Viewing overload may be a thoroughly modern dilemma, but it's one that we can all relate to. And, it doesn't just apply to the sheer volume of options these days — across cinema releases, film festivals, regular television, pay TV and the growing number of streaming platforms, for example — but also to the types of stories told. If you're feeling a little like you've seen every superhero flick, upbeat rom-com tale, cop procedural and bromance buddy comedy ever made, then the SBS Short Film Festival is here to deliver a huge dose of diversity. The new three-day event's main aim: to showcase not only different subjects, topics and formats, but work made by creators who are typically underrepresented in the screen industry. Dropping on SBS On Demand across Friday, September 13 and Sunday, September 15, the festival will feature 14 shorts, all from Australian talents — including folks from multicultural and Indigenous backgrounds, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and those living with disabilities. Different shorts will hit the free platform each day, recreating the real-world film festival experience. Of course, to enjoy this event, you just need a TV, laptop or smartphone. Highlights include the Aaron Pedersen-starring Out of Range, which sees the acclaimed actor plays a father trying to reconnect with his estranged son on the road; Amar, about the groom-less wedding of a Muslim woman with Down syndrome; and Bananas and Flavour Swap, each exploring the bonds of food and culture. On the documentary front, Limited Surrender focuses on an artist's plight after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, while Lost Daylight examines the stolen generation from a personal perspective, through the tale of a woman who was placed in the Sisters of Mercy convent at Brisbane's All Hallows' school in 1950s and 60s. Other titles include The Loop, hailing from Lorcan Hopper, a first-time television director with Down syndrome; Deafinition, which crafts its sights and sounds through the perspective of someone who is profoundly deaf; and the three-part Monsters of Many Worlds, a combination of live-action and animation on the topic of mythical creatures. The SBS Short Film Festival stems from the Short-Form Content Initiative, which is committed to increasing opportunities for Australian creatives from diverse communities. The 14 films were shot across Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, with funding assistance from Film Victoria, Screen Queensland, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation and Screen Tasmania. Check out the festival trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ex32L9dC9k The SBS Short Film Festival hits SBS On Demand between Friday, September 13 and Sunday, September 15. Images: The Small Town Drifter, Michael O'Neill, Blur Films / Out of Range, Ryan Alexander Lloyd / Amar, Zahra Habibullah / Deafinition / Flavour Swap, Amy Brown / Lives In Action, Jurban Botany.
If you're citybound and missing out on New Year's Eve festivals like Falls and Beyond The Valley this year, don't fret. Let Them Eat Cake is your inner city solution to satisfy those festival urges. Held on New Year's Day at Werribee Park, LTEC is not only great for the music, but also plays host to installation art, openair exhibitions and some killer food offerings. But back to what you're all here for: the music. This year's lineup is headed by UK electro powerhouse Jon Hopkins, who's worked with everyone from Coldplay to Brian Eno. On the program, you'll also find Chicago house icon Honey Dijon, Scottish up-and-comer Denis Sulta and underground electro musician Tom Trago. The lineup's local contingent includes funk and soul performer Harvey Sutherland, well-known dancefloor starters Wax'o Paradiso and rising star Adi Toohey. While you're there — shaking off your hangover — you'll also have the chance to dance to HAAi, Tokimonsta and Madam X. Have your cake and eat it too, guys — you've earned it this year. LET THEM EAT CAKE 2020 LINEUP Adi Toohey Cinthie Denis Sulta HAAi Harvey Sutherland Honey Dijon Jon Hopkins Madam X SAM Shigeto Sosupersam Tokimonsta Tom Trago Wax'o Paradiso + more to be announced Let Them Eat Cake 2020 tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am on Thursday, September 19. Images: Duncographic
When the Australian Open returns for 2023, it'll also serve up a few aces for local music-lovers — namely, as part of the inaugural AO Finals Festival, which is set to heat up Kia Arena with a program of live acts from Friday, January 27–Sunday, January 29. The music fest is dishing up a ripper lineup for its debut run, too, curated with help from the respected music-heads at Untitled Group — the brains behind Pitch Music & Arts, For The Love, Grapevine Gathering and more. The festival's first day coincides with global LGBTQIA+ event The Grand Slam, presented by Ralph Lauren. Legendary singer-songwriter and 'Absolutely Everybody' star Amorosi will help launch the musical offerings, joined by pop darling Montaigne and DJ Bertie. [caption id="attachment_842049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flight Facilities[/caption] Chasing that on January 28 (also the AO women's finals day), you'll catch New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee, renowned Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum and party-starting six-piece Winston Surfshirt, along with dance favourite CC:DISCO!. And wrapping things up on AO men's finals day you'll have electro duo Flight Facilities, backed by Lastlings, Sydney's Willo and emerging Melbourne star Forest Claudette. The gigs will take place in Melbourne's Park Kia Arena, with tickets at $34 for each day. If you're already heading courtside during the AO, you'll just need to drop $5 to upgrade your existing ground pass or Rod Laver Arena stadium ticket to include entry to the AO Finals Festival on any given day. [caption id="attachment_789706" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Benee[/caption]
UPDATE: April 27, 2020: The Biggest Little Farm is available to stream via Google Play and YouTube. Say goodbye to your inner-city digs, pack up your belongings and head to the country — it's time to swap your concrete playground for a grassy, tree-lined, animal-filled one. That's how you might be feeling after watching The Biggest Little Farm, the warm and informative documentary that charts a just-married Californian couple's quest to follow all of the above steps in the name of a better life. John and Molly Chester's dream is simple, at least on paper. They want to run their own farm, relying on traditional methods and doing so in harmony with nature. One-crop spreads, soulless egg factories and the general type of commerce-driven farming that has become common today aren't for them. Instead, their rural utopia boasts a broad array of creatures and hundreds of different types of edible plants, creating a mini-ecosystem that supplies everything the pair eats — and everything that Molly, a private chef and food blogger, could ever need to cook with. The fact that a film exists about their efforts, and that it's helmed by John himself — a cinematographer and Emmy award-winning director when he's not working the land — signals the obvious: that the Chesters turned their vision into a reality. Spanning most of the past decade, The Biggest Little Farm chronicles the ups and downs of attempting to transform an unwelcoming 200-acre patch of soil into a thriving natural farming haven, all by following the advice of biodynamic farming guru Alan York. Taking over an abandoned farm, they strip away most of the existing crops, replacing them with new ones. They wait as the greenery grows, and as their newly acquired menagerie of chickens, pigs, ducks, sheep, dogs and other diverse critters all play their part. (Of paramount importance: the animals' poop, of which there's plenty.) First laughed at by their friends and family, the Chesters' support system expands, as does the farm they call home and the business side of the equation. Bookended by wildfires, with flames threatening to encroach upon the property an hour outside of Los Angeles, The Biggest Little Farm bubbles with timeliness — and not just because of Australia's current catastrophic blazes. The documentary actually first started screening at international film festivals back in 2018, coming in third in the audience choice award in Toronto that year, but the attitude it celebrates is a clear reflection of the growing recognition that much about humanity's current existence is harming the planet. Accordingly, as proved the case with Aussie doco 2040, watching the Chesters' plight proves educational, inspirational and aspirational. Their passion is infectious, whether they're helping birth calves, tending to an ailing pig or endeavouring to save their chickens from coyotes. The movie doesn't aim to take viewers through their feats step-by-step or teach audiences exactly how to follow the same path, but it does show what's possible for anyone willing to try. When the film leans into the adorable, heartwarming side of such an idealistic venture, cuteness abounds. An outcast rooster befriends a sow, oinking piglets run riot, and dogs lick lambs as if they were cleaning their own offspring. John doesn't shy away from the tougher realities of farm life, though — including wildlife predators, birds pecking through most of their fruit, a tricky snail infestation and serious animal health issues. First and foremost, however, he's viewing his experiences through a firmly upbeat, affectionate, resilient and persistent lens. This is a true tale that starts with a promise to a just-adopted dog, which John saves from an animal hoarder with more 200 critters and pledges to give a loving home, after all. When that pup barked so much that the couple got evicted, that's when John and Molly decided to chase their farming dreams. The movie's positive spin lends itself to lively animated sequences, bringing Molly's fantasies to the screen a suitably colourful, affable way. Still, as engaging as this rich, gentle documentary is — and as likely as it is to make you wish you could take the Chesters' lead — that jovial mood also results in a few overtly cliched touches. The film's music drips with sentiment, as if it doesn't quite trust that the on-screen critters are enough by themselves. The brightly coloured hues do more than just capture the farm's sights, literally painting a vibrant, sun-dappled picture. And, when it comes to the difficult reality of actually funding this sizeable venture (and making an independent doco about it at the same time), concrete details are glaringly absent. Plus, the personal voiceover sometimes verges on cloying. Worse: the reaction to someone's ill health and its impact on the farm plays as selfish, as if this parcel of land is more important than another person. These are all minor issues, but they do stop a valuable movie about eco-conscious living from being truly great rather than just very good. You'll still want to pack your bags and leave the rat race far behind, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcQKWkpPB3U
Part bar, part performance venue, Loop provides a space for artists, film makers and live audiovisual performers (and fans of all the above) to share their creative energies — over a pizza and pot of beer. With an event calendar that offers something different almost every night of the week, expect film festival screenings, performances of buzzing electro-pop and DJs every weekend. Loop is also a pillar of the local filmmaking community, presenting Comfortable Shorts each month — a series of short films from local and international creatives.
