If you're of the opinion that the only thing better than a sandwich is a free sandwich, you're in luck. In celebration of National Sandwich Day, Nico's Deli and Toyota Australia have joined forces to give away 200 free sandwiches. Why the collab, you may ask? Because not only is the classic sanga an Aussie staple — it's also the perfect snack to bring on a road trip. But not all sandwiches are made for driving on the road, which is why Nico's has created a limited-edition combo that is packed with flavour and mess-free. Dubbed the Sarni, the sandwich's base is a crusty sourdough that is filled with smoked ham, sweet mustard relish, vine-ripened tomato, butter lettuce, cave-aged cheddar and a soft-boiled egg. And don't worry veggo pals — a meat-free version is available upon request. To claim your Sarni, head over to Nico's Fitzroy location at 10am on Thursday, November 3, where the team will be handing out 100 free sandwiches until they run out. If you miss out, you can quickly make your way to the deli's Brunswick spot at 11.30am, to find the other 100 free sandwiches. If you don't get the chance to get your free Sarni, you can always try the combo throughout the month of November at all three Nico's branches — and nab a cheeky 20 percent off your order by following Toyota Australia on Instagram. Top image: Nico's Deli - Supplied
Belles Hot Chicken is taking to the streets, with the fried chook favourite launching its first food truck. The meals-on-wheels venture is a collaboration between Belles founder Morgan McGlone and co-owners at the 100 Burgers group — who've got no shortage of experience with mobile eats, having also brought you the likes of Mr Burger and northside food truck park Welcome Tto Thornbury. Now, in great news for chicken fans who live too far from the bricks-and-mortar originals, it's Belles' turn to get the four-wheeled treatment. The truck made her debut earlier this week as part of this week's Welcome to Thornbury lineup, rounding out a six-strong stable of Belles Hot Chicken venues across Melbourne and Sydney. It'll feature a selection of Belles smash hits, starring serves of McGlone's famed Nashville-style hot chicken alongside loaded sandwiches and drool-worthy sides. "I'm thrilled to take Belles on the road and put my stamp on the group's already amazing restaurants," sad McGlone. It's the first of four huge 2018 openings for the 100 Burgers group, with its much-hyped eatery Natural History just launching this week as well. For more information about the Belles Hot Chicken Food Truck, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Any chance to see Yayoi Kusama's work in Australia is huge news, and reason to make a date — including travel plans, if needed — to get immersed in the Japanese icon's infinity rooms, and also be surrounded by pumpkins and dots. So when the National Gallery of Victoria announced that its big summer 2024–25 showcase would be dedicated to the artist, that was enough to make the resulting exhibition a firm must-see. Adding Friday-night parties to the mix is the cherry on top, then. How many ways can Melbourne go dotty for Kusama? It's time to find out from the exhibition's opening on Sunday, December 15, 2024, although answers have been arriving in advance. Kusama's five-metre-tall dot-covered Dancing Pumpkin sculpture has made NGV International's Federation Court its home first. Then came the revelation that the showcase will feature a world record-breaking number of infinity rooms and other immersive installations. And, outside the gallery on St Kilda Road, Kusama's Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees has wrapped the trunks of more than 60 trees in pink-and-white polka-dotted material. NGV Friday Nights often forms part of the venue's high-profile exhibitions, so it should come as no surprise that the event series is back for Yayoi Kusama. The after-hours parties kick off on Friday, December 20, 2024 for some pre-Christmas fun, then run for 18 weeks until Friday, April 18, 2025. Come quittin' time for the week, Melburnians can add spots to their late-night shenanigans. If you're making a visit from interstate, you'll want to ensure you time it to hit one of the soirees on your trip. Seeing art is obviously on the NGV Friday Nights itinerary, but so is music and culinary experiences. The NGV's Great Hall will welcome live DJ sets, including from Dijok, Small FRY, Elle Shimada, Tanzer and more. In the NGV Garden Restaurant, acclaimed chefs Martin Benn is doing a residency for the exhibition's duration, serving up Asian-inspired dishes using Australian produce, Attendees can also look forward to other dining and drinking options, such as the Moët & Chandon champagne bar, Four Pillars gin bar, Yering Station wine bar and Häagen-Dazs ice cream cart — so there's sparkling, G&Ts, wine flights and frozen treats covered — plus a Japanese-inspired menu from the Great Hall and Gallery Kitchen. Gracing NGV International's walls until Monday, April 21, 2025, Yayoi Kusama features over 180 works, in the largest Kusama retrospective that Australia has ever seen — as well as one of the most-comprehensive retrospectives devoted to the artist to be staged globally, not to mention the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving the country. Images: Michael Pham / Tobias Titz.
Huddled around a fire, the apocalypse still fresh in their memories, a small band of survivors amuse themselves by acting out an episode of The Simpsons. Seven years later, the band are a travelling troupe, performing the episode for each outpost they pass through. A generation later, the episode has achieved almost mythical status, the story — a spoof of Cape Fear — a beacon, an example and a comfort to the people who have fashioned humanity's rubble into a primitive society. Back in the day, it was said that Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov contained the sum of all human experience. Come the 21st century, Matt Groening's pop culture behemoth is the proud usurper of that throne. Anne Washburn's play advances this argument one step further — elevating the show above the role of mass entertainer to that of a vital common language for humanity's devastated survivors. So, there's all that. But, to be honest, it also just sounds really freaking enjoyable. Premiering in Sydney back in early 2017, the play is now heading to fortyfivedownstairs to be performed by independent Melbourne theatre company Lightning Jar. Preview shows (for $30 a ticket) will be help from February 15–17 with the opening night ($40) on Wednesday, February 20.
With another woolly winter in full swing, red wine season is officially in play. And if you're hunting some new drops to put on rotation, you'll find them in force at Ballarat's regional wine celebration The Red Series. Taking over the Ballarat Mining Exchange on Saturday, July 30, the tasting festival is set to pour the best red drops from across Western Victoria's Grampians and Pyrenees regions. The reds will be flowing across two sessions (11.30am–2.30pm & 3.30–6.30pm) as 22 wineries show off their goods, including names like Mount Langi Ghiran, Blue Pyrenees Estate and Fallen Giants. [caption id="attachment_862984" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Grounded Pleasures & Settler and Sons Ballarat[/caption] While your palate trips between wines ranging from the full-bodied, to the mild and fruity, you'll also get to dig into grazing boxes from Vegas & Rose, a menu of gourmet wintry pies and live, local tunes. Tickets are $45 online ($50 at the door), which includes all your tastings and a souvenir tasting glass, plus a take-home bag with space for six bottles, ready to fill with your favourite picks of the day. [caption id="attachment_862979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy of Grounded Pleasures & Settler and Sons Ballarat[/caption] Top Image: Vegas & Rose Photography
Margaret River is a wine tourism hotspot for good reason. It produces 20 percent of Australia's vino, features more than 95 cellar doors and is home to some of the best grapes in the country. And it does all of that amid a scenic trifecta of beautiful white-sand beaches, rugged bushland and sprawling vineyards. Good wine demands good food, and Margs has never been a slouch in that department, boasting many small farms and boutique producers. There are markets and food trucks galore, but to truly experience what can be done with Margaret River's finest produce, you have to head to the region's restaurants. Given the ingredients they're working with, it's hard to find a place that isn't serving up delicious food, whether it's in a theatrical open kitchen, a rustic farm-to-table eatery or a cute cafe. With many wonderful spots to choose from, the tricky bit can be narrowing it down to one holiday itinerary's worth of eating. So we've put our heads together with Virgin Australia to do just that and picked five places that stand at the summit of any Margaret River food adventure. BREW SHACK Tucked away on a small street off Margaret River's main shopping and dining strip, the Brew Shack makes quite possibly the best coffee in town. The cafe's cosy space is well utilised, with rustic wooden decor and bright pops of yellow and blue creating a warm atmosphere that's only improved by the 'no wifi' rule that, via chalkboard, asks customers to "pretend like it's the 90s and talk to each other". When you're not engaging your mouth in conversation, direct it towards one of the cafe's acai bowls for a taste of the region's finest fresh seasonal fruit. 2/124 Bussell Highway, Margaret River BUNKERS BEACH HOUSE There's so much more to Bunkers Beach House than just the pretty beachfront view — although we have to admit that is a pretty big bonus. Scenery aside, the Bunker Bay restaurant offers the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax while you enjoy some sensational modern Australian cuisine. Seafood dishes are the standouts of the menu. Melt-in-your-mouth options like charred Busselton octopus with XO sauce and blood lime or grilled Shark Bay scallops with seaweed and miso butter lure in diners again and again. If you love a long lunch, then this is the place to indulge. Farm Break Lane, Naturaliste BURGER BABY Sometimes all you want is a big juicy burger. If you find yourself feeling that way in Margaret River, the place to go is Burger Baby. Opened at the end of 2017, it's quickly made a name for itself as the best burger joint in town. The menu covers all the bases, offering everything from a vegan spicy lentil burger on buttery brioche to a finger-licking-good Korean-inspired pork belly creation topped with kimchi and slaw. Locals love it as a chilled hang spot, with couches, fireplaces and a range of beers from some of the best breweries in the area. Give the hand-brewed Cheeky West Coast IPA a go. 117 Bussell Highway, Margaret River ARIMIA No visit to Margaret River could possibly be complete without a stopover at Arimia. Set on a sprawling countryside estate that doubles as a working farm, the award-winning restaurant takes sustainable food to a whole new level without compromising on taste. Pigs that are raised on-site are used to make succulent braised pork leg ragout, while olives grown on trees you can spot from your table provide sharp bursts of flavour on the shared plates — pretty incredible, right? We certainly think so. 242 Quininup Road, Wilyabrup MIKI'S OPEN KITCHEN What's in a name? At Miki's Open Kitchen, everything. It's unassumingly located at the back of a small shopping arcade, but inside, this degustation-oriented Japanese restaurant isn't scared of putting on a show. For the best seats in the house, make sure to book ahead so you can sit at the counter. It offers the best vantage point to watch in awe as owner-chef Mikihito Nagai and his team use ingredients like Margaret River Wagyu and Exmouth Rankin cod to take you on a tour across Western Australia without you ever having to leave your seat. 131 Bussell Highway, Margaret River If you're now eagerly planning a visit to Margaret River, check out Virgin Australia's holiday packages — which offer everything from chilled-out cottages to massive resorts.
