February 29 only rolls around once every four years. And while the earth spins around the sun playing catch up, we want to make the most of our last day of summer. To help you do so, Melbourne's luxe boutique hotel, QT Melbourne, is offering 29 percent off all food and drinks at a number of its in-house restaurants and bars for a whole 24 hours. And you don't even have to be a hotel guest to get in on this deal. Soak up the sunshine and sweeping city views on The Rooftop at QT as you snack on tacos, pork rolls and choc tops, all for a fraction of the cost. Or, if you want to spend the end of summer sipping a cocktail, head to QT's lush The Secret Garden Bar, which uses ingredients from its own garden. The Wild Strawberries, described as 'a negroni for those with less beards and tattoos', is a concoction of gin, rosé, freshly picked strawberries and coriander. If you want something more traditional, there's the Rivermint Martini — a twist on the classic— or the sangria-style Garden Punch. [caption id="attachment_763014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] In the evening, French-inspired bistro Pascale Bar and Grill is also offering 29 percent off everything — from champagne and red wine to oysters, tartare, cacio e pepe and wagyu steaks. Then hit up the cake shop for treats decadent enough for Marie Antoinette herself. You could also use it as an excuse to book in for a last-minute staycation and go to town on the room service. You'll be saving 29 percent on all your wining and dining, after all.
If there's one thing that cinephiles have learned after almost a quarter-century of Wes Anderson films, it's that the director's features look like nothing else on-screen. His love of symmetry is well-known. In fact, you can't miss it. But meticulous detail shines in every element of his movies — especially in the production and costume design. It's evident in the trailer for his latest movie, The French Dispatch. It made a whole heap of fans buy Team Zissou sneakers after The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. And, it's on display in The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel, too — the two films in the spotlight at The Sartorial Splendour of Wes Anderson. For two nights, the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and Cinema Nova are teaming up to fill the latter's big screen with eccentric siblings and eager lobby boys — and the eye-catching outfits they all wear, of course. Catch The Grand Budapest Hotel at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 10 and The Royal Tenenbaums at the same time on Wednesday, March 11. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion on their costuming choices as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMgokYWboU
It has only been three short years since Call Me By Your Name first hit cinemas; however the yearning romance instantly cemented itself as an all-time great. Adapting André Aciman's novel of the same name, every element of the film hit exactly the right note — including the tender love story, charting a summer dalliance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer), as well as director Luca Guadagnino's gorgeous use of the story's Italian Riveria setting. Hammer's awkward dance moves, Michael Stuhlbarg playing the dad everyone wishes they had, the use of peaches — you can remember this heartwrenching movie for any or all of the above. Actually, because there's never a bad time to revisit Call Me By Your Name, you can also re-experience it all again on the big screen on Valentine's Day. The Astor Theatre is doing the honours, kicking off at 7.30pm on Friday, February 14 — and tickets cost $18.50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9AYPxH5NTM
In response to COVID-19, film festivals around the world have been making the shift to online programs for 2020 — and Australia's fests are no different. Sydney Film Festival is doing just that, as is the Melbourne International Film Festival. Also going virtual: the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. HRAFF's addition to the digital fold is called Humankind, and it runs between Monday, May 18–Sunday, May 24. Each day, it'll screen a different film online. And yes, while that means that the fest's lineup is quite small, it's also mostly free. Although registering for tickets is still required, six of the seven movies on the program will be made available to viewers without paying a cent. You can opt to donate, though, if you can spare $2, $10 or $50. On the bill: poignant New Zealand drama Whale Rider; documentary No Time for Quiet, about the Girls Rock! camp in Melbourne; and fellow music-focused doco Her Sound, Her Story, which explores the experiences of women in the industry. Or, you can check out environmental documentary Tomorrow, which is co-directed by Inglourious Basterds star Melanie Laurent; Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, about the African American poet and activist; and Backtrack Boys, which dives into a jackaroo-led youth program. Humankind is also screening excellent Aussie doco In My Blood It Runs, which tells the tale of 10-year-old Northern Territory resident Dujuan — and tickets to watch it online cost $15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmahNqD3Dvw&feature=youtu.be
What starts with a widespread look at how we could radically address climate change using existing technologies, ends with a moving coming-of-age story, and features everything from Aussie rom-coms to documentaries about the country's refugee policies in-between? Thanks to films 2040, Giant Little Ones, Top End Wedding and Stop the Boats, that'd be Melbourne's showcase of human rights-focused movies, art and performances. Yes, the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival returns for another year, running from Thursday, May 9 to Thursday, May 23. Also on the 15-day festival lineup: a showcase of Indigenous short films, a deep dive into child labour and its use in everyday products, the story of a young woman who escaped ISIS and the life of an octogenarian trans woman. Plus, if you'd like to take a look at the biggest global corruption scandal in history, aka the Panama Papers, you can — and the doco is directed by Alex Winter, who is perhaps better known as the William 'Bill' S. Preston, Esq to Keanu Reeves' Theodore 'Ted' Logan in the Bill and Ted movies. As well as screening at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Cinema Nova and Lido Cinemas, HRAFF includes an exhibition component at a number of galleries around town. Whether you like your creativity on a canvas or on the big screen, this fest has the answer — and the topical content.
Last time that Kenneth Branagh took on a cultural icon, he stepped into Hercule Poirot's shoes, starring in and directing a new adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. He'll return to the character in next year's Death on the Nile, continuing a filmmaking career with a noticeable theme: bringing famous figures and stories to the screen. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Mozart's opera The Magic Flute, Marvel's initial Thor flick and fairy tale Cinderella all appear on his resume, however one particular chap has always retained pride of place. Thirty years ago, Branagh jumped behind the camera for the first time for a cinematic version of William Shakespeare's Henry V. In the decades since, he's directed and acted in Much Ado About Nothing, Love's Labour's Lost and As You Like It, too. So it was only a matter of time until he did the obvious, turning his attention to a Shakespeare biopic. Shakespeare in Love, this isn't. Shakespeare in Retirement would've worked as a title, though. With Branagh both starring and helming as he usually does, All Is True's take on the Bard sees him back in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his family has always lived while he's been triumphing in London. It took a fire to bring him home, with his beloved Globe Theatre burning down in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII. Devastated, old Will has pledged never to work again, vowing to spend time with his wife Anne Hathaway (Judi Dench) and adult daughters Susanna (Lydia Wilson) and Judith (Kathryn Wilder) instead. Alas, absence hasn't exactly made the heart grow fonder. As Shakespeare switches from penning flowery prose to trying to make a garden blossom, drama still keeps finding him. Grief rears its head, over the son he lost years ago, while Anne's stoic sadness at being left to take care of the household also bubbles to the fore. So does Judith's simmering anger at being constantly overlooked due to her gender, as well as Susanna's gossiped-about troubles with her fiercely Puritan husband (Hadley Fraser). If being a genius isn't easy, living in the shadow of one is a much tougher feat. Still, in a reflective screenplay written by Ben Elton, it's Shakespeare's struggle to not only adjust to an ordinary life, but to weigh up his flaws and failings over the course of his life, that drives the film. In a movie filled with allusions to its subject's work, All Is True takes its name from the alternative moniker for Henry VIII, which would prove Shakespeare's last play. Elton's script is definitely fictionalised — although perhaps less than his recent British sitcom, Upstart Crow — and yet the eponymous phrase remains apt. At the heart of the handsomely shot feature sits an important notion that applies not only to the Bard, but to art in general: whatever unfurls on the page or stage speaks to something within its creator. Just as Shakespeare clearly resonates with both Branagh and Elton, the great playwright's acclaimed words were borne of his own emotions. Sure, All Is True includes one of those typically grating moments where a character utters its title in dialogue (no prizes for guessing who does the honours), however in painting a portrait of the Bard as a conflicted, haunted man, it conveys both the inner source and hefty toll of his output. In the acting stakes, Branagh makes for a melancholic later-in-life Shakespeare, repeatedly digging his hands into the earth as he grapples with being brought back to normality. Leading quietly, sensitively but commandingly even under a pronounced prosthetic nose, he's matched by the steely Wilder, a great stint of comic sneering by Alex Macqueen as one of the Bard's naysayers, and a witty appearance by Ian McKellen as the writer's long-term patron, the Earl of Southampton. And yet, while buoyed by strong performances and making good on its premise, the film always plays like a minor ode rather than a major work. Walking in the footsteps of greatness is a difficult task, as the movie makes plain, although Branagh has been trying for decades. With All Is True, he shows why — and demonstrates that passion, intelligence and enthusiasm can go a considerable way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I5cKmiONDI
The crew behind Collingwood's rooftop burger joint Easey's has scored a second sky-high home, taking over the kitchen at South Yarra hot-spot The Emerson. And, to celebrate, the venue's launched a brand new weekend brunch series, featuring bottomless cocktails and unlimited bites up on the Astroturfed terrace. Running 12–3pm every Saturday and Sunday, these are the kind of long, lazy feasting sessions worth getting out of bed for — even in the middle of winter. Easey's will be knocking up a special offering of brunch canapés each week, with bites like fried calamari, lettuce cup 'tacos', creamy seafood rolls, and oozy mac and cheese croquettes. Read: the perfect fare for quaffing while you kick back on one of those rooftop lounges. Especially when the bar's bringing some party vibes of its own, whipping up mimosas, spritzes and bloody marys — which will be free-flowing for the entire three-hour period. All up, it'll cost you $59 per person. Needless to say, bookings are essential if you want to nab a spot. Images: The Edible Image.
