The road back to music festivals in a post-COVID world has been long and bumpy. Many festivals attempted to be among the first to return, announcing dates and lineups before being forced to postpone. One event that has managed to succeed, despite restrictions on mass gatherings, is the new Summer Sounds Festival. Back in November, it was revealed that Splendour in the Grass organisers Secret Sounds — with the help of the Australian government — were working on a new music festival. An announcement for the Adelaide edition of Summer Sounds Festival followed shortly, with the SA leg of the fest taking place across January with a lineup full of local Australian talent, including Ball Park Music, Bernard Fanning, Mallrat and Ruel. Now, as the debut edition of the festival wraps up this weekend, Summer Sounds has announced that it's coming to Melbourne. It'll set up shop in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as part of the summer-long Live at the Bowl event series. Taking place over four nights, the Melbourne lineup features Ball Park Music, Bernard Fanning, Something for Kate and Spacey Jane — all returning after sets at the Adelaide edition. They'll be joined by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Thelma Plum, Tropical F Storm and Rat!hammock. The current lineup of gigs runs from Thursday, February 24–Thursday March 4, with more shows to be announced. In order to comply with COVID-safe protocols, attendees can book tickets at the private decks, stall tables and balcony seats for groups of two, four or six. This means you're saved the pain of rubbing up against sweaty strangers in the crowd, plus you'll be able to have a dance with your closest friends. Image: Bernard Fanning by Saige Prime SUMMER SOUNDS FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE Thursday, February 25 — Ball Park Music and Thelma Plum Friday, February 26 — King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Tropical F Storm Saturday, February 27 — Bernard Fanning and Something for Kate Thursday, March 4 — Spacey Jane and Rat!hammock Summer Sounds Festival Melbourne will take place at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as part of Live at the Bowl from Thursday, February 25–Thursday, March 5. Registration for the presale is now open, with presale tickets available from 12pm AEDT on Friday, January 29 — and general ticket sales opening at 9am AEDT on Monday, March 1. Top image: Summer Sounds Festival Adelaide by Morgan Sette
It’s hard to imagine something more topical to Melbourne than a piece about weather. Raging winds, blinding rain, glorious sunshine: who knows which, or indeed how many, of these you’ll get on your way to the theatre this Melbourne Festival but you can expect them all to be represented on stage in the latest work from renowned Australian choreographer Lucy Guerin. Exploring humanity’s relationship to the elements, Weather is Guerin’s first pure dance piece in a while, as opposed to the dance / theatre blend in many of her recent works. Her troupe will be performing at maximum intensity and it can’t be any less than spectacular. With a score by Oren Ambarchi and set design by the acclaimed Robert Cousins, it also represents a perfect storm of creative talent. Audiences can rightly expect to be blown away when Weather’s world premiere hits the Malthouse this week.
It has been 130 years since the site on the corner of Langridge Road and Raphael Street first started pouring beers; however the Abbotsford watering hole has just undergone a significant makeover. Visitors to The Carringbush Hotel will find a new team at the helm and a new menu tempting tastebuds. Plenty of brews remain, obviously, but the food lineup is now completely vegan and vegetarian. Now owned and run by Joel Morrison, Liam Matthews and Singa Unlayiti — aka the folks behind Fitzroy's Old Bar — The Carringbush has ditched meat in favour haloumi and mushroom burgers, beer battered cauliflower pieces, sweet potato steaks and vegetable charcuterie plates, plus maple teriyaki tofu, forest cake and mango coconut tart. They're all on the menu cooked up by head chef Roxanne Olsen, a veteran of The Grand Hyatt, The Corner Hotel and Stomping Ground. To keep with the sustainable focus, meals are served up on ethical plates and drinks come with eco-friendly reusable metal straws. The eco-friendly bent extends to the beverages themselves, with all wine on tap and no packaged beer on offer. Brew-wise, more than 21 beers pump through the taps, including tipples from the aforementioned Stomping Ground, plus Fixation, Mountain Goat and Moon Dog. "We are working hard to be a pub that enjoys the benefit of delicious food and drink, without costing the earth," explains Matthews. "Our food and drink range has been carefully selected to meet a high-quality standard, that also works to support small and independent local business whilst minimising our global footprint." An $8 pint happy hour from 4–6pm daily, plus a free pot with lunch special between 11am–2pm on weekdays, will each help entice patrons through the door — and once they're there, brick walls, natural lighting, clear windows looking onto Abbotsford's plant-filled streets and indoor greenery from Red Letter Landscapes all await. And for those keen on a bit of history, The Carringbush's original name — The Friendly Societies Hotel — is still emblazoned on its facade. The spot has been known by its current moniker since 1984, with the title stemming from Frank Hardy novel Power Without Glory. Find The Carringbush Hotel at 228 Langridge Street, Abbotsford — open Sunday–Thursday from 11am–11pm and Friday–Saturday from 11am–midnight. Images: Emma-Jane Johnston / VFM Photos.
We're all partial to indulging with a little treat at the end of a long, hard day. For some, it's dessert. For others, it's a nip of single malt scotch. So it was only a matter of time before someone brought those two things together to create one decadent treat. Yes, we talking about a dessert-inspired whisky. That's exactly what Glenmorangie's Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden has done with his newest release, A Tale of Cake. Unafraid to take on a challenge, Lumsden started experimenting years ago by using dessert wine casks, sourced from Hungarian's award-winning producer Royal Tokaji, in the whisky aging process. He was interested to see how the distinctive sweetness of the dessert wine could complement the whisky. He began with the usual process of making Glenmorangie's single malt: distilling it in the towering copper stills and aging in bourbon casks to give its signature citrus notes. The product was then transferred to the Royal Tokaji casks for further aging. The end result was A Tale of Cake, a complex drop that releases tropical fruit aromas (passionfruit, peach and mango) and sweet candy-like flavours — think honey, white chocolate and apricot — followed by a smooth aftertaste of honeycomb, chocolate and nuts. If that description has your mouth watering, you'll be very pleased to learn that we have a bottle of this limited-edition drop to give away. Just enter your details below to be in the running. Can't wait that long? A Tale of Cake is also available to purchase from Boozebud, Porters and other leading independent bottle shops. And keep an eye out for the activation at Maha Restaurant later this month, where you'll get to try the new whisky in an experimental cocktail alongside an expertly paired dessert (aka the Glenmorangie Caketail). [competition]790185[/competition] Image: Kimberley Low
Has a year without travel left you craving a sun-drenched jaunt to the other side of the world? Well, you might not be able to enjoy the real deal just yet, but you can indulge in a pretty convincing make-believe session at new South Yarra bar and bistro Vesper. Opening its doors from Tuesday, February 2, this newcomer is out to transport diners to the sparkling islands of the Mediterranean, with the help of a seafood-heavy menu spiked with a variety of regional flavours. Italian chef Francesco Castellana (Vue de Monde, New York's Per Se) is heading up the kitchen, where he's sating those travel yearnings with elegant, holiday-worthy plates — including almond gazpacho featuring olive oil-poached mackerel, plus Sardinian-style fregola with pecorino and saffron-braised abalone. There's an expansive raw bar selection, showcasing bites like house-cured swordfish finished with pickled grape and baby fennel, and marinated vegetables teamed with a buffalo yoghurt tzatziki. The red snapper fillet comes with a side of preserved lemon salmoriglio, as well as potato and caper puree, while the lamb cutlet is crusted in pistachio and mustard, served alongside an artichoke skordalia. When Vesper starts welcoming in patrons, Melburnians will be greeted by a front dining space that's both warm and lively, with rich brown banquettes, mirrored accents and striking floral walls. Hidden beyond, however, is a secret bar and dining room that beckons for pre- and post-dinner drinks, complete with an adjacent leafy courtyard. In the venue's back space, you'll be able to escape the rush with a secluded tipple or two from the classic-leaning cocktail lineup — a tight selection featuring a range of summery spritzes and a nod to the vesper martini crafted on Four Pillars' Olive Leaf Gin. There's also a curation of boutique wines sourced from across Europe and Australia, and a mix of local and Mediterranean beers in the fridge. Find Vesper at 25 Toorak Road, South Yarra, from Tuesday, February 2. It'll be open from 5pm until late Tuesday–Saturday.
By now, you've probably had an absolute gutful of winter, not to mention of everyone else's European holiday snaps clogging up your Instagram feed. Plus, daydreaming about tropical getaways doesn't quite stack up to the real thing, right? Well, wannabe jetsetters, if you've got a vacation-shaped hole in your life, it turns out this is your lucky week, because a mammoth travel sale is hitting the internet tonight. The bargain-filled Click Frenzy Travel sale returns for a 29-hour online shopping riot, kicking off at 7pm on Tuesday, August 2019. And it's chock full of airfare, cruise, accommodation, tour and holiday package deals, for all kinds of budgets. Though, with a lineup of over 600 sales, it's going to be pretty hard to book just one trip. Virgin Australia's offering up to 40 percent off a range of domestic and international journeys, with prices starting from just $69. You can nab some wild discounts on holiday packages in the likes of Bali, London, Europe and Fiji from the crew at Luxury Escapes, or take advantage of savings of up to 50 percent on select Intrepid Travel trips to destinations including the Galapagos Islands and Croatia. [caption id="attachment_661817" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Intrepid Travel trip to the Galapagos Islands[/caption] Cantik Bali Villas is offering luxury private pool villas from $85 per night, G Adventures is knocking 25 percent off some of its worldwide tours, and Kogan Travel is slinging an array of hot deals including an 11-day China tour from $699. You'll also find $1057 return Air New Zealand flights departing Melbourne and Sydney for sunny Buenos Aires, as well as a stack of Beyond Travel deals, including mega savings on a 2020 Iceland cruise tour. In a Click Frenzy Travel first, this week's sale will also feature a cool 99 percent off 'Go Overboard' deals, up for grabs in limited quantities. The lineup is set to include everything from $2 Beats headphones (usually $250) to $500 Flight Centre vouchers priced at just $5. Dust off that suitcase and start plotting your annual leave — it's holiday time, finally. The Click Frenzy Travel sale runs from 7pm on Tuesday, August 20, until midnight on Wednesday, August 21. You can find it and all the tasty travel bargains here. Top image: Underwater temple ruins in Bali.
In the words of Tyrion Lannister, it's not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy. That may be true, but you can certainly give it a go, when Game of Rhones returns for another year. An epic wine tasting event inspired by the grapes of France's Rhone Valley and the works of George R. R. Martin, this year's Game of Rhones will visit North Melbourne's Meat Market on Saturday, June 10. The event will welcome more than 100 wines from winemakers such as Shaw + Smith, Yarra Yering, Ministry of Clouds, Henschke, Yalumba (and many more). There'll also be food from Fancy Hank's, Mr Burger, Meatsmith and Burn City Smokers, as well as cheese from Yarra Valley Dairy to ensure you don't go hungry. In between goblets, ticketholders will get the chance to chat with sommeliers at the Rhone Bar, where you can purchase full glasses of wine. If you're really keen, you can purchase a Royal Pass, which will get you access to the event an hour earlier, a food voucher and some one-on-one time with a sommelier to help you work out which wines you like best. It should also go without saying that dressing up as your favourite GoT character is highly encouraged. Zombie John Snow, anyone?
