When it comes to classic comfort food with a distinctly Aussie accent, the humble hot pie is at the head of the pack. With saucy filling wrapped in a neat package of flaky, buttery pastry — what's not to love? The pie is a versatile little beauty, just as happy being hoofed down alongside a lively footy match, as it is being scoffed barefoot after a session at the beach — a true-blue Aussie favourite. Luckily, this city of ours is dishing up some beautiful renditions of the beloved flaky treat from award-winning chunky steak bakery pies, to less traditional creations boasting innovative, chef-inspired fillings. And we've rounded up some of the standouts. Stock up on napkins, lock in your sauce strategy and check out our pick of Melbourne's best pies. [caption id="attachment_623231" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Annika Kafcaloudis[/caption] THE PIE SHOP, BRUNSWICK EAST The Brunswick East iteration of Pope Joan might be no longer, but sibling and former next-door neighbour The Pie Shop is very much alive and kicking. Another brainchild of renowned chef Matt Wilkinson (Crofter, Montalto), the store is slinging a tidy curation of crisp, golden goodies every Friday and Saturday, with both piping hot pies and heat-at-home varieties available. Signature small serves include The Brian — a blend of mushroom and gruyere, the Shazza — starring cauliflower, leek and cheddar, and a shepherd's pie dubbed The Steve. Or, challenge yourself by thinking a little bigger and grab one of the family-serve pies, filled with the likes of chunky beef and vegetable, or rich lamb casserole. PIE THIEF, FOOTSCRAY This unconventional pie shop is one of the darlings of Melbourne's west, loved for its friendly vibe, nostalgic touches and rotating menu chock full of innovative eats. Since launching in 2019, Pie Thief has been sating those pie cravings with restaurant-y signatures like the chunky steak (braised in a stout made by fellow Footscray locals Hop Nation), the Thai red chicken curry, and plant-based varieties such as a vegan spaghetti bolognese and the barbecue jackfruit with jalapeno. There's also a rotating Pie of The Week special to tempt you, though we trust you'll find it hard to leave without at least one serve of the legendary lasagne pie — a monster layered with bolognese, bechamel and pasta. COUNTRY COB BAKERY, SPRINGVALE, BORONIA AND KYNETON When a bakery consistently reigns supreme at the revered Australia's Best Pie Competition, earning multiple awards each year, you know it's got the goods. Now with three outposts, Country Cob Bakery is slinging a menu of famously good pies, ranging from traditional bakeshop favourites to inventive new-school creations. Prepare to be spoilt for choice, with numerous vegetarian options, an array of seafood-filled pastries — lobster pie, anyone? — and plenty of different chicken pie varieties. If you're after something meaty, keep things simple with the champion pepper beef pie, or go for a more gourmet combination, like caramelised pork and pepper, rich lamb ragu or chilli beef con carne. Tasting packs are also available if you simply can't decide. [caption id="attachment_809698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] A1 BAKERY, BRUNSWICK Worlds apart from the traditional Aussie Four'N Twenty, A1 Bakery's beloved baked goods are a celebration of Lebanese flavours through and through. The family-run bakeshop and grocer is renowned for its authentic Middle Eastern eats, serving up pastry-induced happiness since 1992. Here on Sydney Road, the 'pie' takes many different forms, though crisp, golden pastry and generous, flavour-packed fillings are always a given. Try the boat-shaped pie creation loaded with shanklish cheese, tomato and herbs, a dense spinach triangle crammed with cheese or perhaps one of the plump crescent pies sporting a lush cheesy centre. [caption id="attachment_824902" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Karon Photography[/caption] WONDER PIES, COLLINGWOOD AND BULLEEN With legendary chef Raymond Capaldi at the helm, local pie business Wonder Pies certainly has some chops. Capaldi works to the motto, 'you should be able to eat a pie whilst riding a bike', so expect some very good house-made pastry engineered with great structural integrity. Current menu highlights include a chunky beef with cheese and pepper, the butter tandoori chicken pie, a dense lasagne hybrid and an indulgent mac 'n cheese variety. What's more, each pie is finished with a silky double French glaze for extra flavour points. The kitchen is whipping up both small pies and family-sized beauts, along with the quintessential three-bite party pie, and there are plenty of multi-packs on offer. NORTHCOTE BAKESHOP, NORTHCOTE Stunning sourdough loaves, traditional French croissants and some standout breakfast rolls have cemented Northcote Bakeshop's status as a leader of the Northside's baked goods game. But pie-lovers will also find themselves in excellent hands here, thanks to a short but stellar lineup of savoury pastry delights. Right now, you can sink your teeth into a tarragon chicken number, finished with confit garlic and leek. Or, go meat-free with the potato and leek pie starring spring vegetables and salsa verde. Both come in solo serves teamed with a thick house-made relish, plus there's a signature beef and lamb sausage roll if you're feeling especially peckish. PURE PIE, DOCKLANDS From individual pastries you can polish off in a few bites, through to hefty family-sized pies that'll feed four with leftovers, Pure Pie has pretty much all levels of pie craving covered. The Docklands-based bakery is whipping up a sizeable array of sweet and savoury baked goods for just about every palate, with both freezer packs and ready-to-eat varieties on offer. On the current menu, you'll find options like slow-braised beef with cheddar and Guinness, a mild butter chicken concoction, the chicken and mushroom blend finished with a hit of tarragon, and a breakfast-inspired chilli bean, spinach and feta pie. If you can't make it in-store, order online for home delivery or catch Pure Pie at your local weekend market. FATTO A MANO, FITZROY It's only fair to warn you that a visit to this Fitzroy bakery will likely see you leaving with a bunch more goodies than you originally had on your shopping list. Fatto a Mano's counter is forever brimming with a tasty array of homemade treats from cakes, tarts and loaves, to freshly-baked muffins, and giant slices of the famed house pizza. Among them, you'll find a rotation of rustic solo-serve hot pies, with popular savoury fillings including the likes of an aromatic chicken curry, organic beef, and the mushroom with spinach and haloumi. Vegan options abound and there's even a range of gluten-free pies, topped with crispy shredded potato. RICHMOND PIE SHOP, RICHMOND It should come as no surprise that Richmond Pie Shop specialises in baked goods of the round, pastry-based variety. And they're premium specimens, too. Should you find yourself in Melbourne's inner-east and in search of a hot pie fix, consider yourself spoilt for choice with this bakery's extensive menu. Classic options include the likes of a cheesy beef and bacon, an Aussie-style beef and a potato-topped shepherd's pie. Or, you can step things up a notch with one of the gourmet creations — perhaps the lamb and rosemary, a Thai chicken number, or the veg-friendly cauliflower and leek pie. There's even a party pie for the snack fiends among you, priced at an easy $2 a pop. HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Fitzroy bakery Babka is serving up a tidy selection of simple, yet satisfying pies, with home-style fillings starring chicken, lamb and beef. Handmade hot pies are a passion at Keith's Pies in Richmond, where you'll find fillings like chunky steak and pepper, creamy chicken and mushroom, and even a bacon-infused brekkie blend. There's only one pie on Falco's standard menu, but it's an absolute ripper, featuring all the flavours of the famed Rockwell & Sons burger wrapped into house-made pastry. Magnum Pi is doing handcrafted pies available for delivery across Melbourne, with crafty fillings like chicken moussaka and green mac 'n cheese. Mornington Peninsula pie-slinger Johnny Ripe is best known for its sugar-dusted apple creations, but also makes a cracking savoury family pie. Top Image: Pie Thief's legendary lasagne pie.
You answer a knock at the door, thinking you’ll find a familiar face only to be met with an impromptu party. Sure, that doesn’t sound too bad — but when your expected visitor is a teenager you met in a train station the day before, arriving with his hustler friends in tow, it doesn’t sound too good, either. This is where mild-mannered, middle-aged Daniel (Olivier Rabourdin) finds himself in Eastern Boys — and where cinema finds one of its most striking scenes in years. Shy-looking Ukrainian immigrant Marek (Kirill Emelyanov) arrives at Daniel’s apartment after accepting money for sex, his pals barging in, stealing stuff and trashing the place. Unravelling against an electronic soundtrack, it’s a sight that’s both unsettling and unforgettable. The movie takes its time in showing every detail of the home invasion, not only forcing Daniel to linger, but making the audience do the same. Prepare to feel stunned and awkward. Prepare to keep watching, too, and not just taking in the visuals and following the storyline. Eastern Boys is a film of observation, making you look close and then closer, and then even closer again. You’d best be scrutinising everything you can see, from the long shots of Paris's crowded Gare du Nord and the dialogue-free glances that fill the feature’s first frames. The movie demands that you gaze from afar while trying to delve beneath the surface, which is also what it offers in its complicated character studies. Never going where anyone might predict, this isn’t a tale about trouble and revenge, but a film that’s part love story, part thriller — and neither of those sticks with convention or worries about leaps in logic. Chapters signal shifts in the story, involving Daniel, Marek and Boss (Daniil Vorobyov), the volatile but charming Russian leader of the pack, as well. Power, survival, identity, affection and belonging are all wrapped up in a movie equally personal and topical. It manages to combine the attempts of men trying to carve out a different life however they can with a broader contemplation of class and immigration, and it does so with moments of horror, hope and heartbreak. Anyone familiar with French TV series The Returned will know the kind of style writer/director/editor Robin Campillo’s favours in only his second effort as a filmmaker: slow-moving, atmospheric, precise and always showing rather than telling. Here, it’s an ideal fit for a narrative that doesn’t try to justify what is going on but instead wants viewers to witness the actions, reactions, interactions and transactions that make up its reality and draw their own conclusions. Kudos also must go to his excellent cast for their naturalistic performances, specifically veteran Rabourdin and relative newcomers Emelyanov and Vorobyov. Making a movie feel intense, involving and intimate at the same time isn’t easy, but they ensure we’re always watching. Not that you have a choice — with a tale this simultaneously tense and tender, just try to look away.
The first phase of Gippsland's new destination winery spot will be unveiled this Friday, March 31, encompassing a restaurant with a focus on seasonality, newly renovated accommodation and a cellar door. The Carrajung Estate team have taken over as custodians of Tom's Cap winery, which will reopen this week with a makeover across its hefty 40 hectares of land. Carrajung Estate's ambitious Modern Australian restaurant is helmed by head chef Patrick Haney (Opera Bar, The Growers) and boasts a menu fuelled by locally-grown ingredients. Contemporary dishes are driven by sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, including seasonal heirloom vegetables, pasture-raised meat and Gippsland cheeses. "With an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, our dishes feature fresh ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms that celebrate the natural beauty and culinary richness of Gippsland. Through our food, we want to share these growers' stories," co-founder Ivy Huang says. Entrees run to the likes of garlic bay bugs with black butter and king prawns with lime and chilli jam, while larger plates include a duck breast with twice-baked parsnip, blackberries and jus. Ricotta gnocchi comes laden with snow peas, goat's cheese and tendrils, while a beef short rib served with crispy onions and celeriac croquette is set to be a favourite among guests. Gippsland cheeses, blackberry tart taten and a pear cake with saffron mousse rounds out the current menu. Carrajung Estate's first-ever wine release will also coincide with the restaurant opening, with wine tasting at the onsite cellar door open for guests to peruse the winery's selection of shiraz, chardonnay, sauv blanc and more. Venture further and you'll find the first of five onsite accommodation offerings, dubbed The Nest. A luxuriously appointed interior includes an outdoor bath, a traditional wood fireplace and a comprehensive kitchen. All five cabins are expected to be completed by the summer of 2023/2024. Carrajung Estate's restaurant and cellar door will open on Friday, March 31 at 322 Lays Road, Willung South, Victoria. The restaurant is open for lunch Friday–Sunday, 11am-2.30pm and dinner Thursday–Sunday 11am-3pm. The cellar door is open by appointment via the website. The Nest will be open for bookings via the Carrrajung Estate website from April 7.
