When it comes to agave spirits, the crew behind local Mexican eateries Mamasita and Hotel Jesus sure know their stuff — as you'll know if you've ever caught a glimpse of either restaurant's back-bar. And now, to the delight of Melbourne's agave aficionados, they're channelling all that expertise into the long-awaited third instalment of their Mezcal Mini-Fest. Taking over the Collingwood taqueria on Saturday, October 22, this one-day tasting fiesta is set to pour more than 40 different drops from 15 leading mezcal brands — including Cinco Sentidos, Derrumbes, Koch el Mezcal, De Leyenda, Oaxaca's Ilegal and more. [caption id="attachment_628272" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Jesus, by Thomas Friml[/caption] Guests will get to chat to the mezcaliers while sampling their smoky sips and diving into the drink's history. Hotel Jesus will be whipping up Mexican classics like tacos and quesadillas to enjoy in between tastings — including an off-menu taco starring ox tongue and a mezcal crema. Tickets clock in at $15 online and $20 on the door, each of which'll get you entry, plus a couple of tacos.
Is it possible to make a heist movie that's inspired by detective fiction but takes some cues from reality, including riffing on the director's own mother's experiences and her work as a filmmaker? Then, can such a flick become a charming crime caper that's effortlessly fresh and oh-so French, and yet also could've been made during both the French New Wave and American cinema's glorious 70s era? With his latest feature The Innocent, consider actor, writer and helmer Louis Garrel 100-percent guilty. Consider the film itself an utter delight, too. And, consider it gorgeously shot (by César-nominated Les Misérables cinematographer Julien Poupard), smartly penned (by Garrel, gumshoe novelist Tanguy Viel and Garrel's The Crusade co-screenwriter Naïla Guiguet) and winningly cast, with the latter including Little Women's Garrel himself opposite Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Noémie Merlant, plus Roschdy Zem (Other People's Children) and Anouk Grinberg (The Night of the 12th). Actually, in his fourth stint as an actor-turned-filmmaker following 2015's Two Friends, 2018's A Faithful Man and 2021's The Crusade, Garrel hasn't just assembled a stellar core quartet of actors. In addition to that, he has them anchoring a movie that overtly explores the role of acting in everyday life. Sylvie Lefranc (Grinberg) is a theatre thespian and teacher, as initially observed showing imprisoned men the tricks of the board-treading trade. In her class is Michel Ferrand (Zem), who she swiftly marries — with Sylvie's thirtysomething son Abel in attendance but hardly approving, especially because this isn't her first set of jailhouse nuptials. He's worried about his mom and suspicious about his new stepdad, which gives him a distraction from grieving for his recently deceased wife and hearing about her best friend Clémence Genièvre's (Merlant) tumultuous love life. He knows that Sylvie's head-over-heels infatuation isn't a performance, but is the just-released Michel's claim that he's now on the straight and narrow all for show? To answer that question, Abel gets a-tailing throughout Lyon with the game and eager Clémence's help. This couldn't be a heist film if they found nothing amiss, of course, with ex-con Michel's plans linked in with the cute little florist shop he's opened to make Sylvie's dreams come true — claiming that a friend had rented them the space for free, which is obviously far too good to be accurate. So, Abel is faced with his own spate of acting to protect his mum. Michel can't do the job without assistance from him and Clémence playing decoys, and his mother will suffer if he doesn't aid and abet an armed robbery pilfering lucrative Iranian caviar. Yes, as well as being a heist movie, a romance, and a drama about parents, children, love, loss, moving on and second chances all in one, The Innocent is a delicious and hilarious farce. There's a clear contrast at the heart of The Innocent: women who love quickly and deeply, as Sylvie and Clémence do, and men who are hesitant and guarded, as Abel and Michel prove. In much lesser hands, that juxtaposition might be dated and cliched, not to mention needlessly and gratingly stereotypical. Thankfully, adding to the lengthy list of things that The Innocent manages to be, and breezily, it's also an intelligent, textured and savvily scripted character study. Even when they're overtly acting a part — for work, for each other and, in the widowed Abel's case, often with himself — Sylvie, Abel, Michel and Clémence are each lived in to the point of seeming ready to walk right off the screen. Crucially, every move they make is steeped in their fleshed-out stories and backgrounds, rather than mere convenience, too. Garrel, Viel and Guiguet have penned these characters with nuance, intricacy, and realistic emotions and motivations. Thoughtful touches abound around The Innocent's stars; see: Abel's job as a marine biologist at a local aquarium, where Clémence also works, which nicely stresses the difference between analysing and diving in — and also provides a dazzling setting for pivotal scenes and shots. The film makes wonderful use of Sylvie and Michel's florist in a comparable way, the space literally blooming with colour and life but its roots not what they seem. The Innocent's casting can't be underestimated, though, as particularly seen in Grinberg, Merlant and Zem's efforts. Grinberg steps into Garrel's IRL mother Brigitte Sy's shoes, given she too is an actor who got married in prison, and does so with a gregarious and yearning spark. With a sense of lightness here, Merlant keeps showing her exceptional range, boosting a growing resume that also includes Jumbo, Paris, 13th District and Tár. And Zem, a director himself — including of 2011's Oscar-shortlisted Omar Killed Me and 2016's Monsieur Chocolat — is sincere, determined and charismatic, and also helps turn a bit with a bowtie into something special. As for Garrel, he enlists himself for the fourth time as the fourth character called Abel (although in A Faithful Man and The Crusade, they're the same figure), and he's again ace under his own direction. When your godfather is Jean-Pierre Léaud, one of the faces of the French New Wave ever since starring in the movement's seminal film The 400 Blows, perhaps being drawn to spirited and soulful movies about emotional chaos just comes with the territory. Garrel keeps writing, directing and performing in them, with The Innocent his most entertaining instance yet. Cinema was always in his blood as well as his orbit, seeing that his father is French filmmaker Philippe Garrel, whose pictures he often features in (such as 2013's excellent Jealousy); Sy clearly has an acting history (including 2018's Invisibles); his sister Esther also pops up on-screen (as seen in Call Me By Your Name); and his grandfather is the late actor Maurice Garrel (César-nominated for La Discrète and Kings and Queen) — and it shows. As conveyed in celluloid dreams, heists, crime capers, mysteries and noirs frequently involve throwing an array of moving parts together in high-stakes circumstances, then seeing what fits, sticks, struggles and leaks. French greats Rififi and Bob Le Flambeur, both of which The Innocent feels tied to, knew this. US highlights The Long Goodbye and The Last of Sheila, which it similarly brings to mind, capitalised upon it as well. In all of their many guises, these narrative setups and mainstays strike a chord because they so vividly reflect life's mess, just in heightened circumstances — and Garrel is equally well-aware of that. The Innocent's French pop-synth soundtrack gifts the already fast-paced film with a marvellous sense of bounce, but also reflects exactly what the movie is: a supremely finessed, funny, endearing and engaging flick that echoes for everyone.