Before you install that hot tub in your backyard, allow HotTug to welcome you to the future. A wood stove in the front of the boat heats the 2000 litres of water to a toasty temperature. You can rent the HutTug in two different versions, one with integrated electric motor of 2.4 KW and another with outboard engine. The office is located in The Netherlands, but don't panic: international rentals and sales (starting at around 9,000 Euros) are possible. HotTug is available in the standard black but is available in blue and red, too. All you have to do is find some friends, pick a colour and before you know it you'll be hanging out in water submerged in more water.
More than 60 people have been injured and 19 hospitalised after a stampede at Falls Festival's Lorne leg on Friday evening. The incident occurred after DMA's finished their set on the Grand Theatre Stage, when many in the crowd tried to make their way to see London Grammar on the Valley Stage. The Age reports that a number of patrons slipped and lost their footing during the move, resulting in leg, rib, hip, pelvic, head, facial and spinal injuries and fractures, as well as cuts and bruises. "It was quite a chaotic scene and required a major response," said Ambulance Victoria state health commander Paul Holman. Punters took to social media to post about the traumatic and chaotic experience, including reports of broken bones, panic attacks, people passing out, trampling and many fearing for their lives. "This was the most scariest thing ever! I will never forget what I saw last night," wrote one Falls attendee. "It's hectic and she said it was the worst thing she has ever experienced in her life," posted the sister of another. https://twitter.com/kewesting/status/814859083740102656 Festival organisers also took to social media to issue a statement, reflecting the fact that entertainment in the Grand Theatre was suspended for the remainder of the evening, but noting that normal programming will resume on Saturday. Many responses to their post have been rightfully critical of the setup that allowed the incident to occur in the first place — this isn't their first time hosting a popular event of this size, with a mass migration between stages and sets a common occurrence not just at Falls, but at every other music festival. The Lorne crowd crush occurs just days after a 21-year-old woman was struck and killed by a falling tree branch at the Lost Paradise festival on the NSW Central Coast. With plenty of festivals in full swing over New Year's — and the peak festival period upon us during summer — here's hoping for a safe rest of the season. If you're attending a fest, look after each other. Image: Falls Festival.
Whether it's after a hard day at the office, a hard morning of exercise or a hard evening of heavy drinking, there are few sweeter reliefs than an ice cold beer. And thanks to Pat's Backcountry Beverages, you can brew your own beer whenever and wherever you so desire with these tasty, transportable sachets. Simply pour the packet of beer concentrate in a special carbonation bottle, add water and shake, and you have yourself the world's most convenient six-pack. Perfect for campers and hikers, the Alaskan company assures its customers that they haven't sacrificed transportability for taste, claiming that the sachets will give you the "same great taste you're used to in a premium micro beer". To find out more have a look at this demonstration video and get brewing.
When you're a child it seems everyone is older than you: there's the nosey neighbour, the doting pseudo-grandma, the spiteful widow and the grumpy old man who sits on the patio, finger shaking erratically. Whether they like it or not each of them bear witness to your messy childhood: the bloody noses, the scraped knees and the broken windows. All the while your throwing arm gets stronger, your running strides get longer and your teeth, well they aren't really sure what they're doing. Fast-forward 20 years and look who you bump into. It's old Mr Shakes-his-finger: "Oh you haven't changed a bit,” he says. “You're still that scrappy little boy struggling to grow into his frames." You stare blankly, brow furrowed. Minutes later you’re rummaging through the old family albums only to realise the old bleeder is right. You're the spitting image of your former self. Just ask Buenos Aires artist Irina Werning whose ongoing photography series is all about going 'Back to the Future'. Through this modern-day venture Werning indulges her love for photos from the past by asking today's adult to recreate yesterday's child. The side-by-side visuals are an amazing insight into the magic of time, youth and the joys of trying to recapture it. Irina Werner
Built onto the disused Sandridge Rail Bridge, The Immersery is perhaps the most innovative festival hub the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has ever seen. Tying into the theme of water, the multi-level temporary structure features a restaurant, bar and raingarden right on the banks of the Yarra. Open every night of the festival, food will be served by local chefs Florent Gerardin (Silo), Daniel Wilson (Huxtable and Huxtaburger) and Jesse Garner (Añada and Bomba), and the country's best bartenders will converge to create cocktails inspired by the three states of water — solid, liquid and gas. With the likes of Daniel Gregory from The Everleigh and Sydney's Shady Pines, the team from Lily Blacks, Eau de Vie and more, this is one bar you can't miss. This event was one of our top picks for the 2014 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. See the full list here.
There comes a time every year when we must officially commence the sad countdown to the end of hot summery days and start preparing for our inevitable winter hibernation spent under a blanket watching Netflix. But fortunately, 2018 has more than proved it has a few sunny weeks left, even if summer is well and truly over. To help you absorb the maximum amount of vitamin D into your body before the sun officially sets on warmer climes, we've teamed up with the summer aficionados at Magnum to provide some inspo for things you can do to make the most out of the handful of sunny days we have left. This year, Magnum collaborated with three incredible Australian designers to take its creamy delights to the next level. The sartorial brains behind Romance Was Born, Bec and Bridge and By Johnny were all invited to co-create their own limited edition ice cream flavours to encapsulate their labels' unique styles — and most importantly, to help us savour summer in a stylish way. Romance was Born swirled tangy raspberry with rich chocolate truffle sauce to create a vibrant nod to its otherworldly fashion. Johnny Schembri of By Johnny created a homage to his simple silhouettes in the form of a hazelnut, slightly salted vanilla number. And Bec and Bridge upped the ante on the classic caramelly dulce de leche as a nod to effortless European style. Here's how to worship the last of those summery vibes — fashionable Magnum in hand. SPEND A LAZY DAY BY THE WATER When summer is officially over, it's those long lazy days spent by the sea that we miss the most. So, pack your towel, a sensible amount of SPF, a selection of fresh fruits and a sneaky box of dulce de leche Magnums by Bec and Bridge in a cooler bag, and make the most of the warm days where you can justify spending an entire day laying in the sun. Be sure you invite that one responsible adult friend who brings a waterproof speaker and an esky full of cool drinks so you can fully honour the sun gods by listening to some sweet beats. Where? Wylie's Baths in Sydney, St Kilda Beach in Melbourne and Stradbroke Island near Brisbane. INDULGE IN A LITTLE ALFRESCO DINING AND A MOVIE While the weather permits, there are plenty of amazing spots to indulge in some outdoor dining — extra points if you support your local food scene by picking an eatery that's cosy and family-owned. Enjoy a hearty meal, but forgo any decadent dessert. Instead, pick up a box of By Johnny hazelnut salted vanilla Magnums so you can have one while you stroll to the cinema to catch one of the many amazing Oscar-nominated films that are still showing. If there's still stomach room, be the envy of your fellow choc-toppers, when you whip out another secret squirrel Magnum during the previews. Where? Hayden Orpheum in Sydney, The Astor Theatre in Melbourne and New Farm Cinemas in Brisbane. PICNIC AMONG THE FLOWERS Savour the remaining warm afternoons by gathering some close friends, finding a sunny spot in the park and summoning all your foodie powers to create the most exquisite picnic to say goodbye to summer once and for all. Think mismatched picnic blankets, wicker baskets filled with a few bottles of rose and a world of delectable treats. Take your spread to the next level by investing in an array of cheeses (you can never have too many), a selection of cold cuts from a local deli, a few punnets of fresh berries and — for something a little wild — an esky full of raspberry chocolate truffle Magnums by the lords of whimsy at Romance was Born. Where? The Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Savour the last days of warmth outside and with a luxe Magnum in hand.
