The career of one of Melbourne's most celebrated painters is the subject of a new exhibition at NGV Australia. Jan Senbergs: Observation—Imagination surveys the celebrated work of the eponymous artist, who for over half a century has captivated art lovers with his large-scale paintings, drawings and prints, depicting some of country's most iconic landmarks in his endlessly inventive style. Open from March 18 until June 12, the free exhibition features more than 120 works. From bushfires raging through the Victorian Otways to maze-like aerial visions of Sydney Harbour, Senbergs' work is instantly recognisable and draws its inspiration from a myriad of sources. The images are quintessentially Australian, with a touch of the absurd. The Federation Square gallery will host numerous special events in conjunction with the exhibition, including workshops, panel discussions and talks with the curator. For the complete lineup, go here.
If COD is life (that's Call of Duty for those not in the know) and you regularly get into passionate debates about which console is superior, you might already be aware of the huge games festival that's descending on our fair city from this Saturday. Recognised as the largest games festival in all of Asia Pacific, Melbourne International Games Week is a citywide presentation of creativity, talented developers and behind-the-scenes insights into an industry that continues to boom in Melbourne. Over 50 per cent of Australia's games industry is located here in Victoria, and these developers are making big waves globally: local studio Mountains' quirky game Florence won a coveted Design Award at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference back in June. Running from October 20–28 at numerous venues throughout Melbourne CBD, the sprawling festival includes dozens of events, including the Australian Game Developers Awards, which celebrates the best games from Australian creators. But you don't need to be a budding developer, or even a fully fledged games addict, to get involved. The festival also sees the return of mega games expo PAX Aus, the only edition that takes place outside of the United States. Held across the festival's final weekend, October 26–28, PAX Aus gives gamers the chance to discover and play new and retro games as well as learn about the latest industry innovations. Now if you were acing the Mario Kart Rainbow Highway before you could even legally ace the IRL highways, we've got some good news for you — we've nabbed three double passes to PAX for you. Spend your Sunday enthralled in the very best of games culture, with tabletop games, esports tournaments, music concerts and over 100 panel discussions from local and international business leaders, creatives and personalities. All you gotta do is enter our comp. To go in the running, enter your details below. [competition]692505[/competition]
For over 20 years now, the annual Top Arts exhibition has brought together the stunning works of Victoria's emerging student artists in a showcase of the next generation of talent. Top Arts 2017 features the works of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students who studied Arts or Studio Arts with the exhibition highlighting the diverse skills of students through painting, drawing, sculpture, multimedia and installation works. Held at the NGV's Ian Potter Centre, the exhibition will run until July 16, and displays the art of 47 students to an estimated 200,000 visitors with Top Arts proving to be one of the NGV's most popular annual exhibitions. Each year approximately 2000 hopeful student artists from all across Victoria apply for the opportunity to exhibit at Top Arts, with a shortlist of the leading 150 reached before the final exhibiting selection is made. Image: Brendan Hartnett next to his work Ennui (2016), oil, synthetic polymer paint, cement and charcoal on canvas, 125.4 x 180.0 cm. Shot by Eugene Hyland.
Australians have an appetite for international cinema, with major cities across the country regularly hosting events like the Japanese Film Festival, which returns to theatres nationwide this October and November. Whether you're a film fest regular, more of a blockbuster-familiar audience member or are simply looking to expand your cultural worldview, you'll be able to catch the best of Japanese film and filmmakers on a big screen near you. "We're excited to bring a program that speaks to the breadth of Japanese cinema today," said Manisay Oudomvilay, Festival Programmer. "From historical sagas to intimate family portraits, contemporary thrillers to beloved manga brought to life, these films capture both the richness of tradition and the restless innovation of Japanese filmmakers." Leading this year's JFF program is Kokuhō, an Academy Awards-submitted title starring three of Japan's best acting talents — Ryо̄ Yoshizawa, Ryūsei Yokohama and Ken Watanabe — in a five-decade story of friendship and rivalry between two boys making a name for themselves in traditional kabuki theatre. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6-ZPGwmKk[/embed] This year's festival also features three titles from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa. There's the sound-centric horror film Chime, an online resale-inspired thriller titled Cloud and a French-language remake of Kurosawa's Serpent's Path. Also featuring on the lineup are literary and pop culture adaptations. There's 6 Lying University Students, a story of a corporate recruitment test-turned psychological thriller, Petals and Memories, which adapts the prize-winning short stories of Minato Shukawa, and 366 Days, adapting the song of the same name by HY about two students trying to make careers in Tokyo's music and translation scenes. There's also the terrorist negotiation thriller Showtime 7, two unlikely allies teaming up to take down swindlers in Angry Squad: The Civil Servant and the Seven Swindlers, the surreal animated flick The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store, a contemporary post-COVID story in Sunset Sunrise, samurai drama Bushido, manga-adapting Cells at Work! and a retrospective series of Japanese films from the 1930s at various venues around the country. [caption id="attachment_1033101" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store[/caption] JFF 2025 is taking place at The Kino and ACMI from Thursday, November 6 to Thursday, December 4. Get the full program or tickets on the website. Top images: 'Cloud', 'Kokuhō'
If local beer label Bodriggy wasn't already on your radar, it sure will be now. Owners Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels and Peter Walsh have officially opened their mammoth new Abbotsford brewpub. The sprawling warehouse space and one-time mechanics workshop has been home to Bodriggy's brewing operations for a while, but, as of last week, it now boasts a bar, pub and kitchen — with room for an impressive 400 punters. A striking fit-out has been headed up by builder, designer and co-owner Daniels, transforming the lofty building with a mix of reclaimed materials, natural finishes and considered industrial elements. Vintage-style timber panelling is offset by painted brickwork and exposed pipes, while big steel trusses curve overhead. You'll spy lamps recovered from the Palais Theatre, as well as a couple of vintage MCG balustrades, here edging the stairs down to the underground bathrooms. The brewery tanks loom large and shiny at the back of the room, while the front section is home to a dining room, complete with warm timber and plush green booth seating. [caption id="attachment_735963" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] But if you're impressed with the size of the pub itself, just wait until you get a look at the drinks offering. Bodriggy's beer is front and centre, of course, the light box menu above the bar sporting plenty of just-launched creations in celebration of the new digs. Mainstays include the likes of the Speccy Juice session IPA, the easy-drinking draught, or the newly-hatched New England IPA they've dubbed Cosmic Microwave. There's a handful of seasonal offerings, too – think, wine-beer hybrid Zooter Doozy. Or you can skip the decision making altogether, grab a tasting paddle and settle in for a sampling session. [caption id="attachment_735950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] That said, the Bodriggy taps aren't solely for things fizzy and hopped — they're also pouring wild and natural wines from the likes of Quealy, Little Reddie and Garage Project, and a lineup of cocktails heroing native ingredients and South American flavours. Expect concoctions like the El Coco, blending coconut-washed Buffalo Trace bourbon with bitters and agave and the vermouth- and cherry-infused Cascara Spritz. More South American flavours feature throughout the food menu, which is crafted by Chef John Dominguez (Vue de Monde, Dinner by Heston) and working a huge offering of vegan and gluten-free options. You'll find Peruvian-style beef heart skewers, tacos loaded with achiote-marinated slow-cooked pork, and 'petacon' or fried plantains featuring a daily changing topping. Larger plates might include the likes of a beef short rib matched with bone marrow or a hefty 500-gram cauliflower steak starring chimichurri and crispy florets. Otherwise, go straight for the $55 feed me menu. [caption id="attachment_735961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] But wait, there's more: Bodriggy is also set to open a boutique bottle shop at the front of the site and a private dining room upstairs – stay tuned for details. Find Bodriggy Brewing Co at 245 Johnston Street, Abbotsford. It's open daily from 11.30am–11pm. Images: Kate Shanasy
This multi-level Swan Street restaurant is the work of David Abela, Andrew Ryan and Daniel Vid; the same minds behind neighbouring cocktail haunt The Ugly Duckling. Tucked within a three-storey former art store, the 100-seat modern Euro eatery and bar now boasts creatively-charged yet timeless interiors by Flack Studio. It's a warm, eclectic space, featuring lots of rich textures, marble accents and an impressive art collection. In the kitchen, 2015 Young Chef of the Year Tim Martin (The European, Harvest) is delivering a contemporary menu spiked with lots of European influence. The snack game is particularly strong — think, prosciutto paired with a melon escabeche ($24), the pea and ricotta arancini ($12), and oysters with celery heart mignonette ($6). Deeper in, find duck ragu gnocchi finished with saltbush ($35); a seafood spaghetti starring littleneck clams, prawns and calamari ($38); and a pithivier (pie) of gruyere, potato and chard ($32). A grass-fed O'Connor scotch fillet features a madeira jus ($49), and you'll spy a Russian honey cake ($15) leading the dessert offering. The matching wine selection pays homage to Euro drops and varietals, with a healthy spread on offer by the glass. Perch up at the horseshoe bar to sip the Rob Dolan pinot blanc ($15), or head to France with a glass of the Domaine des Espérances gamay out of Touraine ($14). Cocktails stick to the classics with the likes of a negroni ($20) and a dry gin martini ($20), while the aperitif-sipping crowd will be all about the Spritz With No Name ($18) — a refreshing blend of Campari, Pampelle Grapefruit, sparkling wine, orange and olive. [caption id="attachment_842999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] Images: Anson Smart and Untitled
Summer music festivals are all about embracing the best things in life — good vibes, great friends, and epic tunes. But Secret Garden Festival turned the happiness factor up to out-of-control joy by hosting an actual wedding ceremony at Brownlow Hill Farm. The nuptials were held as part of the annual festival's February 24 - 26 celebration of music, creativity, and disco-infused fun, all held for 48 hours against a lush forest backdrop, just one-and-a-half hours outside of Sydney. Though renowned for its stellar lineup, with The Jezabels, Japanese Wallpaper, Oliver Tank, Urthboy and more on this year's bill, the main stage became the site of a very different kind of celebration at 4pm on Saturday, February 25 — the joining in matrimony of Sydneysiders Alexis and Jimmy. Here's how it went down (and you'd best prepare to say "awwwww" quite a bit). The main stage area was set up with chairs for the wedding party, giving them the best position in the fest. Once the formalities got underway, Alexis and Jimmy swapped Peter Pan-themed vows, because that's how you make tying the knot at a festival even more magical. A brass band played 'Sexual Healing' as the newlyweds were raised over the crowd in a cherrypicker — with confetti cannons also thrown into the mix — while the crowd came together to form a "tunnel of love" for the just-hitched duo to run through. When the wedding was announced, festival director Clare Downes said her crew was pretty stoked to be taking on wedding planner duties, and promised one hell of a party for the lucky lovebirds, their friends and family, and all other festivalgoers who'd be getting in on the loved-up fun. "Alexis and Jimmy sent us an email a couple of months ago and I had to rewrite my response about nine times because I was way too overexcited," she told Concrete Playground. "They had already locked in the February 25 for their wedding, but they were just really struggling to find a venue and a celebrant etc — so it was a no brainer. I'm just so stoked they are letting us organise their wedding." While past years have seen Secret Garden host kissing booths, faux weddings, and plenty of dance floor pashes, Alexis and Jimmy's knot-tying marked its first official wedding ceremony. If you managed to get an invite — aka a highly coveted ticket almost instantly sold-out even — it's certain to have been an event to remember. ❤️ Secret Garden's first ever REAL wedding... and they have asked us to plan it 😏💥🎉 A video posted by Secret Garden (@secretgardenfestival) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:25pm PST Secret Garden Festival takes place on February 24-26, 2017. For more info on the festival, visit secretgarden.com.au. By Libby Curran and Sarah Ward.
