The best summer days are the carefree, spontaneous kind, where you can turf the long-laid plans out the window and embrace some new adventures on a last-minute whim. Preferably, those involving sunshine, good company and a healthy serve of Mother Nature's finest. So, to help you make the most of the many balmy days to come, we've teamed up with Aussie winemaker Jacob's Creek to share our pick of spontaneous activities to enjoy in the great outdoors this sunny season. [caption id="attachment_795212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Abbotsford Convent, Visit Victoria[/caption] STROLL ALONG THE MAIN YARRA TRAIL For a scenic riverside stroll, it's hard to beat the Main Yarra Trail, which is brimming with things to see and places to visit. Follow the river through leafy bushland and open parkland, making sure to check out the tumbling waters of Dights Falls, and the lush grounds and historic architecture of the Abbotsford Convent. The nearby Collingwood Children's Farm also begs a stop, home to an array of animals and blooming gardens. The trail is a whopping 33 kilometres long so, when you need a rest, choose a sunny spot by the river and throw down your rug for some food and fizz. The Brut Cuvée from Jacob's Creek's new low-alcohol range Better By Half is a winning option if you want to keep things light. [caption id="attachment_795213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Royal Botanic Gardens, Visit Victoria[/caption] HAVE A PICNIC IN THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS Sprawling over 38 verdant hectares, the historic Royal Botanic Gardens are just a tiny hop from the CBD, making it the perfect match for your picnic rug this season. Between the lakeside expanses, tree-shaded slopes and secluded clearings, there's many a spot here to suit your personal picnic vibe. And no matter where you land yourself, we promise you'll feel world's away from the buzz of the nearby city. Claim a patch of turf for the afternoon with some mates and bask in some nature while grazing your way through a cheese board and a bottle of the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir — a vibrant drop that'll lend a sense of celebration to any al fresco adventures this summer. CATCH A FLICK AT MOONLIGHT CINEMA 'Tis the season to enjoy some movie magic under the stars. And the legendary Moonlight Cinema is back and offering just that at its home on the Central Lawn within the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, you can make the most of those balmy summer evenings and catch a flick on the outdoor screen while kicking back on your picnic rug. The program features both classic films and new-release titles, including The Holiday, Notting Hill and new Aussie crime drama The Dry, and you can bring along your own eats and drinks for the ultimate chilled-out movie-going experience. A modern take on a summer classic, the delicate Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé would work a treat alongside those movie snacks. PICK YOUR OWN CHERRIES IN THE YARRA VALLEY There's something inherently festive about a handful of plump, red, juicy cherries. Especially if you've plucked them fresh from the tree with your very own hands. So heed the call and make a day trip out to the Yarra Valley's Cherryhill Orchards, where you can spend a couple of hours picking and devouring your fill of the much-loved summer fruit. The renowned orchard is running daily picking sessions right through the cherry season, allowing punters to harvest their own fruit while soaking up some rays and taking in idyllic views of the Yarra Ranges. You can even stick around afterwards for a picnic in the grounds. CATCH SOME FREE PUBLIC ART Getting an art fix needn't mean booking exhibition tickets or being cooped up inside some windowless gallery for the day. This summer, you'll find plenty of creative installations have popped up under the open skies all over town. And you can check them out without parting with a cent. Right now, gracing Birrarung Marr's Upper Terrace, you'll discover a colourful reflection on community in Zahava Elenberg's kaleidoscopic piece Sukkah, created for the Jewish Museum of Australia. And over in Federation Square, there's the luminous cluster of giant, inflatable arches that is Sky Castle — an interactive installation that changes colour and sound as you wander through it. TAKE A WANDER ALONG SOUTHBANK AND SOUTH WHARF PROMENADE When that sun's a-shining, you can soak up the full effect of Melbourne's summer energy with a stroll along the banks of the mighty Yarra. The buzzy stretch of Southbank comes alive at this time of year, with its bustling restaurant terraces, sunny riverside pop-up bars and the odd outdoor entertainer lending their tunes. Meander further and you'll come across the striking angles of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the historic cargo sheds of South Wharf Promenade that have transformed into lively waterfront eateries. Once you're done wandering, stop by the long-running Left Bank, nab a seat in the venue's newly hatched riverside deck and kick back with a glass or two of your favourite tipple. Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers. Top image: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Visit Victoria Please drink responsibly.
In 2006’s Night at the Museum, the exhibits and dioramas of New York City's Museum of Natural History sprang to life, surprising freshly hired evening security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller). In 2009’s Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Larry returned to save enlivened treasures being shipped off to storage in Washington, D.C., stumbling upon a power battle between magically resurrected pharaohs in the process. The films, mixing an everyman protagonist with an exaggerated situation, established an easy formula of heroics and humour, history and fantasy, and quests and chaos, as suitable for all ages. Now, once more adhering to the blueprint but transporting the action to London, the trilogy crawls towards its conclusion with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Here, the perpetually bumbling Larry is thrust into trouble once more when an important event goes awry as a result of his animated mannequin friends. The tablet that endows the appearance of life into the museum’s trinkets is starting to corrode, courtesy of an Egyptian curse. Only specimens housed in Britain hold the answers to stopping the rot, reinstating the spell and rescuing the likenesses of famous figures from reverting to a permanent state of wax. Adding to the antics are Larry’s English counterpart, nightwatchwoman Tilly (Rebel Wilson), and an arrogant Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens), both endeavouring to thwart the visitors’ efforts for their own reasons. Returning director Shawn Levy (This Is Where I Leave You) and new scribes David Guion and Michael Handelman (Dinner for Schmucks) aren’t concerned with offering any unexpected detours in the events that follow, repeating the beats of the earlier films with a heightened emphasis on outdated pop culture jokes. Indeed, that the feature’s biggest source of laughs — and its best surprise cameo – stems from an internet meme gives an indication of the level of comedy cultivated, as does the prominence of online cat videos to the plot. Even the usual reliance upon slapstick wavers, for worse, not for better. The odd-couple banter of Owen Wilson as an old west cowboy and Steve Coogan as a Roman soldier is similarly toned down. Elaborate staging aside (best manifested in Secret of the Tomb in an uncharacteristically excellent M.C. Escher-inspired sequence), the biggest lure of the Night of the Museum series has always been its extensive cast. Performers express enough energy to keep the movie bubbling along; however, for reasons inconsequential to the content itself, it is Robin Williams’ return as Teddy Roosevelt that stands out. His last on-screen appearance evokes both sweetness and sorrow that far exceeds the average franchise swansong he is saddled with.
UPDATE, Friday, December 8: Leave the World Behind screens in cinemas from Thursday, November 23 and streams via Netflix from Friday, December 8. Call it the one with Julia Roberts playing the mother of a Friends-obsessed 13-year-old girl who hasn't clocked that someone closely resembling her mum pops up in the sitcom's second season. Call it writer/director Sam Esmail still ruing humanity's technological reliance and seeing only dystopian outcomes after Mr Robot became such a small-screen success. Call Leave the World Behind an effectively unnerving psychological thriller about a mysterious communications blackout striking while one New York family holidays at another's palatial Long Island vacation home, too. Down Under, badging it the horror version of Australia's November 2023 Optus outage also fits — just with a home-invasion angle that can be read two ways; Hitchcockian suspense, sharp writing and baked-in bleakness; Barack and Michelle Obama as executive producers; and Roberts (Ticket to Paradise) starring alongside Ethan Hawke (Reservation Dogs), Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), Myha'la Herrold (Dumb Money) and Kevin Bacon (The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special). In her second chaotic getaway in two successive movies, Roberts plays Amanda Sandford, an advertising executive who prides herself on being able to read people and situations. But her professor husband Clay (Hawke) is surprised to awaken one morning to news that their brood is going away for a few days, thanks to a humanity-escaping misanthropic urge and a last-minute online booking. He and the couple's kids — the older Archie (Charlie Evans, Everything's Gonna Be Okay) and younger Rose (Farrah Mackenzie, United States of Al) — aren't complaining about the break, though. Then problems after eerie problems occur. First, an oil tanker runs ashore on the beach. Next comes the late-night knock at the door from their holiday home's owner GH Scott (Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Herrold), who've driven in all dressed up from a night at the symphony. In a movie that isn't afraid of M Night Shyamalan-esque setups on its route to potential societal collapse, a power, phone and internet outage follows, plus oddly behaving wildlife and disquieting developments from above. Paranoia is Esmail's on-screen wheelhouse as much as distrusting the gadgets and connectivity that've become foundations of 21st-century life, so him bringing Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel to the screen is hardly a shock. Cultivating tension is also key among the film and TV director, writer and producer's skills, with Leave the World Behind providing another superb avenue for him to demonstrate that talent. With Mr Robot and this, which is only his second feature as a filmmaker (after 2014's Comet), Esmail has proven fond of filtering life's stresses, reliances and fears through harrowing but grounded-enough situations. Leave the World Behind's circumstances coming true doesn't feel like a fiction-only jump, and nor do the reactions from Amanda, her loved ones and the strangers that they encounter. If existence as we currently know it concludes, falters or is disrupted significantly, perhaps it'll be more mundane than instantly cataclysmic, Esmail keeps positing. Scene by scene, Leave the World Behind tears into the vacation idyll early. The trip to the beach under beaming sunlight becomes a disaster movie when Rose spots the ship heading straight for the shore, as grippingly handled by Esmail, his regular Mr Robot cinematographer Tod Campbell and editor Lisa Lassek (Dead Ringers). The distress that lingers in that incident's aftermath only multiplies when the Scotts show up — not thanks to their presence, but due to Amanda's Karen-style reaction. When there's no way of accessing the outside world, the kids try to swim away the unease while the adults argue, yet the disquieting vibe just keeps building. As the tanker moment illustrates, Leave the World Behind doesn't shy away from hefty instances of prospective end-of-the-world mayhem, with more springing; however, blockbuster spectacle isn't this feature's core focus. Indeed, this isn't just a film about responding to another apocalyptic scenario, of which screens big and small can't get enough (see: Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin, plus The Creator, Biosphere and The Last of Us are a mere few fellow 2023 examples). Leave the World Behind is also steeped in today's attitudes as well as its accoutrements; that Alam's book is a pandemic-era release is fitting. So, the entitlement and prejudice that Amanda sports when financial planner GH and twentysomething Ruth arrive speaks volumes. The division and doubt between Amanda and Ruth across generational and racial lines do as well. The same applies to the panic when no manner of devices can deliver the news, a number of supremely self-serving decisions, and one helluva dark but glorious gag that stops anyone from hightailing it out of there and never looking back. As the Sandfords and the Scotts alike — and survivalist Danny (Bacon) as well — contemplate what's behind their chilling change of affairs, surveying everything from cyberterrorism to nuclear troubles, that humanity might be its worst enemy echoes loud and clear. Esmail and Roberts have teamed up before on TV series Homecoming, which he created and directed, and also when the former executive produced the latter-starring Gaslit. Enlisting America's sweetheart in an against-type part that gets her playing suspicious, privileged, contemptuous and prickly guides out a compelling performance, and one of her best in years; Roberts turns in an invested portrayal, and is also among the movie's producers. An always-magnetic two-time Oscar-winner (for Moonlight and Green Book), Ali renders GH as open, trusting and reasonable where Amanda is not, with some of the film's top sequences stemming from the pair sharing the frame. Hawke nails his affable part, and Herrold her no-nonsense role. It isn't just how its characters handle their plight, for better and for worse, that makes Leave the World Behind resonate with emotional truth, but the fleshed-out performances that are always centre stage. On the list of things that Esmail and his film don't shirk, humour and paying homage to Hitchcock also rank highly. The idea that the crashing of society mightn't stop a TV fan from wanting to see how their favourite show ends is both an astute commentary on the dominance of pop culture and deeply funny, while nods to The Birds and North by Northwest are well-handled tributes. Making Friends the series that Rose is obsessed with is all the more affecting after Matthew Perry's recent passing, but it's "I'll be there for you" refrain was always pitch-perfect for this tale. As America and the globe keep being factionalised, doomsday possibilities continue to loom and conspiracy theories about almost everything abound, what and who will be there for you? Call that one of the trains of thought that this ambitious, playful, savvy and cutting picture serves up.
