Fitzroy is getting a new multipurpose exhibition space and cafe. Opening next week at 51 Victoria Street, the Grey Gardens Projects will function as a gallery and performance venue complete with its own coffee bar and larder. It’ll also provide a permanent home for Speakeasy Cinema, the once-wandering boutique film club committed to the most esoteric movies around. Speakeasy will launch their new season in Grey Gardens' 100-seat screening room on Sunday, July 5, with a daytime session of animated shorts from lauded Czech filmmakers Lubomír Beneš and Vladimír Jiránek. Other films in the initial program include the Australian premiere of the low-fi science fiction film For the Plasma, the Marina Abramovic documentary The Artist is Present, and a special screening of the existential Thai drama Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives with a live improvised score by hip hop jazz group 30/70. The gallery’s first exhibition will be devoted to the works of local audio-video artist Xanthe Dobbie, whose influences range from art and film history to third wave feminism as well as queer and pop culture. Deadpan comedian Magic Stevens will perform his show No Notes No Glory on the evening of Wednesday, July 22, which has been described as something akin to longform beat poetry or a one-sided conversation. Grey Gardens are currently seeking further expressions of interests for the latter half of the year, across the mediums of performance, fashion, design, photography, music, video and beyond. Worked up an appetite with all that culture? The Grey Gardens Coffee Bar and Larder will be open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, with a short menu focused on healthy, organic produce. Menu highlights include buckwheat granola, homemade broth and a selection of open sandwiches and smorgasbords, as well as pressed juices from the Greene Street Juice Co. They’ll also have dinner options during Speakeasy Cinema sessions and other evening events, plus a selection of snacks for in-cinema nibbling. The Grey Gardens Projects are located at 51 Victoria Street, Fitzroy. For more details, including information on how to apply to exhibit work in the space, visit www.greygardensprojects.com. Image: For The Plasma.
They're the round, iced, oozing snacks we can't get enough of — and they're possibly Brisbane's biggest export over the last year. Now, they're setting up shop in Degraves Street, making one of Melbourne's best foodie laneways even better. Yes, we're talking about Doughnut Time. Yes, they're continuing to plot their east coast domination. They've already popped up at Topshop in Melbourne's CBD and Highpoint Shopping Centre; however their latest site really does sound like a match made in heaven. Not sure why you should be excited? Well, let us enlighten you. If the pop culture-themed deliciousness such as the Home Alone (with milk chocolate glaze, wafers, a Kit Kat and dark chocolate glaze drizzle) doesn't sound like your kind of thing, then the humble ol' PB&J probably will. And then there's the vegan offering, because these sweet treats really should be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary choices. We're pretty sure everyone's already well and truly onboard the Doughnut Time train though, given that their new delivery service sold out instantly when it was first unveiled. The Degraves haunt will make 14 stores, including on the Gold Coast and in Sydney, for the chain that only started serving their doughy morsels of dessert heaven twelve months ago. It really has been quite the year for Damien Griffiths' venture, with spots in Fitzroy and Hawthorn also reportedly in the pipeline for Victorians keen on all the beastly doughnuts they could ever hope for. Doughnut Time will open at 5 Degraves Street, Melbourne on Tuesday, February 24. They'll be giving away free doughnuts from 4-6pm. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page. Updated: Tuesday, February 23
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough. Next Friday, November 22, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those impacted by drought and the current bushfires. All of the day's sausage profits will go to to Givit, a national non-profit that works with charities and community groups to connect disadvantaged people with the things that they need. The organisation also works with local councils and state governments to assist communities during disasters and emergencies — of which there are several happening at the moment. Some areas of the country have been struggling with a years-long drought and, this week, bushfires have destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced thousands of people, across NSW and Queensland. Dangerous fire conditions continue today and into the weekend, too, with out-of-control fires still burning in both states. Luckily, Victoria has come away fairly unscathed from this recent bout of bushfires, but it's only the start of what's expected to be a hot and dry summer. For updates and advice on Victorian bushfires, head to the CFA website. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love. The sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in Victoria.
For years, the Lucas Group have been kicking goals on Melbourne’s restaurant scene with the likes Chin Chin, Kong and Baby all to their illustrious name. After whispers of a hawker-style market reared their heads in March 2015, the time has finally come for their latest project, Hawker Hall, to open to the public. Hawker Hall is opening in Windsor at 11am on Sunday, November 14 and is designed to mimic a Singaporean hawker market. Owner Chris Lucas told Good Food that the Tiong Bahru Food Centre in Singapore was a major inspiration for the project. Just to clue you in, hawkers are typically nomadic merchants who sell cheap street food and wares in a large open space by yelling (anyone who’s travelled to Southeast Asia will know exactly what we’re talking about). At HH, this will translate to a broad menu covering curries, noodles, dumplings and barbecue, a very reasonable price point ($10-20) and a big, noisy mess-hall-style venue. The kitchen will be manned by head chef Damian Snell (formerly of Charlie Dumpling) under the watch of Lucas Group executive chef Benjamin Cooper. The actual hall, which used to be a furniture store on Chapel Street, is being transformed by heavyweight designers Eades and Bergman (Kong, Bomba, Mr Miyagi) and Melbourne's Craig Tan Architects (Dock Square Pavilion, Brompton Pavilion, Roji Salon). But amongst the food market-style accoutrements, the other big item on the Hawker Hall agenda is the emphasis on craft beer, with a fluid, constantly changing tap menu planned that will showcase new and small-time breweries as well as the venue's own label, Shiki. If it’s anything like Chin Chin, you’ll have to get in early — because it’s going to be popular. And speaking of Chin Chin, the Lucas Group also announced that Chin Chin will be shutting down temporarily early in the new year. Don’t worry though, it won’t be for long. The old gal is turning five, is no spring chicken and needs a bit of work, including the installation of a coconut barbecue grill and smoke extractors (the new botox). Hawker Hall will open at 98 Chapel Street, Windsor on Sunday, November 14 at 11am. Via Good Food.
You like gin. You drink G&Ts on a regular basis. But how well do you know the botanicals you're drinking? Bombay Sapphire has teamed up with a group of artists, chefs and bartenders to take you on a sensory adventure of where its botanicals are sourced. During the two-hour experience, aptly named Project Botanicals, guests will be given the global botanical tour — just pretend you're sampling coriander in Morocco and picking cubeb berries in Java. An important part of the sensory experience is the food and drink. Four dishes, cooked by Studio Neon chef Aaron Teece, will be paired with four cocktails created by some of Sydney's favourite bars. It's not just a standard food and drink pairing, though — the tasting experience will be interactive. You'll pick lemons, which are actually lemon cheesecakes, under a grove of trees in Spain while sipping on a drink created by Sydney's Mjolner. Next, wander down backstreets in China drinking Bar Moncur's liquorice-laced Jasmine Bloom and eating duck pancakes. You'll then travel across the globe some more before ending in Morocco with a lamb tagine and a vibrant cocktail from Union Electric. Throughout the immersive journey a 360-degree audio-visual artwork, created by Australian musician and producer Ta-ku together with award-winning animator Sam Price, will be playing around you. The multi-dimensional artwork, composed of music made exclusively for the event and a vivid light installation, will shift with each jump to a new location and hopes to alter perceptions of taste. Each session will run for two hours at the following times: 8.30pm on Thursday, 6pm and 8.30pm on Friday, 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday and 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.
In a rare instance of critics and audiences agreeing with each other, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dressmaker were the two big winners at the 2016 Australian Film Critics Association Awards. Held last night at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne, the ceremony reflected on the past 12 months of Australian cinema, with the year's two biggest box office takers proving popular with critics as well. Critically acclaimed action blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road took home the award for Best Film, as well as Best Director for George Miller and Best Cinematography for John Seale. The Dressmaker, meanwhile, swept through the acting categories, with Best Actress for Kate Winslet, Best Supporting Actress for Judy Davis and Best Supporting Actor for Hugo Weaving. The film's director and co-writer Jocelyn Moorhouse was present to accept the awards of behalf of her cast, while also taking home the Best Screenplay Award for herself and husband P. J. Hogan. Ryan Corr won Best Actor for his work in Holding the Man. In the international film categories, last year's Oscar winner Birdman took home Best English Language Film, while German drama Phoenix won for Best Foreign Language Film. Amy Winehouse doco Amy won Best Documentary. The association also gave out its annual writing awards, bestowed by a panel of journalists and film industry practitioners. This year's winners were critics Rebecca Harkins-Cross, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Luke Goodsell. You can check out the winners here. To get a head start on the next crop of likely AFCA Award winners, check out our list of the ten Australian films to watch out for in 2016.
