Everyone knows it's cool to be a nerd again. Thick-rimmed glasses, bulky knits and fully-buttoned shirts are basically the Melbourne uniform at this point, and more and more people are wishing they paid better attention at high school or uni. Enter The Brainery Store: a smart and fashionable group of creatives bringing innovation and inspiration to the masses (via the less than popular medium of the lecture). The Brainery Store is known for offering unique hour-long sessions with some of Australia's best. Designers such as Sibling and Stephanie Somebody, publishers like Nick and Caroline Shelton of Broadsheet, and musicians such as Lisa Mitchell have all graced the Brainery stage. But in The Saturday Edition, we're being treated to a one-off smorgasbord of talent. From 11am-4.30pm, Dumbo Feather HQ in St Kilda will be filled with the ideas of Koori elder, musician and actor Uncle Jack Charles, author Kate Holden, journalist and teacher Jacqueline Lesage, and famed illustrator Oslo Davis. Symptomatic of their constant support of local business, The Brainery Store will also be providing a big lunch from Fig&Salt, drinks from Little Creatures and Cake Wines and a goodie bag filled with beautiful surprises. Good food, gorgeous company and great ideas? It's official: learning is cool again. For more information including speaker bios, see The Brainery Store website.
In the 17 years that Gelato Messina has been in business, over 4000 special flavours have made their way through its 20 gelato cabinets around the country. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, Messina is dedicating an entire weekend to its top 40 greatest hits. From July 27–28, lucky Melburnians will be able to treat themselves to an entire cabinet worth of limited-edition gelato flavours. The deal will only be available at the Fitzroy store, where none of the classic flavours will be available. Instead, expect specials like the Just Like a Milkshake and Have a Gay Old Time. You'll definitely get to taste the Jon Snow (white chocolate gelato with dark chocolate mud cake and almond praline), the Fairy Bread (toast and butter gelato with 100s & 1000s) and the Robert Brownie Jnr (milk chocolate gelato, chocolate brownie and chocolate fudge sauce). Also making the cut is red velvet cheesecake number and peanut butter gelato with chocolate brownie and dulce de leche. Messina took suggestions for the whole 40-flavour lineup, which means that some of your own favourites might've made the list. Here's the full rundown — happy eating: Fairy Bread Montgomery's Goldmine Caramel Cheesecake Hodor Just Like A Milkshake Dark Side Tanti Baci Oreogasm Mango Pancake Pavlova Twixed Goregeous Dave True Romance Cremino Bishop's Banana Lady Of Winterfell The Boss's Wife Drop It Like White Choc Hello Sailor Lamington Sticky First Date Alfajores Ramsay Bolton Yuzu Sorbet Cinnie Bunstein Mamma's Cheesecake Finger Bun Red Wedding Coco Loco Lychee Sorbet Robert Brownie Jr. Have A Gay Old Time Jon Snow Nyc Breakfast In Canberra A Salt On The Senses Dr. Evil Number Two Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu Iron Born Gelato Messina's Greatest Hits will be available from July 27–28 at Melbourne's Fitzroy (237 Smith Street) store. Only the top 40 specials will be available from 12pm until sold out — no classic flavours and no Deliveroo.
When a composer pens music, it's the tune that they want the world to enjoy, not the marks on a page scribbling it into existence. When a conductor oversees an orchestra, the performance echoing rather than their own with baton in hand and arms waving is their gift. In Maestro, Bradley Cooper (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) is seen as Leonard Bernstein in both modes. His portrayal, especially in an unbroken take as the American great conducts Mahler's Resurrection Symphony at England's Ely Cathedral in 1973, is so richly textured and deeply complex that it's the career-best kind of astonishing. But Cooper as this movie's helmer, co-writer and one of its producers wants Maestro's audience to revel in the end result, not just in his exceptional on-screen contribution to bringing this virtuoso feature to fruition. And if he wants the love showered anyone's way first, it's towards Carey Mulligan (Saltburn), who the second-time director (and second-time director of a music-fuelled film, since his debut behind the lens was A Star Is Born) gives top billing for stepping so astoundingly into Felicia Montealegre Bernstein's shoes. Symphonies should erupt for Mulligan's awards-worthy turn, which deserves to claim her third Oscar nomination (after 2010's for An Education and 2021's for Promising Young Woman) at a minimum. As the Costa Rican actor — a talent herself, of the stage and small screen — hers is similarly a never-better performance. It's a chalk-and-cheese partner to Cooper's, too; his is all about playing someone whose entire reason for earning a biopic is his effort and what it wrought, while she makes everything from the screwball-esque early sparks of connection to soul-aching pain feel natural. When she says "you don't even know how much you need me, do you?", the words melt, and the moment with it. When she beams by Cooper's side during a TV interview about his achievements, the practicalities of spending your life with someone have rarely felt as giddying. When Maestro's main pair quarrel on Thanksgiving, away from their family and as the parade trots along outside the window, each word is a cut. Every scene with Mulligan lays its emotions bare so thoroughly, yet never forcefully or showily, that she virtually spirits the audience into Felicia's footwear with her. No matter who else receives Leonard's affections — clarinettist David Oppenheimer (Matt Bomer, Magic Mike's Last Dance) is one of the first — Maestro sees its story as a duet between him and Felicia, its key stars singing their parts accordingly. The crooning isn't literal, but the marital melodrama double act is perfectly attuned. The Bernsteins were harmonious in their love for each other, yet often in different ditties, bands and genres otherwise, which Cooper and Mulligan ensure hums as the baseline across the entire movie. Their relationship is as much the narrative's throughline as music, plus the clashing constantly pulsing inside Leonard. Indeed, the conflicts and contradictions that comprise a man who needs to be introverted to compose but extroverted to conduct — who can light up a room and descend into his own dark recesses — are all the more palpable and resonant because they're reflected through Felicia. Maestro examines not merely what it meant to be one Bernstein, but two. Cooper's screenplay with Spotlight, The Post and First Man's Josh Singer isn't a strict birth-to-death tale, ignoring Leonard's childhood. It starts with another television chat as an elderly man at the piano, smoking and swooning about Felicia, before zipping back to when perhaps his existence truly began: November 14, 1943. On that day, the then-assistant conductor discovered he'd be guiding the New York Philharmonic for the first time that evening. Charted from the call that got the 25-year-old Leonard out of bed, and initially framed against a black rectangle with a white border — the light endeavouring to sneak in from behind a blind — this sequence, the film's second, says everything about Cooper's approach. The elated Leonard runs from his room to Carnegie Hall's balcony as if only a corridor links them, a technique to be repeated aesthetically and emotionally. Maestro skips from beat to beat like there's no pause in-between, and like it can't get from instant to instant fast enough. Some biopics serve up a slice of life as a symbol for the whole, such as fellow 2023–24 awards contender Ferrari. Maestro hands around several plates, each dishing up a vignette that helps paint its overall portrait. As it leaps across five decades, it flits from heady thrills, buzzing parties and professional heights to complicated choices, heartbreak and loss. So swirls Leonard and Felicia meeting at his sister Shirley's (Sarah Silverman, The Bob's Burgers Movie) cocktail soiree, him marvelling at her acting, her questioning advice given to him to change his name and attitude, wedded bliss, domestic disharmony, children (Asteroid City's Maya Hawke plays their eldest Jamie), affairs, rumours, arguments, illness, hard conversations and tougher realisations. So dances a sweepingly dynamic feature that takes the concept of basing its style on its subject, and using that style to do its subject's intricacies justice, to its core. With its jumps from black and white to colour as well, and between the 1.33:1 and 1.85:1 aspect rations — A Star Is Born returnee Matthew Libatique's 35-millimetre-shot cinematography is ravishing — Cooper's handling of Maestro in look, format, air and atmosphere isn't new. But it couldn't feel more fitting for someone who put his all into track after track, composition after composition and conducting performance after conducting performance, each of which said something about Leonard. Cooper lets the maestro's music do ample talking, his soundtrack filled with it. Cue the symphonic suite from On the Waterfront; pieces from Fancy Free, On the Town, Trouble in Tahiti and Mass; and the prologue to West Side Story. Each is deployed precisely and powerfully, whether in turning courtship into a fantasy ballet that also demonstrates the push and pull of Leonard's bisexuality, or getting tension dancing when romantic discontent can only lead to confrontation. That said, some of the movie's best music moments are set to other tunes, and not just Mozart and Mahler's works that Leonard led orchestras to perform. (Yes, this is 2023's second film Down Under to unpack a baton-wielding figure who adores the Austro-Bohemian icon, after Tár; that picture's fictional Lydia was a Bernstein protégée, it advised.) Shirley Ellis' 'The Clapping Song' bounces with bittersweetness, with the inherently upbeat track arriving when there's little to be cheerful about in the Bernstein household except appreciating what time you can with those you cherish. With Tears for Fears' 'Shout' late in the piece, catharsis and release thumps as heavily as the song itself. Donning his filmmaker's cap, Cooper arranges every inch of Maestro this meticulously, and with a monumentally moving and meaningful viewing experience in mind. Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) produce the film after each originally planning to helm it — and holding its own with the idea of a Scorsese- or Spielberg-directed Leonard Bernstein movie is another of Maestro's resounding triumphs. Maestro screens in cinemas from Thursday, December 7 and streams via Netflix from Wednesday, December 20.
