This July sees the return of another packed program from Open House Melbourne, even despite the current pandemic. If you're not familiar with the annual event, it opens up some of the city's most iconic buildings, new structures and urban environments for the public to explore and appreciate. And this year, it's all happening virtually. Eighty-eight buildings are included in this first-time digital program, which kicks off from July 16 and remains online until the end of August. Fire up that device and get ready to scope out architectural gems from all over the Melbourne region. A highlight of the program will be the chance to take a virtual tour through the grand expanse of Studley Park's Villa Alba — an 1880s Italianate mansion bearing some of this country's most significant examples of late nineteenth century decoration. Elsewhere, you can check out Australia's first truly contemporary mosque with a virtual visit to the Australian Islamic Centre, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize–winning architect Glenn Murcutt. Or, catch a presentation on the fascinating construction of the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Or, peek inside the National Trust- and heritage-listed South Melbourne building that's home to The Australian Tapestry Workshop, featuring classic Victorian Free Gothic stylings by renowned local architect T.J Crouch. An online exhibition and guided virtual tour explores the history and future of the Montague area, now part of the Fisherman's Bend redevelopment, while the 1893-built Tay Creggan building — long home to Strathcona Girls Grammar's Year 9 campus — will play host to its own digital tour, sharing stories and designs by current students. Well-known structures like La Mama Theatre, Trades Hall, Lyon Housemuseum and Bunjil Place are just some of the many others opening their doors for virtual walk-throughs and close-up events over the coming weeks. [caption id="attachment_775300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Villa Alba Museum by Russell Winnell[/caption] Top image: Australian Islamic Centre courtesy of AIC.
If there are two things that are helping us through this latest stretch of lockdown, it's good food and good tunes. So, it's an extra win that the two are coming together for one exclusive virtual knees-up on Saturday, September 12. Attica's renowned culinary maestro Ben Shewry is teaming up with local electronic legends The Avalanches to host A Party for Melbourne, streamed live and loud, straight to your living room. They're aiming to send fans a big 'thank you', while blasting away a few of those dreary iso blues. The celebrations kick off early with a series of online 'How To Party' videos released in the week leading up, which'll see Shewry sharing his tips and tricks for whipping up the ultimate shindig. He'll guide you through everything from transforming your house into a disco den to creating game-changing prawn cocktails and sausage rolls. They'll be free to watch over on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) website, as well as Shewry's and MFWF's social channels. On the big night, things will fire up with a set from DJ Soju Gang, before The Avalanches grace your screens with a show of their own, streamed via YouTube. Best make sure you've cleared plenty of room for dancing the night away. Tickets to this house party are free, but you'll need to register over at the MFWF website.
It's no surprise that many of us are looking to upgrade our home comfort level at the moment. Aussie furniture brand Koala is keen to help you do just that with its cyber sale where you can nab up to 20 percent off mattresses, sheets, sofas, desks and armchairs to help you upgrade your pad or improve your night's sleep. A heap of products from across the brand's range are on sale from Monday, November 23 to Monday, November 30, including the popular Koala mattress, which you can score for up to $250 less than the usual price. Plus, if you order a bed today, you will be sleeping pretty tonight as Koala offers a free four-hour delivery service. Also on offer in the sale is the WFH desk, which is made in Ballarat from hand-sanded timber, easy to assemble and designed with home office use in mind. If you've found yourself working from home a lot more this year, you can pick up the desk for a sweet 15 percent off. Comfy Koala sofa beds, TV units, pillows, bed bases and more are going with a 20 percent discount, too, so you can give your whole house a makeover. And everything comes with a 120-night trial — though, it might be hard to give any of these up after four-months of comfort. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Sydney siblings Angus and Julia Stone have some pretty talented blood pulsing through their veins. Hitting the road once again off the back of their third, self-titled album, the pair's Summer 2015 Tour comes as a welcome surprise after rumours the duo had called it quits in favour of their highly successful solo projects. Fans would be familiar with their long-time success; sparked by their ARIA #1 2010 album release Down The Way featuring the triple j Hottest 100 winner 'Big Jet Plane'. Fast-forward nearly five years, and their reach has gone global, playing sell-out shows across the States and a thirty-date headline tour of the UK and Europe cementing the pair's place as triple-platinum artists. So what inspired these two to turn away from pursuing their own stuff? Legendary producer Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Jay Z) was keen to join the Stone family and work on their latest album, but refused to jump on board unless these kids came back together. So naturally, family reunions flowed. Supported by the likes of Cloud Control, Little May and Jarryd James, Angus and Julia Stone are back on the Australian live circuit with the nicest bunch you could ask for in a return tour. Secure your stubs early, this one's going to sell out.
Flinders Lane has long been a hotbed for some of Melbourne's most creative (and most talked-about) kitchens, from Coda and Cumulus Inc. to Chin Chin and, for those of us with longer memories, the avant-garde Verge. So it makes sense that when Sri Lankan sensation Ministry of Crab was looking for a permanent Melbourne site, the crew looked to the buzzy thoroughfare. The team found a home in the century-old and recently restored Invicta House and, as well as opening the ninth branch of the celebrated crustacean-centred restaurant, it also promised a second restaurant to open in due course. That time is now, with the bold arrival of II.II.VI. Pronounced 'two two six', a riff on the restaurant's street address, the moody, fire-driven restaurant has taken over the basement of Invicta House, with the Roman numerals in the name nodding to the ancient tradition of wood- and charcoal-fuelled fire cooking. [caption id="attachment_1008095" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] A sculptural bull guards the dramatic tunnel that leads into a subterranean dining room that's heavy on the moodiness. Ambient lighting, plush oxblood leather banquettes, deep blue accents and custom art deco-inspired lighting provide a contrast to textures that evoke fire, meat and smoke, as well as the raw industrial bones left over from the building's past life as a silk factory. At the heart of the room, a theatrical open kitchen puts a custom parrilla grill, robata and charcoal oven at centre stage, highlighting the restaurant's 'flame-first' philosophy. Leading the charge in the kitchen are Executive Chef Kerry Lam (Koko at Crown, Calia Group) and Head Chef Haitham Richani (Gradi Group, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door, Hopetoun Tea Rooms; pictured below). Their menu draws from Japanese robatayaki, South American asado and Basque grill traditions — all delivered through a contemporary Australian lens. For the opening period, only a bar menu is available — this serves as a good hint at what's to come when the full menu launches. The tight, ingredient-focused selection features bites like blistered cast iron bread, smoky skewers and prime cuts of steak from Westholme and Mayura. The main event, however, will be the two- or three-course dining experience still to come, featuring premium ingredients like Abrolhos Island scallops and dry-aged MB9+ wagyu, as well as decadent desserts like a flamed and spiced rum baba. It's food that's both thoughtful and visceral — and a worthy new addition to Flinders Lane. [caption id="attachment_1008096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008094" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008092" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008091" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sonmez Photography[/caption] II.II.VI is now open at 226 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It's open Wednesday–Saturday, 5pm–midnight. For more information, head to the venue's website. Top image: Tim Sonmez Photography.
It's worryingly easy to lapse into the 'same old' routine that you're used to: work, gym, the new season of Orange Is the New Black, bed. It's much harder to find the motivation to go out and actually do something, especially when it's still a bit cold. But, Melbourne's cogs don't stop turning as soon as the sun does its yearly strop off to the other side of the world. In fact, there's much to discover in the city that doesn't involve your comfy status quo of pad thai on the couch. So, along with our mates at Mitsubishi, and in celebration of their new Eclipse Cross, we thought we'd gently remind you of that. Check out our ideas for making some local discoveries every day this week. From getting some science in you to scoffing down a hectic milkshake to seeing some art at the cornucopia that is the NGV, there are plenty of ways you can have a city-themed adventure and still make it back home in time to smash out a Netflix episode before bed. It's the best of both worlds, no? MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3: LIVE PODCASTING Learn about the stuff you should know at this one-off live podcast recording. The guys behind the popular Stuff You Should Know podcast, Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, are in town today doing a special one-off live recording. The podcast is a general knowledge affair from the duo who used to work at HowStuffWorks.com, so you can rest assured they really do know stuff about stuff. Having toured around the US, Canada and Europe with the podcast, it's Australia's turn now, with only one show in Melbourne. Expect a none-too-serious night of interesting facts and humour and to leave with a slightly broadened general knowledge about anything from Spam to zoot suits. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: DRAWING THE HUMAN FORM Test your life drawing skills at an after-work art session. Work-Shop runs myriad classes and short courses, and its life drawing for beginners is a solid option for those who feel they might have an arty bone in their bodies somewhere but have never really found it. At this small group class centred around a live nude model, you'll be given one-on-one guidance on how to draw the human form — and then left alone and given space to spread your arty wings. All materials are included (plus some wine) so all you need to bring is your most creative self. [caption id="attachment_663227" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy.[/caption] WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5: A VERY AUSTRALIAN CURRY Prove your love of vegemite by ordering a curry made with the stuff at Sunda. Modern Southeast Asian restaurant/bar Sunda is tucked down the CBD treasure trove of eateries that is Punch Lane and is housed in a former car park, so that's already full marks for discovery vibes here. Combining Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese flavours with modern Australian, and featuring native plants and flora, this fusion approach is perhaps seen to no greater degree than in the fact that there's vegemite on the menu. Mix things up a little for your palate by ordering the roti served with vegemite curry dipping sauce. A slightly different native ingredient than you probably had in mind, it certainly jazzes up your staid vegemite toast cafe order. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6: RETRO BURGERS AND MILKSHAKES Head to Bentleigh's old school milk bar for a burger and a lamington shake. Lactose-intolerant people, look away now — unless you're up for a real challenge (digesting about a pint of Golden Gaytime-flavoured milkshake). The shakes don't muck around at Good Times Milk Bar in Bentleigh, and neither does the rest of the menu. The old school, pastel vibes at Good Times do just what the label says — you won't see a single bad time once you've decided on what you want from the bonanza of burgers and shakes. Discover a belly full of burger and milk, and more importantly, comfort. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: AVANT-GARDE AUSTRALIAN ART Catch the NGV's new parallel retrospective of Baldessin and Whiteley. The NGV is hosting a retrospective of two iconic 20th-century Australian artists: George Baldessin and Brett Whiteley. Combining the work of the two for Baldessin/Whiteley: Parallel Visions, the exhibition will look at the similarities between the men —who both died tragically early. Baldessin and Whiteley created avant-garde works that played with surrealism, incorporating hints of pop culture. Along with some of their most famous works (such as Baldessin's MM of Rue St Denis series and Whiteley's The American Dream), there'll be some pieces on show that have never been seen before, too. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8: A NIGHT OF FOOD AND STARS Spend a night stargazing at Scienceworks' AstroLight Festival. Scienceworks is probably number one on your list if you want to discover things, with it being chockablock full of cool facts and interactive displays about science, technology, health and just general stuff. The museum is also hosting the AstroLight Festival tonight, perfect for the astronomers among us (or just those chillers who like to look at stars). Throughout the evening, scientists, astronomers and artists will present talks, performances and optics activities — and of course, stargazing if the weather is good. A bar, cafe and food trucks will cater your night sky discovery journey, as well. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: VEGAN HOT SPOTS Go on a vegan walking trail through Fitzroy. Weekend days are often put aside for doing wholesome activities that make your body feel nice after your Friday night hijinks, and with the Cruelty Free Shop's Vegan Day Out happening this weekend, your wholesome plans will be highly achievable. Bargains and discounts abound during this roaming day out, where you'll be guided by a map laying out where exactly the best vegan specials are. Grab a map from your closest Cruelty Free Shop, and go on a stroll to discover meal deals, free tastings, discounted groceries and even wine samplings around town. Where to next? Make the most of every week with Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and navigate to your next destination here. Top image: Kate Shanasy.
