Singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is a bit of an anomaly in the music world. Despite his success in music (he has clocked over 300 million streams on Spotify), Isakov still spends as much time as possible on his land, sewing seeds, growing crops and recording in his home studio. It's a testament to Colorado's beauty — the US state is famous for its vast prairies, rugged mountains and tumbling waterfalls. It's also a musical paradise, with 360 festivals held every year. And we want you to experience all that this state has to offer. So, to celebrate Isakov's upcoming Australian tour, we're giving away a trip to his homeland. For five days, you and a mate will get to explore some incredible scenery, plus see Isakov live in concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. This epic prize, worth a cool $5596, includes return flights to Denver, Colorado, three nights in a loft-style room in lower-downtown hotel The Maven, tickets to Isakov's show and a bunch of other local adventures — all thanks to Visit Denver. Next up, thanks to Colorado Tourism Office, you'll have two days of free exploration around Colorado with a rental car and accommodation in a town of your choice (within two hours' drive of Denver). And if you don't land the main prize, we also have tickets to give away to his concert here in Melbourne on Friday, March 8. Enter with your details below for a chance to win. [competition]709426[/competition] Image: Colorado Josh.
What if you were at a Titanic museum and Céline Dion was there? What if she was not only your narrator, but her songs accompanied the tale that she was telling? What if Titanic, the king of the boat-set blockbuster world, got an off-Broadway musical-comedy parody that went heavy on Dion, then? That's Titanique — and it's coming to Australia. This amusing ode to James Cameron's (Avatar: The Way of Water) movie docks in Sydney from Thursday, September 12, 2024 to make its Aussie debut. Nearing three decades since Titanic first splashed into cinemas, the film's status in popular culture will clearly go on. Near, far, wherever you are, you'll need to set sail for the Harbour City to see Titanique, which is playing an exclusive season at The Grand Electric in Surry Hills. "I am so excited that Sydney will be the next stop on Titanique's international cruise. If you love Céline Dion, if you love the film Titanic and you love having a completely silly night out, then this show is for you. Titanique is a nonstop waterfall of pure joy that will literally melt your troubles away. I can't wait to see you there!" said Tye Blue (RuPaul's Drag Race), Titanique's director and co-writer. "I am so thrilled that Titanique will make its maiden voyage to international waters in Sydney for its Australian debut, and I cannot wait to see that Aussie sense of humour embrace this hysterically funny nautical fantasia when it comes to life down under this September," added Titanique's original producer Eva Price. Titanique will dive back into the story of Jack and Rose until at least early November, with Drew Weston and Georgina Hopson stepping into Leonardo DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Kate Winslet's (The Regime) shoes as Jack and Rose — and Marney McQueen playing Dion. It was back in 2017 that the show premiered in Los Angeles, and in 2022 that it set a course for off-Broadway. It also has berths in Toronto, Montreal and London in its future. So far, the production has three Lucille Lortel Awards to its name, plus two Dorian Awards and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, among other gongs. And as for the songs, co-writers Blue, Marla Mindelle (Sister Act) and Constantine Rousouli (Cruel Intentions) — with the latter two originally starring as Céline and Jack — have worked in everything from Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On', of course, to Where Does My Heart Beat Now' and 'A New Day Has Come'. Titanique plays The Grand Electric, 199 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney from Thursday, September 12, 2024 — head to the show's website for tickets and further information. Images: NYC Off-Broadway cast, Daryl Roth Theatre, NYC, Evan Zimmerman.
Next year, Melbourne is set to score an injection of green space in an unlikely location — namely, the top of a multi-storey carpark in the Seafarer's precinct, overlooking the Yarra. Part of the 2000-square-metre rooftop site is being transformed to create a new urban farm and sustainable oasis known as Melbourne Skyfarm. Two years after plans for the project were first revealed, City of Melbourne this week outlined the latest designs and confirmed its launch is scheduled for some time in late 2022. Once complete, Skyfarm will encompass a working urban farm, along with a cafe, event spaces and an environmental education centre, all championing sustainability and showcasing the best in eco-friendly urban practices. Work on the site has already kicked off and will continue over the next 12 months, with the farm, orchard and plant nursery to launch first. It's a game-changing agricultural set-up, too, built on Biofilta's advanced self-watering wicking bed farming system Foodcube. [caption id="attachment_719606" align="alignnone" width="1920"] An early render of Melbourne Skyfarm[/caption] Thanks to this high-tech piece of innovation, Skyfarm will have the capacity to grow over five tonnes of fresh produce each year, most of which will be donated to food charity OzHarvest. The rest will be used by the onsite kitchens to create seasonal, hyper-local menus for the 90-seat Skyfarm cafe. People will be able to wander through the farm and see its various programs at work, before hitting the eatery for a feed built around ingredients grown onsite and those sourced from other sustainable Victorian producers. All the site's hospitality elements will be centred on a low-waste approach, too. Meanwhile, a pioneering workshop and classroom facility will be dedicated to educating students and others about a wide range of sustainability practices, from urban biodiversity and zero-waste living, to renewable energy. Skyfarm is also set to play host to three dedicated event spaces, should you want an eco-conscious setting for your next shindig. Melbourne Skyfarm is being brought to life by a collection of locally-based sustainability companies, including urban farming experts Biofilta, The Sustainable Landscape Company and nature protection group Odonata. Further funding has come courtesy of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the City of Melbourne Urban Forest Fund. Melbourne Skyfarm will be built in stages over the next 12 months, due for completion in late 2022. For more details about what's in store, see the website.
You can't have a town without a pub. Fortunately, the Blackwood Hotel looks as good as it ever has in its 156-year history, having recently reopened following an acquisition and substantial renovation. Located in Blackwood, a historic gold mining town about an hour's drive from Melbourne, this tight-knit community on the Lerderderg River now has a stylishly refurbished haven in the hills. Recognised as Victoria's oldest continuously licensed weatherboard hotel, new owners John Scardamaglia and Jerry Dimas were careful to maintain the original pub's character. However, with the addition of a few quality-of-life improvements, the relaunched venue now seamlessly blends modern comfort with the charm of its rich history. While the duo have never owned a pub before, they share more than 50 years of hospitality experience at the helm of much-loved venues, including Berth, Cargo and Down The Rabbit Hole. "The Blackwood Hotel is the historic jewel of Blackwood's main street and it's our intention to respect its heritage for many future generations to enjoy," said co-owner Dimas, who moved to Blackwood eight years ago with his family. "Our aim is to create an inviting and comfortable venue for locals and visitors and serve the best possible meals and beverages." As for the food menu, it's a modern Australian affair with several nods to global cuisine. Head Chef Andrew Papagiannis has elevated pub favourites with ingredients from local makers and growers. Here, signature dishes include a classic parma with tomato sugo, and pork belly with jus, Italian slaw and apple gel. The chef also pays tribute to his heritage with a lamb shoulder dish featuring Greek salad, tzatziki, chips and flat bread. The drinks menu is focused on local sips, with a solid selection of brews on tap, along with more tinnies and longnecks in the fridge. The wine list is a little more expressive, bringing together award-winning drops from across the region. Think boutique and highly rated wineries like Yarrabank, Fallen Giants and Shadowfax poured by the glass, or available as a bottle when you're dining in with pals. Following its renovation, the Blackwood Hotel is perfect for casual dining and celebrating milestones, with a private dining room that can squeeze in up to 25 guests. When the sun is out, the viewing deck is bound to be a prime position, with the scenic Wombat State Forest stretching into the distance. Considering the township's proximity to the big smoke, the Blackwood Hotel now serves as the ideal waypoint during a trip into the hills. The Blackwood Hotel is open Monday–Friday from 12pm–late and Saturday–Sunday from 11.30am–late at 1 Golden Point Road, Blackwood. Head to the website for more information.