Brisbane's hyped-up and Island-signed foursome The Cairos are about to embark on a national tour that you cannot afford to miss but certainly can afford to attend. Immediately following a national support slot for Sydney big timers The Holidays, the triple j Unearthed-winning newbies to Island Records are taking their celebrated sound across the country with their own headliner tour. The Brissy lads are keeping the motor running off the back of releasing their brand new debut album Dream of Reason. Tracks 'Desire' and 'We All Buy Stars' just scream "hear me live" and if the feedback coming out of their recent Asia tour is anything to go by, this is going to be one of the most justified sub $30 spends this year (now you can't even use budget-related gripes as an excuse to not go). Plus they just got a new keyboard. Now you're really obliged to head along. Make sure to get there early as Chinese psych band Nova Heart kicks things off. Seems Beijing psychedelia proves a perfect support pairing ahead of the Brisbane up-and-comers, so pop in early for a crispy Ding Dong bevvy and a fully-fledged bliss out. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LAsjO3UIUsY
The way the festival scene is going, the summer of 2016/17 is going to be epic. The latest in the series of boutique festivals to join the summer calendar is Tell No Tales, a one-day techno bonanza inspired by the hedonism of the European summer festival scene. The lineup gets on board with the European theme too. They've released the first round of artists (yeah, you read right — this is only the first round) including Ricardo Villalobos, a Chilean-born and Berlin-based minimalist techno god who's been dominating the scene for nearly 20 years; Pan-Pot, another Berlin-based outfit; Audion, a techno mainstay who's just dropped his first album in ten years; Agents of Time, an Italian trio who stick strictly to analogue; and Nastia, a Ukrainian DJ who's rocketed to fame in the last few years. The festival will kick things off at The Nursery at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, December 3, before heading up to Sydney the next day. The first release of tickets have sold out already, so keep your eyes peeled for a second round. Image: Stephen Arnold.
Part of Next Wave's Blak Wave program, this work by Megan Cope tells the true story of the artist obtaining her 'Certificate of Aboriginality' and the concerns which this process raised. “After discussing with an Elder about the procedure, the thought of being legitimately certified suddenly cast a dark shadow of doubt across my mind and left me wondering if I was Aboriginal enough,” said the artist. This seven-minute film screening daily at Screen Space expounds that journey through satire and wit, and questions the relevance of such bureaucracy. Through caricatures of Australian racism and tradition, Cope interrogates the frameworks of power and assimilation that still lay in place today. This event originally appeared as one of our top picks for the 2014 Next Wave Festival. See the full list here.
Excellent news, marshmallows. In fact, if you're a Veronica Mars fan, this past year just keeps delivering. First, we found out that the beloved series was coming back for a fourth season. Then, not one, not two, but three teasers and trailers showed us just what kind of sleuthing fun we were in for. Now, Australian streaming platform Stan has announced that it'll become Ms Mars' new home for the fictional private eye's upcoming run of episodes. This news isn't minor — until now, just when and where Aussie were going to be able to watch Veronica Mars' fourth season was unknown. And if you've got a long-enough memory, and can recall how poorly the original first three seasons were treated by local TV back in the mid 2000s, you might've been worried. With the show launching on Friday, July 26 in the US, it'll hit Stan here on Saturday, July 27 — at the same time, thanks to the time difference. In America, it appears that all eight new episodes are dropping at once, so expect that to be the case here as well. Story-wise, the fourth season sees Veronica (Kristen Bell) back in her hometown of Neptune, still in the P.I. game with her dad Keith (Enrico Colantoni) and still solving mysteries. This time, a series of bombings and a shady ex-con turned businessman (JK Simmons) are on her radar. As well as plenty of twists and turns to follow, expect a heap of other familiar faces in the form of Jason Dohring as Veronica's on-again, off-again love interest Logan, Percy Daggs III as her bestie Wallace and Ryan Hansen as her sleazy ex-classmate Dick. Check out the full trailer, from US network Hulu, below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt0QuaQ0huk Veronica Mars will hit Stan on Saturday, July 27, with an exact launch time yet-to-be announced. We'll update you when it is.
Brisbane-based Range Brewing has earned a cult following for its signature style of beer — modern, aggressively hopped, and often with all the appearance and flavour of fruit juice. Ever the champion of invention and known for its steadfast lack of a core range, the brewery has now made a home in Melbourne, opening a monochromatic new taproom on Abbotsford's Johnston Street. Visitors are welcome to bring in grub from nearby haunts like Rita's pizzeria, but there's no food otherwise — here, it's all about the beers. With 12 taps in the front bar and another 12 back near the sunny beer garden, Range pours predominantly hazy brews. And, while this isn't a place for the traditionalists, you can be assured of finding something new and exciting to taste with every visit. It might be a big-bodied sip that's thickened with creamy lactose or oats, or maybe a fruit-forward sour designed to cleanse the palate. Two double-door fridges welcome visitors, with the latest can releases cold-freighted from Brisbane each Friday to arrive in Melbourne by Tuesday. The vibrant can art — by Brisbane-based designer Jess Vandersande — flashes like a neon sign amid the reserved taproom decor, with its American diner-style booth seating and clean Scandinavian-style simplicity.
Brunswick’s one-day fiesta has returned once more to celebrate the culture and community surrounding the good people of Moreland. A cheeky 800 meters of Sydney Road, between Union Street and Victoria Street, will be taken over for the day to make room for the best in local music, dance, food, and craft stalls. Moreland’s strong migrant history and its current influx of creative residents makes this part of Melbourne an exciting, expressive and multicultural pocket of the city. There will be over nine separate music stages and venues open throughout the day to host the musical festivities. Acts like Empat Lima, Horns of Leroy, Byron and the Gypsy Cats and Manglewurzle are just a few of the musical gems performing on the day. For those looking to see a bit of movement as well as music, we recommend Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, Westside Circus and Real Hot Bitches. Sydney Road Street Party is part of Brunswick Music Festival, which is on from March 1 to 15.
Some of the biggest names in Australian comedy are coming together in Melbourne for a one-off benefit gig in support of a worthy cause. Tripod, Anne Edmonds, Cal Wilson and Lawrence Mooney are just a few of the comedians who'll front the stage at Howler in Brunswick on the evening of Sunday November 29, with proceeds going to the aid of asylum seeker children currently being held in detention. Described by event organisers as "a funny fundraiser for an unfunny cause," the show is being facilitated by charity group ChilOut, an organisation dedicated to the protection of minors detained in Australian immigration facilities. In addition to those already mentioned, the comic lineup will include Greg Fleet, Josh Earl, Dave O'Neil, Dave Thornton, Tom Gleeson, Geraldine Hickey, Luke McGregor, Denise Scott and Harley Breen, plus a number of other guests who have yet to be announced. Tickets to the gig come to $43.50 per person, including booking fee. "ChilOut is a small, community organisation running on the smell of an oily rag but doing heaps through education, advocacy and lobbying to raise public awareness of the plight of asylum-seeking children held in immigration detention facilities by the Australian Government," said a statement that accompanied the gig's announcement. "ChilOut is not-for-profit and relies on generous donations to act on behalf of the almost 200 children currently imprisoned in environments that undermine and threaten their mental and physical safety and well-being every day that they’re there. Nobody wants to see these children go through this. Please come along and help us help them." To grab your ticket to Stand Up for ChilOut, head on over to Moshtix. And to learn more about the work being done by ChilOut, visit their website.
