C3's recently opened Exhibition 55 sees the gallery's six spaces play host to six independent exhibitions — Alison Kennedy's Paintings Without Heads, Emma Langridge, Bruce Rowe and Nicholas Ryrie's Process/Ritual, Malcolm Lloyd's Phink Fish, Mariana Jandova and Tony Cran's The Messenger, Margaret McIntosh's Dog House and Penelope Trotter's Looking For Charlie. The diverse artworks are tied together by an overarching interest in the repetitive art making process and the apparent disconnect between what people seek and what they find. The dog house, a grandmother's long lost love, tattle tales and a fated voyage to outer space might be just around the corner, but in the spirit of the exhibition, leave your preconceived notions at the door. Image Malcolm Lloyd, Phink Fish.
Celebrating all things LGBTQIA+ in Australia is easy this summer. In fact, it's historic. For the first time ever both Down Under and the southern hemisphere, WorldPride is heading our way, joining Sydney's already jam-packed lineup of queer events. That's the cultural landscape the returning Mardi Gras Film Festival slides into in 2023 — and it's marking the occasion with a massive lineup of movies to celebrate its own 30th-anniversary milestone. Fans of queer cinema, rejoice: this annual Sydney film fest is screening 166 films at eight venues around the city, running from Wednesday, February 15–Thursday, March 2 at locations such as Event Cinemas on George Street and in Hurstville, Dendy Cinema Newtown, the Hayden Orpheum, Ritz Cinemas, Casula Powerhouse, the Westpac Open Air Cinema and the Alumni Green at the University of Technology. Not in the Harbour City but still want to watch along? As it has done in past years, MGFF is also streaming part of its program online around the country — because catering to movie lovers Australia-wide is fast, and welcomely, becoming a pandemic-era film fest staple. For in-person attendees, the festival kicks off with coming-of-age film Of an Age, which heads to Sydney after also opening 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival, and marks the latest from Australian You Won't Be Alone director Goran Stolevski. Joining it as a MGFF bookend is closing night's The Venus Effect, with the Danish movie about two young women in love enjoying its Aussie premiere. And, just as huge is All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, 2022's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winning documentary about queer artist Nan Goldin, her life and career, and her battle against the billionaire Sackler family. With the full fest program including 100-plus sessions in cinema, outdoors and on-demand — as well as panel discussions, workshops, networking events and parties — other highlights include two world-premiere screenings, glimpses back to the past and free sessions. Documentary Trans Glamore and camp comedy The Winner Takes It All will make their bows at MGFF; Vegas in Space and an episode of Aussie soap Number 96 will hit the big screen; retro sessions of Pride and Raya and the Last Dragon also get a spin; and new queer comedy specials by Joel Creasy and Rhys Nicholson will nab a run, without attendees needing to pay a cent. Or, there's a special Westpac Openair session of the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, which looks set to score the homegrown talent another Oscar; doco The Giants, about Dr Bob Brown becoming Australia's first openly gay member of parliament; Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize-winner Joyland, a Pakistani effort about a romance between a trans woman and a married man; and moving Moroccan drama The Blue Caftan. Plus, other standouts include The Longest Weekend, about three siblings in Sydney's Inner West; inner-city cowboy love story Lonesome; Uýra: The Rising Forest, focusing on trans-indigenous artist Uýra; In From the Side, about an affair between two members of a fictional South London gay rugby club; and My Emptiness and I, honing in on a young trans call-centre worker. Plus, for cinephiles watching on from home, there are 21 features on offer, including Black as U R, a doco about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; Icelandic spoof Cop Secret; Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; Youtopia, which explores the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult; and In Her Words, an ode to 20th-century lesbian fiction. Mardi Gras Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, February 15–Thursday, March 2 at eight venues around Sydney — and online nationally. For more information, visit the festival's website.
Maybe you love getting away, but hate the possibility of noise echoing through the walls from neighbouring hotel rooms. Perhaps you adore nature, and yet camping doesn't quite float your boat. Or, you could be mighty fond of hitting the water, but you're not so fussed about actually sailing anywhere. For all of these situations and more, the Gold Coast has now a new holiday option: Drift Flotel. What's a 'flotel'? It's exactly what it sounds like — and it's really a luxe houseboat decked out for stays, but you get the idea. And if you're wondering what makes the three-storey, 12-metre-long Drift Flotel different from other seafaring vessels, this one only floats rather than cruises. When you arrive, you'll find it anchored in one spot, and it won't move from there during your entire visit. That means you'll get to slumber on the water without needing to worry about operating the boat. You'll also score both water and national park views, too. When you're not taking in the sights, you and five mates — because the flotel sleeps six — can also hang out on the walkaround deck or up on the rooftop terrace. Naturally, they're great place to take in the scenery as well. Available for $680 per night, the refurbed houseboat features two bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge and dining space. And, if you're keen to hang out with a few more pals during the day, it can hold 12 all up. Upstairs, there's a bar as well — complete with an ice machine and cocktail-making equipment, aka all the essentials. As for where you'll be anchored, Drift Flotel calls a small inlet 10–15 minutes from Jumpinpin home. To get there, you'll take a 40-minute voyage on a 32-foot flybridge cruiser, leaving from Horizon Shores Marina at Steiglitz near Jacobs Well and travelling through the Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park. And if you are keen to go exploring by water during your stay, the Drift Flotel comes with a five-horsepower tender — which'll get you to the shore, too, if you're also keen to go wandering on land. For more information about Drift Flotel, or to make a booking, head to the houseboat's website.
It's the election promise Queenslanders fond of an evening out had been hoping wouldn't come true. When the state's Labor Government came to power in 2015, they vowed to combat alcohol-fuelled violence, and to change legislation surrounding the service of booze to do so. In the early hours of this morning — the time Brisbanites will no longer be able to order drinks or enter bars, fittingly — the amended laws were passed through. Most of us want to put an end to anti-social behaviour, but unless you're eager to cut your partying short long before you currently have to, the latest developments bear only bad news. From July 2016, last drinks will be served at 2am — or 3am, if you're hanging out in a designated entertainment precinct. Shots will be banned after midnight, regardless of what you're consuming. And, if you're knocking back a few beverages at home, you'd best grab your supplies before 10pm, because any new bottle-os won't be able to trade past then. That's just the beginning, with new lockout times coming into effect on February 1, 2017. Patrons won't be able to re-enter pubs and clubs after 1am, which is a whole two hours earlier than existing restrictions. Casinos will be exempt, so expect the Treasury — or the new Queens Wharf precinct, once it is up and running — to become the most popular place in the city for late-night revelry. Queensland's tough changes come at a time when the concept of alcohol-related curfews continues to be in the spotlight around the country. Sydneysiders keep coming out in force to show their opposition, with another Keep Sydney Open Rally planned for Sunday, February 21. In Melbourne, a trial of 2am lockouts proved unsuccessful back in 2008, causing Victoria to abandon the idea since. Looks like Brisbane residents now have yet another reason to flock down south.
Melbourne's annual arts festival RISING might not return until winter (running from Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 16), but tickets are already selling out to some of the most-popular events. If you've been thinking about heading to Victoria's capital to catch hidden laneway gigs, free exhibitions and international performances, then you best start making some serious plans. To help you get the most out of this year's festival, we've teamed up with the crew at RISING to bring you three exclusive travel packages that can be booked until Tuesday, April 30. [caption id="attachment_950619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Damien Raggatt[/caption] First off, we've got our hands on a select number of Day Tripper tickets, which give punters access to a huge day party on Saturday, June 8. For just one arvo, the arcades and laneways surrounding Melbourne Town Hall will be taken over by post-punk, acid house, hip hop and disco tunes, as well as video works and contemporary dance performances. It will be huge. This package gets you access to the block party and afterparty, and includes a two-night stay at The Howey (with a full mini-bar worth $100), which is just a short walk from all the fun. The second RISING travel package will get you VIP access to see Dirty Three's performance at Hamer Hall, which has already sold out to the general public. We're the only ones still offering access if you want to see the trio perform live on Friday, June 14 or Saturday, June 15. This deal also includes a two-night stay at The Howey (again with a full mini-bar worth $100), a couple of drinks vouchers and priority entry to the festival club. Seats are highly limited for this one, so don't wait long to nab them. Lastly, we've secured a few tickets to Sydney drill legends ONEFOUR on Saturday, June 8. The lads' raw stories of crime, poverty and social dislocation have clocked over 500-million streams, with rap stars like A$AP Ferg and The Kid LAROI also fans. Book this RISING travel package for $549 and you'll receive two tickets to the show, plus a two-night stay at Causeway 353 (with $50 of mini-bar credit). Head to Concrete Playground Trips to book these exclusive RISING packages, which are only available up until Tuesday, April 30. Top image: Ian Laidlaw.
If you'd said five years ago that Matthew McConaughey was one of the finest actors of his generation, you'd have been a laughing stock. As it turns out, you'd also have been right. After spending most of last decade taking his shirt off in rom-coms and exhibiting poor equilibrium in film posters, the Texan has undergone a total reinvention in recent times, and his role in Dallas Buyers Club is his most transformative yet. With Christian Bale-like commitment, the actor is down to skin and bones as Ron Woodroof, a real-life AIDS patient who, at a time when the legally permitted treatments were proving totally ineffectual, ruffled the feathers of the Federal Drug Administration by smuggling unapproved medicines in through Mexico. Even more emaciated than McConaughey is Jared Leto, nigh unrecognisable as an AIDS-suffering transgender woman named Rayon. Together, she and Woodroof thumb their noses at the medical bureaucracy by forming the 'Dallas Buyers Club', providing patients with imported drugs in return for a $400 monthly fee. Even discounting their weight loss, both actors are in phenomenal form. Leto disappears completely into his part, creating a kind, funny, heartbreaking character whose unlikely friendship with Woodroof gives the movie its beating heart. Dallas Buyers Club is in cinemas on February 13, and thanks to Pinnacle Films, we have ten 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 Dallas Buyers Club here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=F5YQh7qsGNQ
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 take you to the five-star, adults-only Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji. We love this place so much that we teamed up with the resort to offer an exclusive five-night travel deal — including a discounted room rate, complimentary massages and a bunch of extra goodies. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? There are so many islands in Fiji to choose from when holidaying to this tropical part of the world, but this particular private island offers up a totally kids-free travel experience. And, Tokoriki Island Resort is all about luxury — with the proof in the countless awards the spot's won for its lavish offering. If you're looking to really treat yourself on your next vacay, staying here is sure to do the trick. THE ROOMS The entry-level accommodation at Tokoriki Island Resort comes in the form of small beachfront bures. These 60-square-metre freestanding rooms look fairly rustic, but come with aircon, modern furnishings and a gorgeous outdoor tropical shower surrounded by lush gardens. You even have a cheeky hammock outside your bure for post-swim hangs with a book and glass of vino in hand. Then there are the upgrades: go for your own bure with a private plunge pool or one of the larger villas that come with or without a pool. No matter which accommodation you choose, you'll be surrounded by nature and have uninterrupted views across the surrounding beaches and coves. THE DINING When you're staying on a private island, you are fully dependent on your accommodation to provide food — so it better be good. Thankfully, these guys don't miss a beat on the dining front. For breakfast, we recommend ordering the floating champagne breakfast. When lunchtime rolls around, head to the restaurant, dine on your own balcony or get the team to make you a beach picnic hamper. This stellar offering is nothing compared to the long list of dinner options. Get around the à la carte menu championing South Pacific and Asian cuisines — using locally sourced ingredients — or splash some cash on one of the extra-special dining experiences. There's the four-person teppanyaki feast, the champagne and sashimi degustation out on the jetty or the romantic private sunset dinner. Each and every meal served at this luxury Fiji resort comes with a side of sweeping beachfront vistas. You really won't get tired of these views. [caption id="attachment_877271" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook Sabin, Cloud 9 floating bar courtesy of Tourism Fiji.[/caption] THE LOCAL AREA Tokoriki is one of the many picturesque Mamanuca Islands in Fiji — and it has been privately owned for over 25 years. That means you won't find hordes of tourists here. It's a sanctuary surrounded by wild natural surrounds. And it's pretty easy to get to as well. If you jump in a chopper from the main airport on Nadi, you'll arrive in about 15 minutes. Or if you go by boat (which is included in the deal we are slinging on Concrete Playground Trips), it will take about an hour. Once you're here, you can explore the long white-sand beaches and lush rainforest or jump on a boat and tour around the neighbouring islands. There are over 20 islands located in this tropical archipelago, with a few floating bars also dotted about for good measure. It's in a prime position for guests who want to do a little island hopping in Fiji. THE EXTRAS This is a five-star tropical island resort, meaning you'll find extras aplenty. You can do the usual snorkelling around the local reefs or learn to scuba dive, or you can do something a little different — think fishing trips on a catamaran, small-group tours to nearby islands and a series of bespoke couple's activities. And if you book our five-night stay at Tokoriki Island Resort, you're set to receive loads of extras. This includes complimentary massages, cocktail tastings, daily afternoon tea, snorkel trips around the local reef and return transfers by boat. It's all sorted for you — just book your flights, pack your bags and get ready for one incredibly luxurious holiday in Fiji. 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.