Calling all Dans. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival pop-up Dan's Diner is giving anyone named Dan a free cocktail during its happy hour on Thursday, March 21, Friday, March 22 and Sunday, March 24. And this isn't just for the basic Daniels of the world. If your name is Danielle, Daniele, Daniela, Danny, Dani, Danni, Dannii, Dana, Daen, Daan, Daniyyel, Danail or Danyal, then this one is also for you. On each of the three days, from 4–5pm, the first 20 people through the door to show photo ID proof that their name is indeed a variation of Dan will get a free Dan Murphizz — a cocktail made from Melbourne Gin Company's fine dry gin, Marionette apricot brandy and lemon juice. Dan Murphy's is running this Fed Square pop-up and has gathered together a heap of Dans from Melbourne's hospo scene to serve up American diner-inspired food and bevs. This includes Dan Hunter from Brae, Daniel Puskas from Sixpenny and Daniel Wilson from Yakimono. The Dan Murphy's crew has clearly leaned in hard to the Dan theme. And come Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, visitors to the pop-up can also have a go at getting some free merch — if you're keen on the Dan Murphy's logo. The team has made their own strength tester, so folks can swing a mallet and try and ring the bell to get some free goodies. Either stick around for more diner eats and drinks after Dan's Hour or explore other Fed Square happenings like the pop-up bakery Baker's Dozen.
If you've got a penchant for the cheesier things in life, this week is set to deliver the feasting experience of your wildest dreams. Toorak's +39 Pizzeria is teaming up with the cheese masters at That's Amore to serve up an utterly indulgent, four-course degustation celebrating everyone's fave dairy-based food. Held at the Toorak restaurant this Thursday, March 4, the decadent Italian dinner will showcase a series of exclusive dishes crafted around That's Amore's locally made cheese varieties. For $60 a head, you'll find yourself eating the likes of handmade gnocchi starring the label's bitey Isolation Blue cheese; a baked wheel of the mould-ripened Stella Alpina served with black truffle paste and garlic focaccia; and a smoked buffalo mozzarella pizza with sundried tomato and shredded eggplant. There's even a chocolate and coffee mousse for dessert, made on that creamy signature buffalo ricotta. In between cheesy courses, you're in for some knowledge, too — one of That's Amore's expert cheesemakers will be there on the night to talk guests through the history and art of cheesemaking. [caption id="attachment_801683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Smoked buffalo mozzarella pizza with shredded eggplant, basil and sun-dried tomato[/caption]
Thanks to the expert curators behind 'Bourne Local, you've now got another top-notch artisan market to put on rotation. On the last Sunday of each month, the crew takes over a former car showroom on Hoddle Street to host its latest offering — the 'Bourne Local Collingwood Artisan Market. Running 11am–4.30pm, each instalment is brimming with locally-made fashion, homewares, crafts and produce, and backed by a range of seasonal delights. While you shop, you can tuck into bites from the day's food truck rotation (maybe vegan Mexican eats by Cha Chas), and soak up live sounds from a lineup of local artists. Unlike other markets, however, this one also features a roller rink disco and table tennis hall, for a spot of extra entertainment. For its September 25 edition, you'll also catch a BMX and car display put together by Street Car Culture, and a pop-up barbershop from the hair legends at Kings Domain Academy. More goodies are in store for the rest of the series, happening on October 30 and November 27, with a special twilight market following on December 11 (3–9pm). Entry to the markets is free, though you can reserve a spot online. Images: Simon Fazio
To the delight of metropolitan Melbourne residents, the city's curfew, 25-kilometre rule and four permissible reasons to leave home have all been scrapped. So too has the 'ring of steel' separating Melbourne from regional parts of the state. As a result, you're probably hankering not only to get out of the house as often as possible, but to head as far away from your local neighbourhood as you can — on a seaside day trip, perhaps? If you'd like to visit either Queenscliff or Sorrento, Searoad Ferries will take you there — and, as part of a $1 million ticket giveaway, it'll take you for free. The transportation company is offering 38,484 tickets in total, all for day trips between November 23, 2020–July 31, 2021. And while there's a limit of one return ticket per person, you and all of your mates can grab one each. To nab a free ticket, you'll need to head to Searoad Ferries' free ticket website between Wednesday, November 18 and 5pm on Sunday, November 22 to register. Although you can book in your trip across an eight-month period, there are only limited tickets available for each day — and, obviously, you can expect plenty of other Melburnians to be jumping on the deal. There are caveats, of course. The freebies only apply to foot passenger tickets (not cars), you have to both travel there and return back on the same day — and on your selected date — and you can't change or transfer your ticket once it has been booked. But, you can upgrade it to a vehicle passenger ticket if you purchase a car and driver ticket. And, if you're currently wondering why Searoad Ferries is giving away such a hefty amount of tickets, the answer is as simple as you think it is. "We are a family-owned business, and we know how hard it has been for Victorians," said CEO Matt McDonald. "A free ticket, the beauty of the bay and some fresh air is something we would love Victorians to experience... we want them to remember how beautiful our state really is." [caption id="attachment_651721" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mark Chew, Visit Victoria[/caption] To register for a free ferry ticket, visit www.freeferrytickets.com.au from Wednesday, November 18 until 5pm on Sunday, November 22. One free ticket is available per person, to travel between November 23, 2020–July 31, 2021. Top image: Visit Victoria.
Sydney hospitality giant Merivale announced its expansion into regional Victoria last May with the news it had purchased the historic Lorne Hotel. Since then, the group has stayed hush on its exact plans for the coastal site — until now. It's just been confirmed the Great Ocean Road pub will play host to a fifth outpost of Merivale's much-loved Italian eatery Totti's, slated to open this coming February. Launching as the group's first Victorian opening, the restaurant will be helmed by Merivale Executive Chef (and Totti's creator) Mike Eggert, along with Lorne Hotel Executive Chef and Surf Coast local Matt Germanchis. It'll take over the Ground Floor space formerly home to MoVida Lorne, where Germanchis was most recently on the pans. [caption id="attachment_879250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] The venue's set to plate up a faithful interpretation of the Italian fare that's earned Totti's its cult status up north, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites will be in strong supply, from the puffy wood-fired bread to the fresh house pasta; while the hotel's location will guide the menu's expansive seafood offering, showing off plenty of locally sourced ocean-fresh inclusions. Similarly, the drinks list is set to zero in on Victorian winemakers and producers, across a broad-ranging lineup of drops for all tastes. [caption id="attachment_879252" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Germanchis, by Hugh Davidson[/caption] As for the vibe, it'll also embrace the restaurant's coastal setting, the space just as well suited to long weekend lunches, as to thirsty walk-ins strolling fresh off the beach. And you can expect foreshore views from every seat in the house. Totti's has proved a winning concept in Sydney since the opening of its OG Bondi outpost. The stable has expanded to include venues in Rozelle, the Sydney CBD and, as of August, Allianz Stadium, where Merivale has taken over the entire food and drink offering. [caption id="attachment_879230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hugh Davidson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_879251" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] [caption id="attachment_702662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Totti's Sydney, by Nikki To[/caption] Find Totti's Lorne at 176 Mountjoy Pde, Great Ocean Rd, Lorne, from February, 2023. We'll share more details as they drop. Top Image: Steve Woodburn
If you're feeling stressed, but the standard 'sit still' meditation practice just isn't for you, try embracing some meditative movement instead with a little help from dance studio Moving Essence. The group has been running its popular 5Rhythms dance classes for years, but thanks to a certain pandemic, it has made the switch online and is now bringing the dance floor to your living room. Normally held at Abbotsford Convent, the Sunday Sweat edition is one that's been reimagined as a Zoom class, running for two hours from 10am, one Sunday a month. Sign up, clear a four-metre space in your house and prepare to sweat out all that extra tension. Participants will dive into a one-hour free-form dance session, guided by the music, followed by a second 60-minute experience that's usually shaped by a more specific intention or theme. The idea is that as you lose yourself in the tunes and let your body follow the rhythm, you'll give expression to your feelings and sink into a restorative moving meditation. And if ever there was a time for that, it's right now, during lockdown 2.0. Images: Mischa Baka
2019 will pop off to a very sparkly start at Mr West's bubble-filled New Year's Eve celebrations. On December 31, the Footscray craft booze destination will be wrapping up the year with a rollicking pét-nat party, celebrating some of the country's favourite natural wine producers and their finest natural drops. DJ Woli Wols will be gracing the decks, throwing down a fittingly effervescent soundtrack to the night, enjoyed alongside a huge array of minimal intervention and sulphur-free wines, available by the glass or bottle. Entry is free, so you'll just pay for glasses as you like. Catch tasty iterations from the likes of Lucy Margaux, Jauma, Delinquente, Commune of Buttons, Do.t.e, Kumpf et Meyer and loads more, as well as affordable house bubbly flowing all night long.