There's a new kid on Melbourne's bubble tea block, but this one's no amateur. In fact, Milksha is one of Taiwan's leading bubble tea chains. First launched back in 2004 — and now boasting over 240 outposts across Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Macau — the company has chosen Melbourne as the home of its first Aussie location, opening the doors to a shiny new Elizabeth Street store on Saturday, September 21. Known as Milkshop to its Taiwanese fans, Milksha was founded by a dairy farmer and sets itself apart from competitors by using fresh milk. Fifteen years on, it's finally bringing its creamy bubble teas Down Under. With hopes of winning a new legion of local bubble tea fans, Milksha Melbourne is serving up its signature yoghurt drinks, seasonal juices, specialty teas and milk blends. While the brand's loose leaf teas are sourced from Sri Lanka and Taiwan, the local store is teaming up with our own award-winning Saint David Dairy to handle the entire milk supply. [caption id="attachment_742369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Harris[/caption] So, what else will you find in your Milksha drink? Well, if bubble tea's your thing, you'll want to check out the honey pearl toppings — tapioca pearls cooked in honey and flash-frozen before being shipped to Melbourne. There's also matcha from century-old Japanese brand Izumo Tousuien, fresh taro milk made with taro imported from Taiwan's famed Dajia District, Valrhona cocoa and a range of vibrant toppings such as milk pudding and herbal fairy-grass jelly Other tea flavours include brown sugar, wintermelon, earl grey and oolong, while the yoghurt drink comes in strawberry, avocado and blueberry. And, if the packaging of some other bubble tea joints makes your eyes water, you'll be happy to know Milksha's got the planet on its side. The store's using biodegradable bamboo straws, as well as paper bags and cup holders. Find Milksha at 134 Elizabeth Street, CBD — it's open from 11am till 10pm daily. Images: Tim Harris. Updated: October 1, 2019.
Get ready for your Instagram feed to explode with cherry blossoms because these highly photogenic trees are nearly in bloom once again. If you're looking for the best of the bunch, head to the Yarra Valley for the annual Blossom Festival at CherryHill Orchards. The festival will run from September 26 through October 6, 9am–5pm daily. Apart from the blossoms — which you'll most likely spend the entire day taking selfies with — there'll be live music and giant lawn games to keep you entertained. If you forgot to pack a picnic (or were too lazy to do so), there'll be plenty of food options from the visiting food trucks, which'll be serving up everything from tacos to dumplings and burgers. And you can expect plenty of cherry-flavoured goods, too — think ice cream, pie, cider and spritzers. Yarra Valley's Four Pillars Gin will also be on hand, stirring cherry-spiked cocktails. Tickets will cost a tenner (and include a complimentary cherry spritzer), and you can bring the kids along for five bucks each, but sadly your fur baby will have to stay behind as this is not a dog-friendly festival. CherryHill Blossom Festival is open from 9am–5pm daily. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, July 18.
The City of Melbourne has announced plans to pour nearly $40 million into creating a new-look Queen Victoria Market. The proposed development will extend the market further into Queen Street with a new trader shed and northern shed, and also provide upgrades to the existing food hall. From that hefty sum, $35 million of the investment will be directed towards the new Queen Street sheds, while $4.5 million will contribute towards the refurbished food hall. The proposed upgrades to the heritage-listed market were approved by Heritage Victoria in December of last year. The two new sheds will include fresh amenities, storage and recycling facilities, while the upgraded food hall will feature increased seating, a cooking demonstration area, and refurbished floors and ceilings. Announcing the news in a statement, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the redevelopment will bring 400 jobs to Melbourne and help in the city's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of the proposed changes are set to be discussed at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 13. The Lord Mayor also advised that "traders have told us that the existing food court, which was built in the mid-1990s, is outdated and limits the potential to grow their businesses". However, some store holders and local residents have pushed back against the plans. Not-for-profit organisation Friends of Queen Victoria Market is leading a campaign against the developments, and says that the City of Melbourne is turning QVM into "an entertainment, dining and event venue which will reduce traditional trading by half or more". Melburnians with thoughts on the planned changes can make submissions in advance of the Future Melbourne Committee meeting via the City of Melbourne website, or register to ask a question live during the session. This is not the City of Melbourne's first multimillion-dollar upgrade to the Queen Victoria Market precinct, with construction on a Munro development next to the QVM already in progress. The Munro community hub promises a 500-space market car park, set to open in July, as well as affordable housing, a childcare facility, event spaces, hospitality and retail. Construction on the Queen Victoria Market redevelopment is set to being in early 2022.
Everyone remain calm. There are robots at the NGV. Real life robots. Robots that look disutrbingly like Daleks in dresses. A well-known purveyor of the absurd, Dr. Wade Marynowsky is an Australian artist and researcher who specialises in experimental and emerging art forms. As a researcher, Marynowsky's topics of interest include contemporary art, media and technology in art, and experimental performance work. So really, it's unsurprising that his work reflects his research. His recent projects have included There Goes the Neighbourhood where Marynowsky mixed computer games and urban spaces with a dead kangaroo, and The Acconci Robot which featured a shipping crate robot which followed you every time you turned away from it. Much like robots themselves, his work is unnerving, funny, self-aware and occasionally very confronting. Marynowsky has made a name for himself as a leading artist in the field of experimental digital art and has been exhibited all across Australia. In this latest show at the NGV, he's letting his dolled up Daleks (note: not actual Daleks) loose in the NGV foyer while treating us to audiovisual installations, performances and sound sculptures. If there's one robot-themed contemporary art exhibition you go to this year, make it this one.
Over the past few years, Gelatissimo has whipped up a number of creative flavours, including frosé sorbet, gelato for dogs, and ginger beer, Weet-Bix, fairy bread, hot cross bun, cinnamon scroll, chocolate fudge and bubble tea gelato. Most recently, it made its own spin on Caramilk gelato, too. For its latest offering, the Australian dessert chain is taking inspiration from another beloved foodstuff — and from the current time of year. Can't choose between devouring Easter eggs or licking your way through a few scoops of ice cream? Gelatissimo has the solution. Yes, that very combination will be on the menu from Friday, March 26, with Easter egg-filled mint chocolate gelato earning the honours as Gelatissimo's next flavour of the month. Only available while stocks last until Thursday, April 22 — so for Easter, but not just until Easter — the flavour starts with mint-choc gelato, then adds in those round pieces of chocolate. It also features cookie crumbs, which add to the chunky texture. You can get it in stores Australia-wide, or via delivered take-home packs through services such as UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash. And yes, you can add it to your indulgent Easter list — alongside everything from boozy coffee liqueur-filled Easter eggs to hot cross bao (but you'll only be able to nab the latter if you're in Sydney or Melbourne). Gelatissimo's mint-choc Easter egg gelato is available from all stores nationwide from Friday, March 26–Thursday, March 22.
Next month's a big one for beloved Abbotsford bar Lulie Tavern, as it gears up to celebrate both its fourth birthday and its first year in its current Johnston Street digs. And of course, no one's letting these occasions pass on by without a fittingly huge rock 'n' roll party, in true Lulie fashion. In fact, this year's birthday celebrations will be kicking on for a whole five days, starting on Wednesday, March 13. The Day 1 fun begins with $15 jugs and $15 pizzas from Rita's Cafeteria next door, while Thursday, March 14 promises a riotous birthday-themed trivia night. Lulie's new house band will be setting the tone on March 15, but you'll want to save some energy for the main event, on Saturday, March 16. Kicking off at noon, expect a rollicking, neighbourhood affair, complete with free pizza slices, merch giveaways and stacks of drink specials, with the unveiling of a new special-edition birthday cocktail. Resident DJs will be gracing the decks along with a surprise guest act, and we'll find out who's been crowned Mayor of Lulie 2019. If you fancy yourself taking out the revered title, register over at Lulie's website and you'll be in with a shot at winning your very own tavern party. Images: Jake Roden.
While the debate around pill testing and music festival safety continues in Sydney, a handful of Melbourne politicians have instigated their own push to establish a local pill testing trial. Yesterday, a group of 11 Upper House crossbenchers took to the steps of Parliament House to call for the Andrews government's urgent support in the matter, while the City of Port Phillip Council once again put up its hand to play host to a state-first pill testing trial, almost two years after first advocating for the legislative changes to do so. Victorian Reason Party leader Fiona Patten took to Twitter before the rally, saying, "#pilltesting saves lives and provides a unique opportunity to intervene at that crucial time." https://twitter.com/FionaPattenMLC/status/1087066829904728064 And in a statement regarding his council's own government push, City of Port Phillip Mayor Dick Gross said that while he acknowledged the best harm minimisation approach was simply not to take drugs, "pill testing at venues such as music festivals could help save many lives." "Our Council is again offering to do what we can, in collaboration with public health experts, to support a carefully controlled trial," he explained. However, it's not looking too promising for either group at this stage, with the Age reporting the major government parties aren't budging from their anti-testing stance. As Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told the Age, "Victoria Police gives very firm advice on the matter of pill testing to the Victorian government about the false and potentially fatal outcomes that can come as a result of a pill testing regime." The push for pill testing follows the deaths of five young Australians at music festivals from suspected drug overdoses since September. Image: Groovin the Moo, by Jack Toohey, where Australia's first pill-testing trial took place.
As the arts and entertainment industry continues to climb back to its previous heights following the devastation brought by COVID-19, a welcome addition of $125 million is set to be injected into the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund. The extra funding was announced today, Thursday, March 25, and is aimed at supporting "around 230 projects and up to 90,000 jobs". While a further $10 million will be added to the charity Support Act, aimed at providing crisis support to artists and other workers across the creative sector. The $125 million will be available until Friday, December 31, 2021, and will effectively triple the size of the original commitment of $75 million from the government, raising the total amount of funding available to $200 million. The initial funding has already been put to good use, with Sydney's Hamilton, Melbourne's Harry Potter stage show, Tasmania's Dark Mofo and Byron's Bluesfest all scoring $1 million each. RISE has also helped fund a slew of COVID-safe music events including Next Exit, Fresh Produce and Summer Sounds. [caption id="attachment_789711" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton. Image: Joan Marcus via Destination NSW[/caption] Federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher names RISE as a driving force behind the creative industry's economic resurgence as venues re-open and shows are booked in. "Our focus has turned to stimulating activity so the work opportunities can flow," Minister Fletcher said in a statement. "This new funding comes at an important stage in the resurgence of Australia's arts and entertainment sector. The purpose of the RISE program is to get shows put on, bringing employment to performers, crews and front-of-house staff." The government has also updated RISE's program guidelines to make it easier for businesses and organisations to access the funding, and to encourage projects from as low as $25,000 to apply (the bar was previously set at a minimum of $75,000 for funding applications). Find out more about the RISE fund here. Top image: Frankies by Katje Ford.
