Indie rocker and singer/songwriter Neko Case (of The New Pornographers) has announced a tour of Australia and New Zealand for the release of her newest solo album, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I fight, The More I Love You. Released this past September, this is Case's first album since 2009's extremely popular Middle Cyclone. The Worse Things Get... is full of tracks with the same vigour and bluntness that audiences appreciated in past hits such as 'People Got a Lotta Nerve' and 'I'm an Animal'. Her lyrical candour is particularly riotous in 'Man', where she declares, "And if I'm dipshit drunk on the pink perfume / I am the man in the fucking moon / 'Cause you didn't know what a man was / Until I showed you." Indubitably, Case is a force to be reckoned with. Neko Case will be performing at the Melbourne Zoo Twilights on Saturday March 1 and The Corner Hotel on Sunday March 2.
Melbourne's outer suburb of Werribee is set to score a brand-new 24-hour arts festival filled with music, performances, live art and film. Taking over Chirnside Park from 6pm on Saturday, May 6 to 6pm on Sunday, May 7, the inaugural edition of 24 will be an all-ages affair that's free to explore, with a jam-packed program of happenings to keep you entertained non-stop for 1440 minutes straight. The Riverside Stage will play host to a broad-ranging lineup of acts, including all-female Wurundjeri dance outfit Djirri Djirri, reggae singer-songwriter Nhatty Man, and Amadou Suso & Friends Band, showing off those legendary skills on the kora (a West African stringed instrument). Tarabeat and MzRizk will treat audiences to a fusion of classic and contemporary Arabic tunes, while Halo Vocal Ensemble delivers their signature RnB-soaked sound. [caption id="attachment_895390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Halo Vocal Ensemble[/caption] The multi-sensory fun continues off-stage, with a slew of giant installations and live art performances. You'll spy the massive tune-spinning robotic insect UKI, plus pop-up dance performances by Janette Hoe and a colourful cast of roving entertainers weaving through the night. You can unleash your own creativity with a couple of large-scale interactive works by Slow Art Collection, wander through a luminous garden maze made from recycled plastics, and see artist and designer Callum Preston (set builder for RONE's Time) transform a beat-up car into a neon masterpiece live in front of your eyes. There's a giant interactive kaleidoscope, games of glow-in-the-dark tennis and a silent disco that'll have you bopping from 11pm until 7am. You can even put your feet up, pop on some headphones and catch a flick, thanks to the 24-Hour Outdoor Cinema, which'll be screening back-to-back classics right through the festival. [caption id="attachment_895393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'UKI', by John Palmer[/caption] Top image: 'Chromatica' by David Beach
Missed your shot at landing a seat at one of Yakimono's three sold-out MFWF dinners? Well, you've scored a second (and third) chance because the Japanese diner is bringing back its smash-hit seafood feast for two more rounds next month. Cray Cray will deliver another crustacean celebration on Tuesday, May 2, and Tuesday, May 30, as chef Daniel Wilson plates up a five-course homage to the not-so-humble freshwater crayfish. With tickets coming in at $145, you'll dive into dishes like crispy charcoal crayfish karaage, barbecued crustacean skewers paired with yuzu togarashi butter, and for the main event, half a cray cooked on the Josper, then matched with a spicy bisque and slaw. Yakimono's usual drinks lineup will be available to add on from, or you can leave your evening's beverage adventure to the experts and go for the $65 cocktail and sake pairing. The menu includes gems like Asahi Shuzo's Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo, and the passionfruit, white chocolate and shochu cocktail they call the Shibuya. [caption id="attachment_883543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yakimono[/caption]
After the two lockdown-filled years Aussies have just lived through, we've all got a renewed appreciation for escapism. Not to mention, good old-fashioned fun. Thankfully, a unique reality-blurring dining concept kicking off this December offers both of these, promising to help you shake off the mundanity of all that time cooped up at home. The ever-imaginative minds at PlayStation have dreamed up the ultimate immersive food experience, fusing the virtual sphere with real life for PlayStation to Plate. Building on Aussies' renewed relationships with both food and gaming, they've joined forces with the chefs behind some of Sydney and Melbourne's best-known restaurants to bring to life virtual dishes from the PlayStation universe. Pixels have been swapped for plates and graphics replaced by garnishes, bringing new meaning to the idea of playing with your food. [caption id="attachment_835418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morgan Hipworth, of Bistro Morgan[/caption] Between hero dishes depicted on screen and the culinary-focused plots woven through various storylines, food has long been a big part of video game culture. And if you've ever wondered what those virtual food elements actually taste like, this is your chance. Blending food and gaming culture into one, and pushing the boundaries of play into new dimensions, this innovative dining concept promises to transport you beyond the screen. Running from Friday, December 3–Sunday, December 12, PlayStation to Plate sees three Aussie eateries each create a limited-edition menu item that reimagines an iconic video game dish IRL. The restaurants will be serving up their signature creations across all ten days of the pop-up, but you can also have any of the dishes dropped to your door courtesy of Deliveroo. [caption id="attachment_835428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mary's[/caption] So who's involved in bringing this game-to-reality experience to life — and what dishes can you get your mitts on while PlayStation to Plate is in town? The burger-flipping legends at Mary's have leaned into their expertise of sandwiching tasty things between buns to deliver a real-life take on Ellie's Steak Sandwich. Players who've ventured into the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us Part II will recognise this hero dish from at the start of the game. Mary's founders Kenny Graham and Jake Smyth say the virtual venue that serves the sandwich spoke to them for its representation as a safe harbour in the game's storyline. Meanwhile, fellow Sydney restaurant The Italian Bowl has pulled its inspiration from critically acclaimed action-adventure title Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. The chefs here have recreated the Thief's Pasta, which main characters Nate and Elena are seen enjoying together on the couch after a long day. This one's a warm, nonna-approved nod to the way in which we all bond over the sharing of food. [caption id="attachment_835422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Italian Bowl's Thief's Pasta[/caption] In Melbourne, young gun baker Morgan Hipworth is out to tempt your sweet tooth with his rendition of the Sirangian Honey Mousse. The colourful dessert stars in intergalactic adventure game Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, as one of Chef Tulio's signature creations. Hipworth will be slinging this layered sweet delight at his namesake bakery Bistro Morgan. Catch PlayStation to Plate from December 3–12, in Sydney and Melbourne. You'll find each dish featured on the menu at its respective venue, as well as being available for takeaway via Deliveroo. Update 2022: Valorant Mobile Release Date
Country music's ballsy blonde is now reading kid's books online and, in this time of uncertainty, it's pretty heartwarming. Through her charity Imagination Library, Dolly Parton is hosting a weekly bedtime story series: Goodnight with Dolly. So, if you've ever wanted Dolly to lull you to sleep, this is for you. Imagination Library is a book-gifting program for young children that runs in the US, Australia, the UK, Republic of Ireland and Canada. As of February this year, the charity has donated over 133 million books since its inception in 1990. Now, Goodnight with Dolly will see the 'Jolene' and '9 to 5' singer read books from the Imagination Library. Sure, it may be aimed at kids, but we're all in a bit of bedtime comfort right now. The ten-week series will feature books such as Watty Piper's classic The Little Engine that Could, Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama Red Pajama, Floyd Cooper's Max & The Tag-Along Moon and even Dolly's own titles Coat of Many Colors and I Am a Rainbow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ia-ozHDaLs&feature=youtu.be Goodnight with Dolly premieres at 10am AEDT (12pm NZDT) on Friday, April 3 and will take place at 10am AEST (12pm NZST) every week after for ten weeks. You can watch via YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Victoria's premiere LGBTQI festival, Midsumma, is here again. This is the 25th anniversary, and to celebrate they are hosting hundreds of events across Melbourne. From dancing to parties, classes to plays, Midsumma has something for everyone, even if you're straight. Red Bennies' famous drag burlesque shows are on from January 16–19, with host Imogen Kelly. Fag Boy & the Married Guy is a play about casual sex, bullying, and revenge, playing from January 16– 27 at La Mama Theatre. Or come to The God Particle, an evening of multimedia philosophy with a group of young Melbourne artists and musicians. February 1 is the night of parties, with many events including the Blonde on the Bay cruise and Closet Party on Brunswick Street. Or, for a family-friendly gathering, come to Brimbank's Family Fun Day on February 2 and enjoy a barbecue in the park.
