When it comes to books, not everyone can completely embrace the digital age. The texture and smell of a book is something that no iPad or Kindle can copy. To help you embrace your love of books without breaking the bank this festive season, the Abbotsford Convent is hosting a huge book market. If you ever visited Fed Square's packed book market, you'll know what to expect: this one's run by the same people. More than 5000 pre-loved and new books on every topic under the sun — from history to gardening, travel to art and literature — and a heap of second-hand vinyls will fill the Convent. This should make for some very happy browsing and even happier reading later on. The Melbourne Book Market has relocated to the Convent permanently and will be holding monthly fairs for bibliophiles. And it's in good company, with the Convent already being home to Lentil As Anything, a pay-as-you-feel vegetarian that's open all day on Saturdays. We'll update you as soon as more MBM dates are announced. The Melbourne Book Market will run from 10am–5pm.
On the surface, Digital Gardens looks like the now 31-year-old Fringe trying to prove it's still got the new age tech savvy of a pimply teenager. But don't be put off by your first impressions — the program on offer doesn't just use digital media as a gimmick but actually engages with its possibilities for audience interaction and storytelling. One of the ways the project will work is by collaborating with artists who are presenting in the Hub so that audiences from those shows can recreate their live experiences of that work in a digital format. Melbourne's a city that punches above its weight in the world of independent game development, and the Fringe are inviting some of the city's talented digital designers to dream up some immersive, multiplayer experiences for visitors. Digital Gardens runs from September 19 – 21, City Square, Melbourne CBD; September 28 – 29 and October 5 – 6, Prahran Town Hall, City of Stonnington. Read the rest of our top ten picks of the Melbourne Fringe Festival here.
Ebay's Museum of Authentics, a three-day extravaganza dedicated to the world's rarest sneaks, is headed for Melbourne this weekend. Running from Friday, April 29 until Sunday, May 1 at Neon Parc in Brunswick, this free exhibition will give sneakerheads a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most coveted sneakers in the world — as well as mingle with like-minded fans, of course. Attendees will be able to get up close and personal with the very Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan during games in the 80, worth an estimated AU$745,000. Also on the lineup are an extremely limited edition Back to the Future-themed pair signed by the late Kobe Bryant, a sneaker collab between Pharrel, Chanel and NMDs from 2017, and the College Dropout Bapestas that Kanye West designed in 2007 before Yeezys were even a thing. And if you're a sucker for that 'just out of the box' smell, you'll want to be one of the first 100 visitors in line. That will see you gifted a candle developed to smell like brand new sneakers (supposedly), with notes of "soft leather" and "a touch of glue". Doors open daily at 10am, but if sneaker shop queues are anything to go by, we'd recommend getting up a little earlier.
Killing Them Softly is the third movie by Australian writer-director Andrew Dominik, and as with his two previous films (Chopper and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), it focuses almost entirely on the criminal underworld and those who inhabit it. Set in 2008, it follows hitman Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) as he's hired by the mob to track down and execute a trio of small-time hoods for sticking up one of their illegal card games (Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, and Vincent Curatola). Pitt absolutely excels as the shrewd, no-nonsense killer dutifully dispatching the mob's condemned subject to two important caveats: he won't kill people he knows, and he won't kill people up close. Not because it's ethically troubling or offensive to his sense of honour, but because it's awkward and a humiliating seeing old acquaintances beg and cry before they die. Cogan's preference is instead to "kill them softly", at least until he grabs the shotgun, and under Dominik's direction the violence (of which there's quite a bit) combines the graphic brutality of Casino with the stylised cinematography of Drive. It's at once horrific and mesmerising, most notably during a supremely slow-motion assassination between two cars stopped at some traffic lights. The story is largely based on Cogan's Trade, a 1974 novel by author and former assistant US attorney George V Higgins. Higgins was perhaps best known for his use of hyper-realistic dialogue, lending his stories a theatrical quality that Dominik was wise to preserve. His screenplay crackles with fantastic exchanges and wonderful one-liners ranging from the droll observations of the mob's lawyer (Richard Jenkins) to the menace of Pitt's casually veiled threats. It's a fantastic and accomplished offering, with the only heavy hand coming by way of the film's laboured political overtones. Killing Them Softly opens on the boarded storefronts and destitution of an unnamed but neglected city set against billboards from the 2008 presidential campaign and excerpts of Obama's convention speech extolling the virtues of America's promise. Later, we hear President Bush justifying the bank bailout over shots of those disenfranchised and indigent who would ultimately foot the bill. America's promise has failed, we're told again and again — empty words and empty undertakings in a world where corporatisation has transformed the country for the worse. Calvin Coolidge once remarked that the chief business of the American people was business. Crap, says Cogan. America is the business, and the American people are just trying to get one up on everybody else. It's do or be done — and if you’re doing, make sure you're damned well paid for it.
Netflix's algorithm has clearly figured out one of the most obvious facts about humankind: we all really love dogs. That was obviously the idea behind the streaming platform's 2018 canine-centric documentary series — and the show sent viewers so barking mad that it's coming back for another season. Called Dogs, the thoroughly feel-good series follows different puppers in different places around the world, as well as the two-legged folks who care for, groom, dress and even fish with them. Of course, the adorable balls of fluff are the real drawcards. The six-episode first season dedicated its frames to canines in Syria, Japan, Costa Rica, Italy and the US, each with their own stories to tell. One episode explores life in a dog sanctuary in the Costa Rican rainforest, and another relays the tale of a Siberian Husky trapped in Syria after his owner was able to flee to German. Yet another jumps into Japan's love of cute pooches — dog strollers are a common sight on the streets of Tokyo, after all. In a statement provided to Variety about the show's renewal, executive producers Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil) and Glen Zipper (The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man) championed Dogs' human impact — especially "the ability to explore some of the most important human stories through relationships with our best friends". They continued: "it's been amazing to see how much these episodes have touched audiences and critics across the globe. Most importantly, our fans have become part of our extended family and we are honoured to bring them a fresh set of stories that will allow us to connect with them yet again." Check out the first season trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLCmLgjiJ8 If you can't get enough when it comes to cute canines, you won't be complaining about the show's impending return — although when it'll drop, and how many episodes the second season will span, hasn't yet been revealed. And if you have your own pooch who deserves some Netflix attention, the series is also on the lookout for canine talent. Just hit up the show via Twitter or Instagram. Australia and New Zealand didn't feature the first time around, after all. Dogs' first season is now available on Netflix. Via Variety. Images: Netflix.
She’s the star of her own ABC show, a recent addition to the cast of Please Like Me and a mainstay of the Aussie festival circuit since winning Raw Comedy back in 2006. On paper it would seem like Hannah Gadsby has got plenty to be happy about. But of course, you wouldn’t know it from her stand-up. With her signature brand of awkward honesty and self-deprecation, Gadsby’s latest show tackles the latest in a series of medical issues, namely her recent diagnoses with ADHD. She’ll also flaunt her real-life art history degree at a separate engagement at the NGV, where she’s giving a lecture on Picasso. Seriously.
Sunny summer days and the new year are (unfortunately) still a fair while away, but you don't need the clichéd calendar date to set some new goals. In fact, if the global pandemic has thrown a bit of a spanner in your routine, now may be just time to get back into gear. As they say, there's no time like the present — there you go, another cliché to follow instead. But rather than focusing on a singular aspect like diet or exercise, why not look at your health holistically? Yep, we're talking 'healthy living' and, no, it's not just for Byron Bay dwellers and yoga lovers (not that we're jealous or anything). Simply put, it's about balance — from what you eat right down to getting enough sleep. To help you kick-start — or restart — your health resolutions, we've teamed up with the folks at nutritious ready-made meal delivery service Macros to bring you six simple lifestyle changes. Because we all know healthy habits don't happen overnight. SIGN UP TO A SUBSCRIPTION-STYLE MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE First things first: food. No one's saying all those takeaway dishes and baked treats over lockdown weren't delicious, but, by now, you may be craving something more nourishing. Food is what fuels us, so changing your diet is one of the biggest hacks to the so-called healthy life. It may be obvious, but there's a reason it can be tricky. Not all of us have MasterChef-like skills and meal prepping takes time. Not to mention how pricey clean eating can be if you don't know where to begin. One way to cut out the guesswork and set yourself up with a fridge full of dietitian-designed and super-tasty dishes is by signing up to a meal delivery service. Macros, for example, ensures every meal is prepared by chefs and delivered fresh, not frozen, so you can simply pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat. Think the likes of massaman beef curry, cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese and herb-crusted salmon, ready in a matter of minutes. Macros has seven different plans to cater to your goals, too. If you don't live at the gym, then Macros' 'Weight Loss' plan, with low-carb meals that have less than 350 calories (if you're counting), is a solid option. Otherwise, the 'Balanced' plan is great for those looking to switch to a cleaner diet, without shedding kilos. You can also tailor your plan to suit your dietary needs, be it plant-based, dairy-free, low-carb or paleo. And, to top it off, it's a pretty affordable option, with meals starting from $8.70. Right now, you can also nab $50 off your first order, too — just sign up here. GIVE MINDFULNESS A GO If you consider mindfulness a bogus pastime, think again. From simply soaking in the tub to daily meditation, taking time to clear your head and reduce stress is a solid base for a healthier lifestyle. Think of it like this: if food is your body's fuel, then mindfulness is your mind's tonic. And, to really achieve a healthy lifestyle, you need both, on top of physical exercise, of course. Plus, amid COVID-19, we're increasingly realising what it means to keep calm during a crisis. So, where to start? Mindfulness and meditation apps are both beginner-friendly and convenient — and these days there are plenty to pick from. Headspace is one of the better-known ones and for good reason; it makes mediation accessible, even if you're a bit of a novice. Or, you can be guided by neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris with his app Waking Up. If getting enough shut-eye is an issue, try Calm, which includes meditation sessions, audio snippets of Bob Ross's The Joy of Painting and stories narrated by none other than Matthew McConaughey. Practices such as tai chi and yoga can help improve mental clarity, too, by combining meditation with movement — so, if you find sitting still hard, maybe give these a try. You can even add adorable animals into the equation and get bendy with baby goats, or your pooch as you downward dog in your living room, both of which are a surefire way to get a quick serotonin hit. GET PICKLING Feel bloated or sluggish? It could be your gut telling you something — literally. While everyone's body is different, fermented foods can be great for most people's gut health and keeping everything regular. The age-old preserving technique naturally ferments food, creating healthy probiotics that help strengthen your gut microbiome. It's a good way of extending food's shelf life, too. Instead of raiding the health food store and splashing some serious cash, you can make your own with everyday fridge and pantry items. Beets, beans, cucumbers, onion, fennel, cabbage, zucchini, carrots... you get the idea. Most pickling involves vinegar (white or apple cider), salt, a bit of sugar, spices and the veg of your choosing. Alternatively, get yourself a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and some black tea and try making your own kombucha. If you'd rather learn from the pickling pros, Sydney-based cafe and picklery Cornersmith runs a bunch of hands-on and, at the moment, live Zoom classes, where you can pick up tips on how to ferment, pickle and preserve pretty much anything. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE No one said exercise had to be boring. You may have your go-to activity, but, sometimes, getting out of the bed in the morning or hitting up the gym after work can be a struggle. We get it, life gets in the way. However, to avoid fitness fatigue, why not inject some fun into your routine? Feel like a big kid again and bounce non-stop at an indoor trampoline park, or scale to new heights at a rock climbing gym. For the latter, you'll need a partner in crime, so you can socialise while you sweat, otherwise, for a more solitary climb, try bouldering. Martial arts is another great way to train, from karate to jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and krav maga, all of which have become increasingly popular over recent years. Keen to improve your rhythm? Dancing is a great way to get your heart pumping, as well as tone muscle, whether it's ballet, salsa, ballroom or hip-hop dancing. You can even get your groove on in your living room with 80s-style aerobics by way of Retrosweat or Aerobics Oz Style. And, if you're lucky enough to live near the ocean, stand-up paddle boarding is great for your core, or you could give surfing lessons a crack. Basically, there's no end to the fun you can have while also training and conditioning your body. GET OUTDOORS AND HIT THE TRAILS It's hard to beat a vigorous bushwalk or long-distance run along the coastline, with the sun shining, the wind in your hair and stunning surrounds to distract from your own panting. Plus, it leaves you feeling pretty rejuvenated. While, yes, the physical exercise plays a massive part, being outdoors is undeniably good for the soul. And, after spending more time indoors this year, many of us have a new appreciation for being surrounded by nature. So, next time you're thinking of jumping on the treadmill, why not run in your local park? Or, if you can, take a hike in a national park, do laps in an ocean pool, kayak down a river or head out on a scenic bike ride. If you're after something a bit more restorative, forest bathing or shinrin-yoku (nature therapy) is another way to get a dose of vitamin D, just with less cardio. You simply spend time in nature, whether it's taking a stroll in any natural environment or finding a lush and peaceful spot in which to meditate. The physiological and psychological activity has benefits such as improving your immune and nervous systems, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, and improving mental health, energy levels and sleep patterns. Combining mindfulness with nature, the Japanese practice is the perfect antidote to our tech-filled and often sedentary lifestyles. TREAT YOURSELF While pampering may seem a tad extra, giving your body a little TLC is also called self care. So, treat your body like the temple it is and give it a rest every now and again. From beauty therapies to relaxing remedies, there are plenty of ways you can look after your body — outside and in. Feeling a bit lacklustre? Mani-pedis, haircuts and facials are sure to give you a boost. Then there are massages, of course, with benefits including reduced blood pressure, easing migraines and headaches, aiding pain relief and stiffness, and lowering stress levels. But, different styles address different issues, so it's important to listen to your body. Swedish and aromatherapy massages, for example, are great if you're stressed out; whereas lymphatic ones help rid your body of toxins by draining your lymphs. If you've been upping your exercise or have muscular pain, then consider deep tissue, sports, reflexology or Thai-style massages, which will help alleviate aches, increase flexibility and reduce recovery time. A healthy lifestyle starts with the food that fuels you. To help make that part easy and fuss-free, Macros delivers nutrition-packed meals straight to your door. And, if you need to, you can also pause or skip a week of your subscription at no extra cost. Better yet, Macros is currently offering $50 off your first four deliveries. So, start your health kick ASAP and sign up here.
If December approaches and a new festive film isn't hitting cinemas, is it really Christmas? In 2020, as in pretty much every year before it, we won't find out the answer to that question. Heading to the big screen just in time for the merriest portion of this year's calendar is rom-com Happiest Season — the newest addition to the hefty lineup of holiday-themed movies competing for your eyeballs whenever the tinsel, trees and twinkling lights come out. Following in the footsteps of 2019's Last Christmas, 2018's The Grinch, 2017's A Bad Moms Christmas and 2016's Bad Santa 2 and Office Christmas Party — just to name a few recent festive flicks — Happiest Season plunges viewers into one couple's seasonal experience when they decide to meet the parents over the holidays. Abby (Kristen Stewart) heads home with Harper (Mackenzie Davis, Irresistible) to meet the latter's mother (Mary Steenburgen, The Book Club), father (Victor Garber, Dark Waters) and other relatives. The catch: Harper's folks don't know that she's gay, or about her relationship with Abby. Also, Abby was actually planning to propose at Christmas dinner. While Happiest Season is heading to streaming in the US, it'll hit cinemas in Down Under on Thursday, November 26. That's when audiences are in for some heartfelt and amusing holiday antics as Harper and Abby try to navigate their tricky situation — if the film's just-dropped trailer is any indication, that is. Happiest Season's star-studded cast also includes GLOW's Alison Brie, Parks and Recreation's Aubrey Plaza, Schitt's Creek's Dan Levy and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's Burl Moseley. It's directed and co-written by a familiar face, too: actor-turned-filmmaker Clea DuVall, who has appeared on-screen in everything from The Faculty and Girl, Interrupted to Veep and The Handmaid's Tale. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_jjELPpKkk&feature=youtu.be Happiest Season opens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, November 26.
If you've ever had a sneaky little go with some small person's Lego blocks once they're all tucked up in bed, LEGOLAND sees you, tips you their hat… and raises you an adults-only night at its Melbourne Discovery Centre. While the venue holds these nights pretty regularly, their next one comes with a twist — yes, it's all about Christmas. With no children to get in the way (or outdo your creations), you'll be able to have free reign of LEGOLAND to check out the 4D cinema and rides, take a factory tour, and build to your heart's content in the brick pits. Challenge yourself by taking on the master builder or a speed build and vie for the prizes up for grabs — there'll even be a scavenger hunt so you can go full inner child mode. Tickets cost $32.50, and it all takes place from 6.30pm — and BYO shameless excitement, taste for glory, and creativity to enter the model of the month competition. It'll be a fierce one. Plus, you can go full kidult with face-painting, a visit by Santa, as well as a heap of Christmas-themed treats. Think gingerbread lattes and mini-brick burgers, alongside hot dogs, popcorn, cupcakes and cookies — and festive-themed non-alcoholic mojitos.
Somewhere, between the heady romantic drama of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise trilogy and the good-natured bawdiness of the American Pie franchise, sit the films of Cédric Klapisch. Released in 2002, Spanish Apartment first introduced us to Xavier Rousseau (Romain Duris), a French university student on exchange in Barcelona. Four years later, Russian Dolls picked up with Xavier again, as he continued to search for love and direction in an increasingly complicated world. Chinese Puzzle turns the series into a trilogy, although Klapisch ensures the story is more or less accessible to newcomers. Now an author at the tail-end of his 30s, Xavier is marginally more mature than the last time we saw him, although no more lucky in the romance department. As a matter of fact, the film begins just in time for us to witness his marriage, to Englishwoman Wendy (Kelly Reilly), fall apart. When she takes their kids to live in Manhattan, Xavier decides to cross the Atlantic as well, crashing with his old friend Isabelle (Cécile de France) and her new girlfriend, Ju (Sandrine Holt), until he can find accommodation of his own. As with the previous films, Klapisch keeps the tone buoyant, livening Xavier's voiceover musings — on life, love, family, ageing and the cultural stewpot in which all of us are ingredients — with plenty of visual whimsy. Xavier's hunt for an apartment unfolds through a montage of Google Map graphics, even as the ghosts of German philosophers pop by to offer him relationship advice. French DJs Loik Dury and Christopher Mink aka Kraked Unit provide the score, a joyously infectious mix of jazz, hip hop and soul. For all its entertaining energy, Chinese Puzzle can feel rather messy. The film's multitudinous story threads — including a green-card marriage scheme, sperm donation and Xavier's lingering affection for his old girlfriend Martine (Audrey Tautou) — frequently get tangled up, or are left idle for long stretches of time. Meanwhile, at least one major subplot, involving Isabelle's attractive babysitter (Flore Bonaventura), gets no resolution at all. Then again, perhaps the film's lack of direct drive is a reflection of its protagonist's headspace. Xavier is by no means perfect, but he has only the best intentions and is difficult not to root for. Likewise, Chinese Puzzle is so breezy and charming that it's easy to overlook its faults. https://youtube.com/watch?v=M2a8vuQABd8
This one-woman show from Sydney artist Nat Randall is part performance piece, part act of mental and physical endurance. For 24 hours straight during Next Wave Festival, Randall will repeatedly perform a single scene from John Cassavetes' cult film Opening Night. Each time, she'll be joined by a different male co-star — you can even volunteer to join their ranks yourself, no acting experience required. The free performance will take place from 1pm on Friday, May 20 at ACMI in Federation Square, with audience members free to venture in and out as they please.
At the risk of pointing out the perpetually obvious, Australians love their sport. We love our rugby, AFL, tennis, cricket... basically anything that involves sweating profusely and chasing after something. We're a sporting nayshun and it's an important part of our national identity whether we like it or not. With so many poetic, victorious moments in sporting activity, there's plenty of opportunity for artful glorification. Celebrating these fleeting snapshots is an exhibition for those craving to see Australia's sports culture celebrated in art. The biennial Basil Sellers Art Prize honours the presence of sport in contemporary Australian art and is regarded as one of Australia's most prestigious art competitions. This year, the winner will receive a whopping $100,00 prize for their work — and the shortlisted pieces are looking pretty strong. Artists up for the top prize include some of Australia's most celebrated talent: Tony Albert, Narelle Autio, Zoe Croggon, Gabrielle de Vietri, Ivan Durrant, Shaun Gladwell, Richard Lewer, William Mackinnon, Rob McHaffie, Noel McKenna, Rob McLeish, Fiona McMonagle, Raquel Ormella, Khaled Sabsabi, Jenny Watson and Gerry Wedd. There's also a People's Choice award of $5000, so you can make your visit really count by having a cheeky vote. To check out the competition before the winner is announced on July 25, head to The Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne ASAP. Otherwise the exhibition is open until October to peruse in your own bench time.