The 35th incarnation of Woodford Folk Festival — a temporary village of alternative lifestyle, music, art and performance — is finally happening this December and January. Over six days and six nights, more than 2,000 performers (and many, many more attendees) will bring this festival to life in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after a two-year pandemic-induced break. The festival will feature music from all over the globe including folk, rock, blues, First Nations performances as well as children's events, comedy, cabaret and talks on everything from social justice to science and innovation. You'll be able to wander through market stalls, encounter installation artworks and take part in workshops and activities at the Bushtime camping experience on Jinibara Country as you see out the year in with thousands of other festival goers. And that's all before the mammoth closing ceremony fire display on New Year's Eve that'll help you welcome in 2023. Keen to head along? The full Woodford Folk Festival program and tickets are yet to be released. For more information, visit the website. Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of their iconic small cars, and in turn, help you celebrate the little things that bring that sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, glide along a pop-up ice skating rink, attend an international TV festival and smash stuff with a bat as a means to de-stress. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Fitzroy's gone and got itself a brand new bagel joint. Opening earlier this week in an old warehouse on Johnston Street, Mile End Bagels takes its name from a neighbourhood in Montreal, whose bagel obsession gives New York's a run for its money. Boiled in water and honey, and baked in a wood-fired oven, these rings of dough are seriously legit. Mile End is owned by Ben Vaughn and Michael Fee, the latter of whom worked for the former at the much-loved Carte Crepes at Melbourne University. Trading up from a crepe stand to a full blown bakery and cafe, their new endeavour sees the bagels made in full view of their customers. The interior has been spruced up by interior design firm Studio Esteta, and includes a communal table for up to 20 people. The bagels come in four varieties: sesame, cinnamon and raisin, poppy and "everything". Spreads include peanut butter and jam, a classic cream cheese option, and vegemite (because Australia). So far their fillings are limited to smoked salmon and roast beef, although they've teased a number of other options via Instagram, including a beetroot, kale and chilli jam number, and another with egg and ham. In the beverage department they serve Seven Seeds Coffee, Mork Hot Chocolate and Chai Boy artisan tea. Mile End is located at 14 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Their opening hours are 7:30am-3:30pm Tuesday to Sunday. For more information follow them on Instagram or visit www.mile-end.com.au. Via Good Food.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough. On Friday, January 24, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those impacted by drought and the current bushfires. All of the day's sausage profits will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. This is the second sizzling fundraiser day that Bunnings has hosted since the bushfire crisis began late last year — a similar nation-wide fundraiser in Nbuovember raised over $600,000 for non-profit Givit to purchase essential items for communities affected by the bushfires. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love — the sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in Victoria (and the country). If you can't make it, you can chuck a few dollars into its collection tin over here. For updates and advice on Victorian bushfires, head to the VicEmergency website.
We all love a chef collaboration, and we live for a midweek cheap eats deal. But rarely do the two meet quite as well as Maha East's most recent dining series 'ARAB'iata. This sees top Melbourne chefs like Scott Pickett (Chancery Lane, (Estelle, Matilda Longrain, Smith St Bristot and Audrey's), Mischa Tropp (Toddy Shop), Joseph Abboud (Rumi), Julian Hills (Navi), Pete Gun, (Ides) and Ben Cooper (Chin Chin) cook up limited-edition $15 pastas every week from September 16–November 6. The pastas will all be Middle Eastern-inspired and are only available between Monday and Wednesday from 5 pm. First up is Maha's own Shane Delia from September 16–19, who's plating pan-fried haloumi and mint gnocchi with charred tomato, cumin-spiced lamb and pine nuts. Pete Gunn follows this with his caramelised dukkah and brown butter mac 'n' cheese from September 23–25. You've then got Ben Cooper from September 30–October 2, Daniel Giraldo from October 7–9, Julian Hills from October 14–16, Joseph Abboud from October 21–23, Scott Pickett from October 28–30 and Micha Tropp from November 4–6. We don't know what Middle Eastern-influenced pasta dishes these chefs will be creating, but you can find out closer to the date via Maha East's Instagram page. Booking slots for those just eating pasta will only be 45 minutes long, but you are free to stick around longer if you order more bites off the a la carte menu.
Undisputed badass, battle hero and SBS newsreader Lee Lin Chin is gearing up to represent Australia on the global stage. Announced on SBS's The Feed last night, Chin will take on the coveted role of Australia's official Eurovision spokesperson. Now that's a Eurovision representative we can get excited about (yeah sorry, ARIAs, charts, vocal range, yadda yadda, but come on). Chin will deliver the famous and vital points from Australia's stash, announcing the final three countries that will receive Australia's eight, ten and twelve points. So while Malta, Demark, perpetual 'London Calling' jokemakers the United Kingdom and more give it their best, most awkward shot in front of the green screen, Australia's modish champion will inevitably deliver the points with poise, urgency and hopefully, in this Logies hat. Given the time difference in Austria, Lin Chin will have to get up pretty early to deliver the goods. But eating, sleeping, raving and repeating is a cakewalk for this party professional. "I’m not worried about being up early, I’ll just have to take a break from the clubs for 20 minutes." *drops mic* As the very first time in Eurovision history Australia has been invited to compete in the contest, and the very first time Chin has dominated the international airwaves, it's all convenient timing for the SBS newsreader — who recently announced her new commitment to campaigning for the 2016 Gold Logie (most popular personality on Australian television, yep she's missing a few decades worth on her shelf). "195 million people watch Eurovision every year and if even just 10 million of those buy TV Week I’ll have it in the bag," she said in a coy and perfectly crafted media statement. "As SBS’s most recognisable personality I couldn’t say no to such an opportunity. I’m the obvious choice — not only have I been to Europe but I also listen to music from time to time." How can you get in on the Eurovision action? SBS will broadcast both semi-finals and the Grand Final live from Vienna on May 20, May 22 and May 24 from 5am. Both semi-finals will be shown in full on SBS ONE on May 22 and May 23 from 7.30pm. The Grand Final featuring Guy Sebastian and Lee Lin Chin's points delivery will screen on Sunday May 24 from 7.30pm. For now, this:
Supple Fox, the folks behind Dark Mofo's Ferris Wheel of Death, are hitting Melbourne for three weeks. And, thanks to riverside bar and eatery Arbory, they're bringing with them a living art installation. Titled The Ends, it'll be taking over the narrow slip of land between the Yarra and Flinders Street Station between October 5 and 23. Prepare for a steady stream of art, live performance and unexpected happenings on and around the river. Leading the project is the world premiere of artist Shaun Gladwell's latest work. Its star is Maddest Maximus, a new Aussie anti-hero who dresses in black, wears a helmet and floats high above the Tasman Sea. Gladwell's mixed media photographic pieces will be arranged around the site, in conversation with the landscape. Meanwhile, fellow Dark Mofo alumni The Huxleys have been commissioned to create a series of sculptures, which you'll find suspended in palm trees, growing out of roof tops and, every now and again, casually floating by on rowboats. And Melbourne-based performance artist Gabi Barton has choreographed a slew of unpredictable movements and happenings for the space. So, between riverside cocktails, keep an eye and ear out. "We very consciously looked to create something that felt human, breathing, absurd and curious," said Hannah Fox, who co-founded Supple Fox with Tom Supple. "And to directly reject the clean lines and endless triangles of the Melbourne design world." The Ends will happen at Abory Bar and Eatery every evening from 6.30pm till late between October 5 and 23. Images: Arbory, Oli Sansom.
The theme of this year's Melbourne Fringe Festival is 'Eat Your Art Out', which sees most of the 470-plus events explore the relationship between food and art. You'll be invited to join interactive dinners, cook at pop-up barbecues and drop by the weekly Fringe Flavours Night Market. Every Wednesday evening from September 18–October 16, Queen Vic Market will play host to food stalls, pop-up bars, local artisan shops and heaps of Fringe performances. You can tuck into Polich dumplings from Pierogi, Pierogi, handmade pasta from La Trafila, a huge selection of tacos from the Le Mano, Korean corn rice from Oksusu and fluffy souffles from the Tokyoki Souffle team. There'll also be three separate bars running each night. One will serve a selection of berry-infused cocktails, another will shake up nothing but margaritas, and the third will be run by the Fringe Night Market itself — serving beer, wine, spiced rum and gin and tonics. When it comes to entertainment, you're absolutely spoilt for choice. Tash York will perform their wine-filled cabaret show, Throw Catch Collective will run a food-themed juggling act, Bettie Bombshell and Ruby Sklippers will perform family-friendly versions of their burlesque shows, and Boyd Kelly will be DJing most nights — bringing soul and funk beats to the Fringe Flavours Night Market. You can, of course, look up who is performing in advance and go along for their free show at the market, but we love to be surprised by Melbourne Fringe Festival events — simply rocking up and hoping for the best. That's kind of the point of the Fringe. Discover a new artist at the spring night market series, and if you really love them, pay for tickets to their main Fringe show.