By now you're across it: there's a storm coming and the end of the world may or may not be imminent. It probably isn't, but the weather conditions for this weekend are looking intense — and your weekend will be affected. If you're in a flood warning area, you should obviously keep your eye on the warnings from BOM and the SES (who are giving out sandbags in some areas), proceed with caution and act accordingly. Don't drive into water. If you have plans to get amongst one of the many things that are happening this weekend, then there's a good chance your parade is about to be rained on. A few outdoor events have already been cancelled and more might be pulled after this evening. So far, flights and trains are still running, but we'll update this with any new announcements over the weekend. CANCELLED TASTE OF MELBOURNE Organisers of the three-day outdoor food festival announced that they would cancel sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to the emergency warnings. All ticketholders will get a refund. MAZDA OPERA IN THE BOWL You might need to unpack your picnic basket. Opera Australia's free performance at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl has been cancelled. If you're looking for a cheap date idea, check out our reccommendations. MOONLIGHT CINEMA The 2017–18 season was meant to kick-off this weekend, but the Friday screening of The Mountain Between Us has been cancelled due to the weather. The cinema hasn't confirmed if the weekend's other session will run, but you can keep updated here. HORROR MOVIE CAMPOUT If you had tickets to this one, you're going to have to just creep yourself out at home. Organisers will offer a fill refund. UNCONFIRMED ROOFTOP CINEMA The summer season is slated to kick off this Saturday. No sessions have been cancelled yet, but keep an eye on the Facebook event for updates. ST KILDA OPENAIR CINEMA No word on this cinema either. If the others are cancelled, it's fair to say this one will be too. But check the website for cancellations. STILL GOING AHEAD WAX'O PARADISO X SOULFOR WINES This event is indoors — so you're all good. Online tickets have sold out, but a few will be available on the door. Get in at 4pm to nab one. BIG DESIGN MARKET Also indoors. Make a day of it by eating toasties, doing a workshop and getting your Christmas shopping done. OTHER ACTIVITIES If it's safe to travel, check out our rainy day guide for some ideas.
The days are getting longer and the sun is shining ever warmer. Isn't this time of year just the best? You leave work and it's not pitch black, you don't have to pack a scarf and a coat, things are just nice. Spring and exhibitions just go together. And thankfully, being in Melbourne, we are truly blessed with a cornucopia of fun exhibitions to experience as we say goodbye to winter and start the exciting prelude to summer. Here's our pick of the absolutely unmissable exhibitions to check out this truly stunning time of year. DARK MATTERS AT SCIENCE GALLERY MELBOURNE Ever catch yourself staring into the night sky and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer wonder of it all? Are you enamoured by all things space, science, and the unknown? Are you just after a good old-fashioned fun time with mates? If you've said yes to any of the aforementioned, then We'd suggest hitting the group chat pronto and letting everyone know you've found the perfect exhibition to check out. Dark Matters is an exciting partnership between Melbourne University's Science Gallery and the world's top particle physics lab CERN. That's right, the minds behind the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and highest-energy particle collider. Co-curated with Monica Bello, Head of Arts at CERN and running until Saturday, December 2, the exhibition will host a range of art and science projects with the collective aim of probing the mysterious force that quite literally surrounds us: dark matter. NOCTURNAL: MELBOURNE MUSEUM AFTER DARK Speaking of dark, Melbourne Museum's after-dark showing, Nocturnal, is not to be missed. If the chance to see a triceratops skeleton up close and personal in a fun, slightly spooky, after-dark and adults-only setting doesn't entice you, then we're not sure what will. The fun doesn't end there. Expect live music, pop-up food stalls, cocktails, trivia, enlightening talks by experts and after-dark tours of some of the most fascinating exhibits Melbourne Museum has to offer. It's a great chance to not only catch up with friends with a drink, but also uncover some of life's deep mysteries — two pterodactyls, one stone. Lovely. MIRROR: NEW VIEWS ON PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE STATE LIBRARY Have you ever snapped a photo and taken a second to really think about what you've just done? You have captured time — isn't that cool? The fact that doesn't blow our minds on the daily is a testament to how far we've come as a species. Humans have been developing the art of the photograph for almost two centuries now, and The State Library's latest exhibition, MIRROR: New views on photography, is a true celebration of what a remarkable achievement the art of photography is. 140 photographs from the State Collection star in the exhibition, alongside words, performances and sounds from emerging and established Victorian artists to tell fascinating stories of Victoria through a modern lens. BACKWOODS GALLERY — MULTIPLE FREE EXHIBITIONS THROUGHOUT SPRING Backwoods Gallery, hidden amongst the cool and shadows of Collingwood's Paradise Alley, is hands down one of the hottest spots in Melbourne. Their Friday night openings are a collection of some of the most eclectic personalities in the Melbourne art scene — and that's just the crowd. The exhibitions are an ever-changing mosaic of classic and contemporary, local and international, experimental and eclectic — and always exciting. A Friday night spent at a Backwoods opening is a Friday night you'll wish didn't end. Be warned, once you go to your first, you'll end up obsessively checking the Backwoods website or Instagram for updates on their next opening. And though the opening nights — held every three or so weeks — are undoubtedly fun, the gallery itself is open to visit at any time between Thursday to Sunday, 12–6pm, if you're after a more relaxing affair. PIERRE BONNARD AND REMBRANDT: TRUE TO LIFE AT THE NGV It would be an insult to leave the National Gallery of Victoria's spectacular double whammy off this list. The genius minds of Pierre Bonnard and Rembrandt grace the hallowed halls of the NGV this spring, in the form of two truly gorgeous exhibitions. Bonnard is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Adored for his use of colour in conveying a deep sense of emotion, the eccentric Frenchman was one of the leading figures in the transition from impressionism to modernism. Catch Bonnard from a unique lens as his works are presented within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, creating a truly enveloping experience that will surely dazzle new and seasoned fans of Bannard. Last but certainly not least, Rembrandt: True to Life, follows the Dutch genius's early life in Leiden through to his final years in Amsterdam. The exhibition will be made up of 100 etchings from the NGV collection, as well as loans from the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Teylers Museum in Haarlem. You'll want to hurry to catch this one, as it packs up on Sunday, September 10 — and given it's the most comprehensive exhibition of Rembrandt to be held in Australia in a quarter century, it's certainly not one you'll want to miss. Catch Dark Matters at Science Gallery Melbourne until Saturday, December 2, Image: Science Gallery Melbourne
Catching public transport can be frustrating at the best of times, but there could be even more painful commutes ahead as Victoria's public transport union gears up for a big ol' strike. The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has filed an application with the Fair Work Commission to stop work for up to 48 hours, in response to ongoing, failed negotiations with Metro Trains. A strike could see frontline and back-of-house Metro staff taking industrial action for a couple of days, refusing to wear uniforms, check Myki cards, make announcements or alter timetables — which could lead to some serious train chaos. There's no word yet on when this would happen, though it'd likely take place in the next few months. And, if you're a public transport regular, you'll know for sure it won't be pretty. [caption id="attachment_701576" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers for Visit Victoria[/caption] The current workplace agreement for frontline Metro staff expires on June 30 and the RTBU has been negotiating a new one, gunning to retain current working conditions and achieve a wage increase that's better aligned with the current cost of living. With the industrial application lodged, members are now set to vote on whether or not they'll go ahead with the strike, as negotiations continue. "Metro must understand the importance of the employees doing the hard work to keep Melbourne moving," RTBU branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch said in a statement. "While industrial action will remain a last resort, the RTBU will keep pushing for a genuine offer." We'll keep you updated if and when the strike goes ahead. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
While most of us were urged to "stay home" by our Prime Minister (and have done so by kicking back on the couch and doing puzzles), Australia's healthcare workers were called to the frontline of COVID-19 — and have been working nonstop since. We all can't wait for our next holiday, but those in our hospitals probably need the biggest break of all. Helping out in a small way is Aussie startup Unyoked, which is offering 100 free getaways to Royal Prince Alfred ICU workers and has launched the Prescription to the Wilderness gifting initiative. The latter lets you buy a friend, family member or neighbour working on the frontline a stay at one of its off-grid cabins — once travel restrictions are lifted, of course — at a 20-percent discount. You just need to add in their place of work at checkout. The idea came about when Unyoked founders Cam and Chris Grant got off the phone with their mate Dr Jack Purcell at the RPA, knowing that, right now, our emergency services and hospital workers are working round the clock in very tense environments. So, once the crisis is over — or at least dialled down — they'll need a (very) well-deserved break. The discounted stays start at $178.4 for one night or $356.8 for two and can be used for any of Unyoked's 13 cabins across NSW, Vic and Queensland, including one designed by Matthew McConaughey. Unyoked's ethos is to connect back with nature to help unplug, alleviate stress and anxiety, which is something we're guessing many health workers are in need of right now. All properties have been placed in secret patches of wilderness, in the middle of nowhere, allowing you to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city. The off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Each cabin is designed to make you feel like you're part of the surrounding landscape, too. Think timber, oversized windows, solar power, composting toilets and a blissful lack of wi-fi. At the same time, though, simple comforts are taken care of, so you get a cosy bed, kitchen appliances, firewood, coffee, milk, herbs and the like. So, even if you're not working in on the frontline, you may want to consider booking yourself a remedial weekend away once allowed. Unyoked cabins are located across NSW, Vic and Queensland. While you shouldn't book just yet, you can check them out here.