Situated deep in the West Gippsland region, the tiny town of Thorpdale is best known for potatoes, thanks to its rich agricultural industry and community events like the Thorpdale Potato Festival. But now the tight-knit town — population 475 — will go down as the home of the West Gippsland region's very first distillery, located in the historic Travellers Rest Hotel. The journey to get here has not been easy. In 2017, the 80-year-old pub was destroyed by fire, with many in the community fearing their beloved art deco watering hole would never open again. However, new owners Jill Jepson and Sean McCarthy took on the responsibility of returning this spot to its former glory. The results were impressive, with a new beer garden and deck overlooking spud country giving the community its much-needed social hub once more. Now Jepson and McCarthy have led the public house into its next chapter, with the unveiling of a brand-new, in-house distillery in the pub's former basement keg room. Initially starting with vodka, the output will showcase a range of local produce, with an aim to utilise Thorpdale's famous potatoes. Complete with a visitors' tasting room and bar, the subterranean space is filled with historic features that showcase the pub's 88-year story from to the original keg room doors, to the smartly restored former staff bedrooms which now house the shiny new still, as well as a cosy tasting room and a library. One historic leftover is the so-called drunk's room, where blitzed rogues would get safely stowed for the night, rather than being left to wander the surrounding paddocks in a haze. Visitors to the Travellers Rest Hotel can expect the distillery to serve up a series of creatively infused vodkas, with the initial offering including apple and coffee-accented tipples. Meanwhile, a seasonally evolving menu of smaller-batch runs will showcase the very best of the region's produce throughout the year. In addition, the distillery will soon host immersive tastings and masterclasses, designed to take you behind the scenes of the distilling process. There'll also be bottles available for purchase over the counter, if you're after a memento of your visit to West Gippsland. Don't cut your trip short though — after your tasting, you can head upstairs to the front bar for a classic counter meal, and keep warm in front of one of the pub's two wood heaters. The Travellers Rest Hotel is open at 2 Station Street, Thorpdale. Head to the venue's website for more information. Images: Nicky Cawood.
Architecture aficionados and self-confessed sticky-beaks, listen up. The historic city of Bendigo, located an easy two-hour drive from Melbourne, will throw the doors open on some of its top buildings again this year, for one weekend this month. Across October 26–27, locals and visitors will get the chance to see inside spaces that are generally closed to the public. A boom town during the gold rush period, Bendigo is home to a rich architectural heritage that has been met with rapid development in recent years. Hop on one of the vintage trams and explore the city from the inside. The Open House weekend is a chance to engage with city planners and discuss Bendigo's design future. Visitors are welcome to explore the most notable designs of the city, from private homes and heritage buildings to commercial and civic developments. Over 20 buildings will be on display — highlights include Kooroork House II, a 160 square metre family home created by e+ architecture; the Eaglehawk Heritage Precinct including the Mechanics Institute; former Eaglehawk Town Hall (now operating as the Star Cinema Boutique); and the Eaglehawk Courthouse. Plus, be the first to enter the newly renovated historic Beehive Building at the Bendigo Mining Exchange, which has been restored to its former glory. Alongside the program will be a series of talks and public workshops. For more information or to pre-book tours, head to the Open House Bendigo website.
When Hercule Poirot returned to cinema screens in 2017's Murder on the Orient Express, the infamous Agatha Christie-penned sleuth was always going to hang around. Hollywood loves a franchise and, on the page, the fictional Belgian detective has featured in more than 80 tales. Accordingly, a sequel to the Kenneth Branagh-starring and directed movie was always inevitable. Death on the Nile is that follow-up, as once again based on the book of the same name. It's due to hit cinemas sometime in the future — in this COVID-19 world, movie release dates aren't really set in stone anymore, as anyone who has been hanging out for months to see Tenet or Mulan knows — and, as the just-dropped first trailer shows, it trots out the familiar Poirot formula. In the current film series, that means bringing a whole heap of famous faces together in a confined location, dressing them up in luxe threads, interrupting their trip with a murder, then watching the moustachioed detective put his skills to the test. Obviously, here, everyone is on a boat in Egypt. In fact, Poirot is on vacation on a glamorous river steamer when duty calls — in the form of a couple's idyllic honeymoon that's been cut short by tragedy. Branagh is back both on-screen and behind the lens, while this time around he's joined by Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, and even comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Also popping up: Murder on the Orient Express' Tom Bateman, Game of Thrones' Rose Leslie, Black Panther's Letitia Wright, Wild Rose's Sophie Okonedo, Sex Education's Emma Mackey and Victoria and Abdul's Ali Fazal. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRP57Bz842A&feature=youtu.be Death on the Nile is slated to release in Australian cinemas at a yet-to-be-revealed date — we'll provide exact details when they come to hand. Top images: © 2020 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
One of Carlton Gardens' grand old trees will be transformed into a living artist's canvas for a stunning First Nations installation, Story Tree. The work of award-winning Wathaurung/Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson, with song and voice work by fellow Wathaurung artists Marlene Gilson and Barry James Gilson, the 15-minute illumination trips back in time, sharing the Bundjil creation story of the Kulin Nation. Nab a patch of earth and embark on a journey of discovery, as the show of colour and light brings to life the tale of the six mystical beings that helped Bundjil the Eagle Hawk create the land, waterways, plants, animals and humans. The artwork will play at regular intervals across the three nights of White Night, head to the website for exact times.
70s-era porn, but make it a slasher flick: when Ti West's X marked the big-screen spot in 2022, that's one of the tricks it pulled. The playful, smart and gory horror standout also arrived with an extra spurt of good news, with West debuting it as part of a trilogy. 30s- and 40s-period technicolour, plus 50s musicals and melodramas, but splatter them with kills, genre thrills and ample blood spills: that's what the filmmaker behind cult favourites The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers now serves up with X prequel Pearl. Shot back to back with its predecessor, sharing mesmerising star Mia Goth (Emma), and co-written by her and West — penned during their two-week COVID-19 quarantine period getting into New Zealand to make the initial movie, in fact — it's a gleaming companion piece. It's also a savvy deepening and recontextualising of a must-see scary-movie franchise that's as much about desire, dreams and determination as notching up deaths. In one of her X roles, Goth was magnetic as aspiring adult-film actor Maxine Minx, a part she'll reprise in the trilogy's upcoming third instalment MaXXXine. As she proved first up and does again in Pearl, she plays nascent, yearning, shrewd and resolute with not just potency, but with a pivotal clash between fortitude and vulnerability; when one of Goth's youthful X Universe characters says that they're special or have the X factor, they do so with an astute blend of certainty, good ol' fashioned wishing and hoping, and naked self-convincing. This second effort's namesake, who Goth also brought to the screen in her elder years in X, wants to make it in the pictures, too. Looking to dance on her feet instead of horizontally, stardom is an escape (again), but Pearl's cruel mother Ruth (Tandi Wright, Creamerie), a religiously devout immigrant from Germany turned bitter from looking after her ailing husband (Mathew Sunderland, The Stranger), laughs at the idea. This franchise hones in women who know what they want, aren't afraid to attempt to get it and snap after their fantasies as hungrily as an alligator (handily, the Texan ranch that both films so far are set on sports a lake with a large ravenous reptile). That said, the X-Pearl-MaXXXine realm also focuses on women who aren't just one thing, not for a second — being adamant about what they'd like to with their lives included. That's a key reason why X and Pearl alike offer more than merely well-executed carnage, although they each deliver that in visceral spades. West's screenplays, no matter who he is or isn't scripting with, see innocence and insidiousness lurking in the same pools, and spot them with the same clear eyes. In Pearl, they see them peering out from the same peepers as well. Indeed, this saga unpacks the fine line between competing forces, impulses, emotions and outcomes whenever and however it can. One such conflict: the existence that Pearl is told she should be happy with versus the lure of being a chorus girl that she can't shake. Actually, to say that Ruth wants her to be content with her lot in life is overstating it: Pearl's mum doesn't care if her daughter finds any joy in dutiful drudgery. So, the young woman steals away to the local cinema when she can, where the projectionist (David Corenswet, We Own This City) screens the dancers that she wants to be. When they're alone — when she warms to a rare dose of attention — he also screens an early skin flick. And, at home, Pearl works through her sexual appetite with a scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz, this isn't) and her bloodlust by feeding farm animals to said gator. But it's news of auditions for a travelling dance revue, which she pledges to try out for with her sister-in-law Mitsy (Emma Jenkins-Purro, One of Us Is Lying), that truly gets her desires pumping. Like X before it, Pearl's narrative is deeply steeped in its chosen era. This time around, it's 1918 rather than six decades later — a choice of year that isn't just about the maths needed to link to X. As the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that everyone knows, influenza was wreaking havoc. In a detail that mightn't be as well known, it was first recorded just two states up from Pearl's homestead. Also, the First World War was still being waged until November. Pearl's life is touched by both, with sickness an ever-present worry in her town — face masks are sighted — and its men, her husband Howard (Alistair Sewell, The Power of the Dog) among them, off in combat. Confronted by life's grimness several times over, and by a persistent fantasy of breaking free, how's a repressed and downtrodden gal to cope? This one does so with murder and mayhem. Back in the 50s, Douglas Sirk made an art out of 'women's pictures', as they were derisively called — pictures that surveyed the emotional turmoil simmering within unfulfilled female protagonists, and understood how such complex inner chaos could be tied to the times, class and societal structures, and the expectations and restrictions placed upon the fairer sex. The legacy that films like All That Heaven Allows and Imitation of Life have left is immense, and Pearl slots right in beside everything that's followed in those footsteps. Sirk definitely didn't make slashers, though. Neither did Carol's Todd Haynes when he crafted 2002's wonderful Far From Heaven, a drama firmly in the Sirkian mould. West and Goth pay loving tribute to all that cinema has allowed in these past greats, while also getting savagely subversive; their portrait of Pearl's namesake is a horror movie and a tragedy. Pearl is glorious on both Goth and returning X cinematographer Eliot Rockett's parts, too, with a lead performance and a look that could've wowed audiences in the mid-20th century. Goth isn't just the feature's star — she's its pulse, with every electrifying change of mood, expression and pace, often within the same scene, rippling through the film like a gusty farmyard breeze. Rockett unsurprisingly adores staring her way, making Goth as sumptuous a sight as the saturated colour palette around her (not that the High Life, Suspiria and A Cure for Wellness talent needs any help). Composers Tyler Bates (the John Wick films) and Tim Williams (Brightburn) provide a sweeping orchestral score that's equally as rich, harking back to old Hollywood in its swelling notes. West, doing his own editing as he usually does, winks with his use of retro wipes and dissolves as much as the movie's title font. There's grit to this flick, of course, thanks to its devilish rampages and making-of-a-villain origin story, but this is indeed a gem.
Arts Centre Melbourne is opening its summer season with the hit Broadway musical Evita and it's bringing the show's Buenos Aires setting to life with Stomping Ground La Boca — a pop-up beer garden that will take over the Forecourt from December 4 through February 24, 2019, showcasing Argentinian booze, food and music. As the name suggests, Collingwood's Stomping Ground will be manning the beer side of things. On tap, the brewery's core range will be joined by an Argentinian-inspired lager — brewed exclusively for the beer garden — and a range of Argentinian wines, too. For food, Argentinian eatery Asado (the brand new venture by the San Telmo team) will be slinging a menu of classic street eats, such as beef and cheese empanadas, steak sandwiches and choripan (chorizo and chimichurri on a roll). Plus, a coal-roasted vegetable salad with chickpeas and ancient grains will be available for vegos, and dulce de leche-spiked soft serve and cookies will be up for dessert. The colourful fit-out will be accompanied by lively Argentinian bands that channel the sounds of Caminito in Buenos Aires, with tango lessons and cultural performances also on the docket. It will be open from 11am till late every day of the week. Though the beer garden is open to both theatregoers and non-theatregoers alike, the space is best enjoyed before or after a show — especially, before or after Evita. The award-winning musical, by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, stars Tina Arena and follows the extravagant life of Eva Perón, the wife of Argentinian director Juan Perón. It's a worthy summertime excursion and it opens on Wednesday, December 5.
Didn't spend the festive season hopping all over Greece? Us neither, but Melbournians can spend January doing the next best thing. The new year doesn't just mean saying goodbye to your summer break and steeling yourself for a return to normality — it also means diving deep into a sumptuous Greek feast at Ela Pop-Up Restaurant. If that doesn't help you ease back into your working routine, nothing will. From January 3 to 31 at the Gertrude Street Enoteca, Ella Mittas and Mon Ditbunjong will be whipping up a storm of delicious Mediterranean traditional recipes every day, drawing upon Ella's time spent living, working and eating in Greece. As such, the pop-up will be taking hungry customers on a tour of the country, with its changing menu exploring the nation's different regions — including food from the Peloponnese from January 7, Crete from January 14, the Cycladic Islands from January 21 and Northern Greece from January 28. While dropping by for an impromptu bite is encouraged, so is booking in for a leisurely late Sunday lunch, with the set menu each week taking inspiration from the aforementioned areas of focus. And, that extends to wine as well. Throw in a vibe influenced by the 1983 film Rembetiko, complete with a curate soundtrack, and you'll think you're somewhere far away from Gertrude Street.
