Sometimes, only dessert will do. There aren't too many bad moods that can't be lifted by a timely sugar rush, an infusion of chocolate or some other form of sweet, gooey goodness, after all. When the world feels a bit off-kilter, it's important to seek out small moments of joy wherever possible — and cake should definitely count for at least a few of those moments. Of course, just because you've already ploughed through your entire reserve stash of chocolate and the back-of-the-freezer ice cream, that doesn't mean you need to settle for some second-rate sugar fix. We've scouted out some of Melbourne's best take-home dessert finds to stock up on, with these beauties available to pick up or even to have dropped straight to your door. From a box filled with doughnut pieces and lashings of chocolate sauce, to layered cakes that are almost too pretty to eat, you can hunt down these sweet treats next time that sugar craving takes hold.
If you prefer to match your morning latte and brunch with some lush, leafy views, then you'll be all about Melbourne's new cafe project from the Darling Group. The owners of Higher Ground, Kettle Black and Sorrento's newly-revamped Stringers have taken over the lakeside venue at the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens, transforming it into an all-day cafe and event space. Surrounded by greenery, the Terrace Cafe is set to open in October with a menu full of breakfast and lunch classics, plus grab-and-go options for the picnic crowd. There'll also be homemade scones — a nod to a much-loved offering from the site's previous life. [caption id="attachment_870586" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Julian Lallo[/caption] In the adjacent space, you'll find function venue The Terrace, which will be available to hire out for picturesque private events and weddings overlooking the gardens. Each venue boasts its own indoor and outdoor spaces, with views across the grounds and the city skyline. The project is a special one for The Darling Group's Nick and Chris Seoud. "Having grown up nearby, my brother and I were lucky enough to walk through the Gardens on our way home from school, often picking up scones from The Terrace kiosk," says Nick, the group's director. "To completely transform it and create a place for others to create their own memories is such an exciting opportunity for us." The dual venture marks the site's first new occupancy since 1991 and will be Darling Group's tenth venue. Find The Terrace and The Terrace Cafe in the Royal Botanic Gardens, corner of Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street, South Yarra, from October.
If you've always dreamed of running away to join the circus, then this might be as close as you're ever going to get. Incredible acrobatics and daring displays are set to fill Melbourne's streets this January, taking over the city's iconic laneways, shopfronts and balconies. A circus show is normally confined to Big Top tents, but the city itself will be the stage this summer in Circus Oz's brand new show Everything But The Circus. Dubbed "a love letter to Melbourne", the newly-announced show promises a mix of gravity-defying acrobatics, live music, flash mobs, tight-wires and aerial stunts. Rather than sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a cramped tent, audiences will meet at one of six secret locations and walk together to take in the various acts, before converging on one spot for what promises to be a "spectacular" finale. [caption id="attachment_834390" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Moffat[/caption] "We're not telling people where we are going, but we will guide them through a rediscovery of their city. This is a show without barriers, a performance without fear and an experience not to be missed," Executive Producer Brian Robertson said in a media statement. The razzle-dazzle is sure to draw Melburnians back into the city after a couple of long years of lengthy lockdowns, reminding us of everything the CBD has to offer. 'Everything But The Circus' runs in Melbourne from Friday, January 14 until Saturday, January 29, with tickets going on sale Wednesday, December 8. For more information and to buy tickets, head to Circus OZ's official website. Top image: Anne Moffat
Already a go-to for animal-free goods, the Vegan Market of Melbourne is doing what it does best on Saturday, May 1, but at an iconic location. From 9am–4pm, it'll be joining forces with the Queen Victoria Market and turning the whole day into a plant-based paradise — with vegan food on the menu, as well as cruelty-free fashion, and arts and crafts. The event first took place in March, and it was a hit. So, now it's back. Look out for Wildwood's vegan breads and baked goods, Love.Eat.Cake by Lisa's biscuits and Nuttea's vegan bubble tea, which should take care of your breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea tummy rumblings. There'll also be clothing and designer wares from Spliced Eco Fashion, and skin products and tea blends courtesy of Common Garden Health. The aim of the event is twofold: to showcase all the vegan items you could be working into your ordinary routine, and to highlight some of VMM's most popular vegan stalls. Updated April 27.
As we launch into the frostier half of winter, there's no better time to embrace the Danish concept of hygge. This concept — pronounced hoo-gah — doesn't have a direct English translation but is all about creating a feeling of cosiness at home, and taking time to enjoy it. It's a rainy afternoon on the couch with a cup of tea; it's getting the lighting just right and reading under your favourite blanket; hell, it's even having a blissful micro nap in the middle of the day. The Danes are some of the happiest people in the world — even in winter — which is even more reason to take a leaf out of their book. Luckily, Melbourne has plenty of shops that sell all the Scandinavian-inspired homewares and pieces you need to kit your room (or entire home) out like a cosier version of an IKEA showroom. Here's a list of eight of them we've put together with American Express. And, even luckier, you can pay with your American Express Card at all of these shops and reap the sweet rewards of being a Card Member — all while supporting local business. Go forth and shop, and reap the cosy benefits later.
Skeletons, ray guns and creatures from beyond the stars — you'll find them all on cans of Beavertown Beer. The UK brewery has become famous around the world for its comic-book inspired can art, some of the most unique examples of which will be on display at Dr. Morse as part of Good Beer Week 2016. Not only that, but you'll also be able to bid on the art via @beavertown_can_art_auction on Instagram. Best of all, profits from the auction will be donated to a refugee charity to be announced. Bidding closes at 5pm on Sunday, May 22, so get in quick before the virtual hammer comes down.
He played 372 matches for the Sydney Swans, kicked 464 goals, won two premierships, earned the code's highest individual honour (the Brownlow Medal) twice and was even anointed Australian of the Year, and now, Adam Goodes has been immortalised in a three-storey mural on a Surry Hills building. Painted by advertising agency Apparition Media, the towering mural is located on the corner of Foveaux and Crown streets, and diagonally opposite the newly opened Pizza Fritta. It's, fittingly, located in the heartland of Goodes' former footy team and just over a kilometre from its home ground, the SCG. https://twitter.com/sydneyswans/status/1270970147692408834 While, according to The Age, the mural was postponed from February to June because of COVID-19, its appearance now is timely for multiple reasons. Not only does its unveiling coincide with the return of the 2020 AFL season (which kicked off yesterday, June 11), as well as with the end of Reconciliation Week, but it also reflects the current global Black Lives Matter movement. The latter is, in Australia, predominantly focused on ending the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by police — and Indigenous Australian deaths in custody — but it has also become a bigger conversation about racism in general. At the end of Goodes' highly decorated career, he became the target of merciless booing and was verbally attacked by both spectators and high-profile media figures alike — with the Swans player placed under immense scrutiny for celebrating his Indigenous heritage both on and off the field. He ultimately chose not to play for a period, and then eventually retired, due to the resulting toll of his horrific treatment. It's a topic explored in not one but two documentaries that were released last year: The Final Quarter, which received a standing ovation at last year's Sydney Film Festival, and The Australian Dream, which opened the 2019 Melbourne International Film Festival. The Goodes mural also comes as the racist treatment endured by another high-profile ex-AFL footballer — Collingwood and Melbourne's Héritier Lumumba — has been receiving renewed attention this week. The code's first Brazilian-born player and also a premiership player, Lumumba continues to speak out about prejudice, discrimination and the offensive terms directed his way during his 2005–14 tenure at Collingwood, including about club president Eddie McGuire's comments about Goodes (which are covered in both The Final Quarter and The Australian Dream). Lumumba was also the subject of 2017 documentary, Fair Game, about his experiences. Sydney's no stranger to politically-leaning murals, with both a scathing commentary on Australia's treatment of asylum seekers popping up in Bondi and an Egg Boy mural hitting the city in 2019. The latter was painted by prolific street artist Scott Marsh, who's also known for his satirising of political figures in large-scale murals. His previous hits include Casino Mike and Tony Loves Tony. You'll find the new Adam Goodes mural at the corner of Foveaux and Crown streets, Surry Hills. The Australian Dream is currently available to watch on ABC iView.
