If your love for Melbourne typically leans into laneways, lattes and designer fashion labels — conveniently forgetting its status as the sporting capital of Australia — then you may not have had the opportunity to check out Marvel Stadium. But there are plenty of reasons to pay the stadium a visit when it's not a game day — here are some of our favourites. The World-Class Events Beyond the regularly scheduled AFL programming, Marvel Stadium regularly hosts an array of concerts and live performances. This year, it has played host to P!nk's Summer Carnival Tour, the biggest-selling tour for a female artist at the Stadium. There are plans to welcome Coldplay for their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Pearl Jam's Dark Matter World Tour, and the return of the highly anticipated Stadium Golf, where people can tee off from Levels 1, 2 and 3 onto the transformed field of play. Check out more world-class events on the website. The Elevated Experience Spaces Most global cities in the world pride themselves on their world-class venues. Melbourne is no exception, with the $225 million refurbishment of Marvel Stadium elevating its status to one of the busiest multi-purpose stadiums on earth. Marvel Stadium's refurbishment has introduced revamped facilities and improved accessibility across the board. This means it's now full of impressive function spaces with the capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 guests for formal dinners, galas and major conferences. In the aptly named Skyline Room, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne City from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, entering the space via Penfolds Champagne Bar. The venue's main entry point, Gates 2 and 3, has also been transformed into Stadium Square, a modern precinct that serves as a gateway to all things entertainment. This two-level hub features a massive Super Screen for live broadcasts, making it an ideal spot for live-site watch parties of events like the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Stadium Square is also an ideal space to soak up the atmosphere before or after a game or concert, with food outlets such as Earl, 8Bit Burgers, bars, restaurants — more dining options below. Marvel Stadium is also the first in the southern hemisphere to feature a checkout-free retail offering, 'The Runner,' powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology. An Australian Exclusive Retail Store If you're a Marvel megafan (or happen to know one), the on-site Super-Store is one to put on your hit list. Located at the Gate 5 entrance, the outlet is the ultimate destination for exclusive Marvel products. Whether you're looking for collectible bobbleheads, superhero apparel or toys, this dedicated Marvel merchandise store is the only one of its kind in Australia, offering a shopping experience that is as thrilling as a down-to-the-buzzer game at the stadium itself. The store also sells AFL merch if you have a sports superfan in your life. The Super-Store is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours on event days. The Wide Range of New Dining Options It's no secret that Melburnians take their food seriously. Marvel Stadium does a pretty good job of dishing up some top-notch culinary offerings. Start with a feed at Stadium Square, where you will find everything from casual bites to gourmet meals. Additional dining selections are available at Gate 5 and include Korean fried chicken from Gami Chicken, burgers by 8Bit as mentioned, Hunky Dory's famed fish and chips, Greek grub at Yamas, and 400 Gradi Pronto's delicious pizzas. The Peroni Bar and Craft Bar offers cracking craft bevvies, and event-day drinks (and excellent field vistas) are available on the menu at View Bar and The Johnnie Walker Bar. For breathtaking views and an unforgettable atmosphere our tip is to take the glass elevator through Gate 5 straight up to the Stadium Rooftop, only open on event days. In addition to panoramic views of the Melbourne City Skyline, this space features two themed bars, Edward and Alfred, slinging a curated selection of beverages to provide a top-tier experience (literally and figuratively). The Highlight Dining Experiences: Friends of Fire and Amphora For those with champagne tastes, Marvel Stadium has you covered with two elevated epicurean experiences. Both venues are spearheaded by renowned culinary directors Shannon Martinez and Aaron Rodrigues, so you know the menus are going to be a step up from the type of food you have come to expect at a football stadium. Friends of Fire, an American-style steakhouse, focuses on woodfired barbecue grilling and Southern, New England and New York City-style fare, while modern diner Amphora offers share plates and towers for seafood, meat lovers and vegans to show there's more to American cuisine than just burgers and hot dogs. Whether you're a local Marvel fan or an interstate traveller on the hunt for an elevated experience (in more ways than one), there's always something happening at the revamped Marvel Stadium. Not just for Marvel fans or sports enthusiasts, this multi-purpose venue caters to all walks of life. Come and see for yourself. For more information about what's on at Marvel Stadium or to book tickets to one of its events, visit the website.
Whether or not you believe that time is a flat circle — and everything we've ever done or will do, we're gonna do over and over and over and over again, too — watching new True Detective episodes is about to become a reality again. January 2024 will mark ten years since the HBO series first started, and five years since it dropped its third season. So, there's clearly no better point for True Detective: Night Country to arrive. This six-episode fourth season will focus on a new cop duo: detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster, The Mauritanian) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis, Catch the Fair One). In the show's two trailers so far, this pair isn't happy to be working together; however, they've got an icy mystery to solve. Set in Alaska, True Detective: Night Country follows the aftermath when eight men working at the Tsalal Arctic Research Station in Ennis disappear. Cue calling in the police, and also ample complications, with Danvers and Navarro endeavouring to ascertain what has happened and why. When it hits Down Under on Monday, January 15 — via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand — True Detective: Night Country will also feature Finn Bennett (Hope Gap), Fiona Shaw (Andor), Christopher Eccleston (Dodger), Isabella Star LaBlanc (Long Slow Exhale) and John Hawkes (Too Old to Die Young) in front of the camera. Behind the lens, every one of the series' six new episodes is written and directed by Tigers Are Not Afraid filmmaker Issa López, with Moonlight's Barry Jenkins an executive producer. Each season of True Detective tells its own tale, so there's no need to catch up on past chapters if you watched the Matthew McConaughey (The Gentlemen)- and Woody Harrelson (White House Plumbers)-led first season in 2014 — as everyone did — but didn't keep up from there. Taylor Kitsch (Painkiller), Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Rachel McAdams (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret) starred in season two, while Mahershala Ali (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and Stephen Dorff (The Righteous Gemstones) took over in season three. Check out the two teaser trailers so far for True Detective: Night Country below: True Detective: Night Country will stream in Australia Monday, January 15, 2024 via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.
Simply walking into Mr Wares brings a sense of hygge. The Block Arcade store is filled with well-crafted homewares and accessories from Australia and across the globe (we're looking at you Denmark). This is the place to come when you're looking for something nice for your home, a gift for a friend or just something that's well-made and unique. Here, you can pick up everything from a designer towel to a leather notebook or a sleek backpack. The store values contemporary heirlooms over fast fashion, any piece from this city store is bound to enrich your everyday life in some way or another. Image: Robert Blackburn/Visit Victoria.
Icons teaming up with icons: when documentary series Pretend It's a City hit Netflix in 2021, that's what it served up. Earning attention: Fran Lebowitz, with Martin Scorsese directing. The focus: the acclaimed writer, humorist and social commentator chatting about her life for the legendary filmmaker, following on from Scorsese's Lebowitz-focused 2010 feature-length doco Public Speaking. Of course, Lebowitz doesn't need to be nattering with Scorsese, or in front of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Irishman helmer's lens, to prove a must-watch figure. Her sharp opinions and deadpan humour have made her famous for more than five decades now, and over a career spanning magazine columns, books, working with Andy Warhol, notable late-night talkshow appearances and public-speaking tours. It's the latter that's bringing her back to Australia in 2024 — including getting talking at Hamer Hall. [caption id="attachment_912246" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bill Hayes[/caption] Lebowitz will take to the stage on two nights in Melbourne, on Sunday, February 18 and Monday, February 19, as part of a tour aptly dubbed An Evening with Fran Lebowitz. Will she chat about attending the Succession season four premiere party? Her role as a judge in the Law & Order franchise (and The Wolf of Wall Street)? Saturday Night Live's parody of Pretend It's a City? Being a columnist for Warhol's Interview mag? Growing up in New Jersey? New York in the 70s? Topics such as race, gender, media and politics? Anything that vexes her? Everything? At least some will earn an unfiltered mention — including at the audience Q&A. Top image: Harrison Dilts.
Milky Lane might be best-known for its burgers named after Kevin Bacon, Drake and Post Malone, but that isn't the only reason that Australians hit up the chain's eateries. The sides menu is just as indulgent, including mac 'n' cheese croquettes and hot skillets of liquid cheese. So is the dessert range, complete with deep-fried Golden Gaytimes, plus Biscoff and Nutella pancakes. And the drinks? If you like creaming soda spiders but boozy, you'll find them here. Keen to sip Milky Lane's cocktails at home, too? Enter the brand's new range of tinnies. Three varieties are on offer — and yes, the creaming soda spider, a canned take on the cocktail that's made with vodka, watermelon, creaming soda and an ice cream mix in-store, is one of them. You can also get cans of lychee and passionfruit mojito, as well as the Bondi sour. In-stores, the first is a blend of white rum, sauvignon blanc, passionfruit soft drink, lemon, lychee and mint in-store — and the second is made with vodka, Aperol, passionfruit, pineapple, vanilla and egg whites. So, that's the mix of flavours you'll be tasting, but in versions made for tinnies. Your summer picnics, barbecues and beach trips can all now include Milky Lane's sips, with Milky Lane founder Christian Avant advising that the canned range was born of the growing demand "for high-quality, convenient cocktails at home". Available in packs of 16, or as a bundle that includes a pack each of all three varieties, these are limited-edition drinks with just 8000 cases available. There's no word on whether any other Milky Lane boozy concoctions will get the same treatment, but fans of its grape Hubba Bubba spiders, bubblegum sours, pine lime Splice sips, Nerd cocktails and shared sour apple Warhead beverages can cross their fingers. Milky Lane's RTD cocktails are available online via the chain's website.
When it comes to father figures, Darth Vader probably isn't winning any Dad of the Year awards. But that doesn't mean the iconic villain can't help take your Father's Day experience up a notch this year, thanks to an interactive encounter designed to mark the occasion. Taking over the immersive Star Wars Galactic Cafe at Melbourne Museum — running alongside Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — I Am Your Father's Day is a chance for guests to meet and greet the Sith lord, snapping photos with the cinematic icon. Held across Saturday, September 6–Sunday, September 7, the leader of the Galactic Empire will be available for pics at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress to impress and match his menace. As for the Galactic Cafe, now is the perfect chance to experience it. Designed to look like a Corellian Star Cruiser, this official Star Wars pop-up is serving food inspired by the space opera, from bright green burgers to Chewbacca cookies and dessert space stations.