After kicking off the summer with boozy frosé sorbet, Gelatissimo has turned its attention to another iconic beverage — Bundaberg ginger beer, but in gelato form. With the warm weather in full swing, the national ice cream chain has turned one of the country's favourite non-alcoholic drinks into its newest flavour. And yes, the chilled dessert is made using bottles of the iconic beverage, so expect each scoop to not only boast a familiar tanginess, but the fizziness of the carbonated brew as well. Why sip your beverage of choice when you can turn it into dessert? That clearly continues to be Gelatissimo's guiding principle. The ginger beer gelato is a short-term addition to Gelatissimo's menu, available in stores nationwide at present — but for a limited time only. It's also the ice creamery's third new summery flavour, joining not only frosé sorbet but a blue-hued sea salt butterscotch blend inspired by Aussie swimwear brand Speedo. For more information, visit Gelatissimo's website.
If last summer was the summer of seltzer, we're ready to call the upcoming season the summer of canned cocktails. And if the seltzer wave showed us anything, it was that convenience will almost always win out over taste. So the next natural step? A convenient sip that tastes great. Here at CP, we think the espresso martini is an ideal canned candidate. The frothy, caffeine-infused libation holds a special place in the cocktail canon. While it's not considered a classic in the traditional sense — legend has it that it was created in the 1980s by a London bartender who was asked by a young female patron for something that would "wake me up, and then fuck me up" — a case could certainly be made that it is perhaps the most influential of cocktails. Think of the last time you had one when you were out and about — chances are, you spotted someone else with one in hand and decided it would be a good idea to have one yourself. Then, your crew decided it would be a good idea too, and so did the crew next to yours, and all of a sudden it was espresso martinis all round. Does any other cocktail have this kind of effect on people, friends and strangers alike? Unlikely. Beloved though it is, the espresso martini is notoriously tedious to make. Enter Mr Black — that equally beloved Australian producer of the eponymous coffee liqueur — which is bringing your dreams of espresso martini o'clock that much closer to reality with its new canned version. This velvety smooth blend of Mr Black, vodka and cold brew arabica coffee is supercharged with nitrogen, meaning that just a couple of shakes is all it takes to have a picture-perfect pour every time. The only question: where will you be having your canned, ready-to-serve espresso martini this summer? We've asked our editors for how they'll be enjoying theirs, so read on for inspo on how to drink yours. [caption id="attachment_872385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] AT A DINNER PARTY A beautifully set table, salty snacks to start, multiple courses, delightful company: the recipe for a stellar dinner party. Honestly, I'll live a happy life if it's filled with good food and good company. Add an expertly balanced espresso martini — that sits pretty in the fridge till the minute I want its frothy topped pour in my hand — and we're talking peak enjoyment. Whether you're hosting or attending, you'd be a goose to miss a minute of the tableside vibes. Measuring nips and the risk of spills? Trust me, stay seated with a coffee-laden tinny. Be it for the ease of the sip or the few extra hits of caffeine you'll squeeze into your day. (Or, level up the experience with a martini glass kept icy in the freezer till the second you're ready for it — a serve that's still miles easier than the 'real' deal.) Grace MacKenzie, Branded Content Manager [caption id="attachment_871106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] AT A MUSIC FESTIVAL For the first time since 2019, festival season is here. I had the privilege of enjoying a couple of espresso martinis at this year's Festival of the Sun, taking full advantage of the fest's BYO policy to enjoy a cold can of Mr Black in the campsite before heading off to catch Middle Kids. If you're heading to any of this summer's BYO events — whether that's Victoria's Meredith Music Festival or Jungle Love in Queensland — I highly recommend doing the same. If you're not one for camping, you could also pick up a four-pack of espresso martinis to enjoy as the perfect pre-festival tipple for any one-day gatherings you might be heading to. You best believe I'll be cracking a can before catching Fred again.. at Laneway, TISM at Good Things and the Boiler Room stage at Mode Festival on Cockatoo Island. Ben Hansen, Junior Editor [caption id="attachment_872384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] AT A GAMES NIGHT My friends and I are not the types to stay out late — we prefer a reserved night of dignified card games that, inevitably, devolve into screaming at each other over a Monopoly board. Personally, I find that the tactical and economic strategies of board games need an energised and level head. That's when a good espresso martini comes in handy. But, why bother making one when I can keep an emergency reserve in my fridge? That way, there's more time for me to clearly present my case as to why I should be the new owner of the Kings Cross Station card. Alec Jones, Junior Writer [caption id="attachment_872387" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jael Rodriguez (Unsplash)[/caption] ON A HOT-GIRL WALK The post-work, summer-evening hot-girl* cocktail walk is a wordy but delightful concept I now have down to an artform — after years of practice — so let me share my secrets. This divine intersection between exercise and cocktail hour is a way to decompress after work and celebrate summer — while still hitting those steps, getting a little fresh air and soaking up some Vitamin D. I like to pop a chilled canned espresso martini or two into my fanny pack, along with sunglasses, keys and phone (tip: this one from Kmart is the perfect size), and trot along with a friend discussing the week's scandals. If possible, find a nearby hill to scoot up so that when you reach the peak, you're perfectly glowing for golden hour. (We are always glowing darling, sweating). Find a grassy spot to park up, crack your bevvies, watch the sunset and cheers to being healthy — but not too healthy. That's balance, baby. *hot-boy and general hottie walks also firmly encouraged, all other aspects remain the same. Sarah Templeton, Aotearoa New Zealand Editor [caption id="attachment_872388" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Declan Blackall[/caption] AT HOME WITH A GOOD BOOK For me, one of the few good things that came out of two years in and out of lockdown was the discovery that I really appreciate my own company. And maybe it's a sign that I'm getting older, but I've come to realise that solo time can be a genuine indulgence. My favourite way to spend time on my own: switching off my phone and sitting down with a good book for an uninterrupted afternoon of losing myself in a fictional world of my own choosing. This process will also involve making myself a fresh pot of coffee in my French press and taking long, slow sips — but, next time I'll be trading out the beans for a velvety smooth and perfectly frothy espresso martini poured from the can. This way, I can get the caffeine buzz I need with far less effort and a little extra kick — I'm already indulging after all, so I may as well go all out. Nik Addams, Branded Content Manager For more info on Mr Black Espresso Martini, head to the website. Top image: Declan Blackall
Melbourne's Royal Park is an oasis of green space nestled blissfully close to the CBD. With a tradition of relaxation and sport since it opened in the 1850s, the stretch of parkland forms the perfect antidote to all that city hustle and bustle with 170 hectares, plenty of wildlife and fresh air galore. Knockoff on time, stick a few of your favourite tunes in your ears and watch the sunset work its magic while you run some heart-pumping kilometres along Royal Park's winding, tree-lined running tracks. Trust us, you'll be reaping the benefits all week long. Image: cafuego via Flickr.
A carbon neutral city in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, is emerging. Masdar City is a leading sustainable development project designed by Foster & Partners. Buildings take inspiration from traditional Arab architecture and feature undulating curves. Alternative energies power the city, like solar roof panels which capture the noonday sun. Last week 8,000 visitors flocked to get a first glimpse of the city as part of the Organic Market launch event. “The event aimed at creating awareness among the UAE community, highlighting the benefits of sustainable living at one of the world’s most environment-friendly urban developments,” said Ahmed Baghoum, Director of City Zone, Masdar City. [Via PSFK]
In the lead-up to this year's Nike Melbourne Marathon, organisers have revealed what's in runners' ears — and it's an eclectic mix of adrenaline, nostalgia and pure pump-up energy. From first-timers to marathon addicts, music is the secret sauce keeping pace high and spirits higher. Across all responses, the top three songs were a greatest-hits sprint: 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor, 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem and 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen. As for artists, Eminem topped the field, with Fred Again.. and Taylor Swift rounding out the podium. Break it down by runner type, and the playlists get even more telling. First-time runners are banking on Florence + The Machine's 'Dog Days Are Over', casual runners are finding their groove with Fred Again.. 's 'Victory Lap', and the cult runners? They're red-lining to Mötley Crüe's 'Kickstart My Heart'. The Nike Melbourne Marathon hits the streets on Sunday, October 12. Register for the run or walk events, and listen to the official playlist.
There's something really inviting about Pallino. Maybe it's the warm, modern European fit-out filled with marble, dark wood and brass features. Maybe it's the inviting courtyard (complete with astro turf and Bocce games in summer), or maybe it's the humble drinks list (five regulars on tap plus a couple of rotating specials, modest and largely local wine list, and standard cocktail offerings). Or it could be the welcoming bar staff who stand at the divine marble bar and ask you how your day's been? Whatever it is, the longstanding Pallino attracts a friendly, yet trendy local crowd and strikes the perfect (and oft misplaced) balance between sophistication and neighbourhood warmth.
