The Mornington Peninsula might be best known for its wineries and beaches, but this month, you're encouraged to venture down to check out its creative side, too. As part of Drift Arts Festival, the region is currently playing host to a slew of sea-inspired visual delights for new multidisciplinary art project O_C_E_A_N. On Saturday, May 14, the waters off Point Leo Boat Club will host an exhibition with a twist, as the Floating Gallery showcases a curation of works, each displayed atop a boat. Swim, row, or SUP your way around the over-water gallery, to see works by artists like Alice Blanch, Hamish Donaldson, Judith Van Heeren, Leyla Bulmer, Warren Cooke and more. While that exhibition is a one-day-only affair, other O_C_E_A_N offerings have been extended and will be sticking around until Wednesday, June 1. They include a special presentation at Mornington Peninsula Regional Art Gallery showing Brett Whiteley's The Cloud Reader alongside Abdul Abdullah's work Thinking About Things, together pondering the question of who owns the ocean. Meanwhile, The Esplanade in Flinders plays host to a site-responsive sculptural work titled The Lookout (best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset), and ocean-inspired photographic art trail Saved has popped up along the Coolart Wetlands Walk. [caption id="attachment_853686" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bri Horne[/caption] Images: Bri Horne
For many, it's not really Easter unless you've scoffed your bodyweight in hot cross buns in the lead-up. And, thankfully, you don't have to forego that tradition this year, either. A stack of local Melbourne bakeries are here to fix your cravings, self-isolation or otherwise, launching handy hot cross bun home-delivery services all across town. Jump on the phone or the web to make an order and within hours you'll be tucking into some handcrafted Easter buns, plump with fruit, loaded with spices and slathered with lashings of butter. From the traditional glazed version, to some crafty new-world remixes, here's our pick of hot cross buns you can now get delivered straight to your door. If you are going out to pick up takeaway, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health. ORGANIC VINE FRUIT HOT CROSS BUNS FROM PHILLIPPA'S With a handful of stores across Melbourne, long-running bakery Phillippa's is here to ensure all your hot cross bun cravings are fulfilled this Easter, even if you're stuck at home. Its chewy glazed buns are a perennial favourite, crafted with slow-fermented dough, house-made candied peel and loads of organic vine fruit. A box of six will set you back $18, with Australia-wide shipping available for a flat-rate of $9.95. And, if isolation's left you feeling a little creative, jump over to the website to find a couple of crafty recipes to put any extra buns to good use. Toasted hot cross bun ice cream might just be the Easter treat you've been waiting for. How? Phillippa's hot cross buns can be picked up from the Armadale and Brighton stores or delivered. Order online. MORK X BUNS FROM MORK Artisanal hot chocolate maker Mork has created its own indulgent riff on the hot cross bun, perfect if you're in the mood to shake things up a bit this Easter. A reworking of the brand's much-loved Swedish-style cinnamon bun, the 'Mork X Bun' takes the form of a sticky, spiced scroll held together with plenty of butter, chock full of dried fruit and boasting warm orange aromas. Topped with the requisite cross, of course. A box of six of these pimped-out treats clocks in at $30 via the online store, with $5 delivery available to a selection of Melbourne suburbs. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store with $5 delivery available to select suburbs. Order online. CLASSIC HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CAVALLINI Fitzroy North's Euro-inspired bakery and patisserie is one that's sure to win over any Easter traditionalists. As always, it's whipping up batches of classic hot cross buns on the daily, fat with vine-ripened fruit and infused with plenty of aromatic spices. Only this year, you can get them dropped straight to your door, thanks to Cavallini's new free, contactless delivery service, available to surrounding suburbs including Collingwood, Fitzroy and Northcote. Order before 3pm and you'll receive your freshly baked buns between noon–3pm the next day. They're taking minimum orders of one dozen, though we're sure you're up to the challenge. How? Call (03) 9486 3883 to order delivery for suburbs surrounding Fitzroy North. More details here. SOURDOUGH HOT CROSS BUNS FROM DENCH BAKERS Having earned a cult following for its artisan baked goods, Dench has long been a northside staple. And its signature sourdough hot cross buns have fans coming back year after year, each batch stuffed full of Aussie vine fruits, made on organic flour and a secret blend of spices. Plus this year, Dench is also whipping up a lush choc-orange version, starring fresh oranges and couverture chocolate. Both are available now for delivery ($7.50 flat rate), with next-day drop-offs happening Tuesday through Sunday for orders placed before 9am. Six-packs of the traditional buns are included in some of Dench's curated 'Bread Box' packs, or you can customise your own order by shooting them an email at info@denchbakers.com.au. Minimum order is $35. How? Order delivery via the Dench Bakers website. [caption id="attachment_766535" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] CHOC XXX BUN FROM BREAD CLUB The new kid on Melbourne's bakery block, Bread Club is getting into the Easter spirit by dishing up two styles of decadent hot cross bun. The traditional version is a 24-hour-long labour of love, fermented overnight and stuffed with currants, cranberries, citrus, ginger and spices, and lashings of Pepe Saya butter. And for the sweet tooths, the 'Choc XXX Bun' features a fluffy brioche-style base pimped out with cocoa and 70 percent Birdsnake chocolate chunks. A $5 delivery service on Fridays runs to north and west Melbourne, with more suburbs to follow soon. Takeaway in store is available daily. What's more, the pre-COVID-19 packaging should supply a few much-needed giggles. How? Pick up from the North Melbourne store or pre-order for Friday delivery online. GLUTEN FREE HOT CROSS BUNS FROM CERES FAIR FOOD Online organic grocer and carbon neutral food delivery service CERES Fair Food has a hefty selection of gluten-free goodies in its bakery range, year round. But come Easter, it's all about those dietary-friendly hot cross buns. This year, its slinging traditional, fruity buns, handcrafted daily by baker Gluten Free Precinct in Cheltenham. The seasonal treats swap out the regular flour for a blend of potato starch, rice flour, tapioca starch and organic flaxseed, and are available for $16.95 for a six-pack through CERES, with a delivery fee of $6.95 for orders under $75. To place an order, you'll need to become a CERES Fair Food member, though that's free and easy to do online. How? Order delivery online via CERES Fair Food. SPICED HOT CROSS BUNS FROM ALL ARE WELCOME This Northside viennoiserie has kicked off a new delivery service, dropping off baked goods to doorsteps across Clifton Hill, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Fairfield and Alphington. And, yes, that includes All Are Welcome's traditional hot cross buns, loaded with fruit and candied orange, and spiced with ceylon cinnamon and jamaican peppercorn. A box of six of these beauties will set you back $20, along with a $5 delivery fee, with drop-offs now happening every Wednesday and Saturday. Follow the pre-order instructions on the website and order by 5pm the night before, to have fresh Easter buns in your kitchen the following day. How? Order online via the All Are Welcome website. Top image: Bread Club by Griffin Simm
We all know Melbourne loves a pop-up, especially one in a laneway. So, what better way to mark the City of Melbourne's latest campaign to celebrate the CBD's unique culture, than a limited-time-only pop-up program packed full of art, music, food, cocktails and coffee? Enter, Supermelbourne — a vibrant activation descending on Howey Place from Saturday, October 22–Wednesday, October 26, here to help kick off new CBD-focused campaign Only in the City. Three of the strip's shopfronts will be reimagined for five days of creatively-charged fun, complete with spot giveaways, plus prizes for the best-dressed guests. On the agenda, you'll catch a lineup of 10 local DJs spinning tunes across opening weekend, as well as a multi-sensory underground art and light installation courtesy of renowned creatives Drez, Kit Webster and George Rose. The city's culinary scene will be spotlighted with two special collaborations — one pairing Chancery Lane's famed macaron with caffeinated treats by The Alley Edition, and the other celebrating Serai's Filipino bites alongside an exclusive cocktail by acclaimed bar Byrdi. After a memento? Check out the signature Supermelbourne apparel collection dreamed up by illustrator Oslo Davis and homewares store KIP&Co. Supermelbourne is free to explore, though some events have limited capacity.