Ivan Pavlov was a Nobel Prize winning Russian physiologist who studied the digestion of dogs in the 1800s. The name Pavlov's Duck, however, is completely random — Pavlov never owned a duck. Randomness aside, the name is intriguing enough to attract customers inside this Smith Street cafe. And Pavlov's Duck is set to put casual Sri Lankan fusion meals on the Melbourne map. From the moment you walk through the monster glass door, the establishment's eclecticism is thrust upon you. Exposed brick walls surround sporadically placed wooden ducks. The cafe has tossed out boring sugar caddies and serves sugar out of wooden coconuts — another subtle way of paying homage to Sri Lanka. Its coffee however is not from Sri Lanka, as the beans come from Padre Coffee (Daddy's Girl blend). What separates Pavlov's Duck from other brunch spots is its impressive integration of South-Asian ingredients and spices. But be prepared — the food is hefty. Chillies and poached plums give a rich twist to what would be ordinary dishes. The cafe has managed to twist a regular croissant into what is called the 'Lankan Frenchy': a croissant filled with coconut, chilli, parsley and a boiled egg ($11). For those who go out for breakfast but secretly feel like lunch, the 'Pol' roti ($16) is perfect, with homemade coconut roti, spiced red lentils, onion relish and a boiled egg. Nothing screams innovation louder than the specials. The blueberry French toast with bacon crumb mascarpone, lychees and chocolate three ways ($17) gives a new name to the timeworn classic. And yes, it works. If it's diversity you're after, the pumpkin and chia seed pancakes with lentil salad, coconut sambol (a relish made of desiccated coconut and chillies), chorizo and pickled chilli ($18) may be the one for you. After a year of trading, the cafe have extended their hours into the evening; on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, they're serving up a tight menu of Sri Lankan snacks and meal. Head in after 4pm and you'll find traditional thosai (dosa) with sambar and green sambol ($15.50), roti and hoppers, which are bowl-shaped crepes filled with egg and dahl and other delicious things ($15.50). Pavlov's Duck also has desserts lined up for post-meal sugar craving. Raw white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake ($7) and a salted caramel slice ($6.50) are two sweethearts on the menu. Parents, the chocolate crackles ($3.80) made with buckinis (activated buckwheat) are a healthy dessert option for the kids. The best part? All of these are gluten-free, sugar-free and organic. So you can be cheeky at Pavlov's — but not too cheeky.
Love art, or just need a hefty tome to decorate your coffee table? Either way, the Melbourne Art Book Fair has you covered. Following on from the considerable success of the last two year's events, the third edition of this literary luau will see more than 200 publishers take over the Great Hall at NGV International, showcasing art books, independent zines, limited edition prints and more. The fair begins on Thursday, March 16 with ticketed event the day-long International Typography Symposium, featuring a litany of local and international contemporary design practitioners. The main event will then kick off the following day with a ticketed Friday evening preview, complete with live music, food and a pop-up bar. What follows will be two straight days of workshops, book clubs, talks and book launches — all up there are 50 events. For the complete program visit ngvartbookfair.com. Images: Wayne Taylor.
New season, new you, right? Those planning on a spot of springtime self-improvement will find plenty of gems among The School of Life's (TSOL) just-dropped spring term program — and what better way to yank yourself off the couch and out of hibernation mode? The global organisation is on a long-running mission to help people lead more fulfilled lives, offering a jam-packed seasonal program of classes, courses, workshops and events aimed at boosting self-knowledge. And the Melbourne chapter has not only unveiled its new season schedule, but it's celebrating with a brand-new home, moving from its former CBD digs to a stately, historic mansion in the heart of St Kilda. Designed by renowned Australian architect Albert Purchas over 160 years ago, The White House will now house TSOL's classroom, acting as a breeding ground for some fresh perspectives and blossoming self-awareness. The thought of studying philosophy in the mansion is giving us some serious Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters vibes. [caption id="attachment_738600" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The School of Life[/caption] TSOL's latest program is all about blowing away those winter cobwebs and re-energising those emotional intelligence levels for the rest of the year — a personal spring clean, if you like. Classes cover topics including How to Identify Your Career Potential, How to Find Love and How to Be Confident, while a series of full-day workshops will teach you about things like Making Relationships Work (November 9) or The Serious Business of Playfulness (September 21). You might fancy boosting your business smarts with dedicated workshops on the likes of Leadership (October 11) and Adaptability (November 8), or jump right into TSOL's five-day springtime intensive, taking an enlightening journey through all areas of emotional intelligence. Those keen to dabble in some big ideas might also be tempted by the spring edition of Philosophy Salon – this time, a two-hour exploration of Plato. The School of Life Melbourne's Spring Term classes will mostly be held at The White House, 11 Princes Street, St Kilda. The Spring School Intensive will take place back at the former site, at 669 Bourke Street, Melbourne. You can catch the full program and snap up tickets here. Classes range from $60–80, full-day workshops from $180–220 and the Spring School Intensive $1008–1260.
Brisbanites, prepare for your next hotel getaway — but don't expect to travel very far. Come March 2018, the CBD will welcome its first new luxury hotel in decades, W Brisbane. A five-star establishment on the northern side of the river, it's the type of place that screams 'staycation'. Views beyond South Bank and Mt Coot-tha from each of its rooms, three dining and drinking venues, a lounge-style lobby that boasts a DJ booth by night: they're all part of the W Brisbane experience. In-room cocktail bars, free Netflix, a barbecue-lined poolside area and 1,100 square meters of function space are as well. Taking over the spot at 300 George Street that previously housed the city's supreme courts, and forming part of the new Brisbane Quarter development, the hotel won't be lacking in lush facilities, amenities or reasons to drop by. Those staying the night can pick from 280 standard rooms, 28 suites, two extra-luxe spaces they've dubbed "wow" suites and one "extreme wow" offering — all decked out with custom-designed furniture inspired by the state's history. If that's not blissful enough, guests can also head downstairs to the spa, which features a hair and nail salon, vitality pools, relaxation pods and rejuvenating salt inhalation chambers. W Hotels is owned by Marriott International. New hotels are also planned for Sydney in 2019 and Melbourne in 2020. As for the rest of Brisbane Quarter, it's slated to include an office tower, apartments and two levels of retail too. Find W Brisbane at 300 George Street, Brisbane from March 2018. For more information, or to make a reservation from November 2017, visit the hotel website.
UPDATE: October 10, 2020: Bloodshot is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Vin Diesel as Frankenstein's monster? Vin Diesel reliving the same events over and over again, Edge of Tomorrow-style, to right a past wrong? Vin Diesel filled with tiny robots — including in a Terminator-esque scene where half his face is exposed, revealing the nanotechnology gleaming beneath his flesh? Throw in shades of Universal Soldier and RoboCop as well (and some speedy car chases, because Diesel sure does love getting fast and furious behind the wheel), and that's Bloodshot. Yes, as well as tasking Diesel with playing a US soldier brought back from the dead, Bloodshot attempts to revive a variety of parts itself — all cobbled and spliced together from multiple other science-fiction stories and action flicks. That makes it a Frankenstein's monster of a movie as a whole, and the seams show at every point during this patchwork affair. Indeed, the fact that Bloodshot is actually based on a comic book character dating back to 1992 doesn't seem anywhere near as important to first-time feature director David SF Wilson as nodding at a heap of other pop culture titles. The same proves true for screenwriters Jeff Wadlow and Eric Heisserer, with the former stuck in the derivative mode he demonstrated in this year's Fantasy Island (which he both wrote and directed), and the latter leaning more on his experience on remakes of A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Thing than on his screenplays for Arrival or Bird Box. Bloodshot's premise: after not only being executed by a terrorist (Toby Kebbell) in the line of duty, but watching his wife Gina (Talulah Riley) murdered in front of him first, Ray Garrison (Diesel) awakens in Rising Spirit Tech's lab. The company has resurrected him using cutting-edge tech know-how, as head honcho Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce) explains, and the soldier is now its shiny super-enhanced prototype. At first, Ray can't remember anything from his past; however memories of Gina's untimely end weave their way back into his brain. And, although he's supposed to be working as part of RST's similarly tech-augmented team, he only has supremely violent vengeance at any cost in his sights. An unnecessarily prolonged scene featuring a psycho killer dancing to Talking Heads' 'Psycho Killer' aside, Bloodshot is initially economical with its storytelling, cutting to the crux quickly. But in what's designed to be an origin tale that kickstarts a new franchise — the Valiant Comics shared cinematic universe — the twists arrive swiftly as well. Actually, they hit even sooner if you're paying even the slightest amount of attention and you know your pop culture history. Bloodshot might be drawn from the page but, on the big screen, it's so generic and reminiscent of such a large number other works that it's devoid of any surprises, even if you've never read the source material. That been-there, done-that feeling also applies to Diesel, who, at this point in his career, could glare menacingly, growl threats in his gravelly tone and do whatever he needs to for his various on-screen families in his sleep. As previously seen in the Fast and Furious franchise, the xXx franchise and even in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (albeit without the stare given that Groot is 100-percent CGI), Bloodshot calls upon all those trademarks. And, like everything else in the film, Diesel just seems like he's borrowing from his past material. He's at his best when he's letting the smallest trace amount of humour sink in, as is the movie too, but that's not all that often. In fact, Bloodshot doesn't appear to know how far to ramp up its laughs or liveliness, primarily settling for serious, slick and oh-so standard rather than injecting any personality into proceedings. Elsewhere, Pearce wades through the feature's many tropes with more commitment than the film perhaps asks for, in what's still a boilerplate scientist role. Baby Driver's Eiza González effectively adds a dose of sensitivity, while New Girl's Lamorne Morris is the only actor who appears to be enjoying his work — although they too play parts that seem to have been written on autopilot. That's perhaps Bloodshot's biggest struggle. It's so wedded to slotting into a specific stitched-together mould that it squanders the very few highlights it manages to rustle up. In action scenes, standout moments are dwarfed by cartoonishness. Whenever the feature gains even a skerrick of big dumb action movie-style momentum, it attempts to get deep by pondering fate and free will. And, as is so often the case in flicks trying to spawn new franchises, it's more interested in setting up future instalments than the details at hand. Diesel might be looking for another big series to add to his resume, but absolutely nothing about this thin star vehicle screams for a follow-up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-7ACXBRP-g
For some, it's hard to remember a time when having a tattoo wasn't the norm. While originally a sign of rebellious counterculture, now you'd be hard-pressed to go a day without spotting at least one out in the wild — after all, 30 percent of Australians* now sport some kind of ink. The prevalence of tattoos may have changed, but certain requirements around donning new ink remain the same. Namely, the need for aftercare products. It's always been essential to take care of your tattoo in order to preserve the vibrancy of the ink and keep your skin healthy. But when your options were limited to greasy balms and clinical ointments, it was easy to let this fall by the wayside. For Another Self is changing all that by turning the tables on tattoo aftercare. Offering products that are lightweight, natural and nourishing, its range of skincare could be just the solution you — and your tattoos — are looking for. For Another Self is built around a trio of signature products, which are formulated with 100 percent organic ingredients. Every item is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones, enabling you to keep your tattoos looking vibrant and your skin nourished, without relying on harsh chemicals. It's a more conscious approach to tattoo aftercare, embracing not only the experience of being inked, but how this reflects your very personality and individuality. "Tattoos are a form of self-expression, and we wanted to create products that celebrate that, not minimise it," For Another Self founder Luke explains. "Tattoo aftercare has been dominated by a clinical approach that doesn't resonate with the values of the new generation of tattoo lovers. Our products are made to match their mindset, authentic, organic, and designed to nurture tattoos as personal works of art." So how can For Another Self's treatments help you avoid the more irritating parts of tattoo care? First up, there's the Tattoo Oil ($29), which should be applied daily to keep your tattoo looking fresh. This treatment is packed with antioxidant-rich sunflower oil, along with moisture-locking jojoba oil and omega-packed avocado and argan oils. This combination of oils will help to keep your skin soft, while preserving your ink and enhancing its vibrancy. To help maintain that vibrancy, you'll also want to apply the Tattoo Balm ($29) regularly. This treatment uses shea and mango butter to deeply hydrate your skin, along with coconut and castor oil to lock in moisture. To help your ink stay bold and defined, its formula also includes hemp seed and avocado oil, along with lime and mandarin essential oils that help soothe your skin and prevent irritation. If this isn't your first time under the gun, this balm is also a great option when it comes to caring for older ink. Then there's the Tattoo Exfoliator ($29), which should be applied roughly two to three times a week. This exfoliator helps buff away dead skin cells without stripping away moisture, ensuring your ink remains bright and defined. This treatment is a blend of ultra-hydrating shea and mango butter, along with a combo of avocado, castor and hemp seed oils to moisturise your skin. To top things off, this exfoliator has a pleasant, earthy scent, thanks to cedarwood and bergamot essential oils — because why not feel and smell good? When used separately, these treatments will do a good job of keeping your tattoos looking fresh and your skin nourished — but combining them will go a long way to keeping your ink looking as good as new. For Another Self also offers the Ritual Kit ($69), which bundles all three products into a convenient package. After all, you're it for the long run with a tattoo, so you may as well ensure it continues to look as good as the day you got it. For Another Self is available to purchase online, and you can save 10 percent off your next order with the promo code 'FAS10'. You can learn more here. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: For Another Self