"I've had it with these Marvel tales without Nick Fury as the lead" isn't something that Samuel L Jackson has publicly uttered, with or without Snakes on a Plane-style expletives, but viewers might've thought it over the past 15 years. The character that masterminded the Avengers Initiative initially appeared in 2008's very-first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. When Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 reached cinemas earlier in 2023, the franchise hit 32 cinema outings to-date, many with Fury playing a part. And yet, none have had his name in their moniker. That remains the case now, and on the small screen as well, where the MCU has also been spreading its exploits. Secret Invasion is still exactly what Marvel has needed for over a decade, however: a Fury-centric story. Announced back in 2020, and arriving on Disney+ from Wednesday, June 21, this six-part miniseries has clearly been a long time coming. As hit and miss as it is so many years and titles in, and no matter whether it's unleashing superhero antics in picture palaces or at home, the MCU hasn't lacked highlights — Black Panther remains astonishing, Thor: Ragnarok is a comic wonder and Moon Knight brims with intrigue, for instance — but it's been doing itself a disservice by using Jackson as a supporting player. He's a post-credits scene mainstay. He's the saga's most familiar face, and a Marvel movie didn't feel like a true Marvel movie for quite the spell if he didn't pop up. He had more to do in Captain Marvel, which Secret Invasion uses as its key MCU touchstone. He's such a presence in Marvel's first small-screen series for 2023, though, that the last 15 years seem like a missed opportunity. Perhaps Disney realises that, too; Secret Invasion's first two episodes feature laments aplenty about Fury's absence. Within the ever-sprawling MCU's interconnected narrative, he's been AWOL lately for two reasons: The Blip, aka Avengers: Infinity War's consequential finger-snapping; and a stint since working in space, which'll get more attention when The Marvels drops on the silver screen in November 2023. Extraterrestrial race the Skrulls has noticed Fury's departure keenly, after he promised to help them find their own planet in Captain Marvel but hasn't followed through so far. Cue two factions of the shapeshifting refugees in Secret Invasion: those still waiting and others now willing to fight to take earth as their own instead. Cue far more Skrulls on Marvel's main base than humans, including Fury, know about as well. On the page, Secret Invasion was a crossover storyline, filtering through its own comic-book series plus other tie-ins, and involving many of the caped crusaders that've reached screens in recent decades (and not just in the MCU). When your adversary can ape anyone's face, even the most famous figures can be impersonated — and were. That isn't the spin that Mr Robot alum Kyle Bradstreet has given the scenario for Disney+, with the show's creator focusing on espionage, and the political ramifications, over faux superheroes. As helmed by The Calling's Ali Selim, Secret Invasion is a Cold War-esque, John le Carré-influenced spy thriller. Inciting conflict between Russia and the US is one of the rebel Skrulls' key aims, after all — and thanks to Berlin Station and The Looming Tower, respectively, Bradstreet and Selim know their chosen genre well. Marvel does adore picking a style and asking "what if the MCU did it?". Even just on Disney+, WandaVision riffed on family sitcoms, Hawkeye toyed with Christmas flicks, Ms Marvel went all in on coming-of-age narratives and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law opted for a case-of-the-week lawyer setup. Cloak-and-dagger activities aren't new to the saga — see: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow — but, without the dark comedy, Secret Invasion is almost in Slow Horses mode. Again and again, Fury is told that he's no longer in his prime. Among those with such harsh words: James 'Rhodey' Rhodes (Don Cheadle, White Noise), who now works for US President Ritson (Dermot Mulroney, Scream VI). And, although MI6's Sonya Falsworth (Olivia Colman, Empire of Light) is an old friend, she's skeptical that Fury still has what it takes. In the veteran's corner is the trusty Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders, How I Met Your Mother), plus his old Skrull pal Talos (Ben Mendelsohn, Cyrano). Working out of an old nuclear power plant and planning a dirty-bomb attack, insurrectionist leader Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir, One Night in Miami) sides with the naysayers, while fellow revolutionary G'iah (Emilia Clarke, Last Christmas) is caught in the middle. Of course, in any spy story, allegiances are never simple or straightforward — and, along with its serious mood, ample talk of global threats, dripping tension and paranoia, coded messages, stolen weapons, clandestine meetings, surprise reveals and rampant conspiracies, Secret Invasion leans heartily into that espionage-genre staple. Jackson, Cheadle, Colman, Mendelsohn, Clarke, Ben-Adir: that's a dream cast, and just the roster of talent that any movie or show would want battling over the fate in the world in heated conversations in murky corners. Bradstreet and Selim know this, with Secret Invasion capitalising upon it even when little but talk fills the screen, which is often. It's no wonder, then, that the series' best early moments spring from letting its on-screen stars bounce off each other. While Jackson is the first reason to press play, seeing his one-on-one pairings with Cheadle, Colman, Mendelsohn and Ben-Adir — especially Fury's initial reunion with Falsworth, and quite the showdown with Rhodey — plus Mendelsohn and Clarke together as well, is the reason to stay watching. In the MCU in general, and in the plethora of on-screen caped-crusader realms — the X-Men and Fantastic Four flicks, the DC Extended Universe and Sony's Spider-Man Universe — the fact that every actor ever is now part of the fold, or thereabouts, can feel dispiriting. With some talents in multiple role across multiple sagas, too, it's usually easier to name the stars that don't have a spandex-adjacent credit in today's predominant form of mass entertainment on their resumes. Like the Spider-Verse franchise, however, Secret Invasion inspires gratefulness about its cast. Even when Marvel's latest series is at its most formulaic, everyone here shines. They'd all achieve the same feat in a spy effort with zero MCU links, but whatever is bringing these performers together — and particularly letting Colman have such fun with a slippery part — is welcome. Check out the trailer for Secret Invasion below: Secret Invasion streams via Disney+ from Wednesday, June 21. Images: photos courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.
Before 2020 sent Melburnians into lockdown not once but twice, you probably didn't pay much attention to the city's soundscape. You heard it, of course — the wind rustling through the streets, the chiming from Melbourne Central's giant clock and all those tram announcements, for instance — but, because it was always just there, we're guessing you weren't spending your time thinking about it. At this point in this chaotic year, however, you've probably found yourself missing all the things that you previously took for granted. And that includes the beep when you touch on your Myki, the squawks of birds by the river, the constant train station messages and those buzzing crossing signal noises. While Melbourne residents aren't currently permitted to venture any further than five kilometres from home, and can only leave the house for a select number of reasons, a new video compilation has brought together all the above sounds for you to experience at home. Available on Instagram thanks to @whereiskapa, it provides a window into everyday Melbourne life — as it was pre-March, at least — via the sights and noises that you used to see and hear everyday. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGvkf2BXSS/ The video is brief, but it'll instantly make you feel nostalgic. If that same sensation saw you buy tram-seat inspired socks earlier in the year, then you have the perfect thing to wear while you're watching. For those keen to check out a short flick about everyday life through the latest bout of restrictions, you can also watch nine-minute-long documentary Iso-Cray: A Story of Melbourne Locked Down. Top image: Global Panorama via Flickr.
This two-level Mornington precinct is the latest addition to Johnny di Francesco's award-winning pizza empire, featuring a 400 Gradi restaurant; a Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar; and an outpost of di Francesco's delicatessen concept, Gradi Mercato. Inside, earthy tones, elegant finishes and terrazzo countertops carry on the familiar 400 Gradi aesthetic. Downstairs houses a casual wine and snack bar, plus a chic dining room, while the upstairs restaurant space boasts its own bar, al fresco terrace and balcony with bay views. A kitchen headed up by Pierre Khodja (Pinchy's, Camus) and 400 Gradi pizzaiolo Giuseppe Fortunato is serving the full lineup of 400 Gradi favourites, alongside a raft of seafood-centric 'al mare' additions inspired by the venue's coastal location. Classics like the meatballs in napoli ($18), spinach-ricotta agnolotti ($34) and the legendary World's Best Pizza titleholder Margherita Verace ($23) sit amongst newcomers including a spaghettini al granchio with lobster bisque and crab meat ($38), and a dish of local mussels cooked on the Josper ($44). A supporting cocktail list employs plenty of creative flair, with sips like a passionfruit and cardamom margarita ($18), a bacon-garnished Breakfast Old Fashioned ($20), and the Ruby Rose Martini sporting a crown of dry ice ($18). Zero Gradi and Gradi Mercato have their own space on the lower level, with the former slinging the brand's trademark offering of hand-churned gelato and artisan sweet treats. Meanwhile, the deli promises to be a one-stop shop for at-home Italian eats, stocked with ready-to-heat meals, fresh pasta, antipasto trimmings, pantry goods and more. [caption id="attachment_819510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breakfast Old Fashioned, by Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Want to up your culinary game, but don't want to shell out on a whole heap of exxy kitchen gear? Well, the newly hatched Carlton Kitchen Library has your back. The volunteer-run hub operates like a regular library, only, instead of books, it's loaning out a broad catalogue of kitchen utensils, appliances, bakeware and glassware. And all those cool culinary gadgets you've been adding to cart, but hesitant to buy? There's plenty of them here, too — from slow-cookers to pasta machines and deep fryers. Headed up by food security not-for-profit Cultivating Community, the Kitchen Library hopes to encourage locals in their home cooking endeavours, while also saving them from dropping money on one-off purchases and racking up more stuff for landfill. It's a big win for new residents and those moving into their first homes who haven't had the funds or time to set up their own kitchen. An adult yearly membership will set you back just $40 — it's $20 for concession card holders and $50 for businesses — with proceeds used to maintain the library, beef up the equipment inventory and fund a program of community workshops. In the library, you'll find bamboo steamers, blenders, baking trays, bowls, flour sifters, ice cream machines and even event kits stocked with plates, platters and glasses from $20 (for those keen to keep their next party or celebration low-waste). And there are plenty of cookbooks to borrow, too, if you're looking for dinner party inspo. You can suss out the full inventory over here. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7p4_8BAoIY/ Members are allowed to check out five items at a time, to keep and use for two weeks. And if there are still a few recipes to tick off your list when that due date rolls around, borrowed items can even be renewed one at a time. Obviously, you'll also need to make sure loans are nice and clean upon giving them back. The team is always on the look-out for new volunteers to help run the library and they'll happily take donations of pre-loved kitchen gear, as long as it's in good nick. Before you take in your pre-loved utensils, check out the library's wishlist. Find Carlton Kitchen Library at 480 Lygon Street, Carlton. It's open from 3–6pm Tuesday and 9.30am–12.30pm Friday. Images: Cassandra Hogan and Reusable Nation
Lonely Hunter is the monthly market that's beautified Sydney's inner west with needlepoint and ultra-funky tights in recent times. But in the grand tradition of the Melbourne vs. Sydney cool-shit-to-do comp, Melbournites won't have their shopping bags left empty. Yep, Sydney's fave indie-design market – that showcases the best in local handmade fashion, accessories, art, homewares and jewellery – is making its Melbourne debut. Lonely Hunter creators Claire and Courtney will be launching the Melbourne markets on Saturday December 14 at The Cape Lounge on Johnston Street in Fitzroy. From then, the markets will be returning to the Cape every second Saturday of the month from noon till 5pm. Just imagine a real-time Etsy with your fave beverages (dangerous). On top of being a go-to destination for all your prezzies (just in time for Christmas, too!) and introducing punters to up-and-coming talent, Lonely Hunter is bringing DIY workshops from Lost In The Craft along. So head to the Cape on December 14, and if you're a known crafty — apply for a stall ASAP.
Track closures are the pre-Christmas gift that no commuter wants, but when they arrive on three Melbourne lines, they'll come with free public transport. With sections of Melbourne's Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland train lines set to shut down temporarily during December, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced free travel in those areas for the first 23 days of the month. Trains won't run between Westall Station and Pakenham and Cranbourne to allow for rail works to enable the city's new high-capacity trains, which can carry 1100 passengers and are set to hit the tracks in mid 2019. "You've put up with a lot of disruption already while we've been re-building our train network," said Andrews. "It's the least we can do to thank you for your patience." Buses will replace trains across the closed sections. When you get on the bus, you won't be required to touch on with your Myki. If you're travelling onwards into the city, you'll be given a 'free travel token' that's valid for the entire week. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told The Age that the move is expected to cost the Victorian government "around $1 million". It's the latest transport-related development in what has proven a very busy year — and an election year at that. In addition to preparing for the new fleet of high-capacity trains, the government has been removing level crossings and opening new rail lines. It has also announced several other initiatives, including a high-speed train from the Melbourne CBD to Geelong, an airport rail link (with a 'super train' that can make the journey in 20 minutes also floated by a private consortium) and an underground network connecting the city's suburbs. Find more information on the free travel period here and check for updates on the PTV website. Updated: December 2, 2018.