For years, French wine has carried a reputation that's both revered and, let's be honest, a little intimidating. Grand Cru? Appellation d'Origine Protégée? It can all feel like a secret language. But beyond the codes and classifications lies a truth worth rediscovering: French wine is less about labels and more about land. And today, a new generation of producers is making that land speak louder — with clarity, purpose and a surprising accessibility that's finally reaching Australian tables. Read on for our guide to French wines, their Aussie lookalikes and what you should be drinking them with. The Loire: Fresh, Crisp and Perfect With Seafood Sauvignon blanc drinkers used to wines from the Adelaide Hills or Marlborough will find familiarity — and perhaps surprise — in the Loire's restrained, mineral expressions. Stretching from the Atlantic coast to the heart of central France, the Loire Valley produces some of the most food-friendly wines. It's one of the country's most diverse and dynamic regions, and one that pairs beautifully with Australia's seasonal, produce-driven cuisine. Sancerre, Reuilly and Pouilly-Fumé offer crisp, flinty sauvignon blancs that elevate seafood, fresh cheeses and vegetables with vibrant acidity. Ordering oysters at a restaurant? Skip the sparkling and go for a Loire sauvignon instead — it'll slice through the brininess with razor-sharp freshness. Quincy adds a floral, zesty touch, ideal with grilled fish or salads. For reds, cabernet franc brings a lighter touch: bright-fruited, low in tannin and full of charm. Pair it with charcuterie, grilled vegetables or a Sunday roast chicken. [caption id="attachment_1018160" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Burgundy: Precision Rooted in Exceptional Terroir Pinot noir lovers from Tasmania or the Mornington Peninsula will feel at home, but Burgundy adds a savoury depth that's worth exploring. If Bordeaux built its prestige on boldness, Burgundy built its legacy on nuance. Here, pinot noir and chardonnay are the stars — two grapes Australians already know well, but in Burgundy they show another side. Pinot noir here is savoury, earth-driven and age-worthy. If you love Tasmanian pinot, you'll recognise the elegance but with less fruit and more mushroom, spice and forest floor. It's perfect with duck breast, mushroom risotto or soft cheeses such as brie. Chardonnay shifts depending on its village — from steely and mineral in Chablis (picture it with freshly shucked prawns and grilled fish) to rich and nutty in Meursault (ideal with lobster, roast chicken or creamy pasta). [caption id="attachment_688735" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] The Rhône Valley: Warmth, Spice and Balance Fans of Barossa shiraz or GSM blends from McLaren Vale will find Rhône reds comfortingly familiar — but with lifted aromatics and distinctly European restraint. Stretching from Lyon to Avignon, the Rhône produces wines that feel instantly relatable to Australian palates: bold yet balanced, sun-drenched but structured. In the south, grenache-led blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape offer layers of fruit, spice and silky tannins — perfect with chargrilled lamb or slow-cooked vegetables. In the north, syrah reigns supreme: savoury, peppery and elegant. If you love Barossa shiraz, it will feel like its leaner, spicier cousin. Pair it with beef fillet, venison, roast duck or smoky eggplant dishes. Champagne: Beyond the Big Names Champagne might be the classic aperitif, but in France, it's also a food wine. A glass of brut with oysters or tempura? Perfect. A bottle of rosé champagne alongside salmon, duck or a summer berry dessert? Even better. Vintage champagne, made only in exceptional years, pairs beautifully with richer dishes like lobster, scallops or truffle risotto. Extra brut — bone-dry and precise — cuts through fried chicken or chargrilled seafood with ease. For Australians, the closest comparison is Tasmania's boutique sparkling scene, where grower champagnes offer freshness and complexity without the flash. If you normally reach for prosecco or Tassie fizz, try champagne in its many forms — brut for starters, rosé with mains or vintage for something special. The renewed interest in French wine isn't about prestige — it's about connection. Just as Australians have embraced minimal-intervention wines from regions like the Adelaide Hills or Margaret River, they're now discovering that many French producers follow a similar ethos. While big names still dominate shelves, smaller importers are fuelling the renaissance. One such importer is Aptent Gourmet, a Sydney-based team whose portfolio spans the Loire, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône — all chosen for their focus on small-scale, sustainable farming and wines that reflect people as much as place. Ready to trial a French drop at your next dinner? Explore our favourite French restaurants in Melbourne and French restaurants in Sydney. Images: Supplied
Gelato Messina is bringing gourmet to the freezer aisle this month. The gelato mega brand has teamed up with Peters Drumstick to go mainstream — bringing its beloved gelato to supermarkets and convenience stores all over the country. Sure, you've eaten many-a-Drumstick in your day, with the brand launching in Australia all the way back in 1963 — whether it was a childhood favourite or now your late-night go-to, it's a long-standing ice cream staple. But now with the Sydney-based gelateria on board, the humble Drumstick cone of your youth has been spruced up — the Messina way. The new cones feature four classic Messina flavour combos, which were initially created in its Rosebery HQ, before being mass produced in Peters' Drumstick factory. Flavours include mango and salted coconut, made with Aussie produce and topped with mango sauce and coconut flakes; vanilla bean and peanut praline, topped with dark chocolate; roasted hazelnut gelato, made using imported Italian nuts; and, of course, dulce de leche, topped with caramel sauce and chocolate-coated biscuits. All four flavours are available at Coles, Woolworths and independent groceries across Australia. Each comes in pop art-style boxes of four, priced at $9.99 per box. As far as convenience stores and petrol stations go, only the mango and salted coconut and roasted hazelnut flavours are up for grabs as single cones for $4.90 a pop. The collab is limited though, so if you want 'em, come and get 'em. Gelato Messina X Peters Drumstick collaboration ice creams are available at supermarkets, petrol stations and convenience stores for a limited time.
Mona Foma, MONA's wild and weird summer music and arts festival, is back for 2018. And this time around, it's set to eclipse all previous incarnations, with the festival adding a program of Launceston events to its usual Hobart lineup. Further to the announcement of the MONA hotel and the move to Launceston back in July, this beefed-up presence also heralds the festival's biggest, most eclectic program to date, thanks largely to funding from the State Government. The Mofo 2018 lineup is a cracker, delivering 11 days of thought-provoking art and music to Tasmania's two largest cities and celebrating creativity and personal expression in all forms. Running from January 12 to 14, the Launceston leg will see singer-songwriter Gotye join the Ondioline Orchestra to pay homage to renowned French electronic composer Jean-Jacques Perrey (January 12 and 13), as well as a dance performance by Canada's The Holy Body Tattoo, scored live by post-rockers Godspeed You! Black Emperor (also January 12 and 13). Mofo's northern run will culminate with a huge, free party on January 14. To follow, January 19 to 21 will mark Mofo's final MONA appearance for a while, so it's exiting with a bang. The museum's outdoor stage will feature performances from the likes of punk poet Moor Mother, all-female Argentinian act Fémina and a collaboration between Tassie bassist Nick Haywood and The Hobart Liberation Orchestra. Martin Blackwell will deliver a 24-hour continuous performance soundtracked by an array of global instruments, while the MONA tennis courts play host to a challenging fashion runway courtesy of SAAKA's Hunger for Gluttony. Elsewhere in Hobart, the Violent Femmes will perform with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, a one-day mini-Mofo will pull together local acts like Comrad XERO, Crypt Vapor and Phillipa Stafford, and the festival's official after-party Faux Mo will take over a huge new waterfront space at MAC2. Mona Foma 2018 will take place at venues across Launceston from January 12–14, at MONA from January 19–21 and across Hobart from January 15–22. Tickets are available here from Monday, October 16.