Summer may be well and truly done and dusted, but spritz season is kicking on strong at Richmond's Baby Pizza. In fact, the venue is serving up a fresh series of daily aperitivo specials to see you happily sipping through autumn. From 4–6pm each day, Baby is slinging serves of Aperol and sbagliato rosa for $9.50 a pop. Otherwise, part with $6.50 for a Peroni Rossa or $14 for a glass of Castelli Mt Barker pinot grigio instead. If you're also feeling peckish, you'll find plenty to love about the aperitivo food menu: house-made focaccia with mortadella, buffalo mozzarella and green olive; fritto di polenta (parmesan-crusted polenta with aioli); gnudi di ricotta with roasted red pepper and sage; and pizzette with anchovy, San Marzano tomato and basil. Walk-ins are welcome, though you can make a booking online if you want to be sure of nabbing a table.
We’ve got such a strong, stereotypical sense of what 'circus' is: lion-tamers, ringmasters, and glitter galore. So coming to S with no previous experience of seeing Circa’s work, I’m blown away by the company’s approach — one that puts the spotlight on the sheer, immediate physicality of acrobatics by stripping away the trappings of the big top. What’s remarkable is that it manages to do all this without losing circus’ fundamental appeal. Far from closed off, emotionally short-circuited contemporary dance, the movement on show is joyous and often playful. Loosely themed around the sinuous curves of the letter S, the work is scored by a combination of recorded music from Kimmo Pohjonen, Samuli Kosminen, and the Kronos Quartet, together with occasionally incorporating live amplification. As well as book-ending the show, the mics are used to foreground the effort and strain that the acrobatics place upon the performers’ bodies. In one sequence, Casey Douglas has microphones strapped to his chest and the inside of his mouth before being pummelled by Kimberley Rossi. Although most of S is made up of scenes in which the entire ensemble perform together, director Yaron Lifschitz breaks up the action with these more intimate moments, either complete scenes as above or having some performers (especially Brittannie Portelli) find moments within the action to inject moments of play. The brave display of acrobatics on show wows the opening night audience, made up largely of Melbourne’s close-knit circus community. Based in Brisbane, Circa were founded in 2006; since then they’ve toured in 29 countries, and at the beginning of this year they picked up the prestigious Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award. With a show like this, it's easy to see why.
Keen for an overseas holiday as soon as you can possibly take one? Aren't we all — and Australians can now add Singapore to their list of international destinations. A quarantine-free travel arrangement between the two countries was first floated back in March, and it'll finally kick in on Monday, November 8. At present, this'll be a one-way setup, allowing double-vaccinated Australians to enter Singapore without quarantining. Dubbed a 'vaccinated travel lane (VTL)' by Singaporean authorities, it'll commence just a week after Australia's international border restrictions ease to once again permit Aussies to leave the country for holidays. Here's how the VTL will work: if you've had two jabs, you can enter Singapore without quarantining, although you will need to undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. If you're travelling with kids aged 12 years and under who aren't vaxxed, they'll be allowed to enter Singapore, too — as long as you're double-vaccinated. Obviously, double-vaxxed Aussies will be allowed to return back to Australia after their Singapore trips; however, Australia isn't opening up to overseas holidaymakers as yet — which is why it's a one-way arrangement Singapore has already established VTLs with a range of countries, including Germany, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the US. Switzerland will also join the arrangement on November 8, with South Korea following on November 15. When it was first suggested at the beginning of 2021, the Australia–Singapore arrangement was expected to start in July, but that clearly didn't happen. Then, in June, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, with the pair releasing a joint statement affirming that they were working towards the travel arrangement. Singapore follows countries such as Fiji and Thailand in revealing when they're reopening to holidaying Australians. If you're currently thinking about booking flights, Qantas has already announced fares from Sydney from Tuesday, November 23. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
It's made from pickle relish, mustard, soybean oil, egg yolk, onion, garlic and vinegar, has been slathered on burgers for more than half a century, and boasts as passionate a following as any condiment can have. Yes, we're talking about Big Mac Special Sauce, which goes mighty well with two beef patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a sesame seed bun — and, for McHappy Day, it's being bottled up and sold separately. If you're keen to squeeze the famous sauce on your own homemade burgers — or whatever other everyday meals it happens to go well with — then head along to a McDonald's eatery ASAP. A 500ml bottle will set you back $12, and there'll be more than 144,000 available. That seems like plenty; however, folks tend to go a little overboard when it comes to the condiment. Case in point: back in 2015, when limited-edition bottles were put up for auction on Ebay, one sold for more than $20,000. This isn't the first time that Maccas has packaged its famous sauce and put it up for sale, with the chain doing so in 2018 to celebrate the Big Mac's 50th anniversary. Still, it's not the kind of condiment that you can buy everyday. And, while there's plenty of recipes online that explain how to whip up a version at home, your tastebuds can probably tell the difference. Profits from all sales will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which McHappy Day raises money for each year. If you're buying an actual Big Mac with your bottle of Big Mac Special Sauce, $2 from your burger will also go to the cause, with other merchandise on offer and gold coin donations also accepted. Bottles of Big Mac Special Sauce are now available to purchase in store at McDonald's stores nationwide. For more information, visit the McHappy Day website. CORRECTION: OCTOBER 28, 2019 — This article previously stated that the Big Mac Special Sauce would be available from Saturday, November, but it is actually available now (Monday, October 28) until sold out. The above article has been updated to reflect this.
One of Melbourne's venues is going green this summer, celebrating a big pop-culture phenomenon that's still getting plenty of affection two decades after it first hit. Yes, after all this time, everyone still loves animated favourite Shrek. So, Ballers Clubhouse is hosting the ultimate Shrek party for adults: Shrek Rave. Rediscover why it really isn't easy being an ogre while listening to a Shrek DJ set, and joining in on a Smash Mouth sing-along. Still remember the words to the band's version of 'I'm a Believer'? Of course you do, and you have the song stuck in your head right now. Also part of the fun: Shrek-themed drink specials including Shrek Juice, Donkey Drank and Farquaad Fizz; free green glow sticks; an all-green dress code (obviously); a free green glitter bar; and a prize for best Shrek-inspired outfit. Here, all that glitters is indeed gold — and green — with the party happening from 10.30pm on Saturday, November 19. Tickets cost $42.41 per person.
Tucked between soaring hotels and office buildings, Pepe's Italian & Liquor's faded red-brick facade and entangled coral tree are hard to miss on Exhibition Street. This heritage-listed spot was originally constructed as a synagogue in the mid-1800s, serving numerous purposes until 2007, when restaurateur Nick Kutcher transformed the site into Trunk. After 12 impressive years, it was time for a change, so Pepe's Italian & Liquor moved in with Italo-American cuisine. Now, the latest evolution is here, as Pepe's Parlour is ready to launch right next door. Conceived as a more casual sister venue, Pepe's Parlour is set to become a go-to lunch spot for hearty sandwiches, healthy plates and a stellar martini list. Plus, its after-dark ambience is bound to prove popular with cocktail-lovers. With the OG venue taking cues from New York's golden age — think burgundy banquettes and a 13-metre zinc-topped bar — Pepe's Parlour offers a similarly sophisticated old-world vibe that doesn't skimp on the colour or fun. "We wanted to create somewhere that feels special but never stuffy," says Kutcher. "By day, it's the perfect spot for a catch-up lunch that feels like an occasion. By night, it's all about martinis and good vibes — the kind of place where every occasion feels like a celebration." With Kutcher collaborating with local creative agency Projects of Imagination, the venue didn't miss the chance to highlight its most enchanting natural feature. Inside a glasshouse, beneath its 150-year-old coral tree, marble-topped round tables and green leopard-print garden chairs adorn a sunlit dining room. The interconnected martini bar brings a moody juxtaposition, featuring timber panelling, velvety bar seating and chic table lamps. Look up to find the domed ceiling covered in a striking tomato mural by renowned artist Jordy Van Den Nieuwendijk. Head Chef Antonio Loffredo has shaped a tight, elegant lunch menu in lockstep with the design. Ciabatta baked fresh daily in a custom brick oven forms the basis for a selection of Italian-style sandwiches, such as porchetta, eggplant parm and chicken cacciatore dip. Then, a pair of baked pastas — spicy vodka rigatoni, and baby ricotta and salami cannelloni — makes ordering simple. Meanwhile, six lunch plates balance a hero protein (or vegan-friendly option) with three sides, like cured Aperol salmon with half avocado and pistachio pesto green beans, and roasted eggplant with cashew cheese and charred broccolini. Once the day has passed, Pepe's Parlour shifts up the mood as it transforms into a martini bar. Sophisticated but approachable, lighthearted indulgence defines the drinks menu, with playful riffs on classic martini spin-offs like the pornstar, Mexican and appletini. There are signature options too, like the Jordy's Tomato, which pays tribute to the venue's mural by combining a classic martini with a subtle tomato flavour. With each drink served with complimentary nuts and olives, you're also welcome to order from Pepe's neighbouring restaurant menu. Timelessly chic, this CBD joint is a bellissimo choice for a martini-soaked afternoon or late-night meal.
