the history, the people, the places that are all involved in wine production made me want to forge a career and lifestyle around this". To find these or other Western Australian drinks as part of the BWS Local Luvva's initiative, head to your nearest BWS store.
Enjoy the finer things in life at this sophisticated Good Beer Week event beneath the stained glass windows of Richmond's St Stephen's Church. Ticketholders will get the chance to sample six exclusive beers from Belgium's Rodenbach Brewery, each of which has been carefully paired with a selection of cheeses by Yarra Valley Dairy's head cheesemaker Jack Holman. And, just in case you had any doubts about just how fancy this thing will get, the night will also include a performance by some of the best opera singers in the country. It's a far cry from frothies at the footy, that's for sure.
Jane Miller's True Love Travels on a Gravel Road has been described as "a very funny riff on choice and broken dreams". Following the romantic adventures of Jake, a country boy who falls in love with Elvis-obsessed Maggie, the performance explores how far some people will (literally) go in their pursuit of happiness. Making Maggie's dream of escaping to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee a reality becomes Jake's obsessive focus as he tries to shake off the label of town loser. Isolated country towns can be cruel, but then again, how many city girls choose cotton dress worlds when they could have satins and lace? Written by Jane Miller and directed by Beng Oh, True Love Travels on a Gravel Road is a quintessentially Australian play, complete with a cast of lovable undesirables and a stultifying, small town setting. Smooth streets may not be paved with gold but sometimes, true love might just travel on a plain old, gravel road. Image via truelovetravels.net
Karlis Zaid, Mark Jones and Aurora Kurth star in the latest version of their dark satirical musical about the war on terror in our own backyard. Described by one of its creators as a "macabrial" (macabre musical), Australian Horror Story sounds seriously twisted. Where else are you going to hear a song about a lonely flasher, or hear lyrics that instruct you to "cup the balls of consternation"? There are plenty of family friendly shows at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival this year, but this definitely isn't one of them.
If those lockdown booze stocks are getting low, here's a very fine lineup of libations to add to that collection and ensure you at least spend step two of the government's roadmap sipping in style. The Everleigh Bottling Co has just dropped a second edition of its collaboration cocktail pack, dubbed The Melbourne Mixtape Vol. 2. And just like the August debut — which quickly proved a sell-out success — this one showcases a mix of bottled (and bagged) cocktails from some of the city's most-lauded bars. This time around, the lineup has been expanded to feature specialty sips from eight venues, with Bar Margaux joining the OG lineup. Expect a brand-new crop of creations, including the Mediterranean-inspired Antica Fashionista from Bar Americano, Capitano's sherry cobbler, a classic Everleigh martini, and a coconut and vermouth number Above Board has coined the Mouton Noir. Black Pearl is there with its Tortuga — blending gin, curacao and yuzu vermouth — Bar Margaux is whipping up an Americano Perfecto to be topped with beer, Mjølner pays homage to its Viking sensibilities with the rum-infused Reginleif, and you'll find a wax flower and white chocolate G&T from the masters at Byrdi. Each of the single-serve cocktails comes with specific serving instructions, ready to chill, pour and devour. What's more, you can have the pack sent directly to your home, with shipping available across Australia, except for the Northern Territory and South Australia. Once again, The Melbourne Mixtape is serving as a tasty reminder that just because you can't get out and experience Melbourne's world-class bar scene the way it was intended, doesn't mean you can't still enjoy crafty cocktails from some of its finest operators. You'll also be helping out these venues directly, with every bit of profit from the cocktail packs sold heading back to the bars themselves. The Melbourne Mixtape Vol. 2 is available to buy for $150 from The Everleigh Bottling Co website. Images: Tash Sorensen
The past couple of weeks have seen Footscray cop some pretty nasty abuse, with a spate of vandalism attacks on newer venues like 8bit, Rudimentary, and Up in Smoke suggesting one or more individuals aren't happy with the suburb's gentrification. But despite all this, it seems Footscray's new contingent of hospo operators aren't backing down, with Laneway Festival founder Jerome Borazio announcing plans for a lofty new event space The Line. The space neighbours his Yewers Street bar, Back Alley Sally's. The venue sees Borazio — who's also behind such ventures as 1000 £ Bend, St Jerome's - The Hotel, and The Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo — team up with Back Alley Sally's co-owners Jo and Andrew Harvey, as well as partner Rachelle Watson. Watson is general manager of Laneway Melbourne, and was the mind responsible for originally moving the festival from the CBD to its current Footscray digs back in 2010. With Back Alley Sally's own function space booked out months in advance, The Line is a serious win for this neck of the woods. "Footscray is now brimming with bars and music venues but there's a lack of quality, city-standard event space," explains Borazio. "The Line will meet some of this need." With its minimal design, polished concrete floors, and room for 200 people, the industrial space is primed for partying — a blank canvas that gives punters free reign when it comes to styling their event. They're open to hosting parties and weddings as well as workshops and arts events. The Line joins a growing number of popular bar in Footscray, including Littlefoot, Hop Nation's new brewery, and BBQ joint Up In Smoke. The Line is now open for inspections and bookings at 38–40 Moreland Street, Footscray. For more info, visit theline.melbourne.
Fresh off their luxe collab available in supermarkets around the country, gourmet ice cream maker Connoisseur and artisan chocolatier Koko Black have teamed up for a series of overly indulgent, very necessarily OTT ice cream sticks. From now until December 1, and from 26 December through to February 22 2022, selected Koko Black stores will be the only place you can get your hands on a limited-edition Connoisseur x Koko Black All Dressed Up ice cream paddle, made in Melbourne by two legendary Melbourne brands. [caption id="attachment_833026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] There are three flavours from which to choose, each of which sees Connoisseur's velvety vanilla ice cream enveloped in a dressed-up layer of Koko Black's 54-percent dark chocolate and costs $7.50 a pop. The Pistachi-ooh combines melted chocolate, cocoa nibs, ruby crisp pearls and pistachios. If dark chocolate is more your speed, make a beeline for Embrace the Darkness and its dressing of melted chocolate, cocoa nibs, biscuit crumbs and dark chocolate crisp pearls. For the kidult within, you'll want to pick up a Koko Konfetti and its mix of melted chocolate, sprinkles, ruby crisp pearls and popping candy. Additionally, from now until Friday, November 26 and between December 27 2021–23 January 2022, if you spend $30 in selected Koko Black stores, you can also score yourself a free Connoisseur x Koko Black vanilla or honeycomb stick. The Connoisseur x Koko Black All Dressed Up range is available at Koko Black lounges at Royal Arcade, Chadstone, Doncaster and Highpoint from now until December 1 and returns from December 26 2021 through to February 22 2022. To score a free Connoisseur x Koko Black ice cream with a purchase of over $30, you can head to the aforementioned stores as well as the Koko Black Como store. For more information, head to the Connoisseur and Koko Black websites. Images: Julia Sansone
Last year, Sisters Grimm’s smash hit Calpurnia Descending was created to take advantage of Paul Capsis considerable talents. Now, the star is getting treated to his own solo show crafted by Patrick White Award-winning playwright Nicki Bloom. Little Bird is a gender-bending tale of transformation made especially for the iconic performer, and with accompanying original music composed by Cameron Goodall from The Audreys and Quentin Grant it's looking like one of the year's first must-sees. Capsis possesses a staggering, searing voice — look no further than his take on Leo Sayer’s ‘Giving It All Away’ in The Boy Castaways — that’s matched only by his complete vulnerability on stage. At a time of year when substantial theatre offerings are thin on the ground Little Bird stands out as a likely hit of the summer.
Sure as water is wet and the earth revolves around the sun, Melbourne has been named the world's most liveable city yet again. I think I speak for all Victorians when I say "suck on that, Sydney!" The Economist Intelligence Unit's Liveability Index ranks 140 cities on stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and environment. This marks Melbourne's seventh consecutive year at the top of the charts, and the state government could barely contain its glee. "Melbourne pipped Vienna for the top ranking, and finished well above Sydney, which did not make the top ten," read the incredibly smug press release issued by Premier Daniel Andrews' office earlier today. "Victoria has the best of everything and the Andrews Labor Government will continue investing in the things that matter to keep it that way." "This is a win for all Victorians, who contribute so much to making Melbourne the best place to live in the world," said Andrews. "Every Melburnian knows that they're living in the world's greatest city – and this proves it yet again," added Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren. Rounding out the top five were Vienna, Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, which tied with Adelaide in fifth place. Sydney, for what it's worth, came in at number 11. Cute.