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Pan Pacific Perth, the spot we're putting up guests who book one of our exclusive For The Love VIP packages. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? At the Pan Pacific Perth you can enjoy views over the Swan River and the surrounding cityscape from your room, one of the restaurants or up on the rooftop pool. THE ROOMS The standard rooms feature all the essentials — a big king-sized bed, a pillow menu (because, why not?), tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi, a daily turn-down service and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Then once you get to the larger rooms and suites, you find that each has undergone a little makeover with new modern furniture, walls that have been given a new lick of paint and stacks of updated amenities. FOOD AND DRINK Of course, Pan Pacific Perth has a mixed bag of in-house restaurants and bars to choose from. First off, there's UMA Restaurant where Peruvian cuisine is celebrated. Next up is The Stage, the hotel's own cocktail bar and tapas lounge where you'll also be able to dabble in a classic afternoon tea from Wednesday to Saturday. Beyond these two top dining spots, you'll also find the Hill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, Monty's, The Lobby Café and a separate room service menu for when you don't feel inclined to leave your bed. [caption id="attachment_683983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rottnest Island, Tourism Western Australia[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA This hotel is located in the heart of Perth's CBD, close to all its best bits. Walk the streets to find great restaurants and bars, unique galleries and theatres and stunning waterfront walking trails. And if you're staying for enough time, we'd highly recommend a day-trip to Rottnest Island. Take selfies with adorable quokkas, take a sea kayaking tour in untouched coves or go for a cycle to see as much of this protected nature reserve as you can. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
UPDATE, September 16, 2021: Streamline is available to stream via Stan from Thursday, September 16. Chasing a dream can feel like swimming through cool water on a hot summer's day — gliding, splashing and laidback paddling all included — with each refreshing stroke propelling you closer towards your own personal finish line. That's when everything is going well, of course, and when whatever your heart and mind desires seems as if it's waiting at the end of the pool. Otherwise, when you're bogged down by everyday minutiae and nothing seems to inch forward, working towards a set goal can also resemble treading water. It can mirror repetitively doing laps, too, when your destination seems out of sight despite all the hard work you're putting in. And, if you're tired and fed up with all the effort needed to even keep afloat — and when your heart is no longer in it — it can feel like floundering and drowning. In Streamline, all of these sensations and emotions bubble up for 15-year-old Benjamin Lane (Levi Miller, A Wrinkle in Time), as he pursues a professional swimming career, a spot in a prestigious squad in Brisbane and, ideally, an Olympics berth and all the glory that goes with it. Indeed, one of the delights of this Australian movie, which boasts Ian Thorpe as one of its executive producers, is how evocatively it sprinkles these swashes of feelings across the screen. Written and directed by feature first-timer Tyson Wade Johnston, Streamline is a sports drama as well as a small town-set family drama — and it's also a portrait of that time when you're expected to dive headfirst into adulthood, and into knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life, but you're also inescapably wracked with uncertainty and apprehension. Teenage awkwardness and angst aren't simple states to capture on-screen, although enough coming-of-age movies have been buoyed by both; however, Streamline opts to plunge deep into the existential stress that goes beyond feeling out of place with your peers or being annoyed at your parents. Its protagonist, who everyone just calls Boy, only really connects with his girlfriend and best friend Patti (Tasia Zalar, Mystery Road) at school. And, he's definitely mad at his mother and father. He resents his single mum Kim's (Laura Gordon, Undertow) efforts to keep him focused, which he sees as controlling rather than nurturing. He's doing tumble turns internally over his dad Rob (Jason Isaacs, Creation Stories), who's just been released from prison and has never been a positive influence in his life. Boy is also furious at his surrogate father figure, Coach Clarke (Robert Morgan, The Secrets She Keeps), for all the cajoling that coaches tend to give. But, mostly the swimming prodigy is unsure — about what he wants, what he's been told he wants and what to do next. Streamline takes ample cues from sports flicks and the usual formula behind them, with big races, the pressure to succeed and the push to impress the right people to score the best opportunities driving much of the narrative alongside training and its tussles. But as this emotionally astute film explores the tension and trepidation swelling inside Boy — the kind that only worsens whenever his dad is mentioned, let alone turns up, and also ramps up as he spends time self-destructing with his hard-drinking, loutish older half-brothers Dave (Jake Ryan, Savage) and Nick (Sam Parsonson, Operation Buffalo) — it taps into themes that've been washing through Australian cinema with increasing frequency over the past decade or so. In movies such as Animal Kingdom, Snowtown, Buoyancy and 1%, young men struggle to carve their own paths, or even just to survive or avoid following in damaging footsteps, all in the lingering shadow of violence. Shades of late-90s great The Boys also filter through when Streamline's Boy is with his siblings, but this measured and moving picture is never merely the sum of its influences, even as it adds more flawed and fractured males to the nation's cinematic canon. Navigating this sea of toxic masculinity, Miller manages to convey many traits that fit the mould — Boy can be arrogant, reckless, careless with other people's feelings, moody, unwilling to express what's simmering within and combative — and also show his character's pain, conflict, yearning and vulnerability. It's a stellar performance, as well as a difficult one; the best work of the young actor's career so far, it's also likely to keep the Pan, Better Watch Out and Jasper Jones star in weightier roles moving forward. There isn't a weak link among the cast, though, but the film's standout moments all come when Miller is in front of the lens. A particular sense of power emanates in his scenes with Isaacs, and therefore with the man that Boy has been devastatingly hurt by and yet still finds himself drawn to. The two actors both played the same person but at varying ages in the vastly dissimilar Red Dog: True Blue, but now they play different points on a spectrum that neither wants Boy to slide down. Contrasting the rigours of seeking perfection with the toll it takes, Streamline submerges itself in its lead character's journey visually as well. This is a melancholy movie in tone and appearance, with hues of blue hovering in frame after frame. Those shades often emanate from the water, obviously, given that it has such a pivotal part in Boy's days and dramas — but when they continue to pop up elsewhere, they also exude the sorrow of a teen who realises he doesn't know how to either keep or to stop doing what he's doing. Cinematographer Michael Latham shot the aforementioned Buoyancy, too, and gave The Assistant, Island of the Hungry Ghosts, Strange Colours and Casting JonBenet their exacting, evocative and also piercing looks, with his efforts here continuing the trend. Indeed, watching Streamline feels like plummeting into a brooding well not only emotionally, thematically and narratively, but aesthetically. Sometimes chasing a dream is like that, too, as this excellent Aussie drama also recognises.
The arrival of Fitzroy's newest ramen spot Gogyo won't go unnoticed. An enormous new exterior mural, a modern interpretation of wuxing (the five Chinese elements) by celebrated Sydney-based artist Kentaro Yoshida, points to its entrance on the corner of Brunswick and Westgarth streets. And, in the kitchen, the team is shaking up the game by celebrating a gutsy style of signature ramen you won't find anywhere else in town. Japanese-born Gogyo has landed in Melbourne following the success of its Aussie debut, which launched in Sydney's Surry Hills in 2018. It's also from the same minds behind internationally revered ramen chain Ippudo and, as you might know, that equates to some serious street cred in the world of Japanese noodle soup. [caption id="attachment_760781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kogashi ramen by Julia Sansone[/caption] Gogyo has set itself apart from the pack with its burnt ramen creation dubbed kogashi. A smoky, sweet and intense dish crafted on a charred miso or shoyu base, it is then loaded with chicken broth, pork belly chashu and half an umami egg. While it's the headline act at the new Fitzroy restaurant, the black (but not bitter) soup is backed by a strong supporting cast of alternative ramen varieties and izakaya-style snacks. The space itself is split between a minimalist front cocktail lounge and the restaurant, divided by traditional noren curtains featuring more of Yoshida's symbolic artworks. Step through into the dining room and you'll find a warm timber-filled space decked out with deep booths and a long open kitchen lined with stools. [caption id="attachment_760765" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] As for the menu, it's a mix of Gogyo favourites and Fitzroy exclusives. You might kick off with elegant snacks like scampi nigiri and spring rolls stuffed with sukiyaki-style wagyu, before diving into the likes of pork katsu curry or a poke-style sashimi number. There's a cracking karaage chicken, wagyu tataki finished with shiso and yuzu ponzu, and a miso chicken teamed with sticky rice and fennel pickle. Meanwhile, in the ramen corner, the two kogashi options steal the show, though there's plenty to tempt among the rest of the lineup, including a tonkotsu ramen laced with garlic oil and a fiery chilli shoyu soup. To match, there's a tight list of Aussie wines, Suntory brews on tap and a handful of elegant cocktails, like the whisky- and bitter orange-infused Salaryman. Find Gogyo at 413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. It's open daily from 12–3pm and again from 5.30–9pm. Images: Julia Sansone
In as much as anyone can be one, Janette Sadik-Khan is an urban development rockstar. Spearheading the re-design of both New York City's transport system and the world-renowned Times Square public space, she is a global leader in her field. And, in speaking at this year's Velo-City conference in Adelaide, Sadik-Khan has offered some advice for Australian cities. Namely, our streets should be more like "living rooms" and — surprise, surprise — we definitely need better bike lanes. With six years under her belt as the Transportation Commissioner of New York City, this lady knows exactly what she's talking about. "Our streets are where we play and meet, kind of like the living rooms of New York," she told the crowd at Velo-City this week. Fighting a war against congestion, Sadik-Khan endeavoured to make New York's public spaces accessible for all — walkers, cyclists, drivers and those relying on public transport. In one of her biggest projects, last year she transformed Times Square into a communal pedestrian space with hundreds of fold-out chairs. It proved to be a huge win for businesses as well as the local community, and in fact shot the area into the top ten retail spaces in the world for the first time ever. In her trip down under, Sadik-Khan has praised cities such as Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland, stating that they seem to have a great deal of leadership at the local level. In fact in just this last week, Sydney has announced a new speed limit for their CBD in order to limit pedestrian accidents, and Melbourne City Council is considering the closure of many main streets in favour of an innovative new walking plan. However, the area all cities are lacking in is undoubtedly their facilities for cyclists. Sadik-Khan claims we must invest in better bike lanes and sustainable bike-share programs. Though many of our major cities have such programs in place, they're understandably not functioning as well as they could. With car doorings a regular occurrence, and animosity towards cyclists at an all-time high, it's clear more can be done. Of course, New York is far from the perfect example. I personally would be terrified to ride my bike through the main city streets and I don't think the local cabbies would be happy to share the road with me either. But it's undoubtedly a beacon of hope. With your feet up on a deck chair in the middle of an NYC icon, you can't help but think something's gone right. Via ABC. Photo credit: hadsie via photopin cc and cuellar via photopin cc.