When warm weather arrives, the Snowy Mountains transform into an adventurer's playground. Lakes you wouldn't dip a toe into during winter become dazzling, sun-kissed visions, perfect for windsurfing, sailing and fishing. Walking, cycling and horse riding trails buried in snow thaw out, allowing you to wander through twisted snow gum forests, across wildflower meadows and along majestic mountain ridges, surrounded by incredible panoramas. Here are ten ways to spend time in the Snowies during the warmer months — from paddling the legendary Snowy River to catching trout in Lake Eucumbene to camping by tranquil Thredbo River. [caption id="attachment_659671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] WINDSURFING AND SAILING ON LAKE JINDABYNE Whether you're completely new to windsurfing or a seasoned expert, peaceful Lake Jindabyne, one of the highest lakes in Australia, offers escapades a-plenty. Winds are pretty steady (yet gentle) and there's not too much traffic, so you don't have to continually stress about bumping into someone else. What's more, the mountainous scenery is stunning. There's a bunch of windsurfer hire spots about, including Sacred Ride and Snowy Mountains Holidays. Alternatively, you could consider a sailboat. If you're looking for fellow sailors, check out Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club, which runs a busy program from November to March. [caption id="attachment_659673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jon Armstrong / Destination NSW.[/caption] PADDLING THE SNOWY RIVER Starting on Mount Kosciuszko's slopes and flowing into the Bass Strait in Victoria, the Snowy River's 352 kilometres provide ample opportunities for paddling. That said, there are rapids and tight spots a-plenty, so, unless you're experienced, it could be a good idea to find a guide. Alpine River Adventures runs adventurous, yet suitable for newbies day trips and multi-day expeditions through the ancient Byadbo Wilderness. Expect to meet platypuses and brumbies, to journey through steep gorges and to rush down grade-three rapids. [caption id="attachment_661863" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] HORSE RIDING IN THREDBO VALLEY Unencumbered by snow, Thredbo Valley is a picturesque garden of pretty snow gums, towering mountain gums and open plains, with the wild Thredbo River running through. To find out what The Man from Snowy River was all about, experience it from a horse's back. Thredbo Valley Horse Riding has been running trail rides since 1993. For a taster, book a one or two-hour ride, or to spend a bit longer in the saddle, go for a half-day adventure. All rides include gear and basic instruction. If you're interested in a multi-day trip, get in touch with Cochran Horse Treks. CAMPING ON THREDBO RIVER It is, of course, possible to camp in the snow, but you've got to be tough and well-prepared. In the warmer months, pitching a tent is a lot more comfortable. There are stacks of stunning campgrounds in the Snowies and one of the loveliest is Thredbo Diggings. Perched right on Thredbo River, this gorgeous spot surrounds you with snow gums, backdropped by mountain ranges. Spend your days lazing about, going for dips, trying your luck at fly fishing and strolling or cycling on the Thredbo Valley Track. If you're in need of a nightcap, Wild Brumby distillery's warming schnapps, made with local fruit, are just up the road. Another camping option along Thredbo River is Ngargio Campground. [caption id="attachment_661864" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] TROUT FISHING AT LAKE EUCUMBENE You won't have any trouble finding a spot to throw in a line at Lake Eucumbene; it's the biggest lake of the many created by the Snowy Hydro scheme. At full capacity, it's nine times the size of Sydney Harbour and 30 metres deep on average. Plus, a total of 145 kilometres of shoreline gives you lots of room to explore. Before getting started, be sure to pick up a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, usually available at servos and caravan parks. If you don't feel confident fishing on your own, then consider a visit to Eucumbene Trout Farm, where gear and guidance are provided, as is a barbecue for a post-fishing feast. VISITING A WATERFALL There are several waterfalls in the Snowies that'll capture your imagination. One of the easiest to access is found along a walking track that leaves from Kosciuszko Education Centre, about 12 kilometres west of Jindabyne. The six-kilometre loop passes through an impressive diversity of scenery, from heathland dotted with wildflowers to giant granite boulders to mature gum trees. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies and kangaroos along the way. When you reach the waterfall, be sure to wander onto the viewing platform for some beautiful sights. [caption id="attachment_659669" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Sinclair / Destination NSW.[/caption] CYCLING COOMA TRAILS On the outskirts of Cooma lie 80 hectares of land known as North Ridge Reserve. Speckled with granite boulders, basket grass and bright wildflowers, including native bluebells, everlasting daisies and black anther flax lilies, it's a great spot for mountain bike riding. There's a variety of trails, offering something for everyone, from beginners to pros. And, if you're not keen on cycling, you can always walk. Whichever way you travel, the views are breathtaking — over Cooma, east towards the coast and west towards the Snowy Mountains. If you're looking for a coffee or a bite to eat in Cooma afterwards, head to The Lott Food Store. [caption id="attachment_659675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] WALKING THROUGH YARRANGOBILLY CAVES The oldest of these limestone spectacles, found in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park, was formed millions of years ago. Several are accessible by self-guided tour, including the biggest, South Glory, where a 500-metre trail passes vast chambers like the dazzling white Ice Age Chamber, stunning rock formations and a natural skylight 55 metres above the ground. Other caves to check out include Jillabenan, covered in delicate cave coral, stalactites and helictites, as well as Jersey Cave, whose extraordinary grey and black flowstone was created by bushfires thousands of years ago. Round out your visit with a swim in Yarrangobilly thermal pool, which is a toasty 27 degree celsius all year round. [caption id="attachment_658614" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Facebook / Heli Fun.[/caption] TAKING A SCENIC FLIGHT IN A HELICOPTER Regardless of whether you've skied, snowboarded, hiked, cycled or paddled the Snowy Mountains, a scenic flight will give you a whole new perspective. Heli Fun will take you soaring above Australia's highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Townsend and the Ramshead Ranges — make sure you look out for wild brumbies and familiar landmarks, such as Thredbo ski fields as you're flying high. Choose between 30-minute and 60-minute trips or a speedy ten-minute swoop over Lake Jindabyne. For an even more exciting adventure, book a wilderness picnic. Your pilot will take you on a one-hour jaunt, before leaving you in the middle of nowhere with a gourmet picnic and bottle of sparkling. [caption id="attachment_659674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW.[/caption] GOING WINE (AND BEER AND SCHNAPPS) TASTING The Snowies' wines might not be as well known as those of the Yarra Valley or McLaren Vale, but there's no shortage of decent drops to try. If you're into beer, get started at Kosciuszko Brewery at the Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne. From there, head to Snowy Vineyard Estate in Dalgety, where Dalgety Brewing Company serves up a variety of ales, including pale, golden and red, as well as a selection of wines. On the other side of the mountain lies Tumbarumba cool climate wine region, which specialises in chardonnay and pinot noir. It's easy to spend an afternoon in the lush, Italy-inspired grounds of Tumbarumba Wine Escape and Courabyra is worth a visit, too. Discover all that the Snowy Mountains has to offer outside of winter months, from jam-packed adventures to culinary excursions and so much more.
Melbourne's chilly season has kicked off with a frosty bang, reinvigorating our cravings for giant bowls of warming soup. And if you're planning to fill your winter with rich noodle-filled broths of the Japanese variety, you'd better get acquainted with the new midweek deal being ladled up by Brunswick's Project281 — $12 bowls of ramen. Yep, every Wednesday and Thursday, the foliage-filled, Japanese-inspired eatery and bar is serving two signature ramen varieties for just $12 a bowl. Choose from the vegan soup — crafted on a house-made sesame broth with king oyster mushrooms and miso pumpkin — or the pork belly number featuring Project281's own pork broth, ramen noodles and an egg. The ramen special is available from 6pm both nights, but the fun doesn't end there. You can also time your visit to coincide with happy hour, which is slinging $6 beers, $7 wines and $12 cocktails between 4–7pm (Wednesday to Saturday). [caption id="attachment_855970" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Longboy Media[/caption] Images: Longboy Media
Maha Bar's guest chef dinner series Middle East's Finest might have been rudely interrupted by the snap lockdown, but Shane Delia's serving you all an extra treat to make up for it. The legendary Tom Sarafian (Little Andorra, Bar Saracen) will be dropping by Maha East, joining Delia to whip up a special collaboration lunch this weekend. On Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4, the pair will hit the kitchen to deliver their Middle East Feast, which clocks in at $65 per person. It'll kick off with a modern meze spread starring the likes of lamb brik cigars, muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), and grilled Iraqi flat bread paired with za'atar and toum. Mains will include the likes of slow-cooked broad beans with tarator, and the poached chicken and smoked rice dish known as riz al djaj. And for dessert, a riff on Turkish-style rice pudding comes matched with marshmallow ice cream. Spots are limited and bookings are a must.
Since legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement in late 2013, many a film lover has taken the opportunity to revisit the man’s incredible body of work. Last year’s nationwide Studio Ghibli Showcase inspired us to count down our five overlooked Ghibli films, and now Melbourne’s favourite repertory cinema is getting in on the whimsy as well. In much the same vein as their recent Hitchcock and Tarantino retrospectives, The Astor Theatre will celebrate the best of Miyazaki’s career via a series of double features. The three-week overview begins on Monday, January 12 with two of the animator’s earliest films: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. The series continues the following week with Princess Mononoke and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, before concluding on January 26 with Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo.
You'll find big things in small packages at the St Kilda Film Festival this year. Australia's oldest short film festival, this massive event will descend on St Kilda for the 33rd time, showcasing some of the best up and coming filmmakers in the country. The festival begins at the historic Palais Theatre on the evening of Thursday, May 19, where an audience of more than 3000 people will get the chance to see some of the most exciting films on the program. From there it's off to St Kilda Town Hall, where the festival will run in earnest until closing night on Sunday, May 28. As always, the backbone of the festival is Australia's Top 100, featuring filmmakers from every corner of the country competing for a prize pool of $50,000. Other sections include Short Black, which features the work of Indigenous directors, and SoundKILDA, a collection of home-grown music videos for both local and international musicians. For the full St Kilda Film Festival program, visit stkildafilmfestival.com.au. Image: Jim Lee.