One of the strangest and most distinctive animated films in living memory is getting the live score treatment at this year's Melbourne Festival. The tale of a kidnapped cyclist, his plucky grandmother and a trio of music hall singers, Sylvian Chomet's The Triplets of Belleville is an absolute delight, not least of all thanks to Benoît Charest's wonderful musical score. The composer to will attend a pair of screenings at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where he'll conduct a live performance by his band Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville while the movie plays in the background. The group will also play a pair of gigs at The Toff in Town, if you want to hear what else it is they're capable of.
Three of Melbourne's culinary stalwarts are teaming up to reimagine Sunday brunch, for a very good cause. On July 22, Hanoi Hannah, Lune Croissanterie and Industry Beans will raise much needed funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, when they dish up a special Hanoi-meets-Melbourne brunch feast, at Hanoi Hannah's New Quarter site on Swan Street. Kicking off the Good Morning Vietnam feed will be one of Lune's legendary, buttery croissants — teamed either with one of Hanoi Hannah's signature, spring roll-topped bloody marys, or a specialty Viet-style coffee, designed especially for the event by your mates at Fitzroy specialty coffee roaster Industry Beans. After that, you'll get to choose between a classic egg and bacon banh mi, a congee of winter greens topped with a Chinese doughnut, or the banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) loaded with smoked trout, salmon roe and crème fraîche. The brekkie will set you back $40 and, as staff will be volunteering their time, 100 percent of proceeds will go to the Royal Children's Hospital. There are three sittings available on Sunday, July 22 — 9-10.30am, 10.30am-noon and 12-1.30pm — and tickets are on sale now.
If you're keen to see the winner of the Best Performance Award at 2017's Melbourne Fringe, you'd better be prepared to don a bathrobe. Wiradjuri dancer and choreographer Joel Bray will be holed up in a luxe hotel room at the Sofitel on Collins Street with a small group of strangers he met in the bar downstairs — including you. What starts as a casual conversation begins to gather speed in the form of physical expression. Bray ranges through the intimate space and the room loses its drabness and uniformity. Using the Dreamtime story of the biladurang (platypus) to loosely frame his own unique tale, Bray has been packing out single suites across the country. Funny, dark and steeped in the vulnerability of the personal, by all accounts the surcharges on this room are purely emotional. Biladurang is part of Dance Massive, a 13-day showcase of 15 contemporary dance works from Aussie choreographers.
Vegans of the north, rejoice. Vegans of Melbourne in general who are happy to head to Northcote, too. The age of meat is waning and it's nearly your time to inherit the earth. To build your strength, head down to Welcome to Thornbury for Vegan Vegout — which is making a return for 2021 on Wednesday, February 3. That's when the all-vegan food truck next rolls into High Street — and while the lineup changes at each event, you can expect meat-free dishes aplenty. Previous Vegan Vegouts have served up everything from vegan meatballs to vegan peking duck, so there'll be more than a few options to tempt your tastebuds. As well as tucking into vegan and vegetarian eats at this food truck party, you'll be able to sip vegan beverages from the bar as well. The event kicks off from 5pm, and dogs are welcome.
Spring has sprung and the flowers are beginning to bloom again, but you don't have to be in the Botanic Gardens to experience some of the magic. To celebrate the exciting new season, the NGV are exploring the world of scent. Amidst 18,000 newly-planted flowers, manmade clouds of scent will be dispersed in the gallery's sculpture garden from September 25 - November 30. Curated by former New York Times perfume critic Chandler Burr — yeah, that's a real job — Hyper-Natural will explore the little-known process of scent design. Presented as a showcase from initial scent molecule to finished synthetic product, seven perfumes will be dispersed in the area as original scent artworks. Burr claims he wants visitors to "move beyond mere emotional responses and memories to recognise and thing critically about scent design". But don't worry, no one's going to stop you from obliviously wandering around the garden taking in all the pretty smells. Time to sedate that hayfever with some Coco Chanel. Photo credit: HereIsTom via photopin cc.
It's no secret that Jerome Borazio is an ideas man, and a pretty good one at that. Not only is he the mind behind the 18-year-old Laneway Festival, he sold us all on the concept of camping in the CBD with his award-winning rooftop glamping set-up. The latter closed in April last year, but, that same sky-high space above Melbourne Central has been activated again — and is now home to a pop-up rooftop pool, bar and leisure club dubbed The Reunion Island Pool Club. Initially launching for private bookings only in October, Reunion Island will now be open to the public from Friday, January 25 — just in time for the long weekend — through till the end of May. It's kitted out with palm trees and design elements of a public pool-meets-Palm Springs resort. And while it's not the CBD's only rooftop pool bar (see: The Adelphi), it is the only one to offer classes, an infrared sauna and spa offerings. Plus, those rooftop parties will take place ten temperature-controlled plunge pools. Yes, ten. [caption id="attachment_705809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of the ten plunge pools by Albert Comper.[/caption] Opening from 12pm during the week (for a cheeky lunchtime dip) and 9am on weekends, it's not just the pools that are tempting punters — it's also hosting a lineup of rooftop yoga, pilates and boxing classes. They start from $20 and you can book in for an after-work session online now. If you prefer being relatively sedentary, you can stop by for a splash, or just some poolside socialising and a well-earned after-work rooftop tipple right up until 9.30pm. Prepare to spend many a steamy Melbourne evening up here. Price-wise, your sky-high waterside party will start from $10 for regular entry only. Pools are available for groups of four to 12 people, and start at $100 for an hour. You can extend your stay for $60 per hour, include a sauna session for $5 or nab a Turkish towel, visor or stubby holder. At the moment single-person swim passes aren't available (but we're promised they're coming soon) so you'll need to round up some friends if you'd like to splash around. The food and drink selection includes a five-month pop-up poolside snack kiosk from Collingwood's Easey's, who'll be slinging tacos, burgers and club sandwiches. You can pair them with Melbourne Gin Co G&Ts, cocktails, wine and Champagne and icy cold Kirin beers. The Reunion Island Pool Club will also feature a General Store, showcasing a heap of the venue's fashion partners. Find Reunion Island Pool Club at Level 3/271 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne from Friday, January 25 until the end of May. It's open from midday–9.30pm weekdays and 9am–9.30pm on weekends. Images: Albert Comper.
Melbourne musos are in for a treat next year. A massive new exhibition entirely dedicated to Ziggy Stardust himself is hitting ACMI in the middle of the year. Originally curated for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, David Bowie Is takes visitors inside the life, career and intricate creative process of one of the most significant pop stars of the past 40 years. With hundreds of show props, rare photographs and characteristically elaborate costumes, it's a Bowie bacchanalia that looks guaranteed to be a big hit with fans. Of course, June 2015 is still quite a while away, and so in order to whet peoples' appetites, select cinemas are offering a sneak peak at the exhibition via an exclusive documentary walkthrough. Shot on the final evening of the exhibition's original showing in the UK, the 'movie' gives viewers a glimpse of some of the highlights, interwoven with interviews with various artists who have either worked with or been inspired by the big man himself. In other words, the film is basically one big, 100-minute promotional video, specifically designed to make the exhibition look amazing and convince people to buy a ticket. And in fairness, to that end, it's generally pretty successful. The exhibition does look great. On the other hand, if you're going to charge people $15 for a movie ticket, you really need to be doing more than just spruiking what's to come. Paying to be told about an opportunity to pay for something else is hardly a worthwhile investment. It wouldn't be so bad if the doco had a little bit more of that patented Bowie energy. But while the V&A curators, who act as our tour guides, are obviously knowledgeable, they're also far too dry and academic in their presentation to inspire any real level enthusiasm. Strategically placed vox pops with exhibition visitors do a better job in this regard, with many fans speaking about the personal impact the singer and his music has had on them. But there's also a distinct and, at times, rather cringe-worthy vibe of hero worship to these interviews, which ultimately just drives home the film's status as a tacky piece of marketing. Maybe just wait 'til June for the real thing.