Immersive and Instagrammable art has been all the rage in Australia for a few years now. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room has taken up permanent residence in Canberra, Sugar Republic's "dessert museum" keeps popping up, both multi-sensory playground Imaginaria and Van Gogh Alive have been touring the country in 2021, and Melbourne now has its own permanent digital art museum. And, after first hitting our shores in Sydney in 2020, Happy Place is about to jump back on the must-photograph list. Dubbed the "world's most Instagrammable exhibit", the multi-room installation had already travelled across the US and Canada before its first Aussie stop, and now it's heading to Crown Melbourne from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Once inside the exhibition, you'll find many OTT rooms to explore, including a rubber ducky bathtub room, a cookie room that actually smells like freshly baked cookies, a room filled with 40,000 golden handmade flowers and a giant rainbow with a golden ball pit (no leprechauns though, sorry). If that doesn't have you reaching for your smartphone, there's also a mind-bending upside-down room and the "world's largest indoor confetti dome". When it was on display in the northern hemisphere, more than one million snap-happy folks visited Happy Place — including, supposedly, celebs such as Adele, Hilary Duff, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Michelle Gellar — and we're guessing it's going to be equally popular during its return Down Under. While the exhibition is "on a mission to spread happiness around the world", thankfully it isn't actually like The Good Place. Obviously, it's likely to sell out — and fast. Happy Place will be operating under COVID-safe guidelines in Melbourne, which means that all patrons over the age of 16 will need to be double-vaccinated — and there'll be contact tracing in effect, as well as increased sanitisation measures. Find Happy Place at Crown Melbourne, Level 1 Metropol Precinct, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank from Thursday, December 2–Sunday, January 30. Adult tickets start at $24.99 and are on sale now.
Since 1990, every child has wished for one thing: to get stranded home alone so they could relive the ultimate 90s Christmas movie. No one really wants to spend the festive season without their family — especially when their mum is Schitt's Creek legend Catherine O'Hara — but we've all wanted to follow in Macaulay Culkin's footsteps. Admit it, we've all yelled "keep the change, ya filthy animal!" in hope, too. Expect that line — and the entire seasonal cinematic treat that is Home Alone — to echo through Hamer Hall this festive season. Here's one way to relive the movie: watching it play in the hefty venue with a live soundtrack. As it did back in 2019, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is bringing the film back to the big screen in the best possible way, aka in concert, and welcoming the merriest time of the year in the most appropriate fashion. Home Alone made a star out of Culkin and, yes, made every 90s kid (and 00s and 10s kid as well) hope their family went on holidays without them. It truly is the best movie there is about an eight-year-old who outsmarts two burglars while living it up without his parents and siblings — and while it charts Kevin McCallister's antics, it also boasts a rousing Oscar-nominated score by iconic composer John Williams. That's what the MSO will bust out at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 14–Thursday, December 15 — and there's your essential end-of-year viewing taken care of. Home Alone isn't just any old Christmas flick. It's one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. And, it's spawned sequels great (Home Alone 2: Lost in New York) and forgettable (all the other ones, including 2021's Home Sweet Home Alone). If your response to the above news is to hold your hands to your cheeks and exclaim, then you'll want to nab a seat. There's no need to set traps or play pranks to grab a ticket, though — they go on sale at 10am on Thursday, October 13. Home Alone in Concert will take place on Wednesday, December 14–Thursday, December 15 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, with tickets on sale from 10am on Thursday, October 13. Head to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra website for further details.
Hi Italy is a cosy hole-in-the-wall slinging out some of the best pizza Reservoir has ever seen. Head chef Lucio hails from the island of Sardinia and is passionate about all things Italian. The pizza is freshly made to order in their small wood-fired oven, ensuring every single base is perfectly charred and slightly crispy. Like all Italians, stingy is not a part of Lucio's vocabulary — expect generous amounts of Prosciutto di Parma (lovingly shaped into roses) and freshly grated parmesan cheese by the handful. Expect classics like the Mortadella with tomato, mozzarella, gorgonzola and mortadella ($22.50), along with new school favourites like the signature Hi Italy with mozzarella, Proscuitto di Parma, cherry tomatoes, parmesan and rocket ($25.50). Remember to book in advance, their dining area is intimate and tends to fill up quickly.
When it comes to movies, we sometimes use 'Hollywood' as a pejorative. We might employ it to mean schmaltzy, unrealistic, vapid and other similar unpleasantries. But when I say The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the ultimate Hollywood movie, I mean it's the good side of Hollywood, all packaged and wrapped up in time for Christmas. Funny, optimistic, life-affirming and full of pretty pictures and massive special effects, the film is something of a passion project for Ben Stiller, who directed, produced and stars in it. It's adapted from a 1939 short story by Jamie Thurber that's been reshaped entirely beyond its basic premise. The film follows a quiet Life magazine staffer as he learns to seize the day. As the head of the negative assets department, Walter is responsible for selecting and processing the works of their world-roving star photographers, chief among them the shamanistic Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn). But Walter has never experienced this wide world for himself, after the blows of life turned him timid. Instead, he imagines epic adventures for himself — diving into exploding buildings to save a dog, hiking the Arctic and, in a high point of the film, living a backwards Benjamin Button-like life with the woman he loves. That he 'zones out' while engaged in these daydreams does not help his social standing in cutthroat New York. Life doesn't exist any more, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is set in the dying days of the monthly magazine. Ted Hendricks (a disconcertingly bearded Adam Scott) is brought in to oversee the move from print to online and the accompanying rafts of redundancies, and Walter is firmly in his sights. Unfortunately, Walter can't find Sean's 'negative 25', which the photographer has described as capturing the "quintessence of life" and which is wanted for the final cover. Given new courage by love — in the form of colleague Cheryl (Kristen Wigg) — he sets off to track down Sean and the missing negative, using the few clues he has. Iceland is his starting point for a very big adventure that sees his latent resourcefulness and cool coming to the surface. For a mainstream, very feelgood film, it's the weird quirks that make The Secret Life of Walter Mitty loveable. Aside from the interjecting daydream worlds, Walter is shadowed by an over-caring eHarmony customer service representative, Todd (Patton Oswalt), who's determined to help him succeed in love. Their phone chats, coming at inevitably odd times throughout the film, are always funny and welcome. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is really ideal New Year's rather than Boxing Day fodder, egging you into living fully and booking that adventure holiday you've been putting off. There's so much focus on travel as a means to self-realisation, in fact, that it's ultimately to the film's detriment. It's simplistic; skateboarding down the valley of an active volcano might make you a more open person, or it could make you a twat. All outcomes are possible for the intrepid traveller. But that shouldn't ruin the journey of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It's a charmer with a good heart and a healthy dose of unrealism. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7ve8mc6UNSk
Brilliantly unique Australian artists Emma Davis and Brian Campeau having been working together for years, ever since Brian agreed to produce Emma's first album. This November, the pair is set to light up the east coast on their Best of Friends Tour. London-born Emma was described by triple J as one of "the quiet achievers of the Sydney scene" and has been quietly achieving national radio and television time since 2011. In September, she headed into the studio with Mark Myers (The Middle East) to record another offering of her soulful, honest tunes. Brian Campeau has done pretty much everything — performing, composing, producing — and he's been critically acclaimed for all of them. Known for his originally individual arrangement and instrumentation, he's been a success both on his own and with his band, The Green Mohair Suits. Both Davis and Campeau have singles out this month, and so set off to entertain the country as colleagues and the very best of friends. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CjlE9bhwhsE
Australia's most inclusive music festival hits Birrarung Marr for its next instalment on Saturday, March 25 — and the jam-packed lineup of artists it's bringing with it is an absolute cracker. Leading the talent at Ability Fest 2023 are Aussie hip hop legends Hilltop Hoods, dance duo Mashd N Kutcher and ARIA Award-winning songstress Sampa the Great, along with names like Paris, Meg Mac, DZ Deathrays, Linda Marigliano and dameeeela. Unfolding across two stages, the program has something for all kinds of music fiends — with SHOUSE, Telenova, Juno Mamba, Mulalo and Latifa Tee just some of the other artists who'll be heading along. [caption id="attachment_893575" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jayden Ostwald[/caption] The brainchild of 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott and Untitled Group (the crew behind Pitch Music & Arts and Beyond the Valley), Ability Fest is carefully designed to be completely accessible and as inclusive as they come. It'll feature ramps and pathways for easy access, Auslan interpreters working alongside the artists, and elevated platforms to give everyone a shot at seeing the stage. Plus: quiet zones, a dedicated sensory area, ticketing for companions and accessible toilets. During its life, the not-for-profit fest has raised close to $500,000 for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, while continuing to dish up primo live tunes and music experiences to Aussies of all abilities.