This weekend we celebrate the Year of the Goat for Chinese New Year, and we can't stop thinking about the feast that awaits us. In Chinese dining, dumplings are without a doubt the biggest crowd pleaser, and we thought it was high time we learned the art of their creation. So we went straight to the experts. And where better to look to than New Shanghai? Located in Emporium's cafe court, this Shanghainese chain has earned rave reviews for their handmade xiao long bao (steamed soup dumpling) and the sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork dumpling). Dim sum chef Yihua Wu is the dumpling master here — he's been making dumplings for 10 years, and it's safe to say he has his practice down to a fine art. He first learned how to make dumplings at home in Wuxi, and claims that it took years of practice to get him to the skill level he currently possesses. His xiao long bao consist of 18 folds at the tip of the dumpling. Considering how tiny and delicate these dumplings are, this is no easy task. Wu says it took him years to master the practise, and his tip for perfect parcels? Try to make the folds as even as possible. Now, Wu can make a basket of eight dumplings in two minutes, and on a weekend day he can be making up to 200 baskets a day. You can do the math. We love a good dumpling, and we're guessing that you do too. So without further ado, here is how you make — and eat — authentic dumplings. THE DOUGH Make a dough using simple ingredients of flour and water. The dough needs to be the right softness and elasticity to be used for making dumplings, so measurements and temperature need to be carefully monitored when preparing the dough. For the sheng jian bao, yeast is also added to the dough — that ensures they are more bulbous when fried, and have a breadier texture in comparison to xiao long bao. Let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes before filling. THE FILLING While the dough is resting, you can mix up your dumpling filling. Any sort of mince meat is a good base, just as long as it still contains fat so the meat doesn't go dry and the dumplings stay juicy. You can also throw some finely-chopped vegetables in the mix for some extra flavour. Ever wondered how they get the soup in the xiao long bao? It comes from boiled pig skin that has had the fat removed, and when the liquid is left to cool, it gets a sticky consistency, leaving you with a jelly substance. This jelly is then mixed into the mince filling, and when it is heated, it becomes liquid once more — and the dumpling is filled with soup. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Divide the dough into small balls and roll out into perfect circles, approximately 5cm in diameter. The dough should be close to 1mm thick, so roll them out so they are thin, but not too delicate. A good teaspoon of filling is added to the centre of the flat dough circle, and then the edges are brought together and folded many times. To be honest, this is certainly the most difficult part for beginners, so if you are playing at home, you'll need a bit of practice to make perfect. Once all the folds are made, pinch the tip of the dumpling closed. You should have something that looks like an adorable mini moneybag. COOKING Xiao long bao are steamed in a bamboo basket for four and a half minutes. Fried dumplings are cooked for about eight minutes. EATING Yes, there is a correct way to eat these dumplings, and it will save you from making a mess and burning your taste buds. Or at least it will ensure you don't do it again. For xiao long bao, sit the dumpling in a soup spoon and bite only the tip off first, to release steam. Once it has cooled slightly, you can suck out some of the soup. From there, you can eat the dumpling as you like — but this way, you won't burn your mouth and spill the soup. For the sheng jian bao, you can actually stab them to release some steam before taking a bite, and you don’t have to swallow it whole — it's best enjoyed over a few bites. New Shanghai are celebrating Chinese New Year with selection of special dishes in addition to their regular menu. We can vouch for their xiao long bao. newshanghai.com.au
Enjoy a taste of Paris without leaving Melbourne. World renowned French baker Gontran Cherrier is set to cut the ribbon on his first Australian boulangerie in Collingwood later in the year. Opening on Smith Street in June, the bakery and cafe will stock a mouth-watering selection of freshly baked treats, including croissants, tarts, buns, rolls and fluffy white baguettes. Très bien. A fourth generation baker, dreamboat and host of the popular French reality show La Meilleure Boulangerie de France (The Best Bakery in France), Cherrier currently owns boulangeries in Paris, Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul. His Melbourne shop will be designed by Eades & Bergman, the same team behind Kong BBQ and the Meatball & Wine Bar. The menu will feature a mix of traditional and modern food made with ingredients imported directly from France. Think lemon tarts, almond chocolate croissants, rye and red miso bread, and squid ink rolls. Those wanting to get an early preview can check out Cherrier at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival March 3-9. Our idea of a French fantasy #gontranmelb A photo posted by Gontran Cherrier Australia (@gontrancherrierau) on Feb 10, 2016 at 4:21pm PST "I chose Melbourne for my newest international bakery because it is known for its excellence in food," said Cherrier. "I think it also shares a lot of similarities with Paris such as the café culture and laneways. I was in Melbourne in 2010 and was struck by the culture and lifestyle. Ever since then I have wanted to open a store in this city. I’m so excited that it’s finally happening." Cherrier's Melbourne boulangerie is expected to open at 140-144 Smith Street, Collingwood in June 2016. Keep your eye on Instagram for updates. Photo by Marie Taillefer.
Beer Wine & Calzone may sound like a list of life's greatest offerings, but it's actually the name of your new favourite CBD restaurant. They're setting up shop on William Street and bringing a little pizza to a pocket of the city usually characterised by corporates and grey office buildings. And best of all? They do takeaway for those lazy days you when want to curl up in bed (or under your desk) with the best pizza variation ever invented. Opened by Jerome Dadon, the guy behind nearby CBD cafe Brother Thomas, this ode to calzone is now open above brand new jazz club Bird's Basement. The kitchen is manned by Marino Maffi, a professional pizzaioli who's studied at the Accademia Italiana Della Pizza — because both those things exist, what a time to be alive! — and the food menu is split evenly between pizza, pasta and calzone. Calzone, just FYI, are those delicious food lumps stuffed with smaller (but equally as delicious) food lumps, beloved by people everywhere, including Ben Wyatt on Parks and Rec. You'll only find the classics here, so leave your contemporary pineapple on pizza ideas at the door and learn to love a well-made margherita. But even traditionalists aren't above the inclusion of some heinously good dessert creations, like a banana, Nutella and custard calzone or panna cotta pizza slathered in berry compote. You might want to wear your loosest muumuu for this restaurant adventure. Beer Wine & Calzone is now open at 350 William Street, CBD. It's open seven days a week, noon to midnight. Find out more at beerwineandcalzone.com. Images: Simon Shiff.
With the end of Summer almost in sight, it's time to make the most of those long lazy afternoons. And what better way to do that than with a few cold drinks in a relaxed, comfortable outdoor setting — AKA, a lush beer garden. So we've rounded up the best lesser-known beer gardens in the inner north, where you can soak up some rays and brews this summer (without struggling to find a place to sit).
A Purity Ring gig is not just a concert, but an experience. This is due to three factors. One: their unrestrained dedication to deep, deep bass. Two: their hypnotising light show, which they've created themselves. And three: Megan James's extraordinary, soaring vocals. And their sci-fi costumes are pretty damn impressive, too. Hailing from Canada, the duo — who is made up of James and producer Corin Roddick — have been mesmerising crowds at festivals and clubs all over the planet. Following their breakthrough album, Shrines, they've since collaborated with the likes of Danny Brown and Jon Hopkins. Coming our way to play St Jerome's Laneway Festival in Melbourne and Perth, Purity Ring will make two headline appearances while they're here — one at the Sydney Opera House on February 9 and at Melbourne's Forum Theatre on February 11. Then they're off to the States to play a bunch of festivals, including Coachella.
One of Australia's biggest beats-loving festivals has been canned. Mushroom Group have announced the discontinuation of Future Music Festival today, after reporting low ticket sales for the last two years. Despite attracted huge crowds to this year's March festival nationwide, Future apparently underperformed with ticket sales. This means Future isn't returning for 2016, with Mushroom looking to steer away from large-scale travelling festivals and put more focus on its touring adventures with Frontier Touring, A Day On the Green, Melbourne's Sugar Mountain and under-18s event Good Life. "The decision to discontinue Future Music Festival was not made lightly," says Mushroom Group Chairman Michael Gudinski. "A point came though where it simply no longer made sense to continue. We believe in the festival industry in Australia and plan to announce an exciting new festival concept in the coming months." Mushroom Group are developing a new festival concept, planned for the same time period previously held by Future and set to be announced later this year. Image: Future Music Festival.