Longrain has long been one of Melbourne's best Thai restaurants — before and after Scott Pickett (founder of Estelle and Matilda) took over in late 2020. He and his team serve a huge range of contemporary Thai fare within a converted horse stable up the top end of Little Bourke Street, but it has always been a dine-in situation. Lunch has only really been served on Friday arvos as well. But that's all changing this autumn and winter. Starting Monday, May 13, the Longrain team will be serving lunch-style adaptations of Longrain favourites down on the west end of Little Collins Street. Head Chef Long Le has turned the much-loved crispy pork hock into a loaded roll; the whole fish is now broken down into more manageable crispy fish fillets; and the prawn salad has been reimagined as a lunchtime dish that's leaps and bounds greater than your Kardashian-style shake-and-go salads. Rounding out the new Longrain Canteen menu is a stack of meat and vegetarian curries and the Thai milk tea panna cotta (for those wanting a sweet treat at their desk). "Our menu is all about tasty, affordable meals that you can eat on the go. We have thoughtfully reimagined the flavours, techniques and presentation of Longrain classics that guests know and love without compromising on quality and authenticity. I look forward to welcoming long-standing Longrain patrons to try something a little different and welcoming new customers during our lunchtime trade," shares Le. The food is all designed to be taken away, but a handful of seats will be available for those who want to dine in. Chang beer, canned wine, longan juice and Thai coffee will also be up for grabs. Beyond the ready-to-eat dishes, Longrain Canteen will also be selling Thai pantry staples and hard-to-find ingredients for those who have been inspired to try a bit of Thai cooking at home. Folks down on the west end of the CBD can soon sample some of Longrain's signature Thai eats without having to race across the city. Just be sure to get in soon — the pop-up site will only run until the start of spring. You'll find Longrain Canteen at 430 Collins Little Street from Monday, May 13. It will be open Monday–Friday, 11am–2.30pm, until the start of spring. For more details, head to the venue's website.
Flinders Lane has welcomed the ultimate winter hideaway, with late-night cocktail den Trinket opening its hard-to-find doors tonight. An oversized jewellery box of grownup delights, it's a glamorous, two-level space, full of Art Deco styling and old-world charm. Through the hidden entrance, you'll discover a fireplace and lounge primed for cocktail sessions, while another secret basement bar awaits downstairs. In keeping with the vibe, both the food menu and cocktail lineup have a dark edge. The bar has reimagined classic creations such as the sherry cobbler — made here with pineapple, almond syrup, absinthe spray and a smoked rosemary garnish — and a piña colada daiquiri, featuring pineapple-infused white rum, lime, pineapple and coconut syrup. In the kitchen, Head Chef Telina Menzies is delivering a menu of bites designed to be enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. Find gems like the charred black pudding with goat's cheese, Turkish figs and a lemon zest flatbread; three cheese cigars matched with honey pearls and a smoked ash aioli; and an Aperol spritz-cured kingfish topped with pomegranate. Food is on offer until the bar closes, seven days a week, with DJs and live acts setting the tone every Friday and Saturday night. And on July 28, Trinket will launch its Boozy Bites and Dark Delights series — two boozy brunch sessions offered every Saturday and Sunday. Head in from 12–2pm, or 2.30–4.30pm and enjoy a glass of Mumm, a signature cocktail and a selection of bites for $45. Trinket is now open at 87 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Tavi Gevinson, the precocious pixie editrix, is finally manifesting her person on our shores. As a hugely successful teen blogger and founder of Rookie magazine, her entrepreneurial chutzpah is something of a phenomenon. She'll be giving a keynote address at the Melbourne Writers Festival, as well as stopping by the Opera House in Sydney. She's an old hand at public speaking, too, having already given a TED talk. Awash as the internet is with kids promoting their #personalbrands, it's cool to see someone so young found a publication like Rookie, a surprisingly down-to-earth and intellectual voice in the teen zine scene. Launched in 2011, it's festooned with the Tavi aesthetic, which, since her solo blogging days as a 13-year-old, has channelled '90s pop-goth and pretty pastels, movies like Ghost World and all the quirkiest developments of the fashion world. But it's Tavi's self-awareness and feminism that make her a compelling fashion commentator: never glossing over the fact that this is an industry which fetishises youth, she's all for female empowerment. We're looking forward to hearing her speak on a local stage.
You've watched every episode of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo back to back, applied the 'spark joy' test to all of your worldly possessions and still your home is in desperate need of an organisational bootcamp. Sounds like it might be time to call in the experts. Luckily for any disorderly folk out there, IKEA is here to lend a helping hand. The Swedish furniture and homewares giant has assembled a team of tidying wizards to help whip 100 lucky Aussie homes into shape. It's currently taking submissions from locals desperate for a spruce-up and will choose 100 of them to each win a two-hour home organisation session. Winners will be guided through an organisational masterclass by one of Ikea's experts and even score themselves a $300 swag of new Ikea smart storage products to help keep everything in tip-top shape. We're expecting you'll pick up some ninja-level tidying skills to make even Marie Kondo proud. To enter this comp, you need to live within 20 kilometres of an IKEA store and to submit a photo of your messy pantry, bathroom or bedroom (and some words about why it frustrates you) over here. In another nod to Japan's organising queen, IKEA is holding a separate competition open to anyone named Mary who lives in a condo (or apartment). One of the lucky applicants will win a year's worth of tidying services, which involves a three-hour monthly home visit from an Ikea 'tidy professional'. Just imagine all the extra joy you'll spark by handing over decluttering duties to someone else. Jump over here to submit your plea for a home tidying session before midnight on Wednesday, February 12. Enter IKEA's Mary search here before midnight on Tuesday, February 18.
If you find yourself thinking back on Law & Order re-runs, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs or Heath Ledger's turn as the Joker in The Dark Knight, you're probably thinking about one particular type of scene. There's an art to a good on-screen interrogation — to seeing characters verbally spar back and forth, as one probes for answers and the other tries to avoid their questions — that's riveting when it's done well. It's also hilarious when it's done comedically (see Brooklyn Nine-Nine); however, nothing beats a grim, serious, eyes-blazing, nostril-flaring confrontation between a suspected criminal and a savvy detective who are both confined to the same small room. Netflix, in its seemingly never-ending quest to turn every single possible idea into highly binge-able streaming content, is taking this concept and running with it in its new anthology crime series Criminal. Love interrogations, but not so fussed about all the stuff around them? Then you'll want to glue your peepers to this newcomer when it arrives later in the year, because it's all about heated chats in police interview suites. In fact, that's all it's about. The streaming platform is keeping most of the details quiet for now, although the show will tell a dozen different tales across just as many 45-minute episodes — spending three episodes each focusing on cases in France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. Criminal will also unfurl its tense arguments with some considerable star power, with David Tennant and Agent Carter's Hayley Atwell among the UK cast. You might also recognise Laurence Anyways' Nathalie Baye and The Unknown Girl's Jérémie Renier in the French instalments, plus Phoenix's Nina Hoss in the German episodes. Behind the scenes, the claustrophobic, cat-and-mouse-style program also boasts a heap of talent, which'll again vary from country to country. Killing Eve writer George Kay and She's Out Of My League director Jim Field Smith will oversee the whole thing, and take care of the British chapters, while The Returned and Spiral helmer Frederic Mermoud, Downfall's Oliver Hirschbiegel and Dark Impulse's Mariano Barroso will do the honours in France, Germany and Spain respectively. While Netflix hasn't released a proper teaser or trailer yet, it has unveiled a cast announcement video which doubles as a foreboding look at things to come: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L82Gx5wrPVs Criminal will drop on Netflix later this year — we'll update you with further details, including an exact release date, as they come to hand. Via Deadline.
We've all been spending a lot more time in our front, back and side yards this past year. And now that we've explored every street, every park, every nook and every gosh darn cranny within a five-kilometre radius of our home address, it's time to venture a little further afield to discover even more in Port Phillip. There's something for everyone at this waterfront wedge of Melbourne, so don't let the cold stop you from having a good time. Rug up and head to Ripponlea's Burnett Gray Gardens and Acland Plaza to check out glowing light installations after dark. They'll be lighting up your Friday–Sunday nights from 4pm throughout June and July. Feel like tapping into your inner child? Consider paying Luna Park a visit and tappity-tap your way to both your childhood and a hole-in-one at its new mini golf course. If arts and culture is more your thing, there are plenty of galleries and theatres showcasing work that will capture your attention. Hit up Red Stitch Actors' Theatre to catch new Australian plays performed in an intimate setting just behind Chapel Street. Or, invest in some art from South Melbourne's Australian Tapestry Workshop or at St Kilda's Space2b Social Design — a social enterprise helping newly arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers become financially independent. You can explore the great outdoors with self-guided walking trails like the mobile-friendly Foreshore Trail and Solar System Trail, too. Head to Port Phillip this winter to discover something new. For more information on what's happening in the area, visit the website.
Cold weather already getting to you? Never fear, fire is at the heart of 2019's Ballarat Heritage Weekend. The annual celebration of the city's art, culture, local makers and stories will return from Friday, May 25–Sunday, May 27 in a blaze of events. It all kicks off on Friday evening with Food in Focus. This extraordinary banquet will take place in the Mitchell Family Gallery — Ballarat's newest photo gallery — where you'll dine on creative dishes from local chef Peter Ford, while surrounded by contemporary images. On Saturday, you can experience the glorious Beard & Stache Competition. Every year, bearded and moustached people from all over Australia line up in hope of conquering all other hairy ones. Expect more contest categories, more fun and more unpredictable happenings than ever before. As the sun goes down, the town will come to life with fire pits, burning barrels and flame-inspired installations — particularly Armstrong Street North, which will place host to a celebration of Aboriginal cultures with a short film festival, yarning circles and discussions with Traditional Custodian Tammy Gilson. Meanwhile, for the brave, there'll be eery after-dark tours of Town Hall — perhaps swing by The Mining Exchange, to sample a bunch of cocktails beforehand for some liquid courage. All cocktails will be designed by local venues, including The Lost Ones, Freight Bar and Il Piccolo Gelato, and are inspired by Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liquor. These are just the beginning. The weekend-long program is absolutely packed with more food, drinks, storytelling, art and live music Ballarat Heritage Weekend will take place across Friday, May 25–Sunday, May 27. To see the full program, head this way.
Explore hidden nooks and marvel at grand designs, as doors open all around town for the latest edition of Open House Melbourne. Returning for its ninth consecutive year, this year's event is set for the final weekend of July, and will for the first time extend beyond the CBD and into the surrounding suburbs. In fact, the 2016 program features a whopping 140 buildings, stretching all the way from Newport to Bundoora. Highlighting many an architectural marvel, the Open House program covers everything from government buildings including Parliament House and the Supreme Court of Victoria; commercial spaces like Hassell Studios' Medibank building, houses of worship such as St Paul's Cathedral and East Melbourne Synagogue; cultural institutions like the Athenaeum Theatre and the State Library; and sporting venues including AAMI Park and the National Tennis Centre. Pop across the Yarra and you can also pay a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, or stargaze at the Melbourne Observatory nestled inside the Royal Botanic Gardens. And that's just in the city, mind you. Venture north and you can explore Circus Oz HQ or wander through the Melbourne General Cemetery. Alternatively, head west for a look at Yarraville's Sun Theatre and the Footscray Town Hall. Local history buffs might enjoy a gander at the city's heritage tram fleet, housed in the Hawthorn Tram Depot. And what trip through Melbourne could truly be called complete without paying a visit to Luna Park? Image: Hassell Studios.