Sammy J and his purple puppet friend Randy are getting back together for a couple of musical comedy shows this week. The duo are famous for their topical comedy — which was a huge part of their popular ABC TV show Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane. Various side projects have kept them apart — like Sammy J's ABC TV show Playground Politics, in which he teaches toddlers and adults the ongoings of Australian politics in a Play School style. It's not actually for kids. The pair have been nominated for awards at the Edinburgh Fringe, released a few comedy albums and their various television shows screen on Netflix UK and NBC in the USA. Their current comedy show focuses on the pair opening their own theme park called 'Sammy J & Randy Land'. They'll be at the Athenaeum Theatre from Thursday December 15 - 17. Get your tickets here and have a laugh.
If you like your art medieval with a splash of mystery, you definitely need to see The Lady and the Unicorn exhibition at AGNSW this autumn. Since arriving (in separate planes at that) last month from the Musèe de Cluny — Musèe National du Moyen Âge in Paris, the six mind-blowingly exquisite wool and silk tapestries have been intriguing Sydney crowds. While art buffs know the wealthy Le Viste family commissioned them around 1500, no one knows exactly who designed them, or why, or for whom exactly. And although now widely interpreted as a meditation on courtly love and earthly pleasure through an allegory of the senses, the tapestries' potential to be read a variety of ways creates an enduring mystery that only adds to their charm. To help you get the most out of your visit, we spoke to Art Gallery of NSW curator and exhibition researcher Jackie Dunn about some of the symbols within the enchanting works, their varying interpretations and the pleasure of not ever being able to definitively solve the puzzle. [caption id="attachment_663309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Sight' c1500 (detail) from 'The Lady and the Unicorn' series, Musée de Cluny — Musée National du Moyen Âge, Paris Photo © RMN-GP / M Urtado.[/caption] THE MIRROR The depiction of a beautiful woman holding a mirror could be interpreted as a symbol of vanity. However, within the Sight tapestry, things are a little unusual. The Lady holds the mirror up to the unicorn, who sits tamely with forelegs in her lap and seems very taken with his own reflection. Has she used the mirror to charm him into submission? Or does the mirror have, as Dunn terms it, "strong religious underpinnings"? Many engravings of the time feature a similar configuration involving the Virgin Mary holding a mirror up to Jesus, revealing his humanity. This, along with several other elements, has led certain scholars to argue that the entire tapestry suite is a religious metaphor. Dunn however, is unconvinced. "I don't think it means the tapestries are religious per say," she says, explaining that the artist who designed the tapestries (most likely the anonymous 'Master of Anne of Brittany') would have been unavoidably influenced by the religious art of the time. "Scenes like this are part of their image bank, what they would have been brought up on." Whether about vanity, seduction, religious metaphor or all three, the mirror is just one of the tapestry cycle's "rich, crazy, mixed-up bag of symbols". [caption id="attachment_663307" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Hearing' c1500 (detail) from 'The Lady and the Unicorn' series, Musée de Cluny — Musée National du Moyen Âge, Paris Photo © RMN-GP / M Urtado.[/caption] THE INSTRUMENT At the centre of the Hearing tapestry, we find the Lady standing up and serenely playing a portative organ. Framed by unicorn and lion, she's assisted by what is most likely her maidservant (and a none-too-thrilled one at that) who stands working the bellows. Looking to modern eyes like a strange hybrid between panpipes, a keyboard and a small harp, a portative organ was a commonly used instrument within secular music at the time. If we go with the allegory of the senses interpretation, then we could argue the instrument, creating music, simply symbolises the sense of hearing. However, according to Dunn the presence of the instrument also tells us something notable about the Lady's class status and the period's new expectations of women of her social standing. "It was seen as important that women were getting a broader education in the arts," explains Dunn, including music, dance, languages and poetry. In this light, the musical instrument might represent that the lady is well educated and highly moneyed, but also that she has the ability to create music, to make beautiful things. "The instrument is interesting because, in a way, it's showing her capacity to make art." [caption id="attachment_663310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Taste' c1500 (detail) from 'The Lady and the Unicorn' series, Musée de Cluny — Musée National du Moyen Âge, Paris Photo © RMN-GP / M Orated.[/caption] THE RABBITS, THE DOG AND THE MONKEY Animals abound across all six tapestries, reflective of the era's fascination with the natural world. Aside from the lion and unicorn, within the Taste tapestry alone we can also see rabbits, a monkey, a bird, a sheep and several types of dog. Rabbits often symbolise fertility, but according to Dunn, here they could also be a warning about "the dangers of sex" and the likely consequences of breaching the chaste limits of the courtly love tradition, which dictated that "you could push the limits of seduction between a young man or woman to the point that they were completely filled with desire, but they never consummate it." What about the tiny pet dog seated on the train of the Lady's dress? Gazing up at her adoringly, it most obviously conveys ideas of loyalty and fidelity. However, Dunn adds that a collared or chained animal (occurring throughout the tapestries) might also symbolise the containment of animal desire in favour of moral self-control. On another, more worldly level, the pet dog — along with the monkey — again displays the Lady's wealth and fashionable status to viewers: "Only people with money can have pets like that rather than a working dog or a scrounging hound at the back door!" [caption id="attachment_663308" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'My Sole Desire' c1500 (detail) from 'The Lady and the Unicorn' series, Musée de Cluny — Musée National du Moyen Âge, Paris Photo © RMN-GP / M Urtado.[/caption] THE CHEST OF JEWELS When you stand in front of Mon Seul Desir, the sixth and final tapestry, ask yourself whether the Lady is lifting out the jewels or putting them away. Chances are you'll be undecided. "We're delighted that it's ambiguous," says Dunn. "For a long time it was thought that she was putting them on, but the way that it's now interpreted is that it's probably her renouncing the world of material things and returning the jewels to the box." Widely agreed to symbolise the Lady's purity and ability to control her earthly desires, the putting away of the jewels could also represent a more mature woman's rejection of the vanity of youth. There is a competing scholarly argument that the tapestry cycle depicts the various stages of a woman's life, with this tapestry portraying the Lady later in life. But while finding that reading "quite a beautiful one," Dunn isn't convinced it makes sense for the suite as a whole, preferring instead to embrace a multiplicity of not wholly resolved interpretations — an approach far more in keeping with the tapestries' romantic, multi-faceted and richly poetic medieval context. "It's a world of all these symbols overlaid. They love complexity, they love cleverness, not being able to fully resolve things but to bounce between different layers of meaning. There's nothing straightforward about the way they thought about the world. It's actually very rich." The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are on display at the Art Gallery of NSW until June 24.
In the lead-up to International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8 — which celebrates the achievements of those who identify as female and how far we have come in the fight for gender equality for everyone — you can read books written by some of Australia's best female authors. For free. The catch? You just need to find them. Books on the Rail has teamed up with female-identifying Australian authors to drop signed copies of their novels on trains, buses, trams and ferries all over Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this week. Expect to find works written by Maxine Beneba Clarke, Clare Bowditch, Dr Anita Heiss, Jamila Rizvi, Carly Findlay, Kitty Flanagan, Gabbie Stroud and Holly Wainwright, among others. With a goal to get more people reading books by Australian women, the week-long initiative will see the famous authors hiding their own works. So, as well as picking up a new free read, you might get to meet one of your literary idols. For hints on what, where and when, keep an eye on the Books on the Rail Instagram Stories — it looks like a few copies of Jane in Love by Rachel Givney are already travelling around Sydney. Another one to look out for is Vivian Pham's The Coconut Children. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9D3hzEnJzN/ Launching in Melbourne back in 2016, Books on the Rail sees a diverse collection of books set loose on trains, trams, ferries and buses around Australia — kind of like a roving public transport library. You can also become book ninja yourself. Find out more in the Books on the Rail Facebook Group. Free novels will be dropped on buses, trains, trams and ferries around Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane until Sunday, March 8. For hints, keep an eye on the Books on the Rail Instagram Stories.
Tony Nicolini continues his mission to create delicious Italian cuisine — not reinventing pizza, but doing it better. The former part-owner of DOC brings decades of experience to his latest Albert Park venture, Italian Artisans, which has taken over the spot of the old DOC Albert Park. Nicolini's Dad opened his first pizzeria way back in 1969 and this latest restaurant aims to continue the family's passion for the craft of pizza making, with fresh, organic ingredients from, as the name suggests, celebrated Italian artisans. Family producers from Italy and Australia provide the tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella and more, while the pizza bases are made using traditional methods with alternative grain flours thrown in to make it all easier to digest. The menu is simple — a bunch of traditional pizzas ranging from the classic margherita to tiger prawns, anchovies and the cornuto, with tomato, provolone, soppressa, roasted red pepper and 'nduja ($24). The selection is rounded out with salumi and mozza bars, antipasto, meatballs, lasagne and salads. For those craving something sweet, there is a hazelnut gelato collaboration between Italian Artisans and Pidapipo, dessert pizzas and calzones, and modern takes on the traditional cannoli and tiramisu.
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. Now, after last year announcing plans to open five additional restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney, Perry has cut the red ribbon on his first Melbourne burger joint. The Melbourne Burger Project is the third one to open in Australia, and is located in the old Australia on Collins building, which is now luxury fashion precinct St. Collins Lane. The licensed restaurant will operate between 11am and 9pm, and will seat around 120 people. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. Side options include chips with salt or chipotle chilli, and crispy hot wings with Sichuan pepper. And for dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. Don't act like you're not impressed. Another Burger Project will open at Chadstone on September 30, with another three confirmed to open in Sydney this year, and another six slated for the east coast in 2017. Phew. Burger Project is now open in The Aviary on Level 2 of St. Collins Lane at 260 Collins Street, Melbourne. For more info, visit burgerproject.com.