You can't help but conjure up images of the romanticised '60s Woodstock era while listening to Richard In Your Mind. Putting forward a Beatles-ish pop sound swathed with psychedelic and krautrock rythyms, the Sydney five-piece have just released their newest album, Ponderosa via Rice Is Nice, the local record label boasting a host of Sydney talent such as Donny Benet and SPOD. RIYM's tunes are a fun and light-hearted affair, exploring overarching themes of things like nature, exploration and escapism — no doubt influenced by the band's hours spent in the Blue Mountains, where they recorded the tracks. To launch Ponderosa, Richard In Your Mind are playing a couple of intimate shows along the East Coast. It might not be the 1960s anymore, but these guys are definitely making sure the crazy psychedelia still lives on. And if you haven't seen the video for latest single 'Hammered in the Daytime', do yourself a favour and click the tab above. It's the family TV show we truly wish existed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kMyxjFAyLMU
Star Trek has its Trekkers, Firefly has its Browncoats and Veronica Mars has its loyal assortment of Marshmallows. Taken off the air after just three highly underrated seasons, Ms Mars was assumed dead and buried, only to be resurrected earlier this year via a record-breaking Kickstarter film campaign. Hosted in ACMI’s Studio 1 on the evening of May 27, the latest Live in the Studio panel will dive headfirst into the critically acclaimed series, as well as the follow-up feature film. With a line-up that includes The Lifted Brow Deputy Editor Stephanie Van Schilt and feminist writer Karen Pickering, the discussion of TV's most intrepid teen detective will serve as a jumping off point for a broader exploration of fandom, crowd-funding and the key to lasting pop-cultural impact.
Hop, skip and jump your way down to the National Gallery of Victoria for a first look at the latest installation work from acclaimed American conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner. Inspired by the game of hopscotch, Out of Sight is a 16-metre long participatory artwork built into the floor in front of the NGV's iconic waterwall. Aimed primarily at teenage visitors (because teens love hopscotch, don't you know?), the work is designed to make you think creatively about the direction of your life, and will incorporate the artist's characteristic text-based approach along with a short film featuring local high school students. "We're thrilled to be one of the first galleries in the world to stage Lawrence Weiner's newest work Out of Sight, which will also be presented in cities including New York, Houston, Chicago and Shanghai," said NGV director Tony Ellwood. "Out of Sight will explore the concept of uncertain futures with visitors encountering a number of different phrases and ideas as they move along the hopscotch." Out of Sight will be on display at NGV International from February 10 until April 17. Image: Libraryrachel.
Harry Potter marathons, concerts, parties, trivia, sleepovers, markets, comedy gigs, Christmas festivities, potions classes and plays: of both the authorised and unauthorised type, Australia has hosted all of the above. If there's a way to work the Wizarding World into something, it has likely popped up somewhere Down Under. Indeed, a Fantastic Beasts-inspired natural history exhibition is on its way in 2023 — and, if you're particularly entranced about dressing up like you're at Hogwarts, so is Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration. Again, Australia is no stranger to Harry Potter shindigs, but this one is both official and completely themed around the franchise's wintertime soirée. Fittingly, it's conjuring up its Aussie debut in the frosty months, locking in a date with Sydney from Friday, July 7. The celebration heads to the Harbour City after past tours to Milan, Montreal, Houston and Mexico City, and hails from Warner Bros Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and events company Fever. Warner Bros in general is going all-in on the magical saga of late, given that it has also just locked in a new Harry Potter TV show, which will turn each of the books that started it all into a season of television. First, the ball. Here, you'll feel like you've stepped straight into the Wizarding World movies, especially if you don appropriate attire. That isn't mandatory, but it is encouraged. And if you need to collect the right items while you're at the event, there'll even be a market selling wands, robes and other merchandise. In Sydney, the Yule Ball will take over the Paddington Town Hall — and while exactly how long it will keep enchanting Sydneysiders hasn't been revealed, it will feature multiple sessions from Wednesday–Sunday. Muggles and wannabe witches and wizards alike will enjoy a two-hour experience, complete with a dance floor, performers, recreated moments from the movies and a whole heap of excuses to take photos. There'll be themed food and both boozy and non-alcoholic drinks, too — cross your fingers for butterbeer — which you'll need to pay extra for on top of the $84 ticket price. Or, there will be premium package, where you'll receive priority entry, a beverage and a gift. So far, there's zero word about further Aussie stops beyond Sydney, but folks in Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond best start crossing their fingers, toes, wands and broomsticks. Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration hits Australia from Friday, July 7, 2023, with tickets on sale from Wednesday, May 3 — head to the event website to join the waitlist.
Beer garden and food truck park The Ascot Lot knows a thing or two about market stalls and festive entertainment. The colourful space regularly plays host to an always changing lineup of Melbourne food vendors, plus parties and events dedicated to dogs and drinks. So, it's safe to say you can trust The Ascot Lot to host a banging Twilight Christmas Market. This one's an after-work affair, running from 5–10pm on Tuesday, December 10. There'll be live acoustic performances, plenty of Christmas tunes, festive cocktails across two bars and gift wrapping services. When it comes to market stalls, you'll be able to browse wares from Fresh Sock Co, Love By Candlelight, Kitchen Language (who sell "cheeky tea towels not for the faint hearted") and The Plant Runner. Obviously, you'll also find a killer food truck lineup, too, including Burrito Bae, The Bearded Jaffle, The Pickle & The Patty and OMG Decadent Donuts. Oh, and dogs are very welcome.
The iconic restaurant strip of Lygon Street continues to broaden its multicultural horizons, with the arrival of new addition, La Cabra. Launched this week, the boldly-hued modern Mexican eatery is the fourth outpost for the brand, joining a stable that includes venues in Hampton, Hawthorn and St Kilda. Like its siblings, the Carlton newcomer is rocking a playful fitout bursting with bright pops of colour. La Cabra's neon logo of a horned goat's head — a self-assured reference to G.O.A.T — gazes down from one wall. The menu is a contemporary, Melbourne ode to the familiar Mexican classics. Kick things off with the likes of Tajin-spiced calamari, stuffed jalapenos, and crisp hand-cut tortillas loaded with the usual nacho suspects. A seven-strong taco lineup showcases considered fillings like fried fish teamed with jalapeno salsa and papaya slaw; and a cactus number with feta, beans and salsa verde. Burritos feature ingredients like chimichurri pulled lamb, slow-cooked brisket and some not-so-Mexican falafel; plus you'll find a solid offering of fajitas, enchiladas and burgers. The matching booze list is suitably festive, with multiple margarita styles, an approachable tequila selection and share-friendly cocktail jugs aplenty. Try a carafe of There's Something About Mary — made on Four Pillars, rosemary and blood orange — or level-up your Monday with $10 margs from 5pm. For those who prefer their boozy weekend brunching with a Mexican twist, La Cabra's also serving up a bottomless brunch situation every Saturday and Sunday, at 12pm and 2pm. $69 per person will get you a parade of bites including tacos, quesadillas and churros, along with 90 minutes of unlimited refills on your choice of drink. La Cabra Carlton is celebrating its grand opening from Tuesday, May 10–Thursday, May 12, slinging $4 tacos and $2 Coronas for all. Find La Cabra's new outpost at 149 Lygon Street, Carlton. It's open daily from 11am–late.
