When Raymond Tan got the keys to his soon-to-be CBD bakery in October last year, he never anticipated his cake shop creations would be delivered by hand from door to door around Melbourne as a result of a stage four lockdown. Yet, this turn of events has led to weekly sell-outs for the accounting graduate-turned-baker. He has now been successfully trialling at-home kits packed with Malaysian-inspired sweet and savoury treats for over a month. "The change has been good and bad," Tan told Concrete Playground. "I started as an at-home baker four or five years ago and it's always been a dream to have a bake shop in Melbourne." With multiple 'care packs' on offer, selections include grazing boxes such as the 'afternoon tea kit' ($45) filled with a slice of unbelievably fluffy chiffon cake, giant crumbly matcha cookies and scones. For something bigger, the impressive 'Raya at home kit' ($60) showcases the bakery's flaky shortcrust pies, scones, pandan and Thai tea-flavoured cakes — plus, a sweet spinach and yoghurt cake, which is Tan's take on a popular Turkish vegetable dessert. There's also kueh included in the kit. A sticky, gluttonous dessert popular in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, it's made with ingredients like peanut, kaya custard and coconut. "In the 'Raya at home kit', people get to taste it all," explains Tan. "It's great when people try my kueh, inspired by my Malaysian background. They're tedious to make but I've had a chance to learn thanks to being in [isolation] and my store is one of the only places to buy them in Melbourne, so I get lots of orders from people missing home." [caption id="attachment_781299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] To drink, you'll find hojicha tea and matcha from Zen Wonders in North Melbourne, which are included with kits or available to add on. There's bottled black and milk coffee, too, brewed from the two coffee blends roasted by Tan's neighbour-turned-friend. "Coffee is important, and luckily this coffee roaster [Come Back to Earth] lives right below my apartment, so we quickly became friends and developed these blends together," says Tan. "There's an O blend espresso coffee, inspired by the Malaysian kopi o, as well as a C blend, after kopi c, a coffee with sugar and milk." For the foreseeable future, Raya is offering weekly deliveries within 20 kilometres of the CBD shop on Saturdays for preorders placed on its website by Wednesday midnight prior. Pickup is available for anyone within the five-kilometre radius of the bake shop. "There's lots of changes that have happened and we are adapting weekly," says Tan. "We don't just offer kits but everything else on the menu can be delivered, including whole cakes to order. We're looking to continue rotating our specials as much as possible, too, so there's always something new to try." Find Raya at Shop 2, 61 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open for takeaway from 9am–3pm Thursday–Sunday and preorders via the website are open from 6pm Monday to midnight on Wednesday for delivery on Saturday from 10am–4pm. Images: Julia Sansone
Global retail site ASOS has announced that, as of 2019, it will not sell garments derived from animal products such as silk, cashmere, mohair and feathers. The news was revealed via an update to the brand's animal welfare policy, with the company stating "ASOS firmly believes it is not acceptable for animals to suffer in the name of fashion or cosmetics." With a growth last year of 30% in their sales across major markets, ASOS is quickly growing in popularity and its reach — started in the UK in 2000, it now spans across multiple regions with designated sites in Australia, USA, France, Germany and others, as well as shipping to 140 countries. It's massive, and chances are you've bought a dress or a coat or six versions of the same t-shirt all in different colours from the retailer. The news falls in alignment with changing attitudes and expectations towards animal welfare in regards to fashion production. ASOS' animal welfare policy also notes that "all animal materials used must be by-products of the meat industry. ASOS is committed to working with industry expert groups to support the ongoing research, development and implementation of animal welfare standards and transparency in the leather supply chain." Products made from mohair (which comes from angora goats), cashmere (from cashmere goats), silk (made by silkworms) and down (feathers closest to a birds skin) will be banned — as well as feathers themselves — adding to ASOS' existing ban on using fur and angora. Products that use teeth and bone, including mother-of-pearl, will also be halted. PETA has applauded the move and, as well as global brands like Gucci and Versace jumping aboard with banning fur, a number of local Australian brands are adding their voices too.
If you hadn't noticed, Filipino fare is having a serious moment right now in Australia — though if you're a herbivore, you might be yet to get acquainted with the traditionally meaty cuisine. Thankfully, here's your chance: an all-vegan Filipino feast is coming to Melbourne. On Sunday, August 18, Rice Paper Sister is teaming up with local Filipino collective The Entree.Pinays to host a plant-based version of a classic Filipino lunch feast. Expect a vibrant fusion of Chinese, Malay, Spanish and American cuisines, as has become synonymous with the island nation's fare. Eaten by hand — the traditional 'kamayan' way — the Vegayan Feast will see you tucking into reimagined favourites including mushroom congee, noodles and lechon paksiw (made without pork, obviously). The Entree.Pinays' co-founder, Grace Guinto of Sweet Cora Cakes, will round out the fun with her range of vegan desserts. Tickets are $90 a head, which include the shared banquet, matched with both boozy and non-alcoholic drinks. The first sitting runs from noon to 2pm, followed by another from 2.30–4.30pm.
The annual Melbourne Food & Wine Festival — Victoria's biggest and arguably greatest food and drink fest — is returning in 2025 with another stacked lineup of experiences. All in all, over 200 different food- and drink-filled events have been squeezed into the ten-day festival, which is running from Friday, March 21–Sunday, March 30. The World's Longest Lunch will once again kick off the festival, this time led by Curtis Stone. He's off in LA right now, but will be returning to Melbourne to lead the massive three-course communal feast, which takes place along a 600-metre table in Kings Domain. A couple days later, we then get to experience another iteration of the World's Longest Brunch, this time led by Julia Busuttil Nishimura. But unlike previous years, this version won't be set up along another long table outside at Kings Domain. Instead, you'll spend the morning moving throughout the Botanical Gardens, dining at three different locations. [caption id="attachment_842980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] World's Longest Lunch[/caption] The first stop is at Tecoma Lawn, where brunch-goers will sample Julia's cinnamon buns, lemon mascarpone tart, and chocolate and almond pasticcini. This is followed by a selection of savoury bites at Taxodium Lawn and a grazing feast at The Alto. There'll even be a huge cake station at this year's World's Longest Brunch, which has carved itself out as the cooler, younger version of the World's Longest Lunch. But these two headline events are just the beginning. You've then got the Global Dining Series, which sees 20 international chefs, drink legends and producers descend on Melbourne for a heap of takeovers and collaborations. Most notably, Daniel Calvert from Sézanne — currently ranked number one in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants — will be joining Dan Hunter at Brae for two intimate services. London's much-celebrated St John and Brat are also running their own residencies, bringing a taste of British fine-dining to Melbourne. Some of the city's top bakers and patissiers are also joining forces again this year for the Baker's Dozen pop-up, which will be taking over Fed Square on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. No need to traipse all over Melbourne to find your favoruite sweets — they'll all be in one place for this hugely popular two-day event. This year, you'll stop by and find treats from To Be Frank, All Are Welcome, Antara 128, Lumos, Baker Bleu, Kudo, Lulu & Me, Mietta by Rosemary, Madeleine de Proust, The Flour Melbourne, Monforte Viennoiserie, Raya, Tarts Anon, Lune, The Invy Baker x Urbanstead, plus special guests AP Bakery (from Sydney) teaming up with local bakery Iris. But pastry fans don't just get to celebrate during these two days. Throughout the week, you can also pop over to Melbourne Quarter to try cardamom buns and other sweet treats from Richard Hart's pop-up bakery. His cardamom buns are world-famous, and you can usually only find them at his bakery Hart Bageri in Copenhagen. [caption id="attachment_981421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Busuttil Nishimura by Kristoffer Paulsen.[/caption] Three free events are also on the agenda for the 2025 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, with over 3000 free bites up for grabs across the week. First, you can drop by Emporium's Dim City for free dim sims that have been reimagined by top chefs Rosheen Kaul, John Rivera and Eun Hee An. Something Saucy then sees the crew from Super Norma give away bowls of their hugely popular pasta down a Melbourne laneway. And lastly, Taco Truck founder Raph Rashid is teaming up with Tom Sarafian to create a mashup of Mexican and Middle Eastern eats that are also all free. A lot of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival events can be pretty expensive, so it's a huge win to see these free events included in the lineup. Regional Victoria is also getting a shoutout this year, with over 30 events taking place beyond Melbourne. This includes a long lunch run by some of Murrindindi Shire's top hospitality teams, brewers and winemakers; a luxe dinner championing fermented food and bevs at Healesville's Giant Steps Wine; a Macedon Ranges winemakers lunch; and a big bush dance out at the Gippsland Jersey farm. We've touched on a heap of events here, but this really is just the surface of what's on offer. As always, we highly recommend you dig through the festival's website to discover more of what's on offer — and book out your faves before tickets sell out. [caption id="attachment_962879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rosheen Kaul[/caption] The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is running from Friday, March 21–Sunday, March 30, with tickets going on sale for the general public on Thursday, November 28. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival subscribers get early access to tickets, starting from Monday, November 25. For more information, you can check out the festival's website. Top image: Curtis Stone by Kristoffer Paulsen.
Two decades after Hae Min Lee's murder, the Baltimore high school student's horrific plight continues to dominate the true crime landscape. After featuring on the first season of Sarah Koenig's grimly addictive podcast Serial, it's now the basis for a new documentary series, The Case Against Adnan Syed. The four-part HBO series picks up where everyone's 2014 obsession left off — the trailers promise to reveal 'a new chapter' — not only exploring 18-year-old Lee's death in 1999 and her ex-boyfriend Syed's conviction in 2000, but the latter's ongoing quest to have the extremely complex legal matter reassessed in the years since he was found guilty. Everything from Lee and Syed's relationship, to the original police investigation and trial, to the developments up until now feature, with the film gaining exclusive access to Syed, his family and his lawyers. While the show started airing on HBO in the US in March, Australians can now watch the series, too — it's after airing on SBS throughout April, the four episodes are now available on SBS On Demand. Check out the HBO trailers below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQaTa5eTxnk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA1qzo2WEew The series couldn't come at a more crucial time for Syed, who was convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison, and has been fighting his case through the courts ever since. While he was granted a new trial in 2016, that ruling was subsequently appealed by the State of Maryland — only for the Court of Special Appeals to agree to vacate Syed's conviction and finally give him that retrial last March. Earlier this month in Maryland's Court of Appeals, that retrial request was denied, but Syed's attorney has committed to keep battling. Splashed across the small screen, it's certain to make for compelling viewing — but if you think you've spent too much time mulling it all over across the past five years, filmmaker Amy Berg has you beat. Unsurprisingly given how complicated the matter is, the director has been working on the project since 2015. And, with her excellent doco background — with Berg helming 2006's Oscar-nominated 2006 Deliver Us from Evil, about molestation in the Catholic Church; examining the West Memphis Three's quest for freedom in 2012's West of Memphis; and tackling the sexual abuse of teenagers in the film industry in 2014's An Open Secret — her new venture is certain to be thorough. As they did for West of Memphis, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis provide the score. The Case Against Adnan Syed is now streaming on SBS on Demand. Image: SBS. Updated: May 2, 2019.