Instruction manuals are often hard to read while trying to complete a task such as fixing a car or, perhaps, (on a more delicate scale) fixing a human. But multitasking may become much easier for surgeons, and the rest of us, as we'll soon be able to see instructions and displays by just putting on Freaunhofer's new data glasses and looking up. The days of rummaging through the pages of a mechanical handbook while belly-up under your car could be over. For those of you who read M.T. Anderson's, Feed, your worst nightmare is coming true. (Okay, this is a slight exaggeration, seeing as the glasses are not implanted within our brains. Still, our techonology is closer than ever to the power the 'feed'.) OLED microdisplay allows you to see not only the real world but also a wealth of virtual information completely controlled by your eyes. The photodiodes work as a camera, tracking the user's eye movement, while the OLED pixels display the document within the glasses. A simple glance at the back or forward arrow will change the page to the users liking. The page is displayed to the user at about 1 metre in height. Researchers presented the system at the electronica trade fair in Munich in November 2012. Fraunhofer Institue for Optronics developed the device with COMEDD and near-the-eye technologies specialist TRIVISIO.
Over Easter, KFC spread some paschal cheer — and some of its finger lickin' good fried chicken — with free delivery. This weekend mightn't be a special occasion or include any public holidays, but now it's McDonald's turn to share the fast food love. If you're craving a Quarter Pounder or a box of chicken McNuggets and you don't fancy leaving the house, Maccas is offering free home delivery on orders over $25 via UberEats. The limited-time offer is available nationwide and runs until Sunday, April 19. To get your hands on a burg, some fries, a Happy Meal, McFlurry or a hot fudge sundae — or anything else on the chain's regular menu — with no extra delivery cost, head to UberEats' website or use the UberEats app and enter the code MACCASWEEKEND. The entire transaction will be contact-free, including when it hits your doorstep. And, if you're after a few household staples, Maccas is also delivering milk, plus six-packs of English muffins and its gourmet buns. Or, of course, you can ignore whatever time of day it is and go straight for a McMuffin, hash brown and some hot cakes. McDonalds is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $25 made via UberEats, with the special available until Sunday, April 19. To order, head here and use the code MACCASWEEKEND. Images: McDonalds.
A standard midweek office lunch can sometimes consist of an unholy conglomeration of all the leftover bits and pieces you had in the pantry from the night before. No judgement here; we're down with bulk tuna salad paired with leftover curry and microwave rice, or the off packet of years-old mi goreng. Sometimes meal prep has to take a back seat in between clearing that Netflix backlog and trying to squeeze in some actual fun around work. This is all fine and dandy until you have to sit down for lunch with your colleagues and eat your Frankenstein bento box in front of them. It's times like these that you may be wise to suggest lunch out, and we've partnered with American Express to arm you with some killer venue suggestions that will gain the goodwill of the work fam (which you'll reap, come Secret Santa time). So leave your lunch to go mouldy in the work fridge, whip out your Amex and forget about your inbox at these prime CBD spots. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
The gay marriage plebiscite, otherwise known as the Australian Government's Worst Ever Decision, has been a horrible storm of vileness for most. But the silver lining of this dark cloud is the outpouring of love and support for the LGBTQI community, and it's still going strong. The Yaasss! Marathon is a movie marathon showing an eclectic range of queer films at various cinemas across the city on November 5. You can catch the program at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn or Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave. Running for a full day, from 10am to 11pm, the program for the marathon includes: The Queen of Ireland (2015) Carol (2015) Weekend (2012) Moonlight (2016) The Birdcage (1996) Tangerine (2015) Single film tickets are $15 or $45 for the full marathon. And all profits will be donated to Minus18, Australia's biggest network for LGBTQI youths. So, if exactly nothing good comes out of this plebiscite, at least we can curl up alongside a group of warriors and watch some damn fine cinema.
UPDATE Monday, July 19: During Lockdown 5.0, Kickin' Inn is relocating its messy mixed seafood feasts to your house, with pick-up and delivery available via Menulog. Your food even comes packed with butchers paper, bibs and gloves, so you can recreate the signature Kickin' Inn experience at your own kitchen table. Plus, right now you'll score 25 percent off a range of special items (peeled prawns, baby octopus and mussels, included) when you use the code 'KICKIN25'. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. If you thought seafood was best suited to sultry summer days, Port Melbourne's newest restaurant might change your mind. The Aussie-born chain Kickin' Inn already has eight NSW restaurants under its belt, and now it's adding its first Melbourne venue to the family. Kickin' Inn takes over the former Rose Hotel site this Friday, June 18 and promises to cure those lingering winter blues with a signature offering of seafood tossed through punchy house-made 'Kajun' sauces. For the uninitiated, Kickin' Inn offers an all-in, bibs-and-gloves experience, where diners do away with cutlery and get their hands messy with bags full of prawns, mud crab, pipis and shellfish using only the tools that Jesus gave you. The Cajun-inspired house sauces — here, dubbed 'Kajun' — are more than mere support acts, with the venue boasting five flavour-charged secret recipes. If feasting is on the agenda, you'll find an abundance of snacks to kick things off including battered squid tentacles, jalapeno cheese bites, freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and wings. After that, you've got some big decisions to make. Choose your main event from a slew of ocean-fresh goodies including whole crayfish, pounds of peeled prawns, a pile of baby octopus, blue swimmer pieces, or a mess of mussels and pipis. Pick a matching sauce, whack in some additions like corn or chorizo, and dial up the heat level as high as you dare — keeping in mind the 'inferno' option is only halfway up the scale. Meanwhile, a separate lunch menu features more solo-friendly feeds from a prawn spaghetti to a mini mixed bag of seafood served with rice. Kickin' Inn Melbourne is launching with some opening specials this Friday, June 18 — for one day only, enjoy 10 percent off all mixed seafood bags, and a tasty two-for-one offer when you order a half-pound of prawns. Find Kickin' Inn Melbourne at 309 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, from June 18. It's open 11am–9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11am–11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Winter has landed, the temperatures are icy and you've more than likely got a few Cup NoodleS lunches in your near future. Well, those sad supermarket versions can go take a hike, because Supernormal Canteen has brought back its cult favourite Sup Noodle Cup to see you through the frosty season in style. The solo serves of rich broth and noodles are on offer Wednesdays to Fridays all through winter, rotating through a new flavour each month. For June, the kitchen's dishing up a vegan concoction, July's base is an aromatic bone broth and August will see you slurping down a smoked fish soup. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx1kIt9A4wS/ A basic Sup Noodle Cup will set you back an easy $10, though there are plenty of add-ons to tempt you to get creative with some pimping. Think, charred seasonal vegetables, chicken thigh yakitori, Abrolhos Island scallops, a soy egg and more. If you're thinking you'll be downing a fair few of these this winter, you can grab a Sup Cup loyalty card in-store and enjoy your fifth cup completely free. Find Supernormal Canteen at 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. It's $10 Sup Noodles are available from 5pm Wednesday–Friday throughout winter. Image: Jo McGann.
