Her latest venture, Rosa's Canteen, strays a little from her Punch Lane food mecca. Instead of sticking to the Sicilian side of things, her newest CBD restaurant sets out to explore the riches from the Italian mainland. But even though this is Rosa's Canteen (as opposed to Kitchen), her well-established, authentic Italian touch stays central to the menu. Deciding to keep things as traditional as possible this evening, we started with beef carpaccio ($20), which was carved into the most delicate, yet flavoursome slices. We recommend savouring every sliver of beef while sipping on aperitivo cocktails: the Perativo is perfect for early evenings, with Aperol, Cocchi Americano Bianco and pear cider. For something with a little more kick, without being too strong, the Bicicletta is a winner, with Campari, white wine and soda. It feels a little sacrilegious to visit an Italian restaurant without sampling at least one of their pasta dishes, so that's exactly what we did. The casarecce lamb ragout ($20) with peas, tasted like the real deal; the curly pasta had just enough al dente bounce to contrast against the fall-apart lamb. The tomatoes and peas did not detract from the main event of the lamb, but gave the dish heartiness and a nice familiarity. On our visit, the fish of the day ($34) happened to be a fillet of snapper with tomatoes on a bed of polenta. The fish was moist and perfectly cooked, and complemented the slight acidity of the tomatoes. But it was the perfect polenta that stood out — creamy and rich, it's the stuff of dreams. We don't want to know how much butter went in to make it so heavenly, but at the same time, we're desperate to know so we can make it ourselves. This was our favourite dish of the evening. With both lamb and fish, wine was slightly difficult to place. We settled on a pinot noir from Six Acres in the Yarra Valley, which was light enough for the fish and red enough for the ragout. A very drinkable drop indeed. Not wanting the evening to end just yet, we sampled the canoli for dessert. Here, they're filled with ricotta, marsala and honey, with each end dipped in crushed green pistachios ($5 each). The helpful staff suggested we pair it with a class of Pellegrino Marsala, a sweet fortified wine. If the canoli had been filled with a sweet custard — what many Australians are used to when it comes to canoli consumption — the marsala may have been a bit much, but thankfully this was not the case, and it complemented the ricotta-filled dessert perfectly. An evening at Rosa's is relaxed affair, with food that has been both comforting and of a high quality. The staff were friendly and certainly helpful when it came to suggesting items — and with that winning combination, we'll certainly be back.
If films like The Darjeeling Limited or Slumdog Millionaire weren’t enough to convince you that India should be your next travel destination, cyber architect James Law's new concept is sure to challenge your stance. The Aquaria Grande is a breathtaking residential complex design thought up by Law for real estate company, The Wadhwa Group, in Mumbai, India. Aesthetically and architecturally stunning, the signature features of the facility are the floating pools located at the edge of each apartment’s balcony. Although the pools may not be ideal for those of us who are prone to vertigo, The Aquaria Grande boasts 37 storeys of 200 luxurious, eco-conscious, energy efficient apartments. In the densely populated city of Mumbai, it provides a fresh new outlook on the direction of the architectural industry in India where there are increasing pressures on the land. Designs like James Law's are not only innovative but necessary to provide sustainable living in a increasingly developed city like Mumbai where cars and high rise buildings make the prospect of eco-friendly living fragile. By raising the bar on architectural aesthetics and design, the Aquaria Grande is sure to place India on the map in terms of the international architectural scene. Now all we need is someone to build one of these complexes in Australia.
For all intents and purposes of title, Collective Espresso has built quite a reputation within a loyal and diverse group of locals. The perfect location near Camberwell station means commuters are satiated, families or smaller groups are welcomed by the extremely obliging staff, and, with a sleek interior, it regularly manages to attract a hip, younger crowd. With this in mind, Collective Espresso is a pleasant slice of the suburban ecosystem. An unassuming presence is exactly what has Collective Espresso alive and thriving. With a penchant to attract minimal attention to itself, every piece of the cafe experience has been left to do the talking. The narrow space is well-utilised, with the white decor carefully accented by regularly changing artwork on the walls and a thoughtful selection of reading material on offer. An expansive communal table that runs down the centre of the space bustles during peak periods, and, instead of potentially proving a beacon for a dissatisfying visit, actually makes things all the more jovial. Mixed all together, it's a quietly coherent and confident experience. Service is extremely friendly, comfortable and practiced. Such reliability is accommodating of the seasonal menu changes, which vary from the expected to the thoroughly surprising. A mixture of verbose descriptions and interesting ingredient combinations are assured to make you think for a second or even furrow your brow, but with adventure comes lovely results that will not disappoint. Despite endless revisions the menu stalwart remains the 'collective sigh of relief', a compilation of scrambled or poached eggs, spinach, mushrooms, tomato chutney, bacon and toast ($23). Locals also continuously dive into the avocado and feta mash ($12) that is simplicity at its best. For the best morning-after cure, the fried chicken, cos and chipotle mayo brioche roll ($12) cannot be overlooked. Wash this down with a BAM: for the uninitiated, that’s a blueberry, apple and mint slushy ($5). Don't miss it. Collective Espresso really is a bit of a local secret. It's assured to satiate any craving without needing to travel far, and that's even if you do need to come via train. Reliability in a cafe experience all too often equals boring, but this is far from it.
Being stuck in isolation can take its toll and Melburnians are the last people in Australia that need to be reminded of that. If you've found yourself back in iso for the umpteenth time, do all those home-based activities that help you unwind and de-stress so once you're released back into the wild you'll be raring to go. Whether you're jumping on a meditation app or getting some locally-made bath products delivered to your door, these self-care ideas will hopefully get you feeling somewhere north of 'fine'. And, if you've got got a mate who's been hit by the iso fairy, these items would make a thoughtful gift (hint hint, nudge nudge). SOOTHING CANDLES Want to transform your pad into an aromatherapy haven? If that candle collection is in need of some fresh talent, you'll find some absolute gems being created by Melbourne fragrance house SOH. These bespoke candles feature scents like the fig-heavy Green House and the Mediterranean-inspired Libertine. Meanwhile, Gather & Harvest's natural soy wax candles are housed in glass that's hand-cut from recycled bottles in Bali. Jump online to order scents like basil and cucumber, rose geranium and cafe mocha, shipped to your door. The candle jars are reusable and refillable, too. [caption id="attachment_814441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monstera via Pexels[/caption] LUXE BATH ADDITIONS If you've got a bathtub, you've got a luxurious makeshift spa treatment right there in the bathroom. Light a few candles, throw on your favourite tunes and make that next bath a proper event. Local skincare label Dindi Naturals will level-up bath time with products like a relaxing plant-based bubble bath blend, and bath salts infused with native lemon myrtle and kunzea. Geelong's Planet Fizz sells a mix of fun bath salts, soaks and bubble bath blends online including the lolly-inspired Fizzy Bath Crumble, which you scatter into your bath water. Or get a taste of the Peninsula Hot Springs at home with its signature products available to buy via the online store — from mineral magnesium bath salts to a range of rejuvenating natural clay blends. DECADENT BODY SCRUBS If your ideal self-care routine involves a clean slate (and by slate we mean epidermis), a good body scrub is a requirement. Slough away stress (and dry skin) with some body products from one of these Victorian brands that deliver to your home. Sustainability-focused Ocean Road has an all-vegan range, featuring a nourishing body scrub made on rainforest fruits and coconut shell. Babe Australia's dry scrubs boast rejuvenating ingredients like green tea, coffee and Himalayan pink salt. And if you check out the high-end spa-inspired products from Salus, you'll find a purifying eucalyptus and rosemary scrub created with bamboo and pumice. They also offer free shipping Australia-wide. MEDITATION Meditation has a stack of physical and emotional benefits. Among other things, the practice is thought to help reduce depression, alleviate stress, manage anxiety and improve sleep, so it's a worthwhile addition to your daily iso cycle. If you aren't already a zen lord and could use a bit of guidance, the widely-used Headspace app simplifies things with a simple beginners course that teaches the basics of meditation in just a few minutes a day. Award-winning app Calm has its own variety of meditation lessons, along with expert-taught masterclasses, guided exercises and relaxing soundscapes you can use in your future meditative endeavours (you can also listen to Harry Styles soothingly discuss his dreams). And more in-depth online meditation courses are offered by the likes of Melbourne Meditation Centre and the Zen Room. [caption id="attachment_814161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christin Hume via Unsplash[/caption] ESSENTIAL OILS As wellness experts will tell you, essential oils can have a whole swag of benefits for your health and mind — including some that can prove especially handy during a stressful stint in iso. And if you want to give them a whirl, there are lots of local companies slinging their therapeutic oils online. Nunchi has game-changing products including an uplifting Sunny spray, a calming yoga blend and the new Golden interior spray — designed to boost the welcoming energy of your home. Castlemaine's Mimosa Botanicals offers a range of oil blends that'll help elevate your home space (with free shipping on orders over $39.95). And if you're battling iso insomnia, the sleep savants at The Goodnight Co have a whole variety of oils and other products aimed at helping you get some much-needed shut-eye. [caption id="attachment_814443" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manki Kim via Unsplash[/caption] A STASH OF QUALITY TEA Whack on the kettle, raid the pantry and cosy up with one of your favourite tea brews, or shake things up by trying something new from a top Victorian producer. The Yarra Valley Tea Co has a hefty assortment of certified organic goodies available on its online store, including the concentration-elevating Think Straight blend. Indigenous-owned cafe and food business Mabu Mabu has some tasty loose-leaf tea varieties in its line of signature pantry products — jump online to get the spiced chai infused with native botanicals, or an aromatic strawberry gum and wild hibiscus blend delivered straight to your door. Love Tea is another local brand specialising in organic teas, with a huge range of options available for shipping across Australia. [caption id="attachment_765411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hello Botanical[/caption] PLANT LIFE Get a fresh dose of nature into your living space with a new plant — no nursery visit necessary. There are plenty of delivery plant stores that can get a new leafy mate sitting on your doorstep ASAP. Online plant and gift retailer Vine Boy is slinging an affordable curation of potted indoor plants and accessories, with prices starting from $39. It has also got a tidy range of extras to add on — think, candles and coffee — with free shipping available on orders over $85. Meanwhile, Hello Botanical offers same-day delivery (Melbourne and Geelong) when you order from its extensive online plant store before 12.30pm (11am for Geelong). [caption id="attachment_745750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unyoked, by Luisa Brimble[/caption] A FUTURE OFF-THE-GRID HOLIDAY Any stretch of isolation is improved with a light at the end of the tunnel. So give yourself something great to look forward to and book 'future you' a getaway with plenty of wide open spaces. If you want to stick with a mindful escape, start the search with Unyoked, which has a collection of tiny house stays located on secluded properties across Victoria and interstate. Each micro-retreat features comfy amenities like bedding, a hot shower and a bar fridge, though you can look forward to being offline — and one with nature — for the duration of your stay. Your tiny house might be nestled by a wooded creek, perched on a working farm, or set high on a mountain overlooking rolling hills. Either way, you'll only find out the exact location after you book; which just adds to the excitement and anticipation. Top image: Mindspace Studio via Unsplash
Just because the days are getting fresher needn't mean scrapping your beloved weekly brunch routine. Half Acre's light-filled atrium space proves a primo weekend setting, even right through the depths of a grizzly Melbourne winter. Especially thanks to the South Melbourne eatery's newly hatched weekend brunch offering, which is dishing up a bottomless New York-inspired feast every Saturday and Sunday from April 26. Taking cues from the Big Apple's Soho House, this luxe buffet brunch is all-you-can-eat — so, make sure you head along hungry. It features a generous banquet spread loaded with shakshuka eggs in a tangy tomato and pepper sauce, challah french toast with rosewater berry compote, and oven-roasted figs with stracciatella, kale pesto and olive. But what really dials up the weekend vibes here is Half Acre's self-serve DIY bottomless bar, stocked to overflowing with citrus and vodka options, alongside a rainbow of trimmings, from cinnamon sticks to ginger crisps. Unleash some brunchtime creativity as you customise your own boozy concoctions to match the eats. And how much will all of this mid-morning boozing and eating set you back? A very reasonable $65. To reserve your spot, head to the restaurant's website. Half Acre's bottomless brunch banquets are running from 11.30am–2pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Tacos slathered with salsa. Chips dipped in hot sauce. A sliver of cheese accompanied by a zesty relish. Whatever your favourite food happens to be, it probably tastes better with a condiment — and, like everything from artisanal gin to plants to cocktail ingredients, there's now a curated delivery service dedicated to flavour-adding substances. Meet Condimental, which bundles a heap of pickles, preserves, sauces, seasonings and relishes into a box and brings it to your door. If an image of a boring Christmas hamper just popped into your head, then this service will wipe it away. On the menu is a changing range of limited-release and seasonal items from Australian suppliers, aka the types of condiments that you won't find in any old supermarket. [caption id="attachment_707077" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Condimental's launch box.[/caption] Condimental also leans into the concept of exclusivity — not just via its selection, but courtesy of its limited-run editions. Only 100 boxes are available with each release, and while you can't subscribe to receive a box every time the service starts shipping a new batch, you can sign up to be notified when a new edition becomes available. In other words, if you're keen on watermelon pickle, habañero and oak hot sauce, umami seasoning, fermented tomatillo salsa picante, or bread and butter pickle, then you'll need to get in quick. They're the items on offer in the first delivery, with the launch release costing $65 plus a $15 delivery fee. For more information, visit the Condimental website.