Award-winning beer brand Urban Alley now has a sibling for its OG Docklands brewery, opening this $5 million brewpub in Wantirna's Knox Westfield Ozone precinct in May 2022. Spread over 1000 square metres and multiple levels, Urban Alley Brewery Knox not only features an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, but hosts a dedicated gin distillery from renowned Tassie producer Dasher + Fisher. It's a destination for beer-sipping, gin-appreciation, pub-style dining and live entertainment, with capacity for a hefty 750 people. The bar showcases Urban Alley's award-winning range, pouring core creations like the Urban Lager ($7/13) and Slapshot Aussie-style pale ale ($7/13) alongside a rotation of limited releases. There's even a beer crafted in honour of the new digs, dubbed the Ozone Pacific Ale ($7/13). Meanwhile, gin aficionados can get acquainted with a range of internationally-awarded Dasher + Fisher creations, also made on site. And if you've got a thing for both drops, try the Plummy Brew ($22) — a special-release cocktail crafted on both beer and the distillery's Ocean Gin. To match, the kitchen serves a contemporary take on classic pub fare — like the Korean fried chicken burger with 'sinner' sauce ($26), slow-cooked lamb shanks ($35), and cous cous-crusted salmon with a lemon and pea risotto ($32). Fish and chips are done in an Urban Lager batter ($27), and there's a solid lineup of pizzas and snacks, too. You'll also find a diverse program of happenings, ranging from Tuesday night trivia, to Saturday DJ sets and acoustic sessions every Sunday afternoon.
If it's American footy or baseball you're after, Turf Bar might be the pick for you. Their schedule packs in a bit of everything and the facilities are good: big screens with volume loud enough to hear the match, and private screening booths if you so desire. Friday nights offer cheappints and bar snacks early on in the night.
Somewhere in Paris a marriage is unfolding. Portraying a nuanced and gripping relationship within the confines of a particularly ordinary Parisian apartment, this Red Stitch production simmers with guilt, betrayal and regret. Written by Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Amy Herzog (After the Revolution, 4000 Miles), Belleville tells the story of Abby and Zach — American expats who have made the move to Paris to follow their increasingly disconnected dreams. In the space of a day, their marriage tips from domestically dysfunctional to intoxicatingly brutal. The shift is so subtle that we barely notice until it erupts in our face, despite the hints along the way. This subtlety is a testament to brilliant writing by Herzog as well as the well-paced performances by Red Stitch actors. It’s a chilly December, and Zach and Abby are approaching their "first grown up Christmas" overseas, away from family. Abby comes home to find Zach who, believing he was home alone, is at his computer "not checking emails". The awkwardness that ensues suggests a marriage not equipped to handle a relatively harmless indiscretion. As Zach proceeds to try and make up for the morning’s activities, Abby chats obsessively to their landlord Alioune about their wedding, her family and life in Paris. We discover, unbeknownst to Abby, that Zach has been mishandling their finances among other secrets. So begins his downward spiral, unfortunately taking Abby with him. Directed by Denny Lawrence, Belleville features outstanding performances by Christina O’Neill as Abby, and Paul Ashcroft as Zach. O’Neill is perfect as the nervous, anxiety-ridden wife. Her performance flawlessly shifts from a somewhat irritating and seemingly self-involved yoga instructor to a woman crippled by circumstance. Meanwhile Ashcroft’s impetuous character swings terrifyingly between endearing and pathological. The direction is understated and genuine, while the Americanisms of both characters are playful and faultless. Tariro Mavondo and Renaud Momtbrun are Alioune and Amina, the French-Senegalese landlords of the property. Their quiet performances providing much-needed contrast to the abrasive Americans and their destructive relationship that exists in the apartment next door. Despite a slow beginning (but one with a justified purpose), this is by no means a gentle play. The intimacy of the set and the theatre itself means we are cocooned with them, unable to escape. Belleville is superbly crafted from beginning to end. Image credit: Jodie Hutchinson.
The landscape of the late Harry Dean Stanton's face is home to a thousand stories. In Lucky, we're privy to a few. Directed by actor turned filmmaker John Carroll Lynch, this intimate character study revels in Stanton's crumpled gaze, rugged skin and weary expression, as though they're the only things in the world worth looking at. For 88 minutes, they might as well be. Of course, there are other things that fill Lucky's frames. The movie starts with desert vistas that are almost entrancing as Stanton, with Lynch drawing a clear connection between their arid, weathered state and the film's central figure. A tortoise, named President Roosevelt, is spied ambling across hills and through cacti, slowly but surely going about its business. Townsfolk gather at the local diner during the day and at a bar each evening, shooting the breeze about life and love, and saying everything and nothing all at once. They're all connected to Stanton's protagonist within the narrative, but speak also to his mindset and his journey through life. Still, while these elements – these images and characters – all have a part to play, there's also no ignoring that this thoughtful motion picture wouldn't have worked without Stanton in the titular role. That's partly because Lucky the film and Lucky the character can't really be separated. Story-wise, Lucky doesn't chart big developments or action-packed occurrences. Instead, it follows the charmingly cantankerous World War II veteran's routine, as he smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, watches game shows, does crosswords and exercises in his underwear. But when the nonagenarian suddenly faints, it becomes clear that his mortality lurks just around a looming corner. Much like Jim Jarmusch's Paterson, this is a film that peers into a man's existence in order to show just how extraordinary the ordinary can be. Life, death, loneliness, friendship, hopes, regrets: they all ebb and flow through Lynch's film, sometimes mapped out in Lucky's expression, sometimes seeping through in his gruff chatter. As much as the film is tied to its star, it's also peppered with extra flavour thanks to its supporting cast. Stanton's Alien co-star Tom Skerritt pops up as a fellow veteran, while Ron Livingston makes an appearance as an insurance salesman. Meanwhile, acclaimed director David Lynch — with whom the 91-year-old Stanton has collaborated on everything from Wild at Heart to The Straight Story to the recent third season of Twin Peaks — plays the owner of the aforementioned turtle, and brings vibrancy and warmth to every scene he's in. It's not an easy job, shining a spotlight so soulfully on Stanton, while leaving room for others to have their moments too. But, in his first stint behind the lens, it's a job that John Carroll Lynch does masterfully. More than just a love letter to its leading man, Lucky is a melancholy ode to the inevitability that life goes on until it doesn't. Though conveyed calmly and with lashings of warm comedy, that's a potent message — both before Stanton passed away in September and now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWxpmcZ0E0Q
We probably don't need to tell the locals about this one, as Acorn Nursery is a bit of an institution in the eastern suburbs. It's been around since 1985, and is now a go-to plant and garden centre complete with a gift shop and cafe. Alongside everything you need to make your garden pop (including seedlings, soil and fertilisers, pots, garden furniture and ornaments), the gift shop has such a wide range that it's probably possible to knock off your entire Christmas present shopping list in one go. There's clothing, homewares, jewellery, bags, lotions, raw honey, toys, books, candles and gift cards to top it off. Celebrate your purchases with a cuppa or a cheeky glass of wine at The Oaks Cafe. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
Attention, Wes Anderson enthusiasts: The trailer for his latest film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, has just been released. This follow-up to the wildly popular Moonrise Kingdom is giving us another project to look forward to, with all the oddities that resonate with Anderson fans. The story follows Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a manager at the swanky Grand Budapest Hotel and his devoted lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. The suave Gustave is a hit with the mature lady guests, and when one of them dies, he is suspected of murder and theft. So he and his precious sidekick make a run for it, and the story unfolds into a whirlwind of adventure, mystery, romance and, of course, comedy that captivate us with Anderson's films. It looks like Anderson won't be abandoning his colourful, dreamy sets; dry, poker-faced humour; and eccentric characters anytime soon. The usual suspects in the cast include Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jeff Goldblum, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman. Tilda Swinton, Jude Law and Saoirse Ronan are also thrown in, making The Grand Budapest Hotel one Anderson's most dynamically cast films yet. It is set to release in 2014. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk Via The Verge.
Sweden has always been renowned for its ability to build and innovate. Vikings built incredible vessels to cross the North Sea, Ikea emerged as the home of furniture and now Swedish media company Meganews has built a print-on-demand magazine kiosk in Stockholm. So next time you find yourself walking through Sweden's capital and craving Time or Sweden's popular gossip magazine Se og Hör, you can just waltz up and receive a fresh addition. Filling less then 4 square metres, the kiosk currently stocks more then 200 assorted magazines and journals in pdf form. Publishers upload the latest issue to a remote server, meaning that purchasers can access the most current issue. All they need do is select the periodical they desire via touchscreen, pay by credit card and within two minutes a newsstand-quality colour version will be printed ready for fingers to flick through. The environmental benefits are significant. With issues printed on demand rather than printed and distributed en masse, it has the potential to save forests' worth of foliage. Other benefits of the machine include the lack of space it occupies, its ability to provide access where retail space is absent and (huzzah!) no creases or torn pages from casual shop browsers. Whilst currently only residing in Stockholm, it surely will not be long before cities across the world appreciate this innovation and become populated by the kiosks. In the meantime, feel free to fly to Sweden and give it a go. Via Gizmodo.