Cinco de Mayo – Mexico's annual celebration of its victory over France in 1862 – is coming up on Monday, May 5. And Melbourne is taking on the festival like is its very own, with a bunch of margarita-fulled parties, including Cinco Sounds at Yarraville's Hotel Mexico. Another spot getting into the spirit is La Cabra. Head along to any of the Mexican eatery's venues on Sunday, May 4, or Monday, May 5, and order any tasty bite to be in with a chance to challenge a staff member to Taco! Scissors! Rock! The game follows the same rules as the classic Paper! Scissors! Rock! But the prize is so much more than playground glory – it's a taco of your choice, be it beef, chicken or eggplant. On top of that, margaritas, including the agave, jalapeno and frozen versions, will be just 10 bucks on both days, and there's a limited-edition paella on the menu. Get in on the action in Ballarat, Carlton, Carnegie, Hampton, Hawthorn, Mordialloc, Mornington, South Yarra and St Kilda.
Aside from that time Bart Simpson called Australia and learnt that Australian toilets drain clockwise (and subsequently had to travel out 'ere to apologise), The Simpsons hasn't really uncovered many of our country's truths. But that's not true anymore with a new Simpsons short — which takes place outside the Sydney Opera House — released online yesterday. In the video, Homer manages to take down our accents, diss Rupert Murdoch, meet the Sydney seal and get attacked by seagulls in little more than a minute. It was created by Matt Groening ahead of his appearance at the Sydney Opera House for their GRAPHIC festival, which will run over one weekend in November. The fest celebrates pop culture and graphic storytelling, animation and music. Groening will be doing a keynote (which has already sold out), as well as a talk with fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry. Finally, the rest of the world can know the truth: the Australian animal to be afraid of isn't snakes — it's seagulls. Watch the full short video below. Video: THE SIMPSONS TM & ©2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Neighbouring CBD bars Section 8 and Ferdydurke have teamed up with New York's Brooklyn Brewery for Good Beer Week's free Brooklyn Block Party. From 2pm on Saturday, May 19, Tattersalls Lane will be pulsing with live music, street art, projections and a tonne of food and booze. Section 8 will keep things rowdy on street level with live art from The Bushwick Collective and a pop-up barber shop slinging cuts for just five bucks. Upstairs, Ferdydurke will be more Coney Island, with hot dogs, dirty carnival food and disco. Oh, and lots of beer.
Melbourne's normally buzzy CBD has turned all but silent through the pandemic, as work-from-home orders emptied office buildings and hospitality venues closed their doors. But now, with newly eased restrictions kicking life back into gear, we're about to see a suite of efforts aimed at returning the city to its former glorious self. And one of these initiatives involves a healthy dose of flower power, as a series of large-scale, all-local floral installations injects central Melbourne with some much-needed life and vibrancy. Urban Blooms will see 18 giant floral works installed in laneways, streets and public spaces across the city, where they'll feature boldly for two weeks, starting from Saturday, November 14. The project's been born of the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund, as a collaboration between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. [caption id="attachment_752632" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Botanics of Melbourne by Parker Blain[/caption] Local florists from the likes of Cecilia Fox, Botanics of Melbourne, Casa Verde and Fitzroy's Flowers Vasette have been commissioned to design these blooming works of art, creating a living gallery trail through the city. Prominent spots including Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, the Arts Centre and Flinders Street Station will play host to the flower bombs, each installation crafted using locally grown plants, and displaying information about the work and the designer. There'll even be a code to scan suggesting nearby cafes and stores to visit. Of course, these are COVID-19 times, so social distancing markers will also be a feature, along with marshals to monitor visitor numbers. After the installation program wraps up on Friday, November 27, the displays will score a second life, reworked into small bouquets for local community groups. The Urban Blooms project will feature at sites across the City of Melbourne, from November 14–27. Check out the map of locations and plan your visit over at the website.
Ever pondered what the human body might be like a couple more decades into the future? What sort of weird and wonderful things it'll be able to do by the time next century rolls around? Award-winning Aussie-born, Los Angeles-based artist Lucy McRae sure has, and she's offering a peek at her most captivating musings in a new free exhibition at NGV Australia, titled Lucy McRae: Body Architect. As a designer, science fiction artist, filmmaker and 'body architect', McRae's on a constant journey of contemplation, her work reflecting on the future of human existence through collaborations with everyone from scientists, to pop musicians. Kicking off today and running until February 2020, this survey of her work — which has strong The Fifth Element vibes — dives deep into these questions, showcasing a body of work that will not just pique the interest of art lovers, but sci-fi fans and philosophers, too. [caption id="attachment_739784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] You can play with your own face with the 'Biometric Mirror' installation. Image: Eugene Hyland.[/caption] For Lucy McRae: Body Architect, you'll see the artist's filmmaking skills at play in seminal work Institute of Isolation: an observational documentary exploring the concept of isolation and the impact it might have on people when experienced for decades at a time. It's questioned through the lens of space travel and how human resilience might be tweaked in order to better handle it. Meanwhile, immersive work Future Day Spa will see you hanging out in a vacuum pressure chamber, which mimics the feeling of being hugged tightly, boosting relaxation levels in the process. You can also get your own face up on the gallery's walls — and tweak it — with Biometric Mirror. [caption id="attachment_739777" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The image used for Robyn's 'Body Talk'. Image: Tom Ross.[/caption] Elsewhere, you'll spy the series of bold and ethereal digital images McRae created alongside Dutch textile artist Bart Hess. The pair's work imagines high-tech, futuristic body functionalities — like colour-excreting skin — captured in striking lo-fi imagery using things like pantyhose, balloons, grass and bath foam. Then, there are the pieces from McRae's many collaborations with musicians, both local and international. The iconic image created for pop-star Robyn's Body Talk album cover is on show, as are the artist's music videos for bands including Architecture in Helsinki and Reptile Youth. For a quick intro to her work, watch this TED Talk. As one of the youngest ever TED Fellows and having earned a spot on Fast Company's list of people shaping the future, McRae's an exciting pull for the NGV's next season of solo exhibitions, which is set to feature the work of Aussie photographers Polixeni Papapetrou and Petrina Hicks later this year. Lucy McRae: Body Architect will run from Friday, August 30 until February 9, 2020 at NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne. It's free to attend but further details can be found here. Images: Installation shots by Tom Ross; Lucy McRae portraits by Eugene Hyland; © Lucy McRae.
For more than a decade, the Melbourne-based Human Rights Arts and Film Festival has been exploring human-rights issues through cinema. Exactly how this annual fest covers its subject matter and where it screens has varied over the years, however. Past iterations have included stints around the country, and some fests have solely remained in the Victorian capital. Across Thursday, May 4–Tuesday, May 9, 2023's lineup is only hitting cinemas in-person in Melbourne, but has a date with viewers elsewhere thanks to its online component. In its physical form, HRAFF opens with Kash Kash — Without Feathers We Can't Live, a documentary from first-time filmmaker Lea Najjar about her hometown of Beirut. For folks elsewhere, or for those who can't make it along on the night, it's one of the movies on the event's digital bill as well. From a lineup that includes work from Iran, Brazil, Ireland, Lebanon, Venezuela, South Sudan, Mexico, the US, Canada and more, Melburnians can also look forward to North Circular, which highlights the importance of music in culture in Ireland; Dark Days, telling the tale of a community living in New York City's underground train tunnels in the 90s; and Uýra: The Rising Forest, about trans non-binary Indigenous artist Uýra. From Venice 2022, Alice Diop's Saint Omer is an absolute must-see, with the documentarian drawing from true events to craft a drama about a young Parisian journalist and novelist attending murder trial, then wading through the complexities it surfaces within her own family history. In The Last Daughter, Wiradjuri woman Brenda Matthews charts her experience being taken from her family as a toddler, growing up with a white foster family, then being returned to her parents. And in closing night's Fashion Reimagined, designer Amy Powney's efforts to create a sustainable collection are in the spotlight. Viewers watching on from home can also enjoy The Endangered Generation?, which boasts narration by Laura Dern (Jurassic World Dominion) as it explores the fight against climate change — plus the world-premiere of We Eatin' Good, which sees Matisse Laida and Nisha Hunter get recipes for food and life alike from members of Melbourne's queer community. To take care of the 'arts' part of its name, HRAFF is hosting two exhibitions as well: Real Job, which ponders how the labour of visual artists is so often neglected; and A Wholesome Gang, a storytelling photo series by South Sudanese Dinka woman Awak Rech Kongor (and shot and edited by artist Joshua Sims).