With an abundance of islands ripe for exploration, the Philippines is a vacationer's dream. Snorkel alongside giant sea turtles, discover secret lagoons, eat sea urchin fresh from the shell, hike a volcano — these are just a few of the things on offer at this Southeast Asian wonderland. However, picking where to spend your holiday can be quite tricky. And for those looking to branch out from the tourist haunts and discover some lesser-known islands, the research and planning can take its toll. That's a helluva lot of islands to Google, after all. Well, to help you jet setters out, we've teamed up with Cebu Pacific Air and pulled together a list of stunning islands to visit on your next trip. Since the airline is offering budget flights from Sydney and Melbourne and then to 36 locations throughout the country, it's never been easier to get there and island hop around the Philippines. CORON Surrounded by iridescent turquoise waters, Coron Island is home to arguably the most picturesque surrounds in the Philippines. Located at the northernmost point of Palawan, visitors must fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport in order to access the remote island. From here, there is a range of ways you can immerse yourself in these crystal-clear waters — kayaking among limestone karsts, island hopping in a local banka boat, swimming in volcanic lagoons at Kayangan Lake or shipwreck diving. The latter is centred around the remains of sunken World War II Japanese battleships and is considered the best wreck diving in Southeast Asia. For those not certified to dive, snorkelling around the pristine Apo Reef is also impressive. Smaller islands to visit include Diatoy Island, Dimalanta Island and Malpagalen Island. And after a long day of exploring, relax back on land at the Maquinit hot springs, just a short tricycle ride north of town. Closest airport: Francisco B. Reyes (AKA Coron) SIARGAO Siargao is synonymous with surfing in the Philippines. The island is accessible via a flight from Manila or Cebu and surfers travel the world 'round to catch the famous Cloud 9 wave. If you're not an expert, no problem; Siargao also caters to learners and Lanuza in Surigao del Sur is home to heaps of surf camps for beginners. So, even newbies can hang ten. But the allure of this island goes well beyond surfing. For day trips, check out the Magpupungko rock pools, which are exposed at low tide and allow you to cliff jump into clear waters. Closer to town is the Tayangban Cave pools, in which you can swim through a dark cavern aided only by torchlight, before emerging into a peaceful lagoon. Nearby island hopping destinations include Daku and Guyam islands — the latter of which is home to the white sand 'secret beach', another much-loved surf spot. And the island's nightly parties don't hurt its appeal, either. Closest airport: Sayak (AKA Siargao) El NIDO, PALAWAN The island of Palawan is home to some truly stunning sites, and you can drive from the northern tip to the southern tip in around ten hours. But there's so much to see and do, that you could spend weeks here and still have more to explore. If you're coming for a short visit, we recommenced choosing one region to focus on and El Nido is an ideal place to start. Situated at the northern end of Palawan Island (just south of Coron Island), the region includes a cluster of islands just off the coast that makes it ideal for island hopping. Expect dramatic rock formations, 'secret' lagoons and that breathtaking azure water Palawan is known for. For larger-than-life limestone, head to Secret Beach on Matinloc Island, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs and hidden from the outside. Divers can choose from more than 30 dive sites, including The Dilumacad in Helicopter Island — a 12-metre deep, 40-metre long tunnel that's filled with rare tropical fish and other sea life. And hikers can explore Taraw Peak or the Mantinloc Shrine and find some incredible vistas. Closest airport: Puerto Princesa with Cebu transfer to El Nido SAMAL ISLANDS, DAVAO For the extreme-sport fanatics, Samal offers heaps of options, including windsurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and ATV rental. It's also relatively easy to access, with Samal and its smaller sister island Talikud, just a short boat ride from Davao City, which you can easily reach by flight from Cebu. Along with adrenaline-charged activities, Samal is home to many experiences not found on other Filipino islands. Take a deep plunge into the Hagimit Falls or go caving in the intricate Balete, Mangongawong or Baga cave systems. A swim around the Vanishing Island in Barangay Tambo is another must — but plan carefully, the island disappears during high tide. Requisite water experiences like kayaking, boat rides and snorkelling are on offer, too. Plus conservation diving within the 150-hectares of the Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park offers a chance to see some rare species in a protected habitat. And, if land animals are more your thing, you can hang out with more than two million bats living inside the Monfort Bats Conservation Park. It's Batman's secret lair, we're sure of it. Closest airport: Francisco Bangoy International (AKA Davao International) MASBATE Tourism has yet to truly take off in Masbate, which makes it all the more appealing. It's the kind of place you don't want to share for fear of it changing. The province consists of three major islands, along with Ticao (extreme solitude) and Burias, and their combined beaches redefine the term 'pristine'. Port Vega Beach is considered a rival to Bantaya's Sugar Beach, and its remoteness is definitely a plus. The island has no end to its exotic beaches, perfect for relaxing with a tipple in hand. If you're keen for an adventure, the 18-metre-high Catandayagan Falls and its pools and caves offer hours of fun. Or take a boat ride to Halea National Park, where you'll spend the night at either the island's only resort or camping on the beach. Wake up to entrancing green-blue waters and snorkel among the brightly coloured fish, then wander around the nature preserve to see the breathtaking tropical flora. Closest airport: Moises R. Espinosa (AKA Masbate) CARAMOAN ISLANDS The remote Caramoan Islands are located 3.5 hours northeast from the tiny Naga Airport — accessible from Manila — in the province of Camarines Sur. The island is considered a 'secret paradise' as it's relatively new to tourism — sounds like our kind of place. It's home to a 4000-hectare limestone forest rich in natural diversity and perfect for those who love to get among nature. Land adventures include limestone rock climbing and cave exploration. Meanwhile, water sports like kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving allow you to explore the lagoons, reefs, waterfalls and smaller islands (including Guinahoan Island and Matukad Island, which, according to locals, are home to an enchanted lagoon). But, honestly, a relaxing day on the beach is just as attractive an option here. Closest airport: Naga BANTAYAN, CEBU Though Cebu City was once considered a beach town, it's now a built-up metropolis that rivals Manila. So, in order to see the true wonders of the Cebuana region, you have to venture outside of the main island and onto the smaller ones that surround. One such island is Bantayan, which is easily accessed from Cebu City. Compared with crowded Cebu, the beaches around Bantayan are secluded and pristine — especially Paradise Beach in Santa Fe, though Sugar Beach, Alice Beach and Maricaban Beach each have their own appeal. Inland, check out Madrilejos' Kota Park — this Spanish fort was built in the 1790s and has since been reclaimed by nature. Once you've finished exploring the site, head to Kota Beach where you can walk along a sandbar deep into the sea. Go farther afoot, and check out the Obo-ob Mangrove forest. To catch all the sites, bicycle rentals are available for around 200 pesos per day (roughly $5). For even more island hopping, Silion Island and Hilantagaan Island are close by, with a half-day tour costing around 700 pesos (about $20). Closest airport: Mactan-Cebu International MALAPASCUA North of Cebu, Malapascua Island is a haven for divers thanks to its marine sanctuary — and well worth the trek to get there, which can involve taxis, buses, boats and your own two feet. Its most famous dive site, known the world over, is Monad Shoal, which allows divers to swim with sharks at sunrise. (Let's hope they're like Bruce from Finding Nemo and not Jaws.) Day or overnight trips to Kalanggaman Island offer more sights for snorkelling and diving, but a trip to Malapascua shouldn't be limited to diving. Motorcycle tours or rentals around the main island cost around 700 pesos per day (about $20) and are a great way to see all that the island has to offer. Rides will take you past Lapus Lapus and Langub white sand beaches, Los Bamboos for cliff jumping and rock formations and the lighthouse for unbeatable sunsets. Afterwards, relax back on Bounty Beach where there are plenty of restaurants, bars and nighttime activities to get stuck into. Closest airport: Mactan-Cebu International BOHOL Bohol offers the ideal combination of jungle and beach holiday for those who love a bit of both. Catch a flight to the new Bohol-Panglao Airport, and head to Panglao Island's main beach, Alona. (It's considered a mini-Boracay, only much cleaner and less crowded.) From here, you are afforded a throng of exploration options, with diving, snorkelling and island hopping easy to organise with your accommodation or with local tour guides along the beach. Make sure to visit Balicasag Island — where you can snorkel with large sea turtles — and eat freshly shucked sea urchin in the Virgin Islands. Inland, trekkers can rent ATVs and explore the Chocolate Hills — mysterious, chocolate-coloured hills. Afterwards, take a cruise through the emerald-green Loboc River or opt for an adrenaline rush with a 200-metre-high, 480-metre-long zipline. You can even do all three activities on one day trip from Alona. You'll be back at your beach-side accommodation just in time to enjoy live music and cocktails as the sun sets. Closest airport: Bohol-Panglao (AKA New Bohol International) Ready for an adventure to the Philippines? Book with Cebu Pacific Air for affordable international flights from Melbourne and Sydney.
Winter isn't just the frosty season, or woolly clothes season, or igloos-popping-up-at-every-bar season. It isn't simply soup season, roast season or mulled wine season, either. It's also prime hot chocolate season, not that there's ever a bad time to sip warm cups of cocoa. Only winter brings Australia's dedicated Hot Chocolate Festival, however. An annual favourite running for the entire month of August — yes, from Tuesday, August 1–Thursday, August 31 — this festival is held across three locations: the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie. While that's excellent news for Victorians, the fest also does an at-home component, sending out its flavours nationwide. And there are flavours — 31 of them, in fact, all ranging far beyond just swapping milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate. The festival's concept is 31 hot chocolate flavours over 31 days, with different varieties on offer each week in-person. The trio of chocolate havens only tease parts of the full list in advance, but this year's includes a nod to Barbie via a pink-infused hot chocolate, as well as an Iced Vovo hot chocolate that features chocolate iced doughnuts for dunking. Or, you can sip on a poached pear and hazelnut version, a dulce de leche churros hot chocolate and a Biscoff hedgehog variety. The Happy Vegemite hot chocolate includes handcrafted caramel koalas to dip, then enjoy the melty goodness. And the Harry Potter-inspired hot choc has a chocolate wand for doing the same. Other flavours come topped with waffles or pretzels, and there's even a puppachino carob iteration so that your dog can join in. This fest gets boozy, too. In 2023, that's happening via the salted caramel espresso martini hot chocolate, plus a dark chocolate variety called French Connection that features red, white and blue balls filled with cognac. And yes, the demand for these limited-edition hot chocs is hefty, with more than 6000 usually created across the three chocolateries per year. Each hot chocolate is made with hot couverture chocolate in dark, milk, white, ruby or caramel, then served with a giant handcrafted marshmallow. For those heading along physically, each site also does tasting sessions for $24, which lets you not only sample eight hot chocolates, but pick from 50-plus ingredients to create three hot chocolate spoons to take home. Images: A Myszka.
