A television tie-in certain to leave a bad taste in people's mouths both popped up and vanished this week — an incredibly ill-advised range of Handmaid's Tale-themed wines. Unsurprisingly, the idea of drinking vino named after a dystopian series about oppression wasn't really what fans of the show, or anyone, was after. Similarly unsurprisingly, turning a program about women being forced into servitude and made to bear children for society's leaders isn't the kind of thing that makes you think 'yes, this persecuted character that's fighting for survival against institutionalised exploitation needs to have a wine named after her'. Unveiled and then cancelled in the same week, Lot 18's 'Handmaid's Tale Trio' was comprised of a pack of two reds wines and one white wine named after three of the show's main figures. "The bold characters of The Handmaid's Tale are celebrated in these three collectible wines, specially crafted to highlight the personalities of Offred, Ofglen and Serena Joy," states the wine's now-defunct online listing. Offred was badged as a "smooth, earthy, and similarly seductive" French Pinot Noir, Ofglen a Cabernet Sauvignon that supposedly offered "a daring testament to the heights that Oregon Cabs can reach" and Serena Joy a sophisticated, traditional and austere" Bordeaux Blanc. First reported by People Magazine, the wines were swiftly scrapped after being made public. Adapting Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel into a television series might make for compelling viewing — and might even make viewers keen for a few soothing drinks while watching the grimly gripping show — but using its female characters for merchandising purposes is a badly thought-out move to say the very least. And, unlike Sydney's forthcoming Gilead development, it was a marketing tactic undertaken with full knowledge of the show, its content and its themes. In the case of the masterplanned New South Wales community that shares its name with The Handmaid's Tale's dystopian society, the term Gilead springs from the bible and has been used in Sydney for two centuries — even if now trying to promote a site with that moniker is incredibly unfortunate.
The connection between artfully plated brunch fare and vibrant flowers isn't too much of a stretch, especially if the food is as good looking as that at acclaimed cafe White Mojo. So it's fitting, then, that co-owner Jia Wang's latest venture is a charming florist and cafe in the heart of Carlton. Sitting pretty on Queensberry Street, Flovie is a collaborative effort between Wang and White Mojo's florist Valerie Wang. It's a haven of Instagrammable eats, top-notch coffee and unique floral arrangements. Inside, the lilac-fronted Victorian terrace is brimming with blooms, alive with a mix of hanging garlands, bouquets of rare varieties and swathes of dried foliage. Carefully chosen antique furniture pieces and a handful of industrial elements provide a striking backdrop for the kitchen's innovative Asian-fusion fare. On the menu, you'll find twists on classics, such as the eggs benedict with barbecued char sui and a orange mandarin hollandaise ($19); black forest soufflé hotcakes topped with cherry compote and a cherry chocolate ganache ($19.50); and a ginger soy soba crab salad with crispy tofu ($20). Meanwhile, the drinks offering heros Mojo coffee and embraces Flovie's floral theming, with concoctions like the rose tea latte ($7.50), crafted with roasted pistachio and coconut milk, and a series of perfumed mocktails ($8.5) named after classic Disney flicks. The booze-free sips are served with mini potion bottles filled with natural floral extracts and toppings of edible flowers (naturally).
First, the bad news: if you don't already have a ticket to Laneway Festival 2025 in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to see Charli XCX, Djo, Beabadoobee, Clairo, Barry Can't Swim, Remi Wolf and more, they've completely soldout. Now, some good news: in each of the three east coast cities, Laneway has just announced official afterparties. The small club shows will feature STÜM, RONA. and Fcukers, plus others, with the lineup varying per location — and it's your next chance to get in on the Laneway action. The dates for the three shindigs are obviously the same as the Laneway dates in each destination. Accordingly, Brisbane's turn comes on Saturday, February 8, then Sydney's on Sunday, February 9 and Melbourne's on Friday, February 14. As for venues, River City revellers are headed to The Brightside, Harbour City residents to Oxford Art Factory and folks in the Victorian capital have a date with The Night Cat. In Brissie, STÜM, DJ Ivan Berko, nate sib and Cyber DJs will be taking to the stage. Sydney's gig features RONA., Fcukers doing a DJ set, DJ Ivan Berko popping up again, and both Loosie Grind and BEMAN. And in Melbourne, RONA. and DJ Ivan Berko are back, as is nate sib, alongside Laneway Festival's own DJs. Tickets are limited — so, like all things Laneway, getting in fast is recommended. As for the festival itself, if you've been lucky enough to nab tix, its lineup also features BICEP doing their CHROMA AV DJ set, Olivia Dean, Eyedress, Skegss, Hamdi, Joey Valence & Brae, 2hollis, Ninajirachi, Julie, Girl and Girl, and more. For its 2025 season, the event started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s is also headed to Bonython Park in Adelaide and Wellington Square in Perth in Australia — but without afterparties. Laneway Festival 2025 Afterparties Saturday, February 8 — The Brightside, Brisbane, with STÜM, DJ Ivan Berko, nate sib and Cyber DJs Sunday, February 9 — Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, with RONA., Fcukers, DJ Ivan Berko, Loosie Grind and BEMAN Friday, February 14 — The Night Cat, Melbourne, with RONA., DJ Ivan Berko, nate sib and Laneway Festival's DJs Laneway Festival 2025 Dates and Venues Thursday, February 6 – Western Springs, Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Saturday, February 8 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Targun Sunday, February 9 — Centennial Park, Sydney / Burramattagal Land & Wangal Land Friday, February 14 — Flemington Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Biik Saturday, February 15 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta Sunday, February 16 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk Boodjar [caption id="attachment_975321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harley Weir[/caption] Laneway Festival 2025 Lineup Charli XCX Beabadoobee Clairo Barry Can't Swim BICEP present CHROMA (AV DJ set) Djo Remi Wolf Olivia Dean Eyedress Skegss STÜM RONA Hamdi Joey Valence & Brae 2hollis Fcukers Ninajirachi Julie Girl and Girl + Triple J unearthed winners [caption id="attachment_975961" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Guido Gazzilli[/caption] St Jerome's Laneway Festival is touring Australia in February 2025. Head to the festival's website for further details and tickets. Afterparties are being held at the fest's east coast stops — with tickets on sale for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane's events now. Laneway festival images: Charlie Hardy / Daniel Boud / Maclay Heriot / Cedric Tang.
The nicest thing about A Minor Place is its location off the main drag. Sitting unassumingly on Albion Street, in what seems like just another cute Brunswick weatherboard house, the cafe is quiet in its surroundings but busy inside — filled with coffee and brunch seekers. Behind the espresso machine, you'll find baristas whipping up flat whites with coffee from Fitzroy-based roastery Industry Beans, while the drinks menu also covers kombucha, organic juices, smoothies, "thicc" shakes and the "fun stuff" — think espresso martinis and bloody marys. As well as the best fried haloumi you're likely to find on the northside, A Minor Place is responsible for a pretty bumper smashed avo ($16.5, plus $3 to add some of that haloumi), a sunny outside deck, and a comfy indoors that's just like being in your own house. As a bonus, with free wifi, plenty of power points and caffeine at your fingertips, this cafe is a pretty good spot for students and freelancers to take their laptops for a productive day of getting things done. Image: Visit Victoria.
If you've had a big night out in Melbourne over the last five years, there's a good chance it was at a Good Company Bar Group (GCBG) venue. Launched in 2020, the group is now behind a plethora of high-energy bars, clubs and eateries, like Electric Bar, Rossi, The Emerson, Circus Bar and Holy Grail. Now, with their fifth anniversary just around the corner, GCBG is celebrating with a few landmark announcements. Growing its portfolio to 11 venues over the next six months, perhaps the most significant development is the revival of The Lounge on Swanston Street. Closed over a decade ago after almost 30 years of late-night debauchery inside and on the balcony, GCBG will break new ground on the relaunched venue soon, with a new home and complete renovation on the agenda. Planned for a spring launch, expect non-stop fun happening seven nights a week. Looking to Richmond, the group has also partnered with local hospo gurus Andy Ryan and Dave Abela on two exciting Swan Street venues. Guided by local drinks experts Jon Minihan, Matt Ambler and Laurent Rospars, The Ugly Duckling will spread its wings with a rejuvenated cocktail and wine list alongside an Italian-inspired bar menu. Meanwhile, the venue's fit-out has received a spruce up by renowned interior design studio, Brahman Perera. Just next door, the former Untitled site welcomes a brand-new restaurant concept. Details are still forthcoming, but a new name, chef and menu are locked and loaded. "What started as a small-bar vision has grown into a collection of restaurants, nightclubs, late-night bars, and incredible function spaces. Melbourne's nightlife scene is in our DNA, and this expansion is just the beginning," says Nick Young, Co-Founder and Director of Good Company Bar Group. An announcement this big – not to mention a birthday to celebrate – requires a party like no other. On Friday, May 2, GCBG will mark its fifth anniversary with a city-wide celebration, with eight of its venues hosting exclusive activations and entertainment. To help get you in the mood, guests enjoy 50% off drinks until midnight at most venues, with each location featuring special promotions and music events bound to set the city alight. Get down to Holy Grail for a Gentlemen's Lair pop-up featuring haircuts and beard trims, as well as tarot readings and cocktail-making competitions. La La Land Windsor has flash tattoos and a Red Bull Truck DJ set, while the CBD alternative brings a free photo booth, live jazz and neo-soul tunes. At Rossi on Greville Street, feast on 50 free pizzas, then head to Circus to catch UK dancefloor duo In Parallel. With GCBG offering free tuk-tuks for transport, getting amongst the action is made easy. Good Company Bar Group's 5th anniversary celebration is happening on Friday, May 2, at various venues across Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
Admittedly, raw chocolate is not the first thing most people reach for when they're looking for a treat. But Pana Barbounis, founder and chocolate maker at Pana Chocolate is trying to change that — and he's doing a pretty darn good job. Available Australia-wide and in some international countries, Pana is taking his love of slow-cooked, raw foods and health-conscious sweet treats to the masses. It's all about making that indulgent moment a guilt-free one for both your body and the planet — the packaging is 100 percent Australian made and recyclable. Pana Chocolate has been selling its chocolate bars for a while now, mostly into health food stores and some supermarkets. Think flavours like vanilla and sour cherry, mint, orange, and cinnamon. Now, they've taken their raw chocolate secrets and opened a beautiful space on Chapel Street in Richmond, acting as a shopfront for their kitchen where all the Pana Chocolate is made. The space is small, but has a few seats in the window for those who want to linger and enjoy their cacao treats on gorgeous pale blue plates. If you're on the run, get your goodies to go and enjoy them back at the office or as an after-dinner dessert. What makes Pana so special is that the entire range is raw and plant-based, free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Their ingredients are sourced from all over the world, including cacao beans from the Amazon, coconut oil from the Philippines and dark agave nectar from Mexico. An international treat. Speaking of treats, you can indulge in one of the many dainty delights that sit erect on display. They range from individual chocolates, 'cheesecake' pops, raw cakes, and individual creations like the Vespa Wheel: a buckwheat wafer biscuit with coconut marshmallow, raspberry chia jam and raw cacao. The cakes rotate, but can be anything from raspberry, rosem and pistachio, white choc berry, caramel fig, mandarin pistachio, kiwi mint lime, strawberry vanilla or choc fudge. Single chocolates and fudges are also on display, making the raw line-up a very impressive one indeed. And you can sip on a cacao almond milk hot chocolate, just in case you haven't quite met your sweet quota for the day. This is not a drill folks, this is raw chocolate that tastes as good — if not better — than the real thing.