UPDATE, May 19, 2021: A Quiet Place is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Silence isn't simply deafening in A Quiet Place. As a family attempts to evade aliens that attack every sound, the absence of noise couldn't scream louder. The film's stillness is forceful and unrelenting, creating a stunning soundscape. One type of silence fills a room, farm house, abandoned supermarket and sprawling country property with dread and anxiety. Another thrums with the comfort of routines designed to impart normality in a clearly abnormal situation. Moreover, this symphony of quiet doesn't just play at different volumes, but with different instruments. As voices drop below a whisper and words are signed rather than spoken, the surrounding din of a desolate, post-apocalyptic world buzzes faintly: the whistling wind, the rushing water, the creaking of branches. In a movie that's acoustically muted for most of its running time — a movie that infuses its hushed status into its very premise — all of the above couldn't be more crucial. As an achievement in sound design, A Quiet Place is positively thunderous, even if Buffy the Vampire Slayer did something similar years ago. Director, co-writer and actor John Krasinski makes every minute of silence and every sudden burst of noise count, executing a straightforward B-movie concept with exceptional technical precision. More than that, The Office star ensures that his third stint behind the camera echoes both literally and emotionally. Here, a protruding nail is a heartbreaking sight. A bloodied hand streaking along a pane of glass proves horrifying as well as surprisingly hopeful. A suppressed grimace of pain gets the audience's adrenaline pumping, as well as their empathy. Viewers first meet A Quiet Place's central family on day 89 of their ordeal. When the central unnamed couple (Krasinksi and Emily Blunt) and their young children (Millicent Simmons, Noah Jupe and Cade Woodward) take a cautious trip to stock up on supplies, it ends in tragedy, establishing just how deadly absolutely any sound can be. Skip to day 472, with Blunt's character now heavily pregnant, Krasinski's patriarch trying to keep everyone safe, and the remaining kids quite rightly nervous. Still, they're as happy as they can be in their terse, jumpy, grief-stricken state. They're together, and thanks to the eldest daughter's hearing impairment, they're able to communicate via sign language. But the impending baby is certain to cry, the children waver between wanting to help and wanting to run, and the extra-terrestrial critters are rarely out of earshot. Krasinski's stripped-back use of sound reflects his entire approach, crafting a masterfully sparse movie from start to finish — and a downright masterful one too. Forget questions about why the monsters are there and where everyone else is: they couldn't matter less in this taut, fast-paced thriller, and they shouldn't even cross your mind. Disposing with the need to provide clunky explanations or exposition (something which can and has thwarted many horror flicks), A Quiet Place hones its focus on the protagonists, their immediate plight and their quest for survival. Indeed, the script's economical nature allows the film to flex its other muscles — or sharpen its other senses, fittingly. Visually, A Quiet Place flits between claustrophobic close-ups and the wide-open expanse of the family's farm, a contrast that ratchets up the tension as well as the movie's impact. When it's used, the score proves stirring without over-stressing the scenario's urgency, or making the bumps and jumps feel cheesy. Above all, however, it's the cast that not only benefit from the film's preference for showing rather than telling, but make their mark as a result. Like her work in Looper and Sicario, Blunt is both formidable and feminine, demonstrating that one doesn't negate the other in one of the best performances of her career. Watch out for the scene-stealing Simmons, though. The deaf young actress, who was similarly great in last year's Wonderstruck, is the strong, silent, expressive heart of this stellar picture — and its secret weapon in more ways than one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqy27Bk0Vw0
Throw on your winter coat and head out into the night as the Glow Winter Arts Festival returns to Melbourne's southeast for its sixth year. Hosted by the City of Stonnington over four chilly nights, this after-dark arts fest celebrates the best that local creatives have to offer, with plenty of dazzling light projections to tempt you out into the cold. This year, Malvern East's Central Park oval set to be lit up with lasers, projections and giant glowing puppets — it's the east's answer to Fitzroy's Gertrude Street Projection Festival and Footscray's West Projections. If you rock up to the park between 6pm and 10pm, you'll be able to wander through a maze of lights and glowing installations. Step inside a dome of glowing lights in Wonderdome, visit a five-metre-tall puppet made from 600 LED lights and more than one-kilometre of rope or stop by The Indirect Object's Minor Disturbance, which is made from recycled plastics and will make you feel as though you're floating beneath the ocean. Best of all? It's all free to attend. While you're there, you'll also find cheesy toasties and hot chocolates to warm up your hands (and stomach). Glow Winter Arts Festival runs from 6–10pm. Image two: Danica Zuks
A brand new $150 million boutique hotel is coming to Southbank, set to open in September 2025. The 188-room hotel will be developed by Time & Place and MaxCap Group, while operations lie with the Collection by TFE Hotel. TFE Hotels are the same team behind Brisbane's Calile Hotel and the new luxury 102-room hotel coming to Sydney's Surry Hills. Across a sprawling ten-storey building, Hannah St. Hotel will play host to a new bar, restaurant, lap pool, fully-equipped gym, workspace and rooftop bar. "What I love about this project is that Hannah St. Hotel will deliver an experience in a neighbourhood that is transforming, thanks to an investment in Australia's largest cultural infrastructure project, into a truly world-class art precinct," TFE Hotels' CEO Antony Ritch says. "Southbank is connected to the best of Melbourne." "This is a neighbourhood hotel. A building with roots in the community and a place where you're welcomed in to enjoy the hospitality," Time & Place's Tim Price says. It follows news that the Arts Centre will score her next facelift, as part of the Victorian Government's $1.7-billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project. TFE Hotels' new Collection property in Southbank is expected to open in September 2025. We'll bring you more details as they become available. Images: renders, supplied.
Back in 2012, when Daniel Radcliffe was initially trying to shake a certain boy wizard from his system — before everything from Swiss Army Man and The Lost City to Miracle Workers and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story firmly helped — he stepped into a different kind of supernatural thrills. His first post-Harry Potter role saw him take on The Woman in Black, a gothic-horror tale that pitted him against a curse and a ghost. And yes, the latter did have quite the fondness for wearing dark clothing. The film adapted the 1983 novella of the same name for the second time. But before The Woman in Black made it to the screen, it spooked out the theatre courtesy of Stephen Mallatratt back in 1987. Because hauntings often keep coming back, this play is doing so again, this time in a new Australian production starring John Waters (Blaze) and Daniel MacPherson (Foundation). If you don't like scary tales about sinister spirits seeking revenge for past ills, then you might want to sit this one out. If you love them, then prepare to put your nerves to the test. We're betting that the Athenaeum Theatre will be at its unsettling best for the occasion — it's not every day that it hosts a show that ranks among West End's longest-running productions, second only to Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, after all. Melbourne's season will kick off on Thursday, June 13, spanning till Saturday, July 6. The Woman in Black is set in Eel Marsh House in England's north, which sits at the heart of a story that Arthur Kipps recounts about his stint as a young solicitor overseeing Mrs Alice Drablow's funeral. The place isn't just filled with secrets, thanks to the titular figure. Waters plays the elder Kipps, with MacPherson plays an actor who agrees to perform the role of his younger guise. Images: James Reiser.
You've travelled there for the beaches, you've travelled for the wineries — and next month, it'll be a big weekend of live tunes that draws you down to the Mornington Peninsula, when NinchFest returns for its sixth instalment. Taking over the St Andrews Beach Recreation Club from Friday, February 10–Saturday, February 11, the fest will serve up an impressive lineup of musical talent, spanning an even wilder array of genres than previous outings. [caption id="attachment_885786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Birdz[/caption] Heading the bill is Melbourne surf-rock trio The Grogans, First Nations rapper Birdz, ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter William Crighton and DJ Dexter of The Avalanches fame. Also taking the stage: power-pop outfit The Prize, Brisbane-based neo-psych act Nice Biscuit, 'cosmic country' star Freya Josephine Hollick, Noongar artist Bumpy and stacks, stacks more. It's a laidback, family-friendly affair — and you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your picnic rug. BYO spread, or take advantage of the day's hefty lineup of food stalls and pop-up bars. Single-day tickets stat from $100, with weekend passes also available. Images: Beatrix Fisher.
Oh, the swinging '60s. Skirts were short and life was groovy, baby. At least, that's what a dapper man called Austin Powers once said. But one person personified the '60s even more than Austin did, and they didn't even need a last name to do it. Twiggy was a fashion model with an androgynous figure and a Bambi-eyed stare who went from teen ingénue to cultural icon. Showing at ACMI from Saturday, 31 August, Philip Priestly's 2012 documentary, Twiggy: The Face of '66, retraces the steps of her enduring stardom including those infamous guest appearances on The Muppets as well as the many many mod-y clothes. Next weekend will be the Australian premiere, and Twiggy's skinny, blonde, mop-topped story is screening for a limited four sessions. Make sure you get along because this is a woman whose likeness was encased in a time capsule and blasted into space — she took the fashion world by storm and is still frickin' around. Just like Dr Evil. Kind of.
Keeping you up-to-date with the best and most unique happenings in art, culture, design and technology is what makes us tick. And now we want to celebrate some of the people making these exceptional things happen — so we've partnered with Miller Genuine Draft to create the Miller Design Lab. Across six special nights, the Miller Design Lab will showcase projects from a bunch of creatives at Chapel Street's SoHigh Gallery, with food, Miller Genuine Draft and live music also on offer — and it's all completely complimentary. Taking the reins on Friday, March 22 is Australian artist Buff Diss. Despite touring his work around the globe at a host of international galleries and art festivals, he remains a street artist at heart. And his large-scale geometric murals come with an unexpected twist — they're meticulously created with tape. For the Miller Design Lab, Buff Diss will be using tape and linear mesh to create his artwork in real time. You can watch as he works in response to music and builds to a 'big reveal' moment. DJ Paz and Alice Q will be providing the tunes for the evening, there'll be complimentary food and drink and after-party will kick off at The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club from 10.30pm — what more could want? You can RSVP to the after-party here. The Miller Design Lab x Buff Diss will run from 7–10pm on Friday, March 22. To RSVP for complimentary ticket for you and three mates, enter your details below. And if you want to check out the rest of the Miller Design Lab events, head this way. [competition]709882[/competition] Follow @millergenuinedraftaus for more details. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Pollution in big cities is a big problem, but thankfully there are people out there taking steps to make cities sustainable. Aluminium producer Alcoa has developed a building material which feeds on smog to clean itself and the surrounding air. Reynobond with Ecoclean is an aluminium panel coated with titanium dioxide which decomposes fumes and pollutants using sunlight as a catalyst. Only the smallest amount of rain is then required to wash away the now harmless particles. Pilot testing of the panels is taking place in Europe and North America. We all know trees have air-cleansing properties, but Alcoa claims that just under 1000 square metres of the panelling would be the equivalent to the power of 80 trees. And while the parts can be pricey, they will mean a reduction in maintenance costs for buildings. [Via Fast Company]
Meatlovers, keep it together. Richmond's carnivore-frequented restaurant, Meatmother, has opened their second offering: Meatmaiden. Creators Neil Hamblen and Nick Johnston have teamed up with Melbourne chef Justin Wise for their latest meat-focused dining project; Wise has already made a name for himself with his handiwork at The Point Albert Park and Press Club. Its new digs are located in the basement of the Georges Building at 195 Little Collins Street, all decked out den-style by Urchin Associates. Prepare to sink your teeth into 12-hour F1 Tajima wagyu brisket smothered in a native Tasmanian pepper berry rub, or a ten-hour pasture-fed beef short-rib from Gippsland, both pulled from a custom-made Silver Creek smoker. Meatmaiden also boasts some great sharing morsels if a mountain of meat is a little daunting — check out the southern fried chicken ribs with jalapeño mayo. While this is a particularly carnivorous affair, vegetarians have not been forgotten — give the smoked eggplant a try, or if you're pescetarian there's a sumptuous lobster mac and cheese. As for the drinks, there's be a six-tap system constantly rotating a mix of local and American craft beer. If you're after something a little punchier, the sharp cocktail menu is generous on the bourbon and best enjoyed paired with Meatmaiden's bar snacks. The wine list is concise and champions local winemakers, as well as stocking some exceptional international bottles. The house of meaty shenanigans can accommodate 120 in its den of iniquity, with sprawling communal tables made larger groups. Prepare to feast on some juicy, fall-apart-in-your-mouth meaty goodness.