Thanks to the franchise's increasingly over-the-top sequels, it's easy to dismiss John Rambo as an idiotic and cartoonish action hero whose movies readily employ more bullets than brain cells. That would be to forget how pointed and politically charged First Blood was when it came out in 1982. Grappling with issues such as the hidden wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and the disenfranchisement of Vietnam vets, the original film presented Rambo as a tragic figure simply trying (and failing) to slip silently through society's cracks as a harmless and withdrawn loner. In the original cut, he actually committed suicide, only for test audiences to declare the ending too disheartening and morose — hardly the stuff of action heroes. So it was that a franchise was born — one in which Rambo was slowly reinvented as a one-man killing machine and poster child for US military might. Politics and social themes were still in there, but the emphasis shifted with each instalment. First Blood Part II held mostly true to its origins, showing the secret abandonment of American prisoners-of-war and the disposability of assets like Rambo by the very government they vowed to serve. By Rambo III, however, the villain was now the Soviet Union, with the film concluding with a dedication to "the gallant people of Afghanistan". Yet even with the third movie's souped-up action, Stallone continued to present Rambo as a tragic figure, suffering in silence, tormented by demons, seeking penance wherever opportunity presents and as uncomfortable as ever over his god-given gift: dealing death better than anyone else. Rambo, coming out 20 years after its immediate predecessor in 2008, focused its politics on the atrocities of the army in Myanmar, however it also introduced a level of violence and gore that went far beyond anything previously seen in the franchise. There was a bloodlust to it, taking it out of harmless action-movie fun, and into something uncomfortable and almost voyeuristic. There were still some great moments, but it was clear that the franchise and character had changed forever. Which brings us to Rambo: Last Blood — a film that aspires to be Logan, yet lands somewhere closer to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Plot-wise, the trailers intimated something to do with hidden secrets coming back to claim their dues. Not so. Co-written by Stallone and directed by Adrian Grunberg (Get the Gringo), this is essentially Taken, Mexico-style. Rambo's niece Gabrielle (Yvette Monreal) is drugged, kidnapped and groomed as a sex slave south of the border, compelling him to use his "very particular set of skills, skills... acquired over a very long career, skills that make [him] a nightmare for people like [cartels]" (as Liam Neeson would put it) until he baits his new enemies to chase him back to Arizona. It's a bizarre mishmash of storylines, all trying to ground themselves in Rambo's ongoing PTSD. Sometimes that's done well, revealing that he sleeps underground in a Viet Cong-styled network of tunnels beneath his family ranch — or when he admits he never got better, but rather he's just trying to "keep a lid on it". Most of the time, though, the film feels rushed and clumsy. Cheap, even. Rambo is still softly spoken and withdrawn, but the nuance is no longer apparent. He abhors violence, yet maintains a terrifying arsenal of knives, guns and explosives. And beneath that picturesque ranch is a straight-up house of horrors, physically and psychologically. But is the film still enjoyable? Mostly, no. Last Blood's quiet moments feel forced compared to the surprisingly tender or revealing offerings from earlier instalments, and the action is heavily abbreviated for most of the movie — no doubt because Stallone is now 73. The ending, however, is a different story. It's at once insanely silly and confessedly satisfying: a veritable smorgasbord of gruesome deaths packed into a tight 10-minute sequence, culminating in one of cinema's most gory finishes. Suffice it to say, the audience in the press screening was both hiding behind its hands and cheering amidst horrified laughter. It's one of those rare cinematic experiences that brings a room of strangers together in a weird but wonderful way. And as for this being Rambo's Logan moment... we'll save the spoilers and leave it up to you to find out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83nGns3pErk
With everything going on in the world right now, it's never felt more important to seek out small moments of joy. Like when you've just finished dinner and remember that you've got a delicious sweet treat waiting to be devoured. Or skipping the savoury part of the meal entirely and going straight for the sugar. We're big believers that a really good dessert can help you forget the world's problems — if only for a little while. So, if you've already licked the tub of ice cream in the freezer completely clean or sniffed out your housemate's secret stash of choccies and now have no goodies left, we're not here to judge. Instead, we're going to point you in the direction of some well-made desserts that you can pick up or get dropped to your doorstep the next time those sugar cravings hit. If you are going out to pick up takeaway, have a look at the DHHS website.
Jean-Paul Bourdier is an award-winning photographer, author, film production designer and professor. Bourdier's long list of talents and prizes aside, his ephemeral photographs of body art and landscapes - or 'bodyscapes' as he affectionately calls them - truly speak for themselves. His breathtaking shots seamlessly integrate painted naked bodies into the background of wondrous natural topography. Provocative, mesmerising and refreshingly unique, Bourdier's images will have you transfixed, so make sure you set aside a good amount of time to marvel at the many works of art in this collection. Here are 15 stunning photographs from his book, Bodyscapes, to give you a taste of his inspired style. [Via Design You Trust]
Frankie may not have the label of destination diner like its fellow Geelong spot Igni does, but this (cheaper) eatery is well worth the drive to the coast. Why? Well, the interior is divine — all polished leather, beige leather couches and soft rose-gold accents. It's the kind of interior we all want but are too clumsy and messy to manage. But let's not be superficial. Frankie serves up both atmosphere and a killer drinks menu featuring wines from local and state wineries, and gorgeously garnished cocktails (try the Stonemelon Sour for $20 — trust us). Once you've quenched your thirst, the pan-Asian dinner menu has the rest of your night covered. The kitchen dabbles in a little Japanese cuisine with the crispy sesame rice balls ($18), a little Thai with their slow-cooked beef cheek curry ($32), and some Korean by way of fried chicken glazed in mirin and gochujang ($21). Plus, there's everyone's favourite finger food: bao. Try the slow-cooked pork belly version with sesame and crushed peanuts ($17) for a flavour combo you won't forget in a hurry.
Whenever a kitchen knife gleams, a warped mask slips over a killer's face or a piano score tinkles in a horror movie — whenever a jack-o'-lantern burns bright, a babysitter is alone in someone else's home with only kids for company or October 31 hits, too — one film comes to mind. It has for four-plus decades now and always will, because Halloween's influence over an entire genre, slasher flicks within it and final girls filling such frames is that immense. That seminal first altercation between then 17-year-old Laurie Strode and psychiatric institution escapee Michael Myers, as brought to the screen so unnervingly by now-legendary director John Carpenter, also valued a concept that couldn't be more pivotal, however. Halloween was never just a movie about an unhinged murderer in stolen mechanic's overalls stalking Haddonfield, Illinois when most of the town was trick-or-treating. In Laurie's determination to survive Michael's relentless stabbing, it was a film about trauma and fighting back. As played by Jamie Lee Curtis (Everything Everywhere All At Once) for 44 years — her big-screen debut made her an OG scream queen, and she's returned six times since, including now in Halloween Ends — Laurie has never been anyone's mere victim. In the choose-your-own-adventure antics that've filled the franchise's ever-branching narrative over 13 entries, her tale has twisted and turned. The saga's has in general, including chapters sans Laurie and Michael, films that've killed one or both off, and remakes. But mustering up the strength to persist, refusing to let Michael win and attacking back has remained a constant of Laurie's story. That's all kept pushing to the fore in the current trilogy within the series, which started with 2018's Halloween, continued with 2021's Halloween Kills and now wraps up with an instalment that flashes its finality in its moniker. Laurie keeps fighting, no matter the odds, because that's coping with trauma. This time, though, is a weary Haddonfield ready to battle with her? First, a just-as-pressing question: is this David Gordon Green-directed and co-written, Jason Blum-produced movie ready to fight back itself? Green (Stronger, The Righteous Gemstones) has been the mastermind behind the franchise's revival with co-scribe Danny McBride (The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter) — and while their first dance with the boogeyman (James Jude Courtney and Nick Castle), and the woman pursued by him, gave the Halloween series its best sequel yet, their second lurked in lacklustre been-there, done-that territory. Despite a title that's bound to be proven wrong down the line because that's just the way Hollywood goes, Halloween Ends leaps forward after its average-at-best most-recent predecessor, thankfully. It does so weightily, eerily and gorily, in fact, albeit sometimes clumsily as well, in a mostly fitting swan song for Curtis that understands what it means to spend half a lifetime shrouded in tragedy. Halloween circa 2018 and Halloween Kills sliced into the same night, 40 years after Michael initially attacked Laurie, but Halloween Ends covers two other October 31s. In the first, a year later, a babysitter, a child and Haddonfield's understandably on-edge vibe are all present — as is Carpenter's 1982's masterpiece The Thing, playing on a TV — and a bloody end results. Jumping forward three more years, Laurie is penning a memoir about moving on from her ordeals, and has begun to re-embrace life while living with her granddaughter Allyson (Andi Matichak, Foxhole). Still, around them, their home town is uncertain in Michael's absence. Accustomed to having a big bad responsible for their woes, fears and misery, its residents now point fingers at twentysomething Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell, The Hardy Boys), who's already escaped a murder accusation but is forever branded in the community's eyes. Seizing new chances — to avoid adding to Michael's body count, to hold one's own against him and to welcome the future — has always been part of Laurie's story, too, and Halloween Ends knows it. Accordingly, it's little wonder that she feels for the outcast Corey, or that she's swiftly setting him up with Allyson. That clunky plot thread and the inevitable return of Michael are intertwined, because Haddonfield is that festering an emotional and psychological mess; see: the viciousness skewered Laurie's way as well, blaming her for her tormentor's decades of horrific crimes. That Green adapts the franchise's usual pumpkin-filled opening titles to show jack-o'-lanterns swelling, birthing new carved and hollowed-out vegetables inside, then exploding as new ones take over, is telling — by design, obviously. (Carpenter provides a new score, as he has for all three recent titles, which also keeps setting the perfect creepy mood.) Green and McBride's love for all things Halloween, and for Carpenter and his imprint upon horror, has never surprised; why hop into the saga otherwise? Alas, adoring nods and knowing use of the series' template can be a double-edged cleaver — clever in 2018, tired in 2021, but now mostly savvy again. That perhaps there can be somewhat of a conclusion to all the pain Michael has inflicted after all plays powerfully, especially given how past flicks have acknowledged that truly awful things can and do happen for absolutely no reason, and that their imprints slash oh-so-unshakeably deep. Thematically, Halloween Ends is still about that choice to fight back against unspeakable trauma, although it also recognises the choice to take control by other means. This trilogy-concluding movie doesn't skimp on the engagingly staged visceral threats, though, including new and throwback bumps and jumps, plus a hefty willingness to get grisly — or, once he re-emerges, on Michael as a source of terror. Just as Haddonfield one year on, then four, seems to be drifting, Halloween Ends might've if it didn't buy into everything with such gusto. The winks, the trauma, the truth about life's darkness, the straightforward but on-point social commentary, the gruesome deaths, the determination to just keep fighting back, a few splashes of utter silliness: there's intensity in them all, notably so after Halloween Kills' treading-water mood. Whether facing off against The Shape, as Michael is always credited, or crossing Corey's path and weathering its aftermath, Curtis always ripples with the same force — and with the gravity of a woman whose life has kept leading to this. That's accurate for final girl-turned-final woman Laurie, clearly, and one of Halloween Ends' biggest strengths is grappling with that fact. It's also accurate for Curtis herself, who adds this to 2018's Halloween and the ceaselessly iconic original as undying career highlights.