There are a few ways you could spend your second last weekend of autumn, but here's a truly fitting one: the College Lawn is rounding out the season with a two-day celebration of cider, teaming fruit-based sips with apple-bobbing, live tunes and other autumnal delights. From Friday, May 20–Sunday, May 22, the Prahran pub is throwing open the doors for its inaugural Cider Fest. Getting into the spirit, the beer garden is set to score a makeover complete with hay bales and picnic blankets working as the backdrop for your weekend's cider-sipping adventures. At the bar, you'll find a swag of cider varieties on offer, from the likes of Pipsqueak, Willie Smith, Custard & Co, The Hills and more. Other liquid treats include toasty serves of mulled cider and cocktails like the Spicy Pear — a warming blend of pear syrup, Fireball, bourbon and ginger beer. There'll be live tunes happening throughout the weekend. And alongside the pub's usual menu, you'll find roast pork off the spit — piled into a bap roll with apple and fennel slaw, or paired with sides like the bacon and potato salad, and honey mustard glazed dutch carrots.
Who says the weekend is the only time to do activities other than sitting at a desk? Not us. Don't underestimate the twilight hours of your weekdays — there's so much happening each night of the week so you should have no trouble making plans that aren't emailing clients outside of work hours. From gallery nights to boozy craft sessions to night markets, you can go out straight from work every night of the week if you so wish. So why not engage with something tangible, and see what your city has to offer after dark? In partnership with Hahn, we've compiled a list for when you've got restless feet and a soul hungry for some culture. [caption id="attachment_663766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Art Gallery of NSW.[/caption] SNEAK INTO AN ART GALLERY AT NIGHT No longer do you need to contend with the Saturday morning crowds at your local art gallery, as more are staying open for longer hours and — in news particularly good for you — at night. After-dark sessions at galleries like the NGV in Melbourne or the MCA in Sydney are increasingly popular and have a different vibe to your headache-inducing Saturday morning experiences. There's a bar-like buzz, more like-minded people, little to no children running around, and often DJs and beers on offer. So why wouldn't you get your art fix at night? Saturday morning gallery drinking does tend to be frowned upon, after all. Where? In Melbourne, Buxton Contemporary is open late on Thursdays and often has free opening parties for exhibitions, and the NGV has a constant stream of special events on in the evenings, such as its Friday Nights series. Sydney side, both the Art Gallery of NSW and the MCA are open until 10pm and 9pm (respectively) on Wednesdays, with the latter holding its ARTBAR event on the last Friday night of each month. In Queensland, GOMA stays open late on Fridays when there's a big exhibition on, and the Institute of Modern Art holds a party on the first Thursday of every month. [caption id="attachment_610655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Triffid.[/caption] SEE SOME FREE LIVE MUSIC If you're already headed somewhere for a pub feed, consider sticking around and letting some live music warm the cockles of your heart, too; 'Wonderwall' covers are few and far between now, and you can rest assured you'll probably find someone on the mic with some actual talent. There's a bounty of venues that provide free live music in all the major cities, and the only tricky bit is picking which one you want to give a crack. Getting a nice folky soundtrack to your parma and pint has never been so easy and you'll find yourself even praising the ukulele player because you're feeling so cosy and cultured. Where? To get you started, try The Yarra Hotel in Abbotsford in Melbourne, Different Drummer in Sydney's Glebe or The Triffid in Newstead, Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_653238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud.[/caption] MAKE YOUR OWN MEAL AT A NIGHT MARKET Why have one thing for dinner when you can have five things instead? Albeit generally smaller bites, the best bit about night markets is that you can roll your way around having a very intense snacktime and, before you know it, all your little bites transform into one big meal and you're full. Nothing says 'culture' like a bellyful of hot sugary doughnut washed down with a few beers. Where? Hawker 88 Night Market at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Sydney's Chinatown Night Markets, and the Boundary Street Night Market in Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_571310" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Cork and Chroma.[/caption] BYO BEERS TO A PAINTING CLASS If you thought art was not for the likes of you to create, think again. Some of our best work comes out when we've had a drink or two, so consider combining both and giving a BYO painting session a go. An art class is long a very fruitful passage to creating mini masterpieces, and one where you can bring your own bottles of plonk to inspire greatness out of your paintbrush is very civilised indeed. But don't worry — there are instructions and an artist will take you through the actual painting class so it isn't all left up to your novice hands. You just have to organise what you'll be drinking. Where? Cork & Chroma has studios in Collingwood in Melbourne, Surry Hills in Sydney and South Brisbane. [caption id="attachment_529488" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Astor by Charlie Kinross Photography.[/caption] WATCH A CLASSIC FILM Heading out after work to watch the latest blockbuster like Crazy Rich Asians is all well and good (because it's a cracker), but sometimes you want to put aside the Hollywood hits for something more subtle. At those times, try watching a classic film at one of the many cinemas that show them on the reg. Melbourne's Astor Theatre and Sydney's Golden Age are both famous for hosting throwback sessions of classic films and often marathons, too. Use those few precious hours after work to invest in your cultural movie capital by making yourself watch Ben-Hur — because when else are you going to do it? Reality TV be damned — these will make for much better chat around the coffee machine at work the next day. Where? The Astor Theatre in Melbourne, Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Sydney, or Metro Arts in Brisbane. Start planning your mid-week itinerary so you can fit some culture — and a Hahn or two — in before the weekend. Top image: MCA Artbar by Leslie Liu.
Get ready to play that funky music, Melburnians, because a 70s-themed karaoke bar has rolled into town. Yep, Funlab — the group responsible for Holey Moley and adults-only arcade bars Archie Brothers and B. Lucky & Sons — has opened yet another kidult wonderland, with Juke's Karaoke Bar its latest themed venue. Located inside the Crown Complex, this one trades pinball machines and golf clubs for a psychedelic colour scheme, plenty of mirrors and mirrorballs, and decor that'll make you want to bust out your flares and big hair. Oh, and plenty of 70s bangers as well. It's time to warm up those vocal chords and prepare to belt out the likes of 'My Sharona', 'Stayin' Alive' and 'Hotel California', plus oh-so-much ABBA. In total, ten private karaoke rooms are available, accommodating between two to 25 people. While each suite boasts a different style and varying hues, they all come with velvet ottomans and couches, a stage and a stand-up mic. There's also a prop box, complete with items like tambourines, maracas and feather boas. Juke's also has a bar — for plenty of liquid courage, naturally — and serves snacks. As is only fitting, all food and booze is appropriately 70s-inspired. Drinks-wise, you can choose from orange crush-flavoured punch bowls served in disco balls, grasshoppers (the minty drink) and fruity cocktails adorned with lolly bracelets. Or, opt for a liquid or jelly shot, including the mini espresso martini and toasted marshmallow kind, as well as others in syringes. To eat, you'll find prawn cocktails, onion ring towers and Chiko Rolls, plus giant pretzels, mini hot dogs, sliders, potato gems, Swedish meatballs, and a platter of chocolate, lamingtons and marshmallows. Also on offer: cabanossi and pineapple porcupines, and this frighteningly fluoro cheese fondue. Juke's Karaoke is now open in the Crown Entertainment Complex at Level 1, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, from midday–1am, daily.
You know what's better than heading back to the office? Heading away on holiday. Scoot is helping make that idea even more tempting with its latest summer sale, running from now until Monday, January 12. Sure, this ultra-budget airline isn't exactly stacked with frills, but who needs them when the airfares are this cheap? What's more, Scoot has been extra crafty with its travel dates, ensuring there are loads of affordable options positioned around Australian long weekends throughout 2026. That means a little savvy planning can help you keep hold of your annual leave. For instance, you might maximise your time away around Australia Day with a carefully chosen airfare or book in eight days' leave around Easter to jet-set for 16 days straight. So, where are you headed? Chasing sun, culture or street food is made easy with stellar itineraries for Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia. Filled with life-changing experiences, you'll return home refreshed, or at least motivated to book another overseas adventure. And demand for these destinations is expected to soar, so don't let your colleagues hand in their leave before you get the chance. Travel periods include: January 19–March 18, April 15–June 4, July 13–September 10, and October 5–October 24. As for the prices, these discounted fares are good for the wallet. Travel from Sydney to Koh Samui starting from $300, or fly Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City starting from $240. Travellers in Perth can score an even better deal, with one-way fares to Bangkok starting from $179 or Penang from $159. With heaps more options, your next getaway doesn't have to wait. Scoot's Summer Sale is happening now until 11.59pm on Monday, January 12. Head to the website for more information.
It's time to break out those picnic rugs — The Peninsula Picnic is back for the first time in two years for its annual celebration of food, wine and good times. Taking over the Mornington Racecourse on Saturday, March 19, this year's lineup promises to be as impressive as ever, showcasing the region's finest epicurean delights alongside a rather nifty musical offering. Showing off their goods on the day — and ensuring bellies and wine glasses stay happily full — will be a hand-picked selection of local producers. Expect offerings from renowned wineries like Prancing Horse, Paringa Estate and Montalto, and dining hotspots like Red Gum BBQ, Doc Mornington and Green Olive. There'll also be spirits from Bass & Flinders Distillery and Jimmyrum, plus a series of wine masterclasses and market stalls. Topping it all off, The Peninsula Picnic has landed a cracking lineup of live tunes, headlined by Bernard Fanning. He'll be joined by Boy & Bear, ARIA-nominated duo Mama Kin Spender, folktronic group Amaru tribe and multi-instrumentalist Steph Strings.