Vampires can be slain by staking them in the heart. Werewolves aren't fond of silver bullets. But Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's addition to the undead world can't and won't be killed — not that anyone would want that outcome. First, What We Do in the Shadows jumped from a short film to a hilarious feature-length comedy. Next, it not only inspired a US television remake, which has been renewed for a season season, but New Zealand television spinoff Wellington Paranormal. And in the latter's case, following an exceptionally amusing six-episode first season, it's returning to Australian screens for its 13-episode second season this month. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: trust a mockumentary about the undead to keep coming back in new guises. The Cops-style spinoff follows police officers Karen O'Leary and Mike Minogue, who WWDITS fans might remember came knocking at the vampire share house's door. With the help of Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu), the cop duo keep trying to keep the city safe from supernatural happenings — including not only bloodsuckers and lycanthropes, but ghosts, aliens and more. Wellington Paranormal's second season once again explores the spate of paranormal phenomena popping up in the city, with a whole heap of new spooky occurrences attracting O'Leary, Minogue and Maaka's attention. The season starts with sea monsters — and a very high-profile cameo from Clarke Gaylord, partner of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern — and stays in strange but funny and silly territory from there. In Australia, Wellington Paranormal's first batch of episodes screened on SBS Viceland and was available to stream on SBS On Demand, and that's the case again this year. Episodes will drop weekly on both the free-to-air channel and the online platform from Thursday, November 28. For those following What We Do in the Shadows' continued evolution, Wellington Paranormal's success shouldn't come as a surprise. When the show was first revealed, Waititi described it as "Mulder & Scully but in a country where nothing happens" on Twitter, after all. Wellington Paranormal's second season starts screening on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand from Thursday, November 28.
Still the queen of zero-phucks-given cool, Kirsten Dunst has slammed the selfie in a brand new teeny, tiny short film. Directed by Matthew Frost for Vs. magazine, Aspirational follows Dunst out her Beverly Hills driveway and into an awkward celeb selfie moment. A cheeky WTF comment on social media-obsessed fangirls and celebrity 'moments', Aspirational is a nice little reminder that humans are freakin' idiots sometimes. Via Vs.
Since Australia started easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, the country's internal border restrictions have earned plenty of attention. With tactics to stop the spread of the coronavirus implemented at a state-by-state level — and case numbers in each state varying — different parts of the country have navigated the situation in different ways when it comes to letting non-residents visit. In Western Australia, that has meant a hard border and strict quarantine requirements. For folks who don't normally reside in WA, you could only visit the state if you're classified as an exempt traveller, applied for a G2G Pass and, if approved, then went into self-isolation for 14 days. If you didn't have somewhere appropriate to do the latter, you had to go into a mandatory state quarantine facility for 14 days, too. As initially announced at the end of October — and confirmed by WA Premier Mark McGowan yesterday, Friday, November 13, just before changes came into effect at 12.01am on Saturday, November 14 — the state has started to relax its border restrictions. Moving to a system it has dubbed a 'controlled interstate border', it's now allowing travellers from very low-risk states and territories to enter under eased conditions — people from places that haven't had any community transmission of COVID-19 for 28 days, who can now head to WA without isolating. https://twitter.com/MarkMcGowanMP/status/1327112476857548800 At present, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory fall into that category. So, residents from those states and territories can now venture west. You do still have to complete a G2G Pass declaration, and you'll undergo a temperature test and health screening upon arrival — and you're advised to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test if necessary as well. If you live in New South Wales or Victoria, you're in a state that WA deems low risk. Stats-wise, that means there have been less than five community cases per day on a 14-day rolling average. For travellers, it means still self-quarantining for 14 days, and taking a COVID-19 test on the 11th day. And, this is likely to remain the case until those states have had 28 days without community cases, which is what WA requires to be considered very low-risk. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Western Australia, and the state's corresponding restrictions, visit its online COVID-19 hub. Top image: Tourism WA
Afternoon drinking can bring out animal instincts in the best of us, but The Zoo at Trunk isn't a reference to the bar on a Saturday night — it's a new series of Sunday afternoon sessions that bring together live street art, music, cocktails and that beautiful beer garden. Running for eight weeks, Trunk will give you the chance to get up close and personal to street artists in their natural habitat. You'll see them paint live in one of Melbourne's most inviting inner-city urban settings, whilst enjoying food, drink and music from local DJ's. The Zoo kicks off on Sunday, February 2 with international street artist Makatron, whose art can be found everywhere from New York to Brazil and Japan. After that you'll see the likes of Conrad Bizjak, Hancock, LucyLucy & Deams and Kaffiene creating art right before your eyes (and your wine glass). As always, Trunk's famous cocktail jugs will be readily available into the evening, along with burgers and their Diner Dogs.
Step right up, folks — the circus has come to town. Though it's not the kind with animals and screaming kids, but rather an extravagant circus-themed arcade bar set to boggle all the senses. Opening today within a vibrant, sprawling space at The District Docklands, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is the latest venture from the Funlab crew (Holey Moley, Strike Bowling Bars) and sibling to the Sydney venue of the same name. And yes, it's got that same fast, fun, kid-like energy that'll have you abandoning all adult sensibilities right at the front door's red velvet drapes. Prepare for a serious sensory overload as you cruise this room, between the buttery scents from the old-school popcorn stations, the tunes emanating from the DJ booth and the hyped-up sounds of 67 different arcade games. Here, you'll find everything from dodgem cars, Mario Kart and VR experiences, to six bowling lanes and Jurassic Park shoot-out games. Try your luck nabbing a prize on one of the many claw machines, or venture behind a mysterious curtain to zap zombies and blow your mind in Thrill Ride's interactive XD motion theatre. All that gaming is sure to prove thirsty work, but Archie's bar offering holds its own, with a slew of spiked shakes and cocktails as OTT as their surrounds. Your skills on the beer pong machine can only improve after sipping one of the bubble gum-infused Circus Sours, or the Shark Tanq — a blend of gin, Red Bull, blue liqueur, coconut and orange bitters that's topped with gummy shark lollies. Meanwhile, food is American-diner-meets-theme-park, with a playful circus twist. Camp out in one of the curved booths to devour bites like the Firebreather Hotdog — loaded with beef chilli and spicy mayo — the Bullfighter Burger, rocking a beef patty, pulled pork and bacon, or the flashback-inducing potato gems, topped with cheese dust and caramelised garlic aioli. Add on a nifty condiment-filled syringe to step up the Insta-worthy factor, before heading back out to that bumper car arena. Find Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq at The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands. It's open from Monday–Thursday, midday–10pm; Friday, midday–midnight; and Saturday–Sunday, 10am–midnight. Images: Jacob Conner/Good Gravy Media and Eugene Hyland (food).
That's right, REMI and Sampa the Great are getting back together and touring the nation. Titled Fire Sign, their adventure will bring tunes, hip hop and poetry to big cities all over the country, where every show will see a set from each artist, followed by a joint finale. If you've been keeping an eye on the collaborations between REMI's Remi Kolawole and Sensible J, and Sampa The Great, you'll know that last year they joined forces to create 'For Good', a single that appeared on Divas and Demons, REMI's second album. Featuring a bunch of other special guests, the album took REMI to sold out gigs and several festivals, including Splendour, Field Day and Falls. Meanwhile, Sampa The Great has been going great guns since releasing The Great Mixtape, her debut album in 2015. You might've caught her at WOMAD, Laneway, Sugar Mountain or Golden Plains. From Sydney to Melbourne, Perth to Darwin, expect epic shows from the artists, plus surprises in the form of unannounced performers and a variety of support acts.
Get up close and personal with the latest innovations in virtual reality entertainment at a one-night-only event in North Melbourne. Produced in association with WIRED, the Kaleidoscope World Tour has been travelling the globe from Tokyo to Tel Aviv showcasing groundbreaking VR technology – and lucky for us in Melbourne, they've saved the best spot on their itinerary for last. The special event will feature more than 30 virtual reality experiences and films, including the new work from Oscar-winning director and visual effects whiz Phil Tippett. Punters will also get the chance to try out various VR gear including the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift headsets, hear from the medium's most promising artists at a Rising Stars of VR panel, and sneak an early look at Google's Tilt Brush, which lets you 'paint' in 3D space. General admission tickets to Kaleidoscope Melbourne are already sold out, but there are a few last minute spots still available. For more information and to book tickets, go here.