Carnegie's new café Left Field has been in the making for six months. If you know what the space on the corner of Koornang and Leila Roads looked like before, you'll understand why. The building, famous among locals, used to be the bright pink home of a suburban Indian restaurant; now, in its reincarnation as Left Field, it's been painted in much more understated hues of white and blue. Inside, its fit-out — featuring wooden outdoor seating and indoor plants — is very similar to what you'd find at two other cafes by the owners, Touchwood and Tall Timber. "It was a bit of a monster as far as demolition and renovation goes, but we're blown away with the results," says Ryan Lording, who comes from Tall Timber not only as a chef, but as a part owner as well. Convenient really, as he lives just up the road. The locals in the area have been incredibly supportive of the new venture in Melbourne's southeast — many of them young families who moved from places like Prahran or Richmond to Carnegie. "One of our owners was looking for a house in the area when we discovered this spot," he says. "A lot of the Tall Timber regulars moved out this way to live and start families. There's more space." On the menu, the food toes the line between healthy and indulgent. There's the smashed pea bruschetta with prosciutto, goats' cheese zucchini and basil, and the beetroot-cured ocean trout with quinoa, avocado hummus and black tahini. But then there's the Benedict, the pulled pork burger (on a black brioche bun), the Oreo cookies and cream ice cream sliders and an array of colourful muffins, doughnuts and treats sitting pretty at the counter. "People should be tossing up between five to six options, instead of the standard one or two possibilities on most menus," says Lording. With the food, they serve Niccolo coffee along with specialty drinks like kombucha, Golden Grind (a latte mix of turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper) and Matcha Maiden. Despite opening to a strong customer base who have already made Left Field their local, Lording says there's still a lot to come, like outdoor roofing and heating. His aim? To make the eatery the food destination of the southeastern suburbs. And judging by the success it's had so far, that statement isn't actually too far out of left field. Images: Melissa Cowan.
While some of us appreciate the cosiness of winter, others can't wait until warmer weather returns. Now is your chance to become someone who loves the cold, as Tourism Tasmania has just opened its Winternship applications. With ten lucky participants heading to Tassie to undertake an internship experience that helps them become winter people, embracing the cold and damp could change your life. From caring for adorable local wildlife and maintaining historic chairlifts to foraging in tunnels for tasty mushrooms, there's every prospect you'll discover a new passion, while realising that perhaps spending your days on a windswept hillside isn't so bad after all. So, pull on your thickest socks and don your favourite beanie, as these Winternships are perfect for changing the pace of your daily life. For instance, the Sauna Skipper experience sees a Wintern keep the temperatures toasty at the woodfired Kuuma Nature Sauna — a floating relaxation adventure soaked in natural beauty. For something more upbeat, head to Penguin's Hideaway Farmlet, where the Goat Doofer Wintern is tasked with hosting a mini music festival for a vibe-seeking herd. Then, night owls are primed for the Devil Sitter position, as they'll babysit Tasmanian devils who love to shriek, screech and growl from dusk to dawn. If Tassie's burgeoning culinary scene is more your mood, Tunnel Hill Mushrooms is looking for recruits to grow, pick and prepare their award-winning mushrooms, cultivated inside an old railway tunnel. Meanwhile, McHenry Distillery — the southernmost distillery and brewery in the world — invites a spirit-loving Wintern to learn whisky's tricks of the trade from amid the remote Tasman Peninsula. With several more Winternships to explore, there's no shortage of ways to discover what's special about the cold. "Tasmanians are winter people at heart, so we don't just endure winter, we celebrate it," says Sarah Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Tasmania. "We're inviting Winterns to dive head-first into our winter culture that's probably a bit different to their home state. From babysitting Tasmanian devils to fragrance foraging, there's something for everyone in Tasmania this off-season. We guarantee you'll head home with some different skills and most importantly, a new take on winter." Ready to toss your woolly hat in the ring? Tourism Tasmania's Winternship applications are now open until Tuesday, June 17. To enter, simply write a short submission of fewer than 50 words, explaining why you want to become a winter person. If chosen, you'll have your travel covered and be guided by local experts throughout your stay. Plus, you'll return home with a selection of Tasmania's best seasonal produce and goods, handpicked by your hosts. Tourism Tasmania's Winternship applications are now open until Tuesday, June 17. Head to the website to learn more and submit your application.
Winter might be long, but it has its advantages — from beers by the fireside to dog sledding and snowshoeing. Then there are the whales. Between May and October, thousands of the mighty beasts swim north from the Antarctic to warmer waters to have babies. And, if you're anywhere on the Australian East Coast, you're likely to see them. But if you're on Phillip Island, you'll get even better views. To celebrate this fact, the island hosts an annual whale festival. For three happy days from Friday, July 11–Sunday, July 13, you can escape the city to gaze at humpbacks while soaking up films, talks, art and live music. This year, the heart of the event is the Festival Hub, where you can go on a scavenger hunt through interactive installations, explore underwater via virtual reality, hear from whale researchers, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a marine world. Beyond the hub, there'll be a pop-up art show at Clay & Co Studio, a creative arts station at Phillip Island Gallery (from where you can set off on an artists' trail), the 2025 Ocean Film Festival at Berninneit Theatre and, of course, plenty of chances to go whale watching — on land and at sea. Images: Island Whales
Whether you're the kind of person who likes chasing waterfalls, heading out on a challenging bush walk or venturing to a long stretch of sand for the day, the best all-day adventures are usually enjoyed in summer. And, now our work alarms are set for the year, we're as keen as ever to make the most of summer's sunshine-filled weekends. So, to make sure you squeeze every last drop of the season, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to bring you three essential items to pack on your next adventure. Don't forget the water, your best mates and a sun hat, of course. [caption id="attachment_796762" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kendra Kamp; Unsplash[/caption] SWAP DIGITAL PICS FOR A REUSABLE FILM CAMERA If you're going to make this day trip a memorable one, then you'll need some happy snaps to capture all the best bits. And if you really want to immortalise that time you lived your best lives, why not ditch the digital in favour of a trusty (and very cute) film camera? This classic M35 number from Kodak is full of minimalist retro charm, boasting a fixed-focus lens and manual winding function. Plus, it comes in a range of playful colours that you'll be more than happy to show off while snapping photos of your out-of-town adventures. Be sure to pack a few extra rolls of 35mm film, and you'll be able to relive your day trip all over again when you get the shots developed. You can find a range of M35 cameras on Etsy from $99.35. PACK A LIGHTWEIGHT BEACH TOWEL We all love a good beach visit, but a sandy car for the drive home? Well, that's just never fun. Handily, you can avoid any extra grainy tag-alongs when you pack one of these sand-free beach towels from Aussie label Tesalate. They're made using a special high-tech fabric that repels sand, absorbs water easily and dries extra fast — all handy features when you're packing in a big day of activities. The full-size towels are also super compact, so they'll fit in your swag bag no matter how light you're travelling. And there are stacks of fresh, bold designs to choose from — including this breezy blue number inspired by dancing pool ripples ($79). [caption id="attachment_796763" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arthur Poulin; Unsplash[/caption] MAKE A BATCH OF PICNIC-READY HIGHBALLS On any good day trip, you'll find yourself stopping somewhere to soak up the sights, whether you're overlooking sparkling ocean vistas, a majestic rainforest or a lush countryside view. And that's the perfect time to kick back and cheers the occasion with a crisp, summery highball. To make yourself a simple yet celebratory drink, prepare a flask of Jim Beam and lemon. Simply pour 15ml of lemon cordial per person and 30ml of Jim Beam bourbon per person into a flask. To ensure it's cool, you can prep the base and keep it in the fridge overnight before adding to a flask. Then, on your adventure, pour a serve of the batched base into your travel cups and top up with soda. You'll be ready to sip when you chance upon the ideal spot. Top image: Jesse Lindemann via Tourism and Events Queensland
The Melbourne Ceramics Market is finally returning after a two-year hiatus and will present its biggest lineup ever. The upcoming event will take place at a new location in Brunswick East from Saturday, November 26—Sunday, November 27. Over 50 ceramic artists — both experienced and rising talents – will showcase their individual styles and creations ranging from homewares to jewellery. This will be the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and shop for Christmas presents ahead of the holidays. On top of browsing through the selection of ceramics, you can also hit up the onsite local coffee truck and florist. Visit the Melbourne Ceramics Market at the Mycelium Studios from 10am—4pm on the aforementioned dates. [caption id="attachment_877343" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sally Frawley[/caption] Top images: Sally Frawley
Few pairs have earned themselves quite the same icon status as the humble duo of bacon and eggs. And it's this classic partnership that's the star of the show at Prahran pop-up-turned-permanent brunch destination Beggs & Acon. This playfully named venue from the Mr Miyagi crew is celebrating breakfast foods both classic and creative, across a simple and sustainably focused menu you'll be happy to hit at any time of day. A fast cult favourite, the signature brekkie roll features scrambled eggs, bacon, hollandaise and chilli jam, loaded into a fluffy white roll ($12.50) or even loaded into warm flatbread ($12.50). Feeling fancy? Get your egg and bacon fix in the form of two cheesy empanadas ($14), or infused into a Bistro Morgan doughnut ($12.50). Later, lunchtime calls for the likes of a sourdough BLT finished with bacon jam and a fried egg ($14.50), and panko-crumbed eggplant sangas dressed with pickled chilli mayo ($14.50). And, while it's tempting to go nuts on the house-made add-ons — think, caramelised onions, crisp hash browns and some of that spicy bacon jam — just be sure to save room for a sweet finale. Revamping another breakfast classic is the peanut butter and jelly french toast, which is coated in cornflakes, oozing from the middle and teamed with a vanilla yoghurt sauce ($7). Images: James Butler
Melbourne lead Australia into this awesome craft beer age we've found ourselves in — and there are so many great breweries in the city that we're truly spoilt for choice. But we bet you haven't considered how many more breweries there are outside of the city around Victoria. Jonesing for a road trip? What better trip to take than one that lands you with a fresh beer in hand. Here are the Victorian breweries worth road tripping for.