Multi-storey Meyers Place venue Loop has already taken the concept of a vertical garden to soaring new heights, with a wall of greenery that extends from its street level alcoves right up to third storey rooftop terrace, Loop Roof. It's packed with over 100 species of plants. Now, Director and Co-Founder Adam Bunny has gone one step further, adding a whole new lush, green rooftop, up on Level 4. Launching to the public last month, Loop Top is the building's new crowning glory, with space for an extra 100 punters, on top of the existing 100-person capacity of Loop Roof below. The two have combined to create a split-level, sky-high oasis, boasting even more of those panoramic views across the city. [caption id="attachment_749975" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eugene Hyland[/caption] Jazzing up Loop Top, you'll find a vast array of plant life, designed to evoke the feeling of an urban jungle and complement the existing vertical garden. A couple of majestic tree aloes join the two already presiding over Level 3, along with a riot of prickly pear, bottle trees, bougainvillea, Hollywood mint and Madagascar dragons. It's all accompanied by mammoth blue and yellow umbrellas, and more decorative pops of colour to match the set-up below. Fittingly, the new drinks lineup has a botanical focus, headlined by a healthy array of spritzes, including the Life's A Salty Peach – a fusion of Mathilde pêche liqueur, salted caramel Stolichnaya and peach bitters. Elsewhere, you'll find highballs and house creations — such as the Patient Summerthyme with gin, vermouth, lemon and thyme — plus a diverse spread of beers and largely local wines. And to match, a bar menu runs from buffalo chicken bites to vegan mushroom 'wings' and burgers, like the signature beef Big Loop. Find Loop Top at Level 4, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne. It's open Monday–Thursday 3pm–midnight and Friday–Sunday midday–1am. Images: Eugene Hyland
When Sofia Coppola won this year's best director prize at Cannes, it was only the second time a woman had claimed the category in the festival's 71 outings. Nominated for the same award at the 2003 Oscars, she became only the third female to even get a nod (Kathryn Bigelow's history-making win for The Hurt Locker was still six years away). As a female filmmaker – even one who is part of a Hollywood dynasty – Coppola exists a world where women are trapped by circumstances beyond their control, but remain determined to break free of their confines. It's little wonder that her movies concern characters doing the same, depicting their struggles in astute, impassioned, eye-catching fashion. Inquisitive minds and longing hearts striving to shatter gilded cages: this is Coppola's cinematic specialty. It proved true with The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette, Somewhere and The Bling Ring – indeed, if someone once told Coppola to show what she knows, it would appear that she took their advice and ran with it. With The Beguiled, she adds the inhabitants of a civil war-era girls school to her growing squad of ladies seeking something other than the life they've been saddled with. To her resume, she adds a handsome period piece that doubles as a scathing satire. In the second big screen version of Thomas P. Cullinan's novel A Painted Devil (following a 1971 Clint Eastwood vehicle), the violence of the civil war finds the women of Miss Farnsworth's Seminary for Young Ladies left to their own devices. Headmistress Martha (Nicole Kidman) runs a tight ship, with teacher Edwina Morrow (Kirsten Dunst) assisting, giving pupils such as Amy (Oona Laurence), Jane (Angourie Rice) and Alicia (Elle Fanning) life and needlework lessons. Then wounded Union soldier Corporal John McBurney (Colin Farrell) wanders into the school grounds, forcing the group to reluctantly do the Christian thing by letting him rest and recuperate before they turn him in. The expression "a fox in the henhouse" might seem to apply here, as stereotype-reinforcing as it can be. But Coppola doesn't let a predator loose; rather, she uses an outsider as a catalyst to show just what lurks inside her dollhouse. That said, the eyebrow-arching Kidman, yearning Dunst and flirtatious Fanning are much, much more than mere playthings for the film and their gentleman guest, although that doesn't stop him from trying to worm his way into their hearts and nightgowns. Beneath the school's meticulous veneer, the women react to the sudden male presence in their midst, with desire cutting both ways (sometimes literally). The result is a smart, savvy exploration of lust and power in the long-running battle of the sexes. It's also a film that refuses to conform to expectations, just like its protagonists. While every inch the Coppola movie (complete with music by Phoenix), The Beguiled is as much a genre flick about the interplay of sex and violence as it is a nuanced drama about restraint, a textured character study of its fenced-in figures, and a razor-sharp comedy of manners. Within her candle-lit, painterly frames springs a feature that couldn't be more alluring yet tenacious and rebellious, nor more appropriately so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxUXvbqgdN0
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Melbourne is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Melbourne. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, take your lunch break in the Botanic Gardens, enjoy some jazz with your raclette and celebrate the mighty swimming pool with a dip at the NGV. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the new few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
With a (hopefully) balmy few months of summer stretched out ahead of us, Melbourne's just scored a blissful new spot for those sun-drenched brunch sessions and pre-picnic pit-stops. Or at least, a new 'old' spot. Darling Group (Higher Ground, Kettle Black, Stringers) has been busy transforming the Royal Botanic Gardens' iconic lakeside venue into their latest project, the Terrace Cafe — and it officially opens its doors this Saturday, December 17. Surrounded by greenery, the team's all-day cafe and adjoining event space have been designed in a nod to their lush outlook, with interiors by Technē featuring plenty of botanical references throughout. The 234-seat Terrace Cafe sports a palette of natural hues, with terrazzo-topped benches and an idyllic al fresco area spilling out amongst the gardens. Elevated classics drive the conservatory-inspired cafe's food offering, starring produce-led options like Turkish eggs with roast chorizo, tahini yoghurt and an aleppo pepper dressing; an avocado tartine (French-style open sandwich) and sumac-dressed fattoush salad with toasted pita. You can aim a little less green with likes of the cheeseburger and fries, and chilli-scrambled eggs atop house-made ciabatta. Or perhaps the homemade scones — a nod to a much-loved offering from the site's previous life. Meanwhile, Darling Group's signature coffee blend will star on the cafe's broad-ranging drinks list, with two coffee carts soon set to take up residence at Gates A and D of the Gardens for customers on the go. Of course, this is prime picnic turf and the Terrace Cafe's expansive grab-and-go lineup makes for an enviable rug set-up. Choose from the likes of loaded baguettes, pinsa romana (a style of fermented-dough pizza) and pastries, or a Terrace-To-Go box containing your choice of sandwich or salad, a juice and a sweet treat. Then, there's function venue The Terrace, where Technē's vision of gold detailing and polished concrete will play the backdrop to private shindigs and soirees of up to 300 guests (or 150 seated), overlooking the Ornamental Lake. It's an impressive space, complete with huge central skylight, a 10-metre-long bar of two-toned marble and a similarly leafy outlook to its next-door sibling. Find the Terrace Cafe and The Terrace at Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street, Melbourne (best entry is via Gate A). The cafe will open daily from 8am–4pm. Images: Griffin Simm
Summer has finally arrived — and Melbourne Museum is set on making the most of those warm days and long, balmy nights. From Saturday, December 24–Sunday, February 26, its Plaza will come alive for Summer of Play, complete with a jam-packed program of fun for young and old. You can take a nostalgic trip back to childhood with a ride on the dazzling Light Seesaw or the luminous swings emblazoned with the words 'I Believe'; both the work of art and technology studio ENESS. Challenge your mates to games of handball and ping pong, with equipment available from the Plaza Play Concierge. And once you've worked up a sweat, hit the ice cream truck, which is scooping museum-inspired treats from 11am Wednesday to Sunday. Meanwhile, weekend evenings are kicking on late for Plaza Nights (January 6–28). From 5pm Friday and 2pm Saturday, nab a spot in the al fresco lounge to enjoy pop-up bars, DJs, food trucks and plenty more ping pong matches. You can also score after-hours access to the museum's Tyama exhibition, book a twilight tour of the newly revamped Dome Promenade (atop the Royal Exhibition Building) and hit a late-night IMAX screening of Avatar: The Way of Water. [caption id="attachment_864171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Tyama', by Eugene Hyland[/caption]
Joe Vargetto moved Mister Bianco to a much bigger site in Kew late last year, and we are only now seeing his fully realised plans for the site. First, he got Mister Bianco all settled. Here, he's delivering refined Sicilian cuisine layered with contemporary European touches. The team also got to sorting out the upstairs private dining space La Sala, looking out over the increasingly buzzy Cotham Road. And now, it's all about Bianchetto. The new cocktail and wine bar is right next to its sibling Mister Bianco, throwing similar cool and sophisticated vibes but with the lights turned down even more. Most of the 42-seat bar's lighting comes from the small table lamps and black-and-white 1960s Italian films projected on the wall. Feel your way to one of the leather benches, kicking things off with its signature Americano. For this classic Italian cocktail, the team will wheel a trolley over to you and make it tableside. But it's not all about the look and feel. And the theatrics are minimal. Award-winning bartender and owner of Loro Orlando Marzo has been brought on to make sure the cocktails are absolutely next level. Marzo is a master, so expect each creation to be that extra bit special. He's mostly reworked classic European cocktails for Bianchetto, like the Sicilian Sour made with marsala, tomato and lemon. Either pop in simply for some bevs before hitting Mister Bianco, or fill your table with enough snacking plates to make a proper meal out of the whole affair. Vargetto has, of course, designed the food menu here, offering up his signature take on contemporary Sicilian cuisine. Pair your wine and cocktails with nduja-stuffed olives, toasted mortadella sangas and zucchini flowers with black truffle honey. [caption id="attachment_946791" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] End the night with an olive oil martini or Australian bergamot negroni paired with a few scoops of amaro gelato and a whisky and chocolate cigar. Like the restaurant, Vargetto cooly blends old-school Italian sensibilities with contemporary flair at Bianchetto. His trio of drinking and dining spaces is yet another reason to head over to Kew, which is becoming quite the destination for foodies these days. You'll find Bianchetto at 26–28 Cotham Road, Kew, open Tuesday–Saturday from 6pm. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Arianna Leggiero
Next time you're looking for an indulgent experience, head straight to Crown Melbourne's new Champagne & Oyster Bar. It does pretty much what it says on the tin. Exclusive champagne and high-quality oysters are served in a cavernous, velvet-clad, intimate bar complete with champagne-bottle-lined walls. The menu is built around Moët & Chandon Imperial, Rosé Impérial and Dom Pérignon, and freshly shucked Australian oysters, complemented by a handful of other equally luxurious and high-quality dishes. Given the elegant, upmarket setting, it's no surprise that caviar makes a starring appearance here too. It's served with simple potato chips, allowing the produce to speak for itself. Kingfish in lemon ponzu sauce, and a plate of fresh sashimi, make for light and refreshing snacks. Of course, premium cheese, such as Harbison's bloomy rind, also graces the menu. The calming space offers a quiet reprieve from the loud and bustling drinking, dining and entertainment precinct. Treat yourself to a memorable experience, perfect before a show, a mid-afternoon break, or an evening nightcap. Images: Supplied.