A vibrant laneway culture might be one of the things that's put Melbourne on the map, but if you've explored the dingier corners of the city, you'll know that some of our laneways have more in the way of creepy corners and bin stench, than of hip, hidden bars. One lane that used to be in this aesthetically-challenged camp is Mornane Place, which runs along the back of Bourke Street's Grossi Florentino, Pellegrini's, and Ombra. But the future's now looking bright for this little thoroughfare, thanks to a bit of TLC from its neighbours, some improvements facilitated by the City of Melbourne's Love Your Laneway program, and best of all, the addition of its own laneway bar. The Grossi team took over this petite space across from their back door during last year's renovations, popped in some shelves, and have been using it as a cellar to house their wine collection. But now that the exterior is being spruced up with new lighting, street art, and pavement repairs, the space is set to do double time as a cosy wine bar called Arlechin. Punters can expect a warm, moody drinking spot, with plenty of intimate date-night corners and walls filled to the brim with bottles. There'll be an oft-changing wine list, clever reinventions of some classic cocktails, and a food menu that lends itself just as well to snacking as to feasting. And best of all, you won't have to pick your way down a smelly laneway to find it. Until then, this is as much as we get: Arlechin is set to open early April in Mornane Place, Melbourne CBD.
Ice cream maker-turned-activist Ben & Jerry's is once again taking its frozen treats into the political realm. In the past, the much-loved ice cream (or lack thereof) was used to support marriage equality. Now, it'll become a platform for taking action on climate change with the new limited-edition flavour, Gimme S'More Renewables. The flavour's launch corresponds with the global Rise For Climate Day on Saturday, September 8, and will be available in Ben & Jerry's stores for just one day, and while supplies last. All proceeds will be donated to the company's long-term climate activism partners, 350.org Australia. On the day, fifty marches and picnics are scheduled to take place across Australia — you can find the closest event to you here. Ben & Jerry's has also sent personalised pints of Gimme S'More Renewables to federal and state politicians, acting as a direct call on Australian leaders to accelerate renewable energy and commit to a fossil-fuel-free world. In a show of good faith, the company has committed to being carbon positive and using only renewable resources by 2030. Plus, its 2020 deadline for using renewable electricity sources and eliminating coal from its energy mix is just around the corner. All Ben & Jerry's shops are currently powered by Powershop, an electricity provider that is 100 percent carbon neutral. If you need more than the drought and the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef to convince you to get involved, the Gimme S'More Renewables sounds pretty damn tasty, too — a combination of marshmallow ice cream, chocolate cookies, Graham cracker swirls and fudge flakes. Ben & Jerry's limited-edition Gimme S'More Renewables will be available at all Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops on Saturday, September 8. Find your closest one here.
The past couple of weeks have seen Footscray cop some pretty nasty abuse, with a spate of vandalism attacks on newer venues like 8bit, Rudimentary, and Up in Smoke suggesting one or more individuals aren't happy with the suburb's gentrification. But despite all this, it seems Footscray's new contingent of hospo operators aren't backing down, with Laneway Festival founder Jerome Borazio announcing plans for a lofty new event space The Line. The space neighbours his Yewers Street bar, Back Alley Sally's. The venue sees Borazio — who's also behind such ventures as 1000 £ Bend, St Jerome's - The Hotel, and The Church of Bang Bang Boogaloo — team up with Back Alley Sally's co-owners Jo and Andrew Harvey, as well as partner Rachelle Watson. Watson is general manager of Laneway Melbourne, and was the mind responsible for originally moving the festival from the CBD to its current Footscray digs back in 2010. With Back Alley Sally's own function space booked out months in advance, The Line is a serious win for this neck of the woods. "Footscray is now brimming with bars and music venues but there's a lack of quality, city-standard event space," explains Borazio. "The Line will meet some of this need." With its minimal design, polished concrete floors, and room for 200 people, the industrial space is primed for partying — a blank canvas that gives punters free reign when it comes to styling their event. They're open to hosting parties and weddings as well as workshops and arts events. The Line joins a growing number of popular bar in Footscray, including Littlefoot, Hop Nation's new brewery, and BBQ joint Up In Smoke. The Line is now open for inspections and bookings at 38–40 Moreland Street, Footscray. For more info, visit theline.melbourne.
Clouds are already pretty magical. They float around the sky above us, giving us shade (the good kind) and provide perfect material to gaze at while lying in the grass. Spotting shapes in clouds is a familiar childhood pastime for most of us — you see a monster, then your mum's face, then a flower. It's like an inkblot test for primary schoolers. Now the grownups have had their turn, and the results are kind of amazing. Argentinian artist Martin Feijoo bases his work on these moving blobs of cotton wool (or gas? — we're not great at science). From staring up and the sky and using his imagination, Feijoo has produced a gorgeous body of work from what he terms 'Shaping Clouds'. After taking a photo of the sky, the artist pencils in the full image he sees in his mind. This of course leads to some outlandish images. Giant sea turtles dive down to the earth below and a platypus with a giant neck attempts to walk on its hind legs. "When I was a child I was told that clouds’ shapes were created by expert balloon twister clowns who live in the sky," says the artist. "I imagine someone made [these clouds] for me." Now that the dreary skies of winter are gone, we can't wait to do some sky-gazing of our own. Check out the artist's Tumblr to see the full drawing process. Via Lost at E Minor and Daily Mail.
On Thursday, May 27, Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino announced that all of Victoria would be going into a seven-day 'circuit breaker' lockdown in a bid to stop the spread of Melbourne's latest COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak began on Monday, May 24, and has seen case numbers grow daily — the state's total currently sits at 39 — and the list of exposure sites expand rapidly as well. The current lockdown is scheduled to run until 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3. Current restrictions include the reinstatement of the four reasons to leave your home, the addition of a new fifth reason to head out, bringing back the five-kilometre travel radius and requiring mandatory face masks when leaving your house. This time around, all restrictions apply to both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The list of restrictions can be a bit overwhelming, so we've broken down just what you can and can't do. This information is correct as of Friday, May 28. For what reasons am I allowed to leave the house? Remember those four reasons announced back in March 2020? These reasons have been reintroduced, meaning you can only leave home to purchase groceries and other essentials, for care and caregiving, for outdoor exercise and recreation, and for permitted work. You can find out more about what classifies as permitted work and restrictions surrounding those workplaces on Victorian coronavirus website. New this time, however, is a fifth permissible reason to leave the house: to get a COVID-19 vaccination. The state is also rolling out the vaccine to everyone over the age of 40 from Friday, May 28, meaning that Victorians aged between 40–49 years will be able to access to the Pfizer vaccine via the state's vaccination sites. For how long can I leave the house? You can leave to exercise once per day for up to two hours. One member of your household is permitted to leave once per day for groceries and other essentials. There are no limits on how long you can leave for permitted work or caregiving. Is there a curfew this time? No, there is no curfew. You are allowed out of your house at any hour as long as it is for one of the four permitted reasons. Do I have to wear a mask? Yes, masks or face coverings are still compulsory whenever you leave home. You can find out all the nitty-gritty in our article about the mask mandate. How far can I travel? You can only travel up to five kilometres from your home. The only reasons to exceed this five-kilometre radius is for permitted work, receiving care and caregiving, to visit your partner or someone in your 'single bubble' (we'll get to more on these in a second) or if you live in an area where the closest essential services, such as shops, are over five kilometres away. You can also leave your home in the case of an emergency or family violence. Unless you've moved house since the last lockdown, you're probably very familiar with this five-kilometre radius, but if you want to have another look at what's around, check out this handy website. Can I see friends and family? No, you can't have generally visitors to your home — or gather with friends and family in a public place during the current lockdown. You are allowed to be joined by members of your household or one other person who lives within your five-kilometre radius while exercising. You can check your five-kilometre bubble crossover on this nifty website. Partners who live separately are allowed to visit each other at home and can leave their five-kilometre bubble to see each other, though. And, as this lockdown is planned for seven days, the single bubbles are back — so you can have one other designated person over to your house (just one, and only the sole person you have nominated) if you live alone. Can I drive to a park to exercise? As long as it's within five kilometres of your home, yes. You can exercise for a maximum of two hours, once per day. Can I go to the beach? You can go to the beach for exercise if there is one within five kilometres of your home. But, you can only go for a maximum of two hours and with one other person or the members of your household. [caption id="attachment_663112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takeaway Pizza[/caption] How about to a restaurant or cafe? You can pick up takeaway from a hospitality venue located within five kilometres of your home, but dine-in service is off the cards. If you're looking to order takeaway, this directory lists all the takeaway options within your five-kilometre radius and Deliveroo is waiving its delivery fees throughout the lockdown. Or a gym? All gyms (indoor and outdoor), boot camps, sporting facilities and public pools are closed. Are professional sporting events permitted? Yes, professional sporting events including the AFL will proceed without crowds. Under the restrictions, professional athletes are permitted workers and are therefore allowed to leave their homes to compete in these events. Can I go shopping? For groceries and other essentials, yes. Supermarkets, food and liquor stores and pet stores are all open. But, only one person from your household can shop for essentials a day — and not all shops are open, or some will have altered hours, so check before you head off. You must also shop for essentials within your five-kilometre bubble if you can. Can I attend a funeral? Yes, however funerals are limited to ten mourners, plus those required to conduct the funeral. Can I attend a wedding? No, weddings are not permitted, except for on compassionate grounds. If you have more questions, the Victorian Government has an extensive list of FAQs on its website. Top image: Parker Blain
If you're partial to a spot of after-hours eating, drinking and shopping, you'll be glad to know the QVM's night market game is kicking up a gear next month. Not only has its much-loved Summer Night Market returned for a fresh season of Wednesday night fun, but the String Bean Alley Christmas Night Market is also making a comeback, spreading festive cheer every Monday from December 5–19. Head along to tick off that Christmas gift list by stocking up on a range of handmade goodies from local artisans. Then, once you've worked up an appetite, you can fuel up with bites like Pasta Face's fresh pasta dishes, Tex-Mex fare courtesy of Dingo Ate My Taco and gingerbread treats from Can't Catch Me, along with an offering of local sips. There'll be plenty of photo-friendly festive happenings to get you in the spirit, too, from Santa visits and Christmas carollers, to dustings of faux snow and a super-sized gingerbread man.