There's almost absolutely nothing linking iconic former nightclub Q Bar and sumptuous new Japanese restaurant Yugen, but for the fact they share an address. Oh, and a particular DJ who's making an unlikely cameo at the South Yarra site all these years later, albeit with a very different style of playlist in tow. The pulsing dance floors and free-entry 'medallions' of the early 00s have made way for a whole new world — namely, a multi-faceted drinking and dining destination with a dramatic aesthetic and an impressive commitment to detail. [caption id="attachment_873542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marcel Aucar[/caption] Set beneath sibling Yugen Tea Bar, the two-level subterranean space boasts soaring ceilings with a majestic chandelier by artist Jennifer Conroy Smith cascading from one corner. Downstairs is home to a lofty, open restaurant space and adjacent bar area, while the mezzanine above plays host to Yugen's six-seat omakase bar and a series of private dining rooms — including the eight-person Golden Orb that's suspended in mid-air. The striking fitout comes courtesy of the renowned Architects EAT, drawing inspiration from the five elements according to Japanese culture: earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu) and void (ku). Culinary Director Stephen Nairn heads the stellar a la carte food offering, paying equal respect to the traditional and the creatively contemporary. Highlights include plates like the shio-koji-marinated wagyu starring tarragon, lime and ponzu; a silky smoked eel chawanmushi glistening with brown butter and spiked with crispy chicken skin; and a memorable take on the humble prawn toast featuring Chinese doughnut and a sweet-meets-sour chilli amazu. And the sushi and sashimi situation needs to be seen to be believed. [caption id="attachment_873546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] Meanwhile, the omakase bar will showcase the masterful talents of Head Chef Alex Yu and Head Sushi Chef Samuel Chee, across an experiential dining adventure that clocks in at between $255 and $385. It's an exploration of sharp technique and top-notch produce that promises plenty of 'wow' moments once it kicks off on Friday, November 18. A vast, yet considered array of quality sips beckons from the drinks list, with tipples to suit after-work bar visits and dinner feasts alike. A technique-driven cocktail lineup might feature the likes of the negroni-inspired Ume built on dry vermouth and plum liqueur; and the Sudachi — an inventive blend of squid ink, rice vinegar and tequila — with a strong spread of sake and wines to round out the fun. [caption id="attachment_873539" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Davis[/caption] [caption id="attachment_873543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_873544" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] [caption id="attachment_873540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gareth Sobey[/caption] Find Yugen Dining at 605 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open from 6pm–late Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, with the final seating at 9.30pm. On Friday and Saturday, it's also open from 6pm–late, but with a dedicated late-night menu on offer after 10pm. The omakase bar will open on November 18. Images: Gareth Sobey, Marcel Aucar and Sam Davis.
Making its drinks in a nod to Chinese tradition, Xing Fu Tang is a go-to for that authentic bubble tea fix. It's only a recent addition to Melbourne, but the Taiwanese brand is already earning a reputation for its quality liquid fusions, many showcasing the brown sugar boba pearls that are handcrafted in-store daily. It's easy to see why the brown sugar boba milk is the hero drink of the menu, with its dramatic marbled look and rich flavours. But you'll find plenty of other sips to tempt, too, from the colourful pearl-infused matcha and milk concoction, to the milk teas and lively fruit-driven drinks.
Billing itself as Australia's largest continental food store, it's not difficult to while away an afternoon in this stellar Sydney Road emporium. First opening as a humble delicatessen in 1961, this northside favourite has become a go-to for foodies citywide thanks to its wide array of imported pasta (there are over 250 varieties here), oils and sauces, smallgoods, cheeses and more. A vast array of biscotti, cannoli and other sweet treats await visitors at the espresso bar, after which you might migrate to the delicatessen for some choice cuts of aged prosciutto and specialty cheese. Booze isn't forgotten either, with a dazzling array of vinos imported from Italy's finest grape growing regions. There's also a range of terracotta cooking pots and kitchen ware, so you can recreate the Italian experience as authentically as possible. Images: Julia Sansone
Life's way too short for boring food. In the culinary world, you might as well go big or go home, right? Thankfully, Melbourne's dining scene isn't afraid to get a little weird, wild and wonderful, with plenty of eateries whipping up supercharged, over-the-top creations on the daily. Perhaps you're partial to a monster cheese toastie, loaded with extras, or maybe you prefer to sink your sweet tooth into a creamy Italian pastry decked out with mounds of icing sugar — whatever you're craving, there's sure to be a spot that serves it and it's probably bigger, better and more decadent than you had imagined. Whatever your jam, we're here to help. We've rounded up a list of of the city's most indulgent takeaway eats that are guaranteed to lend a bit of drama and dazzle to your diet. Chuck the sad sandwich, break out the stretchy pants and check out a few of these bold choices.
If you're after some art with a bit more bite, be sure to put Flinders Quarter on your to-do list this month. For four weeks, the CBD pocket's laneways and buildings will be brought to life through augmented reality, all for the Flinders Quarter Augmented Art Walk. Reopening on Monday, June 21 and running until Friday, July 16, this interactive experience takes you on a self-guided art adventure through the precinct — the section between Flinders, Elizabeth, Collins and Swanston streets. Simply grab a copy of the map from participating Flinders Quarter businesses or Metro Tunnel HQ at 125–133 Swanston Street (or online). Then, download the supporting Eyejack app to your smartphone for free, hit the 'Launch AR' button and let the tour begin. Spanning nooks, crannies and walls throughout Flinders Quarter, the art walk showcases a slew of commissioned contemporary works from the likes of Stanislava Pinchuk (Miso), Anton Hasell, Dee Smart and Carla Gottgens, which are brought to life on your phone with a combination of digital animation and sound. You can escape into a colourful alternate reality with the Manchester Lane work crafted by Jingwen (Jina) He, catch Tracy Sarroff's glowing exploration of light and biotechnology in front of the City Library, or see the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets come alive with a jumping geometric design from Jasmine Mansbridge. Plus, challenge yourself to a treasure hunt and unlock all 12 artworks to be in with a shot at winning some big prizes. [caption id="attachment_813309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Portal Glitch' by Sue Beyer, located at Little Mandarin Yoga Studio[/caption] Top images: 'What Lies Beneath' by Dee Smart, located at Alpha Barbers; 'You Can Find Something Truly Important in an Ordinary Minute' by Jingwen (Jina) He, located at Bared Footwear Mens.
With gigs and shows popping back onto calendars again over the last six months, bands and concert promoters have been forced to get creative to abide by COVID-19 restrictions. Local favourites have thrown seated gigs in small regional towns, performed to a sea of cars at drive-in concerts and are even set to take to revolving stages as part of NSW's first major music festival of 2021. Although gathering restrictions have begun to roll back and normalcy is beginning to return to the live music scene across the country, these unique opportunities to catch bands in unexpected locations don't seem to be going anywhere. Take Live At Last, for instance. It's the new live music series that will see fan-favourite Australian musicians perform at intimate venues across the country. In Sydney, it'll feature Hockey Dad, the band behind the aforementioned drive-in gigs, who'll perform in beloved bar Frankie's Pizza on Thursday, April 29. The show will be a unique chance enjoy Frankie's new Dan Pepperell-crafted pizza menu while catching the Wollongong surf-rock duo up close, with the CBD bar having a much smaller capacity than the 3000-person Big Top Luna Park the band recently sold out. A venue the size of Frankie's playing host a band of Hockey Dad's popularity could result in chaos, so you'll have to win tickets in order to get access to the gig. To go into the ballot to head along, you just need to hit up the Secret Sounds website and enter your details. Announced after the Hockey Dad show — but happening the day before — is Live At Last's Brisbane stopover. Last Dinosaurs and Dear Seattle will hit the stage at The Triffid on Wednesday, April 28. To head along, you'll also need to try to win tickets via the Secret Sounds website. Then, the series of gigs is set to move to other parts of the country. If you're wondering where else Live At Last will head, that's yet to be revealed. [caption id="attachment_772790" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hockey Dad by Ian Laidlaw[/caption] Live At Last is set to kick off on Wednesday, April 28 with Last Dinosaurs and Dear Seattle at The Triffid in Brisbane — and then head to Frankie's Pizza on Thursday, April 29 with Hockey Dad. To win tickets and to keep an eye out for future events, head to the event's website. Top image: Frankie's Pizza by Katje Ford Updated April 16.
'I Miss You' isn't just the name of a beloved blink-182 song. It isn't just a track they're busting out on their 2024 tour Down Under, either. It's also the vibe being felt around the band in general, based on how popular tickets to its 2024 Australian and New Zealand tour have been proving — but there's still seats available. In 2022, blink-182 revealed that they were reforming their classic lineup of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, then hitting the road — and that Aussie fans would get their chance to see the end result live in February 2024. Melbourne's dates, at Rod Laver Arena with Rise Against in support: Tuesday, February 13–Wednesday, February 14, Monday, February 26–Tuesday, February 27 and Thursday, February 29. For three decades, blink-182 have been the voice inside punk and rock fans' heads, especially in the late 90s and early 00s thanks to albums Enema of the State and Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Accordingly, expect to hear everything from 'Dammit' and 'The Rockshow' to 'What's My Age Again?' and 'All the Small Things' live. Now that they're back together after DeLonge left the band in 2015, blink-182 are also recording new music together, with single 'Edging' out now — and on the setlist.