If you A) live east of the city, B) love a good glass of vino and C) have creative flair here's the news for you. On Saturday, October 15, Frida's Sip n' Paint is celebrating the opening of its brand-new Camberwell studio. Starting with a red-carpet welcome, you'll meet your host, bust out the BYO drinks and nibbles and get settled in for a luxe painting experience. Painting is a beautiful thing, but not all of us have the confidence to create art with no assistance. Classes can be dull. Some of us prefer to learn by doing — and maybe have a cheeky bevvy while doing so. Don't fret, because that's what Frida's is all about. A memorable experience that's all about fun art, not fine art. Your talented host will take the group through a featured artwork, brush by brush, with no painters left behind. After 2.5 hours well spent, you will be the creator of a bona fide masterpiece to take home. There is no experience required for the classes, and you are in the hands of skilled instructors, so you might even uncover a hidden talent. To get involved, you can either book tickets to the grand weekend opening or follow these steps to go in the running to win your way into an exclusive VIP night. Frida's Sip n' Paint Camberwell opens its doors on Saturday, October 15. You can book a seat in one of two opening sessions, running 2–4.30pm or 6.30–9.30pm. Tickets and more information can be found on the website.
Located in Avoca, Blue Pyrenees Estate boasts a hefty history, dating back to 1963. A pioneer in cool-climate viticulture since it first started out, it's long been one of the area's mainstays — with its 150-hectare property featuring plenty of vines, eye-catching gardens and a lake, and surrounded by a forest and mountains. Blue Pyrenees not only grows and picks its own grapes, but also makes its wine solely from said fruit, then packages it and sells it onsite. Taking a few cues from French-style vino, its range spans reds, whites, sparkling and rosé. Can't choose? Blue Pyrenees Estate's cabernet sauvignon was a double gold medal-winner at the 2020 China Wine and Spirits Awards, and features blackberry, leafy and oaky tastes. For those in the region, Blue Pyrenees' cellar door does tastings for $5, serves up quite the view and also lets patrons borrow a complimentary picnic rug. And, you can grab lunch, coffee or dessert from the cafe as well.
Brick Lane Brewing tapped its very first keg at the Queen Vic Winter Night Market in 2018, and now — five years later — the team is set to launch its latest bricks-and-mortar restaurant and bar across the road from that very same spot. On Wednesday, November 29, on the second week of this season's Queen Vic Summer Night Market, Brick Lane Brewing's huge new venue — aptly named Brick Lane Market Upstairs — will open to the public. Brick Lane already has its brewhouse in South Dandenong, Brick Lane Shed on Queen Vic Market's String Bean Alley and Brick Lane Market located beneath the new venue — but the upstairs section will be altogether more impressive. Taking over the second floor of the former Mercat Cross Hotel, the totally renovated space will now boast a 120-seat dining room with an open kitchen, a 16-seat private dining room and a 150-seat wrap-around terrace overlooking the market itself. And this proximity to the market isn't just about foot traffic and views. The team is set to work collaboratively with vendors, featuring local produce throughout the site. This will most notably be seen in the Brick Lane Market's raw bar. Here, the team will serve up fresh oysters and seafood sourced directly from QVM's newly refurbed Food Hall, which is also set to open in November. Chef Ankit Padmani (ex-Indu, Mejico and Collins Quarter) will oversee the restaurant's main menu, pushing a market-to-plate ethos, serving up dishes chock full of local and seasonal produce sourced from the market itself. Of course, beer will be the star of the show at Brick Lane Market Upstairs. Thirty-six taps will be scattered throughout the venue, pouring the brewery's core range, seasonal specials and one-off Pilot Batches. These more experimental brews are for those wanting to try something a little different and are set to be inspired by Queen Vic Market itself. Brick Lane Market Upstairs will open on Wednesday, November 29, at 456 Queen Street, Melbourne, operating seven days a week from 11.30am till late. For more information, check out the venue's website. Images: Carmen Zammit.
Nick Stanton, Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg and Jon Harper made a splash with their much-loved South Yarra diner Ramblr...and even more of a splash when they announced its sudden closure. But the Chapel Street space has scored a fitting successor, reincarnated as the guys' latest venture, Leo's By The Slice. New sibling to fellow hits Leonards House of Love and Leonardo's Pizza Palace, the Chapel Street restaurant is an ode to the classic pizza slice shops of New York City. And, while it might share some DNA and name inspiration with the rest of the stable, Leo's is proving it's very much its own animal. In front, expect a cosy space that nods to the takeaway joints and Pizza Huts of your childhood, complete with familiar red laminate benchtops, chequered floors and group-friendly booths. Beyond, lies a moody back bar where you'll happily find yourself shooting pool and kicking back over a few post-pizza craft brews. The menu is a short, sweet and simple lineup of eight pizzas, available only by the hot, cheesy slice. But don't go expecting anything too similar to that of Carlton sibling Leonardo's – here, it's all about that authentic New York-style pie, crisp-edged and pliable. You'll find the likes of a classic pepperoni, a loaded meatlovers and even plant-based options including the vegan Chinese bolognese (a nod to an old Ramblr signature). Swing by at lunch (12–4pm) and you can team a slice of margherita with a can of Grifter beer for an easy $9.99. The drinks lineup is concise, but interesting, with craft beers, natural wines and easy-drinking cocktails. A vending machine has more brews, alongside a tidy range of Leo's merch. Images: Kate Shanasy.
If you're looking to change up your style through your hair, this is your place. Whether it's a transformative bob cut or the perfect summer blonde, the hairdressers and stylists at Plumage in Kew are known for their almost telepathic abilities to give their customers exactly what they want. Plus, they're big fans of the environment and know that they have to do their best to protect it — which is exactly why all the salon's products are sourced based on three key factors: ethical practices, natural ingredients and sustainability. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
Blitz Bar is opening up its second self-serve açai bar, this time making Brighton its home — and it is celebrating by giving away 300 açai bowls across three days. From Friday, December 8–Sunday, December 10, the team will be giving away açai bowls to the first 100 customers each day from 11am. The Blitz Bar crew will also hand out a free jar of the chain's house-made peanut butter to every customer. Blitz Bar blends up the Brazilian-sourced açai berries to create its brekkie base and lets customers choose their toppings buffet-style. You can choose from some of Blitz Bar's 25 different toppings when nabbing your free breakfast across the three days — that includes unlimited fruit, crunchy granola and its house-made peanut butter.
The newly expanded Carlton Farmers Market is reopening for 2023, kicking off on March 4 with an inaugural Saturday session featuring family-friendly activities and new stallholders. Marketgoers can expect 20 market stalls boasting fresh Victorian produce, locally-made products, coffee, pastries and snacks. Market lovers still reeling from the shock loss of the Abbotsford Farmers Market can also rejoice at this news: many of the Abbotsford stallholder favourites will make The Carlton Farmers Market their new home. The Carlton Farmers Markets were paused at the end of last year, in order to rejig and revamp the long-standing community event. The markets are $2 to enter but all funds go towards donations for MFM and Carlton North Primary School. Pooches and kids are welcome.
As if Melbourne's spring vibes weren't radiant enough, Bourke Street is getting an extra dash of luminance with Luminous at 206 Bourke Street — sure to be a lit celebration of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Yes, yes, Australia is only in mid-spring, but it's mid-autumn in China. Known alternatively as the Moon Festival or the more mouth-watering Mooncake Festival, it's a global Chinese celebration inspired by — you guessed it — the moon. Over the weekend of Friday, September 29–Sunday, October 1, beats from Chinese Australian musicians will fill the air, while Melbourne-based MCPA Dance will be shimmying around with a traditional Chinese dragon dance. There's more: mooncake giveaways, a game zone with prizes like vouchers and soft toys to be won, lantern-making workshops that'll take you back to crafty primary school days and even a selfie contest. Seriously, snap a pic with the glowing lantern backdrop and you could score some centre cards. Plus, if by any chance you're in the city for the AFL Grand Final (or maybe avoiding it), it's a brilliant way to balance footy fever with some cultural enrichment — and it's all free.
There's no shortage of great Lebanese joints around Melbourne, but probably the most well-known is Abla's, which has been around since 1979. Its namesake and mastermind, Abla Amad, moved from Lebanon in 1954 at the age of 19. Influences from all over Lebanon mean her menu is packed with flavours from many regions and recipes passed down from one generation to the next. Load up on dips, makaneek (spiced lamb sausages), falafel, tabouleh and skewers of succulent grilled meats, then finish up with baklava and turkish delight. You can BYO wine for $10 per bottle from Monday to Thursday. Abla's offers BYO wine. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
400 Gradi founder Johnny Di Francesco is doing very well for himself. Apart from claiming the title of best pizza in Oceania in July 2018, he's also expanded his Neapolitan-style restaurant to a whopping six locations (and one gelateria) that span Melbourne, Adelaide and, most recently, the Yarra Valley. The wine country digs opened in partnership with (and within) the Rochford Wines Yarra Valley estate, having first fired up its ovens on in October 2018. Di Francesco joins the winery's owner Helmut Konecsny to bring guests a most exquisite pairing of Red 5 Star wines with fine Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizza that is considered the best in the region. The award-winning margherita verace ($22) is a showcase on the Yarra Valley menu — it's a holy combination of San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella cheese, basil and extra virgin olive oil. The rest of the menu has been specially curated by Di Francesco and includes more signature pizzas, along with antipasto, pasta, sides and desserts. To complement the food, Rochford Wine sommeliers have carefully paired its premium drops with each dish — and the acclaimed 2017 Single Vineyard Isabella's Chardonnay and much loved 2018 Estate Rosé are both on the list. Though 400 Gradi is located within the Rochford estate, it operates separately from the vineyard's Isabella restaurant, which offers its own seasonal menu focusing on local produce.
The team at Everyday Coffee is getting into the pastry game, with the opening of a brand new bakery cafe on High Street in Northcote. The invitingly named All Are Welcome is a collaborative effort between Everyday's Mark Free and Aaron Maxwell, and Californian baker and pastry chef Boris Portnoy. Carbs and caffeine? Sounds damn good to us. Just don't expect anything half-arsed or run-of-the-mill. Portnoy has crafted a menu packed to the brim with lesser-known baked-goods, including medovnik (Czech honey cakes), ensaïmada (Spanish spiral pastries) and khachapuri (a savoury cheesy bread from the Republic of Georgia). This is in addition to a number of tarts and tartines, and sourdough, rye and heritage grain breads. The pastries are paired with Everday's menu of espresso and batch brewed coffees. "We're looking forward to presenting outstanding coffee and pastry together in a context where one or the other is so often an obligatory side note," said Free. They're selling a wide range of roasted coffee and brewing accessories, along with cheeses, chutneys, pickles and house-made preserves straight from the All Are Welcome larder. Located directly opposite Northcote Town Hall, All Are Welcome is housed in what was once a Christian Science Reading room, which Portnoy says has influenced the décor. "I'd like to be playful with making the bakery 'cult-like' through recycling the altar and pews from the church, the lighting, and the graphic identity," he said. Images: Christian Capurro.
