Immerse yourself in experimental and experiential art, as some of the most exciting creatives the country has to offer descend on Melbourne this March. Returning for its third year, the biennial Festival of Live Art is the largest event of its kind in Australia, dedicated to showcasing bold, intriguing participatory work across every conceivable discipline. Running from March 13–25 at venues around town, the festival's 2018 program is packed with highlights. Tanya Lee's Landing asks festival-goers to take part in a relay at the Melbourne City Baths, with participants collectively swimming the distance between Australia and Manus. Meanwhile, Cigdem Aydemir's The New National Sport will see the artist return the serve of a machine that ejects a tennis ball anytime anyone tweets the word 'terror' — something that happens about once about every 15 seconds. If you're looking for something a little less intense, Adele Varcoe's Wowzzzeee aims to bring audiences together through the sewing and wearing of onesies. Or you can take part in Caroline Garcia's one-on-one twerking workshop that doubles as a history lesson of the artform (yes, we called it an artform). Image: Twerkshop courtesy of Proximity Festival 2014, shot by Peter Cheng.
Some of the biggest stars of this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival are coming together for a truly important cause. Proceeds from these two benefit gigs will go to Youth Projects, a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to helping young people in Melbourne who are sleeping rough. Host Tom Ballard of ABC Comedy's Tonightly will be joined by a cavalcade of comedic stars — past participants include Judith Lucy, Daniel Kitson, Tom Gleeson, David O'Doherty and Cal Wilson. Image: Jim Lee.
First it was the Cheese Festival. Then it was the Sausage Fest. And now Prahran Market completes the holy trio of meats, cheese and sweet things with a festival dedicated to dessert. After two years dedicated to chocolate, 2018's edition will broaden the sugar spectrum to include desserts of all types. Melbourne's finest will be pulling out their most decadent dishes from 10am till 4pm on Sunday, May 6. This will include — are you ready for this? — everything from crepes and chocolate to sweet pies and doughnuts. Want more? There'll also be boozy dessert cocktails. The market will become a dessert lover's dream with traders Wilson & Market, Q Le Baker, Sweet Greek, Paddlewheel and Fritz Gelato serving up a special offering on the say. Joining them will be market guests, including Knafeh Bakery and Christy Tania with Glacé. This year's demonstrations will be taken up a notch too, with Kathy Tsaples from Sweet Greek, Christy Tania and the expert pastry chefs from Bibelot presenting every hour from 10.30am.
The Queen Victoria Market might be celebrating its 140th birthday this month, but you can bet it still knows how to party like a young'un. Join in the fun on Sunday, April 29, as this Grand Dame of Melbourne marks the occasion with one heck of a street party, complete with live entertainment, a plethora of tasty eats and lots of free family-friendly fun. Kicking off at 10am, the festivities will play host to a hefty program of dance, comedy, magic, mime and more, with live tunes from the likes of The Mik Maks, flamenco La Rumba and gospel group Open Door Singers taking over the main stage. Also on the agenda is a pop-up silent disco, a special Traders Got Talent Variety Show and, in true Queen Vic form, a truckload of great food stalls. Fare from market favourites like Taki's Balls, George the Fishmonger and Drums Cafe promises to keep you fuelled and fired for a big day.
Gertrude Street newcomer Evie's Disco Diner has an invigorating way to kick-start your Sunday — and it involves juicy tunes and stretchy moves. On April 13, the bar's set to host the next editions of its Greasy Gee's Disco Yoga sessions, featuring a one-hour vinyasa flow class backed by a delightfully disco-heavy soundtrack. BYO mat and even your hangover — host Ig Natius takes the class through a series of poses, with funky beats carefully selected to help clear the cobwebs and get your body moving. All skill levels are invited to join in the fun, and both the kitchen and bar will be open after the class for post-yoga sustenance — perhaps in the form of a vegan chilli cheese dog, a Mr Fatso burger or a banana blueberry smoothie.
End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is bring its market back to Melbourne in November. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. Returning for the fourth year, the market will take place at the Queen Victoria Market on Saturday, November 24 — and because it focuses on the best local talent, every year is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer Christmas gift is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your festive shopping done early, for once.
Sydney Dance Company's first show of the season presents its dancers at their most open, honest and mindblowingly athletic yet. In the words of choreographer Rafael Bonachela, ab [intra], which is Latin for "from within", is an exploration of our "primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses". Rather than beginning with a script, Bonachela worked backwards. While improvising and experimenting in the studio, he asked dancers to anonymously write down their emotions, ideas and questions on hundreds of yellow Post-It notes and created a narrative from them. Throughout the piece, dancers shift from portraits of intense intimacy to explosions of dynamic interaction and moments of stillness. Costumes are minimal, exposing an unsettling mix of vulnerability and power, and the original score, composed by Nick Wales, combines both classical and electronic influences. ab [intra] is Bonachela's first full-length work since 2012, when 2 One Another and a collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra called Project Rameau both took the stage. This is his tenth year as artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQVMpxo5UaQ&feature=youtu.be Images: Pedro Greig
Looking for somewhere to take the old gal on Mother's Day, but don't want to miss out on a second of the Good Beer Week fun? Don't worry, the team at the Cherry Tree Hotel in Cremorne has got you all sorted out. This afternoon event is its take on a traditional jam and scone affair, only the baked treats are infused with beer (and their beer is infused with rose petals). $30 gets you a cold one plus unlimited scones and a crack at a wheel of Milawa cheese. The woman who raised you doesn't deserve anything less.
Melbourne's much-loved panino bar Saluministi is launching a third store at The Causeway on Tuesday, June 19. Owners Peter Mastro and Frank Bressi have come a long way since entering — and winning an award — at the 2012 Salami Festival, and to celebrate the duo is giving away unlimited panini for three hours today. Between 11.30am and 2.30pm, Mastro and Bressi will be giving away their beloved meat-stuffed rolls. While variations will be limited to two, they're two of the joint's most popular: porchetta and mortadella. The former comes with slow-roasted juicy pork, artichoke paste, pecorino and rocket; and the latter with layers of mortadella, green olives and pecorino. For your chance to score a free lunch, head to the new store at Shop 16, The Causeway, Melbourne, between 11.30am and 2.30pm. We recommend heading in earlier rather than later to beat the lines.