While Yarra River pop-up bar Arbory Afloat kicked off its summer season a couple of months ago, the moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Dig out those bathers, because the floating boozer's onsite pool is officially open for business. And with today's temperatures set to hit a hefty 38 degrees, this is one debut Melbourne's very much ready for. Sticking with the bar's breezy Miami theme, the eight-metre-long pool has made its home on Arbory Afloat's roomy upper deck, flanked by its own bar, sun lounges and five private cabanas, which can be booked out for your next poolside sojourn. Towels, hats and sunscreen are all available to purchase from the bar, and there'll be a lifeguard on patrol whenever the pool's open. The opening hours are set to vary depending on the weather, but you can jump over to Arbory Afloat's Instagram to keep an eye on the schedule and plot your visit. [caption id="attachment_754392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff[/caption] Of course, the bar's new season lineup of eats and drinks offers some ideal accompaniments to that sun-drenched pool session. Settle in with some tacos, pizzas, empanadas and loaded seafood platters, alongside cocktails like the watermelon sangria — blending curacao, grenache, fresh fruit, white rum and lemonade. There's also a fittingly strong lineup of rum and gin, and a lineup of DJs — both homegrown heroes and international names — to get you in the zone. Find Arbory Afloat at 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne. Images: Simon Shiff
The odd dance floor session is crucial for keeping those winter blues at bay — and from this month, Kewpie has your Friday night boogie plans covered. The Fitzroy haunt is launching a new series of free-entry DJ nights to have you farewelling your work week in style, starting Friday, August 5. Roll in each week to kick-start the celebrations with a happy hour tipple (5–7pm daily), including a whole range of $6 schooners, wines and spirits. If you're there between 6–8pm (and you remembered to make a booking), you can also take advantage of Kepwie's Bottomless Pizza & Bevs deal — unlimited pizzas matched with two hours of free-flowing house sips for $59. Then come 8pm, it's time to give that d-floor a workout, as some leading Aussie talent hits the decks. August's DJ lineup is already locked in, with Boogs playing August 5, Casey Leaver and WA's Casual Connection joining the party on August 12, and Luke Vecchio and Anyo playing five hours back-to-back the following Friday. August 26 promises Spacey Space head-to-head with Sunshine. Stay tuned because there'll be plenty more to follow as well. [caption id="attachment_863760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Vecchio & Anyo[/caption]
Anytime's a good time for oysters, but there's only one occasion where it's perfectly acceptable to gorge on them to the point of no return: the Oyster Frenzy. It's not the Oyster Frenzy — the all-you-can-eat oyster festival that was held at Circa, The Prince until it closed last year — but The Botanical's similarly serious annual seafood celebration. Like the former fest, the Frenzy includes bottomless oysters and bottomless booze — and that's all that matters, really. This year's event is going down in two parts: on Tuesday, July 23 and Tuesday, August 20. Over 4000 oysters will be brought in for the occasion, and they'll be shucked throughout the night as you work your way through them. As mentioned, it's all-you-can-eat — and, to break it up, there will also be other snacks of varying textures going around. Tickets are pricy at $110, but that does give you access to two hours of unlimited wine and Stone & Wood ales (and a glass of Champagne on arrival). Maybe, try and swing a late start on Wednesday.
One Australian town is about to get a whole lot brighter, gain a towering new landmark, radiate queer pride and become a must-visit tourist destination. That's what's bound to happen when the lucky spot welcomes the most colourful big thing there is: Tinder's new Big Rainbow. Australia loves its big things. If you're not stopping to gawk at a giant pineapple, lobster, watermelon, sheep, prawn or avocado, have you really taken an Aussie road trip? No, no you haven't. So adding this super-sized wave of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet to your travel itinerary will be an easy no-brainer. Your possible destinations, and the rainbow's potential new homes? The coastal spot of Broome in Western Australia, Victoria's Daylesford, Hay in New South Wales and the Northern Territory's Katherine. They've all been picked from a submissions process that launched during this year's Sydney Mardi Gras — and Tinder now wants you to vote for which place ends up with the rainbow. The public vote is open now until June 30, after The Big Rainbow Project team came up with the shortlist in consultation with community advisors and experts from the LGBTQIA+ community. Beaming with pride is the whole aim of the huge rainbow, of course, which Tinder envisions will stand tall as a massive symbol of equality and unity. If you're wondering where to pick — and you're thinking beyond whatever is the closest drive for you — Broome is the Traditional Land of the Yawuru people, and also home to one of Australia's most remote Mardi Gras celebrations. Daylesford boasts the Chillout Festival, one of the longest-running regional LGBTQIA+ pride events, and is also the Traditional Land of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. NSW's finalist, Hay, is where you'll find the Rainbow on the Plains — the first Mardi Gras of the region — as well as the Traditional Land of the Wiradjuri people. And sat in the Big Rivers region of the NT, Katherine is the Traditional Land of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman peoples, and throws an annual pride shindig. Whichever spot gets the nod, there'll be a pot of gold for a heap of organisations that support and uplift LGBTQIA+ folks. Tinder has also pledged to give $100,000 to regional outfits that fit that description, to go towards programs for regional queer communities To cast your vote for where Tinder's Big Rainbow should live, head to the Big Rainbow Project website before Thursday, June 30.
Charming Richmond brewery and bar Nice Guys boasts a strong sustainability focus, as well as a retrofuturistic fitout that pays homage to the gritty end of Victoria Street. Here, the brewery itself is open to the public, so punters can enjoy a close glimpse of the large steel tanks where the magic is made — and that supply the 25-strong tap list with signature creations like the Kiwi lager made with New Zealand barley malt and a bright mango-forward NEIPA. Core brews like an American pale ale also sit alongside seasonal specials like a sweet, full-bodied vanilla porter. You'll also find non-beer delights on offer, like Victorian wines, classic cocktails and craft cider, all served on tap in an effort to minimise wastage. The space is both comfy and community-driven, with artists commissioned to fill the venue with locally-made furniture, handmade macrame and custom lamp shades. Cantilever chairs, swivel stools and velvet couches help lend the feel of a vintage furniture bazaar — and, out front, the dog-friendly beer garden zone is filled with lush indoor plants and a central fireplace to keep things cosy during the cooler months. Soon to round out the fun will be Nice Guys' new kitchen, serving a rotating menu of bao, buns and American barbecue. Images: Julia Sansone
It's time to splash out on a new collar and tell that fur baby of yours to kiss their FOMO goodbye — Chapel Street is now the first permanently pet-friendly shopping precinct in Australia. The busy area is now officially a haven for four-legged friends, with a huge selection of its stores, cafes, bars, gyms and even health clinics welcoming pets with open arms. At the moment, over 300 Chapel Street venues boast pet-friendly status and they're now even easier to spot following the introduction of special 'paw-on-the-door' window decals. The stickers will be displayed by any venue where pets are welcomed, making it a breeze to head out for a day of shopping, wining and dining, all with your best mate in tow. They'll get to indulge in some fashionable strutting and, who knows, with a few #DogsOfChapelStreet tags — or #CatsofChapelStreet, if you want to kick that off — under their belt a career as a fur-shionable style icon could be in the works. [caption id="attachment_738199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leo's by the Slice by Kate Shanasy.[/caption] If you want to plan your stops before you head out, the Chapel Street Precinct website also lists all of the pet-friendly businesses. It's a diverse lineup that includes the likes of fashion boutique Tibbs & Bones, beauty salon Bat Your Lash, eyewear store Oscar Wylee, hot dog joint Massive Wieners, St Edmonds cafe and NY-inspired all-day diner Gramercy Social. There's even a dog-friendly hotel, the Quest Prahran, in case you're planning a getaway or staycation with your bestie. As Australia's health regulations prevent pets from entering supermarkets or being within ten metres of food consumption or prep areas, a heap of food spots have created specific dog-friendly areas (many of them outside), including Leo's by the Slice, Leonard's House of Love, Hawker Hall, Tokyo Tina and Betty's Burgers. With research showing Aussies have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with a hefty 62 percent of households owning a fur-baby, we're pretty sure Chapel Street is about to get a whole lot busier. To check out the full list of pet-friendly spots on Chapel Street, head to the website. Top image: St Edmonds