Fitzroy's Black Pearl has long been considered one of Australia's greatest cocktail bars, so it was only a matter of time before a few of its talented alumni teamed up to carry on the legacy and make some cocktail history of their own. Having all met at the ionic Fitzroy bar and boasting over 50 years experience between them, Chris Hysted-Adams, Rob Libecans, Matthew Stirling and Ryan Noreiks are now gearing up for the launch of their first joint venture. Fancy Free will be a neighbourhood-style bar — it's slated to open later this year at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the CBD. It's been a long-held dream for the four to pool their talents to open a bar of their own, explains Hysted-Adams, adding that the team is "kind of like the Avengers, but with drinks". At Fancy Free, wine, beer and food are each set to play starring roles alongside cocktails, which is undoubtedly where the team's expertise lies. While an opening date is yet to be announced, the boys are happy to give us all a sneak peek, taking the Fancy Free concept on a nationwide 'teaser' tour. They've lined up collaborations with Tasmania's Dark Mofo, Saville Row in Brisbane, the Sydney's burger and booze slingers Mary's and Melbourne's own Ramblr in late July. Fancy Free is set to open later this year. For more info on the national tour, jump over to the fancyfreebar.com.au.
Little sister and new quasi-neighbour to the iconic Grossi Florentino, Arlechin is the latest Melbourne laneway haunt to add to your list, opening quietly last week off Mornane Place. Here, the Grossi team have crafted a sophisticated destination for eats, drinks, and late-night revelry, all tucked neatly away from the rest of the CBD's hustle and bustle. Doubling as the group's wine cellar, Arlechin's a suave little bunker, with rows of bottles lining the walls. It's dapper as hell, yet warm and inviting enough to tempt long, lazy visits, and with an air of fun that keeps it all from being too serious. From the kitchen, a seasonally driven menu has its own cheeky edge, with the likes of a meaty bolognese jaffle, Sloppy Joe, smoked eel parfait, and chilli fried quail making ideal eating at any time of night. Of course, there's also some seriously good drinking to be done here, between the crafty signature cocktails, aperitifs and a wine list that trips through Italy, France and our own backyard. Hole up here for the evening and see what mischief transpires. Find Arlechin at Mornane Place, Melbourne. Open seven nights 5pm until late.
As much as we love catching a movie under the stars, outdoors cinemas are usually more of a summer activity. After all, it's sort of hard to focus on the story when your extremities are going numb. Enter Hot Tub Cinema Club. Coming back to to a secret Melbourne location for two weeks this October, this novelty nickelodeon works exactly the way you think it does: you and your mates strip down to your togs and enjoy a flick from the comfort of a bubbling tub. Melbourne has already tried the concept last year, and after a season in Sydney, the club is coming back down south for spring. The organisers of Hot Tub Cinema Melbourne are yet to reveal which four films will feature on the program, although shame on them if they don't include Jaws or, failing that, Splash. Spots will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, although you can sign up for pre-release tickets. For more information and to stay in the loop about Hot Tub Cinema Club Melbourne, visit their website.
Last week we hosted a 'four elements'-themed dinner in collaboration with Stoneleigh. Held inside The Stoneleigh Project, a pop-up wine and art installation, the sensory dinner featured birds' nests, soil, smoke, fire and caviar. And lots of wild fermented wine. Before the dinner, guests journeyed through the installation dedicated nature's elements and Stoneleigh's "winemaking philosophy of minimum intervention and respecting nature's wonder," as Stoneleigh wine ambassador Ambar Maddox explained. "This year, we wanted to make the installation more conceptual and really lead our customer on a journey. We wanted to make sure each room could tell a different part of our story, using a contemporary visual art approach to depict nature's stories, hero wild fermentation and our Wild Valley wine range." After wandering through bubbles, rivers and mirrors, guests were led into a secret dining room hidden behind a one-way mirror. Then, they dove into the first course: an ode to the water element. Thinly-sliced kingfish topped with caviar was washed down with a citrus-noted Wild Valley sauvignon blanc. Next, a lifelike — but edible — bird's nest, complete with a sous-vide quail egg and truffle, was paired with a glass of savoury Wild Valley pinot noir. Earth was followed by fire as Tim Newitt, head chef of Collingwood restaurant Project Forty Nine, torched Flinders Island lamb metres from the table then topped it with black, volcanic salt. To complement, but not compete with, the smoky course was paired with a bold and blackberry-rich Rapaura pinot noir. To round out the sensory dinner — dessert. Part dining, part magic show, the dish saw the floor staff pour billowing clouds over a sculptural dessert made with compressed honeydew melon, meringue and river mint, picked locally by the restaurant's secret forager. This air-inspired dish was served with Stoneleigh's Rapaura pinot gris, its poached pair and honey notes pairing harmoniously with the mystical dessert. Missed out on our dinner? You still have time to visit The Stoneleigh Project and try their range of Wild Valley wines. The pop-up is open until November 5 at 524 Flinders Street, Melbourne; weeknights 4–10pm and weekends 12–10pm. Images: Brook James.
The Albion Hotel's is what you'd call a true 'risen from the ashes' story. Two years ago, the historic South Melbourne pub took quite the beating, burning to the ground just ten days before it was due to reopen. Now, its team of owners — which includes ex-Collingwood AFL player Dane Swan and former rugby league legends Danny Williams and Robbie Kearns — have brought the venue back to life, ready to at last unveil the finished project in early February. We're told to expect an entirely different offering to any of the pub's many previous incarnations, as it returns to its original name of The Albion. This time around, expect a mammoth three-level space, crowned with one of Melbourne's biggest rooftop bars. Up here, find yourself quaffing gin cocktails and tap beers, matched to sweeping views of the city skyline. One floor below lies a plush lounge bar, decked out with leather booths and brass accents, while a modern front bar takes over the ground level. It's an all-encompassing venue that's been designed to cruise easily from daytime to the after-dark hours, with a state-of-the-art sound system and a nifty 5am weekend licence pegging it as a favourite for late-night dance floor sessions. Meanwhile, the brand new kitchen will be plating up a menu that celebrates both local produce and global flavours, featuring the likes of soft shell crab bao, cider-braised pork belly and a seared nori tuna. This isn't the only old pub to open next month — Melbourne University's Prince Alfred is getting a new lease on life too. The Albion will open Wednesday through Sunday at 172, York Street South Melbourne, from February 2018. For more information, keep checking back here and at thealbion.bar.