When it comes to the craft beer scene, Adelaide is often mistreated as the infant sister to Melbourne and Sydney. In truth, South Australia is making some of the best craft in the nation at the moment and is giving its 'older sisters' a serious run for their money. Adelaide even has one of the best craft beer festivals in the country — a barbecue and brew combo that has all of the makings to swiftly become one of the best worldwide. From the overnight mega-success story that is Pirate Life to bacon flavoured beers, Negroni IPAs and even a beetroot saison brewed by uni students, Adelaide is on the watch list in the craft beer world right now. Taking a trip down south? Here's what beers to drink and where to find them. If you aren't planning a trip anytime soon, we suggest you get those tickets booked anyway — for beer's sake, that is. [caption id="attachment_600792" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Nola.[/caption] WHERE TO DRINK Adelaide's small bar scene is booming in step with its craft beer scene and the two fit hand in glove. Even simple cafes like Cafe Troppo are housing two taps of craft alongside their eco-friendly fare and ethically-sourced coffee and teas. Craft beer and whisky lovers can't miss Nola, known explicitly for both. The New Orleans-style bar houses 16 taps that are constantly rotating and feature independent SA brewers, as well as Australia-wide and international guest stars. If 16 taps somehow isn't enough for you, they're also boasting an extensive list of one-off and rare release bottles. Now that's commitment to the craft. For an underground feel, the Bank Street Social (top image) is the speakeasy in these parts and reminiscent of Sydney's Baxter Inn. They're committed to showcasing SA craft beer and ciders in equal measure to their ridiculously large whisky wall. The Bank is the spot to search out the latest releases in the region while you get your boogie on or relax on one of their luxe, golden booths. If you're more into a classic pub style, The Wheatsheaf Hotel cannot be beat in these parts. Each of their 13 rotating taps are strictly craft only, with bottled beers from around the world as well. They also boast a beer garden, regular live music, board games and art exhibitions, so it's an all-round good time to be had. Benjamin on Franklin toes the line between small bar feel and classic hotel setup — this joint is less pub, more 1920s-style, bohemian beer purveyor. The three dining booths in their beer garden are the perfect escape for a intimate date over craft beer (what else?). [caption id="attachment_600794" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pirate Life.[/caption] WHAT TO DRINK When in Adelaide, keep your eyes peeled for these big names in the small batch brewing game. A few you may recognise from your local bottle shop, namely Pirate Life, which has only been operating since 2014 and has done major things to catapult Adelaide, and Australia, onto the world craft beer stage. Big Shed Brewing Concern is another you may have heard of, considering the Facebook fame which their "Fresh as Fuck" campaign fostered — the crew hand-delivered beer from their Adelaide brewery to Sydney's Bitter Phew in less than 24 hours after kegging, all in the name of fresh beer. Sadly, many of these aren't yet shipping up north, but it's only a matter of time before you'll be sipping these across the country and hopefully around the world. [caption id="attachment_600795" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Barossa Valley Brewing Co.[/caption] EXTRA SPECIAL BREWS Pirate Life Brewing What to try: Cerveza Negra collab with Tomfoolery Wines Barossa Valley Brewery What to try: I Can't Believe It's Not Bacon Mismatch Brewing Co. What to try: Negroni IPA Smiling Samoyed Brewery What to try: Multi award-winning Dark Ale Campus Brewing What to try: Beetroot Saison [caption id="attachment_600796" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Little Bang.[/caption] OTHER AWESOME BREWERIES TO SCOUT OUT Little Bang Big Shed Brewing Concern Clare Valley Brewing Co. Fair Weather Malt Fiction Prancing Pony Pikes Beer Company Wheaty Brewing Corps. Marissa travelled as a guest of the Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival. Top image: Bank Street Social.
George Baldessin and Brett Whiteley had a lot in common — their birth year of 1939, their status as preeminent Australian artists of the 1960s and 70s, and the fact they both died tragically young. From August 31, 2018, to January 28, 2019, NGV Australia will combine the work of these two iconic Australian artists for the landmark exhibition, Baldessin/Whiteley: Parallel Visions. Born in Italy, Baldessin's surrealist art practice frequently portrayed Australia's emerging migrant populations. Often working with silver and gold leaf, his enigmatic prints and sculptures drew inspiration from far and wide, including Japan, France and Italy. His contemporary, Brett Whiteley, was perhaps for a time Australia's most renowned artist. Emerging out of the Sydney art scene, Whiteley spent time living in London and New York City, with the latter having a profound impact on his art practice. Here, he became involved with the Vietnam War protests and was close with the likes of Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. Featuring over 120 works, Baldessin/Whiteley: Parallel Visions showcases many of the artists' most iconic works — with hints of pop culture, expressionist forms and the avant-garde shared in their works. At the NGV you'll see Whiteley's acclaimed work, The American Dream (1968–69), a 20-metre long painting in response to his time in New York City. There's also Baldessin's renowned MM of Rue St Denis series (1976), portraying the Christian figure of Mary Magdalene on the streets of Paris, alongside his large-scale pear sculptures from 1971–72. Also, don't miss Whiteley's Christie series (1965), which explores the psyche of convicted British murderer John Christie in provocative style. There's also some never-seen-before works, so head along to NGV Australia to catch this once in a lifetime collaborative exhibition. Images: Installation view of Brett Whiteley The American Dream, 1968−69, at Baldessin/Whiteley: Parallel Visions on display at NGV Australia from 31 August 2018 – 28 January 2019. © Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth. Photo: Amelia Stanwix. // Installation view of Baldessin/Whiteley: Parallel Visions on display at NGV Australia from 31 August 2018 – 28 January 2019. © The Estate of George Baldessin. © Wendy Whiteley. Photo: Amelia Stanwix.
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.
If you're looking to break away from the usual fare that appears on every Melbourne corner, Little Africa is well worth a look in. The authentic African cuisine at this North Melbourne joint hits you hard in the tastebuds — think Ethiopian stews, curries, flatbread and more, all served up in a cosy and bright space. Vegetarian? Don't fret. In fact, come hungry. Try the tumtummo (stewed split lentils in a seasoned sauce) or the fool (fava beans mashed with ghee and chilli). There's also a pretty rad vegetarian combination — $20 for one person, or $35 for two, which is really all you need to know because that's a great deal. Wash it all down with your traditional Ethiopian coffee, served with or without ginger. Little Africa offers BYO. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Haven't had time to check out Copper Pot Seddon yet? How about Luxsmith? Well, this Tuesday, July 12, you'll have the opportunity to tick the two much talked-about Seddon venues off your list as they collaborate for a one-off feast. Because it's far too hard to get to every new opening in this town, the two westside restaurants are teaming up for a four-course progressive dinner. The first two courses will be served at one of the two eateries, before you get moved on to the second venue for the third and fourth. How they'll seamlessly merge Copper Pot's European menu with the Asian fare at Luxsmith is a mystery to us — but we trust that they'll pull if off. A place at the table will cost you $95 per person, which quite reasonably includes four courses with matched wines. Whether you live in the area or on the other side of town, it's a great way to get a gobful of Seddon's burgeoning dining scene. Plus, we gave Copper Pot a five star review.
One is best known as the chef and co-owner behind former South Yarra Turkish restaurant Yagiz, and the other for his involvement in Italian pizzeria i Carusi II. Now, Murat Ovaz and Serge Thomann are pooling flavours and inspiration for their new joint project, a Mediterranean-inspired eatery in the heart of Southbank. Chessell & Clarke has taken over the space last home to Square and Compass, reimagining it with a bold fitout of marble, mahogany and maroon leather led by Flack Studio (Sydney's Ace Hotel). It's a multi-layered, colourful nod to Italy's architecture icon Carlo Scarpa, with room to seat 50. Debuting with a daytime-only menu with plans to add a dinner service in May, the venue's embracing a range of influences. Its culinary direction is driven both by the Turkish flavours of Ovaz's heritage and the Italian cuisine that's been honed by Head Chef Frank Berardi (The Melbourne Club) over the years. The end result is a simple yet lively menu heroing freshness and a splash of creativity, which works just as hard at breakfast as it does at lunch. And it's all showcased on porcelain plates foraged by Ovaz himself from local op shops. There's a Middle Eastern riff on PB & J featuring date syrup and tahini, Turkish-style eggs done with brown butter and hung yoghurt, and a brekkie roll that pairs apple and cabbage slaw with house-cured roast pork belly. You'll find a brioche burger teaming harissa lamb with a red onion and mint marmaletta, gnocchi dressed in a honey-roasted parsnip purée, and house-made pork and gremolata snags matched with salsa verde and saffron caramelised onions. Vegetarian options abound; think: prosecco-battered zucchini flowers stuffed with lemon ricotta, plus quinoa-crusted chickpea patties served with a cashew cream. Also, the deli bar is brimming with a hefty array of fresh salads, dips and sweet things. Coffee comes courtesy of Piazza D'Oro, soon to be complemented by a vinous offering that'll trip through Australia, Turkey, Italy and France. That's launching next month alongside Chessell & Clarke's incoming dinner menu. Find Chessell & Clarke at 31 Chessell Street, Southbank. It's open daily from 7.30am–3pm, with hours to extend in May. Images: Hugh Davison.