The Grosvenor Hotel in St Kilda is commemorating ANZAC Day with free beer, but it has a catch — the beachside pub is only giving out free pots from the first siren until the first team scores in the ANZAC Day clash. The iconic AFL event is the second biggest game of the season — after the grand final, of course — and will see Essendon and Collingwood go head-to-head for the 24th year running. If there's one situation where you don't want you team to score, it's this. Not many (if any?) quarters finish scoreless, so luckily there's more to the deal. The pub is serving up $15 woodfired pizzas all day — there are a whopping 17 to choose from — and is holding an 11am Publican's Toast, which will pay respect to the diggers. The clash kicks off at 3.20pm. We suggest you get there early to snag a seat. Images: Giulia Morlando.
An Italian slang word for 'stuffed' (among other things), Fatto might just be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Perhaps even more so soon next week, when the riverside Italian eatery is offering $10 gnocchi con abbacchio alla Romana for one lunchtime only. The deal is quite the steal, with the dish usually setting you back $29. But if you rock up for lunch on Thursday, May 2, you'll be able to get it for just a cheeky tenner. And what is it exactly? It's homemade, pillowy gnocchi with Roman-style braised lamb topped with mammoth green olives and green peas, a citrus, parsley and garlic gremolata and, of course, plenty of parmesan. Yep, we could eat that for a chilly autumn lunch. Plus, Fatto Bar & Cantina is superbly placed on the upper terrace at Hamer Hall, overlooking the river and Flinders Street station on the other side so you can soak in some top-notch views while you dine. If you're feeling like a big spender, you can also grab a glass of prosecco, a Fernet Branca (served with freshly pressed orange or grapefruit juice), a negroni or Aperol spritz to accompany your gnocchi. The dish will be available from noon until sold out. We suggest you book a table or get in quick. The $10 gnocchi will be available from 12pm until sold out.
Serving up fine cuts of beef for many years now, Footscray's Station Hotel continues to uphold its reputation as one of the finest steak venues anywhere in the city. Helmed by chef Fraser Stark, The Station Hotel is putting these expert skills to good use in the form of a weekly special. Head into the heritage pub on Tuesday nights to get the Station Burger with a glass of wine or beer for $20. With the expectations of the venue's name to uphold, the Station Burger delivers with a wagyu beef patty, bacon, caramelised onions and truffle mayonnaise, alongside a hefty serving of crispy fries. Had a burger for lunch and don't feel like a second (not that we'd judge)? Station Hotel's menu also features nine different steak options, all served with chips and salad. For something a little different to your normal pub fare, opt for the green onion risotto with taleggio, spiced spatchcock with colcannon mash or confit pork belly with eggplant puree. Whatever you've decided, you've almost made it halfway through the week — we say you deserve it. To make a booking, visit Station Hotel's website.
During those long, lazy days where Christmas melts slowly into the new year, eating tends to become a number one pastime. Slaving away in some kitchen and actually making the food...not so much. Thankfully, Bluebonnet Barbecue is here to save your sanity and fill your belly, offering a series of daily bottomless barbecue sessions, from December 27 to January 10. From its new home in Brunswick East, Chris Terlikar's signature low'n slow US-style barbecue fare will set the tone for some very festive post-Christmas feasting. For $65 (excluding drinks), diners can sit down to two hours of free-flowing barbecue goodness — think, tender ribs, slow-cooked brisket, house-made snags and classic sides, all delivered right there to the table. The feasts are available at both lunch and dinner, and if you time it right, you can match yours with some pretty cracking drink deals. Bluebonnet's dishing up two daily happy hours (3–6pm and 10pm until late), as well as an all-day version each Monday. And with ten craft beer taps, a fridge chock full of tinnies and a slew of interesting cocktails, the bar here makes for one very enticing summer hang-out. Bluebonnet's two hours of bottomless barbecue is available between 12–3pm and 5–9pm daily. It'll be closed January 1. Images: Kate Shanasy.
When is a brewery more than just a brewery? When it's a regular roller skating disco as well. Throughout 2018, Moon Dog Craft Brewery has transformed its Abbotsford ballroom into a skate arena on the first Sunday of every month, and this week it's hosting its last roller disco of the year. And it's set to be a blowout. Held in conjunction with Malt Shop Rollers, the Sunday Funday Roller Disco boasts everything you'd expect from a end-of-weekend session of rolling around a brewery. Expect beers, piña coladas, mirror balls brightening up the place, and DJs playing all afternoon. Unsurprisingly, costumes aren't only encouraged but required, whether you've got some lycra burning a hole in your wardrobe or you're getting on theme. BYO skates or hire some on the day. Kids are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. This is the last time the roller disco will be held at Moon Dog, so be prepared to send it off with a bang.
What starts with Dragged Across Concrete, a Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson-starring gritty crime flick from the director of Bone Tomahawk? And then ends with Lords of Chaos, a blood-splattered comedy-horror effort set in the Norwegian death metal scene? That'd be Monster Fest, Melbourne's annual genre film festival. It's bringing plenty of dark delights to Cinema Nova once again, this time across Thursday, November 22 to Sunday, November 25. While Monster Fest boasts a solid lineup of new movies, a few blasts from the past rank among the event's highlights — including glorious 4K restorations of John Carpenter's Escape from New York and The Fog. On the events front, if you love the Halloween filmmaker so much that you're definitely going to revisit his two iconic films, then you can also play a round of John Carpen-trivia. Elsewhere, you can step into Australian cinema history with Bad Boy Bubby, worship at the altar of Bruce Campbell with Evil Dead 2 or get nostalgic with The Monster Squad. If you're a fan of the latter, then documentary Wolfman's Got Nards will take you through the film's cult appeal. Lars von Trier's highly controversial The House That Jack Built will also hit Monster Fest's big screen, and so will a webcam-focused horror flick appropriately called Cam. And, in a brief stint over at the Lido, you can stay up all night for an unnerving movie marathon. That's what genre film fests are all about, right?