Fitzroy's Rose St Artists' Market has been teaming up with the Heide Museum of Modern Art for regular instalments of the Heide Makers' Market for almost two years now. And, as 2018 pulls to a close, it's time to make tracks to the museum-market hybrid once more. Taking over the lush surrounds of the gallery's sculpture park, it'll showcase a broad range of handmade goods, across art and design, jewellery and homewares. Visitors will get the chance to chat one-on-one with stall holders, or just saunter through the gallery's grounds with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for something to do that afternoon, the gallery is exhibiting a retrospective on renowned Australian artist Albert Tucker. The display includes books, photographs and archival material from Tucker's personal collection.
Settle in for a long lunch at Taxi Kitchen, with a new Feed Me lunch menu (dubbed FML) for an easy $45 per person. Available every day of the week between 12pm and 3pm at the Federation Square favourite, guests will share three small plates and a large plate across this leisurely lunch. The small plates menu runs to the likes of sake-washed tuna paired with a yuzu yellow, or crispy tempura bug tails seasoned with nori dust and sesame aioli. We recommend the steak tartare topped with a confit egg yolk, which is balanced nicely with nashi, black garlic and wonton crisps. Larger plate choices will see guests making the difficult choices between low-cooked lamb shoulder with kohlrabi puree and Xinjiang spices, or Szechuan spiced duck laden with chilli dressing and watercress. Vegetarian choices include a crispy potato and cabbage bao with tonkatsu and pepper kewpie, or roasted eggplant with charred broccolini, miso and chickpeas. Images: Michael Pham
Call it bad timing. Call it ignorance. Call it laziness. Whichever you choose, Gringo has a problem. A couple of years ago, a film could probably call its villain "the Black Panther" and ignore the fact that the comic book character exists. Now, mere months after the first-ever standalone Black Panther movie became one of the highest-grossing superhero flicks ever made, the name is impossible to overlook. Every time it's mentioned in this crime comedy, the moniker sounds awkward. More than that, it also sounds like screenwriters Anthony Tambakis (Jane Got a Gun) and Matthew Stone (Soul Men) just thought the name was cool, but didn't think much more about it. That seems to have been their general approach anyway — well that and filling the script with as much caper chaos as possible. Despite regularly travelling to Mexico for his pharmaceutical job, Nigerian immigrant Harold (David Oyelowo) is unaware of the Black Panther's (Carlos Corona) existence. The same can't be said for Promethium's ruthless CEOs, Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Elaine (Charlize Theron). The scheming duo happily took the drug lord's money and supplied him with their medical marijuana pills, but now they're keen to end the arrangement so they can sneakily sell off the business — something else they're keeping from Harold. Of course, when Richard and Elaine accompany their underling on his latest trip across the border, they discover that the Black Panther doesn't want things to change. Rather, he wants the formula to the firm's lucrative product and will do whatever it takes to get it. That includes kidnapping Harold, although the secret recipe is yet another thing the lackey doesn't know. Complicating matters is the fact that, in response to his growing personal and professional troubles, the mild-mannered middle manager has already decided to pretend that he has been abducted. Gringo's needlessly convoluted narrative is just getting started, with Harold's unhappy wife (Thandie Newton) and Richard's ex-mercenary brother (Sharlto Copley) also playing their parts. So does a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) with no idea that her boyfriend (Harry Treadaway) is trying to smuggle Promethium's drugs back into the US. To the surprise of no one, there's more than one link between the various characters, and between the array of intertwined plot threads. Jam-packed would be the nice way to describe the movie, which has been spliced together by three editors yet drags over its 111-minute running time. Overblown, unfunny, messy and meandering is another way to put it. If there's any sliver of a saving grace, it comes from Oyelowo and Theron, who stand out among the film's high-profile cast. While neither are at their best, you could put these two in nearly any picture and they'd make a considerable difference, even when they're saddled with woefully underwritten roles. Oyelowo almost makes the hapless Harold's journey believable — emphasis on "almost", because the character's jump from believing in the American dream to breaking bad for revenge feels incredibly convenient. Theron has plenty of fun chewing the scenery as the wily, icy Elaine and certainly makes more of an impression than Edgerton, not to mention the rest of the acting lineup. The last time Edgerton starred in a big-screen effort by his director brother Nash, the end result was the ace 2008 Australian crime thriller The Square. Nominated for seven AFI Awards, the film boasted well-executed twists, genuine tension and smart black comedy — and Joel co-wrote the script. With a much weaker screenplay, Gringo plays like an overdone, ineffective attempt to up the ante, using similar components but boosting the star power and budget. Still, Nash demonstrates a definite eye for action with his second full-length film, as evident in the movie's shoot-outs and chase scenes. But by the time these antics properly kick in, it's a case of too little, too late. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx0KDIFCAu0
Tucked away in an industrial pocket of Mornington, Commonfolk Coffee is one of the unassuming gems of the Peninsula's cafe scene. Here, the house-roasted coffee is the hero, with specialty options to suit every palate. Every brew you order makes a difference, too, thanks to Commonfolk's initiative The Cup That Counts, which helps set up sustainable farms in Uganda. To match, you'll find a contemporary menu that hits a whole lot of different flavour notes, from the banoffee-inspired smoothie bowl ($16) to the breakfast burrito ($16) — loaded with refried beans, scrambled egg, sausage and tater tots — and a bagel ($20) topped with vodka-cured salmon, pickled fennel and crispy capers. Lunch might see you tucking into a serve of Korean fried chicken ($20), or a customisable poke bowl ($16–22), starring produce from the onsite courtyard garden. And if the mood calls for something a little stronger than coffee, the bar's also serving up a tidy range of booze — think canned wine, local craft beers and gin from good mates at Drops of Juniper. Images: Tommy Terlaak.
There's nothing more divisive in the art world than the readymade. Ever since Duchamp plonked that urinal in a gallery, people's perception of modern art swung one of two ways. They either felt liberated by the boundaries of 'art' loosening — empowered by the utopic promise of a truly limitless form — or, they grew increasingly cynical. "Really? A bicycle wheel? A urinal?" The sentiments of hipster-haters worldwide are destined to eternally bounce off the walls of our trendy modern galleries. "This is art?" Love it or hate it, the idea was revolutionary, and Reinventing the Wheel: The Readymade Century, the newest exhibition at Monash University Museum of Art, is set to explore exactly what effect this seminal form has had. Think neo-dada, minimalism, and pop; Duchamp's ideas are ever present in the work of many of our modern and contemporary greats. The exhibition will in fact showcase over 50 big-name artists including Duchamp himself, Man Ray, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol. While you may have artistic differences with the readymade itself, that's a pretty tough lineup to turn down. Image: Duchamp's Bicycle Wheel on exhibition at MoMA, photo courtesy of Eneas De Troya
Melbourne's ongoing love affair with the not-so-humble hamburger will reach peak obsession at Welcome to Thornbury this Tuesday and Wednesday night. From 5pm on both March 8 and 9, half a dozen of Melbourne's biggest kahunas will step behind the grill at the northside food truck park for a mouth-watering burger extravaganza. Extra pickles, please! Presented in partnership with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Melbourne Burger Invitational will feature the tastiest creations from 8bit., Mr. Burger, Beatbox Kitchen, Dude Food Man, 1090 Burger and Easey's. Tuesday night is already sold out, but you can still snap up tickets for Wednesday. Included in the entry is a burger from a vendor of your choice, a complimentary pint of Melbourne Bitter, and a commemorative invitational t-shirt. The team from Gelato Messina will also be on site, because what goes better with a burger than ice cream? Rhetorical question; the answer is 'nothing'.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra will collaborate with critically acclaimed percussion group Synergy Percussion on two concerts featuring some of the most iconic film scores in living memory. Featuring works by Thomas Newman and Bernard Herrmann along with Greek-French composer Iannis Xenakis, Cinemusica shapes up as a sonic treat for film lovers and classical music fans alike. Of course, you don't have to be a movie buff to recognise the shrieking strings of Herrmann's iconic score to Psycho. Also on the run sheet is Newman's ethereal work from American Beauty, and Bartók's Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, used by Stanley Kubrick to unsettling effect in The Shining. Rounding out the concert will be a pair of compositions by Xenaskis, along with a brand new work by Synergy Percussion artistic director Timothy Constable.