It's been a tumultuous few months for Melbourne's public transport system — and it's far from over. Today, it was announced that the entire tram network will again shut down for four hours on Tuesday, January 28 and Thursday, January 30. The strikes follows previous four-hour stoppages in August, September, October, November and December and are in response to ongoing failed negotiations with Yarra Trams. While the strikes will happen in off-peak times and, thankfully, not on Fridays, they're still expected to cause some public transport havoc — so, best dust off that ol' bike and get set for some two-wheeled travel. The strikes are expected to run from 10am–2pm, with no metropolitan tram services operating between these hours. If you were planning on heading to the Australian Open on these days, the stoppages could be particularly disruptive, but RBTU Brand Secretary Luba Grigorovitch said it had "no other option". "We have not taken industrial action for two months because we did not want to inconvenience the public over the Christmas period," said Grigorovitch. "However, now Yarra Trams has left us no choice." https://www.facebook.com/RTBUVic/posts/2876790329052064?__xts__[0]=68.ARDwHvCg-7OcvHC7Bg7VxS0GGAwTY-17zlLutweiKWMZPzeR3dvV2eB9Z2sDzuEezHdx93csSIL9Ch2a8riUYVvADBv8heLEXgw99N2AuVcvXlKDQSzYvI0OslqmYfBSrN2qip3dZongTSbV7UVOj-HlHHhssIPUzECbjmb7HOiPj0BzNZvryLFGIS9EZL47wA4v1IolZoGxNqYAotXfq6G3PmXY4aIFQpPujQR8hQNtjxHdBpZxBcSfPXhhF8StBSclSq5fApwOvMr7aaiYCGc-kBjE2yMM95-p0UaX8iAeky9JoOZOZ9IsFQ9iPHpAWXedDe9COVk2iuYWBAb6K35oMw&__tn__=-R The Rail Tram and Bus Union has been at loggerheads with Yarra Trams for months over its proposal to increase the number of part-time workers, which, Grigorovitch says, would "substantially reduce terms and conditions for its workforce". The off-peak strikes are designed to minimise the impact on commuters, but industrial action could continue to escalate if negotiations are not unresolved. The strikes are expected to run from 10am–2pm on Tuesday, January 28 and Thursday, January 30. To plan alternative transport during these times, head to the PTV website. Image: Josie Withers for Visit Victoria
With a design that wouldn't feel out of place in any modern Melbourne cafe, Ori Tea sports a slightly different vibe to most of its boba-slinging counterparts. It's a solo player, serving up a whole rainbow of concoctions to suit just about any sort of tea craving. Fans will find those chewy brown sugar pearls showcased in a range of drinks, from vibrant matcha lattes, to milky dragonfruit fusions. Though the caramelly goodness of the signature brown sugar pearl milk drink makes it a firm fan favourite, dense with boba and artful streaks of tea. Elsewhere on the menu, find fruit-forward blends topped with cheese foam and a tidy lineup of desserts.
If you could only choose one word to sum up Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, 'intense' would fit. It's also a term that describes Mike Ehrmantraut, the ex-Philadelphia cop who became a fixer for Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito, The Boys) and Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk, Lucky Hank) in their criminal endeavours. As played by Jonathon Banks for over a decade between the two shows, the private investigator, hitman and security head was one of the Breaking Bad realm's formidable forces. In a franchise where no one characterisation ever fit anyone — it all started with a high-school chemistry teacher who became a methamphetamine cook, after all — Mike could also be one of the deservedly acclaimed saga's most vulnerable figures. Ask Banks what it's been like to move on from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul after such a lengthy stint — and after featuring so prominently in two of the best shows of the 21st century — and he first brings up another stretch that's worlds away from award-winning crime dramas. "It wasn't quite a decade that I spent in Melbourne and Sydney, and in Auckland in New Zealand at one time, with Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar — and a failed production that I directed of Grease, way before you were born," he tells Concrete Playground as we start to discuss his latest project, darkly thrilling new Apple TV+ sci-fi series Constellation. Banks is best-known of late for his time as Ehrmantraut; with five Emmy nominations and a 2023 Screen Actors Guild Award nod for his efforts, rightly so. But as bringing up his theatre background makes plain, there's so much more to Banks than his now-iconic recent part. Emmy love came his way back in the 80s, too, for his breakthrough role in crime procedural series Wiseguy. Before that, he has everything from spoof movie Airplane! and Gremlins to the Eddie Murphy (Candy Cane Lane)-starring 48 Hrs. and Beverly Hills Cop on his resume. Since then, there's barely a TV show that hasn't benefited from his presence, including beloved comedies Community and Parks and Recreation, while his movie appearances are as varied as Horrible Bosses 2, Mudbound and The Commuter. Constellation sees Banks star alongside Noomi Rapace, who is no stranger to famous characters herself thanks to Lisbeth Salander in the original Swedish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo films. Here, the show's two biggest names trade illicit dealings for astronauts, plus the fact that venturing into the heavens, then trying to come back, might have consequences. Rapace plays Jo Ericsson, who is at the International Space Station when the series begins, returning to earth after a tragedy. As Henry Caldera, Banks is a former space traveller who has been there, done that, also weathered a disaster above our pale blue dot and now has ISS residents oversee his quantum physics experiments. Doing double duty as Bud Caldera as well, Banks similarly steps into Henry's fellow ex-astronaut twin's shoes. At the heart of Constellation is the search for truth, with the series joining Apple TV+'s many mysteries, a genre that the streaming platform keeps gravitating towards (Criminal Record, The Changeling, The Crowded Room, Hijack and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters are just some of its efforts of late that also fit the bill). As its narrative twists, turns and plunges into conspiracies, it's also a series about grappling with the full reality of being alive, facing mortality and confronting the enormity of the universe. And, as well as being stellar all-round, it's home to Banks' latest great performance — or, to be accurate, performances. Constellation premieres on Wednesday, February 21 — and in the leadup, we explored the series with Banks, including its place in his filmography and, to get here, the process of farewelling Mike Ehrmantraut. "Mike was a great character, but you've got to leave Mike behind. Mike's got to go away," he notes, as Breaking Bad viewers knew going into prequel series Better Call Saul. What that means for Banks, what appeals to him after playing Mike and his take on Constellation also featured in our chat. [caption id="attachment_757254" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Better Call Saul[/caption] On What Banks Was Looking for After Over a Decade in the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul World "I'm pretty open. You know, I wouldn't mind playing a fop in a restoration comedy, as far as that goes. But I think with Constellation, Michelle MacLaren [who was one of Breaking Bad's executive producers and directors, and also a director on Better Call Saul] sent me the script, which I totally was bewildered by when I read it the first time. Then, because I wanted to work with Michelle and definitely Noomi — I very much respect Noomi's work — so then I'm all in. And then I get to meet Peter Harness [Constellation's creator] and I get to meet the other actors, and it's been a joy. It's been really good." On Taking on Dual Roles in Constellation — and Preparing to Step Into an Astronaut's Shoes "Well, one's bad and the other one's worse. Henry is driven by the power, and the need and the ego to succeed. The other one wallows in self-pity, and is arguably more talented and more intelligent than his brother, who has been successful. It's fun. I approach it with the respect. When I was very young, I thought these people, their intelligence — which is indeed, they are so intelligent. They're also motor geniuses physically, in what they go through and what they're faced with. So, my first take on it is, I try to do it with respect, and respect to who they are — and I hope I pull that off in some small way." [caption id="attachment_941930" align="alignnone" width="1920"] El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, Ben Rothstein/Netflix[/caption] On Banks' Knack for Playing Both Formidable and Vulnerable "It's in all of us. It's in you. It's in me. But if I can call on those emotions and bring them forth a little bit easier than some people, how lucky I am to be able to do that? And how lucky I am to have the chance to be able to do that? I love being an actor. It's the only thing I ever wanted to do — ever, ever — as long as I can remember." On What Banks Makes of His Five-Decade Career "Pretty nice, huh? Pretty lucky. Beyond lucky. I'll tell you what happens: I am 77 years old, and it becomes a huge reflection on a lifetime. I can out-poor most people when I was very young, raised by a single mum back when there wasn't that a lot of that around — or at least to my knowledge. And I am stunned at my good fortune in my life, about how well I'm treated. And I try, and I do remind myself, that all of us have moments when we feel down or whatever. I think Noomi — who fights about where and what, and where she comes and where she ends up — is trying to be a good person, which makes it such a pleasure to be around her. And you watch Michelle, with her daughter. Michelle is a force of nature that's coming at you. She is so involved in trying to do a good job. And what's fun is with her young daughter, when her young daughter goes 'mummy can giraffes dance?' and it just stops her, and there she is dealing with the child, and all that energy goes, turns and becomes the loving and the nurturing of a child. Now I'm telling you that because that's what I'm surrounded by all through this project. How many people get to experience such a thing in their life? You've got to pay attention to it. Because most of us would recall bad things that have happened, times we've been hurt, times our heart was broken, times we were broke, times we were hungry. But for me, the reality is — god, I sound like a maudlin asshole — I've been gifted. What can I tell you?" [caption id="attachment_941937" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breaking Bad, Ursula Coyote/AMC[/caption] On Revisiting Mike Ehrmantraut Again If the Possibility Came Up — and Making More Constellation "I love Mike. But you know what, we were left with the mystery of Mike. We have been left with that taste. For me, it's like reading that good book that you never want to end. I remember reading Les Miserables and getting about 40 pages from the end, and going 'no, no, I can't, this can't end' and starting it all over again. And now I'm going 'no, you can't do that'. I think it's time to let Mike go. As far as Constellation, I'm all in. Let's do it. Let's just keep doing it." Constellation streams via Apple TV+ from Wednesday, February 21. Read our review.