Here in Melbourne, we're proud to be one of Australia's premiere late-night destinations. Melbourne comes to life at night. A vast range of places to eat and drink thrive until the (very) early hours — not only can you get a cocktail after 2am, you can also get a Le Bon Ton cheeseburger with table service, partake in a hot dog eating competition until 4am, or eat pizza whenever you damn well like (24-hours pizza shops). You'll often hear cities complain about their public transport system, but here in Melbourne we've come to kind of like ours. Mainly because all night public transport has helped transform our city into a 24 hour oasis, where there's something to eat, drink or do at any hour of the night, and a safe way to get home afterwards. Unlike our friends in Sydney and Brisbane, we can save ourselves a bit of money at the end of the night by hopping on the Night Network of train, tram and buses during a night out or on the way home. Here is our extensive late night guide to Melbourne. Read this, stay out until dawn and get home safe. WHEN YOU'RE AFTER A LATE NIGHT BITE Isn't Melbourne the best? Our selection of food to eat only slightly dwindles after 12am. Melbourne establishment Mamasita on Collins Street is renowned for two reasons: their bomb, late-night Mexican menu and the fact that it's mostly gluten free. They're open until midnight on Friday and Saturday night (make sure you book beforehand). We seriously recommend the pork and pineapple taco as a late night snack. Not keen for Mexican? Collingwood's Le Bon Ton is a short walk from the Peel Street stop on the 86 tram, and they serve Melbourne's best cheeseburger (big call, but you gotta try it) and smoked stacks of meat (chargrilled wagyu, cheese and various charcuterie) until 3am. Follow it up with a house-made sweet pie for dessert — the banana cream with white chocolate, vanilla custard and toasted meringue is calling you. Ramen is an anytime food, but it's especially a late-night food. Our 24-hour ramen bar Shujinko Ramen enables your late-night habits. Stop by anytime (literally). Bourke Street trams and Swanston Street trams are equidistant. Close by in Chinatown is Belleville Chicken, who know that the best way to cook a chook is over an open flame, and the best way to serve it up is with a side of poutine. They serve food until 1am on weekends in a social, mess hall style atmosphere. More Japanese: fancy supper club Izakaya Den (just off Bourke St in the CBD) is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and 11pm on weeknights. The prices are high, so this isn't the best place to stop after a few drinks. Although, you can indulge and save on cab fare by getting the tram home, the spicy tuna tataki with garlic soy will melt in your mouth and the Kurobuta pork belly will change the way you think about pork belly. 8-bit down the road is open for precious, gooey, meaty burgers and salted caramel milkshakes until 11pm in the CBD. Choo Choos, within the Toff in Town, stays open and serves dinner until 5am on weekends, 3am on weeknights and is conveniently located near the Swanston Street tram. See also: Lord of the Fries, Massive Weiners on Chapel Street (hot dogs until 4am on weekends), The Black Pearl in Fitzroy for cocktails and nachos until 3am, and Milk the Cow in Carlton for cheese plates and wine until 1am. ONE LAST DRINK BEFORE YOU LEAVE Many people don't know that Nieuw Amsterdam has a 24-hour license. The CBD cocktail bar regularly stays open until 5am, so you can head down at any time of the day or night to try out both their stunning 1920s interior design and their tasty drinks. The basement bar serves food all the way up until 5am. Settle into a fancy booth and eat some food until it's time to hop on the train home. The people responsible for The Everleigh on Gertrude Street also run Heartbreaker in the CBD. She's described as The Everleigh's seedier sister and she certainly is (but not in a bad way). You can grab yourself one of their famous cocktails in a bottle — choose between a Negroni, Old Fashioned, Martini and Manhattan and relax in the grungy, retro atmosphere until 3am. Siglo on Spring Street will make you feel like you're in a Woody Allen film. It can get pricey, but it's open until 3am every night serving whisky and cocktail in a very luxurious atmosphere. The intimate terrace overlooks the city and they make a mean rum cocktail. On that note, the equally as classy Melbourne Supper Club is open until 7am. Cheeseboards, ploughman platters and drinks are available until 3am at whisky bar Boilermaker House. Glamorama is perfect for a dance, and open until 5am. Magic Mountain Saloon serves food and cocktails until 3am, and the classic place to sip on a gin and tonic, Bar Ampere, is open until 3am as well. FEEL LIKE A LATE NIGHT DANCE? Boney is always good for a dance and hosts some quality gigs, but generally the party doesn't kick off until late. It's super central, sitting on the corner of Little Collins and Exhibition Street — close to both late night food and public transport. There's something for everything at the Toff In Town on Swanston Street, it's like a layer cake of possibility. Whatever your poison, you'll find it at the Toff. It's always loaded up on gigs, dance floors and excellent company and, in summer, a most excellent rooftop bar called Rooftop Bar is open until 1am above it. Nearby is Lounge, open until 3am on weekends and (weirdly) Tuesdays. New Guernica is right near the Elizabeth Street tram, that stays open and is generally packed with people dancing until 5am. Outside of the city but close to tram lines is Revolver Upstairs (classic), and the tiki bar of your dreams in Fitzroy, LuWow. Yah Yahs on Smith Street is always a winner, open until 5am and almost guaranteed to have 'Come On Eileen' on the playlist every night. Rock and roll bar Cherry Bar can't be forgotten — generally open until 3am on weekends. MUSIC, MOVIES AND KARAOKE Cinema Nova near the Swanston St tram does it old school in many ways. You can take your drinks into the cinema, they only take cash and they do late (we mean late) sessions. Fearlessly walk into a 11:00pm session and enjoy the empty theatre, knowing that the late night trams from Lygon street have you covered on transport. If you're on the south side check out The Astor, they regularly host late night screenings of classic movies and movie marathons, or Hoyts in Crown Casino has a regular 11pm session and its own dedicated tram stop. There are gigs all around town to catch. The Public Bar in North Melbourne is one of the few venues in Melbourne with a 24-hour license, and while they don't normally stay open until then, you're definitely in for a late one if you head here. Rainbow Karaoke in the CBD is a karaoke bar with 44 private rooms and three VIP rooms, each with its own decor. Have a late night one and don't worry about getting home — the Night Network runs all night and on weekends. Words: Imogen Baker and Kelly Pigram.
Prepare to wolf down some really fucking hot poultry, as Belle's Hot Chicken flies south. The beloved fried chicken and natural wine joint teased the opening of its new store last week via Instagram, sparking a flurry among finger-lickin' fanatics trying to pin down its exact location. Now it looks like the cat chicken is out of the bag, with bird watchers identifying the green timber façade as the old Spud Bar in Windsor to be the new home to Belle's Nashville-style cooked chooks. Coming soon to 147 Chapel Street — just a convenient few minutes' walk from Windsor Station — the southside restaurant will be Belle's fourth permanent location, after their original coop in Fitzroy inspired spinoffs in Richmond and Sydney. Other than the address, information is thin, although it appears they are currently in the process of hiring staff. As for the menu, we have to assume they'll be frying up the same mix of wings, tenders and dark meat on a sliding scale of spiciness, along with sides like mushrooms, fries, pickles and oysters. We have another #belleshotchicken in the pipeline.. Can anyone guess where? #thatwithchicken A photo posted by Belles Hot Chicken (@belleshotchicken) on Jun 7, 2016 at 8:11pm PDT Seriously though, are there any two words more frustrating for foodies than opening soon? Belle's Hot Chicken will open...eventually...at 147 Chapel Street, Windsor. Keep your eyes on their Instagram for further information.
Thanks to all of last year's drama, it has probably been a while since you hit the slopes. But, if you'd like to get into the alpine spirit without the 5-hour drive to Hotham, head on down to The National for this special apres ski-themed edition of its popular bottomless brunch. Heating up the long weekend on Sunday, June 13 (aka Queen's Birthday eve), the one-off party will see the Richmond pub moonlighting as a cosy Aspen chalet, where guests will enjoy a three-hour bottomless brunch to remember. You're in for cheese fondue and other winter warming eats, matched to free-flowing drinks including a house-spiced mulled wine and marshmallow-topped boozy hot chocolates. You'll want to don your finest ski bunny get-up for the occasion, as there'll be prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed guests. And to round out the frosty fun, expect tunes from house DJs firing up the heated beer garden right through the afternoon.
Collingwood's Le Bon Ton is bringing back their iconic, slow-cooked Independence Day BBQ, and it's looking even stickier than last year. Due to the way calendars work, Le Bon Ton is actually celebrating Independence Day on Sunday, July 2 – not July 4 – because it's hard to get Melbourne excited about chicken-eating competitions on a Tuesday. This way, you can celebrate Independence Day two days early, the way the founding fathers intended: by watching grown adults eat a basket of hot wings. The challenge is the same as last year: eat six wings, smothered in Le Bon Ton's spiciest signature sauce, then sit in front of a glass of milk and an ice-cream for five minutes without touching them. Anyone can enter for $25, and that includes your wings. For people who value their digestive system, there's also a slew of regular New Orleans-style BBQ specials to enjoy, including pit-smoked chicken, hotdogs, jackfruit tacos and brisket by the truckload. You can check out the sneak peek menu here. Independence Day celebrations run all day. Quoting from the iconic Will Smith movie is encouraged. Images: supplied.