Love a good glass of red? Well then, you're in luck. Following a series of pop-ups and bottling parties, people-powered urban winery Noisy Ritual have gone and found themselves a permanent home. Located on Lygon Street in Brunswick East, the new venue will pull triple duty as a cellar door, wine bar and event space, suitable for everything from weddings to exhibitions. "Noisy Ritual will be a haven for people interested in wine, winemaking, food and music," reads a statement on the winery's website. "Stop by for a glass of wine in the bar, or take a bottle home. Sign up for a winemaking experience, come to one of our special events, or hire the space for your own occasion." Not a bad turn of events for a business that began with fermenting grapes in a Thornbury backyard. Turns out if you offer people the chance to stomp, press and bottle their own vino, they'll turn out in droves. Incidentally, 2017 Noisy Ritual memberships are currently available, and get you entry to three winemaking workshops, three barrel tasting sessions and six bottles from your very own vintage. Plus, you'll be able to go into the Noisy Ritual bar and order a glass of the wine you made with your own two hands (and feet).
UPDATE: July 6, 2020: Seberg is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Sorry, fans of Twilight — the most fascinating thing about the terrible vampire franchise is the haunted look in Kristen Stewart's eyes. If you were being particularly unkind to the blockbuster saga that catapulted her to superstardom, you might incorrectly call that expression boredom, but the same gaze has lingered in much of the actor's work since she stopped cuddling up to a fanged Robert Pattinson. It's the look of someone grappling with deep-seated uncertainty and conflict — that is, the type of character that has marked Stewart's superb post-Twilight roles in Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper and Certain Women. And, after a big-budget detour through Charlie's Angels' average action antics, plus dismal Alien ripoff Underwater, it's an expression she once again sports with purpose and potency in biopic Seberg. Jean Seberg, the American actor plucked from a talent search by director Otto Preminger when she was still a teenager, then cast in the starring role of Joan of Arc in her very first film, also had that same look. It's evident in her famed debut performance in 1957's Saint Joan, in her melancholy turn in Preminger's Bonjour Tristesse, and in French new wave masterpiece Breathless, the movie that cemented her place in cinema history. As Seberg shows through Stewart's dynamic yet quietly anguishedportrayal, however, that gaze became a constant off-camera as well. Focusing on a mere sliver of her career, rather than charting its eponymous figure's birth-to-death story, this engaging, intriguing thriller illustrates why a star who was acclaimed and adored across two continents came to brandish such inner sorrow — and why that, and not her career highlights, has earned this involving film's attention. Charting scandals of both the political and personal kind, infuriating government espionage and America's heated racial divisions, this twisty true tale was always going to make it the big screen. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood's fading heyday — the same period that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood chronicled so well so recently — it's the story of a woman punished, like the causes she fought to support, for refusing to remain in her place. Seberg is already an international star when the movie that bears her surname begins. It's 1968 and, following her first big roles, she has spent almost a decade setting up a life in Paris. At the urging of her agent (Stephen Root), she flies back to the US to make a few undemanding genre movies, only to fall afoul of the FBI as soon as she steps onto the tarmac. Seberg's crime? Being sympathetic to Black Power activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie) while they're in the air, joining him in a raised-fist salute when they hit the ground and — despite the fact that she has a husband (Yvan Attal) and Jamal has a wife (Zazie Beetz) — falling into bed with her new friend as well. Already surveilling Jamal, the FBI starts bugging Seberg too, tasking tech-savvy newcomer Jack Solomon (O'Connell) and heavy-handed veteran Carl Kowalski (Vince Vaughn) with listening in on her every move. As she donates to Jamal's civil rights efforts, using her status to draw attention to his cause, the government decides that she's an enemy. Through the tabloids, she's also easy to torment, discredit and destroy publicly. As the FBI's tactics ramp up, Seberg understandably reacts, while Solomon questions the morality of this state-sanctioned persecution. It's by no means a criticism of O'Connell that his storyline proves Seberg's weakest link. Whether his character is eavesdropping on his target or arguing with his medical student wife (Margaret Qualley) about his long hours, the Skins breakout turned '71 and Money Monster star is reliably excellent — but his part of the narrative always feels superfluous. In a tale about law enforcement secretly and maliciously harassing a real-life famous actor because the powers-that-be dislike her political affiliations, it's the victim that's of far greater interest, not the agony felt by one of the fictionalised perpetrators. That's doubly the case with an iconic figure such as Seberg and with such a tragic true story, something that screenwriters Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse (The Aftermath) occasionally seem to forget. That said, O'Connell's character does serve an important purpose, anchoring the film's visual approach. By giving Solomon's work-mandated spying such prominence, Australian filmmaker Benedict Andrews (Una) and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison (Mudbound) give their movie an observational air, like it's surreptitiously peering at Seberg's most intimate moments as well. And that look and feel is essential. Helped by top-notch production and costume design — Seberg's hilltop Los Angeles house is all windows, boxing her into a glass cage above the world, for example — Seberg steals a meaningful glimpse at the woman behind the celebrity, smears and scrutiny. It stares deeply and carefully, seeing that haunted look that Stewart wears so commandingly, and demonstrating why that tortured gaze says everything about Jean Seberg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANJZWxsQ8Ag
We all like to feel like a rockstar every once in a while. It's why we suit up to head to the theatre, to that new restaurant, or for a night out with your favourites. But true rockstars also live the lifestyle at home, not just in the VIP room of a nightclub. With help from our partner Moët & Chandon, we've come up with seven creative ways to lift your hosting game at your next dinner party or take your chilled out night on the couch to absolute baller status. Just think of us as your personal assistant, which is very Mick Jagger of you. [caption id="attachment_657569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jadt[/caption] ORDER IN, BUT MAKE IT GOURMET A low-key night at home bingeing the latest season of Peaky Blinders or Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (no judgement here) doesn't have to mean a microwaved dinner and a $7 bottle of wine. When you're living it up, the world is your oyster — or your perfectly cut rectangle of raw tuna. Order a sushi or sashimi platter, edamame and all, from your favourite Japanese joint (check out our picks of the best ones in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne), and instead of pairing it with a beer, pop open a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne. The minerality and acidity of the wine pairs well with the freshness of the fish. To make the night extra special, hook up one of those little projectors to your laptop and, voila, you have your own in-house cinema. [caption id="attachment_758794" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daria Shevtsova[/caption] DIY YOUR NEXT BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Bottomless brunches are all the rage right now. It seems like every bar or cafe offers a similar deal, but instead of arranging to meet your mates in the city we're betting you can do it one better at home. Invite your crew around for a feast with stacks of fluffy pancakes, bowls of fresh fruit, sticky maple syrup and bottles of rosé champagne. Keep the pancakes warm and fresh by covering them with a clean tea towel and popping them in a 90-degree oven until you're ready to eat. Keep the bubbles on ice and don't forget the strawberries for your pancakes. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX1tyCD9QhIWF[/embed] GET SOME SWAG TUNES GOING Whether you're having people round for brekkie, lunch, dinner or wine and cheese, it's crucial to pick the right tracks to create the right mood. Put together your own list of tunes, or have a scroll through Spotify. There really is something for every occasion — like this selection of bossa nova covers for your next dinner soiree, or these summer jazz jams ideal for when you're sipping bubbles on your balcony on a warm afternoon. For something a little louder, there's a poolside party mix, all of rock's biggest legends in one playlist, and these bangers (above) that'll make you feel like a boss. Don't be shy with the soundsystem and crank up the music. [caption id="attachment_758750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Erik Dungan[/caption] TAKE YOUR CHARCUTERIE PLATTER TO THE NEXT LEVEL The high life is about having the best of the best, so head to your local deli for some proper charcuterie — try La Parisienne Pates in Melbourne, Omeio Artisanal Deli in Sydney and Brisbane's Rosalie Gourmet Market. Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne pairs remarkably well with cheese and red meat, as it's made by mixing pinot noir and meunier grapes the flavour combinations work with mortadella, jamon and prosciutto, as much as they would with strawberries, olives and a fragrant goat's cheese. [caption id="attachment_758779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rene Asmussen[/caption] HIRE A PRIVATE CHEF Save yourself from a cooking disaster and hire a professional to get the job done. Do you think Post Malone, Lizzo or the guys from Metallica do their own cooking when hosting a dinner party? Definitely not. There are plenty of services around Australia that will help you find a personal chef for your occasion, and the prices often match what you'd spend on a meal at restaurant — except this time there's no reason to rush you through your courses. Plus, you have the benefit of looking like a rockstar to all your guests. Check out At Your Table or Take A Chef, who operate around the country, or Intertain, which is available in Sydney and Melbourne only. [caption id="attachment_734878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mud Australia[/caption] GO OTT WITH YOUR TABLE SETTING It's not enough to hire a private chef and pick the perfect playlist if you're going to serve food on a mismatched selection of op-shop plates. Start with a dark linen tablecloth, cloth napkins and personalised place cards, so your guests feel like rockstars too. Make sure you have matching crockery — you can get some gorgeous sets to suit all budgets from places like Kmart and Ikea, but when you want to invest in quality tableware we suggest shopping at Made In Japan or Mud Australia. Finish it off with candles, metallic cutlery, fresh-cut blooms and, if you're dining al fresco, Moët & Chandon rosé goblets. [caption id="attachment_758791" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bruce Mars[/caption] TURN LEFTOVERS INTO A MIDNIGHT SNACK FIT FOR A KING Nothing makes you feel like a grub quite like snacking straight from the fridge in the middle of the night. It's time to give midnight snacking the respect it deserves. It doesn't have to be a three-course meal, but you can easily revamp your leftovers by reheating them in the oven (never the microwave), throwing together an omelette, casserole or salad — or just sticking with cold pizza. Whatever you come up with, do yourself a favour — set the table, pop on some tunes, use a plate and pour yourself a glass of rosé champagne (if you didn't already polish off the bottle). Moët & Chandon's Rosé Impérial is a fruity and elegant champagne with gooseberry, raspberry and wild strawberry notes. Find out more here.