After hosting a sellout weekender in 2024 to celebrate its 15th birthday, Strawberry Fields is turning sweet 16 in 2025 with another three-day festival filled with impressive acts hitting the decks and the stage, all on the banks of the Murray River. When you're not catching Detroit Love featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann, Gilles Peterson, Chaos in the CBD and Interplanetary Criminal at Tocumwal in regional New South Wales this November, you'll be seeing Tommy Holohan, Malugi, Lady Shaka and ISAbella. They're a mere few of the 80-plus DJs and live acts on the lineup. Other names on the bill across Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23 include KOKOROKO, WITCH, and Circle of Live featuring Albrecht La'Brooy, Move D and Sebastian Mullaert — plus Dita, Wax'o Paradiso and Horse Meat Disco. Or, for more than three hours, Mama Snake, DJ Scorpion and Andy Garvey will play B3B. Aurora Halal, DJ Sweet6teen, Fafi Abdel Nour, DJ PGZ B2B Yikes and Karen Nyame KG are on the roster, too. Strawberry Fields is among the Australian music festivals that aren't just about who's providing the soundtrack, even though it clearly doesn't skimp on talent. This fest boasts a setup and setting worth spending a weekend enjoying no matter which acts are on the bill, with its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. Having multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, and also a bush spa for a soak between sets, will do that. Folks lucky enough to nab a ticket can look forward to epsom salt baths, plunge pool sessions and sauna trips, then, plus hanging out in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, and hitting up an expanded range of workshops and talks — alongside onsite glamping and camping. Strawberry Fields 2025 Lineup DJ Afrodisiac Anu Aurora Halal Ayebatonye Baby J Bella Claxton Chaos In The Cbd Dameeeela Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann) Dita DJ Friday B2B Sweetie Zamora DJ Pgz B2B Yikes DJ Sure DJ Sweet6teen Fafi Abdel Nour Gene On Earth Gilles Peterson Horse Meat Disco Interplanetary Criminal ISAbella Jenny Cara Josh Caffé Karen Nyame Kg Kirollus Kuzco B2B Quicksticks Kyle Hall Lady Shaka Malugi Mama Snake B3B DJ Scorpion B3B Andy Garvey Mazzacles Messie Mismeg Move D Myles Mac B2B DJ Possum Naycab Neptunes Trident Poli Pearl Regularfantasy Roka Sampology B2B Frank Booker Slothboogie Super Flu THC Tommy Holohan Toni Yotzi Vanna Wax'o Paradiso Wolters B2B Ned Bennett Zalina Live Asanti Beats Becca Hatch Bumpy Circle of Live (featuring Albrecht La Brooy, Move D, Sebastian Mullaert) Close Counters Corto.Alto D.D. Mirage Devaura Drifting Clouds Drmngnow / Bricky B Ella Haber Ella Thompson Empress Ferrari Party Flewnt Inkabee Jerome Thomas Juman Kokoroko Mathew Jonson Minyerra Moontide No News Rodriguez Jr. Serebii The Pro-Teens (MF Doom Tribute) Waari Wilson Tanner Witch Wrong Way Up Xpress Point Images: Duncographic / Will Hamilton-Coates / Max Roux.
The Flinders Street site most recently home to George Calombaris' intimate fine diner The Press Club has officially handed over the reins. As of last month, the alluring Elektra Dining Room has taken its place, changing up the pace, and gifting Melbourne with a bold new wining and dining hideaway. At the helm is Executive Chef Reuben Davis, former Executive Chef of The Press Club, and General Manager Joey Commerford, whose resume boasts stints at the likes of the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, Iki-Jime Seafood by Vue, and Vue de Monde. Here, they're out to offer a more relaxed, fun alternative to the usual fine-dining schtick. It's an offering that's plush, elegant and tightly considered, but one you can enjoy at your own whim, whether that means an after-work grazing session or a long dinner. The oft-changing menu is concise and primed for sharing, sporting a modern European lean while also embracing some key international flavours that have left their mark on the Australian dining scene. You might find dishes like a veal schnitzel, oysters baked in rich bacon butter and finished with a grape mignonette, and a butter vol-au-vent with pickles courtesy of a collaboration with Fitzroy's legendary Lune Croissanterie. Meals are available a la carte, though there'll also be chef's menus for those who fancy ditching the decision-making. To match, there's a thoughtful international wine selection boasting a solid 30 drops by the glass, backed by classic cocktails showcasing Aussie spirits like Healesville's Alchemy and Four Pillars. Find Elektra Dining Room at 72 Flinders St, Melbourne. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6pm till late.
Latest on that growing list of excuses to venture west is West Side Best Side — an open-air bar, sustainable garden and food truck hub from Ellie Marin, the hospitality whizz behind roving ventures like Cornutopia and My Two Mums. Running Friday through Sunday each week throughout summer 2017-18, the multifaceted venue breathes new life into a former car yard, located just a hop, skip and jump from West Footscray Railway Station. It's a diverse spot for a diverse part of Melbourne, embracing the area's laidback nature and sparkling sense of creativity, promising something new with each visit. Taking care of the eating side of things is a strong rotation of food trucks, with The Rib Crib, Meat Me Here, The Little Spring Roll Company and Beatbox Kitchen just some of the vendors who've parked their vehicles at West Side Best Side so far. Meanwhile, the bar offering is steadfastly independent, featuring craft beers, ciders, wines and a selection of share-friendly cocktail pitchers. Throw in a cracking soundtrack and a welcoming, neighbourhood vibe, and you've got another winning westside venue.
There's never a bad time for Italian cuisine, whether you're tucking into a breakfast jaffle filled with truffled pecorino and Tuscan kale, treating yourself to a salumi plate for lunch, or devouring a hearty dish of eggplant and almond ravioli for dinner. They're all on offer at Melbourne's newest Mediterranean eatery, Lello Pasta Bar, which spreads its regional cuisine across its all-day menu. Setting up shop in Flinders Lane, Lello proves a case of familiar site, new focus, in what the venue is calling an evolution Yak Italian Kitchen. Head chef and co-owner Leo Gelsomino is now taking inspiration from the wealth of dishes Italy has to offer, blending it with a homely vibe and serving up the kind of fare likely to make you dream about a European holiday. Early morning offerings from breakfast chef Julie Touma (ex-Swing Bridge Café in Lorne) include stracciatella with roast pumpkin, poached egg, pumpkin seed granola and a grilled baguette; coddled eggs with house smoked ocean trout, kohlrabi remoulade and toasted sourdough; and herb and parmesan frittata topped with brown mushrooms. Grab a Heart Starter Pear Tree martini to go with them, with the blend of pear-infused vodka, St Germaine Elderflower liquor, lime juice, angostura bitters and cinnamon recommended with breakfast. Gontran Cherrier pastries, takeaway baguettes with daily-changing fillings and Atomica Coffee are also on offer, as well as English muffins with buffalo ricotta and wellington honeycomb. Those stopping by for a midday or evening spread will find five types of antipasto, such as stuffed calamari with mussels and warm artichokes with liquorice brioche, eight homemade pasta dishes, and both fish and chef's plates of the days. Given the eatery's name, it should come as no surprise that their pastas will tempt your tastebuds — think potato gnocchetti served with scallops, asparagus, peas and vermouth; a veal, pork and spinach traditional lasagne that hails from the Ferrara region; and slim candele tubes with chickpea, homemade spicy pork liver and orange sausage. Desserts range from wild fennel ice cream to sweet cannoli to the old favourite that is tiramisu. Find Lello Pasta Bar, at 150 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Head to their website for more information. Images: Eugene Hyland.
We're all going on a Japanese holiday. If you were gearing up to vacation somewhere else across the rest of 2024 or first half of 2025, change your plans. That's the only way to react to Jetstar's latest flight sale, which is bringing back the airline's popular 'return for free' deal with a focus on one country only. Your choice of destinations: the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Whichever spot that you decide to fly into, the Australian carrier's new special will bring you home without bothering your bank balance. One caveat: you've got just three days to snap up tickets, with the sale running for 72 hours from 12am AEST on Tuesday, August 6–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 8, unless sold out earlier. It really is as straightforward as it sounds. Whichever flights you opt for as part of the sale, covering direct flights from Cairns, Brisbane or Sydney, plus connecting flights out of Melbourne (Tullamarine), Gold Coast and Adelaide, you'll get the return fare for nothing. You do need to nab one of Jetstar's starter fares, and you'll then get a free return starter fare for zilch. Also, you'll have to fly in and out of the same arrival and departure port — either Narita in Tokyo or Kansai in Osaka. Plus, as is usually the case with Jetstar, checked baggage is not included. Still, expect the flights to get snapped up quickly when they go on sale. If you're a Club Jetstar member, you'll get the jump on the special via access from 12pm AEST on Monday, August 5 until midnight. Wondering when you'll be travelling? Dates vary per route, but the windows cover from September 2024 through to late June 2025. Jetstar's Japan 'return for free' sale runs from 12am AEST on Tuesday, August 6–11.59pm AEST on Thursday, August 8 — unless it's sold out earlier. 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.
Fancy a haul of market-fresh produce, but aren't so keen on the hectic crowds that usually go with it? Or maybe you just don't have time to squeeze in full-blown shopping trip? Either way, the Queen Victoria Market has your back – it'll now deliver those fresh veggies, meats and seafood right to your doorstep. The historic Melbourne market is barreling into the modern age and teaming up with online shopping and delivery service YourGrocer to offer a new delivery option. Now, you can ditch the queues and shop a selection of Queen Vic's greengrocers, delicatessens, butchers and fishmongers, with just a few clicks on your phone or computer. Already a diverse spread of market traders have jumped on board — including the likes of The Epicurean, Vic Meat Supply, Gazza's Gourmet Seafood, Rare Organics, Sword Wines and The Bread Box — with an expected total of 25 to be offering their wares via the service in the coming months. And yes, that means cheese, charcuterie and even wine is available to order online and have sent straight to your house. You can register and order by jumping onto the YourGrocer X QVM website, selecting your chosen market goodies and buying them online. YourGrocer then picks up your purchase from the market and delivers it directly to your front door. Place an order before 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and you'll even score same-day delivery. Just a heads-up – the service has a minimum spend of $60, so it's not ideal for small orders. You're also looking at a delivery fee of $9.99, though that's a flat cost regardless of how many traders you buy from at once. The charge is waived if you nab yourself a $16.99/month YourGrocer unlimited membership. Queen Victoria Market's online fresh produce shopping and delivery service is available here.