Back in 2001, in the ruins of Changnyeongsa Temple in Yeongwol in Gangwon-do Province, South Korea, more than 300 statues were found. Each stone sculpture depicts an arhat — the name given to followers of Buddha who've achieved the enlightened state of nirvana — and they're all thought to date back 500 years. The collection was dubbed 'The Five Hundred Arhats', in fact, after Buddha's 500 disciples. Also, every figure's face conveys a lifelike emotion. And, Australians will be able to see a selection of them without leaving the country thanks to Sydney's Powerhouse Museum. From December 3, 2021, the Five Hundred Arhats exhibition will put a number of the figures on display in Ultimo, incorporating them into an installation created by artist Kim Seung Young. They'll be surrounded by 700 audio speakers, in a piece that's designed to suggest that "the arhats are meditating in an attitude of intimate, reclusive poise amidst a cacophony that evokes the distracting bustle of urban life". The big summer showcase will be presented in collaboration with Chuncheon National Museum and National Museum of Korea — and it's just one of Powerhouse Museum's 2021 highlights. The Sydney venue has unveiled its full program for the year, spanning everything from tiny automobiles and gum trees to Australian ceramics and Persian arts and crafts. [caption id="attachment_799429" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Bayram Ali, Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, Powerhouse Collection[/caption] On display from today, Tuesday, February 9, is Bayram Ali. It features images of Australia's Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme from the 50s to the 70s, as taken by the Turkish Cypriot migrant and amateur photographer who gives the exhibition its title. Also skewing local, Clay Dynasty will show more than 300 items from Powerhouse's Aussie ceramics collection, in a showcase that'll celebrate 50 years of Australian studio ceramics. Opening on May 28, it'll feature 20 newly commissioned pieces, too. From June 11, 100 Conversations will focus on climate change via an exhibition and talks program. On the bill: live discussions with leading Australian innovators acting on climate change, as well as an evolving exhibition that documents the public conversations. Also in June, Eucalyptusdom is set to explore stories surrounding gum trees, including their importance to Indigenous Australians. Expect to see pieces from Powerhouse's collection, plus new works by Dean Cross, Luna Mrozik Gawler, Julie Gough, Vera Hong, Anna May Kirk, Nicholas Mangan, Yasmin Smith, Sera Waters and Damien Wright with Bonhula Yunupingu. [caption id="attachment_799430" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Paul and Linda McCartney, Abbey Rd Studios, London, 1982. Photo: Robert Rosen.[/caption] Also on Powerhouse's agenda is Iranzamin, from March 19, which'll mark the first time that Powerhouse has put together an exhibition of Persian arts and crafts from its own range. And, from June 11, Microcars will focus on tiny vehicles — with more than 17 automobiles on display from Europe, Japan, the UK and Australia. Australian portrait and social pages photographer Robert Rosen will be in the spotlight from August 6, thanks to Glitterati: 20 years of Social Photography. From September 14, Powerhouse will highlight 20th century designers such as Douglas Annand, Frances Burke and Arthur Leydin in an exhibition called Graphic Identities. Throughout 2021, Electric Keys will also explore the influence of electric keyboards on soul jazz, blues, rock, progressive rock and pop, and The Invisible Revealed will let visitors see nuclear-beam scans of objects from Powerhouse's collection. There's also Future Fashion, a showcase the work of top graduates from four Sydney-based fashion design schools. Five Hundred Arhats displays at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo from December 3, 2021. For further details — or to find out more about the museum's full 2021 slate — visit its website. Top image: Five Hundred Arhats, Chuncheon National Museum.
Jumping in the shower has always been a reliable jet lag fix for long-haul travellers, but there's only so long cold water can prevent you from awkwardly slumping onto random people's shoulders before waking up with a start and thinking you’re late for something that happened yesterday. That might be a thing of the past if Delta's 'Photon Shower' comes into fruition. This Star Trek-like chamber showers light instead of H2O, so while it won't get that weird cabin odour out of your hair, it will give you a lasting boost of energy. The shower was exhibited at TED Long Beach Conference on Wednesday by Professor Russell Foster of Oxford University. Foster talked guests through his research on how the body responds to light, explaining that our responses can help reset the body clock during periods of exhaustion. This makes the photon shower a saving grace for travellers but also suggests it could provide refreshment to insomniacs, nurses on night shifts and people who have run out of coffee and can't be bothered going to the store. Using the photon shower starts off like using a self check-in counter and finishes with a sensation we imagine to be similar to stepping into warm sunlight after coming out of a movie theatre. Simply input your travel information, get inside and experience a sequence of (hopefully warm and tingly) light patterns designed to meet your individual needs. Just think of all the recent release in-flight movies you'll be able to watch without worrying about catching z's. Via Ad Age.
With a loaded three-night program, this year's White Night Reimagined festivities call for some extra sustenance to fuel those extended late-night wanderings. Luckily, a couple of Sydney legends are more than happy to help. Once Leonardo's Pizza Place wraps up service on Saturday, August 24, it'll be handing over the reins to Sydney favourite Mary's Pizzeria and natural wine shop P&V Merchants, for a one-off session of after-dark revelry. The wine and pizza party kicks off at 10pm and will run all the way through to 2am, thanks to a special extended trading licence. On the menu, you'll catch a range of Mary's signature Detroit-style square pizzas, starring the likes of a classic pepperoni and the Mushroom Fucker, alongside party snacks and sides. Meanwhile, P&V Merchants' wine list will have lots of fun and funky drops, featuring a mix of Italian and Aussie bottles, and even a few cheeky magnums (1.5-litre bottle) and jeroboams (4.5 litres). It's all served with a side of raucous rock 'n' roll tunes to see you happily through until the wee hours. White Night at Leonardo's Pizza Palace runs from 10pm–2am with walk-ins only (no bookings). Image 1-2: Leonardo's Pizza Palace by Kate Shanasy.
If you've always felt like you have a knack for doing creative stuff with your hands, but find yourself stuck in an office job, it's time to start flexing those knuckles, because there's a whole world out there for you and your restless fingers. Winter time in Melbourne comes with a raft of options for you to get involved in, with workshops and classes that you can fit in around your working hours. Work-Shop's branch in Fitzroy, in particular, has a wealth of useful, creative and novelty related sessions that'll have you hawking the most comprehensive LinkedIn skills section around. It's a good excuse to get out into the city and brave the chilly nights, plus with Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ and its low light camera, you'll be able to show off those newfound skills to all your mates. LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR SMARTPHONE CAMERA PROPERLY Gone are the days of blurry shots, bad lighting and angles that give you a double chin. Work-Shop will show you the fundamentals of using your Samsung Galaxy to take killer pics. Composition, focusing, exposure and using natural light and flash will all be included in your four hour Saturday morning workshop. Bring yourself, your smartphone, and your Instagram account ready to go. Run by fine-art photographer George Poulakis, you don't need to be an Annie Leibovitz to benefit from this course that'll have you snapping away in full sunlight, low light or no light like a pro in no time. $80 for a four-hour workshop. MAKE YOUR OWN PASTA Aside from our doonas, pasta could be the other single most important thing in getting us through the winter time. Forever our comfort carb of choice, why not get down to basics and learn how to make your wheaty friend from scratch. Craft and Co.'s pasta class masterclass will teach you the art of filled pasta, while you'll also learn the history of pasta shapes, regional differences, and sauces to suit different types. You'll get a beverage on arrival and a charcuterie and cheese board to snack on, too. Don't forget your phone — making pasta takes a lot of love and you're going to want to keep tabs on your progress (probably via your Insta story). $95 for a two-hour workshop. DIY DUMPLINGS The food you can eat in any weather (winter or summer), time (breakfast dumplings are fine) or state (you barely have to chew them if you've got a cold), dumplings are the gift that just keeps giving. Learn how to make your own in this three-hour dumpfest led by The Humble Dumpling's Angie Chong. Get a handle on how to prepare the dough, roll, fill and wrap it all up. Bite-sized parcels of love full of locally sourced and sustainable ingredients will line your stomach before the evening is done. It's a BYO event so grab a bottle of plonk and get to warming up those nimble fingers. $90–$95 for a three-hour workshop. Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what. Images: Cole Bennetts.