Moon Dog's new 800-person wild west-themed bar in Footscray's former Franco Cozzo building has not had an easy run. The size and ambition of the new Melbourne bar led to a few delays in building, but the worst came when the Moon Dog team had to cancel the launch party mere minutes before it was meant to begin. They blamed the council. The council said it had nothing to do with it. It was chaotic. But the rogue fire hydrant that caused the main kerfuffle has now been sorted, and the huge new Moon Dog Wild West is officially open as at Friday, April 26. So, it's time to don your favourite pair of cowboy boots and start exploring the huge saloon. Guests will now find bars on each level pouring Moon Dog beers and seltzers from over 100 taps. Three-time Australian Bartender of the Year Chris Hysted-Adams has also been brought in to design the cocktail list and shots menu. This includes an old-school pickleback shot, a regularly changing old fashioned that'll be served in a barrel for four people and a layered tequila sunrise slushie. A mechanical bucking bull takes centre stage down on the ground floor, where people can compete in actual tournaments with prize money. There's also a secret little Pianola Bar, an arcade, pool tables, a private dining space, a barrel-ageing room, and a stunner of a dog-friendly rooftop that's littered with cacti and fake dessert rocks. The Moon Dog crew has completely packed this space out. Then you've got the food, which is all Tex-Mex-inspired. The team is pumping out sizzling fajitas, buffalo chicken ribs, double-decker tacos, Mexican twists on prawn cocktails and a big ol' one-kilogram t-bone steak. "We're so excited to join the vibrant Footscray community in such an iconic location; the support has been overwhelming, and we can't wait to finally throw open the doors and welcome everyone in for a cold beer," said Moon Dog co-founder Karl van Buuren. Everything at the new Moon Dog Wild West in Footscray just screams unabashed fun. It's one of the brand's three planned new venues for 2024, too, alongside upcoming Docklands and Frankston sites. Moon Dog Wild West is located at 54 Hopkins Street, Footscray, operating from 3pm–late Monday–Tuesday and 11.30am–late Wednesday–Sunday. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Arianna Leggiero.
Pay whatever you feel like at Melbourne's favourite good-vibin', community-minded vegetarian eatery. Lentil as Anything have a few locations around town including spots in St Kilda, Footscray, Preston and Thornbury, but it's hard to go past the picturesque setting and atmosphere of Abbotsford Convent. Since their ingredients are often donated, the menu changes week to week, but you can just about guarantee that whatever they're serving will be tasty – and good for you as well. There's also a fairly high chance that lentils will be involved. Their unique payment method means that you decide how much your meal is worth, so please don't be a jerk. If anyone deserves your money, it's these guys.
Located on the corner of bustling Bay and St Andrews Streets is Brighton's 'heart of fine wine and craft beer'. Brighton Bay Cellars is a small bottle shop with a big heart. Offering a great selection of craft beers, local spirits and unusual wines, Brighton Bay Cellars is well known as one of the best in the area. Indecisive shoppers can have a chat to the friendly staff — their expert knowledge means they'll find the perfect bottle for you in no time. Whether it's for a special occasion, a quiet night in or you simply want to check out the selection, Brighton Bay Cellars has you sorted.
In response to Melbourne's latest COVID-19 cases, the Victorian Government has changed the state's mask rules to bring back mandatory face coverings inside. As announced last night, on Wednesday, July 14, wearing masks indoors became compulsory again at 11.59am — so, Victorians, you've just woken up to the new requirement. Accordingly, face masks are now compulsory inside for all Victorians — not just residents of Melbourne — over the age of 12. The rule applies in all indoor settings that aren't your own home, including all workplaces. Also, if you're outside, you need to wear a mask if you cannot maintain a 1.5-metre distance from folks who aren't from your own household. These requirements are all very familiar, given that the mask rules only started loosening again over the past month — following Melbourne's two-week lockdown in late May and early June. In fact, people have only been able to go maskless in indoor workplaces that don't face a public-facing component for the last week, and have only been able to ditch face coverings outdoors if you can social distance since mid-June. https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1415287538676158467 At present, new cases linked to Sydney's current cluster and lockdown have popped up in Melbourne, which is why the mask mandate has come back into effect. Yes, that means that the city's exposure sites list is growing again, too. As always, Melburnians can keep an eye on the local list of exposure sites at the Department of Health website — it will keep being updated if and when more sites are identified. For those looking to get tested, you can find a list of testing sites including regularly updated waiting times also on the Department of Health website. And, has remained the case throughout the pandemic, Melburnians should be looking out for coughs, fever, sore or scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell or taste, symptoms-wise. Plus, if you're wondering where to grab a fitted mask, we've put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them. For more information about the status of COVID-19 and the current restrictions, head over to the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Despite the smorgasbord of events, activities and experiences Melbourne serves up on the daily, sometimes you can still find yourself stuck in a big ol' rut, sticking to the same game plan week in, week out. Well, we're here to remind you that there are plenty of ways to shake up your routine, and all sorts of adventures and explorations that can easily be squeezed in around your usual nine-to-five. To help you discover even more of your city, we've teamed up with our mates at Mitsubishi, in celebration of the new Eclipse Cross, to round up seven great calendar additions for the week ahead. From kicking off the week with some wholesome morning exercise and eats to creating a unique piece of designer jewellery to loading up on Mother Nature at Melbourne's own tree museum, here are seven discoveries you can make this week. [caption id="attachment_622412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brook James.[/caption] MONDAY, AUGUST 27: FRESH AIR AND A VEGGIE BREAKFAST Start your week with a walk (or run) along the Merri Creek Trail. Mondays are always a little grim, so put some pep in your step with some early morning exercise and a wholesome vego brekkie. Wake up early and walk, run or ride south along Merri Creek to get your fix of fresh air. When you hit Abbotsford, stop by the convent for a touch of tranquillity before the week begins. Here, Lentil as Anything offers up a hearty vegetarian breakfast, and, if you arrive a bit later in the day, grab a plate and tuck into the Middle Eastern-style lunch buffet. TUESDAY, AUGUST 28: TACO TUESDAY No better way to celebrate a Tuesday. Forget about that moody Melbourne weather and transport yourself somewhere sunnier with a midweek Mexican fiesta at Hotel Jesus. Collingwood's bright and breezy tostaderia is doing the 'Taco Tuesday' concept proud, offering a whole range of clever taco treats for just $2 a pop from 5.30pm until sold out. And these beauties are miles better than anything you could knock together at home, with varieties like lamb barbacoa, marinated spit-roasted pork and smoked cauliflower. We'd recommend skipping lunch if you really want to give them a workout. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29: ISLAND LIFE IMMERSION Experience Caribbean culture, music and food during Melbourne Writers Festival. Swap your reality for a taste of island life, and take a deep dive into immersive installation Crawl Me Blood, at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Pulling inspiration from Jean Rhys' 1966 novel Wide Sargasso Sea, this Melbourne Writers Festival production explores the parallels between the Caribbean's colonial history and our own, served up as a sort of interactive documentary-meets-radio play. Catch captivating performances by local artists each with their own Caribbean connection, discover long-held family secrets and legacies, and fire up your senses with traditional Caribbean music and food. [caption id="attachment_658995" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stano Murrin.[/caption] THURSDAY, AUGUST 30: END-OF-WEEK CULTURE Get a double serving of theatre, then an epic pork roll. The Butterfly Club's diverse program of comedy, cabaret, theatre and music is a surefire remedy for those midweek blues, no matter what your style. This Thursday, the intimate theatre venue is dishing up a couple of pretty memorable performances — I See Me and Meryl Streep celebrates a legendary actress from the point of view of her biggest fan, while What Country Friends Is This? delivers a modern take on Shakespeare, as imagined by four of Melbourne's hottest emerging talents. After the show, duck around the corner and brave the likely queues to get your hands on one of Mr Crackles' next-level pork rolls. FRIDAY, AUGUST 31: ACCESSORIES DESIGNED BY YOU Become a designer and see your creations come to life before your eyes. Nab a covetable new addition to your wardrobe from Alpha60 piece, designed by you. For a one-night-only Melbourne Fashion Week event, the iconic label is giving fans the chance to design their own one-off piece of jewellery using special software that will then bring your piece to life (for free) with Monash University's 3D printer. And what better place to show off your new designer bling, than at a special MFW edition of ACMI's Wonderland sessions? Head in from 6pm for a curated program of circus, burlesque and drag performances; a tinsel takeover by artist Rachel Burke; and plenty of sparkly live tunes and dazzling costumes courtesy of The Huxleys. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: A TREE MUSEUM Escape the city hustle for some fresh air among a veritable museum of trees. This weekend, let Mother Nature work her magic when you venture out to the Mount Dandenong Arboretum. Effectively a tree museum, this lush pocket of Melbourne is the ideal spot to ring in the first day of spring among its 16-hectares of gorgeous greenery and mature deciduous trees. Crunch your way through the aromatic bed of pine needles, soak up those views of the Great Dividing Range, kick back with a picnic lunch, and then walk it off with a trek along one of the many trails winding through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: ART, GARDENS AND PICNICS Inject some high brow, cultural activity into your usual weekend routine. If a cruisy, yet culture-filled Sunday session is on the cards, ditch the big smoke and head out to Heide Museum of Modern Art. A celebrated public gallery and museum set on gorgeous grounds in Bulleen, this spot's the perfect antidote to your fast-paced city life. Right now, you can experience the iconic art of Dana Harris, swoon over the works of Grant and Mary Featherston at the Design For Life exhibition and take a glimpse at eras past with House Of Ideas. Afterwards, take a wander around the heritage-listed gardens, explore the 30 works dotted through the sculpture park and settle in for a picnic surrounded by stunning art. Where to next? Make the most of every week with Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and navigate to your next destination here.
Ten years since he last twisted everyone's brains with Inception's dreams within dreams, Christopher Nolan is back with his latest mind-bending action film. The acclaimed director has made other movies over the past decade, but his work is especially alluring when it toys with time, space and brain-warping sci-fi concepts in bold and visually spectacular ways. We're talking about Tenet, of course. The world waited three years to see it, plus a few extra weeks when the pandemic hit — and Melburnians had to add on a couple of months for cinemas to reopen. But, now that you can watch it, you want to make sure that you do so in the best way possible. No, that isn't as simple as just showing up to your nearest theatre. Only 13 cinemas worldwide are showing the film as Nolan intended. He shot Tenet on IMAX 15 perforation 70mm film cameras (aka IMAX 1570 Film), the highest-resolution cameras that currently exist, and only a very small number of venues can play the movie in that format. IMAX Melbourne is one of them, because the Carlton venue doesn't just screen giant documentaries. In fact, it's showing Tenet on 1570 Film on the largest cinema screen in the world (23 metres in height by 32 meters wide) and, for all you tech heads and cinephiles, in the 1.43:1 aspect ratio. This is a film that deserves to be blown up big, after all. You can also see the movie in IMAX 4K Laser and, whichever you choose, the sequences shot with IMAX cameras will expand vertically to fill the entire screen. That means you'll catch around 40 percent more of the image in these standout sequences than at a regular cinema. That's more of stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki, too. For movie buffs eager to get the full IMAX Tenet experience — and to get a feel for what a movie shot on IMAX cameras looks like before catching blockbusters like Wonder Woman 1984, No Time To Die, Top Gun: Maverick and Dune — there's an extra treat as well. Nolan has recorded an exclusive personal greeting just for IMAX Melbourne moviegoers that'll only be shown at the theatre. So you'll be able to hear from the director himself, then soak in his latest exactly as he intended. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WyytwwHfsw To book tickets to see 'Tenet' at IMAX Melbourne, head to the cinema's website.