Australia's undying affection for Bill Murray has been shown through film tributes the country over— at Sydney's Golden Age Cinema, Brisbane's Catchment Brewing Co. and, most recently, Melbourne's Howler — but now the man himself is set to visit the country. But the actor, comedian and all-round good guy won't be emulating Peter Venkman or Carl Spackler or even Steve Zissou — he'll be performing classical spoken and musical works alongside distinguished German–American cellist Jan Vogler. The show's called New Worlds, which comes from an album of the same name the pair released last year. In it, Murray takes a different turn to how you my have seen him on-screen — he performs vocals to classic American music, and excerpts from American greats like Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and Ernest Hemingway. This will be accompanied by classical scores (think Bach, Schubert and Ravel) by Vogel and his ensemble. The show will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 17.
Join fearless reporter Molly Sloan and her plucky assistant Timmy, as they race against the clock to defeat a threat from beyond the stars. Part stage show, part radio play and part graphic novel, The Intergalactic Nemesis is the tongue-in-cheek invention of writer-director Jason Neulander, and our inner child can't wait to check it out. Taking its cues from the pulp science fiction of the '30s and '40s, The Intergalactic Nemesis was first performed in a coffee shop in Austin but has since gone on to delight audiences around the world. A trio of actors voice dozens of different characters, while a pianist and a foley artist create sound effects live on stage. Accompanying them are more than 1250 comic book panels projected onto a giant screen at the rear of the stage. Expect intrigue, adventure and sludge monsters from the planet Zygon, all in plentiful supply. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fQs5-8v-00
Fresh from winning the 2020 Australian Music Prize for their latest album, The Avalanches are hitting the road and bringing the acclaimed sounds of We Will Always Love You to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Between late April and the end of May, the beloved Australian electronic act will be touring the east coast and doing one of the things it does best: filling live music venues with its inimitable sample-based tunes. If you haven't seen Robbie Chater and Tony Di Blasi do their thing live, you're in for a treat. If you have, you'll know what you're in for. Either way, you'll hear tracks from the group's latest record — which features MGMT, Rivers Cuomo, Denzel Curry, Johnny Marr, Neneh Cherry, Perry Farrell, Karen O, Mick Jones, Sampa the Great, Tricky and more, and released last December — and, obviously, tunes from 2000's iconic Since I Left You and 2016's Wildflower, too. The tour kicks off in Melbourne on Friday, April 23, which isn't actually new news. In fact, that show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl — The Avalanches' first live gig since releasing We Will Always Love You — is basically sold out, with just private deck tickets still available. If you're in Brisbane, though, you'll want to mark Friday, April 30 in your diary. And, for Sydneysiders, you'll need to block out Thursday, May 27. The Avalanches will play the Brisbane Riverstage in the Queensland capital, and Enmore Theatre in NSW — with pre-sale tickets going up for grabs from 10am local time on Wednesday, March 24, and general public sales hitting at the same time on Thursday, March 25. If you now have perhaps the biggest and best Australian-made earworm of the past two decades stuck in your head — that'd be 'Frontier Psychiatrist' — that's understandable. Expect it to live there for at least a few days. And if you're now looking forward to a big live gig after a lean year for music fans, that falls into the same category. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvZpn322LxE THE AVALANCHES 2021 EAST COAST TOUR DATES Melbourne — Friday, April 23 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Brisbane — Friday, April 30 at the Brisbane Riverstage Sydney — Thursday, May 27 at the Enmore Theatre Pre-sale tickets for The Avalanches' Brisbane and Sydney shows go on sale at 10am local time on Wednesday, March 24, with general public sales hitting at the same time on Thursday, March 25. Visit the tour website to sign up for pre-sale and for further details. Top image: Grant Spanier.
The newly relaunched Bimbo is as colourful as ever, so it's proved a fitting home for the northside's huge new weekly LGBTQI party, Queer Deluxe. Transforming the humble Sunday session into an inclusive riot of DJ tunes, performances, drink specials and frivolity, the new offering is geared to become one of Melbourne's liveliest queer parties. Each week, legendary drag queen Lady Diamond will play hostess with the mostest, while the DJ lineup is set to showcase some of the queer community's top acts, including Jason Conti, Duchess Kay and Popchops. Kicking off at 3pm each week, Queer Deluxe will also feature plenty of party fuel, in the form of cheap food and $20 cocktail jugs. Grab a share-size serve of bloody mary, spritz or margarita, match it to one of the kitchen's famed $4 pizzas, then hit the d-floor for a boogie. That's how you wrap up your weekend in style.
This pandemic mightn't have dampened your appetite for fresh, chewy bagels, but with social distancing, it's sure made things a little more hectic at your local farmers market — which is where folks normally flock for a weekend haul of 5 & Dime's bagel creations. The legendary bagelry is still hitting markets across town, but Melburnians with a singular, hole-y focus can now visit 5 & Dime's new takeaway-only pop-up shop in Caulfield North. While the brand's Collins Place store takes a hiatus, it's more than making up for it with this temporary venue on Hawthorne Road, which will be dishing up the goods until the start of September. Boiled and baked bagels head up the menu here, with fan favourites like the sesame, salty garlic and cinnamon raisin available as is,= or jazzed up with one of the signature schmears. And yes, the famed bacon maple cream cheese is indeed getting a run. [caption id="attachment_776964" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] You'll also find a slew of other baked goods, with a range of house-made sourdough breads and pastries rounding out the lineup. Loaves run to the likes of a spiced fruit loaf, a jalapeño and cheese creation, and another sourdough modelled on 5 & Dime's popular everything bagel blend. There's the all-new selection of pastries, too, many a first-time foray for the bagel brand. Dessert is sorted with goodies like escargot, babka, plain and flavoured croissants, and danishes. The latter's filings will vary, made using fresh fruit the team's traded for bagels at that week's farmers markets. And, if you're lucky, there'll be a slice or two left of the kitchen's new Basque-style cheesecake — an on-trend way to use up some of those extra stocks of cream cheese. The pop-up's also slinging coffee to match its menu of baked treats, courtesy of small local roastery Rosso. There are both single origin options and a rotating filter coffee on offer. Melburnians are currently instructed to only visit their local cafe or shop — no trekking 30 kilometres for butter chicken — so if Caulfield North isn't in your immediate vicinity, check if the bagelry stocks any of your local farmers markets. Find 5 & Dime's bagel pop-up at 261 Hawthorne Road, Caulfield North until at least early September. It's open from 7am–3pm Monday–Friday and 9am–2pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Kate Shanasy
If you thought gin season was over, think again. Saturday, June 9 is World Gin Day and you won't find a better excuse to raise a glass to this botanically-driven spirit. Especially since Wilson & Market is marking the occasion with a World Gin Day pop-up tasting festival, putting its 50-strong collection of gins from around the world to very good use. You'll have the chance to sample an array of top-quality drops, from homegrown heroes like Adelaide Hills Distillery and Brunswick's Patient Wolf, to international treats like London's Fords Gin and Sweden's first dedicated gin distillery, Hernö. Your $45 ticket includes five tastings, matched to a selection of canapes. Guests will also have the chance to sample a range of specialty cocktails and G&T varieties, like the zesty combination of Patient Wolf, cumquat, cucumber and sage. The festivities are set to continue well into the night, with everything from the bar's hefty gin collection offered at two-for-one prices from 6pm until 10pm. Image: Patient Wolf.
Known for the signature fluffy white Japanese milk bread after which it's named, Melbourne bakery Shokupan has been busy cementing its cult status during lockdown. And it's set to win even more avid fans, as it joins forces with the French chef behind Romu for a new weekend kitchen residency dedicated to thick katsu sandos. Taking over the kitchen at Alphington Farmers Market every Sunday from November 1, the katsu sando pop-up will be serving up a tight menu of Japanese-inspired eats, with a few creative twists thrown in for good measure. Flying out the takeaway window from 10am each week, you'll find three dreamy $16 sando varieties, along with a Japanese potato salad ($7) and a couple of desserts ($7). There's a riff on the classic chicken katsu featuring sake-marinated chook and a native Australian togarashi, while a seafood option stars Yarra Valley trout rillette and a miso-infused tartare. A third, vegetarian sando teams creamy stracciatella with the likes of hard-boiled egg, pickled beetroot and sesame pesto. Top it all off with some cake, in the form of a black sesame chiffon number with salted honey custard, or the natural pandan chiffon with coconut, and your Sunday is looking pretty sweet. All menu items will be available until sold out, though, if you want to avoid disappointment, pre-order now via the Romu website. Images: Declan Sands
If pastel wasn't already part of your gig-going wardrobe, it will be at Australia's newest music festival, with Client Liaison's Expo Liaison touring the country in August. Announced back in May, the seven-hour event will hit Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane across August 18–26, and the headlining duo will have quite the company. Alongside a roster of eight other acts, the duo's own set will also feature John Farnham. Alice Ivy, Ken Davis, Kon, Luke Million featuring KLP, No Zu, Rainbow Chan and Total Giovanni are all on the bill, plus John Howard doing a DJ set. Whether that's John Howard the former prime minister, John Howard the Aussie actor or just some other guy called John Howard, well, your guess is as good as ours — but Triple j are reporting that it's the former. As for the kind of vibe that's in store, the curated event has fest badged "a multimedia, multi-city, multiversal experience" in its promotional material, as well as a "once-in-a-lifetime event". They're the kind of descriptions that plenty of gigs and fests throw around, but Client Liaison have a track record of delivering more than just the usual shows — or fashion lines or music videos, for that matter. Tickets are currently on sale across all four cities, and if you're keen to hear the duo's own thoughts on the festival, check out the Expo Liaison trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgSsrdVHnh0&feature=youtu.be Expo Liaison heads to Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse on August 18, Sydney's Parramatta Park on August 25 and Brisbane's Victoria Park on August 26. Head to Client Liaison's website for further details and to buy tickets.