New season, new you, right? Those planning on a spot of springtime self-improvement will find plenty of gems among The School of Life's (TSOL) just-dropped spring term program — and what better way to yank yourself off the couch and out of hibernation mode? The global organisation is on a long-running mission to help people lead more fulfilled lives, offering a jam-packed seasonal program of classes, courses, workshops and events aimed at boosting self-knowledge. And the Melbourne chapter has not only unveiled its new season schedule, but it's celebrating with a brand-new home, moving from its former CBD digs to a stately, historic mansion in the heart of St Kilda. Designed by renowned Australian architect Albert Purchas over 160 years ago, The White House will now house TSOL's classroom, acting as a breeding ground for some fresh perspectives and blossoming self-awareness. The thought of studying philosophy in the mansion is giving us some serious Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters vibes. [caption id="attachment_738600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The School of Life[/caption] TSOL's latest program is all about blowing away those winter cobwebs and re-energising those emotional intelligence levels for the rest of the year — a personal spring clean, if you like. Classes cover topics including How to Identify Your Career Potential, How to Find Love and How to Be Confident, while a series of full-day workshops will teach you about things like Making Relationships Work (November 9) or The Serious Business of Playfulness (September 21). You might fancy boosting your business smarts with dedicated workshops on the likes of Leadership (October 11) and Adaptability (November 8), or jump right into TSOL's five-day springtime intensive, taking an enlightening journey through all areas of emotional intelligence. Those keen to dabble in some big ideas might also be tempted by the spring edition of Philosophy Salon – this time, a two-hour exploration of Plato. The School of Life Melbourne's Spring Term classes will mostly be held at The White House, 11 Princes Street, St Kilda. The Spring School Intensive will take place back at the former site, at 669 Bourke Street, Melbourne. You can catch the full program and snap up tickets here. Classes range from $60–80, full-day workshops from $180–220 and the Spring School Intensive $1008–1260.
In the heart of the King Valley, the tiny town of Milawa is known for its gourmet food and drink offerings, including the famed Milawa Cheese Company and Brown Brothers winery. But come September, the area will have another major pull — and a sleek new base for your future gastronomic wanderings — as it unveils the multimillion-dollar refurb of Lancemore Milawa. Located at the base of Alpine National Park, the boutique High Country hotel is out to deliver a reimagined country estate, with a fitout by award-winning interior designer Hana Hakim (The Stella Collective) complementing the idyllic mountainous, vineyard-filled surrounds. The 40-room hotel's free-flowing, open interiors pull inspiration from the region's four seasons, zen with plenty of clean lines and palms, and giant windows taking advantage of the stunning outlook. You can look forward to cosying up by toasty fires each winter, while balmy summers will be all about al fresco eats and sessions in the Palm Springs-inspired pool area. Of course, local produce will be celebrated throughout, whether you're keen to kick back over a grazing platter loaded with the aforementioned cheese, or to sip your way through an offering of local vino. Lancemore Milawa also features its own paddock-to-plate fine diner called Merlot, which will continue to be helmed by chef Aaron Jose (Greg Malouf's MoMo, Fifteen), but with a new-look dining room. Lancemore's other boutique hotels include luxe venues in the Melbourne CBD, at Werribee Park Mansion and among the vineyards of the Mornington Peninsula's Red Hill. [caption id="attachment_862631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhiannon Taylor[/caption] Find the new-look Lancemore Milawa at 223 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa, from September. Images: Renders courtesy of Lancemore Milawa.
Anthony Bourdain once said, "Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic." Honestly, it's hard to disagree, as this versatile kitchen staple takes just about any meal from good to great. If you're keen to explore the best of Australia's local growers, the South Gippsland Garlic Festival is the place to be. Held on Saturday, March 8 in Korumburra – about 90 minutes drive from Melbourne – this is your chance to head home with a boot full of incredible produce. Forming part of the festival, a sprawling market will feature 80 stallholders spruiking an exceptional range of fresh garlic and garlic-related products. Also in attendance will be local fruit and veggie producers, food vendors and coffeemakers, ensuring plenty of top-notch cuisine accompanies your visit. Once you've stocked up, head to the Garlic Festival Bar to encounter much-loved Gippsland winemakers, brewers, and distillers, such as Fleet Wines, Gurneys Cider, Burra Brewing and Mates Gin. Then, the Garlic Festival Kitchen sees former MasterChef contestant Simon Toohey welcome esteemed chefs, including Messmates Dining's Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clarke, for live cooking demonstrations that hero the headline ingredient. Meanwhile, there are kids' activities – including a visit from Bluey – and a host of live entertainment to make this aromatic event fun for everyone. When you've finished exploring the festival grounds, the rest of Korumburra is also getting in the mood, with nearby restaurants, pubs, cafes and bakeries offering one-off treats to garlic-loving punters. [caption id="attachment_992308" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Ken Spence[/caption] Top image: Ken Spence
Another week, another Gelato Messina special. That's been the dessert chain's contribution to making lockdown a little more bearable over the past 18 months, and it isn't changing that tactic now. So, if you're under stay-at-home conditions in Sydney and Melbourne, you now have another decadent sweet treat to look forward to. For folks in southeast Queensland, you've got an excuse to eat dessert even now that the region's latest lockdown is over. On the menu this time: the return of the brand's sticky brioche snails, complete with plenty of caramel. Basically, it's Messina's interpretation of a Cinnabon-style scroll, and it's another limited release. It also comes paired with a tub of cheesecake gelato — because Messina always likes to team up its baked goods with the frosty dessert it's known for, obviously Wondering what exactly Messina's latest sticky snail entails? It comes stuffed with caramel custard and choc chips, and covered in malt caramel — and the latter is oh-so-gooey. As for the accompanying tub, it's filled with layers of vanilla custard gelato and cheesecake mousse, and then topped with cheesecake crumble. Dubbed a 'lockdown snack pack', this special can only be ordered online on Monday, August 16. It will set you back $69 for both the snail and the tub of gelato — and, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). The catch? You'll have to peel yourself off the couch and head to your local Messina store to pick up your order. They'll be available for collection between Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with a ten-kilometre limit in place for picking up food in most lockdown areas, and a five-kilometre limit in place in Local Government Areas of concern. Melburnians, if lockdown is extended again until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius to pick up food. Then, after you've got the sticky snail safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 20–25 minutes at 160 degrees and voila! You can preorder a Messina lockdown snack pack from Monday, August 16, to pick up from Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22.
This month sees Spring Street's stately Windsor Hotel play host to yet another must-try food residency; this time plating up an innovative celebration of Indian flavours that simultaneously nods to Australia, Europe and Asia. And the trio of chefs at its helm have quite the collective resume. Taking over the hotel's Canberra Room from Thursday, March 9–Saturday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 15–Saturday, March 18, AANYA is a collaborative dinner series sprung from the minds of three Society alumni — Janos Roman (also Nobu London, The Fat Duck, Dinner by Heston), Jo Ward (Om Nom Dessert Bar) and Nishant Arora (Sweden's Michelin-starred Frantzen, Cutler & Co). Here, the chefs are taking diners on a globe-trotting exploration of spice and technique that's guaranteed to leave an impression. Expect creative bites like delicate waffles crafted from chicken skin, crispy smoked eel vada, a riff on the classic rogan josh that's topped with anchovy and smoked hay gel, and a dessert assembly of puffed potato, curry-smoked chocolate and pistachio miso. Featuring four courses plus snacks, AANYA's set menu comes in at $195, with drinks available to add on. Try a drop from the high-flying wine list, or go for one of the signature cocktails, including a plum- and carob-infused boulevardier. Images: Kurieto Tableware
It's been a whole year since Little Temperance set up shop on Little Collins Street. Since then, it has cemented its status as a CBD go-to for specialty coffee and 5 & Dime bagels. And to celebrate, the cheery cafe is letting locals in on the birthday fun, handing out $1 coffees all day on Tuesday, June 18. Roll on in between 7am and 4pm to score your one buck caffeine hit, featuring top-notch blends from Collingwood's Proud Mary. The deal is just for regular coffees, so if you want something extra (a double shot, for example) you'll need to cough up a bit more. The team will also be running competitions throughout the day and giving away some other goodies to a handful of lucky patrons. While you're there, you can check out Little Temperance's food offering – there's a tidy range of breakfast classics, superfood bowls, sweet treats and, of course, those loaded bagels. $1 coffee is available from 7am–4pm
Having impressed Sydneysiders since early 2015, Newtown's cult favourite Turkish ice creamery Hakiki is finally coming to Melbourne. Two stores will open in Richmond and Fitzroy, and are slated to launch this spring and in early 2019 respectively. If Sydney's response to Nev and Zeyneb Bagriyanik's exotic Turkish treats is anything to go by, Melburnians should expect to battle crowds from day dot. The original store has earned quite the reputation for its traditional Maras-style ice cream — which is smooth and creamy, yet drip-free and melt-resistant, until the second it hits your mouth. The signature serve is so thick, it's best tackled with a knife and fork. The ingredient that gives the ice cream this unusual texture is an orchid root grown in southern Turkey. Alongside classic Anatolian treats like baklava, Turkish delight and rich Turkish coffee, the Bagriyaniks are whipping up a range of traditional and innovative ice cream flavours, from old favourites like pistachio and hazelnut, to the ever-popular baklava and moreish tahini. There's even an unlikely, but delicious, combination of melon and feta. The new stores are a result of Hakiki partnering with franchise and consulting firm DC Strategy. While only two Melbourne stores are confirmed for now, there are plans in the pipeline to open additional stores throughout the rest of Australia, too. We'll keep you posted about Hakiki's new Melbourne stores as they near launch date. In the meantime, you can find Sydney's Hakiki at Shop 1, 63-71 Enmore Rd Newtown.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Malbec Day and Mould our way, too — created Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. The event usually hits up Aussie capitals each year and lets wine connoisseurs sample more than 200 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. But in 2020, like many things, it's going virtual. Whether you're a newbie who likes something light and inviting, or a pinot pro fond of the biggest, most complex drops there are, prepare to get sipping at Pinot Palooza Side B. From 4pm on Saturday, November 21, you'll simply be tuning in digitally. As part of the stream, there'll be winemakers talking about the business and guest DJs spinning tracks — turning the whole event into a party in your dining room. Drinks-wise, you have a couple of options. If you know exactly what type of pinot you like, you can nab a free event-only ticket, grab your own vino and get pouring. Or, you can order a '12-track pinot pack' for $85 — which includes a dozen 150-millilitre cans of wine from regions such as Gippsland, Northern Tasmania and Central Otago that you can taste while you're streaming the shindig. https://youtu.be/A6yttOfIvOw
If your hopes of owning an affordable Kenzo piece were dashed when you missed out on nabbing something from its highly popular 2016 collaboration with H&M, this will be welcome news: the French fashion house is hosting its first Melbourne warehouse sale. And things will be discounted by up to 80 percent. Details on what will actually be up for grabs are scant, but there will be men's and women's pieces across multiple past collections in stock. We're crossing our greedy paws for big prints, signature sweatshirts and basically anything clad with The Tiger. Delay and — just like with the H&M collab — you might find only empty coathangers. The sale will run this weekend on Johnston Street Collingwood. It will be open 10am–7pm Friday, 10am–6pm Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday.