In the world of astronomy, 2018 is ending as it began. After kicking into gear with an extremely rare supermoon, the year is coming to a close with another impressive sky show: the comet 46P/Wirtanen. Given the festive time of year and the hurtling celestial object's green colour, 46P/Wirtanen has been dubbed the 'Christmas comet'. It's expected to be the brightest comet of 2018 and, while it's already a presence in the night sky, it'll be at its most vivid and glowing between December 14 and December 18. If you want to spy it at its absolute brightest — and on its closest approach to earth — NASA recommends looking up on Sunday, December 16 (in the evening down under, continuing through until the morning of Monday, December 17). If you're wondering how close it'll be, 46P/Wirtanen will be 11.7 million kilometres away, which equates to 30 times the distance to the moon. As for how vibrant it'll be, the comet should range between 3 and 7.5 on the naked-eye magnitude. At the upper end, that's dimmer than the brightest stars but still visible without binoculars or a telescope. At the lower end, you'll need one of the aforementioned pieces of equipment to help you see it. However you're choosing to take a gander, you'll be peering at a comet that was first discovered in 1948 by American astronomer Carl A. Wirtanen. It measures approximately 1.2 kilometres in diameter, and completes its orbit every 5.4 years, but it's not expected to venture this close to earth again for another 20 years. For the best view, the ABC advises looking north-east, and using either binoculars or a DSLR camera. You might also want help from an online chart to get you looking in the right spot, with The Comet Wirtanen Observing Campaign offering a guide. Heading as far away from city lights is also recommended, as it always is when the sky is putting on a spectacle. If you're thinking of camping out, you might want to consider making a weekend of it. 46P/Wirtanen's brightest spell comes two days after the impressive Geminids meteor shower, which is expected to be visible from late evening on Friday, December 14 through to the early morning on Saturday, December 15. The Virtual Telescope Project will also be streaming live images of 46P/Wirtanen between December 12 and 17. 46P/Wirtanen will be at its brightest during the night of on Sunday, December 16. Image: Stephen Rahn.
With summer waiting just around the corner, it's time to start plotting how to cram those warmer months with as many openair live music experiences as possible. And here's some more musical goodness to add to your hit-list: the return of Arts Centre Melbourne's concert series Live at the Bowl. Returning to the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 4–Saturday, March 11, the sonic celebration is set to deliver a hefty lineup of local and international talent to start your year off right. And it all kicks off with a couple of huge gigs from UK rockers Arctic Monkeys. Other international stars set to grace the stage include indie-folk legends Bon Iver, German DJ Boris Brejcha, New Zealand's Lorde and US singer-songwriter Kehlani, while Savage Garden's Darren Hayes is descending on the Bowl for a special solo show. [caption id="attachment_875625" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kehlani[/caption] The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's signature free concert series will also return, this time delivering a celebration of Tchaikovsky, a dedicated showcase of Melbourne artists and a performance of Prokofiev's Carmina Burana. The much-loved dance tunes-meets-classical music mash-up that is Synthony is back with a new show on February 17, paying homage to the past three decades of club sounds with tracks by Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris and more. [caption id="attachment_875626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Midsumma Extravaganza, by Suzanne Balding[/caption] And on January 21, comedian Joel Creasey and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under legend Kween Kong will host the star-studded queer fiesta known as Midsumma Extravaganza. Taking the stage for this huge night of fun, you'll catch comedians including Nina Oyama, Rhys Nicholson and Scout Boxall, as well as a sparkling cast of musical talent such as Courtney Act, Tina Del Twist, Kira Puru and Dolly Diamond. There'll also be a riotous tribute to the late drag icon Miss Candee, featuring an ensemble of 22 drag artists recreating the star's best-loved moments and songs. [caption id="attachment_875627" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MSO's 'Carmina Burana', by Mark Gambino[/caption] Live at the Bowl returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from Wednesday, January 4–Saturday, March 11. To check out the full program of events and nab tickets, head to the Arts Centre Melbourne website. Top Image: Ian Laidlaw
When clouds start gathering in the sky, rain keeps pouring and storms hit, ever wonder what life would be like if something other than water streamed down from above? Everyone has — and now that idea has become a reality. Meet the world's first tequila-dripping rain cloud. Yes, this visible mass of minute droplets really is made of tequila, unleashing its boozy goodness first as a mist and spray that condenses inside a plastic container, and then as rain that drips down from the whispy structure. All anyone keen for a drink needs to do is stand by with a shot glass in hand. Bring your own lemon and salt. https://www.instagram.com/p/BRa17gCjyiW/?taken-by=visitmexico Unsurprisingly, you won't find the tequila cloud in sky — instead, it's located in a Berlin gallery as part of a promotional campaign devised by creative agency LAPIZ to entice German tourists to Mexico. Sure, it sounds like something out of Parks and Recreation; however it doesn't come with vodka in the form of a flash of light or whisky turned into lotion. Synchronised with the weather outside, the cloud actually starts raining showers of tequila when its natural counterparts in Berlin do the same with good old fashioned H20. The project follows in the footsteps of the agency's melting billboard, which turned ice into snow with the simulated power of the Mexican sun to show Berliners what they were missing (and to try to convince them to book a holiday). Via Food & Wine / The Huffington Post.
If you've been digging the retro vibes of late, we've found the ultimate activity to see you through the end of summer: cruising along the St Kilda foreshore on a pair of roller skates, with some old-school tunes pumping and the wind in your hair. That's the very energy that Rolla Bae wants to hook you up with this season. The crew's distinctive vintage caravan is once again open at St Kilda Beach, offering roller skate hire and a healthy dose of zippy al fresco fun every Saturday and Sunday. Rolla Bae welcomes skaters of all skill levels, celebrating the good feels and serotonin boosts over tricky moves and competitive showdowns. You can rent out a pair of roller skates, roller blades or even a skateboard, starting from an easy $25 per hour. The team will even impart their wisdom while you're lacing up, offering training in the basics and plenty of helpful skate tips to see you sailing off into the distance in style. Also available to hire, you'll find protective gear and bum bags to complete the look, and portable speakers to soundtrack your skating adventures. The Rolla Bae van is open from 12pm until sunset (weather permitting), Saturdays and Sundays until the end of March.
UPDATE, Friday, March 15, 2024: The Aqua with Special Guests tour is no longer taking place on Friday, March 22 at Melbourne's John Cain Arena, moving to Wednesday, March 27 at Margaret Court Arena instead. Also, 2 Unlimited are now the only support act. This article has been updated to reflect that change. For the past year, we've all been living in a Barbie world, with Greta Gerwig's Margot Robbie-starring Barbie film the biggest thing in pop culture over the past 12 months. What happens when you combine the planet's love for the pink-hued hit with the never-ending trend that is 90s nostalgia? Aqua touring Australia to bust out 'Barbie Girl' at a throwback party, that's what. Life in plastic will be fantastic when the Danish-Norwegian band make their first trip Down Under since 2019. Back then, the group responsible for still having their best-known single stuck in your head, plus 'Doctor Jones' and 'Turn Back Time' as well, toured on a bill filled with other acts from the era. This time, they're doing the same thing. Joining Aqua on Wednesday, March 27 at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena: Belgian-Dutch dance duo 2 Unlimited. Originally, the show was set to include British boy band East 17, R&B group Big Brovaz, and English dance acts Phats & Small, Booty Luv and Urban Cookie Collective, too, but they're no longer on the bill. Your latest excuse to keep celebrating all things Barbie-related — and to get a big blast from the past — comes after Aqua popped up on the movie's soundtrack with rapper Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice on the tune 'Barbie World'.
Steak lovers are in for a real treat this spring. Melbourne's much-loved steakhouse Meatmaiden is gearing up to host a three-night feast in collaboration with Sweden's acclaimed Restaurang AG. This event marks the Australian debut of The Rare Tour, an international dining series that brings together world-renowned chefs from the globe's top steak restaurants. Running from Tuesday, April 29 through Thursday, May 1, the two restaurants will combine their signature styles to create a Scandinavian-Melburnian mash-up with a charm that's all its own. A Stockholm heavy-hitter, AG is ranked number nine on the The World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2024 list. Meanwhile, Meatmaiden has long been considered one of Mebourne's go-to steak spots; and with a decade under its belt, it is also shortlisted for a spot on the World's Best list for 2025. Rankings will be released in April, just in time for this collab event. "We're thrilled The Rare Tour is coming to Melbourne and honoured to have been chosen as the host for its Australian debut," says Meatmaiden owner Neil Hamblen. "This menu will be a rollicking, fun experience full of contrasting styles and energy — a beautiful way for people to experience two distinct steakhouses with a shared passion for quality produce." The six-course, shared menu may put you back $240 per person, but you're guaranteed to leave stuffed to the brim. Highlights include collab twists on AG's bone marrow with beer braised onions; charred octopus with Nashville hot sauce; and Meatmaiden's lobster mac and cheese croquettes. Also on the docket is, of course, one helluva steak — in this case, expect a seventy-day, tallow-aged, stone axe, Australian wagyu rib eye to sit front-and-centre. It's served alongside a beef-fat béarnaise and smoked potatoes with pickled mustard dressing. If you can manage another bite, a chocolate mud cake rounds out this incredibly rich dinner. The Rare Tour dining series will take place from Tuesday, April 29 through Thursday, May 1. Tickets cost $240 per person and are available for purchase on the Meatmaiden website.
The reformer pilates wave isn't slowing down in Melbourne. Ever-new spins in the flexible exercise practice are always arriving, like disco-themed sessions with eucalyptus-scented cool-down towels. Or classes at ultra-luxe wellness clubs that grant access to futuristic recovery facilities. Amidst the high-end hype, a different trend is on the come up — affordable movement. Coming to Richmond on October 5, Reformer Space is shaking up the scene with classes as low as $5. At first glance, the studio looks bright and airy like the rest, except for one key difference: crystal-clear cues and demos are delivered from a screen mounted on the studio's brick walls. The fitness industry has been moving towards tech-driven solutions for years now — with instructor-led workouts at home taking off during the pandemic era, now coalescing into a space dedicated to virtual workouts, complete with all the equipment you need (and don't want cluttering up your living room). These virtual instructions are best for seasoned pilates goers who don't need their form corrected — but don't think that it's easier than a regular class. The physical absence of the pilates instructor doesn't mean that someone isn't counting down your holds excruciatingly slowly (and far too cheerily), if Guardian writer Michael Sun's encounter with the screen-led format is anything to go by. There are over 20 classes at Reformer Space daily (including lunchtime sessions), all accessible via four membership plans. Intense hobbyists can opt for the $118 unlimited monthly plan, which works out to five bucks a pop even if you pace yourself. The priciest (and least frequent) caps off at $14 per class — still a steal from the $25–35 you'd usually pay. And plans run month-to-month, so you can take a break when life gets busy. With a focus on flexibility and affordability, Reformer Space looks like a genuine cost-of-living win. Reformer Space will open on Sunday, October 5th. For more information or to sign up for a membership, visit the website.