It has been 64 years since Godzilla first rampaged across through Tokyo, and the super-sized creature isn't done wreaking havoc. Like comic book characters and Star Wars, the king of the monsters is a cinema mainstay — and it's asserting its place atop the kaiju food chain in the trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. If you haven't kept track of the Japanese figure's many, many screen appearances, this is its 35th. It's also the sequel to the last American-made Godzilla film, which hit screens back in 2014. Featuring an all-star cast of Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Thomas Middleditch, Charles Dance and O'Shea Jackson Jr, the movie explores humanity's efforts not only against Godzilla, but against the huge critter's own beastly enemies: Mothra, Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah. Godzilla: King of the Monsters is due in cinemas on May 30, 2019 — and it'll be followed by another monster mashup in 2020's Godzilla vs. Kong. If the title didn't make it obvious, the latter also acts as a sequel to 2017's Kong: Skull Island. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler and Demián Bichir, and filming now, it's partly being shot in Queensland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LzbZMCJiLo&feature=youtu.be Image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Ever wanted to be a groupie, but felt you just didn't have the stamina for it? Are you on first name basis with the bouncer at every Melbourne band room, but you've never been in a band? Well, in the coming weeks, the NGV is finally helping you sneak backstage. From September 28, the Ian Potter Centre at Fed Square will be decked out as a fully-functioning recording studio. For the next month the space will be home to a specially formed group called Batman Park as they write, record, and produce an original EP — and you have a VIP ticket. The group will be comprised of members from some of Melbourne's best indie bands: Alex Badham (Aleks and the Ramps), Jess Cornelius (Teeth and Tongue), Evelyn Morris (Pikelet), Thomas Mendelovits (Milk Teddy), Lachlan Denton (Ocean Party) and Pascal Babare (Pascal Babare and Teeth). And to celebrate the project, NGV Studio is hosting a free gig on Thursday October 3 featuring live performances by Pascal Barbare and Teeth, Teeth and Tongue, and The Ocean Party. Alongside the studio space, an exhibition of treasures from the local music scene will be on display too. There will be photographic essays, projected documentary footage, and vinyl cover art for those interested in the history of it all, and there will be a karaoke stage ready for those just wanting to get amongst it. The Batman Park EP will be launched as part of Melbourne Now, and the exhibition will be finishing up on October 27. This conveniently leaves us just enough time to recuperate for Melbourne Music Week.
If ever there was a time that Melbourne needed a nice, strong drink, it's now, as the city settles into its second stretch of lockdown and another big dose of social isolation looms ahead. Thankfully, bars and bottle shops across town are ensuring that thirsty locals are spoilt for choice in the booze department, offering a plethora of top-notch takeaway and delivery options. For beer lovers, that lineup just grew even bigger, with the launch of the brand-new Cellar Shop from craft beer haven Beer DeLuxe in Federation Square. For the first time, the venue is offering the public a taste of its long-nurtured cellar collection, which lives under lock and key deep beneath the bar's Flinders Street beer garden. This curation is a treasure trove of beery goodness, featuring stacks of rare, hard-to-find drops sourced from all across the globe. And it's now yours to raid — virtually — for your own drinking pleasure. Up on the newly hatched online shop, you'll find a selection of these boutique brews to browse and buy, with delivery available to a bunch of Melbourne metro suburbs from 3–5pm Thursday–Saturday. Or, you can pick up your purchase direct from the bar, between 1–6pm Thursday–Sunday. There's something a bit special here for just about every palate, from Mikkeller's Danish wild ale aged in wine barrels for 14 months, to a range of funky farmhouse creations by acclaimed Texan brewery Jester King. Expect to find saisons, sours, stouts infused with sea salt and chilli, and even a super rare three-brew blend from the USA's AleSmith, crafted for its 20th anniversary. Beer DeLuxe is also doing growler fills (500 millilitre, one litre and two litre), with a tap lineup that currently includes the likes of a witbier from Future Mountain and Hop Nation's 'Hazed & Confused' hazy IPA. And as always, there's a tidy selection of tinnies from familiar favourites like Stomping Ground, Fixation and Garage Project rounding out the fun. The Beer DeLuxe Fed Square Cellar Shop launches online from noon on Saturday, July 18. Deliveries run to select local suburbs from 3–5pm Thursday–Saturday. And from 1–6pm, Thursday–Sunday, you can pick up in-store from Beer DeLuxe Fed Square, The Atrium, Federation Square.
Well, Melbourne, there's no more denying it — those temperatures are dropping and soup season is quickly barrelling towards us. Luckily, new CBD restaurant Wonder Bowl has landed on the scene just in time for the chilly season, and it's coming to the party with free noodle soup for 250 lucky punters. From May 14 to 18, the Little Lonsdale Street eatery is celebrating winter's arrival with a generous giveaway, offering the first 50 customers each night a bowl of its Chinese-style noodle soup, on the house. Wonder Bowl's already en route to becoming a firm CBD favourite, thanks to a menu of signature soups that combine thick rice noodles, rich seafood broth and Chinese rice wine. Current menu hits include a seafood combination noodle soup and a version featuring drunken chicken. Be quick off the mark next week and you can probably try them both for free. The restaurant opens at 6pm.
Over the past six months, Fleabag picked up six Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, becoming the most-acclaimed TV comedy of the past year. Sadly, that isn't enough to inspire Phoebe Waller-Bridge to make more episodes of the hit show — but for everyone lamenting the Fleabag-sized hole in their lives, the multi-talented Brit has a new project landing soon. She has a couple, actually. Waller-Bridge helped write the script for upcoming Bond flick No Time to Die, which is no small feat. If you're keen to see her on-screen, however, then you'll want to add Run to your must-watch pile. Waller-Bridge executive produces and pops up among the cast, with Vicky Jones — the director of her Fleabag stage show, and a script editor on Fleabag's first TV season — writing and producing the series. Hitting HBO in the US in mid-April, with release dates Down Under yet to be revealed, Run spends time with ex-lovers Ruby Richardson (Unbelievable's Merritt Wever) and Billy Johnson (Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker's Domhnall Gleeson). They dated in college and, 17 years ago, they made a pact. First, one of them has to text the word 'run' whenever they feel like it. Next, the other has to respond the same way. After that, they both have to drop everything, step away from their everyday lives and meet at Grand Central Station, then travel across the America together. For Ruby, that means escaping her monotonous existence and leaving her husband (Mad Men's Rich Sommer) at home. As for what happens next, the just-released first trailer gives a sneak peek. Expect plenty of chatty train trips, as well as both tension and laughs — with HBO badging the series as a romantic-comedy thriller. And if you're wondering about Waller-Bridge, she plays Laurel, a woman who Ruby and Billy meet on their journey. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=_jwEiXdJGKM&feature=emb_logo Run starts screening in the US from Sunday, April 12, with air dates Down Under yet to be announced — we'll update you when local details come to hand. Image: Ken Woroner/HBO.
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters is known for celebrating local producers, showcasing the whole state in its à la carte offerings and highlighting specific regions with a heap of different events and seasonal set menus. The most exciting one-off event that's coming up is the team's Grampians in a Glass cellar door evening. On Thursday, June 27, from 6pm, ticketholders will get to taste drops from 17 different western Victorian winemakers, sample paired food, enjoy some entertainment and take a bottle of wine home. It costs a hefty $149, but over 50 handcrafted wines will be yours to sample throughout the evening. There will be some familiar vinos, but we bet there will be plenty you've never tried before. The Grampians wine region is recognised for being an area where old meets new — where tradition runs deep, yet there's still plenty of room for playful experimentation. During the evening, you'll even get to participate in a tutored blind tasting hosted by a few Grampians winemakers — testing your knowledge of the region. Think of it as step one to becoming a sommelier.