After a stack of time spent cooped up in your house this year, there are likely few creative outlets you're yet to have a crack at. At-home ceramics? Paint-by-numbers? Banana bread? Done, done and done. But the dessert slingers over at Doughnut Time might just have a new one for you, involving some crafty flair and a much-needed sugar rush. Roll up those sleeves and get ready, because it's time to try your hand at doughnut decorating. Having made a comeback under new owners, relaunching stores in Queensland and Victoria, the doughnut company has just unveiled its latest creation — a series of DIY doughnut kits. Each comes with four plain doughnuts and all the trappings needed to whip up some mini edible masterpieces, allowing you to recreate Doughnut Time signatures with the help of colourful glazes, sprinkles and other toppings. You can have a go at making your own version of the Caramilk Baskin, or perhaps attempt the chocolate-caramel fusion that is Life On Mars. There is even a vegan kit, if you prefer your doughnuts and decorations cruelty-free. Each DIY kit clocks in at $34, with shipping currently available to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. Folks in Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra, stay tuned — you'll be able to order kits to your cities in the coming days.
Westsiders really hit the jackpot with last year's arrival of Grazeland, a culinary hub crammed full of permanent food stalls slinging a smorgasbord of international eats. And now, they're hitting it again, as the precinct serves up a big weekend of specials, discounts and entertainment for its first birthday celebrations. Head along from Friday, March 25–Sunday, March 27 to join in the feasting and festivities. Not only will the entry fee be discounted to $3.50 per person across the entire weekend, but every single vendor will be slashing a tasty 10 percent off their full food and drink menus. That means loaded lobster rolls from Claw & Tail, plates full of Drums' Sri Lankan street food, coal-cooked African barbecue by Tasty Suya, wood-fired delights courtesy of 48H Pizza Bar, bubbles from Boulevarde Bar and Cannoleria's freshly piped cannoli — all going cheap. As you graze your way through the lineup, you'll enjoy roving entertainment, plus live tunes from the likes of Tanya George and Unlimited. For its birthday weekend, Grazeland will open from 5–11pm on March 25, 12–11pm on March 26 and 12–9pm on March 27. [caption id="attachment_845957" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SDP Media[/caption] Images: I in the Sky Productions and SDP Media
UPDATE, February 10, 2021: News of the World is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream via Netflix from Wednesday, February 10. The first time that Tom Hanks was nominated for an Oscar, it was for munching on baby corn spears like they were full-sized cobs. His nod for Big stemmed from more than just that scene, but the way he handled the tiny vegetables perfectly illustrates how, at his best, he can make anything look and feel convincing. He didn't win for the 1989 comedy, and he hasn't taken home an Academy Award since he went two for two with 1994's Philadelphia and 1995's Forrest Gump; however that skill has remained a vital reason for his prolonged success. And, it applies equally to the silliest roles on his resume — early movies Splash, Turner & Hooch and The 'Burbs, for instance — and to the far more serious and subtle parts. Last year's Oscar-nominated performance in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood typifies the latter, and featured Hanks in such exceptional form that it couldn't have been easier to see him as children's presenter Mr Rogers. His latest great film, western News of the World, also belongs in the same category. This time around, Hanks plays a Civil War veteran-turned-travelling newsman who becomes saddled with escorting a child back to her family, and he's as gripping and compelling to watch as he's ever been. Hanks' character, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, is a travelling newsman in the very literal and era-appropriate sense. He journeys from town to town to read newspapers to amassed crowds for ten cents a person, all so folks across America can discover what's going on — not just locally, but around the country and the world. Then, on one otherwise routine trip in 1870, he passes an overturned wagon. Only a blonde-haired ten-year-old girl, Johanna (Helena Zengel, System Crasher), remains alive. Kidd soon discovers that she had been abducted by the Kiowa people years earlier during a raid that saw her entire family slaughtered, and was then raised as one of their own, but she has now been left homeless after more violence. The wagon was transporting Johanna to her last remaining relatives and, in the absence of any officials willing to take over — or ensure her safety until they get around to setting off — Kidd reluctantly agrees to the task. Reading the news is still part of their trek, but so is avoiding the many dangers that plague their ride across Texas' golden-hued landscape. If the sight of a wearied Hanks donning a wide-brimmed hat, sitting atop a trusty horse and galloping across scrubby plains feels unfamiliar, that's because it hasn't happened before — with News of the World marking his first-ever western more than four decades after he made his acting debut. (No, his time voicing cowboy plaything Woody in the Toy Story movies doesn't count.) Hanks is a natural fit, unsurprisingly. The grounded presence he has brought to everything from Apollo 13 to The Post couldn't pair better with a genre that trots so openly across the earth, and ties its characters' fortunes so tightly to the desolate and wild conditions that surround them, after all. As a result, the fact that News of the World eagerly recalls previous western standouts such as The Searchers and True Grit doesn't ever become a drawback. Instead, this adaptation of Paulette Jiles' 2016 novel makes a purposeful effort to put its star in the same company as the many on-screen talents who've shone in — and strutted and scowled through — the genre. Hanks takes to the saddle like he's been perched upon one his entire career, of course, and takes to Kidd's lone-rider status with the same naturalistic air as well. Indeed, Hanks plays Kidd as an everyman, another key trait that's served him excellently for years — but the ex-soldier is also a wanderer for a reason. A handful of poignant scenes help shade in the character's painful past, and make it plain why his eventual connection with Johanna is perhaps a bigger deal for him than it is for her. They're an ideal match, actually, even if it doesn't instantly seem like it. He's quiet and stoic, she's unafraid to voice her displeasure, and a father-daughter rapport slowly springs. But Hanks isn't the only actor who ensures that this pairing works so disarmingly well, with his young co-star just as phenomenal. For anyone who saw Zengel's performance in 2019's System Crasher, which won the pre-teen the German Film Prize for Best Actress, that won't come as even the slightest surprise. Also pivotal to News of the World is filmmaker Paul Greengrass, who directs Hanks for the second time following Captain Phillips. Working with a script co-written with Australian screenwriter Luke Davies (Lion, Beautiful Boy, Angel of Mine), the United 93, 22 July and three-time Bourne franchise helmer opts for a more polished visual approach than he's known for — less frenetic and jittery, and noticeably so, but with imagery that still pulsates with emotion. When Kidd and Johanna find trouble along their trek, including from a shady trio with despicable intentions, Greengrass expertly ramps up the pace without ever letting the film's classic feel subside. With stellar assistance from cinematographer Dariusz Wolski (Sicario: Day of the Soldado) and editor William Goldenberg (an Oscar-winner for Argo), he ensures that the wagon chase and cliffside shootout that ensue are as tense and thrilling as they are exacting and meticulous. And, when his central duo arrive in a town where the local heavy (Thomas Francis Murphy, The Secrets We Keep) isn't keen on any news he doesn't approve of, he never overemphases the contemporary parallels with today's political cries against the media. Greengrass also fills News of the World with a top-notch supporting lineup, including Deadwood's Ray McKinnon, True Grit's Elizabeth Marvel, Hanks' Turner & Hooch love interest Mare Winningham and The Queen's Gambit's Bill Camp — a touch indicative of the film's finesse on every level. In fact, as perfectly cast and reliably great as Hanks is here, in the latest role that's likely to see awards nominations come his way, the empathetic and absorbing movie he's in meets him at every turn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG_EVA58P-g Image: Bruce W Talamon/Universal Pictures/Netflix.
Once again, Melbourne's late summer openair cinema will occupy hallowed turf, with a pop-up cinema on the pitch at the MCG. Taking over the iconic sporting arena for the first weekend of February, Cinema at the 'G will showcase a pair of music-filled hit movies under the stars. On Friday, February 1, the venue will be far from the shallow for its screening A Star Is Born, the Lady Gaga-starring mega hit that's directed by and co-stars Bradley Cooper. The following evening, Bohemian Rhapsody will rock the stadium, with Rami Malek stepping into Freddie Mercury's shoes. The venue might seat 100,000 on grand final day, but only 2000 tickets are available for each night of cinema. Ticketholders can bring picnic blankets, pillows and snacks, or munch on food available for purchase on-site. Doors open at 6.30pm for an 8.30pm start, and proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Bank of Melbourne Foundation, which in turns supports an array of Victorian charities.