A well-stocked deli cabinet is the stuff of foodie dreams — plump salamis and prosciutto waiting to be sliced, hefty wedges of cheddar and wheels of gooey brie, pots brimming with glossy olives and house-made dips. It's a mouthwatering sight for anyone with a penchant for quality snacking. Whether you're shopping for premium picnic accompaniments or assembling a crowd-pleasing grazing board to kick off a household dinner party in style, you need a great local Melbourne deli in your life. And here, we've rounded up some of the city's finest. From charmingly classic European spots steeped in tradition, to shiny modern food stores stocked with the latest and greatest in locally-made wares, here's your guide to Melbourne's best delis. Find your local and get snacking. Recommended reads: The Best Sandwiches in Melbourne The Best Bottleshops in Melbourne The Best Bakeries in Melbourne The Best Cafes in Melbourne MEATSMITH, FITZROY, ST KILDA, BRIGHTON & BALWYN Chef Andrew McConnell's specialty butcher, food store and deli is a firm favourite among those who take their meat products seriously. If you're looking for some quality grub, you'll find it here in strong supply at Meatsmith. Along with a premium butchers selection, the marble cabinets are brimming with top-notch Euro-style smallgoods, homemade terrines, imported and local cheese, charcuterie, pâtés, and house-made preserves and mustards. A supporting range of gourmet groceries and a tight selection of booze makes this a one-stop shop kind of deal. No idea where to even start? Go for one of the curated charcuterie packs, loaded with the knowledgeable staff's latest top picks at this fab Melbourne deli chain. [caption id="attachment_828281" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] KING & GODFREE, CARLTON Nestled right in the Italian heartland of Carlton's Lygon Street, long-running King & Godfree has been a go-to deli pitstop for multiple generations of discerning food-lovers. Following a refresh in 2018, it's now a stylish Italian cafe, wine shop and food store, complete with fridges stocked full of top-quality groceries, pantry staples and gourmet extras. At the deli counter, you'll find dreamy cheeses sourced from across Europe and Australia, along with sliced-to-order meats, a range of antipasto options and plenty of premium smallgoods. Load up your basket with some top-shelf Italian prosciutto, olive-flecked mortadella and perhaps some gutsy imported gorgonzola, and you're guaranteed some very happy picnic buddies. OBELIX & CO, FITZROY NORTH This quaint French-inspired deli and larder in the heart of Fitzroy North is a charcuterie-lover's dream. At Obelix & Co, expect to be tempted by a generous curation of culinary goodies, headlined by the owners' own house range of charcuterie, sausages, terrines and lush pâtés. From duck rillettes, to truffle-spiked brie, to sticks of wild venison salami, this spot promises to elevate any picnic or dinner party with a few extra Frenchy-chic vibes. There's also a great lineup of fresh baguettes, gourmet pantry staples, fancy butter and handmade condiments to match your deli haul, along with some standout mix-and-match hamper packs for those short on time. [caption id="attachment_688356" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Shiff[/caption] LAIKON DELI, RICHMOND Bridge Road stalwart Laikon Deli has close to five decades under its belt and it's earned itself plenty of loyal regulars along the way. The family-run European deli scored a spruce-up and a new cafe in 2018, yet still retains its homey feel and traditional charms, with family photos on the walls and floor-to-ceiling shelves brimming with products. The generously loaded front cabinet beckons with its assortment of cheese, meat and antipasto products; ranging from wedges of imported comte, to Portuguese-style roast chicken and hot Calabrese salami, ready to be sliced to order. Don't forget to nab a serve of the house-made tiramisu while you're at this beloved Melbourne deli. CASA IBERICA DELI, FITZROY A colourful beacon of Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American cuisine, Casa Iberica has been a staple of Johnston Street since 1975. Just look for the vibrant street art, head through the door and you're met with a heaving array of authentic food products and deli items from the homeland, along with a selection of locally-made iterations. The cabinets are filled with piles of olives, wedges of manchego and goat's cheese, and even Casa Iberica's own signature line of smallgoods — including air-dried wagyu bresaola, Spanish-style chorizo and pancetta. Whether you're looking for some Latin American cooking inspo, or you're sourcing a top-notch picnic spread with some international flair, this family-run spot is sure to impress. D.O.C. DELICATESSEN, CARLTON & MORNINGTON If you've ever had a meal at a D.O.C. eatery, you'll know to expect very good things from its sibling delicatessen, the original version which sits fittingly in the heart of Carlton. Gracing the cabinets at the Melbourne delis, you'll find the same premium prosciuttos, salamis and mozzarellas the team have hand-picked to star throughout the restaurant group's latest pizza and pasta menus. It has specialty Italian deli goods as far as the eye can see, from cold-cuts and cheeses, to tinned anchovies and olives. Oh, and plenty of great vino. Otherwise, for high-quality snacking with minimal fuss, pre-order one of the picnic-friendly boxed antipasto platters. STOCKED FOOD STORE, TOORAK, MALVERN & HAWTHORN With three modern outposts, housing an ever-growing curation of groceries, pantry staples, take-home meals and deli goods, Stocked Food Store certainly lives up to its name. If you're here to stock an enticing grazing platter of your own, you'll be spoilt for choice with its selection of top Aussie and European products — from hand-sliced salmon gravlax, to home-made salami, to decadent wheels of the triple-creme Brillat Savarin out of France. You'll also find fresh loaves of Bromley's Bread, loads of antipasto classics and crackers galore. Or, you can forgo the decision-making and let Stocked's experts whip you up a dreamy picnic or lunch platter, starring a variety of cheese, cold cuts and dainty sandwiches. CONTINENTAL DELI, HAWTHORN The long-standing, family-run Continental Deli has been winning over Hawthorn locals with its selection of Australian and imported goods for over four decades. Visit this classic European-style arcade deli and you'll find it hard to leave without amassing a shopping basket chock-full of luxurious French cheeses, Italian meats, locally-made sweet treats and other grazing platter must-haves. Should you find yourself in the area at lunchtime, you'll definitely want to try one of the Melbourne deli's cult-favourite house-made rolls. And if you're looking to really impress at your next picnic session, the team also makes a pretty mean snack board to order. Top Image: King & Godfree, by Sarah Pannell
When a clown ponders its final farewell, what does it see? Cirque du Soleil's Corteo has the answer. When this production first hit the stage in Montreal in 2005, it won over audiences by setting its acrobatic feats within a funeral procession imagined by a jester — a carnival-like parade that muses on humanity's strengths and vulnerabilities — in a space between heaven and earth. Two decades later, it's one of the troupe's most-beloved shows. Celebrating that milestone, Corteo is heading Down Under for a six-city tour in the second half of 2025 — including a visit to John Cain Arena in Melbourne from Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 31. One of the tricks that's helped make Corteo such a success, with over 12-million audience members in 30 countries on four continents seeing it so far, is its unique stage setup. Watching this show means also watching your fellow viewers, because the action takes place in the middle of the arena, splitting it in half and causing patrons to face each other. This is Cirque du Soleil's first production with this layout. As its clown protagonist conjures up the festive parade that ushers him from this world, attendees will witness a poetic yet playful performance — one where the acrobatics are unique, too, and where angels watch over. LUZIA was the last Cirque du Soleil production that bounded this way, kicking off in 2024 — and notching up another first as the Montreal-based company company's debut touring show to feature rain in its acrobatic and artistic scenes. Before that, 2023 saw Cirque du Soleil bring CRYSTAL, its first-ever ice production on ice, Down Under. Images: Maja Prgomet, Johan Persson and Aldo Arguello. Updated: Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
With an unusually late licence (until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays), this late-night cocktail bar is a must for those partying along Melbourne's famed Smith Street. During these nights, the curtained booths down the back of this small prohibition-style bar fill up fast, while night crawlers crowd the bar, the few tables lining the wall and the stools by the window — eventually sprawling outside where the busy Smith Street is heaving with folks lining up for Yah Yahs, The Lame Duck, and Wows. It really does get busy on Friday and Saturday nights, when folks come for the upbeat vibes before or after some dancing nearby, so do expect to talk loudly to your mates when visiting. But any other time of the week, this speakeasy bar has a significantly more chill vibe. Take your time exploring the long cocktails list of both classics and signature concoctions — it's also home to one of the best espresso martinis in town, guaranteed to keep you going until the early hours. Beers and wines also adorn the Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets drinks menu, but this local spot is best known for its cocktails made by the super laidback and friendly bartenders who know exactly what they're doing. Be sure to down a few when visiting. This Melbourne bar also has a hidden private events space in the basement — known as The Vault — which is free to hire out as long as you put a minimum spend on the bar. It's equipped with its own bar and a decent dance floor — meaning no lining up to get into some of the (almost, too popular) clubs scattered around Collingwood and Fitzroy. Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne for 2023
Melbourne has some amazing Italian restaurants, but the majority of them live on Lygon Street, in an exclusive clique. Across the river though, Cafe Di Stasio is the king of the green-white-red. It's a traditional, old-school kinda place, with indulgent pastas and meaty mains. We recommend the seared tuna with fennel, capers and pancetta and the oven baked salad of goat's cheese, tomato and basil for a good mix of indulgence and freshness. And if you have the stomach real estate, squeeze in the tiramisu. Once you're satiated, take a digestive stroll down the St Kilda, and enjoy the late sunset on the boardwalk — and total lack of weekend crowds and screaming kiddies. Image: Brook James.
UPDATE: MARCH 24, 2020 — Melbourne's dedicated cookie shop is now delivering its chunky, gooey handmade doughy boys. Available within ten kilometres of the Windsor store, the delivery offering includes eight different flavours ($5–6 each): classic, triple choc, vegan, Nutella, churros, pistachio, peanut butter and raspberry. Orders are for a minimum of six and can be made by emailing deliverycookiebox@gmail.com. Got a cookie obsession that just won't quit? Prepare to unleash the monster on Windsor's new dessert destination, The Cookie Box, where chunky, gooey handmade cookies reign supreme. The family-run brand has already proved a hit in Perth, where it launched in 2017, and now Melbourne's scored a decadent outpost of its own. The Chapel Street store is dishing up nine permanent flavours from a classic peanut butter to Nutella and a fruit-laced raspberry number. You can also sink your teeth into the monthly-changing experimental creation. All of the treats are rolled by hand, rested for 48 hours and baked fresh daily, crafted only on top-quality ingredients including free-range eggs and smooth Belgian chocolate. A solo cookie will set you back as little as $5. Otherwise, get a little adventurous with one of the cookie bowls, teaming a classic cookie with topping combinations like black forest — ice cream and Italian amarena cherries — or banoffee: banana, ice cream and lashings of caramel sauce. The Cookie Box officially opens on Saturday, February 15, and it's celebrating by handing out a stack of freshly baked cookies — on the house. Be one of the first 250 punters through the doors at 10am on February 15 or 16 and you'll score yourself one of the shop's classic cookies for free.