Some like it fancy. Their dining, their threads, their lifestyle. Quality craft, premium ingredients, considered processes — all key elements when producing the finer things that make life delicious and wonderful. Come Sunday, September 4, dads, father figures or your favourite leading legend can bask in a whole day set aside to celebrate all that they are. And, if that person likes to lean fancy, we've got your back with a top-notch roundup of luxe presents they're sure to love. First up? A smooth sip. DELICIOUS AND WONDERFUL WHISKY A terrific bottle of booze is a reliable winner when it comes to gifting for the 18+ crowd. And if a timeless Scotch whisky is their thing, Glenmorangie's full range should be your first port of call. The award-winning distillery produces a stunning range of whiskies in the Scottish Highlands (and the country's tallest copper stills). So, if your father figure is after a smooth sip, reap the goods of our legwork. Keeping it classic? You want The Original, the elevated yet mellow drop that's aged for 10 years in bourbon casks. Opting for something out-there? You're looking for The Lasanta, the attempt at bottling the "magic of a sunset" according to Glenmorangie's director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden. And if your dad deserves the top of the shelf, you're after the extremely rare — and extremely good — 18 Years Old. The lauded drop spends 15 years in American oak casks, then another three in Olorosso sherry. Good things take time, so trust this is brilliant. Glenmorangie, price varies FRESH KICKS Sneaker cred is important in the world of dads. So, regardless of how fashion-forward he seems, a little refresh to the wardrobe will never go astray. Playing into the luxe-streetwear trend is this green and white pair of Golden Goose Ball Stars. Paying homage to the eighties — and delivering a healthy dose of nostalgia — these Italian-made premium kicks are cool, effortless and set to be on regular rotation. Golden Goose, $830 LUSH LOUNGING Whether he gets his laps in or regularly enjoys a dip in the salty sea, having a luxurious towel around you really heightens the aquatic experience. Baina's Roman Pool Towel — made from 100% organic cotton in Portugal — hits the mark in both quality and style. A checkerboard of tabac and noir is both timeless and timely as far as trends go, making it a piece Dad'll use for years. Verdict: a truly solid gift. Slowe, $110 STAND-OUT SKIN SAVIOURS The largest organ in the body needs to be cared for with utmost importance. And when it comes to gifting-appropriate grooming options, you can't do much better than Aesop. The Parsley Seed Extended Anti-Oxidant Skin Care Kit is ideal for self-care novices and aficionados alike. Open this up and you discover six hardworking products: cleansing oil and toner, instantly hydrating serum and treatment, an eye cream and a masque — all tastefully packaged in Aesop's signature apothecary style. If your dad is always in the sun, out and about in city air or looking to brighten their face, present them with this — gold star guaranteed. Aesop, $360 HEIGHTENED HIGHBALLS Any drop that's worth drinking is worth pouring straight into a fancy — and deliciously different — glass. The sparkle of a highball housed in calm waves of viridescent glass will take happy hour up a notch, and Fazeek's designs are the ultimate way to get there. Specifically, The Wave Highballs in green (though, there's clear and pink, too). These stylish vessels are all hand-blown and come in sets of two — perfect for cheers-ing your pa. Fazeek, $99 for set of two FLASHY FURNITURE Your dad is a design-head who likes to make a statement? The Arnold Circus Stool — or side table or giant vase (if flipped on its head) — in red/orange is big, bright and will be a magnet for decor-related compliments. Expertly crafted from 100% recycled polythene plastic by the stand-out design talent Martino Gamper, each piece is wonderfully unique. Just imagine those green glass Fazeek highballs resting on top. Makers' Mrkt, $230 LUXE THREADS You can't go wrong with linen, and there'll be no shade thrown if you decided to nab this wardrobe essential for yourself instead. Rag & Bone do what they do so well: easy-breezy style, classic tailoring, designs that last. This Long-Sleeve Beach Shirt is a winner no matter who you're shopping for — regardless of personal style. Incu, $330 SMOKY SCENTS A hard-hitting present is a piece that someone covets but is reluctant to purchase themselves. Fragrance often finds itself in this category, though once you've made a scent your signature, there's no turning back. Cue the scentsmiths over at Roemy. Designed and made in Australia, cruelty free and long-wearing, they've got a stellar lineup of fragrances ready and waiting. Our rec? Forest. Crisp yet warm and reminiscent of sun after a sudden downpour. Plus, each bottle comes with a sample, so you can test drive an option for next year. Roemy, $239 Happy gifting this Father's Day, and if you're still scratching your head, you can't go past a bottle of Glenmorangie's delicious and wonderful whisky. Top image: Mark Babin, Unsplash
A new Parisian hotel designed by French artist Matali Crasset is offering travellers a completely new hotel experience. Recently opened in the trendy Rue Chardonne area, Hi-Matic Hotel is entirely internet-based and has no traditional staff. Guests are given a unique code when they make an online reservation and that code gives them access to the building. Once inside, guests are able to check in and pay for their stay on computers (that then dispense their room keys). If they become hungry or bored, guests are able to purchase organic foods, books, music and playful objects from vending machines located in the hotel. The aim of the Hi-Matic is to create a new type of hotel - something unique and luxurious but also practical and accessible. The spaces within the hotel are bright and futuristic, with eco-friendly materials such as organic paint being used throughout. The design is simple but striking and effective. All this does not come without a price, however, with rooms starting at AUD$180 a night. [Via Design Boom]
Melburnians love a good Japanese restaurant. Not only is it the most Googled cuisine in the state, but these spots come in so many forms — from wallet-friendly takeaway sushi and ramen haunts, to high-end omakase diners and neighbourhood izakaya. We've also seen a rise in contemporary Japanese restaurants that pull many of these elements together into one playful package — Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya, Yakimono, Supernormal and Robata all do this brilliantly. And the latest to join this club of new-wave Japanese restaurants is Kushiro, which opened in June on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. This is Yvonne Cheng's second Kushiro outpost, with the first located inside Hong Kong's legendary Peninsula Hotel. Both sites have many similarities, but while the Hong Kong Kushiro is a traditional omakase diner befitting its five-star-hotel setting, Melbourne's version is significantly more low-key and has a distinct izakaya feel. But just because it's less formal, don't think that means the quality here has also been taken down a notch, with Kushiro Hong Kong's Executive Chef Jan Chung in Melbourne to personally ensure the new offer is just as impressive as the original. Chung has worked in a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants, so you should rightfully expect top-quality eats with a lot of creative flair. You'll find him serving up a luxe scampi tartare with lobster bisque panna cotta; a less-than-classic char siu made with beetroot-marinated pork belly that's been tenderised with papaya and glazed with a sticky and sweet sauce; and a 12-hour slow-roasted short rib with barley, carrot and a whisky rosemary glaze. When it comes to bevs, the team is pouring Kushiro's own Japanese-made sake, as well as classic and signature cocktails, Japanese spirits, and a tight selection of wines and beers. You'll find Kushiro at 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, open for dinner from Tuesday–Saturday and lunch on Saturdays. For more details and to book a table, head to the venue's website.
East Melbourne is ready to welcome the city's latest luxury hotel Lanson Place, which is slated to open in September this year. The group behind the new accommodation already boasts eight lavish properties throughout Asia, with this Melbourne site being its first Australian hotel. It's housed within and above the heritage-protected 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works by Parliament Gardens, which has been totally transformed through a $80 million renovation. The historic facade remains, but the interior has been gutted and replaced with luxe contemporary finishes — in line with Lanson Place's other international properties. The team has also included 325 commissioned pieces of art and sculpture that are said to be inspired by the building's storied past as a printing press. This includes the lobby's 40-metre-long ceiling installation which mimics both falling paper and the bark from a native melaleuca paperbark tree. As you move through the rest of the hotel, you'll find a 20-metre swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, coworking space, and a ground-floor all-day diner and bar that champions Aussie produce. 137 accommodations are also available, including classic hotel rooms, studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a couple of totally-luxe penthouses. You've got all the usual five-star amenities here, plus an extensive pillow menu for those fussy sleepers. Many of the rooms also boast uninterrupted views across Parliament Gardens and the city skyline. The Chief Executive Officer of Lanson Place Michael Hobson shared that "Melbourne has a unique appeal to domestic and international guests, with its sporting and cultural calendar that draws visitors consistently throughout the year. "We believe that Lanson Place will be a great fit for these guests, whether they are staying for a weekend getaway or a longer stay for work. We're looking forward to a long future in Australia." You'll find Lanson Place Parliament Gardens at 502 Albert Street, East Melbourne. For more details on the new hotel and to book a stay, you can visit the venue's website.
If all goes to plan, this could be one of our last Friday nights in lockdown. And how better to send it off than with a big ol' living room boogie? Fittingly enough, this Friday, October 23, also marks the final event in Melbourne Fringe Festival's lockdown program, starring a celebratory edition of fan-favourite, Mr McClelland's Finishing School. Broadcasting to a screen and speaker system near you from 9pm, the virtual dance party will see DJ Andrew McClelland working his usual magic, guiding you all through a foot-stomping, groove-inducing mix of indie, pop, soul and rock tunes. Live and loud from his own lounge room, mind you. Clear out the coffee table, put the breakables somewhere safe and get ready to sweat out your lockdown frustrations to hard-hitting songs from across the decades. Best of all, it's an affordable night spent cutting shapes. You'll pay $5 if you're flying solo, $10 for a household ticket, or $15 if you're joining in from some other magical place where IRL partying is still allowed.
Stuff yourself full of morsels from every corner of the globe when the International Street Food Festival rolls into town. The smells of more than 45 different world cuisines will waft across Catani Gardens and the St Kilda foreshore, in this weekend-long celebration of multiculturalism and all the tasty treats it brings. Whether you want doughnuts, dumplings, pizza, paella, churros, fried chicken or char-grilled Argentinean BBQ, we guarantee there'll be something on the menu for you. In between feasting, visitors can catch a fashion show or enjoy live music and art demonstrations. Each performance will draw on the cultural practices of a different part of the world. Of course, that's assuming you can drag yourself away from your plate — which, if you're anything like us, is no guarantee at all.
Sydneysiders — and those planning a trip to the harbour city — can get their cultural kicks IRL again, with most major NSW cultural institutions back in action. And, with Sydney home to so many galleries, museums and art spaces, there's no shortage of arty events to add to your calendar. One to bookmark for the warmer months: A retrospective exhibition on multidisciplinary artist Lindy Lee that's taking over leading contemporary gallery MCA Australia. Titled Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop, it is the most comprehensive exhibition by the artist to date — and it's opening on Friday, October 2. The celebrated Australian Chinese artist has a practice spanning over four decades and works in everything from painting to sculpture. Her Chinese ancestry underpins much of her art; Lee's works are inspired by Daoism and Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism philosophies and she often examines the connection between humanity and nature. From flinging molten bronze and burning paper to allowing ink to spill and rain to transform surfaces, Lee's process is varied, experimental and inquisitive. Expect more than 70 works, including huge installations, vibrant wax paintings and metallic structures — and rarely seen works from the artist's personal collection. You'll also spy a few new commissions, one of which will be proudly exhibited on the museum's outdoor forecourt. To mark the exhibition's launch, Lee will be giving a talk on her art practice on Wednesday, October 7, which you can catch in person or live stream from home. [caption id="attachment_782750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] MCA Australia's exhibition Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop launches on Friday, October 2. The gallery is currently open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday, with COVID-19 measures in place. Entry is free and unticketed. Top images: Lindy Lee, 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things' (1995/2020), courtesy of the artist and Sutton Gallery, Melbourne; Lindy Lee, 'The Silence of Painters' (1989), Museum of Contemporary Art, gift of Loti Smorgon AO and Victor Smorgon AC; Lindy Lee, 'Exploding Suns' (2019), installation view, photography by Ng Wu Gang; Lindy Lee, 'Book of Kuan-yin' (2002), courtesy the artist and Sutton Gallery, Melbourne; and Lindy Lee, 'Untitled (After Jan Van Eyck)' (1988), collection of The University of Queensland, gift of Mary Dwyer in memory of Paul Dane Tilley. For the latest info on NSW border restrictions, head here. If travelling from Queensland or Victoria, check out Queensland Health and DHHS websites, respectively.
If you've got a thing for both craft beer and colourful can designs, then you're probably familiar with the work of beer design studio Pocketbeagles — aka Clint Weaver. His works have graced many a tinny, but perhaps most famously the character-centric cans of Brunswick-based craft brewery CoConspirators. Well, on Saturday, October 15, Weaver is pulling together a few of his favourite things, teaming up with some beer-loving mates to host the Pocket Party at CoConspirators' Brunswick HQ. Head in from 1pm to sample four different collaboration beers made especially for the event, courtesy of Bright Brewery, Two Rupees, Brewmanity, new Sydney-based meadery Greedy Bear and CoConspirators themselves. Weaver will also be showing off his new canned cocktail line Pours, to star alongside a selection of beer cocktails, paired snacks by chef Caitlin Koether and tunes spun by DJ Tim Munro. Plus, if your look needs a refresh, local barbers Carpe Vinum will be popping up to offer cuts on the day. Best of all, tickets to the whole thing are an easy $10.