Watching famous faces star in TV dramas about taking luxe holidays is 2021's current trend, and fans of The White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers are definitely here for it. Getting a big dose of travel envy while you're binge-watching? Fancy doing more than spectating via your screen once border restrictions and lockdowns lift? If you're particularly keen to spend some time hanging out in a scenic Byron Bay retreat that's been doubling as the fictional Tranquillum House — and playing host to Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon and Luke Evans — you're in luck. In Nine Perfect Strangers, the real-life Somo Retreat doubles for Tranquillum — and it's now available to rent via Airbnb. So, your next getaway could see you literally following in Kidman and company's footsteps. We're talking about heading to the lavish location, and obviously not about navigating all of the show's twists and turns in real life. Soma is indeed all about heath and wellness just like its fictional counterpart, though, with the retreat stemming from technology entrepreneur Peter Ostick and wellness and meditation practitioner Gary Gorrow. You'll find it in Ewingsdale in New South Wales, and just a ten-minute drive outside of Byron Bay — and it has hit Airbnb as part of the platform's 'Luxe' offering of super swanky and expertly designed homes. If you've seen Nine Perfect Strangers, you'll know what you're in for in terms of facilities. The retreat comes complete with ten bedrooms all decked out with king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, rain showers, and either their own balconies or direct access to the terrace — and there's also a freshwater infinity pool, communal fire pit and 22 acres of bamboo forest. Yes, that geodesic yoga dome exists, too, or you can soak in some calm in the zen garden. [caption id="attachment_823169" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Vince Valitutti/Hulu[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this is a real treat yo'self kind of spot — and the type of getaway that'd need to involve gathering the gang for one hefty hangout — with bookings for the entire place costing a whopping $6279.43 a night. You can also opt to pay extra to include massages, meditation courses, and breath and bodywork sessions as part of your stay, or Ayurvedic meals made by a specialised chef. You can book a stay at Soma in Ewingsdale, New South Wales, via Airbnb. Head to the platform's website for further details. The first four episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Soma Retreat images: Romello Pereira. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Victoria's Hot Chocolate Festival is back again this August. And, like in past years, it's also bringing the decadence to you. Whether you're a Melburnian who can't make it to one of the three venues outside of town, or you're located elsewhere and you really love hot chocolate, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are churning out at-home kits filled with creative hot choccie flavours. This year's physical fest boasts a wild range of flavours, with the at-home version following suit. Whichever you choose between Tuesday, August 1–Thursday, August 31, you'll receive couverture flavour-infused melts, a giant marshmallow and interactive elements to add to your choice of hot milk at home. Wondering which inventive flavours will tempt your tastebuds? The full 2023 lineup is as OTT and indulgent as ever — and as tasty. Kicking things off: a nod to Barbie via a pink-infused hot chocolate, as well as an Iced Vovo hot chocolate that features chocolate iced doughnuts for dunking. Or, you can sip on a poached pear and hazelnut version, a dulce de leche churros hot chocolate and a Biscoff hedgehog variety. Pick the Happy Vegemite hot chocolate and you'll get handcrafted caramel koalas to dip — or go for the Harry Potter-inspired hot choc to score a chocolate wand for doing the same. Some flavours come topped with waffles or pretzels. Yes, the list goes on. Only a selection of flavours will be available to make at home, but the ones on offer can be ordered throughout August for $6.50 per single-flavour kit. There's also a flat-rate shipping fee of $15 to anywhere in Australia. Images: A Myszka.
NGV International's Kimono exhibition is all about celebrating the enduring legacy of the iconic Japanese garment. Running until Sunday, October 5, there's no shortage of fascinating examples to see in person. However, you're also invited to hear from some of the world's most knowledgeable artists and experts on the subject. From 11.30am–12.30pm on Sunday, August 3, Tokyo-based artist Hiroko Takahashi will take part in an exclusive conversation with NGV senior curator Wayne Crothers. Presented in front of her works, Takahashi will delve deep into her creative process, revealing how she preserves and builds upon kimono traditions for the present day. Yet the experience isn't over once the conversation has concluded. A limited number of volunteers have the chance to get involved in Takahashi's participatory project, Zipper Kimono. Exploring the meaning behind the traditional kimono-wearing process, the addition of a contemporary zipper mechanism transforms the kimono into a living sculpture. By challenging cultural preconceptions and redefining kimono within its artistic context, the experience defies modern society's focus on efficiency and simplification. Taking place during the Kimono exhibition, there's no need to register for the talk. However, you will need an exhibition ticket to gain entry. Images: Mitch Fong.
After farewelling its Cremorne HQ with just four weeks' notice, Tarts Anon has landed on its feet — specifically, with a sleek new flagship store in Richmond. The cult-favourite brand's signature blend of fine-dining finesse and neighbourhood charm is alive and well at its airy, light-filled Church Street space, which features an open kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating that encourages lingering and a smartly pared-back fitout designed in collaboration with hospitality heavyweight Nathan Toleman. (It also makes for a nice one-two punch at the address, which is also home to Top Paddock.) Started by chef Gareth Whitton (ex-Dinner by Heston) and Catherine Way as a home-based side hustle during the 2020 Melbourne lockdown, Tarts Anon quickly became a citywide obsession thanks to its golden crusts and restaurant-quality fillings. The Richmond site showcases the brand's greatest hits — smoked pecan and butterscotch, chocolate caramel, lemon and tiramisu can all be found here — as well as four monthly rotating specials. Joining the lineup for the launch period is a limited-time pistachio Saint Honoré tart, a playful take on the classic French cake featuring crisp choux pastry, pistachio mousseline and layers of caramelised pastry. [caption id="attachment_1011260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Harris[/caption] If you're sitting in — and in a space as welcoming as this, why wouldn't you — you'll find specialty teas and coffee by a rotating roster of roasters to pair with your pastry. Whitton and the team are also experimenting with a wider but complementary offer, so the minimalist display cabinet might soon include croissant-tart hybrids, or soft serve in the warmer months. Open daily, Tarts Anon Richmond joins the brand's growing network of locations across Melbourne, including Collingwood, Collins Street and a Prahran Market pop-up. It's a new chapter for a homegrown favourite — and when it comes to great things getting even better, well, the proof is in the tart. [caption id="attachment_1011261" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Harris[/caption] Images: Tim Harris.
If you met a young man with the MTV logo emblazoned across his neck, there are a few assumptions you would probably make. 'This chap is a fan of music television', you might say. Or, 'Surely, at some point in the past, this man had too many drinks too close to a tattoo parlour after reminiscing on highlights of the '90s. What you probably wouldn't deduce is that the character before you runs a YouTube music account with almost 40 million views, that he was a key inspiration for James Franco's latest role as Alien in the Harmony Korine film Spring Breakers or that his mixtapes have garnered applause from Pitchfork, Stereogum and Complex. You definitely wouldn't guess that his soon-to-be-released major label debut, Neon Icon, will feature the likes of Wiz Khalifia, Mac Miller, Drake, A$AP Rocky and Snoop Dogg(/Lion), just to name a few. In fact, instead of gawking, it might be more appropriate to salute respectfully because the young man you've just been introduced to is none other than eccentric Texan rapper RiFF RAFF. Currently on his first Australian tour, the electrifying performer brings his notorious live show to Melbourne this Wednesday. Featuring the overblown bling, intelligent rhymes and hilarious antics that have gained him worldwide acclaim, this will be a night for the hip-hop fan with an ear for the weird. RiFF RAFF's only show will be supported by Fletch, Carlos Turner and Swick. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NlydTf5bJdo
There's so much more to postcards than the often drab ones you find in the local post office. The annual Linden Postcard Show is the place where you'll find the best of the best. Presented by Linden New Art and celebrating its 27th year, there's about a thousand submissions for you to check out, with the Linden Postcard Show being the quintessential place to see the best examples from across both the amateur and professional arts community. Every humble postcard presented is on sale, while an esteemed jury of art curators and directors will select a winner to take home the $5000 cash prize. Meanwhile you can get involved by voting in the People's Choice Award with the victor receiving $1000 for their 8x10 inch work. The Linden Postcard Show 2017–18 is on now and runs until Friday January 12.
Fort Green, Northcote's new health and wellness cafe, has just added an upstairs yoga studio to its offering — and it's celebrating the launch with a week's worth of free yoga from March 13 through 18. The studio will focus on all-level vinyasa, yin and pilates classes, with the fitout meant to look like a New York City loft — think flowing white curtains, timber floors and greenery, as well as a ten-metre-high mirror that helps yogis to perfect their poses. Along with free classes, they're also offering up 15-percent off regular membership and other packages during the week, some of which include cafe discounts and other wellness benefits. So, if you enjoy the freebie, don't forget to chat with your instructor on the perks post-savasana. Head to the Fort Green website for free class schedules and bookings.
Moving castles have become abandoned mansions, and adventurous kids are now asthmatic outsiders, as you may have noticed if you've been keeping up with Studio Ghibli's recent films. It seems like everyone's favourite Japanese animation house is growing up and getting serious; however, that might not be all that's behind their change in mood. With no new features slated, they might be shutting up their movie-making shop — or so it has been rumoured. Perhaps that's why the studio's output over the last year has felt a little more melancholy and contemplative, and why tissues have become a necessary viewing accessory. The great Hayao Miyazaki's swan song, The Wind Rises, and co-founder Isao Takahata's latest effort, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, already tested tear ducts, and When Marnie Was There does so again. If this is the last Ghibli movie, then the tale of 12-year-old Anna (voiced by Sara Takatsuki) offers a fitting farewell. Above all else, it tells of the importance of friendship, acceptance, understanding and looking to the past to embrace the future, recurring themes in the studio's work. A foster child usually found alone with her sketchbook in hand, Anna is isolated and unhappy. That doesn't change when she is sent to stay by the seaside with her adoptive relatives — but then she spies a house surrounded by marshland, and meets the girl who lives there, Marnie (Kasumi Arimura). When Marnie Was There is based on the 1967 British novel of the same name, and while the film isn't exactly old-fashioned, it is relaxed and reflective, even for an animation house known for making movies unlike any others. The second effort — and the second such book-to-screen adaptation — from director Hiromasa Yonebayashi after 2010's The Secret World of Arrietty, it takes its time not just to get to know Anna and her new pal, but to let the audience into their headspace. It's an approach that's crucial to the feature, with the journey Anna takes in finding her sense of self more important than anywhere she might wander — and the bond she forms with Marnie more engrossing than anything else she might encounter. It also fits in with the mystery surrounding the titular character, who only Anna can seem to see, and only under certain circumstances. As well as building character and intrigue, the slower pace leaves plenty of room for the kind of gorgeous visuals Studio Ghibli is known for, painstakingly hand-drawn and -painted. Indeed, that the film looks a treat can almost go without saying, except that Yonebayashi uses his beautiful images to thrill as much as enchant. There are a few darker turns in this tale, and the filmmaker is just as skilled at conveying pain and sadness as he is at creating magic and wonder. If it sounds like another bewitching gem, that's because it is — but if it sounds like something a little different, that's because it's that, too. When Marnie Was There is compiled from the same parts as other Ghibli fare, but it really does feel like a film studio saying goodbye. Expect sorrow from the sweet and soulful story about finding a place to belong. Expect more from the possibility that this could be the last movie from the beloved studio.
The Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival makes its return this February after beginning in 2012. This year, the program is bursting with a balance between communal events and individual pieces across all genres, and with everything so well spaced out, you'll be able to soak up as much as possible. Some performance highlights include Noel Tovey’s one man show Little Black Bastard at Arts House and Kylie Trounson’s The Visitors, part of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cybec Electric series of semi-staged play readings. Elsewhere, some of the larger public events showcase the distinctive sound that Indigenous artists have injected into Australia’s musical culture — on February 8, Briggs and Jessica Mauboy round out a packed lineup at Federation Square. If you prefer your music on a more intimate, eclectic scale check out Blak Cabaret at the Malthouse — an evening that spans comedy, music, drag and dance. The visual art on offer is equally as eclectic, from gallery exhibitions such as Ill-Fitted at fortyfivedownstairs, to more hands-on events like this interactive demonstration of First Nations craftwork. Head to the festival website to check out the full program.
Giving Australians the Shake Shack experience we can't otherwise have because Shake Shack somehow doesn't operate on our shores yet, Betty's Burgers isn't short on reasons for burg lovers to stop by. And, it's also known for serving up quite the range of specials, including lobster rolls, prawn rolls and steak sandos. But if you want to try its latest creation — and, given that it's a truffle cheeseburger, you will — you'll also need to book a flight. In a first for both Betty's and Virgin Australia, the two brands have teamed up to add burgs to the latter's airport lounge menus in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That means that pre-flight burgers can now be a part of your departure routine — as long as you have access to Virgin's airport lounges, that is. There are a few other caveats involved, too. Those truffle cheeseburgers are only available at the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airport lounges, and so is the chain's new take on popcorn chicken, if that prompts you to pay for membership. Also, you'll need to be flying on a Thursday or Friday, and at around dinnertime, as that's when the Betty's menu items will be available. Still, if you have a trip in your future and you love burgs, this'll set your stomach a-rumbling. It's the latest step in Betty's efforts to spread its burgers far and wide, after initially setting up shop in Noosa, first expanding to the Gold Coast, and then setting up shop in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. For more information about Betty's Burgers and its new Classic Plant burg, head to the chain's website.
This review is of the Sydney run of this production in March 2015. Sydney Dance Company’s Frame of Mind drills a hole into your heart and brain and makes you leak emotion in that sneaky, visceral way only dance can do. It's in fact two short contemporary dance pieces: Quintett, choreographed by William Forsythe, then Frame of Mind, by Sydney Dance Company’s artistic director, Rafael Bonachela. The result is stunning contemporary dance — neither pretentious, nor attempting any grand narrative. These are simply short, genuine outpourings of life and feeling from two very different choreographers, made accessible by committed dancers. Understanding the context of Quintett’s conception is pivotal to the experience. Originally created in 1993 (this is its Australian premiere), Quintett was a love letter from Forsythe to his terminally ill wife. Despite these tragic circumstances, Forsythe's work celebrates the chase of love. It’s full of pulls, falls and negotiations; at once both whimsical and profound. The quintet of dancers (Cass Mortimer Eipper, Chloe Leong, David Mack, Jesse Scales and Sam Young-Wright) engage in explorative play. Each dancer seems to ask, “what can my body do when I look at it anew?” They defy the everyday constraints placed on the body, and provoke their fellow dancers — taps on the bum, grabbing, shakes and whiplash — all to see how far they can possibly go. There is no storyline to follow, or characters to orbit, but the unshakeable feeling they are dancing a memoir. This may be a thank you letter for the moments shared, but it has no final signature. Each extension is intersected and retracted, each posture never fully completed. The bodies constantly interrupt each other's trajectories, so that one must always surrender to another, relinquish and release. The captivating Leong is still running and reaching as the curtain falls. The music mashes up a frail male voice singing a hymn with the crying sounds of strings. It's a simple but catchy looping that makes us aware of the eternal life/death cycle, and humbles us for thinking our own lives so important. Another beautiful element of both Quintett and Frame of Mind is the inclusion of ‘the watcher’. When dancers are not engaged, they pause and watch their peers. Spectatorship being so integral to human behaviour, it’s nice to see dancers drop their guard. Frame of Mind has a turbulent and moody atmosphere, exploding into action with the unnerving, staccato song of violins — the contemporary-classical soundtrack comes from The National's Bryce Dessner. We see warrior-esque rituals, moments of bared teeth and risk-taking choreography that leaves no room for error. We watch dances of despair, reverie and entrapment. The lighting of Frame of Mind is breathtaking. Forsythe’s uses mirrors and projectors to cast Quintett into the refracted/reflected world of memory. Meanwhile, Benjamin Cisterne creates the daily cycle of sun/moonlight for Frame of Mind, within the cavernous abandoned warehouse that designer Ralph Myers has created. Cisterne alerts our eyes to unexpected shades and silhouettes, such that we begin to doubt the materiality of this world. Are those watermarks on the walls, or ghosts, or continents? Quintett aches with shared memories, and Frame of Mind rattles the psyche. Anyone willing to submit to a corporeal experience should attend.
When you first step into the gallery at West Space, a ringing sound will signify your entrance. Don't let it inflate your ego — tracking movements within the space and it's surrounding environments, the bell is also set off by the sun setting, a window opening or someone going to the toilet. The kinetic installation is Nick Selenitsch and Arlo Mountford’s Timing (or: What is the secret to good comedy?), one of four new exhibitions at West Space. The sculptural machines in the middle of the room — 10 in total, one for each finger — are hooked up to a series of sensors that aurally trace the everyday movements of the gallery and the city outside. The familiar and the mundane create a rhythmic composition. You are consciously aware of this tracking of movement as you move into the next exhibition, Vivian Cooper Smith’s Year of the Savage. Although unsure of what gory details this year entailed, it becomes clear that Smith himself is the savage — his distorted photographic self-portraits cry out with a sense of confusion and lack of identity. The portraits are fragmented, a Nietzschean jigsaw of himself. This is embodied in the floor-based ‘Timeless’ and the way he superimposes fragments of his own face onto famous Film Noir portraits in an attempt to connect with something or someone. Screen Insight is the latest project from artist Tim Woodward. As with his previous work, which is concerned with cultural objects and their uses in society, Woodward explores the mechanics of television and cinema. Set up like a television studio ready for an interview, the 90s-era TV flickers through excerpts of film and in-depth commentary from Australian actor Damien Cassidy. Hiding behind a busted-in paper doorway (that you may have to duck to get through), is the fourth exhibition on the gallery, Oscar Perry’s Home Honey, I’m High. While at first it may seem as though you’ve stumbled into an unkempt art studio, once your eyes adjust you begin to see that Perry’s abstract paintings and sculptures represent drunken method and intoxicated mimicry. His collection of work explores the traditional Chinese martial arts technique Zui Quan, a style of fighting that finds unlikely strength and power in intoxicated movement. Not your average display of sloshed unco-ordination, the techniques are highly aerobic, considered and precise. Where earthy abstract pieces with protruding logs and a spanner suspended from the roof may seem simply thrown together, they are in fact the result of Perry’s careful consideration and allow for an intricate depiction of the drunkard scene, reinterpreted. From savages to drunks each of these four exhibitions at West Space are diverse, yet all deal with the same sense of hyper self-awareness of an individual within a city of others. Image Vivian Cooper Smith
Doing your bit for the environment has never looked quite so good as it does with Frank Green's colourful range of reusable cups. The durable containers are not only helping to quash Australia's single-use coffee cup waste problem, they're also super stylish and beautifully designed. And you've got the perfect excuse to add a couple to your collection (or someone else's) with Frank Green's storewide 20 percent off sale this weekend. From Friday, November 27 until Monday, November 30 you'll be able to treat yourself, a friend or your family to a stylish and sustainable cup on the cheap. Frank Green's entire catalogue — apart from sale items and gift cards — is on sale and there's something for everyone. You'll find the core reusable cup and bottle range featuring the brand's recognisable pastel colour palette and in-built tap-to-pay feature, as well as the Sustainable Sips range of tea, coffee and the new ceramic french press. If you're looking for holiday presents for the kids or your nieces and nephews, Frank Green also has a range of Disney and Minions cups and bottles. The pastel yellow Winnie the Pooh cup is so adorable you might end up getting it for yourself. Plus, $1 from every order will be donated to Reforest Now, an organisation that grows and plants trees in subtropical Australia. You'll be saving the planet in more ways than one. [caption id="attachment_792088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes Pinot Noir as 'sex in a glass', while winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. One of the most challenging grapes in the world of vinification, it's also one of the most surprising and rewarding. No wonder Bottle Shop Concepts — the good folk who bring Game of Rhones our way — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things Pinot Noir. For just one day, wine connoisseurs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will have the chance to sample more than 150 drops, direct from the Southern Hemisphere’s best producers. Think Ata Rangi, Yabby Lake, Bay of Fires, Rippon, Kooyong, Mount Difficulty — and that’s just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you’re a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a Pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there’ll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. You’ll even be able to vote for your favourite and go in the draw to win some wine-driven prizes. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you’ll be catered for. There’ll be cosy places to sit and mull over your chosen Pinot, loads of food and the epic Burgundy Bar – a kind of Pinot Noir mecca where you’ll be able to sample bottles worth $150+ at affordable, by-the-glass prices. Expert sommeliers will also be on hand to help you make selections. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (and not only their tastebuds), can indulge in a 'Back Stage Pass'. It's a chance to partake in a master class with some of Australia's smartest wine educators and learn all about what's happening in Burgundy, France — Pinot Noir’s spiritual home. Pinot Palooza will hit Melbourne Convention Centre on Sunday, October 10. Tickets are $60, which includes tastings and a take-home Riedel 'Heart to Heart' Pinot Noir glass.