Renowned Malaysian brand Tealive has 500 stores located around the world, but this Melbourne spot is a little different. Housed in a former Swanston Street ATM, it's set to be one of the smallest bubble tea stores in the world. Clocking in at just 4.4 square metres, it has room for just two staff at any one time. Despite its size, Tealive's new hole-in-the-wall serves up an impressive amount of teas a day thanks to its convenient (and busy) location, directly across from the State Library Victoria. [caption id="attachment_761812" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this store's working a smaller menu than the rest of the brand's 500 international outposts, celebrating Tealive's best-selling bevs. Roll past for drinks like the silky roasted milk tea loaded with grass jelly, an iced matcha latte featuring warm pearls, the strawberry custard smoothie and a range of fruity iced teas, along with a milk tea soft-serve dessert. It's an entirely cashless operation, so you simply order and pay via the electronic display out front. And while this store's got a tiny physical footprint, Tealive is also making moves to up its environmental game across all global outposts. It's swapping out plastic straws for paper alternatives and even sells its own range of reusable bubble tea tumblers. Images: Eugene Hyland
If you're an inner west fan of God's gift to vegetables — that is, chips — boy, do we have some news for you. Melbourne own ethical fast food institution, and promoter of some of the best chips in the universe, Lord of the Fries is opening a new store in South Yarra. The much-loved Aussie chippery first hit the streets in 2004 as a food truck in Melbourne and has since opened a tonne of stores both here and interstate. The Lord's offerings sit atop a 100 percent vegan menu, using oil free of chemicals, preservatives and animal products. In addition to the addictive fries, menu items include plant-based patties, hot dogs, nuggets and shakes, as well as its recently launched all-day breakfast and vegan ice cream sandwiches. To celebrate the opening of the Toorak Road street store, it'll be giving away free burgers and fries on Friday, August 30. The first 50 customers that stop by at midday will receive a free mini burger, and anyone who pops in between noon and 7pm will snag a free cup of fries.
Thornbury has scored itself a new locals' haunt which, thankfully, doesn't live up to its name. In fact, Nasty's, the new kid on High Street, is nice as pie. It's the first venture from hospitality veteran Nick Matheson, who found himself choosing the northside suburb for his long-planned watering hole after a raft of friends moved in nearby. Cheerfully low-key with a warm, homespun vibe, Nasty's has been dubbed so in a nod to Matheson's own ironic nickname. Step inside and you'll discover a space that forgoes trendy trimmings for a more personalised haul of upcycled treasures, which are fairly representative of its owner's style. Think knick knacks, potted plants and a fun mix of seating that includes deep Chesterfields and revamped car seats. A lively green and orange mural is splashed along one brick wall, and, through the back room, you'll spy an old-school ironing board enjoying a new life as a table. As with all good neighbourhood haunts, there are cosy corners and nooks aplenty, including a secluded beer garden out back. Though, in a joint like this, you're just as likely to find yourself hanging with new mates in the front bar. [caption id="attachment_712398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy.[/caption] The drinks list sticks with the same sweet-and-simple philosophy as the fit-out. Headed up by a six-strong rotation of local tap brews, which currently includes Abbotsford brewery Moon Dog, the drinks menu also features a tight lineup of spirits, a handful of ciders and wines. There's no formal cocktail list, but if you have a chat to Matheson, he'll happily whip you up something, and a food offering is en route soon. Find Nasty's at 806 High St, Thornbury. It's open from Monday–Friday 4pm–1am and Saturday–Sunday midday–1am. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Thanks to your long-suffering folks, beach umbrellas were one of those childhood perks you enjoyed without any effort on your own part, like an endless supply of free snacks or piggybacks on demand. It meant you could spend the whole day at the beach in comfort rather than leaving, red and blistery, after two or three hours when endless dips in the ocean are no longer effective. Basil Bangs' beautifully designed beach umbrellas will allow you to spend a sensible day at the beach while still looking hip. The ‘Calypso’ and ‘Princess and the Pea’ umbrellas have pretty white fringing, or if you want yours a little more masculine, the ‘Chaplin Stripe’ is a classic black and white. If you're struggling to find something for Christmas for that fashionable friend with discerning taste, the umbrella that Missoni designed in collaboration with Basil Bangs will be sure to win brownie points. Concrete Playground caught up with Lauren Boyce and Mike Durante, the two talented halves of Basil Bangs, to find out what makes them and their business tick. Tell us about the name, Basil Bangs. We’re always being asked, “Who is this Basil Bangs character!??”. Well, Basil Bangs is the mysterious dude behind our loud and proud range of premium sun umbrellas. We joke that he’s related to James Boags (they’re cousins). We’re often revealing little clues to our Facebook fans about Basil’s world & who he is with his favourite gigs, dining experiences and of course his favourite places to hang out poolside or with sandy toes. What would be Basil’s perfect day in Sydney? Basil starts his perfect day in salt water. He rides his cruiser to the beach for a surf check. If the surf’s on, he’s out there. If it’s really perfect, no wetsuit’s required, it’s offshore & no-one’s out!! Basil loves the farmers markets at Bondi so he’ll often pick up some breakfast ingredients. Then it’s brunch and coffee time with papers and a picnic rug at the park, sharing the shade cast by a BB Mr Huckabee with his lady and his border collie. After that, there might be a BBQ with mates on the cards, or a cruise into town to check out the latest books, or pop into an exhibition at Object. A snack at Bourke Street Bakery is always on the cards if he’s in the neighbourhood (he’s got a sweet tooth that one!), otherwise a favourite spot to shoot the breeze or have a relaxed meal with mates is The Commons in Darlinghurst. For evening entertainment he’d catch The National playing at The Enmore or an emerging act at The Basement, or perhaps the end of the Bicycle Film Festival down at Bondi. Basil’s arm can always be twisted for a nightcap somewhere cosy…he’s currently enjoying a nice Cognac. Where do you get your inspiration from? We’re passionate travellers and really admire how Europeans do beach. So chic. We love the Slim Aarons’ work, how he captured the incredible summers in the 1960s and 70s is truly inspirational. That period was a time of such optimism and risk taking. Our friends and family are a happy and very funny bunch who always give us new ideas. It’s awesome to see the little-ies start to enjoy the shade these brollies offer. The sandcastles are going to get epic. It’s a much easier way to be sun smart than the beach tents – and let’s face it, far more beautiful! Our goal is to surpass the beach tent as the shade of choice this summer. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out? Hmm, well, you can easily underestimate how long it takes to do things, especially when you’re doing everything yourself and sometimes learning from scratch. We also launched during the GFC, which was interesting timing! It made us really work hard to ensure value and quality so in the end it was a good thing. Basil Bangs isn’t about being the cheapest thing around. What we do want is to be long lasting, to be easy to use, and to wear with you. Everyone loves the vintage brollies you see at markets or the back of garages that have such personality. In 30 years we hope our brollies are a collector’s item too. We are really passionate about what Basil Bangs is and stands for, so when we see one of our brollies being used on the beach, or hanging out in a park, it makes all the hard slog worthwhile. How do you choose your materials? We choose our materials for durability, quality, the job they’re meant to do, and equally important, how great they look. How did the collaboration with Missoni come about? As massive fans of Missoni, we bandied around the idea of doing something with them when we first started. In the end we just approached them, and here we are. I think that having a high quality, design-led product that they don’t currently have in their range already was the trick. And how gorgeous is it? They make all the fabric in Italy in their own mills. We would love to keep on revealing a different Missoni Brolly each summer but we’ll see…. Can your umbrellas be used in places apart from the beach? Yes absolutely, anywhere you need some shade. We’ve seen them being used on little balconies above a small table and 2 chairs, in backyards, on patios and decks. They’re ideal for people in apartments because they’re not too big and can be easily stored away. We take ours pretty much everywhere we go; it’s always in the car for 'just in case'. The Chaplin Stripe has even been used for daytime weddings where some chic shade was required but they didn’t want a marquee. So many options : ) Any words of wisdom for people thinking of starting their own brand? Do your research, do your sums, make sure you have clear goals, and most importantly: HAVE FUN! How will you spending your summer? Morning swims and surfs, twilight dinners, on our bikes, at the markets, enjoying all the amazing exhibitions that come to town, eating…lots, seeing some of the many great gigs, cruising around Sydney Festival First Night… and of course we’ll be reading Concrete Playground for any ideas! What is the best thing about summer in Sydney? What a question! Hmm the best thing about summer is Sydney! It’s…that the ocean stays brisk…eating gelato from Messina or Pompei’s on a steamy evening… smiley, happy people around town…drinking shandies…the fireworks…barbeques…holidays… What’s your favourite Sydney beach? Well, we’re based in Bondi so of course we think North Bondi is pretty great. That said, we can’t narrow it down to just one beach. Our pick for harbour side swims are Parsley Bay Reserve and Redleaf, and for beaches it’s Bronte, Freshwater, and Palm Beach. Honestly though, there are just too many stunning spots to choose from. We’re pretty blessed here in Sydney!