The mercury is slowly rising again as summer nudges closer, Daylight Savings has kicked into gear and people's moods are altogether cheerier. Which means it's almost time for Melbourne to get its noodle on once again. Yep, the Night Noodle Markets are gearing up for another season, whipping Birrarung Marr into a frenzy of sounds, smells and street food from November 7 to 24. The markets' 2019 edition is dishing up a jam-packed culinary program that's as big as ever and with that comes with an eye-watering array of choice. If you're feeling a bit daunted by all that decision-making and wondering how best to navigate the smorgasbord of eats, we've got your back. Avoid any bouts of indecisiveness and squeeze the best out of your Night Noodle Markets visit with our lineup of top food picks worth checking out. Get excited for attention-grabbing noodle dishes, cloud-like soufflé pancakes and fried chicken buns that'll require both hands and a whole stack of napkins. THE BIG BOSS FLYING NOODLES, THE FLYING NOODLE Is it magic? Is it a feat of aerodynamics? No, it's simply the show-stopping signature dish from The Flying Noodle. Featuring a serve of chopsticked noodles suspended mysteriously in the air, this menu hit is designed to be devoured with your eyes, as well as your mouth. There are three gravity-defying variations on offer at this year's Night Noodle Markets, including The Big Boss, which teams those cascading egg noodles with seasonal veggies and marinated chicken in a rich red wine sauce. How do they do it? You'll just have to order one and find out. CHEESEBURGER PUFFLE, PUFFLE Everyone loves a quirky, cheesy food creation and this one's as fun to say as it is to eat. A return favourite from last year's markets, and a riff on the egg waffles you'll find at street stalls in Hong Kong, Puffle is a kind of savoury waffle cone crafted from cheese and filled with various flavour combinations. This month, Puffle is out to win you over with two different decadent versions of its dish, including the cheeseburger — an assembly of chopped bulgogi-style beef and extra melted cheese, finished with lashings of sweet and spicy ketchup, mustard and Japanese mayo — and a KFC option with spicy Korean-style fried chicken. But, whichever filling you opt for, just know you're in for a crunchy, oozy and delightfully messy ride. EYE OF THE THAI-GER, GELATO MESSINA Seventeen years on and national sweetheart Gelato Messina continues to throw down inventive frozen treats left right and centre. The purveyors of weird and wonderful dessert concoctions will be showing off their latest designs at this year's Night Noodle Markets and each is a modern reworking of some classic Thai flavours. For a tasty frozen snack you can hold in one hand, try the Eye of the Thai-ger — which looks a bit like a fluffy dessert taco. It's a satisfyingly creamy fusion of Thai milk tea gelato and cheesecake mousse cradled in a layer of tea sponge. The dessert is then dunked in soft meringue and finished with a healthy dusting of coconut. We doubt you'll want to stop at just one. CRÈME BRÛLÉE SOUFFLE PANCAKE, KUMOKUMO Master of airy-light, fluffy, Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, Kumokumo is gearing up to launch its first permanent Aussie stores soon. But Melburnians can score themselves a sneak preview when the brand descends on the Night Noodle Markets, slinging a selection of its decadent dessert creations. For a multi-textural hit, you'll want to get stuck into the crème brûlée soufflé pancake. This one stars those signature cloud-like pancake rounds, crowned with soft custard and a layer of crisp caramelised sugar, and served with a healthy splodge of mixed berry compote. KFC, BAO BROTHERS Food truck crew Bao Brothers has made a name for its clever Asian eats — namely its pillowy bao buns that come loaded with flavour combos like honey prawn and sriracha, and chicken katsu with curried egg mayo. The team's heading to this year's Night Noodle Markets with an equally creative menu in tow, slinging bites to delight vegans, meat-lovers and everyone in between. For a plant-based feed that packs a big flavour punch, see its riff on KFC: Korean-style fried cauliflower. Cauliflower florets are slathered in a Korean chilli glaze, fried till golden and crispy, and finished with a hit of lime and toasted sesame. No meat? Definitely no worries. The Melbourne Night Noodle Markets are happening at Birrarung Marr from Thursday, November 7, to Sunday, November 24. Check out the full food lineup here. Top images: Kimberley Moore
If your commute to work usually involves a bus, we're sorry. Melbourne bus drivers with transport outfits Transdev and CDC Victoria will go on strike on Thursday, August 16 — for 24 hours, as part of their latest negotiations for better working conditions. The second strike in the last month, the move will leave many routes delayed or just not running at all — and, because two companies are involved, it's set to have a wider impact across the city. Services running in Ballarat and Geelong will also be impacted. Public Transport Victoria has advised that metropolitan and regional trains, trams and bus services not operated by Transdev and CDC will be running as normal. These are the metropolitan bus routes affected. For more details, a rundown of impacted regional routes and updates as they happen, check the Public Transport Victoria website. 150, 151, 153, 160, 161, 166, 167, 170, 180, 181, 190, 191, 192 200 ,207, 215, 216, 219, 220, 223, 232, 234, 235, 236, 237, 246 250, 251, 270, 271, 273, 279, 280, 281, 282, 284,285, 293, 295 302, 303, 304, 305,309, 318, 350, 364, 370, 380 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 414, 415, 417, 418, 419, 421, 423, 424, 425, 426, 439, 441, 443, 461, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498 600, 601, 605, 606, 612, 623, 624, 625, 626, 630 901, 902, 903, 905, 906, 907, 908, 922, 923 To keep up-to-date with service times, visit the PTV website. Image: CDC Victoria.
When all seven chapters of S-Town were released in one mighty swoop on March 28 this year, podcasting entered a new realm. Ten million episodes were downloaded in four days, obliterating records. And now, series creator Brian Reed is coming to Australia to talk about how he did it. At two different evenings, titled 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre and We Need To Talk About S-Town at Sydney Opera House, he'll be chatting about telling stories, combining reporting with literariness, leaving things unsaid and, of course, John B. McLemore, the podcast's eccentric, obsessive, unforgettable protagonist. Along the way, you're likely to hear him touching on all the big themes that found their way into S-Town: greed, poverty, mental health issues and prejudice. And, if you've been plagued by questions of journalistic ethics, this would be the time to dig them out. Tickets are already selling fast to the Melbourne show, and tickets for Sydney go on sale Monday, May 29. So, you'd better be quick. BRIAN REED'S AUSTRALIAN DATES: Wednesday, July 26 — 'Mysteries, Mazes and the Making of S-Town' at Melbourne's Wheeler Centre. Tickets here. Saturday, July 29 — 'Brian Reed: We Need to Talk About S-Town' at Sydney Opera House. Tickets here. Image: Andrea Morales.
Things are starting to get pretty frosty in Melbourne, so the team at Welcome To Thornbury are heating up a plan to help warm your weekend — a mini festival dedicated to mulled wine and hot cheese. The party's set to take over the Northcote food truck park from noon, this Saturday, May 27, pulling together a selection of hot, gooey creations from some of the city's favourite cheese-slinging vendors. This is where all your cheesiest dreams come true, chowing down on lush cheese fondue from Frencheese, The Cheese Rebels' decadent haloumi sausages, a raclette burger from the folks at Mr Burger, and other treats from the likes of That Arancini Guy, Crepes For Change, and Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks. Of course, you won't find a better drink match to all that rich, melty dairy than some hot, spiced booze, so the bar will be rounding out its usual offerings with a special mulled wine, available all day long. The first Mulled Wine and Hot Cheese Festival happens from midday to 11pm, Saturday, May 27, at Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote.
Melburnians aren't like most. We don't look at abandoned parking lots or empty blocks of land with despair — instead, we approach them with great anticipation. An empty space is always a potential place to eat. And the latest transformation to join the likes of Welcome to Thornbury and Preston Food Truck Park is no exception. The Ascot Lot is Melbourne's newest food truck park. Previously a deserted car yard, the Mt Alexander Road space has been transformed into a colourful venue for delicious food and ice-cold refreshments. Opening on Friday, October 26, The Ascot Lot will play host to some of Melbourne's most adored food trucks, including Poke Time, Two Fat Indians and Nuoc Mama's. The lineup will change weekly, with dinner and drinks served Friday through Sunday and coffee and jaffles available at the on-site coffee shop every day. In true Melbourne fashion, the bar offerings are epic, with espresso martinis on tap for just $10 a pop and a select range of wines and craft beers available too. If you're there on a Friday night, you'll be serenaded by bands from the comfort of a pastel picnic table. Basically everything at the space has been recycled, from the timber stools to the bricks that form the indoor bar and the cosy booth seating. The Ascot Lot plans to be open for a year. The Ascot Lot is located at 448-462 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale. It will be open on Fridays from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am for a year, beginning Friday, 26 October. Find out more at theascotlot.com.