If you're a devourer of books and words, you can look forward to feasting on a hefty lineup of talks, workshops, panels and more, when the Emerging Writers' Festival returns for 2022. After all-digital instalments in 2020 and last year, the fest will be back to hosting a jam-packed program of IRL events, though handily, a stack of them will also be accessible online. Running from Wednesday, June 15–Saturday, June 25, this year's edition has events for all varieties of lit-lover and writing enthusiast, featuring over 150 artists. EWF favourite Amazing Babes will see a cast of familiar faces sharing stories about the women, real and imagined, who've helped shape their lives; while the return of the National Writers' Conference will deliver a day of panels, workshops and pitching sessions headlined by the likes of Yassmin Abdel-Magied, and award-winning author and editor Jennifer Down (Bodies of Light). On Friday, June 17 and 24, you can head to State Library Victoria to be serenaded by stunning soundscapes and spoken word for Bodies of Sound, while on June 23, the Scienceworks Planetarium hosts a special full-dome screening of Starlight followed by the sharing of responsive works by two emerging writers. You can also up your own writing skills with an array of masterclasses and workshops covering everything from zines to narrative audio, catch inspiring exhibitions and readings, and celebrate all things mateship at performance-meets-speed-friending event Best Bookish Friends.
When Dirty John and The Case Against Adnan Syed leapt from audio to television, it was a floodgates moment. The true-crime genre definitely isn't new, but more shows based on grim real-life stories — and inspired by the podcasts that cover them, to be specific — were always going to follow. Dr Death is the latest, sporting a moniker that speaks volumes from the outset. Even if you know nothing about Christopher Duntsch going in, and you've also never heard the Wondery podcast that shares the series' name, that title really doesn't bode well for the surgeon's patients. Working in Dallas during the past decade, Duntsch was originally a rising neurosurgery star. Then, as the series charts, his patients started leaving the operating theatre either permanently maimed or dead. If you've ever faced going under the knife, this is pure, unfettered and deeply disturbing nightmare fuel — and it all really happened. Joshua Jackson plays Duntsch, and is bound to shed any lingering Dawson's Creek-era affection audiences might have for him in the process (and fondness from The Mighty Ducks and Fringe, too). He's joined by Alec Baldwin (Pixie) and Christian Slater (Dirty John) as fellow surgeons who raise the alarm, and also by AnnaSophia Robb (Words on Bathroom Walls) as the Dallas prosecutor who takes the case. As the just-dropped first trailer for the series show, this is quite the bleak story. Whether you already know how it all turns out or you'll be discovering the details fresh, you'll be able to watch Dr Death on Stan sometime this year — although exactly when it'll start streaming hasn't yet been announced. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYWEAWFONSw Dr Death will be available to stream via Stan sometime in 2021 — we'll update you with a release date when further details are announced.
Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Turns out you don't have to upend your whole life to do so. In fact, you can get involved right here in Melbourne. The best bit? You don't need any experience. On Saturday, July 9, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is hosting an open day where you can try out its classes with no strings attached. At the Come & Try Circus Day, you'll get to trial a bunch of different skills and apparatus including tissu, tumbling, trampolining and more with expert trainers guiding you. There are three session times to choose from, with each class lasting for 75 minutes. In the 9:45am session, students can trial acrobatic pole, tissu, aerial ring or tightwire. The 11am classes offer juggling, tumbling, tissu or straps. And, if you want to flip your world upside down, you can head to the 1pm class to practice handstands, trampolining or static trapeze. Each class is open to everyone aged 16 years and over and costs $25. If you've been trying to decide whether or not to sign up to a term class, this is the ideal opportunity to find out if you're ready to commit to ongoing classes. Keen to try it out circus arts? For more information and to book your spot, visit the website.
Sweet-toothed Melburnians have likely already swooned over the treats being whipped up by online cake shop — and Instagram favourite — Miss Trixie Drinks Tea. But you've never experienced them like this before. On Saturday, August 6, Miss Trixie is taking over Abbotsford's Altar Electric for its inaugural pop-up, where it'll be serving up cakes and sweets by the slice for the first time ever. Drop by from 9am to find an array of signature goodies, exclusive one-offs and even a few new trial recipes, starting from $5 a pop for cookies and $7 each for brownies. Cakes come in at $9 a slice, with flavours set to include the likes of chocolate Biscoff; coconut and raspberry with gin lime curd and freeze-dried strawberry; and a banana cake finished with peanut buttercream and salted dark chocolate honeycomb. You'll save some coin if you BYO container to pop your morning's cake haul into. And if you fancy mixing and matching the sweet and savoury, Miss Trixie customers can also score $3 coffees and $12 chop cheese sangas from Kelso's Sandwich Shoppe a few doors along. Images: Mrs White Photos
From Monday through until Saturday, each and every week, the aroma of freshly made coffee wafts from Bourke Street's Federal Coffee. But from 11am–12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays between February 9–March 4, we expect that it'll smell a little stronger. On those days and at that time, the CBD cafe will be serving up free brews — so expect its baristas to be busy. The free coffee is in honour of Melbourne's return to work. Yes, it's now February, so the festive holidays finished long ago — but from February 8, Victorian workplaces will be able to welcome back 75-percent of their employees in-person. So, with more people heading to their desks, Federal Coffee is handing out free caffeine hits. Unsurprisingly, there is a caveat: you can only grab one free coffee per person per day. Still any free coffee is better than no free coffee, especially when it arrives mid-morning — just when your energy is starting to flag. You'll also be able to try out Federal Coffee's menu if you're feeling peckish, although that part isn't free.
Even as summer starts to wind down, the summertime spirit persists. Round out the season of sunshine by making your way to the Frankston Waterfront between Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11, for the Frankston Waterfront Festival. This free-entry festival blends live music, food and wine, waterfront festivities and more. There's no shortage of activities throughout the weekend. A live music lineup stretches across Saturday and Sunday, including the likes of Touch Sensitive, The Grogans, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir, The Belair Lip Bombs and over a dozen other artists. The free lifestyle precinct will play host to basketball shootouts, canoeing on the water, a Pongo Ping Pong game, Pickleball, nature crown making, a silent disco, a glitter bar to get you in the festival spirit and much more. Once you've worked up an appetite, follow the aromas of the wide range of tasty food truck offerings or wander along the beer, wine and spirits trail for refreshments from local providers. The choice is yours, and you've got no shortage of options. If you're heading down a little earlier on the Saturday morning, make sure you either join or spectate in the inaugural Frankston Swim Classic taking place on the bay, just in front of the Frankston Yacht Club. The Frankston Waterfront Festival runs from 12–10pm on Saturday, February 10 and 12–8pm on Sunday, February 11 at the Frankston Waterfront. For more information, visit the website. Images: James Terry
Anyone who's been on a tram when some entitled hungry arsehole thinks they're hungry and entitled enough to get on board with a bag of dim sims can agree that hot food on trams is a big fat red no symbol. But if its burgers? Well, maybe we can come around. And if it's a whole tram dedicated to Mr Burger burgers? Yep, we can definitely, 100 percent get on board with that. Literally. But unfortunately that's not going to happen anytime soon. Although Mr Burger seriously entertained the idea in an April Fool's announcement on their Facebook page earlier this morning. Branching out from food trucks and into the realm of food trams, the Mr Burger Tram was to take over one of Yarra Trams' B-class trams on the number 8 line from April to September. This tram of dreams would serve burgers, sides and drinks from a kitchen "specially fitted in the rear of the tram" — and you wouldn't need to tap on, you'd just need to buy a burger. If only. The jig was given up a few hours later through some comments on their Facebook page. We've got to give it to them — the Mr Burger team are about as good at pulling our legs as they are at flipping delicious burgs. Just look at these images: Along with some pretty great PhotoShop skills, they also tapped into something that Melburnians obviously — from the euphoric responses — want so bad. And it isn't actually so unbelievable. We do have a burger joint in a train carriage on a rooftop, after all. If your dreams of eating unabashedly on public transport are crushed, never fear. You can just grab one to go and hop on any tram you like to dig in. Just be prepared to cop daggers from other passengers.
