Take a trip along the Frankston line to the McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery, where the curators have locked in a pair of summer exhibitions. Housed in the gallery from December 13 through to February 21, Uncommon Australians and Talking to Shadows both present work by prominent Australian artists – albeit in very different forms. Arriving in Victoria courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, Uncommon Australians: The Vision of Gordon and Marilyn Darling pays tribute to the couple whose generosity and foresight helped bring the aforementioned gallery into being. The exhibition will feature portraits of various Australian icons, from Nick Cave to Elisabeth Murdoch. Running in tandem, Talking to Shadow showcases the material work from sculpture Tim Silver. The latest in a career that spans two plus decades, the exhibition consists of a video piece alongside steel and bronze sculptures cast from trees ravaged by bushfires in Tasmania.
UPDATE, October 2, 2020: Official Secrets is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. When Keira Knightley came to fame kicking a soccer ball in Bend It Like Beckham, her steely determination played a considerable part. The English actor does purposeful and plucky with aplomb — earning Oscar nominations in Pride & Prejudice and The Imitation Game — and they're traits that keep serving her well nearly two decades after her big break. In fact, they're perfect for her latest role. Stepping into Katharine Gun's shoes in Official Secrets, Knightley is the epitome of dedicated and purposeful, as a British security services agent-turned-whistleblower needs to be. That focus keeps shining, too, as her version of Gun weathers the personal, professional and legal repercussions for her actions in trying to thwart the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including breaching the United Kingdom's Official Secrets Act. Yes, there's no doubting where Official Secrets found its title. Even if you weren't across this fairly recent incident, there's no guessing where the film is headed, either. But, working in the same tense mode as he did with 2015's Eye in the Sky, director/co-writer Gavin Hood still treats Gun's rousing true tale like a thriller with good reason — the ins and outs are stirring and gripping. His clear-eyed procedural also proves riveting because it remains immensely relevant, as do the reasons behind Gun's leak of classified documents to start with. While it was once rightfully considered scandalous, politicians, governments and leaders routinely lying to the public has become a regular part of life today; but daring to speak truth to power — and to force those in power to speak the truth — is still rare. It's an ordinary day for Gun when, during her usual translation and analysis duties for British intelligence, she receives an extraordinary email. Sent from a National Security Agency chief, the communication requests help gathering information about United Nations diplomats, in the hope of convincing the seven non-permanent members of the UN Security Council to vote for military action. Her superiors say that nothing is amiss, but using blackmail to send the world to war doesn't sit well with Gun. Once she sends the document to a friend, who then passes it on to a journalist, it doesn't sit well with Observer reporter Martin Bright (Matt Smith) either. After his front-page story hits newsstands, global outrage naturally follows. So does a spiteful investigation by Britain's powers-that-be, who'd rather attack Gun than admit any wrongdoing. As pieced together with workmanlike precision by Hood, who clearly understands the significance of the story, Gun's plight has many moving parts. Her Turkish husband Yasar (Adam Bakri) is seeking asylum in England, something that's unsurprisingly used against her. After she enlists a veteran human rights lawyer (Ralph Fiennes), she's told that she's not allowed to discuss her work with anyone, including legal counsel, or she'll face further charges. When Bright convinces his pro-war Observer editors to run with the story, an innocent internal error gets conspiracy theorists on the attack as well. Gun is an average Brit calling out wrongdoing in her workplace — wrongdoing with worldwide consequences — and she faces her government's wrath for doing so, but she's steadfast in standing by her actions. Gun is tenacious, courageous and committed — and yet, crucially, she's just a regular person. That's another reason that Official Secrets resonates so strongly. The film's subject is employed by British security services to gather intelligence, so on paper she's a spy, but she's really just someone sitting behind a computer, doing her job, and daring to challenge the status quo when it conflicts with her sense of right and wrong. Indeed, for all of Knightley's skill at playing insistent, dogged and earnest, she also captures this truth, as does Hood's polished yet never slick direction (a Bourne or Bond-style flick, this isn't). Official Secrets lurks in nondescript offices and watches everyday folks go about their work, while managing a delicate balancing act in the process, ensuring that Gun is a flesh-and-blood figure rather than a simplified martyr. This is also a movie with a clear outcome in mind and an overt emotional path, although that comes both with the territory and with telling this tale today. Many of the film's supporting players are tasked with underscoring the story's importance — Smith, Fiennes, Matthew Goodes and Rhys Ifans as other journalists, and Jeremy Northam as the public prosecutor eager to put Gun in her place — however Knightley utters the line that couldn't sum up Official Secrets better. Her character is yelling at the TV while watching the news and, yes, it feels relatable as it sounds. "Just because you're the Prime Minister, it doesn't mean you get to make up your own facts," she notes as Tony Blair talks about Iraq. Try not to injure yourself nodding forcefully in agreement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IVuxnXFrl8
You don’t have to be a science fiction fan to know that Doctor Who is having a moment right now. The 50th anniversary episode in December last year was a global event, and 2014 brings in the twelfth Doctor, to be played by Peter Capaldi. But while you wait for season eight to kick off, the MSO will be tiding your over with a performance of the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular at the Plenary. Back by popular demand, the MSO will perform music from the hit series composed by Murray Gold. The show will feature edited footage of the eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, as well as looking back at some of the past Doctors. The concert hall will also be overrun by the Silence, Daleks and Cybermen, so park the Tardis close by if you need to make a quick escape. Intergalactic adventures await you, so don’t forget to pack your sonic screwdriver.
North Geelong is home to this Palm Springs-inspired local favourite. Helmed by friendly owners Bek and Sev, this spot in the Geelong Vintage Markets serves up colourful and clever brunch plates with a focus on local produce. Sweet tooths will love the vegan and gluten-free breakfast panna cotta ($17) with housemade granola, poached rhubarb, seasonal berries, candied orange and milk of choice. The Pickers Union might also do one of the best breakfast burgers ($16) in town, which sees bacon, avo, crumbed feta, spinach, cheese and a free-range fried egg sandwiched in a bun from excellent local bakery La Madre. Coffee lovers will be impressed with the Cartel Coffee made in the cafe's Slayer Steam X machine, as well as the selection of house-label beans, available to purchase by the bag. Images: Julia Sansone.
In a place like Sydney where the state of our public transport system is constantly being debated and criticised, the Subway Etiquette Posters by NYC artist Jason Shelowitz, or Jay Shells, could provide some relief to regular commuters. Despite NYC being in a different hemisphere, it's good to know that Sydneysiders are not the only commuters who experience run-ins with nail clippers and subway polluters. Jay Shells' Subway Etiquette posters are the product of a survey of 100 commuters and their pet peeves, poking fun at things like eating on public transport, noise pollution, seating priority and physical contact. [via Trendhunter]
Last month, McDonald's spread some lockdown cheer for a few days, offering burger-loving customers free delivery for an entire weekend. From now until the end of June, it's doing the same. Sharing the fast food love, the huge chain is doing free home delivery on orders over $25 via UberEats — every single weekend. If you're craving a Quarter Pounder or a box of chicken McNuggets and you don't fancy leaving the house, that's obviously great news. To get your hands on a burg, some fries, a Happy Meal, McFlurry or a hot fudge sundae — or anything else on the chain's regular menu — with no extra delivery cost, head to UberEats' website or use the UberEats app and enter the weekly code. This week's code, valid until Sunday, May 11, is MACCAS2U; however it will change each week. To get the new details every Friday, you'll need to head to Macca's Facebook page. The entire transaction will be contact-free, including when it hits your doorstep. And, if you're after a few household staples, Macca's is also delivering milk, plus six-packs of English muffins and its gourmet buns. Or, of course, you can ignore whatever time of day it is and go straight for a McMuffin, hash brown and some hot cakes. McDonalds is offering free delivery across Australia on orders over $25 made via UberEats, with the special available every weekend until the end of June. To order, head here and use the weekly code. Until Sunday, May 11, the code is MACCAS2U, with new codes announced every Friday via the Macca's Facebook page. Images: McDonald's.
Calling all companions, Whovians and Time Lords: the TARDIS has materialised in Melbourne. Again Thats right, a Totally Awesome Radical Doctor Who Impromptu Shop has opened up on Little Collins Street, allowing you to purchase all of your favourite Doctor Who memorabilia and necessities to fight Daleks. The pop-up shop is touring this time to promote the new Doctor, Peter Capaldi, and the launch of series eight on ABC TV in August. It will allow Australians to purchase exclusive merchandise never before made available to them. This includes replica props and coats from the UK and Canada, as well as the Doctor Who Home range, allowing you to pour your tea from a TARDIS themed pot and pour your emotions over the deaths of past and present companions into a Dalek-themed diary. Traditional merch items will also be on sale, including DVDs, books and toys. Oh, by the way, you can get your photo taken in-store in the TARDIS photo booth. The store is open 9am-6pm daily (except Friday when it's open 9am-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm).
Set in the heart of Hawthorn, Lulo Bar & Grill is quietly one of Melbourne's best late-night dining spots. Chef Matt Waldron named the space for his Colombian-born wife Michelle (Lulo is Colombian slang for an attractive woman) and the menu also reflects his love. South American flavours feature in all of the large and small share plates, with notable highlights including the melt-in-your-mouth ceviche and the crispy skin pork belly with mushroom ponzu, guava and hibiscus — although we're also pretty partial to the sweet and salty Colombian churros filled with quince jam and dulce de leche being served up for dessert.
We had a feeling this might happen. Off the back of an appearance at an already sold-out Splendour in the Grass, Kendrick Lamar will also headline six Australian shows in support of his fourth album DAMN.. Lamar is one of the most critically acclaimed and successful hip hop artists of our generation. The Compton rapper most recently became the first ever artist to take out the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for contemporary music. He's also the beholder of 12 Grammys, has clocked up more than six million album sales worldwide, and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine. Lamar will return to our shores for Splendour on the weekend of July 20–22 and six headline shows: one in Perth on July 10, two in Melbourne on July 13 and 14, one in Adelaide on July 15 and two in Sydney on July 24 and 25. Having recently taken the DAMN. tour across the UK and Europe, set lists included his extensive catalogue, including good kid, m.A.A.d city (2012), To Pimp A Butterfly (2015) and his most recent effort DAMN..