Last year, Carl's Jr hit Victoria for the first time, opening its debut store at Knox in October, and another in Cranbourne soon after. Now, in a move that proves the cult-favourite American burger chain is here to make a mark on our famously good burger scene, it is opening its third Melbourne shop in Docklands this week. And to seal the deal, it's offering some pretty sweet freebies to its keenest city customers. Setting up shop within The District Docklands' dining precinct, where Archie Brothers Cirque Electiq is, this new city edition of Carl's Jr will be dishing up its signature menu of 'American classics' and monstrous burgers that have earned it a heap of fans overseas. We're talking the aptly named Thickburger, teaming an angus beef patty with extras like portobello mushroom, or bacon and guacamole, alongside hefty chargrilled numbers such as the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger. The Big Carl's rocks a double patty and oozy American cheese, and chook-lovers are sorted with seven different chicken dishes. Then, there are breakfast options for the early birds, salads for the virtuous and some pretty solid sundaes and shakes for dessert. If you think you can handle that sort of fare, for free, all year long, then start lining up at the new store ASAP. To celebrate its grand opening, the first 50 customers through the door from 9am on Thursday, February 14 (yes, Valentine's Day) will score a book of Carl's Jr coupons, to use on free menu items every week for the next 12 months. You will definitely need to get there early. The new Carl's Jr store will open at The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands at 9am on Thursday, Friday 14.
Adapting Mark Haddon's Whitbread-winning novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has finished chewing up Broadway and the West End, and is now on its way to Melbourne Theatre Company. When Christopher Boone discovers the corpse of his neighbour's dog, he immediately becomes a suspect and sets out to clear his name. But while he sees himself as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, everyone else sees an autistic teenager asking awkward questions. Regardless, the question remains: who stabbed Mrs. Shears' poodle with a pitchfork? Haddon describes the book as "peculiarly internal", in that its protagonist struggles more than most to escape the bounds of his own head. Playwright Simon Stephens and the UK's National Theatre have made the most of this by having the audience see the world as Christopher does. A set consisting of a black grid and myriad projections evokes physical locations, as well as the ordered and fiercely logical flow of Christopher's cognitive process. A Holmesian whodunnit as investigated by an Adrian Mole-esque outsider, The Curious Incident is both a celebration of difference and a decent argument against offing yappy pooches with gardening implements.
"If any one unwarily draws in too close and hears the singing of the Sirens, his wife and his children will never welcome him home again, for they sit in a green field and warble him to death with the sweetness of their song." With The Odyssey, Homer essentially created the epic. But with the above passage, he also created something much more insidious — the femme fatale, a stock female character who tempts men with the ultimate goal of destroying them. Victorian Opera's latest project, Lorelei, shoves a cabaret skewer through this idea and roasts it over an operatic blaze. Sopranos Ali McGregor and Antoinette Halloran with mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd have been spicing up the classics for a while as the Opera Burlesque collective. Now, they take to a cliff-top on a tricky bend in the river Rhine to explore how women are represented in literature and opera. But wouldn't you know it — just as they're getting down to business, a ship begins to approach. And it seems to be having a little trouble on those bends. Part cabaret, part opera and with a stinging libretto by Casey Bennetto (Keating! The Musical) and Gillian Cosgriff (8 Songs in 8 Weeks), Lorelei takes its cues from the sirens of German folklore. It's happy enough to toy with the trope — but it's not going to stop until it's smashed to matchsticks on a rock. Lorelei will run from November 3–10 at The Coopers Malthouse, Merlyn Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Victorian Opera website.
What gets a new face every couple of years, and a different tone, too — and stalks stealthily through the dark but loves being projected big upon a glistening silver screen? Fans of Gotham City's famous purveyor of justice know the answer to that riddle, of course. Actually, after oh-so-many different iterations of the Dark Knight over the decades, the world in general does as well. In 2022, The Batman gave us a new version, with Robert Pattinson following in the footsteps of everyone from Adam West, Michael Keaton and Val Kilmer to George Clooney, Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. In fantastic news, the moody, brooding and gloomy end result is one of the best Batman flicks yet — and, although it only hit Australian cinemas just over a month ago, RPatz's turn in the cape and cowl has now been fast-tracked to digital. So, here's another conundrum: catch the Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes)-directed, 70s crime thriller-style superhero movie on the big screen, or settle in to watch it without leaving the house? There's no right answer, because you now have options. That said, nothing beats the cinema experience — especially for a film that makes all things Batman feel new again, as this excellent effort does. Still, if that's your couch time for tonight sorted, you'll find The Batman available to rent digitally from all the usual places. In the process, you'll also find a bruised and battered take on the vigilante, a pitch-perfect turn from Tenet star Pattinson — including far more reluctance as the titular character's alter-ego Bruce Wayne than usual, and welcomely so — and a top-notch supporting cast. Also featured: Zoe Kravitz (Kimi) as Catwoman, Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora) as the Riddler, Colin Farrell (he North Water) as the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright (The French Dispatch) as Commissioner Gordon and Andy Serkis (Long Shot) as Alfred Pennyworth. No one really needs a plot synopsis for Batman films by now, but when The Batman begins (not to be confused with Batman Begins), it's with the slaying of a powerful Gotham figure. A shocking crime that scandalises the city, it leaves a traumatised boy behind, and couldn't be more influential in the detective-style tale of blood and vengeance that follows. But viewers haven't seen this story before, despite appearances. It isn't the start of pop culture's lonesome billionaire orphan's usual plight, although he's there, all dressed in black, and has an instant affinity for the sorrowful kid. Behold the first standout feat achieved by this excellent latest take on the Dark Knight (not to be confused with The Dark Knight): realising that no one needs to see Bruce Wayne's parents meet their end for what'd feel like the millionth time. From there, The Batman follows its namesake's efforts to get to the bottom of the crime — a tricky task in Gotham, unsurprisingly. And yes, this film meant to stand completely apart from the most recent Affleck-starring DC Extended Universe version of the character. So, basically, what DC Films and Warner Bros Pictures did with Joker in 2019 — serving up a grimmer, grittier iteration of the infamous figure that has absolutely nothing to do with the rightfully hated Jared Leto version — they've done again for Batman now. Check out the trailer for The Batman below: The Batman is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand — including via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review.
If you love this French indie quintet, but aren't so keen on a full-on day at Future, we have great news! Phoenix will be bringing their undeniably catchy synth-pop to Festival Hall this March. Their fifth studio release Bankrupt! is everything you love about Phoenix, times 10. Skeptical? Give 'S.O.S. In Bel Air' a listen. While the latest release is certainly impressive, we hope lead singer Thomas Mars will be singing older favourites from previous albums too, including Alphabetical, It’s Never Been Like That and the hugely popular Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The support act, World's End Press, could not be a more perfect accompaniment for what is sure to be an evening of bright lights, boisterous sing-a-longs and uncontrollable dancing. Their own breed of synth rock is both joyous and thoughtful; it’s certainly worth getting to the gig on time to see both tremendous acts in all their glory.