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that's certainly not the case at the Terminus Hotel. At the ripe old age of around 150, the historic North Fitzroy gastropub has just hit refresh on its culinary offering, building on an already stellar food reputation with the launch of new onsite restaurant Cinder. While the pub's craft beer-focused front bar and beer garden will continue to serve up their usual goodness, they're now supported by a revamped dining room offering focused on modern Australian flavours and celebrating the art of cooking over flames. Heading up the kitchen, chef Jake Furst (Beer Deluxe) has built a menu heavy on wood-fired creations, heroing a Josper oven and a dry-ageing program. Snacks and shares lean to the sophisticated, with the likes of sticky plum and gochujang lamb ribs, a slow-cooked beef shin with chimichurri and grilled house flatbread, and the coal-baked scallops finished with café de Paris butter. [caption id="attachment_836765" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Kindermann[/caption] Deeper in, you'll find plates like the crispy-skinned duck breast done with caramelised shallot and confit stone fruit, and a loaded seafood spaghetti, while sides run to the likes of miso mustard sweet potato, and grilled zucchini teamed with saffron ricotta. Meanwhile, meat-lovers will find themselves in heaven when faced with the hefty grill menu, where a dry-aged beef burger and market fish sit alongside no less than six other specialty beef options. To match its new offering, the pub's 60-seat ground-floor dining room space has been reworked in a vision of burnt orange, teal and walnut timber. The kitchen's also serving up a new Chef's Table experience, where diners can enjoy a bespoke four- or five-course feast, with no two menus the same. [caption id="attachment_836772" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] The Terminus has long been a champion of the local craft booze scene and Cinder will be happily jumping on board that train, with a suite of collaborations already in the works. First up, the venue's pouring an exclusive American Oak Barrel-Aged Negroni, done in partnership with Mountain Goat and crafted on the brewery's Hopped Gin. Cinder's launch comes one year after the pub was taken over by hospitality developer Craig Shearer of Kickon Group (Plough Inn, Collective Palm Beach, The Osbourne, The Continental Sorrento), and is the latest in a suite of gentle improvements made to the building over the past few months. The public bar, beer garden and casual dining offering will continue as is. Find Cinder at The Terminus Hotel, 492 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North. The new dining room is open 5.30pm–late Tuesday–Thursday, and 11.30am–late Friday and Saturday. Top Images: Dylan Kindermann and Njörd
Airbnb Australia has just launched #UntilWeAllBelong, a marriage equality campaign that involves wearing an 'incomplete' ring in an act of LGBTQI+ marriage support. The company is using this physical symbol as a way to further publicise the equality gap conversation, as well as to give individuals the chance to have their voices heard through direct action. Designed in partnership with influential Australian designer Marc Newson, each limited edition ring has an electroplated matte black finish and has been inscribed with the phrase "Until we all belong" — supporters promise to wear the ring until marriage equality legislation is passed. The ring also features a 2.2mm gap in its loop, which is meant to symbolise the current inequality of marriage in Australia. Participants can purchase the ring for a postage and handling fee of $3.50, with absolutely no profit on the rings going to Airbnb. Per unit costs cover only the postage and handling within Australia. "This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality that we need to close," reads the website. "Until the day comes when two people who love each other can celebrate that love through commitment, will you wear this ring and show your acceptance of marriage equality?" A video supporting the campaign was released on the Airbnb Australia Twitter account yesterday and it promotes the fight as one which all Australians should be participating in — whether you're showing support for your sibling, parent, neighbour, friend or yourself. This incomplete ring symbolises the gap in marriage equality in Australia. Wear this ring & show your acceptance #untilweallbelong pic.twitter.com/hiTRtChHks — Airbnb Australia (@airbnb_au) April 2, 2017 Airbnb's public support of marriage equality comes after a wave of Australian businesses and brands speaking up, with a major marriage equality campaign backed by 30 of the nation's largest companies in March. The letter, coordinated by Australian Marriage Equality, urges PM Malcolm Turnbull to legislate same-sex marriage and is signed by the chief executives of such big businesses as Qantas, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra, Holden and ANZ, to name a few. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has continued to speak out on his and the company's support of the campaign, despite backlash comments by immigration minister Peter Dutton, who has made bold claims that the businesses were "bullied" into supporting the letter — though no proof of this claim has been offered by Dutton. The debate around marriage equality has been continuously escalating in recent months, with Skyy Vodka's Cheers to Equality and Smirnoff's We're Open campaigns also recently launched, and following last month's consumer boycott against Coopers after an uncomfortably timed video run by the Bible Society. According to Galaxy Research polls, 64 percent of Australians support marriage equality, so its likely more brands will herald their support for the cause.
UPDATE: JULY 30, 2020 — From 11.59pm on Sunday, August 2, face masks will be mandatory for all of Victoria. Find out more here. In Melbourne, the humble face mask has quickly become the number-one accessory, after the Victorian Government announced the protective coverings will soon be compulsory for residents of metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. At a press conference on Sunday, July 19, Premier Daniel Andrews advised that everyone over the age of 12 in the Stage 3 lockdown zones now must wear a face mask whenever they leave home for one of the four allowed reasons: for work or school (if you can't do this from home), for care or care giving, for daily exercise, or for food and other essentials. With the state's daily number of new COVID-19 cases continuing to rise — including 275 new cases reported on Monday, July 20 — it's hoped that the new measures will help minimise community transmission and avoid the need for further restrictions. The new face mask rules come into effect from 11.59pm from Wednesday, July 22, with a potential $200 fine handed out to anyone who doesn't comply. And, while Premier Andrews has okayed the use of scarves, bandanas and other fabric pieces as alternatives to actual face masks, people across the city are scrambling to stock up on both disposable and reusable options. Right now, you can pick up affordable, one-use face masks from major retailers like Officeworks, Chemist Warehouse, Kmart and Bunnings. Some are offering delivery and click-and-collect options, though you'll need to check individual stores to see what's available and who's got stock. Meanwhile, crafty folk Australia-wide are whipping up a variety of reusable cloth masks that you can buy online. Some may be experiencing slower manufacturing and delivery times thanks to the rush in demand, but most are restocking regularly. If you want to level-up your face mask game, here are a few local options to check out. [caption id="attachment_776560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Heroes Wear Masks[/caption] HEROES WEAR MASKS An Aussie fabric signage manufacturer launched a side-hustle crafting reusable face masks in a range of funky prints — and the result is Heroes Wear Masks. All designed, printed and sewn at the brand's Carrum Downs HQ, the one-size-fits-all coverings come with adjustable tie fasteners. They're also especially affordable, starting from $30 for a pack of four. Heroes Wear Masks' four-packs are available for $30–45. YARLI CREATIVE Madison Connors, the artist behind Yarli Creative, has repurposed some of her contemporary Aboriginal art designs into a series of custom-printed, triple-layer, breathable face masks. There are four different prints to choose from, available in the one adult size. And 40 percent of pre-sale profits go to Indigenous community organisation Elizabeth Morgan House. Yarli Creative's masks are available for $35. SISTERWORKS Melbourne-based, female-focused social enterprise SisterWorks has created a trio of reusable fabric face mask options, including a Department of Health and Human Services-compliant version made with three different layers — cotton, poly-cotton and a water-repellent outer. You'll also find a range of muslin-lined masks, in various colours and patterns. SisterWorks' masks are available for $18–25. CULTURE KINGS Yep, even famed online streetwear retailer Culture Kings has some skin in the face mask game. The online store is slinging a hefty lineup of designs, from logo-adorned statement pieces to your standard disposable versions. There are plenty of sizes across the range, with some masks even available for in-store pick-up. Culture Kings' masks are available for $19.95–59.95. [caption id="attachment_776559" align="alignnone" width="1920"] By Kinsman masks[/caption] BY KINSMAN Melbourne couture fashion label By Kinsman has expanded its collection to include a series of triple-layered, all-cotton face masks, as handmade to order. The washable coverings come in either a black or neutral colour, and are available in packs of four for adults and two-packs for kids. Orders will reopen from 4pm on Wednesday, July 22. By Kinsman's masks are available in $30 two-packs for kids and $60 four-packs for adults. THE ECO MASK This Aussie company is slinging an assortment of face masks through its online store, starting from just $15 a pop. You'll find options here for both kids and adults, with designs ranging from bold block colours to lively prints. They're made with two layers of cotton and feature a wire nose bridge for minimal face squishing. The Eco Mask's masks are available from $15. THE SOCIAL STUDIO The Social Studio's fashion retail arm has started making reusable cloth face masks featuring three breathable layers and adjustable elastic ties. They come in a range of reversible designs, with both small and large sizes available. Currently, the online store is being restocked at about 9am each morning. The Social Studio's masks are available for $11–12. For more information about wearing face masks, and the Victorian Government's advice for metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire residents, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Top images: designs by Heroes Wear Masks
If anyone's embracing the idea of doing one thing and doing it well, it's the duo behind Thornbury's Casa Nata. Ruben Bertolo and Nelson Coutinho's High Street bakery is devoted to just one specialty: creamy, authentic pastéis de nata. Both children of Portuguese parents that migrated to Australia in the 80s, the pair is more than familiar with the custard-filled pastry, but felt it wasn't being properly represented here on Aussie shores. So, they decided to do something about it, got cracking on perfecting a recipe and opened the doors to Casa Nata in April. The menu is a testament to the idea of quality over quantity, featuring nothing more than Atomica Coffee alongside just one version of the signature dessert. "And that is it for now. It still blows people's mind that that is all we do," says Bertolo, also admitting they don't plan on expanding this offering too much any time soon. "If we do add anything else, it definitely would never be something that would distract from the tarts." Of course, the hero status of these beauties is well-deserved, each tart taking three days to produce and the recipes kept firmly under wraps. You can, however, catch a glimpse of the chefs in action, thanks to the store's open kitchen. Given the timing of Casa Nata's autumn launch and the months of restrictions Melbourne's been navigating since, the space is yet to greet any dine-in customers, but Bertolo and Coutinho hope they'll get the chance to change that soon. "It is our first store, so for us COVID–19 is the norm," says Bertolo. "We have just had to adapt to fit the different restrictions." Challenges aside, he admits the pair have lucked out with their new home and growing fan base, saying "It's been great seeing how much joy our tiny product can bring." Until restrictions ease, those within five kilometres of the store can still swing past for a tart fix, with click-and-collect also on offer. Otherwise, there's delivery available to a rotating roster of suburbs, running every Thursday through Sunday. Find Casa Nata at 846 High Street, Thornbury, from 9am–3pm Thursday–Sunday. Hit the website to check out this week's delivery suburbs and place an order.