Long-standing gastropub Lamaro's has seen plenty of changes in its time — and the evolution continues this week with the arrival of a new Executive Chef and a refreshed culinary offering to match. Taking the reins at the South Melbourne mainstay is none other than kitchen legend Phillip Davenport, who comes fresh from his time helming Seminyak's famed beachside restaurant Ku De Ta. You might also recognise him as the host of TV series The Toque 12, which sees the chef travelling the globe giving audiences a glimpse into the world's hottest fine-diners and restaurants. And back in the day, he was making magic as Head Chef at Bondi institution Hugo's. Here on Cecil Street, Davenport will be helping to guide Lamaro's into a new era of gastropub excellence with an all-new menu that blends elements of his own classic French culinary training with a sprinkling of influence from his travels. Longtime fans of Lamaro's can rest easy though — the new menu is grounded in the same Southeast Asian flavours and stylings for which the venue's known and loved, carrying on Geoff Lindsay's legacy. There's even a few familiar favourites that'll be sticking around, including the red duck curry and the legendary veal schnitzel. Joining them, you'll now find plates like wood-grilled scallops paired with tamarind and roasted pork belly, twice-cooked harissa octopus with fennel and a saffron orange dressing, and roast beetroot salad with goat cheese purée. There's an Indo-inspired riff on lamb navarin starring a rendang jus, and coconut and bean salad; a king prawn spaghettini with tobiko and a saffron tuille; and a range of primo steak cuts cooked over red gum. If you're dropping by for a casual bite, you'll also find a refreshed bar menu featuring newcomers like the skagen roll stuffed with prawns, celery, creme fraiche and trout roe. Lamaro's renowned wine list will continue kicking goals as is, along with the 12-strong craft beer taplist. Find Lamaro's Hotel at 273-279 Cecil Street, South Melbourne. It's open daily from 12pm–late.
Each month, Lune Croissanterie whips up a new batch of limited-time specials, giving you something tasty to look forward to when you flip over your calendar. Lamington cruffins, bolognese and bechamel-filled lasagne pastries, Iced Vovo cruffins, tiramisu pastries, finger bun croissants and cherry blossom cruffins have all been on the list so far this year, just for a month. If that's what Lune cooks up just for a regular portion of the year, just imagine what's on its menu for its tenth birthday. Actually, you don't need to ponder. The time is now, the birthday-focused October menu is here and your stomach will want it. First up, the latest Frankenstein's monster of baked goods: a birthday cake croissant. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. Lune has taken a traditional croissant, brushed it with a vanilla milk syrup, then filled it with an almond and sprinkle frangipane. On top: a sprinkle crumble, buttercream icing and then more sprinkles. What's a birthday without sprinkles, after all? A bad one. The birthday cake croissant is available at all stores right through the month until Monday, October 31, and you can order it online from South Brisbane. The rest of the list pops up here and there — but always at at least one spot in Melbourne and Brisbane, where Lune currently operates. That includes cherry ripe pain au chocolats (made with cherry and coconut frangipane, buccaneer tea ganache and sliced maraschino cherries, then dusted with Mork chocolate and freeze-dried cherries) and PBJ cruffins (filled, obviously, with house-made raspberry jam and peanut crème patisserie, then dusted with cinnamon sugar and finished with a button of raspberry jam) — and both are on offer at Fitzroy and South Brisbane. Or, there's the spring pea danish (which features fresh peas and broad beans coated in a herbaceous salsa verde, sat on top of a layer of orange marmalade and seasoned goats' curd, and garnished with snow pea tendrils and edible flowers), also at the same stores — and the return of the cheese and Vegemite escargots (an escargot pastry filled a classic Vegemite bechamel and gruyere cheese, rolled, then baked with extra gruyere melted on top) at all shops. Fitzroy, South Brisbane and the new Brissie CBD spot in Burnett Lane are doing cardamon buns as well – a "kardemummabullar"-inspired croissant piped with a cardamon-spiced butter, then twisted into a knot, sprinkled with sugar and baked. Hungry? Of course you are, and you now have a whole heap of snack options. In Melbourne on weekends in October, Lune is also serving up a selection of past hits — if you need even more choices. Lune's October specials menu runs until Monday, October 31, with different specials on offer at Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne, and South Brisbane and Burnett Lane in Brisbane. From the South Brisbane store only, you can also order them online. Images: Pete Dillon.
For the eighth time, Golden Plains Festival is coming back to the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, and the ballot is open today. 2014's festival goes down from March 8-10 and has announced that the headliner will be none other than the hip hop megastars Public Enemy. The festival is all about a chilled long weekend of camping, picnicking, watching bands and generally loving life. Last year featured the likes of Cat Power, Flume and the legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Golden Plains Festival promises to be a haven away from your more traditional festivals. No crummy stores, no corporate sponsors and especially no dickheads (they maintain a self-policing 'Dickhead' Policy). You take your own booze, you camp wherever you want and spend the weekend as if you were living in a weird and lovely commune. As per previous years, tickets are being sold in four ways, the first being the ballot. The first round is for existing subscribers, and entries close October 21. Non-subscribers have until October 28. Public sales in selected stores open on November 7, and online sales open on November 8. Each ticket costs $319, plus booking fee and postage. The ticket gets you in on Saturday, gives you free parking and camping, and gets you out again on Monday. So get yourself into the ballot, and don't forget appropriate footwear.
When Meryl Streep joined the cast of Only Murders in the Building, whether she'd prove a hit in the murder-mystery comedy was hardly a puzzle to solve. Indeed, the acclaimed actor slipped right into the show's third season like she'd always been there. And, she's coming back in season four to do it all again. Only Murders in the Building was renewed for its fourth season back in late 2023, and now casting details are being revealed. Yes, Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die) is back as Mabel Mora, as are Martin Short (Schmigadoon!) as Oliver Putnam and Steve Martin (It's Complicated) as Charles-Haden Savage. As just announced, so is Streep (Don't Look Up), while Saturday Night Live great Molly Shannon is also joining the series as well. As per The Hollywood Reporter, Streep and Shannon will have recurring roles in the new season, which will start with its main trio enjoying a trip to Los Angeles. But they're not leaving The Arconia, the show's main setting, behind. There's already been a fourth murder there at the end of last batch of episodes, giving the crew something to investigate after 2021's season one (aka one of the best new shows of that year), 2022's season two (aka one of the best returning shows of that year, too) and 2023's season three (again, one of that year's best returning efforts). The series started with three residents of the same New York apartment building crossing paths after a murder in their building — hence the title — then bonding over true-crime podcasts. Next, they did what everyone that's jumped on that bandwagon knows they would if they were ever in the same situation, starting their own audio series that's also called Only Murders in the Building. That's how season one kicked off — and continued, proving a warm, funny, smart and savvy series at every step along the way. In the show's second season, another death needed looking into. That time, it was someone the main trio were all known not to be that fond of, so suspicions kept pointing in their direction. Indeed, every season, another death has given aspiring artist Mabel, Broadway producer Oliver and actor Charles-Haden another case to dive into. In season three, that involved discovering who caused actor Ben Glenroy (Paul Rudd, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem) to shuffle off this mortal coil at the opening night of Oliver's latest show. Streep plays Loretta Durkin, another thespian, who scored her big theatre break in the same production in season three — and became a love interest for Oliver. Shannon (The Other Two) will play an LA businesswoman who gets drawn into season four's mystery, Variety reports. There's no sneak peek at season four as yet, but you can check out the full trailer for Only Murders in the Building season three below: Only Murders in the Building streams Down Under via Star on Disney+. Read our reviews of season one, season two and season three. Images: Hulu. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety.
Sometimes one pizza isn't enough. Sometimes your stomach is a ravenous bottomless pit. Sometimes you need all-you-can-eat. Luckily, Melbourne is not lacking in this department — there are restaurants offering all-you-can-eat sushi, pizza and gyoza every day of the week. And we've wrapped up our favourites, so you can satisfy your insatiable cravings, no matter what day it is.