With the weather heating up and the days getting longer, there's no time like the present to relish that silly season fever and head outdoors to lap up the sunshine. Try as we may to plan regular beach excursions, sometimes leaving the city is tricky. But don't put your beach towel and sun hat away just yet — the Wharf Hotel has brought the sand to the city with its Yarra Beach Bar. The bar has taken over the lower wharf area of its prime riverside real estate, transforming it into a quintessential Victorian beach, complete with beach huts, sand, deck chairs and an ice cream cart. The three 'beach boxes' are available for bookings of between six and 36 people ($59 per person), making it the perfect spot for your next group hang, whether it be for a Christmas party and family gathering. Your Beach Box package comes with a choice of a seafood platter, which includes oysters, mini prawn cocktails and crab and lobster rolls, or the Wharf platter, with sliders, pulled pork tacos and loaded wedges. You'll also get a beer jug, Canadian Club cocktail jug or carafe of house wine to share between you and a mate, plus an ice cream from the cart. The Beach Bar will also play host to a top-notch New Year's Eve party, featuring DJs, summery sangria and four hours of drinks and food for $130 per person. The Yarra Beach Bar will be bringing the summertime vibes until Tuesday, January 29. To make a booking, visit The Wharf Hotel's website.
If the countless parties and festivities of Melbourne Music Week are staring to take their toll, this talk presented by Real Life could be the perfect cure. It's a free panel discussion about how sound and music can be used to improve wellbeing. The key speaker is music therapy expert Dr Emma O'Brien, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 for her work in the field. The panel concludes as you can imagine with some music healing — in the form of a 'sound bath' from gong practitioner Mona Ruijs. Even if a sound bath doesn't strike you as your sort of thing, it'll no doubt be a mindful way to end your week. Image: John Gollings/MPavilion.
Ladies to the front. These women are without doubt three of the most talked about independent artists right now — and you can see them all performing their new releases at this exclusive Melbourne Music Week gig for just $43. Even if you're not fans of these three artists (yet), if you're into boss singer-songwriters, acoustic guitar and lyrical storytelling, this is the gig to see this festival — these ladies will be selling out big rooms in no time. Plus, MMW is donating 5 percent of proceeds to charity in loving memory of Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit).
According to this year's star-studded chick flicks, real women want easy-to-use beauty products. They also want films where women state this obvious fact, apparently. First I Feel Pretty made that claim, and now Second Act does the same, because these things typically come in pairs. The similarities don't end there, with both movies championing the idea that it's what's inside that counts. Sadly, neither picture knows how to properly live up to that notion — and while Second Act has more heart than its near-insufferable predecessor, it also sports a vast gap between its good intentions and its muddled reality. Jennifer Lopez plays everywoman Maya, a Queens native with 15 years experience at a Costco-like discount department store, but lacking in professional confidence. She lacks a college degree as well, which precludes her from the big promotion she's been working towards. Maya's support network helps commiserate — and celebrate her birthday — but it's the teenage son (Dalton Harrod) of her best friend and co-worker Joan (Leah Remini) that makes a difference. Thanks to his computer wizardry, Maya suddenly has a fake online life complete with the credentials, backstory and social media profile to get a high-flying Manhattan job. And when she's swiftly headhunted by a prestigious cosmetics company, she goes along with it. Armed with street smarts and real-world experience, this fish-out-of-water is soon tasked with making an organic skincare line for her new employer — while pitted against cut-throat colleague Zoe (Vanessa Hudgens), who also happens to be the boss' (Treat Williams) daughter. Cue a quest to prove that Maya has what it takes, although she only has the chance to do so because she lied to conform. No amount of comic competition, well-meaning sentiment or lightly insightful commentary about class can lessen that divide, as the movie tells viewers to be themselves, but only after they've pretended to be someone else to get their foot in the door. Given that the organic skincare subplot involves calling out substandard products that falsely claim to fit the label, surely director Peter Segal (Grudge Match) and writers Justin Zackham (One Chance) and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas (also one of Second Act's producers) should've noticed that their film suffers from the very same flaw. Perhaps the filmmakers were just distracted by (or trying to distract viewers with) Second Act's various moving parts. Splitting its time between Maya's professional and personal struggles, the movie explores why she gets frosty whenever her boyfriend (Milo Ventimiglia) mentions having children — and while to say more is to spoil Second Act's, well, second act, motherhood remains a prominent theme, as does Maya's attempts to balance her new and old lives. Set at the end of the year for no apparent reason, this is also a Christmas film. Thanks to the hijinks of Maya's devoted employees (Charlyne Yi and Alan Aisenberg), it's a broad workplace comedy as well. But, more than anything else, it's a case of throwing together every formulaic element possible and simply hoping that the combination works. What does work is Lopez, firmly in Maid in Manhattan mode and showing why she's often a warm presence even in lukewarm (at best) films. Most of Second Act feels contrived, misguided, forced and superficial, but that doesn't apply to the movie's star, or to Hudgens when she's given a bit more to do. Still, neither actor can completely overcome the material. Second Act's jumbled core never fades, which only reinforces its central message in an unintended fashion. What's inside this flick is bland, routine, and happy offering up feel-good statements in a slight and easy way. And as the movie keeps telling viewers, it's what's inside that truly matters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJKoJXIcdv0
American singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne, who put pensive folk back on the charts in a big way in 2004 when his single 'Trouble' hit number four on the US charts, is returning to Australia — after ten years of absence. His Just Passing Through tour will take him to Bluesfest in Byron Bay, then down the highway for gigs in Sydney and Melbourne. All shows are in acoustic format, with Ray performing in duo mode, alongside Wilco's legendary bassist John Stirratt. Expect new tunes and a selection of hits. Even though we haven't seen Mr LaMontagne for so long, he's been busy. His seventh album Part of the Light came out in May this year, and, back in 2010, God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise picked up a Grammy for Best Folk Album Of The Year. As you might've guessed, mad, long-tortured fans have already nabbed most tickets. But, thankfully, a second run of shows has been announced. If you've been cursing your luck, jump in quick. LaMontagne will play the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, on April 27 and 28. You can pick up tickets over here.
Every Wednesday between January 9 and February 13, the Astor will become the dreamiest place in Melbourne. Across a six-week period, the historic cinema is paying tribute to the entire filmography of Sofia Coppola — melancholic sisters, cake-eating monarchs and Los Angeles teens breaking into celebrity houses all included. It all kicks off exactly where the second-generation filmmaker's feature directorial career began, aka with The Virgin Suicides and its ethereal score by Air. From there, viewers will play tourist in Tokyo with the Oscar-winning Lost in Translation, head to 18th century France with Marie Antoinette, and laze around an LA hotel with Venice Golden Lion recipient Somewhere. The real-life tale of The Bling Ring and the civil war drama of The Beguiled also get a run, of course. Showcasing Coppola's films also means showcasing a fantastic array of performances — including Kirsten Dunst in three of Coppola's flicks, Bill Murray singing karaoke and befriending Scarlett Johansson, and everyone from Nicole Kidman to Colin Farrell proving a treat in the director's latest effort. Screenings kick off at 7.30pm each week, and tickets cost $14.
It's been nearly four years since Mumford & Sons topped the ARIA charts with its third album, Wilder Mind — and last visited the Antipodes. But, angst-ridden fans, you can now breathe a sigh of relief. The British quartet will release its fourth offering, Delta, on Friday, November 16 and, soon afterwards, will embark on a 60-date worldwide tour. It includes six stops right here in Australia, presented by Secret Sounds. To catch the boys in Melbourne, make sure you're around in January. They'll play the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday, January 22 with the support of English soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, whose sophomore album Love & Hate, produced by Danger Mouse, topped the UK charts in 2016. According to Mumford & Sons' lead singer Marcus Mumford, Delta represents a place where "order meets chaos and shelter meets wilderness". Described as the band at its "impassioned and muscular best", the album was two years in the making and recorded at Church Studios in North London with Paul Epworth, whose production credits include Adele, U2 and London Grammar. To get a taste of what to expect, check out the lead single, 'Guiding Light', over here. The Secret Sounds presale, for email subscribers only, will begin at 2pm on Wednesday, October 10 and finish up at 8am on Friday, October 12. General sales are slated to drop an hour later, at 9am on Friday, October 12. For further event details, visit the Secret Sounds website.