When Seinfeld was the world's biggest sitcom, the show about nothing was also about everything. Its quartet of yada, yada, yada-ing New Yorkers was oh-so-specific, too, but also relatable. It's no wonder that the 90s hit made a star out of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who ensured that Elaine Benes was a work of comedic genius — with a Best Supporting Actress Emmy and six other nominations to show for it — and someone who could've walked straight in off the street. In razor-sharp political farce Veep, the actor did much the same to ample accolades. Making a Vice President in a gleeful satire feel real is no mean feat. But Louis-Dreyfus is at her best, and a true sensation, whenever she's in leading-lady mode in front of writer/director Nicole Holofcener's lens. That's only happened twice so far; however, both 2013's Enough Said and now 2023's You Hurt My Feelings are as excellent as engaging, lived-in and astute character-led dramedies come. In her finest performances, Louis-Dreyfus inhabits her roles like she's always been in them. There's a lightness to her on-screen presence that never smacks of force, artifice or effort — a naturalism, clearly, even if she's working with comically heightened material. Nothing about Holofcener's two collaborations with Louis-Dreyfus goes big with its laughs, of course. The pair aren't making Seinfeld or Veep together. Instead, their talents combine in sublime and thoughtful works of intimacy and intricacy, wryly funny explorations of small moments, and perceptive slices of life — and You Hurt My Feelings is indeed a gleaming gem. It's also the kind of American feature that rarely gets a silver-screen run in these days of blockbuster franchises, endless sequels and remakes, and ever-sprawling cinematic universes (the filmmaker's last picture The Land of Steady Habits, which starred Ben Mendelsohn and arrived in 2018, was a Netflix affair). The battle to find a home for Holofcener's preferred type of tales earns an in-script parallel in You Hurt My Feelings, with novelist Beth (Louis-Dreyfus, You People) also struggling. Her first book, a memoir about her childhood with an emotionally abusive dad, didn't notch up the sales she would've liked. At lunches between Beth, her sister Sarah (Michaela Watkins, The Dropout) and their mother Georgia (Jeannie Berlin, Hunters), the latter still protests about how it was marketed. And, when she finally submits a draft of her next tome after toiling for years, Beth's editor (LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Grey's Anatomy) isn't as enthused. None of these situations give the movie its name, though, which stems from Beth's therapist husband Don (Tobias Menzies, This Way Up) and his opinion. When she overhears him tell her brother-in-law Mark (Arian Moayed, Succession) that he isn't that fussed about the new text, it's shattering, especially when he's been nothing but her heartiest cheerleader otherwise. Holofcener begins and punctuates You Hurt My Feelings with Don's sessions with clients, including an incessantly bickering and blatantly unhappy couple played by game real-life spouses Amber Tamblyn (Y: The Last Man) and David Cross (Station Eleven). They argue. They complain openly and heatedly about each other. They say awful things, but they're also adamant about staying together. They start expressing their displeasure about paying for Don's services when it evidently isn't making any difference to their domestic disharmony, which feeds his own doubts about whether he's any good — and, while taking time away from the luminous Louis-Dreyfus, these asides also cut to the heart of this supremely well-observed movie. We're all our own worst critics, and we all jump on any chance we can to reinforce our fears, worries and raging cases of imposter syndrome. We all rely upon our partners to be the voice of support, positivity and encouragement. When that falters or rings false, then, it isn't minor. As Holofcener's layered screenplay explains in the film's economical 93-minute running time, Beth and Don have always prided themselves about being close. Their college-aged son Eliot (Owen Teague, To Leslie), who is writing a play and working in a weed store, cringes over his parents' codependence and shared meals. When Beth and Don buy each other anniversary gifts, they even each make the same mistake — but that decades-forged comfort proves fragile the instant that Beth hears what she'd never have guessed that Don would say or think. You Hurt My Feelings unpacks why on both sides, also interrogating self-confidence and insecurity, the need for validation, tiny misunderstandings that feel massive to whoever is on the receiving end, social niceties, and white lies uttered with the best of intentions, with Sarah and Mark's relationship, his up-and-down acting career, her interior-design work, and Eliot's own personal and professional tussles also providing examples. She's been busy with Veep, the unimpressive Downhill and multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances in the decade since she last worked with Holofcener, but here's hoping that it doesn't take as long for Louis-Dreyfus to reteam with the writer/director again. She's that magnetic and, yes, relatable in the filmmaker's fare, and that devastatingly great at both comedy and drama as well. Although You Hurt My Feelings' guiding force has had a packed slate herself, not just with The Land of Steady Habits but also episodes of Enlightened, Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, One Mississippi, Mrs Fletcher and Lucky Hank, the same wish applies her way. Her empathetic features about everyday women are that authentic and incisive, as both Enough Said and this demonstrate. Here's a dream: a Holofcener film with both Louis-Dreyfus and the helmer's Walking and Talking, Lovely & Amazing, Friends with Money and Please Give star Catherine Keener. Casting has always been one of the filmmaker's talents; in You Hurt My Feelings, Menzies, Watkins, Berlin, Moayed and Teague are all wonderful as well. Holofcener gets the same honesty out of each, and from Louis-Dreyfus, as she channels into her smart dialogue, earnest insights and pitch-perfect musings about life. Thanks to cinematographer Jeffrey Waldron (A League of Their Own), her movie looks as naturalistic as it always feels — and, while almost everyone watching isn't a NYC-dwelling writer with a shrink husband and wounded pride over a book, the emotions that You Hurt My Feelings trades in are genuine. Also 100-percent sincere: the feature's winning way with finding humour in the need that we all have to be seen and appreciated, the tendency to tell our loved ones what they want to hear and the very real clash between those two behaviours.
It has dragons, shape-shifting, power struggles and Kit Harington — and someone is told that they know nothing, though not the man best known as Jon Snow. We’re not talking about Game of Thrones. If only. Instead, the latest effort to wave the fantasy flag is Seventh Son. The film is based on the novel The Spook's Apprentice and was actually shot three years ago, but it clearly really wants to be everyone’s favourite TV show. It also wants to be every other story about epic quests, long-held feuds, strange creatures and supernatural powers that has reached a screen — large, small or kindle — over the past ten years or so. The bad news: shared dashes of drama, magic and medieval theming aside, and there's plenty, trying to be just like everything fantasy fans know and love doesn’t do this movie any favours. The worse news: it also leaves it looking like a pale imitation of better work. From the computer-animated monsters to the lukewarm love story, Seventh Son comes second in every category. The title and the tale tell of a young man, Tom Ward (Ben Barnes), whose birth order sees him selected to learn the witch-hunting, realm-protecting trade. He’s not just a seventh son — he’s the seventh son of a seventh son — so legend has it that he’s something extra special. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) tries to teach Tom new tricks, but time isn’t on their side. A once-in-a-century blood moon is a mere week away, with evil enchantress Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore) planning to use the occasion to take over the world. If it all sounds like your average good-versus-evil scenario, that’s because it is. More than that, it’s dull, familiarity not quite breeding contempt but certainly not inspiring much interest. That every plot point just feels like an exercise in ticking the requisite boxes doesn’t help, including the complications added when half-witch Alice (Alicia Vikander), the nicer niece of Malkin, falls for our hero. The 3D action sequences do the same; even when they’re trying to ramp up the spectacle with giants, tumbles down waterfalls and shape-shifting henchmen, everything is firmly in by-the-numbers territory. What Seventh Son does boast is ample talent, though two-time Oscar nominee Sergei Bodrov (Prisoner of the Mountains, Mongol) doesn’t fare so well with his slapdash efforts in the director’s chair. Thankfully, 2011 best actor Oscar winner Bridges and newly minted best actress Oscar recipient Moore do better — or as well as they can given what’s being asked of them. Indeed, the veteran performers are the most watchable part of the movie, one grumbling, mumbling and stumbling, the other relishing an over-the-top role, and both as cartoonish as you can get. That Barnes and Vikander — and everything else — seems bland in comparison is hardly surprising. As an adaptation of the first book in a now fourteen-strong series, Seventh Son was obviously once seen as the start of a new film franchise. If there’s any real magic in this movie, it is in ensuring that that doesn’t happen.
An exploration of an exiled poet. The Australian premiere of legendary filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky's latest feature. An effort that's being called Peru's first bona fide horror movie. They're just three of the films in first-ever Cine Latino Film Festival lineup, as Australia's first national fest dedicated to showcasing the best in Latin American cinema tours the country in August. While the complete program features more than 30 movies from Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Cuba, Uruguay, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala and Puerto Rico, there's a reason that the first of the flicks mentioned above, the Pablo Larraín-directed, Gael García Bernal-starring Neruda, has been plucked straight from Cannes to open the festival. The last time the filmmaker and actor worked together, the excellent No was the end result, so expect another insightful look at Chilean politics from their second collaboration. Jodorowsky's Endless Poetry should rank among the festival's just-as-eagerly-anticipated titles, especially by fans of the director's '70s cult classics El Topo and The Holy Mountain and his most recent effort The Dance of Reality — or anyone who marvelled at what could've been when they watched the entertaining documentary Jodorowsky's Dune. And while The Womb doesn't come with quite the same pedigree, it does boast a chilling storyline involving one of the horror genre's favourite topics: motherhood. Elsewhere, a chronicle of the pop star known as the 'Mexican Madonna', an insight into current state of a formerly luxurious Havana hotel, and more than a couple of soccer-themed efforts all feature among the feast of Spanish and Portuguese-language fare, as do Peruvian road movie Solos and Venezuelan beauty queen black comedy 3 Beauties. Just perusing the program is enough to make you want to jump on a plane for Latin America, however for those who can't enjoy an overseas holiday at the moment, immersing yourself in the films of the region really is the next best thing. [competition]583085[/competition]
Following a sell-out launch event in May, Red Rock Deli is putting together its second secret supper — and this time it's bringing one of Adelaide's most renowned chefs to host an exclusive dinner for some very lucky Sydneysiders. Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) is behind the next mouth-watering feast which will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's new limited-edition flavours. All the details are very much under-wraps, including what he'll be cooking up, but given Africola is famed for its North African-inspired woodfired meats and veggies, you can expect this three-course meal to be filled with flame-grilled delights. Despite everything being very hush-hush, here's what we can reveal: Welgemoed will be flying up for the supper on Thursday, June 20, and his dinner will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's flame-grilled steak and chimichurri flavour. We can also tell you that this experience will involve more than just the dishes — after arriving at the collection point in Sydney's CBD, you'll be whisked away to a mystery location where you can expect everything from the decor to the food to have a fiery theme — although the menu will remain a secret until you arrive. There are two sessions of this lavish dinner, with room for just 20 guests at each. Tickets to Duncan Welgemoed's secret supper cost $110 per person. Enter the ballot below to be given the chance to purchase tickets. The lucky winners will receive a secret link to buy tickets to the evening on Tuesday, June 11th. Please note, the Secret Supper menu will not cater to ANY dietary requirements or allergies. There are strictly no changes to the menu. [competition]717901[/competition] Image: Simon Bajada
If you've ever dreamed of constantly being the life of the party, then this creation by Joey Andolina will be right up your alley. Instead of the standard carrying of a boombox in the hand or over the shoulder, this boombox is attached to a vest and can be worn with ease. The vest features two motorcycle speakers which protrude from the shoulders. Furthermore, an 8” Boss Audio Bass900 subwoofer is located on the back of the vest for more bass power. The whole device is powered by a rechargable battery, and volume can be adjusted from the hip. Arriving just in time for summer, this vest boombox allows you to show off your fashion prowess while blasting European hardstyle relentlessly as you walk around the block. If you're serious about partying, you know you'll have to wear the sunglasses like the model in the above picture.
Too many wines, not enough time. That's why food and wine festivals exist — they take the legwork out of it to bring us the best of the best to sample. On the first weekend in October, more than 40 of the highest-achieving wineries in Heathcote, a wine region 30 minutes' drive southwest of Bendigo, will gather at the Heathcote Showground for a vino-palooza of mammoth proportions. This iconic event has been attracting serious winos for more than 15 years — around 4000-plus people from across Victoria and interstate attend annually, so you'll be rubbing shoulders with hardcore sippers, swirlers and some newbies. Gear up to try a bunch of new releases as well as the area's signature drops. The Heathcote wine region has long had a reputation for killer shiraz, but more recently, an array of more unusual Mediterranean varietals have joined the lineup. From Italian nebbiolo to Spanish tempranillo, you'll get to sample them all. Should you and your palate need a break from all that quaffable wine, visit one of the food stalls slinging the best local produce and artisanal goods — Salami Shack, Frying Calamari Brothers and The Farce Charcuterie are just a few of the well-regarded vendors in attendance. If you're travelling from Melbourne or Bendigo, leave the car at home — jump aboard one of the festival-bound buses and enjoy yourself without worrying about the drive back.