Suddenly, it's not enough to enjoy craft beer, locally-made sourdough and bespoke flavoured oils anymore — now it's all the rage to actually make them yourself too. How do you do that, you ask? Enter The Craft & Co. on Smith Street. They can help you out. The Craft & Co. vision is to teach through demonstration. They're a retail and hospitality space that hosts in-store demonstrations and workshops to help you understand how your food is made — and maybe even give it a crack yourself. It's big space that incorporates an onsite micro-brewery and distillery, cured meat and cheese making rooms and coffee roastery, as well as a retail store, bar and eatery. And they're also hoping to develop their own farm and vineyard. Talk about ambitious. The plan is to hold workshops, demonstrations and events — so if you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own mozzarella, curing your own salami or whipping up some home-brew, this is your place. And if you simply can't be bothered with DIY, you can just always just EIY (eat it yourself). The lunch and dinner menu is stellar and — best of all — won't break the bank, which is a necessary consideration in this post-Christmas world we now live in. The menu is a mixture of tapas-style nibbles and meaty, filling mains, but the breakfast menu really has us intrigued. A zucchini and mint omelette, wagyu minute steak and chips (for breakfast?!) and the cacao pops — activated buckwheat, cacao and coconut served with milk — are just experimental enough that we'll happily concede to The Craft & Co.'s expertise in this department.
Forget simply watching a TV show, scoring yourself a new favourite, then perhaps buying some merchandise to show your love. For fans of ace new Australian rom-com sitcom Colin From Accounts, you can stream the series about two strangers who meet over a dog in the street, then get your own pet pooch a few beers. Cracking open a cold one with your canine companion is now on your summer agenda, with Binge teaming up with Melbourne-based brewery Hop Nation to release a brew solely for your four-legged friend. Called Colin's Pale Ale, the beer is actually a bone broth drop made from beef bones — and it's firmly for dogs, not for humans. That means that you'll need to grab your own tipple to sink with your pupper; however, if you get in quick enough, your pooch's tinnies won't cost you a thing. From 9am AEDT on Monday, December 12, Binge and Hop Nation are giving away free brews, which includes free delivery as well. If you and your dog are keen to get your paws on a four-pack, you'll need to head to the Hop Nation website. Understandably, getting in quicker than a canine can chase a tennis ball is recommended, because the Colin's Pale Ale freebies are only available while stocks last. You can thank Binge and Hop Nation for helping you solve a frequent dilemma experienced by every dog owner — because everything you can do, your canine always thinks it can as well. While humans know that's not always the case, it now will be when it comes to drinking brews during Australia's sultry summer. Clearly, Binge hopes that you and your pupper will enjoy a beverage while watching Colin From Accounts, which follows medical student Ashley (Harriet Dyer, The Invisible Man) and microbrewery owner Gordon (Patrick Brammall, Evil). After the latter gets distracted by the former one otherwise ordinary Sydney morning, he accidentally hits a stray dog with his car. As the pair get the pooch veterinary treatment, then commit to look after him — and, yes, name him Colin From Accounts — their already-chaotic lives start to intertwine. Check out the trailer for Colin From Accounts below: Binge and Hop Nation are giving away free four-packs of Colin's Pale Ale, a beer for dogs, from 9am AEDT on Monday, December 12 via the Hop Nation website. Colin From Accounts streams via Binge. Read our full review.
Two Spanish couples on holiday, the tale of a real-life Barcelona bus driver and a crime thriller set in the Basque Country: if you're looking to swap Australia's winter for Euro vibes from your cinema seat, they're some of the highlights in store. When the middle of the year hits Down Under each year, the Spanish Film Festival brightens up Aussie picture palaces with a lineup of movies from its namesake country. Exploring the breadth of Spanish-language cinema, it also showcases flicks from Latin America. Thirty films are on the fest's program for 2025, including across Friday, June 13–Wednesday, July 2 at The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema in Melbourne. Audiences can enjoy a roster of picks that features a Sliding Doors-style opener, this year's two Goya Best Film winners and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Nine Queens. Among the films mentioned above, Samana Sunrise is kicking of the festival with 20-year pals on a beachside getaway to the Dominican Republic when what might've been becomes the focus. Then, both El 47 and Undercover have prime slots fresh from their shared victory at Spain's version of the Oscars. The first heads back to the 70s to tell of bus driver Eduard Fernández's peaceful act of dissidence, while the second also unfurls a true tale, this time about the only police officer in Spain's history that has worked their way into terrorist organisation ETA. If you've been watching Ricardo Darín in recent Netflix hit The Eternaut, then you'll want to head back a quarter-century to see the Argentinian star's stellar work in heist flick Nine Queens — or revisit it if you're already a fan. It's closing out this year's Spanish Film Festival, screening in 4K. Other highlights across the program include The Quiet Maid, which was completely funded by NFTs, boasts Steven Soderbergh (Presence, Black Bag) as an executive producer, and follows a Colombian maid who discovers how to enjoy her summer while working on the Costa Brava; Ocho, charting a relationship over 90 years; the page-to-screen The Goldsmith's Secret; and Spanish box-office hit Wolfgang, a comedy a nine-year-old boy being set to live with his father. Or, there's Argentinian crime-thriller A Silent Death, which heads Patagonia in the 80s; El Jockey, with Money Heist and The Day of the Jackal's Úrsula Corberó among the Buenos Aires-set film's cast; and Peru's Through Rocks and Clouds, where an eight-year-old alpaca herder gets excited about the World Cup. With Marco, The Invented Truth, another slice of reality graces the lineup, this time honing in on the man who acted as the speaker of the Spanish association of Holocaust victims. The same is the case with I Am Nevenka, Nevenka Fernández's report of harassment by her employer in the 90s. Two documentaries also demonstrate how fact is frequently more fascinating than fiction, with Mugaritz. No Bread, No Dessert all about its eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant and The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés celebrating a rising star of its titular genre.
It has been a long, hard year and you may be looking at your screen right now daydreaming of a holiday on a secluded beach or exploring deep inside a rainforest. SurfStitch is looking to make that dream a reality by offering one of its customers a $5000 Luxury Escapes voucher to use towards a holiday. All you have to do is add a new addition to your wardrobe by making a purchase at SurfStitch. You can shop for a new swimsuit from brands like All About Eve, Calvin Klein and Peony. Maybe you've had your eyes on those low cut Doc Martins all the cool kids seem to be wearing these days or a Misfit button-up to complete your summer look. These are all available through SurfStitch — and if you pick one up you'll go into the draw. Treat yourself and you might be treated to a luxury holiday. Even better, pick up a new outfit for someone special this holiday season and then nab the holiday for yourself. Yes, Christmas is a time of selflessness ,but how good would $5000 be to make up for the lost time and cancelled holidays of 2020. The voucher can be spent on a range of accommodation options around Australia and overseas as well as some unforgettable travel packages and experiences. You could explore Australia's Top End on an eight-day tour from Darwin to Uluru, spend a week beachside at a luxury villa in the Maldives or take a ten-day tour of Japan including a stay at Mount Fuji. The gift card is valid for three years, so fingers firmly crossed international travel is back to normal by then. All you have to do is use Klarna when you check out. Klarna is an app that offers buy now, pay later and loyalty rewards programs. Find out how to sign up for Klara, browse SurfStitch's online store and learn more about the competition through SurfStitch's website. Go into the draw to win a $5000 Luxury Escapes gift card by making a purchase from SurfStitch and using Klarna at the checkout between Tuesday, December 1 and Thursday, December 31. The winner will be drawn on Tuesday, January 5. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Opening quietly in the even quieter suburb of Mount Waverley, Son of Tucci has been warmly welcomed in the south east of Melbourne. Tucked between the ageing, pasty walls of Hamilton Place, this fresh-faced newbie is refreshingly modern and delightfully different in a precinct that could use a serious makeover. The second Melbourne venture for the Crea Siblings, Son of Tucci pays homage to their grandfather. "His surname was Santuccis," Massimo Crea says. "And he always wanted a son — so that's where it comes from." Fittingly, Massimo's grandparents also used to live in Mount Waverley. And even though they had to start from scratch — the space was previously a retail store — the Creas were determined to open in the area because, according to Massimo, there was nowhere for a younger generation to simply 'hang out' in Mount Waverley. Their clientele seems suspiciously well rounded, despite his sentiment. Between featured concrete walls and exposed brick, you can choose from a range of buttery sweets to go. Seasonal blends by Veneziano are the caffeinated base for your morning latte, with filtered coffee and an eight-hour cold drip also on offer. Order your coffee black (beans are by Small Batch), and you'll receive a card detailing the coffee’s origins. Teas are by specialist brand Larsen & Thompson. If you're planning to linger for longer, Son of Tucci's menu has everything you could possibly need for an extended family brunch. Traditional breakfast fare with contemporary touches rein supreme, like their smashed avo and Sriracha maple glazed bacon ($14), or pancakes with sweet dukkah and poached pear ($15). Nutella fanatics will adore their Nutella shakes ($4.50), while the espresso variety are the perfect caffeinated treat — and with polished concrete floors, the Son of Tucci team are more than ready to wipe up the occasional spill. The typical local cafe, Son of Tucci isn't a game-changer in Melbourne's mammoth cafe scene. But it's certainly a tasty choice for this little south-east suburb.
