Unable to make a big trip overseas this year, but nonetheless keen to expand your coffee bean horizons? Bureaux, a Cremorne-based collective dedicated to coffee roasting, has organised an event called Taste Of with you in mind. Over a series of evenings, the team will be introducing you to boutique, small-batch and interesting coffees from all over the world. Each event will be dedicated to a particular city or region, from Seoul and Tokyo to Portland and San Francisco. Among the globally adored brews you should keep an eye out are Counter Culture, Fritz Coffee Company, Heart and The Coffee Collective. Taste Of will kick off on Thursday 8 March with a focus on Oslo, Norway. For just a few dollars, you'l get to sample coffees from a bunch of Scandinavian experts, including Tim Wendelboe, Solberg and Hansen, Kaffa, Supreme and Kaffebrenneriet. "We didn't want to create a stuffy, industry-only cupping event, as they can be pretty intimidating; the idea is that anyone with an interest in coffee can come along," said Tim Varney who co-founded Bureaux alongside business partner Tim Williams. All proceeds will go to Fare Share, a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to providing meals to people in need.
A brand new restaurant has cropped up in inner west Sydney that looks poised to take the Australian food scene by storm. Nestled in the heart of Camperdown, the menu at The Corner is jam packed with fashionable dining options, from lentil and eggplant salad to roast Moroccan chicken breast, tomato and bocconcini Caprese salad to...Wait a minute, are those McNuggets? Yes, Sydney's hottest new eatery turned out to be a Maccas in disguise. Described by the fast food giant as a 'learning lab', the site will be used to trial a bunch of new menu options, presumably in a bid to combat their flagging sales. Which is all very well and good, but come on. Brioche McMuffins? Pulled pork Quarter Pounders? What kind of twisted bait and switch is the Hamburglar trying to pull? Of course, the reality is that a bit of sneaky rebranding is de rigueur for companies like these. McDonald's isn't the first chain to try and capture a trendier market share, and it certainly won't be the last. Here are four other examples of mass producing omnicorps attempting to cash in on foodie culture. YOUR FAVOURITE CORNER COFFEE JOINT TURNED OUT TO BE A STARBUCKS No self-respecting coffee lover would ever be caught dead in Starbucks. That is, unless they didn’t know it was a Starbucks. In an attempt to raise sales in the wake of the global recession, the massive coffee chain started to revamp a number of its US and European locations in 2010, removing all traces of the company name save for a nauseating caveat that the 'new' stores were 'inspired by Starbucks'. The good news is that Australia's coffee snobbery has already killed close to three quarters of the Starbucks locations down under, so our chances of being hoodwinked are fairly slim. That is, unless they just said they were closing all those stores. Maybe it was just a trick. Maybe they never left at all. BURGER KING TRIED OUT 'SODA PAIRINGS' It's common knowledge that certain wines go better with certain foods. All Burger King tried to do was apply that same basic principal to soft drink in 2014. Taped half-heartedly to the side of a soda fountain, their pairings seem somewhat arbitrary to me, but then again I'm no sommelier. After a hearty Angus Burger and onion rings, who's to say that a 'crisp, clear bodied' Sprite doesn’t sit better on the palate than a Diet Coke? Honestly, this feeble attempt at classing up the joint isn't so much insidious as it is really, really lame. That being said, nothing goes well with Dr. Pepper. YOUR AVERAGE BP SERVO SANDWICH WENT ALL 'ARTISAN' When they're not too busy pumping oil into the ocean, it turns out BP make freshly baked artisan bread. And brew 100 percent organic coffee. And build rescue shelters for injured puppies. Okay fine, so I made up that last one. But the other two are apparently staples of Jack & Co., self-described as "the freshest convenience stores in the world". The original store was fused to a BP service station in 2012, but recent openings in Taree, NSW have evolved into their own faux-gourmet, corporate guilt-alleviating entities. YOUR KFC ZINGER COMBO WILL HAVE CRAFT BEER FOR THE DRINK Face it: if Mickey D is targeting hipsters, this lot were never far behind. Kudos to the Colonel for at least having the giblets to keep the initials — not that KFC actually stands for anything anymore. In any case, Parramattans will soon be able to get beer and cider with their original recipe, when 'KFC Urban' is granted a liquor licence later in 2015. Like McDonald's, KFC has been falling behind in the fast food arms race, losing younger customers to chains like Nandos and Grill’d. Rather than serving up a kale burger, their solution is apparently to just get everybody sloshed. Frankly, I have absolutely no problem with that. Images: The Corner, Fast Company, Imgur, Jack & Co., KFC.