Make the most of the autumnal Melbourne weather this Saturday night with a twilight visit to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. Giving you an extra opportunity to explore Charles Blackman's Schoolgirls exhibition, the gallery is extending its opening hours until 9pm and hosting a laidback shindig after sundown. From 5pm, visitors will be able to scope out the exhibition, wander through Heide's beloved sculpture park, and enjoy beats by 3RRR's John Bailey and Kate Kingsmill. There'll also be food and wine available to purchase, because no jaunt through a gallery is truly complete with a glass of bubbly in hand. That's just a straight-up fact. Entry in Art by Twilight starts at $12 for Heide members, $14 for concession holders and $18 for adults. Image: Jeremy Weihrauch.
Beer and food, these two things have always gone well together. But how do we feel about beer in food? Chef Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, Cutler and Co., Golden Fields) and Nova Radio National Drive presenter Tim Blackwell have had a chance to create a food and beer match like no other when 4 Pines Brewing Company gave them the keys to the brewery with the challenge to create a beer based on their favourite foods. McConnell has gone a little left of centre, creating an ale with HP sauce in his McConnell’s Signature Relish Ale, while sweets lover Blackwell has gone sweet with a lager-style beer infused with cherry, vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon in his Tim’s Cherry Pie. On Wednesday May 22, both brews will be unveiled to the public at The Builders Arms Hotel as part of Good Beer Week. The everyday beer lover can head along, taste the new beers and decide, does food really go with beer?
Interested in tight-knit rural communities and how ritual plays an important part in our daily lives, Melbourne-based portrait and documentary photographer Lynette Letic brings a new exhibition to Junior Space. Having been raised in Brisbane suburbia, throughout 2015 Letic journeyed to numerous regional communities where she approached strangers to photograph their community events, social gatherings, dances and fairs. Culminating in the Let's Get Together exhibition, through her photographs, Letic began to realise the importance of coming together and the deeper role these events have in small-town life. Inspired by renowned photographers such as Rineke Dijkstra, Alec Soth, Diane Arbus and Walker Evans, Letic takes a similar documentarian approach with Let's Get Together, revealing the idiosyncrasies of small town communities and uncovering how distinct events and people can share unmistakable similarities. Let's Get Together is on display at Junior Space from Thursday, July 13 until Wednesday, July 26.
If you're a vegetarian, worshipper of eggplant or just a keen home cook, chances are Yotam Ottolenghi has had some impact on your life. In fact, we bet you've got at least one of his bestselling cookbooks in your cupboard. In 2023, you'll be able to learn a few more tips and tricks from the renowned Israeli chef as he heads to Down Under for a speaking tour. The trailblazing chef, author, TV personality and restaurateur whose name has become its own cooking style is touring the country off the back of his book Ottolenghi Flavour, which builds on his love for innovative vegetable-based recipes — and his new Ottolenghi Test Kitchen title Extra Good Things, too. And yes, this'll sound familiar, as he was planning to head Down Under in 2021 and at the beginning of 2022, but we all know what got in the way. Yotam Ottolenghi — Flavour of Life will hit Melbourne's Hamer Hall for two shows at 3pm and 7pm on Sunday, January 29. As well as dishing up a few spicy secrets behind his mouthwatering hits (his miso butter onions and spicy mushroom lasagne are always favourites), the show will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the man himself about his influences and experiences. It also promises to delve into Ottolenghi's experience as the owner of famed London restaurants Nopi and Rovi, how he approached home cooking during the COVID-19 pandemic and how you can dial up the flavour in your own kitchen. And, chatting with author and broadcaster Alice Zaslavsky, expect Ottolenghi to discuss food pairings, next-level cooking methods and more. Plus, Ottolenghi and Zaslavsky will get cooking, using ingredients selected by each show's audience. Have a stash of burning questions for the chef? The speaking events will end with a Q&A.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas — or, at least, it is inside two particular rooms of the DoubleTree Hilton Melbourne, which have been transformed into twinkling festive wonderlands in honour of the impending Yuletide season. For the second year, a couple of the hotel's Flinders Street Station View Rooms have been decked out in full Christmas regalia, available to book for festive stays right up until Tuesday, January 10. In the White Christmas room, you can escape to the northern hemisphere as you snuggle up with plush sheepskin slippers and throws courtesy of UGG Express. You'll find a frosted Christmas tree dripping with lights, plus candy cane and gingerbread decorations aplenty. An even wilder time awaits guests in the red, green and gold Santa's Workshop room, where the dazzling Christmas lights are out in force. A giant wreath and Christmas tree are brimming with baubles and globes, while the words 'HO HO HO' are splashed in neon across one wall. You'll spy classic decorations and toys all around the space, and you'll have reindeer slippers and sheepskin rugs to keep you cosy on your Christmas adventure. Guests staying in the DoubleTree's Christmas rooms will also enjoy the hotel brand's signature warm cookies on arrival, plus specialty hot chocolate and marshmallows, and complimentary breakfast for two at the onsite restaurant. Find DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne at 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne. Book your stay online, using the promo code "PR40EB", or call the hotel on (03) 9654 6888. The Christmas rooms are available up until Tuesday, January 10.
Jello Biafra, the voice that defied the Reagan era as frontman of Dead Kennedys, is bringing his chaotic punk back to Australia. Inspired by The Stooges' performance at Iggy's 60th birthday bash, Jello set about immediately recording the first album with his new accompaniment. Audacity of Hype was well-received by new and old fans alike, enabling the production of two follow-up EPs and sophomore album White People and the Damage Done, the content of which dominates their setlist. Whilst his new musical troupe is not as confronting as DK were, fans can still expect to experience layers of guitar accompanied by the obligatory crashing of drums and impassioned vocals in Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. Like true punks they do not hold back, tackling corruption, foreign policy and scandals through blunt lyrics punctuated by explosive rock. The rage of their lyrical content personifies itself in Biafra's onstage flailing and intensity. Catch them in Melbourne for two stick-it-to-the-man nights only this May 11 and 12.
You might have been to a few five-year-old birthday parties in your time, but we don't think any will be quite as lush as Innocent Bystander's upcoming celebrations. Marking five years since the launch of the winemaker's Healesville cellar door and restaurant, you're invited to a chic garden party on Sunday, March 13. Taking over the site's Garden of Innocence from 3pm, the festivities will feature fifth birthday classics like lolly bags and cake. Granted, this particular cake is a boozy one, crafted on Innocent Bystander's much-loved moscato. Other more grown-up party favours include free wine tastings of the signature range and discounted prices on back-vintage wines should you fancy some take-home tipples. Plus, an exclusive moscato-infused fairy floss cocktail is being shaken up especially for the occasion, promising to add some hot pink energy to your day. Meanwhile, you'll be able to feast your way through the restaurant's usual menu of share boards, pizzas and paella, as well as a crop of birthday specials. And, since it wouldn't be a party without some music, there'll be live tunes playing throughout the afternoon. [caption id="attachment_845087" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wine tastings at Innocent Bystander[/caption]
Summer in Australia means many things — and, since we started embracing meals on wheels, food truck festivals are one of them. It's the kind of event that you can never have too many of. Who doesn't want to roam around an outdoor space filled with tasty eating options, and grab a bite from some of them? (Okay, okay, many, if we're being honest.) Because the City of Yarra deserves deliciousness too, Yarra Street Food Fest is delivering the edible goods to Burnley Circus Park from January 12 to February 26, 2017. Put together by the folks behind the Latin Spring Festival, expect international edible delights, plus a full cocktail bar serving a mixture of local and multicultural drinks. Just who'll be popping up to serve their best dishes is yet to be announced; however it's safe to say that your rumbling stomach can expect Melbourne's most popular food trucks to find a parking spot right in the heart of the inner east. And, because variety is the spice of food fests as well as life, the mobile eateries will rotate, though Brazilian, Indian, Vietnamese and Italian cuisines are certain to feature.
Twenty years ago, long before he explored the birth of American hiphop in Netflix's The Get Down, Baz Luhrmann achieved two not-too-insignificant things with his film adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. Not only did the Aussie director's vibrant take on the tragic classic completely change the way everyone thinks about Shakespeare — it also delivered one of the killer soundtracks of the '90s, and one that many a movie has tried and failed to top since. The track list speaks for itself really, featuring everything Garbage's '#1 Crush' to The Cardigans' 'Lovefool' to Radiohead's 'Talk Show Host'. Everclear, Butthole Surfers, that one good Des'ree song and Quindon Tarver's 'Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)' also pop up, with Luhrmann turning the greatest love story ever told into the greatest soundtrack ever sold. If you were around and of a certain age back in '96, you definitely owned a copy. You probably still do. Now, you can definitely relive those memories — and celebrate a swoon-worthy collection of tunes — at Romeo & Juliet (Vol 1): The 20th Anniversary as part of Melbourne Fringe. Tom Dickins and a yet-to-be-revealed, star-studded lineup of musicians and performers will bring the soundtrack to end all soundtracks to life at a 20th anniversary party. The event only happens twice, on September 23 and 24, so we'd recommend getting your tickets quick. If this shindig proves even a fraction as popular as its inspiration, it'll be sold out before you can utter "wherefore art thou Romeo?".