Not spending the Northern Hemisphere summer hopping all over Greece? Us neither, but Melburnians can spend the winter doing the next best thing — diving deep into a sumptuous Greek feast at the Ela Pop-Up. After holding a month-long pop-up at Gertrude Street Enoteca earlier this year, Ella Mittas is heading to Fitzroy's Amarillo to whip up a storm of delicious Mediterranean traditional recipes once a month, drawing upon her time spent living, working and eating in Greece. The first pop-up lunch will be held on Sunday, July 8, kicking off at midday. The long leisurely lunch will feature a lineup of tasty regional Greek meze and wine. Throw in a vibe influenced by the 1983 film Rembetiko, complete with a live soundtrack, and you'll think you're somewhere far away from Fitzroy. The Ela Pop-Up will be held once a month, keep an eye on the website for dates. Bookings can be made through Amarillo's website. Images: Cathy Marshall
Forget the idea that Port Fairy is a purely summery destination. The small town on the Princes Highway may be best known for its beach — but thanks to their annual winter festivities there's still plenty to do when it gets chilly. From art installations and photography exhibitions to markets and toy-making workshops — plus the feverishly anticipated Dachshund Dash that attracts more than 2000 spectators — Port Fairy Winter Weekends are well worth the drive down the coast. Taking place every second weekend throughout June and July, Winter Weekends will showcase a mix of food, wine, art, culture… and sausage dogs. Did we mention the sausage dogs? They'll be pumping their tiny, adorable legs on Sunday, June 10 — although not before a dog's breakfast and the grand doggo parade. Other standout events include a Pulp Fiction-themed party, a nature walk and talk, 'hot pizza and cold jazz' at the Wishart Gallery, and ghost tours on Saturday nights. Anyone willing to brave the early morning cold can also take part in the Winter Solstice Dawn Swim first thing on Saturday, June 23. Port Fairy Winter Weekends will run on June 8–10, June 22–24, July 6–8 and July 20–22. Image: Loren Tuck.
For this month's dose of retro entertainment, boogie on over to The Night Cat this Friday night for the Fitzroy Roller Jam, presented by legendary Melbourne event organisers the Foreign Brothers. If the last year's sold-out jam hosted by these guys is anything to go by, this will be one hell of a party. With a lineup featuring the likes of Au Dré, DJ Manchild and MzRizk (as well as a band that's yet to be announced), your old-school skating moves will be sufficiently soundtracked well into the wee hours of the morning. You can BYO skates or hire a pair on the night. If you're not the most confident skater, make sure you take some friends who are going to pick you up off the floor. Image: Gianna Rizzo/Foreign Brothers.
You probably recognise Lea DeLaria from her role on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. But while she's best known for playing inmate Big Boo, the truth is she's been around a hell of a lot longer than that. The first openly gay comic to appear on American television, DeLaria has been appearing on stage and screen for more than three decades, and will appear at the Melbourne Recital Centre for an evening of stand-up and song. Heading to Melbourne on Thursday, June 7, Lea DeLaria Live In Concert will see the singer, actor and comedian – who has five jazz records to her name, by the way – perform songs from her latest album, House of David. If the name didn't give it away, it lovingly reimagines the music of the late great David Bowie, so you'll be getting two icons for the price of one.
In its very first moments, BPM (Beats Per Minute) purposefully withholds details from the audience. Adopting the perspective of the film's unseen characters, the camera waits in the wings as a man gives a speech that isn't subtitled for viewers, until the deafening blast of an airhorn interrupts his talking. It's a jarring opening, but the movie is made all the more jolting by its second scene. Sat in a classroom with the Parisian members of HIV and AIDS activism group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), BPM positively swamps the audience with information as the group analyse their last public campaign and argue about their next mission. The chatter is loud, fast and passionate, discussing medical specifics, marketing tactics and everything in-between. To provide further detail, the film intertwines glimpses of their activist actions into their heated conversation. Starting the movie in such a fashion, writer-director Robin Campillo achieves several things. BPM's initial 15 minutes are an immersive onslaught completely by design, plunging viewers into a frenzied, hectic headspace. The two scenes give an indication of how the film will progress stylistically and tonally. More than that, they also ensure the audience truly appreciates the mindset of the characters — allowing viewers to not only watch, but to experience the chaos, anger and uncertainty for themselves. Campillo doesn't stop there, adding a third component. In an ecstatic club-set dance sequence that's as pivotal as everything that precedes it, the audience sees joyous faces moving to the music. After first showing viewers what it feels like to be ignored, then demonstrating the overwhelming nature of the fight for AIDS treatment in the early 1990s, BPM provides a crucial moment of catharsis. The sidelined, the relentless, the sublime — if Campillo's film has a rhythm, that's it. The movie also has a narrative, charting ACT UP's quest to secure medication at a time before HIV drugs were affordable and easily accessible, from a French government and a pharmaceutical industry that are apathetic at best and cruel at worst. As the group storms into conferences, throws fake blood during office invasions and employs other protest tactics, BPM gets to know several figures on a deeper level. Haemophiliac Marco (Theophile Ray) comes to meetings with his mother Helene (Catherine Vinatier). Organiser Sophie (Adele Haenel) advocates for diplomatic options. Jeremie (Ariel Borenstein) deteriorates, and quickly. Leader Thibault (Antoine Reinartz) and the AIDS-inflicted Sean (Nahuel Perez Biscayart) bicker about peaceful versus aggressive tactics — and Sean also falls for newcomer Nathan (Arnaud Valois), who isn't HIV-positive. Set to a soundtrack that flits from electronic beats to sorrowful piano, to the pleading chants of ACT UP taking to the streets, what emerges is a movie that's both intimate and expansive. Just as BPM's first scenes leave a definite imprint, so does the cumulative effect of its 143 minutes, weaving personal tales into a sprawling snapshot of a real-life movement. The reverse applies too, with the picture's broader view, particularly in its documentary-like moments, giving context to each character's struggle. It's little wonder that the cast's performances feel both intricate and part of something bigger, particularly Biscayart and Valois' efforts to convey Sean and Nathan's complex romance. Finding the right actors for the job — actors who can not only deliver stellar work, but can make their roles seem so real that you half expect them to walk off the screen — was one of the hallmarks of Campillo's last film, Eastern Boys. So was an astonishing command of mood and aesthetics, with every directorial choice keeping viewers glued to every frame. BPM shares those traits, but it also boasts something that's all its own: an unwavering, devastating sense of authenticity. Both the filmmaker and his co-writer Philippe Mangeot are alumni of ACT UP, as audiences could probably guess just by watching. A movie this well observed, this drenched in naturalism, this candid and poignant, can only spring from reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4_79dnJeNU
This June, Freedom Time promises to keep things nice and toasty as it returns to the Coburg Velodrome for its second winter edition, dishing up yet another piping hot serve of dance tunes and visual delights. Those winter blues stand little chance against this cracking selection of aural treats, curated by three international musical heavyweights. Descending on the Wax'o Dystopio stage for a rave amongst the gum trees, expect Detroit-based electronic act Dopplereffekt, minimal wave queen Veronica Vasicka and local legends Pjenné, Millú and Ricci. The Butters Sessions selectors are pulling together an equally covetable lineup featuring the likes of Melbourne duo Sleep D, Sydney's Lauren Hansom, international heavyweight Kuniyuki, and New Yorker Joe Claussell in his Aussie debut. And Amsterdam's Music From Memory delivers yet more goodness in the form of pop duo Dip in the Pool, Swiss artist Michal Turtle, and the lady behind PBS' Lullabies for Insomniacs, Izabel. The tunes are set to be teamed with some mind-blowing visual wonderment from the likes of John Fish (Strawberry Fields, Beyond The Valley), while eats and drinks from favourites like Alley Tunes and La Paloma promise to keep you dancing well into the night. Image credit: Duncographic.