Vegans of the north, rejoice. 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 the Vegan Vegout. The all-vegan food truck event usually rolls into High Street on the first Wednesday of every month. For the September event, you can expect a lineup of vegetarian and vegan snacks from the likes of Woking Amazing, Pierogi Pierogi, Mr Burger, and Quintessence Patisserie, which means everything from vegan meatballs to vegan peking duck will be covered. The event kicks off from 5pm and dogs are welcome. Vegan Vegout runs from 5–9pm.
Whether you like them filled with jam and cream, or prefer plain cake all the way, the lamington is a perfect dessert. It's a piece of sponge cake covered in chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut — what's not to love? And, as excellent as it is on its own, it also fares exceptionally well when it's combined with other foods. Everything from lamington gelato to lamington milkshakes have already proven this fact, as has lamington-flavoured vodka, too. The latest creative take on this Australian favourite? A lamington-cruffin hybrid — which turns one food mashup into a bigger food mashup like the baked goods version of Inception. Sorry, lamington purists, it definitely isn't cube-shaped. But it now exists thanks to Lune Croissanterie. The bakery fills its Frankenstein's monster of a lamington-croissant-muffin with raspberry jam and whipped cream, then dips it in chocolate ganache and desiccated coconut. Without the latter, it just wouldn't be a lamington. And if that description has got your tastebuds in a tizzy, you can nab one — or several — in Fitzroy until Monday, January 31. The lamington cruffins lead Lune's January specials menu, which also includes coffee hazelnut twice-baked croissants, cinnamon buns, peach and yoghurt danishes, tomato tarts and the 'cherry ripe twice-baked' — which gives a pain au chocolat a cherry ripe-inspired twist. Like the lamington cruffins, you'll find the coffee hazelnut twice-baked croissants and peach and yoghurt danishes in Fitzroy only, while everything else is on offer at Lune's CBD store as well — most specials can also be pre-ordered online. Lune's lamington cruffins are available from its Fitzroy store at 119 Rose Street, Fitzroy, until Monday, January 31 — with pre-orders taken online.
UPDATE Monday, November 29: Friends! The Musical Parody has been postponed and will now run November and December, 2022, at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre. We'll share the new dates as they're revealed. Australia's theatre scene didn't have much to smile about in 2020; however, now that 2021 has rolled around, some venues around the country are kicking back into gear with a little help from their friends. Well, with Friends! The Musical Parody to be specific — with the comedic, song-filled satire of everyone's favourite 90s sitcom touring the country. Initially, the show was due to hit local theatres in August and September last year. Then, when the pandemic struck, the musical rescheduled to November and December instead. But it seems that 2020 wasn't anyone's year — and it didn't include anyone's favourite day, week or month, for that matter — so the production has now shifted its entire run to 2021. Scheduled to hit Melbourne from Tuesday, November 23–Sunday, December 12, Friends! The Musical Parody will spend time with Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe, of course. Here, they're hanging out at their beloved Central Perk — and sitting on an orange couch, no doubt — when a runaway bride shakes up their day. Call it 'The One with the Loving, Laugh-Filled Lampoon', or 'The One That Both Makes Good-Natured Fun of and Celebrates an Iconic Sitcom'. Yes, no one told you that being obsessed with the Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer-starring show about six New Yorkers would turn out this way — with on-stage skits and gags, recreations of some of the series' best-known moments, and songs with titles such as 'How you Doin?' and 'We'll Always Be There For You'.
It's official, Australia is going to be reppin' the glitter cannons, human-sized hamster wheels and furious fog machines at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. This morning, Australia has been announced as one of the competing countries for this year's contest, and we're even allowed back next year — if we win. Too kind. Australians will even be able to vote, probably at some whack hour of the day. Making a world stage of Vienna this time around, Eurovision is taking place from May 20 to 24, with the final exploding all over Stadthalle arena on May 23. So who's going to be our shining star, our glittering messenger to an estimated global audience of 195 million? Not Jessica Mauboy, who performed in last year's event with weird astronauts and dancers in budgie smugglers. Nope. While SBS is suggesting AC/DC and Midnight Oil (and Olivia Newtown John for some ungodly reason), we've got a few pitches of our own to make. Eurovision is about simultaneously bringing new faces to the world and earning ner-ner-ner-ner bragging rights for your country. Finland dressed up as orcs and played epic metal. Moldova danced in a circle with weird cone hats on. Germany put a disco Genghis Khan on stage. Let's show 'em. DONNY BENET If you've ever seen this Sydney maestro of groove live, you'll know Europe wouldn't be able to resist his seductive synthy basslines, sax solos and crisp white tuxedo jackets. If Benet had been the brains behind France's 'Moustache' track last year, they'd have earned a few more points. KIRIN J CALLINAN Because if we're going to meet the quirk of Eurovision halfway, we need Kirin. Things would undoubtedly get freaky. Plus, he'd give Conchita Wurst's beard a run for its money. CLIENT LIAISON Monte Morgan and Harvey Miller would 'Feed the Rhythm' inside 12 easy points from Malta with their applaudable live show. Plus, Monte wears a lot of mesh and Eurovision loves mesh. SIA The Grammy nominee would get 12 points for vocal range or oversized wig alone, but she'd probably bring along her dancetastic buddy Maddie Ziegler who would seal the deal. BLUEJUICE Get the band back together, bring the skipping ropes back on stage and channel all that newfound Boyz II Men goodness. TKAY MAIDZA Look, the kid's bloody talented, super fun live and if we could win Eurovision with a teenage rapper from Adelaide, we'd run the world. BRENDAN MCLEAN Certified king of dancing like no-one's watching, primed for the Eurostage after jigworthy escapades such as this killer video. UPDATE 11/2: Well, well, well. A dark horse joins the race. There's now a huge surge in support for a petition on Change.org, calling for the reunion of landmark Australian rock band TISM specifically to represent Australia at Eurovision 2015. "Since you left us in 2004, we've had a never ending parade of gormless depressing electro-indie, depressing indie-folk, and depressing Aussie hip-hop," say the petitioners. "We the undersigned, ask that you get on stage in front of the world and remind them of just how great Australian music is." They're up to over 500 signatures already. Want to add yours? Nominated by the Concrete Playground team.
Architecture aficionados are in for a huge weekend this July if the just-launched Open House Melbourne Weekend lineup is anything to go by. Running from July 28–29, the weekend is the crowning glory of Open House Melbourne's annual, month-long celebration of local architecture — and this year's program, unveiled this morning, is its biggest yet. It sees a total of 220 buildings open their doors to the public across the weekend, including 70 new participants, 24 residential buildings and 81 City of Melbourne structures. Among the architectural delights you'll have the chance to get up close and personal is St Kilda's stunning new Stokehouse Precinct — the first five-star green-star building of its type in the country. More exciting still is that eco activist and artist Joost Bakker will be leading the guided walking tour. Explore the yet-to-be-completed 85th floor of the iconic Eureka Tower and marvel at its sweeping, 360-degree views, as part of an exclusive tour by architects Fender Katsalidas — or go back to school, with a close-up look at 37 significant sites across four of Monash University's campuses, including the striking, orange-accented biology building. Also on the program is artist Eugenia Lim's three-channel video homage to acclaimed modernist architect Robin Boyd called The Australian Ugliness. One of the stunning buildings included in the residential section is Molecule Studio's five-person, small-footprint home, Triangle House. While most of the open house tours are free, a few require pre-booking and incur a small fee. Check out our picks of the weekend or head to the website for the full list.