Food enthusiasts in Fitzroy are in for a good time at Bontempo Pizzeria. In fact, that's literally what the name of the restaurant means, 'good time'. The second venture from the team behind Fratellino in South Yarra, this newly opened Brunswick Street eatery is serving woodfired pizza alongside an array Italian staples, and is generally doing everything it can to deliver what it promises. "With the space we have we can cater to everyone, from couples to families and larger groups," says co-owner Joe Kavanagh. "We know that if we keep it simple by teaming good quality pizza and pasta with affordable drinks in a casual atmosphere, the rest will take care of itself." Kavanagh points to The Bont, the restaurant's signature pizza made with whiskey-infused Western Plains pulled pork, fresh basil, garlic, sage, tomato and mozzarella, as a menu highlight. Other standout options include the Salsicce e Funghi with pork and fennel sausage, mushrooms, garlic, parsley and mozzarella; and the Zucca, a vegetarian number with roast pumpkin, feta, basil, pine nuts, spinach, rosemary, garlic and tomato. All Bontempo's pizzas are made in a Valoriani clay wood-fire oven imported from Italy and custom-built on site. If you're not in the mood for pizza (although we can't fathom why that would be), you might want to try the Fettuccine Gamberoni made with king prawns, white wine, garlic, cream and a dash of napoli. Alternatively, you can sink your teeth into a chargrilled swordfish steak. For dessert, choose from classic Italian sweets such as affogato and chocolate calzone. As for beverages, Bontempo offers a wide range of local and Italian wines, as well as beers from Fitzroy Cellars and Thunder Road Brewing, and cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Bontempo Pizzeria at 416–418 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more info, visit their website. Images: Tom Ross.
No cruise ship festival fun for you, Australia. Sea N Beats, the event set to be Australia’s first ever music festival at sea, was supposed to set sail March 5-8, 2016. But this morning, the crew announced the cancellation of the event, due to "challenges that could not be overcome". Posted on their website and Facebook this morning, the organisers said: "Australia’s first cruise ship Festival, Sea ‘N Beats, announces with regret the cancellation of their March 5-8, 2016 event. Whilst every possibility in the hope of proceeding with Australia’s first cruise ship festival has been looked at, ultimately all parties involved concluded that conducting a music festival at sea comes with challenges that could not be overcome." "The risk factors surrounding the event were ultimately assessed by all parties involved as too great to continue. Whilst every potential avenue to save Sea N Beats was exhausted, ultimately we have been left with no option but to cancel." All ticket buyers have been individually contacted via email and full refunds will be issued. At this stage, Sea N Beats will not be looking at another departure date for the cruise. Set to boast seven stages and a huge pool deck, Sea N Beats was set to be one huge enterprise, with the likes of Alison Wonderland, Peking Duk, Allday, SAFIA, Wave Racer, Cyril Hahn, Tkay Maidza, Hayden James and more on the lineup. Tickets also included entry to an exclusive mystery island festival on an exclusive mystery island, somewhere off the exclusive mystery Queensland coast. Looks like the anchor will stay put on Australia's first answer to S.S. Coachella. By Shannon Connellan and Jessica Surman. Image: Sea N Beats.
Explore hidden nooks and marvel at grand designs as doors open all around town for the latest edition of Open House Melbourne. Returning for its ninth consecutive year, this year's event is happening this weekend July 30-31, and will for the first time extend beyond the CBD and into the surrounding suburbs. In fact, the 2016 program features a whopping 140 buildings, stretching all the way from Newport to Bundoora. Highlighting many an architectural marvel, the Open House program covers everything from government buildings including Parliament House and the Supreme Court of Victoria; commercial spaces like Hassell Studios' Medibank building; houses of worship such as St Paul's Cathedral and East Melbourne Synagogue; cultural institutions like the Athenaeum Theatre and the State Library; and sporting venues including AAMI Park and the National Tennis Centre. Pop across the Yarra and you can also pay a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, or stargaze at the Melbourne Observatory nestled inside the Royal Botanic Gardens. And that's just in the city, mind you. Venture north and you can explore Circus Oz HQ or wander through the Melbourne General Cemetery. Alternatively, head west for a look at Yarraville's Sun Theatre and the Footscray Town Hall. Local history buffs might enjoy a gander at the city's heritage tram fleet, housed in the Hawthorn Tram Depot. And what trip through Melbourne could truly be called complete without paying a visit to Luna Park? Below, we've compiled a list of five must-visit sites on the Open House Melbourne program. Time to get explorin'. ABBOTSFORD CONVENT These days, most people probably know Abbotsford Convent as the home of Lentil as Anything and the Shadow Electric Outdoor Cinema and Bandroom. But the site has a rich history that pre-dates European settlement, when it served as a meeting point for the people of the Wurundjeri and Kulin nations. Since then it's been everything from a university to a multi-purpose arts and exhibition space. The convent will host several tours throughout the Open House weekend, with a focus on the venue's social and architectural history as well as its magnificent heritage-listed gardens. JACK'S MAGAZINE Located by the banks of the Maribyrnong River out near the Melbourne Showgrounds, Jack's Magazine is a relic of a bygone era. First opening in 1878, the former explosives store consists of 12 main buildings shielded by blast walls made of earth and bluestone. Explore the tunnels, tramways and cave-like storerooms that link bank to Victoria's early industrial past. We just hope nobody left any barrels of gunpowder lying around. MELBOURNE GENERAL CEMETERY Put your nerves to the test with a (daylight) visit to the Melbourne General Cemetery, the final resting place of former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies and failed continental explorers Burke and Wills. Tours will take visitors along the winding cemetery paths, past several significant graves and historic sites, and through the two-storey bluestone gate lodge. While you're there, keep your eyes peeled for Melbourne's most famous ghost, Federici, who supposedly splits his time between the cemetery where he's buried and the Princess Theatre where he died. SUN THEATRE Take a look behind the scenes at one of Melbourne's most iconic cinemas: the art deco Sun Theatre in Yarraville. First opened back in 1938, the Sun has been a mecca of foreign, arthouse and golden age Hollywood films in the inner west for decades. As part of Open House, movie lovers can wander through the eight-screen cinema at their leisure, or take a guided tour through areas normally off limits to the public. Ever wanted to watch a classic motion picture from inside the projection room? This might be your one and only chance. VICTORIAN COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTRE When US Vice President Joe Biden visited Melbourne earlier this month, it was to cut the ribbon on the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Parkville. The new home of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, the centre sits at the cutting edge of cancer treatment, education and research, boasting state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Over the course of a 45-minute guided tour, visitors can catch a glimpse of the pioneering work being done by the centre's staff of more than 2000 doctors and scientists, who have helped make Australia a world leader in this critically important field.
With a neon lamb flashing at you above the entrance of an assuming corner shop, which looks like a cross between a butcher and a fish and chip joint, Lamb on Chapel is a no-frills kebab joint serving up delicious chargrilled Greek meals with a friendly smile Monday through Saturday. The menu here is simple and delightful, with small bites including dolmades, spicy grilled sausages, grilled calamari and traditional Greek salads. There is also a heap of house-made dips like tzatziki, eggplant, hummus and a spicy capsicum concoction not for the weak of heart. Come picnic season, these are an easy addition to the hamper. Other traditional Greek dishes include stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls and moussaka, while the meat container is a mix of lamb and chicken. There are also lamb and chicken gyros — the Hawaiian version comes with pineapple, the Mexican version adds jalapeños while the classic Mediterranean options come with lettuce, tomato and onions. The Aussie souvlaki is a also fun take on Aussie Greek culture — think lamb or chicken gyros served with bacon and eggs, cheese and barbecue sauce. Lamb on Chapel is busy throughout the day and week, but do expect lines on a Friday or Saturday night when the shop is open till 5am, serving the drunk Chapel Street crowds. Images: Tran Nguyen
There's something about summer in Australia that brings out the icy cold, brain-freezing Slurpee-lover in almost all of us. This is Melbourne though and as such, we don't just want a 7/11 quick fix — we expect our cafes and bars to create cold concoctions to cool us and quench our thirst. And the good news is, they have. Below, we've scoped out some of our favourite cool summer drinks — both spiked and non-alcoholic — that you simply have to try. Spiked Milkshakes at the Grand Trailer Park Taverna Fitted out with renovated caravans, as the name would suggest, The Grand Trailer Park Taverna is dishing up a huge range of burgers, ridiculously extravagant desserts, cocktails and spiked milkshakes. Available in four thirst-quenching flavours these milky concoctions won't have you in any doubt this was a good idea once you try them. Choose from Makers Mark bourbon with salted caramel and maple bacon, Kinder Surprise with frangelico and baileys or the peanut butter and jelly with Captain Morgan's rum. These boozy shakes are sure to help wash down that mac and cheese burger you're eyeing off. 87 Bourke Street, Melbourne, (03) 9972 3699, grandtrailerpark.com.au Young Coconut, Pineapple and Lemon Ice Crush at Mighty Boy South-East Asian eatery Mighty Boy is a well received addition to the upper Gertrude Street side of Fitzroy. Boasting flavours from Thailand to Vietnam — but with a distinctly Melbourne twist, no less — Mighty Boy knows what food and drink your body is craving over summer. If you tuck into any number of their delicious street style food, such as spicy pad thai, fried chicken roti or some duck rice paper rolls, make sure to pick up a thirst-quenching slushie to wash it all down. Our favourite? The young coconut, pineapple and lemon ice crush. 59-61 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9419 3686, mightyboyeatery.com.au Peanut Butter Cup at Five Plus Smoothie Sure, we are guilty of getting into the green smoothie craze — but there's no denying they are good for you. Luckily, Five Plus Smoothie believe taste is just as important as health and have whipped up a number of healthy green smoothie options to get you beach body ready. They don't contain any unnatural sweeteners and are packed with fresh fruits and vegetables delivered daily from local farms. While a large smoothie will set you back $9, this drink is definitely better for you than that double espresso you're probably drinking right now. If your body is crying out for some vitamins and a liver detox then try the Green Light smoothie: fresh spinach, coconut water, pear, celery, banana and a little tang of lemon. But if you're like us and you would rather have dessert than a cup of vegetables, give the Peanut Butter Cup a go: it's made up of oats, almond milk, banana, homemade peanut butter and dates. Five Plus have somehow made dessert drinks healthy. 265 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, fiveplussmoothie.com.au Cold Filtered Milk Coffee at St. Ali On some sweltering hot summer days all you want to do is lock your bedroom door and sit right in front of the air conditioning. On others, you're ready to embrace the heat, often with a cold brew in hand. But what happens if it's too early for a beer or you just want a little perk up? Cold filtered coffee is the answer. St Ali, the masters of spin, have started pre-bottling it up for your (and most likely their) convenience. Served in a brown beer bottle with a snazzy label, it's the perfect grab-and-go iced coffee. St. Ali isn't the only place to get a cold brew on the go either — Little Big Sugar Salt have been bottling their own almond milk cold coffee for a while, and Everyday Coffee now sells Coolers Coffee in-store too. 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne, (03) 9686 2990, stali.com.au Awakened Smoothie at Heal.Thy Self Co No matter how hard you went the night before, this place has got you covered. It's no surprise that what started off as a blog aimed at health and wellness translated so easily into a organic, fresh cafe filled to the brim with superfoods. Nestled in amongst the tropical decorations and health junkie patrons you can feel the goodness start to seep in even before you take your first sip. Perk up with the Awakened smoothie — it's got a double shot of espresso with banana, a touch of vanilla and topped up with nourishing almond milk. Healthy summer here we come! 26 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, (03) 9687 3330, healthyselfco.com.au