For over a decade, Blackbird has been a go-to spot in Brisbane for a top-quality steak, stylish cocktail and excellent river views. Now, the family-owned Ghanem Group is bringing this award-winning concept to Melbourne, with an attention-grabbing three-level site in the heart of the CBD. Coming soon to the Collins Place precinct, this second Blackbird location will maintain the essence of the original while adopting a distinctive Melburnian edge. It'll be the hospo group's third venue in Melbourne — it already counts Collingwood's American barbecue spot Le Bon Ton and the sleek riverside Lebanese venue Byblos as part of its southern stable. "We believe this is the right time and place for our Melbourne expansion," says Ghanem Group CEO, Vianna Joseph. "Blackbird Brisbane has just celebrated its tenth anniversary and has more than proved its credentials, gaining loyal corporate and leisure clientele, including many Victorian visitors. Bringing Blackbird to their own city makes perfect sense." With a June opening on the cards, a full-scale renovation of the space is being led by Gold Coast-based Space Cubed Design Studio, which has also designed a number of Ghanem Group's stylish Queensland venues including Donna Chang and Boom Boom Room. Encompassing a sophisticated restaurant, bar and event space, the refined offer is expected to slot effortlessly into the 'Paris end' of Collins Street. Blackbird Melbourne will feature an interior aesthetic rich in dark, moody tones and contrasting textures set against murals contemporary artwork. At street level, an intimate cocktail bar invites guests to find a comfy spot on a sunken lounge, plush banquette or an upholstered armchair, creating an intimate escape from the bustling Flinders Lane. Rising through the levels via a central staircase, you'll find eye-catching chandeliers, mirrored ceilings and an expansive, split-level dining space awash with tonal charcoal hues. This striking setting is the perfect backdrop for executive chef Jake Nicolson's menu. A Victorian native, Nicolson — whose impressive resume includes stints at Daylesford's Lake House and the now-closed St Kilda fine-diner Circa — will highlight premium ingredients such as Josper-grilled and dry-aged meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables, showcasing the best of Victorian produce. Plus, select ingredients sourced from Queensland will pay homage to the restaurant's origins. "I am very much looking forward to rekindling and building upon the great relationships with growers and producers I had formed during my early years in Victoria," says Nicolson (pictured below). "Showcasing the best of each season's bounty, and combining the very best produce from Victoria and Queensland for all to celebrate through the menus at Blackbird Melbourne is very exciting." Blackbird Melbourne is scheduled for a June opening at Collins Place, 66 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Check back for updates or head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Markus Ravik.
Tasmanian composer Dylan Sheridan returns to this year's Next Wave Festival with his latest otherworldly concerto. Using a mix of cello, violin, saxophone and electronics, this immersive musical work takes listeners 1500 light years through space to the edge of the Horsehead Nebula. Described in the festival program as "a sonic exploration of galactic patterns", The Horse takes over Arts House for eight shows starting Thursday, May 12 and is one of the must-see (and hear) events at Next Wave this year.
After a massive reno, Wyndham Cultural Centre is set to open in early July. And one of the first shows scheduled for the theatre is King Stingray and Electric Fields. The two bands, which, between them, have scored tonnes of awards and toured all over the world, will appear in a double bill on Saturday, July 5. Tickets are available online. King Stingray, which hails from the Northern Territory, put out its debut EP in 2022, straight away scoring five ARIA nominations and the prize for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Since then, they've been touring internationally — right now they're making their way through Europe. Electronica duo Electric Fields had a similarly speedy rise to fame. After launching in 2015, they were touring China, Scotland and New Zealand within six months. 2024 saw them become the first duo to represent Australia at Eurovision with the song One Milkali (One Blood).
It's the intermission of the funniest play that currently exists on the planet, and the crowd is in shock. Why? Well, I'm not inclined to tell you. Suffice to say, One Man, Two Guvnors might be a hybrid of every classic style of British humour, but that doesn't mean it plays it safe. Based on the commedia dell'arte (read: old Italian panto) play Servant of Two Masters, this production has been adapted for the National Theatre of Great Britain by Mr Bean — that is to say, Richard Bean, prestigious playwright whose The Heretic divided Melbourne last year. One Man, Two Guvnors, set in '60s seaside Brighton, comes to the Arts Centre after stints on Broadway and the West End and several theatre awards. It's gargantuanly, uninhibitedly, divinely funny. A great leveller; you laugh, or you're not alive. It all rests largely in the hands of Owain Arthur, who plays poor fool Francis Henshall, a man who becomes the personal assistant to two seemingly unrelated parties, all because he's dying to buy lunch. Arthur was the understudy to James Corden in the original run of this show, though watching him, it's quite impossible to imagine anyone else in the part. The man goes red in the face every time he opens his mouth to speak. The amount of energy he puts into these two-and-a-half-hours is stunning. Add a pair of high pants and a sweet Welsh accent, and you have a comedic triple threat. He's not let down by the rest of the cast, either, with Edward Bennett in particular proving Arthur's match and counterpoint as toffy Stanley Stubbers, one of the guvnors. Where Arthur has to milk lines like "It tastes good for paper", Bennett fires off quick ripostes such as "I don't do first names; first names are for girls and Norwegians" with a flash of straight teeth and a brush of his blazer. They each stand at one end of the comedy spectrum from the slapsticky to the Wildean, with Amy Booth-Steel. Kellie Shirley, Leon Williams and Rosie Wyatt admirably filling the bits in between. Keeping the good times rolling is a (very handsome) beat combo, who provide live music and step on stage between scenes. It's a fun and refreshing way to add a musical aspect to the show. Indeed, even when the energy of the show starts to flag in the second half (why? Maybe the spell is broken, it's just a bit more predictable or people are nervous about the show's approach to audience participation), these interludes spike the levels right back up again. One Man, Two Guvnors may represent the least stuffy part of our British heritage. Eat it up. This review is based on the Sydney run of this production in April 2013.
When the warm weather rolls around each year, Melburnians usually have multiple reasons to head to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. For those feeling festive, it's where Carols by Candlelight is held. And for anyone keen on catching orchestral shows under the evening sky, it's where the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has held its free summer series for decades. Come 2021, the iconic venue will also play host to a new event: Live at the Bowl. It's a response to this past chaotic year, with holding a COVID-safe summer festival its number-one aim. Well, that and giving the city's residents something fun to add to their calendars after 2020's struggles. The lineup won't be announced until early December; however, Live at the Bowl will run from January–March and feature more than 40 performances. It'll be a socially distanced affair, obviously, which the renders of the event illustrate — including separate platforms that split the audience up into groups, as festivals overseas have already been using. [caption id="attachment_789597" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Render of Live at the Bowl[/caption] Live at the Bowl won't be the only Melbourne event tempting you out of the house this summer, of course. It's one of several to receive funding as part of a newly announced $17.2 million Victorian Government package — to "enable Victorians to reconnect with the cultural experiences they love in new and unique ways, while creating jobs for thousands of Victorians across the creative and event industries", according to a statement from Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson. Accordingly, Melburnians can also look forward to the Melbourne Museum Summer Plaza series, which'll feature open-air experiences performances, movies, food and drinks; dining and music in the NGV Garden to coincide with the free NGV Triennial; and outdoor experiences at State Library Victoria, Melbourne Recital Centre, ACMI and Federation Square. Sixteen individual Victorian arts companies and festivals will also receive funding to present outdoor programs across summer, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Midsumma, Shepparton Arts Festival and Creative Clunes. Live at the Bowl will run from January–March 2021 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, with the program releasing in early December — we'll update you with further details when they're announced.
The season remains in full swing, but it won't be long until the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final takes over Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, August 2. While scoring any seat in the stands will give you a top-notch view of the action, the league has organised a pair of unique encounters for super fans looking to level up their experience. For the first time ever, fans are invited to board a special two-hour Grand Final cruise along the Yarra River. Departing from Federation Wharf, tempting nibbles, drinks and live music will flow for two hours before you dock on the doorstep of Melbourne Olympic Park, ready to head inside and soak up the big game. Meanwhile, the Mixed Social Club is also making its debut, with this pre-match party offering the ideal warm-up to the main event. Featuring canapés, a fully stocked bar and energising beats from DJ Kitty Kat, this is your chance to mingle with some of the SSN's most significant past and present stars on the rooftop of Rod Laver Arena. "The 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final isn't just about crowning our champion — it's about delivering unforgettable moments for our fans," says Netball Australia CEO Stacey West. "Whether you're joining us for the game, the events, or the entire week, this is going to be the biggest and most immersive Grand Final experience in netball history." Finally, the Grand Final Lunch is returning in 2025. Hosted at Centrepiece, just a short stroll from Rod Laver Arena, guests will relish a gourmet two-course dining and drinks experience as netball royalty shares fascinating insights on the sport and what it takes to secure its biggest prize. Best of all, you're invited to tailor your entire Grand Final day. The River Cruise can be purchased individually or added alongside the Mixed Social Club package, helping sports fans of all stripes take their experience to the greatest heights. The Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final is happening Saturday, August 2, at Rod Laver Arena. Head to the website for tickets, premium packages and more information.