If there's someone who knows how to do high tea right, it's the Mad Hatter. And, for just two weeks this April, he's taking over Altus Rooftop at Hotel Chadstone. Step out of your ordinary, predictable day — and into a topsy-turvy world where things aren't quite what they seem. You'll be treated to a feast of delightfully creative bites, backdropped by breathtaking views of the city. The deliciousness starts with savoury delights including Lilydale chicken, lathered in smoked apple gel and couched in buttermilk brioche; salmon cured with beetroot and layered with Beechworth honey cream cheese; and a slow-cooked beef brisket pie. But it's dessert where the Mad Hatter really shines. Look out for the White Rabbit sablé biscuit filled with a fun mix of bubblegum marshmallow and salted caramel, and the stunning gianduja cremieux chocolate pyramid cake. Also among the sweets are a salted caramel bombe infused with pistachio and passionfruit, and orange and white chocolate scones. The final touch is the magical pink potion – a brewed concoction made with forest berries and topped with berry pearls. There's a kid-friendly menu, too. Bookings (which are a must) are available any day of the week between Friday, 4 April, and Sunday, 20 April. There are multiple seatings per day — but just be sure not to be late for your very important date.
Want to get back to nature without actually having to rough it? Lucky for you, you can now take in the rolling hills of Mudgee in New South Wales, with the region's first ever luxury glamping service. Now taking guests, Sierra Escape is located 20 minutes drive from Mudgee's town centre, some 260 kilometres north-west of Sydney. The 280-acre property boasts spectacular views and is home to wildlife including kangaroos, deer and a variety of native birds. So yeah, basically it's paradise. The $350 per night tent — if you can even call something this opulent a tent — includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed, a camp stove and fridge, an ethanol fireplace and a separate bathroom complete with freestanding bath, shower and flushing toilet. It's insulated for all seasons, and there's even a deck out front where you can kick back and watch the sunset. "Sierra Escape aims to provide off-the-grid accommodation for those who love the outdoors but still enjoy the comforts of a luxury hotel," said co-owners Cam and Tasch D'Arcy. "Sierra is close to wineries and restaurants, but far enough from it all that it's the perfect retreat. We're excited to share Sierra with visitors to the area and hope their glamping experiences inspire a new way of travelling." For more information visit www.sierraescape.com.au.
When Palace launched its 15-screen Pentridge Cinema in the revamped Coburg prison site back in 2020, it didn't just give Melburnians a new spot to see films indoors. Thanks to its pop-up outdoor setup, it also gifted the city another space to watch movies under the stars while the weather is warm. That sibling venue, aka Pentridge Open-Air Cinema, returns for its 2022–23 season from Thursday, December 15 with quite the lineup. Launching the program is what's set to be one of the biggest films of the year, even though it only opens in mid-December, with James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water screening alongside a trivia session and a best-dressed — read: blue-heavy — contest. It'll show for three nights in a row, in fact. but only the first one will feature the extra festivities. So far, the venue has revealed its lineup through until the end of February. Its season will run until Sunday, March 26; however, the rest of the bill won't be unveiled until closer to the date. The list of titles so far remains impressive, however, including Golden Globe-nominated Irish comedy The Banshees of Inisherin, 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, 1920s Hollywood-set Babylon and the certain-to-be-steamy Magic Mike's Last Dance. As we predicted before the cinema opened, this is clearly a great spot to watch prison flicks, with The Shawshank Redemption also on the new roster. Also either celebrating a theme or turning a night at the pictures into a party — or both — Moonage Daydream is screening on David Bowie's birthday, a session of Aliens includes sci-fi trivia, Titanic plays on Valentine's Day and the Isle of Dogs session is pet-friendly. Among the throwback titles, a heap are scoring best-dressed contests, plus more trivia. Start planning your outfits for Die Hard, Romeo + Juliet, Twilight, Grease, Clueless, Friday the 13th, Pulp Fiction, Scream, The Princess Bride, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Labyrinth now. Whatever you head along to see, you'll sit outside on a deck chair in the grassy courtyard, stare up at a big screen, soak in the summer evening air, and be surrounded by the precinct's 1850s-era walls. Palace will run a pop-up bar outdoors each night, selling snacks and drinks. You can also BYO picnic if you'd rather, but not booze. Pentridge Open-Air Cinema runs from Thursday, December 15–Sunday, March 26 at 1 Champ Street, Coburg. Head to the Palace website for further details and tickets.
If you're into theatre, Poppy Seed is a festival to keep an eye on. It's one of only a few events that support and fund theatre in Melbourne — indie producers who take part are catapulted into recognition with the three-year-old festival growing in popularity and weight each season. 35 theatremakers are part of this year's month-long event, taking place between November 8 and December 9. This year's gala kicks the festival off with Alexithymia, a performance by Citizen Theatre and A_tistic. It's made up of three shorter pieces that explore life as a woman with autism and tests the audience's emotional intelligence. Jean Tong's Romeo Is Not the Only Fruit is a tongue-in-cheek, politically satirical musical representation of what it means to be a queer woman of colour in today's world, and features a 'Dead Lesbian chorus' — you'll have to go along to find out what this entails. Hyperlocal performances are a highlight of this year's festival. BREAD CRUMBS sees Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol bring the traditional fairytale narrative to a Dandenong setting where it explores the impact of domestic violence and gender roles in the form of a sinister black comedy. And set on Flinders Street, Lost: 5 showcases five short monologues exploring the persistent issue of homelessness in the CBD. Finally, there's Tandem, presented by Gravity Dolls. It's circus-meets-gameshow, as actors respond to the audience's decisions and actions to win each game. An example? Giant acrobatic Jenga, and Twister (but with performers acting as the mat). Poppy Seed takes place in four locations across Melbourne: Meat Market in North Melbourne, South Yarra's Irene Mitchell Studio, The Butterfly Club in the CBD and Chapel off Chapel in Prahran. Each show is $22–35, with bundles and gala tickets available through the website.
Back in 2020, which now seems a lifetime ago, St Jerome's Laneway Festival celebrated 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes. The beloved fest marked that milestone with a characteristically jam-packed lineup that made its way to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Fremantle, as well as Auckland — but since then, it's been quiet thanks to the pandemic. After two Laneway-less years, the festival has finally locked in dates for its 2023 return — plus new venues for four of its five Australian stops. The festival will kick off in Auckland, returning to Albert Park for the long weekend of Auckland Anniversary Day on Monday, January 30. From there it will arrive in Brisbane on Saturday, February 4, Sydney on Sunday, February 5, Adelaide on Friday, February 10, Melbourne on Saturday, February 11 and Perth on Sunday, February 12. Across these five Australian dates, the Brisbane venue is the only one that has remained consistent from the festival's 2020 run of shows, taking to Brisbane Showgrounds again. The Melbourne leg of the festival has been forced to move away from its previous home at Footscray Park and will now pop up at the newly opened Epsom Road venue The Park in Flemington. The Park has an on-site train station and is located just 15 minutes from the CBD. [caption id="attachment_655626" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anthony Smith[/caption] In Sydney, after 10 years at Sydney College of the Arts and Callan Park, Laneway 2020's Sydney date shifted to The Domain. Now for 2023, it's moved again and will be making its home at the Sydney Showground. Sydneysiders will associate the Showground with the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but this won't be its first time hosting a major touring music festival, as it was once the regular home for the now-defunct Big Day Out. The South Australian leg has moved from Port Adelaide's Hart's Mill to the Adelaide CBD's Bonython Park, and, in the biggest move, the Western Australia leg will be going down at the recently revamped Wellington Square. "The Laneway Festival team is constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance the patron and artist experience and each of the sites will allow us to bring in A+ production and facilities. We are absolutely pumped to host music fans and our favourite ever line-up on these new sites," Laneway Festival co-Founder Danny Rogers said. If you're hanging out to know who will be gracing the stage next year, you'll have to wait a couple more days. The lineup is set to drop at 7.40am this Wednesday, September 21. In 2020, the lineup was headed up by the likes of The 1975, Charli XCX and Earl Sweatshirt, as well as a host of local favourites like Ruel, DMA's and Ocean Alley. View this post on Instagram A post shared by St. Jerome's Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) St Jerome's Laneway Festival will return to Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth between Monday, January 30 and Sunday, February 12. Head to the festival's social pages for all the info on its 2023 edition and for next year's lineup when it drops this Wednesday, September 21.
The revamped District Docklands entertainment precinct continues to nab some good'uns, including a seven-storey artisan market and the first Melbourne instalment of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Now, a sustainable craft brewery is being added into the mix. Urban Alley Brewery will open the doors to its massive new brewpub and production facility on Friday, September 7, and it comes complete with onsite bio-waste and water treatment plants, gas emission offsets and biodegradable packaging to boot. The brewery's founder, financier-turned-home brewer Ze'ev Meltzer, started brewing back in 2016, when he launched Collins St Brewing Co. Meltzer is retiring that moniker with the launch of Urban Alley Brewery, but he's bringing across one of its most-popular beers, Once Bitter. Now called Urban Ale, the flagship session ale is already available in Melbourne venues such as Naked for Satan, Garden State Hotel and Pawn & Co. And, as of this month, the brew will be available in bottle shops, too — packaged in biodegradable E6PR six-pack rings, which are made from spent grain and can be eaten by marine life. This eco-focused attitude is at the forefront of Urban Alley Brewery, with sustainability practices around waste, energy consumption and gas emissions front-and-centre. Sure, you've heard of breweries going solar, but Urban Alley's facility takes environmental-consciousness to the next level. First up, Meltzer has installed an onsite bio-waste plant, which repurposes every bi-product of the brewing process (apart from spent grain) into fertilizer. The natural gas produced by the bio-waste plant is in turn used to power the brewery. Next, an onsite water treatment plant neutralises all water-waste. The result is water that is high in minerals, salts and proteins, which in the future will be transported and reused in farm irrigation. Meltzer has also has teamed up with a local distillery (which shall mysteriously remain nameless for now) to reduce the carbon footprint of both businesses. In general, the rapid heating-and-cooling process needed during brewing can require up to 3000 times more gas than an average Australian home. By creating a shared system that exchanges water usage, the two venues have reduced gas emissions to match residential consumption. It's easy to see the necessity for this type of system, especially considering the Urban Alley production facility aims to pump out two-million-litres of beer per year. Come September, this eco-warrior will open to the public, offering up 24 rotating taps of the brewery's core — including a lager, an American pale ale and a dark brew — and seasonal ranges. The huge warehouse space holds room for 550 all up and the brewpub is constructed from recycled brick and wood, of course. It'll have a full kitchen too, slinging a menu of traditional pub grub like parmas, schnittys and burgers, plus a dedicated Kosher menu and beer-battering aplenty. A collab with the upcoming Archie Brothers is on the docket too, so keep an eye on this space. In general, it seems craft breweries have won their way onto a precinct must-have list across Australia — with Urban Alley's opening following Frenchies in Sydney's The Cannery, along with Felon's Brewery and Stone & Wood taking up space in Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves development. Urban Alley Brewery will open on September 7 at The District Docklands, Docklands Drive, Docklands. Opening daily from 11am until late.