As I settled down in Event Cinemas to see Once Chance, I didn't realise I'd also be seeing my mother's cinematic debut. But more on that later. A British film directed by David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) and written by Justin Zackham (The Bucket List), One Chance is based on the true story of Paul Potts, a shop assistant and amateur opera singer who won Britain's Got Talent in 2007. It's a kind of hero's journey meets love story, with Potts' marriage to wife Julie-Ann (Alexandra Roach) at the core. Her patience and loyalty sustains him through a seemingly unending amount of bad luck. As does his love of opera. The film opens with Potts' troubled childhood and ends with his first audition for Britain's Got Talent, now a YouTube favourite, where he sang Nessun Dorma so beautifully he received a standing ovation, judges cried and even Simon Cowell beamed. Before we get to the happy ending, things get pretty dark. There's his bully-ridden childhood. Then there's his dysfunctional relationship with his father, his financial struggles, his chronic self-doubt (enforced by no less than Pavarotti in one of the film's most painful scenes) and his ill health, from bicycle accidents to appendicitis to cancer. Even the setting of Port Talbot is depressing. But without depicting the struggle, the film's final scenes wouldn't be quite as moving. We wouldn't appreciate how glorious a victory this was for Potts, the eternal underdog. I just wish we could have had a bit longer to bask in it before the credits started rolling. James Corden was an unusual casting choice. He's known for his cheeky, brash confidence, and at times you can almost feel him holding back. But for the most part he succeeded in giving a believable performance as the shy, self-effacing Potts. (And before you ask, no that's not him singing; he is lip-synching to Potts' voice.) Sometimes the plot and dialogue feel a tad schmaltzy, a bit 'Hollywood', potentially because it's a British story with British actors but in the hands of American filmmakers. The film could use a splash more irreverence, but there are real moments of humour, often thanks to the comedic timing of Corden, Julie Walters (as Potts' mum) and Mackenzie Crook (as his friend and inefficient manager at the Carphone Warehouse). One Chance is entertaining and tells a genuinely inspiring story. It's not the most well-written script, but if you like stories about self-belief and pursuing your dreams no matter how many obstacles life throws at you, then you should see it. Or if you want to see my mum's unwitting extra-work. She's the tourist in the white trousers in the final scene, standing in the middle of Piazza San Marco and staring straight at the camera. Hi mum. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1wtq5hN2eOE
Before he’d even set foot in Australia, Tim Crouch’s work had played to rapturous audiences throughout the country, from Belvoir Street to the Perth, Melbourne and Sydney Festivals. Crouch is an internationally acclaimed theatremaker based in the UK, where he creates his own work as well as directing for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and it’s Shakespeare that’s the subject of his latest show. In his one-man piece at Arts Centre, I, Malvolio, Crouch drags the “notoriously wronged” steward from Twelfth Night out into the limelight. When I, Malvolio first opened in a Brighton school as part of that city’s festival, Crouch was also asked to make an “adult” version of the same work — now he adapts the piece on the fly in every show, depending on who’s in the house. “If there’s lots of adults the level of interaction becomes more mature and complex, with a younger audience the text changes slightly," he says. "There’s quite a lot of improvisation in this piece, but there’s also quite a lot of strictly scripted words, and it’s in the spaces where the improvisation exists that the piece changes depending on the audience.” His plays for older audiences typically have a strong ideological bent, pushing against the boundaries of theatre’s capabilities. But he’s found that younger audiences are often more attuned, present and receptive. In this respect, he characterises children and teenagers in a similar way to audiences at festivals, where most if not all of his international work is produced. “Festivals are melting pots,” says Crouch, “They are meeting points, because work from around the world gathers in those places. Everyone is much more porous — the audience come back at you more deeply.” I, Malvolio is the fourth in a sequence of five works that began in 2003 with I, Caliban, but Crouch never set out to make a “series”. In these pieces, he liberates characters like Caliban, Banquo and Cinna from the margins of Shakespeare’s plots, letting them take centre stage in their own fluid, transfigured adaptations. He’s keenly aware of the responsibility these works owe to their “host plays”, but each one is still a freestanding work in its own right. “It’s important that they don’t sit in the shadow of the Shakespeare play they come from; they have to be pieces with their own integrity.” Crouch believes that this kind of balance allows an Elizabethan playwright’s distinctive voice to resonate with a modern audience, invoking Harold Bloom’s belief in Shakespeare as the inventor of understanding of what it means to be human. “A character like Malvolio is still an archetype that exists in contemporary consciousness,” he says, “and it’s good for a young audience to understand there’s a continuum from that time to now, and how we think about ourselves as human beings. We can still trace our way back.”
Victoria's alpine region is only a few hours' drive from Melbourne, making it ideal for a quick getaway. Its craggy mountains, sprawling vineyards and countless bushwalking trails offer stunning scenery to take in year-round. But it's not all about the natural landscape. From Bright and Beechworth to Mansfield and Mount Buller, the mountainous region boasts phenomenal wineries, pubs, cafes and farm-to-table fine diners. So, if you consider yourself a foodie, it's time to start planning your next food-fuelled adventure. Don't know where to start? To help point you in the right direction, we've partnered with Victoria's High Country to bring you eight road-trip worthy dining and drinking spots. [caption id="attachment_805160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Roberto Seba[/caption] PROVENANCE Set in a former Bank of Australasia building, Provenance Restaurant is a cult favourite for both Beechworth locals and visitors to the old gold rush town. Here, foraged and locally grown produce is used to create an 18-dish, four-course set menu of Japanese-influenced fare, priced at $150 per person. So, you'll want to come hungry. While the menu often changes, you can expect dishes like oysters with cherry blossom dressing, asparagus tempura with fish eggs, grilled beef with smoked miso butter and a candied grapefruit and green tea mousse dessert. To drink, pick from co-owner Jeanette Henderson's fine sake and wine list. You can also drop by the Provenance Grocer to pick up house-made sauces, jams, pickled vegetables and jerky. [caption id="attachment_805171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] TOMAHAWKS At Bright's much-loved Tomahawks, the ambience is as vibrant and punchy as the menu, which features flavour-bombs like sticky lamb ribs served with gochujang caramel; prawn and ginger dumplings; cauliflower and mozzarella fritters; and selection of burgers. End your meal on a sugar high and order the decadent white chocolate blondie with salted caramel and ice cream, too. If you're just stopping in for a tipple you won't be disappointed on that front either. The drinks list is a love letter to local breweries and wineries, and the bar always has a few surprises on rotation, so things don't get boring for the regular bar flies. The Tomahawks team has just opened up a pizza shop in town, too, if you were in search of cheesy slices. [caption id="attachment_805174" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Georgie James Photography[/caption] TERRACE RESTAURANT One thing you'll notice in Victoria's High Country is that there's no shortage of fine diners. With that said, the award-winning Terrace Restaurant, just outside Rutherglen, is one of the spots we can't pass up when talking about the region's finer food offerings. Located on the All Saints Estate in a 19th century castle-like building overlooking vineyards and stately gardens, the restaurant certainly impresses. Food-wise, expect European-inspired indulgence from Chef Simon Arkless's menu, jam-packed with seasonal produce. The menu changes weekly, but you can always expect lamb, pork and fresh eggs sourced from the on-site farm. It's open for lunch every Wednesday to Sunday, with a feed starting from $65 per head for a two-course meal. MANSFIELD COFFEE MERCHANT Melbourne's coffee culture has spread to the North East with go-to cafe Mansfield Coffee Merchant. Owner Mat Picone took his bean roasting skills from the city to the country around six years ago and has been caffeinating locals ever since. Try one of the in-house roasted single origins or blends for a cup of joe or, if you're more of a tea person, the cafe also offers a selection of brews from local company Mad Hatter Tea Co. Breakfast here is also a good shout, with classics like pancakes with mixed berries; chorizo and feta omelettes; and porchetta eggs hitting the spot on a cold autumn morning. [caption id="attachment_807305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beechworth Photographers[/caption] PROJECT FORTY NINE Project Forty Nine, located in historic Beechworth, is a boutique grocer and cafe that champions goods from the region's small-scale producers and farmers. So, like many High Country foodie havens, seasonal produce is the hero here. Over at the deli counter, you'll find top-quality charcuterie, stinky cheeses and many tasty-looking baked goods. Plus, it also stocks oils, pastas, preserves and other pantry staples. But, really, you're here for its impressive wine selection of local drops. If you don't have time to pop by, you can also have one of Project Forty Nine's platters — which showcase some of the store's favourite items — delivered straight to your doorstep. [caption id="attachment_805161" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] DAL ZOTTO Nothing can prepare you for the positive energy that comes with a visit to the prosecco pioneers of King Valley. Established in 1987 by Otto and Elena Dal Zotto, Dal Zotto Wines is a full-on family affair that has a penchant for the simple things in life. Start at the cellar door to sip glasses of prosecco. Then, kick back in the sun in the dog-friendly garden complete with picnic tables and wooden wine barrels substituting high tables. And be sure to check out Elena's veggie garden. You'll want to book a table in at the winery's trattoria, too, which serves up everything from antipasto boards to fresh homemade pasta and pizzas. [caption id="attachment_805167" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn[/caption] SIXPENCE COFFEE Sixpence Coffee is the small giant of the High Country's bean scene. Located in the alpine foothills of Bright, the family-owned and -run venue shares Reed & Co Distillery's airy warehouse-style space. So, on a rainy day, you could easily spend a few hours at the coffee bar before moving on to something stronger. Make sure to try Sixpence's popular 3741 blend, which is roasted in small batches on site and has a reputation that precedes itself not only in Bright but also much further afield. TEMPLAR LODGE Surrounded by cattle farms and overlooking Victoria's highest peak, Mount Bogong, Templar Lodge is an unexpected gem in Tawonga. Chef-Owner Emma Handley has transformed the former 1950s Masonic Hall into an intimate paddock-to-plate restaurant. The contemporary Australian menu makes use of top-notch local produce — including fruits and veggies grown on Handley's farm — and changes with the seasons. To give an idea of what you'll be tucking in to, though, expect warming dishes like smoked eel rillette, house-made gnocchi, grilled ribeye and tonkotsu ramen. If it's not too chilly, nab a spot on the wide verandah for epic alpine views. Discover more and plan your next food-fuelled adventure at Victoria's High Country. Top image: Sixpence Coffee, Visit Victoria / Rob Blackburn
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.