Who knew so many people around the world over the age of five (and their parents) would be singing along to a tune sampling “Baa Baa Black Sheep?” Even if you happened to be living under a rock during the when "Somebody That I Used to Know" first surfaced, you would still most likely know the song, which seems to have been playing through some kind of tree root radio system. Now that it’s safely embedded in our brains, you can see ol’ Wally live. Although it’s unclear whether or not Kimbra and Wally will be getting their birthday suits painted on stage or having five people with grim expressions to strum his guitar, what is clear is that Bertie Blackman and PVT will be the supporting acts. This will be his first and (apparently) only Aussie tour since Gotye hit it big time. He seems pretty excited to be playing for local audiences again, saying "the band is sounding hot and I'm so into some of the new visuals that have been made, it's exciting!" Yes, it’s time to get excited people.
In 2012, journalist Clem Bastow moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. Unfortunately, so did tens of thousands of other people. Now she’s back in Melbourne with a cautionary tale about a place where the sun never stops shining. Joined by her very own Hollywood mix-master, the gas mask-wearing DJ Slig, Bastow weaves an elaborate, self-effacing story about her time in the City of Angels, from existential crisis to an encounter with Steven Spielberg. Escape From LA is at Bar Open from March 25 to April 7 and the Imperial Hotel from April 11-19.
Bluesfest experts already know that Iron & Wine will be folkify-ing Byron Bay come Easter 2014. But what they don't know (or haven't, until today, at least) is that the Texan singer-songwriter formally known as Sam Beam will be making headline appearances in Sydney and Melbourne. Since his last Australia tour, Iron & Wine has released two albums: the slick and poppy Kiss Each Other Clean (2011), which entered the US Billboard Chart at Number 2, and now, Ghost on Ghost. Representing yet another extension of Beam's creative repertoire, it combines '60s soul influences with dashes of '70s rock. Beam's idiosyncratic voice meets a punchy horn section, string flourishes and retro-style female harmonies. "As an artist, I think you should be exploring all the time," he told American Songwriter recently. "It's a transition in the way you think about your work. If your work is more about the process of working, then you are still in pursuit of good results, but the result is not where you get your satisfaction. It's the process — the process of exploring and doing." Iron & Wine will play the Sydney Opera House on April 22 and Melbourne's Forum Theatre on April 23. Tickets are available via Handsome Tours' website. Photo by Craig Kief.
If you want to stand out in Melbourne's bottomless brunch scene, you have to up the ante. Well, The Smith in Prahran has done just that, kicking off a brunch series with stellar food, bottomless booze and its very own gospel choir. Hallelujah, Gospel Brunch is here and will be running every Saturday from 12.30–2.30pm. Not only is the menu heavenly — think Aperol French toast, cured market fish, bacon rosti and coconut rice pudding — but there's also a fab brunch drinks list featuring cocktails, like the Sicilian Spritz, Rosé José and Lavender Bomb, as well as house wine, bubbles and beers. The best part? The roaming gospel choir will sing out your favourite tunes while you tuck into the sumptuous spread. With a sleek bar, leafy courtyard and striking dining space, The Smith is the perfect place to while away a sunny day, bottomless tipple in hand. Gospel Brunch is debuting on Saturday, November 10 and costs $60 per person. Looks like Saturday sessions are sorted, team. Bottoms up.
Halloween: love it or hate it, there's no doubt it's growing in popularity here Down Under. And after two years spent on our couches, we'll be damned if we don't use any holiday as an excuse for a celebration. When you're at uni, throwing on a half-assed costume and heading to some sticky beer-soaked party seems like the height of a good time. But if you're reading this you're probably in the over-25 set and would way rather relax on your couch solo than freeze your tail off at a random party in some Reject Shop number — or even worse, watch your friends' kids run around on a sugar high. So we're here to help. We've teamed up with the devilish minds at Devil's Vine to pen a guide to getting into the spirit of things this Halloween — think delicious dining options, movie marathons and costumes guaranteed to impress. [caption id="attachment_873494" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image credit: Chester Newling.[/caption] HOST A SPOOKY (YET SOPHISTICATED) HALLOWEEN SOIREE Sipping beer out of plastic cups is out — sipping a juicy red at a dinner party with friends is in. Luckily we've got just the ticket: a Devil's Vine wine-soaked Halloween dinner party. We've taken care of the menu, decorations and entertainment options, so head on over to our Halloween guide to get the skinny. HOLD THE ULTIMATE HORROR MOVIE MARATHON Remember those days of staying up all night watching horror flicks with your friends at sleepovers? To get into the Halloween spirit this year, you're going to be holding a version of that with an adult twist. (No, not like that — get your minds out of the gutter). It's all about providing the ultimate in comfort, snacks and wines. One easy way to get your guests into the spirit is to give each of them the task of bringing a Halloween-themed platter. Some of our go-tos are a charcuterie board with 'mouldy' cheese, a platter of pumpkin-spiced treats, or one with only trick-or-treat-worthy lollies and sweets. Drinks-wise, it's all about the vino, and lots of it. Our pick is a Devil's Vine red — it's juicy but not overly sweet, so extremely easy to drink. Pour your cab sauv, merlot, shiraz or red blend into goblet-sized glasses and kick back to watch your flick. [caption id="attachment_859412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in Disney's live-action HOCUS POCUS 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] For your movie option, we'd recommend opting for something camp and scarily hilarious — this is about bringing the Halloween spirit, not scaring yourselves so silly that your friends are unable to go home alone. Some of our faves include What We Do in the Shadows, Beetlejuice, Shaun of the Dead, The Addams Family and Addams Family Values, The Cabin in the Woods , the OG Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, Ready or Not, Tucker & Dale Versus Evil, The Lost Boys and Hocus Pocus (which you can also follow up with the just-released and long-awaited sequel). Being in your comfy 'fits and stuffing yourselves silly also presents the perfect opportunity to tell some "scary" stories of your own over your glass of red — less of the ghost persuasion, though, and more about your mate's recent Tinder nightmare or horrifying mother-in-law tales. And hey, if someone brings out the ouija board, we're not responsible. GOING TO A PARTY? CHOOSE YOUR COSTUME WISELY So your mate convinced you to attend that Halloween party. Maybe the person they're keen to date will be there, or they heard from a friend of a friend it's going to "go off". Hey, we get it — we're pushing thirty but we're not dead yet. But if you're going to do Halloween at our age, you're going to do it right. The days of just throwing on a $5 pair of cat ears are over — you are an adult and will spend money on your costume accordingly. Just like any party, the best part is getting ready, so invite your friends over, pour yourself a glass of Devil's Vine wine and get to work. We've put together some of our favourite costume options to spark some inspo: Barbiecore Be inspired by Tash's incredible dance outfit in the last season of Love Island UK, or Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on skates in Malibu. Think bright pink lycra, big hair, bold lips and chunky dad sneakers. Bridgerton-inspired Regency 'fits Thanks to shows like Bridgerton and The Great, costume shops are absolutely heaving with Regency-inspired pieces these days. Perfect for solo costumes and couples 'fits alike, these ones make it look like you've made a lot of effort while you've actually got it together with minimal fuss. Marilyn Monroe One of the most notable actresses of recent generations is really going through another present-day moment, thanks to Kim Kardashian's Met Gala look and that questionable Netflix movie Blonde. She had so many iconic looks over her time that it's hard to nail one down — but we think if you're looking to give the sequinned treatment, get a nude tight slip like this one and cover it in glitter. Or, opt for a white dress like this one and find the nearest grate. Clueless suits Thanks to Gen Z's ongoing fascination with all things 90s (or what those of a certain age refer to as our childhood), thrift shops are bursting with oversized blazers and mini skirts these days. And if you're attending a Halloween party with a gal pal, you could do much worse than a costume inspired by one of the 90s most enduring duos by donning matching Clueless-inspired 'fits. Find a good checked number in a pale shade and die it yellow — or opt for a navy number if you're more a Dionne than a Cher. Beetlejuice and Lydia Thrift an old black suit, paint some white stripes down it and give your hair a temporary (and very important) spray of white hair paint — job done. For Lydia, either hunt down a red ball gown — or find acres of tulle and get to work with scissors and thread. This Halloween, make a date with Devil's Vine. Available for RRP$11.99 per bottle at Dan Murphy's and RRP$14.99 at per bottle at BWS, head online or in-store to check it out.