If you're partial to a healthy dose of Mother Nature, here's yet another excuse to get out there and enjoy it. Victoria is on track to score a huge infusion of green space, with the State Government announcing that $154 million of the Victorian Budget 2019/20 will go towards creating a swag of new parkland across the inner city and outer suburbs. In fact, over 6500 hectares worth of new parks, walking tracks and bike trails are planned, equating to a space over 170 times the size of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens. This hefty nature boost will see extra parkland created in growing suburban areas including Officer, Clyde, Craigieburn, South Morang and Carrum, while 16 existing green spaces and off-leash dog parks will score upgrades. That means your local patch could soon be in for improved playgrounds, toilets and picnic facilities. The much anticipated 355 hectares of green space between Moorabbin and Dingley Village, known as the Sandbelt Parklands, will also finally be delivered. In addition to this, 25 new pocket parks will be created in the more built-up inner city suburbs. Prahran, Richmond, Albert Park and Bentleigh are set to get two parks each, while Footscray, Brunswick, Northcote, Williamstown, Essendon, Oakleigh, Caulfield, and Ivanhoe will score one a piece. This map below shows which areas will score more green space. There's good news for local camping fans, too, with another $107.2 million in funding going towards building new campgrounds, upgrading facilities and improving walking tracks. And, while the Victorian Government's already scrapped camping fees at over 70 campgrounds across the state, it's now promised to go one better and halve all remaining fees in our state and national parks. That camping trip you've been plotting is looking more attractive than ever. The Budget is currently up for debate in the upper house, but is likely to be passed. The Andrews Government will then set about actioning the items in the budget. With all this new green space, it will be hoping to claw back its title as the most liveable city in the world. Image: Visit Victoria.
UPDATE: May 29, 2021: Halston is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Fabulous minimalist outfits that defined the 70s, famous faces clamouring to wear them and feverish Studio 54 parties — Roy Halston Frowick's life had it all. Starting as a milliner at Bergdorf Goodman, he rose to fame after designing the pillbox hat that Jacqueline Kennedy wore to JFK's inauguration. When the new First Lady's headwear became a phenomenon, widespread attention naturally came his way. From there, the man known as just Halston started his own eponymous label, creating one of the top American fashion brands of the era. Andy Warhol called him one of the two people he'd always want by his side (the other: Elizabeth Taylor), while Liza Minnelli not only became one of Halston's close friends, but a walking billboard for his work. After rocketing through the world of haute couture, Halston then decided to take his clothing to the masses, too, becoming the first designer to ever collaborate with a department store. In his latest meticulously researched movie, fashion documentarian Frédéric Tcheng explores Halston's story, with the above description just the beginning. After the Midwest-raised designer's success and acclaim came bad business decisions, corporate dramas and messy takeovers, as well as drugs, scandals and broken dreams. To some, Halston was a sartorial god. To others, he was a demanding diva. Indeed, although his career soared, it ultimately plunged just as sharply. When he died in 1990 due to AIDS-related illnesses, he'd become just a footnote in his still-ongoing label's history. It's a tale that Tcheng seems especially suited to tell, and tell it he does in Halston. As he proved with Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel and Dior and I, the French filmmaker has a nose for fascinating true fashion stories — and a knack for knowing how to cut to their core. Here, he inserts Tavi Gevinson into the film as a fictional narrator, which may appear an unusual choice. But, as she excavates Halston's past via an array of grainy VHS tapes of his old runway shows, promotional events, publicity chats and parties, the movie confronts a crucial fact: its subject is no longer a household name. As a result, Halston becomes not just a fashion doco about gorgeous gowns, the person who made them, and his ups and downs, but also a detective story. More than chronicling Halston's life and committing it to film for posterity, Tcheng tries to ascertain why this important tale has nearly been lost to the vagaries of time. In overseeing this task, Gevinson's unnamed archivist initially seems somewhat gimmicky and unnecessary. Once the story starts picking up steam, cutting back and forth can also feel disruptive. And yet Gevinson plays a pivotal part, not only guiding viewers as the movie pieces together Halston's tale, but letting the audience discover for themselves just why they should care — showing them instead of forcefully telling them. Of course, plenty of folks still pop up to sing Halston's praises, including staff, friends, family members and models. Among the parade of interviewees, Minnelli gives a particularly glowing tick of approval: "his clothes danced with you," she gushes. More than merely applauding what she loved about his outfits, the star combines compliments with insight, with her fellow talking heads taking the same lead. When others describe how his fluid, bias-cut creations often came about just by snipping across a piece of material, then draping it over the closest model, it paints a very vivid picture of his vision and artistry. "It was a dress just because of the way he cut the fabric," one of his former colleagues expands — with images of Halston's patterns, often based around just a single sheet of cloth, putting that idea in visual terms. Come for the dresses and drama, stay for the revelations, realisations and ravishing creativity — that's Halston in a nutshell. That said, while this illuminating documentary convincingly makes its case, it doesn't craft as vibrant a portrait of Halston outside the atelier or beyond the revelry. Viewers come to understand his importance and influence in fashion history, as well as why he deserves his enduring place in the spotlight, but glean little that's overly personal about the man himself. Halston isn't an absent figure at all, appearing constantly in archival materials; however he seems to be begging to step out of the documentary and into a biopic — a move that'll probably happen sooner or later. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmK3_HnKkbc
When winter hits — and you know when it really hits — pressing command+A and delete on all your iCal entries seems like a rational thing to do. But hold your horses, cold one — there are a few festivals happening that you won't want to miss out on. In recent years, Australia has developed quite the winter events calendar. With Vivid's lights hitting every visible surface in Sydney, Melbourne's White Night moving to August for the first time, and hedonistic shenanigans happening down in Hobart for Dark Mofo, there is plenty to inspire a break from hibernation. So pull your calendar back up and block out a weekend to have a winter adventure out of town or interstate.
UPDATE, January 21, 2022: Synchronic is available to stream via Netflix, Binge, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead aren't currently household names. If they keep writing and directing mind-bending sci-fi like Synchronic, though, they will be. The pair actually appear destined to become better known via Marvel, as they're slated to helm one of the MCU's many upcoming Disney+ TV series, the Oscar Isaac-starring Moon Knight — but they've already worked their way up from the US$20,000 budget of their 2012 debut Resolution to making movies with Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan. Here, with Marvel's own Falcon and Fifty Shades of Grey's leading man, they play with time, relativity, fate and brain-altering substances. They ponder the shadows that the past leaves on the present, the way that progressing through life can feel far more like a stumble than following a clear path, and how confronting loss and death can reframe your perspective on living, too. Those temporal jumps and existential themes aren't new, of course, and neither is the film's steely look and feel, and its willingness to get dark. But that's the thing about Benson and Moorhead: few filmmakers can twist familiar parts into such a distinctive, smart and engaging package in the same way, and with each and every one of their movies. Synchronic shares its title with a designer drug. In the film's vision of New Orleans, the hallucinogen can be bought in stores — and plenty of people are doing just that. Shift after shift, paramedics Steve Denube (Mackie) and Dennis Dannelly (Dornan) find themselves cleaning up the aftermath, as users of the synthetic substance keep overdosing, dying in unusual ways and getting injured in strange mishaps. And, these aren't your usual drug-fuelled incidents. One, involving a snakebite, happens in a hotel without even the slightest sign of slithering reptiles on the loose. That's enough to arouse the world-wearied Steve and Dennis' interest, and to give them something to talk about other than the former's attachment-free life and the latter's marriage. Then Dennis' teenage daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides, Into the Badlands) goes missing, and the two EMTs are instantly keen to investigate any links that the popular pill might have to her disappearance. In a film that initially drips with tension, dread and intensity, Benson and Moorhead don't take too long to reveal how synchronic works, but it's still something that's best discovered by watching. They don't ever simply tell the audience what's going on, though. As all good films that tinker with time should — and as some not-so-great ones, like Australian rom-com Long Story Short, try to yet flounder — Synchronic doesn't merely show the effects, either, but instead uses every tool at its disposal to take viewers on the same journey. Indeed, much of the movie hinges upon how Steve feels when he pops a pill. While the character could just explain that aloud, that'd be the least interesting option and the film's directors know it. So, whether peering up at the sky, toying with slow motion and perspective, tilting angles, completely flipping the picture or using long takes, the feature gets subjective with its cinematography, which is lensed by Moorhead. One dazzling and dramatic shot at a time, it plunges everyone watching into Steve's head as he first experiments with synchronic's capabilities, then endeavours to use them to bring Brianna home. There's more to Steve's story than possibly being a hero, and that's one of Synchronic's superpowers. Although surreal imagery, a trippy narrative and an off-kilter atmosphere all sit in the movie's toolkit, it's how Benson and Moorhead ground all of the above in genuine emotions that makes this a science fiction film with both brains and a pulse. Easy sentiment and schmaltz have no place here, but anchoring the film's musings on life certainly does. After all, there's little point in pondering 'what if?' scenarios, which is sci-fi's entire remit, if those trains of thought don't also interrogate and explore the human condition. Consequently, although it initially seems as if the script makes a few easy moves regarding Steve's background and current experience, there's insight in those choices. There's cold, hard truth, too, which Synchronic happily faces — because how we're each shaped by trauma is life's number one story. This isn't Benson and Moorhead's first dance with this subject, as anyone who has seen Resolution, 2014's horror-romance Spring and 2017's excellent cult thriller The Endless will spot. That said, even when the premise of their features explicitly calls for repetition — always cleverly and playfully — the pair doesn't just retread their previous footsteps. With each addition to their shared resume, the filmmaking duo demonstrates an uncanny knack for using genre confines and deploying recognisable tropes to excavate pain and tragedy. When viewed as a whole, their career to-date provides an impressive and perceptive snapshot of dealing with life's difficulties, in fact. Each of Benson and Moorhead's four films so far are strikingly shot and astutely written, and rank among the best horror and sci-fi efforts of the past decade, but they're also as thoughtful and resonant as they are intelligent and ambitious — and that's an irresistible combination. Synchronic does occasionally falter. Mackie gets the better part and has far more of an impact than Dornan, for instance. But the lived-in camaraderie between their characters — who've been partners so long that they speak in shorthand — always feels real, and Dornan is still worlds away from the woeful Wild Mountain Thyme, his previous big-screen role. The film's ending doesn't completely fall into place, too, but even that feels like a minor issue. When a movie takes you on the kind of ride that Synchronic does, in such a stunning, sharp and thrilling fashion, and with such depth at is core, its tiny imperfections fade from memory quickly. Or, as Benson and Moorhead might posit, they help make everything that's exceptional shine even brighter, stand out even more and cut even deeper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87RIVAc6MJU&feature=youtu.be
Whether you're a wizard or a muggle, the moment most people discover that something is forbidden, they feel a need to check it out. Harry Potter certainly did when it came to the forest surrounding Hogwarts, and now enchanted fans can follow in his footsteps as part of Warner Bros' London studio tour. From March 31, the film studio will unveil a new recreation of the area deemed off limits by Professor Dumbledore, complete with the greenery and creatures that helped it gets its name. As you walk through the Forbidden Forest with lantern in hand, you'll tread beneath 19 trees that each boast a diameter of almost four metres, see one of Hagrid's costumes — and even control the forest's weather. With the attraction designed and built by many of the crew members who worked on the films, the wonder doesn't stop there. Visitors will also spy a full-sized model of Buckbeak the hippogriff, and cross paths with the giant spider that is Aragog in all his glory (his leg span ranges beyond five metres, so don't venture near if you're arachnophobic). You'll feel as though Harry, Ron and Hermione are right there beside you, really. The Forbidden Forest is just the latest way the Warner Bros' London tour is going potty for all things Potter as part of its Making of Harry Potter section. A selection of outfits from the movies are on display until September, while current attendees can also find out how Dobby came to life until the end of March. In the lead up to Valentine's Day, eager diners can enjoy a love potion and a meal in the great hall, while a showcase of the dark arts — including a walk down Diagon Alley — is coming in October, followed by the return of the festive favourite Hogwarts in the Snow in November. Yes, it's totally okay if you're now looking up flights to London. For more information about the Warner Bros London studio tour and the Making of Harry Potter, visit the studio tour website.