Whether it's an elaborate escape act or a simple piece of sleight of hand, when it comes to magic audiences want two things. They want to be fooled into believing that what they're seeing is real, but they also desperately want to know how it's really done. It's the same principle behind heist films, with viewers keen to watch criminals execute high-stakes robberies, and then discover how they pulled it off. It's hardly surprising, then, that Hollywood decided to blend the two with 2013's Now You See Me – and when it proved a hit, a sequel was all but inevitable. Of course, easy and obvious isn't the same as interesting or enjoyable, a fact that the Now You See Me films seem to forget. Director Jon M. Chu spends the bulk of the movie showcasing slickly shot and quickly choreographed tricks, in the hopes that we won't notice that the script by writer Ed Solomon doesn't really make any sense. For those with short memories, the first film followed the Four Horsemen, a magic troupe that mesmerised crowds and fleeced banks at the same time. A year later, J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) remain in the group, with newcomer Lula (Lizzy Caplan) filling the female quota. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) calls the shots, throws law enforcement off of their trail and helps set up a big gig at a mobile phone product launch. Alas, when the Horsemen take to the stage, they soon find that they're caught up in someone else's game. As Lula, Caplan acts excited and mentions what the gang is up to as much as she can — and that's Now You See Me 2 in a nutshell. She doesn't ever look at the screen and say, "I'm having fun with magic, and you should be too," but she may as well. For a time the film's over-the-top eagerness to entertain is somewhat effective, especially when former boy wizard Daniel Radcliffe shows up as a villainous inventor. Over the course of 115 minutes, however, the setups get more absurd, the attempts at misdirection more laboured, the backstory more clumsy and the returning cast (particularly Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine) less enthused. In short, it all wears thin. Indeed, no matter how flashy it gets, Now You See Me 2 can't distract from a simple truth: at a certain point, seeing the same tricks over and over again is going to lose it's appeal. Eventually, people stop buying into the patter, grow tired of the parade of deceptions and explanations, and want more from a movie than a nod, a wink and a gimmick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I8rVcSQbic
An all-day diner and a Melbourne institution, the European has been welcoming patrons for just on fifteen years. If you can't physically get to the continent of its attribution, then this is your next best bet. No questions asked. There's only a few hours of the day when the venue isn't bustling. It's a good thing when an icon cannot rest. Situated opposite Parliament House at the top of Spring Street, every visit to the European will transport you to the old-world romanticism of Europe. It's a place of instant pleasure, where the scuffed floors, chipped wooden panelling and dim lighting are all a part of the charm. Be sure to make it your mission to get there even on a glum Melbourne afternoon, when its appeal suddenly becomes all the more glamourous. Regardless of the time of day, the menu brings the traditions of France, Italy and Spain to the table in an articulate, thoughtful and proud selection of dishes. It's honest fare without the presence of trends or fads. From 7.30am until very late, take your pick: a continental breakfast ($18.50), seasonal mushroom risotto with truffle oil ($21.50) or lamb saddle, braised belly, sweetbreads and gnocchi ($39.50) are all at your calling. Legend has it that the European's tiramisu ($12) posits a cult following so strong that it will be never, ever be removed from the menu due to the fear of the backlash that might ensue. Be sure to wash this one down with a strong, bold coffee ($3.50). If you can resist, the chocolate salty caramel, peanuts and sour cream ice-cream ($14.50) is indulgence executed with absolute perfection. The European's calling is clearly in its longevity. Alongside other city favourites it resonates in its ability to welcome and to remain authentic in its offering. It's a cultural institution that is worth as many visits as a lifetime can suffice.
From a new $1.3-million Richmond rooftop to talk of a rooftop bar at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne's high spots have been getting more and more attention of late. One of the more recent additions is QT Melbourne's secret rooftop garden, which has just reopened for summer. Not that the space, dubbed Secret Garden, hasn't existed before now. It was established as a garden while back by an executive chef of QT's Pascale Bar and Grill, but opened to the public for the first time in 2018. Now, the 40-person bar is run in collaboration with Healesville gin experts Four Pillars. So, you can expect exceptional G&Ts, alongside two gin-spiked cocktails: the Spiced Negroni spritz and the Bloody & Lemon, the latter of which is made with Four Pillars' cult-favourite Bloody Shiraz gin. Neither of those tickle your fancy? You can also create your own cocktail, using herbs from the garden to mix with the gin of your choice. You'll be drinking these surrounded by native river mint, fruit salad sage and blue lilly pillys, while looking out across the city skyline. The bar will also be hosting masterclasses and tasting sessions throughout the summer, before it closes with the end of the season. Secret Garden Bar is open 3–9pm Thursday and 3–11pm Friday–Saturday. Images: Kate Shanasy
Returning in 2018 with its biggest program ever, Open House Melbourne is your ticket to the city's architectural past and present. The Open House Melbourne Weekend is the headline event, which this year features 224 buildings that'll swing open their doors and grant the public access to variety of rarely seen private homes, institutions and city landmarks across July 28 and 29. Scale the rooftops of Melbourne Central, head underground in a former explosives store or take a look around one of Melbourne's finest modernist homes. We've picked out some of our favourites below, but with 87 properties appearing on the program for the first time, there's much to see for Melbourne's architecture and history lovers. AUSTRALIAN ISLAMIC CENTRE Seamlessly linking historical Islamic motifs with contemporary Australian architecture, the Australian Islamic Centre set out to demonstrate the future of mosques in Australian suburbs. Designed by Glenn Murcutt, one of the world's most respected architects and Australia's only Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, in collaboration with Elevli+ Architects, the centre was included in Wallpaper magazine's highly prestigious list of Top Buildings That Shaped Culture in 2017. Funded by the Newport community, the building provides an elegant space for worship, education and recreation. Buy tickets to the Australian Islamic Centre here. MELBOURNE CENTRAL One of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks, Melbourne Central is filled with hidden rooftops and lookouts. Led by local historian and writer Dale Campisi, the tours of the building will give attendees the inside scoop on Melbourne's architectural history and the chance to hear how the Coop's Shot Tower and its soaring glass cone came to be. Designed by Walter Coop as an ammunitions facility in 1889, the building remains just one of three 19th-century shot towers left in Australia. In the 1980s, Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was brought on board for the addition of the 20-storey glass cone, which provides Melbourne Central with its bright and contemporary space. Buy tickets to Melbourne Central here. STOKEHOUSE PRECINCT Those familiar with the St Kilda foreshore might remember the fire that devastated the popular Stokehouse restaurant in January 2014. Reopening in late 2017 as a beachfront collection of eateries, the spot has the added claim to fame of being the first Five Star Green Star rated building of its kind. Now housing the lively Pontoon bar, acclaimed restaurant Stokehouse and the much-loved fish-and-chip kiosk Paper Fish, the building was awarded the Green Star rating for its sustainable design and construction, as well as the ongoing sustainable operation of the building. The tour — led by eco-warrior Joost Bakker — will discuss much of the innovative green-friendly tech within the complex, including solar energy, 'E-water', onsite composting and much more. Buy tickets to Stokehouse Precinct here. JACK'S MAGAZINE One of the more unique places on Open House Melbourne's 2018 lineup, Jack's Magazine is a former explosive store first opened in 1878. Set along the banks of the Maribyrnong River, the building is largely concealed — constructed within a hillside and positioned behind a large bluestone perimeter wall. Decommissioned in the 1990s, Jack's Magazine is currently closed to the public. But during Open House Melbourne's special weekend you'll be able to take a rare tour of the hidden tunnels and tramways as visitors are led around the site's main buildings, including the vast gunpowder store. Something of a kooky leftover from Melbourne's past, Jack's Magazine is a significant heritage building that's in the process of a revitalisation project. Buy tickets to Jack's Magazine here. THE MAD HOUSE Located in Beaumaris, The Mad House is a 1961 modernist-style family home that's an embodiment of the area's housing aesthetics from the 1950s through to the early 1970s. Privately owned, the current residents recognised the building's design legacy when they bought the home in 2011, choosing to save the house from the bulldozer and slowly restore it using as many of the house's original features as possible. Sourcing vintage lighting, wallpaper, shelving and furniture to match the home's style, Melbourne architect Adrian Bonomi was commissioned to update the kitchen and bathroom. Retaining its modernist design in stunning fashion, The MAD House demonstrates a careful balance in its modern appeal, while also remaining true to its historic character. Buy tickets to The Mad House here. AUSTRALIA 108 Standing at a dazzling 319 metres, Australia 108 (once completed) will be the 'tallest building to roof' in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, Australia 108 will change the skyline of Melbourne with its ultramodern, sculptural form becoming home to 1100 apartments across 100+ floors. Inspired by the Commonwealth Star on the Australian flag, the design features a 'golden starburst expression' that'll complement the colours of the nearby Eureka Tower. For this tour, property developer Sinclair Brook and Fender Katsalidis will guide you through of the first completed stage of Melbourne's newest landmark tower. Buy tickets to Australia 108 here. 'THE AUSTRALIAN UGLINESS' Providing an introspective look into the 'Australian Dream', The Australia Ugliness is a three-channel video installation by Melbourne artist Eugenia Lim. Considering the great modernist architect Robin Boyd and his book of the same name, Lim, fitted out in a gold suit, plays the character of The Ambassador who shape-shifts between student, tourist, client, property investor and resident across more than 30 Australian architectural sites. As the keynote of Open House Melbourne 2018's program, The Australia Ugliness will be installed in the Melbourne School of Design, alongside a free month-long program of related talks, walks and special events on diversity, liveability and sustainability. Buy tickets to 'The Australian Ugliness' here. Open House Weekend Melbourne runs from July 28–29, head to the website for full event details and to purchase tickets.
The arrival of Fitzroy's newest ramen spot Gogyo has't go unnoticed. An enormous new exterior mural, a modern interpretation of wuxing (the five Chinese elements) by celebrated Sydney-based artist Kentaro Yoshida, points to its entrance on the corner of Brunswick and Westgarth streets. And, in the kitchen, the team is shaking up the game by celebrating a gutsy style of signature ramen you won't find anywhere else in town. Japanese-born Gogyo has landed in Melbourne following the success of its Aussie debut, which launched in Sydney's Surry Hills in 2018. It's also from the same minds behind internationally revered ramen chain Ippudo and, as you might know, that equates to some serious street cred in the world of Japanese noodle soup. Gogyo has set itself apart from the pack with its burnt ramen creation dubbed kogashi. A smoky, sweet and intense dish crafted on a charred miso or shoyu base, it is then loaded with chicken broth, pork belly chashu and half an umami egg. While it's the headline act at the new Fitzroy restaurant, the black (but not bitter) soup is backed by a strong supporting cast of alternative ramen varieties and izakaya-style snacks. [caption id="attachment_760781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kogashi ramen by Julia Sansone[/caption] The space itself is split between a minimalist front cocktail lounge and the restaurant, divided by traditional noren curtains featuring more of Yoshida's symbolic artworks. Step through into the dining room and you'll find a warm timber-filled space decked out with deep booths and a long open kitchen lined with stools. As for the menu, it's a mix of Gogyo favourites and Fitzroy exclusives. You might kick off with elegant snacks like scampi nigiri and spring rolls stuffed with sukiyaki-style wagyu, before diving into the likes of pork katsu curry or a poke-style sashimi number. There's a cracking karaage chicken, wagyu tataki finished with shiso and yuzu ponzu, and a miso chicken teamed with sticky rice and fennel pickle. Meanwhile, in the ramen corner, the two kogashi options steal the show, though there's plenty to tempt among the rest of the lineup, including a tonkotsu ramen laced with garlic oil and a fiery chilli shoyu soup. To match, there's a tight list of Aussie wines, Suntory brews on tap and a handful of elegant cocktails, like the whisky- and bitter orange-infused Salaryman. Images: Julia Sansone
Since 2014, White Night has brightened up Melbourne with an all-night arts festival each February. When summer comes to an end in 2019, however, the city won't be sparkling with light and culture. Instead, the popular evening is shifting to a new winter berth. While the exact dates and program won't be revealed until closer to the event, White Night will make the move to August as part a huge new winter festival, the Victorian Government has announced. The after-dark spectacle itself will still only run over a single evening, but the broader fest will be a three-day affair, complete with music, design, film, food, performance and street art events. Part of the move is inspired by Melbourne's long mid-year nights, with the lengthier stint of darkness allowing White Night's luminous activities to kick off earlier — meaning that artists have more hours to play with, and families can enjoy an earlier start time. Aiming to become one of Victoria's signature events, the overarching multi-day festival will build upon 2018's bigger White Night program. "This reimagined event will create unique and exciting opportunities for artists, performers, cultural practitioners and institutions with a broader program and more nights to experience it," said White Night artistic director David Atkins.