One of the most celebrated novelists of our time delivered the keynote address 'Freedom to Write' and joined a playful panel discussion 'Television has Replaced the Novel' at this weekend's Festival of Dangerous Ideas. Across the two-day festival held at the Sydney Opera House, he offered some amusing insights. What entertaining snippets and truth nuggets did we learn from the irreverent Rushdie over the weekend? 1. The closest Salman Rushdie has ever come to death was the last time he was in Australia. He was in an accident on the highway between Sydney and Milton where his car was hit by a lorry carrying fertiliser; he jokingly claims to have been "literally hit with a truck load of shit" (for which he kindly thanks Australia). 2. He says that we have no idea what the future will remember, for all we know they might remember Twilight. He claims to not want a poor opinion of the future, but if Fifty Shades of Grey is what is remembered, he's glad he won't be part of it. 3. He REALLY doesn’t like Fifty Shades of Grey. 4. Instead, he is optimistic that novels, such as The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, will be remembered in the future. 5. He believes we must allow for freedom of speech, as it's better for ideas to be expressed and not repressed. 6. People’s feelings are hurt all the time, however speech should not be limited because of people getting offended. His advice: just get over it. You have to have skin that’s a little bit thick if you’re going to live in an open society. 7. He thinks religion is boring and hopes people will get sick of it. 8. He believes religion is about what didn’t happen. Unlike fiction, it doesn’t say on the cover of the Bible, a novel. 9. On the topic of inventing games with Christopher Hitchens, Rushdie claims he and Hitchens invented the clean ones — while Hitchens and Martin Amis invented the dirty ones. 10. One game they invented had the premise of "titles that don’t quite make it", with a inexhaustible list: Mr Zhivago, Toby Dick, Two Days in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, The Big Gatsby, Mademoiselle Bovary… Having squandered a day playing this myself, it comes with a warning of being a highly addictive form of literary procrastination. 11. He can understand why children's writers walk around with smiles on their faces — except Roald Dahl, who he claims was an arsehole. 12. His eldest son inspired him to write Haroun and the Sea of Stories because he asked the question, "Why don’t you write books that I want to read?". 13. His son, around nine years old at the time, offered Rushdie some of the best literary criticism he has ever received. Upon reading the first draft of Haroun and the Sea of Stories, his son said with an apparent lack of enthusiasm, "Yeah, it’s good." When Rushdie probed for further feedback, his son responded slowly, "Some people might be a bit bored." His final criticism, "It doesn’t have enough jump." With this, Rushdie rewrote the story. 14. He doesn’t believe that the television has replaced the novel, stating, "I'm so not on the death of the novel team." 15. He is not such a fan of shows like Lost, or any reality TV show starring anyone whose name starts with K. Unless, it was about Kafka. 16. However, Rushdie enjoyed Homeland season one, and is currently watching Game of Thrones. In terms of comedy, he’s a fan of The Big Bang Theory. 17. He liked the ending of The Sopranos. 18. He decided to dabble in writing for television, as TV series these days push the limits of weird, and he thought, "I do weird." He spent a year and a half writing a sci-fi television series pilot that was never made. He joked it was about a flesh-eating unicorn. (We hope that one day it will be produced). 19. He was a little chuffed to have been unknowingly featured in episodes of iconic sitcoms — Seinfeld, The Golden Girls and Cheers. 20. He recounts cute jokes. For example, two goats break into the projection room of a cinema. Whilst munching on the spools, one says to the other, "So, how's the movie?" The second goat replies, "The book was better." 21. He would like to see the works of Proust adapted into a television series. That might explain why he’s a novelist and not a cable TV executive. FODI images: Daniel Boud
One glance through the floor-to-ceiling glass window at this South Melbourne homewares boutique will surely win you over. The best-selling collections are inspired by owner Tracey Ellis' travels both abroad and locally, and they feature an eclectic range of charmingly understated pieces. Primarily known for contemporary elegance in bedwear, Aura also has myriad options to kit out every room in the house, or find that one piece to really bring the room together. And, when it comes to gifts, this boutique has you sorted. Set your mate up for summer with a chic striped cooler tote or a luxe fringed beach umbrella; treat your mum to the pamper session she deserves with an Alive Skin Ritual Gift Set; upgrade your boyfriend's WFH set-up with a Maison Balzac carafe and glass set; and treat your very good boy to the throne he deserves with a luxe velvet cushion.
Because we've all been so good this year, the Melbourne Gin Company are partnering with Patricia Coffee Brewers again to bring us a pop-up aperitivo bar, serving only gin and tonic concoctions. Every Friday until February 22, the MGC Summer bar will be open at Patricia from 5pm-8pm – a perfect window for wind-down drinks after a busy week at work. They'll be offering a range of four gin tipples on a rotating menu featuring mixers and syrups by local producers. MGC has also collaborated with the coffee brewers to create the Patricia G&T made with cold-drip filter. The point (not that a G&T pop-up really needs to justify its existence) is to teach gin lovers about the importance of garnish and tonic on the profile of your G&T. You can work out your perfect gin combo and, armed with this knowledge, never order a bad beverage again. All G&Ts are $12 with Melbourne Gin Company's Dry Gin or $14 with its just-released Single Shot gin.
If your love for our national spread goes far beyond merely smearing it onto your toast every morning, this may be the perfect getaway for you. A Vegemite jar-shaped tiny house, called the Vegemite Villa, is popping up in NSW for two nights this December. The four-metre-high and two-metre-wide cabin can sleep two and is filled with some Mitey-fine paraphernalia — think Vegemite-themed socks, slippers, eye masks and an alarm clock, shelves lined with jars of actual Vegemite and even a bed that looks like Vegemite on toast. Spend a night here and you'll be a very happy little Vegemite. The jar-shaped cabin will pop up in Brogo, NSW, near the home of Vegemite's parent company and Aussie dairy giant Bega Cheese. If you do manage to snag one of the two nights here — December 6 and 7, available to book exclusively through Booking.com — you'll need to prepare yourself for a decent drive. Brogo is located a 5.5-hour drive south of Sydney or a 7.5-hour drive north of Melbourne. This isn't the first time Booking.com has created an OTT getaway, either, with the digital travel company previously setting up an Avo-Condo (yes, a tiny home shaped like an avocado) in Circular Quay last July. The Vegemite Villa is popping up at 610 Warrigal Range Road, Brogo, NSW from December 6–7, 2019. A night in the villa will set you back $89, with bookings opening at 10am AEST on Wednesday, December 4 via Booking.com.
This year, acclaimed whisky-maker House of Suntory is celebrating its 100th anniversary with two elegant dinners at renowned restaurants in Melbourne. In honour of the brand's roots, the Suntory Time dinners will be held at Japanese restaurants Kisume on Tuesday, August 22 and Yugen on Thursday, October 5. Guests can expect a lavish multi-course menu with the chance to sample a selection of Suntory's premium whiskies, including the special 100th anniversary edition of their 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, which retails for over $3000. House of Suntory actually dates back to 1899, when founder Shinjiro Torii started out selling wine in Osaka. In 1923, the brand pivoted to focus on creating whisky specifically suited to Japanese consumers and opened Yamazaki Distillery — the first malt whisky distiller in the country. One hundred years on, Suntory is now established as a leading purveyor of spirits recognised the world over, and has since expanded the offering to include the award-winning Roku gin and Haku vodka. Whisky connoisseurs who can't make it to the dinners should keep an eye out in bottle shops for the release of limited editions of the 18-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and Hakushu Peated Malt, along with anniversary labels of the 12-year-old Yamazaki and Hakushu. As part of the milestone, House of Suntory teamed up with filmmaker Sofia Coppola to create a short film starring Keanu Reeves. The Suntory Anniversary Tribute was shot in Japan and explores the brand's journey through the century, while also featuring a nod to Sofia's Lost in Translation, which was released 20 years ago. Book your spot at Kisume for $595 on Tuesday, August 22 on the website. Register your interest for Yugen on Thursday, October 5 on the website.
While Sugar Mountain has been around for a few years now, it's safe to say that 2015 will be the festival's biggest yet. With the announcement that '90s hip-hop legend Nas was set to perform his seminal album Illmatic in its glorious entirety, this indie music and arts festival was instantaneously catapulted from boutique to BIG DEAL. Now, just a few days out from the main event, we wouldn't blame you if you've been caught up in the hype. While Nas is understandably a huge get for the local festival, he's not the only reason to jump on tickets quick smart. Of course, there are a bunch of other top notch acts lined up such as Ariel Pink, Swans and How To Dress Well, but music isn't the festival's only drawcard. The festival seeks to explore the intersection of music, visual arts and new media "focusing on the natural meeting points between different mediums". And as the proceedings have this year moved from The Forum to the VCA, there's an understandably much bigger focus on the latter two categories. Here's a few artsy reasons to head along this Saturday. Ash Keating Best known for his work in the NGV's landmark exhibition Melbourne Now — or more specifically, all over the gallery's north-facing wall — this local paint fiend is bound to put on a show to rival Nas himself. Often working with fire extinguishers, Keating creates expressive and transformative works in urban spaces that double as both beautiful objects and performative spectacles. Aside from the NGV, you may have caught one of his creations at RMIT's A'Beckett Urban Square last year. But if you've never had the pleasure of seeing this local boy in action, we highly recommend catching the show at Sugar Mountain. With extinguisher in hand, things are bound to get pretty messy. Confetti System You know an artist is good when they've been called upon by Beyonce. Confetti System are a duo out of New York consisting of Nicholas Anderson and Julie Ho — two people you definitely want to decorate your next birthday party. Specialising in all things fabulous, these crafty Americans create fantastical displays and incredible textural pieces out of tissue paper, silk, confetti and ribbon. While they've created installations for the likes of Beyonce — it deserves two name drop — Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Beach House, they really come into their own when they're working for a wider audience. The duo love the fact that they're works encourage a spontaneous installation with the viewer and crowds at Sugar Mountain will be wholly encouraged to interact with the works (read: frolic in confetti until you die of happiness). Robin Fox This local light wizard will be right at home at Sugar Mountain with his specialisation in lasers and theatrics perfectly complementing the music on show. Constantly interested in the intersection of light and sound, Fox has shared his work widely over the past few years. Like Keating, he also participated in Melbourne Now, but he's also collaborated with artists at the NGV's Friday Nights' series, and has worked with Chunky Move on multiple productions. At Sugar Mountain, he'll be treating us to a work he debuted at MONA FOMA last year, RGB Colour Organ. Like most crazy art times at the festival, it will be interactive as Fox invites us to play a piano keyboard hooked up to laser projectors and show light and sound all over everyone. Yes. Please. Cornelius Brown This Melburnian art collective may not have giant laser or famous friends, but they do have something pretty good — giant sneaky men made out of milk crates. Of course, this isn't the only thing they do, but it is the most memorable. You may have caught a glimpse of their original 'Crateman' in various awkward positions across the country in recent years — he's been spotted on a rooftop in Richmond and all the way up to Brisbane. But, the main goal of their work is to reinvigorate their audience's relationship with urban environments. Constantly re-purposing everyday objects to create something surreal and eye-catching, they'll no doubt be one to watch on the festival grounds (and buildings and skies). Abby Portner Surreal tends to be the taste d'jour of this year's offering and with that in mind Abby Portner will fit in just fine. Having previously produced work for Animal Collective, LA skate-royalty Alien Workshop and motherflippin' Jim Henson Studios (SHE ACTUALLY MADE MUPPETS), Portner basically works in a dreamland. Working across multiple art forms such as animation, set design, costume, paint and film, this US-based artist is somewhat of a wildcard to the festival. But, considering her online portfolio boasts a free-standing giant poop emoji, we're pretty excited to see what she'll bring up the Mountain. Sugar Mountain is hitting the VCA from 11.30am this Saturday, January 24. Grab your tickets here.