Founded in 2018, Pink Ember is a queer-run, not-for-profit co-op that provides local artists a space to create and sell works. The space encompasses a retail shop selling a range of affordable art (from prints and zines to sculpture and clothing), workshops and classrooms to encourage creatives to share their skills, open-plan studio spaces for artists to create works, and a multimedia gallery space. Pink Ember opens their doors to all creatives wanting to explore new mediums, with artist-run workshops including printmaking, basket weaving and ceramics. Images: Tatanja Ross
Life became wildly unpredictable and messy for a moment there, but Collingwood's newly opened massage and mindfulness studio might be just what you need to give stress the flick and start the year off strong. In the top levels of a converted Easey Street warehouse, Mary Minas and Freya Berwick have opened the first stage of their wellness hub Sense of Self, with its much-anticipated bathhouse set to launch downstairs in the coming months. The duo is out to flip the script on the usual wellness concept, with an unpretentious offering that's focused on connection, inclusivity and restoration. As Minas says, they're here to "offer a more approachable, no-BS approach to self-care as a practice, rather than a performance". So, put the phone away, get off the 'Gram and give yourself some much-needed attention. Within the new massage and mindfulness studio, this ethos translates to a careful spread of body treatments for relaxation, remediation and pregnancy, backed by a soothing lounge area where naps are not just welcomed, but encouraged. [caption id="attachment_799061" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oli Sansom[/caption] There's a pared back menu of elevated massage treatments, featuring customisable options for the feet, scalp, arms and body. You can treat your post-iso bod to a mix of Swedish massage, aromatherapy and meditation — this service fittingly dubbed The Hiatus — or maybe a deep remedial massage finished with a dry body brush or foot treatment. Outside of face mask restrictions, you can settle into a stimulating gua sha facial, too. The space itself has been transformed into a haven of calm and tranquility, thanks to abundance of creamy hues, lots of soft textiles and massage rooms decked out in natural timbers. Guests are encouraged to take time out and really relax for as long as they need before and after treatments, emerging back into reality at their own pace. And, while there's a tidy retail selection on offer featuring plenty of high-quality Sans Ceuticals products, the owners are adamant to avoid any pushy sales element that might interfere with that relaxation and self-care time. Once the bathhouse opens, Sense of Self's offering will expand to include a Finnish-style sauna, large mineral bath and cold plunge pool. Find Sense of Self at 30–32 Easey Street, Collingwood from 4.30–9pm Wednesday–Friday and 10am–6pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Oli Sansom
What do Gertrude Stein, J.K. Rowling, Jack Kerouac, Rudyard Kipling, Sylvia Plath and Colonel Sanders have in common? On top of collectively penning a notable portion of the most memorable and well-known literature ever (the king of KFC came up with that song about Kentucky fried chicken and a pizza hut, right?) they are all familiar with the harsh sting of rejection, each having had their unpublished manuscripts rejected by people whose names no one remembers now. If only these seminal thinkers had been familiar with premier print-on-demand publishing company Blurb they could have cut out the middleman and saved themselves the heartache. The creative platform allows anyone with a computer (aka anyone with a pulse) to create, promote and flog his or her own seriously schmick looking book, photo book, magazine or e-book. This weekend Blurb hosts a series of free master classes and workshops run by photographers Daniel Milnor and Garry Trinh, who wax lyrical on the bookmaking process, the future of print and advancements in modern storytelling. Book now to avoid the kind of disappointment experienced by Stein, Rowling, Kerouac and co. Image Garry Trinh via Blurb
Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes' latest outing, Tabu, is a beguiling slow burn of love, melancholia and crocodiles. Shot in nostalgic black and white and bisected, Tabu tells the tale of a woman's life filled with romance, longing and a great deal of hand-wringing. Part one: Paradise Lost is preceded by an introduction, a film within a film that sets up the motifs that will reappear throughout. The kind-hearted Pilar (Teresa Madruga) is watching in modern-day Lisbon and despite keeping busy with her human rights work and unwanted advances from a friend, she is becoming increasingly worried about her neighbour, Aurora (Laura Soveral). Frail but bolshy, Aurora has gambled away her life at the casino, suffering from the same curse as her father. Convinced that her maid Santa (Isabel Cardoso) is not just working for her but for the devil, too, she turns to Pilar for help. The disconsolate Aurora asks to be put in touch with a man named Gian-Luca. Part two: Paradise is the story of Aurora and the enigmatic Gian-Luca in their African youth. Aurora’s father has done well for himself in this new landscape, exporting exotic ostrich feather cushions, while the young Aurora (Ana Moreira) has made a name for herself as a rifle-slinging big game hunter, both thriving from colonialism. Described by her tea plantation husband as having a slight "bipolarity", Aurora enters a new state of entitled listlessness when she becomes pregnant. Her langour is soon soothed by noted heartbreaker Gian-Luca, summoned to catch her as-yet-unnamed pet crocodile. Their illicit affair is set against a backdrop of both the fateful Mount Tabu and the burgeoning Portuguese Colonial War. As the white interlopers relax into their own distractions, their African workers tend to their every whim. Paradise is told only through narration, a conceit that unfolds beautifully. Memories, myths and truths all melding together. For a film set in two parts, Tabu sits as a cohesive object, as if a semicolon is dangling between the two, despite the switch from dialogue to monologue. It's funny, melancholic, dark and romantic and its beauty is only ever a stone's throw from the realities of invasion, ownership and war. There are deft anachronistic touches throughout — Gian-Luca's band play a cover of 'Baby I Love You' at a party but it’s the Ramones version — which nicely sets the film apart from being a mere biopic of the time. A rare, dreamy, cinematic excursion, Tabu is a must see while it's still on the big screen. Image credit TABU.
Melbourne's CBD is packed full of burger joints. It's pretty much the epitome of good fast-food dining in Australia. But Royal Stacks' new two-storey flagship store has got to be one of the biggest burger spots in Melbourne. Set to open on Monday, March 11, the 280-square-foot space set within a heritage-listed building on Bourke Street (towards the Spencer Street side of town) will be home to some Royal Stacks signature burgers as well as plenty of new and exclusive creations. Being the flagship store, the crew kind of has to do something a little different here. The huge space has been designed to fit the brand's signature contemporary design and aesthetic, with plenty of exposed brickwork, graffiti and neon lights spread out among both floors. But at the end of the day, you're not going for the interior design. You're here to grab some burgers to take away or eat in, potentially nabbing a comfy spot in one of the booths. Expect crispy chicken and beef burgers, onion rings, potato gems, mac and cheese croquettes, shakes, sodas, beers and cocktails. Basically all the delicious sometimes-foods. To hoax customers in during the first month of opening, Royal Stacks also promises to run some special offers — we have our fingers crossed for free burgers — but it's yet to announce exact details. Be sure to check its socials for the most up-to-date information. The new Royal Stacks CBD site is set to open on Monday, March 11, at 670 Bourke Street. For more details, head to the venue's website.