As one of comedy’s most prolific writers and performers, Aziz Ansari is set to leave Melbourne choking on overly priced pick 'n' mix on his 'Buried Alive' tour of Australia. Counting Kanye West, Jay-Z and The Flight Of The Conchords among his circle of friends, Ansari has appeared in films such as Get Him To The Greek, Funny People and School For Scoundrels, as well as putting in likeable TV performances in Scrubs, Reno 911! and Parks And Recreation. With perfectly constructed, hilarious routines and cutting edge material, Ansari focuses on aspects of his personal life in his comedy routines. “I like talking about things that are going on in my life, because that’s always going to be different and original” he says. “No one else is going to be talking about my personal experiences”.
Melburnians have a new reason to take those bikes out for a spin, with the opening of the La Larr Ba Guawa Park, near Harcourt in Victoria's Central Highlands. Boasting 34 kilometres of mountain bike trails and bordering the Mount Alexander Regional Park, the new world-class site has something for every kind of rider, from novices through to two-wheeled professionals. It's also got some cracking views to enjoy while you're cruising along. Receiving almost $2.5 million in government funding, the park is expected to boost visitor numbers to the area to 25,000, improving spending and creating 57 new jobs in the process. Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards explained that the park is a huge win for the region, saying "this project will help to put Harcourt and Central Victoria on the map as a new mountain bike destination of choice and build on the popularity of the Goldfields Track". Image: Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.
Instagram-obsessed iPhoneographers can now turn their collection of photographs into posters, thanks to a clever new website. London-based online retailer, Firebox, allows Instagram app users to create wall-sized prints of their photo library. All you have to do is click the 'Buy' button on the Firebox website, then add your Instagram username to retrieve photos from your account. Each poster is a fixed 61cm wide, but you can add as many rows of photos as you like, so there is no need to worry about choosing just a few snapshots. When your poster reaches 1.5 metres long, Firebox will shrink your pictures to fit and you can then choose between a white or black background. Firebox are not the only ones who have other ideas for Instagram. Photo sharing app, Prinstagram, let’s you make posters from 50-400 photos, as well as mini prints, stickers and mini books. If you prefer having your photos printed rather than just leaving them in digital format on your laptop, then this is a quirky and colourful way to do it. [via Mashable]
From statement-making tropical blooms, to elegant natives, to classic bunches of long-stemmed red roses; Botanics of Melbourne sources seasonal flowers from all across the globe to create its stunning floral designs. Dose up on colour, scent and plenty of inspiration with a trip to the inviting South Yarra store, or jump online to check out the expansive selection of bouquets and arrangements available for home delivery. You can order your flowers gift-wrapped or displayed in your choice of contemporary vase, and there's the option to really make someone's day by adding extras like chocolates, candles and wine.
If you're looking to blow off some steam post-lockdown, you'll soon have a brand-new outlet for unleashing that pent-up frustration. Popular axe-throwing venue Maniax is opening the doors to its second Melbourne outpost, this time in the CBD. Launching on Friday, November 19, the new site marks the group's sixth Aussie venue, spread across a 700-square-metre subterranean space on Elizabeth Street. Boasting room for 300 punters at full capacity, it's got a series of single and double axe-hurling lanes, as well as extra space for kicking back with a drink in between throws. An on-site kitchen will be serving a menu of pizza and grazing platters, though you'll also be able to order in takeaway from nearby restaurants. And, since launching axes at targets can be thirsty work, the Maniax bar will be pouring a range of Viking-themed cocktails and craft brews to match. [caption id="attachment_830783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] One of Maniax's existing locations.[/caption] As with its siblings, the venue's designed to be enjoyed by axe-throwing junkies and total novices alike, manned by highly trained staff who'll happily coach you in the art of hurling weapons. Throwing is open to anyone over the age of 13. There are various sessions to choose from, depending on your skill level — ranging from the speedy one-hour Quick Chuck through to a date-night package featuring coaching for two. Annual memberships are also available. And once you've got a few throws under your belt, who knows? You might even be tempted to flex your newfound skills by joining the Maniax Axe-Throwing League. Find Maniax at 121 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, from November 19. Bookings are available over at the website.
But with the inclusion of occasional live music and the small cinema out back, LongPlay delivers spectacular first date conditions in which to enjoy either intense political debate or eyelash-batting and footsies. To take pressure off the situation, busy yourselves by nibbling on offerings from the European-inspired bar snack menu, which features restrained, but contemporary constructions of risotto, salad and tapas. If conversation isn't flowing, a few rounds of the relatively affordable cocktails should make time go by more rapidly. A neighbourhood favourite for Fitzroy North dwellers, the bar is best avoided if you're already a local. If not, it's the perfect place for an anonymous rendezvous.
Fall in love with movies Italian style, at the latest glamorous edition of the Lavazza Italian Film Festival. Hosted once again in Palace Cinemas around the country, this year's festival features more than 30 features and docos, plus a breathtaking restoration of one of Italy's all-time classics. The 2014 festival opens with Marina, a light biopic about singer, songwriter and world-famous accordion player Rocco Granata, produced by Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne. Other exciting titles include impressionistic Cannes Jury Prize winner The Wonders and Asia Argento's semi-autobiographical new film Incompresa. But the best of the fest will be saved until last. This year's closing night film is none other Marriage Italian Style, beautifully restored in time for its 50th anniversary. Sophia Loren is dazzling as the mistress of a wealthy Italian businessman determined to lock down a marriage proposal. A quintessential comedy about the battle of the sexes, it puts most modern-day rom-coms to shame. The Lavazza Italian Film Festival is on in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in September and October, and thanks to the festival, we have ten double passes to give away (valid at any festival session of your choice) in each city. 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.auMelbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=IeD7rBVAQQo
If you're one of millions of people worldwide watching American TV series Breaking Bad religiously and needing to avoid spoilers — or perhaps you're just sick of hearing friends rave about the show on social media — then your (#firstworld) problems can now be put to ease. Popular internet streaming website Netflix has debuted a new app that can block Breaking Bad spoilers from social media feeds. Spoiler Foiler is programmed to black out "danger" words (namely, words related to plot) from your Twitter feed, maintaining the mystery and suspense of plot developments for the wildly popular television series. Once fans have caught up with the episode, they can then safely return to their regular feed with the ability to read everything people had to say. Sure, this isn’t the first solution we’ve seen to the issue of social media killjoys. But at the moment it is certainly the most effective. Browser/hashtag-filtering is time consuming and not always foolproof. And abstinence from social media? Well that's just way too extreme. The Netflix app can be easily activated by logging into the Spoiler Foiler website using your Twitter account. Surely it'll just be a matter of time before this concept is extended to other popular series. Until then, rant away! We just won’t be listening. Via PSFK.
Over the past few months, many Australians have been working from home, which means many of us are have been leaning on our bar carts a little more than usual. This has lead to a level of experimentation — whether that's ordering in cocktails, trying our hand at making our own fancy drinks or getting some fun wines delivered. Another way you could get creative is by ordering a bottle of Unico Zelo's yuzu vermouth. The tasty child of Adelaide Hills winery Unico Zelo and sister distillery Applewood, this second batch of untraditional (but ever-so-tasty) vermouth is made from a combination of Adelaide Hills merlot grapes, some native Australian botanicals (usually used to make Applewood's Okar bitter amaro) and yuzu from Mountain Yuzu — a 20-acre farm located in northeast Victoria, on the foothills of the Australian Alps. As you can see, its an all-Australian affair, unlike a lot of traditional vermouths, which are made in Italy and France. Eco-minded founders and winemakers Laura and Brendan Carter are committed to using native botanicals and sustainably produced grapes in their entire range of wines and spirits, aiming to create products that truly taste Aussie as. As it's not a traditional sweet vermouth — it's really quite far from it — we forgive you for not knowing exactly how to drink it. But, thankfully, we've done some testing for you. On the rocks? Yep. Instead of sweet vermouth in a negroni? Do it. With a splash of soda? Definitely. If you want something a little fancier, the Unico team has a couple of cocktail suggestions for you. Try your hand at the Natty-Cano, a spin on an americano, but with pét-nat instead of soda water. To make it, mix 45-millilitres of Unico Yuzu, 15-millilitres of Økar Island Bitter (or Campari) and 120-millilitres of pét-nat in a highball glass and garnish with an orange twist. Unico (the parent company of Unico Zelo and Applewood) has also been steadily dropping a heap of other exciting spirits throughout the year, too, including a pretty-in-pink coral gin. All of Unico's limited releases only available in very small batches, so if you want it, don't wait on it. Unico's Yuzu Vermouth is available to purchase via the website from Friday, July 17. Priced at $34.99 per bottle.