Melbourne's arts calendar is always world-class, but this year it is particularly jam-packed — not just with recurring festivals and events, but lots of things that will hit the city for the first time ever. Us lucky Melburnians will be the first people in the world to see the works of 20th century French artist Pierre Bonnard reimagined by architect and designer India Mahdavi and, when ACMI reopens this year, an immersive new Mad Max installation. Plus, we'll get not one, but three new arts festivals and a new digital art gallery. While more events, installations and and exhibitions will inevitably be announced as the year progresses, these are the ones you should get more excited about right now. A BRAND NEW MULTI-SENSORY DIGITAL ART GALLERY If you prefer an art experience that extends beyond looking at works on a wall, prepare to be impressed by Melbourne's new immersive digital art gallery. Set to open sometime in autumn, The Lume will take the form of a $15 million 2000-square-metre gallery, decked out with 150 state-of-the-art projectors. Projections of some of the world's most celebrated works will be splashed across various surfaces, backed by powerful musical soundtracks and complemented by aromas. The project is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Grande Exhibitions, which, for the past 14 years, has hosted immersive exhibitions and gallery experiences in over 130 cities across the world. The company also owns and operates Rome's Museo Leonardo da Vinci. Known for celebrating art world greats like Vincent van Gogh and da Vinci through modern, multi-sensory technology, Grande Exhibitions will use a similar formula at The Lume. Instead of showcasing original works, the gallery will rely on a curation of music and moving image to create a tapestry of instantly recognisable artworks. The Lume will open in an unconfirmed Melbourne location in autumn 2020. We'll let you know when more details are announced. A MONTH-LONG AFTER-DARK LIGHT FESTIVAL Walking through a 100-foot tunnel made of thousands of lights, under a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees and between ribbons of flashing light — you'll be able to do all of this when when Lightscape heads to Australia for the first time next winter. Taking over the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria from June 19–July 19, the after-dark light festival will see the garden illuminated by lots of immersive and large-scale installations. Scattered along a 1.5-kilometre route, the glowing artworks will also include floating lights on a lake, shining pavilions and sparkling trees, and will take about 90 minutes to explore Having taken over gardens across the UK, and currently making its US debut at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Lightscape has chosen our very own inner-city garden for its first journey Down Under. As well as artworks and sounds shows, we're told there'll be plenty of pop-up food and drink stalls scattered throughout — selling, we hope, mulled wine to keep hands warm during the chilly winter nights. Lightscape runs from 5.30–10pm Wednesday–Sunday between June 19 and July 19. [caption id="attachment_747305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gallery at sketch designed by India Mahdavi, London, 2014, photo by Thomas Humery.[/caption] A WORLD-FIRST EXHIBITION BY PIERRE BONNARD AND INDIA MAHDAVI Heading the NGV's autumn/winter program this year is a world-premiere exhibition Pierre Bonnard, created in collaboration with famed Parisian museum the Musée d'Orsay. It offers a glimpse into the life and work of acclaimed 20th-century French artist Bonnard through a sprawling collection of pieces on loan from the likes of London's Tate and The Museum of Modern Art in New York, along with other renowned French museums. A close friend of the legendary Henri Matisse, the artist is best known for his stylised decorative works evoking scenes of everyday domestic life. The exhibition will see Bonnard's recognisable designs brought to life even further, with the help of famed Iranian-Egyptian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi. Mahdavi — who has designed eye-catching spaces like London's Red Valentino store and the famous all-pink Gallery at sketch — will use her signature colour palettes and love of textures to create an immersive, life-size version of one of Bonnard's domestic scenes. The exhibition will run at NGV International from June 5–October 4, 2020. [caption id="attachment_737971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] White Night Melbourne by Gerard Dubois[/caption] A BRAND NEW MAJOR WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL Melbourne's arts calendar never fails to keep us busy, however, it's always had a bit of a lull in winter before Melbourne International Arts Festival and Melbourne Music Week take over the city in spring. But, this year, that's all set to change. In May last year the Victorian Government announced that it will launch a huge new citywide arts festival in the winter of 2020. It's set to shake up the Melbourne arts calendar as the new festival will merge the aforementioned Melbourne Festival and arts all-nighter White Night and move them into a winter timeslot. While White Night was originally held on a hot February night, in 2019 it was moved to August. Melbourne Fest, which was established in 1986, is usually held in October. Exact timings and details are yet to be revealed, but the new "global" festival — as it's being billed by the Andrews Government — will take over the city for several weeks, much like Melbourne Festival usually does in October. While it will no doubt combine the best bits of the two existing festivals, a new creative team will come on to develop a new program and vision. We're told the the 2020 program will feature a "diverse program of visual and performing arts" coupled with with "large-scale takeovers of precincts" after-dark. The inaugural festival — which is yet to be named — will kick off with a 'transitional' year in the winter of 2020. The new winter festival will hit Melbourne in winter 2020. We'll keep you updated when new details or dates are announced. A NEW 'MAD MAX' INSTALLATION AT THE NEW-LOOK ACMI There's still a good few months before the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) wraps up construction and unveils its multimillion-dollar makeover. But we know that one of its star attractions will be a permanent ode to Mad Max. Once the revamp is completed mid-year, ACMI will boast a roomier, light-filled interior, with schmancy technology used to create a "globally connected museum of the future". Its design comes courtesy of Melbourne firm BKK Architects, while construction company Built is heading up the build. ACMI's also set to score a new edition of its ever-popular, permanent moving image exhibition, the result of a collaboration with experiential design studio Second Story. The free exhibition will dive deep into the history of the moving image with the help of cutting-edge technology and a range of immersive experiences. And one of the standout installations is a car that's half Mad Max Interceptor, half Bush Mechanics creation. One side nods to the contribution Mad Max director George Miller has made to Aussie film, featuring a futuristic machine crafted by Fury Road car designer Cameron Manewell. The other was created by Melbourne production house Rebel Films and painted in the Northern Territory by Yuendumu artists Thomas Jangala Rice and Francis Jupurrula Kelly, paying homage to the 2001 reality TV series. ACMI is set to reopen at Federation Square in mid-2020. A NEW TEN-DAY ARTS FESTIVAL IN AN UNDERGROUND WAREHOUSE Melbourne's summer festival calendar has a wild and wonderful new addition this year. Can't Do Tomorrow is taking over the warehouses of Kensington's famed underground space The Facility with a ten-day festival of music, discussion and art. The new festival promises to be immersive, eclectic and entirely thought-provoking. The lineup includes more than 100 artists, galleries, crews and collectives who will transform the former wool stores into a large-scale smorgasbord of urban art for you to look at, interact with and even buy. One of the highlights of the event will be a giant hand-painted boat floating in a shipping container by Archibald Prize finalist and Melbourne artist Michael Peck. Elsewhere on the program, new media artist Nick Azidis will take over the exterior walls and tunnel of The Facility with mind-bending projections, UK artist Mysterios Al will transform an area into a multi-dimensional work with "hidden secrets" and street artist Kaffeine's Infinite Thanks will celebrate LGBTQI+ icons with paintings and stories inside a shrine, which you'll also be able to add to with your own offerings, too. Callum Preston — who's behind Melbourne's famed milk bar installation — will create a new work inspired by 80s gangster movies that'll make you feel like you've stepped into Scarface. Street artists Ruskidd, Jason Parker, Unwell Bunny, LucyLucy, David Hooke, Steve Leadbeater and Heesco are some of the other big names on the bill, too. As well as looking at (and contributing to) the artists' works, you'll be able to chat to them, thanks to a series of talks and workshops. Rone, who recently transformed a deserted 30s mansion into a haunting installation earlier this year, is one of the artists who'll be sharing their tips. To round out the festivities, there'll also be live music, pop-up food stalls and bars and warehouse parties at Tallows Club, which will be open until 1am throughout the festival. Can't Do Tomorrow will take over Kensington's The Facility from February 20–29. [caption id="attachment_755333" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cursed Amethyst courtesy the Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London.[/caption] A COLLECTION OF 200 TREASURES FROM LONDON'S NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Ever wanted to see a martian meteorite? A 200 million-year-old fossil? A cursed amethyst? Come May 2020, you'll be able to see all of them when some of the oldest and strangest treasures from London's Natural History Museum arrive in Melbourne. The aforementioned intriguing objects are just a sample of the 200 specimens that'll be on show as part of Treasures of the Natural World, which will run from May 23–October 11, 2020. The Australian-first, Melbourne-exclusive exhibition features a curation of extremely rare and mysterious objects, many of which have been invaluable to our understanding of the world. Items from Charles Darwin's personal collection, the world's largest butterfly (with a whopping 30-centimetre wingspan), extinct animals, an extremely rare 1853 cubic gold nugget and a deadly flea that carried the bubonic plague are other items you'll see at the exhibition. Oh, and back to that cursed amethyst — you might not want to get too close. Its owner Edward Heron-Allen used to keep it locked inside seven protectives boxes and once threw it into a canal, but it was, of course, returned. When Heron-Allen donated it to the Natural History Museum he did so with a note saying the gem was "trebly accursed and is stained with the blood, and the dishonour of everyone who has ever owned it". Creepy. The exhibition will hit Melbourne Museum from May 23 until October 11, 2020. Top image: White Night Melbourne.
Whether it's opening a sprawling art museum, taking over a 400-year-old castle, turning old oil tanks into a digital waterfall or bringing waves of light to Melbourne, teamLab's digital installations are never less than dazzling. The term definitely applies to the interdisciplinary collective's latest venture, too, with teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live transforming Japan's Mifuneyama Rakuen Takeo Hot Springs into its latest awe-inspiring artwork. Currently on display on Kyushu, the third largest and most southern of Japan's islands, A Forest Where Gods makes the most of its huge site. Created in 1845, and featuring gardens, shrines, forests, rocks and caves, the hot springs stretch across 500,000 square metres — within which teamLab has placed 21 installations, all playing with light, colour and movement as the group's eye-popping attractions always do. In Mifuneyama Rakuen Takeo's bath house ruins, visitors can watch flowers, people and water particles dance across huge megaliths, and feel like they're wandering through a place where time has stopped in the process. Or, over at the hot springs' pond, you can see the water's surface come to life with koi and boats, the former reacting to the latter. Other highlights include floral displays blooming repeatedly on a 5.5-metre-high moss-covered rock, a digital waterfall falling on a shrine, lights fading and glowing across a valley of azaleas, butterflies fluttering through underground ruins, and multicoloured bulbs brightening up cherry blossoms and maple forests. And, it wouldn't be a teamLab site takeover without cups of tea filled with digital flowers, or without a sea of rainbow-hued lamps — both floating on a lake and suspended from above in spiral patterns. The interactive exhibition is split into two parts, with The Nature of Time running from 11.30am–sunset, and Earth Music & Ecology kicking in from sunset–10.30pm. The daytime element has a greater focus on Mifuneyama Rakuen Takeo's existing wonders, while the evening session lets teamLab's shine under the night sky. Whichever you're keen on, if you're going to be in the vicinity and want to head along, you'll want to book a ¥500–1400 (AU$6.95–19.55) ticket in advance — unsurprisingly, teamLab's gorgeous work is always popular. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmCaGTKxy54 teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live runs until November 4, 2019 at Mifuneyama Rakuen Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu, Japan. For more information, visit the exhibition website. Images: teamLab.
UPDATE Thursday, June 17: Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are various interstate border restrictions in place. Check out the latest information regarding travel to Tasmania over at the Tasmanian Government's website. Melbourne's current 25-kilometre travel cap lifts at 11.59pm tonight, June 17. Victorians can find information on local restrictions over on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Of course, even border closures don't mean you can't start dreaming — bookmark this for when you can explore freely once again. Winter is an area where Tasmania truly excels. While the rest of the country might shiver through a mild chill or a few rainy, foggy months, the island has the full snow-and-frost experience, the kind you can properly bundle up for in your thickest of woollen socks and jumpers. Enjoy the clear, sharp bite of winter on your skin during a brisk walk with soul-stirring views then thaw by a crackling fireplace with a dram of whisky in hand — Tassie is the perfect spot for getting toasty. So, we've compiled a guide for making your southern winter jaunt a heart-warming and cosy one. There's something for everyone — from the irrepressibly outdoorsy to the decidedly indoorsy folks who crave the convivial warmth of a great big gathering. Whether you prefer to get rosy-cheeked by getting your blood pumping or rely on good old fashioned firewater to do the job, Tasmania is an island of winter-warming opportunities. [caption id="attachment_721394" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eagles Nest Retreat and Summer Rain Photography.[/caption] STAY SOMEWHERE WITH AN OUTDOOR HOT TUB Stripping down to your birthday suit in the great outdoors may not sound like an ideal way to get warm, but hear us out. You can luxuriate comfortably in an openair spa bath at your own private retreat while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. A steaming, saltwater timber hot tub on the wilderness deck at Aerie Retreat offers a secluded view over Bruny Island and Storm Bay — perfect for eagle-spotting — plus, sauna and a firepit. Those looking for a little luxury (and seclusion) will find it at Thalia Haven, which has outdoor bathtubs overlooking Great Oyster Bay. If you yearn for mountain vistas instead, book one of the 'nests' at Eagles Nest Retreat near Cradle Mountain or head to Pumphouse Point, an adults-only wilderness retreat nearby. (Re)treat yourself this winter and make your hot-tubbing a little wilder. [caption id="attachment_619649" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dark Mofo festival.[/caption] PARTY AT A WINTER FESTIVAL Nothing's warmer than the collective heat of an enthusiastic crowd, so get yourself to one of Tasmania's great winter festivals. First up is Dark Mofo (June 16–22), the annual revelry of fire, feasting, music and challenging new art that takes over MONA and the city of Hobart is making its triumphant post-pandemic return. Catch world-class performers and avante garde acts or brave the naked solstice swim. The Festival of Voices (June 30–July 11) in Hobart is Australia's most significant choral festival, complete with performances, workshops and a huge bonfire sing-along in Salamanca. Plus in July, there's the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest, celebrating the depths of winter with costumes, warm apple cider and plenty of convivial gatherings. And finally, for lovers of firewater, Tasmanian Whisky Week (August 9–15) gives you a behind-the-scenes look, with distilleries opening their doors for tours and events, sharing their stories and offering exclusive tastings. [caption id="attachment_719392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rocky Cape Circuit Track, Rocky Cape National Park by Jess Bonde.[/caption] HIKE YOUR WAY WARM IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you can't sit still inside and need to sweat out the cabin fever, there are winter-appropriate walking routes throughout Tasmania. The Three Capes Track is a three-day journey with well-appointed, insulated shared cabins along the way, so you don't have to haul along all your camping gear. Guided track walks can also take in the Port Arthur Historic Site, while Rocky Cape National Park has a number of short walks with varying levels of difficulty, taking you along the majestic, sweeping coastline overlooking Bass Strait. For Hobart daytrippers, it's worth heading to the Hastings Caves State Reserve to experience the misty winter forest, bathe in natural thermal springs and explore dolomite caves for a different adventure out of the weather. Because of the pandemic, some of the tracks require bookings, so check the website before you head out. HEAD INDOORS FOR A COCKTAIL OR WINE One of the special joys of winter is getting properly toasty, cosy and rugged up and popping into bars for a soul-warming cocktail or wine. And, happily, Tasmania has plenty of them. In Hobart, you can pop into Tom McHugo's for fun things (like confit albacore and zucchini) on toast and a locally made beer, to Dier Makr or sibling bar Lucinda for minimal intervention wines and to Sonny for a bowl of prawn paccheri and acoustic entertainment in the form of spinning vinyls. Just out of the city in New Norfolk, you'll find some of the country's best potato cakes (or scallops, if that's your preferred name for them) and a menu of other delicious locally grown produce, plus plenty of wine, at The Agrarian Kitchen. Over in Launceston, we suggest you head straight for Geromino and order a plate of cacio e pepe croquettes and a warming cherry-tinted manhattan. [caption id="attachment_719391" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shene Estate and Distillery's roadside stall by Samuel Shelley.[/caption] STOP BY A DISTILLERY FOR A TIPPLE TO SIP LATER Nothing puts a fire in your belly quite like a dram, and when it comes to spirituous liquors, Tasmania has some of the finest. The historic Shene Estate may channel old-world aristocracy with neo-gothic architecture and polo games, but it also welcomes visitors for tours and tastings of its award-winning spirits — including Poltergeist gin and Mackey single malt whisky. Southern Wild Distillery produces Dasher + Fisher gin from the snowmelt rivers that pass by to create their Mountain, Meadow and Ocean varieties with uniquely local flavours. For some country-style cooking to go with your whisky, head to Old Kempton Distillery for a cellar door experience in a heritage 19th-century coaching inn. Top image: Dark Mofo's Winter Feast, shot by Rémi Chauvin.