Tucked between the lively restaurants and bars of Yarraville Village, Lonni is the embodiment of everything owner and local resident Roselyn Moncrieff loves. Stocking a rich variety of Australian brands across fashion and lifestyle, Moncrieff has chosen everything inside herself, as she's gradually curated a selection of wares that she considers the best in the business. Featuring the likes of Rolla's Jeans, Assembly Label, Elka Collective and Zulu & Zephyr, Lonni has a keen focus on supporting local brands who also have a positive ethos. Spend some time between the shelves among the large collection of indoor plants, we're sure you'll find something you love. Image: Immerse Creative.
Situated amid South Melbourne's renowned Coventry Street shopping precinct, Pomegranate by Mr Darcy is one of the most-loved stores on the strip and has been providing visitors with homewares and gifts since 1999. Close by the famous South Melbourne Market and surrounded by restaurants, Pomegranate hosts a wealth of charming products that reflect the store's vibrant sense of travel, excitement and hidden possibilities. Once you've checked out Pomegranate by Mr Darcy, head further along Coventry Street and you'll soon come across the ladies' clothing and accessories of Mr Darcy, while Little Darcy showcases the brand's range for children. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
Everyone has their Christmas viewing rituals, whether you watch your way through every Home Alone movie each year (yes, even the recent one), pop on It's a Wonderful Life with the family after a big lunch or prefer saying yippee ki-yay to Die Hard. Until recently, however, it's likely that watching Australian festive flicks wasn't high on your list, given this country of ours doesn't have all that much seasonal fare to its name. Back in 2020, streaming service Stan aimed to help change that with A Sunburnt Christmas, a festive caper about a criminal, some kids and end-of-year hijinks — aka Australia's answer to Home Alone and Bad Santa, in a way. In 2022, the platform is set to add another homegrown title to its catalogue sometime before Christmas hits, too. Given it stars Miranda Tapsell and Matt Okine, it looks worth a watch based on its cast alone. [caption id="attachment_700158" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Top End Wedding[/caption] Christmas Ransom stars Okine (The Other Guy) as every kid's second-favourite person during festive season: the owner of a toy store. Things aren't too merry for his character, however, when his shop is held up by thieves on Christmas Eve. And yes, as the name makes plain, he's held for ransom. These kinds of Christmas movies usually involve children, whether or not they turn them into Macaulay Culkin-level stars — so obviously a couple of kids get caught up in the heist. To save the day, they enlist the help of Tapsell (Top End Wedding), who plays a pregnant security officer. Announcing the film, Stan notes that it's inspired by Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf. If you've ever seen just one Christmas flick for even just a few minutes, you will have spotted plenty that's predictable about the setup. Alongside Tapsell and Okine, Christmas Ransom stars Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife), Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Bridie McKim (Bump), Evan Stanhope (Thor: Love and Thunder), Tahlia Sturzaker (Ascendant) and Chai Hansen (The Newsreader) — and boasts Adele Vuko (Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am) in the director's chair. Add it to your festive viewing alongside this year's other big Aussie Christmas film, if it also surfaces in time: the upcoming movie based on Paul Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy'. Otherwise, this newcomer will join the likes of A Sunburnt Christmas; Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent-ish horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — the latter also featuring Oxenbould. Christmas Ransom will be available to stream via Stan sometime this festive season — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
Often touted as the best Irish pub outside of Ireland, this tiny spot located at the top end of Queen Vic Market is easy to miss. But once you find it, head inside for the live music five nights a week (both traditional and contemporary), genuine Irish charm and the perfectly poured Guinness — important for those who know what a good dry stout should taste like. We also love that The Drunken Poet isn't kitsch or gimmicky like many other Irish pubs you find around the world. What you do get is incredibly warm hospitality, great beers and whiskies and the occasional fiddle playing in the corner. But do note that this pub is mostly a drinking destination. It does serve some toasted sandwiches, packets of chips and pickled eggs, but we see it as more of a spot to head to either before or after a meal in West Melbourne. Images: Anna K Photography Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
It's with vibrant detail that Coco bursts onto cinema screens. A tale of following your heart while honouring your family, Pixar's latest effort is both a colourful sight to behold and an exuberant journey; a film exploding with dazzling visual and emotional fireworks. Within frames heaving with intricacy, there's never a dull moment as the movie sashays from modern-day Mexico to the Land of the Dead during the country's Dîa de los Muertos celebrations. Often it's the little things that stand out, from the grain of the many flowers never far from view, to the weathered skeleton bones that literally dance through the streets, to the melancholy look on an old woman's face. That's the animation studio's forte, of course. It's the reason their talking toys filled us with joy, that their rodent chefs charmed us, and their feelings with feelings left us in tears. As Toy Story, Ratatouille and Inside Out all demonstrated, their films might paint with pixels rather than living people, but they vibrate with the texture of reality. Coco fits the mould perfectly, at once a lovingly realised venture into several new worlds and a familiar mosey through Pixar's usual terrain. What if the dead had feelings is just one of the questions it asks. What if we confronted our own feelings about death is another. Helmed by studio veteran Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) with writer and first-time co-director Adrian Molina at his side, Coco takes its name from the grandmother of 12-year-old Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez). While she sits quietly through the last phase of her life, still yearning for the father she lost when she was a girl, he dreams of being a musician, but is forbidden by his music-hating family. Their reasons for this stem from personal tragedy, but it's not enough to stop Miguel from strumming his guitar. His desperation to retrace the footsteps of his entertainer hero (Benjamin Bratt) eventually leads him beyond the mortal coil, on a quest to find his great-great-grandfather and win his musical blessing. If Alice in Wonderland had followed a Mexican boy chasing his dreams, or if Marty McFly had taken the DeLorean through the barrier between life and death, Coco might very well have been the end result. The spirit of these youthful adventures seeps through this film, in a manner that proves delightful rather than derivative. Indeed, this is a story about remembering your past even as you step into the future. As well as following Pixar's own tried and true template, the script weaves its influences into a moving escapade bearing the expected touches, but never failing to surprise. That remains true even if you've seen The Book of Life, the outwardly similar 2014 animated effort that also sees its characters frolicking through the Mexican afterlife. It mightn't be the first family-friendly feature to play in this territory, or the first to explore the conflict between ambition and responsibility. Nevertheless, Coco enchants with warmth and authenticity from start to finish. In fact, as bright as its images shine, as high as its heartfelt emotions soar, and as perfectly as its voice cast fill their roles — including Gael García Bernal stealing scenes as a dead prankster — it's the film's embrace of its setting and culture that truly makes it sing. This isn't Pixar playing tourist south of the border, but paying tribute: to people, songs, lives and beliefs. The gorgeous detail that infuses every frame is a testament to seeing what others often don't, and it couldn't encapsulate Coco's beauty better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIm1PyBSwc
19 isn't typically a huge year for a birthday bash, but it's a pretty big deal for a laneway bar like Section 8. The legendary outdoor converted container bar isn't doing cakes or candles to celebrate this special occasion — it's reviving its crowd-favourite Beach Party instead. For the seven days between Monday, February 24, and Sunday, March 2, you'll find a slice of coastal paradise on the edge of Chinatown. It's not just sand and beachy decorations by the talents at Saoko Collective that will greet partygoers. Section 8 has a track record of going all out. The event is sponsored by Skrewball Whiskey, Hop Nation and Heaps Normal, so beverages and cocktails of all flavours and ABVs will be on offer. [caption id="attachment_849269" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Leilani Bale[/caption] Plus, an absolutely jam-packed lineup of 30 DJs are taking part in the event, including Mrs Wallace, Sista Sara, Milk Bar, Afrodesia, Soul Sessions and many more. As well as banging live music, every day of the week will bring a different activity: basketball shootouts on Monday, jazz on the sand on Wednesday, soul sessions and free chips on Saturday — you get the idea. That's not even the best part. All of the festivities are free all week long. The music kicks off nightly at 6pm, except on Saturday and Sunday which will see the tunes start spinning from 3pm. The Section 8 Beach Party will run daily from Monday, February 24 to Sunday, March 2. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.