Alt-rockers Beach Slang and Spring King are travelling our way from either side of the Atlantic for this punk-rock, post-punk, double bill, Splendour sideshow Beach Slang, who hail from Philadelphia, smashed through ten high-powered shows at this year's SXSW, off the back of launching full-length album The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us. This will be their Australian debut, so let's show 'em a good time. Meanwhile, Spring King, from Manchester, caught the attention of Zane Lowe with 2014 single 'City'. Their debut album, Tell Me If You Like To, came out in June. There's more Splendour sideshow action where this came from. Check out our list of sideshows with tickets still available.
Whether hustling those last-minute party beers, or scouting a bottle of vino for that after-hours couch session, getting booze to your doorstep just got even easier. Alcohol delivery service Jimmy Brings, who'll deliver drinks to your door in thirty minutes until 10.30pm, has expanded its offering, this week adding a swag of new areas to its coverage. In an era of harsh lock-out laws, the platform has been embraced launching in Sydney back in 2012. But for all the buzz, its popularity's been limited by the stable of suburbs it services. Now, having entered the Melbourne market earlier this year, Jimmy Brings has again stepped things up a notch, expanding to 49 new suburbs in Sydney and an extra 31 in Melbourne; conveniently enough, just in time for the party season. In NSW, places like Collaroy, North Ryde, Mona Vale and Newport can now enjoy a slice of the Jimmy Brings action, while the likes of Thornbury, Essendon, Brighton East and the generally dry suburb of Surrey Hills have joined the party in Melbourne. To celebrate the new and improved lineup, all first-time Jimmy Brings customers can score themselves a $10 discount by downloading the free app and plugging in the code LAUNCH10 at the checkout.
Brunch is always great, and it tastes even better after a good old-fashioned sweat sesh. But, instead of collapsing into any old cafe after your spin class, on Saturday, October 26, you'll be able to do both the exercise and eating components of your morning in the one place: Chin Chin. First up, you'll get the blood pumping, pulling moves to one of Retrosweat's 45-minute 80s-inspired aerobics classes. Think, neon lycra and plenty of Olivia Newton-John 'Physical' vibes. Then, tackle that appetite with a five-course, post-workout shared brunch feast, working a few signature Chin Chin twists. You'll dig into the likes of a wok-fried spanner crab omelette with coriander and sriracha, stir-fried egg noodles starring duck, and corn fritters with shisho. And, to finish, you'll get coconut sago with lime curd and pineapple granita. Of course, your aerobics efforts deserve something boozy, so there'll be a range of retro-themed cocktails also on offer. Try the fruity watermelon Fonda Flick Kick, or maybe cool down with the Aperol-infused Lychees in Lycra. Tickets clock in at $55, which include the Retrosweat class and a shared brunch (but no drinks). Come in your activewear and with an empty stomach. Images: Steven Woodburn.
UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2020 — With the number of new COVID-19 cases increasing in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced that some restrictions will be tightened at midnight on Sunday, June 21 instead of eased. The below has been updated to reflect this change. From Monday, June 22, more changes are rolling out in Melbourne. But not quite as first anticipated. Victoria has seen an increase in new COVID-19 cases — with 25 recorded in the 24 hours before Saturday, June 20 — which means that some restrictions are tightening once again. You are now allowed just five visitors in your home and outdoor gatherings have been restricted to ten — instead of 20 for both. Limits for hospitality venues, libraries and museums were expected to increase to 50, but, instead, they will stay at 20. There is some good news, though: you can now go buy a pint from a pub without ordering a meal, as well as visit a gym, theatre or cinema — all which have been allowed to open from today. Victoria's State of Emergency has also been extended for another four weeks, until midnight on Sunday, July 19. So, what exactly can you do from June 22? We've broken it down. GATHERINGS The tightening of restrictions as a result of Victoria's recent increase in new COVID-19 cases predominantly impacts gatherings. You can now have only five visitors in your home and outdoor gatherings must be restricted to ten. Premier Daniel Andrews has also reiterated the importance of staying at home when you are unwell — even if you just have the sniffles. "You cannot make your own decision because it is not your decision to make. You are putting the rest of Victoria at risk," the Premier said at a press conference on Saturday, June 20. "My message is very clear. If you are sick, you cannot go out. If you are sick, you cannot go to work. If you are sick you cannot — even moderate symptoms, mild symptoms — you cannot go and visit family and friends. If you are told to isolate, you must isolate." If new COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Premier has said lockdowns could be reintroduced in COVID-19 hotspots. [caption id="attachment_738194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leo's By The Slice, Kate Shanasy[/caption] RESTAURANTS, BARS, PUBS AND CAFES While you've been able to head to cafes, pubs and restaurants since June 1, there have been some pretty tight restrictions, including having to order a meal with your drink. From June 22, you'll be allowed to grab a pint, cocktail or wine without having to order food — but you will need to remain seated while drinking, no dancing on the dance floor just yet. While the capacity was set to increase to 50 punters per space from this date, too, it'll stay at 20 until at least July 12. Some venues are walk-ins only and others require bookings, so be sure to check the relevant websites before you go. [caption id="attachment_753117" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NGV, Tom Ross[/caption] ART GALLERIES AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS Victorian cultural institutions, including galleries, museums, libraries and historic sites have also been allowed to open since June 1; however Melbourne's major cultural spots will be reopening from Saturday, June 27. This includes the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, State Library Victoria, IMAX Melbourne and Scienceworks. Similarly to restaurants and cafes, their capacities were set to increase to 50 people on June 22, but, instead, they'll remain at 20 in each space. As capacity is limited, time-allotted visits will be essential, with many of the galleries and museums requiring pre-purchased tickets. Arts Centre Melbourne has postponed its partial reopened that was initially scheduled for June 27. [caption id="attachment_693396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thornbury Picture House by Nicole Cleary[/caption] CINEMAS, THEATRE SHOWS AND CONCERT VENUES Movie theatres have been closed around the country since mid-March, but as of Monday, June 22, projectors will be allowed to start whirring again in the Garden State. And, while that doesn't mean that it's popcorn-munching business as usual quite yet, local cinemas will gradually begin to reopen. Cinema Nova will be one of initial places to start welcoming movie buffs back into darkened rooms, opening its doors on the very first day it can, as will the Classic, Lido and Cameo cinemas, and Reading's Victorian sites. Thornbury Picture House will then reopen on June 25, followed by Palace's Victorian sites on July 2. Drive-in cinemas, including Dandenong's Lunar Drive-In, Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In and the Dromana Drive-In will continue screenings, too. You'll be able to head to the theatre or catch a live gig, too, with the Victorian Government allowing such spaces to open, with 20 seated patrons per venue or theatre, subject to the four square metre rule. Theatres with multiple seating tiers with separate entries can have up to 20 people per tier. However, many major Melbourne theatres and gig spaces are yet to announce their opening dates. Because of the recent increase in cases, all of the aforementioned venues will be allowed a maximum of 20 seated guests per venue, unlike the expected 50. GYMS, SWIMMING POOLS AND COMMUNITY SPORT If you've missed your sweat sessions, you'll be pleased to know that indoor gyms and recreation centres can resume from June 22, with a maximum of 20 people per space or zone and up to ten people per group class. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools will still have the current 20-person limit, but there'll be no restrictions of people per lane in each pool. You'll now be able to access the change rooms and showers, too. Unfortunately, you won't be able to rejoin your local footy club just yet as only non-contact competitions can resume for all ages; however, full-contact training for adults are set to resume from July 13, followed by competitions ons July 20. [caption id="attachment_714491" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] HOLIDAYS We've been able to go on regional holidays for a few weeks now, but places — including campgrounds — with communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens have remained off limits. From next week, this will no longer be the case and you'll be able to go camping or stay in communal-style accomodations. Victoria's snowfields are also allowed to reopen from June 22, with Mount Buller reopening on the first day it can, followed by Hotham and Falls Creek on June 24. The resorts will run a little differently this year, though, and passes and lift tickets must be pre-purchased. To find Interstate travel is also allowed, but, at present, only NSW and the ACT have opened their borders. Queensland is working towards reopening to visitors from other states on July 10, although that hasn't been officially confirmed as yet, while the Northern Territory announced it'll reopen on July 17 — and South Australia is slated to do the same on July 20. Neither WA nor Tasmania have yet to announce reopening dates. If you're keen to plan ahead, Qantas and Jetstar are offering some crazy cheap domestic flights (as low as $19) until midnight on Monday, June 22. International travel is still off the cards, which looks likely to remain the case until 2021. To find out more about Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions, head to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
'Tis the season for dark, malty brews and Abbotsford's Bodriggy is celebrating that fact with a three-day, beer-filled fiesta. The yin to the yang that is the brewery's sour-focused Electric Kool-Aid fest, the inaugural Lunaverse will be pouring the goods from Friday, August 5–Sunday, August 7. A wintry celebration of dark beer and live music, the festival is set to showcase a delectable lineup of dark, dank drops from the likes of Hop Nation, Molly Rose, Garage Project, Sailors Grave, Mountain Culture and more. Get set for black IPAs, porters aplenty and pastry stouts in abundance. On Saturday, August 6, there'll also be a program of free beer workshops and sensory events, featuring special guests from the participating breweries. [caption id="attachment_735950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] Meanwhile, the tunes will be flowing just as easily, with a program of live gigs and DJ sets stacked across all three days. The 20-strong artist lineup includes names like Milo Eastwood, DJ JNETT, Mz Rizk, Parsnip, Alien Nose Job and Foggy Notion, with the shows taking over both the brewpub and upper-level bar Stingrays Upstairs. Entry to Friday's fun is free until 6pm, while entry on Saturday is free until 4pm and free all day Sunday. Tickets to the nighttime festivities are $10 online, or $12 at the door. Top Image: Kate Shanasy
When Robert De Niro asked his reflection who it was talking to, Joe Pesci questioned whether he was funny, and Leonardo DiCaprio crawled along the ground under the influence of Quaaludes, one man was responsible. Over a career spanning almost six decades, Martin Scorsese has brought tales of taxi drivers, goodfellas and wolf-like stockbrokers to the screen — and now an exhibition dedicated to his work is coming to Australia. From May 26 to September 18, the Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will pay tribute to one of America's most iconic directors, exploring everything from his early experimental beginnings to the award-winning films that have shaped many a movie buff. If you're already a fan, you'll be in Scorsese heaven. If you've somehow resisted the charms of (or completely missed) the likes of Raging Bull, The Departed and Hugo — or his concert flicks such as The Last Waltz and Shine a Light, or even Boardwalk Empire and Vinyl on TV — then prepare to have your eyes opened. [caption id="attachment_561113" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Exhibition section "New York". Photo: Deutsche Kinemathek / M. Stefanowski, 2013.[/caption] In its only Australian stop after wowing Berlin, Ghent, Turin and Paris, SCORSESE will present a collection of more than 600 objects spanning the filmmaker's entire cinema resume, as curated by the Deutsche Kinemathek, Berlin's Museum of Film and Television. Expect storyboards, hand-annotated film scripts, unpublished production stills, costumes, film clips and more, all drawn from the private collections of De Niro, Taxi Driver writer Paul Schrader, and Scorsese himself. No ACMI exhibition would be complete without a bustling lineup of screenings, talks and other events, so expect plenty of those as well. The complete program is yet to be announced, but we'd advise blocking out a few days to delve into the influence and impact of the guy who hasn't only mastered movies, but directed the music video for Michael Jackson's 'Bad' too. SCORSESE will run from May 26 to September 18 at ACMI in Melbourne. For more information, visit the ACMI website. Top image: Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Paul Sorvino, Martin Scorsese, Joe Pesci in GOODFELLAS, USA (1990). Source: Sikelia Productions, New York.
UPDATE Thursday, June 3: In light of Melbourne's snap lockdown being extended, the Doughnut Festival has been pushed back to Sunday, July 4. But in the meantime, you can score yourself free doughnuts courtesy of the Market's iconic American Doughnut Kitchen. To celebrate National Doughnut Day this Friday, June 4, simply order a bag of hot jam doughnuts for delivery or click-and-collect via Queen Vic Market Online if it's within your ten kilometer radius, and you'll receive an additional bag of the treats on the house. If you go nuts for doughnuts, there's only one place to pop on your itinerary for Sunday, June 6: Queen Victoria Market is throwing a celebration dedicated to the world's favourite holey treat. The Doughnut Festival is set to showcase a diverse array of doughnuts and other closely-related sweet treats, from old-school dough balls oozing hot jam, to choc-centred bites and sugar-coated churros. There'll be plenty of vegan and gluten-free goodies among the lineup, which is set to star names like Bistro Morgan, St Gerry's and Shortstop. A matching drinks offering will feature coffee and hot choccy, alongside nostalgic 50s-style shakes. All to enjoy while feasting your ears on the day's live tunes. If your doughnut obsession is particularly strong and your appetite large, you can try your luck in the main event — a doughnut-eating competition hosted by renowned pastry chef Darren Purchese (Burch & Purchese). Competitors will have two minutes to down as many doughnuts as possible in an attempt to win a year's worth of hot jam doughnuts from QVM's iconic American Doughnut Kitchen. That, plus complete and utter glory, of course. [caption id="attachment_812578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shortstop Doughnuts[/caption] Top image: American Doughnut Kitchen at the Queen Victoria Market.