When Premier Daniel Andrews announced Victoria's latest stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions, he gave cinephiles a particularly exciting piece of news — for the second time this year. Movie theatres first closed around the country in mid-March. Then, they reopened in Melbourne in mid-June, but had to shut again at the beginning of July. Now, projectors are allowed to start whirring again in the Garden State — finally. Of course, that doesn't mean that it's popcorn-munching business as usual quite yet — but local cinemas are eagerly welcoming back movie buffs. Cinema Nova was one of initial places to throw open its doors, relaunching on Monday, November 9, on the very first day it could. It's screening a heap of films that haven't played in Melbourne as yet, including everything from zombie thriller Peninsula and heist comedy Kajillionaire to stellar teen cancer movie Babyteeth, fierce French drama Les Misérables and the supremely moving US effort Never Rarely Sometimes Always. Also letting film fans back into darkened rooms are the Classic, Lido and Cameo cinemas, which reopened on Tuesday, November 10. The three sites are showing some of the aforementioned titles, too, plus other films such as Australian documentary Brazen Hussies, and comedies An American Pickle, Bill & Ted Face the Music and The Personal History of David Copperfield. And yes, they have actually already been playing a few of these movies already, since they all reopened their outdoor and/or rooftop cinemas at the beginning of the month. And, joining the relaunching bonanza from Thursday, November 12 are Reading's Victorian sites. They'll be among some of the state's cinemas that'll be screening Tenet from that day — almost three months after it released in the rest of the country — as well as new body-swap horror-comedy Freaky. On that same date, Village Cinemas will reopen its Victorian venues as well — other than the Coburg Drive-In, which has already relaunched — and so will Hoyts and The Sun Theatre. Also jumping back into action that day are Palace's Victorian sites. And, including at The Astor Theatre, they'll do so with a lineup of brand new movies — including On the Rocks and the aforementioned Tenet. The British Film Festival will also hit town as well. If you didn't head to the flicks in the small June-July window that cinemas were allowed to reopen in Melbourne, expect a few changes. Like attending any business reopening in the time of COVID-19, the movie-going experience is a bit different at the moment — including online bookings, allocated seating, capacity limits, gaps between patrons, contactless payment, social-distancing requirements and extra cleaning. For more information about what's screening in Melbourne from this week, or to book tickets, visit the websites for Cinema Nova; the Classic, Lido and Cameo cinemas; Reading; Village; Hoyts; The Sun Theatre; and Palace and The Astor Theatre. Top image: Charlie Kinross Photography.
Two men tie themselves to stakes inside a wooden box. They throw their bodies at each other, and their rubber cords snap back. They start again. You’re in there too — and you can’t look away. Whelping Box is an intense, psychological experience, created by Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters of Branch Nebula with Matt Prest and Clare Britton. Wilson and Prest are the ones who take on the production’s demanding onstage roles. As they play and fight inside their dark arena, they navigate their audience through an unsettling combination of theatre, dance, and performance art. Arts House’s Meat Market is the container for Whelping Box’s feral energy, where the work is double-billed with Roslyn Oades' I’m Your Man. As they strain in their bindings, these two performers stretch the rituals and everyday mythology of masculinity to breaking point. They test the limits of their own bodies as well as their relationship with an intimately close audience. With so much at stake, why not put yourself in the middle?
While the debate around pill testing and music festival safety continues in Sydney, a handful of Melbourne politicians have instigated their own push to establish a local pill testing trial. Yesterday, a group of 11 Upper House crossbenchers took to the steps of Parliament House to call for the Andrews government's urgent support in the matter, while the City of Port Phillip Council once again put up its hand to play host to a state-first pill testing trial, almost two years after first advocating for the legislative changes to do so. Victorian Reason Party leader Fiona Patten took to Twitter before the rally, saying, "#pilltesting saves lives and provides a unique opportunity to intervene at that crucial time." https://twitter.com/FionaPattenMLC/status/1087066829904728064 And in a statement regarding his council's own government push, City of Port Phillip Mayor Dick Gross said that while he acknowledged the best harm minimisation approach was simply not to take drugs, "pill testing at venues such as music festivals could help save many lives." "Our Council is again offering to do what we can, in collaboration with public health experts, to support a carefully controlled trial," he explained. However, it's not looking too promising for either group at this stage, with the Age reporting the major government parties aren't budging from their anti-testing stance. As Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told the Age, "Victoria Police gives very firm advice on the matter of pill testing to the Victorian government about the false and potentially fatal outcomes that can come as a result of a pill testing regime." The push for pill testing follows the deaths of five young Australians at music festivals from suspected drug overdoses since September. Image: Groovin the Moo, by Jack Toohey, where Australia's first pill-testing trial took place.
It's one of just a handful of hawker eateries to ever have scored a Michelin star, taking out the honour in both 2016 and 2017. And now, Singapore's legendary Hawker Chan is bringing its famed chicken rice dishes to Australia, setting up shop on Melbourne's Lonsdale Street from Friday, December 8. As with the original, it's helmed by chef Chan Hon Meng, who's had a tidy 30 years of experience perfecting Singapore's national dish: soy sauce chicken. Set to star on the Melbourne Hawker Chan menu, this age-old favourite features chicken poached in chicken stock, soy sauce and ginger, the meat then blanched to give the skin a gelatinous texture, and served on a fluffy pile of jasmine rice. It'll sit alongside a tight collection of just 19 other dishes, including authentic hits like char siew noodles, roasted pork rice, wonton soup and soya sauce chicken hor fun. The space itself will tap into the hawker spirit — it'll be a lively 92-seater where diners will order and pick up their meals from the front counter. It won't be taking any bookings though, given this is Michelin-quality fare, we're betting no one will be too fazed by a bit of queuing. Hawker Chan will open at 157–159 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, from Friday, December 8. For more information, visit Hawker Chan's Instagram.
Head up High Street into Northcote, where you'll find Kitty Somerset — perfect for a comforting and cosy environment or if your cold bones forgot to bring a proper jacket to work. The bar's fireplace will have you nice and toasty in no time, while the soft vinyl on the go will soothe your Spotify-weary thumbs and the headache you have from answering 400 emails this week. Serving up classic, seasonal and signature cocktails, the bar is well stocked and reasonably priced. Food is limited to bar snacks and cheese (what more could you want?), but you can order in from nearby restaurants if you're really hungry. Have a go at the bloody Mary to forget all about work and also get one whole dose of your fruit and vegetables down for the weekend. Kitty do a good tradish version but you can also add chilli sauce if you're a Proper Maniac and really looking to go HAM on your weekend times.
Since 2005, Northcote Social Club has been known as a spot for bands, beers and big nights — and this winter, it'll be marking two decades as a key destination in Melbourne's live music scene with an appropriately massive birthday blowout. On Monday, June 30, the northside hotspot is kicking off a stacked birthday program dubbed 20 Gigs for 20 Years, with two months of shows and parties featuring some of the artists and communities who have helped to shape the venue's story so far. Expect live sets from favourites like Kingswood, Nai Palm, Augie March, Briggs' new band Big Noter (pictured below) and heaps more, as well as curated takeovers by PBS, Northside Records, Collective Artists and Poison City Records. The celebrations will conclude with a huge closing party on Friday, August 29 — the lineup for that night is still under wraps, but no doubt the venue will officially enter its third decade with a serious bang. And because Northcote Social Club has always been about community as much as chords, it's inviting anyone who's enjoyed a drink or a dance floor moment to drop a note or a photo into its front-bar letterbox — and by sharing your memory of the venue, you can win free tickets, a food and bev voucher, or a merch pack. Plus, anyone who buys a ticket to any of the 20th anniversary shows will go in the running to win the NSC Golden Ticket: 12 double passes to any shows over the next 12 months.
After heading to Australia earlier this year for a one-night-only show at the Sydney Opera House, Margaret Atwood is heading Down Under once again in early 2020. This time, though, she'll be hitting up six Aussie cities (Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and Perth) as well as Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. The Canadian writer also has some very exciting new material to discuss — her long-awaited sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale', called 'The Testaments'. Released 34 years after the original, the novel is set 15 years after Offred's final scene and is narrated by three female characters. Since it's release in September, 'The Testaments' has already garnered one of the world's biggest literary awards, the Booker Prize, which it won jointly with Bernardine Evaristo's 'Girl, Woman, Other'. As well as discussing her award-winning new novel, the seminal 1985 book and the captivating TV drama it inspired, Atwood will chat about her life and career, and the rest of her very extensive body of works. While it seems this talk won't be quite as political as her SOH conversation, it's likely Atwood will dip into topics such as extremist politics, feminism and climate change — they are themes that are brought up time and time again in her fictional works, after all. It'll be an interesting, if not eyebrow-raising, talk — as well as being an obvious advocate for women's rights, Atwood has came under fire for her controversial take on the #MeToo movement and her reluctance to call The Handmaid's Tale feminist. It's said the talks will also have a Q&A segment, so putt on your thinking hats and get some questions ready. [caption id="attachment_751168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Margaret Atwood via Wiki Commons, Image credit: Mauro Rico/Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación[/caption] IN CONVERSATION WITH MARGARET ATWOOD 2020 DATES February 10 — Wellington, Michael Fowler Centre February 11 — Auckland, The Civic February 12 — Christchurch, Christchurch Town Hall February 16–17 — Sydney, ICC February 19 — Canberra, Canberra Theatre Centre February 22 — Brisbane, QPAC Concert Hall February 23 — Melbourne, Arts Centre Melbourne February 24 — Hobart, Wrest Point March 1 — Perth, Riverside Theatre Tickets for In Conversation with Margaret Atwood go on sale Monday, November 25. Image: Jean Malek
A classic treat for young and old, a good choccy milk goes down just as nicely after a session in the playground, as it does after a long day of adulting. So, you can bet there are smiles across the board at the news that hot chocolate specialists Mörk and award-winning St David Dairy are ringing in autumn with a chocolate milk collaboration of their own. Made in small batches at the Fitzroy dairy and bottled in 300mL serves, the limited edition, dark chocolate drink boasts just three quality ingredients. Here, they've ditched the nasties and preservatives, for a simple blend of farm-fresh full cream milk, ethically-sourced chocolate, and organic coconut blossom sugar. Basically, worlds apart from the sugar-loaded choccy drinks you might have slurped as a kid. While it's the first collaboration of its type for both of these small, local companies, it's a bit of a no-brainer given their shared commitment to making natural, sustainable, and flavour-packed products. The Mörk x St David Dairy drinking chocolate will be available from tomorrow (February 28), only until the end of autumn. Grab yours from the Mörk Chocolate Brewhouse (150 Errol Street, North Melbourne), the retail space at St David Dairy (16-18 St David Street, Fitzroy), or a selection of chocolate-loving cafes across Melbourne.