Get a little taste of Thailand in Federation Square this Sunday, with the return of the annual Thai Culture and Food Festival. Now in its twelve year, this annual event celebrates the best of traditional and contemporary Thai culture, through a mix of activities, performances and some of the best Thai green curry you've ever had. This year's festival program includes an array of live entertainment, from music to martial arts. There'll be a Buddhist drum ceremony on Fed Square's main stage, exhibition kickboxing matches at Deakin Edge, and hours of live music at the Singha Beer Garden down by the Yarra. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thai massage, lest the exertion of the day become too much for you. Catering, meanwhile, comes courtesy of some of the best Thai chefs in Melbourne; with more than 15 different restaurants operating stalls throughout the day. There's even going to be a cooking demonstration, hosted by TV Chef Duncan Robertson from Duncan's Thai Kitchen. It's enough to have you booking an airfare immediately. Here's last year's trailer, to give you an idea:
Prefer a sophisticated sort of Sunday session to basic brews at the pub? Well, you're in luck because Poodle Bar & Bistro is here to elevate your weekend with a fresh edition of its ever-popular bottomless brunch. The Fitzroy eatery will be serving up the goods once again this Sunday, July 3. Across one of two sittings (11.30am and 2pm), you'll tuck into a parade of swanky brunch plates courtesy of legendary chef Josh Fry — think, house-made chicken liver parfait, delicate vol au vents crowned with Yarra Valley caviar, roast lamb rump with shallot jus, and a silky fig leaf panna cotta. While you feast, the drinks will be flowing just as easily — and with just as much style. Your $85 ticket pairs those eats with two hours of bottomless bevs, from bubbly and bellinis, to white wine spritzes and blood orange seltzers. [caption id="attachment_774766" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Poodle Bar & Bistro[/caption]
The CBD is in for a huge one this weekend as it comes alive with the annual buzz that is Shop the City. The City of Melbourne's jam-packed weekend of giveaways, gigs and retail offers is back to fill your shopping bags from this Friday, May 5–Sunday, May 7. Much of the action will be going down at the event's pop-up hub in Bourke Street Mall. We're talking live performances from acts like sequinned icons The Huxleys, and giveaways courtesy of brands including Go-To, Remedy Drinks and Funday Natural Sweets. There'll also be a wall of lockers stocked with prizes for anyone who drops by and flashes a shopping receipt from a purchase made across the weekend. Other inner-city precincts like Emporium, QV, Flinders Street Station and Collins Place will be slinging freebies of their own — hit the online map and track them down to nab products and vouchers from Aesop, Chatime, Bread Club and more. In between hunting down giveaways and complimentary goodies, you'll find a hefty lineup of exclusive retail discounts and offers to shop across the three days. That includes generous deals from spots like Whisky & Alement, Mecca Cosmetica, Glue Store and Nike, plus Sunglass Hut, David Jones, Superdry and others. Images: Danielle Castano
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Como and The Astor as well as cinemas around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. There's a lot to see, but find our picks of the five must-see films at this year's Greek Film Festival below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE7zzOXR3A CHEVALIER One of our very favourite films of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Chevalier offers of deadpan critique on male insecurity. Directed by Attenberg's Athina Rachel Tsangari, who also co-wrote the screenplay with regular Lanthimos collaborator Efthymis Filippouk, the film is about six men on a yacht as they compete to determine who is "the best in general". How quickly can you solve a Rubik's cube? How good are you at household chores? Everything — and we mean everything — becomes fodder for their ridiculous contest, in a film that is both hilarious and profoundly sad. In addition to sessions at this year's Greek Film Festival, Chevalier is screening in Melbourne at ACMI until October 20. Read our full review here. SUNTAN Where Chevalier offers a cringingly funny look into the middle-aged male psyche, Suntan provides a more sinister view of a similar subject. Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor who takes a job as a GP on a small Greek island, only to fall hard for a beautiful young tourist. But infatuation soon gives way to misanthropic obsession, as director Argyris Papadimitropoulos leads viewers down a path they may not wish to tread. The sun-soaked cinematography belies the darkness at the heart of this picture, which proves an uncomfortably compelling watch. A LIFE OF ITS OWN As the Australian medical community continues to debate the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, Greek-Australian journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos delves into the controversial subject for herself. Inspired by her encounter with cancer sufferer Dan Haslam, who used cannabis to relieve his excruciating pain, A Life Of Its Own: The Truth About Medical Marijuana explores the social and political factors that shape legislation around the drug, while chronicling groundbreaking research that could make a world of difference. Kapalos will be on hand for public Q&As following screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. SMAC Critically acclaimed in its native Greece, Elias Demetriou's SMAC won the audience awards at both the Athens Outview Film Festival and Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, and shapes up as essential viewing at this year's GFF. Evangelia Andreadaki stars as Eleni, a middle-aged lesbian woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis. In order to quell her fears of dying alone, Eleni invites a homeless man to live with her, leading to an unlikely friendship. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a pack of tissues. BENEATH THE OLIVE TREE Inspired by secret journals written by imprisoned female political dissidents during the Greek Civil War between 1946 and 1949, Beneath the Olive Tree is described in the GFF program as "an exposé of courage, ideals, forgiveness, healing, and the important role our past plays in our present and future". Using a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviewers and motion capture animation, young New York-based documentarian Stavroula Toska recounts the remarkable stories of incredible women accused of crimes they didn't commit. The Greek Film Festival will run at Palace Como and The Astor from Wednesday, October 12 until Sunday, October 23. For the full program, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au.
First it was the Cheese Festival, then the Sausage Fest, and now Prahran Market is completing the holy trio of meats, cheese and chocolate with — you guessed it — a chocolate festival. The Wicked Chocolate Festival will be held at Prahran Market on Saturday, May 7. As well as on-stage talks about the stuff, a kitchen where you can see how it's made and tasting events, Melbourne's finest will be pulling out their best chocolate creations at the Pop-Up Chocolate Precinct. This will include — are you ready for this? — chocolate doughnuts from Doughboys, chocolate cookie sandwiches by Butterbing, Nutella pizzas from A25 Pizzeria, as well as treats from Burch & Purchese, Bibelot, Fritz Gelato and Pana Chocolate. There'll be everything from hot chocolate to cold chocolate (read: ice cream), and rich chocolate mousse to raw vegan Snickers bars. The market is known for their decidedly delicious events, and this one is set to be just as epic and coma-inducing — especially if you enter the chocolate eating competition. More details to come on how you can enter that one, but we suggest you start practicing with a some blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milk and a few rounds of The Chocolate Game. Fingers crossed you roll a few sixes. The Wicked Chocolate will be held at Prahran Market on Saturday, May 7 from 10.30am. For more info, visit their website.
Melbourne, you seem to have gone steaking mad. Three Blue Ducks is doing Wednesday Steak Night (with three Black Angus cuts), Dolly at Le Meridien Melbourne is offering its signature take on steak frites at a budget-friendly price, and Bonny in Fitzroy still has $30 wagyu on the menu. Now, Windsor's Latin American restaurant Duke Lane wants to kick off your weekends with a hearty dose of protein. Every Friday, you can swap 35 bucks for a Porterhouse. On the side, you'll get your pick of pepper sauce or chimichurri and a generous serving of fries. Plus, a margarita of your choice — be it classic, coconut or spicy — is included. With all that on board, post-steak bar hopping in Windsor could be very tempting. Hit Tombo Den for sake martinis, Windsor Wine Room for your choice of 23 wines by the glass, and Chaco's for tequila galore.
Whether you've got a mum you'd like to spoil or you just want to treat your own damn self, Jayda's upcoming feasting series has you sorted. The CBD cocktail bar — and next-door sibling to Shane Delia's Maha — is dishing up high tea with a Middle Eastern twist. Held across two weekends (Saturday, May 6, Sunday, May 7, Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14) with three sittings each day (10am–12pm, 12.30–2.30pm, 3–5pm), it's a lavish riff on the classic high tea, filled with sweet and savoury delights. You'll sit down to bites like toasted lobster buns with zaatar mayo, tarama tarts paired with salmon caviar, harissa chicken sandwiches and Turkish beef dumplings with spiced yoghurt and foraged mushrooms. Sweet treats run to the likes of handmade chocolates and Turkish delight doughnuts, and there'll be a range of tea and French-press coffee to match, too. The high tea spread comes in at $135, which includes a glass of Louis Roederer champagne to kick things off. And if you're feeling fancy, you can add on free-flowing flutes of the bubbly for an extra $100 per person.
Scienceworks' new exhibition Beyond Perception takes a look at the unseen: gravitational waves, invisible light, and the sound and aerodynamics that all surround us. While it's technically designed for teenagers, you'll still find it fun if you're into the cool stuff that science Even more adult-friendly is the accompanying Party Beyond event that will happen on Friday, June 22. With Scienceworks open late and the event only open to those over the age of 18, attendees can get a hit of adult science along with their glass of adult drinks (suck it, kids). Food and drinks will be available to purchase, and you won't be mulling over whatever you've just learnt about invisible light in silence — performances by Pillow Pro, Biscotti and Future Fosil will be featured throughout the six exhibition spaces. Plus, DJ Anton Motorik will be spinning everything from Italo-disco to proto-techno between acts. Image: Museums Victoria/Benjamin Healley.