In the not-so-distant future, a visit to Melbourne Airport could also include a session at its sleek new rooftop bar. Having already announced a huge overhaul of facilities — proposing extra runways, expanded pick-up and drop-off zones, and extra travelators — the airport has just revealed another swag of potential improvements, on the cards as part of a planned $500 million makeover. The ambitious suite of proposals include a four-storey revamp for Terminal 2 (the international terminal), complete with rooftop bar and restaurant — an apparent nod to the CBD's famed laneway bars — viewing deck, five new airline lounges, extra seating and around 30 new specialty shops and eateries, with a focus on dishing up a high-end pre-flight experience for international travellers. Meanwhile, building is set to start early next year on a 464-room Fender Katsalidis-designed hotel near Terminal 4, which would house its own commercial gym and pool. This will be built in conjunction with the Accor group, with half of the rooms Novotel branded, and the other, Ibis. Other plans include the addition of four new roads and an elevated road loop network to help ease congestion, including an express elevated connection from the Tullamarine Freeway to the existing T4 Express Link. The airport's also set to score its own solar farm to supply all that extra energy. It's being installed beside the Northern Access Road, with 20,000 solar panels to be unveiled in the first stage by 2020. Best of all, this hefty makeover could mean eventually forking out less for flights. "More efficient airline operations and a greater number of airlines attracted to Melbourne, all combine to bring down airfares," said Melbourne Airport CEO Lyell Strambi in a statement. "So you get a better airport experience, and a cheaper flight, and a wider choice of destinations you can fly to." If approved, work on the Terminal 2 upgrade would kick off in October 2019, and is slated for completion by late 2022 — the same year construction on Melbourne's Airport Rail will hopefully begin.
Calling all Scandi cinema diehards, Nordic noir buffs, fans of the region's oft-icy climes, and lovers of mythology and folklore: the 2023 Scandinavian Film Festival has something on its lineup for you. When it gets frosty in Australia each year, this big-screen showcase celebrates titles primarily hailing from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden — and its latest lineup is full of must-see highlights. Touring the nation between Thursday, July 13–Wednesday, August 9, with stops in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Byron Bay, the fest's latest program will kick off with the Australian premiere of Let the River Flow, which won the Audience Award at this year's Göteborg Film Festival. Based on a true tale, it tells of a young woman who unintentionally becomes involved in a protest against a dam, with the new structure set to possibly flood Indigenous Sámi land. The standouts keep coming, such as Godland from Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason (A White, White Day), which gets the festival's centrepiece slot — and Fallen Leaves, the latest from Finnish great Aki Kaurismäki's (The Other Side of Hope). Both hit the Scandi Film Festival after bowing locally at other events around the country. Also boasting a high-profile name is Burn All My Letters, which follows the consequences of a love affair, and stars Barbarian and John Wick: Chapter 4's Bill Skarsgård. Or, there's Swedish thriller Shadow Island, Darkland sequel Darkland: The Return and psychological drama Copenhagen Does Not Exist for devotees of Nordic cinema's dark side. If that's your favourite way to get a Scandi film fix, you'll also be in your element with Scandi Screams, the fest's six-movie retrospective. That's where that focus on myths and eerie tales comes in, and of course Let the Right One In is on the lineup. So is Ari Aster's Midsommar, the Oscar-nominated Border, Mads Mikkelsen in Valhalla Rising, twisted Christmas flick Rare Exports and the fantasy-heavy Troll Hunter. Back to the event's slate of recent releases, comedy lovers can get excited about Iceland's dinner party-set Wild Game, Denmark's Fathers & Mothers and The Land of Short Sentences, the new film in The Grump franchise, and absurdist-leaning period piece Empire. Also on the lineup: Unruly, another 2023 Göteborg Film Festival award-winner, this time for Best Nordic Film; documentary The King, about Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf; Munch, a dramatisation of the Norwegian artist's life; coming-of-age drama Norwegian Dream; One Day All This Will Be Yours, about a Swedish cartoonist and her siblings dividing up the family farmland; and polyamory love story Four Little Adults. One note: cinemagoers in Perth won't get to see Fallen Laves, while Adelaide movie buffs don't have Four Little Adults on their lineup. SCANDINAVIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES: Thursday, July 13–Wednesday, August 2 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre, Melbourne Tuesday, July 18–Wednesday, August 9 — Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Wednesday, July 19–Wednesday, August 9 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, July 19–Wednesday, August 9 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, July 19–Wednesday, August 9 — Palace James St, Palace Barracks, Brisbane Thursday, July 20–Wednesday, August 9 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square, Perth Thursday, July 20–Wednesday, August 9 — Palace Byron Bay The Scandinavian Film Festival tours Australia from in July and August 2023. For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival's website.