The time of boring holidays is over. No longer are we locking ourselves inside a three-star resort for two weeks, limiting ourselves to whitewashed itineraries and experiences we could find at home. To really explore the world, we must occasionally check comfort and familiarity at the door. That's what you could do with a guided, small-group tour organised by Intrepid Travel. We've teamed up with the global exploration extraordinaires to showcase just a taste of the experiences on offer. All you need to do is dive right in. [caption id="attachment_970293" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ChanwitOhm via iStock[/caption] Hike up a Volcano in Lombok When it comes to Aussies on holiday, Bali is an all-time classic pick. The neighbouring island of Lombok isn't that far afield either, but there's more to an Indonesian getaway than massages and cocktails by the beach. Instead, you can secure a spot on a 12-day adventure across the islands of Bali, Lombok and Gili. You'll hike, bike and kayak your way through some of the most scenic landscapes Indonesia has to offer. The peak (literally) of the adventure comes on the island of Lombok, where you'll spend two days hiking up an active volcano, camp at its crater (at nearly 2600 metres high) and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the ocean — if the weather is clear. Watch the Sunrise From the Tallest Mountain in Borneo Borneo is one of the last wild nations on Earth, with a hugely diverse ecosystem and a range of iconic native wildlife—orangutans being the most famous among them. This 11-day expedition allows you to get up close and personal with those gentle forest creatures, as well as sea turtles, macaques, bears and maybe even pygmy elephants. During your adventure, you'll also get to scale Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the country. To see the sunrise from the summit, 4095 metres above sea level, you'll spend the night on the mountain and set off at 2am — but the views will be worth it. When you've descended, you will spend the afternoon unwinding in hot springs. Help Reforest an Island in Cambodia Community service in Cambodia is a highly regarded activity for Aussies abroad, but this eight-day tour of the country will put you in touch with more than just good karma. You'll bike through the Cambodian countryside, explore ancient ruins, meet endangered river dolphins and spend two days on an island in the Mekong River. On the small island of Koh Trong, you'll overnight in a local homestay, giving you ample time to explore the island's shores, rice fields and fruit orchards. Once you've had a good night's sleep and a home-cooked meal, you'll lend a hand to a local reforestation project to put some good back into the earth. Immerse Yourself in the Himalayas Along the Trans-Bhutan Trail There are few secrets on planet Earth as well hidden as Bhutan. Literally and figuratively dwarfed by its neighbours, India and China, this tiny Buddhist kingdom transports you back in time and takes your breath away with its awe-inspiring landscapes. You can spend 11 days exploring this remarkable nation with Intrepid. The altitude might thin out the air, but it's cleaner than anywhere else since Bhutan is the world's first carbon-negative country. Breathe deep as you drive and walk across the country's heart, stopping at high-altitude mountain passes, fortified Buddhist complexes and ancient monasteries built into the sides of rock faces. Kayak Amongst Stunning Limestone Islands in Lan Ha Bay Vietnam's scenery is on another level, with mountains, valleys and fields that create incredible memories (and photographs). It's a quintessential destination for travellers, but the art of balancing its many moving pieces is best left to travel agents and trip organisers. It's a good thing Intrepid offers an 11-day tour that'll see you hiking, biking and kayaking all over the country. First, you'll venture through the busy capital city of Hanoi for an on-the-ground Vietnam experience. Then, you'll stop in regional cities and towns like Sapa, Khau Bau, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba Island. Those landlocked locales will see you hit the trails and fields on bicycles and your own two feet, but the latter is in Ha Long Bay's World Heritage designation and features the iconic limestone cliffs and white sand beaches by the plenty. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka Sometimes overshadowed by its larger neighbour, India, Sri Lanka has been slept on as a destination by many for far too long. One of the most varied ways to explore it is a fairly physical eight-day exploration of the island, which will take you through mountains, tea fields, thick jungles and fast-flowing rivers. Along the way, you'll get up close and personal with four of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the country. First, there's the city of Sigirya, built atop a granite rock over 1500 years ago. You'll then head to the jungle-coated Knuckles Mountain Range, the Sacred City of Kandy and finally, the fortified Old Town of Galle. Trek to the Base of the Highest Mountain on Earth When talking adventure tours in Asia, we'd be remiss not to touch on the most famous of all: the two-week journey to the Base Camp of Mount Everest. It's a trip and a destination carved into human history, but the Base Camp trek is easier than the journey up the mountain itself. This tour starts in Kathmandu, but you'll fly to your real starting point in Lukla before setting off on the hiking journey of a lifetime. Take in the snow-crested peaks and green valleys of the Himalayan ranges as you make the journey up to Base Camp before turning around and taking a different route back to Lukla. You'll be spending your nights in teahouses and are likely to meet other hikers along the way since this is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Getting really into craft beer and growing a beard has been the overwhelming trend of the past year and while beards are apparently on the out, our love of craft beer is only getting stronger. The designers at Swedish-Italian company Sempli know this and they’ve created a set of glasses that not only look like modern art but are engineered to give you the ultimate beer experience. The Monti range includes four pieces of glassware (yes, these babies are not just glasses, they’re glassware) that look like something you'd find on a gallery plinth but are designed for optimum drinking conditions. In the four-set, you'll get a glass for pilsners, IPAs, pints and 12-ounce bottles for a cool (excuse the pun) $100. The glasses are designed to maximise bubbliness and keep the liquid at the optimum drinking temperature for each different type of beer. It’s true what they say: once you go engineered glassware, you never go back to a beer helmet. Bartenders: prepare for yourself the ultimate snobbery of patrons bringing customised IPA glasses to the pub with them. It’s the craft beer snob’s equivalent of using a tin camping mug as your takeaway coffee cup, except slightly more functional. Monti glassware by Sempli will set you back $55 for a two-set or all four for $100 at Sempli.com. Via Fast Co.Design.
If you had a birthday sometime during the last few months, it probably didn't quite live up to expectations. Because of COVID-19, we've had (very necessary) restrictions on gatherings, which means that birthday shindig was most likely a little smaller than you'd hoped. To help ease the pain every so slightly, Krispy Kreme has announced it's giving away an extremely excessive number of doughnuts. How many? 350,000, to be exact. On Monday, July 13, Krispy Kreme is giving away a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts to Aussies who celebrated a birthday between March 13 and July 13. To snag yourself 12 signature glazed freebies, head to your closest store in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Sydneysiders have ten stores — stretching from Penrith to the CBD — to choose from, while Queenslanders can pick from five different doughnut shops, with the most central in the CBD Myer Centre, and Perthians can head to one of three Krispy Kreme stores. The free doughnuts are not available at BPs, Jesters or 7-Elevens. Because of stay-at-home restrictions in Victoria, the deal is only valid at one of three drive-thru stores: Fawkner, Fountain Gate and Bulleen. You can find out more about those restrictions over here. The 350,000 doughnuts will be spread across all Aussies stores. So, you'll want to get in relatively early if you want to kick off your Monday with a free sweet and doughy treat – and don't forget to bring your ID. If you do miss out, however, Krispy Kreme will be offering buy one dozen, get a dozen free from Wednesday, July 15 till Sunday, July 19. Krispy Kreme's free doughnut giveaway is happening nationwide on Monday, July 13 for those born between March 13 and July 13. To find your closest store and check its opening hours, head to the Krispy Kreme website.
Space travel made headlines in 2021 when several billionaires battled to be the first to exit the Earth's atmosphere. But thankfully, you don't have to be mega-rich to get your intergalactic fix this year. From Friday, June 17–Sunday, August 28, you and your crew can immerse yourselves in the Melbourne premiere of Neighbourhood Earth — an award-winning exhibition taking place at Emporium. The family-friendly event will bring together science and cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable outer space experience presented by entertainment platform Fever. Inside the exhibition, expect illuminated screens, spectacular surround sound and a giant projection-mapped dome combining to deliver a multi-sensory cinematic adventure. There'll also be museum-quality models, spacecrafts, tools and astronaut suits, showcasing facts and stories about space exploration. Plus, the touch-respondent projections and holographics are bound to leave you mesmerised. There's some big brains behind the project — it was dreamed up by the teams at the US Space & Rocket Centre and NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Centre in conjunction with integrated production company Toto Creative — so be ready to have your own mind expanded.
It sounds like somewhere James Bond might hide away between missions — or, during a job, where he'd hunt down his latest nemesis. But inside the summit of Sölden's Gaislachkogl Mountain in Austria, visitors will soon find a museum dedicated to 007, particularly focusing on the character's most recent movie outing. If you're wondering why — why Sölden and why Spectre, specifically — it's because the latter flick shot scenes at the former location. It seems that's enough reason to bring 007 Elements to town, with the project being called "a new James Bond cinematic installation." From its description, however, it sounds rather like a series of galleries. When the space opens on July 12, it'll walk audiences through the various signature elements that go into making a Bond flick, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look in a new and inventive way. With Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre art director Neal Callow acting as the project's creative director, expect the museum to boast some serious insider know-how — all in a bespoke 1300-square-metre building that has been constructed within the mountain, spans two levels and is situated 3050 metres above sea level. "We want to use this incredible location to place our guests into Bond's environment, and bring the stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way," explains Callow. The franchise's other 24 movies to date will also feature, as will spectacular views over the Ötztal Alps.