The folks over at Gelato Messina know how to whip lovers of all things sweet and frozen into a frenzy, and they've done it again, announcing that their Sydney degustation bar will be venturing south to Melbourne. The Messina Creative Department will be setting up shop in a secret room at their Windsor store for five nights only, from August 23-27. An offshoot of the famed gelato parlour, the Messina Creative Department offers an epic seven-course degustation, complete with non-alcoholic drink pairing. Since opening next door to their OG Darlinghurst venue in April to rapturous response, the tiny eight-seater space has proved to be immensely popular, with places booking out almost as soon as they're released. So it's no surprise that the announcement that Messina would be bringing their Creative Department to Melbourne has already seen a massive response. With three sittings per night (at 5.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm) and just eight seats available per sitting, Melburnians booked out those $130-per-head spots at the ice cream sorcery table in record time. And judging by their previous creations, it's not hard to see why. Their Sydney dessert dinners have seen the likes of garlic gelato, a sugar egg filled with delights and an amazing matcha and pistachio cake concoction. Their latest offering included a lemon-like globe filled with liquorice gelato, yuzu curd and olive oil pastry accompanied by a muscatel grape, dill and black pepper oil cold pressed juice. It's dessert meets art meets one helluva tastebud adventure. If you didn't manage to get your sticky gelato fingers on a ticket, be sure to keep your eyes on the Messina Creative Department page and hope like hell they release some more sittings. But, either way, you can leave your details on the waiting list.
In news that makes my gawky ten-year-old self squeal with prepubescent joy, '90s R&B legends TLC have just announced their first tour to Australia. In a time when 'Genie in a Bottle' and 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' dominated the charts, Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins, Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas and Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes taught a whole generation about girl power, cargo pants and combat boots. These were the ladiez who told me not to waste my time with scrubs (FYI: a scrub is a guy who can't get no love from me). Although nearly two decades have passed since their standout hits 'No Scrubs' and 'Waterfalls', TLC will be touring Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in June of this year. Of course, since the passing of Left Eye in a 2002 car crash, the band will be performing with just two of the original three members. Although TLC's reps have stated there will be some inclusion of Lopes through audiovisual means (though definitely not a hologram a la Tupac). Beaten only by the Spice Girls, TLC still stand as the second highest selling girl group of all time with a mammoth 65 million album sales recorded worldwide. The trio are also universally acknowledged as the number one iPod selection at both karaoke and horrifically late portions of house parties when everyone feels the need to rap terribly and grind on the d-floor like it's 1994. Although TLC have confirmed they are working on a new album set for release sometime this year, this is inevitably going to be a gig for pure nostalgia. Bonus points for anyone who rocks up in white diamantes or primary-coloured overalls, Converse trainers and condom badges. Also, if you don't know all the words and relevant sassy head bobs to 'No Scrubs', you're straight-up not allowed inside the venue. Tour dates: Friday, June 6: Enmore Theatre, Sydney. Tickets from Ticketek. Saturday, June 7: Eatons Hall, Brisbane. Tickets from Oztix. Wednesday, June 11: Palais Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets from Ticketmaster. Friday, June 13: Metro City, Perth. Tickets from Oztix. Tickets on sale 9am on Tuesday, April 24.
In August 2023, Wicked will unleash its spin on The Wizard of Oz — and one of Broadway's biggest hits of the 21st century — upon Sydney, in what's set to be one of the Harbour City's theatre highlights of the year. But fans of faraway realms, yellow brick roads and toe-tapping songs in Melbourne can get their fix right here at home, all thanks to a new stage production of the show that started it all. This winter, from Thursday, June 29–Sunday, July 9, consider the Victorian capital's National Theatre somewhere over the rainbow. You'll be off to see the wizard there, too. There's never a bad time to pop on your ruby slippers, and hasn't been for the past 84 years since the page-to-screen hit first reached cinemas — including when theatre outfit Theatrical give The Wizard of Oz a whirl. More than 30 performers will tread the boards, led by Lyla Digrazia — a veteran of Theatrical's Freaky Friday — as Dorothy. Kael D'Alterio (Matilda) plays Scarecrow, Ashley Wilsnach (Spring Awakening) gets shiny as Tin Man and Leigh Roncon (Chicago) will seek courage as the Cowardly Lion. Also in key roles: Keyanna Burgher (Into the Woods) as the Wicked Witch, Isobel Smart (also Freaky Friday) as both Glinda the Good Witch and Aunt Em, and Jason Fabbri (Beauty and the Beast) stepping behind the curtain as the Wizard. As they act out the storyline for director Kim Anderson, audiences will also hear all of the tracks that everyone has stuck in their head forever, including Oscar-winner 'Over the Rainbow', 'We're Off to See the Wizard', 'Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead', 'If I Only Had a Brain' and 'The Merry Old Land of Oz'. But, this show isn't without changes, including moving the action forward in time.
"Honey, we're home." Those words are uttered in the first sneak peek at Netflix's Heartbreak High revival and, especially if you were a 90s kid, they're filled with emotion. Screening for seven seasons and 210 episodes between 1994–99, the OG Heartbreak High wasn't just a high school-set Aussie show — it was the high school-set Aussie show of the era. The original series was filled with now-familiar faces, too, including Alex Dimitriades, a pre-Home and Away Ada Nicodemou, and Avengers: Endgame and Mystery Road's Callan Mulvey as Drazic. It painted a multicultural picture of Australia that was unlike anything else on TV at the time. And, for its six-year run across two Aussie networks, the Sydney-shot show was must-see television — not bad for a series that started as a spinoff to the Claudia Karvan and Alex Dimitriades-starring 1993 movie The Heartbreak Kid. Back in 2020, Netflix announced that it was bringing Heartbreak High back — and now that revival is almost here. The series itself will join your streaming queue on Wednesday, September 14, and the platform has dropped the first trailer in the interim. Yes, it definitely looks like a 2020s take on the Aussie classic. While the initial teaser sets the vibe rather than spells out the story, the show obviously returns to Hartley High — the fictional school that everyone watching was obsessed with way back when. This time around, a revelation turns Amerie (Ayesha Madon, The Moth Effect) into a pariah, and also sparks a rift with her best pal Harper (Asher Yasbincek, How to Please a Woman). Attempting to repair her reputation, and just navigate the usual teen chaos, she calls on help from her new friends Quinni (Chloe Hayden, Jeremy the Dud) and Darren (first-timer James Majoos). If you're keen for a bit more background on the new show's characters, back when it announced the cast, Netflix described Amerie as a smart, big-hearted but loud working-class girl, and Harper as the person at Hartley that everyone is a little afraid of, including teachers. Quinni, who has autism, is "a brain trying to connect to a body and a heart", while Darren is "the warmest snarky shit-stirrer you're ever likely to meet". Other characters include Malakai (Thomas Weatherall, All My Friends Are Racist), a Bundjalung boy and basketballer who is new at Hartley High; Dusty (Josh Heuston, Thor: Love and Thunder), an insecure bass player in an indie rock band; Sasha (Gemma Chua-Tran, Mustangs FC), who has been badged "the coolest, sexiest, and chiccest lesbian at the school"; and Ca$h (Will McDonald, Home and Away), a mullet-wearing drug dealer, food delivery driver and pet duck owner. Rachel House (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Baby Done) plays Hartley High's principal, too — and yes, Netflix is still streaming the original series, should you feel like a double dose of nostalgia. Check out the first trailer for the new Heartbreak High below: Heartbreak High will be available to stream via Netflix on Wednesday, September 14.
Summer is headed for us in full force. And, we all know it's never too early to start planning how to spend the warmer months — especially the bits that involve sipping cocktails by the water and loading up on art and culture. Thankfully, the Museum of Contemporary Art is again combining two of our favourite pastimes for its fifth annual summer pop-up bar. This year, the ground floor terrace has been transformed into an airy, garden-inspired bar, with top-notch tequila brand Patrón behind it. Plus, Patrón has partnered up with the MCA and is a sponsor of the gallery's retrospective exhibition of British artist Cornelia Parker, which is running from November 8–February 16 as part of the MCA's 2019/2020 Sydney International Art Series. At the bar, you'll be sipping on negronis, highballs and old fashioneds, but all with a summery twist. Instead of using your usual gin or whisky, the bartenders will be shaking and stirring drinks with Patrón tequila. Or, you can opt for a Patrón, lime and soda or the signature cocktail inspired by Cornelia Parker: the Cold Dark Matter, made with Patrón reposado, blackberry liqueur, lime and ginger ale. Not only will the pop-up offer modernised classic cocktails, but there'll be plenty of Mexican food to pair it with — think margarita-spiced popcorn and tostadas with pork, salmon or traditional mole. And those views across Circular Quay and the harbour add extra allure. Of course, there'll be entertainment in spades, too. Patrón and MCA have decorated the terrace with leafy decor, plus there'll be performances, installations, VR experiences for you to check out and tunes aplenty. The Patrón Pop-up kicks off on Thursday, October 31 and is open 4–10pm every Wednesday through Friday; from 2–9pm on Saturdays; and from 2–8pm on Sundays until February 16 (excluding public holidays and New Year's Eve). Visit Patron's website for more details. UPDATE: JANUARY 16, 2020 — The MCA x Patrón Pop-Up is now serving $15 cocktails every Sunday through Wednesday from 5–7pm as part of its happy hour.