As the CBD slowly emerges from its 2020 hibernation, it's welcomed an especially lively newcomer in Mejico — a vibrant eatery that opened its doors this week, transforming Pink Alley into a permanent fiesta. Sibling to Mejico Sydney, which launched back in 2013, the restaurant's serving up a diverse menu of regional Mexican fare, alongside what's pegged to be Melbourne's largest selection of tequila and mezcal, clocking in at over 260 varieties. The two-storey space sports an edgy fit-out full of black and neon pink accents, with an all-weather glasshouse-style dining room on the ground floor, and a more intimate tequila bar and cocktail lounge upstairs. It's decked out with hand-drawn mandalas, striking murals by local artist Ash Keating, and a leafy vertical garden. Unlike most of the Mexican joints you've been frequenting, this one's an early riser, kicking off each day with a breakfast offering from 7.30am. Settle in with the likes of a reworked eggs benny with chipotle hollandaise, dulce de leche crumpets and mezcal-cured salmon, or grab a fresh croissant and coffee to-go. [caption id="attachment_793267" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] Come lunch and dinner, the menu expands to a colourful lineup of street snacks — think, grilled haloumi with burnt honey, fire-glazed salmon tacos and empanadas stuffed with Daylesford beef brisket — alongside larger plates like the pasilla-spiced roast chicken and a Yucatan-style pulled pork matched with smoked eggplant. Here, the all-important guacamole element is prepared tableside in front of your eyes, served with plantain chips and customised with your choice of garnishes. Or, you can tuck into a classic ($62) or deluxe ($79) 'feed me' menu, the latter of which includes a serve of Mejico's signature margarita cheesecake. Late-night cravings are sorted, too, with a special post-11pm snack menu, featuring bites like blue corn chips with a roasted pineapple and habanero salsa, brisket empanadas, and crispy chicharrones. Tequila and mezcal reign supreme on the drinks list, though the agave-focused cocktail lineup is also set to get a solid workout. You'll find fruity creations like a jalapeño margarita and the Guadalajaran — featuring a blend of pineapple-infused tequila and passionfruit. Rounding out the fun is a tidy crop of wines, crisp beers, and sangria by the glass or jug. Find Mejico Melbourne at 1 Pink Alley, Melbourne. It's open from 11.30–11pm Sunday–Wednesday and 11.30am–3am Thursday–Saturday, plus, from 7.30am for takeaway breakfast Monday–Friday. Images: Arianna Leggiero
Ditch the generic candle and comfy socks this year and give your loved ones a gift they'll remember next Christmas. Show your partner that you've been paying attention to their love language with a surprise picnic, road-trip adventure or cosy date night. Take the little ones on a rural family escapade, or liven up your next group hang with a murder mystery game. For all the do-ers out there, AmazingCo has you covered with a broad range of unforgettable experiences that you can enjoy at home or across your city. We've pulled together five one-of-a-kind adventures for everyone on your nice list, so you can enjoy a hassle-free giving season. MYSTERY PICNIC Turn up the romance with a picture-perfect picnic for your partner. Or, you can choose to treat your friends and family with a group picnic instead. Explore a new pocket of your city with a morning of activities that ends with a picnic in a surprise location. Choose an area — either close by or even a day-trip drive away — and you'll receive a full itinerary of places to explore at your own pace. Follow a series of clues to pick up gourmet snacks from local producers and eateries, all pre-paid for as part of the package, while bonding with your partner over conversation starters and games. Then, you can enjoy your nibbles and drinks with a picnic at a chosen location. The Mystery Picnic starts at $150, but you can upgrade to a premium package or add extra goodies, such as dessert or a bottle of wine. It can also be adapted to suit most dietary requirements. MYSTERY REGION ADVENTURE Discover even more local gems in a half-day voyage with the Mystery Region Adventure. Enjoy an easy cruise to destinations such as the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley or Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Once you've arrived, solve puzzles to uncover each stop along the way, where you'll be treated to wine, produce and chocolate tastings, as well as exclusive discounts and offers. This charming experience will only set you back $80–100, depending on which regional location you choose. AT-HOME DATE NIGHT If your partner prefers quality time at home, spice up your next night in with an At-Home Date Night experience. For only $30, you'll get two hours of puzzles, challenges and games designed to bring you closer together. The activity pack is delivered digitally, so you can enjoy it wherever you are. Take your pick of themes, from the tasty Foodie Date Night or action-packed Activity Date Night to the indulgent Chocolate and Games Hamper and limited-edition New Year's Eve Date Night. Who knows? After this, your relationship might even be strong enough to tackle building that IKEA dresser together. FARM TO TABLE Suited to couples, families and friends, the Farm to Table experience will take you on a food-fuelled day through regions such as the Hawkesbury, Mornington Peninsula or Scenic Rim. Work through clues and riddles to source produce from regional farms and businesses, where you'll learn about sustainable farming techniques, meet some of the animals and connect with the community over snacks and sips. Your efforts will be rewarded with a barbecue back at home, using the ingredients collected throughout the day and the digital recipe book included in the package. Level up your experience with a tasting paddle (or non-alcoholic cider for kids). Most dietary modifications can be accomodated. MURDER MYSTERY PARTY Live out your Knives Out dream and trade the usual dinner and drinks catch-up for a themed Murder Mystery Party. Take your pick from the spooky mayor's mansion, 80s high school reunion or doomed wedding. The experience includes everything you need to host the event, from character bios and invitations to decor tips and printable evidence, so all your friends have to do is show up with outrageous hairstyles in unflattering fluro. Pricing ranges from $40–55 based on the event format (virtual or in-person). It's designed for groups of 8-12, so the more the merrier! If you want more memorable gift ideas, check out the full guide or purchase a gift card on the AmazingCo website.
January 2025 brought the return of Severance. February has been all about The White Lotus and Yellowjackets making a comeback, both for their third seasons. March will see Daredevil: Born Again hit streaming queues, then April has new episodes of The Handmaid's Tale and The Last of Us — and HBO has just confirmed exactly when the latter will hit the small screen. Mark Monday, April 14 in your diary — and yes, the wait for the Pedro Pascal (The Wild Robot)- and Bella Ramsey (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget)-starring game-to-TV hit's seven-episode second season is almost over. How does humanity endure in the aftermath of the Cordyceps virus, and the global devastation caused by it? What does it mean to persist? Also, who do we become in the process? Audiences will find out again in mid-autumn. Viewers have known roughly when The Last of Us would return for a while now, but not the exact date. At the end of 2024, the US network confirmed that the series would kick off its second season sometime in autumn Down Under. Then, it locked in the month. Also revealed along the way before now: sneak peeks at the hit TV show that's based on the hugely popular gaming series, including as images, in promos for the network's full upcoming slate and via teaser trailers. Prepare for a time jump. Prepare for a guitar. Prepare for hordes of infected. Prepare for a haunting feeling, too. Also, prepare for sirens, flares and a stern warning: "there are just some things everyone agrees are just wrong", one of the teasers advises. In season two, it's been five years since the events of season one. And while there has been peace, it clearly isn't here to stay. Yes, Joel and Ellie are back — and, in their shoes, so are Pascal and Ramsey. This time, however, part of the conflict comes from each other. The show's main duo also have company from both familiar faces and a heap of newcomers in its second season. Rutina Wesley (Monster High) and Gabriel Luna (Fubar) return as Maria and Tommy, while Kaitlyn Dever (Apple Cider Vinegar), Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Young Mazino (Beef), Ariela Barer (How to Blow Up a Pipeline), Tati Gabrielle (Kaleidoscope), Spencer Lord (Family Law), Danny Ramirez (Black Mirror) and Catherine O'Hara (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) are the season's additions. The Last of Us made the leap from video games to TV in 2023, and was swiftly renewed after proving a massive smash instantly. The series gave HBO its most-watched debut season of a show ever — and its first episode was also the network's second-largest debut of all time. Locking in a second season was also hardly surprising because the 2013 game inspired a 2014 expansion pack and 2020 sequel. For first-timers to the franchise on consoles and as a TV series, The Last of Us kicked off 20 years after modern civilisation as we know it has been toppled by a parasitic fungal infection that turns the afflicted into shuffling hordes. Pascal plays Joel, who gets saddled with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie (his Game of Thrones co-star Ramsey) out of a strict quarantine zone to help possibly save humanity's last remnants. There wouldn't be a game, let alone a television version, if that was an easy task, of course — and if the pair didn't need to weather quite the brutal journey. As a television series, The Last of Us hails from co-creator, executive producer, writer and director Craig Mazin, who already brought a hellscape to HBO (and to everyone's must-watch list) thanks to the haunting and horrifying Chernobyl. He teams up here with Neil Druckmann from Naughty Dog, who also penned and directed The Last of Us games. One question remaining for Australian audiences is where The Last of Us season two will be available. Season one arrived via Binge, but HBO is set to launch its Max streaming platform locally in the first half of 2025 — and doing so with one of its huge recent successes would be a logical move. Check out the latest teaser trailer for The Last of Us season two below: The Last of Us season two will arrive on Monday, April 14, 2025 Down Under. Season one is available to stream via Binge in Australia and on Neon in New Zealand. Read our review of the first season. Images: Liane Hentscher/HBO.
An honest man follows his ambitions, but finds trouble at every turn. We’ve seen this story done before and done well; however, films as gloomy and gripping as A Most Violent Year don’t come around that often. It’s not necessarily the chaos and corruption the movie tells of that gets under your skin, though there’s plenty of that. What makes this tense, moody thriller so insidious and effective is the way it states the costs and consequences without offering an alternative. Adapt or perish, it says. That’s just life, it tells us. When we first meet that well-intentioned businessman, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), he’s running — and doesn’t stop throughout the film. Yes, he’s frequently standing still, but he’s never really relaxed or comfortable. He’s continually chasing the next step in his carefully controlled climb from poor immigrant to heating oil mogul, and the movie loves nothing more than to watch his struggle. Understanding why Morales itches to keep moving is simple, despite everything — his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), his fancy home and his growing oil company — seeming the picture of happiness. Thugs keep hijacking his trucks, threatening his staff and prowling around his house. The assistant district attorney (David Oyelowo) has targeted him in an investigation into the industry. If a property deal crucial to expanding his empire falls through, he could lose everything. Writer/director J.C. Chandor previously made Margin Call and All Is Lost, which gives an indication of the uneasiness on display. Yet again, his characters walk the fine line between success and failure, trapped in a horror story about survival in capitalist times. The American Dream is mentioned, and that’s certainly what the movie contemplates, though it’s rarely so blunt about it. Instead, it is telling that the story is set in New York in 1981 — reportedly the city’s most crime-ridden year on record, hence the title. That Selma cinematographer Bradford Young chooses to make everything from subway cars to suburban homes look shadowy and inescapable is just as revealing. Chandor has always benefited from clever casting, but in A Most Violent Year he has hit the jackpot. Isaac is exceptional as someone trying not to drown — metaphorically, not literally, here — in stormy waters. Everyone who rightfully loved him in Balibo, Drive and Inside Llewyn Davis will only do so all over again. Morales is the type of conflicted role only he could’ve done justice to. He’s constantly composing himself for the next drama — whether discussing tactics with his attorney (Albert Brooks), or begrudgingly asking a competitor (Alessandro Nivola) for help. And then there’s his battle with Anna, as formidably played as the gangster’s daughter she is by the equally outstanding Chastain. If ever there was a depiction of marriage to test the “behind every great man, there’s a great woman” adage, it’s this one (matching stylish period outfits included). It may take time getting there, building patiently and unnervingly, but when A Most Violent Year ends, it’s like the slap in the face you knew was coming yet couldn’t duck to avoid. Another famous saying springs to mind: be careful what you wish for. Viewers wanting a complex and compelling film needn’t fear, but anyone wanting life to be full of unambiguously happy endings just might.
If you hadn't heard of Marionette before, chances are you have now. The Melbourne-born drinks label, which makes fruit liqueurs with a distinctly Aussie twist, is fast becoming a staple at bars across the city. Oh, and one of its four local founders was just named Australia's Best Bartender for 2022. But if you're yet to get acquainted with this innovative producer, you'll find the perfect opportunity this winter at Quincy Melbourne's club lounge The Q, as it hosts its Winter Orchard in the Sky. Each Thursday to Sunday throughout July and August, the sky-high hotel bar will be showcasing Marionette's unique fruit-forward creations, which reimagine European classics (think, Cointreau and Campari) with local ingredients like Mildura oranges and Tasmanian blackberries. Not only will you be able to sample the entire range straight or with ice, but The Q will be shaking up a special limited-edition cocktail menu celebrating Marionette's finest. Get set for creations like the Blackberry — fusing the Marionette Mure with JimmyRum Silver, lemon, ginger and Vietnamese mint — and another concoction starring Marionette Cassis with tequila, lime and ginger beer. What's more, if you visit on Friday, July 15, or Saturday, July 30, you'll catch the aforementioned top-ranked bartender Nick Tesar (Bar Liberty) on the tools for a couple of special guest appearances. [caption id="attachment_861330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Q[/caption] Top Images: The Q
Big things come in small packages at the St Kilda Film Festival, Australia's oldest and most prestigious celebration of short-form cinema. Taking over the beachside suburb from 17–26 May, the festival program is as jam-packed as ever, with films of every conceivable genre along with a VR lineup, filmmaking resources and a whopping $50,000 prize pool. As always, the centrepiece of the festival is Australia's Top 100 Short Films. The competition is split into 16 different sessions — spread across the ten days — including two documentary streams and an intriguing "after dark" contingent. Highlights from the lineup are The Story, which was filmed in St Kilda and centres on a man that witnesses an emergency; a film about four women in a futuristic Australia, called Cooee; and Mrs McCutcheon, the story of a 10-year-old boy who likes to wear dresses and go by the name of Mrs McCutcheon. Other program standouts include the annual SoundKILDA Music Video Competition, a selection of Latin American shorts presented in partnership with Mexico's Guanajuato International Film Festival, and the Under the Radar, which showcases films from emerging filmmakers under the age of 21. The festival is also home to The Big Picture, one of the country's largest free filmmaker development programs, where attendees can pick up tips of the trade from leading industry professionals on everything from working with actors to making a movie on your smartphone. While the festival's flashy opening night will take place at the grand Palais Theatre, the rest of the program will be screened at St Kilda Town Hall. St Kilda Film Festival will run from Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 26. To snag tickets head to stkildafilmfestival.com.au.
A collection of local businesses are joining forces this Friday night to raise money for people who find themselves in Melbourne looking for a better life. Hosted by Long Street Coffee, Hopes, Scoops and Hoops will see the Richmond cafe work with the folks from Market Lane Coffee, Mountain Goat Beer and Pidapipo Gelateria, for a fundraiser benefiting the West Welcome Wagon, a volunteer-run charity that provides material aid to asylum seekers living in Melbourne's west. The Market Lane team will be running a special Rwandan coffee education session, while Pidapipo will bring the gelato and Mountain Goat the beer. The food, meanwhile, will come courtesy of the Long Street kitchen, who'll also provide the laneway basketball ring where you can shoot hoops until dark. Not a bad deal for $25 — especially when you consider the fact that it's going to such a great cause.
Nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, family drama The Past is writer-director Asghar Farhadi's first film since 2011 release A Separation, one of the most critically lauded films of the past decade. It begins with Ahmad (Ali Mosaffa) arriving in Paris from Tehran to finalise divorce proceedings with Marie (Berenice Bejo). He wanted her to book him a hotel — she hasn't, the first crack in the veneer of politeness. Temporarily back at his former home after a four-year absence, he finds Marie is now living with Samir (Tahar Rahim). The home is a mess of wet paint and half-finished renovations, as though in the process of removing any trace of Ahmad's time there. Ahmad has to share a room with Samir's eight-year-old son, Fouad (Elyes Aguis), who is acting out because of his confusion about the divorce. Ahmad snipes at Marie about this arrangement and the ensuing bickering bothers Samir, who senses there is something too familiar about their disagreements, that the feuds have the tone of a couple with unfinished business. Meanwhile, Ahmad's teenage daughter, Lucie (Pauline Burlet), has become unhappy and is often absent from home, largely because of the circumstances of Samir's split with his wife and his new relationship with her mother, as well as her own guilt at a train of events she believes she has set in motion. The Past starts off being about the final dissolution of Ahmad and Marie's relationship and the messy, unsatisfying experience of formally ending their marriage, but the story soon spirals off into something else entirely. Just when one strand seems to have exhausted itself, another complication arises, adding to the tragic mess these characters find themselves in. Yet while it is a film of revelations, there is never hint of melodrama and the story unfolds with complete, compelling realism. The small details are incredibly well-observed: one scene where Samir asks Lucie to pass him a kettle and she holds it so he has to scald his hands on the hot surface speaks volumes of their relationship, as does his almost comically stoic refusal to acknowledge what is happening. Another scene places Ahmad and Samir at a table together and watches as their silence and awkward refusal to engage with each other grows into something almost painful. Berenice Bejo won the Best Actress award at Cannes for her committed performance here, but The Past is a true ensemble piece with Burlet exceptional as the shell-shocked, troubled Lucie and Rahim having some brilliant moments as his Samir develops from being a sullen figure annoyed by the arrival of his lover's ex-husband into something much more layered and complex. A film that is rarely less than compelling for its entire running time, The Past gets even better in its wrenching unforgettable final scene, which is all the more emotionally powerful for unfolding at a glacial pace. Acting as both a haunting coda to proceedings and shedding new light on the motivations of its characters, it is an overwhelming last gasp of a truly great film. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z2-_lt4kwXE
Sydney's Wild Life Zoo may be temporarily closed to the public, but its keepers are continuing to feed and care for its many animals, big, small, scaly and slimy. And it's inviting you to get in on the action this week when it live streams the feeding of one of its biggest residents. At 2.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, March 25, you can watch Rocky the mammoth 365-kilogram saltwater crocodile splash around in his large pool, clamp his jaws around snacks and maybe even show off a death roll or two. Before the feeding kicks off, there'll be a Q&A with Rocky's keepers Caroline, Ashley and Sofia, who'll be answering all of your questions about the world's largest reptile. Thankfully, this isn't the only live-stream the zoo is planning. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for future cute and slightly scary content, including possible koala cuddles, snake feeding and after-dark hangs with the nocturnal animals. Live-Stream: Feeding Time with Rocky the Crocodile is happening at 2.30pm AEDT via Wild Life Zoo's Facebook page.
A bottle shop, craft beer pub and beer garden all in one — and did we mention the food trucks? Thornbury stalwart Carwyn Cellars has been a Northside favourite for over a decade, and it's not hard to see why. Stop by this High Street hangout to browse a wide yet thoughtful selection of craft beer, wine and spirits. Beers range from locally made labels to hard-to-find and globally renowned ales, while the wine room features a constantly evolving selection of vintages tasted and handpicked by staff. The venue also doubles as a great spot to sit down over a frothie or two with mates, thanks to a rotating 28-tap craft selection and cosy, astroturfed beer garden. If you're after something a little stiffer, the back bar boasts over 300 whiskies, gins and more, while the wine list changes daily. You can enjoy your drink with a bite from the in-house food truck, which hosts an evolving roster of local chefs regularly. Carwyn Cellars also has a subscription service, which allows you to discover the ever-expanding local and international craft liquor landscape via curated booze packs categorised by frequency and your choice of booze. Images: Kim Jane
Following a sell-out launch event in May, Red Rock Deli is putting together its second secret supper — and this time it's bringing one of Adelaide's most renowned chefs to host an exclusive dinner for some very lucky Sydneysiders. Duncan Welgemoed (Africola) is behind the next mouth-watering feast which will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's new limited-edition flavours. All the details are very much under-wraps, including what he'll be cooking up, but given Africola is famed for its North African-inspired woodfired meats and veggies, you can expect this three-course meal to be filled with flame-grilled delights. Despite everything being very hush-hush, here's what we can reveal: Welgemoed will be flying up for the supper on Thursday, June 20, and his dinner will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's flame-grilled steak and chimichurri flavour. We can also tell you that this experience will involve more than just the dishes — after arriving at the collection point in Sydney's CBD, you'll be whisked away to a mystery location where you can expect everything from the decor to the food to have a fiery theme — although the menu will remain a secret until you arrive. There are two sessions of this lavish dinner, with room for just 20 guests at each. Tickets to Duncan Welgemoed's secret supper cost $110 per person. Enter the ballot below to be given the chance to purchase tickets. The lucky winners will receive a secret link to buy tickets to the evening on Tuesday, June 11th. Please note, the Secret Supper menu will not cater to ANY dietary requirements or allergies. There are strictly no changes to the menu. [competition]717901[/competition] Image: Simon Bajada
Everyone's favourite Fitzroy plant-based pub, Green Man's Arms, is embracing winter by celebrating one of the season's finest offerings — truffles. On Saturday, July 12, the pub will serve up a one-off, five-course lunch packed with truffle decadence, alongside other moreish, plant-based ingredients. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or none of the above, the food here hits the spot, and you can expect nothing less from Chef Johnny Ly for the truffle lunch. Ly will dish up new and old creations, each with a truffle twist. Guests can expect faux gras canapés; seared king oysters with cauliflower white truffle emulsion and caviar; lion's mane short rib with truffle butter; and even a white truffle semifreddo complete with poached pear and puff pastry. To drink, there's an option to add beer or wine pairings — it is a pub, after all. If you can't make the lunch, the good news is that Green Man's Arms will also be serving truffle specials in addition to the regular à la carte menu throughout July and August. With limited spots, bookings for the Truffle Lunch at Green Man's Arms are expected to go fast. Head to the venue's website to book a spot. Images: Supplied.
With the middle of the year fast approaching and too many months gone since Christmas, you're probably thinking about when you can next take a break and get away from it all. So, you could be planning a trip to New Zealand; the trans-Tasman bubble is now open, finally. Or, if you'd like to head to — or make the most of — South Australia, its government wants to give you an extra incentive. As it has done twice already, the SA Government is handing out another round of vouchers in its Great State Vouchers scheme. This time, $50, $100 and $200 vouchers are up for grabs, but only for residents of SA, New South Wales and Victoria. You can put them towards tours and experiences throughout the state, and you can choose which type of single-day, overnight or multi-day experience you're keen on, too, with different activities on offer at different voucher amounts. Because previous iterations of the scheme have proven mighty popular — to the surprise of absolutely no one — you'll also need to enter a ballot this time around. It's open right now, and closes at 10pm ACST / 10.30pm AEST on Friday, April 23. If you're successful, you'll be allocated your preferred voucher at random, which you can then use to book between Tuesday, April 27–Sunday, May 23 for visits from Tuesday, April 27–Saturday, July 31. https://twitter.com/marshall_steven/status/1384651436697407489 If you're wondering what's on offer, activities include gin-blending masterclasses, whale watching, ghost tours, kayak tours of the Adelaide CBD, and food and wine tours of the Clare Valley — plus tours of Adelaide Central Market, a trip to the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve, spending two days on Kangaroo Island, and venturing into the Flinders Rangers for three days. There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly. You can only enter the ballot for one voucher, whether you opt for the $50, $100 or $200 amont, and you'll have to also spend some of your own money to use it — to make up the shortfall in price for your chosen tour or experience — as well. But, if you received a voucher in prior rounds, you can definitely still enter. Accommodation isn't covered this time, either. The idea is that folks heading to SA from interstate will then pump some cash into the economy by paying for hotels — and flights, food and drinks — while they're there. A whopping 50,000 vouchers are on offer, with 45,000 allocated for SA residents and 5000 for folks from NSW and Victoria. And if you're successful, you'll get word on Saturday, April 24. For further details about South Australia's Great State Vouchers scheme — or to enter the ballot for one before 10pm ACST / 10.30pm AEST Friday, April 23 — head to the voucher scheme website.
When you think of elevated Japanese dining, rice might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at Warabi this August, it's the main event. Hanabie is a limited-edition omakase experience with Haku Vodka that celebrates hakumai (polished white rice) in a way you've never tasted before. Running Tuesday to Thursday nights from August 5–28, Hanabie is named after the Japanese word, which refers to the unexpected, fleeting chill that lingers in Japan just before spring begins to bloom. The seven-course menu with paired cocktails highlights the versatility of white rice, which is the backbone of many Japanese dishes and, fittingly, the base spirit of Haku Vodka. [caption id="attachment_1014076" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] You'll enjoy everything from King George whiting sushi to pork cheek with wasabi and a warming donabe pot with eel and rice. On the drinks front, guests are greeted with a Sanmai-tini — a Haku Vodka welcome cocktail that blends sakura, genmaicha and roasted rice. If you're keen to elevate things further, add a full Haku cocktail pairing matched to each dish. In addition to the omakase experience, Warabi will also host a live vinyl DJ set every Thursday night — a delicious way to herald in the last days of winter and warm your soul for spring. Experience the limited-edition Hanabie with Haku Vodka at Warabi from Tuesday, August 5 to Thursday, August 28. Bookings are $199 per person, including a seven-course omakase and welcome cocktail on arrival. Bookings are essential. Head to the website to secure your seat. By Jacque Kennedy Images: Arianna Leggiero
Offal ain't as awful as you might think. In fact, these not-so-sexy meat cuts can be damn right delicious. Nonetheless, we get that they can make a lot of people feel uneasy. Many Aussies just aren't used to eating tripe and tendons. But if you are keen to expand your tastes — as any true Melburnian should — consider trying BKK's limited-edition beef offal soups. Every weekend for lunch and dinner until Sunday, October 6, the BKK crew is offering a build-your-own soup special starting from just $13. The Thai boat noodle soup is made with rich beef broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs and house-made crispy chilli oil. It is a delicious blank canvas on which you can create your own masterpiece. [caption id="attachment_842089" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BKK, by Parker Blain[/caption] To this base, you can add tripe, beef tendons, duck blood jelly, gai lan greens, mushrooms and bean shoots. Start off with just one new protein or go all out by tossing them all into the bowl — baptism by fire. Alternatively, you can simply go for the beef brisket and meatballs. That's definitely allowed, but this Melbourne cheap eats deal is meant to hero offal. So, trust the BKK crew at HER, and dive into something a little different on the weekend. That is unless you already love offal. If that's the case, go ham on all the wonderful protein additions and slurp away to your heart's content.
The riverside precinct of Birrarung Marr is about to level up in a big way, as the City of Melbourne unveils the next phase of its ambitious $300 million Greenline project. The draft proposal was first announced back in December last year and outlined huge changes stretching from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge, including a six-metre-wide promenade plus a new maritime heritage trail across four kilometres. On top of that, the Birrarung Marr precinct is now set to include an additional 450 metres of new boardwalks and paths. There'll also be an infusion of greenery, with a focus on native plants to improve biodiversity and tree canopy cover in an effort to attract more wildlife. Flinders Walk is also set for a suite of upgrades to improve accessibility. The council's draft plans will now be released for public consultation from Tuesday, August 2, with a six-week period for feedback. Works are then expected to kick off by mid-2023. "Our plans are bold and will create new opportunities for everyone to engage with the river and its profound history, while attracting more visitors to the area," said Lord Mayor Sally Capp. [caption id="attachment_810337" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Designs for the Greenline project.[/caption] As one of its main aims, the new-look precinct will celebrate the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung connection to Country, imagined as a place for shared storytelling and appreciation of indigenous flora and fauna. In its new iteration, the precinct will continue to host a calendar of events, from the Night Noodle Market to Moomba. The whole project is expected to cost up to $300 million, and according to forecasts by the City of Melbourne, could attract $1 billion in economic activity and create up to 1,000 jobs. For more details on the latest plans for Birrarung Marr, see the City of Melbourne website.