There’s nothing the Oscars love more than an inspiring true story. Every year in the lead-up to Hollywood’s most self-congratulatory night, our theatres with filled with biographical dramas: handsome, well-acted and totally inoffensive. This year’s crop includes The Imitation Game, American Sniper and The Theory of Everything, all of which attempt to rouse us with their stories of courage in the face of adversity. And yes, sure, their protagonists are all white guys. But hey, at least Alan Turing was gay. Also on the list of this year’s would-be contenders is Unbroken, the sophomore directorial effort from one Angelina Jolie. The film is a wartime biopic (of course) about Olympic marathon runner and WWII bombardier Louie Zamperini, whose B-24 aircraft crashed down in the North Pacific and who spent the last two years of the conflict as a prisoner of war in Japan. The film is based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. With a title like that, it’s hardly surprising that the story leans towards hero worship. As depicted by Jolie and actor Jack O’Connell, Zamperini is less a man as he is a pillar of bravery and virtue; a genetically engineered combination of Jesse Owens and Captain America. Flashbacks to before the war come complete with stock-standard motivational quotes. “A moment of pain,” we’re told, “is worth a lifetime of glory.” I’m not trying to diminish Zamperini’s sacrifice. But while he may have been a hero, he’s not an interesting protagonist. Tales of wartime valour have been done to death, and frankly Unbroken brings nothing new to the table. Jolie portrays America’s enemies with about as much dimension as the Nazis in Hogan’s Heroes, although admittedly they’re not nearly as funny. The only Japanese character they bother naming is the sadistic Corporal Watanabe (played by musician Miyavi), whose cartoonish villainy prevents any exploration of the psychology behind wartime abuse. And yes, atrocities were committed in POW camps, and it’s important that we continue to remember that. At the same time, this story has already been covered. Instead, why not make a movie about the 100,000 Japanese Americans forced into prison camps by President Roosevelt? Where’s the film about the moral quandary behind dropping the atomic bomb? Hell, what about telling the story of Zamperini’s life after the war, when post-traumatic stress disorder drove him to alcoholism until he became a born-again motivation speaker? Those would be interesting stories. But I guess they’re not to Oscar’s tastes. Unbroken is by no means a terrible film. Jolie is a solid director, her cast does good work and the narrative – shallow and conventional as it is – isn’t necessarily unengaging. It is, however, disappointingly safe; the sort of adequate time killer you won’t necessarily regret seeing, assuming you remember seeing it at all.
Considering a foray into yoga, but feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start? Well, the folks at I Am That Yoga in Collingwood are here to make the whole thing way less daunting and a lot more fun, with their open day on Thursday, June 14. The new Emma Street studio will be throwing open its doors to host a range of free classes, giving you the chance to roadtest a few to see which styles take your fancy. Perhaps you'll give the morning Power Flow class a whirl, or maybe the yin-yasa hybrid session is just what your muscles have been looking for. All seven of the day's classes will be offered for free, including a 12.15pm guided meditation, though you'll have to book in advance to secure your spot. Studio founders Victoria Csarmann and Sébastien Nicolas will also be on hand to help you out with finding your ideal yoga style, and there'll be a pop-up wellness market from 5pm, with a range of goodies to sample and buy.
With International Margarita Day landing on Wednesday, February 22, bars and tequila brands across the country have received the memo that it's time to celebrate everyone's favourite salt-rimmed cocktail and run with it. In fact, they've been marking the whole of February as Margarita Month. From free margs to multi-venue festivals celebrating the drinks, there are plenty of ways patrons can get in on the action. One of the more tongue-in-cheek promotions is a cocktail giveaway popping up at two of Australia's most beloved bars, Tio's Cerveceria in Sydney and Los Amantes in Melbourne. The pair of tequila-loving venues have teamed up with El Jimador to give away free margaritas, but only to a select few. Playing on the longstanding tequila maker's name, anyone named El or Jimmy can claim one free cocktail. Just show your ID and you'll be presented with a margarita on the house. The promotion does extend to anyone with Jimmy- and El-adjacent names including James, Jim, Elle, Ella and Ellie. El Jimador has also populated a helpful map on its website to make sure you can always find a margarita around the corner. The venue finder shows partnered venues that you can hit up during Margarita Month for the cocktail of the moment. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Rarely seen and utterly breathtaking, the ambitious contemporary ballet Kunstkamer is arriving in Melbourne for a two-week run of performances by The Australian Ballet. Created by pioneering Dutch dance company Nederlands Dan Theater (NDT), the ballet had never been performed by another theatre company until the Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House on Friday, April 29. Now it's Melbourne's turn. The work of NDT House Choreographers Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, and Associate Choreographers Marco Goecke and Crystal Pite, Kunstkamer is an eclectic, hugely entertaining and boundary-pushing two-part ballet that draws its inspiration from the 1734 book The Cabinet of Natural Curiosities by Dutch pharmacist, zoologist and collector Albertus Seba. The Australian Ballet Artistic Director David Hallberg calls this ballet "truly an immersive experience" and has even come out of retirement to perform as part of the run of shows including the Melbourne premiere. "Sol León, who's one of the four choreographers, asked me to come on board in this role," Hallberg told Concrete Playground. "It took a little enticing because obviously I have said goodbye to the stage and I wasn't looking for opportunities to return to the stage, but I found that in this role, in this experience, in this opportunity with the dancers, in this work, it was the right time." Hallberg is not the only special guest dancer to be taking part in The Australian Ballet's Kunstkamer. The ensemble has also been joined by NDT member Jorge Nozal, who is reprising his role from the 2019 world premiere season in the Netherlands for the full run of shows down under. "Jorge is the first guest artist of my directorship, and I am really excited that it will be someone unexpected for the audience and enriching for the company," explains Hallberg. "Jorge is admired by our dancers and artistic team and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce him to our audience, alongside the dancers of The Australian Ballet, in the role that was created for him by Sol León." You can catch the performance at Arts Centre Melbourne from Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 11. [caption id="attachment_852138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] Top image: Daniel Boud
Are you feeling lost amongst the floral dresses and carnival fascinators of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week? Are you a little more Sporty Spice than Posh or Baby? Allow us to introduce you to the world of sports luxe — a recently forged mid-ground that deems it acceptable to wear a hoodie and sneakers while out on the town. If you listen closely, you can women all over the city sighing with relief and pumping their fists. To bring this effortless style to the masses, Nike have set up a cafe, studio and store at 325 Collins Street as part of MSFW. Featuring apparel from their eponymous 2013 collection, the Nike Tech Pack Studio will be a hub of activity for the next two weeks. And better yet: it's all free. Leading local stylists will be on hand to offer intimate style sessions most days, and there will also be a panel-style workshop that bring together thinkers and creators from the realms of sport, design, fashion and music. If you're more interested in the practical elements of the outfits, feel free to join in on the urban run club or free training session. Book your place here before spots run out (pun absolutely intended). The Nike Tech Pack Studio is located at 325 Collins Street from September 1-14. It will be open from 8am-6pm weekdays and 10am-4pm on weekends.
After launching with an immersive, multi-sensory exploration of the works of Van Gogh, The Lume is now displaying its also-impressive second exhibition Monet & Friends Alive at the digital gallery's permanent home at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Taking visitors back in time to 19th-century Paris, it celebrates the paintings of impressionist icons from Monet to Renoir, and Cézanne to Manet. As with its predecessor, the exhibition presents its artworks via supersized projections splashed across its sprawling surfaces, and paired with a curation of tastes, aromas and sounds. Here, that means you'll be able to wander over a bridge and right into a recreation of Monet's famed 1899 work, Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies. Other interactive experiences include a studio space where visitors can have a go at creating their own replicas of Monet's best-known paintings. Further tapping into the French bohemian spirit is The Lume's own take on a 19th-century Parisian cafe, Cafe Lumiere, which will serves up a menu of small bites, share plates and desserts to enjoy after your artistic adventures.
Whether you're keen to sharpen your own culinary skills, or just rub shoulders with a few of your idols, MFWF's House of Food and Wine hub is a must. It's set to whip the Malthouse Theatre into a frenzy of feasts, masterclasses, talks and parties, and a day pass is your all-access ticket to enjoying the best it has to offer. Those venturing in on Day 1 (Saturday, March 9) will catch the likes of Dan Hong (Sydney's Mr Wong, Ms G's) and Jowett Yu (Ho Lee Fook, Hong Kong) in a chef-to-chef onstage chat for the Theatre of Ideas. The series also features insights from Lune Croissanterie's Kate Reid, and a panel discussion on the future of women in food, led by Fully Booked Women's Sharlee Gibb and Maria Kabal of Añada. Culinary tips and tricks will be flying as names like Momofuku Seiobo's Paul Carmichael and dessert queen Kirsten Tibballs whip up their signature dishes during a series of masterclasses. And you'll find a mix of old favourites and one-off creations being plated up by the day's food truck ensemble — a star cast that includes Mamasita, Belles Hot Chicken and Sundae School Ice Creamery, as well as Morgan McGlone and Christian Robertson's low-waste-focused, natural wine-slinging pop-up bar, The Kyoto Protocol. House of Food and Wine is part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Check out more of the festival's events here. Image: Lune CBD, Marcie Raw.
Starting in April, Federation Square will get a little more animated, thanks to a world-first exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image showcasing the work of DreamWorks Animation Studios. Inspired, no doubt, by the success of previous ACMI shows focused on Pixar in 2007 and Disney in 2010, the new exhibit – the centre's biggest ever – will honour the animation company’s rich 20-year history, one defined by imagination, innovation and wise-cracking, pop-culture referencing animals who sound suspiciously like your favourite Hollywood celebrities. With over 400 items from concept drawings and animation tests to interviews with artists and animators, patrons will be taken inside the creative process behind modern day classics including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon, as well as less fondly remembered efforts like Shark Tale and that one where Jerry Seinfeld plays a bee.