There were short-lived rumours that Melbourne's art and hospitality scene had reached peak saturation, but the city quickly put those to bed when its cultural ecosystem grew and flourished once again. It has been a year of innovative new restaurants and bars — bigger and taller than ever before — forward-thinking events and bold spaces, pubs and cafes. And they're not all from the big players — independent ventures are flourishing. Bars continue to offer immersive, imaginative experiences that take you beyond their drinks lists — giant wheels of raclette, Kill Bill-themed drinks lists — and late into the night, with some now serving inventive bar snacks til 3am. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented vanguards pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new bars, opened in 2017, were nominated for Best New Bar in Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards.
Melbourne's fashion scene is getting a sporty remix this month. From Wednesday, August 20 to Saturday, August 23, ASICS SportStyle is bringing its signature Japanese heritage and vintage running aesthetic to No Vacancy Gallery for its first-ever Australian pop-up event. Drop in from 8am daily (10am on Saturday) and you'll score a free coffee on the house if you're one of the first 30 people wearing ASICS. Or check out the ASICS x No Vacancy Café for a delicious menu of Japanese-inspired brews and pastries. Throughout the day, there'll be live DJ sessions, sneaker giveaways and a curated showcase featuring a collab with Jungles Jungles, re-stocks of the latest Cecilie Bahnsen and JJJJound collaborations, and GEL-QUANTUM™. Don't miss the photo booth moment to celebrate ten years of GEL-QUANTUM™ innovation or the chance to see Jack Ferguson from Jungles Jungles, crafting sneakers live on-site from 12–2pm on Wednesday. Plus, a series of free workshops will explore mindfulness, sound and style — all inspired by the ASICS philosophy of 'Sound Mind, Sound Body'. Find the ASICS SportStyle Melbourne Pop-Up at No Vacancy Gallery from August 20–23. Wednesday-Friday, open 8am–4pm. Saturday, open 10am–4pm. Entry is free, but bookings are required for select workshops. Find out more on the website.
If a critic's role is to truly explore their chosen field, not only examining the obvious and popular but also unearthing the new and unknown, then consider Jonathan Gold the king of Los Angeles cuisine. Sure he knows all the regular haunts, but he's more interested in the venues less visited. He sees the city as a hotbed of tastes and textures, with the eclectic eateries off the beaten path more vibrant and varied than their well-known, well-heeled counterparts. Indeed, Gold's penchant for smaller, harder to find establishments that reflect their respective communities is what has endeared him to LA restaurateurs and readers alike, while also catapulting him to broader fame and recognition. He freely admits that he became a food writer completely by accident, and yet he's been plying his trade for more than two decades. In 2007, he became the first and only food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize. City of Gold tells his tale, though Laura Gabbert's documentary doesn't just take the standard biographical route. There are no shortage of friends, or thankful chefs and owners, willing to sing his praises — and Gold himself doesn't shy away from sharing his own upbeat anecdotes. But the movie's real focus mirrors its subject's true quest. As his humble beginnings – munching his way along the 15-mile Pico Boulevard from downtown LA to Santa Monica – demonstrate, the Los Angeles Times scribe is more concerned with the experience than the ingredients. Gabbert's skill is in doing the same, honing in on Gold's travels around town in his trusty Dodge truck more than she does the minutiae of the menus he consumes. Accordingly, City of Gold ambles along with a relaxed air, lurching from one topic to another while its images roam around the city. Thankfully, even when delving into his childhood, background as a music writer and notorious reputation for procrastination, the film doesn't suffer from its sprawling approach and casual attitude. Insights into the history of LA, the art of criticism and the advent of online consumer review sites also earn a mention, but never do they distract from the feature's main thread. Instead, they flesh out the 96-minute look at a guy uncovering the flavours of his hometown with a commitment to authenticity — and not just because it's his job, but because it's his passion. His enthusiasm, though delivered in his particularly unflashy fashion, proves infectious, with the film sharing that same tone of celebration. That adoration doesn't just extend to its portrayal of Gold, but to the places he champions, with his negative opinions glaringly absent. As Gold reads his own reviews of gastronomic gems, it's easy to believe that his is a life of devouring only the tastiest culinary creations. Basically, if you think being a food critic sounds like the perfect job, this documentary will do very little to change your mind.
You might not be able to jet off on a trip to the states anytime soon...but your tastebuds can. For this year's edition of Good Beer Week, the southside's own US-accented watering hole, Silverlake Social, invites you on a beery road trip through five different American states, stopping off at some of their leading breweries. Across three sessions (5pm, 7pm and 9pm) on Friday, May 21, the bar will host its USA Road Trip tasting adventure which will see you sampling top-notch beers from five breweries out of Oregon, California, Texas, New York and Massachusetts. Brewery representatives will be on hand to talk you through the night's diverse lineup of drops, including rare brews and even a few craft sips never before seen in Australia. Tickets come in at $79 per person, which includes beer tastings from all five breweries. If all that road-tripping leaves you feeling peckish, the kitchen will be dishing up its signature menu of Cali-inspired eats, from buffalo wings and baby back ribs, to the double-cheese Golden State Burger. [caption id="attachment_612833" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hugh Davies[/caption] Top image: Hugh Davies
The Bunnings sausage sizzle has become an Aussie institution, because shopping for hardware and snacking on a bread-wrapped snag somehow go hand-in-hand. It's a suburban mainstay, too; however, you won't have to venture out to your local store on next Tuesday, July 23. Instead, for one day only, the hardware giant is bringing free sausages to Federation Square. Bunnings will be teaming up with chef and restaurateur Shane Delia (Biggie Smalls, Maha East), who'll be cooking up a special recipe inspired by his Middle Eastern heritage, firing them up on the barbie and handing them out — completely free — to Melburnians from 7am–6pm. There'll also be some regular snags available, too, and possible other chef collabs. The giveaway marks the launch of the chain's new Click & Collect shopping option, so if you're keen for a free feed, you will need to whip out your phone, take a picture and share it using the #tagforasnag hashtag. Plus, when you do this, Bunnings will also donate $2.50 to Melbourne City Mission, a charity that works with the city's vulnerable communities. If you're a bit of a Bunnings nerd, you'll be happy to know that you'll also be able to experience a virtual Click & Collect store while you're there — and not only buy indoor plants, but learn how to make your own macramé pot hanger. The free sausage sizzle runs from 7am–6pm.
The State Library may be beautiful, imposing and a little cold, but don't be put off: there's warmth, comfort and productivity waiting for you in spades, especially inside Guild Cafe. Located in a part of the library that's been closed for 15 years, the cafe sprung up as part of the huge refurbishments the precinct underwent last year. Helmed by local business Almond Milk Co, the cafe is just inside the Library's new Russell Street entrance space, the Welcome Zone, where you'll also find an outpost of Readings bookshop. The short and sweet menu has classic pastries and lunch staples, such as salads and sandwiches, and lots of vegan options — including ramen with nori and pickled ginger ($6) and granola with minted coconut yoghurt ($6) Big windows make for plenty of light and large communal tables lend themselves well to remote working with just you, your laptop, and a bunch of other focused people. Plus — the folks at Guild know what they're doing when it comes to coffee (from St Ali), and an all-day filter coffee pass is available for $10 (or hot tip: try the almond milk). Images: We Are Tofu.
Sometimes it's nice to get out of Melbourne. Rippon Lea is a hidden gem, boasting a grand estate, sweeping gardens and a vast lake — only seven kilometres out of the city. This winter, the magnificent heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate is hosting a couple of exhibitions. One of them is Night Life, which utilises the National Trust of Australia's fashion collection to display the stunning history of Australian fashion from the 1920s and 1930s. The exhibition features over 50 gowns and accessories — many made locally in Victoria. The event takes place within the historic mansion, but why not arrive early to explore the grounds? It's an ideal spot for a picnic, and a classy way to round off the weekend.
The Emerging Writers' Festival this year looks to be stuffed to the brim with great minds, events, and ideas. Taking place from June 19–29, many different disciplines and venues will to unite to host the voices of the Australian writing world, both established and emerging. For just a few bites of what's on offer, there will be masterclasses and intensives on everything from poetry to podcasting; a dinner 'speakeasy' on money, sex and death; Pan Afrikan Poets, which will bring Afrikan artists and First Nation and Pasifika artists together in conversation; and Translation Nation, a roaming look through different disciplines and languages exploring ways of saying. The National Writers' Conference will take place during the weekend, bringing together ambassadors such as Isobelle Carmody, Michael Mohammed Ahmad and Ellen van Neerven to share their experience and advice, while also allowing emerging writers to pitch to industry professionals. It's not all serious stuff, though — there are parties on the agenda, too. Amazing Babes is a constant favourite of the festival, and will again celebrate the women who uplift and better others (aka, babes that are amazing) at Northcote Town Hall. The Queer Icons Party will be a big ol' bonanza celebrating queer stories and lives, and Further from the Sun is the winter solstice party featuring words, dance and song at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. More than 50 percent of the program is free – best start booking yourselves in. More information and full program here.