A quarter-century ago, Christmas changed forever. Sure, the end of the year was filled with plenty of festive cheer before Mariah Carey released 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' — but since 1994, that upbeat ditty has become everyone's go-to seasonal soundtrack. Just last year, in fact, the track topped the US charts. It didn't even achieve that feat back when it was initially released, making it the song that has taken the longest journey ever to the top spot. Carey has re-recorded 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' several times, and it just keeps spreading its festive melody. Yes, we know you now have it stuck in your head just from thinking about it. The singer has several holiday albums to her name, too, which keep prolonging the song's longevity. And if that's all 100 percent okay with you, you'll be particularly excited about her next Christmas-themed project. Sometime before this chaotic year is out, Apple TV+ will release Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special — aka the star-studded festive show you didn't know you always wanted until now. Just when it'll head to your streaming queue hasn't been announced but, if that's all you want from the rest of 2020, expect it in the lead up to Christmas (obviously). In its efforts to help salvage the trainwreck that is the past 12 months, Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special will feature Carey, of course, alongside a star-studded lineup of other guests. Apple TV+ isn't revealing too much there either — other than the fact it'll be co-directed and executive produced by A Very Murray Christmas alumnus Roman Coppola — but apparently the special "will combine music, dancing and animation driven by a universally heartwarming story that brings the world together". It's Apple TV+'s latest big-name project — with Sofia Coppola's new Bill Murray-starring movie On the Rocks also headed to the service later this year, and its recent live documentary Beastie Boys Story earning a couple of Emmy nominations. And because we already know you're humming it to yourself, you can check out the music video for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special will hit Apple TV+ sometime later this year — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.
The alcohol industry may be all about fluids, obviously, but it's also a field that values fluid-thinking folks. Take Melbourne Gin Company's Andrew Marks, for example. He was a winemaker before he decided to ply his skills on a different type of tipple. He still makes vino, but he has also become quite accomplished at making handcrafted, batch-distilled, non chill-filtered gin. Made in the Yarra Valley at Gembrook Hill Vineyard, Marks' winery, Melbourne Gin Company serves up two types of its chosen spirit. With the dry version, you'll sip your way through a drop that nods to London varieties, but with tastes of coriander seed, macadamia, sandalwood, honey, lemon myrtle and navel orange. With the company's Single Shot gin, juniper is the hero. And if you're wondering about the name, that's because this tipple is made in a single distillation process. Gin fiends can shop their way through Melbourne Gin Company's range via its online store — and nab free tonic with your order.
Satire can be a tricky business. Misjudge your aim and it comes off as too malicious, misjudge your audience and you've got a room full of bewildered people trying to channel their discomfort into nervous laughter. MTC's newest production, The Beast looks set to strike the perfect tone for each. The show, Eddie Perfect's debut as sole writer, is a black comedy about a group of middle-class, inner-city friends in their mid-thirties. After circumstances arise leading them to adopt a simple country life, they are forced to reconsider their much-lauded earthly values as they are faced with the difficult job of slaughtering a young cow. These are people Melbourne audiences are ready to laugh at. The kind of shiraz-suckling, clean living, organic so and sos that spend endless dinner parties berating people for not considering the environmental consequences of their supermarket purchases, while hiding the fact they have several gas-guzzling SUVs parked in the double garage. Perfect claimed the idea for the show came to him from his time spent in the Yarra Valley. Go figure. It's not all laughs at their expense, however. After the conflict with the cow, Perfect's characters are left a little morally stranded — the repercussions of their actions, or inactions reaping grave consequences on their future ethics and social personas. Like all good satire, The Beast presents a crucial moral core for its audience too — in this modern age, how can we reconcile our imagined social activism with our real world actions?