One minute Sydney's Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O'Dell were writing nostalgic garage pop in a Newtown bedroom. The next, they were on high rotation on triple j, applauded by Splendour in the Grass-goers and basking in Channel V praise along the lines of "terminally infectious". With comfortably breezy tunes that could rival Oasis, DMAs are Australia's answer to Brit-rock — and they have the wardrobe of Adidas to match. The trio's sweet acoustic sound first hit the ears of influential label I OH YOU (Violent Soho, DZ Deathrays) in September 2013. "A good friend (who I guess I owe a beer to now) called me up and began barking down my phone about an amazing young band from Newtown," explained I OH YOU director Johann Ponniah, who released the trio's debut EP earlier this year. Their debut single 'Delete' swept across social media and dominated radio rotation, then the lads were one of the highlights of Splendour in the Grass this year, prompting many a singalong to 'Feels like 37' and 'The Plan'. Living well up to the significant hype, DMAs played their Britpop-loving butts off, as frontman Johnny Took steered the crew with his Gallagher-like pipes and tambourine stick. After a few smaller, low-key shows to promote their debut EP, the Sydneysiders are now embarking on their first ever national tour; playing shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Fremantle. If you haven't seen DMAs live yet, get amongst it at Northcote Social Club on October 11 and 12. Adidas trackies optional. Supported by The Creases. Words by Molly Glassey and Jasmine Crittenden. https://youtube.com/watch?v=vKSWC5r1tYg
Photographs have the ability to allow us to view situations from new angles and provide us with new perspectives, altering our preconceptions. Simply changing the angle of a camera, for example, can create immense and unique beauty that changes the way we see spaces, as well as the colours and patterns within them. In Room Portraits, German photographer Menno Aden does just that, transforming drab, everyday rooms into fascinating works of art that make you want to sprout wings. The Bedroom The Renovator's Dream The Shoe Store The Grocery Store The Double Room The Convenience Store The Bar The Living Room The Dentist's Room The Kitchen The Rehearsal Room The Picnic The Hotel Room The Kitchen II The Classroom
After holding a 24-hour strike on Tuesday this week, Melbourne bus drivers with transport outfit CDC Victoria will again strike today — Friday, July 13 — during the particularly busy hours of 2pm and 6pm, 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. While industrial action is only scheduled to run for four hours, CDC is advising it could impact services up to an hour before and after the scheduled strike. Commuters are advised to organise alternative transport — or defer their travel — but should expect crowing on alternative transport, such as trains and trams. 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 Ballarat and Geelong routes and updates, check the Public Transport Victoria website. 150 151 153 160 161 166 167 170 180 181 190 191 192 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 414 415 417 418 419 421 423 424 425 439 441 443 461 494 495 496 497 498 601 605 606 612 623 624 625 626 630 900 Route 400 will not be affected. To keep up-to-date with service times, visit the PTV and CDC Victoria websites. Image: CDC Victoria.
The mood is high in Melbourne right now, as the state continues to smash its vaccination targets and the city kicks off a long-awaited reopening. And the folks at doughnut bakery Goldelucks have created the perfect treat to celebrate both of these achievements. The store's dropped two new boozy dessert packs, which'll be available until the end of November. There's the Single Dosed Box ($48), featuring a mixed trio of Goldelucks doughnuts, one of the store's signature Nutella-filled syringes for an extra chocolate hit, a can of Public Brewing Co.'s popular Dan AnBrews beer, and an assortment of other lollies and chocolate. Meanwhile, the Double Dosed Box ($72) comes packed with a double serve of all of the above, ideal for sharing with a fellow double-jabbed mate, or simply saying cheers to post-lockdown life. Order online now for next-day delivery.
In response to Melbourne's growing Holiday Inn COVID-19 cluster, the entire state of Victoria entered a five-day lockdown on Friday, February 12, which brought stage four restrictions back into effect. Come 11.59pm tonight, Wednesday, February 17, the stay-at-home period will end, but some restrictions will remain. And yes, you'll still be wearing face masks in most circumstances when you leave home. Announcing the changes today, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that "masks will continue to be a big part of our defence". So, you'll need to keep donning fitted face coverings whenever you're indoors, unless you're at home. Supermarkets and workplaces were named as two examples of places where you'll have to cover up, but the rule applies everywhere inside except when you're at your own house. The amended mask requirement comes into effect when midnight hits tonight, and you'll also need to keep wearing them outdoors if you can't socially distance. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1361823417121468416 With Victorians allowed to have five people visit their houses each day from midnight tonight, the new rules clarify the recommendations there, too. It's strongly advised that you pop a mask on when you have folks over, with the Victorian Government particularly concerned about reducing the risk situations and settings it considers especially vulnerable. If you're now wondering where to grab a fitted mask, we've put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
With a name like All for One, you'd expect Yarraville's latest health and wellness studio to take a holistic approach to its field; however the Campbell Street newcomer isn't just focusing on the usual classes. Here, patrons can expect to bend, stretch and cycle, of course, and even enjoy a relaxing massage. More than that, they can give their minds a workout as well as their bodies. Aiming to provide a one-stop shop dedicated to different methods of self-improvement, All for One combines fitness instructors and clinical practitioners all in the one space. As well as yoga, pilates and spin classes, their roster of services also includes nutritionist sessions, mindfulness teachings, and psychologists to help with both chronic pain injury and just general life stuff. In addition to regular classes and appointments, All for One also boasts an airy space for customers to relax over a cup of tea, and plans to hold inspirational and motivational workshops and events — with a session with ultra marathon runner and Australian Survivor contestant Samantha Gash, to be held on May 12, marking their first. Decor-wise, the centre offers a calming space filled with brightness, a light colour palette and greenery aplenty, including plants suspended from the ceiling over its yoga studio. Find All for One at 13 Campbell Street, Yarraville, or visit its website for further information.
With racially motivated discrimination, oppression and injustice in the global spotlight over the past few weeks, one confectionery company has taken the opportunity to rebrand two of its lollies that have names with racist overtones. Nestlé has announced it will rename its chewy red lollies, currently called Redskins, an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, and its chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos, which means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. In a statement released today, on Tuesday, June 23, Nestlé said it will change the names of the two lollies and "acknowledges the need to ensure that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues. These names have overtones which are out of step with Nestlé's values, which are rooted in respect," the statement said. New names have not yet been finalised, according to the company, but it is moving to change them "quickly". Race and discrimination is a subject that always demands action and attention, both worldwide and within Australia, however, it's been particularly thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL team has ramped up again in the US, too, with The Washington Post calling on the team's owner Daniel Snyder to change the name in an editorial published earlier this week. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products, which are manufactured in New Zealand and Australia under the company's Allen's brand, also isn't new — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either.