As if the shorter days and cooler evenings weren't already reasons enough to turn to comfort foods, these strange times are causing us to do so now more than ever. And up there with the ultimate belly-warming bites are those from Taco Bell. The Tex-Mex giant now boasts two stores in Melbourne, so if you're a big fan of Mexican-inspired food, chances are you've already started to make your way through its extensive menu. And, in some very good news, you can keep the flavour fiesta going while stuck at home in isolation. Yep, Taco Bell has teamed up with Menulog to offer free delivery for a limited time from its South Yarra and Hawthorn outposts. That means you and your housemates can get stuck into its signature tacos, cheesy quesadillas and the fan favourite Crunchwrap Supreme, which is stuffed with your choice of meat, nacho cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and crunchy tostada shell, without being stung with delivery fees. And don't worry if you live alone or nobody else is hungry as there's no minimum spend — not that we'd judge you for ordering all of those tasty items mentioned above solo anyway. So, if you're all tucked up in your blanket burrito and suddenly get a craving for an actual burrito, you can stay cosy and warm inside your home while the food comes to you. All you need to do is head to Menulog and find out the closest Taco Bell store to you to place your order. Not within the delivery radius? The stores are still open and offering contactless takeaway. Taco Bell is offering free delivery across Melbourne via Menulog with no minimum spend for a limited time only. To place your order, head here. https://youtu.be/kaqlWl0DKxM
Hamer Hall's culinary offering has scored a major boost with the arrival of Pawa Cafe and Bar, a new all-day eatery heroing sustainably produced indigenous ingredients. Named for a Gunditjmara word meaning 'to cook', it's the brainchild of a husband and wife duo: Gunditjmara and Yuin culinary entrepreneur Niyoka Bundle, plus Head Chef Vincent Manning. A permanent home for the pair's Pawa Catering brand, the venue is serving up a fresh take on modern Australian cuisine — not only celebrating native ingredients, but working closely with farmers and foragers that are dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. Bundle's inspiration comes both from the classic Aussie comfort food of her youth, and childhood camping trips spent hunting animals like emu and kangaroo. Expect Indigenous flavours with a twist of nostalgia and a good whack of creativity. By day, Pawa plates up a cafe-style offering featuring Seven Seeds coffee alongside the likes of strawberry gum brownies, lilly pilly croissants and roo meat pies. Drop by later for grazing platters loaded with native additions like red wine kangaroo salami, paired with Victorian vino and cocktails made on Pawa's own Taka Gin — a drop infused with native lemongrass and lemon scented gum leaf. There's plenty of innovation on show along the way, from the use of lilly pilly as a tart sweetener to the substitution of saltbush or warrigal greens for salt. And you'll find scores of local suppliers championed throughout the menu, with offerings from the likes of Cobb Lane, Home Grown Cocktails and The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Pawa Cafe and Bar at 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne — open from 8.30am–3pm Tuesday, and from 8.30am–10pm Wednesday to Sunday. Images: Jake Roden.
Fuel up for a tough day's work without spending a cent, as Chargrill Charlie's celebrates National Tradie Day with a hard yakka giveaway. Up for grabs from 9am on Friday, September 19, the first 50 tradies at each store location dressed in hi-vis or work gear will score a free roll of their choice, alongside regular chips and a 600ml drink. There's just one catch — you have to say "Tools Down. Rolls Up." So, whether you're a dunny diver, a chippy or a brickie, skip the servo pie and iced coffee for something a little more filling. With Chargrill Charlie's locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane involved, this one-time freebie is your chance to be rewarded for your dedication to the tools.
Dig out your feather headbands, pearls, finest sequinned dress or suit this New Year's Eve and head to a roaring 1920s party that's taking over Ocean 12. Taking its cues from The Great Gatsby, the night will be one of glitz, glamour, fun and frivolity — and, of course, lots and lots of champagne. It's a celebration, after all. With your ticket in hand, you won't have to worry about a thing. Kick things off with a cocktail on arrival, then settle in for a whopping five hours of premium drinks and canapes — think champagne towers for drinks, plus antipasto, charcuterie and a raw bar to keep you fuelled. There'll be roving 1920s-style entertainment and you'll be dancing to a swingin' live jazz band to start, before the DJs take over and keep the dance floor going until 5am. And, if you've ever experienced Ocean 12's spectacular terrace, you'll know it's one of the best spots in Melbourne to watch the fireworks. Catch all the action, foregrounded by the Yarra River and backdropped by the city skyline. Want to make sure you nab the best seats in the house? You can take your New Year's Eve to the next level by booking a VIP ticket, which'll put you up front. It'll cost you a cool $488, but you'll get those million-dollar views. To nab your spot, head here.
Victoria's Labour Day long weekend kicks off soon; and long-running festival Moomba is here to fill it to the brim with a jam-packed offering of entertainment, music, dancing, carnival rides, water sports and flying machines. Moomba's newly expanded 2023 edition runs from Thursday, March 9–Monday, March 13, transforming Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr into a hive of colour and activity. Music-lovers can look forward to live tunes from acts like MzRizk, Cool Out Sun, The Mamas, Fat Picnic, Chelsea Manor and Retro Red, or hit one of the silent disco or karaoke sessions. Elsewhere, you can get your own groove on at a dance workshop, with the experts helping you perfect those hip hop, Bollywood or Latin moves. Meanwhile, a program of water sport showcases will bring the Yarra River to life, as the world's top water ski and wakeboard athletes put on some unmissable performances. You'll enjoy classic show rides and a global array of food stalls at the Moomba Carnival, spreading out along Birrarung Marr. And don't forget the nightly fireworks displays. On Sunday, March 12, the ever hilarious Birdman Rally sees gutsy competitors take giant leaps of faith from the banks of the Yarra in their homemade flying contraptions, raising money for charity while providing spectators plenty of laughs. And, helping to wrap up the festivities on Monday, March 13, is the long-running Moomba Parade, which will roll along Birdwood Avenue with a colourful riot of dancers, tunes and supersized floats. [caption id="attachment_845154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Birdman Rally[/caption]
2024 is set to be a huge year for Australia's most-inclusive music festival, with the Dylan Alcott-founded Ability Fest not only playing Melbourne but also hitting up Brisbane as well. Expanding is a massive achievement for the event. Also hefty: the lineup, with Ocean Alley, King Stingray, Cub Sport and Bag Raiders leading the bill. In Victoria, Ability Fest will head to Alexandra Gardens/Birrarung Marr in Melbourne on Saturday, October 19. As for what'll get you moving to the tunes, attendees will also see Asha Jefferies, Boone, Brenn!, Dewbs, Eliza Hull and jamesjamesjames, alongside Jordan Brando, Jordz, Kita Alexander and a triple j Unearthed winner. From there, Melburnians will can catch ONEFOUR, Crybaby, DAWS, Floodlights, Kuzco, NayNay and Wax'o Paradiso as well. Ability Fest is splitting its musicians across two stages, one for bands and one for DJs. The fully accessible event, which launched in 2018, has been carefully designed from the get-go. It features ramps and pathways for easy access, Auslan interpreters working alongside the artists, and elevated platforms to give everyone a shot at seeing the stage. Plus, there's also quiet zones, dedicated sensory areas and accessible toilets. Ability Fest is committed to being financially accessible during the current cost-of-living crisis in both of its stops. Accordingly, tickets only cost $60 plus booking fee, and carers receive complimentary entry. The fest has also lowered the age of admission to 16 so more folks can head along. While dishing up primo live tunes and music experiences to Aussies of all abilities, the not-for-profit fest also raises money for the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with 100-percent of its ticket proceeds going to the organisation. [caption id="attachment_963996" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Chloe Hall[/caption] Ability Fest 2024 Lineup: Asha Jefferies Bag Raiders Boone Brenn! Cub Sport Dewbs Eliza Hull jamesjamesjames Jordan Brando Jordz King Stingray Kita Alexander Ocean Alley triple j Unearthed winner Melbourne only: Crybaby DAWS Floodlights Kuzco NayNay ONEFOUR Wax'o Paradiso Top images: Ian Laidlaw, Chloe Hall and Jayden Ostwald.
Turning one is a big deal, and Preston's The Keys is ringing in its first lap around the sun with a three-day music extravaganza. Get ready, get hydrated and strap in — this party is shaping up to be the ultimate birthday bash. Kicking off on Friday, October 27 and stretching through to Sunday, October 29, the festival will feature 15 music acts spread across three jam-packed days. The best part? It's free, and non-ticketed. Just rock up and join the party. On the first night, the stage is set for a wild time with Shepparton's Louis Valentine & The Golden Age headlining, delivering their 'dirty cowboy soul music'. They'll be supported by Leslie Snipes' groovy Hammond organ vibes, plus FNR DJs and Silver Dragger. Oh, and there'll be a free mechanical bull going all night if you think you've got what it takes. Day two is part of The Eighty-Six festival's Super Saturday, guaranteeing 13 hours of funk, hip hop and dance tunes from cool fam-friendly disco in the morning to The Black Jesus Experience taking the stage from 4pm. There'll also be food and drink specials to keep you fuelled throughout the day. On Sunday, things take a chill turn with a Latin Fiesta Recovery Session in the beer garden, complete with Sabor Y Ritmo and Son Quba's Cuban melodies from 3pm — and, to top things off, Cubano sandwiches from a Nico's Deli pop-up to help fuel your recovery. If you've never been to The Keys, this is your perfect excuse to go check it out. It's truly got something for everyone. Think: vintage bowling, arcade games, a beer garden and heaps of space to lounge and enjoy the vibe. So, if a weekend full of music, dancing and electric first birthday energy is your idea of a good time, you know what to do. Images: Jack Lovel / C Hawks.
Nearly four decades ago, the nephew of a famous film director took his first big screen acting gig playing a character so minor, he didn't even get a name. Six years later, the star in question nabbed a Golden Globe nomination. Before the century was out, he won an Oscar. These days, he also has eight Razzie nominations, but if ever an actor has straddled the vast chasm between the ridiculous and sublime, it's Nicolas Cage. He has crooned Elvis songs for David Lynch, married Elvis's daughter in real life, acted opposite himself in Adaptation, taken to the skies with criminals in Con Air, named one of his sons after Superman, and starred into two of the worst Marvel-affiliated movies ever thanks to Ghost Rider and its sequel. The list goes on — and over his 37 years in the business, Nicolas Cage has amassed a whopping 95 screen credits. We could continue, but everyone knows that talking about Nicolas Cage isn't anywhere near as great as watching Nicolas Cage. Also, for some reason, it just feels better to use his entire name. Don't just take our word for it about any of the above, however — take the Melbourne International Film Festival's. This year, as part of an all-night movie marathon, the fest is joining forces with The Astor Theatre to dedicate Saturday, August 10 (and part of Sunday, August 11) to a 12-hour bout of Nicolas Cage mania. MIFF is calling it Cage-a-Thon, and they've amassed quite the showcase of Nicolas Cage's work across seven films – but let's be honest, they really could've picked any of his flicks and it'd be amazing. Attendees will get into the mood with his latest and maybe greatest in the form of unhinged thriller Mandy, before laughing at the Coen brothers' madcap comedy Raising Arizona and swaggering into neo-noir western territory with Red Rock West. Next comes the unsettling and absurd Vampire's Kiss, folk-horror remake The Wicker Man and the escape-from-hell effort Drive Angry, before it all comes to a close with Con Air. Tickets cost $35, but the memories you'll have seared into your brain forever will be priceless. A word of warning: a evening spent staring at Nicolas Cage's various crazy grins won't be easy to shake. Updated July 14.