Whether you're a pro marathon runner or a casual jogger, running is a lot more fun — and a lot easier — when you're gazing out at beautiful views. To that end, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival takes place along one of Australia's most scenic routes. Happening for the 12th year in a row on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20, the event offers a race for runners of every kind, as well as a host of other happenings, including live music, film screenings and yoga sessions. At one end, there's the 60-kilometre ultra marathon. At the other, there's the five-kilometre Lorne Hotel run/walk. Whichever race you join, your registration gets you free entry to everything else going on across the weekend. Pop into Lorne Theatre to see Simon Baker's directorial debut Breath, the Lorne Hotel to catch some live music, or Lorne Sea Baths for yoga classes and pre-marathon warm-ups. There'll also be festival hubs at both Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Saying farewell to the final rays of summer can be dispiriting. But winter isn't all misery, it's also prime time for campfires, hot mugs of Milo, oversized knits and gooey, toasted marshmallows — which this event will recognise with its inaugural National Marshmallow Day celebration. To help pull you out of your seasonal slump, a whole bunch of Melbourne CBD retail giants are teaming up for Shop The City, a 12-hour shopping extravaganza held on the food celebration day you never knew you needed. After all, there's no better way to beat the winter blues than with some marshmallowy sugar and retail therapy. As well as a heap of sales, the event will see a host of free bars, food pop-ups and interactive experiences across the CBD. At QV Melbourne, shoppers will find a cosy winter village where they can build their own s'mores and take a VR paragliding adventure over the Swiss Alps. Over at Melbourne Central, you can keep the sweet tooth satisfied with a marshmallow fondue bar honouring Pantone's Colour of the Year, Ultra Violet (or, PANTONE 18-3838). Here, you'll be able to dunk violet marshmallows into a purple-chocolate fountain and top them with edible purple glitter. All those sweets need to be balanced out with some fluids, so head to the 'Alice in Wonderland'-themed bar on the ground floor of Emporium Melbourne. Created in collaboration with ACMI's latest exhibition, the bar will serve up Paint The Roses Red (a gin cocktail infused with choc-berry tea) cocktails in 'potion' bottles. Finish the 12-hour marathon with a free hand-dipped 'Wagon Wheel' from 5pm at The Strand (in honour of National Marshmallow Day, of course), then dance the night away with Melbourne electro-soul singer Tanya George outside Melbourne's GPO from 5–9pm. Shop The City will run from 10am–10pm on Friday, May 18. For the full list of events and participating venues, head to the website.
Looking for new threads? Sure, you can head to plenty of markets around town and trawl through food, homeware and other objects, or you can mosey along to Melbourne's dedicated ladies fashion get-together. Round She Goes does one thing, and it does it well. If it's clothing, accessories and jewellery you're after, you'll find it here. Filled with preloved designer and vintage fare, the one-day happening will take over Coburg Town Hall from 10am on June 3, August 12 and October 14. These editions will boast 60 stalls, all specially curated by organisers to deliver reasonably priced, high-quality bits and pieces, and ranging from beloved brands to handmade items to clear-outs by some of Melbourne's most fashionable women. Entry costs $2, and when you're finding that shiny gold coin to get you in the door, make sure you did up some other cash as well. Cold, hard currency is preferred here, and parting with it will be worth it. Your wardrobe will thank you for it.
Making its return after a year hiatus, the German Film Festival is set to shower Melbourne's screens with the latest and greatest in Deutsch cinema. And we really do mean latest and greatest — opening night's true tale The Silent Revolution premiered at the Berlin Film Festival mere months ago, while closing night will celebrate Wim Wenders' newly restored Wings of Desire, the exceptional 1987 effort about angels in Berlin. Screening at Palace Como and Kino Cinemas from May 24 to June 6, the rest of the lineup spans from stars to snow to psychological thrills, plus everything from biopics to road trips to a beloved German comedy trilogy. Explore the tension of a new couple taking to the mountains in Three Peaks, laugh at the Fack Ju Göthe franchise — about an ex-con trying to get his loot back and unwittingly becoming a teacher in the process — or catch Gutland's account of an outsider just showing up in a small town, featuring Phantom Thread's breakout talent Vicky Krieps. Other highlights include's Mademoiselle Paradis, which delves into the story of blind piano player Maria Theresia von Paradis; 303, a flick that follows a pregnant student driving to reunite with her boyfriend; and 2017 German box office hit Paula, a biopic about artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Or, step into a dark fairy tale with Heart of Stone, or test your nerves with crime thriller Four Hands. Plus, if you have any young movie buffs in tow, the festival is also screening a children's program called Kino for Kids.
Throughout August, Private Dining Room (PDR) will bring Mondays to life with a collaborative lineup of Australian culinary talent at Fitzroy restaurant Messer. Presenting some of the best chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers and winemakers from across Australia, PDR is a dining experience where renowned chefs from several restaurants work together to offer a joint menu with paired beverages — including this series of five-course feasts. Flipping through the Rolodex for August, PDR welcomes chef Paul Farag from Sydney's acclaimed Fish Butchery, while South Australia's Brianna Smith of The Summertown Artologist and Chris Chilvers of Penny Hill Winery combine their talents. Not to be outdone, the Melbourne contingent includes winemakers Jasmine Wakely (Le Timbre Wines) and Brodie Comer (Yugen Wines), pastry chefs Kay-Lene Tan (Tonka) and Eigin Ting (L'Hotel Gitan), as well as members of the Messer team. With restaurants remaining as competitive as ever, PDR founder and sommelier Tim O'Donnell hopes to foster a collaborative atmosphere and give chefs the chance to create menus that go outside the confines of their workplaces. PDR was launched by O'Donnell in 2015, and while the secret's been out for a little while now, the event's strictly limited seating keeps each dinner an exclusive affair.
They're words every hungry stomach likes to hear: all you can eat. And, they're words that echo a little bit louder when dumplings are involved. Who hasn't sat down to a plate of the tasty morsels, finished it quicker than they thought they would and wished someone would keep magically refilling it? We all have, and that's just what'll happen at on Thursday, July 26 at The National Hotel in Richmond. It's all rather simple: you venture in between 6pm and 9pm for dinner, and you eat as much as you can handle. The best part? It'll only cost you $20. The kitchen's regular menu will be on offer, which includes prawn har gow, spicy pork parcels and a vegan option with sweet potato, tofu and mushroom — and some new additions will be available, too. The dumplings usually cost around $10 for four, so you should really be able to get your money's worth in the two-hour feasting session. With the food so reasonably priced, the night is expected to get busy, so it's recommended you pre-book via the website.
We've said it before. We'll say it again. There really is an international day for every single food, and this time around, it's International Falafel Day. In the time-honoured cuisine-celebrating manner, that means a free lunch. While the actual occasion doesn't hit until Tuesday, June 15, Just Falafs is bringing it forward by a day to pair their giveaway with the public holiday. Drop by North Fitzroy between 2-5pm on Monday, June 14 and all your dreams will come true — as long as said dream involves chowing down on a classic pita stuffed with falafel (of course), plus pickled cabbage, Israeli salad, hummus and tahini. Yes, that makes it not only a free lunch but a free vegan lunch. Yes, your wallet and your stomach will thank you for heading along.