Giving two cents to your younger, wide-eyed, keen-for-life-lessons self is a luxury only those with Time Turners or Deloreans can afford. So the next best thing is asking those (a little) older and (a lot) wiser for their mad tips on how to be a bonafide boss. From directing one of Australia's best festivals to producing next-level electronica, from shooting Arcade Fire to handpicking and delivering the best music in Australia and the world right to your eardrums, these five Aussie folks have already kicked major goals in their respective creative industries. So we tugged their ears, made 'em give up the goods and lay some sweet advice on us. Disclaimer: This editor knows these five humans and is lucky to, hence why they dished out such excellent advice. [caption id="attachment_564974" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Tim Da Rin.[/caption] CLARE DOWNES, SECRET GARDEN FESTIVAL DIRECTOR Some people plod on through this little ol' life of ours settling for mundane thrills and spills. But folks like Clare Downes, festival director for NSW's Secret Garden Festival, are different. They've managed to find some unfathomable way to create a career out of unpretentious, unbridled, balls-to-the-wall fun. Founding Secret Garden and running it for eight glorious years on her family's property just outside Sydney, Clare's successfully created a made-by-mates-for-mates event that gets bigger — but not a skerrick less genuine — every year. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I did. I went to uni and studied communications journalism. What's the most random job you've had? I helped organise an elephant polo tournament in Sri Lanka. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? I can't listen to music when I really, really need to focus. I put on my noise cancelling headphones and don't come up for air for hours. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Unicorn wrangler counts. Ha. I would love to advise on sustainable tourism, particularly in Asia. I might still do that ya know? I have many more years of living to go I hope. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? You're here for a good time, not a long time. So don't let fear drive any decision. Grit and kindness goes a long way in the workforce. So don't worry so much if you're not the top of the class. Don't feel like you have to wear heels, just 'cause everyone else is. RICH LUCANO, PHONDUPE Bit of a night owl with a love for crisp, atmospheric, hip hop-infused, Nicholas Jaar-meets-TV on the Radio-like electronica? You're in good company with Rich Lucano. NYC and Sydney-based, Rich is one half of Phondupe with Nathan Chan. The pair produce pretty damn unpindownable beats — check out the duo's Greenhouse EP and The Ecstasy Of single series to know what we're talking about. What's the most random job you've had? One time... I was hired to dress up in a penguin costume and cruise around the city in a hummer with four fellow penguins, cranking hip hop and drawing attention by any means possible. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Right now... Al Dobson Jr — 'Malful (Nebetia)' Alex Seidel — 'Quinn' OKE — 'Sundews' But I'm a big believer in a good disco breakfast. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'd be a pizza chef that yelled at anyone who asked for a chicken topping. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? - Quit your band and pick up a drum machine - Learn how to DJ asap. - If you have an empty wallet and a bunch of ticket stubs, you're doing the right thing. - Listen to as much international radio as you can. - This fluoro phase will be over soon, don't worry. - Please stop wearing Rabens. Your poor feet. - Get a photo of you shaking Kanye's hand. No one will ever believe that happened. - Buy some bitcoins. - Eat more pizza. - You don't know shit but everything's going to be great. [caption id="attachment_564976" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: FBi Radio.[/caption] STEPHEN GOODHEW, FBi RADIO MUSIC DIRECTOR Looking for new music? How about the best new tunes out there? How about the best new Australian music? Stephen Goodhew knows his shit, ask him for tips. Go on. FBi Radio's insanely knowledgable music director steers the beloved Sydney radio station and its listeners toward damn good tunes every day — 50 percent Australian music, half of that coming from Sydney. Epic job. You can listen to Stephen present 'The Playlist' every week. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? Yeah, I went to uni, but it was done pretty half-assed. I did a three year degree over six years, just doing one or two subjects a semester. The reason being was so that I could focus on extracurricular activities (i.e my band), which was great, but also meant that I came away feeling pretty 'meh' about the whole uni experience. I studied a Bachelor of Media at Macquarie University, but here's the thing; you don't actually need a degree to do a lot of jobs in media. Don't get me wrong, it certainly helps to have on your resume, but most people I know who land jobs do so based on their work experience. I would definitely recommend doing as many internships/volunteer positions as you can while you're studying, even if it means your degree takes a little longer. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? Deafheaven — 'Dream House': Straight up, I challenge you to listen to this song and not feel compelled to run up a mountain or swim Bass Strait. If you're looking for something of a productivity sprint, this is the song. Steve Reich — 'Music for 18 Musicians': This is the track for the medium pace long-haul. It has this wonderful hypnotic quality about it that I find helps me focus, while it's constant momentum keeps me pushing forward. The fact that it's 61 minutes in length also helps set something of a time-goal as well. Todd Terje — 'Delorean Dynamite': Whenever this song plays all I can think is that I'm creating a real life '80s style montage of inspiration and by god I better not mess it up. Great motivator. A+. What's the most random job you've had? I've never done anything super random like helping rhinos breed for the sake of conservation, but I did used to work in a tea store for a number of years, which was a slightly weird segue into alternative radio, but there you go. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm fascinated by people and their motivations. Chances are if we've ever had a conversation that's lasted longer than five minutes, I've probably tried to work out your Myers-Briggs personality type. So with that in mind, I'd probably say, psychologist. I guess that's probably not quite as exciting as I'd like it to sound, but it sure beats a hard day in the field helping endangered herbivores procreate. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? People are generally more worried about what you think of them than the other way around. Act with a quiet confidence, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that come your way. BRIDIE CONNELLAN, UNIVERSAL MUSIC MARKETING DIRECTOR If you've listened to Kendrick Lamar, Dr Dre, The Weeknd, Lorde, Disclosure, Jarryd James or The Preatures, chances are Bridie's had a hand in your Spotify playlist. Universal Music's Marketing Director switched course from journalism and writing for Rolling Stone, kicking goals for Sydney's TITLE store as Creative Director before moving to Universal and invading Sydney with Disclosure face paste-ups citywide. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? The brain the brain the centre of the chain. I studied a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) at the University Of Sydney — biggest bunch of badasses all trying to out-do each other on cultural capital and debating Bourdieu's relevance. Occasionally we learnt things about 'the media' but mostly we drank wine and stayed in the media lab until 4am wrestling with Final Cut Pro. But seriously it was the realest. Four huge years of digging into the theoretical side make everything I do now have so much more cultural relevance to me, and I made some of the best friends of my life there. Go study kids. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? R.L. Grime — 'Scylla': 'Cause you feel heaps good saving the world. Kanye West — 'Black Skinhead': I keep it 300, like the Romans. Gang of Youth — 'Magnolia': Play it LOUD, and imagine your mates cheering you on. What's the most random job you've had? I was Khloe Kardashian's 'Talent Escort' for the MTV Music Awards. Yeah I'm not gonna explain that further. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? I'm a sucker for existential theory and questioning the shit out of everything so I'd be a white-haired monochrome-wardrobed philosophy academic probably halfway through my next book on the flaws of Descartes which will probably remain unfinished. Because #being. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Stop wearing that Franz Ferdinand t-shirt, they're not very good. [caption id="attachment_564979" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Hazal Alkic.[/caption] YAYA STEMPLER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND FBi RADIO PRESENTER If you've seen an impossibly epic photograph of [insert musician here] and [insert Australian music event here], it's likely Yaya Stempler snapped it. The Israel-raised, Sydney-based photographer shoots some of Australia's best music photography — she's responsible for making the likes of Blur, Arcade Fire, D'Angelo, Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, deadmau5, Phoenix and more look damn good. Keen to chat about the tunes as well as shoot them, Yaya's also a presenter on Sydney's FBi Radio. Did you go to uni/TAFE? If you did, what did you study? I studied screen media and broadcasting at St Leonard's TAFE and a fine art degree majoring in photomedia at COFA. What are your top three tunes for getting shit done? David Bowie — 'Suffragette City' Santigold — 'L.E.S Artistes' Clams Casino — 'Treetop' What's the most random job you've had? I was a fire juggler once in Mexico. If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what'd be your alter ego job? Definitely an orangutan whisperer. What advice would you give your 21-year-old-self? Don't doubt your abilities, trust your instincts, think before you speak and drink lots of water. Top image: Tim Da Rin.