It has been a couple of years since The Jungle Collective first started taking over Australian warehouses and slinging plenty of plants, all thanks to its huge sales in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. These leafy excuses to fill your home with greenery always have a bit of a celebratory vibe, and its next Melbourne outing is all about plants that thrive in low light. These gorgeous green babies will be the main attraction — and there will be more than 150 varieties of them, too. It's happening twice, across the two days of Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. The focus for this sale is on low light-friendly plants. Going by previous sales, you'll be able to pick up everything from fiddle leafs and monsteras to giant birds of paradise and rubber trees, as well as many ferns and hanging plants. You'll also be able to shop for designer pots, get expert advice from the horticulturalists onsite, listen to jungle tunes and even nab a $5 discount if you dress up in cat ears or pop on some dog-like whiskers. It's all happening at 19 Studley Street, Abbotsford, with two-hour sessions held at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm and 2pm on Saturday, plus 10am and 12pm on Sunday. While entry is free, you'll need to secure a ticket to head along.
Beer festivals are becoming increasingly common, but there aren't many that match the lofty standards set by Melbourne's Brewers Feast. Held in the lush surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent, Brewers Feast takes place on the last weekend of summer and will take your tastebuds on a hoppy tour with its expansive range of beers and ciders. There'll be over 80 different brews to try from across Australia and highlights include Sydney's Young Henrys, the Yarra Valley's Watts River, and the well-loved Stone & Wood. In addition, there'll be 20 beers brewed exclusively for the festival, made using rare ingredients and brewed in collaboration with malt, hops and yeast supplier, Bintani. The festival starts in the best possible way, with all attendees enjoying a free glass from Victoria's Grand Ridge Brewery on entry. When it's time to pause drinking for a well-earned feed, you can choose from Bigger than Texas BBQ, the solid burgs at St Kilda Burger Bar and vegan falafel from Dana's Falafel. Alongside food and drink, there'll be a stellar lineup of local music talent to keep you entertained throughout the festival. Local artists, performing across two stages, will take the novel approach of recommending a beverage to enjoy alongside their tunes. The festivities will run from 11.30am–8pm on Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday. You have to pay for general entry ($37.50 on Saturday and $29.95 on Sunday), and you'll have to pay for all your food and drinks on top of that.
Phillip Island is going to play host to more than cascades of fairy penguins this New Year's Eve. Victoria's inaugural festival Beyond the Valley has confirmed the first three names on the lineup (and it's already looking pretty badass). With the full lineup announcement set for next month, the brand new festival has confirmed Action Bronson, The Preatures and Peking Duk to play the NYE event. One of Australia's most talked-about fivesomes, The Preatures, were locked in by the BTV team after lead singer Isabella Manfredi let the performance slip to Beat. "It’s New Years Eve, on an island, with Victorians. What else could you ask for, a hangover spa?" New York's hypeworthy rapper Action Bronson has also been confirmed by the festival team, as well as Canberran duo Peking Duk. It's a pretty big (and on-trend) haul for a new festival, one apparently expected to draw over 10,000. Beyond the Valley promoters have said the whole lineup will be "a cohesive spread of genres and styles" which really gives nothing much away. With the camping festival set to snuggle into the shoreside fields of Phillip Island from December 30 – January 1, the site will also feature "a pop-up luxury hotel with its very own concierge and first class amenities including a daily hangover spa," (confirming Manfredi's hints). The team have confirmed cocktail bars, high quality food, two massive stages and probably enough portaloos for Action Bronson to do his entire set from. Beyond the Valley will take place on Phillip Island from December 30 – January 1. Watch the teaser for the festival here (with beats by AlunaGeorge... another hint?): Via Faster Louder.
It's around this time that the appeal of winter starts to wear off and we begin wistfully dreaming of warmer days. If you're currently counting down to sunshine and spring getaways, this is going to sound mighty appealing. After a standout debut year last year, Mornington Peninsula's VineHop Festival is due to return across November 17–18 with an even bigger event. The two-day festival invites you on a journey throughout the Mornington Peninsula's outstanding breweries, cider houses and wineries with the opportunity to partake in some boozy drops in the vibrant countryside. In addition, there'll be great food trucks, live music and DJs providing the soundtrack to each of the scenic locations. Plus, there's no need for designated driver as you can jump aboard the provided shuttle buses between venues. This year's venues remain yet to be announced, but we're not waiting around: we're giving away a tour package for you and three mates to enjoy the festival and its premium libations. Your group of four will each receive a one-day ticket to the festival plus transportation to four venues throughout the day. To enter, see details below. [competition]678390[/competition]
In late March, Australians were restricted to leaving their homes for four reasons: to buy essentials, for medical needs, to exercise or for work and education. A fifth reason was added in Melbourne in mid-May — to visit friends and family — and exercise was expanded to encompass a range of outdoor recreational activities, including golfing and kayaking. From Monday, June 1, however, you'll be able to leave your home for any reason at all. Premier Daniel Andrews announced today, Friday, May 29, that Victorians "have achieved something remarkable" and flattened the COVID-19 curve, and because of this more restrictions were being eased. "We've made sacrifices. We've missed loved ones. We've given up getting on the beers. And in doing so, we've helped keep one another safe," the Premier said in a statement. "Because of those efforts, we've been able to gradually ease restrictions. And from Monday, we'll no longer be giving Victorians a definitive list of reasons to leave home." Instead of a list, Melburnians have been asked to use "common sense" when deciding to leave the house. But, something that is not changing is working from home. The Premier said that if you're currently working from home you must continue to work from home, until at least the end of June. The primary reason for the push to keep WFH where possible is because of public transport and traffic, with the Premier warning that the usual number of people on transport would be unsafe and if Melburnians all started to drive into work in the city "we'll see commute times worse than anything any of us have ever experienced". "Two hours from Werribee to the city, 90 minutes from Reservoir and two and half hours from Mulgrave," the Premier predicted for commute times if Melburnians did not continue to WFH. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1266147958963056640 On Monday, June 1, a whole heap of eased restrictions will come into play in Victoria, including the reopening of restaurants, pubs and cafes for dine-in service and indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 20 people. We've broken down exactly what you can and can't do from Monday over here. For more information about the state of COVID-19 in Victoria, head to the Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: Julia Sansone