UPDATE, September 19, 2020: RBG is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. It's hard to pick just which moment is more endearing: seeing US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lifting weights in the gym wearing a 'super diva!' jumper, or seeing women six decades her junior plaster her glasses-rimmed face across their t-shirts, bags and even skin. Actually, RBG is filled with scenes that top both. Whenever the octogenarian is spied doing what she does best — fighting for women's rights and progressive ideals, first as a lawyer and then as a judge — this documentary lights up. Still, if there's anything that beats just simply witnessing Ginsburg in action, it's watching as she howls with laughter after seeing Kate McKinnon's Saturday Night Live impersonation of her for the first time. That's the kind of film that RBG is — jam-packed with segments that equally inform and entertain, well aware of what Ginsburg stands for, and unashamedly celebratory about her impact and achievements. Co-directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West had each separately interviewed the justice previously, and felt that the time was right for a documentary paying tribute to her life's work. They couldn't have been more accurate, astute or ahead of the curve. Consider the end result not just an ode to an American icon, but a reminder that change is possible, that battling for it is worthwhile, and that both remain the case in today's fraught and fractured US political climate. If you've missed the Notorious RBG memes, the aforementioned SNL skits, and both the praise and vitriol slung Ginsburg's way (including some of the latter from America's tweeter-in-chief), don't worry. RBG fills in the gaps, and doesn't assume that viewers have an intricate knowledge of the US judicial system or the movie's central figure. Rather, it tackles Ginsburg's tale from two angles. As a birth-to-present day chronicle, the film steps through her childhood and her opposites-attract college romance with husband Marty, as well as her determination to juggle law school with motherhood and everything that has come since. As an exploration of her specific legal influence, it delves into several cases in detail, focusing on those that she argued in front of the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks. Ginsburg's biography, her legal contribution and each of the individual cases featured could easily furnish their own documentaries, but Cohen and West know how to balance these various components. More than that, they know how to insert Ginsburg's personality into the film, and shape it with her drive and spirit. Given that the justice is known for being reserved and serious (when she's not living her lifelong dream of starring in an opera), that might sound easier said than done. But there's humour, heart and a big helping of grit to this highly accessible movie, even when it's largely assembled through talking heads, archival footage and snippets of Ginsburg's recent speaking appearances. Indeed, RBG mimics its eponymous figure in several ways. Like the justice, it's small, smart and striving; thorough and proficient; and eager to make the world a better place than it currently is. The documentary is also a testament to something that isn't always championed quite so enthusiastically: simply working hard, getting things done and not worrying about any fanfare. With the #MeToo movement and the current recognition that gender equality is in a much worse state than it should be, the film couldn't come at a better moment, but capitalising upon the present mood is purely a stroke of good fortune. While Cohen and West knew Ginsburg was gaining a cult following when they first conceived of their project five years ago, they couldn't foresee they world they'd release their film into. Doing what's necessary and right just because there's a need for it — well, that couldn't be a more Ginsburg-esque move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnaEg91qIA
Instead of masses of birthday cake and party hats, Hawthorn's Lido Cinemas is celebrating its third birthday with a day of $5 move tickets. The eight-screen theatre, which launched in 2015, is known for its unique programming, featuring cult classics, lots of Australian hits and lesser-known international films. It also has a rooftop cinema, a hidden jazz room and a slew of left-of-centre special events, like its current Weird Wednesdays series. But, back to the birthday. On August 5, you'll be able to treat your bestie, mum or date to a film for a tenner — or splash out and spend the day enjoying a movie marathon. Some of the films you'll be able to catch on the day include Hitchcock's 38 thriller The Lady Vanishes and an immersive documentary about Venice's most famous painter, called Canaletto & The Art of Venice, with more expected to be announced closer to the date. We suggest you book in quick, as they're expected to sell out.
Melbourne is no stranger to new bars popping up, especially now we're steadfastly heading into 'spritzes in the sun' season. But, thanks to the weather's notorious unpredictability, there's still plenty of hiding from the outdoors to be done. For those occasions, new Flinders Lane space Trinket is ready and waiting. With a secret cellar bar and art deco vibes a-plenty, Trinket is the ideal hideaway to satisfy your escapist needs. And, to entice you further, it's holding a delightfully dark high tea. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the bar will serve up 'boozy bites and dark delights' for $45 per person. With sweet treats matched to a cocktail of your choice, it'll be a masterclass in pairing food to drink that strays away from a traditional high tea. Sweet and savoury treats are included — think triple cheese cigars with ash aioli, black sesame macarons and espresso martini 'gaytime' pops — as is a glass of Champagne along with the cocktail options. Plus, throughout October and November, this dark high tea will be given a pink twist for breast cancer awareness. The treats will have a delightful touch of pink, as will the drinks (read: rose Champagne), with $5 from each booking donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Trinket's Dark Tea is available across two sittings: 12–2pm and 2.30–4.30pm, every Saturday and Sunday. To make a booking, visit the website.
When Sydney's Harry Potter-themed boozy brunches were announced, the city couldn't say "accio butterbeer" fast enough, with the first two stints selling out quickly. Now, due to massive muggle demand, Melbourne is getting a round of feasts early next year across four sessions, spanning both brunch and dinner. Melbourne Town Hall is the location that'll be turned into the Great Hall for the occasion, complete with an enchanted meal (Pixie Puffs, please), bottomless butterbeer (obviously), 'magic' potions (aka wine) and other wizard-themed beverages. There'll also be quidditch, a couple of sorting ceremonies and wand lessons — and Harry Potter characters mingling with attendees, if that's your idea of some perfect HP fun. Tickets are currently on sale, but they're not likely to stay that way for long, even though you'll need a bag full of galleons to head along. Your ticket includes all food and three hours of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) — but at $205 per head, you'd be hoping for a Yule Ball-type experience.