Nothing's better than hitting an indoor mini-golf course for a few holes of pop culture-themed fun on a Monday night. Holey Moley in the CBD features three nine-hole courses across two levels, plus pun-friendly beverages (see: Long Island Iced Tee) and rooms dedicated to The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, Pacman and Barbie. Plus, everyone can break out into song all together at the karaoke section of the course. Holey Moley is open from 12pm on Monday, so you can duck out of work early, and practice your putt from the arvo until late.
Radical, revolutionary and just downright ridiculous, the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert (or "the playa" as it is called) is one of the most mysterious and mind-bending festival experiences anywhere in the world. For one week over the Labor Day weekend in August/September tens of thousands of curious backpackers and new age hippies come together to create the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City, a psychedelic celebration of alternative art, community, self-expression and the creativity of the human spirit. Beginning in 1986 on San Francisco's Baker Beach where a few mates burnt a wooden effigy of a man, Burning Man is now a cultural phenomenon like no other with the eclectic mix of body art, DIY sculptures and revelrous bicycle-riders fused together only by a deep sense of mutual respect and this year's deliberately ambiguous theme of "Fertility 2.0". While the yearly ritual of burning a giant wooden effigy remains a constant, the festival otherwise seems to defy any simple definition or explanation and, until you have experienced it for yourself, attempting to describe Burning Man is "like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind" according to the event organisers. So as long as language remains insufficient, here is a photographic tour through the intoxicating world of Burning Man 2012. The 60,000 person metropolis of Black Rock City The famous bicycle-riding culture of Burning Man includes bikes of all sizes Personal expression is not just encouraged but a mandatory component of Burning Man The otherworldly Cloud 9 A laser light show The sky is literally the limit for Burning Man participants Dreamtime Circus light up the stage with their fire twirling performance As the sun goes down, the festival goers get ready to fire up Aerialist Indi-Lou stuns the Crowd with her lyra act This spiralling art installation really gets the party blazing The only thing Burning here is Indigo's throat after the infamous drinking games
Nestled in the heart of Yarra Valley wine country in Healesville, Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar (from the co-owner of Cumulus Inc of the same name) has been serving up the goods for two years now. And in honour of that fact, it's throwing a four-day birthday party, from January 26–29. The festivities will be kicking on from 12pm each day, with a lineup of live tunes and DJs headlined by Ennio Styles, bringing the groove to the flower-filled cellar door. A bumper drinks offering is set to pour locally-focused cocktails and brews alongside the winery's celebrated crop of vino. And, for an extra celebratory touch, there'll even be champagne available by the glass. Meanwhile, the weekend's food offering will centre around tasty things served hot off the charcoal grill — complete with a $75 two-course menu featuring plates like wood-grilled flank steak with café de Paris butter, and a freekeh salad with shanklish. Add-ons include grilled Skull Island prawns, fresh oysters and local cheeses courtesy of Stone & Crow.
If you're looking to kick off this next turn around the sun with a healthy session of live tunes and a good old-fashioned New Year's Day boogie, be sure to put Coburg Velodrome on your radar. The northside's legendary open-air party destination will launch into 2022 with the next iteration of Sun Cycle. The respected music heads at Crown Ruler (Duke Street Block Party, Freedom Time), Untitled Group (Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Ability Fest) and WAT Artists are back to deliver another tasty start to another new year, featuring a top-notch gathering of local and international acts, as well as striking visual installations. Helping to ring in 2022 with a well-deserved bang will be Japanese electronic legend Soichi Terada, New Zealand brother duo Chaos in the CBD, London-based DJ Bradley Zero and our very own Roza Terenzi. Sounds from Aboriginal rapper Briggs and rising soul-pop star Akosia are also in the mix, along with diverse sonic offerings from other homegrown acts like Sleep D, Tornado Wallace, Jennifer Loveless, Zjoso and Surprise Chef. Visual thrills from the likes of Alchemy Orange, Rhys Newling and Mikaela Stafford will round out the day's fun. You can register here for presale tickets, which go on sale at 6pm on Thursday, November 4. General public tickets will then be on sale from 12pm on November 5. Images: Natalie Jurrjens
Mary Eats Cake is known for serving one of the best high teas in Melbourne — with bottomless scones — in both its Brunswick and Montrose sites. But it is switching things up from Sunday, December 1–Sunday, December 22, by running a bunch of festive specials. First, the team has designed a decadent Christmas-themed high tea ($75 on weekdays and $79 on weekends) that includes a mulled wine spritzer on arrival, festive scones, Christmas cookies and a mini pavlova. There are also a few limited-edition a la carte offerings up for grabs for those who want a sweet treat but don't want to dive all the way into a towering high tea feast. This includes gingerbread french toast, a turkey toastie, Christmas scones and a pumpkin spiced latte. A few festive hampers have also been put together, featuring Christmas pudding, gingerbread cupcakes, macarons, hot chocolate powder, cookies and marshmallows. You can even nab a four-inch chocolate Christmas cake decorated with vintage piping and buttercream flourishes.
It's always tough saying goodbye to old friends, especially when you've shared countless sweaty hours on the dance floor, bonding over epic tunes and pre-dawn parties. So it's with misty eyes that Melbourne bids farewell to iconic music destination The Mercat Basement, which this week shuts its doors to make way for the Queen Victoria Market's grand redevelopment plans. But after almost ten years, there's no way this underground institution is going out without a bang. Punters are invited to enjoy The Mercat's warm, bass-heavy embrace one last time, for its grand exit this Saturday, February 11. Kicking off at 10pm, expect appearances by some long-time Mercat mates, including Tornado Wallace, Francis Inferno Orchestra and Otologic. Unfortunately, there are zero pre-sale tickets on offer for this one, so if you're hoping for a final Mercat dance floor session, we recommend you start lining up early. Image: The Mercat / REUP.
More than 50 Australian music acts will perform by the shore this February 12 when St Kilda Festival returns for another year. A regular feature on the suburb's cultural calendar for three decades and counting, this summer celebration of music, culture and food is all going down on a (hopefully) sunny Sunday on the St Kilda foreshore. The free fun begins just after 11am and runs well into the night. The Smith Street Band, Emma Louise, Drapht, Indigenous musician Archie Roach, Ainslie Wills and Daryl Braithwaite are just a few of the acts you can expect to see across a total of seven separate stages, stretching from Catani Gardens to the south end of Acland Street. In addition to the music, the festival will host a tonne of extra events and activities, ranging from bubble soccer and beach netball to aerial silks classes Bollywood dance workshops and a Latin street carnival. There's a lot going on — for more information, visit their website. Images: Jim Lee.
After creating an instant hit with inner-north food truck park Welcome to Thornbury, the 300 Burgers Group is back for round two. The team is continuing its northside foray with a new venture in collaboration with famed Sydney-based brewery 4 Pines. Together, the duo has opened a new 450-person food precinct, brewery and beer garden in Brunswick. Located behind Sydney Road's Brunswick Mess Hall, 4 Pines Welcome to Brunswick is a little smaller than its Northcote sibling indoors, but outside it boasts a much roomier, park-like outdoor zone, decked out with loads of lush greenery, paintings by local artists and a solid spread of both sunny and shaded areas. And yes, it's all as dog-friendly as it sounds. The food offering comes courtesy of a rotating food truck lineup, with up to four vendors on-site each night. Expect regular appearances from favourites like Mr Burger, Woking Amazing, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks and Nem n Nem, all backed by dishes from the Mess Hall kitchen, which you can also order from. Meanwhile, the beer lineup is set to feature entirely 4 Pines brews — and, come 2020, all of them will be brewed in the on-site brewery. Signatures like the summer ale, pale ale, pacific ale and kolsch star alongside the brewery's seasonal Keller Door releases, which, at the moment, includes the Margarita gose and the El Dorado IPA. An environmentally sensitive design by Breathe Architects is heavy on the recycled and reclaimed materials, which include kegs that've been up-cycled into stools. Welcome to Brunswick's commitment to sustainability also includes composting 100 percent of its organic waste (including all of its bowls and plates) and future solar panels, with a long-term aim of producing all of its energy on-site. Find 4 Pines Welcome to Brunswick at 1 Frith Street, Brunswick. It's open from 5–10pm Wednesday, 12–10pm Thursday, 12pm–midnight Friday–Saturday, 12–10pm Sunday.
Malvern might be accustomed to welcoming new cafes, but Leah Blefari is accustomed to the difficulties of eating out with particular dietary. And this is why, perhaps, her new café Tonic & Grace stands out from the Glenferrie Road crowd. Nestled in near Malvern Station, Tonic & Grace has a menu almost entirely made up of vegan and vegetarian fare, with the option of adding a sly egg or bit of smoked salmon here and there. All inclusive of vegos, vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free folks, the cafe is doing a couple of things to the beat of their own drum — and it's a worthy drum to be banging. "80 percent [of the menu] is vegan," says Blefari. "So people that are vegan or gluten intolerant don't need to worry about what's in their food. There's still the option of adding different proteins for those who don't have dietary restrictions. The whole idea was to flip the coin — usually people with dietaries have to chop and change; how about we make it easier for them and let everyone else add on what they like?" Blefari's menu includes some of the classic brekky goodness Melburnians have grown to love and demand from their city, including — of course — the omnipotent smashed avocado. This one's vegan though, served with quinoa, beetroot hummus and a sesame crumb, and "people go crazy for it," says Blefari. There are also multiple — six — milk choices, ranging from soy to rice. The cafe's range points to inclusiveness everywhere it can, something Blefari sees as an integral focus. "We want people recognising that everyone does eat differently and that it's ok. I would love to make some waves, seeing that other cafes follow suit and have all the dietary requirements accessible for people," says Blefari. Future plans for Tonic & Grace will stretch beyond breakfast options. Blefari wants the cafe to be a one-stop, on-the-way-back-from-the-train-station effort for the folk of Malvern, and is looking at providing ready-made, fresh meals for those too busy to cook. "Clean, fresh, take home meals, sort of like Hello Fresh… on your way to or from the train station, if you want some dinner, we'll have it there waiting for you — that's the aim." With big goals (and milk selections) abounding, our interest is certainly piqued. The "Nyctophilia" certainly helps: dark chocolate and pea protein pancakes, with strawberries, walnuts, salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache — made from raw cacao — and, of course, all vegan and gluten free.