A new player is stepping up to bat in the Australian hospitality scene, and in Melbourne. Introducing The StandardX, scheduled to open in Fitzroy on Thursday, August 8. The StandardX is the latest brainchild of Standard International, known for its lifestyle hotels in cosmopolitan hotspots like New York, Miami and London. But The StandardX is set to be a new direction for the brand, with the Fitzroy concept acting as "a rebellious younger sibling" of The Standard Hotels across the globe, distilling The Standard experience to its "x factor", and going for a more minimalist and cool approach. It seems that Fitzroy is the perfect location for the new concept. Melbourne's own Hecker Guthrie has infused the hotel's 125 rooms and public spaces with a contemporary yet unpretentious aesthetic. Macrame-clad pillars, a fireplace in the lobby and a warm colour palette also give the entire property a cosy charm. As for the food, don't expect the standard hotel restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, the rooftop dining area will be exclusive to hotel guests, offering an array of Medellin-inspired dishes, including tacos and ceviche. The rooftop bar will be the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after dinner, or before a night out, or at 10am — it's a hotel, after all. With panoramic city views and the privacy that comes with exclusivity, it's set to be a pretty nice spot to have a sip and take in the majesty of the Melbourne skyline for locals and tourists alike. Dingle-Garciyya is also heading up the all-day restaurant BANG, which sees a medley of classic Thai street food dishes receive contemporary twists. Anyone can dine here, from lunch through to dinner. The same can be said for The Box — a retail concept offering on-the-go snacks and drinks. With room rates expected to hover between $250–350, The StandardX is positioning itself as a premium choice for travellers and Melburnians looking for a unique hotel experience that blends luxury with Fitzroy's artistic and cultural heritage. Nick Cave, Ollie Olsen, Stuart Grant and Rowland S. Howard are even among the hotel's inspirations. The StandardX is opening on Thursday, August 8 at 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy. You can head to the hotel's website for further details.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, Ethiopian fare, a Moroccan banquet and lots and lots of cheese. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
When it opened in May 2007 in the heart of Elwood village, The Leaf Store set out to help locals 'eat better and feel better'. This friendly neighbourhood grocer has all the weekly grocery essentials, seasonal produce, specialty items from local suppliers and a bunch of ready-to-eat meals that are actually healthy. With its own range of meal boxes and an online shop with home delivery service, Leaf is like a supermarket chain but better. Dips from Fresh Fodder (Orange, NSW), fresh lasagne and pizza bases from Coburg's Take Me Home, Ridiculously Delicious Peanut Butter made from nuts grown in Queensland, Melbourne Hot Sauce, Bramble and Hedge Confectionary, Schulz Organic Dairy — these are just some of the products and labels you'll find on the shelves of The Leaf Store.
There's been a flurry of Mornington Peninsula haunts scoring top-to-toe makeovers as the balmy summer season draws close; from the multi-faceted Continental Sorrento, to nearby all-day eatery Stringers. And another to join the club is Mornington's Bay Hotel, now sporting a major refurb courtesy of new owner Liam Ganley (Ganley Group's Angus & Bon, Freddie Wimpole's). Housed in a 133-year-old former bank building on Main Street, the historic pub has been smartly reimagined at the hands of Studio Y, its new look even nabbing a couple of spots on this year's Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist. [caption id="attachment_869364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Geer Architectural[/caption] The interiors are fitted out in a nod to the Aussie pubs of yesteryear, with an added splash of Irish charm thanks to Ganley's own heritage. There's chequered floors surrounding the bar, exposed brick and old-school timber panelling on the walls, and a private dining room nestled within the old bank vault, complete with bar access via a secret hatch. With this latest project, Ganley set out to deliver an 'every person' kind of pub; one where you can catch a gig, grab a feed and sip pints in front of the footy, too. [caption id="attachment_869365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Executive Chef and Texan native Jeremy Sutphin (Angus & Bon) is heading up the food offering, mingling Aussie pub favourites with the classics of his homeland. Down the snacky end, you'll find bites like Mount Martha mussels with prosciutto and a lemon butter sauce, southern fried chicken with fermented chilli and garlic aioli, and kingfish sashimi elevated with oyster cream, karkalla (pigface) and saltbush. A chicken parma and signature cheeseburger sit alongside the likes of crispy-skinned barramundi with Japanese-style slaw; blue swimmer crab linguine; and the bangers and mash, featuring caramelised onion, potato purée and beef jus. Hop in on Sunday to check out the rotating weekend roast special. [caption id="attachment_869366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] The Bay's tap-list showcases drops from locals like St Andrews Beach Brewery, Jetty Road and Banks Brewing; similarly, Mornington Peninsula pours headline the wine offering, including goodies from Quealy, Kerri Greens and Trofeo Estate. And if you're in the mood for sipping cocktails, you'll find a roll-call of classics, from an old fashioned crafted on Aussie whisky, to an espresso martini made with salted caramel and coffee from nearby Commonfolk. Venture upstairs to catch sport on the big screens, and hit the bandroom for live gigs to soundtrack your weekend — you'll find upcoming shows listed on the website. [caption id="attachment_869372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] [caption id="attachment_869362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] James Geer Architectural[/caption] Find The Bay Hotel at 62 Main St, Mornington, Victoria. It's open 12pm–late Wednesday to Sunday. Top Images: James Geer Architectural and Eugene Hyland
When it comes to Melbourne's greenest inner city patches, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria tops the list. The South Yarra site stretches across 38 hectares, features more than 8500 plant species, and lets Melburnians wander past grassy lawns, sprawling lakes and oh-so-many trees, ferns and other plants. From Thursday, November 19, it'll also be home to a brand new area, with the venue opening a sizeable 'arid garden'. As the name suggests, this section of the site is all about resilient and hardy plants that can survive in arid conditions. Yes, that means cacti and succulents. There'll be more than 3000 of them, in fact, spanning 400 different species — so you won't just be peering at the kinds of potted green babies you've already got on your shelves at home. Cacti and succulents come in a huge array of colours, flowers and textures, all of which will be on display here. And they're all arranged in a striking way, too. From a bird's eye view, the arid garden has been plotted out to resemble the molecular structure of an aeonium succulent. You won't get that vantage while you're wandering through its criss-crossing pathways, of course, but that's an impressive design feature nonetheless. Something you definitely will see: huge plants from South America and Arizona. Some of the arid garden's inclusions weigh up to 250 kilograms — and some are also more than 80 years old. Best access by entering via gate C, the arid garden is just one of the Royal Botanic Gardens' planned new additions, with its 2020–2040 Melbourne Gardens Master Plan outlining a heap of proposed changes — including a including a new nature and science precinct with an underground vault and herbarium building that'll be able to house the State Botanical Collection 1.5 million-specimen collection, a performance amphitheatre, and a new Birrarung Gate that celebrates the Aboriginal landscape. Find the new arid garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra — entering via gate C.
Every community needs a local grocer — and Yarraville residents definitely don't miss out. Plump Organic Grocery has been supplying the area with the freshest fruit and vegetables since 2002 and it continues to be one of the most popular shops in the Yarraville Village. People are more conscious than ever about where their food comes from, and Plump Organic Grocery always guarantees great quality produce from both wholesalers and a select group of farmers, and the store has a massive range of organic and bio-dynamic products. Plus, you can pick up everything from a bag of pasta to a block of chocolate, making it a very convenient stop on your way home from work.
Contrary to popular belief, the best time to be at Revolver Upstairs is not 3am on a Saturday morning. The classic Chapel Street venue is not only home to a dance floor, but also to a pretty great Thai restaurant, Colonel Tan's by Karen Batson, of Cookie and Magic Mountain Saloon fame. From 5pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, grab a seat on those comfy couches and devour some spicy Thai food alongside a beverage. On Tuesdays, the venue hosts trivia, then DJs after 9pm. Get yourself down there, and discover a brand new side to the venue you most likely have a love-hate relationship with. Image: @jjaarrvviieess / Instagram.