UPDATE, January 15, 2021: Ride Your Wave is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. In the type of scene familiar from many a film, 19-year-old Hinako (voiced by Rina Kawaei) frolics around a seaside spot with her boyfriend Minato (Ryota Katayose). In the scenic Japanese city of Chiba, the pair chat, laugh, stroll and sightsee, as plenty of couples have in similar situations. Actually, this duo does so twice. The first time plays out exactly as everyone expects but, occurring well into Ride Your Wave, the lovestruck duo's repeat romantic rendezvous comes with a twist. In the kind of image that can only really be brought to the screen via animation, Hinako isn't spending time with Minato in the flesh the second time around — instead, she's dragging around an inflatable porpoise filled with water that, when she hums the pair's favourite song, manifests her boyfriend's spirit from beyond the grave. Basically, Hinako is now dating a ghost in the guise of a blow-up aquatic mammal — a spectre that can appear in anything else that's wet, such as a glass of water and even a toilet bowl, too. It's a heartfelt yet clearly strange sight, and it's an image that filmmaker Masaaki Yuasa builds his whole sweet, sensitive and charming movie around. Already known for offbeat and distinctive animated efforts such as Night Is Short, Walk on Girl and Lu Over the Wall, the Japanese director blends his fondness for weirdness with a perceptive exploration of love and loss that belongs in the same company as huge recent global hits Your Name and Weathering with You. As brought to life, vocally, by former Japanese pop idol Kawaei and fellow local pop star Katayose (whose boy band, Generations from Exile Tribe, provides the film's pivotal — and extremely catchy — tune), Hinako and Minato's story begins much earlier. Initially, she's a surf-obsessed newcomer arriving in town to study oceanography, while he's a dutiful local firefighter. They cross paths on several occasions — she frequently hits the waves near his fire station, as he just-as-frequently notices — but they don't properly connect until Minato comes to Hinako's rescue when her apartment building is set ablaze. And, if tragedy didn't strike, perhaps they would've simply lived happily ever after. As Ride Your Wave astutely realises, though, those kinds of blissful, uncomplicated tales aren't the norm for everyone. Japan's plethora of big-screen animated gems have always received ample praise for their visual prowess; given how gorgeous and glorious everything from Studio Ghibli's greats to Yuasa's own filmic back catalogue looks, that's understandable. But movies such as Ride Your Wave don't surf their way into viewers' hearts based solely on eye-popping imagery alone. At their best, these films ripple with emotional depth and resonance — and while there's much about Ride Your Wave that threatens to veer into cheesiness at times, it remains an insightful, moving and charming example of the genre. On the surface, it might appear to be just another supernatural teen romance; however from the moment that Hinako is forced to face her future alone, this is a thoughtful, delicate and observant portrait of a woman struggling with one of the worst things that can happen. As whimsical as it might sometimes seem — and as it definitely sounds on paper — there's a rich vein of melancholy in Hinako's escapades with Minato's spirit. As she continues to hold onto him in any way she can, Yuasa and screenwriter Reiko Yoshida (A Silent Voice, Okko's Inn) show a raw and profound understanding of grief, its all-encompassing impact and the reality that, to those in mourning, absolutely everything reminds them of the person they're missing. Everyone who has lost someone has returned to places they once visited together and seen memories of happier times linger at every corner. Everyone in the same position has felt their heart skip a beat when a significant song plays, too. As well as being cute and quirky, the literal inflatable porpoise in Ride Your Wave's frames gives these common and relatable experiences a physical dimension. Don't go expecting this film to receive a live-action remake any time soon, of course, not that any animated movie ever needs one. Disney might currently be obsessed with turning its cartoon hits into flesh and blood (or photorealistic approximations), but Japan's animators are well aware that their chosen medium is far more expressive — especially when it comes to matters of the heart. There's a rhythm, flow and glow to Ride Your Wave that perfectly captures its protagonist's complicated situation, and that simply wouldn't translate to any other format. There's also the feeling that, through its seemingly fanciful narrative gimmick, Ride Your Wave tackles tough emotional terrain with unflinching, heart-swelling honesty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMB7SpEvxOI Image: ©Ride Your Wave Film Partners.
2025 marks 20 years since Oasis last toured Australia, but that's where the lengthy gap between the band's Down Under shows is ending. There's comeback tours and then there's Britain's most-famous feuding siblings reuniting to bring one of the country's iconic groups back together for a massive world tour — and when Liam and Noel Gallagher start taking to the stage together again, they'll do so at gigs in Sydney and Melbourne. Oasis' reunion tour has been huge news since mid-2024, when Liam and Noel announced that they would reform Oasis — and bury the hatchet — for a run of shows in the UK and Ireland. Since then, they've been expanding their tour dates, also locking in visits to Canada and the US. From London, Manchester and Dublin to Toronto, Los Angeles and Mexico City, the entire tour so far is sold out. That's the story, morning glory. The Manchester-born band is kicking off their Aussie visit on Halloween 2025 — Friday, October 31 — at Marvel Stadium in the Victorian capital, and also playing there the next night on Saturday, November 1, then again on Tuesday, November 4. [caption id="attachment_975206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oasis Knebworth 1996, Jill Furmanovsky[/caption] Oasis broke up in 2009, four years after their last Australian tour, and following seven albums from 1994's Definitely Maybe through to 2008's Dig Your Soul — and after drawing massive crowds to their live gigs along the way (see: documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996). If you're feeling supersonic about the group's reunion, you can likely expect to hear that track, plus everything from 'Live Forever', 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', 'Morning Glory' and 'Some Might Say' through to 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova' when they hit Australia. [caption id="attachment_975205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oasis Knebworth 1996, Photo by Roberta Parkin/Redferns[/caption] Top image: Simon Emmett. Updated Friday, October 11, 2024.
One of the most intriguing cabaret shows at this year's Melbourne Fringe comes courtesy of acclaimed performer Selina Jenkins. Best known as the creator of Beau Heartbreaker, Jenkins has a pair of Green Room Awards to her name as well as Best Show gongs from Melbourne and Adelaide Fringes gone by. This time around, she's concocted a dark comedy based on the true story of two women who were driven from their home in rural Victoria during the recent postal vote on marriage equality. Thy Neighbour will premiere at the Hare Hole before crossing over to the Fringe Festival Hub.
Giving someone the gift of food or beer can be an easy choice — it's certainly a timesaver, and it's obviously very easy to order if you're in lockdown — but it can also show that you know what they love. And if your dad likes beer and liquorice, he's likely to be more than a little keen on a new limited-edition brew whipped by by Darrell Lea and Nomad Brewing Co. If you're known to have a hankering for both of those things, you might be as well. The beer in question: Darrell Lea Batch 37 dark chocolate liquorice stout. It sounds a bit like chocolate bullets in beer form, and its release has been timed for Father's Day. The confectionery company says that it sells plenty of bullets and liquorice at this time of year, so doing a liquorice brew was a straightforward next step. As a result, if you can never quite decide between getting your dad a few brews or his favourite sweets, you've now got another choice. As the name makes plain, Nomad has infused this stout with Darrell Lea's Batch 37 liquorice, with the Sydney-based brewery also adding natural liquorice flavour to the mix. Flavour-wise, as well as liquorice — which is one of those foods that people tend to either adore or abhor — you can expect to a creamy, rich and also bitter taste. You won't find the brew at Darrell Lea stores, though. Instead, you'll need to head to Nomad's website or to a bottle shop. Darrell Lea Batch 37 dark chocolate liquorice stout is available via Nomad Brewing Co's website for $11 per can or $45 per four-pack, or via select bottle shops.
Take it slow this Tuesday. Make a detour to Readings in Carlton and figure out your summer reading list. The store's bookshelves are lined with recommendations and the staff are consistently well-informed, friendly and passionate about their favourite books. Head down after work and you may find yourself in the presence of an award-winning author — Readings regularly hosts author talks and book launches at its Lygon Street store. Since it opened in 1969, Readings has been an institution for Melbourne's discerning readers, and in August 2016, it was recognised on a global scale and named International Bookstore of the Year at the London Book Fair.