Having a parma and a pint at your local — and just having a meal out of the house in general — will be a reality once again come Monday, June 1, with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealing that cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs will be able to reopen to dine-in customers — with some restrictions. Last Monday, the first stage of eased restrictions for the state were announced, which came into place from midnight on Tuesday — and includes five visitors allowed inside a house, and gatherings of ten outside. But, until now, Victoria's move out of lockdown hasn't extended to reopening the hospitality industry. Today, Sunday, May 17, however, the Premier revealed that cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs can reopen to dine-in customers when June hits — with 20 patrons allowed indoors at once. The move only applies to food service, which means pubs and clubs can only reopen their dining areas. So, you won't be able to walk up to the bartender and order a jug, but you will be able to sit down and have a pint or two alongside your meal. Bars and gaming facilities in general will remain closed — including standalone bars — and so will food courts. The June 1 change will be followed by the further easing of patron limits in stages. From June 22, 50 people will be allowed in each establishment. Then, come mid-July — with a specific date yet to be revealed — 100 people will be allowed inside. These second and third stages are contingent on low COVID-19 cases numbers, low community transmission and high test rates, with the current plans set to be reviewed in the lead-up to each date. "The timelines we're announcing today are reliant on Victorians continuing to get tested when they show even mild symptoms and on those tests continuing to show low numbers of positive cases around the state," the Premier advised. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1261807402162155520 Venues and patrons will still be required to abide by social distancing requirements — including spacing tables 1.5 metres apart, and maintaining a strict distance of one customer per four square metres. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs will also need to take names and contact details for every customer, for contact tracing purposes. And, there'll be extra cleaning, staff health screening and temperature check measures as well. In his statement, the Premier noted that further work will be needed in the coming weeks to explore options for managing shared areas such as entrances and bathrooms. The Victorian changes are a result of the state "smashing through our goal of 50,000 tests in the last week", the Premier advised, which has given the state "the confidence we need to plan to slowly start lifting some more restrictions". For more information about Victoria's eased hospitality restrictions, read the Premier's statement. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Julia Sansone.
Up-and-coming craft brewery Fury & Son is getting ready to launch its latest creation, opening the doors to its onsite taproom next Friday, February 2. It's a much-anticipated move for the label, which set up shop in Keilor Park back in 2016, and has been winning fans and busting onto beer lists ever since. Now, punters will be able to get an insight into the team behind the brews, as they sample beers like the pale ale and the IPA fresh from the source. From next week, the brewery will be open every Friday, the eight-strong tap list featuring six house creations alongside a couple of rotating guest beers. It'll also be the number one spot for fans to get their hands on Fury & Son's special-edition releases, with the first keg of any new seasonal beer pouring here for free. Taking care of the food side of things will be the team from Houston's BBQ, armed with a rotating menu of treats cooked low 'n' slow. To kick things off, there'll be proper US-style hot dogs, chicken wings and pulled pork burgers, plus veggie dishes like smoked cauliflower and capsicum. Working to the motto of "welcome to the family", it's the kind of joint that'll feel like coming home. Find Fury & Son's brewery and taproom at 46 Concorde Drive, Keilor Park. Visit their website and Facebook page for further details.
The April holidays are nearly upon us. And with the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day landing on consecutive weeks this year, there's no better time to book a trip out of town. Might we suggest you land on Sydney? The city has so much going on this autumn, including highly lauded markets, blockbuster performances, massive new exhibitions and brand new venues to discover, plus all of the Easter treats and ANZAC Day specials in between. Here's our guide on how to make the most of your holidays this season in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_698137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Grounds of Alexandria.[/caption] HUNT FOR EXCELLENT EASTER TREATS Throughout the month of April, Sydney's best chocolatiers turn out some delectable, hard-to-pass-up Easter treats. These include a larger-than-life Easter egg at The Grounds of Alexandria, which annually constructs a three-metre-tall egg stuffed with over 500 kilograms of chocolate. The 'community cracking' takes place on Easter Sunday — and there are no bookings, pre-orders or payments necessary to participate. There's also a sweets-filled family high tea and a free Easter egg hunt on the Saturday. For some over-the-top treats, head to Gelato Messina for a very indulgent Easter dessert. This year, expect the Hot Cross Bun Egg — that's hot cross bun gelato mixed with toasted hot cross bun pieces and an oozing dulce de leche 'yolk', all with a milk chocolate coating. The Messina concoctions sell out each year, so sign up here to be the first to order. Darlinghurst's Kakawa is across Easter, too, offering more hot cross bun-flavoured chocolates, chocolate-filled eggs and bunny pops. Other sweets to hunt down include the raw vegan choc eggs at Alexandria's Pana Chocolate and the range of luxe Easter treats at Haigh's in the CBD. [caption id="attachment_708768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eliza Food and Wine.[/caption] VISIT ONE OF SYDNEY'S NEWEST VENUES While you're in town for a visit, be sure to check out a few of Sydney's newest openings. For a top-notch bar, head to the city's first dedicated mezcal bar, Cantina OK. The 20-person venue can be found hidden down a laneway in the heart of the CBD. But if Sydney's sunny skies are calling you outdoors, it's Chippendale's new rooftop Spritz Bar you should consider. It offers a whole menu of spritzes, along with Sicilian-style bar snacks and Mediterranean vibes. And for a real locals' haunt, make tracks to Newton to sip Scandinavian aquavit cocktails in the courtyard at the Danish-influenced Tandem Bar. For eats, check out RaRa Ramen, Redfern's new izakaya-style joint that's slinging some seriously authentic bowls of ramen, including a regularly sold-out vegan version. Finer fare can be found at Darlinghurst's Eliza Food and Wine, an eatery focused on local produce and brought to you by Michelin-trained chef Jeremy Bentley. And for a bit of both, don't look past the drinks and eats at Pyrmont's new natural wine bar and European-style eatery Bar Clementine — it's slinging funky drops, aperitif-style cocktails and European share plates to boot. [caption id="attachment_664206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Australian Heritage Hotel.[/caption] GO FOR $5 ON HEADS AT A GAME OF TWO-UP If you're in Sydney over ANZAC Day, it's a given to take advantage of this beloved 'sport' — especially if you've never played before (we're looking at you Melbourne). What is it? A betting game of heads or tails that was played by the ANZACs during WWI. How should you prep? Take some cash out so you have notes (you'll want some fivers unless you're planning to play hard) and find a good pub where you can watch those sacred two-up coins fall. While there are many venues to choose from, hitting up one of Sydney's best pubs ensures a spirited crowd — and often discounted brews. Our go-to is The Bank in Newtown, where the sunken beer garden is transformed for the occasion with stadium seating, a tinny bar and pub grub — and it's all hosted by legendary local drag queen Tora Hymen. More wild two-up rings pop-up nearby in the leafy beer garden at The Courthouse and in the massive dining room at Darlinghurst's Dolphin Hotel. We also dig the Australiana-vibes at Paddington's The Unicorn and the historic feels at The Rocks' Australian Heritage Hotel. [caption id="attachment_712879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lu Yang: Electromagnetic Brainology.[/caption] HOP THROUGH THESE NEW ART EXHIBITIONS Sydney has a lot of must-see exhibitions on during April. There's the massive The National 2019, a huge exhibition that features work from 65 contemporary Australian artists and spans the Art Gallery NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Carriageworks. Also showing at the MCA is Janet Lawrence: After Nature — the first exhibition chronicling the Sydney-based artist's 30-year career. It explores 'the link between all living creatures' and includes environmentally charged sculpture, installation, photography and video. Another show-stopping exhibition on at the moment is Hot Blood at Chippendale's free White Rabbit gallery. Expect a showcase of emerging, post-'Great Firewall' Chinese artists who are out to disable our idea of traditional Chinese art. And if you are after traditional Chinese art, then kick on post-The National viewing at AGNSW for Heaven and Earth in Chinese Art. The exhibition features treasures from Taipei's National Palace Museum on display in the southern hemisphere for the first time. It features 87 masterworks, including a jasper stone that resembles a juicy piece of pork belly. VISIT SOME OF THE CITY'S FAVOURITE MARKETS If you're looking to hit the market scene, you can't go past one of Sydney's most lauded farmer's market, which takes place every Saturday within Carriageworks. Over 70 stallholders join forces to offer some of the city's best produce, and it's all curated by acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney. Located on the other side of Sydney's inner west is Tramsheds, a former tram depot-turned-shopping precinct, which holds a Growers Market every Sunday from 8am–2pm, including on Easter Sunday. Expect sustainably grown produce alongside workshops, masterclasses and live entertainment. Plus, heaps of the precinct's eateries will be open throughout the Easter long weekend and on ANZAC Day — including Spanish-style tapas bar Bodega 1904, fresh pasta spot Flour Eggs Water and Egyptian diner Bekya. If you're in town earlier in April, catch the monthly Brewery Markets at Yulli's Brews vegan taproom on Sunday, April 14. There'll be indoor plants, eco-friendly clothing and jarred preserves up for grabs, along with craft brews and restaurant signatures. [caption id="attachment_714401" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera: West Side Story. Photo by Hamilton Lund.[/caption] CATCH A LIVE SHOW From Broadway hits and Opera House exclusives to local gigs and free jazz, Sydney has it all. One of the most impressive shows on at the moment is West Side Story, which is performed on a floating stage on Sydney Harbour and backdropped by some of the city's most impressive views. Within the Opera House, you'll find Basement Jaxx Vs The Metropolitan Orchestra, which will see the famed British electronic music duo perform with a live orchestra. And for something more specific to the Easter theme, there's the musical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on at the Capitol Theatre till Sunday, April 14. And for more local (and budget-friendly) options, you can catch multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Little Green's jazz, folk and blues for just $15 on Friday, April 26 at 107 Projects. And, for a real bargain, there's free jazz at legendary Venue 505 every Monday through Wednesday. Plus, you can catch Drag and Dine at Priscillas any night of the week from 7.30pm. Forgo the tourist traps and traverse the great City of Sydney like a local instead. Discover more around the city here.