Far from being abstract paintings of dragon scales or elaborate curves and textures, Andre Armolaev has captured incredible aerial images of Iceland's twisting rivers meandering across the black, ashy volcanic sand. With over 30 active volcanic systems, Iceland is host to one of the world's most 'explosive' areas. Armolaev describes the bird's eye view over the river and volcanic systems in this country as "an inexpressible combination of colors, lines, and patterns." He is fascinated by the contrast the land and water make against each other and the organic and incomparable shapes they create. These stunning photographs capture the beauty that can be created from natural disasters and demonstrate the unparalleled power and allure of Mother Earth. Take a look at the collection of aerial photographs of Iceland's volcanoes taken from thisiscolossal.
The Mexican chain that brought us drone-delivered burritos is back with a new food delivery deal. Guzman y Gomez is offering $9.90 burritos and burrito bowls delivered to your door for a whole seven days. Unfortunately, not delivered by drones, though Available from today, Wednesday, April 1 through till Tuesday, April 7, the cheap eats are available from over 100 stores across Australia, including a heap in Queensland, Victoria and NSW. To find your closest, head on over to Menulog and input your address. The burritos feature a flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, pico de gallo, cheese and your choice of meat or veggies, such as spiced pulled pork, barramundi and slow-cooked beef. And the bowls, unsurprisingly, are pretty much the same without the tortilla. The catch is you do need to pay for a $5 delivery fee, but that's for the total order — so you could split it with your housemate or double-up and get a burrito for both lunch and dinner. To order your $9.90 burrito or burrito bowl head on over to Menulog.
For loved ones that prefer their flowers edible, Gelato Messina is once again happy to oblige. It has created a new frozen floral creation, dubbed Feeling Thorny, a limited-edition gelato rose, which will be released exclusively for Valentine's Day this year. The glittering red rose is complex inside and out — in true Messina fashion. Petals are made from salted caramel chantilly, laced with strawberry compote and dulce de leche, and the rose is set atop a white chocolate-lined waffle cone filled with dulce de leche and earl grey gelato (and more strawberry compote for good measure). It's then placed in a 'flower pot' made from choc-hazelnut praline mousse and chocolate brownie crumble, sitting on an edible chocolate disk. Yes, it's as decadent as it sounds. To serve, the dessert needs to be removed from the freezer to the fridge ten minutes before you're ready to indulge, then cut down the middle (using a hot, sharp knife) to reveal the cross-sections of gelato inside. The treat can only be out of the freezer for 30 minutes, so plan accordingly. The rose will cost you $40 — likely less than a dozen (non-edible) V-day roses — with one rose serving two. Orders are only available for pickup on February 13 or 14 from noon–10pm and quantities are limited. Feeling Thorny is available at seven Sydney locations — Rosebery, Darlinghurst, Tramsheds, Bondi, Parramatta, Miranda and Penrith — as well as at South Brisbane, Melbourne's Fitzroy and Canberra's Braddon outposts.
Throughout the last 12 months of gathering restrictions and lockdowns, many music festivals have teased returns, announced dates and even lineups. While a few COVID-safe music events have been able to take place, we've yet to see any of the major music festivals return. Despite this, Byron Bay Bluesfest has been persistent in forging ahead with its plan for its 2021 edition of the festival. Those plans have now been given a provisional green light, with the festival announcing it's been given NSW Government approval to run the festival at 50 percent capacity this April — if no outbreaks occur beforehand. In an announcement made on Wednesday, February 17, Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble OAM said, "The NSW Government has indicated that, if the current COVID-19 situation continues in NSW, Bluesfest would be permitted to proceed, following our comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan." [caption id="attachment_800518" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hiatus Kaiyote Bluesfest 2016 by Andy Fraser[/caption] The festival is scheduled to take place over the Easter long weekend, Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5, at the Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm). Under the approved safety plan the festival will run at around 50 percent capacity, all patrons will be required to be seated while watching performances and COVID-19 safety marshals will be on hand to ensure social distancing is maintained. Camping will be allowed to go ahead and face masks will not be required. A full statement on the festival's COVID-safe protocols is expected next week. Following the cancellation of Bluesfest 2020, the festival announced its 2021 dates and lineup back in July. This lineup was later amended after it became clear border restrictions would remain in place for the beginning of 2021 and international acts would be unable to make the journey over. The new all-Australian lineup features Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, John Butler, Hiatus Kaiyote and Kev Carmody. The news follows a turbulent few years for Bluesfest and the NSW music festival industry as a whole. Prior to the cancellation of its 2020 event, Bluesfest had threatened to leave NSW in 2019 citing the governments overbearing regulations surrounding music festivals at the time. The approval of the 2021 festival hopefully indicates a brighter future for the industry, with Noble declaring, "this is a great day, not only for Bluesfest, but also for the Australian Live Music Industry and our unrelenting efforts to get back to presenting Live Music Safely." Byron Bay Bluesfest has been given approval to run Thursday, April 1–Monday, April 5, at the Byron Events Farm. Find all the details and purchase tickets at the Bluesfest website. Top image: Andy Fraser
Shock horror — a piece of street art has been defaced with graffiti. In what is the second incident this year for the iconic work, Keith Haring's Johnston Street mural has suffered a large black scrawl over the figures in its lower left quadrant. As the work is currently listed on the Victoria Heritage Register, those wishing to restore the piece will first have to acquire a permit before any amendments can take place. But, as always, the question remains — should they? This much-loved local work was painted by the iconic New York street artist on his only trip to Australia in 1984. After its inevitable deterioration, and much debate from art lovers and historians alike, its restoration took place nearly 30 years later in 2013. Clear and crisp, Haring's figures have enjoyed a resurgence for the better part of the past year — it may just be the whitest and brightest wall left in Collingwood. "Passers-by can now see the work as Keith Haring intended," said State Arts Minister Heidi Victoria at the time of restoration. Though such logic understandably leaves itself open to criticism. For instance, if Haring wanted his works pristine and untouched, why not place them in a gallery? Doing chalk drawings on the NYC subway are not the work of a man easily phased by the ephemeral. With such a rich and iconic history of street art, Melbourne has had many such controversies over the years. In fact, Banksy's Little Diver on the Nicholas Building faced a similar fate in 2008. Five years after the stencil was created, Melbourne City Council covered the work with a perspex screen to protect the piece. Shortly after, vandals poured grey paint behind the covering and cheekily scrawled 'Banksy woz ere' atop the then defaced work. In 2010, the piece then resurfaced in the form of a paste-up — such works are in constant evolution with their environment. Of course, not all people feel this way and many were saddened by the loss of their small aquatic friend. The boundaries between 'street art' and 'graffiti' are gloriously intertwined and many outwardly fight on the side of preservation. Just this week, Brisbane City Council faced outrage after painting over a work by Anthony Lister. In response to the erasure of his piece, the artist deemed the council "culture-killing neanderthals". Similar public disdain was expressed in 2012 when construction workers destroyed Banksy's Parachuting Rat in Prahran. Haring's much-loved mural will almost certainly get retouched once the permits get processed. The scribble is relatively small and innocuous, but what it stands for is much larger. Should we protect the former glory of these artworks, or let them evolve and decay like the faded chalk lines on the NYC subway? Via The Age. Bottom photo credit superk8nyc via photopin cc.
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.