The last of Red Rock Deli's Secret Supper series is just around the corner. Giorgio Distefano, the chef behind Cremorne's celebrated Italian eatery Ms. Frankie, is hosting the next mouth-watering feast and will be cooking up a storm on Thursday, October 17. But what's on the menu? You might have guessed it, but there's an element of secrecy to this whole Secret Supper thing. Not only is the event to take place at an undisclosed Melbourne location, but we have no idea what kind of creative dishes Distefano will be serving up. All we know is the menu will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's new Chilli, Roast Garlic and Lemon Oil Deluxe Crisps. Add to this the event's theme of 'elevation of the senses' and we can probably expect some pretty big flavours. To find out more, we had a chat with the man himself to suss out what his favourite Melbourne restaurants, chefs and dishes are and where he draws inspiration from. "For me, food is all about bringing people together and creating connections," Distefano says, explaining that at the supper he wants to spark curiosity in diners and encourage them to get to know the people around them by sharing a menu of colourful and delicious-smelling foods. [caption id="attachment_608218" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Trattoria Emilia, Brook James[/caption] It's clear all the senses are important to Distefano, as all his favourite restaurants speak to him through more than just the food. He loves the "welcome and homely feeling" of Trattoria Emilia on Little Collins Street, where he enjoys the "earthly and delicate flavours" of dishes like the tuna tartare. Distefano mentions Chinatown's Seamstress for its shared menu (and the combo of fish and fruit in the spanner crab, papaya and mango salad), and Tipo 00 for the way the restaurant centres on shared entrees and homemade pastas. We're betting the chef's "simple yet authentic and flavourful Italian" style of cooking will shine through in some sharing plates during the supper. [caption id="attachment_725693" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tipo 00[/caption] You might also have to get your hands a little dirty, if Distefano's love of interactive food is anything to go by. "I like the idea of people helping themselves to create their own dishes," he says, referencing Supernormal's bao with twice-cooked duck leg, plum sauce and vinegar. Distefano praises the Flinders Lane restaurant for its balance of Asian flavours in modern dishes and the way diners get to be involved with assembling their own food. He heads out of the city to Niddrie for his favourite open souvlaki at local restaurant Nobel Greek Tavern, which he loves for its big, flavourful portions. Praising the restaurant's simple approach to food, Distefano adds, "I enjoy the embedded flavours of herbs in the meat and the exceptional cooking of the meat on the spit." From homely traditional restaurants to the "sophisticated and flavourful cooking" of Neil Perry's Rockpool Bar & Grill ("I always order their aged beef with homemade potatoes"), Distefano draws inspiration from right across the spectrum of Melbourne's colourful culinary community. Taking pity on us in our quest for the hot menu gossip, Distefano reveals we can expect an interactive dining experience and "flavours which many would associate with home-cooking", hoping to get minds whirling and childhood memories back to the surface. To register for tickets to Giorgio Distefano Secret Supper, head over here. And, while you wait for the big night to roll around, you can get cracking on this Distefano-certified recommendation circuit. Top Image: Parker Blain.
Put on your Sunday best and head to the CBD on Sunday, May 9 to treat your mum, or a mother figure in your life, to high tea featuring free-flowing Chandon NV Rosé — and tea, of course — for Mother's Day. For $124 per person — or $49 for children where a special Le Petit Kids High tea menu will be served — you and your mum can indulge in a tower of decadent treats. Think, raspberry, lemon and white chocolate scones cascading from the top tier to meet cream cheese, watermelon, salmon roe and dill bagels in the middle. Then, descend to a blood peach, raspberry and lemon heart mille feuille to finish. All this will be accompanied by plenty of Chandon bubbles and enough tea to satisfy the queen — your mum — while live jazz music soundtracks your dining experience in The Westin's Lobby Lounge. Plus, your mum will leave with a special gift in hand. Bookings are essential as places are limited so make sure to secure your table here. Image: supplied
Right now, Adore Beauty is a huge Aussie-owned retailer known for offering up deals on thousands of beauty products exclusively to online customers. It's also much-loved for its generous free samples and for giving away Tim Tams with every single purchase. But come Saturday, February 1, Adore Beauty will officially have a permanent bricks-and-mortar shop in Melbourne's Westfield Southland. The new store will house skincare, haircare, fragrances, makeup and a heap of other wellness items from over 300 beauty brands — both Australian and international. But team is seeking to make the most of the in-person shopping experience by not merely setting up a bunch of aisles full of products and leaving it there. At the centre of the flagship Adore Beauty store, visitors will find a large curved table that will host regular masterclasses, activations and even the odd live podcast recording. There'll even be a leading-edge digital skin analysis system, which will help punters gain a deeper understanding of their personal skin type and needs. You'll also still get a free Tim Tam with every purchase — thank the chocolate gods. And to entice folks in on the opening day, the Adore Beauty crew is giving the first 250 visitors a free goodie bag chock-full of 20 samples. This is the first retail store out of many more to come for Adore Beauty, with plans for a national store network set to roll out over the next few years. Adore Beauty's CEO Sacha Laing shared, "The Southland store is the first step in a new and exciting chapter for Adore Beauty that will see us bring our online experience that our customers know and love into physical settings where they can explore, learn and play with beauty with the guidance of our in-store experts." Adore Beauty's first-ever retail store opens on Saturday, February 1, and can be found at Level 2 of Westfield Southland, Cheltenham. For more details, you can check out the company's website.
For residents of Australia and New Zealand, taking an overseas holiday hasn't really been on the agenda for much of the pandemic due to strict international border controls in both countries. Since April, however, the trans-Tasman bubble has let Aussies take a getaway in NZ and vice versa, all without having to go through quarantine upon arrival. But, with COVID-19 cases growing across Australia again, and the Greater Sydney area and all of both Victoria and South Australia currently in lockdown, NZ has just suspended the arrangement. Announced today, Friday, July 23, by NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the pause applies to quarantine-free travel to and from all Aussie states and territories. This isn't the first time that the bubble has been put on hold with all of Australia, with the same thing happening at the end of June. It has been paused with individual Aussie states before, too, as is currently the case with New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. This time, though, the nationwide suspension will stay in place for at least the next eight weeks. The pause will come into effect from 11.59pm NZT / 9.59pm AEST today for Australians entering NZ. For New Zealanders heading home, managed return flights will run for the next seven days; however, to get on one, you'll need proof of a negative pre-departure test. And, if you've been in NSW, you will still have to go into managed quarantine for 14 days. Folks who've been in Victoria must self-isolate upon return, and also have a negative Day 3 test. "There are now multiple outbreaks, and in differing stages of containment, that have forced three states into lockdown. The health risk to New Zealanders from these cases is increasing," Prime Minister Ardern said. "We've always said that our response would evolve as the virus evolved. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is the right decision to keep New Zealanders safe." https://twitter.com/covid19nz/status/1418393858795196419 When NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern first announced the two-way bubble between Australia and New Zealand back in April, she noted that it could and would be paused if and when outbreaks occur — so none of the suspensions so far, including this one, are surprising. The NZ Government advised that this current pause "will give Australia time to manage its current outbreaks, while giving New Zealand health officials the time to monitor the situation, assess travel developments in other countries and consider different quarantine-free travel settings while ensuring New Zealanders are safe." To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. To find out more about the virus and travel restrictions in New Zealand, head over to the NZ Government's COVID-19 hub.
They're sticky, cinnamon scrolls, drenched in glaze and famous all across the USA. And now, at last, they'll be available Down Under. Yep, Seattle-born bakery chain Cinnabon will land in Australia imminently, with a Brisbane outpost ready to open before the year is out. The launch was first announced in January this year, when family-run Queensland company Bansal Foods scored the Aussie rights to Cinnabon. But, now, we finally have some details. Set to open on Saturday, December 14, the store will be located inside Toombul Shopping Centre in Brisbane's north. Cinnabon has been going strong in America since 1985 so it's already picked up plenty of Aussie fans along the way. But this will be the first time we're able to get our hands on those sticky, cinnamon-infused baked goods on home soil. The new Brisbane store be slinging a trio of Cinnabon cult classics, including the classic cream cheese cinnamon roll, the popular chocolate-drizzled Chocobon, and very extra Caramel Pecanbon. They'll be available in both mini and large sizes, along with packs featuring either four or nine 'minibons'. There will be coffee and lots of sugary drinks to pair with your snacks, too, including a cinnamon bun frappe. And, if you're yet to get acquainted with the decadent dessert creations, just know to expect aromatic, cinnamon-spiked dough made to a long-held recipe, decked out with stacks of signature cream cheese frosting and loaded with extras. They're notoriously tough to replicate. Toombul Shopping Centre recently opened a new neon-lit upstairs dining precinct, Cinnabon won't be a part of that. Instead, it'll be located on the ground floor near the Coles. And if you're not in Brisbane, it probably won't be too long until Cinnabon makes its way down south. The Toombul store is set to be the first of many. A second Brisbane store in Mt Gravatt is set to open in January 2020 and, going off plans announced earlier in the year, Cinnabon is looking to launch in Sydney and beyond in 2021. Cinnabon is slated to open its first Australian store on Saturday, December 14 on the ground level of Toombul Shopping Centre, 1015 Sandgate Road, Toombul. We'll keep you updated on an exact opening date.