Finish off your weekend with a casual cycle through Melbourne's northern suburbs, and do it without even crossing a road by following the Merri Creek Trail. 21 kilometres long, the trail extends from Dights Falls and the Capital City Trail in the south, to Western Ring Road in the north. Follow the creek and pass the Coburg Lake Reserve, the Brunswick Velodrome and CERES Community Park, as well as garden spots, horse paddocks and sports ovals. An afternoon of cycling is a surefire way to build up an appetite, and luckily there a number of charming picnic spots along the trail — why not throw down a rug at the northern end, near the lush greens of Coburg Lake? Image: Brook James
Museum lovers, we know you miss visiting your favourite galleries and taking in all the beautiful art the world has to offer, so we have some good news for you: you can now join The Museum of Modern Art's top curators every Thursday (or Friday, Down Under) to explore the famed museum's exhibitions. Different gallery tours will be uploaded to the museum's website every week, ranging from film exhibitions to deep dives into the work of some of America's most iconic artists, including Great Depression photographer Dorothea Lange and sculptor Donald Judd. If you prefer to get a bit more hands-on with your art, the gallery is also offering a heap of free online courses, covering everything from postwar abstract painting to fashion and photography. Top image: MoMA by Gorup de Besanez for WikiCommons
There are still a few weeks before the Jewish Museum of Australia reopens its doors post-lockdown. But in the meantime, you'll find its latest project gracing Birrarung Marr, in the form of a colourful sculpture from renowned architect Zahava Elenberg. Titled Sukkah, the pop-up structural work nods to the temporary huts created and used by the Israelites as they wandered the Sinai Desert. Here, Elenberg has crafted a new meeting place for Melburnians, crowned with a kaleidoscopic canopy made frpm the same components used in her new mobile distancing product Clikclax. Taking cues from popular 70s children's toy Playplax, the functional system was designed for improved social distancing in offices and public spaces, though here has been reimagined as part of a vibrant piece of public art. It's hoped the work will be a symbol of unity and hope for locals as the city crawls out of a long few months of lockdown and its residents reflect on the idea of humanity. Currently, you can visit Sukkah to admire from the outside only, though it's soon set to open further and allow visitors inside the structure itself. Images: Marie Luise Photographer
Just when you thought Melbourne had seen just about every variation of yum cha and high tea imaginable, Gazi throws something entirely fresh into the mix: a series of weekly Greek yum cha feasts. Leaning into the CBD eatery's Hellenic roots, while also staying true to those classic yum cha stylings, the Sunday lunches will see diners tucking into a parade of Greek-Asian dishes. With the kitchen firing from noon until 3pm each Sunday, you can enjoy all ten of the new menu items for $49 per person. Expect innovative fusion bites, like spanakopita gyoza, feta spring rolls with honey and sesame, and a lamb-filled char-tsoureki (Greek sweet bread) that nods to the classic Chinese pork bun. Those looking to make a Sunday session of it can add on three hours of bottomless cocktails for an extra $35 per person. We're talking summery sips like the Oolong Island Iced Tea — featuring black tapioca pearls and a 'cola' whipped up from oolong tea, muscovado and lime — and San-Grecian a concoction of Greek white wine, peach, strawberry, lemon and rose.
Winter's fallen and another truffle season is upon us, which can only mean one thing — it's time to celebrate one of the world's most coveted ingredients at Melbourne's legendary annual truffle festival. Thought to be the largest celebration of its kind outside of Europe, Truffle Melbourne is back for its 2022 edition. And as always, one of the program highlights is a truffle-filled festival weekend, which hits the Queen Victoria Market from Saturday, June 18–Sunday, June 19. In between watching some seasoned truffle hounds Trixie and Arrow doing live mock truffle hunts, you'll be able to sample a huge variety of sweet and savoury truffle-infused dishes across the weekend — think, truffle mac and cheese, truffle-topped pizza, truffled prawn rolls, truffle-infused cannoli and more. There's a decadent truffle gnocchi and truffled raclette, for those looking to sate their cheese cravings, and a new pop-up dining space where you can kick back and have truffled delights served right to your table. Even the drinks list is a celebration of this glorious fungi, with specialty espresso martinis and other truffle-charged cocktails to star alongside wine from Tasmania's Dalrymple Vineyards. Much-loved chefs including Guy Grossi (Grossi Florentino), Jesse Gerner (Bomba), Johnny di Francesco (400 Gradi), Matt Wilkinson (The Pie Shop, Montalto) and Justine Schofield will be throwing some kitchen inspiration your way as they host a hefty program of cooking demonstrations. If you're in the market for some take-home truffle, there'll be plenty of stock from the country's leading growers, along with truffle-infused pantry goodies like honey and cheese. Want more? Truffle Melbourne's pop-up shop will be slinging a vast array of fresh truffles and other products, every market day through the season. You'll find it in I Shed.
Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts is rounding off their Innovators series on a bit of a downer this year with "an exploration of time, transience, frailty and decay". Pretty challenging stuff for the beginning of summer, guys. That being said, the artwork on exhibition is anything but depressing. Off the back of her recent residency at Artspace in Sydney, Santina Amato's No Point in Time (pictured) will be leading audiences through an engaging video installation that explores the idea of ageing through a distinctive feminine lens. Alternatively, in a contemplative display of masculinity and its downfalls, Peter Thomas' Coma Country will be interrogating local sites where "young men have been killed by other young men outside licensed venues." Similar to the bold affirmations of Jenny Holzer, Michael Carolan will be drawing from the world of advertising and neon signs to examine our modern-day relationship with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' '5 stages of grief' in 5 Stages of Grief: Choose your own (Mis)adventure. Daniel Price's sculpture in Plans will be exploring frailty and decay, and in a joint venture between curators Kim Fasher and Sarah Mosca, Mono No Aware is a group exhibitions by 12 artists looking at the Japanese concept of 'the pathos of things'. According to Fasher and Mosca, the chosen works are "about an experience of beauty and time that is heightened by an understanding of its inevitable passing. It is about the wonder of beauty in the face of decay, of happiness that cannot last, about an appreciation of light in the knowledge of darkness." Image: Santina Amato, The Garden of Instance, 2013, video, reproduced courtesy of the artist.
Recognised purveyors of a good time, the Corner Hotel and The Hills Are Alive Festival are combining their considerable "we know how to party" forces to create a banger of a time on grand final eve — and in the true spirit of Melbourne's party underbelly, it'll be in a carpark. Whether you're looking for a way to roll into the granny, or you couldn't care less about football and just want to party in a cool place with some good music, here's an event for you. Featuring Melbourne band The Bennies, Hills City will bring a dash of summer festival and a dose of sticky-floored gig to a carpark in Richmond on Friday, September 28. Running all day, other bands on the line up include Batts, Planet, Diet, Chitra, and Tones and I, with DJs and comedian Danielle Walker joining the party too. Mr Burger and Roaming Poppy Coffee will also be keeping you fed and caffeinated. Dress code is apparently op shop formal, and there'll be prizes for the best dressed — so head to the wedding dress aisle in Savers quick smart.
Gin has come a long way in the past few years. No longer confined to your gran's dusty antique liquor cabinet, this refreshing and versatile nectar has shaken off the cobwebs by quickly becoming a staple component of any summertime drinking sesh. G&Ts have officially replaced vodka sodas as your beachfront drink of choice, and now Bombay Sapphire are taking things one step further. This summer they'll be opening a dedicated gin bar in North Melbourne. From November 19 until December 6, Bombay are treating us to a world of ginny bliss in the form of Project Botanicals. Pioneering the alluring idea of 'ginstronomy', this idyllic little hideaway will be serving up a curated menu of 10 dishes from Masterchef's Gary Mehigan paired with 10 unique cocktails from brand ambassador and certified gin master Raj Nagra. Taking inspiration from the aromatic depth of Bombay Sapphire, each pairing will be inspired by a botanical extract from the gin itself. Lemon will be utilised in a citrusy twist of a classic Tom Collins paired with cured kingfish, and coriander will be replacing the usual mint in a gin-based version of the Moscow Mule, paired with Vietnamese rolls and yellowfin tuna. It's safe to say, it's time to venture beyond the classic G&T. Project Botanicals will be open every Wednesday-Sunday evening at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne. For just $35 per person, you'll be treated to two cocktails and matching tapas style dishes. Book your tickets here.