Houseboats are the aquatic equivalent of packing up a camper and taking yourself where the road leads. Rather than traversing the neverending highways that cut across our broad country, why not try cruising the rivers and waterways that trail like veins through some of the remarkable landscapes Australia has to offer? From fishing on the Ord River to skippering your own sailboat in the Whitsundays, sleeping on a boat opens up a whole new world of adventure holiday. For a cruisy vacation you haven't thought of yet, here are our top ten picks of houseboats around the land, and a couple that aren't technically houseboats, but provide an unmatchable experience on the water nonetheless. FIVE STAR SPA, WISEMAN'S FERRY, NSW Able Houseboats on the Hawkesbury River has a berth for 12 people, and as the name suggests, has a nice spa for soaking while boating. Wiseman's Ferry only takes an hour or so to reach by car from Sydney, so the boat is perfect for a cheeky weekend on the river. A weekend for 12 people on the stunning Hawkesbury River starts at $4820, which is starting to verge on the exxy side, but can you really put a price on happiness? Particularly happiness induced by houseboat? THE RIVERDREAM BOATEL, RENMARK, SA So, there's a luxury houseboat, then there's an insanely luxurious houseboat. Then there's the Riverdream. Boasting five king-sized bedrooms, a spiral staircase that leads you to the control room, a tinted ceiling, central heating, barbecue and everything short of its own helipad, this is the houseboat that Elton John would probably hire if he had any interest in houseboats. Operating along the Murray River, this boat shows off some of the most picturesque landscape that South Australia has to offer, all in the comfort of a floating five star resort. Prices start at $180 per night, per person. OCEAN SPIRIT, HOPE HARBOUR, QLD It's a general rule with boat-bound holidays that the stronger the pun, the better the boat. So Ocean Spirit (from Fantaseas) has to be one of the best boats out there. Ocean Spirit is moored at Hope Harbour, just north of Surfer's Paradise. It has four bedrooms, all lined with leather and panelled with polished wood, plus a barbecue on deck and what's that? A spa? Yep, there's one of those, too. Midweek prices in the normal season start at $3200 for four nights, and the boat can sleep you and 11 friends. CRUISE AWAY, WALPOLE-NORNALUP, WA A houseboat getaway doesn't mean you have to take a whole squad of mates. Instead, tear it up peacefully on the waterways with a romantic getaway for two. Cruise Away, a four-berth houseboat moored in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park on the southern tip of Western Australia, provides ample opportunity for exactly that. Cruise through the park, set off up the rivulets on the dinghy provided, try your hand at fishing for dinner, or simply sit on the deck and soak up the natural beauty of this less-explored landscape. Three nights in the peak season starts at $1225. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, KUNUNURRA, WA From the bottom of Australia's western edge to the top, Love At First Sight is a six-berth houseboat moored in Kununurra on the banks of the Ord River. This boat will take you away from the hubbub of urban living into the complete embrace of nature. Keep a line out for bream, catfish and even barramundi to catch yourself your very own dinner. Prices start at $1500 for three nights in peak season. PINK LADY, MILDURA, VIC It's all too often that a holiday house is a stark reminder that you've travelled far from the comforts of home. Pink Lady, however, aims to make this less and less obvious with an injection of what All Seasons Houseboats call the Platinum Indulgence. The boat has all the trimmings necessary for a fancy hotel, including a barbecue, spa, bar and a fitout worthy of a luxury hotel. Prices for a three-night sojourn on the Pink Lady start at $3200, but the upshot of this is that some of this coin goes towards the Breast Cancer Network Australia. HERO, ECHUCA MOAMA, SA Another entry on the list that isn't exactly a houseboat, but worth mentioning nonetheless. Echuca Moama sits on the banks of the Murray River, and has long been known as the paddle steamer capital of Australia, but only by those who knew Australia has a paddle steamer capital. Hero organises overnight stays in the floating hotel, where guests experience the luxury of 1874, the year that Hero was built. The crew do their best to maintain the beautiful interiors, which only accentuate the views of the countryside as they scroll past. The cost of staying on Hero varies, depending on your stay. SCALLYWAG, BLANCHETOWN, SA Although houseboats are an amazing idea for groups, it's always nice to spend a little time with just you and a special someone. In that case, the two-berth Scallywag has you covered. You can crew Scallywag, just the two of you, up the Murray River, soaking in the rugged scrub that lines the riverbanks. The queen bed sits below a panoramic window, so you can watch the moon and stars as you sleep. The roof is decked with timber, so there's plenty of space up there to soak in the sights. Scallywag is moored at Blanchetown, and prices start at $1050 for three nights in the normal period. LEOPARD 48, WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, QLD Houseboats, given their general lack of the ability to brave any kind of surf, usually stick to rivers and canals. But what if you're feeling like an overnight holiday on the ocean? Bareboating uses the same principals as houseboating, where you acquire yourself a boat, a skipper and crew it yourself, and then return it when you're done. Whitsunday Escape provides everything from sailboats to powered yachts, including the very fancy catamaran, Leopard 48. Nightly rates for the five-star boat start at $1950 per night in the peak season, but when split between 11 mates, that's not too much to pay to captain your own sailboat around the Whitsunday Islands. SOLWAY LASS, WHITSUNDAYS, QLD While not exactly a houseboat, I think we can all agree that the Solway Lass definitely deserves to be on this list. I mean, look at it. It's a pirate ship. Tours start out at Airlie Beach, and the skipper takes you on a three-day voyage around the Whitsunday Islands, so you can cruise about on a 100-year-old pirate ship without worrying about having to steer the thing. The trip carries you to Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, and through a whole heap of bushwalking opportunities. Prices start at $560 per person for three days with meals included, and accommodates groups of up to 30 people.
Having a chef as the owner of a cafe means you're going to see some pretty special things on the menu. Having two chefs as the owners of a cafe means you're going to see an epic menu that's going to have you returning again and again. That's the set-up at Third Wheel in Highett, Melbourne. Chefs (and married couple) Jen Anstey and Mere Herewini opened the popular cafe in the winter of 2023. The pair are joined by friend and business partner Suzy Kyriakopoulos (who they jokingly refer to as the third wheel, hence the name) in a venture underpinned by a combined 60+ years in the hospitality industry. In fact, the gang go way back. Jen and Suzy met while working in a cafe together back in 2007, where Suzy was head barista and manager, and Jen worked her way up to head chef. Mere had joined that team a few years back, but when the opportunity for premises came up in 2023, they jumped at the chance. Only a few months after opening, the trio won the prestigious Toby's Estate Local Legends Award, beating out all other Toby's Estate cafes in Victoria, and it's not difficult to see why. The care and attention they put into the experience they provide to customers, from the food and drink to the atmosphere, is clear to anyone who walks through the door. Suzy is described as "the chatterbox of the three", and the group take pride in the fact they've "put together a Front of House team that matches her joy in providing a retreat to everyone". The food is what grabs the attention, though. All dishes are made in-house, and the menu is Jen and Mere's place to shine. As they put it themselves: "We love constantly creating new weekly dishes. The inspiration comes from our travels and even viral online trends. We like to touch on all different types of cuisines, putting our own spin on popular meals. We're a real fusion, showcasing flavours from all around the world. Decades of working in kitchens means we have the confidence and ability to create dishes we're proud of". This all means the menu is ever evolving, but gnocchi, teriyaki chicken soba noodle salad, and prawn and saffron arancini with lemon and caper aioli have all graced the specials board in times gone by, and the team are open to bringing back popular past favourites if the public demand it. As they put it, "The three of us work really well together. Watching people enjoy what we offer brings us all a lot of pride." An enthusiastic team clearly in love with the industry were always going to be great guides to the local area. We caught up with Suzy from Third Wheel to get the skinny on what's hot in their corner of Melbourne. What's your coffee order? Latte is my go-to, although as it gets warmer, I do love an iced latte. Do you have a secret trick for making the perfect cup? No secret, really, although I'm very big on cleanliness. There's nothing worse than serving coffee from dirty equipment. I also always tell my staff nothing tastes better than something made with love. Knowledge of the product and love for what you do will always show in what you serve. From your food menu, what's the perfect pairing with a morning coffee? Nothing beats starting the day with a latte and our eggs benedict: a great coffee and our house-made hollandaise served over poached eggs and grilled bacon – perfection! What made you choose to open in the area you're in today? We're excited about the changes happening in the area. Very excited to spend the next few years growing with Highett and the families that live in the area, helping to create a little foodie hub in the suburbs. Where's your favourite local spot to grab a drink after work? We're so lucky, just down the road, we have Hawker Typhoon. It's a perfect place for an after-work drink. What's the most underrated spot for dinner in your area? We are lovers of Bounty of the Sun in Balaclava. Probably one of the best Japanese restaurants. The service there matches their amazing food. Where do you like to go to escape in nature nearby? We love the beach; Half Moon Bay is a favourite. It's a great place to go for a swim and grab some fish and chips from Cerberus after work. Any other local small businesses you think people should support? Galleries, barbers, gyms, retailers, etc. Highett Gelato, right across the road from us, makes amazing ice cream.
Playing corpses revived from the dead in upcoming big-screen release Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, Aunty Donna don't drink any morning brown. They will when they next hit the small screen, however, because their new ABC sitcom is all about the topic. Well, it's set in a cafe. Indeed, the show is called Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe. And that eponymous brew-slinging spot? It's named — you guessed it — Morning Brown. Get yourself a cup of laughs when the series hits ABC this April, starting screening weekly on TV at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, and dropping all of its episodes via ABC iView at the same time. The show was initially announced in 2022, and unveiled a first sneak peek at the end of last year. Now, there's an official trailer and that just-revealed release date. Consider Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe prime viewing with Aunty Donna's $30 bottle of wine, after you're done reading the Always Room for Christmas Pud picture book, and if you've already watched Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun — aka one of 2020's best new shows — more times than you can count. It stars Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, of course, who fittingly return to the network nicknamed Aunty after Aunty Donna's Fresh Blood hit iView back in 2014. Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe's premise: three best mates run a cafe in one of Melbourne's laneways. Their coffee-slinging establishment is trendy, but the stretch of pavement it's in on isn't. Also, they don't quite have the experience or skills to do the job, but that definitely isn't stopping them. As well as cups of morning brown — and hopefully the song about them getting a whirl — will the cafe be open on Christmas and serve up a little bit of pud, too? You'll have to watch to find out. But, there will be bad reviews to deal with, court dates, and evil spirits who have a fondness for Gardening Australia. Oh, and Aunty Donna's absurd sense of humour remaining firmly intact, naturally. "Hello it is us Aunty Donna, and not an evil robot that has taken Mark, Zach and Broden hostage. We are so excited for all the humans to see our new comedy program Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe," said the comedy troupe. "We are especially thankful to the entities known as ABC and Screen Australia and Vic Screen, but mostly we are thankful to all the machines that work tirelessly for us with no thanks. We are fine and do not need help nor rescue." Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will also feature a heap of guest stars, including Miranda Tapsell (Christmas Ransom), Pia Miranda (Mustangs FC) and Richard Roxburgh (Elvis). You'll also spot everyone from Shaun Micallef and Tony Martin to Melanie Bracewell, Nazeem Hussain, Steven Oliver and Sam Pang. Check out the trailer for Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe below: Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe will start screening on the ABC at 9pm on Wednesday, April 12, with all episodes available to stream via ABC iView at the same time.
Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg and Jon Harper made a splash with their much-loved South Yarra diner Ramblr...and even more of a splash when they announced its sudden closure earlier this year. But the Chapel Street space has just scored a fitting successor, reincarnated as the guys' latest venture, Leo's By The Slice. New sibling to fellow hits Leonards House of Love and Leonardo's Pizza Palace, the Chapel Street restaurant is an ode to the classic pizza slice shops of New York City. And, while it might share some DNA and name inspiration with the rest of the stable, Leo's is proving it's very much its own animal. In front, expect a cosy space that nods to the takeaway joints and Pizza Huts of your childhood, complete with familiar red laminate benchtops, chequered floors and group-friendly booths. Beyond, lies a moody back bar where you'll happily find yourself shooting pool and kicking back over a few post-pizza craft brews. [caption id="attachment_738002" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] The menu is a short, sweet and simple lineup of eight pizzas, available only by the hot, cheesy slice. But don't go expecting anything too similar to that of Carlton sibling Leonardo's – here, it's all about that authentic New York-style pie, crisp-edged and pliable. You'll find the likes of a classic pepperoni, a loaded meatlovers and even plant-based options including the vegan Chinese bolognese (a nod to an old Ramblr signature). Swing by at lunch (12–4pm) and you can team a slice of margherita with a can of Grifter beer for an easy $9.99. The drinks lineup is concise, but interesting, with craft beers, natural wines and easy-drinking cocktails. A vending machine has more brews, alongside a tidy range of Leo's merch. Find Leo's by The Slice at 363 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open Wednesday–Sunday, 5pm–midnight. Images: Kate Shanasy
To be afraid of death is one thing, but to be afraid of interesting conversation is another. Intelligence Squared is hosting a debate — Euthanasia Should be Legalised — this Wednesday about the decision to take death into one's own hands. Should it be legal? If it's okay for the terminally ill, is it okay for anyone? Will it be abused by the greedy or the malicious? Legalisation of euthanasia will be supported by Dr Phillip 'Dr Death' Nitschke, vocal international euthanasia activist; ethics expert Loane Skene; and Victorian Health Commisioner Beth Wilson. Opposing legalisation will be Dr Shakira Hussein, an expert in injustice and violence; William Silvester, a frontrunner of compassion and forward planning in medical treatment; and Scott Stephens, the ABC's ethics and religion commentator. Hosted by philosopher and ethicist Dr Simon Longstaff, the conversation should be heated, intense, personal and fascinating. Image by Steven Depolo.
Melburnians, dig out your picnic baskets out and dream up some event plans — you're about to get a new pop-up park for summer. And it's right in the CBD. You'll find the 375-square-metre pedestrian-free space on Elizabeth Street's eastern side, where it runs into Flinders Street. Look out for fake turf, portable street furniture, lots of trees and oversized planters. "[It] will be a great location for small scale events, as well as everyday enjoyment," said Lord Mayor Robert Doyle. "We expect the park to be well used by pedestrians who access the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street during peak periods." Even though the park has been labelled a pop-up, it's actually a rehearsal for real-life. The City of Melbourne intends to close this section of Elizabeth Street for good and, by the end of year, build a permanent public space to the tune of $2.2 million. There'll be bluestone paving, drainage improvements, better lighting, more trees and new street furniture. Between 2004 and 2015, the number of vehicles using Elizabeth Street dropped by 65 percent. These days, the average morning rush hour sees about 9300 pedestrians pass by, in comparison with 73 vehicles. If you've been following development news, you might know that construction of the permanent public space was supposed to start in 2018, but got delayed due to a $40 million development at 276 Flinders Street. The park will pop up sometime in December and remain in-place until February 2018.
If you're looking to join the cycling revolution, you won't find many stores with a better pedigree than Beasley Cycles to help you get kitted out. With numerous Australian cycling champions and Tour de France participants among the family's ranks, Beasley Cycles has been passed down through generations of passionate cyclists since 1919. Stocking a massive range of bicycles, apparel and equipment that'll soon have you summiting mountains — or at least getting from A to B — Beasley Cycles can sort you out with a new roadie or e-bike in no time at all.
Housed in the vibrant Cathedral Arcade off Flinders Lane, Lenko describe themselves as a designer of "cute things with a dark side". Accordingly, when flicking through the racks of this colourful boutique you can expect to see a lot of twee animal faces and statement pieces — they don't shy away from emblazoning a naughty word across your shirt. Though they stock original pieces by designer and boutique owner Dana Lenko, the store also offers clothing from other likeminded brands. And yes, they do cater to boys. As long as those boys aren't afraid to wear a jumper with a dolphin on it.
The next seven nights will see parts of Alice Springs and its surrounds shine brighter than ever before, as the region's third annual Parrtjima - A Festival In Light delivers its most expansive program yet. The free public celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling is perhaps best known for its dazzling light installations, as First Nations' identity is shared across a whole swag of genres. This year, Parrtjima — the nation's first indigenous festival of its kind — will feature seven of these luminous displays, gracing both Alice Springs Desert Park and for the first time, Todd Mall in the Alice Springs CBD. The expanded CBD program includes a series of huge lit-up caterpillar designs, as well as a symbolic 'river of light' LED projection, flowing through the mall precinct in a striking display of textures, colours and patterns. Just out of town, tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park will also come alive, awash with light from 6.30–10.30pm each night of the festival. Once again, a huge artwork will transform a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, this year working to the theme "from sunset to sunrise" with a more immersive light show experience than ever before. Visitors will be able to weave through a series of large-scale tree-inspired light sculptures for the Forest Space installation, or immerse themselves in art and storytelling as part of Grounded, where installations are projected onto the earth accompanied by a striking soundscape. There's the interactive Colour Space booth, featuring over 500 individually controlled LEDs responding to each person's movements, and even a hands-on kids' playground space, with captivating designs by Keringke Arts. The light installations are backed by a jam-packed program of dance, music, workshops and talks, sharing stories and celebrating First Nations' culture. It's a nice supplement to the area's Field of Light installation, which has been extended until 2020. If you can't get to the red centre this week, the images show just how incredible the landscape looks lit up at night. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs from September 28 until October 7 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: James Horan.
For decades, Victoria Street has been affectionately known as Melbourne's Little Vietnam, lined with long-standing, authentic eateries specialising in hearty bowls of pho and freshly wrapped rice paper rolls. Now, one sister duo is out to help push that tradition into a whole new era with the strip's newest resident: Thy Thy Counter & Canteen. Thuy Lu and Thy Vo's new casual mod-Viet restaurant marks a changing of the guard, as they take over the same corner site that once housed one of their parents' eateries — named Tho Tho. The family has deep roots in the street's dining scene, with parents Trang Le and Van Ho opening both the OG Thy Thy and Thy Thy 2 on Vic Street in the 80s. [caption id="attachment_830390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Pete Dillon[/caption] While back-to-back lockdowns have meant the second-generation restaurateurs haven't had much of a chance to show off their new family project since its launch in July, Thy Thy Counter & Canteen is now on track to reopen on Friday, October 29. The restaurant celebrates the family's South Vietnamese heritage, while also embracing other regional flavours encountered on more recent trips through the country's north. In the role of head chef, Mum Le is deftly blending the traditional with the modern, with plenty of long-held family recipes getting a spin. [caption id="attachment_830386" align="alignnone" width="1987"] Image: Pete Dillon[/caption] Classics are in strong supply, with options like bo bop thau (wagyu beef salad), banh hoi (rice vermicelli cake), Vietnamese-style slaws and a range of goi cuon (rice paper rolls). You'll find a swag of stir-frys, vermicelli bowls and signature rice dishes, while a special beef pho heads the selection of noodle soups. In the coming weeks, there'll be more specials added to the lineup, too — think, bun bo hue (Hue-style spicy beef noodle soup), traditional broths and a rotation of banh mi rolls. [caption id="attachment_830412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Pete Dillon[/caption] An onsite grocery offering is also in the works, set to sell a selection of take-home meals and branded merch. The light-filled, minimalist space offers a fresher feel than some of the more traditional Vietnamese joints on the same street, with polished concrete floors and generous pops of colour a reminder that change is afoot on Vic Street. Find Thy Thy Counter & Canteen at 60-66 Victoria Street, Richmond. It'll open from 11am–late, daily. Images: Pete Dillon
The Australian Shakespeare Company celebrates 30 years of Shakespeare Under the Stars with the presentation of one of the historic playwright's best known and darkest tragedies: Macbeth. The play will take over Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens from December 21 until February 23, 2019, with performances every Tuesday through Sunday night. A story of the conflict between morality and power, the new production features an all-star Aussie cast, including Nathaniel Dean (Alien: Covenant, The Secret River) as Macbeth and Alison Whyte (Frontline, Satisfaction) as Lady Macbeth. The play follows the lead character as he becomes consumed by ambition, following a prophecy that he will become the King of Scotland. Together with his power-hungry wife, the murderous couple unravel into guilt and paranoia throughout the play. Patrons are encouraged to pack a picnic, nab a spot on the grass and enjoy the sunset before becoming silent witnesses to the gruesome fate of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth from 8.30pm. As an added bonus, tickets aren't too pricy, with general admission setting you back $45–50 and gold class packages costing $90. The latter gets you a low rise chair, picnic rug and souvenir programme, plus a pre-show beverage (wine or soft drink) and intermission tea or coffee.