Shop a smorgasbord of handmade goodies while supporting talented local creatives when the Makers and Shakers Market drops in for a four-week summer residency at Fitzroy North Primary School. The roving market is popping up on Melbourne's northside with a series of Sunday sessions to round out the summer — taking place on February 7, 14, 21 and 28. Here, you'll find a rotation of artisans slinging their wares, with a jam-packed lineup of art, beauty products, fashion, accessories, homewares and culinary delights on offer. Expect the likes of top-quality threads from Frske and Bobby Stitch, jewellery designs by Ellmabee and Little Hurricane Co, ceramic works courtesy of Adele Macer and Shewi, and pantry staples from The Lucky Cat Collection and Kiraana. Of course, there'll also be plenty of food stalls, baked goods and coffee to keep you fuelled for a big day of shopping, along with fun tunes and a classic raffle. And you can feel good knowing that your $2 entry fee is heading to support the folks at Fitzroy North Primary School.
Bagels remind Jeremy Marmur of his Polish grandfather, and the time he spent binging on bagels as a boy. Now, years later, he's paying tribute to both his granddad and his love of the Jewish bread with Schmucks Bagels: a new bagel joint set to open in the CBD later this month. Even if you don't have your own Polish bagel-loving grandfather, Marmur's bagels might conjure up childhood memories of a different kind. Anyone who ever had a Cheesymite Scroll stuffed in their lunchbox will get nostalgic over the Vegemite bagel: a bagel that doesn’t just come with a schmear of Vegemite, but with the stuff swirled right into the batter. Melted cheese on top is a must. Obviously. As you can see, Schmucks aren't mucking around with their product. Their traditional Polski bagels are steamed rather than boiled, which, according to Marmur, creates a lighter, fuller-flavoured bagel. "Although our concept is playful, the preparation, research and ingredient sourcing that has gone into creating Schmucks Bagels is far from that," he says. If, for some reason, you weren't indoctrinated to the cult of Vegemite as a child and it isn't your thing, it looks like there'll be plenty of other options — no matter what you can and can't eat. There will be a gluten free bagel alongside the usual sesame, seed and rye. And as well as smoked chicken, miso salmon and beef brisket, there's an impressive veggie option of grilled cauliflower, carrot, cumin, hummus and pickles. Allpress coffee will also be on offer, as will some salads and sweet things. Along with chef Simon Winfield, Marmur has teamed up with Tommy McIntosh and Ben Avramides of boutique caterer Tommy Collins to bring his bagels to the bottom end of the city, and beyond. Schmucks Bagels is due to open behind The William at Shop 9, Guests Lane on Monday, 16 November.
In the final act of Shakespeare’s Othello (spoiler alert for a 400-year-old play), the eponymous Venetian general kills his wife after being tricked into thinking she was unfaithful. It's a horrifying turn in one of the playwright's most affecting tragedies — and now, provides the inspiration for a new work at La Mama Theatre that addresses modern-day spousal violence head on. Developed with the assistance of the Victorian Women's Trust and the Fitzroy Legal Service, Othello: On Trial provides the original play with something of an alternate ending, with Othello being brought to trial for the murder of Desdemona. A jury of audience members will be asked to decide his fate, forced to consider whether a crime of passion is less egregious than one committed in cold blood. With an average of one Australian woman killed each week by her current or former partner, it's a question that has never been more important. Othello: On Trial runs on Sunday, March 15 at 8pm and Tuesday, March 17 at 5pm and 8pm at La Mama Courthouse Theatre.