Chances are, you could use some warmth and sunshine in your life right now. And you'll find a big dose of it radiating from Carlton's new pint-sized Japanese spot, Hareruya. Overlooking Lincoln Square, the takeaway-only hole-in-the-wall is the latest venture from Kantaro Okada, who also brought us other Japanese gems, 279 and North Melbourne's Le Bajo. It's been a long-held plan of Okada's to launch a dedicated bento and gelato bar. Now, thanks to some extra free time during last year's lockdowns, he's been able to bring it to fruition, opening the doors to Hareruya — translating to 'sunny shop' — in April. The tiny Japanese convenience store-meets-cafe is as cheery as they come, drawing queues of eager diners from breakfast till dinner. The shelves are stocked with a neat array of takeaway treats and snacks, while at the front counter, staff are scooping from shiny tubs of gelato. Guaranteed to catch your eye are the vibrant loaded bento boxes, brimming with various osouzai (side dishes) along with beef and egg soboro, the fish of the day, or vegetarian soy tofu sushi. They're courtesy of the store's dedicated bento specialist, Kazuko Goto. Making an appearance just for winter, you'll find oden boxes (a Japanese stew), served with the broth ready to pour over the dry ingredients; while savoury snacks might include the likes of onigiri, sandos and chicken karaage tossed in dashi amazu (a sweet vinegar). Sweet-toothed visitors can get their fix with a rotation of house-baked pastries — think, castella, miso brownies and matcha cookies — and the drinks offering runs to freshly-pressed juices, and lattes of both the caffeinated and matcha-infused variety. Meanwhile, the Italian Pozzetti gelato freezer is stocked with an array of goodies made in-house, the rotating lineup fusing classic Japanese flavours with Italian techniques. Shirogoma (white sesame), sweet potato, and red fruits with elderflower and yuzu are just some of the varieties being scooped of late. All that's left to decide is whether to get yours in a cup or take-home tub, daifuku-style (wrapped in mochi skin), or sandwiched between rice wafer crisps like a traditional monaka. The petite store boasts a couple of bench seats, though if the sun's a-shining, you'll find the adjacent grassy park is the ideal setting to hoof down your bento and gelato. Find Hareruya at 15-17 Lincoln Square South, Carlton. It's open daily from 10.30am–10.30pm.
While we all love a good public holiday, it's sometimes hard to take full advantage of the days off work when pretty much everything is closed. Luckily for us, both the NGV International and NGV Australia will be open for the entire Easter long weekend, including Good Friday for the first time ever. Not only that, but they're hosting a special edition of their Friday Nights series, featuring a performance by alternative rock band Died Pretty and a DJ set by Misty Nights. Have a drink, catch some tunes, and enjoy after-hours access to the new 200 Years of Australian Fashion collection and the phenomenal Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei exhibition — you've only got another month to catch it before it's gone for good.
If your parents did you a massive disservice and threw away your Nintendo 64, you can still enjoy the thrill of blue-shelling your friends just before the finish line at Bosozoku in South Yarra. To help you forget the horror of your boring Tuesday, don't head home and turn on Netflix; instead, pretend you're living in an adult playground like Tokyo and head to Bosozoku for Mario Kart battles and $1 pork gyoza (the hefty, saucy kind). If dumplings aren't your thing, there's also the colourful and weird burger menu to tickle your fancy. Tuesday, what Tuesday? Never happened.
If the new season's put you in the mood to spring clean your thinking and soak up some fresh ideas, The Wheeler Centre's latest offering is one to add to your calendar. The literary hub's new celebration of words and ideas, Spring Fling, is coming our way from Wednesday, November 2–Friday, November 11. And it's got a sparkling lineup of local and international authors, artists, musicians, comedians and thinkers in tow. Joining the bill for the inaugural event series, you've got UK literary legend Natasha Brown (Assembly), acclaimed Aussie writer Helen Garner (Monkey Grip, Everywhere I Look), Pulitzer-winning US novelist Andrew Sean Greer (Less, Less Is Lost), musicians Vika & Linda, and breakout star of the new Heartbreak High reboot Chloé Hayden. [caption id="attachment_871605" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Natasha Brown[/caption] The festival program is set to dish up more than 20 events, hitting venues like Melbourne Town Hall, The Capitol, Testing Grounds and Fed Square eatery Big Esso. You can catch the hilarious Shaun Micallef chatting life, tv and comedy; ponder how arts and activism can spurr positive environmental change with music icon Peter Garrett; and explore the intersection of music and thought at an inspirational talk by British neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield, complete with a special performance by artist and producer Sui Zhen. Also on the bill: beloved broadcaster Myf Warhurst delving into the impact music's had on her life; a panel of culinary favourites chatting multiculturalism and Aussie food culture over a lunch heroing Indigenous ingredients; an exploration of friendship led by bestselling author Kamila Shamsie; and a special drag storytime featuring artists like Aysha Buffet, Stone Motherless Cold and Dandrogyny. The Wheeler Centre's Spring Fling runs from November 2–11, at venues across Melbourne. Catch the full program and buy tickets over at the website.
Grab a cup of coffee and your best highlighter pen because the program for Melbourne Fringe is a doozy this year. From circus and dance to mind-popping installations and everything in-between, this year's festival consists of more than 450 events, brought to life by literally thousands of passionate artists. For punters, it's both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there's certainly no shortage of things to see. On the other, it's basically impossible to get to them all. Inspired by the theme 'step into the light', this year's program is bookended by — wait for it — lasers! And that's just the tip of a very impressive iceberg. As one of the biggest and most eclectic events on the city's cultural calendar, the Fringe lineup caters to every conceivable taste, with cabaret, comedy, design and a music lineup that covers everything from jazz to orchestral to disco. There's a lot to consider. So here's our top ten picks of the 2016 Fringe festival.
Calling all gamers, dungeon masters, arcade enthusiasts, cosplayers and anyone who's simply not got any plans on the evening of Thursday, October 9 — Fed Square is being taken over by one of Melbourne's biggest gaming events of the year, Big Games Night Out. From 3.30 to 10.30pm, a huge lineup of Australian made games and gaming-adjacent activities are popping up, games of both the video and tabletop varieties. On the video games front, the star act is the playable debut of Mixtape, the new nostalgia-laden project from local developers Beethoven & Dinosaur (The Artful Escape) that sees teen friends enjoy an introspective, magical last night before school is out forever. [caption id="attachment_1028103" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Beyond that, two teams of content creators, streamers and online personalities will take the main stage to compete for esports glory in the Marvel Rivals All Star Showdown, a whole range of Australian-made games (Jupiter Junkworks, Bones: Wandering Soul, Pro Jank Footy, My Arms Are Longer Now, Bravecart, Enter the Chronosphere and more) in a vintage setup at Electric Arcadia. Tabletop gamers can enjoy a live Stranger Things D&D one shot stage show, or head inside the Edge Theatre for the Tabletop & Roleplay Revolution — a showcase of board games and tabletop rpgs, and for any young gamers, the Little Games Night Out will run from 3.30–6pm with live music, Crossy Road, Just Dance and more, while the Atrium games zone will play host to Tekken, Fortnite, Foosball, Mario Kart, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance and other classics. [caption id="attachment_1028104" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] James Adams[/caption] There's still more. You'll find musical experiences, live demos, markets, food and drinks and much more until late. It's free entry, but you can find out more on the event website.
Like its namesake, Sorrento's new speakeasy and entertainment venue Barlow is a character of many faces. Part of the newly revamped Hotel Continental, the bar pulls inspiration from the grand sandstone building's original founder, George Coppin. Coppin also started a local theatre company, acting in many of its productions under the stage name of Billy Barlow. "The name 'Barlow', represents it as a space where you can be whoever you want to be," Co-owner Craig Shearer tells Concrete Playground. Tucked away on the ground floor of the new-look precinct, this luxurious hideaway opens its doors this Friday, April 1, with an offering that's diverse and multifaceted. "We didn't want it to just be a nightclub or just a cocktail bar or just a live music venue — we wanted it to be all of those things," Shearer says. "We've been careful not to have it typecast for any one particular use." As with the rest of its sibling venues making up this new incarnation of the Continental, Barlow is a collaborative affair. It leans on Shearer's (The Terminus Fitzroy North, Brisbane's The Plough) own extensive experience in the pub game, while also being steered by offerings from chef Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda) and the drink masters of the Speakeasy Group (Eau de Vie, Nick & Nora's, Mjolner). [caption id="attachment_848432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] Moody and luxurious interiors come courtesy of Woods Bagot, lending an old-world feel to the 140-seat space. "It hails back to the Prohibition days of a typical speakeasy," Shearer explains of the intimate table lighting, plush burgundy banquette seats and emerald-hued walls. "And the real hero of the space is the backlit back bar with, I think, in excess of 500 products on that wall — it's beautiful." Helmed by the Speakeasy Group, that impressive booze offering translates to a cocktail aficionado's dream menu, filled with beautifully-executed classics and standout signatures. Seasonal sips might include the likes of the Mornington Margarita made with a salt and pepper pineapple syrup, an Absinthe Colada, and the Something for Rosie — an elegant fusion of Hendricks and raspberry- and rose-smoked earl grey tea. The precinct's Head Sommelier Andrew Murch is backing it up with a global list of vino, offering plenty of options by the glass and including a crop of half bottles to match music- or comedy-filled evenings by the stage. On that note, Barlow's broad-ranging, ever-evolving live entertainment program is out to wow locals and visitors alike, with help from a custom state-of-the-art sound system. A slew of comedy shows is already in the works for the Easter holidays, though you'll be able to dip into everything from live rock gigs, to jazz, to DJ sets, up to five nights a week throughout the year. [caption id="attachment_848436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] As for the food, expect a selection of snacks, share plates and dedicated late-night eats, all infused with Pickett's signature flair. Ortiz anchovies ride atop house-made tomato toasts with capers and egg yolk; spring rolls are stuffed with spanner crab and king prawn, then finished with a peanut lime nam jim; and grilled barbecue chicken drumettes are paired with an Alabama-style white sauce. Meanwhile, night owls can keep the groove going until 2am with fried chicken — here, matched with caviar and creme fraiche — and hefty New York-style pizzas by the slice. Former Sorrento partiers of a certain age can enjoy a bit of nostalgia, too. "Keeping with part of the heritage of the old Conti days, you can even grab a hot dog on the way out," confirms Shearer, calling the move "a bit of a nod to the venue's history." "I'm excited to see people of all different ages and demographics use the space and love it like we do," says the publican. "I think Victorians, more so than almost anyone in the world, are ready for a party. And Barlow will certainly deliver that." Find Barlow within The Continental Sorrento, at 1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, from Friday, April 1. It'll open 8pm–3am Fridays and Saturdays, amping up to more nights a week over peak periods. Images: Interiors by Gareth Sobey; Food by Kristoffer Paulsen
Melbourne's annual winter festival RISING is back, taking over public spaces, theatres and galleries all around the city from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16. All up, 116 events are running throughout the two weeks, featuring 651-plus artists. It's massive. And while it is great to have so much going on, deciding what to see can easily be overwhelming. Where do you begin? That's where we come in. We've rounded up a bunch of Melbourne's best RISING events you can still book a spot at — or that you can simply rock up to enjoy at your leisure. Most of these are very reasonably priced and plenty are totally free to enjoy. There's no excuse for missing out on RISING 2024. Recommended reads: The Best Things to Do in Melbourne This Week The Best Things to Do in Melbourne This Weekend The Best Things to Do in Melbourne This Month The Best Restaurants in the Melbourne CBD
When someone special needs a stunning gift, don't settle for a present that lacks sentiment. Instead, find something a little more meaningful at The Holiday House, a curated showroom guided by Katherine Denton Jewellery and Aretae Gifting. Featuring elevated jewellery, ceramics, homewares and more, now is the perfect time to slash your Christmas to-do list while indulging in much-loved Holy Sugar creations as you shop. Held in Armadale from 9am–3pm on Friday, November 28–Sunday, November 30, expect a luxe edit of premium pieces ideal for gifting or making a thoughtful addition to your own space. With the team shaping a festive space that feels more like a home than a marketplace or shop, step inside to encounter this inaugural Christmas showcase, filled with refined keepsakes and timeless presents that your friends and fam will actually cherish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by YIAGA (@yiaga.au) So, what does this high-end edit include? Guests will discover the work of Australian ceramicist Rachel Disalvo, whose entwined vases are crafted entirely by hand in her NSW studio. For those seeking body care, shop Morris Motley's Melbourne-made hand wash alongside exclusive sets from LUI Body — a female-first razor and personal care brand. Meanwhile, The Holiday House is stocking IKKARI's natural and botanical skincare products. Alongside new season pieces from Katherine Denton Jewellery and Aretae's ever-popular photo frames, your festive shopping spree might also include sculptural homewares from Fourth Street Home or striking tableware, like La Casa Homewares' Balthazar Oyster Dish. Gifting for a new mum? Phile's striped playmats and quilts will do the trick, while the boutique stationery of Écrire will add a little more colour and personality to virtually any space.