The Australian Open is coming in hot for its 2023 edition, with thousands of punters set to descend on Melbourne Park for two weeks of Grand Slam tennis action from Monday, January 16–Sunday, January 29. But as usual, the tennis won't be the only thing pulling crowds and whetting appetites. Serving a few aces of its own is the AO's 2023 food and drink offering — a star-studded lineup of restaurant pop-ups and experiences to tempt tennis-goers and foodies alike. Throughout the tournament, a slew of big-name chefs and dining institutions will be headed courtside to dish up a blockbuster menu of culinary gold. Among these familiar favourites you'll catch Andrew McConnell's modern Asian diner Supernormal, hosting both a set-menu restaurant and a walk-in-friendly al fresco dining terrace. And yes, there'll be plenty of that famed lobster roll to go around. Meanwhile, award-winning Sydney chef and seafood maestro Josh Niland (Saint Peter) will treat locals to a taste of his sustainable fish and chipper Charcoal Fish, which is heading south for the first time. Hit the pop-up eatery for cult-fave dishes like a rotisserie Murray cod roll with gravy and crispy skin, and the double yellowfin tuna cheeseburger. You can also nab tickets to his one-off talk. [caption id="attachment_884148" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charcoal Fish[/caption] Fellow Sydneysider Jacqui Challinor will be recreating the magic of her own Nomad stable courtside, serving bites like mushroom and bone marrow empanadas, standout house-made charcuterie and a Middle Eastern-inspired olive oil cream sandwich. There'll be restaurants by Penfolds and Rockpool Bar & Grill if you fancy dialling up the sophistication factor, as well as a pop-up fine-diner by the Stokehouse crew serving a sumptuous set-menu affair — including an adorable tennis ball dessert. And a collective of chefs including Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook), Adam D'Sylva (Tonka, Coda) and Scott Pickett (Longrain, Estelle) are assembling to cook up the fusion feast of your dreams. Elsewhere, you can tuck into plates from the likes of Victoria by Farmer's Daughters, Shane Delia's Maha, Oasis, Ca Com (by Anchovy's Thi Lee and Jia-Yen Lee) and The B.East. Josh Fry will be whipping up a menu of two-handed delights a la Rocco's Bologna, while Mischa Tropp showcases his acclaimed Keralan fare — that legendary butter chicken included. No one's going thirsty, either. The palm-fringed AO Spritz Bar will be your go-to for all things fizzy, with the menu ranging from a booze-free guava marg to a signature hibiscus-infused spritz. It'll be rocking a breezy resort-inspired aesthetic, complete with bookable cabanas and a prime location adjacent to Charcoal Fish. Meanwhile, over at the Canadian Club Racquet Club, you'll find another tidy lineup of sips, alongside free gigs, street food by Beatbox Burgers and Taco Truck, and the tennis action playing live and loud on the big screens. Further booze pop-ups come courtesy of labels like Piper Heidsieck, Balter, Sommersby, Peroni and Gordon's. [caption id="attachment_884140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha[/caption] [caption id="attachment_884143" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Penfolds Restaurant[/caption] [caption id="attachment_884145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supernormal[/caption] The 2023 Australian Open and its food offering will take over Melbourne Park from Monday, January 16–Sunday, January 29. For details on the full lineup or to book a table, see the website. Top images: Stokehouse, Nomad.
Each year, the National Gallery of Victoria commissions a new temporary structure to evoke a fresh perspective on the gallery. Previous years have seen a pink car wash and an openair maze pop up in the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden, but 2018's Architecture Commission, announced today, will be a direct reflection of the gallery itself. A collaborative effort between Melbourne firm Muir and landscape architecture studio Openwork. Doubleground draws inspiration from past and present aspects of NGV International. The design is centred on a dramatic passageway that recalls the triangular patterns found within the NGV's Great Hall glass feature wall and on the gallery's roof. Elements of the NGV Garden will literally be raised up as sections of the garden become sharp embankments, creating canyon-like passageways below. The Sir Roy Grounds-designed building also provided inspiration for Doublegrounds decking area, which echoes the NGV International's foyer, while a bamboo garden reflects the building's former bamboo courtyard. Architect Amy Muir used her memories of visiting the gallery as a child to compose a blueprint for the new commission. "The 2018 Architecture Commission provides an intervention that challenges the role of the NGV Garden," Muir said of her studio's designs. "Acknowledging the intent and architectural language of the original Roy Grounds building, the Commission seeks to bring the memories of place back into play." Promoting the positive relationship between architecture, landscape and civic space, Doubleground was chosen ahead of 73 other entries from around Australia due to its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. As 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the NGV International, gallery Director Tony Ellwood explained the new commission "offers visitors a unique opportunity to reflect upon and re-examine the history and design of the Gallery as an integral part of Melbourne's public realm". The 2018 NGV Architectural Commission will be free to visit in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV International from November 2018 until April 2019.
It's almost time again to rock your best looks, as Melbourne Fashion Week returns from Monday, October 20–Sunday, October 26. With the program officially released, this year's event theme is 'Come As You Are' — a fitting concept for this citywide celebration overflowing with creative self-expression and community events. Featuring 600 designers and retailers, over 100 free and ticketed events delve into the fashion world from every conceivable angle. In 2025, six premium runways take over landmarks throughout the city. The recently opened 1 Hotel Melbourne will be a sustainable host, while the Italian artisanal dining hub Il Mercato Centrale marries opulent fashion and cuisine. Meanwhile, models will also strut their stuff at the Melbourne Recital Centre, 101 Collins Street, Younghusband and Emporium Melbourne, showcasing the work of acclaimed and emerging designers. Like previous editions, Melbourne Fashion Week 2025 renews its focus on sustainability and inclusivity, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures and Australia's diverse fashion community. Just some of this year's featured designers include Aje Studio, Asau by Gabriel Cole, BAAQIY, Clair Helen and Collective Closets, alongside selected students from Melbourne's top-notch fashion institutions. And for a special treat, Wicked fans (or costume lovers) will discover a bewitching exhibition at Fed Square, featuring Oscar-winning designer Paul Tazewell's costumes created for protagonists Elphaba and Glinda. On display from Monday, October 13, this Australian-first show offers visitors an up-close look at his remarkable garments, shaped alongside more than 70 artisans. "Melbourne has such a vibrant arts scene and a deep appreciation for theatrical storytelling. It's the perfect city to showcase the inventive style, craftsmanship and detail that went into creating the world of Wicked," says Tazewell. Melbourne Fashion Week is also stepping up its independent event program, with 40 unique encounters representing the most of any festival to date. Think pop-up regenerative stores, vintage runways, retail events, fashion markets, designer talks, open studios and projections. Plus, the 2025 edition will feature five captivating Fashion Capsule exhibitions, where more than 30 local designers, stylists and artisans unveil their runway-worthy pieces. Melbourne Fashion Week is held across multiple venues from Monday, October 20–Sunday, October 26. Head to the website for more information.
No matter who you are, the need for a nice, long holiday is real. And, while far-flung adventures on the Mediterranean may not be in your cards, you can find a wealth of sensational coastal destinations right here in your own backyard. The stretch of the Mornington Peninsula offers sandy beaches, untouched bushland and award-winning wineries, all less than two hours south of Melbourne's CBD. You can find luxury retreats peppered throughout the region, ranging from plush waterfront hideaways to peaceful farm escapes. Get into holiday mode and start scrolling for some of the most luxurious stays you can book on the Mornington Peninsula. Because if ever there was a time to treat yourself to a taste of the high life, it's now. Recommended reads: A 48-Hour Guide to the Mornington Peninsula The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Summer Day Trips From Melbourne The Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria Monterey Stud, Shoreham Set among rolling green hills, this designer farmhouse boasts both good looks and a tranquil setting. Plus, a stunning wraparound deck for sunset drinking sessions. Sleeps eight, from $900 a night. Barefoot, Blairgowrie A stylish holiday pad with a breezy indoor-outdoor flow, nestled right on the beach. This spacious beauty has loads of modern features and a solar-heated pool. Sleeps nine, from $775 a night. Bay Crest Manor, Mount Eliza Perched on top of the cul-de-sac of the Morning Peninsula, this manor resembling an ancient Greek temple boasts an unbeatable bay view. Watch the sun set in the infinity pool or take on your friends in life-sized lawn chess. Sleeps eight, from $1023 a night. Hart's Farm Retreat, Shoreham This smartly appointed farm stay makes for an idyllic couples' retreat, featuring high-end furnishings, a sun-drenched private deck and a magical outlook over olive groves and vineyards. Sleeps two, from $650 a night. Coastal Bush Retreat, St Andrews Beach Unwind in style at this quiet, leafy beach escape which boasts modern interiors, a chic coastal style and a roomy deck primed for sunset drinks. Sleeps four, from $250 a night. The Red Hill Barn, Main Ridge This charming barn has been reworked into a stylish couples' studio, featuring a bright, breezy fit-out and secluded setting in the heart of wine country. Sleeps two, from $470 a night. Crown Cove Villa, Safety Beach A luxury waterfront stunner with open-plan indoor-outdoor living that'll take your breath away. Enjoy the private jetty, dedicated dining room and spectacular heated pool. Sleeps 12, from $1590 a night. Coastal Luxe, St Andrews Beach Decked out in soothing natural tones, this designer beach pad is a dreamy home away from home. Spa, pool table and incredible outdoor living, all included. Sleeps 12, from $836 a night. Portsea Dairy, Portsea This lovingly restored farmhouse will win you over with its modern features, sun-drenched yard and spacious deck complete with an outdoor spa. Sleeps four, from $329 a night. Sunset Coastal Retreat, Mount Martha 180-degree views of Port Phillip Bay await you in this modern abode tucked away on Mount Martha. Enjoy the solar-heated pool, unwind in the spa, or take in the stunning city skyline from the expansive balcony. Sleeps nine, from $1219 a night. Images: Airbnb FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Shane Delia's Collingwood venue Maha Bar might be small, but over the next month it's set to play host to some of Australia's biggest up-and-coming names of Middle Eastern cooking. Running weekly from Tuesday, May 18, until June 8, the Middle East's Finest series will see four rising stars each take over the kitchen for a once-off dinner event, plating up their own exclusive menu of signature dishes and new creations. Queensland-based Ben Williamson (Agnes, Bianca) kicks things off this week, paying homage to his Middle Eastern travels with plates like Turkish crumpets and grilled quail with harissa. Sydney's Paul Farag (Nour, Fish Butchery) follows on May 25 with an Egyptian-inspired seven-course spread centred around a minimal-waste approach, while June 1 sees Adam Wolfers (Gerard's Bistro) embracing his own Jewish heritage plating up dishes like short rib shawarma and a reimagined Golden Gaytime with carrot molasses. Victoria's own Tom Sarafian (Little Andorra, Bar Saracen) wraps things up on June 8 with a feast of inventive creations including a spanner crab and prawn hummus. Each dinner comes in at $85 per person, with the option to add a beverage pairing for an extra $55. [caption id="attachment_812419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Wolfers.[/caption] Images: Diego Ramirez
It's supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but Christmas sure does require everyone to make a whole heap of decisions. You need to select which gifts to buy your nearest and dearest, all the ways you're going to celebrate with your loved ones and where to spend any time you get off over festive break, for starters. You also have to pick how many seasonal-themed events to attend across December, and which dishes to make and/or eat. And, you need to choose something to drink — on several occasions over the whole period. Need something to pour into your next festive-themed cocktail, or to sip with pudding on the big day itself? Bass and Flinders has just released a limited-edition spiced Christmas brandy that's designed for both — or just to drink neat over ice when you're saying a jovial cheers to your friends and family if you prefer. The idea: to basically make a brandy that tastes like Christmas pudding in a bottle (because why just eat dessert when you can drink it, too?). Head distiller Holly Klintworth took inspiration from her family's own Christmas pudding recipe, in fact, which has been passed down through four generations. If you're wondering what you'll be knocking back, Bass and Flinders' spiced Christmas brandy uses chardonnay grapes from a Victorian vineyard, which have been distilled and matured to into an Aussie-made spirit. Then, the distillery steeped it with Christmas fruits and spices for ten days — with dried currants, cranberries and apricots; spices such as nutmeg, clove and cardamom; and also citrus rind, frankincense and myrrh. Golden amber in hue, and smelling like all of the aforementioned ingredients, the tipple is now available to purchase for $125 for a 700-millilitre bottle. And if you're after a few cocktail ideas, Bass and Flinders has also come up with a spiced brandy eggnog recipe on its website. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bass & Flinders Distillery (@bassandflinders) Bass and Flinders' spiced Christmas brandy is available to purchase now — for more information, head to the brand's website.