When COVID-19 began to spread around the globe, travel was in no one's immediate plans. Australia's borders closed to international travel and, domestically, the Aussie airline industry drastically scaled down the number of local flights. Now that coronavirus restrictions are gradually easing, the opposite is happening. While Australians are still unable to leave the country, domestic travel is starting up again — and Qantas and Jetstar are putting on more flights as a result. Since the end of March, both airlines have been operating at five percent of their pre-pandemic capacity. By the end of June, the two airlines will boost that number to 15 percent, equating to more than 300 more return flights per week. Yes, that's obviously still significantly less than normal; however if the demand is there and the remaining state border restrictions are removed — such as in Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia — flight numbers could return to 40 percent of pre-coronavirus levels by the end of July. Announcing the increase in domestic flights, Qantas and Jetstar revealed that some routes that have still been operating will begin flying more frequently, while some others that stopped completely back in March will resume. Intrastate flights will also increase within New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. That's great news for folks eager to travel between Melbourne and Sydney, with 67 flights available per week by the end of this month across the two airlines — up from 12 per week at present. Flights to-and-from Brisbane and Sydney will increase from 12 to 30, while Brisbane–Melbourne routes will go up from seven to 19. Flights to Canberra will also rise, from five per city weekly to 19 from Sydney, 16 from Melbourne and 10 from Brisbane. Over in Perth, flights to Sydney and Melbourne will remain the same, with seven heading to each city every week. Regionally within NSW and Victoria, a bunch of routes are upping their numbers, including from Sydney to Albury, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Moree, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, and from Melbourne to Mildura, Newcastle and Ballina. Also, as first announced early in 2020 but then postponed due to COVID-19, Qantas will start direct flights to-and-from Sydney and Ballina. Jetstar already flies that route, but if you're a Sydneysider looking to head to Byron Bay and don't feel like a road trip, you now have another option. In Brisbane, flights will increase to Cairns, Townsville, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Moranbah, Mt Isa, Rockhampton and the Whitsunday Coast. And in Perth, flights will ramp up to Newman, Karratha, Port Hedland, Broome, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Exmouth. Qantas and Jetstar are also allowing domestic customers to change the date of their flight once without paying a change fee — if you book before June 30, and plan to fly between June 12–October 31, 2020. The two airlines will be changing a number of their procedures, too, to adapt to social distancing and hygiene requirements. That includes encouraging contactless check-in and self-serve bag drop, placing hand-sanitising stations at departure gates, providing masks and sanitising wipes to passengers on all flights, making everyone board and disembark in sequence, and undertaking extra cleaning. For further details about Qantas and Jetstar's plans, visit the company's website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
If you're trekking around Sydney Road and Melbourne's inner north this weekend, you'd best be prepared for a few changes to your usual transport routine. From 12.30am this Saturday, April 21, until the final tram on Monday, April 23, Route 19 trams are set to be replaced by buses, as construction begins on a new accessible platform at Stop 19, on the corner of Brunswick Road and Sydney Road. The buses will run in place of the usual trams between Stop 7 at The Queen Victoria Market and Stop 27 at the Brunswick Tram Depot, picking up travellers at temporary stops and existing kerbside tram stops. Public Transport Victoria has also warned that services could experience delays, and is urging passengers to leave a little extra time for their travels. The Route 59 service between the CBD and Flemington Road will feature extra trams during peak times this weekend to help take off some of the pressure — but if you've got a bike, this might be a good weekend to get some use out of it. Jump over to the PTV website for more information about the changes. Image: PeterChickenCampbell via Wikimedia Commons.
If the just-dropped 2018 Good Food Month program is anything to go by, those stretchy pants are set to get a serious workout this June. Melbourne's annual month-long food fiesta is this year packed with more goodness than ever, featuring top Aussie chefs, masterclasses, rollicking parties and unique dining experiences that'll knock your socks off. Promising to inject a bit of sunshine into those impending frosty winter days, pop-up restaurant Melbourne Palms brings a taste of Palm Springs to Federation Square from June 13–23. It'll play host to a broad lineup of culinary gold, kicking off with a celebration of homegrown heroes Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co., Supernormal) and Alla Wolf-Tasker (Lake House), for the June 13 Melbourne Greats Party. All the way from Denmark, pioneering chef Bo Bech (of Michelin-starred Paustian and Restaurant Geist) will give Australia its first taste of his innovative cooking by treating diners to a thought-provoking wine-matched degustation on June 15. Meanwhile, sustainability and locality will be front and centre when Sydney's seafood king Josh Niland (Saint Peter) shares the inspiration and ethos behind his acclaimed fare, at a three-course brunch teamed with liquid treats from Coonawarra winery Brands Laira. Then, when Tipo 00's Andreas Papadakis joins fellow Aussie pasta masters Mitch Orr (Sydney's ACME) and Joel Valvasori-Pereza (Perth's Lulu La Delizia), diners are in for an all-out pasta party, with a four-course wine-matched dinner giving each chef the chance to win over tastebuds with his signature moves. Other sure-fire hits include a tasty take on date night as imagined by 8bit and dessert queen Christy Tania's Glacé Frozen, and a much-anticipated collaboration between Longsong's David Moyle and Embla's David Verheul. The 2018 Good Food Month runs from June 1-30. Tickets are on sale now at goodfoodmonth.com.
Cooking kick-ass vegan food with Smith & Daughters' Shannon Martinez, a behind-the-scenes tour of Lune Croissanterie and verbally deconstructing lasagne with Massimo Bottura. It sounds like regular programming for Melbourne's annual celebration of food — but it's not quite. Forced to postpone its physical March festival because of COVID-19, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has just launched The Online Edition, allowing avid home bakers and food fanatics around the country to dial into chats, masterclasses and trivia sessions with some of the world's best chefs from the comfort of their kitchens. And for lucky Melburnians, there are some IRL food specials available to order every day, too. Running from Monday, May 25–Saturday, May 30, MFWF: The Online Edition is taking place entirely on Zoom and Instagram Live. Those who've spent lockdown with a Sméagol-like obsession for sourdough can get their fix with Baker Bleu's Mike Russell, while those who prefer their carbs flaky and filled with butter will want to log on for chats with Helen Goh — who's worked alongside Yotam Ottolenghi for over a decade and co-authored Sweet — and Australia's Queen of Tarts Philippa Sibley, as well as the aforementioned tour of Lune with the inimitable Kate Reid. On the topic of Lune — look away now, if you're not in Melbourne — the croissanterie is recreating some of its biggest hits for the festival, including the Lune Reuben croissant, which you can pre-order for pick-up or delivery via the Lune website. Elsewhere on the IRL menu: foie gras ice cream from Leonardo's Pizza Palace and Black Axe Mangal's Lee Tiernan, a one-off six-dish menu from Bar Saracen, an oyster and champagne pairing, and a menu of Torino-style dishes from Mister Bianco designed to eat while watching the classic 60s flick The Italian Job. [caption id="attachment_697090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lune by Marcie Raw[/caption] Back on the virtual program, expect a lineup of talks with international talent, including René Redzepi — who's just (temporarily) transformed his world-renowned Copenhagen fine-diner into a burger and wine bar — former co-editor of famed food magazine Lucky Peach Chris Ying and Lee Tiernan of London's Black Axe Mangal. More locally, The Everleigh's Michael Madrusan will teach us how to drink better, culinary idol Tony Tan will take us on a tour of his new cooking school and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura will show us the art of the one-pan dish. While The Online Edition has less hot chip parties and Queen Victoria Market takeovers than its scheduled predecessor, it's certainly not short on talent. The program has been pulled together by MFWF CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha and Creative Director Pat Nourse, who both have decades of experience in the food industry and will be hosting many of the virtual talks. Of the new program, Loucas Bosha said in a statement: "Our aim with this virtual festival is to highlight the capacity that hospitality has in Victoria and around the world to bring us closer, even when we can't get together in the same room. It's about sharing ideas, about sharing experiences and above all about supporting our community so that we can all come back swinging." Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: The Online Edition runs from Monday, May 25–Saturday, May 30 on Instagram Live and Zoom. To check out the full program, head to the website. Top image: Daniel Mahon
Australians all let us rejoice, for we have a long weekend in the middle of summer, and we plan on making the most of it. Melbourne is putting on a throng of events that celebrate our multicultural city and, of course, Triple J’s Hottest 100. Whether you’re looking to experience the musical delights of live performance, satisfy your tastebuds with international cuisine or just want to go for a dip in the ocean, this list will have you sorted for Australia Day. Have a crack at learning the words to the new Australian anthem, place a bet for Taylor Swift to take out the Js, and find yourself a nice spot in the sun. AUSTRALIA DAY '15 WEEKEND FUNDRAISER Split over two days and two venues, Australia Day: A Benefit for the Wider Community is raising awareness and funds for an exceptionally important cause. On Saturday the 25th head to Footscray’s Reverence Hotel for the likes of Frenzal Rhomb, Saskwatch and Hawaiian Islands. Day two will see Melbourne legends The Smith Street Band, The Bennies and Joelistics perform, providing an interesting mix of musical genres and outspoken voices. Proceeds from the event will be going to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, The Refugee Council of Australia and Oxfam. Get on this. EAT EVERYTHING AT THE INTERNATIONAL STREET FOOD FESTIVAL Head to the Melbourne Showgrounds to eat your weight in street food from every corner of the globe. A good place to start would be the AMFVG Food Truck Park to get a little sample from here, there and everywhere. If you make it out of there with some room left in your tum, there will also be stalls from the likes of Mr Burger, Wonderbao, Those Girls Iced Tea, The Snag Society, Treat Yo Self Quesadilla Cart, Gumbo Kitchen and 400 Gradi just to name a few. As well as food stalls galore there will also be live music throughout the weekend. GO FOR A DIP AT THE SWIMLAND GREAT AUSTRALIA DAY SWIM Racers at the ready! If an open water swim sounds like your perfect way to celebrate the island that we call home, then grab a wetsuit and get down to Brighton. The 1.4km open water swim is a clockwise course around the Middle Brighton Pier and breakwater from the pier to the finish gate on the beach. For those who like a bit more of a challenge, there is also a 5km swim option, and for those who want to get back to the Hottest 100 as quickly as possible, there’s an intermediate 650m swim. WATCH MURIEL'S WEDDING FOR MIDSUMMA It’s going to be one Abba-solutely fabulous weekend at The 86 on Smith Street this Australia day weekend, with a Dancing Queen party and Babba live show to boot. To round out the partying and performances, from 3pm on Monday come down for a free BBQ and join in for sing-along screenings of the Australian cult classic Muriel’s Wedding. The screenings are also free, so if you’re after a cheap and very cheerful Australia Day, look no further. AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKENDER AT THE ROYAL CROQUET CLUB It’s going to be four solid days of celebration at the Royal Croquet Club with a Food Truck-a-Palooza, musical guests and all around good times. For Australia Day only, Beatbox Kitchen, Taco Truck, Hammer & Tong, Nuoc Mama, Shari D’s and a few other special guests will be joining the already stellar lineup of Meatmother, Misschu, Mr Claws and Messina to provide you with all the fine foodie offerings. Musical guests over the four days include The Kite String Tangle, Miami Horror DJs, Japanese Wallpaper and Hayden James, which are some pretty blissful sounds to fall into a food coma to. CELEBRATE NEW CITIZENS AND BILLY CART RACING IN KENSINGTON Kensington Australia Day Festival and Citizenship Ceremony is a big day of family-friendly fun. The day starts at 11.30am, commencing with a Citizenship Ceremony, to be followed by a billy cart race, because 'Straya. There will plenty of food stalls with international cuisine, a handmade and handcrafted market and live entertainment. Also very importantly, there is a lamington-eating competition, so come hungry. HOTTEST 100 PARTY AT THE ESPY It makes sense to celebrate Australia Day at one of Melbourne’s oldest institutions, but for some people January 26 only means one thing: Triple J’s Hottest 100 Day. Doors open from 11am, so you can secure yourself a prime position for the countdown kick-off at midday. As well as the Hottest 100 booming through their impressive sound system throughout the day, there will be live performances by Last Dinosaurs, Japanese Wallpaper, The Harpoons, Them Bruins and many others. Like all the good things in life, it’s a free event. HAVE A ROUND OF BAREFOOT BOWLS AT BOWLED OVER Hosted by Tonedeaf and Channel [V], Bowled Over is part bowls competition, part live music gig, part Hottest 100 party. Now in its fifth year running, there will be performances by Remi, Bad//Dreems and Twinsy to help remind you of the excellent music this country produces. If you’re not quite competitive enough to throw your hat in the ring for the Levi's Cup Bowling Competition, there will be a new private oasis section where you can chill out in deck chairs and beanbags. Food and drink will be supplied from the likes of Sailor Jerry, The Sweetwater Inn and CUB. HAVE A GERMAN-STYLE AUSTRALIA DAY AT AUSFEST Brunswick St Cider House is where it’s at for the cider lovers of Melbourne, and in particular, their garden bar out the back is perfect for some summer sipping. This Australia Day, the garden will host AusFest 2015 Craft Cider and Beer Festival, where $28 will get you your own personal stein for the day, which you can fill up with one of the 27 beverages on tap on arrival. You can refill your stein for $10 during the day, and will also receive a slow-cooked pork roll for lunch and apple crumble for dessert. There’s also the possibility of turning your cider into a slushy, and to that we say cheers, mate. THROW YOUR OWN BBQ Maybe you don’t want to go anywhere this Australia Day, and that is more than fine, so why not have a BBQ at yours? If you want to have the best BBQ going around, you’re going to need some great bangers, and we don’t mean the of the EDM variety. We’re confident you’ll find some excellent snags at the inaugural Sausage Fest at the Prahran Market. The Prahran Market butchers and poulterers will have their sausages put to the test (the taste test that is), and the winner will be chosen via public opinion blind testing. Competition opens at 11.30am on Friday, January 23, so get down, try some sausages and pick up what you need to make your Australia Day BBQ a memorable one.