Just opposite the MCG on Wellington Parade, The Cliveden Bar & Dining has opened its doors as the latest part of Pullman Melbourne on The Park's $6 million makeover. Steeped in history, the new all-day operation sits at the East Melbourne address made famous in the '80s and '90s by The Cliveden Room — a fine dining icon and one-time haunt of the A-listers of the era, like Barry Humphries and Bert Newton. Today's iteration has a culinary focus that's equally sophisticated yet thoroughly modern, as executive chef John Ross showcases "a new way to buffet" centred around artisan produce. Within an enormous, 202-seat restaurant space, diners are invited to enjoy five unique buffet menus, running from a European and Mediterranean dinner offering spanning dishes like Spanish chicken pie and confit duck, through to a seafood-heavy Sunday brunch buffet complete with egg station. That's in addition to a lineup of share plates, charcuterie and a soon-to-launch high tea selection. Meanwhile, the bar situation is an exciting proposition in itself, not least of all for the 116-seat designer lounge area. Headlining the drinks list is a range of buzzworthy signature cocktails like the Bloody Aussie Negroni, which is crafted on Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Red Økar Amaro from South Australia and Maidenii sweet vermouth. The wine list tips its hat to top Victorian talent from across The Yarra Valley and Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, backed by a curation of European varietals and a solid selection of craft beer and cider.
Summer in Australia is hard to beat. With its enviable beaches, regularly sunny days and laidback vibes, our country does the warmer months well — very well. And while Melbourne has all these things in spades, it must be said that our city rival — Sydney — also does a pretty good job at it. We're not saying better (we'd never dare), but there are many places on that stretch of coastline that are synonymous with summer. With Sydney's best venues really coming alive in the sun — especially those with outdoor spaces and killer views — you could be having beers by the beach, vinos on a lush rooftop and cocktails at the Opera House. Though, with so much choice, it can be hard to narrow it down to the perfect spot for a weekday sundowner or Sunday session while you're on your Sydney vacay. That's why we've teamed up with top-notch tequila brand Patrón to bring you our pick of spots. These six watering holes serve up stunning Sydney vistas — and damn fine cocktails to boot. Grab your partner in crime and get stuck into a few of these on your getaway. MCA X PATRÓN POP-UP The Museum of Contemporary Art has once again opened its ground floor pop-up bar for summer. And this year, it's tequila-fuelled — thanks to Patrón. You'll find this airy, garden-inspired bar on the lawn in front of the museum. It boasts unrestricted views across Circular Quay and the harbour. Here, you can sip negronis, highballs and old-fashioneds, all with a tequila twist. Of course, summertime staples like margaritas, palomas and Patrón, lime and soda are available, too. There are also plenty of Mexican eats and live entertainment to pair with your drinks — the latter includes DJ sets, performances, art installations and even VR experiences. This pop-up bar is part of a bigger Patrón takeover of the Circular Quay precinct with activations also happening at Bar Patrón, Quay Bar and The Argyle. So you can turn a visit here into the beginning of a tequila-centric harbourside bar crawl. THE BUCKET LIST Bondi mainstay The Bucket List is a local favourite any time of year, but it really comes alive during summer. Here, the beach vibes are going strong — as you'd expect considering the proximity to the beach. You're nearly standing on the sand when seated at the outdoor terrace, so perch on one of the couches and watch the crowds and surfers do their thing. Meanwhile, you can split a cocktail jug and tuck into seaside-themed snacks sashimi bowls. There are also heaps of events on here, including weekend DJ sessions. Plus, between November 6–December 6, the bar is amping up the tropical vibes by hosting a Patrón pop-up with Tommy's margaritas, watermelon tequila spritzes and fish tacos. BATHERS' PAVILION With its brand new makeover, Bathers' Pavilion is a must-visit this season. The heritage-listed beachside spot now sports a fancy fit-out by award-winning design studio Luchetti Krelle (Manly Greenhouse, Verandah, Banksii) — and the newly installed floor-to-ceiling windows make every seat in the house an ocean view. The venue spans several spaces, including the bistro, the bar, the kiosk, the fine dining restaurant and, our favourite, the terrace. Here, you can indulge in refreshing drinks while snacking on a prawn cocktail, Spanish anchovy on focaccia and chicken liver pâté with fig compote. And did we mention the panoramic views of the ocean looking out across Balmoral Beach? COOGEE PAVILION ROOFTOP Once you've had enough of the Coogee sand and surf for the day, there's no better post-beach hang than up at the Coogee Pavilion Rooftop. Its conservatory-style fit-out is chockers with greenery, sketches of exotic birds and indoor greenhouse structures — as well as four indoor and outdoor bars and unrivalled views across the shoreline. This local oasis comes complete with Mediterranean-influenced food, like harissa-spiced lamb flatbread, burnt honey haloumi and baby squid with crispy capers and aioli. Or bring a group and enjoy the reasonably priced (and extensive) share menu for $44–54 per person, along with a few cocktails while you're at it. [caption id="attachment_696867" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] OPERA BAR With its sweeping Sydney views and good time vibes, Opera Bar remains a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike. And now that the warm weather has returned, the harbourside venue really becomes the place to be. Whatever you drink of choice is, you really can't go wrong here. Just make sure to add some of the bar bites curated by highly lauded chef Matt Moran to your order — you can snack on seafood platters, crispy chicken with jalapeño mayo and salt and pepper calamari, plus cheese and charcuterie aplenty. And those views really are unbeatable, especially at sunset. [caption id="attachment_659941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] BARANGAROO HOUSE For a different angle on Sydney's classic waterside view, it has to be Barangaroo House — and, more specifically, its top-level rooftop bar. Smoke's expansive timber deck offers both harbour and city skyline views and is exactly where you need to be for celebratory sundowners with your team after a rough day (or week) in the office. For that drink, there's an impressive by-the-glass wine list, alongside a selection of seasonally appropriate cocktails — we're eyeing up the Hacienda Spritz, which features Patrón Blanco tequila, aloe vera, agave, tonic and mint. For bar food, double wagyu cheese sliders and miso-glazed eggplant skewers sit alongside the usual oysters and charcuterie. The Patrón Pop-up will run from Thursday, October 31 through February 16 (excluding public holidays and New Year's Eve). It is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 4–10pm. Visit Patron's website for more details.
Discerning meat eaters, Southern-style food lovers and smoked meat savants, this is the event for you. Possibly the only event where you can get all dressed up, sit down at a shared table and then chow down on some slow-cooked brisket, the Carnivores Ball is a delicious ode to all things meaty. The ball comes after last year's events held both here and in Austin, Texas, with BurgerMary (Jess Pryles) curating three glorious Texan-inspired courses that all revolve around meat (yes, even dessert). With creations from some of Melbourne's best Southern chefs featuring on the menu, expect Rockwell & Sons' fried chicken and biscuits, smoked lamb and brisket from Silver Creek Smokers and a pork fat caramel doughnut with pork scratching and cinnamon sugar from Shaun Quade and Gavin Baker for dessert. If the thought of three courses of meat has you a bit hot under the collar, we suggest you book yourself a seat (and a day to recover). The Carnivores Ball will be held on both Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April at a country-clad Ormond Hall.