Stepping off the train at Footscray station can feel somewhat like wandering into the twilight zone — it smells different, it looks different and the locals have a distinctive, devilish look in their eyes that is a by product of 1) the ridiculously low cost of vegetables and rave cats in the local area, 2) a sugar high post rampant Olympic Donuts binge or 3) the many splendid delights of a visit to Savers. Despite the fact that the ‘Scray (not to be confused with Scary) is sandwiched somewhere between super posh pockets Kensington, Seddon and Yarraville, you ain’t gonna find no Pleasantville-esque faux grass or Mum’n’bub conventions around here. In short, you’re a long way from Kansas. What you will find is a vibrant, lively African migrant community that brings much literal and metaphorical colour to the neighbourhood. This Saturday the Emerge in the West festival, presented by Multicultural Arts Victoria as part of the larger Emerge Festival, will see the main drag come alive with a bustling street fiesta celebrating the contribution of the large African community to local life. Expect Somali, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Azmari, Burundian, West African and Cape Verdean music, cooking classes, coffee ceremonies, a walking tour and even an African/Aussie fashion parade — we’re picturing a dashiki styled with a cork hat. Plus, despite widely held popular misconceptions, it’s only 11 minutes from the city. Image via eco-friendly-africa-travel.com
Pacha Mama Wines have two new offerings just in time for spring — a pinot gris and a riesling — and to celebrate, they are hosting an all-out street party. This laneway fiesta at Blender Studios will include Peruvian street food, a gypsy band, live street art performances and plenty of the new Pacha Mama wines to go around. But, if you’re looking for a little extra courage to test out your Latino dance moves, Gin Palace will be making cocktails inspired by the new wines throughout the evening. Finally, to cool down after a night of festivities and burning up the dance floor, Pidapipó have teamed up with Pacha Mama to create a special flavour gelato for the event. Ticket price includes all your food and drink for the evening, and at $45, it’s a lot of bang for your buck. Photo credit: tassie mark via photopin cc.
He wrote, directed, financed and starred in the best worst movie ever made, showed up as himself in the enormously funny making-of dramatisation of his biggest flick, and re-teamed with his best-known co-star for a two-part comedy-thriller based on their friendship — and now, like he was always destined to, Tommy Wiseau is saying "oh hi" to space. Once again working with The Room and Best F(r)iends' Greg Sestero, the distinctive Wiseau has loaned his voice to animated sci-fi series SpaceWorld, with the pair playing rival intergalactic bounty hunters. If you're naturally thinking the obvious, the company behind it has already made the blatant comparison, with Octopie calling the show "what happens when you merge The Room with Star Wars". In SpaceWorld's nearly six-minute pilot episode, Wiseau's TX battles it out with Sestero's Drogol, who — continuing a trend across their work together — happens to be his lifelong nemesis. Created by Brock LaBorde, the debut clip is suitably bizarre, even with its clear self-referential tone. As Wiseau's career just keeps proving, that's just what happens when he pops up. LaBorde is no stranger to Wiseau's orbit, having produced, co-written and starred in the 2011–12 series The Tommy Wi-Show — where Wiseau was abducted by aliens, shuttled off to a base on the mood and made to play video games. In addition to his better-known work, including his involvement with The Disaster Artist, Wiseau is no stranger to on-screen weirdness either. If you've ever come across his 2014–16 sitcom The Neighbours, which is set in an apartment building and combines the exact storylines you'd expect with his inimitable style, then you'll know exactly how odd his work can get. Whether SpaceWorld will progress beyond its pilot is yet to be seen, although it's definitely not the worst thing on Wiseau's resume. Check out the first episode below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAv4ceFJH3U SpaceWorld is distributed by Octopie, and is currently available via its YouTube channel.
One of the best known and most important figures in Australian history is Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior Eora man who was captured by Governor Phillip in 1789, but then escaped, later becoming an interlocutor between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. His curiosity, diplomacy and humour were legendary, and played a major role in ensuring his community survived the trauma of invasion. Now Stephen Page, Bangarra's artistic director, has put Bennelong's story into an epic new dance piece that's about to tour the nation. Expect to be immersed in powerful soundscapes, stunning design and extraordinary movement. Bennelong will premiere at the Sydney Opera House in June before heading to Melbourne from September 7–16. Check out the trailer below. Image: Vishal Pandey.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, take your lunch break in the Botanic Gardens, enjoy some jazz with your raclette and celebrate the mighty swimming pool with a dip at the NGV. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Since the mid-90s, Paul Rudd has been a constant presence on both big and small screens. First, he won over Beverly Hills' coolest teen in Clueless, joined horror royalty in Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers and somehow became the unattractive romantic alternative in Romeo + Juliet. Then, he helped deliver San Diego's news in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, ran for office against Leslie Knope in Parks & Recreation and became the world's smallest superhero in Ant-Man. The list goes on, spanning a trip to camp in Wet Hot American Summer, as well appearances on Friends and Veronica Mars. But it's Netflix's new series Living With Yourself that's finally giving the world what we want — all the Paul Rudd that anyone could ever ask for. Yet another existential comedy to join the likes of The Good Place, Russian Doll, Forever and Undone, Living With Yourself follows an ordinary guy struggling through an average life, until he discovers an unusual solution. Miles (Rudd) heads to a day spa expecting to come out feeling refreshed — and that happens, in a way. The new and improved version of Miles couldn't be happier, but the old version is still hanging around. Two Paul Rudds is most people's dream, of course. In Living With Yourself, however, the two versions of his character cause quite the chaos. How the pair handle their shared life, wife Kate (Aisling Bea), career and identity fuels this eight-episode show, as do weighty questions, including trying to be a better version of ourselves. Hitting Netflix mid-October, the series was written by Emmy Award-winning The Daily Show producer Timothy Greenberg, and directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (The Battle of the Sexes, Ruby Sparks, Little Miss Sunshine). Check out the trailer for Living With Yourself below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w54yW2Ur50 Living With Yourself drops on Netflix on October 18. Images: Netflix.
What's Attica without Ben Shewry? The team at Gelinaz! are about to find out. The Melbourne-based head chef of 'Australia's best restaurant' is packing his bags for a huge global chef swap this July. Created by Gelinaz! — the international chef collective responsible for wild, collaborative cook-off stunts — the event will see 37 chefs from around the globe jump on a plane, travel to a new country and serve up their best in another chef's kitchen. They'll even be living in each other's houses, just like that terrible, terrible Wife Swap. It's called the Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle and it's going down on July 9. Shewry is joining one humdinger of an international chef lineup, repping our culinary nation alongside Adelaidean chef Jock Zonfrillo (of Orana). The pair will put their names in the hat with Parisian chef Alain Ducasse (La Plaza Athenee), Tokyo's Yoshihiro Narisawa (Narisawa), Copenhagen's René Redzepi (Noma), NYC's Sean Gray (Momofuku Ko), Charleston's Sean Brock (McCrady's) and San Francisco's Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn) to name a few. The chefs know where they're going, but ticketholders won't know which chef's delights they'll be enjoying until the day. So you could be dining on a Noma or Momofuku-style dish at Attica if you're lucky. Tickets are available to the public, so if you're keen to head to Attica or Orana on July 9 you'd better plan ahead. Tickets go on sale on May 13, but prices haven't been unveiled just yet. Check over here for more details. Here's all 37 Grand Gelinaz! Shuffle participants. Who'll be your chef for the night? Ben Shewry, Attica, Melbourne — Australia Jock Zonfrillo, Orana, Adelaide — Australia Danny Bowien, Mission Chinese Food, New York — USA Sean Gray, Momofuku Ko, New York — USA Sean Brock, McCrady's, Charleston — USA David Kinch, Manresa, Los Gatos — USA Daniel Patterson, Coi, San Francisco — USA Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn, San Francisco — USA Carlo Mirarchi, Blanca, New York — USA Blaine Wetzel, Willow's Inn, Lummi Island — USA Colombe Saint-Pierre, Chez Saint-Pierre, Le Bic — Canada Claude Bosi, Hibiscus — England Magnus Nilsson, Faviken, Järpen — Sweden Peter Nilsson, Spritmuseum, Stockholm — Sweden René Redzepi, Noma, Copenhagen — Denmark Paul Cunningham, Henne Kirkeby Kro, Henne — Denmark Kobe Desramaults, In De Wulf, Dranouter — Belgium Mehmet Gurs, Mikla, Istanbul — Turkey Yoshihiro Narisawa, Narisawa, Tokyo — Japan David Thompson, Nahm, Bangkok — Thailand Bertrand Grebaut, Septime, Paris — France Alain Ducasse, La Plaza Athenee, Paris — France Yannick Alleno, Le Doyen, Paris — France Inaki Alzpitarte, Le Cheateaubriand, Paris — France Mauro Colagreco, Mirazur, Menton — France Alexandre Gauthier, La Grenouillere, Montreuil/Mer — France Ana Ros, Hisa Franko, Kobarid — Slovenia Davide Scabin, Combal Zero, Rivoli — Italy Fulvio Pierangelini, Hotel de Russie, Rome — Italy Riccardo Camanini, Lido 84, Gardone Riviera — Italy Massimo Bottura, La Francescana, Moderna — Italy Massilmillano Alajmo, La Calandre, Venice — Italy Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz, San Sebastian — Spain Albert Adria, Pakta, Barcelona — Spain Alex Atala, D.O.M., San Paolo — Brazil Rodolfo Guzman, Borago, Santiago — Chile Virgillo Martinez, Central, Lima — Peru Via Grub Street.