Downton Abbey has always been the TV equivalent of a cup of tea: warm, soothing, a tad sugary, but reliably serving up an escape from everyday woes. Airing for six seasons from 2010–15, the 1920s-set British TV series was a hit for many reasons, letting audiences get lost in the soapy intrigue of a lavish Yorkshire mansion chief among them. That, and watching Maggie Smith sling barbs, make quips, and put anyone in their place, a skill that the veteran actor wields oh-so-well. It's been nearly four years between sips, but both the show and its beloved octogenarian are back. They're on the big screen this time around, however this is the epitome of a television movie. It's filled with everyone's favourite characters, hits all of the familiar marks, overflows with slim subplots that get wrapped up before the end credits, and leaves viewers feeling happy and cosy. With the film taking place in 1927, more than a year has passed for Downton Abbey's inhabitants, but it's business as usual at the titular manor. That's until royal news arrives, with King George V (Simon Jones) and Queen Mary (Geraldine James) planning to stop by for a visit. Naturally, excitement abounds among the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal staff. It's the latter that have to weather the most obstacles, though. Dreaming of attending to Their Majesties, they soon discover that the Crown will be bringing their own servants with them. That's not the Downton Abbey way, of course, and the house's maids, butlers, cooks, footmen and the like won't give up their chance to shine for the kingdom without a fight. There's plenty of story to go around, and plenty of people to navigate the regal antics. Patriarch Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) isn't too fussed, and nor is his wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), although that's largely because their daughter, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), takes charge. His mother Violet (Smith) is spoiling to confront her cousin Maud (Imelda Staunton), who's also the Queen's lady-in-waiting, about an inheritance. Among the upstairs residents, Tom Branson (Allen Leech) gets the most interesting narrative arc — an ex-chauffeur who married into the family, and an Irish Republican, it's suspected that he may cause trouble during the royal stay. Downstairs, retired butler Carson (Jim Carter) has been asked back for the occasion, much to his replacement Barrow's (Rob James-Collier) dismay. Kitchen maid Daisy (Sophie McShera) isn't quite ready to plan her wedding to footman Andy (Michael C. Fox), and Mary's maid Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) is on the trail of a thief. The list goes on, with more than 25 characters receiving substantial screen-time. Penned by Julian Fellowes, like all 52 episodes of the TV show, Downton Abbey takes the more-is-more approach. This cinematic last hurrah is packed with as much as it possibly can manage, which is great news for existing fans, but comes across as rushed for newcomers. No one gets too much attention, no storyline feels particularly important and there's little in the way of tension. The blueprint of each subplot gleams as obviously as the mansion's lavish surfaces, too, even when the movie keeps jumping from one minor drama to the next. Rather than telling a rousing new tale in a fleshed-out fashion, Fellowes and director Michael Engler are more concerned with letting Downton diehards spend a bit of extra time with the well-to-do crew and their kindly subordinates. The pair do just that, however that doesn't mean uninitiated viewers aren't catered for. Nearly two decades after winning a screenwriting Oscar for Gosford Park, actor-turned-writer Fellowes has become the fount of all knowledge regarding English upstairs-downstairs shenanigans — and even when he's keeping things light and slight, the results are enjoyable to watch. As well as possessing an ear for the rhythm of everyday banter among posh and ordinary folks alike, he understands the class clashes between them, plus the similarities that draw them together. He also knows and conveys a crucial fact: that the dynamic between the upper echelons and the help isn't as consigned to the past as it may seem. Downton Abbey is a historical fantasy where scant little changes, but there's a reason that the period program struck such a chord over the last decade. As the political landscape becomes more and more fractured around the globe, the series recognises society's divisions while leaning into comfort, safety and stability in a gentle and unchallenging manner. Comfort, at least visually, might just be an understatement. There isn't much to rationalise Downton Abbey's release in theatres instead of on TV (other than the likely box office windfall, that is), but the lavish costuming and grand set design look a treat on the silver screen. Indeed, other than Smith doing what the program has always tasked her with doing best, the film's imagery is the star of the show. While the rest of the cast perform exactly as they're asked — as is to be expected nine years after the series first premiered — this isn't an actor-driven affair. Really, it's a big hug goodbye in movie form, offering up a huge embrace to eager aficionados and giving a pleasant-enough squeeze to everyone else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbV8LpEzYgQ
Victorians, if you've been feeling a little bit of déjà vu these past couple of weeks, that's perfectly understandable. The state's latest lockdown is set to end at 11.59pm tonight, Tuesday, July 27, however — and, when it does, a heap of new restrictions will apply across the state. One rule that isn't changing, though, is the requirement to mask up when you're not in your own home. As Premier Daniel Andrews announced today, face masks will remain compulsory both indoors and outdoors for at least the next two weeks, even when other restrictions ease at 11.59pm this evening. Mask rules have shifted back and forth quite a bit over the past couple of months thanks to the May-June lockdown and this latest stint of stay-at-home conditions; however, the Victorian Government isn't changing the status quo yet — or for the time being. "Results from a recent Burnet Institute study show that masks played a huge role in slowing the spread of the virus in 2020 — and they will be an important part of our defences against the virus for some time to come," said the Premier in a statement. Accordingly, whatever you're planning to do once you're permitted to leave your house for any reason you like from tonight, it'll need to involve masks. If you're making any trip beyond your home, you'll need to don a face covering, whether you're going to be indoors or outdoors. So, the only place where you won't need to pop a mask on is inside your own house — which is currently the case anyway. And, obviously, you'll need to always carry one with you. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1419824237401960449 The news that the mask mandate will remain in place both outdoors and indoors comes as Victoria reported just ten new local cases identified in the 24 hours to midnight last night. If you're wondering where to grab a fitted mask, we've put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Life can feel a little gloomy when your entire city is a couple of months deep into lockdown. But, we can't think of a better time to spread a bit of love and cheer — so why not treat your friends to a little present, just because. After all, you know what they say about the gift of giving — it's not just the person receiving the present that's in for some warm and fuzzies. Luckily, thanks to the wild times we live in, there's no shortage of excellent gifting options available for speedy delivery. To help you pick the perfect prezzie for the well-deserving humans in your life, we've pulled together a few primo options to suit all kinds of different persuasions; from the mate who's been cooking up a storm, to that person who's recently discovered the joys of a good book. Channel your online shopping habit into making others happy and check out these top-notch present picks. [caption id="attachment_771911" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Rob Palmer, from Josh Niland's The Whole Fish Cookbook[/caption] THAT FRIEND YOU'VE BEEN GETTING ALL YOUR LOCKDOWN RECIPES FROM At this point of lockdown, even your go-to recipe guru is likely running short on inspiration. Remedy that with a few fresh ideas and wise words from the experts, and get them a nice glossy cookbook from the chef behind their favourite restaurant. Plenty of leading local venues have inspired books filled with recipes and tips, that'll both level-up someone's kitchen game and help fill that void when dining out is off the cards. Seafood fans will be chuffed to own a copy of Take One Fish from Saint Peter's Josh Niland, where the chef shares his forward-thinking philosophy on cooking with fish, across 60 cracking recipes. Fellow Sydney chef star Peter Gilmore (Quay) gives insight into his own celebrated cooking style with stunning titles like Organum. For Melbourne mates, try the beautiful homage to all things vegan that is Shannon Martinez's (Smith & Daughters) latest title Vegan With Bite. Or challenge them to up the ante with Brae: Recipes and Stories From the Restaurant by world-renowned talent Dan Hunter, which unpacks some of the incredible dishes plated up at one of Australia's best fine diners. Perfecting the recipe for chilled broad bean broth with strawberry fig leaf and yoghurt whey should keep them busy until the end of lockdown. THAT MATE WHO'S ACTUALLY BEEN KEEPING UP AN EXERCISE ROUTINE DURING LOCKDOWN Sticking to an exercise routine is tough at the best of times. So if you know someone who's managed to get through this crazy iso period without giving up on workouts altogether, they deserve a serious pat on the back. Or maybe a nice little present — like some quality activewear made from recycled plastic bottles, courtesy of Sydney-born brand Nimble. The label's sustainable collection of women's workout threads are extra kind to the environment and ship Australia-wide. Similarly, DK Active is known for its ethically produced line of active threads for men and women, crafted with sustainable fabrics in order to reduce landfill and ocean waste. And if you're looking for the ultimate present for a yogi mate, check out the eco-sensitive yoga mats from Recycled Mats, featuring stunning designs like this one from Indigenous artist Anna Carroll. Or, you know, maybe what your mate is really craving after all that religious exercising is a big ol' box of decadent chocolate treats. Invite them to roll up that workout mat, take a breather and treat themselves to a box of eclairs from Sydney's Madame & Yves, a cake fix courtesy of Black Star Pastry, or some gooey-centred delights from The Cookie Box. [caption id="attachment_775874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Providoor[/caption] THAT PARENT WHO'S BEEN COOKING THE SAME FIVE DISHES FOR 20+ YEARS They say variety is the spice of life. But if you know someone who's severely lacking in the spiciness department, perhaps it's time to gently nudge them towards a culinary shakeup. Or at least a new recipe or two. The key here is maximum inspiration and minimal effort, which Make Out Meals is serving up in abundance. This Melbourne-based business delivers top-quality meal kits based on menus from your favourite local restaurants and chefs. They feature ingredients, recipe cards and even step-by-step cook-along videos, so your folks can be whipping up Lello's minestrone soup with gnocchi sardi or Babajan's harissa salmon in no time at all. For fresh meals with even less effort involved, Providoor is delivering an excellent range of finish-at-home dishes and banquets from top Sydney and Melbourne restaurants, that might just give mum or dad the boost of confidence to try something new. Of course, a chef-penned cookbook packed with fresh dinner ideas is also a good option here. Especially if mum's got a long-held crush on a certain curly-haired, Irish-accented chef... [caption id="attachment_738943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drnks[/caption] THE ONE WHO CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON THE BEERS No one's heading to the pub these days, but you can get the next best thing all packaged up and delivered to your door with a Pub In a Box experience from one of the city's fine booze-slinging establishments. Melbourne craft brewery Moon Dog first trotted out its take on the concept during last year's lockdowns and it's now back thanks to popular demand, available to ship Australia-wide. Clocking in at $99, the box comes packed with a tasty range of house beer — and seltzer — creations, along with a couple of branded beer glasses, a bar mat and beer nuts, to really capture that pub spirit. Parkville pub Naughtons has recently dropped its own version, which comes complete with drinks, a rotating selection of top-notch pub grub (homemade pie, anyone?) and even a trivia card to help you recreate that beloved quiz night. Beer-focused gifting service Brewquets can also help fill the void with its curated packs, which match a lineup of craft beer with extras like beer glasses and classic bar snacks. And booze retailer Drnks is coming to the rescue with its curated boozy care packs, featuring extras like DIY burger kits, aperitivo snacks and picnic eats. THAT FRIEND WHO'S ALWAYS IN NEED OF A NEW CREATIVE PROJECT We all know someone who just ain't happy unless they're getting their hands messy, making or creating something. Ceramics, paint-by-numbers, knitting, terrariums — you name it, if it's got a creative edge, they've tried it at least once during lockdown. But after this much time at home, we bet they're in desperate need of a new pursuit to keep them busy and entertained through the tail-end of this time stuck at home. Have they had a crack at shibori yet? There are lots of local spots spreading love for this ancient Japanese method of resist-dyeing, offering online tutorials and home-delivered DIY kits. Try Sydney-based textile studio Shibori for fun, instructional project kits for novices through to seasoned dyers, or order your mate one of these beautiful packs from Handmaker's Factory in Melbourne's West Footscray. This crew also sells an excellent weaving loom kit, if that's more your friend's speed. If they've got a thing for the tile-of-the-moment, terrazzo, Journey of Something's