A tiger, or even a volleyball called Wilson, wouldn't go astray in Adrift. Instead, this seafaring survivalist drama attempts to keep afloat on the strength of Shailene Woodley's performance. The talented star can do many things, from bringing a semblance of life to the bland Divergent franchise, to comfortably holding her own against some of today's best actors in TV's Big Little Lies. But she's given a tricky task in this unremarkable drama, with Adrift wading through waters tackled by better, similar films, even though it's actually based on a noteworthy true story. Woodley plays the real-life Tami Oldham, a restless twentysomething who finds herself in Tahiti in 1983. Eager to explore the world — and to avoid going home to San Diego — Tami is looking for her next globe-trotting adventure, but finds love instead with fellow sailor Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin). Their courtship is as quick and breezy as the wind their shared passion for boating relies upon, making the decision to take a friend's yacht nearly 6000 kilometres to America a relatively easy one. Once the couple are on their way, however, a thunderous hurricane has other ideas for their planned romantic journey. With Oldham's ordeal having taken place more than three decades ago, director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest) and his team of three writers clearly hope that the details have slipped from the public's collective memory. Or, at the very least, that no one in the watching audience knows what happened or has ever read Oldham's memoir. They're the only reasons that can possibly explain Adrift's two storytelling missteps: sticking to a unimaginative formula and leaning too hard on its love story.When the movie isn't charting a course straight through the same territory previously traversed in All is Lost, The Mercy and Life of Pi (in the last decade alone), it's jumping backwards and forwards in its timeline to ramp up the amorous aspect of the narrative. To the film's detriment, neither following the usual template nor mixing a potential tragedy with romance proves anything other than routine. Still, just as it takes grit to try to stay alive when nature trashes your boat in the middle of the ocean, it also takes fortitude and determination to play someone trapped in such stressful circumstances. Woodley is at her near-best as Oldham, never giving the plucky protagonist superhero-like strength or abilities, and never losing sight of both the physical and emotional toll that arises when you think your life is about to end. It's the same kind of empathetic portrayal that has served Woodley well across her career, and it's well-suited to this rare female-centric dive into the survivalist pool. Her co-star Claflin is given little to do other than take on the token love interest part. Pushing a determined woman to the fore and rendering the male character as a supporting player, it's a role-reversal that doesn't escape attention, although Adrift doesn't capitalise upon it as much as it could've. As Everest illustrated, Kormákur is fond of tense true tales about courage in the face of seemingly fatal adversity. As his 2012 Icelandic movie The Deep also demonstrated, the filmmaker is similarly drawn to life-or-death exploits in the water. Adrift owes a little to both but falls somewhere in the middle; it's as driven by incident and spectacle as the former, yet also proves as intimate as the latter. As a result, when Woodley isn't stealing the show, her unforgiving surroundings — and Robert Richardson's (Breathe) glossy cinematography — jostle for attention. Indeed, a stripped-back version of the story that simply focused on its star tussling with the sea would've made for compelling viewing. But by giving it the standard disaster flick approach and trying to tug at the heartstrings as well, Adrift sadly starts to sink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LunQJEnmNdU
After recently opening a Sydney surplus store and holding one hell of a sale in it, minimalist Aussie clothing designer Assembly Label is bringing some stock down south for its first ever Melbourne warehouse sale. It's hosting a four-day bargain blitz in Collingwood from Thursday, June 28 through to Sunday, July 1. This means the warehouse's samples and pieces from past seasons will be going at up to 70 percent off. That includes much-needed jackets and knitwear for the coming winter months, plus denim, tops, shorts, pants, swimwear and accessories in both men's and women's designs. The label is known for its linen basics and relaxed coastal vibes that makes up the wardrobe of many an Australian in summer. The sale will be open from 2–7pm on Thursday, 9am–5.30pm on Friday, and 9am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
If you've ever turned up at a house party and been sorely disappointed by the lack of penguins, this is the event for you. The Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium is throwing a series of aquarium parties throughout winter because why the heck not? The series kicks off with a party a month from June 29, and is the perfect opportunity to stare down a fish right in his slimy eye while sipping a cocktail. Tickets are a bit exxy at $59 a pop, but the price includes a cocktail and a snack on arrival. Further drinks and food can be bought over the bar, and a DJ will be playing all night. Entry into the aquarium (usually around $34) is obviously included as well which means you'll get to look at the 10,000-plus creatures, including one of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles (probably the only time in your life you might be pleased to see a crocodile at a party).
The John Curtin Hotel has seen its fair share of rock 'n' roll gigs over the years, but over the past 12 months the in-house kitchen, Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers, has become a bit of a star in its own right. To celebrate its first birthday, Sonny's is making sure everyone gets in on the party by giving away 1000 burgers. From 3–7pm across August 16–17, Sonny's will be serving up lots of its namesake burger — made with deep-fried chicken, zesty slaw and mayo — entirely for free. These burgers aren't your standard offering, either, Sonny's goes the extra mile by brining its chicken breasts for 24-hours before coating them in a delightfully crispy concoction of herbs and spices. A thousand burgers might sound like a lot, but these are bound to go quick. Limited to one burger per customer, these will pair perfectly with a pint from the front bar. Sonny's Fried Chicken Burger Giveaway will run from 3–7pm on Thursday, August 16, and Friday, August 17.
If "toastie" and "festival" are two words you've never really managed to unite, think again: Welcome to Thornbury is hosting a cheese toastie festival this weekend, combining your unrequited love for hot cheese and carbs with a little splash of fine dining (but mostly the hot cheese thing). While the event's main feature is the humble cheese toastie and its many variations (including cheeseburger toasties, vegetarian toasties, dessert toasties – the list goes on), the apple of your dairy-loving eye might be the cheese toastie degustation. It features four different toasties, including a dessert toastie, paired with either Goose Island beers or local natural wines. And it comes in at the very reasonably price of $30 — you can snag tickets here. During the festival you'll also be able to snag oozy toasted sangas from the likes of Belles Hot Chicken, Mr Burger, Dr Sous and dessert versions from Jamm'd and Tiramisu' Lift Me Up.
Just when you thought Melbourne's burger scene had reached saturation point, another joint announces its opening. But, hey, when they're launching with free burgers we're not complaining. The latest burger stop to descend on the city is The Pickle & The Patty, which has just launched in Ascot Vale. To celebrate, the sparkling new burger joint is giving away 200 burgers this Saturday. The deal is limited to one Pickle Classic Burger per person, but if you miss out you'll be able to grab one for a only a fiver for the rest of the day. Plus, you'll be able to grab a $5 pot of Furphy all day, too — from The Ascot Lot next door. The Pickle & The Patty is the first bricks-and-mortar store from the owners of Dr Sous food truck, chefs Lyndal Keys and Laura Attard. The duo is now serving up burgers made with free-range Gippsland beef, house-made condiments and, of course, pickles. But, the most exciting news is this: there will also be free burgers for your pup. Yep, good dogs will finally get to dig into burgs alongside their owners, courtesy of The Canine Wellness Kitchen. There's no word on how many canine-friendly burgers will be available, but we suggest four-legged burger fans head in earlier rather than later. Food rescue charity OzHarvest will also be there collecting donations on the day, so any coin you save on burgers you can give to a good cause. The Pickle & The Patty Free Burger Day runs from 1pm on Saturday, August 4.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a community of Aussies doing it pretty tough. Next Friday, August 10, all of the hardware giant's Victorian stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for the Buy A Bale initiative, supporting drought-affected farmers. The initiative, part of the charity Rural Aid, lets you buy essentials — such as, yes, hay, as well as water, diesel and hampers — for farmers doing it rough. Which a lot of farmers are. Some areas of the country have been struggling with a years-long drought, and, more recently, farmers have been dealt an "unforgivingly dry winter". All of the day's sausage profits will go towards helping struggling farming families across Australia, at a time when bushfires, a lack of rain and changes to live exports have made life on the land seriously hard. Grab a snag in bread and show them some love. Buy a Bale sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in Vic.
For some comic relief in the aftermath of the emotionally gruelling marriage equality campaign, head to Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets rooftop this Thursday, November 23 to see comedians Kirsty Webeck and Jude Perl. "It's going to be a celebration that the postal survey is over and I can get back to focusing on comedy," says LGBTIQ rights activist Kirsty Webeck and creator of those hilarious 'The Postal Survey Made Me' Gayer t-shirts. With 61.6 percent of Australian respondents giving a definitive 'YES' to same-sex couples' right to marry, there's certainly cause to celebrate, but uncertainty remains on when the requisite legislation will actually be enacted. In the meantime, a bit of self-care in the form of an intimate comedy night may just be the way to go. Kirsty and Jude, who are both performing at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, will kick things off at 7.30pm.