In true 2020 fashion, AFL Grand Final celebrations are set to look very different this time around. The game itself has been shipped interstate, the pubs are closed and even the classic backyard barbecue with mates is a no go. But that doesn't mean you need to let Saturday, October 24 pass without indulging in a proper footy feast, worthy of Melbourne's famous sporting clash. Diehard footy fan or not, there's no better time of year for some pub grub and finger food, matched with a few bevvies and scoffed in front of the telly. To save you from kitchen duty, we've found a stack of finals-friendly food and drink bundles, most of which you can get delivered to your door. And, of course, there are plenty of pies in the mix. Dust off that merch and elevate your at-home Grand Final experience with these eight footy packs. PRAHRAN MARKET x MOON DOG POUR 'N PLENTY PIE & BEER BOX Those game day pie cravings are in solid hands with this limited-edition pack from the Prahran Market and Moon Dog Brewery, celebrating that time-honoured footy pairing of hot pies and cold beer. Seven market vendors have each created their own signature party pie for the occasion, with inventive fillings ranging from lamb kofta to peking duck. The $55 pack comes loaded with 13 ready-to-heat pies, as well as a mixed four-pack of Moon Dog brews and a mini Sherrin footy. It also comes with tasting notes and the option to experience a virtual pie tasting session. How much? $55 HAND PICKED ULTIMATE FOOTY FEED Graze your way through Grand Final Day with the Ultimate Footy Feed selection from Australian Venue Co's new at-home menu. The pub group's chefs have dreamt up a roll-call of reimagined footy snacks, which you can have delivered straight to your door on October 23 (Grand Final Eve) for an easy $5 fee. Choose six snack dishes for $30, or eight options for $45, and get ready to sink your teeth into creative bites like boozy barbecue sausage rolls, ramen-fried chicken nuggets, and lobster mac 'n' cheese bites matched with truffle mayo. Orders close at noon this Thursday, October 22, so don't muck around. How much? $30–40 HOP NATION x PIE THIEF GAME DAY PACKS Can't fathom a footy final without some form of pie? Well, there'll be no Four'N Twenty pastries scoffed at the 'G this year, but Footscray pie shop Pie Thief and craft brewery Hop Nation have teamed up to deliver the next best thing. The duo's new Game Day bundles come in either six- or 12-pack form ($45/80), matching a selection of mini pies with signature Hop Nation brews and tinnies from their newly launched seltzer range, 'Ray. Get excited for pie varieties like chunky steak and spag bol, paired with drops like The Chop IPA, The Damned pilsner and summery peach seltzer. Deliveries will be running to a bunch of central and western postcodes on October 21 and 22, so that your fridge is all stocked come game day. How much? $45–80 ATTICA FOOTY LOAF Yep, even Ben Shewry's fine dining icon Attica is getting into the Grand Final spirit. The Ripponlea restaurant is shaking things up with a special at-home offering available only on October 23 and 24 — a family-friendly nacho-style footy loaf. For $85, you will get to enjoy a feast Shewry's own kids have labelled their "favourite ever Attica meal", starring a full loaf of bread with a swag of accompaniments for dipping, ripping and/or filling as you see fit. There's a rich beef and black bean chilli, corn chips, jalapeños, guacamole, pepperberry pickled onions and two varieties of sour cream. It's all available for pickup, or delivery to select suburbs, with pre-orders open now. How much? $85 400 GRADI GRAND FINAL PACKS The pizza maestros at 400 Gradi are slinging not one, but three different AFL Grand Final packs, catering to the full range of footy feasting preferences. You can opt for a grazing-style combination of cheese and prosecco ($70), or go for gold with one of the group-friendly spreads, featuring salumi, pizza, focaccia, a full lamb shoulder, tiramisu and more. Each pack is designed for two, but if you want to upsize, you'll find plenty of choice add-ons available in 400 Gradi's online food store. Delivery's available all across the state, with fees varying depending on how far out you are. Just be sure to get your pre-order in before the October 21 cut-off. How much? $70–170 SAN TELMO x FUTURE MOUNTAIN BREWING PARTY PACK Promising to lend a little South American flair to the footy finals experience is the new limited-edition party pack from the San Telmo Group. One of three bundles created in collaboration with the folks from Future Mountain Brewing, this should answer all your food and drink cravings. You'll score a one-litre serve of Future Mountain beer — perhaps the old-world farmhouse ale or an oak-aged golden sour — along with a lineup of Argentinian eats ready to heat and eat. We're talking empanadas, cured meats, chimichurri and a couple of classic choripan (chorizo rolls). You can pick up your feast from one of three locations, otherwise delivery is available to select suburbs near the Reservoir brewery. How much? $90–122 EASEY'S x THE EMERSON FOOTY BUBBLE PACKS Easey's kitchen residency at The Emerson means good things for any southsider with a burger craving this finals season. The pair is dishing up three different Bubble Packs, perfect for devouring in front of the telly while cheering on your team. There's a solo pack featuring a cheeseburger and a couple of cans of Splash vodka ($29), and a two-person bundle packed with two of Easey's signatures and a celebratory one-litre cocktail serve ($79). Need a footy feast for four? You'll also find a $99 family pack in the mix, loaded with four burgers and a four-pack of Splash. All three options are available daily from noon till 7.30pm, though you'll have to pick-up from the venue. How much? $29–99
Byron Bay's Stone & Wood and Three Blue Ducks are headed to Melbourne for one of Good Beer Week's hot-ticket items on Friday, May 18. The dinner will see head brewer Caolan Vaughan team up with Three Blue Ducks chef and co-owner Darren Robertson to showcase sustainable produce in a six-course beer degustation at Vue de Monde. The two interstate heavy-hitters are combining their passions for locally sourced and produced beer and food and are bringing it to a fine-dining restaurant that is known to do the same. Guests will sit at communal tables and eat course-after-course of ethical eats — with a vegetarian option available — paired with six craft brews from Vaughan's independently owned brewery. In between bites, you'll have the chance to chat with the award-winning brewer and renowned chef. It's certainly a pricey night, but one that's no doubt well worth it.
After a post-silly season stretch session that takes full advantage of Melbourne's primo summer weather? The crew at Downtown Yoga & Pilates is dishing up the goods, with a series of free rooftop yoga mornings. The final three sessions — happening on January 19, February 2 and March 2 — will see participants getting bendy through a series of vinyasa and yin-style moves, while soaking up the sun-drenched surrounds on top of Rooftop Bar. Expert yogi Olivia Hanus will lead you through a flow class, backed by tunes from top local selectors, like Merve, Jen Loveless and Alex Kovac. And of course, some pretty special views of the city skyline. Afterwards, you can cruise into the weekend with a coffee, chai, or even a cocktail, or get stuck into a lively brunch menu of treats like 'shroom burgers, granola bowls and acai bowls.
Get a crash course in Shakespeare in the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer. Running from December through to mid-March, Shakespeare's Best Bits offers a refreshing take on the works of history's most famous playwright, mashing up everything from Macbeth to Romeo and Juliet — with a healthy amount of silliness thrown in. The show follows the six amateur thespians known as The Mechanicals, who originally appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Only this time, rather than the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe, they're tackling the oeuvre of the very writer who created them in the first place. How meta. Loaded with slapstick humour and at least one King Lear-themed rap battle, this production under the stars sounds utterly, intentionally ridiculous. Don't go mistaking it for the work of amateurs though. In fact, it's being run by the Australian Shakespeare Company. Not sure how the Bard would feel about all this, but at least you can expect some quality performances.
This weekend, WA-born brewery Colonial is throwing a free party dedicated to two of your favourite things — local music and indie Aussie craft beer. Not to be confused with the internationally acclaimed electronic duo of a similar name, Draught Punk Beer Fest will descend on Colonial's Port Melbourne digs for a day of specialty brews and dance-friendly live tunes on Saturday, May 21. Head in from 12pm to party with the label's latest drops, including a few special releases pouring exclusively for the fest. Word is, you'll be able to get your mitts on some sour beers that have been busy ageing to perfection in barrels since the pre-COVID era. Guest sips from mates at Molly Rose, Future Mountain and Range will also be flowing. Meanwhile, the entire brewery is being reimagined as a dance floor, so you can get your groove on amongst the kegs and fermenters. On the decks, will be legendary Sydney duo Set Mo, joined by Coburg's own DJ Be Kind to Other People and NZ artist Aroha. Plus, there'll be a full-scale light show to really drive home that party energy. [caption id="attachment_781228" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colonial Brewing Co[/caption] Top Image: Mushroom Creative House
A fusion of Italian flavours is coming together starting this weekend in collaboration with Marameo and Zita's Focaccia. The duo have whipped up a limited-time creation dubbed 'The CPT', which comes with a deep-fried croquette filled with Marameo's renowned black truffle cacio e pepe sauce, nestled between Zita's fluffy focaccia with fresh black truffle and Pecorino shavings. [caption id="attachment_949906" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Ellina Dentoom[/caption] Following the pop-up at Zita's, which is just along 16 Toorak Road in South Yarra, the focaccia fest will continue at Marameo's CBD location from April 15 to 27. Patrons can savour 'The CPT' for two weeks, along with an exclusive Salumi Extravaganza featuring mortadella, prosciutto, chilli salami, stracciatella, and lettuce. In case you miss out on the pop-up at Zita's on Sunday, April 14, from 12pm–5pm, you'll still be able to try the collab at Marameo, 6 Russell Place, Melbourne CBD, the day after, from 12pm–3pm. [caption id="attachment_949907" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo by Ellina Dentoom[/caption]
That pup of yours (or that pup you've been thinking about getting) could soon score a whole bunch of new places to sniff, socialise and play, with the Labor Government revealing plans to create 15 new off-leash dog parks if re-elected next month. Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday announced a plans for a new dog park in Prahran, saying the government would also look into transforming a bunch of under-utilised reserves and public space into enclosed dog parks all across the city. It's currently scouting out potential sites in council areas including Boroondara, Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Stonnington and Wyndham. The statistics show that around a third of Victorians own a dog, but with more and more people living in apartment blocks without a backyard, space for those four-legged friends to run and play is in short supply. The Andrews Government has already proved itself pet-friendly, having recently introduced new rental reform laws making it way harder for landlords to ban pets. Supposedly, Mr Andrews enjoys patting dogs, too. https://www.facebook.com/DanielAndrewsMP/photos/a.149185875145957/1984602841604242/ Images: Kimberley Low
A theatre experience unlike any other, Flight shapes up as one of our most anticipated works on the 2018 Melbourne Festival program. Adapted by Oliver Emanuel of Scottish theatre company Vox Motus from Caroline Brothers' novel Hinterland, the play tells the story of Afghan brothers Aryan (aged 15) and Kabir (aged eight) as they make their way across Europe in search of a better life. The subject matter is timely, but it's the method in which the tale is told that really makes it stand out, with each audience member sitting in their own private booth as the story unfolds via a series of immaculately crafted dioramas. Image: Mihaila Bodlovic.