After a sold-out season in Sydney last year, Muriel's Wedding The Musical is coming to Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre for a limited season in 2019. A co-production between Sydney Theatre Company and Global Creatures, the musical adaptation of Muriel's Wedding is like a perfect high school reunion — maximum 80s nostalgia without having to tell any of your old friends you're in HR now. When Muriel Heslop realises that the small town of Porpoise Spit has nothing in store but grim futures, she decides to take off, with only her parents' chequebook, a couple of ABBA albums memorised note for note and a vague sense that the wider world has something that she is hungry for. PJ Hogan, who wrote and directed Muriel's cinematic adventure, has adapted and updated the script for the stage, while Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall have built the music around ABBA's towering back catalogue. There's a real buzz around Muriel. Sure, it's a chance to re-immerse yourself in the unadulterated joy of Muriel's hijinks, but it's also because Muriel hasn't stopped holding the mirror up to our desperate, fame-hungry society since she first hit the screen. As director Simon Phillips points out: "Muriel's governing delusion is becoming a celebrity and becoming famously married. The world has caught up with Muriel." The Melbourne season comes after the show won a slew of awards at 2018's Helpmann Awards, Australia's annual awards for live entertainment and performing arts. Muriel's Wedding The Musical picked up five gongs across the two nights of awards, including Best Original Score, Best Music Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design and Best Choreography in a Musical. It will run a limited Melbourne season between Tuesday, March 12 and Sunday, May 19 before heading back to Sydney for a month in June. Image: Christine Messinesi.
Aussie art royalty is headed our way this spring, with one of Australia's best-known contemporary art galleries revealing it's opening a Melbourne outpost from October. Founded in Sydney in 2005, Sullivan+Strumpf has earned a huge name for itself both here and internationally, even becoming the first Aussie gallery to establish a permanent presence in Asia when it expanded to Singapore in 2015. Now, it's Melbourne's turn, as Ursula Sullivan and Joanna Strumpf gear up to open a 300-square-metre Flack Studio-designed gallery in Collingwood. It'll launch with a major solo exhibition by renowned multidisciplinary artist Tony Albert, off the back of his smash-hit 2021 show, Conversations with Margaret Preston. Moving forward, the new gallery will be tapping into Sullivan+Strumpf's impressive lineup of contemporary artists from across Australia and the Asia Pacific, showcasing works from names like Lindy Lee, Yvette Coppersmith, Polly Borland, Dawn Ng, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and Darren Sylvester. [caption id="attachment_867230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dawn Ng in her Singapore studio, photo by Sean Lee.[/caption] "We look forward to building on the valued relationships we have established in Melbourne over the years, to developing new ones," the founders said. "And to providing an exciting new platform for our artists and contemporary art in Australia." The Sydney gallery currently hosts over 25 live exhibitions each year and its new Melbourne sibling is set to follow suit, with a year-round program of shows, talks and events on the cards. Last year, Sullivan+Strumpf oversaw the largest single living artist commission in the history of the National Gallery of Australia with Lindy Lee's $14 million sculptural installation Ouroboros, while in 2022 it's facilitating the history-making Art Gallery of NSW commission of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens. [caption id="attachment_867232" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yvette Coppersmith in her studio working on 'Presage', photo by Mel Savage.[/caption] Find Sullivan+Strumpf's new Melbourne gallery in Collingwood from October. We'll share more details as they drop. Top Image: Sullivan+Strumpf directors Ursula Sullivan & Joanna Strumpf, photo by Anna Kucera.
When Anchovy co-owners Jia-Yen Lee and Thi Le first started slinging khao jee pâté — the Lao cousin of the Vietnamese banh mi — during last year's lockdown, it was never meant to become a permanent venture. But as lockdowns and restrictions continued, and the duo's street food offering earned itself a loyal following, it became clear the Ca Com pop-up was here to stay. Now, it's set to spawn its own standalone shopfront next door. Named after the Vietnamese words for 'anchovy', Ca Com first made an appearance at the front window of Anchovy in May 2020. The restaurateurs were keen to keep busy while Anchovy was closed to dine-ins, and a rotating menu of banh mi was exactly the kind of accessible, lockdown-friendly fare the neighbourhood needed. The pair have been running the pop-up on and off ever since, using a hibachi on the window sill to barbecue proteins and ramping up opening hours whenever Melbourne goes into a snap lockdown. The concise banh mi menu changes regularly depending on the availability of meat cuts and other ingredients, giving the team a chance to flex their creativity and test out new flavour combinations for its dedicated Melbourne fans. Wood-grilled elements are the stars of this show, with recent creations featuring the likes of barbecued turmeric chicken, Manchurian-spiced roast pumpkin, crumbed garfish stuffed with prawn mousse, and a jungle spice pork sausage. [caption id="attachment_526726" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Anchovy Restaurant[/caption] These days, you'll normally find the Ca Com window in action from 11am Wednesdays through Saturdays, though during lockdown that expands to almost daily — keep an eye on Instagram for the most up-to-date details. Ca Com's future home will be a standalone shopfront complete with a massive hearth, set to launch in the coming weeks. If all goes to plan, it'll be grilling up a storm six days a week, serving a lunchtime-friendly offering of banh mi, noodle bowls and salads. For now, find Ca Com at 338 Bridge Road, Richmond. We'll share details about the new store next door at 336 Bridge Road, Richmond, closer to its launch.
The City of Melbourne has today launched a brand new Urban Forest Fund, which will fuel a variety of greening initiatives on both public and private property. Announced today by Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, the fund will be put to a variety of uses, including the creation of parks, the planting of street trees and the construction of green walls, roofs and facades on buildings around town. The City of Melbourne will allocate $1.2 million to the fund to kick things off. Moreover, the council will partner with philanthropists, property developers, community groups and other Government organisations on further greening projects, while matching private investment in the new fund dollar for dollar. "Green infrastructure is fundamental to help cities respond to the challenges of climate change, urban heat, flooding and population growth," said Doyle. "As well as protecting us from extreme heat, our trees and parks are a major contributor to Melbourne's liveability." The City of Melbourne will place particular emphasis on supporting projects on private property. They've gone so far as to create a new online tool that maps rooftops in the municipality, to see if they have the potential to be transformed into green, cool or solar roofs. The announcement is the latest in a series of new green projects in Melbourne. Southbank Boulevard and the south end of Elizabeth Street are both getting a significant facelift, while a number of the city's laneways are also going green. Next year we're also getting our very first elevated park directly opposite Southern Cross Station. Image: City of Melbourne.
Us Melburnians do love our bottomless food and booze. And now, thanks to Richmond's buzzing cocktail bar, Fargo and Co, we can add bottomless fried chook to our weekday must-eat lists. Head down to the vibrant Swan Street spot on Wednesdays, from 4–6pm, and you'll be settling in for two hours of all-you-can-eat succulent, fried chicken — for just $25. Or, if you and your mates are vego or vegan, you can tuck into crispy buffalo broccoli instead. If you're feeling a little thirsty and want to take it up a notch, you can upgrade to a package that includes free-flowing booze, too. We're talking all the beer and bubbles you can sip in a two-hour sitting, while you munch on your fried feed. And, it'll only cost you an additional $20. To book your spot — which we suggest you do soon — head here.