After announcing its dates earlier this year, Moonlight Cinema has revealed the first part of its 2018–19 program. In short: pack your picnic basket and get ready to watch a heap of flicks under the summer evening sky. Kicking off on Thursday, November 29 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and on Saturday, December 1 in Perth, this initial lineup boasts plenty of this year's favourites, a smattering of all-time faves and a few sneak peeks at new movies coming out soon. If you're wondering why it's just the first section of the program, that's because it covers the outdoor cinema's screenings until the end of January. A February and March lineup will be announced in January. Tried-and-tested highlights include A Star Is Born, A Simple Favour and Crazy Rich Asians, plus Halloween, Bad Times at the El Royale and Venom if you're after something darker. And it wouldn't be a movie season under the stars (or a pre-Christmas lineup) without Love Actually, Elf and Dirty Dancing, now would it? You can also catch pre-release sessions of twisted period drama The Favourite, from The Lobster filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, as well as Transformers spin-off Bumblebee. Or, opt for Viggo Mortensen-starring likely Oscar contender Green Book, or Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan battling it out in Mary, Queen of Scots. Heist flick Widows, amusing sleuths Holmes and Watson and the wizarding antics of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald are all also accounted for — as is Moonlight's usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze everywhere except Brisbane. Brisbane's season is actually benefiting from two big changes, with Moonlight Cinema saying goodbye to Brisbane Powerhouse after a more than a decade and settling in at Roma Street Parkland instead. Even better — it'll run all the way through until March 31 for the first time, like its interstate counterparts. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2018–19 DATES: Sydney: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Roma Street Parkland) Perth: Dec 1–Mar 31 (May Drive Parkland, Kings Park & Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 8–Feb 17 (Botanic Park) Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 29. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Moonlight website.
UPDATE, March 14, 2022: Sizzlefest will no longer be hosting an evening session on Friday, March 18 due to staff shortages. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Barbecue eats are set to reign supreme this month, when the annual Sizzlefest returns to the Prahran Market. The free event fires up the southside food precinct from Saturday, March 19, to Sunday, March 20, for two big days of flame-driven celebrations. Across various sessions — Saturday (12–5pm) and Sunday (12–3pm) — Market Square will come alive with pop-up stalls slinging an array of grilled delights from the likes of Berbeo Bros, Hoy Pinoy and The Que Club. Meanwhile, the Mezzanine plays host to a pop-up beer garden by Deeds Brewing, complete with live tunes and lawn games. And if you fancy levelling up your own skills, catch a program of workshops and cooking demos led by seasoned grill experts like Danish-born chef Bente Grysbaek (Pope Joan). As for the famed Sausage Tasting Competition, it'll make its return on the Sunday, once again seeing some of the market's top butchers battle it out for the title of champion snag, as voted by the public. To help pick the winner, grab a $5 ticket and you'll score a sample plate featuring each of this year's sausage creations, plus a Prahran Market shopping bag. All proceeds from these tickets will go to support food rescue organisation SecondBite. Hit the Prahran Market website for the full program and to buy tickets.
Just a matter of months after Windsor's Saigon Sally was transformed into bustling Thai joint BKK, owners at The Commune Group have again hit reset on the Duke Street space, this time making way for a fresh concept in Alter Dining. Slated to open its doors on April 26, the new venue marks a change of pace for the hospitality group, best known for the likes of Tokyo Tina, Hanoi Hannah and Neptune. Here, they've stuck with a more considered approach, as chef Sean Judd (Longrain, Chin Chin, Nahm) heads up a modern Australian food offering, celebrating clean, contrasting flavours. The focus here is on making memorable dining experiences, rather than just packing in the crowds. Backing up the a la carte menu, a $65 tasting experience promises plenty of culinary wins, strolling through dishes like a slow-cooked duck leg with pickled shitakes and hand-rolled tapioca noodles, and whipped cod topped with a chilli chicken skin crumble. Meanwhile, BKK's neon-soaked interiors have also been replaced by something a little more refined, with a sleek central bar, an open wine cellar and a floor-to-ceiling monochrome mural the main features. Alter Dining is set to open at 2 Duke Street, Windsor, from Thursday, April 26.
It's been three years since Australia's cinema scene welcomed the American Essentials Film Festival — and while a fest dedicated to US flicks might seem obvious, this event sets its sights much further than Hollywood's usual suspects. Given that mainstream, megaplex-friendly movies reach our shores every week, the Palace-run showcase instead curates a lineup of other American titles, delving into films from the US indie realm. Touring Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra from May 8 to 20, the 2018 fest has a particular fondness for emerging practitioners, with artistic director Richard Sowada noting "the obvious talent from some of the filmmakers in the early stages of their feature film careers," as well as "the deep and obvious respect even some of these newer filmmakers have for the traditions of storytelling in American cinema." With that in mind, this year's event kicks off with The Boy Downstairs, a Zosia Mamet-starring effort from debut feature writer-director Sophie Brooks, which proved a hit at the 2017 TriBeCa Film Festival. The opening night pick also highlights one of the festival's other trends — thanks to its focus on American cinema, it boasts plenty of familiar faces on screen. Standouts include Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair battling a murderous rage in horror-comedy Mom and Dad, Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank recreating a landmark '80s case for patients' rights in 55 Steps, and war effort The Yellow Birds, featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story's Alden Ehrenreich, Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, plus Toni Collette and Jennifer Aniston. There's also two star-studded flicks about sons and their fathers: Humour Me, which pairs up Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould in a deadpan comedy, and Kodachrome, which takes Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris on a road trip to a photo processing laboratory. Other notable titles range from Stuck, which brings the train-set off-Broadway musical of the same name to the cinema; to Outside In, director Lynn Shelter's latest featuring Edie Falco as an ex-high school teacher; to mob drama Gotti, starring John Travolta as the mob boss and screening in Australia just hours after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. On the documentary front, How They Got Over takes a far-reaching documentary into African-American gospel quartets in the '30s and '40s, while RBG examines the life and career of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For the fest's retrospective section, Los Angeles is in the spotlight courtesy of classics Chinatown, Heat and Shampoo, as well as '70s masterpieces Killer of Sheep and Wattstax. The American Essentials Film Festival tours Australia from May 8, screening at Sydney's Palace Central from May 8 to 20, Brisbane's Palace Centro from May 9 to 20 and Melbourne's Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from May 10 to 20. For more information, visit the festival website.
Fitzroy's Provincial Rooftop is getting into the swing of summer, lifting the lid off a brand-new brunch series that heroes a couple of your favourite warm-weather sips. From October 19, the new Rosé-Gin Bottomless Brunch sessions run from 11am–1pm every Saturday and Sunday right through the warmer months. The Provincial Hotel's rooftop has been transformed into a haven of vibrant florals and neon pops, providing the backdrop for some good old-fashioned weekend indulgence. To match, the kitchen is plating up a menu of summery brunch eats, including bacon, mushroom and soft egg pizzas; vegan burgers with caramelised onion and pickles; and crispy fried chicken and waffles. Meanwhile, you'll be sipping free-flowing rosé-gin cocktails, featuring 78 Degrees Sunset Gin and a healthy dose of edible glitter. There's a variety to choose from, alongside bottomless mimosas, house wine and beer. As for dessert, you'll find yourself in excellent hands with the pop-up ice cream cart, offering four flavours of sweet frozen treats. Try the boozy strawberry rosé-gin number, the vegan-friendly Belgian chocolate or vanilla choc chip, or the zesty lemon meringue pie creation. This one clocks in at $60 per person, which includes your choice of brunch dish, ice cream and two hours of free-flowing drinks.