Bunjil Place in Melbourne's southeast might be the newest arts centre kid on the block, but it's certainly a new kid that's pulling its weight. The Narre Warren cultural precinct opened in 2017, and incorporates an 800-seat theatre, exhibition and function spaces, a gallery, a library and a civic centre as well as offices. And it has already won awards, taking out the Architecture of the Year prize at the 2017 International Design Awards. Major players in the Melbourne dance, opera and theatre scene will head to Bunjil Place this July, including the Narre Warren venue in their touring sights. No longer just the domain of those who live in the inner city, Bunjil Place will host performances from The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Bell Shakespeare. Opera Australia will perform heartbreaker Madame Butterfly, Puccini's epic operatic love story between a US Navy sailor and a Japanese woman, on Saturday, July 17. Directed by John Bell, the performance will include a children's choir partly drawn from Berwick's Melbourne Youth Chorale. The Australian Ballet's regional touring company will include Bunjil Place on its tour on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, presenting Coppélia, the story of an enchanted doll and the poor sucker who falls in love with her, thinking she's real. For serious theatre-goers, there's good news here too: Bell Shakespeare will perform Shakespeare's treacherous Julius Caesar, on Tuesday, July 31. Broken hearts and bodies all around.
This Is Spinal Tap set the benchmark for mockumentaries way back in 1984 and has reigned supreme ever since. Now it may finally have an equal with What We Do In The Shadows, a collaboration between writer/directors Taika Waititi and Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement. Billed as "a couple of interviews with a couple of vampires", it's a fly on the wall 'documentary' about four vampires sharing a flat in present-day New Zealand and is, quite simply, hilarious. Key to its appeal is the way What We Do In The Shadows presents the needs, problems and activities of vampires as entirely commonplace. The flatmates cruise the clubs of Wellington seeking victims like others seek a one night stand, they jeer each other on when a back-alley argument descends into a 'bat fight', and they projectile vomit blood when they absentmindedly eat actual food. Yes, they've their share of 'vampire' problems (sunlight, vampire hunters, etc), but also more normal ones, like having to tell your best friend you're the undead and suppressing the unceasing desire to kill him. What We Do in the Shadows is in cinemas on September 4. Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have a What We Do in the Shadows prize pack to give away, with a double in-season pass and DVDs of Submarine, Bernie and Prince Avalanche. Eight runners up will also get double in-season passes to see the film. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review of the movie here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cv568AzZ-i8
Oysters and gin are both high up there on the list of Aussie food and drink faves, especially at this time of year — on the cusp of what's set to be a huge silly season. And now, the two ingredients are joining forces in a very special way: the brand-new Oyster Shell Gin from South Australia's Never Never Distilling Co and Chris Lucas' (Chin Chin, Hawker Hall, Baby) new Melbourne restaurant Society. The collaborative concoction is made using oyster shells from Kangaroo Island, as well as a host of seaside botanicals including saltbush, Tasmanian wakame and native coastal daisy. You'll also find some salted citrus, mint, pine, waxflower and coriander spice in the mix. All the ingredients fuse to create a mineral-forward spirit with subtle saline notes, representing a big, fresh taste of the Aussie coastline. Spritely citrus aromas and a lengthy finish mean it's just as well-suited to a dry martini as a refreshing G&T. The sip's also primed to be paired with a seafood feast, whether that involves more local oysters, or some other kind of ocean-fresh goodies. Which makes it a festive season winner, of course. This particular match-up of distillery and restaurant is a fitting one, given the sophisticated seafood dishes peppered through Society's menus and Never Never's own penchant for innovation. You can find the adventurous drop pouring exclusively at Society once it reopens on November 5, as well as at the distillery's McLaren Vale cellar door. It's also selling over on Never Never's online store. The Never Never Dark Series Oyster Shell Gin is available from the distillery's website, for RRP $75. You can also get your hands on it at Society, 80 Collins Street, Melbourne (from November 5), and at Never Never Distilling Co, 56 Field St, McLaren Vale, South Australia.
Well, it looks like Brunswick Street has more than a few surprises up its sleeve for punters this season. First, the long-standing Provincial Hotel unveiled its sunny new rooftop bar, and now the team behind cocktail-slinging stalwart Polly has announced plans for a new addition to the strip: a soon-to-open bar named The Roy. Of course, this new watering hole is a whole lot less of a surprise for owner Casey Gordon and manager Chris Hinds, who've put in a solid two-year stint of renovations, shaping an unused nook at the back of Polly into a cosy drinking den. The result is what the pair describe as a laidback 'local's local', accessed via a rear laneway, decked out with a big screen for watching sport, and with a vibe that's a few notches more casual than its older sister. But that's not to say you won't find the same attention to detail and boozy prowess. Polly's years of expertise shine through in The Roy's drinks offering, which features a six-strong tap rotation running from the classic to the crafty, a broad lineup of wines by the glass, and a hefty spirits collection to top it all off. There's no word yet on an official opening date, but we'll keep you posted. The Roy is slated to open soon at the rear of 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more information, visit theroy.com.au.
A culinary collaboration is making its debut for one weekend only this month. Black Star Pastry and Hugo's Deli have teamed up to create a limited-edition watermelon combo, which will be available at the sandwich deli's location in Richmond. The combo features a watermelon katsu sandwich curated by Hugo's Deli. This sandwich includes a thick slice of watermelon marinated in soy, mirin, molasses and ponzu, paired with negi miso and charred cabbage yuzu slaw, all nestled between two pieces of shokupan bread. For dessert, customers can refresh their palette with Black Star Pastry's popular strawberry watermelon cake made of almond dacquoise, rose-scented cream, watermelon, strawberries, pistachios and dried rose petals. The famed patisserie will also unveil its new strawberry matcha latte, blending colours and flavours for a velvety refreshment. For those craving something extra, their latest carrot cake creation – made with walnuts, crushed pineapple, warm spices and cream cheese frosting – and yuzu streaks will be served at the event. The Black Star Pastry x Hugo's Deli Watermelon Combo will only be available from Saturday, April 6–Sunday, April 7, starting from 10.30am.
While La Niña may be threatening hot vax summer, no doubt you still intend on living it up over the warmer months. After all, you've got mates to catch up with, new bars to check out and a swathe of live gigs to see. And, with all these social occasions coming up, you're probably keeping an eye out for some new summer threads. Lucky for you, top seltzer brand White Claw has teamed up with local fashion brand Barney Cools to bring you the ultimate wardrobe to cruise around in this summer. The brands are basically the epitome of summer, so the collab makes sense. And the best news? You can score it for free. The White Claw x Barney Cools all-white capsule collection includes three epic items: a terry cord party shirt, a breezy vintage-style tee and corduroy cap. Each limited-edition piece is designed to be genderless, too, so they'll suit anyone and everyone who's keen to make the most of summer. Oh, and did we mention that the prize also includes one White Claw variety pack? The new-release pack includes four flavours: watermelon, mango, lime and grapefruit. There are ten White Claw x Barney Cools packs to be won around the country. Should you win, you'll score some White Claws and all three clothing items, so you can don them to the beach, pub, park and just about everywhere else you plan to hit this summer. Keen to win some new summer threads? Enter your details below to go in the running. [competition]836217[/competition]
As with most DC universe superhero stories, Wonder Woman isn't aiming for lofty heights. Which is probably a good thing, because it hits right in the middle. We saw the superheroine appear briefly in Batman vs. Superman, where she was far and away the best part of the film. Now, in her origin movie, we get to see where she came from. Wonder Woman, Diana Prince, or Princess Diana of Themyscira (Gal Gadot), is raised on the secret island of Themyscira, home of the Amazons. When American soldier Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) washes up on their island, Diana defies her mother Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) by freeing him, before setting out to help humanity escape from, what she infers must be, the wicked influence of Ares the God of War (the Amazons are supposedly tasked with protecting humanity from Ares, although they seem to mostly just chill on their island). Diana and Steve sail to London in a dinghy, and travel to the front of World War I to find the wellspring of evil and end the war. Rollicking adventures soon ensue. As a narrative, Wonder Woman leaves plenty to be desired; a standard hero's quest but without elegance or depth. Words like 'love' and 'innocent lives' and 'protect humanity' are thrown around until they lose all meaning – although apparently, German soldiers do not count as humanity since the film sees them slaughtered in droves. The horrific trench warfare of WW1 is once again co-opted as gritty texture in an otherwise textureless film. Director Patty Jenkins manages to tick all the boxes of the worn out genre: fast-paced fight scenes, goodies versus baddies, a smattering of humour and a dramatic final showdown. If you're into caped crusaders, Wonder Woman is still probably worth your time. It's also good to see a superhero film with a strong female cohort – Gadot in front of camera, Jenkins behind, an island full of Amazonian warriors, and Elena Anaya playing the wicked Doctor Poison. And yet it's still basically impossible to call Wonder Woman a feminist film. For all the buzz about female empowerment, the movie falls prey to the same tired, sexist tropes that define all male-dominated movie franchises. We're talking blatant objectification, lack of agency, and outdated stereotypes. Diana is superhuman, with a whip that compels truthfulness and magic wrist guards that deflect bullets. She speaks over a hundred languages and has literally been raised from birth on an island surrounded by fierce fighting women. And yet everywhere she goes, she's greeted with comments about how smokin' hot she is. Can you imagine anyone doing that to Batman? Steve Trevor helps her off a boat and steers her through the streets of London with a possessive hand on her arm. He bosses her around. The men in her ragtag gang see her destroy a church and flip over a tank, but they don't quite believe she knows what she's talking about when it comes to strategy. They simply refuse to let her infiltrate the gala seething with German high command. At the end of the day, the woman is saddled with the same old shit – just as a protagonist and not a one-dimensional narrative device. At the end of the day, if you're just looking for another superhero flick, Wonder Woman should suit you just fine. But if you were hoping to see something revolutionary in terms of the representation of women, prepare to be bitterly disappointed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q8fG0TtVAY