Whether you missed out on a Splendour ticket or are gearing up to see your fave acts twice, you'd better be quick if you want to get your mitts on some sideshow tix. Splendour has made its final gig announcements and sales to the general public kick off at 9am sharp on Wednesday, 27 April. In other words, right now. All up, eleven official shows are planned, mainly in Sydney and Melbourne (but there are a few locked in for Adelaide and Perth too). You'll be able to catch James Blake, who exploded onto global stages at the wee age of 22 with he debut EP CMYK and is now working on his third album, Radio Silence. For some post-hardcore action, you'll want a spot booked for when Texan titans At The Drive-In hit town. It was 16 years ago that Relationship of Command was released and these gigs are the band's first since 2012. You might well want to spend some time at the arenas (Sydney Olympic Park and Hisense Arena) finding out why The 1975 is one of the world's most sought after acts. Their second album I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It surmounted its extraordinarily cheesy title to top the ARIA and iTunes charts and secured the band gigs all over the place, from Coachella to Glastonbury. Next up is Jake Bugg, who became the youngest ever bloke to enter the UK charts at number one back in 2012 when he was just 18 — and four years later, is three albums into his career, with On My One due for release on June 17. Just lately, he's been on the road with Mumford & Sons. For some super smooth electro anthems, go see London-based Jack Garratt. This is the kind of guy you want to take camping with you – not only can he sing (in an incredible falsetto), he can also write, record, produce and play several instruments. You'll want your whistling skills handy for this next one. Peter, Bjorn and John (they're a Swedish trio, if you hadn't guessed), are responsible for one of 2006's catchiest tunes, 'Young Folks' and, in April 2015, they made a come back with 'High Up (Take Me To The Top)'. And for an escape from today's ubiquitous pop and electro, save your money for Mark Lanegan. He's 50 years of age and has been involved in the recording of just as many albums, nine of which are studio solo creations. You might well know him better as the front man of '90s rockers Screaming Trees. He brings his epic, Nick Cave-esque baritone to penetrating lyrics and bluesy melodies. So hop to it. SPLENDOUR 2016 SIDESHOWS James Blake SYDNEY: Tuesday, July 26, Hordern Pavilion MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 27, Margaret Court Arena At The Drive-In SYDNEY: Sunday, July 24, Enmore Theatre MELBOURNE: Friday, July 22, The Forum The 1975 SYDNEY: Saturday, July 23, Sydney Olympic Park MELBOURNE: Sunday, July 24, Hisense Arena Jake Bugg w/ Blossoms SYDNEY: Tuesday, July 26, State Theatre MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 27, Palais Theatre Jack Garratt w/ Kacy Hill SYDNEY: Thursday, July 21, Metro Theatre MELBOURNE: Wednesday, July 20, 170 Russell Peter, Bjorn & John SYDNEY: Wednesday, July 20, Metro Theatre MELBOURNE: Thursday, July 21, The Corner Hotel Mark Lanegan Band SYDNEY: Saturday, July 23, Factory Theatre MELBOURNE: Friday, July 22, Croxton Bandroom Beach Slang / Spring King SYDNEY: Wednesday, July 20, Oxford Arts Factory MELBOURNE: Sunday, July 24, The Corner Hotel For the full list of sideshows and to book tickets, visit secretsoundstouring.com.
With 12 days and 150 performances across 16 venues, the fourth annual Melbourne Cabaret Festival is set to deliver song, dance, cheek and sass. For a beautiful voice and a side of comedy watch Jersey Boys star Michael Griffiths as he takes on Annie Lennox in Sweet Dreams: Songs by Annie Lennox, or for a more current tribute, watch Moogy in Amy Winehouse's 'High' Tea, with tracks including 'Valerie' and 'Rehab'. If you're in the mood for a little sacrilege, head to How to be the Perfect Catholic School Girl and watch as Sachael Miller and Yasmin Mole present their own version of the Ten Commandments. There will, of course, be a cracker of an opening gala, featuring Mark Wilson and international acts such as Joey Aris and David Pomeranz, as well as a closing gala, which is raising money for Australian Marriage Equality. A little fun and a little cheeky; there will no doubt be something that takes your fancy. Image courtesy of www.jamesthomasphoto.com
Can't make it to Venice any time soon? Don't worry — a taste of the Italian city is coming to Australia. At the beginning of every year, the canal-heavy locale erupts into a colourful festival complete with elaborate costumes and masks. It's a tradition dating back to the 12th century, and it's making its first trip to our shores. The Carnevale Australia Masquerade Ball will brighten up The Peninsula at Docklands on February 11, 2017, asking attendees to don their fanciest threads and best facial covering in the name of the most appropriate theme imaginable in mid February: amore, or love. Indeed, the event certainly plans to share plenty of affection, and not just through its elaborate theming and food. The ball will also include a live silent auction, with proceeds going towards earthquake victims in the Italian village of Amatrice. If that sounds like your kind of shindig (and who doesn't want to dress up, party and pretend they're in Venice?), be prepared: masks are mandatory, and with tickets starting at $450, your masquerade fun doesn't come cheap. In good news for anyone that doesn't have that kind of spare cash, it's also a taster for things to come, with the ball acting as a launch event for Carnevale Australia's full two-week celebration, slated to be held in late October / early November 2017. The Carnevale Australia Masquerade Ball takes place on February 11, 2017 at The Peninsula, Docklands. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the event website and Facebook page. Image: L G.
The long weekend is here. And, as Monday is a public holiday, some of your regular spots will be shut. So, if you're on the hunt for a caffeine hit, long lunch or a few more beers, we've put together an extensive list of all the bars, cafes and restaurants that'll be open on Monday, January 28. There is something for everybody on this list, too — from Chin Chin's refined Thai fare to A1 Canteen's famed muffuletta and Continental Deli's tinned martinis. And if you're looking for further inspiration on how to spend your days off, head this way for our pick of the best long weekend happenings. [caption id="attachment_687465" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chin Chin, CBD. Image: Josie Withers.[/caption] RESTAURANTS Sebastian Beach Grill and Bar, Williamstown: 10am–late Piccolina, Collingwood, Hawthorn and St Kilda: 12–11pm Pontoon, St Kilda: 12–10pm 400 Gradi Yarra Valley: 11.30am–5pm Citrico, Fitzroy North: 5–11pm Baby Pizza, Richmond: 12–10pm Chin Chin, CBD: 11am-11pm Arbory Bar and Eatery, CBD: 7.30am–1am Smith & Daughters, Fitzroy: 6pm–late Hawker Hall, Windsor: 12–10pm Cornerstone Pizzeria, Coburg: 5pm–late Lucky Coq, Windsor: 11am–3am Movida Lorne: 5.30pm–late Park Street Dining, Carlton North: 7.30am–2pm [caption id="attachment_702375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula[/caption] BARS Reunion Island, CBD: 12–9.30pm The Espy, St Kilda: 11am–late Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula: 11am–late State of Grace, CBD: 12pm–1am Harlow, Richmond: 12pm–1am Borsch, Vodka and Tears, Windsor: 9am–late Up in Smoke, Footscray: 12pm–late The Alehouse Project, Brunswick East: 12–11pm Stomping Ground Beer Hall, Collingwood: 11.30am–12am The Exchange Hotel, Port Melbourne: 12pm–late Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park: 12pm–late Station Hotel, Footscray: 12pm–late Newmarket Hotel, St Kilda: 11am–late The Duke of Wellington, CBD: 9am–1am The Smith, Prahran: 12pm–late Imperial, South Yarra: 12pm–late The Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy: 11am–late [caption id="attachment_671316" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bentwood, Fitzroy. Image: Kate Shanasy.[/caption] CAFES Tivoli Road Bakery, South Yarra: 7.30am–4pm Muharam, Hawthorn: 8.30am–2pm Fergus, Malvern East: 8am–12pm Short Round, Thornbury: 8am–3pm Trei Cafe, Glen Waverley: 8.30am–2pm Collective Espresso, Camberwell: 8am–4pm Axil Coffee Roasters, Chadstone: 9am–5pm My Other Brother, Camberwell: 7.30am–5pm Bentwood, Fitzroy: 7am–4pm Fourth Chapter, Prahran: 7am–4pm Dukes, CBD: 8am–4.30pm The Foreigner, Ivanhoe: 8am–2pm Industry Beans, Fitzroy: 8am–4pm Friends of Mine, Richmond: 7.30am–4pm Left Field, Carnegie: 7.30am–4pm Mr Tucci, Glen Iris: 8am–2pm Kettle Black, South Melbourne: 8am–4pm Top image: The Espy by Alex Drewniak.