Since Jessi Singh returned to Australia from a lengthy stint in the States running his two Babu Ji outposts, the chef-restaurateur has been busy. As well as opening Don't Tell Aunty in Sydney, Singh has open Daughter in Law in Little Bourke Street and, keeping it in the family, wine bar Mrs Singh around the corner on Flinders Lane. Now, he's just about to unveil his most extravagant venue yet: a multi-level British-Indian pub with a rooftop bar, a Punjabi-style deli, a bottle-o, a speakeasy and a dancing lounge — and a casual 500-strong beer list. Yes, there's a lot going on. So, allow us to break it down. Located on Clarendon Street, Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is split into three levels. Enter on the ground floor and you'll find the deli, serving up Singh's signature brand of rule-breaking Indian fare, which includes the likes of naan pizza, yoghurt kebabs and nachos-like papadi chaat. [caption id="attachment_774017" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] You can take this food home, eat it in the the pub or head out back to a 70-seat beer garden. If you decide to sit in, you can order one of the many brews of the hefty drinks list, or go for one of two pét-nats on tap. Those on the move, won't be short on choice for drinks, either, with the bottle-o stocked to the nines, and growler refills available from any of the 16 beer taps. Don't want to stay on the ground floor? Like a Goosebumps book, but less creepy, now is the time to choose your own adventure: down or up. The latter will take you through a wall of beer cans (that is, in fact, a hidden door) down a flight of stairs to a red-hued speakeasy and dance lounge called the Boom Boom Room. Expect cocktails, neon and tunes aplenty. [caption id="attachment_774027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Rewind back to your destiny-defining decision — this time, you choose up. Walk up a staircase and you'll find the main pub area with more British-Indian dishes, more beer and more comfy spots to sit. Ascend further and you'll reach the rooftop terrace complete with city views, tropical cocktails, DJs and brunch on weekends. With Victoria's current restrictions, Mr Brownie Hotel won't be running at full capacity when it launches on July 2, with just 20 people allowed in each space. Mr Brownie Rooftop Hotel is slated to open at 343 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne on Thursday, July 2. It'll be open seven days a week. Images: Parker Blain
Historically, the inner northwest suburb of Moonee Ponds hasn't exactly been saturated with top-notch drinking destinations. But with a handful of recent bar openings and yet more in the works, things are suddenly looking a lot less thirsty for this unassuming pocket of Melbourne. Not least thanks to its latest addition: new craft booze paradise The Mighty. Taking over the former Sporting Globe digs, the venue is the latest project from Aussie craft drinks collective Mighty Craft. You're probably already well acquainted with some of the brands it represents, including Brogan's Way gin distillery in Richmond, the Mornington Peninsula-born Jetty Road Brewery, Torquay Beverage Company and Green Ant Gin. And The Mighty is focused on celebrating the whole stable. The sprawling, three-level space has room to seat 110, spread across a cocktail bar, terrace, bistro, public bar and atrium. It's been given a dramatic overhaul by architecture firm Studio Y, whose work you'd have spied at the likes of Nick & Nora's, Maha East and Stomping Ground. The space now boasts an abundance of natural light, with pops of foliage complemented by white tile, timber finishes and lush green accents. There's also a spot here for many occasions, from the intimate bistro booths to the sun-drenched terrace seating primed for summer spritzing sessions. As you'd expect, the drinking situation is front and centre here, with Mighty Craft's extensive portfolio delivering a diverse menu of boutique drops. At the bar, 14 taps pour cider, beer and seltzer from the likes of Jetty Road Brewery, Queensland's Slipstream Brewing Co and Sauce Brewing Co out of Marrickville. Guest brews will feature on rotation and there's a list of signature cocktails showcasing Mighty Craft spirits — like the Pirouette, blending Brogan's Way Hearts Afire gin with lychee, lime, apple and rose. That said, with The Fat Duck and Dinner by Heston alum Adrian Corigliano heading up The Mighty kitchen, food is certainly no afterthought. Here, expect gastropub fare that's casual, yet considered, across a menu showcasing plenty of local ingredients. Sticky pork belly parcels are cooked in master stock and teamed with tamarind caramel, a wagyu burger comes with smoked cheddar and onion jam, and there's a dish of salt-cured charred prawn sticks with chilli and lime. Or, you can smash those comfort food cravings with plates like the buttermilk chicken schnitzel and a boozy ice cream sandwich. An onsite retail space and tasting bar offers Mighty Craft drops to go, and there's a calendar of masterclasses, booze-matched dinners and drinks festivals to look forward to. And that's not all. The first edition of The Mighty opened in the Hunter Valley last month, with the group revealing its planning up to 12 more Aussie venues to launch in the next two years. Find The Mighty Moonee Ponds at 690 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. It's open from 11am–10pm Wednesday–Thursday, 11am–midnight Friday–Saturday and 11am–10pm Sunday.
The Melbourne Cup may be the race that stops the nation, but darling, the Portsea Polo is the real beacon on the equine social circuit. On this auspicious day of the year, the tanned and beautiful emerge from the holiday houses that pepper the Peninsula to meet, mingle and make the most of the bar. Oh, and there's some polo happening too. The dress code is of the utmost importance, with the polo’s resident stylist recommending flowing dresses for the ladies and the obligatory boat shoe for the gentleman. It goes without saying that sunglasses are a must-have accessory in sunny Portsea, so make sure they remained glued to your nose, no matter how much Peroni you get through. Through the heat and the dust (hooves and mallet wielding kicks up more than a mouthful of sand for those on the rails) social outsiders are weeded out quicker than you can mispronounce Moët or Ralph Lauren. There are general admission passes of course, but the real action will be taking place at the variety of marquees where DJs, networking opportunities and drinks will all be on tap. Amidst all those popped collars and chinos you’d be forgiven for missing the actual horses, but there’s always photo ops with spritely polo players to round out the day.
It is summertime in St Kilda, and the O'Donnell Gardens are in full bloom, packed with stallholders selling art, clothing, tasty treats and more. Yes, it's time again for the St Kilda Twilight Market, and visitors will find bargains aplenty under the palms. Running Thursday evenings from 5–10pm all summer long, the market is held in the public gardens in the shadow of Luna Park. There'll be live music every week, along with makers selling everything from locally produced art to handcrafted jewellery to vintage clothing and accessories. The market will also feature food vendors galore, cooking up cuisine from every corner of the globe. Senor BBQ, Hoy Pinoy and Outback Burgers will have their grills up and firing, and that's just the tip of a very delicious iceberg.
Pizza fans, get excited. 400 Gradi, makers of some of Melbourne's best pizza, are taking over Welcome to Thornbury's beer garden for the rest of January. Every Friday and Saturday (excluding public holidays), the 400 Gradi crew will head over to the sun-soaked space to sling $17 woodfired pizzas to the hungry masses. As usual, Welcome to Thornbury will have each of its bars open throughout the day, letting diners pair their pizzas with spritzes, ice-cold beers or just about any other bev they so desire. Your four-legged pals are also invited, as long as you stick to the huge sun-drenched beer garden.
Local producer Oscar Key Sung has been around a lot this last year — and we are not upset about it in the slightest. This Thursday, January 12 he returns to Boney for a show in the bandroom, along with Kimchi Princi, Jalé and Nico Niquo. Cutting his teeth in the music industry as one half of Oscar + Martin back in 2010, Oscar has been garnering praise and collab invites ever since. Most notably, in 2013 he was picked by Mercury Music Prize-nominated mc Ghostpoet and Brooklyn-based artist MeLo-X to produce their debut release as MELOGHOST, 'WecanWORKitout'. He's also been getting spins from BBC Radio 6 programmer Gilles Peterson, Twitter props from Years & Years and one of his latest singles 'All I Could Do' has clocked over 100k listens on Soundcloud and been remixed by Naysayer and Gilsun. In describing his sound on his official Niche Productions bio, Oscar said "It's a bit of a mess... I suppose I'm just a part of this generation of oversaturation, where it's easy to be as influenced Arvo Pärt as you are by Drake."
Trying new wines can be a stressful pursuit. There are just so many vinos to choose from, hailing from such a wide array of wineries, that it's hard to know where to start. Fresh Blood simplifies that process for you — by doing the choosing for you. That means that you can sit back, take whichever glass comes your way and get sipping. It's no wonder that the concept was a hit in London, or that it made its Australian debut in 2021. Returning to Melbourne on Saturday, November 4, Fresh Blood's latest Aussie event will focus on 15 emerging Australian winemakers — and also show some love to a producer from New Zealand as well. Wondering what you'll be knocking back? From SA, Lust for Life, State of Nature and The Mysterious Mr Black are among the labels. The list goes on, with Victoria's Allevare and Di Renzo from New South Wales also on the bill. The event takes place at Odd Culture Fitzroy, with tickets costing $69, which covers entry, tastings from 12–3pm, a take-home tasting glass, $10 worth of snacks and $10 off any bottle for the first 100 tickets sold.