It was true in 2023 and it's set to prove the case again in 2024: if you can't find something on the SXSW Sydney lineup for you, you aren't looking hard enough. Want to enjoy the massive tech, innovation, screen, music, games and culture festival, but saving your pennies? That's where its free Tumbalong Park hub comes in — and it too is returning for another year. When SXSW Sydney runs its second fest across Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20, it'll also host its second public program at Darling Harbour. Here, it doesn't matter if you're also heading to the music festival or the screen festival, trying to catch as much of the entire event as possible or aren't paying for any SXSW tickets at all. Whichever fits, you can check out more than 60 hours of free entertainment, including tunes, talks and movies. [caption id="attachment_953722" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] Just-announced highlights include Silverchair's Ben Gillies teaming up with songwriter Tushar Apte and futurist Johannes Saam, which ticks both the music and tech boxes; a 60th-anniversary screening of iconic surfing film The Endless Summer, hailing from the screen portion of the program and including an after party; and a day-long showcase of Indian creativity to wrap up the fest, with +91 Calling! featuring an array of different music genres. Attendees can also catch Bush Shorts, a selection of short films by Australia's First Nations and Indigenous talents; conference talents getting chatting at Meet the Speaker sessions; an innovation showcase that's all about rockets, robotics and more; and a Fortnite competition for high schools. On top of all of this, there will also be food trucks, plus pop-up activations from a range of brands — and yes, the Suntory -196 Extreme Vending Machine will be back. [caption id="attachment_953715" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Laidlaw[/caption] SXSW Sydney's lineup drops are in full swing, after a first batch came in May, then a second round in June. In July, the fest revealed not one, not two, but three rounds of additions to its 2024 program. Also on the bill across the rest of the fest beyond the free Tumbalong Park hub: Australian The New Boy filmmaker Warwick Thornton, The Babadook composer Jed Kurzel, the UK's Jorja Smith on the 'Be Honest' musician's Australian tour, human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, author Johann Hari, Australian race car driver Molly Taylor, pianist Chad Lawson, Westworld's Luke Hemsworth hosting a session about the Tasmanian tiger and Aussie astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg. Or, get excited about Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon, cricketer David Warner, Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid, TikTok marketing head Sofia Hernandez and documentary Slice of Life: The American Dream. In Former Pizza Huts, about the new uses of former Pizza Hut buildings across America. There's still more where they came from, plus more to come. [caption id="attachment_953724" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jaimi Joy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_953717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul McMillan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_923290" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney[/caption] SXSW Sydney 2024 will run from Monday, October 14–Sunday, October 20 at various Sydney venues, including Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour Street, Sydney. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney.
When we think of the perfect way to close out the working week, it invariably comes back to a great night out and an alcoholic beverage of sorts — which is why we haven't been able to get enough of the NGV's Friday Nights. Changing up the pace of your usual Friday night out and typical gallery visit, these lively evenings combine a headline exhibition with world-class tunes and some gin drinks brought to you by a Bombay Sapphire pop-up bar. Even though summer has officially left us, there are still a few more weeks left of summer's blockbuster show, Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds, before it wraps up on Sunday, April 7. To get you out there, we've picked out a few must-see things to experience before the exhibition is through. Grab a spritzy ginger, mint and gin cocktail from the Bombay Sapphire garden bar, and jumpstart your weekend surrounded by art, music and your fellow culture vultures. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE POP-UP BAR We'd be lying if we said drinking cocktails while museuming wasn't at least a little part of the appeal of NGV Friday Nights. And it's easy to understand why, with Bombay Sapphire partnering with the NGV to transform its garden into an awesome openair bar. The design draws inspiration from Escher and Nendo's hypnotic works inside, offering up a creative and lush area to rest your feet while sipping fresh cocktails. At this garden bar, you can try the full range of Bombay Sapphire Twists, combining fresh citrus and herbs together across spritzy options. Opt for something fruity like the raspberry and basil, spicy like the mint and ginger, something fresh with lemon and thyme or classic like a good ol' gin and tonic, as you discuss the mind-bending works inside. [caption id="attachment_700126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sean Fennessy.