Already scheduled to headline Listen Out 2013, dance music's brothers-of-the-moment have just announced that they'll be gracing us with sideshows in both Sydney and Melbourne. Over the past 12 months, the UK-born and raised siblings have emerged from their bedrooms to dominate the dance charts and sell out international tours. That's especially impressive given that the youngest of the two, Howard (18), is only just out of school uniform and his brother, Guy, recently celebrated his 21st. Not only have party-goers been keeping the boys on high rotation, they've also won a few critics' (often hardened) hearts. The ever-revered Pitchfork awarded Disclosure's debut album, Settle, with a whopping 9.1/10, while UK radio host Zane Lowe described it as his "favourite album of the year so far". Featuring a selection of guest vocalists (including Ed McFarlane of Friendly Fires, Jamie Woon, Jessie Ware and AlunaGeorge's Aluna Francis), Settle represents a move towards balancing the duo's two major stylistic influences: dance and pop. "The main thing we tried to do with it is get a mixture of the more clubbier sides of the music we do with the more sample based stuff that's made for the dance floor and then kinda the other side of it, which is the more pop structured songs with vocals," Howard told the Listen Out team in a recent interview. "We wanted to take a balance between those things." Sydneysiders will be able to catch Disclosure on October 1 at an all-ages show at The Hi-Fi, and Melbournites will see them at the Prince Bandroom, Prince of Wales, on October 2, with an early show (5.30-8.30pm) catering for under-18s and a later one (10pm-1am) keeping the oldies on their feet. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4nsKDJlpUbA
If Uluru's stunning Field of Light installation doesn't already have you planning a trip to the centre of the country, then the latest news out of the Northern Territory might — Litchfield Adventure Park, the NT's most popular national park, is getting a $12.1 million makeover. As part of the facelift announced by the NT Government, new areas of the 1500 square kilometre park will be opened up to visitors, including five new swimming spots and waterfalls, 40 kilometres of new four-wheel drive tracks and three new campgrounds. Established as a national park in 1986, Litchfield is located 120 kilometres south-east from Darwin, and is a particularly popular spot for day-trippers. Indeed, it's the Top End's most popular national park, attracting almost 370,000 visitors a year. The new addition — in the park's north, as reported by the ABC — expected to increase that number by 60,000 annually. At present, there's plenty at Litchfield to entice visitors anyway, including existing swimming holes, camping spots, picnic grounds, bushwalking tracks, scenic lookouts and more. A highlight for adventurous trekkers is the 39-kilometre Tabletop Track, which takes up to five days to complete, with camp sites along the way. For more information about Litchfield Adventure Park, visit the park's website.
Fitzroy's new specialty food store is getting into the summer spirit, teaming up with the folks from PB's Bar & Eatery to transform its kerbside seating area into a pop-up prosecco bar primed for the balmy afternoons to come. Gertrude Grocer's new-look footpath terrace will be open daily through the summer months, helping you ease into the new year with a selection of grazing boards piled high with your pick of cheese, charcuterie and vegan delights. Mix-and-match options start from $30 for a two-person spread, with accompaniments like paté, quince paste, lavosh and freshly baked bread showcasing top picks from the Gertrude Grocer shelves. To match, you'll find fizzy delights from King Valley prosecco pioneers Dal Zotto (by the glass and bottle), easy-drinking tinnies from Brick Lane Brewing and Willie Smith, and a tight selection of other wines to suit any lazy summer grazing session. This one's open from 2pm until late Monday–Wednesday and from noon until late across the rest of the week.
West Melbourne locals are in for a real treat this winter, thanks to the return of Grazeland's seasonal transformation. Every Friday–Sunday from June 28–July 28, the Spotswood food hub will once again transform into a colourful winter wonderland, complete with neon lights, falling snow, firepits, roaming entertainers, and a stack of warming food and drink vendors. The food lineup includes Momo's, Lucky Little Dumplings and Ms Wonton, which will be serving up fried and steamed parcels of goodness throughout the month-long winter makeover, while Frencheese will pump out sizzling raclette and Brat Boy's Baked Potatoes will have you sorted for steaming plates of buttery carbs. You can also stop by Bun Tessa for its famed seafood boil, Tandoori Land for its specialty tikka masala and Drums for classic Sri Lankan curries. Follow it up with Street Crepes' pancakes topped with chocolate, ice cream and fresh fruit, or Sticky Fingers' moreish hot jam doughnuts. Grazeland's bars will also seek to warm up punters with spiced mulled wine, in addition to their usual drinks offerings. This month-long experience is a brilliant weekend alternative to QVM's Winter Night Market, not to mention the perfect excuse to get out of the house and embrace winter. Grazeland's Winter Wonderland will run every Friday–Sunday, from Friday, June 26–Sunday, July 28. For more information, visit the venue's website.
It's the iconic charity footy match that sees local musos and radio names battle it out on field in an effort to raise much-needed funds and awareness for disadvantaged Aussies via Reclink Australia. And on Sunday, June 16, 31 years after it was born right here in Melbourne, the much-adored Reclink Community Cup returns for a huge 2024 instalment. This year's Cup will transform Victoria Park into a community celebration of epic proportions, as a 10,000-strong crowd flocks to catch the Megahertz (familiar voices from Triple R 102.7FM and PBS 106.7FM) and the Rockdogs (a team of brave musicians) go head to head. [caption id="attachment_961381" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suzanne Phoenix[/caption] As always, the off-field antics will be plentiful, with a stellar lineup of line tunes courtesy of Floodlights, Kaiit, Ross Wilson, Teether & Kuya Neil, The UV Race and Whistle & Trick. At least whichever team loses can drown their sorrows in some top-notch music. Every dollar raised from ticketing goes towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Victorians suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. Gates open at 11am, with kickoff at 2.25pm and everything ending at 7pm. [caption id="attachment_961380" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Suzanne Phoenix[/caption]
It's the festive season, which means good food, good times and presents — giving and receiving. If you're struggling to think about what to gift your loved ones this season, we've made things easier with a shopping guide to Chadstone — The Fashion Capital. Whether you're shopping for the wellness warrior, beauty buff, fashion fanatic, fitness fiend, flavour-seeking foodie, or even shopping for kids, we have got you covered with this guide. WELLNESS WARRIOR Suppose you have a wellness enthusiast in your life who loves relaxing, meditation, and multi-step skincare routines. In that case, you can't go wrong with a luxe at-home spa set from Endota Spa or brand-new yoga tights (Lorna Jane has you covered) — yogis can be particular about their mats, so you can't go wrong with a trip to Lululemon. Wellness doesn't just cover yoga and meditation. In this fast-paced world, we all need a little space from our computers and phones. What better way than with a good book from Dymocks, a good bath and luxe new bedsheets or bathrobes from Bed Bath N' Table, add a festive candle scent from Peter Alexander and a new notebook for journalling from Kikki K, and you've gifted the ultimate at-home wellness session. BEAUTY BUFF Do you have a mate who could legit be the next big beauty influencer? Do they rarely leave the house without the perfect skincare, lip liner, nails and contour? For beauty enthusiasts who adore experimenting with new looks and beauty products, there's so much choice out there that it can be overwhelming. However, come the gifting season, and it all becomes so much easier. Jurlique and Kiehls are your go-to for skincare gifting this Christmas. The biggest celebrity names in make-up will likely drop a holiday-themed gift set or palette that your makeup-loving mate will adore. Stop by Mecca to check out its advent calendars and Sephora for its holiday gift sets. FITNESS FIEND If you're buying for someone who spends their mornings in the gym and the weekends trekking up hills, you know what they genuinely might love? Socks. Grippy socks for pilates, hiking socks for their bushwalks and quality ankle socks for running. Check out any number of fitness stores like Nike, Rebel, LSKD or Adidas to stock up on what your fitness fiend bestie needs. And don't forget recovery. Your mate is probably in the market for equipment like foam rollers, massagers and exercise bands for stretching so they can keep their fitness going through the holiday season. FLAVOUR-SEEKING FOODIE For those who have a refined palate and love to explore delicious flavours, the best gift during the holiday season is a chocolate truffle box from Koko Black or pastries and cakes galore from Black Star Pastry. For your coffee-loving loved ones, look no further than new coffee machinery and fresh coffee beans from Industry Beans. Thinking of taking your bestie/mum/sister for a Christmas date? Visit UA Brewing Co. FASHION FANATIC Australia is home to some of the best fashion designers and stylists in the world. If you know your mate has a good eye, go window-shopping with them and take note of what they like and then race back and snag a quality piece that they will adore you for when they open their gift. Furla is a great choice for a timeless bag, and Oroton's new jewellery collection is a gift any fashionista will love. Myer and David Jones are your go-to for variety. You can't go wrong with high-quality, timeless pieces like leather RM Williams boots (if you know their size). GADGET GO-GETTER For the gadget go-getter in your life, consider wireless headphones for top-tier sound from Bang & Olufsen (and a polite way for them to let people know they do not want to talk), a Samsung smartwatch for multifunctional convenience (gotta reach those step goals), or a gaming console or VR headset for immersive entertainment from JB Hi-Fi (if you want to absolutely bust your budget). For practical gifts that provide the gadget go-getter with some convenience, why not go for an external storage device for securing all their selfies or a portable power bank so they stay charged on the go? KIDS (BIG AND SMALL) We haven't forgotten about the little ones on your list. The holidays are always a fun time with little ones running around. For the young bubs, stock up on adorable, breathable, cosy clothing that is suitable for summer at Purebaby. For the not-so-young, kick it old school with board games and games like ring toss so you can have fun no matter the weather from Gamesworld. For the older kiddies, pick up art supplies, books and stocking stuffers to make the holiday season extra special. If you're on the hunt for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, look no further than the largest shopping hub in Melbourne (and Australia): Chadstone – The Fashion Capital. Discover extended hours, real-time parking info and shopping guides on the Chadstone website.