No one usually knows what they want to do for their 32nd birthday. For most of us, it isn't a big milestone. But when you're the Melbourne Queer Film Festival and you have a whole new array of LGBTIQA+ movies to show, every go-around is worth celebrating. On the just-announced lineup for 2022's MQFF: Billy Eichner-starring gay Hollywood rom-com Bros, a Pink Flamingos 50th-anniversary showing and a spotlight on Brazil — and that's just the beginning. In total, over its 12-day run from Thursday, November 10–Monday, November 21, the fest will screen 49 features and 12 short film packages, including 35 Australian premieres. Taking place at ACMI, Village Cinemas Jam Factory and Cinema Nova, and with eight screenings taking place on the Victorian Pride Centre rooftop for the first time, the 2022 program arrives after a couple of years of pandemic-fuelled chaos — including back in 2020, its 30th year, when COVID-19 meant that festivities couldn't go as planned. MQFF has has run online and in hybrid formats since, and popped up with a mini fest as well; however, 2022's main event is all in-person. A virtual lineup will follow, but there's nothing like the physical MQFF experience. Other highlights include the Brazilian titles both launching and wrapping up the fest: opening night's Private Desert, about a genderfluid blue-collar worker in an online relationship who goes missing; and closing night's Uýra: The Rising Forest, focusing on trans-indigenous artist Uýra. The latter will take one of the rooftop slots, as will MQFF's official Australian feature of the year The Longest Weekend, about three siblings in Sydney's Inner West. Or, movie lovers can look forward to Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; Black as U R, a documentary about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; and Mini-Zlatan and Uncle Darling, 2022's Rainbow Families session for MQFF-goers of all ages. Plus, Finland's Oscar submission Girl Picture focuses on three young women and Icelandic comedy Cop Secret charts a police officer falling for his partner — while Youtopia explores the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult, In From the Side is about an affair between two members of a fictional South London gay rugby club, and My Emptiness and I hones in on a young trans call-centre worker. And in the retro category, alongside John Waters Divine-starring Pink Flamingos, is iconic 90s flick But I'm a Cheerleader — the director's cut, and one of Natasha Lyonne's (Russian Doll) best-ever roles. The 2022 Melbourne Queer Film Festival runs from Thursday, November 10–Monday, November 21 at ACMI, Village Cinemas Jam Factory, Cinema Nova and the Victorian Pride Centre Rooftop. For more information or to buy tickets — with members tickets on sale from Thursday, October 13 and general sales from Saturday, October 15, head to the festival website.
Hunting for a few spots to wine and dine in Melbourne across the long weekend? Luckily this city has no shortage of cafes, restaurants and bars that are dishing up the goods in celebration of the Queen's birthday. Here are a few spots that are open and ready to whet your whistle and fill your belly. [caption id="attachment_764366" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Firebird by Parker Blain[/caption] EATERIES ARBORY Saturday — Monday: 11am-9pm BABY PIZZA Satuday–Monday: 12–10pm BKK Saturday — Monday: 11.30am-1am CHANCERY LANE Saturday: 6pm–until late CHIN CHIN Saturday: 11am-11.30pm, Sunday, Monday: 11am-11pm ESTELLE Saturday, Sunday: 12–65pm and 6pm–until late, Monday: 6pm-11pm FIREBIRD Saturday and Sunday: 12–4pm and 5.30pm–11.30pm GOOD TIMES MILK BAR Saturday, Sunday: 8pm - 4pm, Monday: 8am - 3pm GRILL AMERICANO Saturday, Monday: 12pm-10pm HAWKER HALL Saturday, Sunday: 12pm-11.30pm, Monday: 12pm-10.30pm HER Saturday— Monday: 7am - 3am HELLA GOOD Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-7pm, Monday: 10am-5.30pm KING & GODFREE Saturday, Sunday: 9am-11pm, Monday: 9am-10pm MAMMOTH ARMADALE Saturday — Monday: 8am-3pm MATILDA Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am–3pm and 6–8pm, Monday: 6pm-10pm MJOLNER Friday: 5–11pm, Saturday and Sunday: 5pm–late NEW QUARTER Saturday: 12pm-11pm, Monday: 12pm-10.30pm REPEAT OFFENDER Saturday, Sunday: 8am-11pm, Monday: 5pm-10pm STALACTITES Saturday: 11am-2pm, Sunday, Monday: 11am-12am STOKEHOUSE Saturday — Monday: 12pm-12am YAKIMONO Saturday — Monday: 12pm-11.30pm [caption id="attachment_744580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Moon Dog World, Kate Shanasy[/caption] BARS AND PUBS AGOSTINO Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 12pm-10pm ALBERT PARK HOTEL Saturday — Monday: 12pm–late ARBORY AFLOAT Satuday–Monday: 11am–late ARBORY BAR & EATERY Saturday–Monday: 11.30am–late BAR CAROLINA Saturday and Sunday: 11.30am–late BURNLEY BREWING Saturday–Monday: 12pm–late THE EVERLEIGH Saturday, Sunday: 5pm–1am GLAMORAMA Saturday: 7pm–5am, Sunday: 7pm-5am HARLOW Saturday: 12pm–1am, Sunday, Monday: 12–10pm HEMINGWAY'S WINE ROOM Friday and Saturday: 12pm–late JOHNNY'S GREEN ROOM Saturday: 12pm-12am, Sunday, Monday: 12pm-11pm MOON DOG WORLD Saturday: 11.30am–12am, Sunday, Monday: 11.30am–10pm TETTO DI CAROLINA Saturday: 3pm–1am, Sunday: 3pm–11pm WELCOME TO THORNBURY Saturday: 12pm–12am, Sunday: 12pm-10pm [caption id="attachment_801858" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Queen Victoria Market[/caption] MARKETS PRAHRAN MARKET Saturday: 7am–5pm, Sunday: 10am-3pm PRESTON MARKET Saturday, Sunday: 8am–3pm QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Saturday: 6am–4pm, Sunday: 9am–4pm SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET Saturday and Sunday: 8am–4pm Top image: King & Godfree
Melbourne’s largest free street festival, which has been running for over 30 years, is back once more to celebrate all over the St Kilda precinct. While it is certainly worth checking out the festival over the nine days, the highlight is definitely Festival Sunday, where 5 stages will be set up and the streets will be closed down so punters can freely wander between venues. Here, you can expect to look forward to the likes of Art vs. Science, The Bamboos, Mat McHugh from The Beautiful Girls, Busby Marou and Kingswood all performing on the main stage. Alison Wonderland will be closing the main events with a killer DJ set, so make sure you’re in it for the long haul too. Alternatively, if you want to see some fantastic young guns, check out King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Gold Fields, Dustin Tebbutt and Wave Racer, who will be playing at the O’Donnell Gardens Stage. For something a little more chilled out make your way to Bob Evans and Mama Kin on the Alfred Square stage. The lineup is big enough to challenge some of the main festivals this summer, and better yet — it's all free. For more information including the full lineup, check the St Kilda Festival website.
Practise your Cockney accent, rehearse your favourite drunken London tale and prepare for high tea: the British Film Festival has arrived in Australia for the first time ever. There'll be a dozen contemporary features, five 20th-century classics (The Third Man and Lawrence of Arabia among them) and a chance to quiz Eric Bana during a live Q&A session, and a simply smashing closing night party. Here are five of our must-sees: Jump A massive hit at the Toronto International Film Festival and winner of the Palm Springs Festival's Bridging the Borders Award, Jump is a comic thriller set on New Year's Eve in Derry, Northern Ireland. A witty, fast-paced script captures the stories of three troubled individuals, who find themselves entangled by doomed romance, theft and revenge. Good Vibrations This eccentric, unstoppable rock movie comes to the British Film Festival following sold-out sessions at the 2013 Melbourne International Film Festival. Set against Ireland's Troubles of the 1970s, it follows the story of rebellious, maverick music lover Terri Hooley, Belfast's 'godfather of punk', and his determination to show the world the power of the seven-inch single. Dom Hemingway A gangster film in the style of Sexy Beast, Dom Hemingway stars Jude Law as the outrageous, volatile Dom, and Richard E. Grant as his best friend, Dickie. Following Dom's release after 12 years of imprisonment, the two travel from London to the south of France, encountering all number of misadventures along the way, from a car accident to an inevitable femme fatale. Mission to Lars How far would you go to meet your favourite rockstar? In this quirky documentary, siblings Kate and Will Spicer find out when they take their autistic brother, Tom, to Los Angeles to pursue Metallica's Lars Ulrich. Still Life The latest offering from Uberto Pasolini (producer of The Full Monty), Still Life is a drama in the British humanist tradition. A calm, meticulous ex-councillor, John May (Eddie Marsan) enters the lives of a mischievous adventurer, Billy Stoke, and his abandoned daughter, Kelly (Joanne Froggatt). Check out the full program here.
Illustration, beauty, photography and nature come together in Darkness of Noon, a new exhibition and book to launch at this year’s L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week. Photographer Derek Henderson focuses on capturing life in its true essence, whilst illustrator Kelly Thompson showcases her deep understanding of creating the female form, with both artists drawing on the delicate and subtle beauty of model Zippora Seven. The nude likenesses of Zippora are tasteful, natural and have an element of fantasy about them, creating a world that one wants to lose some time in. The exhibition will showcase a portion of what can be found in the coffee table style book designed by Australian based designer Fabio Ongarato, who has worked with the likes of Baker D. Chirico and Country Road. Only 1000 copies will be printed. Image credit Derek Henderson and Kelly Thompson.