One of the few remaining drive-in cinemas in the country, Village Cinemas' Coburg Drive-In theatre recalls an age long gone — though we'd argue the social distancing era has lent it a newfound sense of relevance. It's hard not to see the charm in the whole experience, from the comfort of watching latest-release or classic movies on one of the precinct's three screens from the comfort of your own car, to the retro-style American diner which you can order from an app and enjoy delivery straight to your window. Gone are the days of speakers through the window, too, with the sound coming straight through your car radio, meaning you can adjust the volume as you wish. [caption id="attachment_622464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James.[/caption] Images: Brook James
It's no secret that we Aussies are champions in the water and now's your chance to see the champions themselves achieve their goals at the Swimming Australia World Championship Trials — with a prize package that includes tickets, accommodation and dinner for two. Aussie swimmers will be hitting the lanes at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from Tuesday, June 13 till Sunday, June 18. The aquatic superstars will be battling it out to make it to the World Aquatics World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in July — you can expect familiar faces like Ariarne Titmas, Mollie O'Callaghan and Kyle Chalmers (to name just a few). Specifically, our winner will receive day passes for themselves and a mate (or date) to the Swimming Australia World Championship Trials on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, plus one night at Middle Park Hotel and dinner for two at Chez Bagou on Saturday, June 17. It's the perfect getaway in South Melbourne for any swimming lovers — or those that just love cheering on our athletes. Enter and be in with a chance to see our Aussie swimming heroes in action. [competition]901032[/competition]
Tucked down Church Lane is Saving Grace, your friendly neighbourhood dive bar home to good brews, classic cocktails and banging burgers. Saving Grace rotates six seasonal taps with a lineup of largely local craft breweries on the list from the likes of Fixation, Hop Nation, Two Bays, and Hop Nation, as well as lagers from all over. When it comes to cocktails, Saving Grace has a considered collection of twists on classics. Fancy breakfast vibes at happy hour? Try the marmalade whisky sour, a take on a breakfast martini with marmalade, bourbon, lemon bitters, lemon sugar and wonderfoam for a frothy finish. Alternatively, you can chill out with a frozen slushy cocktail — just ask the staff what flavour is on for the night. Saving Grace is also where you'll find Burger Boys pumping out burgers, fried chicken and sides for the hungry drinkers at this lively dive and blues bar.
What happens when a former punk rock singer and his hip hop DJ wife, both originally from Japan, decide to open a cosy venue in Fitzroy? Well, if you're Fumi and Takako Tamura, the end result looks a lot like new jazz-infused, Gertrude Street Japanese joint, Tamura Sake Bar. Heroing an inviting combination of vinyl, izakaya-style plates and sake, it's a refreshing taste of home for the couple — a little more grown-up than their earlier venue Horse Bazaar, and sure to spark a few memories of your own jaunts to Japan. The space is intimate and the food offering broad, headlined by Japanese snacks designed to be enjoyed with a drink in hand and good company at the table. There's a daily changing pickle option, along with a selection of yakitori and bites like miso eggplant and crispy salmon skin. [caption id="attachment_722463" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] A lineup of sashimi is also on offer and might feature black sesame tuna or fresh scallops matched with shio kombu salt. Elsewhere, you'll find yourself tucking into crunchy Japanese fried chicken, rich bowls of ramen and mixed vegetable tempura. A variety of set menus keeps things easy, starting at just $35 for an assortment of yakitori, fried delights, rice, miso soup and karaage. Pair it with a WA wine or an Asian craft brew (including a matcha IPA from Kyoto and an Okinawa sour), or take advantage of a sake selection that's both considered and approachable. Umeshu (plum wine) and whisky are also in strong supply. The matching vinyls — which spin every night and are also available to buy — have been curated by a crew of acclaimed Japanese DJs and producers, featuring a healthy dose of jazz, a sprinkling of hip hop and even a few records that usually aren't usually available outside of Japan. Images: Kate Shanasy.
We're used to seeing bars specialise in just one spirit — Gin Palace, Studio Amaro and Mejico — or simply focus on wine, dark spirits or beers. But rum and champagne? For us, that's a new and unlikely pairing. Yet for Huw Griffiths (Union Electric), these boozy bevs are meant to be together. He believes this so strongly that he has set up Lola Belle on Fitzroy's Brunswick Street, a cosy new bar that champions both champagne and sugarcane. In the back bar, you'll find one of Australia's largest collections of rum, which the team will gladly help you explore. There is a strong focus on terroir, highlighting unique flavour profiles from rums all over the world. But those who don't take their rum straight need not worry. Rum-based cocktails also feature here in spades, with a particular focus on daiquiris. As of writing, there are three variations on the menu, including one made with light rum, another with dark rum and a third that features acid-adjusted grapefruit juice. "We want people to order their daiquiri like they order a martini – to know the style they like," Griffiths explains. Lola Belle also features an extensive champagne selection. We're not sure how mixing these two drinks throughout the night will pan out, but you're more than welcome to give it a go and let us know how you feel the next day. Pair your pour with simple eats like fresh oysters, and cheese and meat boards. This is a bar, first and foremost, so don't expect food to be plentiful or particularly lavish. You come here for the drinks, choosing to dine out in the area either before or after hitting Lola Belle. Images: Gareth Lewis.
Grazeland Director John Forman recently teamed up with El Taco's Neven Hayek and Sandrow Yalda to create two huge new Mexican bars and restaurants. The first of the two venues to open is Preston's Bar Mexico, a two-storey haven for agave-based tipples. Located within the former Northside Food Hall on the Preston end of High Street, the bar showcases over 50 tequilas, mezcals and raicillas sourced directly from distilleries across Mexico. Sure, you can shoot some of these shots with your mates, but they're best consumed like a fine wine. Take your time sipping on these agave-based bevs, exploring different regions of Mexico as you make your way through the list. But if straight tequila ain't your thing, you can always take your pick from the extensive cocktail menu. Get around classics like a marg or paloma, or change it up by sampling Bar Mexico's tequila espresso martini or tequila old fashioned. You'll also find Aussie and international beers on tap, plus an impressive selection of Mexican brews in bottles or cans. A handful of wines are also available, almost all by the glass, too. Siblings Hayek and Yalda are on food duties, and they're serving up El Taco's signature style of Mexican street eats. Start off with crowd favourites like jalapeño poppers, flautas and elote before getting onto the bigger bites like quesedilla, nachos and tacos — the crew's famed birria tacos are a must-order. If you're after a proper feast, go straight for the build-your-own taco platter. This massive serve comes with slow-cooked pulled beef and adobo-marinated chicken, as well as a heap of fillings and ten corn tortillas that you can fill however you like. It's family-style eating at its finest. You'll find Bar Mexico at 39 High Street, Preston, open from 5–10pm Wednesday, 5–11pm Thursday, from 4pm–late Fridays and from 12pm–late on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit the venue's website.
For the first time in five years, artist Patricia Piccinini's floating artwork Skywhale is back in Victoria. The Skywhale isn't any old artwork either, it's a 34-metre-long hot air balloon in the form of a large fleshy animal — and it just flew high above the Yarra Valley. Taking off in the wee hours (when you were hopefully still curled up in bed) from Dixons Creek, it made its way across the Yarra River travelling from Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra. The theriomorphic balloon isn't floating here by chance, either, it's in the Valley to promote Piccinini's latest exhibition at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, dubbed Patricia Piccinini and Joy Hester: Through Love..., which kicks off this Saturday, November 24. On display until March 11, 2019, the exhibition not only focuses on Piccinini's weird and wonderful works — that tread the thin line between humanity and animal — but on fellow Australian artist Joy Hester. If the latter's name doesn't sound familiar, she was a Melbourne artist who passed away in 1960, favoured brushwork and ink on paper, and is considered one of Piccinini's key influences.This'll be the first time anywhere in the world that a gallery has explored the connection between the pair, with more than 50 pieces on display. But back to our Skywhale. Here it is floating in all its fleshy glory today: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdGVb_l7a8/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdBj1Dhm4b/ If you missed it this AM, it might be taking flight once again this weekend. While the flight is dependant on the weather, if it does takeoff, it'll be doing so very early in the morning (around 5.45am). For updates, keep an eye on the TarraWarra Museum of Art Facebook page. Image: Patricia Piccinini Skywhale, 2013, courtesy of the artist, the Australian Capital Territory Government, Tolarno Galleries and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.
On a futuristic earth that's been rendered a frozen wasteland, a constantly hurtling train plays host to the world's only remaining people. Instead of banding together — it was humanity's attempts to combat climate change that caused their dire predicament, leaving the speeding locomotive as their only solution — the residents of the Snowpiercer have instead transported society's class structure into the carriages of their new home. That's the story that drives Bong Joon-ho's 2013 film Snowpiercer, which marked the acclaimed South Korean writer/director's first English-language film, and one of the movies that brought him to broader fame before Netflix's Okja and this year's Cannes Palme d'Or winner Parasite. As well as boasting a smart, immersive and all-too-timely concept — and unpacking its underlying idea in a thoroughly thrilling and involving manner — the flick proved a star-studded affair. Among the jam-packed cast: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, John Hurt, Ed Harris and Bong's frequent collaborator Song Kang-ho. Given how great its premise is, it's hardly surprising that Snowpiercer has now been turned into a US TV series. First announced back in 2016, it'll finally speed across screens early in 2020. And while it doesn't feature any of the film's high-profile lineup, it does include a few big names of its own, such as Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly and Tony-winner Daveed Diggs. Alongside Frances Ha's Mickey Sumner, Slender Man's Annalise Basso and The Americans' Alison Wright, they inhabit Snowpiercer's new world order — the planet outside the titular train may be a dystopia with a temperature of -119 degrees celsius, but everyone from the wealthy to the poor have been put in their place inside. Of course, that's until matters such as class warfare, social injustice and the politics of trying to survive start to fester almost seven years into the circling vehicle looping journey. Watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lFMpmwn_hQ Snowpiercer will premiere on US TV network TBS in 2020, with airdates Down Under yet to be announced. We'll update you with further details when they come to hand.