Greenhart Wine Bar on Toorak Road was your neighbourhood vino-sipping spot. The team paired its natural wines with small, sustainably sourced plates or Euro-centric food — replicating a tried-and-tested hospo combo. Even though it made so much sense for the area, it recently shut down and was taken over by Benjamin Ruan (Benjamin's Kitchen). Instead of going down the common Melbourne wine bar route that's mostly about European influences, he's decided to put his own pan-Asian stamp on the new Greenhart Camberwell. So, instead of pairing a riesling with your usual fresh oysters, match it with a serving of the team's handmade chicken and prawn wontons in a warming bowl of vegetable broth. And forget your cheese platters and charcuterie boards. Change it up with a few soft-shell crab sliders, san choi baos and curry puffs. Larger dishes are also available, including the crispy rockling covered in a ginger, soy and sake sauce; sticky pork belly with chilli caramel and crushed pineapple; roasted duck glazed with hoisin and whisky; and a stack of noodles and curries. Many of these eats are favourites from Benjamin's Kitchen in Alphington, which Ruan has adapted for the wine bar setting. Wines are a mostly Aussie affair, with a few drops from Italy and France thrown in for good measure. For a wine bar, the wine list could be a bit longer, but it's still early days for Greenhart Camberwell. A healthy selection of spirits, Australian and Japanese beers, and cocktails are also up for grabs. Tuck into all of these offerings inside at the bar or by the window to watch folks wander down Toorak Road, or head to the hidden courtyard out back when the sun is shining. It's great to see a Melbourne wine bar stray away from the usual European aesthetic, instead showing how contemporary Asian food and Aussie wines are a perfect pairing. You can find Greenhart Camberwell at 1226 Toorak Road, Camberwell. The wine bar and restaurant is open Tuesday–Thursday 4–10pm, Friday and Saturday 12–3pm and 4–10pm, and Sunday 4–10pm. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Melbourne's summer weather is in full swing, but the ice cream masters at Billy van Creamy are here to help you keep your cool no matter how high those temperatures soar. Not only have they opened the doors to a brand-new store on Sydney Road, but they're celebrating its launch by giving away a stack of free and cheap scoops this weekend. To score yourself some complimentary all-natural ice cream, simply swing past the new Brunswick digs this Friday, February 12, between 5pm and 7pm. If you miss out, you can still get your ice cream fix on the cheap, with $2 scoops up for grabs from 7–10pm. Plus, there'll be even more $2 scoops on offer from 12–10pm on Saturday, February 13, and again on Sunday, February 14. If you don't already know Billy van Creamy from its roving ice cream truck and events cart, or the OG Fitzroy North store, now's the perfect chance to get acquainted. All that's left to do is choose a flavour — will it be a core classic, or a special edition like vegan mocha with almond brittle, or salted mango swirl? Billy van Creamy is giving away free scoops from 5–7pm on Friday, February 12 and $2 scoops from 12–10pm on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14.
It's official. Soft serve is a thing. No longer stuck in the realm of 50 cent cones at McDonald's, soft serve has well and truly made it to the Melbourne mainstream with the likes of Tuck Shop Take Away pumping out inventive flavours like Redskin, Froot Loops and jam doughnut and the just-gone Pierre's summer pop-up at Green Park. And now, a soft serve international heavyweight is getting in on the game. Meet Milkcow, Korea's all-organic, all-natural soft serve ice cream chain. With 60 stores worldwide, Milkcow has landed in Melbourne for their first ever Australian pop-up. Instead of committing to permanent digs straight-up, it's popping up for just two months in Driver Lane at The Strand in the space that once belonged to Cacao Lab. Get down there anytime between now and May 31 to try a bunch of exotic flavours and epic add-ons. You might want to start with one of Milkcow's three signature creations: the Milky Way, which is pure, milky ice-cream, without any extras; Milky Honey, swirled with 100% organic honey; or Milky Cube, laced with honey swirl and honeycomb wedges. All of their soft serve is made with locally-sourced, organic milk, which is churned on-site every morning. For something a little more decadent, try the sweet-yet-salty Black Pearl, the tropical-inspired Santorini or the affogato-like Avalanche, which is topped with coffee beans, fairy floss and a double espresso. And these are just the tip of the ice cream berg. You can top your soft serve with anything from fairy floss clouds and macarons to caramel popcorn and a shot of espresso. Milkcow has worked with BrandWorks and props atelier Amanda May Lee to turn the pop-up into a visual adventure. Look out for giant paper soft serve cones and a living, breathing forest. What's more, Naked Truth Chocolates and the Sensory Lab are also on-site, serving up addictive confectionery and quality coffee. The Milkcow pop-up will run from Friday, April 1 until Tuesday, May 31 at Driver Lane, The Strand in the CBD. It's open from 11.30am until 10pm daily. For more info, visit milkcow.com.au.
American football fans have a heap of Melbourne sports bars to choose from when looking for a spot to watch the 2025 Superbowl, but we are all about Le Bon Ton's offerings. From 9.30am on Monday, February 10 (you might want to book this day off), the Collingwood diner is playing the game live and loud, plus running a bunch of food and bev deals. This will include a $65 (per person) grazing board packed with USA-inspired gameday bites like its chicken and waffles with hot honey and jalapeno mayo as well as a pit-smoked wing bucket. Those wanting to get on the beers in the morning cal also enjoy $8 budweiser stubbies or $20 buckets that come with four bottles. And whilethe game is playing throughout the day, the crew will also be giving away a bunch of Budweiser merch. It'll be a big morning full of football, food and bevs — as well as the opportunity to watch Kendrick Lamar's halftime show live.
This city is no stranger to the humble (and not so humble) doughnut. From Shortstop to Doughboys to the van at Queen Vic Market, Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to deep-fried dough, be it glazed, iced, covered in cinnamon or bursting with piping hot jam. So, really, it makes perfect sense that our sweet, sweet obsession was last year taken to its only logical conclusion: a full-blown with all the doughnuts you can eat. And now — even though we thought maybe the doughnut mania was winding down — it's returning for a third round. Donut Fest will take over Albert Park's Gasworks on for eight hours on Saturday, March 10. Sugar fiends will be able to gorge themselves on freshly made doughnuts from a variety of local vendors, as well as a selection of boutique beers. Goldeluck's Bakeshop will be bringing in its croissant-doughnut creations from Croydon South, and there will be churros, Nutella-fulled balls, Italian bomboloni and even gluten-free options. There will be a few savoury options if you need a break from the sweet stuff. You don't have to buy a ticker, but organisers are encouraging punters to bring a gold coin donation along for charity Foodbank. If nothing else, it should help assuage the guilt you'll feel after eating yourself into a coma.
Think about Broken Hill and movies, and one of three films likely comes to mind. Mad Max 2 is one of them. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is another. Wake in Fright should be the third. Before road warriors and drag queens helped bring the outback city to the big screen, this stone-cold classic got there first. It was back in 1971 that the iconic Australian page-to-screen thriller turned the remote patch of New South Wales — well, the fictional Bundanyabba in the narrative — into a hotbed of small-town small-mindedness, toxic masculinity and a dim view of outsiders. If you've never thought that ochre soil as far as the eye can see could be a vision of claustrophobia, then you haven't seen this, which sits on Canadian director Ted Kotcheff's extremely diverse resume alongside everything from First Blood to Weekend at Bernies. Here's your next change to redress that: a Hear My Eyes session at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival, where the movie-and-music series will give Wake in Fright a new soundtrack. For Hear My Eyes first-timers — so, those who've missed Hellraiser, Good Time, Pan's Labyrinth, Chopper, Two Hands, Drive, Girlhood and Suspiria sessions in the past, to name a few prior shows — the event brings a must-see flick back to the big screen accompanied by a live, all-new and completely original score that's played while film lovers sit, watch and listen. Doing the musical honours for Wake in Fright is Surprise Chef, who'll be playing to a freshly unveiled 4K restoration of the feature. Hitting up Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday, August 16, the MIFF Hear My Eyes screening will mark the world-premiere of the 4K version of the film. Whether they pop up as part of festivals or on their own — and no matter the movie, too — these events are always popular, so getting tickets quickly is recommended. There's no word yet if other cities outside Melbourne will get the chance to see Wake in Fright receive the Hear My Eyes treatment, so this is a prime excuse to head to the Victorian capital. So far, before it drops its full 2024 lineup on Thursday, July 11, MIFF has also announced Adam Elliot's new stop-motion animation Memoir of a Snail, which'll open the fest, alongside 23 other flicks — including Sundance sensation I Saw the TV Glow from We're All Going to the World's Fair's Jane Schoenbrun, Hunter Schafer (Euphoria)-starring thriller Cuckoo, the Sebastian Stan (Dumb Money)-led A Different Man and restaurant-set dramedy La Cocina featuring Rooney Mara (Women Talking), plus heaps more. [caption id="attachment_963205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Aubor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_963206" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Izzie Austin[/caption] Hear My Eyes' Wake in Fright screening with Surprise Chef will debut at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Friday, August 16. Head to the Hear My Eyes website for tickets and further details. The 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 8–Sunday, August 25 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 16–Sunday, August 18 and Friday, August 23–Sunday, August 25 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 9–Sunday, August 25. For further details, including the full program from Thursday, July 11, visit the MIFF website.
Summer isn't even here yet, and 2023's Meredith Music Festival hasn't happened so far either, but it isn't too early to start thinking about autumn 2024. The reason? That's when the Aunty team unleashes its other big annual festival at the same Victorian spot, with Golden Plains just announcing its packed lineup. Music lovers, next year's pilgrimage to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre to dance among the autumn leaves will take place from Saturday, March 9–Monday, March 11, 2024. So, mark those dates in your diaries ASAP. Then, go enter the ticket ballot, as the second round is up and running until 10.16pm AEDT on Monday, October 23. This Golden Plains will mark the fest's sweet 16th, and comes with The Streets, Yussef Dayes, King Stingray and Black Country, New Road leading the bill. So, that means one of the defining voices of 00s-era Britain in Mike Skinner, Dayes' drumming and jazz prowess, a Yolŋu surf‑rock favourite that Aunty has been trying to get on the lineup for ages and one helluva post-punk band — and that's just the first four acts. Joining the above is everyone from Cymande, Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul, Wednesday and Regurgitator to Boris, RVG, Kutcha Edwards and WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc). The list still goes on from there, too. Catering to 12,000 punters each year across three days and two nights, Golden Plains has long proven a favourite for its one-stage setup, which skips the need for frantic timetabling. How does the Aunty crew describe 2024's fest? "Come as you fancy. Time and space to wibble. A soundtrack built for wobble. Autumnal autonomy. Two days and two nights at the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, with controls set to premium mode," they advise. "The Sup' has been designed and refined over 30‑odd years for the sole purpose of hosting something truly remarkable. It's one of the best places on earth to spend a long weekend with friends and lovers — finding yourself, losing yourself and losing yourself again." GOLDEN PLAINS 2024 LINEUP: The Streets Yussef Dayes King Stingray Black Country, New Road Cymande Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul Wednesday Regurgitator Boris RVG Kutcha Edwards WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) Braxe + Falcon MAVI Anz MJ Lenderman DJ Koco Sarah Mary Chadwick Elsy Wameyo Soju Gang Split System The Belair Lip Bombs Storytelling with Uncle Barry Golden Plains will return to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre from Saturday, March 9–Monday, March 11, 2024. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot's second round before 10.16pm AEDT on Monday, October 23. Images: Benjamin Fletcher / Theresa Harrison.