Some movies have a moment where they just click and you instinctively know the filmmakers know what they're doing. In The Way, Way Back that moment comes when the painfully awkward Duncan (Liam James) is being driven to the beach house where he will spend the summer and he locks eyes with Owen (Sam Rockwell). The low-key but undeniable chemistry in that scene is a hallmark of a film which gets all the small details right. Having been told he's a "three out of ten" by Trent (Steve Carell), a passive-aggressive jerk who is dating his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), Duncan plans to keep a low profile during his holiday. But any chance of a quiet summer is soon scuppered by nosy neighbour Betty (Allison Janney), who plots to have Duncan become friends with her long-suffering son Peter (River Alexander), who she torments because of his lazy eye. It's Betty's daughter Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb) who can sympathise with Duncan though, and they form a faltering friendship as the adults leave them to their own devices. As Susanna observes, the beachside community is "like spring break for adults" and while Trent and Pam make merry with Trent's friends, the introverted Duncan goes exploring on a a bike and ends up seeking refuge at Water Wizz, the slightly rundown but much-loved local water park managed by perpetual adolescent Owen. Seeing something in the earnest teen that nobody else sees, Owen decides to give Duncan a job as a dogsbody at the park, bringing him into a group of misfits that includes Caitlin (Maya Rudolph), who is growing irked at Owen's irresponsible ways and Lewis (Jim Rash), a sad sack who continually threatens to quit the park to pursue his dreams of being a storm chaser but never quite manages to leave. The Way Way Back's story of a shy teen finding his place in the world over the course of a long, hot summer is by now a well-worn coming-of-age narrative, but this always feels more comfortable than cliched. The seaside small town with its endless beach parties and beer-soaked barbecues is lovingly evoked. The performances from an ensemble cast are uniformly topnotch, though it is Sam Rockwell who steals every scene as the sweet, funny and unexpectedly wise Owen. Writer-directors Jim Rash and Nat Faxon previously collaborated on the Oscar-winning The Descendants and have again struck gold, fashioning a wryly funny and nicely understated script which leaves the actors plenty to do. A big-hearted, bittersweet look at the pleasures and pains of growing up, and the compromises of adulthood, this is perfectly realised and way, way charming. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GiH5wmuexZY
Watch Red, White & Brass and you'll never see the pre-game or half-time entertainment at a big sporting match the same way again. Of course, if Rihanna, or Beyoncé with Destiny's Child, or a heap of hip hop and rap legends are taking to the stage at the Super Bowl, you won't question it — but if there's a community band on the turf, you might start wondering when they first picked up their instruments, why and if it was only four weeks ago to make it to this very gig. Are they just out there because they were that desperate to see their team play? And, because they missed out on expensive and instantly sold-out tickets? Were they so eager, in fact, that they bluffed their way into a gig by claiming to already be a musical group, then had to speedily do anything and everything to learn how to get melodic, and obviously not embarrass themselves, in a passion-fuelled whirlwind of pretence and practice? A band solely forming to score access to a rugby game sounds like pure screenwriting confection. Often enough, though, when tales like that make it to the silver screen, it's because they're so wild that they can only be true. Such is the case with Red, White & Brass' premise, as it notes at the outset. Back in 2011, New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup, which was a source of particular excitement to Aotearoa's Tongan population, and especially to avid aficionados at a Wellington church. The kind of fans that were showing their devotion by decking out their homes in the Tongan flag top to bottom, hitching the red-and-white cloth to every free space on their cars and carrying around the symbol on their phone cases, they were determined to see Tonga play France in their own home city, and willing to whatever it takes to do so — wholesomely, in the type of underdog story about fervour, ingenuity, self-belief and luck that engagingly makes for an easy and warm-hearted cinema crowd-pleaser. On-screen, the dynamic Maka (NZ Popstars personality and film debutant John-Paul Foliaki) first thinks that he'll simply raise enough in donations for his congregation to attend the big game, aided by his dancing while the choir sings. When it ends up taking too much money to make money that way, that plan hits a bum note. So does a too-good-to-be-true offer that's exactly that. But sports fandom and a love of one's country are just like life in frequently finding a way. Handily, Aroha (Hariata Moriarty, Cousins) from the city council is looking for a brass marching band to perform before the match, asking at Maka's father Pita's (Tevita Finau) church for local talent. They don't have what she's searching for, and have never been anywhere near even thinking about having a brass marching band; however, that doesn't stop their resident born entertainer from saying otherwise when he hears that free Rugby World Cup tickets are involved. It may spring from reality, with co-writer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau scripting the story with first-time feature director Damon Fepulea'i from his very own experiences — yes, this happened to Finau — but there's a touch of Brassed Off meets Pitch Perfect meets Cool Runnings to Red, White & Brass. Although some films bring others to mind because they're that generic, often lazily as well, that isn't what's occurring here. Whether or not you know the IRL outcome going in, you know the outcome. You know that there wouldn't be a movie unless exactly what you think will happen happens. Stepping through this real-life quest makes for infectious viewing because it does follow the expected narrative pattern so lovingly, with such heart and so satisfyingly, especially when it comes to celebrating NZ's Tongan community. Maka has plenty of convincing to do, including friends like Veni (Dimitrius Shuster- Koloamatangi, Upright), who has largely lost touch with his Tongan heritage; Irene (Ilaisaane Green, The Commons), who is sceptical about this new brass-playing scheme; and his disapproving father and wary mother Elisiva (Valeti Finau). In the process, with help from Samisoni (Michael Falesiu), the only person Maka knows with any brass marching band experience, the Tongan word "māfana" is mentioned more than once. It means an overwhelming feeling of warmth and emotion, so it happily fits his mission, and it's also what Red, White & Brass itself is revelling in. This is an affectionate and joyous film that doesn't just pay tribute to events that clearly begged for the big-screen treatment from the moment that they happened, or to the feeling and energy behind them, but to the community and culture goes all-in when it comes to national pride. Even when they're disagreeing, disparaging or doubting — and when the familiar sports-film training journey sees Maka and his pals start out with plastic bottles, then join a school band for lessons, and also become the unhappy stars of a viral fail video — Red, White & Brass' persistent group of Tongan rugby superfans don't waver in their māfana. Nor does the cast that Fepulea'i has assembled to portray them, as led by Foliaki bouncing around the movie with a larger-than-life vibe that plays as pure zeal. That the Finaus, Nua's parents and both first-time actors, basically step into their own shoes is a nice touch, as is including some original members of the Taulanga Ū Brass Band, who started it all. Red, White and Brass is directed with inescapable fondness as well, which flows through to its sunny frames (as shot by Andrew McGeorge, The Panthers), upbeat editing (including by Fepulea'i) and mix of marching-band tunes with tracks from Three Houses Down. In music, hitting every expected note is usually pivotal. When that skill is perfected, creativity and experimentation can echo, which Red, White & Brass acknowledges and embraces. In cinema, movies that stick to the sheet before them can be blandly cliched, and many do, but the best of them swell with reassurance and comfort. Everyone watching wants this film to turn out the way it does, which it does, sticking to reality and offering a soothing bit of solace in a hectic world. That's what loving a sport, your culture or anything that you're passionate about can be, too, and Fepulea'i, Finau and executive producer Taika Waititi (Thor: Love and Thunder) know it, feel it and let it resound.
Steps Australia, one of the largest Australian hospitality training organisations has joined forces with Katrina Higham – ex chef at Joe's Diner and Windsor Deli to bring keen students some new classes. Next up, The Myrtleford Butter Factory will host an artisan butter and ricotta making course at Hobba in Prahran. Students will get their churn on as they learn how to turn milk into butter and ricotta while Naomi Ingleton, owner of The Butter Factory in Myrtleford, shares her secrets. There is also wine involved. Wine and butter seem like a brilliant idea. With some form of carbohydrate between, we hope. In the end, students can take away recipes to put their skills to work at home.
One of New York's initially best and eventually worst kept secrets is coming to Melbourne for one of the most squealworthy pop-ups we've seen in an age. East Village's Please Don't Tell (or PDT) is locked in to take over Fitzroy's Black Pearl this weekend, with legendary PDT bar team Jim Meehan and Jeff Bell at the helm. Ever found your way to PDT? Hidden behind a secret wall in a vintage phone booth, inside Crif Dogs hotdog joint on St Marks Place in the East Village, PDT is one of NYC's most beloved speakeasies — and the cocktails are seriously next level. Bell, who was crowned 2013 Diageo World Class US Bartender of the Year, is one of the best in the game, with marvels like the Bulleit Bourbon Sweet Tea Smash. But you won't just be sampling Bell's world-famous cocktails. Bell and Meehan will join forces with Bluebonnet Barbecue chef Chris Terlikar for an Australian version of PDT's menu — featuring two hot-dog variations: 'The Spicy Redneck' (house dog, bacon wrapped, with chilli, coleslaw and jalapenos) and a yet to be announced local adaptation. PDT pops up at Black Pearl (304 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy) Thursday 6 – Sunday August 9. Sittings are 6-8pm, 8-10pm or 10pm-12am, Reservations through Eventbrite. Image: PDT.