On Thursday, May 27, Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino announced that all of Victoria would be going into a seven-day 'circuit breaker' lockdown in a bid to stop the spread of Melbourne's latest COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak began on Monday, May 24, and has seen case numbers grow daily — the state's total currently sits at 39 — and the list of exposure sites expand rapidly as well. The current lockdown is scheduled to run until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3. Current restrictions include the reinstatement of the four reasons to leave your home, the addition of a new fifth reason to head out, bringing back the five-kilometre travel radius and requiring mandatory face masks when leaving your house. This time around, all restrictions apply to both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The list of restrictions can be a bit overwhelming, so we've broken down just what you can and can't do. This information is correct as of Friday, May 28. For what reasons am I allowed to leave the house? Remember those four reasons announced back in March 2020? These reasons have been reintroduced, meaning you can only leave home to purchase groceries and other essentials, for care and caregiving, for outdoor exercise and recreation, and for permitted work. You can find out more about what classifies as permitted work and restrictions surrounding those workplaces on Victorian coronavirus website. New this time, however, is a fifth permissible reason to leave the house: to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The state is also rolling out the vaccine to everyone over the age of 40 from Friday, May 28, meaning that Victorians aged between 40–49 years will be able to access to the Pfizer vaccine via the state's vaccination sites. For how long can I leave the house? You can leave to exercise once per day for up to two hours. One member of your household is permitted to leave once per day for groceries and other essentials. There are no limits on how long you can leave for permitted work or caregiving. Is there a curfew this time? No, there is no curfew. You are allowed out of your house at any hour as long as it is for one of the four permitted reasons. Do I have to wear a mask? Yes, masks or face coverings are still compulsory whenever you leave home. You can find out all the nitty-gritty in our article about the mask mandate. How far can I travel? You can only travel up to five kilometres from your home. The only reasons to exceed this five-kilometre radius is for permitted work, receiving care and caregiving, to visit your partner or someone in your 'single bubble' (we'll get to more on these in a second) or if you live in an area where the closest essential services, such as shops, are over five kilometres away. You can also leave your home in the case of an emergency or family violence. Unless you've moved house since the last lockdown, you're probably very familiar with this five-kilometre radius, but if you want to have another look at what's around, check out this handy website. Can I see friends and family? No, you can't have generally visitors to your home — or gather with friends and family in a public place during the current lockdown. You are allowed to be joined by members of your household or one other person who lives within your five-kilometre radius while exercising. You can check your five-kilometre bubble crossover on this nifty website. Partners who live separately are allowed to visit each other at home and can leave their five-kilometre bubble to see each other, though. And, as this lockdown is planned for seven days, the single bubbles are back — so you can have one other designated person over to your house (just one, and only the sole person you have nominated) if you live alone. Can I drive to a park to exercise? As long as it's within five kilometres of your home, yes. You can exercise for a maximum of two hours, once per day. Can I go to the beach? You can go to the beach for exercise if there is one within five kilometres of your home. But, you can only go for a maximum of two hours and with one other person or the members of your household. [caption id="attachment_663112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takeaway Pizza[/caption] How about to a restaurant or cafe? You can pick up takeaway from a hospitality venue located within five kilometres of your home, but dine-in service is off the cards. If you're looking to order takeaway, this directory lists all the takeaway options within your five-kilometre radius and Deliveroo is waiving its delivery fees throughout the lockdown. Or a gym? All gyms (indoor and outdoor), boot camps, sporting facilities and public pools are closed. Are professional sporting events permitted? Yes, professional sporting events including the AFL will proceed without crowds. Under the restrictions, professional athletes are permitted workers and are therefore allowed to leave their homes to compete in these events. Can I go shopping? For groceries and other essentials, yes. Supermarkets, food and liquor stores and pet stores are all open. But, only one person from your household can shop for essentials a day — and not all shops are open, or some will have altered hours, so check before you head off. You must also shop for essentials within your five-kilometre bubble if you can. Can I attend a funeral? Yes, however funerals are limited to ten mourners, plus those required to conduct the funeral. Can I attend a wedding? No, weddings are not permitted, except for on compassionate grounds. If you have more questions, the Victorian Government has an extensive list of FAQs on its website. Top image: Parker Blain
Victoria has just entered its fourth day of a snap five-day lockdown, in an attempt to stop Melbourne's Holiday Inn COVID-19 cluster from growing. But if you visited the Queen Victoria Market during a specific window of time back on Thursday, February 11, you'll need to get comfortable at home for a while longer — because parts of the venue have been added to the exposure site list. A confirmed COVID-19 case visited QVM's sheds A and B between 8.25–10.10am on the day in question, which covers the area also known as section two — including the market's fruit and vegetable setup. These parts of QVM are now classified as 'Tier 1', which means that anyone who visited them during the designated time is required to immediately isolate, get a test and remain isolated for 14 days, regardless of the test result. Three tram trips on the same morning have also been added to the Tier 1 list: the number 11 from Harbour Esplanade/Collins Street (stop D16) to William Street/Collins Street (stop 3), which made that journey between 7.55–8.10am; the number 58 from Bourke Street/William Street (stop 5) to Victoria Market/Peel Street (stop 9) from 8.10–8.25am; and the number 58 again, this time making the reverse journey from 9.40–9.55am. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1360834414809255940 New exposure sites keep being added as new cases are confirmed, and you can find the full list of exposure sites at the Victorian Government Department of Health website. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites — including regularly updated waiting times — also on the Victorian Government Department of Health website. At the time of writing, Victoria has 25 active COVID-19 cases, including two new locally acquired cases reported in the 24 hours to 12am today, Tuesday, February 16. Victoria had previously spanned 28 days without any new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, before a hotel quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Hotel tested positive to the virus on Wednesday, February 3. Just four days later, a second hotel quarantine worker, this time at the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport also tested positive. For further details on the latest exposure sites and updated public health advice, see the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Up there on the list of good things to have come out of this crazy year is Andrew McConnell's (Cumulus Inc, Builders Arms Hotel, Cutler & Co) latest Fitzroy project: Morning Market. It started out in the early pandemic days as Marion Grocer — a temporary pop-up bakery taking over the site of his much-loved wine bar Marion — but the concept has proved such a hit that it's now getting a proper run, reborn as Morning Market with a new permanent home a few doors down Gertrude Street. In its new format, the venue takes its cues from that of a Euro-style food market, offering a tight lineup of largely local goodies. Expect a considered selection of pantry staples, seasonal fruit and veg, dairy products and specialty groceries, along with freshly cut flowers and even a tidy range of homewares. As a bonus, the fridges are also stocked with a lineup of gourmet meals for home, with options like lasagne and tiramisu saving you from the nightly kitchen slog. [caption id="attachment_786910" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jo McGann[/caption] Grab-and-go options also abound, running to the likes of Single O coffee, fresh salads, pizza slices and loaded sandwiches — like the Fitzroy Continental, sporting a mix of salami, ham, mortadella, 'nduja, provolone, mustard and pickles. And, of course, the Baker Bleu breads and pastries that stole hearts during Morning Market's first iteration get top billing once again. You'll find signature loaves, bagels, buns and a range of pastries that includes everything from buttery croissants to plump escargot. Other sweet treats might feature fan favourites like rich chocolate brownies, basque cheesecake, canelé and raspberry tarts. With picnic season in full swing and boasting a handy location near Carlton Gardens, Morning Market has got those park eats sorted, too. It's slinging curated picnic baskets for two, featuring bites like sourdough with cultured butter, roast Bannockburn chicken with tarragon mayo, and local buffalo burrata finished with a caper and parsley salsa. Prices start from $56. Find Morning Market at 59 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. It's open 8am–3pm Tuesday–Sunday. Images: Jo McGann
Every two years Melbourne’s inner western suburbs stage their very own Big West Festival. The 65 events that make up the festival sees work developed with local communities curated with an approach that reflects the area’s strong multiculturalism. The quality of the performance works alone demonstrate that Big West punches well above its weight as a suburban festival, including the return season of Melbourne Fringe favourite The Waiting Room by physical theatre collective Born in a Taxi, and the premiere of Stray at The Substation. Perhaps most anticipated of all is The Container, Clare Bayley’s immersive, challenging story of European asylum seekers travelling in a shipping container which played to sell-out seasons across the UK, where it was judged Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Some other highlights of Big West include the festival’s Opening Night Party, featuring music by artists like Diafrix, as well as the coveted Footscray Street Art Prize.
Prahran is now home to the second outpost of Andrew McConnell's chic Euro-style food store, Morning Market. And locals have quickly embraced its lockdown-friendly curation of groceries, sandwiches and gourmet pantry items. In this bright corner spot on High Street, on-the-go diners will find seasonal options like a hot-smoked salmon melt with crème fraîche and comté ($15); a continental roll starring provolone, nduja and three styles of cured meat on Baker Bleu ciabatta ($14); and a winter vegetable salad loaded with spiced pumpkin and freekeh ($14). Coffee comes courtesy of a house-blend by Single Origin. There's plenty more of cult-favourite Baker Bleu's bread available to purchase, with fresh country-style loaves, ficelle and bagels sitting alongside a range of pastries, pies and sweet treats. You might be tempted by some pistachio-dusted escargot ($6), an apple and cinnamon bundt ($5), the signature Basque cheesecake ($12), or the house-made rum and vanilla caneles ($4). Those stocking their pantries will also find themselves spoilt for choice here, thanks to a top-quality selection of locally sourced fresh produce, gourmet staples and specialty food items — from organic dry goods and artisan pasta, to fancier things in cans and tins. And last-minute dinners are sorted, with Morning Market's signature range of ready-to-heat meals, as well as a selection of meat cuts, snags and charcuterie from sibling store Meatsmith. Elsewhere, you'll find a selection of food-related gifts and homewares, plus an abundance of freshly-cut blooms from local grower Guy McDermott. [caption id="attachment_809360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jo McGann[/caption] Images: Jo McGann
Nite Art is a contemporary art event for budding artists, enthusiasts and those searching for something to do on a Wednesday night that isn't watching cats waking up their owners on YouTube. Galleries and art institutions swing open their doors at once and keep them open until late into the night (not White Night late, but late). This year eight precincts, 28 art sites, 35 exhibitions and upwards of 80 artists are involved, so it's by no means a small 'artsy' evening. There will be art walks, talks, exhibition openings, artist-run spaces as well as access to notable art institutions, galleries and museums. Partnering up with Open House Melbourne, The Ian Potter Museum, ACMI and the University of Melbourne, Nite Art has all the right foundations for an engaging and inspiring night out. If looking at work isn't your thing, then listening to interesting people might be. With talks from artists and curators at numerous venues across the city as well as readings, there really is something for everyone. Nite Art will be running from 6pm to late, so you've got enough time to run home, change, download your site map and get out there.