UPDATE, August 9, 2020: Kusama: Infinity is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. Early in Kusama: Infinity, a series of black-and-white drawings and paintings take pride of place. Unsurprisingly given the documentary's subject, they're filled with dots. The artworks rank among Yayoi Kusama's earliest creations, with the Japanese icon starting her love affair with the medium — and with the circles that she repeatedly wields as a motif — when she was ten years old. Nearly eight decades later, she's still following those passions in pieces littered with dots and pumpkins, and in infinity rooms filled with orbs too. Of course, now the entire world gets to share in the eye-catching results. The path from creatively curious child to international superstar hasn't been quick or smooth for Kusama, which is the crux of Heather Lenz's film. As a kid, Kusama's mother would snatch away her paper while she was still drawing — and even as a twenty-something, it was only writing to American artist Georgia O'Keeffe that gave her the confidence to move to the US. Virtually ignored in conservative post-war Japan, she was hardly the toast of New York when she arrived in the late 1950s. That's the reality of an artist considered a sensation in her eighties: all of that fame and acclaim only came after a lifetime of hard work. Directing, writing, producing and editing her first full-length documentary, Lenz explores the inescapable truth at the heart of Kusama's story. In the process, she also gives viewers a Kusama 101 lesson. The dots, dilemmas and dramas flicker across the screen, furnishing a tale that's as much about the doors that wouldn't open to the young artist as it is about the boundaries that she dared to push. In Japan, she was a woman who defied convention by refusing to become a dutiful housewife. In America, she was both a woman in a male-dominated realm and a foreigner in an unwelcoming land. Everything about Kusama's story is vital and essential — as important and affecting as staring into one of her mirrored cubes, or seeing her dots completely envelop a room. But while Kusama: Infinity clearly recognises that fact, the movie remains happy to chronicle its subject in the usual art doco manner. Experts impart explanatory narration, sometimes as talking heads. Clips showcase a feast of different pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations, videos and even America's first queer wedding ceremonies. Kusama herself lends her thoughts, which are relayed as interviews as well as voiceover. There's gorgeous sights and biographical insights aplenty, but the film never quite breaks the mould in the same fashion as the artist at its core. Thankfully, Kusama: Infinity's array of artwork works its charms. How could it not? If Kusama's pieces feel more than a little otherworldly just as they are, seeing them blown up on a big screen makes them larger than life. Colour, shape, movement, an intoxicating sense of repetition — they all dance through her creations, and through the movie as a result. As they do, one of the picture's opening remarks lingers: "I convert the energy of life into dots of the universe," Kusama offers. "And that energy, along with love, flies into the sky." Kusama herself proves the film's other highlight, for devotees and newcomers alike. Her work may tell a thousand stories — tales that the doco's well-selected archival photographs of the artist only enhance — however there's nothing like hearing about Kusama's life, motivations and roadblocks in her own words. There's nothing like seeing her chat to the camera either, with her bobbed red hair a-blazing. First spied wearing a vibrant crimson dress peppered with white polka dots while standing in front of one of her monochrome circle-filled drawings, she provides an instant visual reminder of why her art strikes a chord. It might be impossible to capture the enigma that is Kusama in one 85-minute documentary, but her inimitable allure is evident every time the artist herself brightens up the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRqxWNn3iQU
Two gigantic Australian billboards were hijacked this week, now sporting seriously gnarly tatts. Located in Sydney's George Street and Melbourne's St Kilda Junction, the 16m x 6m billboards have been emblazoned with giant tattooed lions by longtime team-up Aussie artists The Yok and Sheryo in collaboration with LYNX. The two artists were invited to use their own unique styles and expression to transform the men's brand's latest outdoor campaign. Marking phase one of LYNX's brand new 'Expression Series', the billboards were completed over four days; with a limited run of t-shirts and posters available through Facebook. This isn't the first time the pair have worked together; The Yok and Sheryo have exhibited and painted their fantastical creatures everywhere from Mexico to NY, Atlanta, LA, Miami, Africa, Belgium, London, Europe, Seoul, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and Cambodia. So why the massive lions? The Yok has seen his fair share of expression-fuelling travel, moving to Africa from Australia and finding an addictive freshness in his newfound environment (lions included). "I moved to Kenya when I was 25 and I lived there for a year and a half; I think that had a real dramatic effect, it was a really rewarding experience" says The Yok in the behind-the-scenes video. "I really value that feeling, so maybe I'm always trying to chase that feeling again. It's kind of like being a kid and everything's new. "I remember when I saw my first lion in Kenya. Such an amazing animal to see close up; they're just so powerful-looking. I can't really describe what it is to look at a lion in the face, but they're an amazing creature." https://youtube.com/watch?v=zNQyWPUqdF0 LYNX aren't stopping at two gigantic billboards; the next phase of the 'Expressions Series' will see typographer Luca Ionescu and a photographer collaborate on a mystery project to be announced later in the year. LYNX's project aims to help Australian guys express themselves authentically, supporting creators who stay true to their vision but might not always have the opportunity to do so. Check out LYNX's 'Expression Series' over here and stay tuned for the next project announcement later this year.
Fancy a frolic in the flowers before colder weather arrives? The Ballarat Begonia Festival is just the place, with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens featuring three days of begonias, sustainability and community good vibes from March 8–10. Throughout the festival, visitors can expect a host of free activities, entertainment and educational experiences for all ages. Headlining this floral extravaganza in 2025 is The Last Numbat – a large-scale, interactive performance installation controlled by 14 people at a time. Sharing a message of connection, community and environmental awareness, this is the first time the enormous marionette will be presented on Australia's east coast. Also on the program is a who's who of environmental educators, eco-conscious chefs and award-winning gardeners. Everyone's favourite green thumb Costa Georgiadis will bring his infectious enthusiasm for sustainable gardening, while admired horticulturalist Millie Ross will share her unconventional approach to gardening. Plus, lauded local chef Liam Downes showcases his paddock-to-plate philosophy, highlighting the region's culinary delights. Beyond the main stage, a special begonia display features more than 500 rare and unique varieties, the Garden of Giggles offers free puppet and comedy shows for kids, and the gardeners' market reveals a treasure trove of plants, flowers and garden gifts. Of course, there's also a great selection of food trucks, plus refreshing drinks served from The Boronia Bar.
Brunswick, say hello to Joey Smalls. A little older (and somewhat wiser) than her rowdy CBD brother bars New Guernica and Chuckle Park, Joey Smalls is set up for relaxing summer days in her cosy courtyard or snug winter nights in a booth. In other words, you probably won't be on the dance floor spilling your vodka sodas all over everyone here. This is a much more casual affair. At Joey Smalls, the design seems to sit somewhere between American diner and modern Melbourne, though the final result makes it hard to say. A cave-like formation surrounded by polished wood and an Americana specials board results in a strange mix of styles — but it works. An excellent roster of DJ's will likely be playing a range of soul, funk, house or hip-hop most nights of the week with the odd special event or performance. Huxtaburger are supplying the food with the simple burger menu that Melbourne knows and loves. There are a few surprises thrown in too, such as the okonomiyaki fries ($15), which are covered head to toe in Kewpie mayo, bonito, special okonomiyaki sauce and a sprinkling of seaweed. Regular Huxtaburger prices apply with a burger setting you back $9.50-$12 depending on how fancy you want to be. Interesting local and imported beers are available by the bottle and on tap. The cocktail menu, while not exactly unique, is full of cheerful classics that won't break the bank. The Chilli Coconut Margarita ($15) and Passion Palomo ($15) are both tasty options to go with, but it's the wallet friendly Smoke 'n' Stormy ($10) — a twist on the classic Dark and Stormy — that is the crowd favourite. Licensed until well past your bedtime, Joey Smalls is a welcome addition to Sydney Road.
Those chocolate-filled advent calendars are fun and all, but after 12 months of aiming for a spot on Santa's 'nice' list, a few wines feels like a more fitting reward. Wine subscription club Good Pair Days agrees, so it's put together the ultimate pre-Christmas treat for grownups: the 12 Wines of Christmas Advent Calendar. The festive box features 12 different full-sized bottles of wine, as chosen by the Good Pair Days experts. They're each hidden behind a pop-out cardboard door and individually wrapped so each one is a little surprise gift. And the options are endless. You can gift the box to yourself and unwrap one wine at a time in the lead-up to December 25, or snap one up as an early Christmas present for that wine-loving mate. Or, simply have an advent box on hand so that you're extra prepared for the calendar of silly season parties to come. There are three boxes to choose from: one with reds, one with all chillable wines (sparkling, whites and rosés) and one with a mix of the two. Then, you decide how expensive you want to go — the cheapest is $189 and the most spenny is $465. And while you won't know what wines are in them until you open the box, you can be reassured that there are some ripper drops in there as the bottles have been picked from the highest rated of Good Pair Days' local and international collection. Wine pairing suggestions, tasting notes and recipes are also included. Good Pair Days (previously The Wine Gallery) was founded back in 2015 by mates Tom Walenkamp, Beto de Castro Moreira and acclaimed sommelier and Bar Liberty co-owner Banjo Harris Plane. It's a personalised wine subscription service that aims to hook you up with your perfect vinous matches through an expert curation and a nifty wine taste tester app. The 12 Wines of Christmas Advent Calendar packs are available now via Good Pair Days.
Despite his youth, prodigious culinary talent Hugh Allen is an established name in Melbourne's culinary scene. In 2021, he became the youngest chef ever to be awarded three hats in the Good Food Guide while heading up the kitchen at Vue de Monde when he was just 26 years old. Following formative stints at Copenhagen's Noma and that landmark role at one of Australia's most awarded restaurants, where he has been executive chef since 2019, the time has come for Allen to forge his own path with the launch of his debut restaurant, Yiaga. Six years in the making and set to launch in spring 2025, the story this restaurant will weave begins with its deeply historic location, tucked within the leafy Fitzroy Gardens. With a hospitality legacy stretching over a hundred years, the space Yiaga will occupy was initially known as the Kiosk Refreshment Rooms, a half-timbered tea room that opened in 1908. The space was ravaged by fire in 1960 and replaced with a solid brick structure that was home to various hospitality business, most recently The Pavilion Cafe, before being left vacant for nearly a decade. During his hunt for a restaurant location, Allen just happened to wander past its disused remains and knew it was exactly what he'd been looking for. View this post on Instagram A post shared by YIAGA (@yiaga.au) Working closely with renowned architect John Wardle, Allen originally intended to reimagine what remained of the existing building. Yet it was soon discovered that much of the structure was too derelict to keep. Fortunately, The Pavilion Cafe's familiar black slate pyramid-shaped roof will continue the location's enduring story, while distinctive design additions like a figure-of-eight-shaped entrance will welcome guests into this retreat hidden amid expansive greenery. In bringing Yiaga to life, Allen and Wardle have committed to creating a dynamic space that harmonises with Fitzroy Gardens' natural surroundings. For instance, the restaurant will be built almost entirely from materials gathered from across Victoria, from the burnt earth clay tiles that line the dining room wall, to exterior bricks inspired by bark from the surrounding trees. There's even ceramics made using the same clay as the cricket pitch at the MCG, which lies just a short walk away. View this post on Instagram A post shared by H U G H A L L E N (@hughsallen) A similar level of care and sophistication will resonate through Yiaga's cuisine. Across a multi-course tasting menu spotlighting Australia's abundant culinary landscape, you can expect dishes that feature the likes of top-tier local seafood, wild game and rare native berries. The 40-seat venue aims to be more than just a restaurant, with its longer-term vision including hosting talks, workshops and more — Allen envisions the venue to evolve into a "vibrant campus of gastronomy". "Being born and raised in Melbourne, I've always known that one day I wanted to open a restaurant here. Working and traveling around the world has only deepened my connection to this city," says Allen. "This project has already been an incredible journey, and I'm deeply grateful for the support of so many talented individuals. I can't wait to share more as the build progresses." View this post on Instagram A post shared by YIAGA (@yiaga.au) Yiaga is planned for a spring 2025 opening in the Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for more information. Top image: Jason Loucas.