For some, The Jungle Book inspires fond memories of pouring over Rudyard Kipling's stories. For many others, the 1967 animated film springs to mind. But whichever one you think of first, they're both covered in the new live-action take on the tale. Directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), consider this latest version a best-of package fans of each might have hoped for. It's no easy feat, balancing the darker material seen on the page while still embracing the fun and amusement experienced in the cartoon. But Favreau and company certainly don't shy away from a challenge. Indeed, from the moment the introductory Disney logo gives way to a zoom back through intricately rendered wildlife, The Jungle Book's ambitions are clear. The first frames of the film look so authentic that audiences might just have to resist the urge to reach out and touch them. Of course, viewers aren't the only ones steeped in such a striking environment. On screen, man-cub Mowgli (Neel Sethi) has spent his entire childhood in the jungle. Found as a baby by wise panther Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley), and raised by wolves Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o) and Akela (Giancarlo Esposito), he's happy and at home in the animal kingdom. But tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) has murder on his mind. To keep Mowgli safe, Bagheera endeavours to escort the boy to the nearest human settlement, a trek that intersects with seductive snake Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), laid-back bear Baloo (Bill Murray) and giant primate King Louie (Christopher Walken). As Mowgli's story deepens, so does The Jungle Book's aesthetic wizardry. The film's hordes of special effects experts haven't just made every swinging vine, stream of water and glimmering ray of sunshine look just like the real thing; they've made the talking animals seem believable as well. Using 3D to add depth within the frame further enhances the sense of photo-realism, as does the seamless blend of Sethi's performance with his motion-captured creature counterparts. In fact, believing that the entire feature was filmed on a sound stage in Los Angeles, and not on location, is practically impossible. Appearing the part isn't just crucial as far as the entire concept is concerned. It also helps the narrative, episodic as it may be, glide along. It also ensures that when a bear starts singing with the voice of Murray, or a snake's hissing sounds like Johansson, it feels fitting. Favreau understands the need to use everything at his disposal to immerse audiences in another world, be it a rousing score sprinkled with a few familiar tunes, or a fresh face who embodies a winning sense of adventure. Accordingly, when it comes to turning The Jungle Book into a live-action spectacular, his engaging attempt more than covers the bare necessities. And of course, it'll get that catchy track stuck in your head too.
It's been two years since Gelato Messina first introduced its cookie pies to the world, much to the delight of tastebuds across Australia. Over that time, the dessert chain has kept bringing the OTT dish back, too, especially when we all needed an extra dose of sweetness during lockdowns. It has whipped up different flavours as well, including choc hazelnut, fairy bread and red velvet. And, in addition to its one-off specials that are designed to share — whether or not you do is completely up to you, of course — Messina started serving up one-person versions last winter. That's all well and tasty, and it's about to be again — because those single-serve cookies pies are back. But, there's a caveat this time around: as well as only being available in stores on Mondays and Tuesdays, this round of pies is popping up at different Messina joints each week. No wonder the gelato fiends are calling it Le Tour De Cookie. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. If you're new to the concept, that's all you really need to know. And, yes, this cookie pie really is just for one person — and not just because you're not willing to share. The smaller-sized desserts come ready to eat as well. They're also topped with a scoop of gelato, because of course they are. To pick up one of these single-serve desserts, you'll need to keep an eye on the Messina website, which will list the stores dishing them up each week. To start things off, the Rosebery outpost in Sydney will be doing the honours on Monday, June 20–Tuesday, June 21 — and the Fitzroy shop in Melbourne will get the nod on Monday, June 27–Tuesday, June 28. Don't worry about pre-ordering, as that isn't required. With these small desserts, you just need to show up. Expect to pay $12 with a scoop, or $10 if somehow you don't want gelato on top. Gelato Messina's single-serve choc chip cookie pies are available on Monday and Tuesday nights at select stores during winter. Keep an eye on the Messina website for further details.
Paris — it's the city of love, and also the favoured stomping ground of artistic icons like Monet and his contemporaries back during its bohemian era. And what better setting for a romantic Valentine's Day date? Melbourne's huge digital gallery The Lume is currently home to an immersive showcase of works by Monet and his fellow French impressionist-era contemporaries. And on Tuesday, February 14, it's inviting lovers to experience a Parisian love affair of their own. While tickets to The Lume's pop-up Valentine's Day French restaurant have all been snapped up, you can still head along to treat your boo to a romantic, art-filled date before or after dinner elsewhere. You'll kick things off with a glass of champagne, to enjoy as you roam through the exhibition and the supersized projections floating across its every surface. There'll be a parade of masterpieces to admire, with more than 800 French impressionist artworks from the likes of Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and more on show. What's more, the visuals will be backed by the musical stylings of Claude Debussy, Tchaikovsky and their contemporaries, as well as aromas evoking the French countryside air — just like those famed artists would have enjoyed whilst painting outdoors. You'll find some excellent photo ops, too, including the mirrored room inspired by Monet's Water Lilies, and the life-sized replica of Monet's Bridge that you can stroll over hand-in-hand with your lover. General admission tickets to the Valentine's Day experience clock in at $44, or $64 including a glass of champagne. Sessions run every 30 minutes from 6pm until 8.30pm.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It’s a pretty weird and wonderful story. Puck was the best. Right? Anyway, not the point. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra also think it’s pretty wonderful and are performing it at the Melbourne Town Hall. Nicholas Carter will conduct as the MSO present this orchestral favourite that has been described as ‘Blue sky in A major’. That sounds pretty good to us. Diana Doherty will also solo in Richard Strauss’ autumnal oboe concerto. Brought to us by the musical wonder, Mendelssohn – who composed the overture when he was just 16 – this is one for the classical music lovers (and those who still believe in fairies).
A good Cuban sandwich is something dreams are made of. With layers of meats, cheeses and sauces, it's divinity between two slices of bread. And the Cuban sandwich made by the guys from El Paladar Melbourne — the food truck that services Los Barbudos on Smith Street — sure makes for one hell of a dream. These amazing sandwiches will be at Mr Wow's Emporium on September 15 along with a killer line up of bartenders making their version of the classic Mojito. Grab a sandwich — or two — and watch as Andy Strachan from The Rum Diary, Albert Chan from The Alchemist, Tasha Lu from Eau de Vie and Tom Ambroz from Los Barbudos mix lime and mint like nobody's business. A Sunday session has never looked so good.
You know it’s summer when the Shadow Electric run their open air cinema in the Abbotsford Convent. Cult movies, ice cream and starry nights have never looked so good. Like us, the Shadow Electric crew are a bit overexcited about the prospect of warm nights and good times. But what shall we do until then? The Shadow Electric has come up with a killer plan. They are going to open the doors to the Shadow Electric Band Room. Running for 10 days and nights it will showcase 12 live acts in the lead up to the cinema kicking into gear. What can we expect from the acts? This weekend will bring with it Courtney Barnett on Friday, Palms & Bored Nothing on Saturday, and The Hello Morning on Sunday to round it all off. We love what they are putting down. Meet you at the Convent.
The music video is a wonderful place. Used well it can transform a song into a story. They have the ability to fall over the line into short films and are known to use insane sets and props as a backdrop. ACMI is celebrating everything about the music video in its exhibition Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition where local and international acts will feature alongside a collection of installations, projections, sets and original props and costumes. Spectacle is set to feature 350 works from some of the most innovative players in the genre, including Michel Gondry, who has made films for The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk, Spike Jonze who worked with Bjork and Fatboy Slim and Mark Romanek who has worked with the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Jay Z. Australian artists also get a run including Temper Trap, Nick Cave and Kylie Minogue. At the end of the day, the exhibition highlights that innovation, originality and genuine love of the game goes a long way when bringing sound and screen together.
Music, bicycles, and good coffee. Sounds like a Melbourne dream, right? But wait, it gets better. Add to that the fact that this event is carbon neutral and that the speakers the music will be played on will be powered by guests peddling bikes and you have Muscyle. Set up outside St Ali North, this gathering of earth conscious minds will include performances from Vika and Linda Bull, Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes/curator MONA FOMA), The Alan Ladds, The Black Jesus Experience and Wang Zheng Ting. If you lend a hand in keeping the music a-pumping, you could also win yourself a bike. It’s a free event, there will be great food and music, they're doing the planet a favour, and you might just get some exercise out of it as well. Not bad. There will also be valet bike parking and tune-ups from Velo Cycles next door.
Dance is commonly viewed in two ways. An inclusive, informal gathering of friends, usually drunk, to whatever the DJ decides to spin, or a beautifully skilled choreographed performance that is limited to the stage — it's something untouchable. Private Dances is breaking down some of those boundaries, when they take over Northcote Town Hall in an immersive group of happenings curated by Nat Cursio Co and produced by Insite Arts. The audience will be confronted with intimate encounters. As they wander around the space there will be small dances, films about dance and most importantly some really high-quality performances. The acts take place in 10 tent-like spaces, making it a one-on-one environment. The styles will be varied, the dancers will be diverse and the audience's reactions will no doubt be different to what dance usually excites. And we hear there is full-frontal nudity. It's all there, folks.