No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, José González and Warpaint over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 26 through Saturday, March 10. After announcing headliner Ben Folds for Friday, February 16 earlier this month, Melbourne Zoo has now dropped the entire Twilights program for 2018. Melbourne's Teskey Brothers will open the series with a set of Motown-inspired songs and a supporting set by Saskwatch. Twilights regulars Kate Miller-Heidke and The Cat Empire slot into the program, along with much loved local acts Hiatus Kaiyote, The Preatures, Cut Copy and Liam and Neil Finn. Brooklyn four-piece Grizzly Bear will be the only other international act to grace the zoo's stage. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2018 PROGRAM Friday, January 26 – The Teskey Brothers, supported by Saskwatch Saturday, January 27 – Cut Copy, with special guests Friday, February 2 – Sunnyboys, supported by Painters and Dockers Saturday, February 3 – The Cat Empire, supported by Allysha Joy Friday, February 9 – The Preatures, supported by Ali Barter Saturday, February 10 – RocKwiz LIVE! Friday, February 16 – Ben Folds, supported by Lucy Rose Saturday, February 24 – Neil & Liam Finn, with special guests Friday, March 2 – Hiatus Kaiyote and Harvey Sutherland Saturday, March 3 – Jet, supported by Spazzys Friday, March 9 – Grizzly Bear, with special guests Saturday, March 10 – Kate Miller-Heidke with String Quartet, supported by Odette Melbourne Zoo Twilights will return to Melbourne Zoo from January 26 until March 10, 2018. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Tuesday, October 24 at zootwilights.org.au. Image: Ian Laidlaw.
There's not a whole lot that can't be fixed with a big serve of carbs, especially when that involves diving headfirst into a generous bowl of pasta. A slurp of spaghetti or forkful of fettuccine and life suddenly looks very sweet indeed. So, with American Express, we've picked out some of Melbourne's finest pasta-slinging spots (that'll also accept that Amex you've been trying to earn more points with), to ensure no gnocchi craving ever goes unanswered again. While Melbourne's strong Italian heritage means the city's not short on Nonna-worthy pasta dishes, this hand-picked lineup sticks to the kinds of places you'll happily land in after a tough day — comfy spaces with atmosphere aplenty and some super-skilled pasta masters working their magic in the kitchen. Next time you've got pasta on your mind, let one of these restaurants sort you out in style. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
It's time to make the pilgrimage to the Supernatural Amphitheatre once again, because Golden Plains has opened the ballot for 2018. Taking place over a long weekend under a full moon, Meredith's other beloved festival returns for March 10–12, 2018. As always, the lineup will appear on one stage in the Supernatural Amphitheatre, but Aunty is keeping quiet about the details for now. Expect the full lineup to drop soon. Standouts from last year included Neil Finn, Kurt Vile, Nicholas Jaar and Chain and The Gang. Meanwhile, Golden Plains is set to be the same festival you know and love — no dickheads, no need to hide your goon sacks, no commercial sponsors. If you can't wait until next year, best get yourself a ticket to Meredith in December as well Golden Plains will take over the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith on March 10, 11 and 12. The ballot for GPXI is open now until 10pm on Monday, October 16. Visit goldenplains.com.au for details. Image: Theresa Harrison.
Hankering for some of Melbourne's finest casual Japanese cuisine, but can't tear yourself away from the couch — or commit to heading out for a eat-in meal? The cutest Karate Kid-inspired eatery in town has the answer. In addition to its main Chapel Street digs and its bite-sized counterpart next door, aka Yukie's Snack Bar, Mr. Miyagi is opening up a takeaway offshoot in Prahran. Setting up on Chatham Street, Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop will serve up 12 dishes and 12 dishes only, with the streamlined menu perfect for those eager to grab and go. Both new and existing options are on offer, ranging from deconstructed salmon tacos and Korean fried cauliflower, to wagyu bolognaise bowls and duck spring rolls. There'll also be sushi fries (that'd be sushi rice shaped into fries), and the return of Mr. Miyagi's ever-popular doughnuts with salted caramel sauce. The store won't launch in bricks-and-mortar form until September; however those eager to get ordering now can do so via UberEATS, where the entire takeaway range is also available. Alas, Mr. Miyagi's famous cocktails won't be getting the take-home treatment, so heading along to the original joints is still in Melburnian's futures — not that regulars will be complaining. Find Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop at 24 Chatham Street, Prahran. For more information, head to the Mr. Miyagi website and Facebook page.
It's something straight out of Bridget Jones' Diary, except there's nary a wet, smokin' Hugh Grant in sight. Sorry. We might not be as flashy and have as much bravado as our counterpart Sydney, but that's not to say Melbourne still doesn't pay its dues when it comes to outdoor activities in, on or around bodies of water. You can settle back in a wooden punt boat on the lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens with your special someone and be propelled into your most relaxed selves by a charming punter (again, sadly not Hugh). This fella will be in the full punting regalia of boating hat and red vest. BYO parasol, snacks and drinks, 'cause nothing says romance like being punted. Oh, and dogs are welcome, too.
Happy hour is a well-worn tradition of bars and restaurants around the world. In Melbourne, if you walk into a bar there's likely a happy hour special at some point in the week. A new initiative running throughout January 2021, however, is one-upping all other happy hours. For the entire month of January, 30 much-loved Melbourne venues are offering 50 percent off their entire menu for one hour each day. Drink or dine at the likes of Fargo & Co, Albert Park Lake Club, State of Grace, The Duke of Wellington and The Smith from 5–6pm between Friday, January 1 and Sunday, January 31 and you'll receive 50 percent off your entire order. That means you could head to Harlow for $10 espresso martinis and $12.50 parmigianas, for $8 beef sliders and $3.25 Furphys at Middle Park Hotel, and to Trinket for $9 margherita pizzas and $11 pisco sours. All you need to do in order to get the discount is pay by mobile at the end of your meal using either the Australian Venue Co app or the Mr Yum Order at Table. There is no limit to the number of guests that can attend, meaning you can have a reasonably priced catch up with any sized group of friends. Melbourne's Happiest Hour is available from 5–6pm daily at the following 30 venues: Albert Park Lake Club Auburn Hotel Beer DeLuxe Fed Square Beer DeLuxe Hawthorn College Lawn Hotel European Bier Cafe Fargo & Co Golden Gate Hotel Harlow Hopscotch Imperial Bourke Street Imperial South Yarra Middle Park Hotel Newmarket Hotel O'Connell's Hotel Perseverance Prince Alfred Hotel State of Grace Studley Park Boathouse The Crafty Squire The Duke of Wellington The Exchange Hotel The Hawthorn Hotel The Local The Provincial The Smith The Station Hotel The Vincent The Wharf Hotel Trinket Images: Auburn Hotel
Nothing starts a week on a high note quite like a good old fashioned boogie. Especially when you can really let loose, dancing free of inhibition at No Lights No Lycra's Monday night East Brunswick session. Born in Melbourne and now loved the globe over, this free-form dance class invites punters to sweat and groove in their own style, the room dimmed to nix any of the self-consciousness that sometimes comes from dancing in front of strangers. Expect cranking tunes, a fun and friendly atmosphere, and a high-energy workout guaranteed to get your blood pumping.
They helped bands like the Rolling Stones become famous, but no one can remember their names. Funny, insightful and deeply moving, 20 Feet From Stardom is a film about the backing vocalists behind some of the biggest bands in the music industry. Fortune Avenue have 3 double passes to give away. Enter now to win.
Northcote Pottery Supplies is hosting a twilight market for all your ceramics needs and wants. On Wednesday, December 13, there will be a plethora of stalls showcasing works by studio residents, staff, tutors and emerging makers. Featured makers include Alterfact, Dawn Vachon, Acardia Scott and many, many more. It's out with the old and in with the new as 2017 reaches a close — so stock your shelves and dress your home with unique pieces. Pop over anytime between 5 and 8pm to peruse the displays and even grab yourself (or a loved one) a Christmas present.