Adapted from a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Instagram-age Renaissance man James Franco, Palo Alto marks the directorial debut of 26-year-old Gia Coppola, the granddaughter and niece of filmmakers Francis Ford and Sofia, respectively. A portrait of teenage disaffection, it's a film that attempts to capture the aimlessness, the angst and the self-aggrandised melancholy of youth. Emma Robert and newcomer Jack Kilmer play April and Teddy, a pair of brooding high schoolers absorbed by personal drama. He's a delinquent skater who's actually an unappreciated artist; she's the neglected daughter of self-absorbed parents who begins an affair with her creepy soccer coach (Franco). Meanwhile, Teddy's best bud Fred (Nate Wolff) finds himself drawn to increasingly anti-social behaviour to hide his insecurities, while another classmate Emily (Zoe Levine) turns to sex in order to hide her own. Palo Alto is in cinemas on August 14, and thanks to Vendetta Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTqMUu1iTIo
The Mornington Peninsula might be best known for its wineries and beaches, but this month, you're encouraged to venture down to check out its creative side, too. As part of Drift Arts Festival, the region is currently playing host to a slew of sea-inspired visual delights for new multidisciplinary art project O_C_E_A_N. On Saturday, May 14, the waters off Point Leo Boat Club will host an exhibition with a twist, as the Floating Gallery showcases a curation of works, each displayed atop a boat. Swim, row, or SUP your way around the over-water gallery, to see works by artists like Alice Blanch, Hamish Donaldson, Judith Van Heeren, Leyla Bulmer, Warren Cooke and more. While that exhibition is a one-day-only affair, other O_C_E_A_N offerings have been extended and will be sticking around until Wednesday, June 1. They include a special presentation at Mornington Peninsula Regional Art Gallery showing Brett Whiteley's The Cloud Reader alongside Abdul Abdullah's work Thinking About Things, together pondering the question of who owns the ocean. Meanwhile, The Esplanade in Flinders plays host to a site-responsive sculptural work titled The Lookout (best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset), and ocean-inspired photographic art trail Saved has popped up along the Coolart Wetlands Walk. [caption id="attachment_853686" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bri Horne[/caption] Images: Bri Horne
For many, it's not really Easter unless you've scoffed your bodyweight in hot cross buns in the lead-up. And, thankfully, you don't have to forego that tradition this year, either. A stack of local Melbourne bakeries are here to fix your cravings, self-isolation or otherwise, launching handy hot cross bun home-delivery services all across town. Jump on the phone or the web to make an order and within hours you'll be tucking into some handcrafted Easter buns, plump with fruit, loaded with spices and slathered with lashings of butter. From the traditional glazed version, to some crafty new-world remixes, here's our pick of hot cross buns you can now get delivered straight to your door. If you are going out to pick up takeaway, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. ORGANIC VINE FRUIT HOT CROSS BUNS FROM PHILLIPPA'S With a handful of stores across Melbourne, long-running bakery Phillippa's is here to ensure all your hot cross bun cravings are fulfilled this Easter, even if you're stuck at home. Its chewy glazed buns are a perennial favourite, crafted with slow-fermented dough, house-made candied peel and loads of organic vine fruit. A box of six will set you back $18, with Australia-wide shipping available for a flat-rate of $9.95. And, if isolation's left you feeling a little creative, jump over to the website to find a couple of crafty recipes to put any extra buns to good use. Toasted hot cross bun ice cream might just be the Easter treat you've been waiting for. How? Phillippa's hot cross buns can be picked up from the Armadale and Brighton stores or delivered. Order online. MORK X BUNS FROM MORK Artisanal hot chocolate maker Mork has created its own indulgent riff on the hot cross bun, perfect if you're in the mood to shake things up a bit this Easter. A reworking of the brand's much-loved Swedish-style cinnamon bun, the 'Mork X Bun' takes the form of a sticky, spiced scroll held together with plenty of butter, chock full of dried fruit and boasting warm orange aromas. Topped with the requisite cross, of course. A box of six of these pimped-out treats clocks in at $30 via the online store, with $5 delivery available to a selection of Melbourne suburbs. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store with $5 delivery available to select suburbs. Order online. CLASSIC HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CAVALLINI Fitzroy North's Euro-inspired bakery and patisserie is one that's sure to win over any Easter traditionalists. As always, it's whipping up batches of classic hot cross buns on the daily, fat with vine-ripened fruit and infused with plenty of aromatic spices. Only this year, you can get them dropped straight to your door, thanks to Cavallini's new free, contactless delivery service, available to surrounding suburbs including Collingwood, Fitzroy and Northcote. Order before 3pm and you'll receive your freshly baked buns between noon–3pm the next day. They're taking minimum orders of one dozen, though we're sure you're up to the challenge. How? Call (03) 9486 3883 to order delivery for suburbs surrounding Fitzroy North. More details here. SOURDOUGH HOT CROSS BUNS FROM DENCH BAKERS Having earned a cult following for its artisan baked goods, Dench has long been a northside staple. And its signature sourdough hot cross buns have fans coming back year after year, each batch stuffed full of Aussie vine fruits, made on organic flour and a secret blend of spices. Plus this year, Dench is also whipping up a lush choc-orange version, starring fresh oranges and couverture chocolate. Both are available now for delivery ($7.50 flat rate), with next-day drop-offs happening Tuesday through Sunday for orders placed before 9am. Six-packs of the traditional buns are included in some of Dench's curated 'Bread Box' packs, or you can customise your own order by shooting them an email at info@denchbakers.com.au. Minimum order is $35. How? Order delivery via the Dench Bakers website. [caption id="attachment_766535" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] CHOC XXX BUN FROM BREAD CLUB The new kid on Melbourne's bakery block, Bread Club is getting into the Easter spirit by dishing up two styles of decadent hot cross bun. The traditional version is a 24-hour-long labour of love, fermented overnight and stuffed with currants, cranberries, citrus, ginger and spices, and lashings of Pepe Saya butter. And for the sweet tooths, the 'Choc XXX Bun' features a fluffy brioche-style base pimped out with cocoa and 70 percent Birdsnake chocolate chunks. A $5 delivery service on Fridays runs to north and west Melbourne, with more suburbs to follow soon. Takeaway in store is available daily. What's more, the pre-COVID-19 packaging should supply a few much-needed giggles. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store or pre-order for Friday delivery online. GLUTEN FREE HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CERES FAIR FOOD Online organic grocer and carbon neutral food delivery service CERES Fair Food has a hefty selection of gluten-free goodies in its bakery range, year round. But come Easter, it's all about those dietary-friendly hot cross buns. This year, its slinging traditional, fruity buns, handcrafted daily by baker Gluten Free Precinct in Cheltenham. The seasonal treats swap out the regular flour for a blend of potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch and organic flaxseed, and are available for $16.95 for a six-pack through CERES, with a delivery fee of $6.95 for orders under $75. To place an order, you'll need to become a CERES Fair Food member, though that's free and easy to do online. How? Order delivery online via CERES Fair Food. SPICED HOT CROSS BUNS FROM ALL ARE WELCOME This Northside viennoiserie has kicked off a new delivery service, dropping off baked goods to doorsteps across Clifton Hill, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Fairfield and Alphington. And, yes, that includes All Are Welcome's traditional hot cross buns, loaded with fruit and candied orange, and spiced with ceylon cinnamon and jamaican peppercorn. A box of six of these beauties will set you back $20, along with a $5 delivery fee, with drop-offs now happening every Wednesday and Saturday. Follow the pre-order instructions on the website and order by 5pm the night before, to have fresh Easter buns in your kitchen the following day. How? Order online via the All Are Welcome website. Top image: Bread Club by Griffin Simm
We all know Melbourne loves a pop-up, especially one in a laneway. So, what better way to mark the City of Melbourne's latest campaign to celebrate the CBD's unique culture, than a limited-time-only pop-up program packed full of art, music, food, cocktails and coffee? Enter, Supermelbourne — a vibrant activation descending on Howey Place from Saturday, October 22–Wednesday, October 26, here to help kick off new CBD-focused campaign Only in the City. Three of the strip's shopfronts will be reimagined for five days of creatively-charged fun, complete with spot giveaways, plus prizes for the best-dressed guests. On the agenda, you'll catch a lineup of 10 local DJs spinning tunes across opening weekend, as well as a multi-sensory underground art and light installation courtesy of renowned creatives Drez, Kit Webster and George Rose. The city's culinary scene will be spotlighted with two special collaborations — one pairing Chancery Lane's famed macaron with caffeinated treats by The Alley Edition, and the other celebrating Serai's Filipino bites alongside an exclusive cocktail by acclaimed bar Byrdi. After a memento? Check out the signature Supermelbourne apparel collection dreamed up by illustrator Oslo Davis and homewares store KIP&Co. Supermelbourne is free to explore, though some events have limited capacity.
One of the strangest and most distinctive animated films in living memory is getting the live score treatment at this year's Melbourne Festival. The tale of a kidnapped cyclist, his plucky grandmother and a trio of music hall singers, Sylvian Chomet's The Triplets of Belleville is an absolute delight, not least of all thanks to Benoît Charest's wonderful musical score. The composer to will attend a pair of screenings at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where he'll conduct a live performance by his band Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville while the movie plays in the background. The group will also play a pair of gigs at The Toff in Town, if you want to hear what else it is they're capable of.