There's so much more to postcards than the often drab ones you find in the local post office. The annual Linden Postcard Show is the place where you'll find the best of the best. Presented by Linden New Art and celebrating its 27th year, there's about a thousand submissions for you to check out, with the Linden Postcard Show being the quintessential place to see the best examples from across both the amateur and professional arts community. Every humble postcard presented is on sale, while an esteemed jury of art curators and directors will select a winner to take home the $5000 cash prize. Meanwhile you can get involved by voting in the People's Choice Award with the victor receiving $1000 for their 8x10 inch work. The Linden Postcard Show 2017–18 is on now and runs until Friday January 12.
If you're a film buff, then you're also a travel buff. Even if you don't venture further than your nearest cinema, you're often journeying to other countries when you sit down to watch a movie. Thanks to the Cine Latino Film Festival, the sights and sounds of Latin America await Australian filmgoers in November, taking them on a trip to Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Australia's second Spanish-language film festival (after the Europe-centric Spanish Film Festival), the Cine Latino Film Festival will bring 26 titles from Central and South America to Aussie screens in November. The fun kicks off with You're Killing Me Susana, a marital comedy featuring Mexican star Gael García Bernal. Other highlights span a variety of genres and nations. Audiences can check out Inseparables, the Argentinian remake of French film The Intouchables, or get an authentic glimpse into prison romance in the Dominican Republic with Woodpeckers – about inmates from neighbouring jails communicating via their own form of sign language. Elsewhere, Cannes Critics' Week hit Gabriel and the Mountain combines documentary and drama to tell the true tale of a Brazilian traveller; Tales of Mexico asks eight filmmakers to spin stories about Mexican history; and Lost North tracks a man trying to find his girlfriend across the 900 miles between Santiago and the Bolivian border. Other notable titles include Peruvian musical-comedy Crazy in Love, Colombian paramilitary thriller Guilty Men, and Ecuador's submission to next year's foreign-language Oscar category Such is Life in the Tropics, about a battle between a land owner and squatters. The festival will also shine a particular spotlight on Argentinian and Mexican filmmaking in two specific program strands. The latter is a collaboration with the Hola Mexico Film Festival, while the former will thrill fans of familiar faces, with The Secret in Their Eyes star Ricardo Darín playing an Argentinian president in The Summit, and Gloria's Paulina García going soul searching in The Desert Bride.
Bottomless cocktails, brunch and beats...it's hard to think of a better way to banish a hangover on a summer's afternoon. Introducing Melbourne's first hip hop brunch. On December 10, doors will open at 11am, which is when brunch will be served. This'll give you a chance to get yourself fed before hitting the booze at midday — bottomless cocktails and Champagne will last an hour-and-a-half and help everyone warm up for an afternoon of hip hop karaoke. If the concept sounds familiar, it's because it comes by way of London; this is the first Australian offshoot. The whole thing will go down at Curtin House's Toff in Town. Even though it's called a brunch, it'll inevitably carry onto into the late, late afternoon.
Have you heard of competitive endurance tickling? Neither had David Farrier. The New Zealand journalist came across videos of Adidas-clad men participating in the activity online quite by accident, and was (understandably) fascinated. We've all been sucked in by strange subjects before, but very few internet obsessions turn out like this. Indeed, there's a reason that Farrier decided to pick up a camera and trek from Auckland to Los Angeles with co-director Dylan Reeve to make a doco about the bizarre world he had uncovered. The result is Tickled, the kind of stranger-than-fiction film best enjoyed by those with as little pre-existing knowledge as possible. That said, because it's also a feature that has to be seen to be believed, it's guaranteed to cause a reaction regardless of how much of the story you've already heard. In fact, part of the documentary's success stems from how it balances the laughs with the cringes, making audiences feel incredulous and infuriated all at once. As someone who has, in his own words, made a career out of reporting on "the weird and bizarre part of life", Farrier started his investigation by firing off a few emails asking questions about a barely publicised but well-paying tickling contest. After a couple of responses, each one more hostile and homophobic than the last, the journo realised he had become immersed in a strange world in more ways than one. If you thought the idea of pro-tickling was unusual, just wait until you discover the alarming reality behind it. Bullying, exploitation, intimidation, fetishes and fake personas are just the beginning. In truth, Tickled is about a lot more than its title suggests. In addition to investigating the mysterious company behind the competition and exploring the experiences of others who've turned the touch of a feather duster into something lucrative, the film also serves as a reminder about the unseemly side of our interconnected existence. In that way, it sits alongside the 2010 documentary Catfish, posing queries about modern interactions and examining the ways in which technology can both bring people together and tear lives apart. Farrier himself proves a vital central figure. Whether he's on-screen guiding what becomes a race for answers, or off-screen narrating his exploits over recreated footage, the journalist manages to maintain a sense of urgency while at the same time keeping things intimate and personal. And it is personal, as anyone who has been keeping up with movie news of late will be aware. Farrier and Reeve are still receiving legal threats from the film's subjects, who have also taken to showing up to screenings unannounced. Astonishingly, that's one of the most straightforward aspects of this compelling and confounding film.
Still sad because you missed The Avalanches much hyped comeback show at Splendour? Well, start saving your pennies because they're back for the Falls Music & Arts Festival. They're just one of the artists on the 2016 lineup, alongside Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove, Broods, Jamie T, Parquet Courts and heaps, heaps more. As always, Falls will be heading to Lorne for four nights over New Year's Eve. The Victorian festival will run simultaneously with legs in Marion Bay and Byron. Falls will also be setting up shop in Fremantle for the first time with Falls Downtown, a two-day city festival slated to take place over the weekend of January 7-8. Anyway, this is what you're after — here's the full lineup. FALLS FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP Childish Gambino (No Sideshows) London Grammar (No Sideshows) The Avalanches Violent Soho Matt Corby Alison Wonderland* Catfish and the Bottlemen* Fat Freddy's Drop* Ta-ku The Rubens* The Jezabels Ball Park Music Grouplove Bernard Fanning* Jamie T Broods Tkay Maidza Grandmaster Flash Illy MØ Hot Dub Time Machine DMA's AlunaGeorge Booka Shade Client Liaison Vallis Alps Parquet Courts City Calm Down LDRU* Modern Baseball Tired Lion* Remi* RY X Marlon Williams* Lemaitre Shura *Not Playing Fremantle
Hope you're feeling hungry, because Taste of Melbourne is back. One of the biggest, tastiest gastronomic events in town, this four-day foodie festival, which starts cooking on Thursday November 10, will once again welcome some of the biggest names in culinary culture to Albert Park. Hear that? Our stomach's rumbling just thinking about it. While the full Taste of Melbourne lineup has yet to be revealed, the names they've announced so far should more than whet your appetite. Iconic local restaurants including Estelle Bistro, Cumulus Inc, Supernormal and Mamasita (along with their soon-to-open venture Hotel Jesus) will all have a presence at the event, as will their respective chefs. Talk about being spoiled for choice. When you're not busy stuffing your face (let's be honest, that's why you're there), visitors can also try their hand at cooking school, swing by the Jim Bean citrus highball bar, or take part in a virtual reality experience presented by Etihad. Although it's yet to be determined how good a virtual reality food experience can really be.. TASTE OF MELBOURNE 2016 EARLY LINEUP Restaurants Estelle Bistro Pickett's Deli and Rotisserie Supernormal Cumulus Inc. Mamasita x Hotel Jesus MoVida Circa, The Prince Royal Mail Hotel Chefs Andrew McConnell (Cumulus Inc, + Supernormal) Robin Wickens (Royal Mail Hotel) Scott Pickett (Estelle Bistro and Pickett's Deli + Rotisserie) Frank Camorra (MoVida) Casey McDonald (Cumulus) Perry Schagen (Supernormal) Andrew Logan (Mamasita) Nick Peters (Mamasita's Mezcalier) Rhys Blackley (Circa, The Prince)