Five bucks for two delicious (and generously portioned) tacos? Sign us up. This Victoria Street taqueria and cocktail bar dishes up late-night tacos, quesadillas and mezcal, in a vibey but low-key setting. Swing by until 1am on Thursday, Friday or Saturday for open tortillas stacked with the likes of leg of lamb on the bone slow-cooked in a beer base, or green beans, potato and jalapeño-infused eggs. Make your selection from a handwritten menu sprawled behind the smart, polished wood bar, and be sure to order a cerveza or mezcal cocktail to wash it all down with. Images: Leah Hulst
Just as NAIDOC week kicks into gear for 2019, Australia's Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List — becoming the first Australian site to receive recognition exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. During its current meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation added the south-west Victorian site to its list of landmarks and areas that are legally protected due to their significance. Located on Gunditjmara country, the region spans the Budj Bim volcano, Tae Rak (Lake Condah), the Kurtonitj wetlands, and Tyrendarra's rocky ridges and large marshes. It also includes remnants of more than 300 round, basalt stone houses, which demonstrate the Gunditjmara people's permanent settlement in the area. Of specific interest to UNESCO, Budj Bim features a system of channels, dams and weirs, all made possible due to basalt lava flows that have been carbon-dated back to 6600 years. The complex network is considered one of the the largest and oldest aquaculture setups in the world, and is used not only to contain floodwaters, but to trap and harvest the kooyang eel. The listing comes after five years of work between Gunditjmara people and the Victorian and Australian governments to develop Budj Bim's World Heritage nomination, and marks Australia's 20th entry on the list — alongside the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Fraser Island, the Tasmanian wilderness, the Greater Blue Mountains area, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, among others. [caption id="attachment_729904" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tae Rak channel and holding pond,Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation[/caption] In total, UNESCO has added 21 new sites to the World Heritage List as part of its 2019 conference, which runs through until Wednesday, July 10, and will examine 35 nominations in total. In addition to Budj Bim, the new entries showcase spots in China, Iran, France, Iceland, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Germany, Czechia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Burkina Faso and Iraq, including Babylon. The list of new cultural sites chosen so far is as follows: Migratory bird sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China — natural site. Hyrcanian forests in the Islamic Republic of Iran — natural site. French Austral Lands and Seas in France — natural site. The fire and ice of Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland — natural site. The culture and biodiversity of Paratyand Ilha Grande in Brazil — natural and cultural site. Ancient ferrous metallurgy sites of Burkina Faso — cultural site. Babylon in Iraq — cultural site. Dilmun burial mounds in Bahrain — cultural site. Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Australia — cultural site. Archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City in China — cultural site. Jaipur City, Rajasthan in India — cultural site. Ombilin coal-mining heritage of Sawahlunto in Indonesia — cultural site. Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group of mounded tombs from Ancient Japan — cultural site. Megalithic jar sites in Xiengkhouang — Plain of Jars in the Lao People's Democratic Republic — cultural site. Bagan in Myanmar — cultural site. Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies in the Republic of Korea — cultural site. Writing-on-Stone /Áísínai'pi in Canada — cultural site. Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří mining region of Czechia and Germany — cultural site. The landscape for breeding and training of ceremonial carriage Hhrses at Kladruby nad Labem in Czechia — cultural site. The water management system of Augsburg in Germany — cultural site. Krzemionki Prehistoric Striped Flint Mining Region in Poland) — cultural site. UNESCO also extended the heritage listing of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, to not only include northern Macedonia but also Albania. Prior to the 2019 meeting, the World Heritage List included 1092 different sites spread across 167 countries. Need some travel inspiration — or a reminder of just how wondrous our planet is? Browsing the full list will take care of that for you. Top images: Lake Condah, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation / Tae Rak in flood, Tyson Lovett-Murray, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Three vineyards, four labels, one overarching Mornington Peninsula winery. That's what falls under the Stumpy Gully name, and has done since 1989. Things could've been different, though, with the Zantvoort family originally planning to grow citrus when they moved over from Holland. Fans of a great locally made drop will be thankful that they decided to go with grapes instead, obviously. From that setup, Peninsula Panorama Wines is just one of Stumpy Gully's labels, but it's a good one — with a chardonnay, rosé, cabernet merlot, pinot noir and shiraz in its range. If that's too many to pick from, the latter two are particularly top choices, especially if you like cherry and raspberry tastes, or a spice, berry and vanilla oak blend. The still family-run vineyard operates its cellar door at Moorooduc, right at the beginning of the Mornington wine trail — with the restaurant onsite operating from Friday–Sunday.
The Atlantic Group is known for setting up some of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne — most notably The Atlantic. So, it was no surprise to see its takeaway sushi joint Sushi Baby do so damn well in Brighton immediately after opening in mid-2023. Riding this wave of success, the crew went ahead and set up a new dine-in restaurant in early 2024 with a bright pink and green dining room and a courtyard filled with greenery and pink blossom garlands. This fit-out is starkly different from most of Melbourne's sushi joints, which tend to keep the colour scheme muted and furnishings traditional. But Sushi Baby isn't your classic sushi shop, and the design reflects the kitchen's contemporary stylings and playful approach to Japanese cuisine. The nori tacos — filled with raw salmon, avocado, teriyaki sauce and furikake — are a brilliant representation of this. The classic flavours and ingredients are presented differently without being unusual just for the sake of it. The sushi purists out there shouldn't be scared off, as the Sushi Baby crew isn't messing around too much. Traditional nigiri, maki rolls and inari are all up for grabs, plus there's a daily changing sashimi platter for those wanting to really treat themselves. Katsu sandos and some larger sharing plates help the venue transition from day to night. Upgrading the space hasn't meant that it has totally abandoned its takeout sushi roots. Most of the dine-in goodies can be made to take away, plus the 62- and 85-piece sushi boxes are still as stunning as always, coming in a bright pink box with the brand's signature laughing baby face printed under the lid. Now that is indeed sushi, baby. Images: Jake Roden
Set against a backdrop of Hindi pop music and projected Bollywood films, Babu Ji has been regarded as one of Melbourne's best Indian restaurants since opening in 2014. Famous for its incredible home-style flavours, Babu Ji's menu leans into authentic Indian cooking and street food, while a contemporary twist is evident both in the decor and on the plate. The food is simple yet sophisticated, and most dishes are designed to be shared amongst friends. From the pot, there are choice picks like butter chicken and lamb rogan josh, as well as vegetarian options such as blue pumpkin and chickpea curry with roasted cherry tomatoes or black lentils in ginger, garlic and garam masala. The street-food menu offers papdi chat, the motherland's version of nachos and salsa, prawn momos and soy chilli cauliflower. The sweet and sour pork marinated in honey glaze with apple chutney and tempered with fennel and onion seeds is the standout. There are a range of salads to compliment the mains including a roasted pumpkin salad with ricotta, wild pepper and pumpkin seeds and the naan menu includes a Kashmari naan stuffed with almonds and cashew nuts as well as a gluten free option. Be sure to stay for dessert and enjoy a flattened cheesecake in a sweetened creamy milk and a mango lassi. Alcoholic drinks include both the Kingfisher Indian lager and the Babuji lager, both ideal pairings for babu Ji's expertly spiced curries.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon. Images: Giulia Morlando.
Last year, an unlikely duo gave Sydneysiders a sarnie worthy of their finest hangover. Now, it's coming back — and it'll be available Australia-wide. Two indulgent favourites, PappaRich and Belles Hot Chicken, are pooling their resources to create a Malaysian-style fried chicken sandwich of your dreams. On offer for both lunch and dinner, this spiced-up sandwich features Belles' signature fried chicken, plus Malaysian slaw with coconut vinegar and secret sauce, all between PappaRich's toasted Hainan-style sweet bread. Belles Hot Chicken chef Morgan McGlone is the man behind this creation, so you know it'll be damn tasty. It will be available from Monday, March 25 at all 30 PappaRich restaurants around the country. If you're in Sydney, that means you can grab one in Bankstown or on your lunch break at the express outlet inside Westfield in the city; in Melbourne, pop by Chadstone, Southern Cross or QV; and PappaRich in Wintergarden and Coorparoo Square will be selling them in Brisbane. There are a heap more locations though, so check the website if you're looking for one closer to you. The sandwich will be available for lunch and dinner from March 25 until May 15 at PappaRich locations across the country. Find more details on the Facebook event.
Just when you thought Melbourne was at craft brewery saturation point, along comes Tallboy & Moose — the beer-loving watering hole Preston never knew it needed. It's only got a few months under its belt, but this Raglan Street spot has already beefed up its original opening hours to a five-day-a-week operation, which is testament to the crowds it's pulling each day. The owners have managed to take just enough of the industrial edge off this sprawling warehouse space with help from clusters of hanging plants and a back lounge area scattered with couches. There's a ping pong table, plus a kids area to keep little ones well entertained. Out front, a sun-drenched carpark space is the brewery version of a buzzy pub beer garden, scattered with tables and beanbags for lazy arvo beer sessions. It's proving a hit with families, groups of mates, and pooches alike, all mingling merrily over freshly-brewed beers and food truck eats. Mobile foodie faves like Sparrows Philly Cheese Steaks and A Touch of Spain roll up in front, offering exactly the kind of grub you crave when downing crafty brews in the sun. That said, you're always welcome to bring along tucker from elsewhere. Behind the bar, the options are plentiful. Alongside guest taps from the likes of Two Birds and Hop Nation, there are five taps pouring Tallboy & Moose's own varied range of brews. Head in and you'll find a selection that may includes the hopped-up Table Pale ($3-9), a mid-strength porter ($3-11), and a summery OPA brewed on oats and wheat ($3-11). All brews and ciders are available by the pot (from $5), the pint (from $9), or a nifty 130mL tasting glass (from $3) — mix and match four of those ones for a tasting paddle. A slick canning machine behind the bar even means you can get a litre of any house brew packaged up to take home too. But perhaps key to this brewery's broad appeal is that even the beer-shy are completely spoilt for choice. Between the eight-strong list of Aussie wines — on offer by the glass or bottle — the decent range of spirits, and the fresh apple juice that comes spiked with your choice of booze for $12, this Tallboy & Moose goes beyond being just a brewpub and simply being a really great bar.
When it comes to books, not everyone wants to completely embrace the digital age. The texture and smell of a book is something that no iPad or Kindle can copy. To help you embrace your love of books without breaking the bank this year, the Queen Victoria Market is launching a huge new weekly book market. If you ever visited Fed Square's packed book market, you'll know what to expect: this one's run by the same people. More than 5000 pre-loved and new books on every topic under the sun — from history to gardening, travel to art and literature — and a heap of secondhand vinyls will fill the market every Sunday. This should make for some very happy browsing and even happier reading later on. After briefly relocating to the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne Book Market will make its home at the Queen Victoria Market for much of 2019, holding weekly Sunday markets from January 20 until April 14, and then again from May 12 until August 25 (with no markets held between April 21 and May 5). The Melbourne Book Market runs from 10am–4pm. Updated April 7.