If, like us, you go weak at the knees for cute stationery, handmade crafts, fresh new design, unique fashion and live music (and all under one roof), then it’s likely that we’ll bump into you at the Finders Keepers markets this weekend. The bi-annual indie design market is back at the Royal Exhibition Building from Friday evening (6pm to 10pm) and all day Saturday (10am to 5pm). Championing emerging Australian artists and designers, the markets - which have been running for two years in Melbourne - pride themselves on creating a festival atmosphere alongside the shopping, with an impressive live music line-up and great food options. It’s free to enter the markets but we recommend taking plenty of dough as there’s no ATM and most stalls will only accept cash. You wouldn’t want to stumble upon that perfect handcrafted wooden typewriter broach you’ve been coveting and not snap it up pronto, now would you? See the Finders Keepers Melbourne markets page for the full list of stall holders and live music line-up.
If coffee is already part of your daily ritual, then you're probably going to need something a little bit more special than a cuppa to celebrate International Coffee Day on Friday, October 1. And we reckon a few slices of decadent Italian-style coffee cake will do the trick. Specifically, you'll want to get your hands on the limited-edition Ciambella al Caffè dessert being served up by Flinders Lane café Brunetti Oro and iconic Italian coffee brand Lavazza — for free — this Friday, October 1. Designed to serve eight, the exclusive dessert creation features rich chocolate cake that's infused with arabica coffee and covered in a layer of couverture chocolate. The treats will be available for pick up and delivery on International Coffee Day, but while they're free, there's only a limited number up for grabs. A fresh batch of 50 cakes are available to pre-order online from 10am each day, between Monday, September 27–Thursday, September 30. If you miss out on cake, you can always sate your caffeine cravings with a free Tierra coffee courtesy of Lavazza, up for grabs from Brunetti Oro from 10–11am on October 1.
Teenagers are savage in The Boogeyman, specifically to Yellowjackets standout Sophie Thatcher, but none of them literally take a bite. Grief helps usher a stalking dark force to a distraught family's door; however, that malevolent presence obviously doesn't share The Babadook's moniker. What can and can't be seen haunts this dimly lit film, and yet this isn't Bird Box, which co-star Vivien Lyra Blair also appeared in. And a distressed man visits a psychiatrist to talk about his own losses, especially the otherworldly monster who he claims preyed upon his children, just as in Stephen King's 1973 short story also called The Boogeyman — but while this The Boogeyman is based on that The Boogeyman, which then made it into the author's 1978 Night Shift collection that gave rise to a packed closet full of fellow movie adaptations including Children of the Corn, Graveyard Shift and The Lawnmower Man, this flick uses the horror maestro's words as a mere beginning. On the page and the screen alike, Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian, Boston Strangler) seeks therapist Will Harper's (Chris Messina, Air) assistance, reclining on his couch to relay a tragic tale. As the new patient talks, he isn't just shaken and shellshocked — he's a shadow of a person. He's perturbed by what loiters where light doesn't reach, in fact, and by what he's certain has been lurking in his own home. Here, he couldn't be more adamant that "the thing that comes for your kids when you're not paying attention" did come for his. And, the film Lester has chosen his audience carefully, because Will's wife recently died in a car accident, leaving his daughters Sadie (Thatcher) and Sawyer (Blair) still struggling to cope. On the day of this fateful session, the two girls have just returned to school for the first time, only for Sadie to sneak back when her so-called friends cruelly can't manage any sympathy. Whether you call it the boogeyman, boogie monster or bogeyman IRL, the titular creature doesn't need naming; everyone knows the concept. Movie buffs definitely do, thanks to 1980's The Boogeyman, and its sequels in 1983 and 1994 — plus the unrelated 2005 release Boogeyman, as well as its own 2007 and 2008 follow-ups. None of those past pictures have anything to do with King, making this one, which arrives 50 years after his unnerving prose first hit print, the only one to do the honours. Its main figures are just as familiar with the mythic entity with a penchant for petrifying young souls in the black of night from beneath their beds and in their cupboards, but purely as fiction, with ten-year-old Sawyer unable to sleep without lights on, her wardrobe checked and under her mattress given a thorough once-over. Indeed, early in The Boogeyman, Will asks Sawyer how she manages to slumber each night beneath such a glow. While her answer is standard for any precocious kid, the question itself hangs heavily in the air. Her bedroom twinkles from several sources of light — one of which is a giant lit-up globe that she sleeps with, and can also handily roll along bright corridors when the need arises, which it will — but the scene is noticeably far from radiant. It's a sight that says plenty about The Boogeyman, albeit unintentionally. The studio debut of Host and Dashcam director Rob Savage, the film is so concerned with evoking an unsettling mood in its look, tone and emotions first and foremost that it doesn't flinch for a second when what a character is saying contrasts so glaringly with what's being shown. Scary movies are about feeling, of course. At the core of the horror genre is the need to work through the things that go bump and jump in the evening, usually in our hearts and minds, and springing from existential woes about mortality — plus the chilling sensation that can't be shaken when what gets our hairs standing on end isn't at all logical. Accordingly, while the way that The Boogeyman handles Sawyer's bedroom doesn't prove so bright in multiple senses, Savage is a convincingly atmospheric filmmaker here (a trait he also demonstrated with his 2020 breakout Host, only for it to vanish without a trace in 2021's awful and obnoxious Dashcam). With cinematographer Eli Born (Hellraiser) consistently infusing every room with bleakness, Savage knows how to let dread and terror permeate. That's what navigating mourning is like, after all, as sits at the core of the emotionally astute script by A Quiet Place and 65's Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, alongside Black Swan and The Skeleton Twins' Mark Heyman. A feature can be as layered as strings upon strings of fairy lights and equally as conventional as a regular incandescent bulb, though. The Boogeyman, with its generic title, swings between both extremes. It understands how unshakeable the pain of losing someone is, and how bereavement seeps into every space it can. As Smile did in 2022, it also appreciates hurt and torment as a contagion as it spills from one household to the next. The Boogeyman is well-versed in the mechanics of jump scares, but those jolts also become routine quickly. Its high school bullies can't hold a candle to Carrie, it haunted houses aren't on The Shining's level and there's a touch of Stranger Things to its glimpses of its long-limbed, sharp-clawed namesake. And, yes, Thatcher brings Yellowjackets to mind, the whole premise gets The Babadook bubbling up, and the family-in-peril setup brings up Bird Box alongside Beck and Woods' A Quiet Place. Whether The Boogeyman is resonating with earned and earnest emotion or leaning overtly into genre tropes, it's a smartly hushed affair with expert sound design; in life's worst moments, sometimes only whispers echo no matter how loudly you want to scream. Savage's intriguing- and involving-enough mixed bag is also a better film thanks to its three key cast members, even working with thinly written characters. As her breakout TV role has already demonstrated, Thatcher is a talent on the rise. She's particularly skilled at portraying complicated teens forced to weather unspeakable horrors, then find a way to persevere. Although her panicked face fills the screen often, Blair's Sawyer is never just an alarmed avatar for the audience or a reminder of their own childhood fears, while the always-watchable Messina makes a shrink dad with trouble processing his own trauma feel believable.