Crack open a beer and catch a movie under the stars at Geelong's openair theatre. Popping up at the Little Creatures Brewery (where they also brew Furphy) over summer, the Furphy Outdoor Cinema will screen a selection of classic flicks films while serving up top-notch grub and ice cold bevs. Fancy a trip down the Princes Highway? Lighting up the night on four consecutive Wednesday evenings, the season begins on January 9 with Jurassic Park. That'll be followed by Pulp Fiction on January 17, Happy Gilmore on January 23 before the season comes to a close on January 30 with Fight Club. Doors at the Furphy Outdoor Cinema open at 8pm for an approximately 9pm start. Entry is via the brewery canteen, which will be serving up food until 10pm.
After nearly a year without being able to head to theatres, it now feels like a proper treat to catch a movie on the big screen. Making sure we get extra cultural bang for our buck, short film festival Flickerfest returns to The Kino this April to showcase the best of Melbourne-made shorts. The internationally acclaimed Flickerfest is celebrating its 30th year and, following the festival's ten-day stint in Sydney, it's making its way to Melbourne on Wednesday, April 14. The annual film festival is Australia's only Academy-qualifying and BAFTA-recognised short film festival, too. Highlights this year include feel-good film Dog Date Afternoon, which tells the story of a germophobe trying to win the girl of his dreams and her dog; hilarious crime comedy Pugs Before Drugs; and The Wake, which sees a recent widow struggling to navigate her husband's frenzied funeral. [caption id="attachment_803926" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Pugs Before Drugs'[/caption] For your $25 ticket, you'll get to watch the hand-picked shorts and festival award-winners in one evening. You can also enjoy a complimentary Gage Roads beer, Rosnay Organic wine or PS organic soft drink and popcorn on arrival and have the chance to hear from the featured filmmakers before the screening. To see the full program and grab tickets, head here. Top images (in order): The Wake by Eddie Diamandi, and Dog Date Afternoon by Lachlan Ryan.
Suddenly, it's not enough to enjoy craft beer, locally-made sourdough and bespoke flavoured oils anymore — now it's all the rage to actually make them yourself too. How do you do that, you ask? Enter The Craft and Co., the newest venue on Smith Street. They can help you out. The Craft and Co. vision is to teach through demonstration. They’re a retail and hospitality space that hosts in-store demonstrations and workshops to help you understand how your food is made — and maybe even give it a crack yourself. It's big space that incorporates an onsite micro-brewery and distillery, cured meat and cheese making rooms and coffee roastery, as well as a retail store, bar and eatery. And their also hoping to develop their own farm and vineyard. Talk about ambitious. The plan is to hold workshops, demonstrations and events — so if you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own mozzarella, curing your own salami or whipping up some home-brew, this is your place. And if you simply can’t be bothered with DIY, you can just always just EIY (eat it yourself). The lunch and dinner menu is stellar and — best of all — won't break the bank, which is a necessary consideration in this post-Christmas world we now live in. The menu is a mixture of tapas-style nibbles and meaty, filling mains, but the breakfast menu really has us intrigued. A zucchini and mint omelette, wagyu minute steak and chips (for breakfast?!) and the cacao pops — activated buckwheat, cacao and coconut served with milk — are just experimental enough that we'll happily concede to The Craft and Co.’s expertise in this department. The Craft and Co. is located at 390 Smith Street, Fitzroy. For more information and opening hours, visit thecraftandco.com.au.
Cue the fireworks: the New Year is almost upon us. And no, we don't mean those few hours of public drunkenness and poor decision-making that fall between sundown on December 31 and your hangover the following morning. We're talking about Chinese New Year, a celebration that, quite frankly, makes our piddly little Gregorian thing look about as exciting as your grandmother's birthday. The Chinese Lunar calendar officially ticks over on Monday, February 8, but that's only a fraction of the fun. With markets, concerts, parades, film screenings, parties and more, Melbourne's Chinese community are sparing no expense. Here's our list pick of the events happening this February to help you ring in the Year of the Monkey in style.
Are you serious about your rum? Or just know you love the stuff? Either way, there's a rummy adventure happening in Melbourne throughout August and you can get involved. Fine purveyors and makers of rum for over 265 years, Appleton Estate will bring back The Appleton Trail, a month-long celebration of Jamaica's long-loved spirit. Throughout August Melburnians can pull up a pew at not one, but two rum-lovin' bars and taste the gems of the Appleton range and get into the summery Jamaican spirit. The Trail is headed both to Brunswick's Penny Black and Big Mouth in St Kilda — so no matter what side of the river you live on, you can still enjoy the festivities. Both venues will be serving up special Appleton cocktails and matched Jamaican snacks every night in August with some added surprises rolling out throughout the month. The Penny Black will have live music on Friday, August 5 and Sunday, August 12 as well as some super tasty jerk chicken from their pop-up bar — which is a total no brainer. Or get down to Big Mouth on Saturday, August 20 and 27 for complimentary cocktail tastings. Yep, it's time to switch to rum for winter — it's one of the best ways to keep warm, after all. By Lauren Vadnjal and Shannon Connellan.
Back in the '60s and '70s, country Aussie pubs didn't just house on-site bistros — they boasted their own Chinese restaurants on the premises. Trust Andrew McConnell to revive the trend. In fact, he's revamped Fitzroy's Builders Arms Hotel to reintroduce pub-goers to the idea of eating dishes like drunken chicken before, after or while they're having a drink themselves. Gone is the chef's previous eatery, Moon Under Water, with Ricky & Pinky taking its place. As well as a completely fresh culinary focus courtesy of its Hong Kong-style Chinese food selection, the new restaurant looks remarkably different, too. Think colourful and open, with a more than a few knocked-down walls, a now-visible kitchen run by ex-Cutler & Co, Golden Fields and Supernormal alum Archan Chan, and that traditional staple: fish tanks filled with swimming market seafood, crustaceans and molluscs. Menu-wise, Ricky & Pinky mightn't call its delicious range Asian fusion; however it is rather keen on mixing classic and innovative cooking in its dishes. When you're twirling around the lazy Susan sitting in the middle of your table, you might just share the likes of mapo tofu, fried rice with preserved vegetable and salted duck egg, fried prawn and chicken wontons with sweet and sour sauce, or pippies and XO sauce with fried doughnuts. To cap things off, end your meal with an extra-large fortune cookie or banana semifreddo with chocolate caramel and crisp batter. If you've been known to grab at pint or a bite in Builders Arms' trusty front bar, don't worry. There, you'll still find good ol' choices like burgers and whipped cod roe. Everything else might've changed, but some icons just keep in keepin' on. Find Ricky & Pinky at the Builders Arms Hotel, 211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. For more information, visit their website. Images: Harvard Wang.
From medieval guilds all the way forward to Wikipedia, sharing knowledge has always been a boon for humanity. We thrive on it. And Melbourne's new hospitality symposium GROW is built around the idea that information is better served up than hoarded. GROW Assembly is a slick new consortium of hospo professionals who've come together to collectively season the new generation of chefs, sommeliers, bakers, cocktail artisans, food journos and FOH firecrackers with the juice squeezed from their collective experience. The first event they're rolling out is a full day seminar on Sunday, May 1 in Melbourne with 12 industry speakers spitting knowledge left, right and centre. The lineup reads like a Wiki entry of Melbourne food royalty and includes Dan Hunter (owner chef of Brae), Angie Giannakodakis (restauranteur, Epocha and Elyros), Nolan Hirte (owner of Proud Mary Coffee Roasters), Kevin Donovan (industry long-tooth and owner of Donovans restaurant) and Sebastian Crowther (master sommelier at Rockpool 1989) among others. Also on the bill is Alquimie's Josh Elias, Gourmet Traveller's wine editor Max Allen and Sarah Lemke of Belgium's De Superette bakery. Phew. The team who are putting the whole shebang together — Michael Bascetta, Banjo Harris Plane, Meira Harel, Vicky Symington and Manu Potoi — also have an impressive joint resume; together they count stints at Attica, The Town Mouse, Rockwell and Sons, Lot 3, Proud Mary and Bar Liberty in their experience. It's a long list, but you get the jist — these are the people you want to be the hospitality Yoda to your Skywalker. If you're looking to bring that novelty hybrid food idea into fruition or give us your spin on fried chicken this event is the perfect way to get a foot in the door. The first GROW Assembly is being held on Sunday, May 1, from 10am until 5pm at a still to be disclosed Melbourne location. Tickets will cost $125 and include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Buy yours at growassembly.com.au.