It's a risky and even cheeky move, packaging a film with a song that could be used to describe it. Thankfully, in the case of 2014's The Lego Movie and its instant earworm track, everything was indeed awesome. The animated flick's long-awaited sequel offers another self-assessment in closing credits tune 'Super Cool', however the description doesn't fit this time around. Nor do the words unbelievable, outrageous, amazing, phenomenal, fantastic and incredible, further praise sung by Beck, the Lonely Island and Robyn in the catchy and amusing song. Instead, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part is fine, standard, okay and average. Of course, those words don't have the same ring to them, even if they were set to a thumping beat. The Lego Movie left its successors with big shoes to fill — or big bricks to emulate, to be more accurate — and this direct follow-up does so in an entertaining enough but never especially inventive or enthralling fashion. Call it a case of trying to build the same thing with different pieces. Call it constructing a masterpiece and then falling short with the next attempt. Call it a case of sticking too closely to the instructions again and again. Whichever one you choose, they all fit like rectangular plastic pieces stacked neatly on top of each other. You could also call it a case of following Emmet Brickowski's (Chris Pratt) lead, with the mini-figure's fondness for routine already well established in the first movie. He's so comfortable doing the same thing day in, day out that he's even happy to keep doing so in the new dystopian version of his hometown, Bricksburg. He knows that much has changed since alien invaders made from bigger blocks descended from the heavens. His brooding best friend Lucy (Elizabeth Banks) also reminds him all the time. But it isn't until General Sweet Mayhem (Stephanie Beatriz) arrives, bearing an invite from the Systar system's Queen Watevra Wa'Nabi (Tiffany Haddish) and sweeping Lucy, Batman (Will Arnett), Benny (Charlie Day), MetalBeard (Nick Offerman) and Unikitty (Alison Brie) away, that Emmet abandons his blissful monotony and springs into action. Viewers of the initial flick, The Lego Batman Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie will remember two important aspects of the Lego Movie Universe. Firstly, mile-a-minute jokes and pop culture references are as much a part of the franchise as multicoloured bricks. Secondly, more often than not, the series' animated tales tie into a real-world scenario. While original directors Chris Lord and Phil Miller have handed over the reigns to Trolls filmmaker Mike Mitchell, their humour still bounces through in the movie's fast-paced script. And while The Lego Movie's big twist — that the whole story stemmed from kids simply playing with the titular toys — is old news now, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part builds upon this idea. Once again, the film spends time with now-teenager Finn (Jadon Sand), who's still far from pleased that his younger sister Bianca (Brooklynn Prince) likes Lego as well. Cue The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part's troubles. Lightning rarely strikes twice, after all. The film serves up enough funny gags to keep audiences chuckling, throws in more than a few ace cameos and has the same infectious, anarchic vibe, but it was never going to feel as fresh. It also benefits from a fantastic overall message, but doesn't give it enough emphasis until late in the show. After pondering the divide between rules and creativity in the first picture, the franchise now contemplates collaboration, sharing and the gendering applied to playthings, roles and fandom. That's both smart and relevant, yet here feels underdone. Basically, anything new comes second to everything that's been done before, resulting in the most superfluous kind of sequel. This follow-up is happier rehashing its predecessor's glory days than channelling the ingenuity that made the original so charming. Of course, if The Lego Movie hadn't been such a vibrant, witty delight, then The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part wouldn't feel so familiar. An adequate addition to the series, it still contains plenty to distinguish it from other all-ages animated fare — including an eye-catching and distinctive animation style, enjoyable skewering of Pratt's many non-Lego characters, and Noel Fielding as a sparkly Twilight-esque vampire. But, five years on, viewers are now in the same situation as Lucy: ready to embrace a challenge, rather than falling back on comfortable old habits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvHSlHhh1gk
Head up High Street into Northcote, where you'll find Kitty Somerset — perfect for a comforting and cosy environment or if your cold bones forgot to bring a proper jacket to work. The bar's fireplace will have you nice and toasty in no time, while the soft vinyl on the go will soothe your Spotify-weary thumbs and the headache you have from answering 400 emails this week. Serving up classic, seasonal and signature cocktails, the bar is well stocked and reasonably priced. Food is limited to bar snacks and cheese (what more could you want?), but you can order in from nearby restaurants if you're really hungry. Have a go at the bloody Mary to forget all about work and also get one whole dose of your fruit and vegetables down for the weekend. Kitty do a good tradish version but you can also add chilli sauce if you're a Proper Maniac and really looking to go HAM on your weekend times.
The protagonist of Nick Jones' Trevor has definitely seen better days. A star in his youth, the actor's best days have long since passed him by. Where he once lit up the screen alongside Morgan Fairchild, now he can't even book a commercial for Dunkin' Donuts. To make matters worse, his sole companion Sandra scarcely seems able to understand him. No wonder he's on the verge of snapping. Oh, did we mention that Trevor is a 200 pound chimpanzee? Making its Australian premiere at Red Stitch this July, this witty showbiz satire takes its inspirations from a real life story about a Connecticut woman assaulted by a chimp. Actor Rory Kelly plays the moody monkey who proves every bit as big a diva as his one-time Hollywood co-stars, while company regular Denis Moore directs.
In Love Lies Bleeding, a craggy ravine just outside a dusty New Mexico town beckons, ready to swallow sordid secrets in the dark of the desert's starry night. Tumbling into it, a car explodes in flames partway through the movie, exactly as the person pushing it in wants it to. There's the experience of watching Rose Glass' sophomore film emblazoned across the feature's very frames. After the expertly unsettling Saint Maud, the British writer/director returns with a second psychological horror, this time starring Kristen Stewart in the latest of her exceptionally chosen post-Twilight roles (see: Crimes of the Future, Spencer, Happiest Season, Lizzie, Personal Shopper, Certain Women and Clouds of Sils Maria). An 80s-set queer and sensual tale of love, lust, blood and violence, Love Lies Bleeding is as inkily alluring as the gorge that's pivotal to its plot, and as fiery as the inferno that swells from the canyon's depths. This neon-lit, synth-scored neo-noir thriller scorches, too — and burns so brightly that there's no escaping its glow. When the words "you have to see it to believe it" also grace Love Lies Bleeding — diving into gyms and in the bodybuilding world, it's no stranger to motivational statements such as "no pain no gain", "destiny is a decision" and "the body achieves what the mind believes" — they help sum up this wild cinematic ride as well. Glass co-scripts here with Weronika Tofilska (they each previously penned and helmed segments of 2015's A Moment in Horror), but her features feel like the result of specific, singular and searing visions that aren't afraid to swerve and veer boldly and committedly to weave their stories and leave an imprint. Accordingly, Love Lies Bleeding is indeed a romance, a crime flick and a revenge quest. It's about lovers on the run and intergenerational griminess. It rages against the machine. It's erotic, a road trip and unashamedly pulpy. It also takes the concept of strong female leads to a place that nothing else has, and you do need to witness it to fathom it. Stewart is Love Lies Bleeding's shaggy mullet-wearing heartthrob, a surly and oft-silent type who knows what she wants and doesn't. In the first category for the gym-managing Lou: a life free of abuse for her sister Beth (Jena Malone, Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire), who has scuzzy and vicious husband JJ (Dave Franco, Day Shift) lurking about; nothing to do with the shooting range-owning, gun-running, insect-obsessed, ponytailed Lou Sr (the scene-stealing Ed Harris, Top Gun: Maverick); and, from when she first sets eyes on her, muscular and permed out-of-towner Jackie (Katy O'Brian, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania). It's 1989, Lou is unwilling to be anyone but herself — iron-pumping patrons try and fail to insult her with "grade-a dyke" — and she's also introduced knowing how to clean up a mess and navigate amorous complications. Glass initially finds one of her protagonists with a hand deep in a backed-up toilet, and with local hang-about and past fling Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov, Dickinson) pleading for a date. More muck and more relationship chaos are in store for both Lou and for Love Lies Bleeding. Breezing in en route to a bodybuilding championship in Las Vegas, Jackie reciprocates her affections, then moves into her house — but the day before they meet, she's sleeping with JJ for a job at Lou Sr's. That's just some of the shit, metaphorical rather than literal, that Lou will have to get more than elbow-deep in. The FBI agents hovering around asking questions fall into the same camp. Alongside gleefully subverting the usual take on powerful women characters on-screen, Glass carves into idyllic perceptions of love. Love Lies Bleeding's central romance is urgent, instant, sweaty and horny, and also opportunistic, perilous and thorny. The idea that discovering your special someone is transformative also receives a stunning spin, and far beyond the fact that bulging biceps and doing everything on steroids — sometimes literally there — are rarely far from returning Saint Maud cinematographer Ben Fordesman's lens. It isn't merely Glass, Fordesman, editor Mark Towns (another Saint Maud alum), composer Clint Mansell (Sharper) and the meticulous team of sound designers who go all in on crafting Lou and Jackie's plight as an evocatively visceral and squelchy fever dream, heated sex scenes, an onslaught of gore and brutality, and an eagerness to get weird all included. Almost every time that she rolls out a new performance, Stewart is in never-better form again and again, which is true once more in this phenomenal portrayal. The anxiety, tension and vulnerability that's pulsating through Lou is evident in a look, a line reading and posture alone, as is determination, devotion, grit and complexity. Stewart masters something that's only matched by the electric O'Brian, as Glass demands: mesmerising viewers, and making them fall as head over heels for this chemistry-dripping pair and the movie they're in as they do with each other. For O'Brian, who also has The Mandalorian and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as Westworld and The Walking Dead on her resume, has studied martial arts since childhood, takes part in bodybuilding contests off-screen and was previously a cop, it's a star-making, can't-look-away turn. Add obsession to the forces pumping ravenously through Love Lies Bleeding, which befits its filmmaker; this isn't her first picture about transformation and connection. The links between Saint Maud and Love Lies Bleeding mirror Lou and Jackie, with the two duos as much kindred spirits as opposites. Glass relishes the magnetic clash, then revels in it. What it truly means to change, and why, and the motivations to try; attempting to abandon old and forge new habits; what a person can and can't find in another; where faith and trust kick in: they all throb through both flicks. But jumping from a claustrophobic British setting to the expansive American west, plus from ailing bodies to musclebound figures, is also Glass' journey. Contrasts abound within Love Lies Bleeding itself, which is intimate but sprawling, raw and tender, sweet and savage, gets love and sex butting heads with carnage and death, grim but blackly comedic, and also dark and distressing yet swoonworthy and romantic. In her two features so far — a helluva debut, then this astounding follow-up — Glass has also proven herself a builder, but not of the bodies that her second movie peers at with as female a gaze that cinema is capable of. There's no watching Love Lies Bleeding and not spying its influences, as was the case with Saint Maud. That said, that both take those inspirations as foundations to construct something else entirely is equally inescapable. These are no one's copies. True Romance, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway, Thelma & Louise, Showgirls, Badlands, Paris, Texas, Raising Arizona, Bonnie & Clyde, Natural Born Killers: consider them all Love Lies Bleeding's siblings. So are Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, Only God Forgives and The Neon Demon, as spied in the intoxicating hues that dance across the screen. Although it similarly only reached cinemas in 2024, Ethan Coen's Drive-Away Dolls would make a glorious double with one of the standout movies of the year. For a burning, bulging, blistering and brilliant plunge into filmmaking at its most exhilarating, however, Love Lies Bleeding stands and shines fiercely atop its own cliff.