It's cold in Norway during winter. That shouldn't come as a surprise — and, given that it's both set and shot in the Scandinavian nation, neither should the thoroughly frosty look of The Snowman. From the film's opening image, nearly every frame is dusted with the kind of iciness that only comes from particularly chilly climes. And yet, when a cop connects a series of seemingly random murders, her big discovery stems from the fact that it's snowing when each death occurred. Viewers can be forgiven for groaning loudly when this revelation is made. Faced with a screen full of white flakes for two long hours, if you find yourself thinking "isn't it snowing almost constantly?" then you certainly won't be alone. If you also start to wonder how observing the weather passes for smart police work in the world of the movie, or who thought that'd make an interesting plot point, that's understandable too. Then again, the hero of The Snowman goes by the name of Harry Hole, so perhaps it's best not to expect too much of the movie around him. Spied sleeping in the snow more than once, Harry (Michael Fassbender) is the type of grizzled drunk of a detective that gets away with being intoxicated and unreliable because he's supposedly brilliant — not that The Snowman dedicates any time to explaining why that is. After his latest bender, he partners up with aforementioned snow-spotter Katrine (Rebecca Ferguson) to investigate the slayings of a spate of Oslo women. When the duo aren't piecing together obvious clues, Harry is wading through his snowstorm of a personal life, involving his kindly ex (Charlotte Gainsbourg), her teenage son (Michael Yates) and her new plastic surgeon boyfriend (Jonas Karlsson). Bad storytelling, bad monikers, bland characterisation, by-the-numbers backstory, barely interesting procedural drama: there's an avalanche brewing in The Snowman, and it's of the generic and cliched kind. Indeed, the Nordic noir does come with its own intriguing case to solve, though it has nothing to do with the on-screen narrative. Rather, the mystery surrounds how such a dull flick sprang from such promising pedigree. Directed by Tomas Alfredson (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), scripted by Peter Straughan (Frank), Hossein Amini (Drive) and Søren Sveistrup (The Killing), and based on a best-selling book by Jo Nesbø (Headhunters), it's not as though the production is short on talent. A whole series of Nesbø's novels actually revolve around the unfortunately named Harry, although don't expect a whole series of films to follow suit. With Scandinavian crime a hit on the page, on TV and in cinemas, The Snowman is clearly designed to start a new detective franchise, but the final product will surely cause those hopes to melt. At least Fassbender proves suitably frosty, playing his part with a solemn demeanour and never threatening to thaw out. Alas, it's still not nearly enough to make audiences actually care about his character or anything that he does against the icy Norwegian scenery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jBaPtX6NYY
UPDATE: JULY 14, 2020 — Aside from the pizza and tiramisu — which are delicious — Capitano in Carlton has drinks available for pick up and delivery. You can have a look at the full menu and order online here. The folk from Bar Liberty have proved themselves as masters of transformation with their newest offering. Their refurbishment of the dark Beaufort is a wonder to behold. The now light and bright interior features burgundy and cream walls, olive green banquettes, wooden tables and art deco light shades. You can sit up at the bar or down on the tables. The terrazzo floor tiles are beautiful. Perhaps they — in conjunction with the high ceilings — create a space where people feel the need to yell each other. It's loud at Capitano, but nothing a couple of acoustic boards wouldn't fix. The menu seems simple at first glance, with some cured meat starters, vegetable sides, pizzas, two pastas and two 'big plates'. But the dishes are not. A veal parmigiana with the bone in ($65) is expensive for its size, but complex and an interesting take on a classic. And the vesuvio with vodka sauce ($24) piques our attention immediately. If you haven't yet encountered it, vodka sauce is a bit of a classic in Italo-American joints, and this is an exceptional example. Served over al dente twirly pasta — vesuvio is named after Mount Vesuvius in Campania — this vodka-spiked tomato sauce is creamy, smooth, with just the right amount of richness. It feels like coming home to a cosy spot in front of the fire on a rainy night. But if you came for the pizza, you'll be happy with the pizza. The base is sourdough, fermented for 48 hours, and has just the right amount of chew. Plus, they don't go overboard on the toppings. Choose from a classic cheese pizza ($18) — to which you could DIY with new season onions, fennel salami, mortadella or anchovy — or go for one of the more complex options, the Tomato Pie ($18), for example, is incredibly tasty, with plenty of marjoram, garlic and cheese. Banjo Harris Plane — the venue's co-owner and sommelier — has created an enviable 100-strong wine list with excellent pours by the glass from Italian winemakers, and more local, but Italian, varieties. There are also eight cocktails ranging from sparkly spritzes to aperitivos, through to the dolce, which include a drinkable tiramisu ($20) — made with dark rum, marsala, coffee, biscuits and milk. Sadly they'd run out of the edible tiramisu ($15) by the time we got to dessert, but the large flat discus-like ones that passed our table looked impressive. That and the vodka sauce are good reasons alone to make a return visit. Images: Kate Shanasy.
When naming the world's highest-pressure occupations, one traditionally thinks of heads of state, air traffic controllers and emergency room surgeons. Kindergarten teachers would probably put their hands up, too, but one area that’s generally overlooked — mostly because it’s hidden away by design — is the kitchen of any Michelin-rated restaurant. These temples of fine dining and avant garde cuisine play host to the most talented chefs in the world, and to cook alongside them is — as one character in Burnt explains — like working with Yoda. But the privilege comes at a cost. Their genius seems almost inextricably bonded with arrogance and rage, an exacting expectation of excellence that permits no error or half-measures. Egos clash, tempers flare, reputations are made and ruined and all the while the wealthiest one percent sits just metres away, oblivious and impatient. To see Burnt is to finally peer behind this temple’s curtain and experience just a semblance of the chaotic magic within. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Adam Jones, a disgraced chef in search of his third Michelin star — the highest rating a restaurant (and hence its chef) can secure. Penniless and jobless, Jones is at rock bottom; a recovering addict of every imaginable vice and shucking one million oysters as part of a gruelling personal penance. Redemption beckons, however, so he procures a London restaurant from his friend Tony (Daniel Brühl) and attempts to assemble a team of the most talented cooks and sauciers available. The stakes may seem low, but placing an addict in a high-pressure environment haunted by both the demons of his past and the debilitating fear of future failure creates levels of Sicario-like tension throughout this film that rarely drop below ten. To make a non-wanky movie about a chef is an achievement in itself, but to also make it suspenseful is definitely worthy of praise. For the food lovers, Burnt features an absolute bucket load of cooking, mixing, sharpening, experimentation and close-up food porn — perhaps more than any other recent offering along similar lines (including, for example, Jon Favreau’s Chef). It’s also guilty of more montages than Teen Wolf 2, but — in its defence — they’re not making two minute noodles here. To watch beef brisket cooked sous-vide would be like watching water boil, in that — well — that’s exactly what it is, so the editing choices are forgivable. The dialogue is mostly snappy and the kitchen scenes are fast-paced and volatile, making the delicate creations they produce seem all the more inconceivable. In all, Burnt is something of a culinary action movie, and while several of its characters are admittedly lacking in narrative depth (most notably Sienna Miller as Jones’s gifted saucier), it’s still a cracking film and a fascinating glimpse into a rarely-seen world.
When it comes to choosing a type of wine, we've got our decision-making process down. If it's a lunch wine, we'll make it a white. Steak for dinner? Red it is. Hot days may call for a rosé. But now a group of Spanish entrepreneurs are set to throw a spanner in the works and disrupt the clear wine colour scheme we've grown accustomed to as the natural way of things. They've created a wine that's bright blue. We were so over rosé anyway. This futuristic new wine is called Gik, and it's been created by six young Spanish go-getters in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country and Azti Tecnalia (the food research department of the Basque Government). The wine's electric blue colour looks a lot like regret (aka Blue Curacao cocktails of the 00s), but, according to Eater, is actually made from an undisclosed blend of red and white grapes sourced from vineyards in Spain's Basque region. It gets its bright blue colour from the addition of anthocyanin (a pigment found in grape skin) and indigo (a dye extracted from the Isatis tinctoria plant). The wine is a sweet, easy to drink drop, and is evidently trying to shake up the traditional wine game. "Try to forget everything you know about wine," says a statement on the Gik website. "Try to unlearn the hundreds of protected wine designations of origin, the complex and demanding service standards and everything that sommelier said at a tasting course to which you were invited." The wine was launched in Spain last year and will be stocked in retailers in France, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany over the next few months. It may be a while until we see blue wine on our dinner tables yet though. Via Eater.