Watching a cursor move around a computer screen doesn't sound very exciting, let alone frightening. There's only so much intrigue to be found in basically watching over someone's shoulder as they flick between YouTube, Skype, Facebook, Spotify, Gmail and iMessage — or is there? It depends what they're up to, of course, and in these always-online times, that could be anything. In Unfriended, the MacBook user in question, high schooler Blaire Lily (Shelley Hennig), is doing quite a few things. First, she's watching shocking footage of her friend, Laura Barns, committing suicide exactly a year earlier, as well as the embarrassing video that drove her to her death. Next, she's cyber flirting with her boyfriend, Mitch (Moses Jacob Storm). Then they're both video chatting with pals Adam (Will Peltz), Jess (Renee Olstead), Ken (Jacob Wysocki) and Val (Courtney Halverson). They're not the only ones taking part in the conversation, as they soon realise. Their Skype call also includes an unknown party, but hanging up on the unpleasant troll isn't as easy as it should be. At the same time, Blaire starts receiving strange Facebook messages from Laura, despite her dearly departed status. Mitch suggests that their virtual gatecrasher is Laura's ghost in the machine, a prediction that seems laughable at first, but less so as the interloper's taunts get increasingly violent — and personal. Yes, this is a supernatural revenge film. Yes, it swaps a handheld camera for a computer screen in the next evolution of the found footage genre. Yes, that means that the entirety of Unfriended unfolds on a laptop, as scared teens are taunted by an unseen foe. Director Levan Gabriadze, writer Nelson Greaves and producer Timur Bekmambetov — the helmer of Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, as well the most famous name involved with the ultra low-budget production — simply toy with the usual horror narrative in the same way their villain plays with the characters. It's both obvious and ingenious, and it mostly works. Setting the movie within an overlapping cascade of constantly minimised and maximised application windows places the potential victims in an immensely relatable situation — i.e. staring at a computer for hours on end. More than that, it also ramps up the suspense. A couple of bloody set pieces aside, the usual jumps are largely absent, with few scares to be found in pixilated video that keeps the characters' fearful faces on screen as much as possible. However, tension ripples through every typed then deleted message and every mouse move to the wrong place. Blaire and her friends are on the edge of their keyboards, and the audience is inching towards the edge of their seats. Unfriended also offers a critique of online interaction from bullying to shaming, though there's nothing new in its exposé of the awful ways people behave when they think they're anonymous. There's nothing new in the cast's performances as self-absorbed, fighting and terrified teens, either, other than accurately reflecting the right age and behaviour. Innovation doesn't matter here, though; the movie only ever promises a modern update. When it clicks, it clicks. When it doesn't, it's still not enough to make you want to log off.
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'
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.
If you're a vegetarian, keen home cook or worshipper of eggplant, chances are Yotam Ottolenghi has had some impact on your life. Now, it's time to meet him in the flesh. On Friday, February 1 the influential Israeli chef will appear at Melbourne Town Hall for a long chat about food. The date marks the release of Ottolenghi's latest book Simple filled with 130 easy-to-make yet super-tasty dishes, but, he'll be talking about much more than that. Firstly, there are all his other books, like the Middle Eastern-inspired Jerusalem, the vegetarian-friendly Plenty and the dessert bible Sweet, a collaboration with Melbourne pastry chef Helen Goh. Then, there are his documentaries and his regular writing gigs: a weekly column in Feast magazine and a monthly column in The New York Times. Before becoming a world-famous chef, Ottolenghi worked as a journo in Amsterdam. On deciding to delve into food, he trained at the Cordon Bleu, as well as a bunch of Michelin-starred restaurants in London, before taking on the role of Head Pastry Chef at Baker and Spice, where he befriended Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi. The two teamed up to found the Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill — the first of many, many projects. Image: Prudence Upton, courtesy of the Sydney Opera House.
UPDATE Tuesday, June 14: Cucinetta's parmesan wheel pasta special has proved so popular, it's been extended for another two weeks, now running until Sunday, June 26. The following has been updated to reflect the change. Pasta and parmesan are one of Italian cuisine's perfect pairings. Eat the former without the latter, and your tastebuds will know the difference. And while sprinkling your spaghetti with fine shavings of hard cheese is all well and good (and delicious), that's nothing compared to devouring a bowl of pasta that has been prepared inside a parmesan wheel. If it sounds like all of your culinary dreams come true, that's because it is — and it's the dish in the spotlight at Cucinetta's returning Parmesan Wheel Week. After a swag of successful previous events, the South Yarra restaurant is bringing this cheesy situation back for 2022, once again serving up the Italian specialty pasta cacio e pepe straight out of a wheel of 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano. And, despite the name, the $39.99 special is actually running across four whole weeks, after being extended due to popular demand. Given that cacio e pepe is a pasta concoction made with parmesan and pepper — think fancier, tastier mac 'n' cheese — the results promise quite the cheesy meal. It will be available at Cucinetta for lunch from 12–3pm and dinner from 5–9pm between Tuesday, May 31–Sunday, June 26. We'd tell you to arrive hungry, but we're sure that just thinking about it already has you feeling ravenous.
2020 was especially quiet on the arts and live performance front, but this year's edition of the First Nations Yirramboi Festival is making up for lost time. Returning for its third citywide outing between Thursday, May 6–Sunday, May 16, the multi-disciplinary festival is dishing up a huge program of over 150 different events — and celebrating Indigenous arts and culture in a very big way. Highlights from the genre-tripping lineup include Coconut Woman, a touching celebration of belonging from Maryanne Sam; the Deadly Funny Showcase as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival; and rapper Ziggy Ramo playing his debut album Black Thoughts live on the Melbourne Recital Centre stage. Or, you can check out Ronald Edwards Pepper's transformation of the Metro Tunnel; watch Bred, Briefs Factory International's exploration of First Nations history; and see Ngioka Bunda-Heath's new dance piece and photographic exhibition, both of which are called Birrpai. And, there's also Seasons in Black Box, which also forms part of this year's new Rising festival. Running until Saturday, June 5, the multi-part sound work takes over its own sound pavilion in the Royal Botanic Gardens, and explores the important role of plants in the Kulin seasonal calendar. Top image: Teresa Tan.
Take a road trip down to the Four Pillars Distillery and spend your Australia Day knocking back more than just VB. Located in Healesville about an hour out of Melbourne, the distillery will be open from 10.30am to 5.30pm. The team from Fancy Hank's will be there from noon to make sure you get your fill of pulled pork sandwiches, wings and chilli fries. Also on hand from 1pm will be former Black Pearl bartender and Four Pillars ambassador Sam Ng, whipping up a variety of gin-based cocktails. Just make sure you don't enjoy yourself too much, unless you're planning on spending the night in the valley and driving home in the morning. Which would be an excellent decision.
Man, these guys are slaying alternative rock in Australia right now — and for all the right reasons. After a bout of intense national touring with Groovin The Moo and an unforgettable One Night Stand set earlier this year, it's clear that Australian audiences can't seem to get enough of these four guys from Mansfield, Queensland. Violent Soho's latest album, Hungry Ghost, was welcomed with open arms last year by those looking to thrash around in damp mosh pits. With anthemic tracks such as 'Covered in Chrome', 'In the Aisle' and 'Saramona Said', this headliner gig is sure to be an epic evening of sweaty enthusiasm. Over a whopping 14-date national tour (plus Splendour), Violent Soho will be joined by brothers-in-arms The Smith Street Band and Luca Brasi for various shows — either way, it's going to be well worth rocking up for the support band ahead of the main event. Just don't wear precious threads and make sure you come to the Hi-Fi ready to burl out a gravelly singalong. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RN9NC4iQcsA
As Glen Huntly residents will no doubt be aware, local café Workshop Brothers Specialty Coffee is a rare hybrid of both substance and style. The minimalist, super Instagram-worthy space belies some serious coffee know-how and the enterprise has been so successful — nestled out in the 'burbs as it is — that the second Workshop Brothers has just opened in the heart of the CBD. For those of you not acquainted with Workshop Brothers, the café does a great brew — and has become a staple coffee stop out east. But despite their success, owner Nolan Taing knew opening in the CBD (otherwise known as the hospitality deep end) was a risk. "Expanding to the CBD was always a dream. But so many factors had to be in place first, as the CBD can make or break you," he says. "With high rentals and very good competition, luck wasn't the only thing we needed. It's taken a while to gain the respect and trust from fellow roasters and operators, but with the support from [local roasters] Axil and Monk Bodhi Dharma, we knew the timing was right." The team — which includes Nolan, Brian Taing and Joe La — have been planning the new venue for over a year now and so, when they threw the doors open last week, it was with little fuss and no ceremony, just a get-on-with-it attitude. Along with excellent cups of joe, they also sell their own beans, bottled cold coffees, a selection of pastries and doughnuts from Doughboys. Workshop Brothers is located at 190 Queen Street, Melbourne. For more info, visit workshopbrothers.com.au.