Mother's Day begins with Sandy (Jennifer Aniston) being told by her ex-husband Henry (Timothy Olyphant) that they need to talk. Instantly, the mother of two becomes convinced that he wants to rekindle their romance. In fact, it turns out that he has actually married the much-younger Tina (Shay Mitchell). As he breaks the news, an expression washes over Aniston's face – a mix of discomfort, dismay and barely concealed disgust. Fittingly, if the actors on screen could gaze back at you in the audience, they'd see the exact same look plastered across your visage too. Mother's Day's pedigree explains part of its troubles, with the feature offering up the latest slice of holiday-oriented schmaltz in the wake of Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. Director Garry Marshall returns once again to intertwine tales focused around a special occasion, serving up bite-sized snippets of stories that are supposed to embody the meaning and spirit of the date in question. So far, so standard. Unfortunately, the movie's problems far exceed those of its predecessors. Corralling famous talent, giving them very little to do, and even asking one — Aniston again — to shout most of her dialogue at herself, does not fit into the recipe for a successful film. Neither does clichéd scriptwriting straight out of a sub-par sitcom or soap opera, or bland visuals that look like they were made for television as well. As competing narratives unfold, you may find yourself wondering if you've seen all this before in the low-budget TV realm. Frankly, that's charitable. Other vignettes include sisters (Kate Hudson and Sarah Chalke) coping with their redneck parents (Margo Martindale and Robert Pine) as they react with racism and homophobia to their daughters' respective relationships, and a widowed father (Jason Sudeikis) commemorating the titular event a year after the death of his wife Dana (Jennifer Garner). There's also an aspiring comedian (Jack Whitehall) attempting to convince the mother of his daughter (Britt Robertson) to marry him, and a TV shopping entrepreneur (Julia Roberts) plagued by maternal issues of her own. Marshall's filmmaking sensibilities might have waned considerably since his '80s and '90s heyday, but one thing has remained constant: subtlety isn't his strong point. But at least his earlier features put some effort into evoking an emotional reaction, be it weeping at Beaches or indulging in the fantasy of Pretty Woman. Here, a checklist of contrived dramas and coincidences — two surprise reunions, hospital visits and meet-cutes, plus a wedding, a runaway motor home and a man buying tampons — are supposed to do the trick instead. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it all proves as dull and laughter-free as it sounds. Indeed, by the time Mother's Day has devolved to the point of making unnamed bystanders exclaim "I love babies!" and "I can't wait to see what they do for Father's Day", viewers will have spotted that initial look of discomfort not just on Aniston's face, but on the faces of every single cast member as well. Finding love and acceptance might be the main aim for these one-note characters, but the film they're stranded in is never going to inspire that response. If you're looking for a movie to take your mum to this Mother's Day, almost anything else would be better.
Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White needs little introduction – his epic career has seen him work with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal at renowned restaurants across the world. But the latest project from the Michelin-starred chef isn't in the kitchen, but in the form of an app that allows customers to score meals at some of the city's best restaurants at discounted prices. After launching in Melbourne last year, EatClub has made its way to Brisbane. It's a new platform that allows restaurants to offer real-time discounts to customers at specifically slow or off-peak periods. So if a restaurant doesn't have many covers for dinner, they can put up four tables and offer, say, 30 percent off to EatClub users that book those tables before 7.30pm. When you open the app, you're shown a selection of nearby restaurants with live deals on a map or in a list. You can then browse the restaurant's interior, peruse the different deals on offer and even check out the menu before you redeem the deal. It's a first in, best dressed system, so if you see something you want to jump on, best be quick – once a deal has been redeemed, it disappears from the app. The technology was co-founded by Matt Cantelo, Ben Tyler and Pan Koutlaki (ex-CEO of Foodora) who worked alongside Pierre White. The idea is that it'll encourage people to eat out more on a whim, an activity that has declined noticeably since delivery apps like UberEATS and Deliveroo have risen in popularity. A heap of Brissie restaurants have already signed up, too, including e'cco Bistro, Salt Meats Cheese, Harajuku Gyoza, Lucky Egg and Fritzenberger. The latter is helping celebrate the app's Brisbane launch, too, by giving away 300 free burgers this Friday, October 5, from 3pm. To claim your free burg, you just need to download the app, be one of the first 300 people to redeem the offer, then go grab it at the Fritzenberger store — at 52 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane. To download EatClub, visit the Apple App Store or head to Google Play.
Kicking off on Valentine's Day, Babylon carries you deep into the Victorian wilderness. You'll find this festival hidden away in Stuart Mill Nature Conservation Reserve, around two and a half hours northwest of Melbourne. It's a magical experience, where you can count on unexpected happenings, immersive installations and alternative realities. Roving performers – armed with musical instruments, decked in fantastical costumes and bearing artworks – are a major element in the program. Meanwhile, an array of stages host a constant stream of Australian and international music acts, playing techno, house, spy-trance, electronica and ambient. Whatever mood you're in, there's a spot for you. Among 2019's artists are techno DJ Amelie Lens (Belgium), dance floor master Bjarki (Iceland), trip-hoppers Earthling (UK) and psychedelic trancer Laughing Buddha (UK), among stacks of others. Take your own tent or van, or book a spot in a luxury bell tent in Babylon's Alpha Camp.
Love art, or just need a hefty tome to decorate your coffee table? Either way, the Melbourne Art Book Fair has you covered. Following on from the considerable success of the last four events, the fifth edition of this literary luau will see more than 200 publishers take over the Great Hall at NGV International, showcasing art books, independent zines, limited edition prints and more. The fair begins on Thursday, March 14 with ticketed event the day-long Graphic Fashion Symposium, featuring a litany of local and international design practitioners. The main event will then kick off the following day with a ticketed Friday evening preview, complete with a "book exchange". What follows will be two straight days of free and ticketed workshops, book clubs, talks and book launches — all up there are over 20 events. For the complete program visit ngv.vic.gov.au. Image: Wayne Taylor.
Each year, the Berlin International Film Festival premieres a treasure trove of flicks that movie buffs will be talking about for months to come, and longer, including when said titles make their way to Australia. It also understandably goes big on new German cinema, which often heads Down Under via the German Film Festival — and that touring event now has the 2023 program to prove it. At Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, Palace Westgarth and The Astor Theatre from Thursday, May 4–Wednesday, May 24, film lovers can look forward to five Berlinale-debuting picks, starting with The Teacher's Lounge with Babylon Berlin's Leonie Benesch, which follows a teacher struggling over a series of thefts at her school; Sisi, the latest take on Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary after Corsage, this time featuring Toni Erdmann's Sandra Hüller as her lady-in-waiting; and Ingeborg Bachmann — Journey into the Desert, as led by Corsage star Vicky Krieps as the titular writer. And, there's also the 1990-set Someday We'll Tell Each Other Everything, which stems from the page — plus crime-thriller Till the End of the Night, which won actor Thea Ehre Berlinale's Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance. The German Film Festival kicks off with A Thousand Lines, hailing from Balloon filmmaker Michael Herbig, and diving into the IRL 2018 fake news scandal involving a journalist disgraced from Der Spiegel. At the other end, it'll close with Over & Out, Germany's addition to the spate of flicks about women reuniting with their old pals years later (see also: Off the Rails). Another hefty highlight: big focuses on the glorious city that is Berlin and also music, both via retrospective picks. So, add Christiane F, which follows the eponymous 14-year-old through 70s-era West Berlin and features David Bowie as himself, to your must-see list on the big screen. Add Wim Wenders' stunning Wings of Desire, about angels observing daily life but unable to interact with it, too. And, B-Movie: List & Sound in West Berlin 1979–1989 belongs in the same category with its archival footage and interviews, complete with Nick Cave, Joy Division and '99 Luftballons' band Nena. Other standouts include In a Land That No Longer Exists, as based on director Aelrun Goette's experiences in the 80s; documentary Merkel, about Germany's first female chancellor; crime comedy The Peacock; and body swapping in sci-fi Skin Deep.
This bustling Irving Street eatery and its Collingwood sibling are both known for their traditional Ethiopan dinners. The Footscray outpost, however, is also immensely popular as a breakfast spot, knocking out steaming plates of silts (an Ethiopian version of scrambled eggs) and ful — a spiced broadbean stew served with sliced hard-boiled eggs, green peppers and crusty bread for mopping it all up. Both these dishes use a traditional Ethiopian-sourced berbere spice mix as a base, made up of 25 different spices, many of which are endemic to the region. Coffee lovers will rejoice at the availability of hand-roasted Ethiopian organic rainforest coffee, which takes a few moments to make but is a spectacle worth beholding. Beyond breakfast, diners flock for the extended menu of vegan, vegetarian and meat-based dishes served throughout the day, all paired with the classic injera flatbread that traditionally serves as a replacement for cutlery.
The key to staying fresh all summer long is hydration — and having the perfect swimming spot to chill out in when things really heat up. Whether you need to get your splash-fix via a luxury staycation, a little beach day or heading into the bush for some true serenity, we've got a hit list of Melbourne swimming spots to suit every citysider or off-road adventurer. Best of all? Every single one is easy to reach on a day trip, so you can pack your swimmers and towel and head out at the last minute on the next sunny day. Don't forget to pack your M.A.C Cosmetics Fix+, too. The cult hydrating face mist will not only keep your skin refreshed and hydrated on the way there, but it'll also help your makeup stay in place while you splash about — so you can go straight from the beach to the bar, if you so wish. Some of the swimming spots on this list are not patrolled by lifeguards. To ensure you stay safe, head here for tips on water safety.