There's a week for everything, it seems — and in 2017, that includes design. The brand new, dedicated Melbourne Design Week will form part of the National Gallery of Victoria's just-announced inaugural Victorian Design Program. Yes, prepare to feast your eyes on a whole lot of local creativity. Other than making everyone say the word design more often than we might normally, and not to be confused with the previous Melbourne International Design Week, Melbourne Design Week will take place every March from 2017, showcasing and celebrating all things related to the field: the business behind it, how it works in practice, its social impact and just how it helps make Melbourne such a liveable city. To kick things off, the first event will focus specifically on design values when it takes over the NGV from March 16 to 26. The program will feature exhibitions, international guests and keynote speakers, product launches, programs for businesses and more, at both the NGV and other venues around the city. Anyone particularly interested in or working in a design-oriented area should be interested in the open-access component developed in conjunction with Open House Melbourne, which will connect Victorians to design-led businesses, manufacturers, facilities and institutions. While the full March lineup won't be announced until February 1, 2017, the broader curated Victorian Design Program will run year-round, so keep your eyes peeled for NGV's new slate of design-centric drawcards. "The Gallery's vision is to present and make accessible design and architecture for a broad range of audiences," said NGV director Tony Ellwood. Melbourne Design Week takes place from March 16 to 26, 2017. For more information, visit: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/melbourne-design-week-2/ Image: Haven't you always wanted ...? by M@STUDIO Architects for the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission. Photo: Peter Bennetts.
If you like your liquor amber in colour, strong in taste and made from fermented grain mash — and you live in Melbourne — then you're probably a fan of Whisky and Alement. The type of secluded establishment that you'd walk right by if you didn't know it was there, the Russell Street bar has long been a whisky-lovers favourite. From this weekend, however, the bar's boozing fun jumps up a level. We mean that literally. Not content with serving up more than 500 varieties of the good stuff — and plenty of beer too — from their ground floor digs, the W&A folks have branched out into the space above their cosy hangout. That's where you'll find the Melbourne Whisky Room, which opened its doors on February 9. It's a watering hole within a watering hole, or inception for whisky drinkers. The 50-seat space boasts six times that number in tipples, with curated collectable, vintage and independent bottlings the focus. Teaming up with the Australian branch of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, it'll also feature a number of their exclusive drams — 50 to start with, plus an archive of 100 more and growing. Along with the usual W&A approach, aka knowledgeable staff on hand to answer all your whisky questions and make recommendations, the Melbourne Whisky Room will also offer table service and a focus on affordability. Yes, that means you can while away your nights in a quaint space sipping on rare drinks that won't break your bank account. Take our word for it, this hidden bar won't stay that way for long. Find the Melbourne Whisky Room at 270 Russell Street, Melbourne. For more information, visit the Whisky and Alement Facebook page.
After cooking up a storm at a host of Melbourne restaurants over the past 16 years, chef Tim Martin is branching out on his own. If you've enjoyed his culinary prowess at The Cut, Taxi Dining Room, The European, Maris and even Noosa's Berardo's in Queensland, you'll want to flock to his new dual-venue venture in South Yarra in 2017. Setting up shop in Claremont Street, Harvest and Privi will quench your thirst, satisfy your stomach and provide your next group-dining spot. The former will be a bar and restaurant serving boutique wines by night and cafe-style fare by day, while the latter will be reserved for bookings of ten or more, with two private rooms accommodating parties of up to 50 people. Seasonal produce and 'long lived' techniques will be Martin's focus, including ageing meat and butchery, plus small batch producers, craft brews and naturally fermented beverages. Whatever the menu ends up boasting, it's certain to go down a treat — Martin did win The Age's Young Chef of the Year gong back in 2015, after all. Find Harvest and Privi on Claremont Street, South Yarra, in 2017 Via Hospitality Magazine.
Doughnut fiends, drop everything and run — don't walk — to Windsor. For one week only between September 18 and 25, 190 High Street is playing host to the first-ever Bistro Morgan doughnut pop-up. If you've tried their delectable orbs of pastry, you'll know why we're encouraging you to rush there as quickly as possible. Did we mention that chef Morgan Hipworth makes a Golden Gaytime doughnut? We can hear your stomach grumbling from here. You'll also find Ferrero Rocher, Fairy Floss, Fruit Loops, peanut butter and jelly, and Bounty bar concoctions among his ever-growing range of handmade deliciousness, with each stacked with toppings, brandishing a sauce-filled syringe or both. Of course, it's not just Hipworth's mouth-watering creations that have caused a buzz over the last 18 months, and caused eager doughnut lovers to flock to the cafes that stock them each and every weekend — it's also the chef himself. He's been called Melbourne's doughnut prince, and it's a label that fits. The 15-year-old whips up his tasty treats when he's not at high school, after all. Yes, really. Hipworth taught himself to cook when he was seven, after being inspired by Masterchef (and provided perhaps the best endorsement of reality television he ever could in the process). Cooking up three-course dinners for his parents and grandparents then turned into Bistro Morgan. He still runs things from home around his classes, but he eventually wants to open his own cafes and restaurants. For now, we'll all be more than happy with a week-long pop-up serving his damn fine doughnuts. Find Bistro Morgan's pop-up store at 190 High Street, Windsor from September 18 to 25. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
Come summer in Melbourne, you won't just see stars on cinema screens — you'll sit beneath them while you're watching a movie. That's what Rooftop Cinema promises, and the first part of its new program certainly delivers. First stop: Tom Hiddleston navigating an anarchic society in an apartment block in High-Rise. Kicking off on December 3 and running through until the end of January 2017 (with the still-to-be-announced second half of the program spanning February to April), there's plenty more movie fun where that came from. Haven't had a chance to catch up with Marvel's latest superhero, Doctor Strange? Keen to revisit this year's lady-centric version of Ghostbusters? Want to take the ultimate US road trip with American Honey? You'll find them all on the lineup. Amy Adams-starring duo Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, amusing action hit The Nice Guys and a dose of the skux life courtesy of Hunt for the Wilderpeople also feature among the more recent portion of the program. So do two music offerings sponsored by Levi's: Nick Cave doco Once More With Feeling, as well as a look at the fab four in The Beatles: Eight Days A Week. Don't forget that checking out classics on the big screen is all part of the Rooftop Cinema experience as well, though. This year's retro contingent including tear-inducing tributes (Labyrinth and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), all manner of Christmas hijinks (Bad Santa and its forthcoming sequel, Love Actually, Home Alone and Elf) and three nights of Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice, new release The Founder, and Birdman). If there's ever been a reason to spend your evenings outdoors for the next few months, this is it. Rooftop Cinema takes place in the Melbourne CBD, on top of Curtin House, Swanston Street (between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets). The bar opens daily between 11am and 1am, with films starting at 9.30pm in December and January. The February to April program will be announced in late January. Rooftop Cinema kicks off December 3. Check out the whole first half of the program at the Rooftop Cinema website.
NGV International will again play host to a series of Sunday afternoon parties, as the appropriately named Summer Sunday series returns to the gallery in 2017. Spanning four consecutive weekends in February, the free summer shindigs in the NGV Garden will feature performances from the likes of CAMP COPE and Ali Barter, along with sets by an array of local DJs. Throw in tasty treats and ice cold bevos, and your Sundays are well and truly sorted. The sessions run 1pm to 6pm every Sunday, beginning on February 5. That first date will see Gabriella Cohen take the stage, followed by Ali Barter on February 12, Emma Russack of February 19, and CAMP COPE on February 26. "The National Gallery of Victoria is pleased to once again invite visitors to experience some of Melbourne's most talented emerging performers in the unique setting of the NGV Garden," said NGV director Tony Ellwood in a statement announcing the lineup. But it won't just be musicians taking over the NGV Gardens. The space will also feature an Asahi pop-up bar, along with food vendors such as Gelato Messina, who'll serve up a new sweet creation every Sunday.