Renowned Malaysian brand Tealive has 500 stores located around the world, but this Melbourne spot is a little different. Housed in a former Swanston Street ATM, it's set to be one of the smallest bubble tea stores in the world. Clocking in at just 4.4 square metres, it has room for just two staff at any one time. Despite its size, Tealive's new hole-in-the-wall serves up an impressive amount of teas a day thanks to its convenient (and busy) location, directly across from the State Library Victoria. [caption id="attachment_761812" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Unsurprisingly, this store's working a smaller menu than the rest of the brand's 500 international outposts, celebrating Tealive's best-selling bevs. Roll past for drinks like the silky roasted milk tea loaded with grass jelly, an iced matcha latte featuring warm pearls, the strawberry custard smoothie and a range of fruity iced teas, along with a milk tea soft-serve dessert. It's an entirely cashless operation, so you simply order and pay via the electronic display out front. And while this store's got a tiny physical footprint, Tealive is also making moves to up its environmental game across all global outposts. It's swapping out plastic straws for paper alternatives and even sells its own range of reusable bubble tea tumblers. Images: Eugene Hyland
Looking to step up your boozy brunch game beyond the usual mimosas and smashed avo? Venture down the coast and you'll find yourself a winner at Hotel Sorrento, which has just kicked off a new series of bottomless brunches infused with the flavours of Hong Kong. Running every second Saturday from 1–3pm, the feasts take place in the seaside venue's Hong Kong-inspired diner ShiHuiShi, helmed by Head Chef Junlin Yi. Book a spot and you'll sit down to a flavour-packed spread of Cantonese cuisine spanning the modern and the traditional. Expect plates like prawn toasts paired with whipped cod roe, mushroom and tofu san choi bao, and crispy chicken ribs elevated with a Sichuan mayo. Oh, and dumplings galore, of course. While you dine, you'll enjoy two hours of free-flowing sips, including the punchy Pink Lotus cocktail starring lychee and Thai basil, and a lemon myrtle and kakadu plum vodka-based creation they call the Ginga Ninja. Tickets are $75, which also includes a post-brunch drink at Hotel Sorrento's Salt Bar, to enjoy overlooking the bay. Images: Jordan Price
From the remnants of war and conflict, Saught aids the creation of wearable pieces of art. Aiming to support sustainability in post-conflict countries worldwide, with a current focus on Cambodia, the organisation strives to make the entire jewellery-making process a collective effort on the part of people recovering from a period of war, from metal scrap collecting through to design and sale. For the 'Freedom From Fear' collection, pieces of discarded metal from landmines and unexploded ordnance were collected by the Cambodia Mine Action Centre. Then, artisans from Cambodia NGO partner workshops, with input from designers, handcrafted individual jewellery pieces. On sale for AU$160, the necklace pictured above, called the 'Bricks of Hope Statement Necklace', is made with brass pieces plated in rhodium to symbolise three decades of bombing in Cambodia; the orange silk is incorporated to represent hope for reconstruction. These workshops allow local Cambodian artisans to both collect income and to improve their craft and business skills. The result is a simple yet striking piece of jewellery. [Via Lost At E Minor]
Did you let yourself — or, more specifically, your hair — get a little out of control in lockdown? It's understandable. So if you have quite the (ahem) hairy situation to sort out, a barbershop called Brother Wolf seems more than fitting. Pop down to this shop in St Kilda, or the original on Greville Street, Prahran, and one of the crew can get to work. This shop puts a modern spin the old-school barbershop design, so expect plenty of indoor plants to match the palm leaf wallpaper. Here, men's cuts start from $55 or you can get a clipper cut from $30. Plus, it offers hot towel shaves from $50. Want to keep the Brother Wolf experience going after you leave the store? It has a range of apparel and haircare products.
This Vimeo user has just confirmed my long-held suspicion that Beyonce and I identify with the same emoji (red salsa lady, obviously). In bigger news, he created an entire emoji version of her recent hit from the visual album, Drunk in Love, and it is flawless. Apart from reaffirming my spiritual connection with Queen Bey, this video does a few things. Firstly, it shows how ridiculous lyrics can be. It inverts the tradition of literal music videos and makes you question things. For instance, why is Beyonce touching so many babies, and did Jay-Z really just say "your breastases is my breakfast"? Really? It could also be a game-changer for the music video market. Imagine how many millions could be saved if Kanye just texted his next video the producers? Sure, there's no motorcycle emoji yet, but 'Bound 2' could have just been a pouty pair of lips on a bicycle with a steam cloud coming out of it. It would have had roughly the same appeal as the original. Of course this is a brave new world for the emoji. It's now used to create original artworks, re-enact famous literature, and it even has a seedy underbelly in the world of internet porn. But if it's to progress any further, it surely needs to add more multicultural offerings than the one Asian and one Indian face in a sea of dorky little white people. Case in point: this is the best they could do for Jay-Z.
On its face, Chicken People is about the cheery behind-the-scenes world of poultry competitions. It's a documentary about the people who live, breathe, and show (but generally do not eat) poultry, and is actually fairly educational for those who might not know much about our fair-feathered friends. More so than that though, it's a study of a small group of people who are just really, really passionate about what they do. Director Nicole Lucas Haimes takes viewers through a year in the life of some of the top competitors from the 2014 Ohio National Poultry Show, as they prep their prize birds for the same event 12 months later. There's Brian C, a singer and performer who has recently sacrificed his role in a stage show to devote more time to his obsession. There's Shari, a mum who has beaten alcoholism and now spends hours every week washing and blow-drying her prize silky breed chooks. And there's Brian K, an engineer who obsessively cross-breeds his chickens in the ultimate search for the perfect bird. What makes Chicken People such a charming portrait of something you probably have zero interest in is that it stays well and truly away from wtf territory. It doesn't condescend, patronise or alienate its subjects – it just follows them and provides the audience with handy pop-up facts about what makes the perfect chicken. Who knows when that information will come in handy. A touching aspect of the film is singer Brian C's parents, who have taken up the mantel of caring for his birds while he's away performing. They have no real interest in chickens and aren't particularly fond of the work, but they sure are fond of their son. His dad is a constant presence at the competitions with him, a sweet example of familial love and what you'll do for the ones you care about. Along the way, we also discover Shari's past battles with alcohol and mental health. When the 2015 Ohio competition is cancelled due to an outbreak of avian flu, she finds it hard to follow other competitors heading to a replacement comp in another state – being a greater distance away, she feels anxious being that far from her home. When she finally tells the camera that she's overcome her fears and has decided to head along, we realise just how invested in these chicken-mad folk we've become. If Chicken People has a problem, it's also kind of a strength: its subjects are just so damn lovely. There's no contrived drama, no bitchiness, and no bad words. The competitors all hug each other when the winners are announced, and even when Brian K sees his ex-girlfriend at the show, it results in a happy reunion. Perhaps viewers will yearn for a bit of swearing and stink eye. Then again, maybe we're better off with a nice doco about nice people to counteract all the nastiness in the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9ZShxa6wJ0
Throughout the pandemic, treating ourselves to Gelato Messina's desserts has become a tasty self-care go-to, and the chain has been releasing quite the lineup of special sweet treats — its own takes on Viennettas and Iced Vovos included — to help. Now, after a chaotic few weeks weather-wise across Queensland and New South Wales, the gelato brand is putting its OTT dishes to great use in another way, raffling them off to raise cash for flood relief. Buy a $10 ticket, go in the draw to win Messina treats, gelato tubs, chocolates, vouchers and merchandise: that's what's on offer until 11.59pm on Sunday, March 20. The gelato chain is hosting its own raffle, with $5000 in desserts and prizes up for grabs — in 150 packs filled with more than 60 of the brand's limited-edition wares. Those aforementioned Messinettas and Iced Vovo bavarians are included, with 2o of each on offer — and 20 of Messina's Basque cheesecake hot tubs as well. There's also 20 1.5-litre gelato tubs, 30 sets of its pick 'n' mix choccies, and five $150 Messina vouchers. Messina socks, caps, hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts and balm — they're all on the list as well. Tickets can be bought online, with 100 percent of the profits to be split between Australian Red Cross and Vinnies flood appeals across NSW and Qld. Winners will then be notified on Monday, March 21. Eating gelato, assisting folks in need: that's the best and most helpful way to enjoy dessert. Gelato Messina's flood appeal raffle is selling tickets until 11.59pm on Sunday, March 20. Head to the Messina website for further information.