Glenferrie Road is one of Melbourne's busy, multiple-suburb-spanning roads that is chockablock every time you drive down it. This is, in part, thanks to the plethora of cafes and restaurants lining it. And Shade, Hawthorn's latest coffee-and-brunch offering, is the latest to arrive on its sidewalk. Sitting almost flush with Glenferrie Station, the cafe is reflects the area in many ways. Firstly, the name is a nod to the City of Boroondara, the local government area — the word "boroondara" means "a shady place" in the language of the Wurundjeri people. Owned by three lifelong friends, Shade is also run by a team who went to school and have raised families in the area. And it has Hawthorn's best interests at heart, too — with convenient, good coffee, and a mix of modern cafe fare and Asian dishes. Exposed brick, fresh greenery and aqua-hued crockery line the inside of the cafe, with the fairly minimalist design betraying a menu that isn't minimalist at all. On it, you'll find pancakes loaded with fairy floss and candied walnuts, deep fried eggs with mushrooms and pulled pork bao. And there are lots of edible flower garnishes, too. Shade is open till 5.30pm Fridays and at least 4pm every other day — for those late coffee and cake runs. So, next time you're sitting in traffic on Glenferrie Road, you know what to do. Shade is located at 684 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.
Abbotsford is about to gain a major addition to its beer scene when Bodriggy Brewing Co opens next month. The brewpub and bottle shop will sit in a converted mechanics warehouse along Johnston Street. It'll fit 400 all up and feature an impressive 64 tap bar, along with Latin American eats by an ex-Vue de Monde chef. The new venue is the work of the owners of Dr Morse (which is located just across the street), Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh, who have been brewing under the Bodriggy brand for two years now. Head Brewer Tristan Barlow is creating seven new beers for the venue's launch, including a New England IPA called Cosmic Microwave. The brewery's existing pale ale and lactose sour brews will also be included on the whopping 64 tap list — as well as wine and cocktails. In the kitchen, Chef John Dominguez (Vue de Monde, Dinner by Heston) will be serving up pulled pork tacos, whole grilled cauliflower with chimichurri and fried jalapeño tacos with smoked fish, pickled onions and cabbage. Plenty of tequila and mezcal will be on offer to complement the food, too — those are courtesy of the bar team: Mikey Braun (Black Pearl) and Max Hart (Boilermaker House). [caption id="attachment_731932" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh[/caption] The warehouse reno has been led by builder, designer and co-owner Daniels, whose past projects have included The Aviary and Plug Nickel. Expect an airy space that uses organic and salvaged materials — old balustrades from the Melbourne Cricket Grounds have been used to frame the toilets, for example, and the dining lamps were recovered from the Palais Theatre. A large planter box also sits central in the space. And, if that isn't already enough, live music and DJs will play regularly at the brewpub, too. We'll see you there. Bodriggy Brewing Co will open this August at 245 Johnston Street, Abbotsford. Keep an eye on this space for exact opening date.
As we all well and truly know by this point in the year, 2020 has already delivered plenty of horrors. But, even with a pandemic spreading across the globe, it's still time for the spooky celebration that is Halloween — and the Victorian Government has announced how the state's residents can take part when Saturday, October 31 rolls around. Obviously, there's little that's normal about this year's Halloween. But if you're keen to go trick-or-treating — or you have some littlies that'd like to — the government has advised that you can. It'll need to be a completely contactless affair, though; you can't go knocking on people's doors, for instance, but they can leave candy outside for you to collect. The full Victorian Government Halloween guidelines are available on the Department of Health and Human Services website, but they largely apply the state's existing rules — even reflecting recent changes, including those that've come into effect this week — to the occasion. For example, for those doing the moseying around in costume, you can't gather in an outdoor public space in groups larger than ten. You'll also need to keep at least 1.5 metres between you and anyone you don't live with, and you'll have to wear a mask. Even if your costume has one built in, you'll still need to wear a fitted face mask underneath. For folks keen to leave lollies out for eager trick-or-treaters — because, again, door-knocking isn't permitted — you're advised to place them in bags and leave them on your fence or at your front gate. Communal bowls aren't allowed, as they require everyone to pop their hands in and touch the same food. And before preparing those bags of sweets, the usual hand hygiene rules obviously apply. https://twitter.com/VicGovDHHS/status/1321232751220166657 Melburnians can still only venture 25 kilometres from their homes, too, so if you are currently planning to don something spooky and hit the streets, that's where you'll need to trick-or-treat. The Victorian Government's guidelines do note that "celebrating at home is the safest way to mark Halloween this year". For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Melbourne culture guide seeks eager writerly types. Ideal applicant will bond with us over pricey gin, strong coffee and excellent words. Passion for good food, great art, local theatre and loud music is a plus. Casual commitment. No walks on the beach necessary. Concrete Playground is an online weather vane pointing you to the cultural tornadoes that are just about to hit. The Melbourne site is currently on the lookout for both food writers and arts writers — bonus points to those who can cover both. Are you infamous to the baristas of Brunswick? On first name basis with the receptionist at the NGV? Maybe you have a personalised seat at La Mama? Please, lend us your cultural genius. Your job will be filling us in on the latest cultural happenings and culinary openings through the means of event previews, reviews and features. Writers will be paid per published article at set rates. To apply, please forward a short bio and some relevant writing samples to rima@concreteplayground.com.au. Image: Joybot via photopin cc.
Whip out your pens, chuck on your reading glasses and pop that thinking cap on top of your noodle, because the Melbourne Writers Festival is back. Victoria's leading literary event, this year's MWF features more than 350 events, from talks and panels with famous and emerging writers, to social gatherings, book launches, walking tours and more. Standout events on the 2016 festival program include an opening night keynote address from writer and slam poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, a presentation from musician PJ Harvey and photojournalist Seamus Murphy about their travels to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Washington D.C., and a conversation with author and philosopher Damon Young hosted by actor Magda Szubanski. Anyone looking to get a bit of fresh air, meanwhile, can participate in a festival walk, where you'll learn about topics ranging from public sculpture to psychogeography. Alternatively, if sedentary activities are more your thing, ACMI will be screening a number of book-to-film adaptations, including I Am Legend and Never Let Me Go.
There's nothing like the success of others to throw your own meagre accomplishments into perspective. Case in point: Xavier Dolan, the wunderkind of contemporary world cinema. At the age of just 25, this French Canadian triple-threat has already directed five critically acclaimed films, shared a Cannes Jury Prize with Jean-Luc Godard, and generally made the rest of us look like a bunch of untalented bludgers. As if we weren't all feeling inadequate enough, ACMI has gone and poured salt in the wound by announcing a full-blown Dolan retrospective. Screening every evening from now until October 5, his 2013 psychosexual thriller Tom at the Farm provides the backbone of the program, which will also showcase his first three films — the acerbic, semi-autobiographical I Killed My Mother, the sumptuous romantic farce Heartbeats, and his epic-length transgender love story Laurence Anyways. Each film will screen once this week, and then for an additional time during a nine-hour, four-movie marathon on Saturday, October 4. It's also worth pointing out that Dolan's most recent masterpiece, Mommy, is conspicuously missing from the lineup. A highlight at both the Sydney and Melbourne Film Festivals, hopefully its absence points towards more substantial theatrical release in 2015. Image: Laurence Anyways.