If you're a fan of rooftop bars or barbecue (or, better yet, both), prepare to have your day made. After opening a new dedicated, two-storey barbecue joint on Bourke Street, the Fancy Hank's BBQ crew are now serving icy cold drinks at Good Heavens, the aptly named rooftop bar that sits above the smoked meat haven. It's a slice of Palm Springs in the Melbourne CBD, with the brand new casual rooftop bar completely unlike anything the Fancy Hank's guys have done before. Think brightly-coloured '80s-inspired cocktails, including twists on period-appropriate favourites like the Harvey Danger and Good Mai Tai. Think trusty classics given a new lease of life — such as the Poco Loco (aka Good Heavens' take on the Pina Colada) and Big Pharma (which you might usually call an espresso martini) — as well. Of course, it wouldn't be a Fancy Hank's venture without barbecue snacks, with the bar menu designed by venue partner and executive chef Mike Patrick. Mixing up Australian and American fare, as well as offering a more casual take on the meals served downstairs, the menu features the Hank's cheeseburger and nachos with brisket mole and queso, plus fried cauliflower with vegan ranch dressing and artichoke dip for non-carnivorous patrons. Throw in ten local and international beers on tap and DJs playing every weekend, and you might've found your new summer hangout. A word of warning: Good Heavens' many heavenly pleasures are limited to 200 people at a time, as per their liquor license, so you might want to get in early. Good Heavens is now open at 1/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information. By Imogen Baker, Lauren Vadnjal and Sarah Ward.
How many of you can thank MasterChef Australia for your culinary awakening? Remember the first time you laid eyes on that glorious croquembouche and thought, "hot damn, I suddenly know what I want for my birthday and all birthdays evermore"? Even after ten seasons, MasterChef Australia continues to surprise us with weird flavour combos (thank you, Mystery Box) and increasingly wacky contributions by competitive guest chefs. So, in honour of the series that launched a thousand wonky dessert towers, we've rounded up ten of Melbourne's most unexpected dishes for those times when you want a culinary experience but don't want to demolish the kitchen. MEAT FRUIT, DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL A list of unexpected dishes would not be complete without Heston Blumenthal, the world's kookiest cook. The meat fruit has been around since the 1500s. And Heston's modern Meat Fruit has been around for a while, too, persisting in spite of the vulgar images conjured by its name. But, we digress. The Meat Fruit at Dinner by Heston is a wad of chicken live parfait and mandarin jelly, served with grilled bread ($38). Somehow, he makes it work — though how we could not say. And the thing is, the controversial Meat Fruit is only an appetiser, so that's really only the first surprise of many. [caption id="attachment_671355" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Shewry[/caption] ANT LAMINGTON, ATTICA Ben Shewry of Attica, one of MasterChef Australia's favourite guests, keeps you on your toes. Sure, it might look like he's just serving you up a lamington sprinkled with chocolate bits — but don't think you'll get off that easily. Those chocolate bits are actually spicy ants. Interesting? Yes. Delicious? You betcha. Likely to turn up anytime soon on your Krispy Kreme? Don't count on it. To experience a mouthful of ants, you'll have to nab a sitting at Attica in Ripponlea, which isn't that easy. Bookings open at the start of every month, and if you manage to get in, it's handy to bear in mind that an ant lamington isn't even the weirdest (or tastiest) thing you'll experience at chef Shewry's hands. LAMINGTON JAFFLE, BAD FRANKIE If you're after a spin on the lamington with fewer ants involved, turn to Bad Frankie in Collingwood. From its cute little bar just off Smith, it's serving up childhood favourites with a twist. The humble jaffle is transformed into a legitimate culinary delight and one of the most unexpected combos is the lamington dessert jaffle ($8). It has jam and cake filling, wrapped up in bread, fried, and coated in chocolate and coconut. Special mention also goes to the butter chicken jaffle ($8) that comes minus the chicken, too. While it's not super crazy, the kitchen has done what all of us dream to do — getting rid of the solids and drinking the sauce. [caption id="attachment_598217" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jo Rittey[/caption] ROAST CRICKET NOODLE SALAD, JETHRO CANTEEN Jethro Canteen famously made headlines last year for its alternative menu featuring cricket salad and camel's milk (among other things, of course). If you want something a bit different on your eggs benny, head over to Richmond and grab a side of crickets ($6) with your eggs. Or try the Vietnamese roasted cricket noodle salad as a main ($19), made with glass noodles, wombok, cucumber, crushed peanuts and tomatoes. Insect eating, officially called entomophagy, will only get more mainstream, so get ahead of the trend and put all thoughts of A Bug's Life out of your head. And for the record, the crickets are crunchy and delicious. [caption id="attachment_637921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] DESSERT, SUPERNORMAL Don't let the name trick you — Supernormal is anything but normal. But while the entire Japanese menu is outstanding, we'd like to draw your attention to its dessert offering for maximum gasp-factor. It's chock-full of odd combinations of flavours from both east and west. We recommend the Japanese shaved ice (called kakigori, $16), served with toffee apple and hibiscus — what does hibiscus taste like? You'll soon find out. Alternatively, try the kakigori ($16) at sister restaurant Supernormal Canteen, here it comes with crème caramel, dulce de leche and popcorn. There are no rules for these desserts, so it's best to just sit back and trust. After all, Supernormal is home to one of our city's famous desserts – the peanut butter parfait. GREEN MATCHA BURGER, MATCHA MYLKBAR Matcha Mylkbar already has a reputation for its colourful menu and rainbow coffees. Blue algae, green matcha, pink beetroot, and yellow turmeric lattes aren't so unexpected on the outrageous Melbourne coffee scene. But, what's unexpected about Matcha Mylkbar's colourful creations are that they actually taste good. It's not a novelty that'll fizzle out, but a genuinely delicious alternative drink for people who don't do caffeine (or dairy). The algae latte ($9) is our favourite but only if you like sweet drinks. And the Matcha burger ($22) is in a league of its own — the salty, crunchy protein patty is the perfect companion to the slightly sweet matcha bun and generous slices of avo. CRAB CRUMPETS, HOLLA For most people, crustaceans and breakfast don't logically pair. Our sensitive western tastebuds and unsettled pre-coffee stomachs aren't ready for the the strong flavours of the sea. But hear us out on this: the crab crumpets at Holla are a stroke of genius. The crunch, the rich flavours, and the protein are a great way to start the day. And Holla's crumpets are not your on-special supermarket Golden six-pack. The crispy morsels come with soft shell crab, two poached eggs, avo and bacon crumb ($24) — it isn't what you might expect on to turn up on your crumpets, but it's so tasty we can suspend our disbelief. SAUTÉED PEARL MEAT, FLOWER DRUM Flower Drum is one of Melbourne's fanciest Chinese restaurants, so make sure you dress for the occasion. The menu is packed with traditional meat and seafood dishes that will boggle your noggin with unfamiliar combinations. But the pearl meat ($28 per person) appetiser is as unexpected as it is delicious. It's a simple dish of pearl meat sautéed with spring onions, garlic chives and asparagus. What makes it interesting is the texture of the pearl meat — it's like an oyster but with more substance. If you've never eaten it before, this is the place to do it. OYSTER ICE CREAM, BRAE Speaking of molluscs, Brae's oyster ice cream has rocketed to near-iconic status over the last few years — well, as iconic as an oyster can get. In an ever-changing environment that changes with seasonality, this item is always on the menu. Listed officially as the Iced Oyster, the dish comes immaculately presented and sprinkled in a rich green powder. The ice cream itself is sweet and salty and weird and will genuinely make your taste buds say, "wait, what?". The oyster ice cream is one of the more unlikely combos in Dan Hunter's repertoire, but the rest of the menu has a few surprises, too — the biggest one being that you won't know what you're eating until you get there. After all, a magician never reveals his secrets (or his menu, apparently). [caption id="attachment_625090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Grey[/caption] HOKKAIDO BAKED CHEESE TART, HBCT This savoury-sweet dish is a three-cheese shortcrust-encased tart. The cheese, while made with local produce, is based on the distinct taste and texture of the dairy products of Hokkaido. What cheese Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts uses exactly, is a trade secret. Whether you should eat this dish as an appetiser or for dessert, is also up for debate. But what's known for sure is these tart's popularity. Malaysia has gone nuts for it, and, since it launched its first store here in late 2016, Melbourne has been, too. Catch the latest season of MasterChef Australia from Sunday to Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten.
Whey isn't just something that's mentioned in nursery rhymes. It's part of the cheesemaking process, and can be used to produce whey cheeses, too. So, it's essential to make ricotta — which you might want to keep in mind while you're attending the That's Amore Cheese Ricotta Festival. For one day, from 10am–3pm on Sunday, May 1, the Thomastown spot is going creamy with delight over all things ricotta. As you walk in, you'll get a hot serving of ricotta calda straight from the vat. Then, enjoy live music as you discover the versatility of ricotta with a menu of four-cheese ricotta gnocchi, ravioli, porchetta rolls, fresh cannoli, antipasto and more cheesy delights to feast on. Plus, there'll also be a range of local produce available for you to take home. If your stomach is already rumbling (and understandably so), you have two ticket choices. For $12, you'll get access to the festival, plus a hot ricotta on entry — and then you'll pay for whatever else you'd like to eat and drink. Or, for $40, you'll also receive servings of gnocchi, salsiccia, and a Cannoleria cannolo.