If you're a Stranger Things fan, you probably already have plans for October 27 onwards. If you're a Sydney-based Stranger Things fan, you might've even scored tickets to get a sneak peek of the '80s-set sci-fi/horror series' second season before it drops on Netflix. Either way, it's safe to say that excitement for the show's next chapter is as strong as Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) love for Eggos — and the just-released final trailer isn't going to change that. With the first season proving everyone's new favourite TV program — and leaving viewers with plenty of questions — that's completely understandable. Indeed, when the last trailer offered a 'Thriller'-scored glimpse of things to come, we all started wondering what awaits Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and his pals, how tall Steve's (Joe Keery) hair will be and how many time Barb (Shannon Purser) will get a mention. The latest trailer still keeps audiences guessing, but it does reveal more than we've seen to date — particularly when it comes to the monster terrorising the town of Hawkins. Watch it and keep counting down the days until the full series hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=R1ZXOOLMJ8s
In the eyes of many, it's already among Abbotsford's top-tier drinking destinations. But this spring, Lulie Tavern is stepping things up a level — quite literally. The team has been hard at work transforming the space above its Johnston Street digs into the suburb's newest rooftop bar. On track to launch in November, the upstairs space will go by the name of Full Moon Fever — a tribute to music legend Tom Petty who, as you might have noticed from the photos and music programming downstairs, is an absolute Lulie idol. The all-weather rooftop will feature both a retractable roof and outdoor wood fire, kitted out with lounge seats and plenty of roomy booths. Beams and bricks from the former factory's original roof have been repurposed, and the space will be rocking a similar laidback, rock 'n' roll, memorabilia-filled aesthetic to its downstairs counterpart. Expect a warm, lively spot for after-work bevs, weekend hangs and everything in between. Full Moon Fever's menu is still being finalised, though we're told you can look forward to staple sips, done well and at locals' prices. Get set for summery sessions settled in over chilled tinnies, top-notch margaritas and peach iced teas — with some cracking tunes on the speakers to match, of course. Lulie Tavern has been an Abbotsford mainstay even since before it opened the doors to this current address in 2018. Prior to that, it was slinging cold tins and good vibes out of its previous home around the corner on Lulie Street. Find Full Moon Fever upstairs at 225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford, from November. We'll share more updates as they drop. Images: Jake Roden
A two-week exhibition at Melbourne Town Hall will shine the spotlight on nine unique women who helped shape Australia as we know it today. From the heroic exploits of WWII nurse Vivian Bullwinkel to the compassionate work of homeless and youth activist Rebecca Scott and the groundbreaking achievements of Deborah Lawrie (who became the country's first ever commercial pilot), the Her Place Pop-Up Exhibition will combine numerous multimedia platforms in order to celebrate the enormous accomplishments Australian women have made. In addition to the nine profiles, the pop-up will provide a home base for a number of public talks, on topics ranging from women in sport to the impact of domestic violence. Visitors will also get their chance to share their ideas for a Her Place museum, an educational women's space the organisers hope to set up permanently in Melbourne.
If you're looking to break away from the usual fare that appears on every Melbourne corner, Little Africa is well worth a look in. The authentic African cuisine at this North Melbourne joint hits you hard in the tastebuds — think Ethiopian stews, curries, flatbread and more, all served up in a cosy and bright space. Vegetarian? Don't fret. In fact, come hungry. Try the tumtummo (stewed split lentils in a seasoned sauce) or the fool (fava beans mashed with ghee and chilli). There's also a pretty rad vegetarian combination — $20 for one person, or $35 for two, which is really all you need to know because that's a great deal. Wash it all down with your traditional Ethiopian coffee, served with or without ginger. Little Africa offers BYO. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
The cold weather has well and truly descended on Melbourne. Fortunately, staying warm is a little easier when you have a big plate of steaming hot lasagne to feast on. And with World Lasagne Day just around the corner on Saturday, July 26, you've got the best excuse to carb load. To celebrate the occasion, Grossi Florentino is getting in the mood with a long lunch that will keep the chill at bay and ensure you pay tribute to the iconic dish. From 12.30–3pm, the restaurant is offering generous portions of house-made lasagne, brimming with slow-cooked ragu, fresh pasta sheets and creamy bechamel sauce — served tableside, straight from the tray. Yet this lunch goes further, with antipasti and a slice of tiramisu rounding out the celebration. What's more, accordion tunes throughout the afternoon will add to the atmosphere, helping to make this Italian feast even more festive. At $75 per person, it won't be hard to convince your amici to get involved in this lasagne-led banquet.
If your love for Melbourne typically leans into laneways, lattes and designer fashion labels — conveniently forgetting its status as the sporting capital of Australia — then you may not have had the opportunity to check out Marvel Stadium. But there are plenty of reasons to pay the stadium a visit when it's not a game day — here are some of our favourites. The World-Class Events Beyond the regularly scheduled AFL programming, Marvel Stadium regularly hosts an array of concerts and live performances. This year, it has played host to P!nk's Summer Carnival Tour, the biggest-selling tour for a female artist at the Stadium. There are plans to welcome Coldplay for their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Pearl Jam's Dark Matter World Tour, and the return of the highly anticipated Stadium Golf, where people can tee off from Levels 1, 2 and 3 onto the transformed field of play. Check out more world-class events on the website. The Elevated Experience Spaces Most global cities in the world pride themselves on their world-class venues. Melbourne is no exception, with the $225 million refurbishment of Marvel Stadium elevating its status to one of the busiest multi-purpose stadiums on earth. Marvel Stadium's refurbishment has introduced revamped facilities and improved accessibility across the board. This means it's now full of impressive function spaces with the capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 guests for formal dinners, galas and major conferences. In the aptly named Skyline Room, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne City from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, entering the space via Penfolds Champagne Bar. The venue's main entry point, Gates 2 and 3, has also been transformed into Stadium Square, a modern precinct that serves as a gateway to all things entertainment. This two-level hub features a massive Super Screen for live broadcasts, making it an ideal spot for live-site watch parties of events like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Stadium Square is also an ideal space to soak up the atmosphere before or after a game or concert, with food outlets such as Earl, 8Bit Burgers, bars, restaurants — more dining options below. Marvel Stadium is also the first in the southern hemisphere to feature a checkout-free retail offering, 'The Runner,' powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. An Australian Exclusive Retail Store If you're a Marvel megafan (or happen to know one), the on-site Super-Store is one to put on your hit list. Located at the Gate 5 entrance, the outlet is the ultimate destination for exclusive Marvel products. Whether you're looking for collectible bobbleheads, superhero apparel or toys, this dedicated Marvel merchandise store is the only one of its kind in Australia, offering a shopping experience that is as thrilling as a down-to-the-buzzer game at the stadium itself. The store also sells AFL merch if you have a sports superfan in your life. The Super-Store is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours on event days. The Wide Range of New Dining Options It's no secret that Melburnians take their food seriously. Marvel Stadium does a pretty good job of dishing up some top-notch culinary offerings. Start with a feed at Stadium Square, where you will find everything from casual bites to gourmet meals. Additional dining selections are available at Gate 5 and include Korean fried chicken from Gami Chicken, burgers by 8Bit as mentioned, Hunky Dory's famed fish and chips, Greek grub at Yamas, and 400 Gradi Pronto's delicious pizzas. The Peroni Bar and Craft Bar offers cracking craft bevvies, and event-day drinks (and excellent field vistas) are available on the menu at View Bar and The Johnnie Walker Bar. For breathtaking views and an unforgettable atmosphere our tip is to take the glass elevator through Gate 5 straight up to the Stadium Rooftop, only open on event days. In addition to panoramic views of the Melbourne City Skyline, this space features two themed bars, Edward and Alfred, slinging a curated selection of beverages to provide a top-tier experience (literally and figuratively). The Highlight Dining Experiences: Friends of Fire and Amphora For those with champagne tastes, Marvel Stadium has you covered with two elevated epicurean experiences. Both venues are spearheaded by renowned culinary directors Shannon Martinez and Aaron Rodrigues, so you know the menus are going to be a step up from the type of food you have come to expect at a football stadium. Friends of Fire, an American-style steakhouse, focuses on woodfired barbecue grilling and Southern, New England and New York City-style fare, while modern diner Amphora offers share plates and towers for seafood, meat lovers and vegans to show there's more to American cuisine than just burgers and hot dogs. Whether you're a local Marvel fan or an interstate traveller on the hunt for an elevated experience (in more ways than one), there's always something happening at the revamped Marvel Stadium. Not just for Marvel fans or sports enthusiasts, this multi-purpose venue caters to all walks of life. Come and see for yourself. For more information about what's on at Marvel Stadium or to book tickets to one of its events, visit the website.