How do you get plane passengers excited about sitting sandwiched between two strangers? To turn middle seat-dwelling frowns upside down, Virgin Australia launched the Middle Seat Lottery in 2022. It's exactly what it sounds like, giving prizes to people who find themselves perched in everyone's least favourite spot in the air — and, while it was originally set to only span six months, the scheme has just been extended until mid-2023. No one likes the middle seat on a plane. Does anyone book flights, select where to sit and genuinely (and willingly) pick being stuck between two other people, with no window to look out and no easy access to the aisle, if there's another option? No, no they don't. But resisting that urge until Friday, July 9 could score goodies for your troubles, with an extra $45,000 in prizes added to the pool. The 11-week extension means 11 more weekly prizes, with holidays the big focus. Fancy return flights to Tokyo? To Europe, plus a luxe experience in Doha? To North Queensland, including swimming with saltwater crocodiles? To Townsville, where a waterfall and tropical island tour via helicopter and sailboat cruise await? They're some of the giveaways — and there's a stint on North Stradbroke Island that starts with a beer-tasting experience onboard a private jet, then spans a brewery tour with Straddie Brewing Co, too. The freebies change each week, and are only available to passengers to meet one big condition: sitting in the middle seat because you've either selected it or you've been assigned it. An hour or so in a seat you wouldn't normally pick for the chance to win your next getaway? Worth it, probably. Plenty of folks agree, with more than 240,000 Virgin Australia guests entering the competition since it launched last October. To go in the running to win any of the above prizes, you do need to be a Velocity Frequent Flyer member over the age of 18. And, you'll have to fly somewhere within Australia, on a Virgin Australia-operated domestic flight, during the competition period — in a middle seat, obviously. Also, to enter, you then need to use the Virgin Australia app within 48 hours of your flight's scheduled departure time, tapping on the Middle Seat Lottery tile, finding your flight and entering your details. From there, winners are drawn each week and contacted if they're successful. Virgin Australia's Middle Seat Lottery runs until Sunday, July 9, 2023. For more information, head to the Virgin website. Images: Carly Ravenhall. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
The Ken doll, Barbie's hunky other half, is flying solo for his 50th birthday in Mattel's new advertising campaign to keep the Barbie brand relevant. The company decided to give Ken a makeover in the only way anyone in the 21st century knows how: creating a reality show. 'Dreamer Ken' Kurtis Taylor was selected as the fresh face of the Ken doll in the web-series Genuine Ken: The Search for the Great American Boyfriend, in which he wiped the floor with the seven other 'ken-testants' in a variety of cooking, decorating, entertaining and surfing challenges. The Hills star Whitney Port hosted the Bachelorette-style show and believed that Taylor, the 25-year-old Pro Football player from Iowa, was exactly what Mattel was looking for. Taylor described that his perfect date would entail: "A helicopter ride over Los Angeles. Then, we would land on a rooftop where dinner is prepared and Frank Sinatra is playing in the background. After a great conversation over dinner, we'd fly to the beach and walk under the moon." He certainly seems to be the perfect new arm candy for our favourite plastic blonde.
"Spectacles, not survivors". If you've ever wondered what the creator of The Hunger Games wants from its participants, they're his exact words. Meet Casca Highbottom, Dean of the Academy, and the reason that children from 12 of Panem's districts fight to the death every year for the entertainment of the masses — as well as a looming force of evil in prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Yes, every movie franchise ever has to keep returning to screens, as Harry Potter and Twilight are as well. Unlike those two page-to-screen hits — two other favourites straight out of YA literature, too — The Hunger Games is making a cinematic comeback. And, it's gracing theatres again this November because author Suzanne Collins followed up her original trilogy of novels from 2008–10 with a step backwards in 2020. While Casca Highbottom is a pivotal figure in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, complete with Peter Dinklage (Cyrano) playing the part, another usually- nefarious presence is the movie's protagonist. If you've ever wondered about Coriolanus Snow's life before he became President of Panem and kept having encounters with Katniss Everdeen, here's your answer. This prequel is set 64 years prior to the dystopian tales told in the saga's initial four films between 2012–15, with Tom Blyth (Billy the Kid) doing his best to become a young Donald Sutherland. If the Wizarding World can have young Dumbledore, The Hunger Games can have young Snow, clearly. As the just-dropped first trailer for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes starts to cover, his backstory includes hailing from a family that's hit hard times in the postwar Capitol. That's how he becomes a mentor to District 12's Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler, Shazam! Fury of the Gods). And that "spectacles, not survivors" comment is spoken his way, in fact, as a word of warning about what's expected in his new role. Of course, this wouldn't be a Hunger Games story if one of its tributes didn't earn plenty of attention — and hearts. When his protege proves a hit, Snow starts to think about turning the odds in their favour. That said, viewers already know that any good he achieves here won't change the fate that's already been seen in the novels and past movies. As well as Blyth, Zegler and Dinklage, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes features a stacked cast spanning Jason Schwartzman (I Love That for You), Viola Davis (Air), Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) and Josh Andrés Rivera (Zegler's West Side Story co-star). Francis Lawrence jumps behind the lens again, as he did with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part II. Check out the trailer for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes below: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes releases in cinemas Down Under on November 16, 2023. Images: Murray Close.
Wubba lubba dub dub, Rick and Morty fans — the beloved animated series returns for its sixth season in early September, and is bound to serve up another schwifty dose of chaotic intergalactic mayhem. Been wondering what happened since season five's big ending? Can't wait for new episodes, which arrive Down Under via Netflix on Monday, September 5? The Back to the Future-inspired hit has also made the leap into real life, with #wormageddon scenes popping up around the world. What's #wormageddon? It's what Adult Swim, the US network behind Rick and Morty, is calling "an immersive adventure" — and it's setting up IRL Rick and Morty moments in places as varied as Mexico City, Malibu, The Netherlands, Brazil, Toronto, Cape Town and Sydney. Yes, Australia is getting in on the action, with a #wormageddon scene arriving on the Bennelong Lawn in The Royal Botanic Gardens in the Harbour City from today, Tuesday, August 30. In Sydney's pop-up, Birdperson faces #wormageddon — aka a mysterious alien worm that wants to take over earth. That's what happens in the show's narrative after the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five, and where season six will pick up. Australia is no stranger to pop culture-themed installations, especially lately. Everything from House of the Dragon, The Gray Man and Everything Everywhere All At Once through to Squid Game, Stranger Things and Borat has done the same, resulting in everything from dragon eggs and the Iron Throne to multidimensional laundromats and otherworldly rifts appearing on Aussie shores. Usually, they only last a day or a weekend, though, but #wormageddon is hanging around Sydney until Thursday, September 8 — on display from 7.30am–5.30pm daily. In total, 14 custom #wormageddon scenes are setting up shop on six continents, all bridging the gap between the end of the last season and the start of season six, and sending fans on a global treasure hunt to find each scene. Sydney's Birdperson-versus-worm installation marks the ninth so far, with exactly where the remaining five will surface yet to be revealed. That's the way the news goes — and if you're keen to find out more about the #wormageddon storyline, Adult Swim has dropped a few online shorts, too. You can check them out below, along with the trailer for Rick and Morty's sixth season. Rick and Morty's sixth season will premiere globally on Monday, September 5 Down Under. The series streams via Netflix in Australia and New Zealand. Top image: Adult Swim.
Next time you venture to Kew for a feed at Chef David, you're in for some big changes. The venue, which is a sibling to the CBD hot pot destination of the same name, has relaunched following an extended pandemic-driven lockdown, embracing an entirely new direction. Introducing, Chef David Kew 2.0 — a degustation-only Asian-fusion fine diner with a penchant for the experimental. The new-look space is working a bold, futuristic fitout, with plenty of neon signage and a collection of art installations lending the feel of a contemporary gallery. A casual bar area at the front of the venue leads back through to a more formal dining space, while a ten-metre-long LED work along one wall displays dramatic projections inspired by the chefs' regional backgrounds. [caption id="attachment_855436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Lumea Photo[/caption] The all-you-can-eat hot pot of yesterday has gone, as has the sushi train. In their place, is a seasonal nine-dish set menu celebrating a vast spread of Chinese regions and built on ingredients sourced exclusively by the restaurant from their respective provinces. It's an innovative lineup, currently starring bites like sea urchin roe paired with yuzu dashi jelly; the confit duck marinated in 13 different Guizhou spices, finished with a plum and nitsume sauce; and a wagyu steak crowned with miso egg yolk and sea urchin 'bubbles'. Oysters come two ways, done with dashi jelly and a horseradish sauce, as well as with a Yunnan-style topping of salmon roe and yuzu vodka. [caption id="attachment_855439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Lumea Photo[/caption] The detailing and artistic flair continues on the dessert list, which includes an assembly of raspberry, vanilla gelato, chocolate bark and fairy floss crafted to look like a blooming cherry blossom tree. An ever-growing wine offering showcases drops from across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, with particularly impressive selections of burgundy and champagne. There's even a signature cabernet sauvignon made in collaboration with the Mornington Peninsula's Barmah Park Wines. Find the new iteration of Chef David Kew at Shop R01/140 Cotham Rd, Kew. It's open 5.30–10.30pm Wednesday to Saturday. Images: Lumea Photo
Throwing shapes on the dance floor is one thing, but how about really thrilling that inner tween of yours with a pair of skates, a roller rink, and an afternoon of disco? This weekend you'll have the chance to do all of that, as The Collingwood Underground Roller Disco returns for its second instalment, again setting up shop in a carpark beneath the suburb's landmark high-rise flats. Kicking off at 3pm this Saturday, June 24, it's set to be a family-friendly affair, with a lineup of much-loved Melbourne DJs and performers guiding punters of all ages through a mix of boogie, disco, and house beats. Expect tunes from the likes of J'Nett, Chris NG and Le Soul. You can take your own lucky skates or hire some on the day, and there'll be plenty of eats and drinks on offer to help fuel those freestyle moves. Start practicing now and grab tickets at the door.
Shusai Mijo is a little oasis of luxury on the much-loved Johnston Street strip‚ best known for its underground arts scene, small bars, cheap eats and smattering of local designer shops. Here, it almost seems strange to find a high-end omakase restaurant where you fork out $250 for an extravagant degustation. But it is a sign of the area's gentrification with plenty of locals now on the hunt for fine-dining haunts. And those folks are in for a real treat. Chef Jun Oya (ex-Warabi) is running the show with Sous Chef Takuro Abe (ex-Warabi) for a different kind of omakase experience than you might be used to. At Shusai Mijo, Oya is championing a Kappo-style omakase which includes more cooked dishes than you'll find at other Melbourne omakase spots. The menu changes seasonally, mostly depending on what fish is available both from Australia and Japan, but it does tend to follow a particular pattern of courses. A somewhat complex appetiser starts off the proceedings — we had the mixed seafood dish made with pufferfish, scallops, snow crab and tiny firefly squid. There's a lot going on here, but the delicate combination of flavours is handled with a master's touch. This is reflected throughout Oya's menu, where you won't be hit in the face with big flavours, but instead invited to explore a more understated and subtle cooking style where the top-grade seafood is the champion of each dish. Everything else is but a stellar support act. The second course is a seamed dish, followed by some sashimi, then a deep-fried dish, two separate rounds of sushi, a grilled plate and finally a dessert. Some of these courses include one large plate of food, while others include a selection of smaller one-bite options. Each is sublime — especially the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu nigiri that's cooked with hot coals right in front of you. When it comes to drinks, Matthew Ng (also ex-Warabi) has curated a tight but truly impressive list of wines and sakes from all over, many of which won't be found anywhere else in Melbourne. Whether you're drinking wine, sake, cocktails or beers, he'll pair them up with whatever creation is being plated up next. The trio of Warabi alums struck out on their own and have created a damn good fine-diner in Fitzroy. If you're in the area and can afford such a luxurious experience, do check to see if they can fit you at the eight-seater omakase bar. You'll find Shusai Mijo at 256 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, open 6–10pm from Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, head to the restaurant's website.
Finding the ideal gift is always a challenging task, but when you're on the lookout for some gastronomic delights to give away, it's likely that Indulge Canterbury has just what you need. As masters of the humble hamper, these aren't your everyday selections of odds and ends, rather baskets full of tantalising treats that everyone would be grateful to receive. The store is located at the centre of Maling Road and has a walk-in cheese vault so you can explore the expansive collection. Meanwhile, there's also a thoughtful selection of fine food and wine that's great for any occasion. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