When Secret Sounds, the crew behind Splendour in the Grass, gave Australia another massive multi-day music festival in 2022, it did so with a big aim: to get everyone dancing in a park in Adelaide each spring. That event is Harvest Rock, and it keeps putting on travelworthy lineups. 2023's second spin already features Jamiroquai and Beck doing Australian-exclusive shows, plus everyone from Sparks to Bright Eyes — and it just scored a few new additions. Joining the bill at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October: Tash Sultana, Bernard Fanning doing his last Australian show for 2023 and Jade Bird making her first trip Down Under. And, Babe Rainbow, Charlie Collins, Floodlights and Surprise Chef are hopping onboard, too. So, festivalgoers can expect to hear everything from 'Jungle' and 'Wish You Well' to 'Houdini' and 'Juice of the Sun' in the South Australian capital. Harvest Rock II, as 2023's festival has been dubbed, already boasted Rodgers & Chic, Santigold, Chromeo and Ladyhawk as well, plus Flight Facilities, Baker Boy, Julia Jacklin, Chet Faker, Ocean Alley, Bad//Dreems, Thelma Plum and Vera Blue. Paul Kelly was also part of the first lineup announcement, as was The Rolling Stone Revue featuring Adalita of Magic Dirt, Tim Rogers of You Am I and Tex Perkins — yes, all teaming up to play The Rolling Stones' greatest hits. A two-day blend of music, food and wine — well, it is in SA — Harvest Rock instantly proved a success upon debut last year, attracting 15,000 attendees per day. In addition to live tunes, the fest spans Adelaide's top restaurants and eateries serving up food at the Feastiville precinct, onsite eatery Wildwood led by arkhé's chef and co-owner Jake Kellie, a culinary-focused stage and wine tastings. There's also a wellness centre doing tarot readings and massages, and mini festival Little Harvest for kids. HARVEST ROCK II LINEUP: Babe Rainbow Bad // Dreems Baker Boy Beck (Australian exclusive) Bernard Fanning Bright Eyes Built to Spill Charlie Collins Chet Faker Chromeo Flight Facilities — Decades DJ set Floodlights Jade Bird Jamiroquai (Australian exclusive) Julia Jacklin Ladyhawke Nile Rodgers & Chic Ocean Alley Paul Kelly Sam Barber Santigold Sparks Surprise Chef Tash Sultana The Lemon Twigs The Rolling Stone Revue Thelma Plum Vera Blue Warpaint Harvest Rock 2023 will take at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, October 28–Sunday, October 29, 2023 — with tickets on sale now.
While travelling far away for a vacation may seem tempting, there's no reason not to embrace all those primo travel destinations located right here in Victoria. And, if sun, sand and water are top of your post-lockdown holiday wish list, you don't need to look any further than the popular coastal stretch of East Gippsland. Just three hours east of Melbourne, this regional gem is primed for that warm weather getaway you've been dreaming of, filled with idyllic waterfront retreats offering the ultimate antidote to city life. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up 10 of the most blissful waterfront stays you can book in East Gippsland. Pick a favourite, pack those fishing rods and lock in some much-needed time lakeside. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Victoria The Best Pet-Friendly Stays in Victoria The Best Places to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road The Oar House, Metung Surrounded by breathtaking nature, this coastal-chic stay is picture-pefect. Enjoy the sunny deck, pet-friendly yard and private walkway down to the beach. From $322 a night, sleeps six. Locanda, Paynesville Perched right on the canal, this roomy retreat boasts its own jetty, modern features throughout and some primo outdoor living spaces overlooking the water. From $259 a night, sleeps seven. Lakescapes, Metung At this high-set coastal escape, you're in for blissful 180-degree lake views. The minimal cottage comes complete with an expansive deck for those sunset cocktails. From $205 a night, sleeps four. Captain's Hideaway, Paynesville A modern coastal getaway, overlooking the bay. This pet-friendly beach house features all the amenities you could desire, plus generous outdoor living and yard. From $357 a night, sleeps ten. Anchored, Paynesville Sleek and spacious, this waterfront beauty is sure to impress. Enjoy light-filled open-plan living, jetty access, and a stunning canal-side deck and barbecue. From $786 a night, sleeps ten. Amazing Views, Metung This revamped beach cottage will delight you with its water views, leafy setting and modern fit-out, all located just across the road from the jetty. From $250 a night, sleeps seven. The View at Captain's Cove, Paynesville Find this modern self-contained townhouse perched right on the canal, offering a blissful outlook, primo location and smart coastal styling throughout. From $289 a night, sleeps six. The Loft, Paynesville A modern waterfront gem, complete with private jetty and pool. Expect generous, bright living areas, with space to sleep the whole gang. From $325 a night, sleeps ten. Mallacoota Magic, Mallacoota Enjoy a well deserved recharge on this three acre property overlooking Mallacoota Inlet. The cozy cottage includes an outdoor campfire, deep tub and incredible views. From $440 a night, sleeps four. Teulu House, Nungurner Based on an eastern European courtyard style, this modern lakeside ranch provides sufficient seclusion while offering a stunning view the Gippsland Lakes. From $235 a night, sleeps four. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Shopping for someone a little bit special? Is that special someone you? Fancy on Ferguson is a gift boutique, and the folks behind it certainly have an eye for elegant and beautiful brands. To start, you can freshen up your home with a lick of Jolie Paint and candles from Glasshouse. You can also browse Bodyography makeup and shimmery statement jewellery from Sybella, Carolee New York and Von Treskow. There are also fragrances from France and Italy, including perfume and body wash from Parfumerie Fragonard and Carthusia. It also stocks a small range of women's fashion, favouring flowing, silky fabrics and timeless styles and colours. As well as the store's staple brands, the Williamstown shop gets into the full swing of the holiday season, so you'll find the softest toys for kids, elegant decorations, cute gifts from Little Pink Fox and bangles from The Mindful Company.
Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White needs little introduction – his epic career has seen him work with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal at renowned restaurants across the world. But the latest project from the Michelin-starred chef isn't in the kitchen, but in the form of an app that allows customers to score meals at some of the city's best restaurants at discounted prices. Launching in Melbourne this month, EatClub is a new platform that allows restaurants to offer real-time discounts to customers at specifically slow or off-peak periods So if a restaurant doesn't have many covers for dinner, they can put up four tables and offer, say, 30 percent off to EatClub users that book those tables before 7.30pm. When you open the app, you're shown a selection of nearby restaurants with live deals on a map or in a list. You can then browse the restaurant's interior, peruse the different deals on offer and even check out the menu before you redeem the deal. It's a first in, best dressed system, so if you see something you want to jump on, best be quick – once a deal has been redeemed, it disappears from the app. The technology was co-founded by Matt Cantelo, Ben Tyler and Pan Koutlaki (ex-CEO of Foodora) who worked alongside Pierre White. The idea is that it'll encourage people to eat out more on a whim, an activity that has declined noticeably since delivery apps like UberEATS and Deliveroo have risen in popularity. More than 130 Melbourne restaurants are on board so far, including +39 Pizzeria, Mr Scruffs, Papa Goose and Babu Ji. Arguably the most exciting part of the app is that twice a day, at a random time, one restaurant will offer a 100 percent off deal for a single table. The first person to snatch up this daily deal will be able to dine for free, which is as good a reason to give it a go as any. EatClub has only launched in Melbourne so far, but there's talk of the app launching in Sydney very soon. To download EatClub, visit the Apple App Store or head to Google Play.