"Player or watcher?" Nerve asks, and it's not an easy question to answer. The query may stem from the fictional dare-based game that gives the film its name, but there's no missing the real-world parallels. In these Snapchat-sending, Vine-streaming, Pokemon GO-playing times, this tech-savvy thriller feels relevant to the minute. With our lives increasingly lived through screens, our connections and conversations more often virtual than physical, and our days whiled away either posting selfies, or watching others do the same, the question needs to be asked: where do we draw the line? These are the big issues touched upon in Nerve, a film that's hardly subtle about the negative influence the internet has had on human behaviour. Thankfully, the film never tries to lecture millennials about their preferred pastimes. Instead, Catfish directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman keep toying with their favourite topics via a slickly and swiftly-told tale that never fails to entertain, even if the underlying narrative doesn't always stand up to scrutiny. But hey, when you're making a film about people doing reckless things for online fame and fortune, a certain number of illogical choices are to be expected. When Venus Delmonico (Emma Roberts) musters up the courage to participate in the live-streamed game, her spur-of-the-moment decision ends up being the first of many. The studious 17-year-old is motivated in part by the prize money she could put towards attending a Californian college, but also by a desire to venture beyond her comfort zone after being rejected by her football hero crush (Brian Marc). Kissing a stranger is Vee's first task, and when she locks lips with Ian (Dave Franco) in a diner, she discovers that he's playing the game as well. At first the viewing public seems eager for them to pair up, venture into New York, try on fancy clothes and get tattoos. But as the young duo begins to lure in more eyeballs, the dares become not just more lucrative, but more dangerous as well. Much of this movie's charms come from simply watching Vee and Ian roam around Manhattan, reacting to the challenges thrown their way and letting their mutual attraction flourish. Indeed, the film's first half doubles as a different take on the usual walk-and-talk movie date scenario. That Roberts and Franco make an engaging and enthusiastic pair helps; that Joost and Schulman are just as vibrant and energetic in their pacing and style does as well. Of course as enjoyable as it is watching the two lead actors race around attempting ridiculous feats, this effort about online entertainment isn't all fun and games. When Nerve wanders deeper into darker territory more akin to David Fincher's The Game, it's not always as successful – in fact, the feature's third act is positively silly. But by then, you're a watcher, and you can't tear your eyes away.
It was the scary sensation of 1999; a documentary-style freak-out that audiences were led to believe was real. A low-budget hit that reignited faux found-footage as an inexpensive but successful method of frightening filmgoers, without The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and a spate of other imitators might never have existed. And while the original movie already spawned one follow-up back in 2000, it was really only a matter of time before a new sequel wandered out of the woods and back into cinemas. You could be forgiven for not knowing much about Blair Witch, however. Filmed in secret under a fake name, its true nature was only revealed in July. Other than the involvement of director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett (aka the folks behind playful horror effort You're Next and stylish action thriller The Guest) this initial misdirection is arguably the most intriguing part of a film that knows it has big shoes to fill, and tries to do so as faithfully as possible. Blair Witch treads a familiar path quite literally, sending a new group of camera-wielding college students back into the Black Hills Forest, albeit with some updated tech. For James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the creepy camping trip is personal, since it was his older sister Heather who disappeared in the original film. When his life-long quest to find out what happened leads him to an online video posted by fellow interested parties Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry), he rounds up his pals Lisa (Callie Hernandez), Ashley (Corbin Reid) and Peter (Brandon Scott) to head off in search of answers. Decking everyone out with earpiece cameras and a short-range drone, Lisa films their trip for a class project. The on-screen characters mightn't expect the series of events that follows, but audiences certainly will. Immersed in their haunted surroundings, the crew soon starts hearing strange noises and begin to spy spooky stick figures suspended from the trees. When they inevitably try to flee, they end up getting lost and start walking around in circles. And yet, while Blair Witch mightn't chart new narrative ground as it constantly nods to its predecessor, it does conjure the requisite bumps and jumps. The range of visual sources at the film's disposal certainly helps, with Wingard employing urgent, erratic point-of-view shots, as well as lingering glimpses of the sea of trees captured by drone camera from above. Re-teaming with The Guest cinematographer Robby Baumgartner, enlisting seasoned television editor Louis Cioffi, and composing the score himself, where Wingard fares best is in evoking an unnerving mood. It doesn't always matter that you can see where the story is headed if you remain uneasy and anxious in the moment, with the sound design particularly unsettling. However that still only takes Blair Witch so far. When the third act drops its atmospheric ambiguity for more overt shocks, the movie suffers. Obvious dialogue and by-the-numbers performances likewise dull an otherwise effective rehash.
Fine food, great conversation and a fantastic cause — you'll find it all at the second edition of Stories Over Supper. Building on the success of their inaugural dinner back in June, this unique culinary experience from the folks at The Social Food Project will feature a three-course meal from acclaimed local chef Ben Mac, who's worked in the kitchens of Top Paddock and Supernormal. Taking over the pans at Fitzroy's Grub Food Van Monday, September 19, Mac's share-style menu will have a strong focus on local produce, and be paired with matching wines from sommelier Tim O'Donnell. As they eat, diners will hear from speaker Jessica Christiansen-Franks. An urban designer and landscape architect, she's also the CEO of Co-Design Studio, a company that spearheads urban regeneration projects around Australia and the world. A seat at the table costs $85, with 10 percent of all proceeds going to the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance's legal defence fund.
Take a moment this week to head into Chotto. Meaning 'one moment' or 'a short time', Fitzroy's newest brunch spot serves breakfast a little differently. Championing traditional Japanese breakfast sets and flavours, the short menu is promised to rotate seasonally. At the moment options include ryokan-style breakfast sets with an array of small, vibrant sides. The nana kusa gayu, a seven-herb rice porridge with poached chicken and spring onion is ideal for mixing up your usual Sunday brunch. Sweet tooths aren't forgotten either, with an airy mandarin mille-feuille on demand. Matcha lattes are whisked on demand, with coffee from Monk Bodhi Dharma. The soft, light space fits has just 18 seats. Blond timber tables, polished wooden floors and a single Japanese floral arrangement completes the makeshift interior. The only bad news here is that Chotto is only temporary — but they plan to open a permanent restaurant when the pop-up finished later this year. Chotto is open from 8am-3pm Tuesday to Sunday every week, or until food runs out.
If you've ever worked in hospo, you've been in this situation. And even if you haven't waited, tended bar or cooked up a storm in a professional kitchen, you can probably still relate. Finding a decent place to relax, eat great food and drink fabulous cocktails after the clock strikes midnight isn't as easy as it really should be these days. And so, with that in mind, the Late Night Harlem Supper Club became a reality. Send your thanks Nieuw Amsterdam's way — and then send yourself their way for the first event at 1.30am on October 15. And if you can't make that date, don't worry. Another one will be announced soon. Each Supper Club will see a guest chef in control of the kitchen, with Oter's Florent 'Flo' Gerardin the first candidate. Given that he has worked at venues such as Vue de Monde, Silo and Pei Modern, his three-course menu is sure to impress. Dishes will be matched with Campari cocktails created by Nieuw Amsterdam's bar manager Sean McGuire, and the whole combo will only set you back $60 as an opening special. Night owls, get booking.