[/caption] ESCHER X NENDO: BETWEEN TWO WORLDS If you somehow haven't yet heard the buzz, Escher x Nendo: Between Two Worlds is something of a landmark event. Pairing the mesmerising artworks of celebrated Dutch artist MC Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo, the exhibition weaves the duo's creative spirits seamlessly come together in a massive presentation that's taken over the NGV. From captivating installations to warped spaces and paper works, experiencing this show is a must for, well, everyone. The blockbuster exhibition runs till Sunday, April 7, coinciding with the final NGV Friday Nights event. Make sure to plan your weekends accordingly so you can get at least one visit in before it's all over. BACH X REIMAGINED: PRESENTED BY ANON The NGV Friday Nights sessions might be dominated by some of the biggest electronica names in Aussie music, but that doesn't mean we can't also take a moment to appreciate a bit of Bach. Exploring the possibilities of classical music, renowned Melbourne-based collaborative project Anon unites a host of Australian live performers to reconceptualise the legendary compositions of Bach. The project brings forth new baroque, jazz and classical songs and explores Escher's own admiration and enjoyment of the composer — he believed Bach's work had a similar 'infinite appeal' that's also found in Escher's own art. Anon performs three times at each event, plus there's a specially commissioned soundscape that's been designed as part of the Friday Nights sessions. [caption id="attachment_611703" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wayne Taylor.[/caption] MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK, MELBOURNE ART BOOK FAIR AND JONTI The NGV's March 15 Friday Nights showcase is a particularly special time to visit. That's because there's even more to check out than usual with the timely launch of Melbourne Design Week 2019 and the Melbourne Art Book Fair — which will also see the Bombay Sapphire bar popping up for the full run of Melbourne Design Week and the opening night of the book fair. This year, the week's theme focuses on 'Design Experiments' seeing more than 200 exhibitions, talks and workshops consider how design will play an important role within our collective futures. Also in attendance will be Australian hip hop and electronic producer Jonti. Emerging from his bedroom studio to collab with an eclectic selection of international artists such as The Avalanches, Warpaint and Badbadnotgood, Jonti is sure to present a soundtrack to this Friday Night you won't want to miss. [caption id="attachment_636238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Confidence Man at BIGSOUND 2017 by Bec Taylor.[/caption] CONFIDENCE MAN It probably shouldn't come as a surprise, but if there's something Melbourne-based duo Confidence Man has in spades, it's confidence. And in all honesty, it's completely justified. Coming off the release of the 2018 debut album Confident Music for Confident People, the pair has graced pretty much every major venue and festival stage Australia has to offer and has recently turned its attention to the hoards of European and American fans. But before the duo jets off overseas, the dancing duo is bringing energetic tracks to the final NGV Friday Nights session of the season on April 5. Delightfully self-assured, this is bound to be a non-stop dancing send-off. Check out the full lineup of Friday Nights here and make tracks to the NGV to sip some spritzy Bombay Sapphire concoctions as you absorb a whole heap of culture. Tickets for non-members are $35 online or $40 at the door.
Every autumn, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower sets the sky ablaze. It might not be as famous as Halley's Comet, but the Eta Aquarids are actually a distant relation — the bits and pieces you see flying around were on Halley's path a really, really long time ago. And, rather than only being visible every 75 years (the next Halley's Comet sighting is in 2061), you can catch the Eta Aquarids annually. This year, the shower will be at its most spectacular early Tuesday, May 7 (very early) — here's how to catch a glimpse. WHEN TO SEE IT The shower will reach a peak in the early morning of Tuesday, May 7, but will still be able to be seen for a day or two on either side. The best time to catch an eyeful is just before dawn after the moon has set, so around 4am. At that time, you'll be in the running to see as many as 30 meteors every 60 minutes. Each will be moving at about 225,000 kilometres per hour, shining extraordinarily brightly and leaving a long wake. The shower's cause is, essentially, the Earth getting in the comet's way, causing stardust to fry up in the atmosphere. WHERE TO SEE IT Being in the southern hemisphere, we get some of the best views in the world. So, if you're living in the city, it could be time for a last minute trip to a clear-skied camping spot. The trick is to get as far away from light pollution as possible. For Sydneysiders who don't mind a long drive, this could mean a trip to the far south coast. We reckon Picnic Point campsite in Mimosa Rocks National Park might be a winner. Or, if that sounds too far away, Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay is pretty light-free. Alternatively, head west — after all, you'd be hard pressed to find better views than at The Dish, just outside of Parkes or at Australia's only Dark Sky Park at Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran. Melburnians might consider a journey to Wilsons Promontory or along the Great Ocean Road, as far as Killarney Beach. For somewhere closer, there's Heathcote, which is just a 90-minute drive from the city, but is an excellent vantage point. For a real escape, head to Snake Valley in the central west, where there's hardly a light in sight. For a quick trip out of Brisbane, try Lake Moogerah, Lake Wivenhoe or Lake Somerset, which are all rather dark, considering their proximity to the city. If you have a bit more time, head two-and-a-half hours' west to Leyburn, which has some of the busiest skies in Queensland, or eight hours' west to the tiny town of Charleville in the outback. HOW TO SEE IT The shower's name comes from the star from which they appear to come Eta Aquarii, which is part of the Aquarius constellation. So, that's what you'll be looking for in the sky. To locate Eta Aquarii, we recommend downloading the Sky Map app — it's the easiest way to navigate the night sky (and is a lot of fun to use even on a non-meteor shower night). If you're more into specifics, Time and Date also have a table that shows the direction and altitude of the Eta Aquarids. They've been updating this daily. If you struggle to get out of bed, NASA Apart from that, wear warm clothes, take snacks and be patient. Happy stargazing.