Port Melbourne's venues have undergone many transformations over the years, but perhaps none more so than number nine Waterfront Place. The venue, which sits squat alongside the Spirit of Australia ferry terminal, was the first to move into the area 15 years ago. Since then, the restaurant has undergone many conceptual changes at the hand of its original owners, who still look after the site today. Noom Duck is its most recent reincarnation. And while still in its infancy at just under a month old, this newest development shows a lot of promise and room to grow. They've nabbed ex-Chin Chin chef Steven Ngo chef to head the kitchen — which should tell you a lot about their intentions — and create a menu that places classic and modern Asian-style dishes alongside the staples expected of a traditional seafood restaurant, without necessarily blurring lines between the two. For example, there's the tour de force seafood platter for two ($85 per person), but you can also order a no-frills serve of butter chicken. But the menu really excels when the kitchen turns a knife to reinvent ingredients that have become somewhat naff in Asian cooking. Barramundi breathes again as a fish cake ($24.50), thanks to thin and freshly sliced green apple, cabbage, mint and crushed peanuts and a refreshing sweet pork salad. A crispy fried half duck ($36) is well rendered, dry where it's meant to be and moist where it counts. It's a strong choice if you're sharing, and is served with a ginger nuoc cham dipping sauce, banana blossom, shallot and fried chilli salad. Coconut sago with vanilla bean ice cream ($12.50), topped with crunchy toasted coconut, fresh fruit and a miso caramel sauce is ambitious. And while you feel the sauce is neither perfectly miso or caramel, it's a clear winner for dessert and really rounds out Noom Duck's best hand. Fresh, quality ingredients served both confidently and boldly is what Noom Duck do best. And with a little time to refine their offering (and perhaps sharpen their culinary message), Noom Duck looks to be a seaside summer hotspot if it can rise to its obvious potential.
Founded by Nicholas Minton-Connell, Pollon Flowers has long been one of Melbourne's headline florists. Having got his start designing displays for David Jones and Dior throughout the 90s, before launching the business in Sydney and expanding to Melbourne, Minton-Connell's work has been celebrated for its originality and artistry. Situated at Chapter House, striking floral arrangements flow out onto Flinders Lane, adding a touch of colour to the busy thoroughfare. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event or just looking for a bouquet to brighten up your home, Pollon Flowers will have you covered. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
The latest production in the MTC’s Neon Festival of Independent Theatre is taking outdated gender demarcations and turning them on their head. The women in Patricia Cornelius’ bluntly titled new play aren’t afraid to scream, swear or throw punches. They’re mean and tough and damaged, and about as unladylike as you can get. And that, of course, is the point. Shit marks the latest collaboration in a more than three-decade partnership between Cornelius and director Susie Dee. Their previous work together, Savages, won four 2013 Melbourne Green Room Awards as well as the 2014 Premier’s Literary Award for Drama. According to its creators, the aim of this new play was to allow the kinds of women rarely seen on the stage "the chance to come back at a world which despises them." Shit runs from June 25 to July 5, with a post-show Q&A with Dee and Cornelius scheduled for June 28. For more information, go here.
Heading to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival this year? Not only will you be getting all the laughs, you could also be scoring free baklava. Greek eateries Stalactites and Hella Good have teamed up to bring you the sweet treat for nada. All you have to do is show your ticket while dining in — and once your meal is finished, the baklava will arrive at your table. Both venues are just a stone's throw from the festival's main hubs, so you won't have to go far. You'll find Stalactites at 177-183 Lonsdale Street and Hella Good in the level three food court of Emporium Melbourne. So, whether you're heading along to see Fantasmas star and creator Julio Torres in his Australian debut, or Sara Pascoe in her latest show at Town Hall, you'll have your dessert sorted. And they're just two of 1000-plus performers on the program.
Sometimes it's nice to celebrate the little things, and at Crop Up! you'll be doing just that — by exploring the importance of seeds, grains and berries and their impact cultures across the globe. The event, as part of the North South Feast West festival at the Immigration Museum, will be filled with talks, tasting and demos, and you'll even have a chance to get your hands dirty in a berry planting workshop with the green thumbed legends at Do it on the Roof. For those interested in the art of brewing, head down to the Hawkers Beer event with brewer Mazen Hajjar. If cocktails are more your thing, grab an extra ticket to Fred Siggins' cocktail workshop From Bush to Bar, where you'll learn about the use of foraged and native ingredients in modern food and cocktails, among many other things. Plus, there will be Pimms. So get yourself to the Immigration Museum on Sunday, November 15 for the ultimate productive Sunday session.
By now, it's an all-too-familiar story. Put the human ball of hilarity that is Kate McKinnon in a film and it instantly improves. It was true in Office Christmas Party, Rough Night and Masterminds, no matter how average, sometimes awful those movies ultimately were. It's true again in The Spy Who Dumped Me as well. Thankfully, however, the Saturday Night Live standout isn't a rare diamond this time around. McKinnon's latest action-comedy doesn't always hit the mark, but it entertains in both the action and comedy departments — complete with death by fondue, affairs with Edward Snowden and completely relatable gushing over Gillian Anderson. That said, even when she's declaring that Anderson's MI6 boss is "the Beyonce of the government", and delivering other one-liners and asides with gusto, McKinnon is only one half of The Spy Who Dumped Me's modest charms. Mila Kunis is the other, playing the straighter role against McKinnon's gloriously goofy energy. Together, they not only make an engaging comedic pair, but furnish a funny, mayhem-fuelled ode to female friendship. That's the film's secret weapon. Director Susanna Fogel doesn't just throw women into the usually male-dominated realm of big-screen espionage, and nor is she content to just laugh as ordinary folks get caught up in the spy world. Rather, she shows that her characters cope with their new outlandish life by relying on each other. It's a recognisable scenario, even when it isn't. Girl meets boy, they bond over beers and bad jukebox songs, and then settle into a comfortable relationship. A year later, grocery store cashier Audrey (Kunis) is suddenly dumped by text, and aspiring actress Morgan (McKinnon) is her trusty shoulder to cry on. What they don't know is that Audrey's ex, Drew (Justin Theroux), is a lethal CIA agent immersed in a globe-trotting plot. When they find out, it's courtesy of two fellow operatives (Sam Heughan and Hasan Minhaj), a hook-up gone wrong and a shower of gunfire — plus a promise to travel to Europe to finish Drew's mission. "Do you want to die having never been to Europe, or do you want to die having been to Europe?" Morgan asks. Hopping between Vienna, Prague, Paris and Berlin, Audrey and Morgan try to do what's right, work out who they can trust and, of course, not die even though they've now been to Europe. And they do it all amidst cafe shootouts, an eventful Uber ride, stealing from Australian tourists, chatting about Balzac and trying to outrun the icy Russian gymnast turned model turned assassin (Ivanna Sakhno) on their trail. Whether you're a seasoned spy flick fan or barely know your Bond from your Bourne, everything you expect to happen happens. Well, almost everything, with the Cirque du Soleil finale a zany surprise. But even when the film seems predictable (and stretches its material about 30 minutes too far), the hyper-violent set-pieces always come with a slice of humour, the gags always inspire at least giggles, and the movie knows it is wading through a sea of genre cliches. More than that, its love of its central duo remains. This might be Fogel's first foray into big, bouncy action, but it's telling that her only other film — 2014's Life Partners — spun a story of lifelong besties who find their relationship being tested. While espionage wasn't part of that flick, there's plenty that's universal about women grappling with life's challenges with a pal by their side. Here, co-writing the script with David Iserson (United States of Tara), Fogel never questions Audrey and Morgan's camaraderie. Rather, The Spy Who Dumped Me feeds off of the characters' connection, using it as a constant source of affection, affirmation and amusement throughout all of the chaos. There are the foreseeable high points and a few low points, and most of the movie falls firmly in the middle, but it always feels fitting: that's friendship, after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URUVhRYJsgA
Next time you watch a movie under the stars in Elsternwick, you might feel a little shaken — not stirred. When the Classic Rooftop Cinema restarts its projector, it'll screen the long-delayed new Bond flick No Time to Die. And if you just can't wait to see it the very second that you can, there's a 12.07am, session on Thursday, November 11. Espionage thrills at midnight? Yes, that's pure 007. The rest of the Classic's openair lineup for 2021–22 hasn't been revealed as yet; however, you can expect plenty of new and classic films to grace its towering outdoor screen. And if you're wondering why the venue isn't launching outside sessions in October, the moment that Melbourne comes out of lockdown and outdoor cinemas are allowed to operate, that's because it's giving its rooftop picture palace setup some repairs. That said, the bar will open on Friday, October 22 — so you can still head up for drinks from 4–8pm on weekdays and 2–8pm on weekends.
This one-woman show from Sydney artist Nat Randall is part performance piece, part act of mental and physical endurance. For 24 hours straight during Next Wave Festival, Randall will repeatedly perform a single scene from John Cassavetes' cult film Opening Night. Each time, she'll be joined by a different male co-star — you can even volunteer to join their ranks yourself, no acting experience required. The free performance will take place from 1pm on Friday, May 20 at ACMI in Federation Square, with audience members free to venture in and out as they please.