You might've heard of Taryn Brumfitt, a photographer and Adelaide-based mother-of-three, and one of Australia's leading voices on the topic of healthy body image. In fact, you've probably seen her before-and-after photos, which defy the all-too-common belief that thin equals happy. Her 2013 Facebook post went viral, seen by more than 100 million people around the world. Ashton Kutcher shared it, international talk shows came calling, and her inbox was flooded with emails from women with stories about their own struggle with body image and shame. Motivated by these experiences, Brumfitt has now turned to filmmaking, crafting a documentary about the onslaught of issues and opinions women face when it comes to the concept of beauty, and the compulsive need people feel to conform to society's arbitrary physical standards. The epitome of an activist picture crusading for a cause, the impassioned Embrace presents a wealth of information about a topic that's clearly near and dear to its maker's heart: encouraging everyone to love their bodies, just the way they are. Indeed, in a world where airbrushed models can be seen on every screen, and the beauty and diet industry rely on insecurity to turn a profit, Brumfitt's film could hardly feel more crucial. Embrace reveals an engrained self-loathing many women feel when asked about their appearance, and emphasises the need for a broader conversation on the subject. That the film was largely funded by Kickstarter contributions shows that she's not the only person eager to talk about the topic, either. Accordingly, in addition to recounting Brumfitt's personal experience, Embrace touches on everything from eating disorders and plastic surgery to recovering from physical harm and finding a space for varied representation in the media. She chats with a model considered plus-sized, and gets a consultation from someone eager to use a scalpel to improve her body. Famous faces such as British TV personality Amanda De Cadenet and American television host Ricki Lake give insights into their ups and downs. Burn victim Turia Pitt also relates her journey, as does German actress Nora Tschirner, with the two offering varied examples of the eternal attempt to be comfortable in one's own skin. It's an inspiring compilation — albeit one that can seem a tad repetitious. Of course, it could be argued that the film's message needs to be stressed again and again, until the battle for a more inclusive and positive approach to body image has been won. On the technical side of things, there's little about Embrace that hasn't been seen before, though again, its just-polished-enough sheen suits its content. Ultimately, when it comes to championing the importance of looking beyond the surface, this documentary does everything it can to make its statement heard.
Bulldog Gin is hosting two gin and tonic pop-ups in Melbourne throughout September to bring out the gin lover within you for the beginning on spring. For one of them, the distinctive gin makers will be at Big Mouth in St Kilda, bringing you $8 gin and tonics until the 30th of September. Make the most of the change in weather by sipping your drink downstairs by the window to soak up the sea breeze. And if you happen to find yourself there on a Friday or Saturday, you might just be lucky enough to have the bar staff shout you one. If you hvane't tried it, Bulldog Gin is a fresh, smooth twist on a classic London Dry gin, including exotic botanicals from around the world inspired by founder Anshuman Vohra's globe-trotting childhood. The quadruple distilled liquor features heavy citrus notes and is infused with Dragon Eye (a close relative of everyone's favourite summer fruit, lychees), juniper (of course), lotus leaves, liquorice, lavender, almond and poppy. Image: Steven Woodburn.
When the bar owners' collective CV boasts the likes of Attica, Cutler & Co and Rockwell and Sons, you know you're in for a treat. Since opening early this year, we've had Bar Liberty's menu on regular rotation. And now they've created another reason for us to visit, starting a monthly wine dinner series on the last Wednesday of every month. The Fitzroy bar is offering an indulgent five-course dinner with matched beverages for a very reasonable $110 per head. Held in their private dining room, each dinner follows a theme. Upcoming themes including islands, Greece and beer — the last of which was (unsurprisingly) the first to sell out. The last dinner was themed around Spain and included beef head croquettes with wild garlic escabeche and a version of chorizo and clam noodles paired with Spanish wines. The next dinner is being held on Wednesday, September 28, and will include food and wine from the islands of Sicily, Corsica, Santorini, Tasmania and Madeira. October's beer dinner is already booked out, but you can still get in for the Greek feast on November 30. Head to the Bar Liberty website to book.
It's not hard to understand why The Wheeler Centre named their upcoming feminist lecture series Hey Girl. It's a phrase that's layered with fluid meaning, from street harassment and solidarity to glowing approval and murky gender identity. These topics and more are under the microscope at Hey Girl, a lecture series running from October 10-14 at the CBD literary hub. The collection of talks explores the common threads of womanhood, like sexuality, race, sisterhood, empathy and fighting the feminist fight. Plus, the series will also make space for stories less commonly heard from the LGBTIQ community. See below for a full lineup of talks and kickass panellists. HEY GIRL 2016 PROGRAM Monday, October 10 Growing Up With Maxine Beneba Clarke — featuring Maxine Beneba Clarke and Santilla Chingaipe. Tuesday, October 11 Raising Girls — featuring Madeleine Morris, Nelly Thomas, Anna Barnes and Mimmie Ngum Chi Watts. Wednesday, October 12 As You Are: A Trans Teen Story — featuring Georgie Stone and Rebekah Robertson. Thursday, October 13 Girls Writing About Girls — featuring Jennifer Down, Marlee Jane Ward, Abigail Ulman and Jax-Jacki Brown. Friday, October 14 YAS KWEEN: Girls on Screen — featuring Judith Lucy, Brodie Lancaster, Mel Campbell, Jessica Knight and Billie Tumarkin. Friday, October 14 Fighting Like a Girl in the 21st Century — featuring Anne Summers and Clementine Ford.
You don't normally associate the MCG with fine dining — it's more overpriced pies and eating an entire six-pack of hot jam doughnuts to yourself. But it appears that's about to change in the lead up to this year's AFL Grand Final, as some of Melbourne's best restaurants set up outside the 'G. Part of this year's pre-GF celebrations, Yarra Park will play host to a four-day Footy Festival (presented by Foxtel) in the lead-up to the big game, featuring music, movies and some seriously good food. Let us list them for you; Estelle, Fancy Hanks, Biggie Smalls and Tokyo Tina are just a few of the heavy-hitters – and you can expect footy-inspired spins on their typical cuisine. Think a kebab-burger hybrid from Biggie, and a meat pie taco (!) courtesy of Lady Carolina. The team from South Yarra's decadent Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio will take care of dessert with their salted caramel footy pops. Clearly Foxtel has at least one foodie on the payroll. You can also have a tipple in the Yaks Ale Watering Hole, the Bulmer's Cider Garden, or Wolf Blass' pop-up wine bar, The Nest. Yarra Park will also be home to the Grand Final Live Site, with activities, live entertainment and broadcasts, plus all 112 past Premiership Cups on display. It will be open from 12-5pm on Wednesday, September 28, 10am - 7pm on Thursday and Friday, and 9am - 6pm on Grand Final day, Saturday, October 1. Disclaimer: you will not be allowed to drink your wine out of a Premiership Cup.