Three of Melbourne's culinary stalwarts are teaming up to reimagine Sunday brunch, for a very good cause. On July 22, Hanoi Hannah, Lune Croissanterie and Industry Beans will raise much needed funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, when they dish up a special Hanoi-meets-Melbourne brunch feast, at Hanoi Hannah's New Quarter site on Swan Street. Kicking off the Good Morning Vietnam feed will be one of Lune's legendary, buttery croissants — teamed either with one of Hanoi Hannah's signature, spring roll-topped bloody marys, or a specialty Viet-style coffee, designed especially for the event by your mates at Fitzroy specialty coffee roaster Industry Beans. After that, you'll get to choose between a classic egg and bacon banh mi, a congee of winter greens topped with a Chinese doughnut, or the banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) loaded with smoked trout, salmon roe and crème fraîche. The brekkie will set you back $40 and, as staff will be volunteering their time, 100 percent of proceeds will go to the Royal Children's Hospital. There are three sittings available on Sunday, July 22 — 9-10.30am, 10.30am-noon and 12-1.30pm — and tickets are on sale now.
If you're keen to see the winner of the Best Performance Award at 2017's Melbourne Fringe, you'd better be prepared to don a bathrobe. Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Joel Bray will be holed up in a luxe hotel room at the Sofitel on Collins Street with a small group of strangers he met in the bar downstairs — including you. What starts as a casual conversation begins to gather speed in the form of physical expression. Bray ranges through the intimate space and the room loses its drabness and uniformity. Using the Dreamtime story of the biladurang (platypus) to loosely frame his own unique tale, Bray has been packing out single suites across the country. Funny, dark and steeped in the vulnerability of the personal, by all accounts the surcharges on this room are purely emotional. Biladurang is part of Dance Massive, a 13-day showcase of 15 contemporary dance works from Aussie choreographers.
Vegans of the north, rejoice. Vegans of Melbourne in general who are happy to head to Northcote, too. The age of meat is waning and it's nearly your time to inherit the earth. To build your strength, head down to Welcome to Thornbury for Vegan Vegout — which is making a return for 2021 on Wednesday, February 3. That's when the all-vegan food truck next rolls into High Street — and while the lineup changes at each event, you can expect meat-free dishes aplenty. Previous Vegan Vegouts have served up everything from vegan meatballs to vegan peking duck, so there'll be more than a few options to tempt your tastebuds. As well as tucking into vegan and vegetarian eats at this food truck party, you'll be able to sip vegan beverages from the bar as well. The event kicks off from 5pm, and dogs are welcome.
Spring has sprung and the flowers are beginning to bloom again, but you don't have to be in the Botanic Gardens to experience some of the magic. To celebrate the exciting new season, the NGV are exploring the world of scent. Amidst 18,000 newly-planted flowers, manmade clouds of scent will be dispersed in the gallery's sculpture garden from September 25 - November 30. Curated by former New York Times perfume critic Chandler Burr — yeah, that's a real job — Hyper-Natural will explore the little-known process of scent design. Presented as a showcase from initial scent molecule to finished synthetic product, seven perfumes will be dispersed in the area as original scent artworks. Burr claims he wants visitors to "move beyond mere emotional responses and memories to recognise and thing critically about scent design". But don't worry, no one's going to stop you from obliviously wandering around the garden taking in all the pretty smells. Time to sedate that hayfever with some Coco Chanel. Photo credit: HereIsTom via photopin cc.
It's no secret that Jerome Borazio is an ideas man, and a pretty good one at that. Not only is he the mind behind the 18-year-old Laneway Festival, he sold us all on the concept of camping in the CBD with his award-winning rooftop glamping set-up. The latter closed in April last year, but, that same sky-high space above Melbourne Central has been activated again — and is now home to a pop-up rooftop pool, bar and leisure club dubbed The Reunion Island Pool Club. Initially launching for private bookings only in October, Reunion Island will now be open to the public from Friday, January 25 — just in time for the long weekend — through till the end of May. It's kitted out with palm trees and design elements of a public pool-meets-Palm Springs resort. And while it's not the CBD's only rooftop pool bar (see: The Adelphi), it is the only one to offer classes, an infrared sauna and spa offerings. Plus, those rooftop parties will take place ten temperature-controlled plunge pools. Yes, ten. [caption id="attachment_705809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of the ten plunge pools by Albert Comper.[/caption] Opening from 12pm during the week (for a cheeky lunchtime dip) and 9am on weekends, it's not just the pools that are tempting punters — it's also hosting a lineup of rooftop yoga, pilates and boxing classes. They start from $20 and you can book in for an after-work session online now. If you prefer being relatively sedentary, you can stop by for a splash, or just some poolside socialising and a well-earned after-work rooftop tipple right up until 9.30pm. Prepare to spend many a steamy Melbourne evening up here. Price-wise, your sky-high waterside party will start from $10 for regular entry only. Pools are available for groups of four to 12 people, and start at $100 for an hour. You can extend your stay for $60 per hour, include a sauna session for $5 or nab a Turkish towel, visor or stubby holder. At the moment single-person swim passes aren't available (but we're promised they're coming soon) so you'll need to round up some friends if you'd like to splash around. The food and drink selection includes a five-month pop-up poolside snack kiosk from Collingwood's Easey's, who'll be slinging tacos, burgers and club sandwiches. You can pair them with Melbourne Gin Co G&Ts, cocktails, wine and Champagne and icy cold Kirin beers. The Reunion Island Pool Club will also feature a General Store, showcasing a heap of the venue's fashion partners. Find Reunion Island Pool Club at Level 3/271 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne from Friday, January 25 until the end of May. It's open from midday–9.30pm weekdays and 9am–9.30pm on weekends. Images: Albert Comper.
Melbourne musos are in for a treat next year. A massive new exhibition entirely dedicated to Ziggy Stardust himself is hitting ACMI in the middle of the year. Originally curated for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, David Bowie Is takes visitors inside the life, career and intricate creative process of one of the most significant pop stars of the past 40 years. With hundreds of show props, rare photographs and characteristically elaborate costumes, it's a Bowie bacchanalia that looks guaranteed to be a big hit with fans. Of course, June 2015 is still quite a while away, and so in order to whet peoples' appetites, select cinemas are offering a sneak peak at the exhibition via an exclusive documentary walkthrough. Shot on the final evening of the exhibition's original showing in the UK, the 'movie' gives viewers a glimpse of some of the highlights, interwoven with interviews with various artists who have either worked with or been inspired by the big man himself. In other words, the film is basically one big, 100-minute promotional video, specifically designed to make the exhibition look amazing and convince people to buy a ticket. And in fairness, to that end, it's generally pretty successful. The exhibition does look great. On the other hand, if you're going to charge people $15 for a movie ticket, you really need to be doing more than just spruiking what's to come. Paying to be told about an opportunity to pay for something else is hardly a worthwhile investment. It wouldn't be so bad if the doco had a little bit more of that patented Bowie energy. But while the V&A curators, who act as our tour guides, are obviously knowledgeable, they're also far too dry and academic in their presentation to inspire any real level enthusiasm. Strategically placed vox pops with exhibition visitors do a better job in this regard, with many fans speaking about the personal impact the singer and his music has had on them. But there's also a distinct and, at times, rather cringe-worthy vibe of hero worship to these interviews, which ultimately just drives home the film's status as a tacky piece of marketing. Maybe just wait 'til June for the real thing.
Last year, Carl's Jr hit Victoria for the first time, opening its debut store at Knox in October, and another in Cranbourne soon after. Now, in a move that proves the cult-favourite American burger chain is here to make a mark on our famously good burger scene, it is opening its third Melbourne shop in Docklands this week. And to seal the deal, it's offering some pretty sweet freebies to its keenest city customers. Setting up shop within The District Docklands' dining precinct, where Archie Brothers Cirque Electiq is, this new city edition of Carl's Jr will be dishing up its signature menu of 'American classics' and monstrous burgers that have earned it a heap of fans overseas. We're talking the aptly named Thickburger, teaming an angus beef patty with extras like portobello mushroom, or bacon and guacamole, alongside hefty chargrilled numbers such as the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger. The Big Carl's rocks a double patty and oozy American cheese, and chook-lovers are sorted with seven different chicken dishes. Then, there are breakfast options for the early birds, salads for the virtuous and some pretty solid sundaes and shakes for dessert. If you think you can handle that sort of fare, for free, all year long, then start lining up at the new store ASAP. To celebrate its grand opening, the first 50 customers through the door from 9am on Thursday, February 14 (yes, Valentine's Day) will score a book of Carl's Jr coupons, to use on free menu items every week for the next 12 months. You will definitely need to get there early. The new Carl's Jr store will open at The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands at 9am on Thursday, Friday 14.