Fed Square has been a whole lot of things to a whole lot of people during its two decades of life — in fact, it's welcomed over 100 million visitors in that time. So it's only fitting that the CBD icon is celebrating its 20th birthday (October 26, if you're wondering) with a huge program of festivities featuring something for everyone. Cue, one entire month of anniversary celebrations, running from Saturday, October 1–Monday, October 31. On October 22, the precinct fires up for Garage Band — a new production from Always Live and renowned artist Joseph O'Farrell that'll see dozens of young aspiring garage bands hit the stage for a rollicking live show. Meanwhile, October 26 marks the world-premiere of A Score for Fed Square — a new orchestral work by groundbreaking artist and composer Mia Salsjö, featuring a musical composition shaped entirely by architectural drawings of buildings from across Melbourne. Also in the lineup, explore the Koorie Heritage Trust's futurism exhibition dedicated to queer First Nations artists' works, A Rainbow of Tomorrows (October 9–November 20); and catch a powerful art series by Joanna Dudley challenging history's portrayal of young women, dubbed We Will Slam You With Our Wings. You can also unleash your inner kid at the interactive musical playground installation that is Melbourne Fringe's HEXADECA (October 14–23). Throw in a bunch of giveaways and a hefty program of digital happenings, and you've got yourself one very busy October. You can check out the full program online. [caption id="attachment_866711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Neal[/caption] Top Image: Tanderum at Fed Square
Best known for their viral Barbie dolls draped in slices of Wagyu beef ($38.90), this Melbourne venue is one of more than 500 stores internationally. As an added bonus, the menu allows guests to choose their own mini, individual pots instead of the usual shared soup in the centre of the table. Personalised service is at the forefront of their business model – you can expect Spice World bibs and complimentary hair ties to be offered, as well as the perfect dipping sauce concoction made from their homemade soy sauce. Dip pieces of Kagoshima A5 Wagyu striploin ($98.90) or gold-dusted M9 short rib ($88.90) into your soup, sit back and let it melt in your mouth. Finish off the meal with the most intricately made purple sweet potato puffs shaped into black swans ($16.90) - even the 'neck' and 'beak' of the potato-crafted swan are entirely edible. Appears in: Where to Find The Best Hot Pots in Melbourne for 2023
If your commute to work usually involves a bus, we're sorry. Melbourne bus drivers with transport outfit CDC Victoria will today — Tuesday, July 10 — strike for 24 hours as part of their negotiations with the Transport Workers Union, leaving many routes delayed or just not running at all. The main areas to bear the brunt of the strike are the city's west, inner east and southeast. Services running in Ballarat and Geelong will also be impacted. The industrial action will run from the last bus on Monday, 9 July until the first bus Wednesday, 11 July, which will see crowding on alternative transport such as trains, trams and bus drivers. Public Transport Victoria has assured that metropolitan and regional trains, trams and bus services not operated by CDC will be running as normal, with the company saying it is working to maximise the number of alternative services available for passengers. These are the metropolitan bus routes affected. For more details, impacted regional routes and updates, check the Public Transport Victoria website. 150 151 153 160 161 166 167 170 180 181 190 191 192 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 414 415 417 418 419 421 423 424 425 439 441 443 461 494 495 496 497 498 601 605 606 612 623 624 625 626 630 To keep up-to-date with service times, visit the PTV and CDC Victoria websites. Image: CDC Victoria.
Handsom may have started as a small design studio by couple Henry Allum and Sam Rush back in 2009, but these days the brand is internationally known for its aesthetic that effortlessly treads the line between edgy and sleek. The Gertrude Street store — which is located underneath the couple's studio — is the perfect reflection of the brand's minimalist vibe, with industrial-style exposed white-brick walls, dyed concrete floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The brand does both womenswear and menswear, and a quick browse through the racks reveals timeless pieces like dark denim utility dresses and soft knit pullovers, as well as the occasional bold statement get-up. Images: Ben Clement.
If you wanted to use Studio Ghibli's name as an adjective, it could mean many things, including beautiful, playful, moving, heartwarming, thoughtful and bittersweet. Thanks to the overwhelmingly delightful combination of these traits in the company's work to-date, everyone knows a Ghibli film when they see it, as has proven the case for almost four decades. But, seven years after When Marnie Was There, its last solo production — and five years since its French co-production The Red Turtle — the beloved Japanese animation house has released a movie that doesn't slide instantly and easily into its gorgeous and affecting catalogue. The studio's first film made solely using computer-generated 3D animation, Earwig and the Witch immediately stands out thanks to its plastic-looking visuals. And, despite the fact that it's about a determined young girl, features a witch, and even includes a talking cat and other helpful tiny critters, it never completely feels like a classic Ghibli film either. Earwig and the Witch boasts plenty of other ingredients that link it to the studio's past. It's based on a novel by English author Diana Wynne Jones, who penned the book that Howl's Moving Castle was based on. It's directed by Gorō Miyazaki, who helmed fellow Ghibli films Tales from Earthsea and From Up on Poppy Hill, and happens to be the son of the great Hayao Miyazaki. Also, the elder Miyazaki initially planned the project, even if he didn't ultimately write the script or step behind the camera. On-screen, the eponymous Earwig (Kokoro Hirasawa) follows in the footsteps of Spirited Away's Chihiro and Kiki's Delivery Service's titular figure. The witch referred to in the film's name recalls Spirited Away's Yubaba, too, and the movie's food-fetching little demons bring My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away's susuwatari to mind as well. Indeed, despite eschewing hand-drawn animation for CGI, almost everything about Earwig and the Witch is designed to scream Ghibli — calculatingly so — but that isn't enough to give the movie the depth or heart that has become synonymous with the company's cinematic output. Viewers first meet Earwig as a baby. After trying to shake off the dozen other witches chasing them along a highway, her mother (Sherina Munaf) leaves her on an orphanage's doorstep, promising to return after her never-explained troubles subside. Ten years later, Earwig still roams the facility's halls. She brags to her offsider Custard (Yusei Saito) that she knows how to get its staff and its residents to bend to her will — and whip up shepherd's pie on demand — and she actively doesn't want to be adopted by the couples who stop by looking to expand their families. But when Earwig is chosen by witch Bella Yaga (Shinobu Terajima) and sorcerer The Mandrake (Etsushi Toyokawa), she has no option but to relocate to their enchanted cottage. Bella Yaga doesn't want a daughter, however. Instead, she's after an assistant to cook, clean and crush rat bones for her spells. And so, seeing a chance to learn magic herself, Earwig isn't willing to acquiesce easily. A by-the-numbers Ghibli movie is still better than many other films, especially of the family-friendly variety. Earwig and the Witch is average rather than awful, too, but there's no escaping that the picture is trying to do two competing things at once. Ticking off as many of the studio's recognisable traits as possible is one of the movie's clear aims. Trying to squeeze Ghibli's sensibilities into the broader anime mould is the other. Accordingly, even with so much of Earwig and the Witch drawing upon the company's own earlier work, the picture's pace, energy and heavy use of theme song 'Don't Disturb Me' seem inspired by recent non-Ghibli hits such as Your Name, Weathering With You and Ride Your Wave. It's an odd mix, as is the feeling that the studio is both treading water and chasing its competitors, rather than blazing forward and carving its own path. Also doing Earwig and the Witch few favours is its thin narrative, which is as straightforward as it sounds, including in the simplistic message of acceptance that's geared towards its younger audience members. Indeed, this might be Ghibli's most child-oriented film yet — skewing firmly to one end of the all-ages spectrum, rather than layering in the texture and detail that has regaled the studio's works to adults as much as kids. Interesting plot points arise but go nowhere, for instance. A backstory involving a witchy rock group begs for more attention, as does Bella Yaga's business selling spells to townsfolk to stop rain and win hearts, and The Mandrake's secret but never sinister activities in his hidden den. There's no faulting Earwig and the Witch's fondness for talking cat Thomas (Gaku Hamada), who becomes Earwig's ally, but the movie frequently teases far more than it's willing to deliver in its 82-minute running time. It also comes to an end abruptly, making its storyline feel half-finished. That said, when Earwig and the Witch does shine, Ghibli's usual magic starts to peek through. Viewers just have to look harder than normal to uncover the film's modest charms, rather than be gifted with a non-stop, free-flowing array of the studio's wonders. More vivid and hyperreal than the company's regular nature-inspired palette, the movie's colour choices prove a highlight. So do the short flirtations with darkness and weirdness, which all centre around The Mandrake, a character who could've used more screen time. Its central tune is a welcome earworm, and when the picture leans into its sense of humour, it's all the better for it. Perhaps those joys are harder to notice, though, because so much of watching Earwig and the Witch involves spotting how different it looks. The smooth, glossy animation couldn't sum up movie better, however, appearing as generic as almost everything in this slight, bright, likeable but rarely memorable addition to Studio Ghibli's filmography. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZg2iEf-fTA&feature=youtu.be
A dinner party filled with AI versions of famous figures? Or a meal enhanced by virtual reality? Restrictive diets that focus on fasting over feasting? Eating dishes purely because they'll help you sleep? Over the next 12 months, all of the above might come to fruition. Also on the 2018 hit list: African cuisines, creative genetic modification in food and beer, and getting paid to have strangers over for dinner. At least, they're the trends that culinary artists Bompas & Parr are predicting for the year ahead, with Sam Bompas and Harry Parr releasing their first-ever foodie forecast. After ten years in the business, evolving from making jelly to catering to a food-focused experience design agency, their report draws upon their own experience, as well as the psychology behind human behaviour. If technologically enhancements pique your interest, Bompas & Barr expect bots based on celebrities to become the next dinning partners, and mixed reality dining to adorn diners with wearable technology to create a more immersive eating experience — including "embedded microelectronics in crockery and glassware, projection technologies, responsive sound environments and more broadly digital content that's coupled to the taste and aroma of the food and drink on the table". For those keen on making a buck from making dinner for folks you don't know, think Airbnb and Uber, but for the simple act of hosting a meal. That's how you share food in 2018's sharing economy. Elsewhere, watching what you eat might be taken to a fasting extreme, though its hardly new — and it comes with health repercussions. African cooking styles are expected to rise in popularity, exploring the cuisines of the continent's 54 countries. So is food that'll help you get a good night's rest (and no, a nightcap doesn't count), plus biological tinkering with edible substances. You can peruse the full report for further details, and if you're wondering why you should, Bompas & Parr's past culinary exploits should provide all the convincing you need. They've made bespoke cocktails catered to each drinker's DNA, hosted anatomical whisky tastings where spirits were sipped from actual people, served a beating pig's heart as a starter and made London diners kill their next meal. In addition, they've made edible fireworks, a molten lava barbecue and held a 200-course dinner party. Expect them to play with their seven outlined trends next, as part of their continued and creative interrogation of our eating and drinking habits. Via Dezeen. Image: Bompas & Parr.