The next time you're taking a late night stumble stroll down Chapel Street, try popping in on Tokyo Tina. The beloved Japanese eatery have transformed their bar area into an after-dark destination, serving tasty treats and liquid refreshments well into the early hours. The name? Thundercat Supper Club. Because presumably the owners really liked '80s cartoons. After launching back in the last week of September, Thundercat Supper Club is now open from 10pm until late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights — making it the perfect non-kebab option for revellers looking for a feed. Because let's face it: unless you really like garlic sauce or massive hot dogs, your late night dining options in that part of the world are pretty bloody limited. The menu at Thundercat consists of favourites from the Tokyo Tina kitchen, including karaage chicken ribs, a Japanese-style charcuterie platter, dumplings and DIY beef bao. Those after drinks can choose from a selection of whiskies, martinis and beers, as well as more outlandish options such as nitro-infused shots of Hibiki Harmony whisky with cherry blossom, and Vida mezcal with shiso and sanch berry. The venue will also play host to entertainment, with a focus on hip hop. "We're excited to welcome our new pet Thundercat Supper Club to the family," said Tokyo Tina's Simon Blacher. "It’s our delivery of late night hip hop, whisky and really good booze food." Thundercat Supper Club is located at 66A Chapel St, Windsor. For more information, check them out on Facebook.
We thought we were done with macarons, but the food universe says otherwise. Macaron masters Ladurée are on their way to Melbourne like it's 2009, with the world famous French patisserie set to open in Chadstone this October. One of a number of new high-end food offerings at the recently renovated shopping centre, the store will feature a nine-seat marble bar decorated with mosaic artwork, along with a Parisian-inspired tearoom capable of seating 21. It's the brand's third Australian location, and first outside of Sydney. The standout item on the menu will obviously be the macarons, sweet double-decker creations with which the name Ladurée has long been synonymous. Raspberry, salted caramel, rose petal, orange blossom — the question won't be which one, but how many of each. Customers will also be able to purchase various other Ladurée items, including teas, chocolates, confectionaries and perfumed candles, along with various other items perfect for personal pampering and/or stuffing down your gob. Ladurée will open at Chadstone in late October. For more information, keep an eye on the Ladurée Australia Facebook page.
It's truffle season in Australia which is heaven for truffle lovers (and a fungus minefield for everyone else). Most restaurants run truffle specials during the colder months for the short-lived season but Mister Bianco in Kew is going all out: they've got three exclusive truffle-themed events coming up. The first is a truffle cooking demonstration and dinner on Friday July 28, in which Joe Vargetto is bringing back Giuseppe's Cooking School to run guests through the basics of cooking with this most indulgent of ingredients. You'll get to watch his truffle masterclass then eat the results along with matched wines. Next up is a special Truffle Dinner on Tuesday, August 8. This is the ultimate truffle dining experience: four courses, all showcasing local Buxton black truffles, each matched with cocktails and wine. A seat at the table will set you back $189. Dishes include raviolo with a caramel truffle butter centre, which sounds absolutely insane in the best possible way. Lastly, we have the Truffle Farm Drive on Sunday, August 20. This one's pretty epic: guests meet at Mister Bianco, then take a bus out to Utter (the home of Buxton black truffles) for a day on the farm, foraging with the truffle dogs and tucking into delicious truffle-infused treats. This one's limited to 24 guests, and you can opt to meet the group at Utter, if that's easier. For more information on all these events, check out Mister Bianco's events page. Images: Supplied
So you think you're a Facebook aficionado? Is your Instagram game on point? Fancy doing this for a living? At General Assembly's latest panel event, you could learn how to turn your mad hashtag skills into a full-time job. Watch a panel of social media experts come together to discuss how this medium is drastically changing marketing for businesses and marketing professionals alike. Speakers include Troy Townsend (Tiger Pistol), Jess Hatzis (Willow & Blake, Frank Body), Katherine Chalhoub (Web Profits) and Charl Laubscher (Love + Money). The panel will be moderated by Erika Geraerts (also for Willow & Blake and Frank Body), steering these industry experts to discuss the top trends we can look forward to this year. They’ll offer insights from personal experience that will help shape the way you use social media for business, as well as sharing their predictions. After the panel, there'll be drinks and networking opportunities for those who stick around — because it’s all about being social. We give this event a big blue thumbs up.
Sick of mediocre Spotify radio playlists? Let's get to the good stuff, the physical stuff. Melbourne online record store vinyl. finds itself a bricks and mortar location on the first and third Saturday of every month, and this Saturday it's heading to the Northcote Social Club. Vinyl. only deals with new pressings of records, so you can expect the latest and greatest in pristine condition, no exceptions. As well as providing an eclectic mix of music-you're-yet-to-meet, the vinyl. pop-up endeavours to support Australian music by sourcing their vinyl from official Australian suppliers such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Australia, Inertia Warner and Rocket Distribution. Best of all, entry to the pop-up shop is free, but we certainly can’t guarantee you’ll walk out of there with a full wallet; you’re sure to leave with some musical gold. Happy treasure hunting.
This latest exhibition from the Monash University Museum of Art is inviting you into another world. Dark, surreal and strangely alluring, the work of Sydney-based artist Justene Williams is a dark riff on reality. And, in this new series of video installations, she draws you into the most entrancing set of images you've seen since your first episode of The Mighty Boosh. Though her creations appear other-worldy and even magical, they surprisingly find their origin in the mundane. Williams has stated the works were very much inspired by her now-deceased father, his work and the life they shared together. Accordingly, many of the sets in her work are composed of or decorated with everyday materials like inflatable pools and barbecues. Regardless, we suggest leaving your rationality at the door with this one; this is a collection of works best experienced by submitting yourself to its total hypnotism.
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Astor Theatre has been reborn. After temporarily shutting down in April, Melbourne’s most iconic picture palace is open for business once again, and is celebrating with a red carpet premiere worthy of Tinseltown’s golden age. The gala will mark the first Melbourne screening of Women He’s Undressed, a documentary about Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly, a three-time Oscar winner who worked on dozens of Hollywood classics including Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon and Some Like It Hot. The red carpet rolls out at 6.15pm this Thursday for a 7pm screening with an introduction by the film’s director Gillian Armstrong. The screening will be followed by an afterparty in the art deco foyer, with beer, wine, canapés and live entertainment. Hopefully the candy bar will still be open too — because after all, no trip to The Astor is complete without a choc-ice choc top. The good news? It looks like they’ll be available for many years to come.
Canadian producer Dan Snaith, aka Caribou, is headed to Australia for one of summer's most anticipated tours. One of the major headliners for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Caribou has locked in two extra special sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne. Caribou's latest record, Our Love, features the feelgood lead single 'I Can’t Do Without You', released in August last year and placing a very respectable #55 in this year's Hottest 100. Playing with some very '90s inspired R&B beats and '80s synth, Our Love is a record that's not only danceable but also engrossing to sit back and absorb. Caribou's no spring chicken at the electronic game; Snaith boasts a career spanning ten years with an impressive back catalogue. Fans of Caribou will remember his 2010 album Swim, with tracks like the expansive 'Sun' and the alluring 'Odessa' that won the hearts of many. To see these wonderfully layered, intricate and incredibly beautiful songs played live comes highly recommended — so if you’re not heading along to Laneway, do not miss this.