For a city that's so obsessed with coffee, it's only fair that its major airport serves up a great brew, too. And while this hasn't been the case for a long time, Melbourne Airport is looking to fix this by bringing in Richmond coffee roaster Veneziano to the newly refurbed Terminal 1 — that 9.2 million travellers pass through each year. Veneziano has been on the Melbourne coffee scene for 21 years, roasting and brewing up a storm in Richmond. It's also expanded across Australia in recent years, setting up cafes in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra. Those who know the brand can expect to find much of the same food and bev options in the new Melbourne Airport venue, but with a greater focus on takeaway service. Its house blend Elevate will be used in milky brews, while specialty beans will feature in the filter and black coffees. The team has also come up with a few travel coffee options. First off, the cold brew coffee in a can is up for grabs alongside its canned espresso martinis — for those wanting to BYO booze on their next long-haul flight out of Melbourne. Veneziano will even be selling small jars of its instant coffee, so you can brew it yourself when flying — simply ask for boiling water from the flight crew. This means no more rubbish coffee while you're in the air either. A few meals will also be available at the Melbourne Airport store located on the airside of Terminal 1. That means travellers who are departing can stop by after going through security. And those arriving will need to hit it up before getting to baggage claim. Veneziano is now open at Terminal 1 at Melbourne Airport. For more info, head to the venue's website.
Get ready to immerse yourself in an array of captivating musical experiences this July at the Primrose Potter Salon Series at Melbourne Recital Centre. From renowned chamber ensembles to soul-stirring performances, these events promise to transport you to new realms of sonic delight. Read on for a more in-depth preview of the excellent lineup. July 1, Benaud Trio – Ornamental Prepare to be spellbound by the remarkable Benaud Trio, one of Australia's most cherished chamber ensembles. With a repertoire that traverses major works and compositions by Australian maestros, their performances are renowned for their passionate renditions and unexpected pop-inspired encores. This performance titled "Ornamental" pays tribute to the extraordinary lives and musical talents of Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. Join the Benaud Trio as they celebrate the enduring legacy of these two great composers. The afternoon unfolds with the Melbourne premiere of Anne Cawrse's ethereal composition, "Songs Without Words," followed by Trio Op.11 by Fanny Mendelssohn. Find more information here. July 11, Quartz – Langsamer Combining Australian musical brilliance with technique, Melbourne's Quartz string quartet offers their own interpretations of string quartet masterpieces. In the intimate Primrose Potter Salon, Quartz will take you on a musical journey with works by Webern and Beethoven. Anton Webern's Langsamer Satz (Slow Movement) for string quartet, composed during a period of passionate love, exudes longing, dramatic turmoil, and ultimate happiness. Beethoven's Op.127, the first of his legendary 'late quartets,' showcases his profound introspection and unparalleled control. Find more information here. July 22, Rose Riebl – Do Not Move Stones Experience an introspective and cinematic expedition as pianist and post-classical composer Rose Riebl takes the stage. Following her sellout shows around the globe, Riebl presents original compositions from her debut album, do not move stones. Accompanied by a cello trio, Riebl's compositions draw inspiration from Romantic classical composers such as Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin, while embracing contemporary and minimalist influences. Critics describe her music as a distillation of decades of engagement with music, literature, and art. Find more information here. July 27, YO CiTY: Iaki Vallejo – Arisen Colours Experience a harmonious fusion of emotion and melody as singer-songwriter Iaki Vallejo takes the stage alongside virtuosic pianist Martin Pang. Delight in a collection of Vallejo's latest compositions, intertwined with beloved songs that have shaped her musical journey. In a concert titled "Harmonies Unveiled" Iaki's soulful voice dances with Latin American rhythms, jazz melodies and folk music influences. Expect timeless classics, including "Balada para un loco" by legendary composer Astor Piazzolla. Find out more information here. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on these extraordinary musical adventures at Melbourne Recital Centre this July. Each event promises an experience that will resonate long after the final note has been played. Find out more information on Melbourne Recital Centre's website.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. Triggering road trippin' pilgrimages country-wide since 2001, Splendour is a locked-in date on many a festival reveller calendar — and now you can make it permanent. The Splendour in the Grass 2015 dates have been confirmed. Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday 22 July. The coveted lineup will be released soon. Until then, let the furious pub debates and Facebook ponderings commence.
Step back in time to Chicago in the roaring 1920s, when velvet, jazz, bootleggers and backdoor bartenders were all the rage. Taking its inspiration from this colourful time in history, The 18th Amendment Bar is a throwback to prohibition-era speakeasies, and serves classic cocktails with innovative twists — try the Jitterbug, a take on a southside featuring gin, lime, mint, cucumber and fairy floss, or the Bonnie and Clyde, a mix of vodka, passionfruit, coconut, citrus, and foam. In keeping with the prohibition times, there's also a great range of fun mocktails available.
Would you like some creepy with your coffee? David Lynch takes advertising to dark places with this disturbing film promoting his signature coffee line. I'm curious as to exactly what David Lynch Signature Cup would taste like. Obviously it would depend on whether you choose the espresso blend, house roast or decaf. My intuition tells me Lynch likes his coffee strong, dark and somewhat syrupy – much like his genius mind. All the blends are all organic and fairly traded, as we learn from a bizarre dialogue between Lynch and the decapitated Barbie doll head he cradles in his hand. [Via Lost At E-Minor]
If it's a challenge you seek, try travelling the depths of Scandinavia on a budget. Many are deterred from visiting the region based on how expensive it's known to be, but we're here to tell you that even the most frugal person who dreams of traversing these extrafjordinary countries can make it happen. And it's hella worth it. Travelling through Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland is never going to be as budget-friendly as backpacking around Southeast Asia, but there are always ways to cut down on expenditure — whether it's kayaking down a fjord, teaching yourself Swedish or eating Norwegian hot dogs for every meal. Here are our top tips. [caption id="attachment_604853" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Holbergsgade, Copenhagen, Denmark. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr.[/caption] GET ON YER BIKE Well, someone else's bike. Public transport tickets in Scandinavian countries pummel the wallet. A two-hour bus ticket in Oslo or Copenhagen will cost you about AUD$20. Instead, hire a bike. You can find them for as low as AUD$40 a day. These cities are seriously built for cycling; in Copenhagen bikes outnumber cars, and it's unrivalled as the world's best city for cycling, with endless and impeccable bike lanes and parking. If you're staying in an Airbnb, don't be afraid to ask if your host has a bike you can borrow — just give them a little extra cash for it. [caption id="attachment_604839" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Svolvær, Lotofen Islands, Norway.[/caption] LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION Most of the time, hostels are more expensive than renting an Airbnb. Even the cheapest of Airbnb's are great alternatives — Scandinavians have an embedded sense of style, so most apartments are a pleasure to stay in. From our experience, they're often decked out with chic furniture and kitchen utensils you never knew existed. If staying in an actual building is too mainstream for you, try a 'botel' (a boat converted into a hotel). The canals of Stockholm's Södermalm are lined with long budget-friendly botels such as The Red Boat and Mälardrottningen. [caption id="attachment_604830" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tjuvholmen, Oslo, Norway.[/caption] MAKE USE OF THE NATURAL WATERWAYS Mother Nature favoured Scandinavia with plunging fjords and glistening lakes — and they're totally free to swim in. You don't need to be in the countryside to find these either — salvation by H20 can also be found in the big cities. Stockholm's canals, amazingly, are clean enough to swim in. Notable spots include Långholmen and Liljeholmsviken. Oslo's city centre has a fjord at its doorstep, and in the summer people flock to Tjuvholmen, a small beach located near the Opera House for their dose of refreshment. [caption id="attachment_604841" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Aurland, Norway.[/caption] WHEN IN NORWAY, GO COUNTRY To travel to the fjord-packed lands of Norway ignites something in everyone. Don't be surprised if you spot seven waterfalls at once, or are startled by a gang of elk galloping by. Getting to the countryside may not be cheap, but you'll find yourself immediately inspired. Even if you're not usually a hiker, you'll get into it here. Norway, Sweden and Finland also have this nifty little law known as 'the freedom to roam', which guarantees everyone's right to access uncultivated lands. This means you can virtually camp anywhere that isn't classified as private property. So buy yourself a tent and get going. [caption id="attachment_604831" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Triangeln Station, Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] BOOK TRANSPORT TICKETS IN THE COUNTRY'S NATIVE LANGUAGE Sure, this is a little risky. But if you book a ticket in English, chances are the price will rise. It's the equivalent to waving your arms around screaming 'hi, I'm a tourist, exploit me!'. For instance, booking an overnight ferry on Hurtigruten from Norway's iconic Lofoten Islands up to the northern city of Tromsø will cost you about $350 if you book in English. Ain't no one got money like that for one night in a pitch black cabin with no window — even Jack had it better on the Titanic. Book in Norwegian, and you'll save about $150. You'll find that Scandinavian languages have some level of mutual intelligibility with English. But if you're still not 100 percent sure, ask a local to assist you. [caption id="attachment_604855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Chris Street via Flickr.[/caption] CHOOSE A KAYAK OVER A DAY CRUISE Kayaking is significantly cheaper than day cruises of fjords and canals. You'll see the same thing — and arguably more — on a kayak. Plus, it's an opportunity to work off all that softis (an addictive Norwegian soft serve ice-cream) you guzzled down the day before. [caption id="attachment_604859" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: David Blangstrup via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE SUPERMARKETS YOUR BEST FRIEND Food in these countries is notoriously expensive, and if you're eating out, it adds up quickly. And while you should save some moolah to tuck into a few local delicacies — Swedish meatballs, anyone? — native food isn't really the region's strong point, so you won't be missing out on too much. Cook at every chance you get. Aldi, Rema 1000, Coop and Netto are a few supermarkets look out for. Speaking of groceries, buy them in Denmark and take them overseas. 'Don't leave without going to the supermarket!' is a common phrase for Danish people leaving the country to hear. Denmark's goods are significantly cheaper than anywhere else, so stock up before moving on. [caption id="attachment_604846" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Malmö, Sweden.[/caption] GO TO MALMÖ Malmö is Sweden's cosmopolitan underdog. It's the country's third largest city and has too much to offer. Firstly, going there after spending some time in Stockholm is totally relieving on the money front. Secondly, it's plump with modern museums, medieval buildings and stunning parks — you'll never be bored. And thirdly, the city is made up of 150 ethnicities, meaning the variety of cuisines on offer is extensive. You'll find Middle Eastern wraps almost every 300 metres, as well as your breakfast croissants and baguettes. It's also a great point of access to Copenhagen. All it takes is a 25-minute train ride over the Øresund Bridge to cross countries. [caption id="attachment_604857" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Ruocaled via Flickr.[/caption] MAKE USE OF IKEA Yes, we're serious. Among the many amazing things to come out of Sweden is the glorious adult's playground, IKEA. The store offers a free shuttle bus from Stockholm's city centre, where you can indulge in a meal of Swedish meatballs topped with lingonberry, gravy and complemented with mash potato, all for a whopping AUD$6. [caption id="attachment_604851" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Francisco Antunes via Flickr.[/caption] EAT HOTDOGS Cheap, tasty, everywhere. Top it with some sprøstekt løk (Norwegian dried onion flakes) and you'll be laughing. And totally satisfied. [caption id="attachment_604832" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Oslo Opera House, Norway.[/caption] FIND FREE ACTIVITIES (YES, THERE ARE SOME) Scandinavia has no shortage of insane buildings — there's enough to impress the biggest design aficionado you know, right down to those with no interest in architecture at all. You could spend hours waltzing around Oslo's iconic Opera House, or visiting Holmenkollen, one of the city's old ski jumps that has been converted into a museum. That's among endless design, naval, and Viking museums scattered around each country. [caption id="attachment_604850" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danish Design Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark.[/caption] SEEK OUT STUDENT DISCOUNTS The joys of being a student. If you're lucky enough to still be one, you can get discounts on selected transport tickets, museum tickets and more. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will be accepted at most places, but others will accept your university student card if you're lucky. Caterina Hrysomallis is a food and travel writer based in Melbourne, and is pretty nifty with a budget. All photos are her own unless otherwise stated.