Melbourne came nail-bitingly close to losing another legend this year, as Carlton's famed live music venue The Curtin Hotel very nearly had to shut up shop for good. After the Lygon Street building was sold in April, operators were faced with uncertainty about its future, with the venue's closure scheduled for Wednesday, November 30 — when the existing lease was up. But now, in advance of that cut-off, it's been confirmed that The Curtin will live on. Its current publicans the Russell family just signed a ten-year lease on the inner-north beloved haunt. "Not many people know this, but we have been running The Curtin on a year-by-year basis, since first taking over in 2012, [and] taking on an extraordinary financial risk because I love what I do and I love the community we have built," publican Benjamin 'Rusty' Russell explained in a statement. "This is a really exciting day, for what has been a really stressful time since the building was sold," he said. Saved from the brink of non-existence, The Curtin now looks set to continue in all its former glory as a live music venue, with the new lease enabling much-needed improvement works to be carried out. Heritage listing status would further help cement the pub's future, with operators expecting a final ruling from the Heritage Council to be handed down in February. "I am hopeful that if the building is placed on the heritage register, we can work closely with Heritage Victoria to make the necessary changes the venue so desperately needs," Rusty said, regarding what's next on the agenda for the pub. Since news of The Curtin's impending closure first broke, there's been a whole swag of rescue attempts made — from a joint statement by the National Trust of Australia, Victorian Trades Hall Council, Music Victoria and MEAA through to a union-led campaign focused on improving heritage protection. For now, the venue's current live music program wraps up with a sold-out Floodlights gig on Wednesday, November 30. The historic pub is also home to some damn fine fried chook courtesy of Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers, which remains open as before. [caption id="attachment_880474" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RVG at The Curtin, copyright The Music Is Talking[/caption] Find The Curtin at 29 Lygon Street, Carlton. For the latest details, head to the venue's website. Top Image: Dr Sures at The Curtin
In 2014, the ultimate celebration of French cinema in Australia will mark its silver anniversary with one of its most impressive programs yet. Lighting up Palace Cinema locations around the country, the 25th annual Alliance Française French Film Festival has film-faring Francophiles covered, with light hearted comedies to searing dramas, as well as hat-tips to two of France's most legendary filmmakers. The festivities kick off on opening night with a screening of Nils Tavernier's inspiring sports drama The Finishers followed by a post-film cocktail party. Other big tickets include the bloody Palm d'Or nominated epic Michael Kohlhaal, Bruno Dumont's lauded biopic Camille Claudel 1915 and the Monaco-set espionage thriller Möbius starring The Artist's Jean Dujardin. Lighter options can be found in the festival's romance and comedy streams. Stylish indie ensemble 2 Autumns, 3 Winters has garnered plenty of positive buzz internationally, while Bright Days Ahead offers something for the older crowd, recounting the tale of a newly retired senior who strikes up an affair with a much younger man. Patrons can also preview the works of France's future filmmaking elite, with a program of short films from renowned Parisian film academy La Fémis. At the other end of the spectrum, fans of the classics might enjoy a retrospective of the works of new-wave pioneer François Truffaut, including his medium-shifting masterworks Jules and Jim and The 400 Blows. Closing night serves up another iconic slice of French cinema, in the form of Jacques Tati's wonderful 1958 comedy Mon Oncle. For the full Alliance Française French Film Festival program, visit www.affrenchfilmfestival.org. We have six double passes to give away to the Alliance Française French Film Festival in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
When Taika Waititi received an Oscar in 2020 for Jojo Rabbit, he became the first person of Maori descent to achieve that feat, as well as the first Indigenous person to be both nominated in and win the Best Adapted Screenplay category. When Meyne Wyatt won the 2020 Archibald Packing Room Prize for his self-portrait, he became the first Indigenous Australian to win any Archibald award across the competition's 99 years. Both Waititi and Wyatt deserve the acclaim and awards that have come their respective ways. But the fact their recent wins made history — more than nine decades after both the Oscars and the Archibalds were first created, too — demonstrates the ongoing lack of diversity in the arts. So, when NITV and Sydney Theatre Company decided to team up to make a three-part series exploring the topic, as well as other Indigenous issues in creative fields, the two must've been at the top of the guest list. The resulting show is called The Whole Table, and its first episode is available to stream now via SBS On Demand. The following two episodes will air at 8.30pm on Wednesday, January 27 and Wednesday, February 3 on NITV, and then stream online afterwards — and Waititi and Wyatt are in great company. The Sapphires, Top End Wedding and Redfern Now's Shari Sebbens is on hosting duties, while Sydney Festival artistic director Wesley Enoch, Black Comedy's Nakkiah Lui and Sydney Opera House's head of First Nations programming Rhoda Roberts sit on the show's panel. Joining them at the table each week is a lineup of guests, not only including Waititi and Wyatt, but also The Dry's Miranda Tapsell and musician Adam Briggs — all chatting about their experiences. Expect to hear spirited discussions that not only touch upon the arts in Australia and New Zealand, but also explore Indigenous involvement and representation worldwide — in the past, now and the possible future. The series forms part of SBS and NITV's 'Always Ways, Always Will Be' programming leading up to January 26 — such as its Australian Made TV collection, curated by Enoch, that's streaming on SBS On Demand as well. Check out the very brief trailer for The Whole Table below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FabOIRhNC0 The first episode of The Whole Table is available to stream now via SBS On Demand, with future episodes airing on Wednesdays at 8.30pm — and streaming online afterwards.
After its hugely successful inaugural event last year, Melbourne Design Week has returned in 2018 with another massive program of local and international design innovators. Presented at the National Gallery of Victoria — and various other Victorian locations — from March 15–25, it'll feature more than 160 inspiring exhibitions, talks, studio tours and industry-led events that'll take you into creative overdrive. Here are five you can't miss. [caption id="attachment_659331" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Geronimo[/caption] VISIT AN EXHIBITION It wouldn't be Melbourne Design Week without a host of exciting and innovative exhibitions to check out. Much-loved home-grown designers Ben Landau and Lucile Sciallano explore the future of ceramics through 3D printing in Ornament is Fine, while Designwork 02 features solo exhibitions by design leaders Dale Hardiman and Elliat Rich at the Sophie Gannon Gallery. Acclaimed Amsterdam-based architecture practice Experimental Jetset are showcasing in a retrospective large-scale installation, Superstructure, that explores the link between graphic language and the city. LA Artist Jihan Zencirli — better known as Geronimo — will take over Hub Furniture's Abbotsford showroom with thousands of balloons for her installation Diminishing Elation. Geronimo's designs are known worldwide and have featured on Oprah and in a Kanye West concert. For the Melbourne exhibition, the colourful balloons will be 100% biodegradable. [caption id="attachment_659331" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Medibank Place[/caption] JOIN A TOUR Go behind the scenes with Victoria's top design innovators at Open State, presented by Open House Melbourne. By giving the public access to some rarely seen spaces, including artist studios, research facilities and manufacturers, you'll get a glimpse behind the curtain of where some of Australia's best design work happens. Highlights include tours of the award-winning Medibank Place, Hepburn Wind — Australia's first community owned wind farm — and the Glenn Murcutt–designed Australian Islamic Centre. You can also peek inside some of the city's best design showrooms on the Denfair Design Loop. Each showroom — Jardan, Cult and Tait are three of the total 15 participating — will have an in-store exhibition curated especially for the event, responding to the theme Celebration of Material. [caption id="attachment_659330" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Designing the Body Forum[/caption] LISTEN TO A TALK One thing that's common among (many) designers is they love to talk about their work. And for Melbourne Design Week 2018, you'll hear from some of the foremost thinkers and makers working around the world today. Design expert and Dezeen editor-in-chief Marcus Fairs will make a one-off appearance, in a talk titled Designing a Better World (Wednesday, March 21), discussing how design shapes the world. On a smaller scale, Designing the Body Forum (Monday, March 19) will feature a round-table chat with biomedical engineers and artists discussing everything from prosthetics to edible perfumes and the future of condoms. A discussion on the role of language in the formation of cities and communities, Experimental Jetset MABF Symposium (Thursday, March 15) — a key talk at the Melbourne Art Book Fair — features Experimental Jetset in conversation with a board of writers, designers and academics. Blak is the New Blak (Friday, March 23) presents Australian First Nation female designers and how they're leading the charge to include indigenous cultural design and design principles into fashion. And High Density Happiness: Future Proof Apartment Living (Saturday, March 17) considers the 'Australian Dream' and how we might better design homes for the future. TEST YOUR VOCABULARY AT A CROSSWORD FESTIVAL The Melbourne Art Book Fair (March 15–18) returns for its fourth year with its latest offering of book launches, panel discussions and some of the finest printed matter available today. It'll take over the NGV's Great Hall with more than 150 stalls, but this isn't just a great opportunity to add to your book and zine collection — the fair includes a host of free zine-making workshops, talks and tournaments. A standout is Word Alert! (March 16–18), a three-day crossword festival held the NGV Forecourt. Held in partnership with writing school The Good Copy, the event will feature cryptic crossword workshops, a clue booth (where you can have your name turned into a cryptic crossword clue) and a spelling bee (where the winner get a dictionary). There'll even be a crossword tournament, complete with live commentary, that will culminate in a final showdown on Sunday. EXPLORE FUTURE MELBOURNE IN VR If you're interested in what future Melbourne might look like, head along to Brunswick Town Hall on Friday, March 16. And no, you won't be handed an iPad packed with renders — instead, you'll be given a VR headset. Virtual Moreland Workshop will explore and visualise the future design of the inner-north suburbs using virtual and augmented reality technology. You'll have a chance to have your say, too, so if you'd rather the neighbourhood's future didn't involve more oBikes — let them know. Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government's Creative State strategy and is presented in collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria. To check out the full program and register your interest for events, head to ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-design-week.