Thanks to the wonders of retro programs, seeing a beloved horror movie on a big screen is a fairly common occurrence these days — but what about those less lauded and not-so-loved frightening films from years gone by? Or the flicks initially deemed too gritty or nasty for cinemas? Or the up-and-coming genre hits? Thankfully, Friday Fright Night is their time to shine. Presented by Monster Fest, the new weekly program wades through horror at its most out-there, both made at home and abroad, and including rarely screened cult fare alongside fear-inducing classics. That the lineup kicks off with the first-ever Australian screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 should give an indication of the types of movies on offer. The rest of the schedule spans an eclectic bunch, lurching from French splatter onslaught High Tension, to the ever-controversial Irreversible, and even featuring Team America: World Police. Or, check out Patrick Stewart in alien invasion vampire horror effort Lifeforce, and Lisa McCune in Aussie gross-out offering Body Melt. Yes, it seems no one can escape this program — except maybe those with weak stomachs.
So, you want to get a glimpse into life in another country, but you can't actually afford to travel anywhere? That's where film festivals come in, taking audiences on a cinematic journey without anyone needing to leave their comfy, movie theatre seats. This month, it's Germany's turn in the spotlight. Making its way around Australia from May 13–31, the Audi Festival of German Films delves into everything the country has to offer in the movie realm. That includes 50 new German-language films, spanning efforts as varied as action comedy Not My Day and twisted fairy tale The Bunker. It also includes an interesting schedule of panel discussions and themed evenings, if you want to do more than watch. Whatever your tastes or interests, there's certain to be something to tickle your fancy. Want to take a peek at an Alps-set western, laugh along with a hitman comedy or strap in for a time-travelling romance? Well, here you can. You can also delve into the history of cinema, and into a key figure in East Berlin's radical underground art world. For the full Audi Festival of German Films lineup, visit the festival website.
Two things we know about Australia: there’s a copious amount of sun on tap and people sure do love a good music festival. Thankfully for us, the freshly announced festival OffTheGrid (OTG) is using both these factors to put together a brand new music festival that’s 100 percent solar powered and waste free. Launched as a party concept just a few years ago, OffTheGrid is the brainchild of Ross Harding of Finding Infinity and Eyal Halamish of OurSay. The pair threw a string of battery bank operated shindigs around the world and now they’re bringing the experience in Melbourne on the December 22. The lineup includes Cut Copy DJs, Banoffee, Sui Zhen, Tornado Wallace, Silent Jay and Jace XL, Average Rap Band, Prequel and Wax’o Paradiso (and that's only the first announcement, dayum). OTG also does more than pay lip service to sustainability. The team have a comprehensive plan for ensuring the festival is entirely waste-free and powered only by solar energy. Bryce Lawrence, head of production, says sustainability is the future, not just for music festivals (which reap a huge effect of the environments they occupy) but for all industries and individuals. Power will all come directly from a 7kW solar system on the day, comprised of 28 250 watt PV panels that feed the sun’s energy into a battery pack (and a backup bio-diesel generator which runs off veggie oil). All waste will also be banned and all rubbish that is collected will be made into an art piece. “It’s a day festival in the heart of Melbourne… people shouldn’t be bringing in waste in the first place,” Lawrence notes. They’ve even collaborated with the food and drink vendors to make sure all utensils can be composted offsite and all cups can be reused. And it’s not a newfangled operation either. All technology and systems being used by OTG are readily available, to emphasise the myriad of solutions that have already been dreamed up and practically demonstrate that a) an environmentally friendly way of life isn’t a distant possibility but a choice you can easily opt into and b) even complex events like music festivals can rock just as hard on solar power. “OFFtheGRID is a celebration of what’s possible right now and also what’s possible into the future," Lawrence says. It’s an exercise in education as well as a dope all-day music festival. And the best part? All profits will be invested in a local sustainable project so you can buy your ticket knowing that Captain Planet would be incredibly proud. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It’s been a fruitful couple of years for hybrid sweet treats. We live for the beautiful marriage of two delicious treat items, both alike in dignity, and apparently so does everyone else. And now the birth of the cronut, cruffin, duffin, frissant, and zonut has paved the way for the most glorious hybrid of all: frozen custard. Frozen goddamn custard y’all. Taking cues from the mighty Shake Shack, frozen custard is the jewel in the crown of the newly opened venue Royal Stacks on Collins Street and the best part is: they’re handing it out for free on Wednesday, February 3. From 5-7pm they’ll be handing out free cups of fro-cu (that’s frozen and custard to you) on the proviso that you sign in on the Yelp app. While you’re there, check out Royal Stacks itself. Not only are they the only place in Melbourne where you’ll find the aforementioned frozen custard, but the very Shake Shack vibe is brought to you by the cool dudes from Easey’s and Grand Trailer Park Taverna. Yummo.
The team behind A25 Pizza Parlour in South Yarra will launch an offshoot in the city by the end of the year. Currently expected to start service in mid-December on the corners of Lonsdale Street and Hardware Lane, A25 Espresso will focus on Italian coffee and share plates, with owner Remo Nicolini promising "some interesting surprises." Obviously, expect quite the Italian focus at this newbie. Speaking to Hospitality Magazine, the veteran restaurateur described the A25 spinoff as "an all day Italian eatery" that would bring "a bigger focus to new age Italian sharing plates and speciality coffee." The beans will come courtesy of Dukes Coffee Roasters, while head chef Salvatore Giorgio will make the move from A25 South Yarra to run the kitchen in their new CBD digs. "I feel at home in the CBD," said Nicolini of the new location, which will reportedly seat 50 people indoors with room for another 20 outside. "I love the buzz and am thrilled to have acquired such a prominent site on Hardware Lane." In addition to A25 South Yarra and the soon to open A25 Espresso, Nicolini's resume includes +39 Pizzeria on Little Bourke Street, Espressino on King Street and Non Solo Pasta in the Docklands. His brother Tony, meanwhile, runs the show over at Carlton's D.O.C. Point is, when it comes to Italian dining, this guy is no slouch. Via Hospitality Magazine. Image: A25 South Yarra.
You've made it through the long, cold winter, making the best of Melbourne's snuggly cafes and art galleries until the balmy months roll in. But now it's time for outdoor concerts and openair dining, so we're about to spoil you silly, giving you the chance to win an entire night on the town and see one of Melbourne's most anticipated concerts of the year at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Because you're just the best for reading CP, we'd like to give a little something back. One lucky CP reader will nab a double pass to Mumford and Sons. We'll transport you to and from the gig with a handy voucher from our kitten-delivering friends at Uber, and we'll treat you to a flight of whisky tasters paired with cheese tasters at Boilermaker House. You've got until Sunday, September 20 to enter, so get all your buds to throw their names in the hat too. Let's do it. ENTER HERE
Was one of your New Year's Resolutions to 'see more art'? Well, there's no time like the present to get started. It's already February, after all. Melbourne's galleries — from the NGV to the small Swanston Street space CAVES — are getting down to business this month, with the surreal, the hallucinogenic and the reimagined. From naked forms floating in extreme slow motion against clouds to an exhibition that exists solely in the digital realm, these five shows are accessible, free (!!) and ready for you to get lost in. Top image: Richard Mosse
Now in its sixth year, Aussie Wine Month returns in May to showcase the diversity of the Australian wine scene and celebrate the world class producers that our 65 wine regions have to offer. Melbourne and regional Victoria will come alive with events over the next month — vineyards and cellar doors are opening their doors to guests, and regional chefs are making their way into the city so everyone can enjoy good food and even better wine. In partnership with Wine Australia, we're helping you narrow down your options — here are seven of the best things to see and do.
Spring produce and paired craft beers made Concrete Playground readers particularly happy this month, as James Squire and Concrete Playground teamed up to put on a special Spring Banquet at The Crafty Squire — and we gave a group of lucky CP readers a seat at the table. Competition winners sat down to a five-course meal custom-made by head chef Alan Fraser, each dish paired with a specific James Squire tipple, and guests heard from Alan and James Squire brand ambassadors on the night. Have a peruse through the gallery to see what went down (and here's an idea of the deliciousness that was served up). SPRING BANQUET MENU Fish and chip soup with peas — with James Squire Chancer Golden Ale Prawn and chorizo escabeche, avocado mousse, confit cherry tomatoes and chilled gazpacho — with James Squire Swindler Summer Ale Cider caipirinha cured salmon with salpica, crispy potato salad and finger lime dressing — with James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale Goat bunny chow with crispy parsnips — with James Squire Hop Thief American Pale Ale Passionfruit pavlova with berries and Tim Tam crumbs — with James Squire Jack of Spades Porter and Orchard Crush Apple Cider To stay up to date with future events at The Crafty Squire, sign up to James Squire or head to The Crafty Squire's website. Images: Olga Rozenbajgier.