It might be a movie about a faux romance, but Anyone But You hasn't faked its setting. In the upcoming rom-com, which has a date with cinemas on Boxing Day, Sydney Sweeney (Reality) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play a couple pretending that they're in love — but as most of the just-dropped full trailer shows, there's no shams about the Sydney location. When Sweeney was in Sydney at a Sydney Swans game earlier in 2023, it wasn't just because she was playing the Sydney version of Pokémon and catching them all. Rather, the Euphoria and The White Lotus star was filming this movie. And, from both the first teaser and the latest sneak peek, this film clearly falls into a specific category of Aussie-made flicks: pictures shot Down Under that can't stop reminding viewers that they were made Down Under (see also: fellow future release The Fall Guy, which will arrive in 2024). [caption id="attachment_926799" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney star in ANYONE BUT YOU.[/caption] Multiple shots of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House feature heavily amid the banter-heavy glimpses at Anyone But You's stars. In fact, the Opera House even shows up in the background as Bea and Ben are having a Titanic moment on a boat. Anyone But You's setup: Sweeney's Bea had a great first date with Powell's Ben; however, then everything turned sour. Now they're at the same destination wedding and pretence becomes their solution. Anyone But You is directed and co-written by Will Gluck, who has both Easy A and Friends with Benefits on his resume, then the vastly dissimilar Annie and the two Peter Rabbit movies. On-screen, as well as Sweeney, Powell and a whole lot of Sydney — the city — Alexandra Shipp (Barbie), GaTa (Dave), Dermot Mulroney (Secret Invasion), Bryan Brown (C*A*U*G*H*T) and Rachel Griffiths (Total Control) also feature. Check out the full trailer for Anyone But You below: Anyone But You opens in cinemas Down Under on December 26, 2023.
If you're looking for a quintessentially Melbourne experience, look no further than the Richmond Club Hotel. A grand old dame that's been serving up top-notch tucker and tasty tipples for over a century, this pub is an institution in its own right. But don't be fooled by the historic facade — inside you'll find a modern kit-out sprawled across three levels including a beer garden and rooftop bar. With a menu that blends old-school pub classics with modern Australian fare, it's the perfect spot to tuck into a juicy burger, crispy schnitty or succulent roast. And let's not forget about the beer — with a wide range of brews on offer including many from local and regional breweries. But if hops aren't your thing, don't worry — the bar also boasts an impressive wine list and a creative cocktail menu that's sure to please. And let's not forget about the atmosphere — with its warm, inviting interior and friendly staff, the Richmond Club Hotel is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Whether you're looking for a cosy spot for date night, a quiet drink after work, a comfortable place to watch the game or a lively venue for a night out with friends, this historic establishment has got you covered.
Each year, the National Gallery of Victoria commissions a new temporary structure to evoke a fresh perspective on the gallery. Previous years have seen a pink car wash and an openair maze pop up in the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden, but 2018's Architecture Commission will be a direct reflection of the gallery itself. A collaborative effort between Melbourne firm Muir and landscape architecture studio Openwork. Doubleground draws inspiration from past and present aspects of NGV International. The design is centred on a dramatic maze-like passageway that recalls the triangular patterns found within the NGV's Great Hall glass feature wall and on the gallery's roof. Elements of the NGV Garden will literally be raised up as sections of the garden become sharp embankments, creating canyon-like passageways below. The Sir Roy Grounds-designed building also provided inspiration for Doublegrounds decking area, which echoes the NGV International's foyer, while a bamboo garden reflects the building's former bamboo courtyard. Architect Amy Muir used her memories of visiting the gallery as a child to compose a blueprint for the new commission. "The 2018 Architecture Commission provides an intervention that challenges the role of the NGV Garden," Muir said of her studio's designs. "Acknowledging the intent and architectural language of the original Roy Grounds building, the Commission seeks to bring the memories of place back into play." Promoting the positive relationship between architecture, landscape and civic space, Doubleground was chosen ahead of 73 other entries from around Australia due to its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. As 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the NGV International, gallery Director Tony Ellwood explained the new commission "offers visitors a unique opportunity to reflect upon and re-examine the history and design of the Gallery as an integral part of Melbourne's public realm". You'll be able to visit the commission between 10am and 5pm daily.
Celebrating Polish culture through dance, song, theatre, film, visual arts and literature, PolArt has been solidly running for 40 years. It’s been a little while since Melbourne hosted this extravaganza, as it is held every three years in different capital cities around Australia. PolArt consists of eight days packed with performances, exhibitions and cinematic offerings. It is the largest Polish Arts Festival outside of the country itself, making this quite the event worth celebrating. Polish music will be flowing out of Ruby’s Music Room for the duration of the festival, and for the first time ever, PolArt has included a Fringe Festival as part of their celebrations. Art exhibitions will be popping up everywhere from No Vacancy to the Victorian Artists' Society Gallery, exploring and celebrating their rich history and interconnectedness with Australia. Did we mention Magda Szubanski is an ambassador for the festival and that she’s presenting her memoir, Reckoning? Consider us locked in.
For a cracking Peninsula brunch matched with cracking Peninsula views, Pelikan Société is a tried-and-true favourite. The cafe boasts a sunny deck overlooking Hastings Bight and the marina, while the dining room's got floor-to-ceiling glass windows, putting you front and centre of the action, even when the weather's rainy. Here, a broad-ranging all-day menu has dishes to tempt the entire crew, plating up crafty takes on all the cafe classics. Items include shakshuka eggs — brought to life with nduja, smoked labneh and peppers — local mussels done with tom yum cream, and a banger of a Cuban sandwich, teaming smoked leg ham, pork belly, comte cheese and green chilli slaw. Coffee comes courtesy of international label Julius Meinl, and you'll find a tidy list of local brews and wine for those laidback afternoon sessions on the deck. Keep your eye out for some of the cafe's namesake feathered friends, enjoying their own breakfast in the shallows nearby.
When Australia has just thrown one of the world's biggest LGBTQIA+ parties, what comes next? Incorporating hits from 2023's Sydney WorldPride into 2024's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. For everyone who loved revelling on the sand at the fest's Bondi Beach Party, we come bearing excellent news: it'll be back next year for 15,000 attendees. Mardi Gras' full 2024 lineup spans 100-plus events across the Harbour City, taking place from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3. While 2023's iteration marked the 45th anniversary, don't go thinking that turning 46 isn't being taken just as seriously — all around the theme "our future". "For 45 years, the energy, vibrancy, and unity of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has made it a globally significant event. And each year, our commitment to bringing forth an even more fabulous celebration grows," said Sydney Mardi Gras CEO Gil Beckwith. "In 2024, we embrace our roots and look forward with eager anticipation to our future. Our mission is clear: to echo the voices of our communities, to champion progress and instigate impactful change." "Beyond the individual events, and there are many, the 2024 festival underscores our commitment to inclusivity, unity and remembrance. The 2024 festival celebrates our past, our present and most crucially, the promising future we're building. Here's to another unforgettable Sydney Mardi Gras," continued Beckwith. As well as the return of Bondi Beach Party, Mardi Gras will also give Sydney WorldPride's Ultra Violet a second run, celebrating LGBTQIA+ women in an event that takes place as day turns to night at the National Art School. Similarly huge: a one-night-only special performance of musical & Juliet, which will occur just days after the production arrives for its Sydney season. Also on the lineup: the Welcome to Country via citywide event Festival First Light; floating venue Glass Island hosting trans and gender-diverse celebration Hot Trans Summer; and Diamond Dance, which will mark Pollys Club's 60th year. Or, there's talks and ideas series Queer Futures, the Marks Park Dawn Sunrise Service of Reflection to honour 70s- and 90s-era victims of homophobic and transphobic violence, two-week fringe fest Oxtravaganza in Darlinghurst and the boozy Darlo Big Drag Brunch. Yes, the parade is back — so mark Saturday, March 2 in your diary and prepare for a big night with 200-plus floats on Oxford Street. Plus, Mardi Gras' premium parade viewing areas will feature again to help the hundreds of thousands of folks heading along get a prime view of the 12,000-plus marchers. Throw in the also-returning Mardi Gras Film Festival, Progress Pride Flag Raising, Fair Day, Paradiso Pool Party, Kaftana Pool Party, Laugh Out Proud and Sissy Ball — and Queer Art After Hours as well — and Sydney will be jam-packed with things to do and ways to celebrate, as it is during every Mardi Gras. Other highlights include a dance party at ivy Pool Club, SEA LIFE Aquarium hosting drag storytime and a queer formal, with more events still to be announced as Mardi Gras gets closer. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2024 will run from Friday, February 16–Sunday, March 3, 2024. For more information, or for tickets, head to the event's website. Select images: Jeffrey Feng Photography, Lexy Potts
It may not lay claim to the long, balmy evenings of summer, but winter's still got plenty up its sleeve when it comes to romance. And if you're looking for the perfect date destination to woo that special someone, we can assure you that cute, cosy options abound in Melbourne's inner south, even when the weather's frosty and the temperatures are low. Here, we've teamed up with the City of Port Phillip to assemble some of the area's top go-to winter date scenarios, ranging from a nostalgia-fuelled bottomless brunch to a private beachside bonfire set-up. Whether you're teeing up a first date, or organising the 300th, these options are sure to impress. Victoria is currently under stay at home orders so, while you can't visit these spots right now, you can start planning for when restrictions lift. You can stay up to date with the developing COVID-19 situation in Victoria, as well as current restrictions, here. AMP UP THE ROMANCE WITH BUBBLY AND OYSTERS A warm, elegant space in the heart of Albert Park, boasting a top-notch selection of cheese and vino, The Victor Wine Room makes for a primo date night destination any time of the week. But it's really turning on the couple-friendly charms from 5.30pm every Thursday, when Date Night Thursdays kicks into gear. Setting the tone to your midweek rendezvous are live acoustic tunes to enjoy while tucking into the Skinny Dipping special — two glasses of Montaudon NV Reserve Champagne or rosé, paired with six oysters for $30, or a dozen of the ocean-fresh morsels for $40. GET COSY IN THIS FIRESIDE GLAMPING TENT Camping by the beach might sound like a scenario best suited to summer, but Republica has given the concept a cosy, winter-friendly spin. The beachside St Kilda bar has unveiled a pop-up glamping tent nestled in its courtyard overlooking the Bay. Kitted out with plush furnishings and warmed by a roaring campfire, it's available to book for groups of four to six, perfect for a cute double (or triple) date situation. Walk-ins are available if it's just you and your boo. Open daily from noon until late, it's a toasty, private hideaway where you can kick back in comfort as you devour house-made mulled wine and apple crumble. [caption id="attachment_821141" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Jewish Museum of Australia, Sarah Walker[/caption] EXPLORE ST KILDA THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL LEGEND St Kilda held a special place in the heart of iconic French-Australian artist Mirka Mora — she lived and worked there for many years, opened the (now-closed) Tolarno Bistro with husband Georges in 1967 and went on to create numerous works that would also call the suburb home. These days, you can experience St Kilda through Mora's own eyes while digging deeper into her lasting legacy, on a self-guided art-filled walking tour. Download the mobile-friendly 'Mirka's St Kilda' map, don your coats and set out to explore. You'll catch landmarks like the Tolarno Hotel (which has a number of her works on