In summer, Brico's sun-dappled courtyard is the place to be. If you've been to former local favourite Little Andorra, you'll be familiar with it — Brico sits in the very same spot. Nestled in an unobtrusive corner spot along Nicholson Street in Fitzroy North, 30-seater Brico is a worthy addition to the coterie of wine bars in Melbourne's inner north. The space was conceived in 2024, by five friends who met in London a decade ago. The service here is underpinned by the owners' collective experience at spots like Embla, Bar Liberty and Carlton Wine Room. The wine list focuses on minimal intervention drops from small local and international producers, while the cocktails lean classic like a house Martini shaken with Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin, a yuzu-forward Highball and an Italian vermouth Spritz. Created by Simon Ball-Smith, the European-inspired food offering is designed for sharing and stars seasonal produce from small local suppliers. Expect fresh dishes like devilled crab on fried green tomato; vongole steamed with fregola, vermouth, spinach and cream; and rock flathead from Corner Inlet wrapped in fig leaves with a tomatillo chermoula. To finish, the adorably-named choccy pot with blueberry is a decadent end, or opt for a chilled shot of herbal liqueur as a digestif. Images supplied
You don't normally associate the MCG with fine dining — it's more overpriced pies and eating an entire six-pack of hot jam doughnuts to yourself. But it appears that's about to change in the lead up to this year's AFL Grand Final, as some of Melbourne's best restaurants set up outside the 'G. Part of this year's pre-GF celebrations, Yarra Park will play host to a four-day Footy Festival (presented by Foxtel) in the lead-up to the big game, featuring music, movies and some seriously good food. Let us list them for you; Estelle, Fancy Hanks, Biggie Smalls and Tokyo Tina are just a few of the heavy-hitters – and you can expect footy-inspired spins on their typical cuisine. Think a kebab-burger hybrid from Biggie, and a meat pie taco (!) courtesy of Lady Carolina. The team from South Yarra's decadent Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio will take care of dessert with their salted caramel footy pops. Clearly Foxtel has at least one foodie on the payroll. You can also have a tipple in the Yaks Ale Watering Hole, the Bulmer's Cider Garden, or Wolf Blass' pop-up wine bar, The Nest. Yarra Park will also be home to the Grand Final Live Site, with activities, live entertainment and broadcasts, plus all 112 past Premiership Cups on display. Disclaimer: you will not be allowed to drink your wine out of a Premiership Cup. The AFL Footy Festival will take place from Wednesday, September 28 to Saturday, October 1 (Grand Final day). For more info visit afl.com.au/footyfestival.
Get ready to laugh. That's the autumn mantra in Victoria's capital, when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival unleashes a month of comedy. If someone knows how to tickle a funny bone, they're usually on this fest's lineup, and 2024's edition is set to be no different. Here, you can chuckle at international talents such as Starstruck's Rose Matafeo, Fire Island and Loot's Joel Kim Booster, and Upload's Zainab Johnson — and also local names including Hannah Gadsby, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, Josh Thomas, Joel Creasey, Josh Earl, Lizzy Hoo, Nazeem Hussain, Nina Oyama and Zoë Coombs Marr. 2024's MICF runs from Wednesday, March 27–Sunday, April 21, with the lineup spanning more than 600 shows at 150 venues. Hoo will help get things started at the host of the fest's gala on its very first date for the year, while the official opening festivities happen at the Comedy Allstars Supershow a week later, where New Zealand's Guy Montgomery is on MC duties. When Booster and Johnson hit the stage, they'll do so as a double bill for almost two weeks of gigs. Matafeo is performing solo, but will also play for a couple of weeks. From there, David O'Doherty, Lara Ricote, Ed Byrne and Jason Leong are among the fellow overseas comedians heading to Melbourne — and Kanan Gill, Kate Dolan, Sam See and Takashi Wakasugi as well. Or, you can see Adam Kay and Fern Brady, who are well-known for books This Is Going to Hurt and Strong Female Character, respectively, too. From NZ alone, as well as Montgomery, Tom Sainsbury, Spankie Jackzon, Chris Parker, Guy Montgomery, Guy Williams, Melanie Bracewell, Ray O'Leary and Urzila Carlson all have slots. Australia's list of talent includes Rhys Nicholson, Claire Hooper, Tom Ballard, Tom Gleeson, Ting Lim, Tommy Little, Wil Anderson, Sean Choolburra and Nat's What I Reckon as well, alongside Dave Hughes, Felicity Ward, Gen Fricker, Mel Buttle, Merrick Watts, Michael Chamberlain and The Umbilical Brothers. As well as stand-up sets — and plenty of them, as the above names make plain — MICF's lineup incorporates shows that'll get you giggling at more than a person behind a mic. Checking out one of Bard's masterpieces but boozy comes via Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare, which is doing Macbeth, for instance. Shrek but a saucy cabaret is the vibe of Swamplesque, a Weird Al piano bar will be one big sing-along to the comedian and musician's tunes, Christie Whelan Browne will perform Britney Spears: The Cabaret, and Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit gives an Agatha Christie-esque setup a new spin each and every time it's performed. Pus, the already-running Groundhog Day The Musical also falls under the fest's umbrella. Also, RocKwiz is hitting MICF, as is Brisbane's Not on Your Rider, which takes more than a few cues from RocKwiz and Spicks and Specks. Fans of the latter can also look forward to Myf Warhurst on the bill with Zan Rowe, doing their Double J podcast Bang On live. Or, if that's not enough to fill your calendar with sidesplitting hilarity, you can also make a date with MICF's returning regular events within the fest, such as the Festival Club and its mix of stand-up, drag, burlesque and cabaret; the RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns National Grand Finals, all of which are about up-and-coming talent; and the Neighbourhood Sessions, which will take the festival to the suburbs in Essendon, Caroline Springs, Williamstown, Moorabbin and Werribee. Get excited, comedy-loving Melburnians — the program from there still goes on, and will mean that laughing might be the only exercise that you need while this annual favourite is on. The 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from Wednesday, March 27–Sunday, April 21. Head to the festival's website for further details and tickets. Images: Nick Robertson / Jim Lee / TJ Garvie / SomeFx / Bianca Holderness.
Replacing traditional gin ingredients with homegrown delights such as Australian lemon myrtle, pepperberry, lavender and cassia, the Fossey's team can be found hand-foraging and hand-bottling its gins in Mildura, the largest settlement in the Sunraysia region (aka the land of grapes and oranges). Fossey's Navel Strength Gin Elixir has won awards at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards; it's a drop that's packed full of juniper berries, ginger and — you guessed it — citrus. It has four times the amount of citrus than the distillery's regular gin: a nod to how historically, navy sailors would sip, squeeze and scrounge for oranges to keep scurvy at bay. Mark this one down on your 'someday' map — you might be somewhere near Mildura at some point and the bar would make a welcome pitstop, what with its gin and whisky tasting paddles, and its impressive lineup of cocktails. Otherwise, you can order a bottle of Fossey's online from $75.
If you were planning on making jaffles one of your main dietary go-tos this winter, you'll be chuffed to know that you'll be able to do so while also helping out an excellent cause. Non-profit group Society Melbourne has opened the doors to its latest social enterprise hospitality project, dubbed Home.Two. Sibling to the Crêpes for Change food truck and pint-sized Brunswick cafe Home.One, this newcomer has set down roots at the University of Melbourne, where it's slinging Wood & Co coffee alongside an all-vegan, gluten free-friendly lineup of jaffles. You'll find hearty fillings like cauliflower and vegan cheese, mushroom and pesto, a plant-based meat and cheese pie version and even a take on the classic cheeseburger. And they're all going for just $8. The space itself is located in a cheery pocket of the university's New Student Precinct, located across from the tram stop on Swanston Street. It's set up shop inside a converted shipping centre, complete with a patch of turf and minimalist design by Breathe Architecture. You can take a seat on one of the wooden stools or grab a toastie on the run to your next uni lecture. The socially minded venue continues Society Melbourne's fight against youth homelessness, with 100 percent of profits going to its education and employment program. Run in conjunction with charities Launch Housing and Melbourne City Mission, the program offers life-changing employment and training for young homeless Melburnians, as well as a supportive work environment for them to boost their skills and confidence, from front of house to behind the coffee machine. Home.Two's also doing its bit for the environment, with fully biodegradable packaging and discounts encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups and containers. Find Home.Two in the New Student Precinct, University of Melbourne. It's open from 7.30am–3.30pm, Monday–Friday.
It's the red neon signage that hails you down the depths of Crossley Street. This restaurant's distinct identity — created in collaboration with Studio Round and with a fit-out by Elenberg Fraser — and unique consideration for the fusion between contemporary food and design is what makes Gingerboy one of Melbourne's most exciting dining destinations. Since 2006, it's been the leader of the pack, quietly showing the rest how it's done. Like a beacon of light, there's nothing you can do but follow the red glow and go down the rabbit hole. Part opium den, part cosmopolitan outpost, Gingerboy is dark, seductive and thoroughly chic. Black tables juxtapose ghost chairs, whilst a tactile bamboo wall provides an element of the exotic. Dim lighting keeps your senses alert and, against this backdrop, Gingerboy's refined approach to South East Asian hawker-style fare bursts for attention. Gingerboy is an experience in new flavours and spices, making it particularly worth the visit if you're finding your own home fare a little bland. With the menu broken down into small and larger dishes that are ideal for sharing, it reads as a sharp and varied introduction to the buzz of an Asian hawker market. Ingredient combinations are individually delicate yet imposing when combined, including a moreish coconut chicken salad ($17) and a thoroughly impressive whole fried baby snapper, with roasted chilli lime dressing, mango and coconut ($38). Deboned before your eyes, it's likely to be devoured within minutes. Just like its dimmed interior, the deeper you dive into the darkness of the menu at Gingerboy, the greater your reward. Dessert cools the palette, but Gingerboy's sugar banana fritters with star anise ice cream ($16) are nothing like your local Asian takeaway joint. Airy and delicately sweet, appreciate the generous serving as you'll be licking your fingers for more. Finish this with service that is attentive, knowledgeable and beautifully inconspicuous, and suddenly, this den is yours. Gingerboy is energetic, exciting and bold. It's clear that a few years in the game has allowed for the ambitious concept to be refined to near-perfect practice. Gingerboy is one of the few places in Melbourne that hits sizzling style with class and character, merging the tastes of a global city with a distinctly Asian twist.