DIY kit will have them whipping up these cute flecked coasters to grace their coffee table. Meanwhile, local retailers like Craft Club Co have a range of easy-to-follow rug-making kits that will get them hooked on creating fun floor accessories. These beginner packs include all the tools and materials needed for one specific project, though the internet's filled with online rug-making suppliers if they get the itch and want to make more. [caption id="attachment_814288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Salus[/caption] YOUR HOUSEMATE WHO'S RUN OUT OF QUALITY BATHROOM PRODUCTS Maybe you've been nicking a few squirts of your housemate's luxe moisturiser here and there, maybe you haven't. Who's to say? Either way, a bathroom that's running low on decent product is not a good one to have during lockdown. Replenish the stocks or simply treat your roomie to some pampering essentials with a home-delivered care package full of locally-made bathroom goodies. Melbourne's Hunter Lab has a sleek line of natural skin, hair and body products that have the added bonus of looking very dapper on your shower shelf or by your bathroom sink. The brand's also doing some rather gorgeous gift packs, featuring leather toiletry bags. Sydney-born skincare range Edible Beauty Australia makes botanically-charged products to soothe all sorts of skin types and needs, and offers an array of great gift-worthy bundles, too. And the lineup of high-end spa-inspired products from Salus is filled with good stuff, from purifying rosemary body scrubs, to chamomile facial masks, and rejuvenating body oils made with rosehip and orange. Can't decide? Gift them with a box of treats curated by the experts. Local subscription services like Tis The Box and Bellabox will deliver a regular pack (or one-off box) of new products and cult favourites straight to your door. [caption id="attachment_812098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Edgar Castrejon via Unsplash[/caption] THAT FRIEND WHO'S BEEN RELYING A LITTLE TOO MUCH ON UBEREATS The kitchen can be a daunting place and the pull of UberEats is strong. So, if you're looking to nudge someone out of the lockdown takeaway rut, you're going to want to make the alternative as attractive as possible. You could whip them up a five-star meal yourself; or you could gift them a few clever things that'll help them level-up their own kitchen game in a jiffy. For example, a flavour-packed, nourishing bowl of ramen is a breeze to master, if you've got a DIY kit to guide you through the process. Sydney's Rising Sun Workshop is slinging a range of these finish-at-home packs for delivery across the city, while in Melbourne, Shop Ramen has an even heftier selection of make-at-home kits, which come complete with all ingredients, a bunch of garnishes and easy-to-follow instructions. Grab your mate a steamed brisket bun kit while you're there. Otherwise, treat them to some honest, homestyle cooking that requires little more than a quick reheat in the oven. Sydney-based FoodSt has a growing menu of satisfying home-cooked meals crafted by its team of actual home cooks using real ingredients. Treat your mate to dishes like a Moroccan lamb tagine, hearty gnocchi bolognese, and spinach and ricotta cannelloni, and remind them what non-restaurant food tastes like. Who knows — you might even inspire them to hit the kitchen themselves. [caption id="attachment_826640" align="alignnone" width="1920"] WellRead, by Frenchy[/caption] THAT MATE WHO'S JUST DISCOVERED BOOKS Know someone who could use a little guidance when it comes to selecting a great read? Hand them over to the experts at Aussie book subscription service WellRead. These guys offer subscription packs to suit readers of all persuasions — and ages — sending customers a different hand-picked title each month. You can sign your mate up for an ongoing delivery, or choose a one-off gift from WellRead's curation of three-book packs. Literati runs a similar subscription offering, heroing fiction titles, non-fiction and classics. Plans start from an easy $21, plus readers can access Literati's program of virtual author Q&A sessions. And over at The Wild Book Box they're playing book matchmaker with pre-loved reads, matching up customers (or giftees) with quality second-hand titles based on their preferences and reading habits. Local versions are also being delivered by the likes of Elizabeth's Bookshop in Sydney, whose famed Blind Date With a Book mystery packs are available to ship Australia-wide. Top Image: Naughtons Pub in a Box
Melbourne Design Week is back for 2025, and for its ninth edition, the city's biggest celebration of design and design thinking will be bringing over 350 events to locations statewide. Taking place between Thursday, May 15–Sunday, May 25, the event will present both high-concept ideas and hands-on experiences across architecture, lighting, furniture, publishing, sport and beyond. Most events are free to enter — meaning that whether you're a design die-hard or just keen for something interesting to do on the weekend, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city in a whole new way. Highlights include 100 Lights, which will see North Melbourne's Meat Market Stables be transformed into a glowing gallery of contemporary lighting by 100 artists and makers, with table lamps, pendants and wall lights that showcase both function and cutting-edge form. [caption id="attachment_1001833" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Sibling Architecture[/caption] Another fascinating display is Sibling Architecture's Deep Calm, a thought-provoking exhibition that explores how design can support neurodivergent people with a soothing showcase of weighted sofas and tactile rugs. Elsewhere, the Boyd Baker House in Bacchus Marsh will host A New Normal, which presents ideas by 12 Melbourne architects that aim to make the city self-sufficient by 2030. The program also includes must-see retrospectives by two legends of Australian design: lighting designer Volker Haug and furniture designer Trent Jansen, who are both marking 20 years in the game. Melbourne Design Week 2025 also features exhibitions exploring the sustainable reuse of timber from urban trees, typography shows, memorial-making workshops, curated book pop-ups, and, as part of Open House Melbourne, a two-day symposium that delves into the architecture, places, issues and practices associated with the end of life. Meanwhile, the NGV will be the focal point of Melbourne Art Book Fair, with over 100 publishers setting up in the Great Hall with a special focus on Southeast Asian designers. There'll also be free kids' storytime sessions led by local children's book authors under Yayoi Kusama's towering Dancing Pumpkin sculpture in Federation Court. [caption id="attachment_1001839" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Volker Haug, Fire Trees[/caption] And if you've ever wanted to shoot hoops with a furniture designer, you're in luck — this year's program includes a two-on-two basketball tournament for designers and design enthusiasts at a Reko Rennie-painted court in Cremorne. [caption id="attachment_1001872" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Bennetts, March Studio x Reko Rennie[/caption] Top image: Alex Lark.
Chris Lucas is bringing his Asian-style cuisine to Fitzroy. The man behind Chin Chin, Baby Pizza and Hawker Hall purchased the property at 229 Smith Street earlier in the year, and has now unveiled his plans to transform the former ANZ Bank building into a second iteration of his popular Richmond Asian joint, Kong. Speaking to Concrete Playground, a spokesperson from the Lucas Group confirmed that the company would be taking over the venue around March, with the aim of opening towards the end of next year. Between this, their upcoming three story Japanese restaurant in Flinders Lane, and the launch of Chin Chin Sydney, it seems like they've got a busy year ahead of them. The Smith Street Kong will be overseen by chefs Shaun Presland (ex-Sake) and Kitak Lee (ex-Momofuku). The pair have already taken charge of revamping Kong's Richmond menu, putting more focus on Japanese-style dishes such as tuna tataki and crispy sashimi shells. According to the spokesperson, the new location will "carry along the Kong DNA," while also offering "more of a ramen-based, quick dining experience." The restaurant will also operate an all-day, late-night takeaway window on the Moore Street side. As for the interior, the plan is for Kong to "fit into the local area" with "a bit of a Northside feel," although the spokesperson stressed that they were still in the early stages of planning. They're also keeping mum about the restaurant's capacity and opening hours, so stay tuned for more information as it drops. Look for Kong at 229 Smith Street, Fitzroy towards the end of 2017. In the meantime, you can visit their original location at 599 Church Street, Richmond and stay up to date with new developments via Facebook.
After two decades and thousands of fingerprints, Zhang Yu's 'Fingerprint Series' has expanded into a collection of paintings, installations, performances, and books. The series represents Zhang Yu's understanding of reality and of the world, and fingerprinting represents his attitude towards life. His method is simple: he dips his right thumb into red, white, or black ink, and presses it repeatedly onto rice paper. The effect, however, is an incredible sense of an infinitive pattern, created by the overlapping thumb prints. Regarded as a pioneer of Chinese experimental ink painting, Zhang Yu's works do not reveal a specific image to the viewer. Instead, they emphasise the methodical and meditative process with which they are created, making one feel quite small and insignificant in comparison.
While it seemed like just yesterday that images of Australians panic buying toilet paper were flooding our newsfeeds, Coles has today confirmed that the bog roll crisis of 2020 is officially over, with the announcement that it has lifted limits on the once-coveted toiletry item. In a statement released today, Tuesday, April 28, a spokesperson for the supermarket chain said "we are pleased to be able to remove purchase limits at Coles on key household staples like toilet paper and paper towel". Previously, it had a strict one-packet per-person limit on the item. This means, next time you head to your local supermarket you should hopefully find shelves stocked plentifully with bog roll. What a sight to behold: https://twitter.com/2017Ferret/status/1253204438371586049 Limits on some other essential items, such as UHT, fresh milk, meat, tissues and nappies, have also been lifted at Coles, but two-item per-person limits still remain on pasta, flour, rice, eggs, tinned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, anti-bacterial wipes and liquid soap. You can check out the full updated list over here. Coles has said that it "expect[s] to remove further limits as customer demand continues to stabilise and more categories see supply levels return to normal", but, in the meantime, additional limits may still be placed on other items on a store-by-store basis, so it's best to pay attention to the signage while you're shopping. Aldi and Woolworths both still have one-packet limits on toilet paper, but both supermarkets have been removing limits on other essential items over the past week. For more details on Australian supermarket item limits, keep an eye on Coles, Woolworths and Aldi websites. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Technology, hedonism, and performance seem like the making of a great party, but the work of Brisbane collective Golden Solution is a little more complex than that. From May 2 - 10, Michael Candy, Kiah Reading and Andrew McLellan will be confronting their audience with some particularly trying social experiments. Hosting Shower Party at Goodtime Studios on May 2, the group have crafted a system where guests can serve themselves cocktails, but each drink adjusts the correspondent water level in a giant martini-shaped goldfish tank. To induce further guilt, both the lighting and music are also controlled via motion detectors in the tank. Other happenings include a drones hovering over your head at BUS Projects, and a public symposium "for the future automation of our civil life". This event originally appeared as one of our top picks for the 2014 Next Wave Festival. See the full list here.
It's that time again. Get your diaries out, and your credit cards at the ready — those excellent comedians need your money once more. The first acts for the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival have just gone on sale and a few more will be up for grabs this Friday, December 13. So far, it's much of what you might expect. As ever, local crowd pleasers Dave Hughes and Wil Anderson are top of the bill. And, oh good, Wil Anderson has found another pun to make out of his name! Chronologically, from 1998 onwards that makes his full list of shows: I am the Wilrus, Wilennium, Terra Wilius, Who Wants to be a Willionaire, Wil of Fortune, Wil by Mouth, Jagged Little Wil, Kill Wil, Wil Communication, Wil of God, BeWILdered, Wilosophy, Wilful Misconduct, Man vs Wil, Wilarious, Goodwil, and drumroll please, Wiluminati! Not his best, if you ask us. International favourites Stephen K. Amos and Jason Byrne will be back too. It wouldn't really be an Oxfam Gala without Jason Byrne making some hapless audience member climb in a box, right? And the Brits will be further represented by surrealist oddball Paul Foot, rapper and recent Ricky Gervais' collaborator Doc Brown, and sketch comedy pros Max & Ivan. There are the big shows on offer too. To get a taste of everything, head along to the 2014 Comedy Allstars Supershow on opening night, or maybe nab some tickets to the RAW Comedy or Class Clowns National Grand Finals which go on sale December 13. Unfortunately the 2014 Oxfam Gala is already sold out — in record time, no less. It's as if people don't know you can just watch it on TV. Regardless, this little taste of the full bill has been a bit underwhelming. Made slightly worse by the fact there are only two women listed so far — local Melbournite Justine Sless and British comedian Sara Pascoe. Hopefully the full program will bring with it a little balance, but unfortunately we have 'til February to wait and see. The 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run from March 26 'til April 20, 2014. For a full list of already announced acts see their website here.