It's the film festival that gives German cinema fans a showcase of the European nation's latest and greatest movies without leaving Australia. It's a way to catch up on highlights from the Berlin International Film Festival from Down Under, too. And, it's where German-language flicks from beyond the obvious nation equally get their time to shine. Here's another description that fits: it's also where one of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's masterpieces is almost always on the bill. The event in question is the German Film Festival, which has a huge 2025 in store even just by the numbers. Making its way around Australia between Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 28, this year's fest has 29 days of movies on offer across eight legs in nine places and 23 cinemas. Cinephiles in Melbourne, get excited: 19 features, plus 14-part miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz, are hitting Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema and Palace Penny Lane between Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 21. Fassbinder's addition to this year's program is playing on the silver screen across three weekends — and clearing your diary to see the page-to-screen great that is Berlin Alexanderplatz couldn't be more highly recommended. The German Film Festival's 2025 opening-night pick is romantic comedy Long Story Short, kicking off the celebration of cinema by giving Australia the chance to see one of Germany's recent box-office smashes. Other highlights across the complete program include five flicks that first played at this year's Berlinale, spanning closing night's Mother's Baby, the Nina Hoss (Tár)-starring Cicadas and conspiracy thriller Hysteria, alongside Hildegard Knef-focused documentary I Want It All and comedy of manners What Marielle Knows. That strand of movies also demonstrates the fest's fondness for variety, and for veering from the amusing to the thrilling and the dramatic. Or, attendees can catch Anatomy of a Fall Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller in heist comedy Two to One, which is based on real-life events in 1990; Lars Eidinger (Babylon Berlin) as an orchestra conductor in Dying; Sam Riley (Widow Clicquot) in biopic John Cranko, about the choreographer; the literary loving The Door-to-Door Bookstore, as fittingly based on the novel; or Winners, which picked up the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children's Film.
Apologies, scorned women — when it comes to cinema, hell hath no fury like an impassioned filmmaker angry about race relations in his beloved country. Or, to put it another way, no one makes a seething big-screen statement about bigotry in the US like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X and Chi-Raq director Spike Lee. You could call his latest joint many things, and they all fit: a crusading comedy laced with searing commentary, a tale so enraging and ridiculous that it can only be true, and a savage political polemic, for starters. Still, what echoes loudest in BlacKkKlansman isn't the megaphone that the film gives to its specific, valid and vital perspective. Rather, it's the shocked silence that emanates as the 70s-set picture holds a much-needed mirror up to America today. In the type of true story that'd be accused of being too far-fetched if it was fiction, BlacKkKlansman chronicles that one time an African–American police officer went undercover in the Ku Klux Klan. All his infiltration mission took was three things, each as crucial as the last. Firstly, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) had to get a job as a Colorado Springs detective, then convince his superiors that his talents exceeded the records room. Next, he had to spot a newspaper ad, put on a white-sounding voice and call the Ku Klux Klan's local chapter. Finally, he had to enlist his Jewish colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to be the face of his fake persona. That Stallworth also managed to strike up a phone-based friendship with Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke (Topher Grace) didn't hurt, either. With Lee adapting the real-life Stallworth's book with a trio of co-writers, BlacKkKlansman's narrative is filled with telling juxtapositions. The fact that everything on screen did happen, despite all logic seeming to dictate otherwise, is just the beginning. Furthermore, the contrast between the film's comic and horrific elements only scratches the surface. Also peppered throughout: the progressive posturing of the police force versus the bureaucratic reality, the discrimination faced along racial lines compared to gender and religion, and the smarts needed to bring down an organisation that operates on such sheer stupidity. Plus, as Stallworth strikes up a fledgling relationship with student activist Patrice Dumas (Laura Harrier) — who happens to be escorting a Black Panther leader (Corey Hawkins) into town — the movie explores clashing methods of fighting deep-seeded racism. Helming the film it feels like he was born to make, Lee approaches his weighty material with the complexity that it deserves. Indeed, there's nothing simple about BlacKkKlansman, not only in its themes but in every element both in front of and behind the lens. Acting-wise, Washington puts in an intelligent, assured performance — sharing his dad Denzel's knack for commanding the screen with little more than a look and some silent swagger — while Driver's usual casual vibe serves his character well, and Grace gives prejudice a chillingly articulate face. Stylistically, the movie boasts the visual depth and texture that comes from shooting on 35mm, a suitably layered yet stirring soundtrack, and the energetic pace you'd expect from a filmmaker so committed to his cause. And yet, there's one aspect that Lee and company perfect above all else. Tonally, BlacKkKlansman is a feat that might never be beaten. It's a procedural and a caper that combines a mix of history, humour, tragedy and a sense of injustice; a film that has no interest in subtlety, and yet sometimes feels like it's actually (and purposefully) holding back. That's not one of the movie's many juxtapositions, and nor is it a failing of nerve. Instead, it's a concerted and clever choice. Lee waves his ire around like a flag, while at the same time adopting the best approach to capture broader attention. His fury and ferocity never subsides, but rather shape-shifts through awkward laughs, surreal encounters, world-weary sorrow and raw terror alike. Whether kicking things off with a pointed overview of cinema's racist leanings since the advent of the medium, sticking to its period setting, or underscoring the narrative's parallels with the reality of today via heartbreaking news footage, BlacKkKlansman is all the more powerful, resonant and relevant as a result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpxJIWz8MNQ
The highly competitive burger scene in Melbourne doesn't make it easy for newcomers, but since opening on an unsuspecting corner in Caulfield North this July, Tuck Shop Take Away has swiftly transitioned from new kid on the block to coolest guy in school. Owned by Clinton and Karina Serex — who, between them, have worked at Attica, Vue De Monde, Chez Dre and the Fat Duck — the gossip around the playground all seems to be suggesting the same thing: this tuck shop is serving up the best lunch menu we've seen in a while. Upon arrival, there's no denying the sense of nostalgia that washes over you thanks to the retro, school-themed interior. A menu is chalked up on a blackboard, offering staples like burgers ($9.50) and chips but also novelties like jaffles (starting from $6.50) and peanut butter milkshakes ($4-$7). Large, white-faced clocks hang from the wall, and — perhaps the most charming feature of all — a traditional schoolyard water fountain bubbles away in the corner, ready to satiate thirsty patrons. No bigger than a milk bar, only 11 people can be seated at a time, and there's even less room for those lining up to order. If you'd rather not wait on the footpath it's best to avoid typical meal times, especially on weekends. As the name suggests, takeaway is often the best policy here. If you're lucky enough to score a seat, gear your stomach up for the School Meal ($19). As you demolish the salty, thrice-cooked cuts and one of the tastiest burgers in town — consisting of 100% beef patty, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, onion and pickles all on the softest of seeded, brioche buns — be prepared for the lathering of very special Tuck Shop sauce that will dribble down all 10 digits. Wash it down with an ice-cold soda and a deliciously gooey Red Skin tart — all of this served on a pastel-coloured tray. Heaven. The kind of classmate that includes everyone, Tuck Shop also caters for its herbivorous friends. The Veggie Wedgie ($9.50) substitutes meat for a beetroot, lentil and brown rice patty, but with all of the same trimmings of its signature burger. Inventive flavoured shakes and sodas not for you? Sip on locally sourced tea and coffee from Storm in a Teacup in Collingwood and Monk Bodhi Dharma in St Kilda. There's no sign of bullies or grumpy canteen ladies here; the service is cheerful and efficient. It's clear the staff are just as excited as you are about dishing up great quality food in baskets, beverages in tall glasses with striped paper straws and choc chip cookies filled with Kettle chips for that savoury punch. This is worth ditching class for. Full marks, Tuck Shop Take Away. Images: Brook James
Young Magic's silken, psychedelic sounds originated in New York as the sonic brainchild of Indonesian vocalist Melati Malay and Australian producer Isaac Emmanuel. They recorded their two albums, 2012's Melt and this year's Breathing Statues, while traipsing through Morocco, France, the Czech Republic and Iceland, and have performed at Austin Psych Fest, The Brooklyn Museum, and Berghain — the Berlin club capital of cool techno decadence. All of that, of course, meaning they're making good progress on their self-proclaimed status as "aspiring planet wanderers." Now, Malay and Emmanuel are bringing their sometimes lush and dreamy, sometimes explosive beats to our little corner of the planet. Take a listen to 'Fall In' or 'Holographic' to get in the heavenly, space-age mood, and pick out your most mysterious and ethereal-looking outfit. This'll be a night full of floaty dancing and wanderlust.