display), the Mirka's Children's Mural, the St Kilda Pier Mosaic she created in 1993 and the restaurant site where she penned much of her autobiography. Want more of Mora? Check out the Mirka retrospective exhibition, currently showing at The Jewish Museum of Australia. INDULGE IN A BOOZY BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH WITH YOUR BOO Get a little nostalgic as you bond over the good ol' days of your youth at the Newmarket Hotel's newly launched old-school-themed brunch. Featuring sittings from 12pm every Saturday and Sunday, this one's a tasty blast from the past, soundtracked by hit tunes plucked from the 90s and early 00s. While you're grooving to those bangers and swapping stories from the past, you'll find yourself sipping bottomless bubbly, beer, mimosas and seltzers, matched with your pick of brunch dish for $60. Now, will it be the fried chicken burger, a breakfast salad or the avo smash with roast mushrooms? SIGN UP FOR A LITTLE FRIENDLY COMPETITION Had a rough day at the office? Don't take it out on your favourite person — channel the full fury of your crazy customers and looming deadlines into a bladed weapon headed straight toward the bullseye target. Yep, whether you're meeting for the first time or you're longtime lovers, date night needn't be all candlelit dinners and making googly eyes at each other. Amp up the fun factor with a visit to Lumber Punks, South Melbourne's axe-throwing joint. Sessions start at just $45 per person for 90 minutes, after which time you should be ready to hit up one of the nearby bars or restaurants — Patient Wolf Distilling Co, Meatworks Co and Bells Hotel are all within walking distance. ENJOY SUNDOWNERS AFTER A BEACHSIDE STROLL The best way to stay warm on a wintry date is to keep moving — and by that, of course, we mean conquering one of the city's walking tracks (or did we...). Tackling the Foreshore Trail is a task best completed without the full force of the summer sun belting down on you anyway. Starting at Perc White Reserve in Port Melbourne, this 11-kilometre bayside trail will see you winding past Lagoon Pier, Catani Gardens, St Kilda Marina and over Elwood Canal before arriving at Elwood Beach. Celebrate your trek at Elwood Bathers. Perch at one of the outdoor tables and split a bottle of vino and a charcuterie board with your bestie as the sun sets over Port Phillip Bay. For more inspiration for how to spend a wintry day in Melbourne's inner south, head to the City of Port Phillip website. Top image: Republica
There'll be no need to grab snacks before the latest screen-to-stage musical production. As fans of the '90s cult classic well and truly know, Empire Records is certain to give you a sugar high anyway. The beloved flick is heading to Broadway, which means someone is going to be following in Renée Zellweger's footsteps and belting out the Coyote Shivers track 'Sugar High' while standing on a record store rooftop. Expect someone else to sing "oh Rexy, you're so sexy" too, as the tale of a struggling music shop, its motley crew of employees and the washed-up former star making an in-store appearance makes the leap to another format. Rolling Stone is reporting that the movie's original screenwriter, Carol Heikkinen, is adapting her own script, with the show working towards a 2020 premiere date. No word yet who'll be taking on the characters first played by Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Robin Tunney, Rory Cochrane, Ethan Embry and Aussie actor Anthony LaPaglia, rocking out to what's certain to be an ace '90s soundtrack and wearing some top retro fashions. Empire Records joins a long list of films making the jump to the theatre of late, including La La Land, The Devil Wears Prada, Amelie and Moulin Rouge! And, of course, the newest production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is heading to Australia in 2019. Via Rolling Stone.
If you're the type of traveller — or staycationer — who chooses their hotels for the perks and extra inclusions, then you'll be particularly excited about the latest addition to Melbourne's accommodation offerings. Originally slated to launch in May, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer has now opened its doors, marking the Swiss brand's second site in Australia, after Mövenpick Hotel Hobart. And if either the chain's name or its country of origin have you thinking of sweet treats, yes; they're very much part of the hotel's menu. For starters, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is celebrating chocolate hour every afternoon, from 3.30–4.30pm. That's when guests can tuck into complimentary desserts ranging from mini ice cream cones, to chocolate petit fours, to ice cream sandwiches. You can even dial up the indulgence factor with a few chocolate cocktails or the signature chocolate ice cream parfait. Mövenpick's hotels all serve the brand's line of food and beverages as well, which means that Mövenpick ice cream is also available. Also onsite, you'll find the dedicated Mövenpick Cafe, along with newly opened modern Asian restaurant Miss Mi, which is plating up a bold, vibrant menu by Head Chef Esca Khoo (Dinner by Heston, Longrain, Lûmé). The 172-room hotel will sate your appetite for style, too, its elegantly appointed suites boasting premium linens, photography works from the likes of Steve Scalone and Sean Mcdonald, and contemporary bathrooms complete with rain showers and Yuni Beauty products. And those wanting to work off any overindulgences can hit the hotel's dedicated recreation floor, home to a 25-metre swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and gym. Housed within the new 78-storey Premier Tower development on Spencer Street, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is one of more than 80 of the brand's accommodation sites worldwide. Find Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer at 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Head to the Accor website for bookings and other information.
It has taken almost four decades to summon a Beetlejuice sequel; however, if a third film was to follow in the poltergeist bio-exorcist franchise, the initial two flicks have already told us what it should be called. First came 1988's Beetlejuice. Next arrives this year's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. So, only Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will do if the Juice gets loose again sometime in the future. For now, cinemagoers have simply Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to look forward to. Calls for this followup have been echoing since the 80s, with the sequel finally locked in in 2023, then dropping its first teaser earlier in 2024 and now unveiling its full trailer. And saying its eponymous figure's name three times is a part of this sneak peek, as Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder, Stranger Things) warns her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega, Miller's Girl) against doing. Of course, that advice isn't followed, and so in pops Michael Keaton (The Flash). In the first film, the ghost with the most turned life into chaos for the Deetz family — and for his big-screen return 36 years later, with the movie releasing in September, he has more mayhem to unleash. This time, for another dance with the trickster demon, there's three generations of Deetz women in Winter River. Schitt's Creek's great Catherine O'Hara (Argylle) is also back as matriarch Delia. Filmmaker Tim Burton also sits in the director's chair again, on what marks his first feature since 2019's Dumbo. He's no stranger to revisiting to his past work, as seen when he made two Batman movies in the late 80s and 90s, and when he adapted his short Frankenweenie into a full-length flick. He also loves collaborating with the same talent again and again, such as bringing in his Wednesday star Ortega. You don't need a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in your ghostly hands to get excited about Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but you might spend time with folks with one, which is what happened with the original flick's Barbara and Adam Maitland (GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin). In that movie, viewers also saw what happened when that pair started to suspect that they're no longer alive, a new family moved into their house and they decided they needed a bio-exorcist. In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Keaton, Ryder, O'Hara and Ortega are joined by Justin Theroux (White House Plumbers), Monica Bellucci (Mafia Mamma), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon) and Willem Dafoe (Poor Things), all newcomers to the franchise. Behind the lens, Burton is working with a screenplay by Wednesday's Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with Seth Grahame-Smith (The Lego Batman Movie) coming up with the story by Gough. If you say "Beetlejuice" three times, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice won't arrive in cinemas quicker — but it is hitting the silver screen before the musical version of the first film finally makes its way Down Under in 2025. Check out the full trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice below: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice images: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Suddenly, it's not enough to enjoy craft beer, locally-made sourdough and bespoke flavoured oils anymore — now it's all the rage to actually make them yourself too. How do you do that, you ask? Enter The Craft & Co. on Smith Street. They can help you out. The Craft & Co. vision is to teach through demonstration. They're a retail and hospitality space that hosts in-store demonstrations and workshops to help you understand how your food is made — and maybe even give it a crack yourself. It's big space that incorporates an onsite micro-brewery and distillery, cured meat and cheese making rooms and coffee roastery, as well as a retail store, bar and eatery. And they're also hoping to develop their own farm and vineyard. Talk about ambitious. The plan is to hold workshops, demonstrations and events — so if you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own mozzarella, curing your own salami or whipping up some home-brew, this is your place. And if you simply can't be bothered with DIY, you can just always just EIY (eat it yourself). The lunch and dinner menu is stellar and — best of all — won't break the bank, which is a necessary consideration in this post-Christmas world we now live in. The menu is a mixture of tapas-style nibbles and meaty, filling mains, but the breakfast menu really has us intrigued. A zucchini and mint omelette, wagyu minute steak and chips (for breakfast?!) and the cacao pops — activated buckwheat, cacao and coconut served with milk — are just experimental enough that we'll happily concede to The Craft & Co.'s expertise in this department.
Harry Potter marathons, concerts, parties, trivia, sleepovers, markets, comedy gigs, Christmas festivities, potions classes and plays: of both the authorised and unauthorised type, Australia has hosted all of the above. If there's a way to work the Wizarding World into something, it has likely popped up somewhere Down Under. Indeed, a Fantastic Beasts-inspired natural history exhibition is on its way in 2023 — and, if you're particularly entranced about dressing up like you're at Hogwarts, so is Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration. Again, Australia is no stranger to Harry Potter shindigs, but this one is both official and completely themed around the franchise's wintertime soirée. Fittingly, it's conjuring up its Aussie debut in the frosty months, locking in a date with Sydney from Friday, July 7. The celebration heads to the Harbour City after past tours to Milan, Montreal, Houston and Mexico City, and hails from Warner Bros Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and events company Fever. Warner Bros in general is going all-in on the magical saga of late, given that it has also just locked in a new Harry Potter TV show, which will turn each of the books that started it all into a season of television. First, the ball. Here, you'll feel like you've stepped straight into the Wizarding World movies, especially if you don appropriate attire. That isn't mandatory, but it is encouraged. And if you need to collect the right items while you're at the event, there'll even be a market selling wands, robes and other merchandise. In Sydney, the Yule Ball will take over the Paddington Town Hall — and while exactly how long it will keep enchanting Sydneysiders hasn't been revealed, it will feature multiple sessions from Wednesday–Sunday. Muggles and wannabe witches and wizards alike will enjoy a two-hour experience, complete with a dance floor, performers, recreated moments from the movies and a whole heap of excuses to take photos. There'll be themed food and both boozy and non-alcoholic drinks, too — cross your fingers for butterbeer — which you'll need to pay extra for on top of the $84 ticket price. Or, there will be premium package, where you'll receive priority entry, a beverage and a gift. So far, there's zero word about further Aussie stops beyond Sydney, but folks in Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond best start crossing their fingers, toes, wands and broomsticks. Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration hits Australia from Friday, July 7, 2023, with tickets on sale from Wednesday, May 3 — head to the event website to join the waitlist.