Adapting Mark Haddon's Whitbread-winning novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has finished chewing up Broadway and the West End, and is now on its way to Melbourne Theatre Company. When Christopher Boone discovers the corpse of his neighbour's dog, he immediately becomes a suspect and sets out to clear his name. But while he sees himself as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, everyone else sees an autistic teenager asking awkward questions. Regardless, the question remains: who stabbed Mrs. Shears' poodle with a pitchfork? Haddon describes the book as "peculiarly internal", in that its protagonist struggles more than most to escape the bounds of his own head. Playwright Simon Stephens and the UK's National Theatre have made the most of this by having the audience see the world as Christopher does. A set consisting of a black grid and myriad projections evokes physical locations, as well as the ordered and fiercely logical flow of Christopher's cognitive process. A Holmesian whodunnit as investigated by an Adrian Mole-esque outsider, The Curious Incident is both a celebration of difference and a decent argument against offing yappy pooches with gardening implements.
"If any one unwarily draws in too close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and his children will never welcome him home again, for they sit in a green field and warble him to death with the sweetness of their song." With The Odyssey, Homer essentially created the epic. But with the above passage, he also created something much more insidious — the femme fatale, a stock female character who tempts men with the ultimate goal of destroying them. Victorian Opera's latest project, Lorelei, shoves a cabaret skewer through this idea and roasts it over an operatic blaze. Sopranos Ali McGregor and Antoinette Halloran with mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd have been spicing up the classics for a while as the Opera Burlesque collective. Now, they take to a cliff-top on a tricky bend in the river Rhine to explore how women are represented in literature and opera. But wouldn't you know it — just as they're getting down to business, a ship begins to approach. And it seems to be having a little trouble on those bends. Part cabaret, part opera and with a stinging libretto by Casey Bennetto (Keating! The Musical) and Gillian Cosgriff (8 Songs in 8 Weeks), Lorelei takes its cues from the sirens of German folklore. It's happy enough to toy with the trope — but it's not going to stop until it's smashed to matchsticks on a rock. Lorelei will run from November 3–10 at The Coopers Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Victorian Opera website.
What gets a new face every couple of years, and a different tone, too — and stalks stealthily through the dark but loves being projected big upon a glistening silver screen? Fans of Gotham City's famous purveyor of justice know the answer to that riddle, of course. Actually, after oh-so-many different iterations of the Dark Knight over the decades, the world in general does as well. In 2022, The Batman gave us a new version, with Robert Pattinson following in the footsteps of everyone from Adam West, Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer to George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. In fantastic news, the moody, brooding and gloomy end result is one of the best Batman flicks yet — and, although it only hit Australian cinemas just over a month ago, RPatz's turn in the cape and cowl has now been fast-tracked to digital. So, here's another conundrum: catch the Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes)-directed, 70s crime thriller-style superhero movie on the big screen, or settle in to watch it without leaving the house? There's no right answer, because you now have options. That said, nothing beats the cinema experience — especially for a film that makes all things Batman feel new again, as this excellent effort does. Still, if that's your couch time for tonight sorted, you'll find The Batman available to rent digitally from all the usual places. In the process, you'll also find a bruised and battered take on the vigilante, a pitch-perfect turn from Tenet star Pattinson — including far more reluctance as the titular character's alter-ego Bruce Wayne than usual, and welcomely so — and a top-notch supporting cast. Also featured: Zoe Kravitz (Kimi) as Catwoman, Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora) as the Riddler, Colin Farrell (he North Water) as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright (The French Dispatch) as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis (Long Shot) as Alfred Pennyworth. No one really needs a plot synopsis for Batman films by now, but when The Batman begins (not to be confused with Batman Begins), it's with the slaying of a powerful Gotham figure. A shocking crime that scandalises the city, it leaves a traumatised boy behind, and couldn't be more influential in the detective-style tale of blood and vengeance that follows. But viewers haven't seen this story before, despite appearances. It isn't the start of pop culture's lonesome billionaire orphan's usual plight, although he's there, all dressed in black, and has an instant affinity for the sorrowful kid. Behold the first standout feat achieved by this excellent latest take on the Dark Knight (not to be confused with The Dark Knight): realising that no one needs to see Bruce Wayne's parents meet their end for what'd feel like the millionth time. From there, The Batman follows its namesake's efforts to get to the bottom of the crime — a tricky task in Gotham, unsurprisingly. And yes, this film meant to stand completely apart from the most recent Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character. So, basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they've done again for Batman now. Check out the trailer for The Batman below: The Batman is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review.
If you love this French indie quintet, but aren't so keen on a full-on day at Future, we have great news! Phoenix will be bringing their undeniably catchy synth-pop to Festival Hall this March. Their fifth studio release Bankrupt! is everything you love about Phoenix, times 10. Skeptical? Give 'S.O.S. In Bel Air' a listen. While the latest release is certainly impressive, we hope lead singer Thomas Mars will be singing older favourites from previous albums too, including Alphabetical, It’s Never Been Like That and the hugely popular Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The support act, World's End Press, could not be a more perfect accompaniment for what is sure to be an evening of bright lights, boisterous sing-a-longs and uncontrollable dancing. Their own breed of synth rock is both joyous and thoughtful; it’s certainly worth getting to the gig on time to see both tremendous acts in all their glory.
As one of comedy’s most prolific writers and performers, Aziz Ansari is set to leave Melbourne choking on overly priced pick 'n' mix on his 'Buried Alive' tour of Australia. Counting Kanye West, Jay-Z and The Flight Of The Conchords among his circle of friends, Ansari has appeared in films such as Get Him To The Greek, Funny People and School For Scoundrels, as well as putting in likeable TV performances in Scrubs, Reno 911! and Parks And Recreation. With perfectly constructed, hilarious routines and cutting edge material, Ansari focuses on aspects of his personal life in his comedy routines. “I like talking about things that are going on in my life, because that’s always going to be different and original” he says. “No one else is going to be talking about my personal experiences”.
Melburnians have a new reason to take those bikes out for a spin, with the opening of the La Larr Ba Guawa Park, near Harcourt in Victoria's Central Highlands. Boasting 34 kilometres of mountain bike trails and bordering the Mount Alexander Regional Park, the new world-class site has something for every kind of rider, from novices through to two-wheeled professionals. It's also got some cracking views to enjoy while you're cruising along. Receiving almost $2.5 million in government funding, the park is expected to boost visitor numbers to the area to 25,000, improving spending and creating 57 new jobs in the process. Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards explained that the park is a huge win for the region, saying "this project will help to put Harcourt and Central Victoria on the map as a new mountain bike destination of choice and build on the popularity of the Goldfields Track". Image: Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.
Instagram-obsessed iPhoneographers can now turn their collection of photographs into posters, thanks to a clever new website. London-based online retailer, Firebox, allows Instagram app users to create wall-sized prints of their photo library. All you have to do is click the 'Buy' button on the Firebox website, then add your Instagram username to retrieve photos from your account. Each poster is a fixed 61cm wide, but you can add as many rows of photos as you like, so there is no need to worry about choosing just a few snapshots. When your poster reaches 1.5 metres long, Firebox will shrink your pictures to fit and you can then choose between a white or black background. Firebox are not the only ones who have other ideas for Instagram. Photo sharing app, Prinstagram, let’s you make posters from 50-400 photos, as well as mini prints, stickers and mini books. If you prefer having your photos printed rather than just leaving them in digital format on your laptop, then this is a quirky and colourful way to do it. [via Mashable]
From statement-making tropical blooms, to elegant natives, to classic bunches of long-stemmed red roses; Botanics of Melbourne sources seasonal flowers from all across the globe to create its stunning floral designs. Dose up on colour, scent and plenty of inspiration with a trip to the inviting South Yarra store, or jump online to check out the expansive selection of bouquets and arrangements available for home delivery. You can order your flowers gift-wrapped or displayed in your choice of contemporary vase, and there's the option to really make someone's day by adding extras like chocolates, candles and wine.