If your end-of-summer plans usually involve hitting up St Jerome's Laneway Festival for a day of tunes, rejoice: the beloved annual event is here with a new round of dates for 2024. Actually, it wants you to mark your calendar not once but twice. Exactly when and where it'll take place next year has been revealed, and so has when the lineup will drop. If you're all about who'll be playing, you will still need to wait until Tuesday, September 5 to get the details. So, for now, just know that Laneway has locked in returns in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, all in February. There's a bit of stability to next year's list of venues, after 2023 took Laneway to a heap of new spots. The festival started by Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio in the mid-00s will kick off at Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday, February 3, then head to Sydney Showground on Sunday, February 4 — so, exactly where it took place this year. Still in Australia, Laneway also has a Friday, February 9 date with Bonython Park in Adelaide on the agenda, then a Saturday, February 10 run at The Park, Flemington in Melbourne and a Sunday, February 11 wrap-up show in Wellington Square in Perth. Again, these are all the same locations that 2023's fests hit up. Over in New Zealand, the event will take over Western Springs in Auckland on Tuesday, February 6. That date means that it's moving to Waitangi Day. And 2024's venue comes after 2023's Auckland Laneway stop was cancelled due to due to the Auckland floods. As for the lineup, start guessing. In 2023, HAIM, Joji and Phoebe Bridgers headlined, in what marked a comeback for Laneway for the first time since the pandemic began. Before that, in 2020, the roster of talent was headed up by the likes of The 1975, Charli XCX and Earl Sweatshirt, as well as a host of local favourites like Ruel, DMA's and Ocean Alley. LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2024 DATES: Saturday, February 3 — Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane / Turrbal Targun Sunday, February 4 — Sydney Showground, Sydney / Burramattagal and Wangal Land Tuesday, February 6 — Western Springs, Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau Friday, February 9 — Bonython Park, Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta Saturday, February 10 — The Park, Flemington, Melbourne / Wurundjeri Biik Sunday, February 11 — Wellington Square, Perth / Whadjuk Boodjar St Jerome's Laneway Festival will tour Australia and New Zealand in February 2024. Head to the festival's website for further details, and to register for ticket pre sales (which kick off at 11am local time on Tuesday, September 12) — and check back here for next year's lineup when it drops on Tuesday, September 5. Images: Daniel Boud / Maclay Heriot / Cedric Tang.
Winter is over, which means you don't have any excuses for sitting at home and watch Netflix every night. Instead, set your sights on one of Melbourne's rooftops. We know, given the nights are still a little chilly, that this suggestion might sound like a death wish, but there are a few Melbourne rooftop bars that have upped their game to keep you especially cosy when the temperature drops. We're talking warming drinks, blankets and some supremely decadent hot snacks. If you're still hesitant to leave your blanket cave, make it easy for yourself and order a ride to get you there and back. Affordable ridesharing platform DiDi will help you out — and you'll probably still have some spare cash for something delicious at the bar. So, lap up the nicer nights — these four awesome rooftop bars will have you making the most of spring.
It might just be Australia's brightest festival, and it's currently lighting up Alice Springs once again. That'd be Parrtjima - A Festival In Light, which has just kicked off the event's fourth and most expansive annual program. Running until Sunday, April 14, it's a shift from the fest previous timeslot, moving from spring to autumn. The nation's first indigenous festival of its kind, Parrtjima may have moved its dates, but it is still filled with dazzling light installations. As part of, the free ten-day public celebration of Indigenous arts, culture and storytelling, seven luminous displays are gracing both the Alice Springs Desert Park Precinct and the Alice Springs Todd Mall. [caption id="attachment_715716" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Language of Kin, Parrtjima festival, Alice Springs, Australia. 5/4/2019. Image courtesy Parrtjima / NTMEC.[/caption] While Alice Spring's CBD is being lit up with new installations and events, just out of town, tourism and conservation facility Alice Springs Desert Park has come alive with the festival's main attraction. Once again, a huge artwork has transformed a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, showering it with light from 6.30–10.30pm each night of the festival — and featuring an audio track voiced by Aussie acting legend Aaron Pedersen. Visitors can also immerse themselves in art and storytelling as part of the returning Ahelhe Itethe – Living Sands (Grounded), where installations are projected onto the earth accompanied by a striking soundscape. While Parrtjima's returning slate is strong, new additions to this year's lineup include an illuminated tunnel that greets attendees as they enter the festival space, called Angkentye Anpernirrentye-kerte – The Language of Kin; an array of over-sized sculptures that relay the social history of First Nations station workers and their language of the land, dubbed Angkentye Stockmen Mape-kenhe – The Language of Stockmen; and a series of sculptured large-scale moths, badged The Language of Moths, which are brightening up Todd Mall. There's also a huge maze for kids and a set-up of three bush taxis displaying works by First Nations artists. [caption id="attachment_715717" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Parrtjima festival, Alice Springs, Australia. 6/4/2019. Image courtesy Parrtjima / NTMEC[/caption] As 2019 is the UN's Year of Indigenous Languages, the festival also has a linguistic edge — as many of the light installations' names make plain. With a theme of 'Language Expressions', the full program features talks and workshops focused on Central Australia's many Indigenous languages. Also on the bill is jam-packed program of dance, music, workshops and talks, sharing stories and celebrating First Nations' culture. It's a nice supplement to the area's Field of Light installation, which has been extended until 2020. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until April 14, 2019 around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: James Horan.
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.
UPDATE, May 5, 2021: Willy's Wonderland is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. If you've ever wondered how Nicolas Cage might've fared during cinema's silent era, Willy's Wonderland has the answer. A horror film about killer animatronic restaurant mascots, it's firmly a 2021 feature. It wasn't made a century ago, before synchronised sound forever changed the movie business, so it's definitely a talkie as well. Cage doesn't do any chattering, however. He groans and growls, and often, but doesn't utter a single word. The actor's many devotees already know that he's a talent with presence; whether he's cavorting in the streets under the delusion that he's a bloodsucker in Vampire's Kiss, grinning with his locks flowing in the wind in Con Air, dousing himself with vodka and grunting in Mandy or staring at a vibrant light in Color Out of Space, he repeatedly makes an imprint without dialogue. So, the inimitable star needn't speak to command attention — which is exactly the notion that Willy's Wonderland filmmaker Kevin Lewis (The Third Nail) put to the test. First, the great and obvious news: Cage doesn't seem to put in much effort, but he's a joy to watch. Playing a man simply known as The Janitor, he glowers like he couldn't care less that furry robots are trying to kill him. He swaggers around while cleaning the titular long-abandoned Chuck E Cheese-esque establishment, dances while hitting the pinball machine on his breaks, swigs soft drink as if it's the only beverage in the world and proves mighty handy with a mop handle when it comes to dispensing with his supernaturally demonic foes. Somehow, though, he's never as OTT as he could be. Cage plays a character who doesn't deem it necessary to convey his emotions, and that results in more restraint on his part than the film demonstrates with its undeniably silly premise. Accordingly, cue the bad news: as entertaining as Cage's wordless performance is — even without completely going for broke as only he can — Willy's Wonderland is often a ridiculous yet routine slog. The Janitor finds himself locked in Willy's Wonderland in the sleepy Nevada town of Hayesville courtesy of an inconveniently placed spike strip. Driving over the device trashes his tyres, which local mechanic Jed Love (Chris Warner, Machete) can replace, but The Janitor doesn't have cash, credit isn't accepted and there's no working ATM within a handy distance. So, he's offered a deal. If he spends the night cleaning the shuttered children's eatery for owner Tex Macadoo (Ric Reitz, Finding Steve McQueen), Jed will fix his car. The Janitor agrees and gets a-scrubbing, but animatronics Willy Weasel, Arty Alligator, Cammy Chameleon, Tito Turtle, Knighty Knight, Gus Gorilla, Siren Sara and Ozzie Ostrich (no, not Ossie Ostrich from Hey Hey It's Saturday) have him in their sights. Willy's Wonderland could've opted for a stripped-back, action-heavy approach, solely focusing on Cage's clash with the critters after the movie's obligatory setup scenes. The film clearly only exists because he's in it, after all. And, the idea of seeing Cage in a John Wick-style flick that's built upon relentless fights for survival is a concept made in cinematic heaven — if Charlize Theron (in Atomic Blonde) and Bob Odenkirk (in Nobody) can do it, he can as well. But first-time screenwriter GO Parsons opts for a different template. The horror genre's fondness for offing meddling teens comes into play, and Willy's Wonderland is a worse movie for it. Hayesville high schoolers Liv (Emily Tosta, Party of Five), Chris (Kai Kadlec, Dropouts), Kathy (Caylee Cowan, Incision), Aaron (Christian Delgrosso, School Spirits), Bob (Terayle Hill, Judas and the Black Messiah) and Dan (Jonathan Mercedes, Cobra Kai) know that something isn't right at Willy's. They're aware that folks have gone missing there before, too. And, after the rest of the group helps Liv escape the handcuffs her guardian and local sheriff Eloise Lund (Beth Grant, Words on Bathroom Walls) uses to try to keep her safe, they all head to the condemned building to stop The Janitor from becoming its next victim. When it wallows in by-the-numbers slasher territory, just with homicidal puppets and not maniacal humans picking off pesky teens, Willy's Wonderland delivers the least-engaging version of its premise. That's when it resembles the video game Five Nights at Freddy's mixed with terrible sequels to 80s fare like Friday the 13th, and blandly so. Lewis and Parsons might intend to wink and nod at the decades-old pictures that started their chosen subgenre, rather than lazily ape them — as the retro animatronic designs appear to indicate — but when their film happily embraces every cliche it can, it's neither fun or funny. The flick's disposable adolescents make the usual range of stupid choices, including having sex in the doomed space, and whenever they open their mouths, they rarely do the movie any favours. Indeed, the dialogue is so thin, clunky and unconvincing that you can be forgiven for desperately wishing that, like Cage's unnamed drifter, no one in the feature spoke. It isn't hard to squander Cage's talents in a lacklustre-at-best movie, though. Lewis can take solace in the fact that plenty of directors have, and their star has let them. Of late, the actor's resume overflows with films that've only garnered attention because he's in them — see also: the tedious Jiu Jitsu and Primal in just the past two years — and Willy's Wonderland easily joins them. He's nowhere near his best here, but he's still the best thing about the picture. Jittery editing, oversaturated visuals and oh-so-much formula can't dampen his noiseless performance, although, conversely, he can't help Willy's Wonderland overcome its many struggles. 2021 has already let Cage completists see him drip profanity and wax lyrical about the origins of curse words in History of Swear Words, so perhaps this dialogue-free affair is just his way of retaining a sense of cosmic Cage balance. It's never anywhere near as goofy, wacky or out-there as it seems to think, however, and it's positively dull whenever its leading man is out of sight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE5-hkHIZF4