Don't worry if you missed out on the ballot to Golden Plains, all the A-list acts you were dying to see will also be doing the rounds at Melbourne Zoo's Twilights Series. Over six weeks of summer you can bliss out to the sounds of local classics like Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Bernard Fanning as well as international artists like Conor Oberst, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, and the motherflippin' Village People. Making the perfect summer picnic destination, Melbourne Zoo will be pumping every Friday and Saturday evening from January 30 - March 7. Though tickets may seem steep at $70, that price not only guarantees you an amazing show but full admission to the zoo itself. All profits also go towards the fight to save the near-extinct Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Of course, you're welcome to bring along your own picnic basket with loads of food, but you'll have to leave that bottle of wine at home. The event is fully licensed, but there's no BYO — an important measure to keep rubbish and glass away from the poor little animals. In terms of the music, you'll be happy no matter what genre you like to get down to. The lineup has you thoroughly covered in the realms of indie, folk, rock, bollywood and cult '70s disco (because why not). If there's one thing to be upset by, it's the fact that we won't be seeing Belle and Sebastian like the folks at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. But, you have to admit, the once in a lifetime chance to groove out to 'YMCA' amidst some elephants and giraffes more than makes up for it. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2015 PROGRAM: Friday January 30 - James Reyne and Jack Carty Saturday January 31 - Bernard Fanning and Little May Friday February 6 - Sarah Blasko and Luluc Saturday February 7 - Paul Kelly's Merri Soul Sessions with Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, Vika, Linda Bull and Hiatus Kaiyote Friday February 13 - Dan Sultan and Benny Walker Saturday February 14 - Boys In The Band Friday February 20 -The Budos Band and The Bombay Royale Saturday February 21 - Spiderbait and Jen Cloher Friday February 27 - Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks and Twerps Saturday February 28 - Conor Oberst and The Felice Brothers Friday March 6 - Village People and DJ Andee Frost Saturday March 7 - The Cat Empire and Dorsal Fins Tickets are on sale via the Melbourne Zoo website as of this morning.
There's nothing like a little dose of outdoor cinema to have you feeling summer vibes. Blade Runner maybe not so much. But, nonetheless, Fed Square will screen the definitive — and some say, superior — 'final cut' version of for free on Saturday, November 9. Hope for balmy weather and head to the precinct's Digital Facade to catch the cult classic shown in all its glory up on the outdoor big screen under the stars. And even if you've seen Ridley Scott's breathtaking 1982 sci-fi noir (and Harrison Ford as Deckard) a million times before, it's always an enjoyable watch. There'll be about 50 deck chairs up for grabs, so get there early if you want to watch the film in comfort. Otherwise, it's recommended that you bring a blanket and a pillow to see you through the film.
Melburnian burger-lovers, it just became a whole lot easier to get your mouth around an Easey's creation on your lunch break, with the Collingwood cult burger venue launching two new food pop-ups this past month. Just weeks after announcing a kitchen take-over of South Yarra's Two Wrongs, it turns out Easey's has also landed itself some new CBD digs, setting up shop within The Bottom End as part of the bar's recent revamp. The crew's working their magic out of a casual pub-style space on the ground floor, serving up burger-fuelled good times from 11.30am, five days a week. Foodwise, expect a similar offering to what you've been scoffing down at the original Easey's; from gutsy burgers and hot dog creations, through to those glorious sides, and the occasional amped-up special. There'll also be a handful of venue specific additions, including the mi goreng fried chicken sandwich (yep, that's fried chicken, coated in noodles) being given permanent residency on the menu. Of course, if Collingwood's Easey's taught us anything, it's that a can of Melbourne Bitter is the perfect accompaniment to a messy ol' cheeseburger, and they've worked the drinks list here accordingly. Backing up the eats, you'll find a range of easy-drinking tap beers and tinnies, and a lineup of low-key cocktails, with weekday happy hour specials between 4-7pm. Get your Easey's burger fix at The Bottom End, 579 Little Collins Street, CBD, from 11.30am till late, Monday to Saturday.
Can you think of a better way to spend a muggy, summer night than heading down to St Kilda for an outdoor movie? From November 22 to December 20, American Express is letting you do just that when it brings its outdoor cinema back to St Kilda. Movies on these big screens will include some of 2019's biggest hits, including Joaquin Phoenix as Joker, tear-jerker The Farewell and Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. You can also catch new releases Doctor Sleep, Charlie's Angels and Knives Out. The season will end on Friday, December 20 with a screening of Last Christmas. Fitzroy's Ladro will once again be slinging its woodfired pizza, and a bar, serving 4 Pines brews, Giesen wines and Pimm's will keep your thirst quenched all night long. You can bring your own food, but no BYO booze. Oh, and it's a dog-friendly space, so you don't need to leave part of your family at home.
Is there any social situation more painfully awkward than being in the presence of a couple having an argument? The hair-curling passive-aggression. The teeth-grinding fake smiles. The years and years of squabbles and resentment finally coming to a head. And you, sitting there, wanting nothing more than to evaporate into thin air. Imagine that experience stretched out for two whole hours, and you'll have a rough idea of what it's like to watch Force Majeure. The single worst date movie to come out of the European arthouse circuit since Charlotte Gainsbourg become intimately familiar with a pair of rusty scissors in Antichrist, Ruben Östlund's probe of a marriage in crisis is at once brilliant and impossible to bear. Part piercing relationship drama, part deliciously mean-spirited black comedy, the film follows a wealthy Swedish family on a skiing holiday in France. In the opening scene, we see them lining up on the slopes for an impromptu family photograph. Perfect husband. Perfect wife. Two impossibly perfect kids. But disaster can strike even the most photogenic of families — and in Force Majeure it quite literally does. The four are sitting down to lunch when snow begins to cascade down the mountain. A controlled avalanche suddenly no longer under control, the white wall barrels towards the balcony restaurant. Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli) seizes the children in her arms and looks desperately towards her husband, Tomas (Johannes Kuhnke)... just in time to see him running in the other direction. That is, until everyone realises it was all just a false alarm, at which point he slinks quietly back to the table so the four of them can finish their meal. It's an ingenious setup to one of the most uncomfortable films you're ever likely to see. At first, no-one wants to talk about what happened. So it hangs in the air, like a fart you're too embarrassed to admit to. Inevitably, though, it has to be addressed. Forced jokes lead to tight-lipped denials which in turn lead to public accusations. Östlund clearly delights in the opportunity to make his characters — along with his audience — squirm in their seats. Scenes invariably run longer than feels natural, until you're practically begging for the director to cut away. It's especially tough to watch because deep down, you can't help but wonder about what you'd have done in the same situation. Yet the film isn't so much scathing of Tomas's split-second reaction as it is of his refusal to own up to it. As a merciless, darkly comedic takedown of masculine delusion, Force Majeure would make for an ideal double feature with the recently released Gone Girl. Frankly, these Swedes make their American counterparts look positively meant-to-be. https://youtube.com/watch?v=3nTJIc_e6Ns
Noodles and gelato might be strange bedfellows, but the teams at Piccolina and Lagoon Dining see them as perfect pairs. To prove it, they're hosting a one-off Lunar New Year Lunch on Saturday, February 10, to welcome in the Year of the Dragon, during which diners will chase hand-made noodles with freshly churned scoops of gelato. For a modest $35, you'll get a bowl of cold sesame noodles served with chargrilled chicken, black vinegar and crispy soybeans, a scoop of one of the limited-edition Luna New Year gelatos (made by Piccolina and Lagoon Dining) and a fruity soda. Some of the six experimental gelato flavours will include a jackfruit, grapefruit and lime sorbet filled with coconut jellies; a creamy banana gelato with butterscotch ganache; a mango sorbet with lychee jellies; and a jasmine tea gelato with orange, caramelised figs and toasted walnuts. The flavour combos come courtesy of Lagoon Dining chefs, who are known for playfully blending Malaysian and Chinese cuisines. But if you can't make it to the Lunar New Year lunch, keep your cool. The gelatos will be available at all Piccolina stores from Wednesday, February 7 until Tuesday, February 27. It's perfect timing, as Melbourne is finally starting to heat up, and February is set to be a scorcher.
You might know Zoë Coombs Marr better by her alter ego. For years, the stand-up has performed as an unhinged male comic named Dave, raging against the femenazis and all the other bitches who for some strange reason don't think he's all that funny. Now the 2016 Barry Award winner is back — as herself. Expect Bossy Bottom to tackle gender, feminism and homophobia, as well as how all those subjects inevitably intersect with comedy in the modern age.