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
This summer, the Heide Museum of Modern Art is celebrating the works of famed British artist Barbara Hepworth through its new In Equilibrium exhibition. Dame Barbara Hepworth is known for being one of the greatest modernist sculptors during the 20th century, and the first female sculptor to achieve international recognition and accolades. The Heide Museum has curated more than forty of them for this exhibit, many of which have never been seen in Australia. [caption id="attachment_874063" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Eidos, 1947, Barbara Hepworth, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. © Bowness[/caption] They will take over the main galleries of the Heide Museum from November 5, 2022, to March 13, 2023 and will trace Hepworth's career, including her early figurative carvings, forming a complete retrospective of her life's works. Much focus will be on her inspirations, too. Nature was one of Hepworth's main influences, with the artist inspired by the coastal landscape of St Ives in Cornwall, where she lived and worked for much of her artistic career. From the movement of tides to Cornwall's magnificent and towering ancient standing stones, the artist's later sculptures are a nod to much of the patterns and shapes found naturally formed in nature. In Equilibrium offers up a rare opportunity for Australians to experience Hepworth's sculptures and learn more about Hepworth herself — who was one of the leading British artists of her generation. [caption id="attachment_874064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Drawing for sculpture—Santorin, 1955, Barbara Hepworth, Image courtesy The Hepworth Wakefield. © Bowness[/caption] Tickets to Barbara Hepworth: In Equilibrium cost $22 (+ booking fee) for adults, $17 (+ booking fee) for concession holders and are free for Heide Museum of Modern Art members. Top image: Sculpture with Colour and Strings, 1939, Barbara Hepworth, Ingram Collection, London. © Bowness
Melbourne’s very own international biennial festival dedicated to contemporary video practice has come around once more to thoroughly bend our minds. This year, Channels Festival will host a series of exhibitions, screenings, talks, performances, and workshops that will disrupt your reality, challenging the historical context of video and make suggestions as to where the future lies for this artform in an increasingly tech-saturated world. The official opening night kicks off on September 18, at Screen Space. The night will feature international festival guest Same Smith's new exhibition Slow Fragmentation downstairs, as well as a selection of contemporary video work from Australian and New Zealand artist-run initiatives, curated by Screen Space, upstairs. Some highlights from this year’s program include In the Epoch of the Near and Far exhibition, featuring works from Petra Cortright (USA) and Heath Franco (AUS) and curated by Amelia Winata, and Jessie Scott’s exhibition/lending library, Miraculous Ribbon. The festival will run for ten days in total in venues across the CBD, Fitzroy and Collingwood, as well as online.
1980s Brisbane is coming to your streaming queue, and one of Australia's iconic novels along with it. It's been four years since Harper Collins sold the television rights to Boy Swallows Universe in 2019, then a year since Netflix announced its involvement in bringing the tale to the screen in 2022. Now, when 2024 hits, the wait to see what Trent Dalton's beloved award-winner looks like as a streaming series will be over. Boy Swallows Universe has won a swag of awards, including the Book of the Year, Literary Book of the Year and Audio Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards — and was longlisted for Australia's most prestigious literature prize, the Miles Franklin. It sold a heap of copies and been turned into a play. The Brisbane-set story trod those boards in Brissie, too, and now it's a Netflix series that was shot in the River City. After releasing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production, initially advising that it would arrive in 2023 and dropping a first teaser trailer, the TV adaptation has now locked in its release date and unveiled its full sneak peek. First, mark Thursday, January 11, 2024 in your diary. Then, check out what's in store for this coming-of-age story on-screen via the new trailer. Dalton's novel and now the television show that follows spin a tale about a young boy, his prophetic brother and his jailbreaking best friend as they navigate the heroin-filled underworld of 80s Queensland. Also included: Eli Bell's (Felix Cameron, Penguin Bloom) attempt to understand how to be a good person, with his plight spanning a lost father, a criminal for a babysitter, a mum recovering from addiction, a mute brother, a stepfather who deals and a red telephone. Netflix's Boy Swallows Universe adaptation features eight episodes, running as a self-contained limited series, as it plunges into the space between childhood's magic and adulthood's reality. Travis Fimmel (Black Snow) also stars as Lyle Orlik, while the cast includes Simon Baker (Limbo) as Robert Bell and Phoebe Tonkin (Babylon) as Frances Bell — plus Lee Tiger Halley (The Heights) as Gus Bell. Also appearing: Bryan Brown (Hungry Ghosts) as Slim Halliday, Anthony LaPaglia (Nitram) as Tytus Broz, and Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) as Caitlyn Spies, plus Christopher James Baker (Ozark) as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le (Spooky Files) as Bich Dang and Deborah Mailman (The New Boy) as Poppy Birkbeck. And, you'll see Ben O'Toole (Barons) as Teddy, Zachary Wan (Never Too Late) as Darren Dang, and Millie Donaldson (Jack Irish) and Eloise Rothfield as Shelley Huffman (aged 17 and 13, respectively). Boy Swallows Universe is directed by Bharat Nalluri (The Man Who Invented Christmas), Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) and Kim Mordaunt (The Rocket), and scripted by screenwriter John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). The impressive names involved extend to the show's executive producers, too, which include Joel Edgerton (The Stranger), Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao's Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard's End, Chimerica) and Kerry Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased). Check out the full trailer for Boy Swallows Universe below: Boy Swallows Universe will stream via Netflix from Thursday, January 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Netflix © 2023.
In a week that's already revealed the closure of The Commune Group's short-lived Alter Dining and celebrated fine diner Estelle by Scott Pickett, another Melbourne restaurant has announced its farewell. The latest news sees Andrew McConnell's St Kilda eatery Supernormal Canteen up for sale, 12 months after the chef transformed the space from its previous incarnation as Luxembourg. McConnell has had the Fitzroy Street site for seven years, since launching his first solo venture Golden Fields there back in 2011. Now, it's on the market as the owner moves to focus his attentions on the rest of his hefty restaurant stable. A Supernormal spokesperson confirmed the news, saying, "After seven years in St Kilda, we have decided to consolidate our focus on existing venues and projects." At this stage, no closing date has been set and the venue will kick on as usual, at least until a new buyer snaps up the site. The restaurant's CBD sibling, Supernormal will continue operating as usual. Pay Supernormal Canteen a visit while you still can, at 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Image credit: Nikki To
Nestled behind a service station, down some cobblestone alleys, past a greasy mechanic and hidden snugly behind huge red stable doors is arguably one of the most secret and unique cafes in Carlton. Named after a 1960's handbill advertising the medicinal and therapeutic properties for coffee, Vertue of the Coffee Drink is all about the black brew. It's no surprise then that founder, Mike Cracknell, and his team of passionate (and highly caffeinated) staff are putting the coffee first. Operating as an in-house micro roaster, cafe and coffee paraphernalia retail outlet, the space is full of sunlight and warmth. Natural timbers, copper light fittings, high ceilings and a leafy green wall garden enrich the place with a relaxed and inviting feel, perfect for large groups and solo coffee drinkers alike. The open kitchen window allows a glimpse of what's to come to your table with an all-day breakfast offering of the usual favourites, and a few surprises. For something a little more adventurous, order the chickpea chips with charred asparagus, preserved cherry tomato with poached egg ($18), or the scotch eggs with onion marmalade, crispy pig skin and brioche ($21). And with the kitchen open until 3pm daily, the lunch offerings are just as tempting; eight hour lamb shoulder with dukkah, baby broccoli and tabbouleh ($22) and a heirloom tomato and stone fruit salad with feta-stuffed zucchini flowers and hazelnut vinaigrette ($18) take the top spots. As well as the exceptional pour overs, batch brews and espresso there are some stronger adult drinks available with a neat selection of beers, cider and wine. For those looking to get away from bustling Lygon Street for a great coffee and bite to eat, Vertue is well worth hunting down and checking out. Image credit: Tomas Zagoda & Greg Curio via Instagram
It has been 12 years since RuPaul's Drag Race first premiered in the US, and its mission to unearth the next drag superstars shows no signs of stopping. Currently, the original series is reaching the pointy end of its thirteenth season, while international versions also exist in the UK — also hosted by RuPaul — plus Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Next, it's finally making the leap to Australia and New Zealand. RuPaul's Drag Race already airs locally, but now it's being made here as well. The eight-part RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will focus on Aussie and NZ drag queens battling for supremacy, and will air on Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand. That was announced back in January, with the show's debut set for Saturday, May 1. If you've been wondering exactly what's in store, though, you've probably hanging out for a trailer. And, just a couple of weeks out from the show's arrival, a proper sneak peek is finally here — complete with drama and eye-catching outfits, naturally. While not all overseas iterations of Drag Race are hosted by RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under definitely is. RuPaul is also taking on judging duties, alongside show veteran Michelle Visage and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson. Ten contenders will strut their stuff for drag supremacy, spanning seven Australians and three New Zealanders. So, prepare to see plenty of Art Simone from Geelong, Melbourne's Karen from Finance, and Sydney's Coco Jumbo, Etecetera Etcetera and Maxi Shield. Newcastle's Jojo Zaho and Perth's Scarlet Adams round out the Aussie queens, while Auckland's Kita Mean, Anita Wigl'it and Elektra Shock comprise the NZ contingent. Fans already know the format, which features fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Check out the RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdcgf5I6Qb8&feature=youtu.be RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will start streaming via Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, May 1, with new episodes airing weekly. Top image: RuPaul's Drag Race.
Are you a big shot professional with no time for trams and trains? Do you scoff at the mere mention of Myki or cringe whenever a commoner has the audacity to breathe on your Armani suit? Well, you're in luck. Melbourne's first business-class commuting service is here. No longer will you have to associate with our city's unwashed riff raff. Officially launched yesterday, SuitJet is a startup bus service for white-collar workers to commute to and from the city. Set to start operating next month, SuitJet offers its users a seat on a customised Mercedes-Benz coach and allows them more space and comfort in which to complete their Very Important Work en route to the office. "[It's] a club for people who wish to leverage modern transport and technology to upgrade and simplify their weekday travel," their website reads. Importantly, "Membership is open to all corporate dress city commuters." With a return ticket to the city setting you back $30, riding with SuitJet will cost significantly more than any Myki fare. However, with roughly an hour more time to work on board per day, they claim the long-term benefits will greatly outweigh the initial expense. "That's an hour of work you don't have to do after having dinner with the kids and a cup of tea with your wife," SuitJet co-founder Darren Heiberg told The Age. Many of the finer details are yet to be decided, with the pick up and drop off points to be dictated by consumer demand. However, registrations so far have elucidated something unexpected. Most members seeking entry to this exclusive club are not disgruntled suits seeking respite from the perils of the train lines from Brighton or Toorak, but those who have been overlooked by the public transport system entirely. Most registrations have reportedly come from suburbs without train stations at all. Despite outwardly naming it a 'business class' service, founders of the company reportedly deny the accusation that their service would create a class divide. Though Mr Heiberg is apparently considering changing the name to something that doesn't include the word 'suit'. Good idea. Via The Age.