With more than 1,100 outlets in South Korea, NeNe Chicken is quite the popular crispy chicken joint in its home country. And it seems we've bought into the hype, too, with almost two dozen NeNes now found all across Australia. Sure, it's little more than the usual food court-style greasy spoon — but it's the succulent chicken pieces that should get your tastebuds tingling. There's a reason that the chain has taken its name from the Korean phrasing for "Yes! Yes!" after all, as its menu of chicken pieces, burgers, wraps and more demonstrates. Come for the main attraction in flavours such as freaking hot, bulgogi, snowing vegetable, green onion and lemon, and then stay for the kimchi wrap, tornado potato, and black sesame and green tea soft serves. Now that's our kind of fast food.
Storehouse originally launched in South Gippsland, but brought its range of lifestyle products to St Kilda in 2017. The store showcases a wealth of artisanal objects from both small and iconic Australian creators and makers, meaning that there's an oddball mix of clothing, accessories, furnishings, gifts and fine art to explore. Storehouse even designs and makes some of its wares in-house — just ask the staff which ones. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
The bourbon maestros at Woodford Reserve are inviting Aussies to raise their glass to a cocktail classic as Old Fashioned Week returns with a generous twist this November (and we're not talking about the garnish). Extending the celebrations from seven days to an entire month, Woodford Reserve is offering complimentary cocktails at its participating bars nationwide so lovers of Kentucky's finest dram can enjoy an expertly crafted drink without worrying about their wallet. Melburnians should head to Whisky & Alement or White Oaks Saloon in Prahran, where they can enjoy their first round of Old Fashioneds on the house, courtesy of Woodford Reserve. The celebrations don't stop with a quick cocktail. Woodford Reserve will be bringing in international expertise in the form of Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall. During her visit, she will lead a series of bourbon masterclasses, offering bartenders and enthusiasts alike the chance to learn from her insights on the art of distilling and how Woodford Reserve has been crafted to be the perfect bourbon for an Old Fashioned. To add to the international flair of this year's Old Fashioned Week, the bourbon maker is also bringing back its Global Bar Exchange program. Florence's Locale Firenze — one of The World's 50 Best Bars — has put its own unique spin on drink service at Melbourne's Society. From Tuesday, November 12 to Thursday, November 14, Locale's world-class bartenders will collaborate with Society's award-winning team to bring visitors a cocktail-making experience that combines the best of Australian and Italian techniques. "We're thrilled to be bringing Old Fashioned Week back to Australia once again this year," says Richard Dredge, Woodford Reserve Senior Brand Manager at Brown-Forman. "And this time, we're making it even bigger and better than ever."
Melburnians, if you were planning to pick up show bags, hop on rides and check out cute animals at this year's Royal Melbourne Show, we have bad news. As also proved the case in 2020, the event has been cancelled due to the pandemic. In a statement released today, Wednesday, July 28, the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria announced it had made the decision to cancel the 2020 show "due to the ongoing uncertainty and operational constraints, challenges and risks associated with holding major events with large free roaming crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic." Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) President Matt Coleman said that "whilst the RASV Board is disappointed to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show, we felt it important for all those planning to be involved in the event including exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, sponsors and volunteers that they have certainty so they can make informed decisions in relation to their own arrangements." This year's event was due to take over the Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday, September 23–Sunday, October 3. First held in 1855, this is only the fourth time in the show's 166-year history that it has been cancelled — with previous cancellations happening last year, and in 1915 and between 1940-1945 due to World War I and II, respectively. The Royal Melbourne Show, which attracts around 450,000 visitors each year, joins a growing list of big events that have been impacted by the pandemic for two consecutive years — such as Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass and Vivid Sydney. News of the show's cancellation comes on the same day that Melbourne emerged from its most recent lockdown, which spanned almost two weeks. Gathering and venue restrictions remain in place, as always happens following the end of stay-at-home conditions. The 2021 Royal Melbourne Show will no longer take place from Thursday, September 23–Sunday, October 3. For more information, visit the show'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. Images: Flickr/Chris Phutully.
The words “never did me any harm” are most often uttered by the old and cantankerous to justify some form of extreme child disciplining they’re itching to dole out. Appropriate then, that they’re used as the title for this exploration of modern parenting from director Kate Champion. Performed by members of Champion’s dance company Force Majeure and actors from the Sydney Theatre Company, the show is a blend of dance, physical performance and documentary theatre. Champion, working with Mr Cate Blanchett, STC’s Andrew Upton, used a wide array of actual interviews on the subject to create the script, making for a detailed and nuanced examination of the role parenthood plays in our lives. Having garnered plenty of acclaim at this year’s Sydney Festival, Never Did Me Any Harm now comes to Melbourne. It’s a show for parents, children and the child-free alike. Go see it (or go to your room…)
If you've been looking for a new patch of grass to run around, to walk your pup across or soak up some rays in with a book, you're in luck. South Melbourne has just scored a big'un — and it's located only a five-minute drive (or easy two-kilometre run) from the CBD. Officially opened on October 20, the new 9000-square-metre park (around the size of 20 netball courts) has been dubbed Kirrip Park, which means 'friendship' or 'mate' in the local Boon Wurrung language. Sitting just opposite the new South Melbourne Primary School — Victoria's first vertical primary school — it's a joint venture by the City of Port Phillip and Labor, and it's set to give a much-needed boost in public space to this busy corner of Melbourne. At the moment, it doesn't have a heap of recreational facilities, but the government plans to add them in after gathering feedback from the local community. If you'd like to add in your two cents — and maybe score that basketball court you've been dreaming of — hit up the City of Port Phillip website. While we mentioned south Melbourne earlier, Kirrip Park is actually located in a super-new Melbourne suburb, called Fishermans Bend. It's located in the space of land below South Melbourne and sandwiched between Port Melbourne and the Yarra. To the south, it's accessible from Yarraville over the West Gate. If you're not familiar with Fishermans Bend, that's because you probably haven't had much reason to give it a visit — until now. At the moment, it's largely industrial — but the Andrews Government plans to turn the 480-hectare site into a brand new suburb, complete with residential housing, commercial buildings, new schools, community centres and plenty of green open space by 2050. While the majority of this huge urban renewal project is dependent on Labor being re-elected at next month's state election, it seems they've already started making good on some of their promises, regardless, with the opening of this brand spankin' new park. Find Kirrip Park at 2-4 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne. Image one is a render.
Everyone's favourite food park under a bridge is going all out this year. From June 23 to July 30, Grazeland in Spotswood is transforming into a snow-filled Winter Wonderland. The star of the show will be a 10-metre snowman, which the Grazeland team is claiming to be the biggest snowman in Melbourne. You can also expect snow machines, DJs, dancing and mulled wine galore. Plus, there'll be firepits to keep everything cosy. Feeling hungry? Grazeland has 50 different food vendors on-site, and they're all running winter specials for the event. Frencheese is doing a gooey raclette and Bratboy is slinging festive German meatballs. While the kids go crazy in the Kid Zones, or get their faces painted, parents can relax with a cup of spice-infused Jam Shed mulled wine. Winter Wonderland is running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays till July 30. Opening times vary. Check the website for all the details. Kids under 12 get in free. Images: supplied.
Melbourne's chilly season has kicked off with a frosty bang, reinvigorating our cravings for giant bowls of warming soup. And if you're planning to fill your winter with rich noodle-filled broths of the Japanese variety, you'd better get acquainted with the new midweek deal being ladled up by Brunswick's Project281 — $12 bowls of ramen. Yep, every Wednesday and Thursday, the foliage-filled, Japanese-inspired eatery and bar is serving two signature ramen varieties for just $12 a bowl. Choose from the vegan soup — crafted on a house-made sesame broth with king oyster mushrooms and miso pumpkin — or the pork belly number featuring Project281's own pork broth, ramen noodles and an egg. The ramen special is available from 6pm both nights, but the fun doesn't end there. You can also time your visit to coincide with happy hour, which is slinging $6 beers, $7 wines and $12 cocktails between 4–7pm (Wednesday to Saturday). [caption id="attachment_855970" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Longboy Media[/caption] Images: Longboy Media
As the weather continues to defrost, southside summer pop-up The Exchange Beach Club is returning for another bout of drinks by the sea. Kicking off Saturday, November 6, it'll once again bring private cabanas, umbrellaed outdoor seating, day beds, refreshments and entertainment right onto the sand of Port Melbourne beach. You can enjoy boozy beverages from the container bar — think, beer, seltzer, wine, Four Pillars spritz cocktails on tap and more — while kicking back by the bay. There are mini esky packs to keep your drinks cool, and happy hour specials every Monday to Wednesday. Meanwhile, the kitchen's slinging beachy bites like fish and chips, avocado salad bowls, wagyu burgers, and kewpie-laced lobster and prawn rolls. There'll be ice cream sandwiches for when those sweet cravings hit, plus juices and mocktails for those keeping it fresh. Need more motivation? On Tuesdays, the pop-up's doing $2 oysters and $9 passionfruit caprioskas (4–5pm), while a $60 bottomless boozy brunch runs from 10–12pm every Sunday. And on Saturday mornings, the KX Pilates brunch will help you ease into the weekend with a beachside exercise session followed by beats and eats ($40). Private cabanas are available to book for up to four people. Oh, and pups are welcome as well, with water bowls and free dog treats provided, along with the odd giveaway. The beach bar will be settling in from November 6–January 30. Catch it from 4–10pm Monday–Wednesday (expanding to 12–10pm Monday–Wednesday from December 13), 12–10pm Thursday–Friday and 10am–10pm Saturday–Sunday.