As plant-based eating gains momentum worldwide, the quality and abundance of choice rises with it. And Melbourne's ever-evolving culinary scene means that the city is brimming with some of the finest plant-based food you can find. We've teamed up with Vegkit to round up some of Melbourne's best spots to tuck into quality plant-based brunch plates. [caption id="attachment_830492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hugh Davies[/caption] POWER PLANT, TEMPLESTOWE Whether it's a seat in the relaxed, plant-filled outdoor courtyard overlooking the greens of the local bowlo or a table in the expansive dining room, visiting this aptly named Templestowe haunt is always a good idea. The all-day menu features a great selection of plant-based breakfast and lunch dishes that will please even the fussiest of eaters, with daily pastries, cakes and sandwiches also available to grab and go. The dishes here are inventive takes on classic cafe staples — think scrambled tofu tossed with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach and pesto or 'notella' choc chip waffles featuring a house-made hazelnut spread and coconut ice cream. MATCHA MYLKBAR, ST KILDA Puns, pancakes and plant-based fried 'chicken' — there's plenty to love about this buzzy St Kilda spot. The impressively extensive menu at Matcha Mylkbar is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach, with signature dishes like a fried 'chicken' burger served in a bright green matcha-infused bun (the dish is also not-so-subtle nod to fact that KFC opened next door). Other items on the fully plant-based menu include vegan 'eggs' (which you can pimp out with a bunch of decadent sides like truffle-roasted mushrooms, turmeric scrambled tofu or fried cauliflower), wholefood bowls and a wordplay-heavy list of acai bowls and smoothies — it's hard to say no to an Almond Schwarzenegger or I Once Was Blind But Now Acai. There's also a dedicated pancake menu with a range of sweet and savoury options that taste as good as they look. For the full experience, pair your meal with one of the cafe's signature matcha drinks, or venture further with a mushroom and date, blue algae or spiced beetroot latte. Matcha Mylkbar is open daily for takeaway via its website and for delivery via Uber Eats. [caption id="attachment_710001" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] SISTER OF SOUL, RICHMOND There really is something for everyone at this breezy Swan Street spot. The all-day menu draws on culinary influences from all over the globe and offers a range of dishes to cater to all palates. Starters include pumpkin, cabbage and zucchini okonomiyaki and polenta chips with cauliflower purée and cashew parmesan, while mains range from a hearty black dhal with cumin poppadoms to a crumbed tempeh burger served on a bright beetroot brioche bun. Throw in some local beers, an Aussie-dominated wine list and fun vegan-friendly cocktails, and this might just be your new go-to. Sister of Soul is open daily for takeaway via its website and delivery via Uber Eats. SMITH & DELI, FITZROY Under the steady hand of Shannon Martinez — the legendary chef behind Fitzroy's Smith & Daughters and South Yarra's Lona Misa — this Moor Street deli slings vegan sambos, baked goods and provisions to suit all tastes. It can be hard to narrow it down with such a vast selection on offer, but the charmingly titled two-hander Club Sandwiches Not Seals, with plant-based turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and mayo, is a great place to start if you're a first timer. Plant-based croissants, cakes and doughnuts are also available, as is a range of frozen meals. Martinez recently announced that Smith & Deli will be moving into larger premises with sister venue Smith & Daughter, so watch for that when it opens in Collingwood later this year. In the meantime, the powerhouse chef is also busy working on a vegan mortadella that we can't wait to try when it's unveiled to the world. Smith & Deli is open from Tuesday to Sunday for takeaway and delivery via its website. [caption id="attachment_829210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlotte May (Pexels)[/caption] MONK BODHI DHARMA, BALACLAVA In the back of a small car park in a Balaclava side street, a brick shed covered in graffiti gives way to this vibey cafe with a focus on coffee and tea that's complemented by a tidy plant-based menu. Breakfast here is a great way to kickstart your day, particularly if you're partial to a brekkie in hotcake form — try the zucchini and mint hotcakes with beetroot relish and pickled cucumber, or for something sweet, go for the buckwheat banana pancakes topped with dulce de leche ice cream, maple syrup and banana chips. Drinks-wise, the range of single-estate coffees is roasted in-house and served in biodegradable cups to go, while the house-made chai — which is such a big deal that it has its own Instagram page — can be finished with your choice of soy, oat or homemade organic almond milk. There's also a seasonal range of tea and house-made hot chocolate, perfect for pairing with a pastry — the baked goods selection changes daily and everything is prepared in house. Monk Bodhi Dharma is open daily for takeaway. PARTICLE CAFE, AVONDALE HEIGHTS This cute neighbourhood cafe serves a great range of approachable plant-based dishes in a welcoming, homely atmosphere. And what this Avondale Heights spot might lack in size, it more than makes up for when it comes to flavour. Meat-free toasties and burgers with inventive takes on classic fillings are winners here — and the appropriately named VIP Burger, stacked with shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pineapple, 'cheese' sauce, smoky sauce, jalapeños and rice paper 'bacon' might just be enough to make you question the need to eat a meat burger again. The colourful smoothies, packed with fresh ingredients, are another flavour-packed highlight — try the Sunset Blush with raspberry, mango, dates, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Particle Cafe is open daily for takeaway and delivery via Uber Eats. SEROTONIN EATERY, BURNLEY As its name suggests, this bright and airy Burnley eatery is all about achieving happiness through food. Its approach to this lofty goal? A thoughtful menu boasting creative plates and excellent coffee. The menu offers dishes with names like Positive Pancakes and Medicinal Waffles — the latter is a Mexican-style corn waffle topped with heirloom tomatoes, turmeric popcorn, fresh local herbs and house-made chipotle sauce. Almost every dish here is entirely plant-based, and most have a gluten-free option too. Also on the menu is a cracking range of smoothies — designed, according to the menu, as 'a day spa for your gut' — as well as organic, colourful desserts that are all but guaranteed to put a smile on your dial. Serotonin Eatery is open daily for takeaway and delivery via its website. MOON RABBIT, PRESTON This welcoming Preston social enterprise cafe demonstrates its ethos of 'little cafe, big heart' through its commitment to sustainability, community and delicious food. An initiative of the non-profit Bridge Darebin, Moon Rabbit provides opportunities for young adults with additional learning needs through its High Street cafe and roving food truck. On the mostly plant-based menu, you'll find dishes that champion seasonal and local produce — try the blue corn tacos with organic black beans, salsa, avo and chipotle mayo. Nothing goes to waste here, with any ingredients that cannot be used turned into compost for local gardens. Moon Rabbit is open for takeaway from Monday to Friday. The Moon Rabbit food truck is trading at Mayer Park, Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 2pm. For more plant-based dining and recipe inspo, head to the Vegkit website.
If you have a little (or a lot) of pent up rage after spending two months in lockdown, here's a safe outlet: Melbourne's axe-throwing joint Maniax has reopened, and it's offering a sweet deal for a limited time, too. The Abbotsford joint usually charges $55 a head for its two-hour public sessions — but, until June 30, you can get a public session plus pizza plus a beer for $70. That's $15 for beer and pizza. At the moment, Maniax is accepting bookings of up to ten people. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely hurl a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Hurl those hatchets, sink a bullseye and calm down after all the axe-lobbing excitement with brews and pizza. Top image: Cole Bennetts
Not too long ago the only place to eat at Flinders Street Station was Lord of the Fries. Then Arbory opened right next to platform 13 and made killing time while waiting for the train not a horrible proposition. And now the station has scored another actually good food offering — and it's located in the Swanston Street-facing Clocks space. If you're familiar with Clocks then you're probably thinking RSL vibes and pokies noises right about now. But, after a renovation that took nine months and $3 million, the place is looking pretty different. Unfortunately the pokies are still out the back as the venue is still owned by Doxa Social Club, but the bistro has been replaced with Green Light Diner, an American-themed joint run by Steve Schreuder and Darran Smith (the ex-owner of Carlton's Roving Marrow). The duo took inspiration from the late-night diners of Los Angeles and have created their own day-to-night venue with all-day breakfast and a 1am license on weekends. The impressive fit-out has been designed by Studio Nine Architects, and looks like Edward Hopper's Nighthawks come to life. Think marble counter tops, leather booth seating and brass and copper fixtures, along with restoration of the building's original windows that haven't been used in decades. "The interior has a 1920s train station feel, like Grand Central in New York," says Smith. It certainly has an old-world vibe, one that works particularly well within the setting of the historic station, which was built in 1909. "[The clientele] is really a cross section of people who come through the station, from old locals who came in before the renovation to business folks and tourists" says Smith. Smith took inspiration from LA diners and their "brekkie sandwiches that you can eat all-day or late at night", as well as the salt beef bagels from Brick Lane in London. The breakfast menu is egg-centric, and accompanied by pub staples like porterhouse steaks, pork schnittys (with a fried egg if you so fancy) and parmas. For drinks, it'll start slinging pre-batched cocktails in the coming weeks, including negronis, espresso martinis and cosmos. The transformation isn't done yet, either, with a late-night whisky bar also in the works. Miss Guns will be located downstairs and is slated to be completed by the end of the year. This June, Green Light will also roll out monthly after-midnight feasts for hospitality folk, which will run on Sunday nights from midnight till 3am. "It's a chance to get people in the hospo industries together at the end of their work week for some networking, music and good food," says Smith. "There will be guest chefs each month, along with a few seats reserved for non-hospo people to come along and see what we get up to."
With Bannisters' duo of hotels at Mollymook now a firm fixture on New South Wales' south coast, the accommodation brand is turning its gaze to the north. Later this year, Port Stephens will be in for a good dose of swank, with the company taking over the Soldiers Point site previously occupied by Salamander Shores. As at Mollymook, you can expect luxury. Of the 80 four-and-a-half-star rooms, 50 will afford views straight across Karuah River, while the other 30 will look over bushland. If you've cash to splash about, book the penthouse or one of four extra-fancy suites. Wherever you sleep, you'll be welcome to make the most of the infinity pool, hang out in the high-ceilinged lobby and kick back at the onsite pub over a pizza — or indulge in a course or three at the Rick Stein signature restaurant. "The abundance of top-quality seafood is a massive attraction, as is the proximity to the Hunter Valley's wineries," said Stein. "I will be working closely with head chef Mitchell Turner, designing a menu featuring local king prawns, Yellowfin bream, flathead, calamari and school whiting, not to mention the fabulous oysters." Looking the part, all these spaces — and the rest — will be sorted out by Bannisters' stellar design team, made up of architect Tony Freeman, interior designer Romy Alwill and landscape designer Will Dangar. And as for bringing the Bannisters brand to the area, general manager Peter Bacon said "there is so much potential in Port Stephens, and it is a natural progression for us to take a formula that works and replicate it." Find Bannisters Port Stephens at 147 Soldiers Point Roadd, Soldiers Point from later in 2018.
When Untitled Goose Game became such a honkingly huge hit, it was partly due to the joys of playing as a large waterbird wandering around an otherwise-peaceful village and annoying everyone in sight. That's a delight that no one knew they wanted or needed before this homegrown title came into their lives. Don't discount the influence of the game's score, however, with Dan Golding composing the perfect mischievous accompaniment to causing goose mayhem. Creating music for video games is particular art — and one that Indie Symphony II champions. As the first event did, this evening with Orchestra Victoria is getting a range of tunes from indie titles echoing live. The place: Hamer Hall. The dates: Thursday, July 3–Friday, July 4, 2025, both kicking off at 8pm. From ABC Classic's Game Show, Meena Shamaly is on hosting duties as more than 60 musicians pick up their instruments, and solo singers and a choir lend their voices to the event. Expect to hear tracks from Slay the Spire, Baldur's Gate 3, Hades II, UNDERTALE, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, Darkest Dungeon, ABZÛ, Chants of Senaar and Cult of the Lamb, alongside Untitled Goose Game, of course. As a result, Indie Symphony II is celebrating compositions by Claud Aboud, Borislav Slavov, Darren Korb and Austin Wintory, Toby Fox, Jessica Curry, Stuart Chatwood, Austin Wintory, Thomas Brunet, Narayna Johnson and Golding. Event images: Casey Horsfield.