Set in the backstreets of suburban Brisbane, Trent Dalton's award-winning 2018 novel Boy Swallows Universe is destined to become an Aussie classic. It follows a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. And it's about to come to life on the stage. Between Monday, August 30–Saturday, October 9 this year, the stage version of the novel will world premiere in Brisbane. Originally slated to debut in 2020 before the pandemic postponed much of the year's events, it'll now arrive this year instead. It's a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival, with the former's ex-Artistic Director Sam Strong directing the adaptation, which is written by playwright Tim McGarry. When it was first announced, Brisbane-born author Dalton said in a statement it was only fitting that the stage show should premiere in his hometown. "It was the people of Brisbane who took that wild, strange book and ran with it first and that book belongs to them now and this production will belong to them, too." Boy Swallows Universe has snagged a slew of local awards, including Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards. The novel, which has sold 160,000 copies in Australia alone, was also been longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin Award in 2019. Fans of the novel will be excited to hear that it won't stop at the stage, either — Boy Swallows Universe is also destined for the small screen. Harper Collins had sold the television rights to the novel, with Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton (who recently wrote, directed and produced Boy Erased) set to produce the show alongside Dalton as executive producer. Tickets for Queensland Theatre's production of Boy Swallows Universe are currently on sale — and they've been proving popular. In fact, the show's end date has just been extended to October 3 — the second time it has been extended — to meet demand. Top image: David Kelly. Updated September 29.
Songkran is the national holiday celebrating Thai New Year in mid-April each year. And while you might not be jetting off to Thailand to partake in the 2022 festivities IRL, you can enjoy some Thai New Year fun right here in Melbourne. Throughout April, buzzy Southbank restaurant Ging Thai is getting into the festive spirit and marking the occasion with a raft of Songkran-inspired food and drink specials. Head in from 3–5pm every Thursday to Sunday until the end of April, and you can tuck into a range of tasty street food and cocktails for just $12 a pop. The lineup includes snacks like salt and pepper silken tofu, crispy school prawns with lemongrass and curry leaves, and a chicken gai yang salad. Wash it all down with some punchy $12 cocktails, including a Muay Thai Mule and the Spicy Tom — a fusion of lemongrass, chilli and sparkling wine.
Finding a job you're passionate about isn't always easy, but turning to your hobbies and interests for study and career inspiration is a great start. There are many benefits to building a career you love. According to research by Yale professor Dr Amy Wrzesniewski, people who orient their work around a 'calling' rather than seeing their job as purely a transaction for money, tend to be more satisfied with their work and lives overall. Here are five ways to connect what you love to a study option that will steer you towards an enriching career. What's more, these options can all be studied online through Open Universities Australia, which partners with universities across Australia to bring you over 150 degrees and 1300 subjects. [caption id="attachment_660244" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Casey Fiesler.[/caption] YOU LOVE: LISTENING TO TRUE CRIME PODCASTS Consider Studying: Criminal Justice with University of South Australia or Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University Serial, S-Town, Dirty John, My Favourite Murder — everyone loves a good true crime podcast. But if you like taking things that extra mile — analysing the cases from all angles on Reddit — you could consider pursuing this passion outside of conspiracy forums. Angered by wrongful convictions? Discover how the criminal justice system works with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with University of South Australia. Or are you more curious about theories behind who commits crime and why? If the human side appeals to you more than the technical side of law, explore a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University. YOU LOVE: BLOGGING ABOUT FOOD, FITNESS AND HEALTH Consider Studying: Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University Your friends may laugh at you photographing your every açaí bowl for Insta, but it turns out you may be onto something. Aussies spend $8.5 billion a year on gym memberships, sports equipment and fitness crazes, which means if you're thinking about a career in health and fitness, there is plenty of demand. It's difficult to turn a passion for food and fitness into a viable career without some sort of credentials. Stand out from the Fitspo crowd with a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition with La Trobe University — you'll learn how to separate spurious health claims of the weight-loss tea variety from evidence-based claims supported by actual research. [caption id="attachment_670821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Atsuko Sato: Doge.[/caption] YOU LOVE: SCROLLING MEMES, REDDIT AND VIRAL INTERNET CONTENT Consider Studying: Internet Communications with Curtin University Believe it or not, being a lover of all things meme, subreddit and retweet related is a legitimate interest that you can turn into work. To go from your average Internet humour consumer to a better than average content producer, check out a Bachelor of Arts (Internet Communications) with Curtin University. You'll level up your skills in creating, maintaining and managing online communications. In today's increasingly digital world, these are useful abilities to have. YOU LOVE: SAVING THE PLANET Consider Studying: Sustainable Development with Murdoch University You were the first to bust out a KeepCup, and you spend your time at parties explaining to strangers why the huge plastic island forming in the Pacific Ocean is a huge deal. Because without the planet, nothing else matters right? To really make a difference, learn how to transform your personal passion for environmental issues into broader policy changes and strategies. A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Development with Murdoch University will give you a deeper understanding of the issues and help you influence sustainable policies in government and the private sector. [caption id="attachment_636262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bec Taylor.[/caption] YOU LOVE: GOING TO CULTURAL EVENTS Consider Studying: Society and Culture with Macquarie University If you like spending as much of your spare time as possible visiting museums, art galleries and music festivals, there are a myriad of ways you can turn your penchant for all things culture into an actual job. Studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Society and Culture with Macquarie University is a good option. Learn how to critically analyse society and culture, expose yourself to different ideas, and empower yourself to work in an arena related to your interests. Explore all the degrees on offer from Open Universities Australia and turn your passions into an actual career.
Back in the day, a farmers market wasn't just place to buy your produce before scurrying off home. They were also a place to share food, meet friends or make new ones, and generally relax. In this spirit, Melbourne Farmers Markets has launched Market Brunch. On the first Sunday of every month, around 15 stall holders converge on Younghusband in Kensington to peddle their produce, while market-goers sit together to eat well and chew the fat. On Sunday, June 1, look out for Adam's Pies with their savoury pastries, Better Now Bakes with their vegan treats, and Bill's Bakeshop with its next-level bread. To match your pick, grab a sticky chai from Caravan Chai or an excellent brew from Coffeerider & Co. Meanwhile, Frankly Raw will be showcasing its handcrafted peanut butter, Long Paddock will have its artisanal cheeses up for tasting, and Madeleine will be selling her small-batch cultured butter. And these are just the beginning. At every market, you'll get the chance to hear from a handpicked selection of stallholders at the show-and-tell sessions, where they'll share their craft, techniques and stories.
If you've ever needed your texts in physical form, designer Joe Doucet has created a nifty little mobile printer that produces your text message conversations on paper. The 'Blackbox SMS Printer' simply connects to your phone through a cable to produce two identical records of any conversation, no matter how long, using a "standard, non-carbon receipt printing system." Importantly, the designer states that this printer is appropriate "whether the communique is of a loving or legal nature." So if you're keen on treasuring some heartwarming messages from your lover, and also scared of the inevitable cracking of your iPhone screen making them illegible, the Blackbox will be right up your alley. Furthermore, it's only a matter of time before these little text message scripts become evidence of communication between dodgy drug dealers in high profile court cases. [via PSFK]
Here in Melbourne, like most Aussie cities, Cambodian cuisine hasn't enjoyed anywhere near the representation of its more popular Southeast Asian cousins. But brother and sister duo Ivanra and Linna Hun are out to change that, making it their mission to acquaint us all with the bold flavours of their heritage. The pair is behind what's thought to be the city's first dedicated Cambodian restaurant, recently unveiling their debut venture Cambodia's Kitchen on Russell Street. For the uninitiated — and there'll likely be a few — Cambodian fare plays it subtle with the spice factor, packing its flavour punch with bold ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaf, garlic and galangal. There are influences from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, but the cuisine boasts plenty of its own personality, too. Here at Cambodia's Kitchen, the Huns' long-held family recipes and use of traditional techniques deliver an accurate reflection of what's being cooked up on the streets of Phnom Penh. Linna's menu draws plenty of inspiration from her own mother's and grandmother's cooking. The signature Cambodian rice noodle soup is the hero offering — a pork broth base loaded with minced and sliced pork, pork liver, and homemade beef balls, fish balls, fish cake and pork loaf. Elsewhere in the Cambodian classics lineup you'll find a thick beef noodle soup with stewed beef, tripe and beef balls; a dish of marinated fried pork or chicken, served atop rice with sliced omelette, pickled vegetables and a homemade fish sauce; and a beef drop noodle stir-fry. Soup-lovers have plenty of mix-and-match options, too, with a slew of broths, noodle varieties and toppings to customise their perfect bowl. Find Cambodia's Kitchen at 175 Russell Street, Melbourne. It's open daily from 11am–12pm. Images: Griffin Simm
The CBD's much-loved Korean BBQ joint, Mansae, has made its way into the suburbs — with a new sibling venue landing in Burwood East earlier this month. To celebrate the opening of Mansae's second location, the team is hosting a meat-filled happy hour every weekday between 5pm-6pm, until Wednesday, May 31. Offering an expanded menu and bigger dining space for KBBQ lovers, patrons that head in from 5pm can nab a plate of $10 Australian wagyu beef belly. Other wagyu highlights on the menu include the buttery 9+ marble striploin ($43) and fan-favourite thinly-sliced short ribs ($43). Further down the menu you find free-range pork belly ($24), ox tongue ($28) and Wagyu yukhoe ($29), the Korean version of beef tartare. Hot pot ($45) is also available for those craving something seasonal to suit Melbourne's current arctic weather. Images: Griffin Simm.
Hip Hop Hooray, it's nearly 2015 and to celebrate another year of trials, tribulations and triumph, the Prince is throwing a block party. Performing on the night will be a mix of up-and-coming as well as established hip hop acts from all over Australia, including The Funkoars, Briggs, Vents, Joelistics, K21, Daily Meds, Mathas and hosted by Reason. At $44.90 it's one of the cheaper NYE options, and perfect if you prefer live entertainment over DJs spitting out the latest club banger.
Even before the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic visiting an Australia supermarket to buy groceries had become a rather fraught affair. First came panic-buying of household staples. Then, limits on everyday items were put in place. Even after that, shelves normally stacked with toilet paper, paper towel, tissues, hand sanitiser, pasta and rice can still be found empty in plenty of stores around the country. To help — and to help you stay home if you're social distancing or self-isolating — Deliveroo has announced that it has added kitchen and household products to its delivery range. As well as restaurants and other takeaway eateries, you can now order from local stores and supermarkets to get basic supplies dispatched to your door via the service. The range varies depending on your area, as is always the case with Deliveroo; however, for those keen on staying home, it's a handy option. Deliveroo has also implemented a 'no-contact' drop-off service, which lets you request that your rider leaves the food on your doorstep — so that you can still place an order if you are feeling unwell, have just returned from overseas or you're being cautious about coming into contact with other people. To order via Deliveroo, visit the service's app or 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.