By the time summer rolls around, we are certainly not lacking in the outdoor cinema department. But nevertheless there is something undeniably awesome about ocean views at sunset, followed by a great film. The program this year is a mix of quirky comedies, retro classics, Australian film and a considered selection of new releases. For those feeling nostalgic, there is a 20th anniversary screening of Clueless, and even a sing-a-long screening of Grease. Head along to one of their Sundae Sessions (you guessed it, on a Sunday) to enjoy a great film, live music, and free Ben and Jerry's. No, you didn't hear wrong, that's free ice cream. The Ben and Jerry’s Open Air Cinema has a much shorter run than Melbourne's other outdoor cinemas, so if you're keen on catching great film and indulging on some Peanut Butter Half Baked heaven, make sure you lock something in by December 20.
Melbourne Knowledge Week, presented by The City of Melbourne itself, is a celebration of the originality and creativity that fills our city. A total of 60 events will roam across Melbourne's knowledge sectors and fall into a range of broad categories: innovation and technology; design and urban planning; creativity and culture; community learning; health and medical; and big data and research. From medical advancements to cutting edge technology, Melbourne Knowledge Week lets you see inside the minds of some of Melbourne’s best thinkers. Here are a few of our highlights. A session called An Insight Into The Technology and Creature Design of King Kong will teach you how King Kong's Kong was created, and Melbourne and Seoul: Connecting via Large Screens will give you an opportunity to see how our digital public spheres can connect our cities. Guiding Melbourne’s Urban Growth sees the urban planning industry discuss just how our fine city will grow in the future, while Mirror of the World: Books and Ideas is a beautiful exhibition showcasing some of the most historically important books of our time and how they can have profound effects on our hearts and minds for generations. The Etiquette of ‘E’: A New Way of Knowing will see Catherine Deveny, Lady Melbourne and Tim Dunlop guide guests through new media and the crucial dos and don’t of your online persona, and in the artsy category, Literature Lane: A Literary Street Party will look at the results of RMIT's study into literary landmarks around the world. With so many events on it could be easy to get confused. If you're after a little guidance, just head along to The School of Life's session on November 3: Secular Sermon of Knowledge where they will be discussing and reflecting on the idea of knowledge itself. Not bad for a 90-minute session. Check out the full program here.
Be transported to a neo-Tokyo laneway, complete with street food vendors, yakitori BBQ, Harajuku girls, live graffiti art and a pop-up bar featuring craft beer and Japanese cocktails. The izakaya-inspired menu, put together by Sake's executive chef for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, will feature Victorian produce prepared using modern Japanese cooking techniques, reminiscent of street food vendors in Tokyo. Cocktails will be shaken and stirred at the laneway bar, where you can garnish Japanese creations with locally-grown herbs, flowers and leaves. It’s the very best of Tokyo's street food and craft beer scene. Kampai!
Your mouth has never been more important in determining what other people should eat, thanks to The Village who are hosting a Food of Origin series over five weekends in August, showcasing cuisines from different continents. Each weekend, The Village (formerly the Belgian Beer Garden) will bring together some palate-packing delights from North America, Central & South America, Europe and Asia. Your role? Go famished. Get fuelled up. Then vote for your favourite. The weekly winner will be invited back for the final Trailer Park showcase in the last weekend in August. Week 2 is all about Central and South America. Latin street food vendor La Revolucion are serving their Cubanos along with their Mexican corn and herby thick-cut fries. Taco Truck are bringing a little taste of Mexico with the likes of their beans donned with salsa habanero and a fried egg. Ever thought about adding pumpkin to your beef burrito? Iv's Burritos has, and can slip you one off their hotplates. Once you've filled yourselves silly on the savoury fare, Señor Churro has your Argentinian sweet-tooth sorted with their Nutella-filled donuts. Piping hot and gooey, they're vegan friendly to boot. Drink specials (including The Village Moonshine) will also be served in undercover bar, The Arbor. Want more? Whet those appetites further with these trucks that will be parked and waiting for you over the five weekends: August 1-2 - North America: Mr Burger, Smokin Barrys, TOASTA, Jay's Yogurt. August 8-9 - Central & South America: Taco Truck, Iv's Burritos, La Revolucion, Señor Churro. August 15-16 - Europe: Greek Street Food, Happy Camper Pizza, Jakob's Kitchen - Gourmet Sausages, The Brûlée Cart. August 22-23 - Asia: White Guy Cooks Thai, Hammer & Tong Food Truck, Nuoc Mama's, Gorilla Grill. August 29-30 - Best Of: The four chosen weekly winners will come back for the Trailer Park Showcase.
Rockwell and Sons are switching their usual meaty suspects for a lush multi-course of vegetables. It's a chance to treat your favourite fussy eater to lunch where Garage Project Brewery will be nailing the beers to accompany this meat-free delight. These New Zealand lads are renown for their experimental brewing so don’t be surprised if you find toasted coriander, smoked chipotle and raw cacao nibs are part of the drinking, and not the eating. This event is part of Good Beer Week's 2015 program, running from May 16-24. For more festival picks, click here.
Ever wished your Manhattan would come with a hint of bacon and walnut bitters? Well, now you do. And you'll get the chance to try one with all-Americana joint The B.East mixing up Big Mama Thorntons for this year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: a crispy, bacon-infused Buffalo Trace Bourbon bastardised take on the classic cocktail. With the help of Istra Smallgoods, they’ve also created three smokey courses of bacony glory. We're talking maple bacon donuts with free-range pork crackling, bacon and sage-stuffed pork belly with bacon bone gravy, and a decadent bacon and dulce de leche ice-cream. PBS Radio Funk and Soul DJs will be spinning tunes with live bands keeping the party rolling from late.The menu will be available all day on Saturday, March 5. You can just rock up or buy a ticket beforehand for $53, which will get you all three courses of bacon goodness and a beer or cider.
Your mouth has never been more important in determining what other people should eat, thanks to The Village who are hosting a Food of Origin series over five weekends in August, showcasing cuisines from different continents. Each weekend, The Village (formerly the Belgian Beer Garden) will bring together some palate-packing delights from North America, Central & South America, Europe and Asia. Your role? Go famished. Get fuelled up. Then vote for your favourite. The weekly winner will be invited back for the final Trailer Park showcase in the last weekend in August. For the North American instalment of the series, TOASTA will be taking their homemade sodas and gourmet toasties (think Brussels sprouts and candied walnuts) and going up against the likes of the big orange guy, Mr Burger. Beef, falafel, jalapeno and mayo – whatever your bun of choice may hold – make sure you splurge for the Trucker Chips, which come with bacon, cheese and special sauce. More in the mood for a soft bread roll? Smokin Barrys has got you covered. They're smoking some mean beef briskets and nailing the slow-cooked salty ribs. Cool down after your feast with a touch of Jay's Yogurt. Their winter menu includes the likes of poached pear on tangerine frozen yogurt. Seriously. These cups are getting the big spoon. Drink specials (including The Village Moonshine) will also be served in undercover bar, The Arbor. Want more? Whet those appetites further with these trucks that will be parked and waiting for you over the five weekends: August 1-2 - North America: Mr Burger, Smokin Barrys, TOASTA, Jay's Yogurt. August 8-9 - Central & South America: Taco Truck, Iv's Burritos, La Revolucion, Señor Churro. August 15-16 - Europe: Greek Street Food, Happy Camper Pizza, Jakob's Kitchen - Gourmet Sausages, The Brûlée Cart. August 22-23 - Asia: White Guy Cooks Thai, Hammer & Tong Food Truck, Nuoc Mama's, Gorilla Grill. August 29-30 - Best Of: The four chosen weekly winners will come back for the Trailer Park Showcase.
Not everyone is lucky enough to spend Christmas with their nearest and dearest, and sometimes you just find yourself riding solo. Thankfully, the spirit of Christmas is strong in the city, at our favourite little shipping container-turned-bar. On Christmas Day from midday, Section 8 is welcoming orphans from far and wide to its annual Xmas get-together. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not really isn't that relevant — all you need to know is that there will be a free barbecue, ice-cold beers and beats right up until 11pm that night.