In a time of great upheaval for Australian music festivals, it's rare to get a bit of good news. Which is why we're super-excited to hear that the Secret Garden festival completely sold out in just a few hours, despite having no advertising budget and the lineup not having been released yet. It's testament to the amazing work that the organisers have done over the first five years of this fledgling festival: they have created an event with a great vibe, full of good times and dress-ups (and yes, the occasional paint fight) and they work really hard to make sure everyone has an amazing time. This year's lineup — pulled together by FBi Radio host, GoodGod programmer and all-around great dude Adam Lewis — is full of really excellent Australian bands, all of which have been making serious waves in 2013. There's lots more to come; these are just the first handful of around 40 acts to be announced, not to mention the guerrilla arts performances that pop up all weekend and a huge Farmers vs Zombies battle planned for the first day. But without further ado, here is the first lineup. Bloods Client Liaison D.D Dumbo Donny Benet Elizabeth Rose Goldroom (DJ Set) Lancelot (Live) Little May Nantes Olympia Palms Papa Vs. Pretty Richard In Your Mind The Rubens Ryan Hemsworth Shining Bird Straight Arrows Sures The Trouble with Templeton World's End Press
Already dreaming of warmer days? Returning for its 67th year, the annual Tesselaar Tulip Festival is set to feature close to one million tulips planted across five acres of farmland, offering the perfect excuse to wander through endless fields of flowers to celebrate the start of spring. The tulip farm will come alive for its famous festivities from Saturday, September 10–Sunday, October 9, with a calendar of themed weekends promising something for all. Running September 10–11, Turkish Weekend will dish up a program of live art, music and food in honour of the country that played host to the first tulip festival over 400 years ago. Then, Dutch Weekend (September 16–18) will transport you straight to Holland, homeland of the festival's founders Cees and Johanna Tesselaar. Get set for clog dancing, sjoekbak (Dutch shuffleboard) and, in a recreation of Amsterdam's famed Alkmaar Cheese Market, a host of traditional eats — including oliebollen (Dutch dumplings), bitterballen (meatballs), poffertjes and Tesselaar's signature Double Dutch ice cream. More great eating awaits at Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend (September 23–25), where you'll enjoy local drinks and gastronomical delights among the tulips. There'll be live tunes by Dr Jazz featuring Ruby Rae, Apple Ida and Her Cider Press Band, and The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Ensemble, plus entry includes a couple of complimentary wine and beer tastings. Also on the bill: a couple of Children's Weeks, a weekend devoted to retro rock 'n' roll, and an Irish Weekend filled with craic. Tickets are available at the farm, but you can buy them online in advance (from August 1) to skip the queue.
Life-changing meals aren't just found in the hottest restaurants. Whether you're travelling on a budget or just want to find out what dishes locals actually hold nearest and dearest, looking beyond the standard menu ensures you encounter something a little more exciting. Luckily, taking your next culinary adventure off the beaten path is just a matter of opening yourself up to kaleidoscopic street food markets and tucked-away joints. Together with Intrepid, we've curated a list of epic food experiences that you can enjoy that aren't in a restaurant. Monjayaki You've probably heard of okonomiyaki, but what about its lesser-known cousin? Monjayaki sees fresh ingredients like cabbage, corn, kimchi and cod cooked on a piping-hot griddle, then shaped into a doughnut as rich dashi broth is poured into the middle. Once mixed and fried, it's similar to okonomiyaki, just with a runnier texture and more delicious caramelised bits fused to the bottom. Synonymous with Tokyo's Tsukishima district, monjayaki is the ideal Japanese street food to try on your next trip. Cao Lau Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi are deservedly adored, but it's not every day you can enjoy a hot bowl of cao lau. The most beloved dish in Hoi An — a fascinating port city shaped by its merchant past — what makes this local meal so special is how its noodles are prepared. Soaked in wells where water is mixed with wood ash collected from the Cham Islands, this gives the noodles a smokey flavour and firm texture. Typically served with thinly sliced pork, greens and bean sprouts, plan your trip to Hoi An to experience the dish. Bindae-Tteok Travelling to South Korea means you're bound to encounter a myriad of mazey markets bursting with sumptuous dishes you won't likely find on any restaurant menu. In Seoul, the go-to destination is Gwangjang Market — a sprawling gastronomic haven made even more popular by Netflix's 'Street Food' series. Across 5,000 stalls, flavours that tantalise your tastebuds are around every corner, including the wonders of bindae-tteok. This street food favourite sees mung bean batter combined with cabbage, kimchi and pork, then deep-fried to perfection and served with condiments like soy sauce and vinegar. Chiles En Nogada Finding authentic Mexican cuisine in Australia can be tricky. So, if you're planning a real food adventure to experience the good stuff, setting your sights on the country's national dishes is a smart way to get your palate up to speed with what's what. Native to Puebla, chiles en nogada bursts with bright flavours, featuring stuffed chillies covered in creamy walnut sauce. Best eaten when pomegranates are freshest from August to October, the dish's patriotic red, white and green ingredients give every bite a little extra zeal. Medfouna Influenced by cultures from Europe to Asia, traditional Moroccan food is the amalgamation of countless flavours. Yet for a dish beloved for hundreds of years by the country's nomadic Amazigh people, medfouna ensures you discover the taste of High Atlas cuisine. Nicknamed 'Amazigh pizza', medfouna is a stuffed flatbread set atop hot stones and buried beneath the red sand to cook. Loaded with meats, nuts, vegetables, herbs and spices, it's soon dug up and cut into slices, resembling pizza as you've never seen before. Ambul Thiyal Every Sri Lankan food extravaganza needs an abundance of hoppers, sambal and lamprais. Yet being a tropical paradise, overlooking the region's seafood is a mistake. Ambul thiyal, a sour fish curry, is one dish that elegantly balances the cuisine's intense spices with tangy goodness. Commonly made with fresh tuna, a fragrant mix of aromatic spices brings this beloved curry to life with black pepper, cinnamon, pandan and turmeric adding more and more flavour. Served with rice, the secret ingredient is goraka — a tiny tropical fruit loved for its tartness. Baccala Mantecato Italian cuisine is found worldwide for good reason — it's fresh, fun and made to share. However, it's best not to lump the country's cuisine together as a monolith. When you're chasing the best Italian flavours, the region-to-region, town-to-town variations make all the difference. An essential Venetian dish, baccala mantecato, or salted cod, is a stellar example of this local heritage. Brought to Venice from Norway by 15th-century traders, the cod is soaked and whipped, then served on toasted bread or polenta — perfect when sipping on an aperitif. Malai Ki Sabzi It's hard to imagine food more flavourful than Mughlai cuisine. Renowned for its rich, colourful dishes, much of what you'll taste is packed with potent ingredients like saffron, cardamon, cream and butter. Malai ki sabzi is a traditional meal that captures the magic. Local vegetables are cooked with cream and given a pungent boost with the full-flavoured combination of garlic, turmeric, coriander and green chilli. Take a food adventure to India to learn how to make this incredible dish with help from a cook specialising in Mughlai cuisine. Pachamanca Based upon centuries of colonial rule and immigration, Peruvian cuisine is a melting pot of global influences. In fact, two of the country's most popular cuisines — 'nikkei' and 'chifa' — showcase how local flavours have merged with Japanese and Chinese culinary ideas. The cuisine emerging from atop the Andes mountains is just as special. Meaning 'earth pot', pachamanca is the ideal introduction, with scorching hot rocks used to cook pork, lamb or chicken seasoned with black mint and broad beans. Journey to Cusco to get a taste. Francesinha Toasties are still enjoying time in the culinary sun, so why not feast on the Portuguese version of a croque monsieur? Almost every cafe in Porto has its own version, but a tried-and-true francesinha sees layers of beef, ham and sausage stacked between two thick slices of toast. This decadent creation is next draped in melted cheese from top to bottom, then drenched in a traditional sauce made from tomato and beer. Served alongside a big portion of fries, a Portugal food tour will highlight how the 'little French sandwich' is really a fully-fledged meal. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website. Top Images: Gwangjang Market, Mike Swigunski
Another week, another Gelato Messina special. That's been the dessert chain's contribution to making lockdown a little more bearable over the past 18 months, and it isn't changing that tactic now. So, if you're under stay-at-home conditions in Sydney and Melbourne, you now have another decadent sweet treat to look forward to. For folks in southeast Queensland, you've got an excuse to eat dessert even now that the region's latest lockdown is over. On the menu this time: the return of the brand's sticky brioche snails, complete with plenty of caramel. Basically, it's Messina's interpretation of a Cinnabon-style scroll, and it's another limited release. It also comes paired with a tub of cheesecake gelato — because Messina always likes to team up its baked goods with the frosty dessert it's known for, obviously Wondering what exactly Messina's latest sticky snail entails? It comes stuffed with caramel custard and choc chips, and covered in malt caramel — and the latter is oh-so-gooey. As for the accompanying tub, it's filled with layers of vanilla custard gelato and cheesecake mousse, and then topped with cheesecake crumble. Dubbed a 'lockdown snack pack', this special can only be ordered online on Monday, August 16. It will set you back $69 for both the snail and the tub of gelato — and, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). The catch? You'll have to peel yourself off the couch and head to your local Messina store to pick up your order. They'll be available for collection between Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22. Sydneysiders, remember to abide by lockdown restrictions when it comes to picking up your pie — with a ten-kilometre limit in place for picking up food in most lockdown areas, and a five-kilometre limit in place in Local Government Areas of concern. Melburnians, if lockdown is extended again until then, you'll also only be permitted to travel within a five-kilometre radius to pick up food. Then, after you've got the sticky snail safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 20–25 minutes at 160 degrees and voila! You can preorder a Messina lockdown snack pack from Monday, August 16, to pick up from Friday, August 20–Sunday, August 22.
Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it, spring is just around the corner. So too is Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and this year they're really pushing the boat out. Alongside the catwalks and usual fashion bonanzas around town, Emporium Melbourne have received the memo that we’re all just big kids in high fashion garb and are creating a multi-storey playground for us. The highlight? A freaking ball pit. Every level of the CBD's already fancy Emporium will be replete with unique activities and installations. As well as getting your guilt-free shop on (because it’s Fashion Week, duh) you can also dive head-first into a 3m x 3m chic ball pit without feeling like you might accidentally elbow someone’s child in the face with your enthusiasm. And while you’re in there, feel free to have a ANTM moment and pose for the cameras. And the fun won’t stop there. For hairy gentlemen, you'll find Whiskey + Whiskers on the lower ground level. While the ‘whiskers’ side things doesn’t mean a kitten-petting station, it does mean you can deposit yourself here for a bev and beard trim. Upstairs on the ground floor is where you’ll find the giant neon playground that spits out prizes every hour (yes, you read that correctly). One floor up, you'll find the beauty station for the ladies with a hair and beauty bar for makeup retouching, coloured contact lens trials and a braiding station (face it — there’s nothing more luxurious than someone gently braiding your hair). All this primping and preening will make sense during the evening when you make your way up one more floor to the party level. Hello, free prosecco on Friday. Hello, garden party and official MSFW photo booth, we'll be here for a while. And we’re not even done yet. If your weary legs can carry your shopping bags, new hair-do and booze-fuelled body up the stairs, make your way to level three to welcome spring with a snack in the cafe court while being serenaded by local live music. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is taking over Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, CBD from August 28-30 August. Free entry.
It feels like half of Melbourne is currently living it up on a European summer getaway. But if you want your own fix without the long-haul flight, you'll find it at Preston Market this month. On Sunday, August 28, the food precinct promises to sate those holiday cravings when it fires up for the return of its ever-popular Italian Day. You're in for a spirited celebration of Italian culture and food, complete with live tunes from acts like Tony Vilella, No Limit, Carmelo di Giglio and Toni Marchi. You'll even catch performances from the Melbourne School of Tarantella, which'll have you grooving to the rhythms of the South of Italy. Of course, the Italian eats will be in strong supply, with pop-up stalls slinging everything from meatball crepes and fresh pasta, to traditional gelato and cannoli. Masterchef alum Amir Manoly will also be hitting the kitchen for some cooking demos and free tastings. [caption id="attachment_865860" align="alignnone" width="1920"] School of Tarantella[/caption]
Move over Muriel's Wedding — Australia's getting another homegrown comedy about life, love and tying the knot. That'd be Top End Wedding, which tells a completely different tale, but looks set to warm hearts all the same. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this week among a record contingent of Aussie flicks, Top End Wedding follows the chaos that comes with popping the question, trekking across the country and trying to track down a runaway relative. At its centre sits newly engaged couple Lauren (Miranda Tapsell) and Ned (Gwilym Lee). Head over heels and heading off to Darwin to stage Lauren's dream wedding — in the super short timeframe of just ten days — they discover that her mum (Ursula Yovich) has gone AWOL. Tapsell not only stars in the movie, but co-wrote the script. She also reunites with The Sapphires filmmaker Wayne Blair, who sits in the director's chair again here. And if Lee looks familiar (and looks like he should be wearing a massive mop of curls), that's because he's just been seen in Bohemian Rhapsody as Queen guitarist Brian May. Fellow The Sapphires star Shari Sebbens also features in the new film, alongside a cast that includes New Zealand's Kerry Fox and The Bill alum Huw Higginson. Given the film's title, plenty of the Northern Territory's scenery looks destined for some screen time as well. It's not often that we get an Aussie rom-com that takes a road trip through the top end, after all. Check out the first feel-good trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=uoDBvGF9pPU&feature=youtu.be Top End Wedding will hit Australian cinemas on May 2.