Isabella Rossellini has finally added a Melbourne date to her 2014 Australian tour, where she'll be dressed as a praying mantis and talking about sex. Set to perform her critically acclaimed, one-woman comedy show Green Porno, Rossellini will hit Australian shores in March next year with her hilarious take on the fascinating sexual habits of land and marine animals. The playful stage show, based upon Rossellini's short film series and subsequent book of the same name kookily exploring mating in the natural world, will first premier in Los Angeles this November. The screen icon — who is currently studying animal behaviour at Hunter College in New York — says that she's always been interested in animal behaviour: "...and I certainly know a lot of people that are interested I sex. So here you have the three elements that make the core concept of Green Porn." The show first originated in 2008, when Robert Redford asked the Italian actress to create short, environmental films for his Sundance TV Channel. Rossellini then wrote the stage production, alongside Jean-Claude Carrier —well-known author, actor, opera librettist and director. Expect a mix of live performance along with some of Rossellini's short films. The actress dresses up in a variety of ridiculous insect and sea-creature costumes, while providing a storyline that is completely scientifically accurate. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BckqviVaWl0
UPDATE: OCTOBER 29, 2019 — Due to external factors, the opening of Mary's Melbourne has been pushed back to the end of January 2020. The below article has been updated to reflect this. By now, Sydneysiders are more than familiar with the American-style burgers, decadent fried chicken and wild child vibes of Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham's Mary's empire. Having launched their original burger restaurant in Newtown in 2013, the boys now have four Mary's venues under their belts, the latest opening in Sydney's CBD just last month. They've even ventured down south for a couple of brief flirtations, hosting a one-day kitchen takeover at Leonard's House of Love and then a two-month kitchen residency at cocktail bar Fancy Free earlier this year. Now, Melbourne's set to score a proper, permanent taste of the Sydney crowd-pleaser, with news we'll have our own bricks-and-mortar Mary's outpost come summer. Smyth and Graham have nabbed a "cavernous" site on Franklin Street in the CBD, where they're slated to unveil their newest project in late January, 2020. "We're here to do what we do," said Graham in a statement. "To give our punters simple, delicious food, backed up with an experience that's fun as hell." [caption id="attachment_684208" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's, Sydney.[/caption] They're staying true to their slightly grungy, slightly rock 'n' roll form, so expect an unassuming laneway entrance — marked by only a red light — leading through to a sprawling venue complete with a majestic, custom-made wrought iron chandelier covered in 24,000 hanging dead roses. The flowers are damage stock from Sydney markets, so nothing is going to waste, either. It'll also be the duo's biggest venue yet with 140 seats and, just like the OG Newtown spot, a mezzanine level will overlook the rest of the room. The food offering will showcase tried-and-true Mary's favourites like the Mary's burger, the mushroom burger, fried chicken and gravy-drenched mash, alongside a few Melbourne exclusives. The kitchen will also be dishing up a version of Mary's new vegan menu, which has been going gang-busters since launching at the Circular Quay outpost in May. Mary's fans will know to expect a pretty primo drinks offering to match and, indeed, this one won't disappoint. Award-winning Mary's Group Sommelier and Wine Director Caitlyn Rees has pulled together a lineup of over 100 wines, heroing local Victorian producers. Mary's Melbourne is slated to open at 167 Franklin Street, Melbourne, in late January 2020. You'll be able to book tables for eight or more guests. Top image: Nikki To
Mexico's annual Cinco De Mayo fiesta is one of the world's most famous cultural celebrations, but unless you're one lucky human you likely won't find flights in time to experience the real thing. Fortunately, there's a way to get amongst the festivities right here in Melbourne. And what's more, it's free. That's thanks to Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Cholula, a household name in hot sauce. Together, the two are throwing Cinco Sounds: a one-off Cinco De Mayo party taking over Yarraville's Hotel Mexico this Saturday, May 3. Headlining the event are Aussie indie-electro pop duo Client Liaison, Triple J Unearthed finalist Lotte Gallagher, and local Melbourne mariachi band Queen of Hearts. This is a big combination for several reasons: for one, it's among Client Liaison's first performances of the year after their tour hiatus, so they'll be rip-roaring back into performing and bringing all the energy their fans have been missing. They're supported by some other stars in their own right. Lotte Gallagher is regarded as one of Australia's best up-and-coming alt-rock artists and Queen of Hearts' all-female mariachi lineup brings a touch of authenticity with music that's as much about storytelling as it is soundtracking. No Cinco De Mayo bash is focused solely on music, though. Every party needs great food, and that's where Cholula comes in. Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Cholula will deliver the goods with a spicy mix of tacos, margaritas, top-shelf tequila and mezcal throughout the night. With Cholula's authentic hot sauce, spicy taco seasoning and tasty salsa at the heart, you'll be able to sample special dishes that pay homage to each Cinco Sounds artist. Plus, you can wrap your hands around exclusive Cinco de Mayo cocktails with your Cholula Mexican meal. To get your free ticket to Cinco Sounds at Hotel Mexico on Saturday, May 3, visit the website. By Elise Cullen and Alec Jones
Months of lockdown might have spelled the end of productivity for many — but that sure doesn't seem to be the case for Melbourne chef-restaurateur Joe Vargetto (Mister Bianco, Massi) and good mate Maurice Terzini, aka the Sydney-based heavyweight behind Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and CicciaBella. The pair have kept busy working on their new joint venture, Cucina Povera Vino Vero, which is gearing up to launch in Melbourne's CBD in mid-November. The project will see the site of Vargetto's existing venue Massi stripped back and reimagined as a cosy Italo-Aus diner that's a little bit punk and, as the name suggests, built on a simple 'less is more' approach to cooking. The vibe is inspired by the garages of suburban Melbourne and Sydney, with Terzini defining the style brief as: "Rick Owens makes passata". "We want this juxtaposition of these beautiful old traditions that we respect and this really old Italian peasant food, but brought into a really high contemporary punk setting," The restaurateur explained to Concrete Playground. "We always say, traditions are beautiful but it's time we create our own." [caption id="attachment_720794" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Massi[/caption] With front-of-house led by Terzini's son Sylvester and Vargetto heading up the kitchen, Cucina Povera is set to champion simplicity from its food right through to its styling. A minimalist makeover by multi-disciplinary firm Latitude will see the 52-seat space transformed, with various tones of grey and heavy timber swapped out for a cleaner, more contemporary vision. The equally simple menu is set to showcase a modern interpretation of Italian peasant food, while a short, sharp drinks offering will feature around eight wines sourced hyper-locally and served by the carafe. "Stuff that might not make the bottle, but makes the winemaker's table," explains Terzini. Meanwhile, Romeo Lane's Joe Jones is working on developing a short crop of fun, reimagined classic cocktails, all designed to be quaffed alongside good food. And guiding the sonic side of things is long-time Terzini friend and collaborator Mike Simonetti, of techno label Pale Blue, tasked with creating a soundtrack that sums up the restaurant's vibe. "We just want it to be really, really authentic in its approach to dining and to eating," says Terzini. "You don't have to be at the Icebergs all the time to have a great meal ... this one is no budgets, no forecasts — it's just a real gut feeling of this is just going to be really good, you know?" Cucina Povera Vino Vero will open at 445 Little Collins St, Melbourne, from mid-November.
There's no doubt the early buzz surrounding Australia's new dockless bike sharing services took a pretty quick turn south, as the rogue bikes started clogging up footpaths and waterways across Sydney and Melbourne. But that hasn't stopped the Beijing company behind smartphone-enabled share bike service Ofo from setting its sights on Australia. Ofo launched locally this week, kicking off its Aussie pilot program with a fleet of 50 yellow bikes in Adelaide and plans to roll out in Sydney and Melbourne over the coming months. Billed as the world's first and largest dockless bike sharing platform and available in 180 countries across the globe, Ofo reckons it's ironed out the kinks in this whole share bike game. Firstly, the Ofo app indicates 'preferred parking' zones, to discourage riders from dumping their bikes on any old bit of footpath. Then there's the company's monitoring system, which uses thermodynamic diagrams to monitor the bikes distribution. The company's also got a local team on the ground, checking the bikes twice a day, shifting wayward bikes back to the proper zones and fixing any damages. As with Uber, Ofo also implements a credit rating system — well-behaved riders will earn points, while those who park outside the preferred zones and neglect to move them back will have points deducted. New users will score their first Ofo ride for free, with subsequent trips paid via debit or credit card priced at $1 for every half hour. Ofo has just launched in Adelaide, with a national rollout to follow in the coming months. For more info, visit ofo.com.