You'll find Tivoli Road Bakery tucked just off Toorak Road, where it's been slinging freshly baked goods for over eight years. Having launched under Frank Camorra as MoVida Bakery back in 2012, these days, it's run by the Little Cupcakes crew — and it's become a bit of a go-to lunch spot. The bakery is whipping up a range of natural breads and stone-ground sourdough, all starring certified organic ingredients, plus flaky sausage rolls and other savoury snacks. Coffee is by North Melbourne's Small Batch and the rotation of crafty sandwiches will have you coming back. There's also a lineup of pastries that's mighty hard to resist — think sugar-dusted apple and rhubarb tart, oozy jam doughnuts and macadamia and wattleseed praline. Deciding what to get at Tivoli Road Bakery, one of the best bakeries in Melbourne, is a might hard choice — just order a bunch of goodies and deal with the consequences later. Appears in: The Best Bakeries in Melbourne for 2023
They call it Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, oh Tina — The Tina Turner Musical — and it's finally coming to Australia. After premiering in London back in 2018, this stage ode to the music icon that's had Aussies dancing to 'Nutbush City Limits' for decades is making its way Down Under, locking in its first local stint in Sydney from May 2023. No, it isn't taking to the stage in a church house, gin house, school house or outhouse — or on highway number 19, either. But Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will obviously have Theatre Royal Sydney enjoying Turner's greatest hits in one massive show. The list of musical numbers includes 'Nutbush City Limits', naturally, as well as everything from 'River Deep, Mountain High' and 'Proud Mary' through to 'Private Dancer' and 'What's Love Got to Do with It?'. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical makes its trip Down Under courtesy of TEG DAINTY, Stage Entertainment and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner herself. Announcing the news, the singer said that "Australia has always shared abundant love with me, going back to my early concerts in the late 70s through the uplifting partnership with the National Rugby League. It is very special for me that we will be reunited." "The joy, passion and message of resilience in my musical is so important now as ever. Thank you from the bottom my heart for welcoming me with open arms once again," Turner continued. The singer mightn't have mentioned her appearance in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, but she is indeed part of the beloved Mad Max franchise, too. Exactly what date in May the musical will open hasn't been revealed as yet, but it heads our way after also playing Hamburg, on Broadway, and in Utrecht and Madrid — and it'll tour North America from September. Penned by Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, plus Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by fellow Tony-nominee Phyllida Lloyd, Tina — The Tina Turner Musical clearly has quite the story to tell. The show steps through Turner's life and fame, including growing up in Nutbush, Tennessee, the hard work that led to her career, all of those aforementioned hits, her 12 Grammy Awards, her volatile time with Ike Turner and her huge solo success. If you're a fan, Turner herself summed it up — yes, it's simply the best. There's no word yet as to whether Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will head to other Australian cities, but cross your fingers while you're doing the Nutbush, obviously. Tina — The Tina Turner Musical will open its Australian-premiere season at Theatre Royal Sydney from May 2023, with the exact launch date still to be announced. To join the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website. Images: Manuel Harlan.
The Mornington Peninsula's luxury hotel complex Jackalope is where you'll find oddly named fine diner, Doot Doot Doot. Up there among Victoria's best, the menu consists of a multi-course degustation for $125, with plenty of luxe optional add-ons ranging from caviar to truffle honey crumpets. On this food journey you'll try the likes of a wallaby bolognese with Daniel's Run tomatoes; dry-aged duck teamed with davidson plum and beetroot; and slow-roasted celeriac finished with a pear, juniper and chestnut crumble. There's also a classical-meets-futuristic cocktail bar on premises, Flaggerdoot (apparently they're all Jackalope themed-names). And prepare to be wowed by the immaculate design — there are 10,000 lights on the ceiling that flash on and off randomly to mimic the bubbling fermentation process.
If you've been loitering up the northern end of Lygon Street late at night with a song in your heart, your time has come. Start working on your Beyoncé standard key changes and Mariah-level trills because Benjys — a karaoke bar with a dog-friendly beer garden — opened last week. The venue has a karaoke bar, live bands and musicians, an all-day kitchen (serving vegetarian and vegan fare) and — perhaps most importantly — a beer garden that welcomes all your four-legged friends. It also has an interesting interior design — think Barbie, disco balls and a colour scheme inspired by those candy necklaces you used to munch on in high school. The bar is, if nothing else, eclectic, but it certainly makes for a banger of a night out. Founder Tim Firth is steadfast in his belief in karaoke and music in general. "Music is the key to a happy place," Firth says. "We hope Benjys will be a place where people can connect through music." The bar has a host of events already lined up, too. There'll be Throwback Thursdays — with your faves from the '80s and '90s — drag shows and Disco Bingo! every Wednesday. The latter is a rollicking music game show hosted by a gal named Disco Dolly. In addition, there'll be themed nights every Sunday — Valentine's Day, Christmas in July and Halloween will all get a look in, says Firth, as will Pink when she comes to town later in the year. Best start oiling up those vocal cords and finding a partner to sing 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' with (even if it's your pup) — Benjys looks like it'll be the place to visit during the cold months. Benjys is now open at 285 Lygon Street, Brunswick East. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.
Do you have the physical endurance of Cadel Evans and the creative genius of Picasso? Michael J. Wallace has found a neat way of combining both of these talents, all while getting the daily dose of fresh air and outdoor exercise that we so dearly need. Wallace creates bicycle routes in his hometown of Baltimore, and then rides them with the accompinament of a GPS tracker. Amazingly, all of these bicycle routes are in fact pictures. So as he pedals along innocently down the streets of B'more, he is in fact drawing his very own geographical masterpiece. Collected in the website WallyGPX, he's drawn and rode some characters and scenarios that are impressive in their complexity. These include a man surfing, a semi-trailer, and even a depiction of the landing on the moon. Given that one wrong turn could effectively ruin his canvas, you've got to appreciate this man's ambition. Do you have the energy and skill to create your own artistic bicycle or running routes? Give it a go in your hometown, and see if your friends can guess what picture you've mapped out. In effect, this could become a game of Draw Something - but way harder and infinitely more awesome.
Ostēr comes from the Italian word for host, and for Ostēr Eatery owners, chef Nicola Romano (Chapter 53, Stockroom567, Artusi) and front-of-house gun Osvaldo Tognella, the role of host is at the heart of what they do. Both hail from the north of Italy — Romano from Brescia and Tognella from Milan — and both have extensive experience in hospitality, working across Italy, Ireland, Japan, Brunswick East and the Yarra Valley. The duo's Italian heritage and experience are evident throughout Ostēr, which aims to be a traditionally casual, regional osteria — but in urban Melbourne. The Bridge Road space (designed by Romano's mother Monica, who flew over from Italy to do it) used to be a burger joint. Now, it features exposed brick and plaster walls, and a recycled timber bar with a concrete bench top. Sicilian maiolica tiles (colourful tin-glazed pottery made in Sicily since the Renaissance period) run along the front of the pass to the open kitchen and are a feature on the wall behind the bar. The food, as described by Romano, is "northern Italian in spirit, but open-minded". Like the space, it combines elements from both Italy and Melbourne. The menu changes according to what suppliers have available each season. But, regardless of the season, expect pasta — such as the house-made casoncelli ($20), which has quickly become the restaurant's signature dish. A traditional Lombardy recipe, casoncelli features silky sheets of pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, then pressed together and folded to look like a sweet wrapper. The stuffed pasta is served with a sauce of fried sage, 48-month aged grana padano cheese and a hint of nutmeg. You'll definitely want some of the house-made sourdough to mop up the leftovers. Elsewhere on the menu, you'll find a risotto with roasted red and sweet capsicum ($23) and gluten-free buckwheat gnocchi ($22). And despite spring making its sunny entrance, there's still room for comfort fare like the beef cheek ($35), which is braised with tomatoes and red wine, and served on soft rice polenta with sautéed nameko (a small brown mushroom). To end the meal, we highly suggest Romano's tiramisu ($10) — he makes his own coffee sponge, and the dessert is light and not overly rich. On the drinks front, Tognella has pulled together an all-Australian wine list, which he keeps fairly tight so that he can regularly change it when he discovers new wine. The aim was to keep the drinks list sustainable and local, but with a European attitude. "The wines on the list have to tick at least one box of four categories," Tognella explains. "They are either biodynamic, sustainable, single vineyard or European." For those wanting to imbibe without the alcohol, the restaurant offers two zero-alcohol wines from ex-Noma Chef William Wade's Non label. Choose from salted raspberry and camomile or caramelised pear and kombu — it's like a pét-nat minus the hangover. Coffee comes from husband and wife team, Wayne and Cleo Silva whose roastery, Silva, is in the Yarra Valley — and on weekdays between 7–9am you can get your cup of joe for just $3.
Now that the busy harvest season is over, winemakers have a little time to kick back. At Rochford Wines, that means hosting its Rochford Harvest 2025 Festival, a one-day event filled with wine, food and music at its picture-perfect Yarra Valley winery. Held beneath the Rochford Pavilion on Saturday, May 17, settle in to taste the full range of Rochford and Toolangi Vineyard wines. Meanwhile, other local outfits are also getting in on the fun, including Burton McMahon Wines, Timo Mayer Wines and Rob Hall Wines. Leading wine critic and educator Tom Kline will also make an appearance, presenting four masterclasses dedicated to diverse wine varieties and the art of pairing food and wine. Alongside top-notch food trucks, live music and cosy fire pits, expect this family-friendly affair to fill your cup with good vibes. Set an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD, Rochford Wines' 60-acre home offers a stunning backdrop for the day's festivities. Tasting tickets are available for $35, which includes 10 tastings and a fancy Rochford stemless wine glass.
In the heart of the Waterfront, a new culinary destination has set up shop in Geelong. Welcome to TEMPO Kitchen & Bar, which promises a vibrant atmosphere and a showcase of Victoria's finest growers and producers. TEMPO's approach is simple: celebrate local produce through an enticing seafood and grill menu. Seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the region's farmers and fishermen are transformed into dishes of simple, hearty fare that includes a selection of steaks and cuts from the grill, crowd-pleasers like the Bannockburn free range chicken with black truffle butter, a fresh seafood platter and a number of plates to share. It's not just about the food. You can settle in with the drinks list featuring a curated lineup of Australian wines (here's where the reach extends beyond Victorian borders to South Australia, WA and Tassie) and classic cocktails. Beyond the food and drink, TEMPO aims to become a hub for all things social in Geelong, with local DJs and musicians providing the soundtrack to guest's dining and bar experience. Whether you're a Geelong local or just passing through, stop and take in the view at one of Geelong's newest, aesthetically pleasing dining spots. Take your time, relax. It's all about tempo. TEMPO Kitchen & Bar is open for breakfast on Monday–Friday, 6.30am–10am and Saturday–Sunday, 7am–10.30am. Lunch sessions run every day from 11.30am–2pm, while dinner runs every evening from 5.30pm–9.30pm. The bar is open every day from 10.30am–late. Find TEMPO Kitchen & Bar at 10/14 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong.
We've scored various incarnations of Pope Joan over the years, after the much-loved eatery moved from its OG Brunswick East digs into a new CBD site in 2019. And now, after an extended COVID-driven hiatus last year, she's back, delivering another new feasting format to see us through the tail end of summer. Pope Joan City is joining forces with Fitzroy's modern Indian diner Ish, serving up a special six-week collaboration from Monday, January 18. The Collins Street space will be turning out Indian-inspired eats for breakfast and lunch weekdays, along with a Friday night dinner session. Head on in to start your day with the likes of Punjabi-style scrambled eggs with spiced chilli and tomato, and a Parsi omelette featuring spiced pork sausage and potato rosti. Or, treat your lunchbreak appetite to a masala-spiced fried chicken sando, homemade milk buns stuffed with fried potato dumplings (vada pav), and cured kingfish with pomegranate and Indian crisps. Pope Joan favourites will also be on offer throughout the stint, while Fixation Brewing takes care of the drinks side of things with a lineup of IPAs, both classic and modern. Plus, pop in from 4–6pm each Friday for brewer chats, special-release tastings and happy hour specials. PopeISH is open 7am–4pm Monday–Thursday and 7am–late Friday. Images: Annika Kafcaloudis
If you've been talking about cutting out plastics and minimising your waste impact for years, but buying a keep cup and saying no to straws is about as far as you've gotten, this local health food shop will take your crusade to the next level. Led by naturopath Catie Gett, The Staple Store is overflowing with healthy, organic and locally sourced bulk foods — nuts, grains, honey, lentils, mueslis and more — plus beauty products, all-natural cleaning supplies and a sustainably conscious collection of homewares. Find brands such as Ecostore, Lavanila, Orchard St, Shokuiku and Ochre by Staple. It goes without saying that this is a plastic bag-free zone, so don't forget your tupperware, jars and cloth bags.
In the latest chapter of life imitating TikTok, Crown's all-day California-inspired bar and dining room Marmont is taking what is literally the hottest #DrinkTok trend of the moment and pouring it straight into your glass. That's right — jalapeño wine is now available in Melbourne. For the uninitiated, this riff pretty much does what it says on the tin: slices of frozen and seedless jalapeño are dropped into a glass of sauvignon blanc, creating a serve that's crisp, aromatic and surprisingly balanced. Think of it like the oenophile's take on the classic spicy marg. The Marmont version sees a handful of slices swimming in a glass of Motley Cru sauvignon blanc. The King Valley wine is an ideal candidate for the jalapeño treatment, thanks to its bright and aromatic nose that gives way to notes of tropical fruits, lime and gooseberries. It's being served up Monday–Friday from noon until late, for $19 a glass. Much like a TikTok trend, this one won't be around forever — so if you're looking to spice up your next get-together, you'll want to get in quick.