On November 1 every year, plant-based people the world over celebrate 'World Vegan Day'. The day of animal product-free eating is just around the corner once again — and it's safe to say Preston Market has your day's feasting well and truly sorted. The northside precinct is transforming into a treasure trove of vegan delights for the occasion, as a stack of its traders get into the spirit with a range of special offers, free tastings and one-off vegan dishes. Swing by Rhubarb Rhubarb Organics to sample an array of vegan cheeses (10am–1pm), or road-test some animal product-free pastries and baked goods over at Dragisha & Nikola Bakery. Meanwhile, Cornutopia will be rolling $10 loaded vegan burritos, health cafe Super Raw will be offering 20 percent off its entire menu, and you'll be able to nab a trio of vegan boreks for a tenner from the crew at Ishtar Borek & Falafel. Visitors can even unleash some creativity with a few DIY gozleme at Fresh Daily Gozleme. And, of course, sweet-toothed vegans will also be in excellent hands. You'll be able to sink your teeth into ten of I Love Churros' signature pastries for just $5, or roll down to Hot Jam Donuts and pick up a dozen of its freshly baked jammy delights for $12.
More than just a movie about robots battling monsters, Pacific Rim is one of the past decade's big-budget gems. It's a creature feature that isn't afraid to feel, or to match its big action scenes with big ideas and a big heart. Considering that the film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, that's hardly a surprise. As The Shape of Water demonstrated, the Oscar-winning filmmaker excels at telling rich, intricate tales that contemplate fantastic beasts and the relatable reactions they inspire. Viewers were treated to the same thing in Cronos, Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth as well. With del Toro opting to produce rather than direct Pacific Rim Uprising, however, it's hardly surprising that the sequel doesn't reach the same winning heights. Where the first film turned its Transformers-meets-Godzilla concept into a blend of earnest emotion and smart spectacle, the follow-up is content to adhere to mindless blockbuster formula. If the initial flick built a textured and thoughtful world, this one just rampages through it. Sadly, it does so with the same force as its jaegers, the human-powered giant robots at the movie's centre — and the same bluster as its kaiju, the alien creatures that emerge from the earth's core. Set ten years after the events of its predecessor, Pacific Rim Uprising shifts its focus to Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), son of Idris Elba's "cancelling the apocalypse" hero from the last movie. Jake is happy partying in the ruins of Los Angeles and scavenging old jaeger parts to sell on the black market, but when one scrounging mission attracts the attention of the authorities, he's forced to re-enlist as a jaeger pilot. He has company thanks to orphaned teenager Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny), whose pint-sized homemade machine got them into trouble in the first place. With no kaiju to fight, their service under the stern Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood) should be routine. Then, just as corporate head Liwen Shao (Jing Tian) is pushing for jaeger drones, a rogue robot pops up in Sydney and starts wreaking havoc. Don't worry, kaiju play their part — but people-piloted jaegers pummelling remote-controlled jaegers comprise a large portion of Pacific Rim Uprising. First-time feature director Steven S. DeKnight ramps up the action scenes, sticking with what he does best given his background on TV's Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Daredevil. And, to his credit, he does it well. Unlike Michael Bay's aforementioned fighting-robot franchise, the film's set pieces impress. They're smoothly choreographed rather than distracting and chaotic, even if Brisbane (where the movie was largely shot) can't convincingly sub in for Tokyo. Still, what Pacific Rim Uprising lacks is anything more than a boilerplate story or run-of-the-mill characters. Just a couple of decades ago, flicks like this were commonplace — sequels that jettisoned most of their main cast and creatives, trotted out a flimsy approximation of their predecessors, and didn't take things too seriously. Pacific Rim Uprising might have a US$150 million budget, but it still feels like an '80s and '90s-era, direct-to-video sequel in the vein of Tremors 2 or From Dusk Till Dawn 2 — right down to the cartoonish performances from its handful of returning players (Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman and Charlie Day). And like those films, it's not without its very modest pleasures. Boyega oozes the same charm that served him so well in Attack the Block, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, while one character's arc is so ridiculous that it can only be entertaining. If only we could say the same thing about the movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rU5wYV6X8s
Make your way down the Princes Freeway and immerse yourself in a world of colour and sound at Geelong After Dark. The Gateway City's answer to Melbourne's White Night, this late-night arts festival will run from 6pm to 10pm and feature dozens of innovative art installations, projections, music acts and live performances. Not a bad way to unwind at the end of a busy week. The festivities will take place in central Geelong across the CBD, including the cultural precinct, Little Malop Street, Moorabool Street and the waterfront. Standouts on the jam-packed program are many and varied, ranging from soundscapes matched with images of the You Yangs to live circus acts in Johnstone Park, and even a storytelling machine that transforms punters' drawings into animations. The city's iconic waterfront carousel will be lit up and spinning, while the National Wool Museum will be hosting a shadow and sound experience based around giant monsters like the Bunyip. For the complete Geelong After Dark program visit their website. Image: Ferne Millen.
Did you turn green with envy when Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger played the ultimate scavenger hunt, aka hunting down horcruxes? Have you always felt that you could use your magical skills in the same way? The City of Melbourne understands, so it's bringing back its Magical Christmas Quest for a second year. This time, however, instead of running for one day, the citywide scavenger hunt is running over five Fridays. Kicking off on Friday, November 27 and ending on Christmas Day, the quest will see Melburnians solve riddles, track down destinations and complete missions in a bid to win prizes. Last year's quest had more of a Harry Potter spin, thanks to prizes of tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but with the performances on hold for the moment, this year's prizes are aimed at encouraging Melburbians to support local businesses that have had a tough run during the pandemic. Every week, you can win a $250 voucher to spend on local shops and hospitality businesses around the city. There's also a major prize up for grabs, which includes 12-month passes to Melbourne Zoo, Museums Victoria and the NGV — so your 2021 can be jam-packed with culture. Five new clues will be released each week, sending you on a journey through Melbourne's laneways, arcades and historic buildings. To kick things off, the City of Melbourne has released the first five clues, which include cryptic statements like "Ms Carey knows her hearts desire" and "this soldier can't move his feet". Once you've worked out what exactly that means, you need to take a photo of the object or destination and send it through to christmas.festival@melbourne.vic.gov.au. The Magical Christmas Quest takes place on every Friday from November 27–December 25. Check the weekly clues over here.
The story of a beauty and a beast has sparked interest in audiences for generations, as has the tale of the unlikely hero. Giant gorillas, less so, but when you put them all together, with a musical number and a Melbourne-only season. You’re onto a winner. King Kong, the first musical stage adaptation of the classic story, is bringing a 6 metre-long, 1 tonne puppet to life, along with 40 other actors, singers, dancers and performers. The 1930s story sees a film crew run into trouble when the giant silverback gorilla falls for the leading lady. In a quest for fame and fortune, they bring Kong back to New York City. The 2013 stage show brings lighting, dance, song and a really big puppet together seamlessly.
What do you get when you combine generous mentors, borrowed restaurants, trainee waitstaff and a talented chef? Well, you get Scarf Dinners. Scarf is dedicated to providing hospitality training to people who might otherwise not have the opportunity. Trained by staff from the likes of Cumulus Inc, they are in good hands. The team borrows a restaurant, and on nights they wouldn't usually open, they run dinners where the staff get to interact with customers and provide them with a unique dining experience. For June and July, staff will get to take the reigns of Top Paddock in Richmond on Monday nights. Running the pots and pans is Ricky Holt, who ran Rathdown Street Food Store for over 20 years. Guests can expect starters of chorizo and prawn bomba with preserved lemon mayonnaise followed by mains of asparagus and leek risotto with hazelnuts and goat's cheese. Booze is taken care of by the likes of Little Creatures and The West Winds Gin.
If you're a diehard cheese fan, you've probably devoured your fair share of cheese wheel pasta. But now, it's time to get acquainted with its cousin — cheesy risotto, served straight out of a big ol' wheel of pecorino. A version of this decadent dish has just hit the menu at Port Melbourne eatery Nonna's Cucina and it's available to warm up your winter nights from now until August 31. Just imagine a classic creamy risotto, infused with five Italian cheeses – fior di latte, pecorino romano, taleggio, pecorino sardo and gorgonzola, in case you're wondering – all tossed together in a cheese wheel and served right to your table. If that's got you drooling, you best start plotting your next visit to Nonna's Cucina, stat. To wash it down, there's a wine list packed full of Italian drops, or you can BYO something from home. Clocking in at $29 per person, the cheese wheel risotto is available Tuesdays to Sundays from 5.30pm until late. You'll need a minimum of two diners to take part, so lock in a mate and book yourselves a table before it all wraps up in five weeks.