Shaken. Stirred. Mixed or on the rocks. To Melburnians, a Bombay Sapphire cocktail is classier than even James Bond. At least the overwhelming success of last year’s Project Botanicals would suggest. If you didn’t get in before tickets sold out, fear not — Bombay’s gincentric pop-up is reopening for a second series from June 24 to July 11. Masterchef’s Gary Mehigan is back, curating ten delicate and delectable pairings to cocktails by the best ‘ginstronomers’ in the city. Here are five of the best dishes to consider for your two-course experience. JAMON SERRANO WITH BRUSCHETTA OF CONFIT RED PEPPER Prosciutto-like and thinly sliced, the delicate meat is balanced by the warm flavour of confit red pepper, saffron and onions. Sat atop light toast and finished with smoked mayo, this dish is an Australian outback of auburn colours and flamed flavours. The vibrantly red Almond Blossom Martini adds to this colour scheme: Bombay, a vermouth combo of Noilly Prat and Antica Formula, almond-flavoured liqueur and Crawley’s Orgeat Syrup, served with a fresh orange twist. CRISP TOSTADITAS WITH GIN CURED KINGFISH For seafood lovers, this lighter, Latin-inspired dish combines perfectly cured kingfish with flame-roasted pablanos, sour cream and charred corn salsa. Forget the margarita; the paired Lemon Collins is the perfect refresher for the slightly spicy capsicum. A mixture of Bombay, fresh lemon juice, 1883 Sugar Syrup and Fever-Tree soda water, garnished with a dehydrated orange wedge. Who needs tequila when you have gin? CHARGRILLED OCTOPUS WITH CAULIFLOWER SKORDALIA Delicately charred with cauliflower puree, candied beetroot and fennel, this bright dish will lovingly remind you of summer while you block out the winter chill. The Cubeb Berry Lola pairing, a creation of Union Electric, is a cocktail of Bombay, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, coconut cream, and ginger syrup. Their unique twist is the edible viola flower and pineapple leaf garnish, both fun and functional. DUCK PASTILLA A Moroccan-style pie, this winter warmer is topped with duck pastrami and labneh (yoghurt cheese). The Black Pearl envisioned the Liquorice Pontefract accompaniment, the Willy Wonka of gin cocktails: a combination of Bombay, toasted fennel seed syrup, fresh lemon juice, Pastis Henri Bardouin, orange bitters, egg whites and Fever-Tree soda water, garnished with liquorice allsort, this one’s a doozy. WARM HAZELNUT AND BROWN BUTTER FRIAND For those with a sweet tooth, the warmed friand is moist, aromatic and just good for the soul. Topped with Olorosso ice cream, raisins and black sherry syrup, this is a decadent end to an indulgent evening. The Gin Palace matched this blissful dish with the equally heavenly Eve’s Cheat Day in Paradise: a warmed cocktail of Bombay, vermouth and ginger syrup, served with chocolate butter. Go ahead, treat yourself. Project Botanicals will be open every Wednesday – Saturday evening from 6pm – 1am at 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne. For $45 per person, you’ll be treated to two cocktails and two paired tapas style dishes. Book your tickets at Eventbrite.
If all goes to plan, October could be one of the last month's Melbourne spends in lockdown. And how better to celebrate the imminent end of stay-at-home orders than with a big ol' living room boogie? Fittingly enough, fan-favourite Mr McClelland's Finishing School will help you do just that as part of this year's lockdown-friendly Melbourne Fringe program. Broadcasting to a screen and speaker system near you from 9pm on Friday, October 15, the virtual dance party will see DJ Andrew McClelland working his usual magic, guiding you all through a foot-stomping, groove-inducing mix of indie, pop, soul and rock tunes. Live and loud from his own lounge room, mind you. Clear out the coffee table, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sweat out your lockdown frustrations to hard-hitting songs from across the decades. Best of all, it's an affordable night spent cutting shapes, with tickets to the Zoom event priced at an easy $10.50. [caption id="attachment_827773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Duncan Jacob[/caption]
Somewhere on the timeline of illustration history, the humble comic spread from the sweaty palms of pre-teens and into mainstream and indie media. Film companies pumped millions into realising childhood dreams, while pretty girls with black hair revealed that they were also fluent in the secret language of frames, inks and lettering. Comic books, graphic novels, manga — these galaxies amid the universe of illustrated words had successfully wooed the zeitgeist. Now, Graphic, in its second year celebrating comic books and related cultural media, will show Sydney just how much we need those 'funnies'. Legendary comic artist and writer Robert Crumb headlines the 2011 festival at Sydney Opera House. Responsible for deconstructing the American comic book and revolutionising the form forever, his sexual, shocking and acid inspired illustrations include famous cartoon characters like Fritz the Cat and Keep on Truckin'. To win one of five double passes to see Robert Crumb, simply subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us hello@concreteplayground.com.au by 5pm on Friday, July 15. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FlT4QZchxQw
Tarts Anon and Koko Black are both huge names in Melbourne's food scene, as are the folks who dream up all their delicious creations. Pastry Chef Gareth Whitton built Tarts Anon into one of the city's top cake shops, won Dessert Masters, is working on a new cookbook and even created a pressure test for MasterChef Australia. He's a household name, having also worked with teams at Mill Brewery, Gelato Messina, Al Dente Enoteca and Kori Ice Cream. Koko Black's Head Chocolatier Remco Brigou has been working in the world of chocolate since the age of 18, and has been an innovative tour de force at Koko Black for nearly eight years. He's also no stranger to partnering with other chefs, having worked with Lune, Connoisseur, Black Star Pastry and Tokyo Lamington. Now, these two giants in the sweet-toothed sphere of Melbourne's hospitality industry have come together for World Chocolate Day, creating a limited-edition chocolate and leatherwood honey tart. This decadent treat is only available from Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 7, at a few Koko Black stores across Melbourne and Sydney, and at both of Tarts Anon's Melbourne locations. We chatted with both Whitton and Brigou about collaborating on the new tart, and how valuable that these partnerships can be for both chefs' personal growth and the success of their businesses. We also touched upon the role that collaborations can play in helping hospitality companies stay afloat during these incredibly difficult times. On Coming Together to Create a Limited-Edition Chocolate Leatherwood Honey Tart Brigou: "World Chocolate Day is a very important day for us at Koko Black. It is the day that truly celebrates what we do, and for this special occasion we like to work with like-minded brands to create something amazing. The entire Koko Black team, myself included, have always been big fans of Tarts Anon — we'd often discuss how amazing the tarts are and how we would love to work with Gareth and the team one day. So, this was the perfect opportunity, and we reached out. After the first introduction call, we knew straight away that both our brands share the same values, beliefs and spirit for innovation and excellence. We knew straight away that this was going to be a great collaboration." Whitton: "We were asked to join forces with the team at Koko Black as part of their annual celebration of World Chocolate Day. After being such big fans of theirs as well as seeing the elite execution of their previous WCD activations, we were thrilled with the opportunity to work together. Remco and I got together after piecing together a few rough ideas, and chatted out some of these napkin sketches and how we could bring them to life. I had a format that I had in mind, we knew it had to involve chocolate, and we then fell on the idea of using the leatherwood honey honeycomb as inspiration. We also pulled from Remco's Belgian heritage with the peperkoek, plus a couple of textures and recipes that we use quite regularly at Tarts Anon." [caption id="attachment_925594" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitton's previous collaboration with Gelato Messina[/caption] On Why It's So Great to Work with Other Chefs Brigou: "For me personally, I love working on collaborations. It is a great way to meet amazing like-minded people in the industry, but it is also a great way to stay inspired. The richness that comes from sharing knowledge and ideas is very valuable to me, and it is something that I will always be thankful for." Whitton: "I always try to work with people who are either very similar to us, or completely opposite. Kinda like matching colours of clothing. Not similar enough, and it's hard to find a connecting point, but if it's either easily interchangeable or very complimentary, then it doesn't seem forced. It opens you up to new environments where you perhaps aren't as confined with your creativity, and also allows you to explore things that you wouldn't see day to day." On the Power of Partnerships to Help Businesses Get Through These Tough Times Brigou: "I think it is important for brands to work together, not only so we can all leverage from each other, but more importantly so we can create an experience to both our customers and maybe introduce our customers to a different brand that they maybe never heard from before." Whitton: "[Collaborations] are a (relatively) low-cost way of exploring new ventures, and keeping outgoings low is of the utmost importance in times like these. Particularly in branches of the industry that rely on seasonal trade (like ice cream, for example) it helps to collaborate with brands that thrive in cooler months to keep revenue coming in. The underlying issue that the industry faces is that the market is becoming so unbelievably saturated right now, which feeds the staffing crisis and the high turnover of businesses. There's a new competitor emerging every other week, so the revolving door of what's 'hot' is moving faster than ever. Collaborating is a good way to stay relevant and be ahead of the game." [caption id="attachment_833241" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brigou's previous collaboration with Connoisseur. Image by Julia Sansone.[/caption] On What's Holding the Industry Back Right Now Whitton: "It's hard to be too optimistic in times like these, there are too many motivated and passionate people trying to grab a hold of a dwindling number of opportunities. The emergence and prevalence of the food blogger is giving a platform that previously only the passionate and culinarily educated had access to, to anyone with an opinion. Now Google reviews and social media are rife with ill-informed and sharp-tongued critics single-handedly destroying businesses, and politics are creeping deeper and deeper into our dining rooms. It seems nihilistic to say, but I fear that most people are too concerned about staying afloat themselves that we're all treading water right now. The amount of tax that small businesses pay is frankly obscene. This is the big killer — wages will always take the biggest chunk, but that is an investment in people. When significant amounts of money are routinely taken from you and continually hinder any opportunity to grow, you are faced with the grim reality of choosing between success in your business or compromising your values to solely chase revenue." On the Best Advice That Brigou and Whitton Have Ever Received From a Collaborator Brigou: "I have had the privilege to work with a lot of amazing people and all of them have taught me so much, whether it is techniques, flavour combinations, or the passion and determination to deliver a beautiful product. I also like to think I have inspired them as well and maybe even taught them something, because that is the beauty of collaborations. It is a two-way street and I feel that sharing knowledge and letting people discover new things is the heart of our industry." Whitton: "The best thing I have learnt from someone I've collaborated with is to understand what it is you want to get out of the partnership. Having a game plan instead of trying to just feature two representations of your brand side by side will always triumph. Quality over quantity." Gareth Whitton and Remco Brigou's limited-edition chocolate and leatherwood honey tart is only available from Friday, July 5–Sunday, July 7 at a few Koko Black stores across Melbourne and Sydney, and at both of Tarts Anon's Melbourne locations. For more information on where to get the tart, visit the collaborations's website.
There's the naturalism you know, and then there's the immersive, mythic, sensorial and heady naturalism of Abdellatif Kechiche's Blue Is the Warmest Colour (known in its native France as Adele: Chapters 1 & 2). The director boldly sticks his camera in the face of actor Adele Exarchopoulos and lets it linger there for three hours, watching intensely as the ingenue lives and loses her first love, while several years roll by. It's an extreme viewing experience that garnered high praise in Europe and won the most prestigious independent film award on the planet, the Palme d'Or. Since winning, the film has encountered controversy, but nothing can dampen the phenomenal performances of leads Exarchopoulos as Adele and Lea Seydoux as her worldlier girlfriend, Emma. Adele is from a plain, working-class household, and her world opens up when she meets art student Emma, who floors her from across the street with her blue-streaked hair and white-hot insouciance. Their love is explosive, total and immensely physical. But first loves don't often last, and that's probably a good thing. Captured in extreme close-up, Blue Is the Warmest Colour lets you feel the beauty and the pain of it, really feel it, for a few blessed minutes. Blue Is the Warmest Colour is in cinemas on February 13, and thanks to Transmission Films, we have five double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au. Read our full review of Blue Is the Warmest Colour here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y2OLRrocn3s