Finding an effective way to cope with the ever-growing issue of urban density isn't easy. The more that big cities expand, the more crowded that they become. In a place like Tokyo that crams more than 37 million people into its metro area, it requires savvy thinking — such as a building that's also a vending machine, printing out the homes within its walls onsite and to order, perhaps? Designed by architecture student Haseef Rafiei, the pod vending machine house-dispensing skyscraper dispatches new, customisable, affordable pods that are chosen by its residents. After deciding upon size and inclusions — if you don't want a kitchen, you don't need to get one, for example — each modular dwelling is made there and then, and then added to the building. The printer sits on top, and will get higher it adds more apartments to the structure; aka, it grows as the need for more housing grows. It's just a proposal at this stage, but it sounds impressive. Expanding your home, or using the pods for offices, is also mooted. Basically, Rafiei has taken a busy city, 3D printing and tiny apartments, and thrown them into a futuristic blender to conceive the ultimate mashup. Taking inspiration from the avant-garde capsule structures proposed by Japan's Metabolist Movement in the '60s, his concept earned an honourable mention in architecture and design journal eVolo's 2017 Skyscraper Competition. The innovative skyscraper offers an addition to Tokyo's skyline, provides a potential solution to the city's cramped housing situation and reflects its penchant for robotics and technology; however if you've ever been to the Japanese capital, you'll recognise that it nods to another important facet of everyday living in the bustling locale. That'd be its love of vending machines. Spotting them on every corner, even in residential areas, is just part of walking through the city. Maybe one day, spotting buildings that double as apartment-printing vending machines will be as well. Image: eVolo.
Ascot Vale's permanent food truck park The Ascot Lot is making a name for itself as one of the most dog-friendly spots in the west. It's already held multiple pup parties — which have included gravy, bottomless drinks and daiquiris — and after a relative quiet 2020, the park is bringing back Pooches & Prosecco. Running from 12pm on Saturday, February 27, the dog-friendly session will feature lots of cute fluff balls and lots of sparkling wine. Victoria's Story Wines and Zilzie will both be on-hand to do some tastings and selling glasses and bottles in the dedicated Prosecco Bar, which you can then enjoy in The Ascot Lot's sprawling beer garden. You can pamper your pooch in the 'puppy mall' and even book them in for a free health check between 12–5pm thanks to Vets on Call. Don't have a dog to bring along? Maybe you can change that. There will be a chance to adopt over the weekend, with Second Chance Animal Rescue coming along with some adorable pups in need of a forever home. A fresh lineup of vendors will ensure that there are food options galore, too — including Crepes for Change, Pearl of the Quarter and Take Mie Out — and four-legged guests will even get free treats. Pooches & Prosecco runs from 12–10pm.
Life is a cabaret, old chum — or at least that's what we've been told. Now we'll get the chance to find out. Heating up venues in both Prahran and the CBD, the latest edition of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival will welcome more than 100 different performers from around Australia and the world, for two weeks' worth of singing, dancing and outrageous fun. This year's festival hub will be based out of Chapel Off Chapel, with additional shows at The Space Arts and Dance Centre and Love Machine Nightclub in Prahran, as well as The Butterfly Club in the city. The fun begins on Tuesday, June 14 with an opening night gala featuring some of the biggest acts of the festival, and won't stop until Sunday, June 26, with a closing night billed as "Australia's biggest piano bar party". In between, punters can check out over 40 different shows. UK performer Joe Stilgoe will pay tribute to Hollywood with a showcase of songs written for and inspired by some of the greatest films of the last century, while Steve Ross — dubbed The Crown Prince of New York Cabaret by The New York Times — will perform a selection of tunes from the 1920s and '30s. Standout local performers, meanwhile, include Yana Alana, Imogen Spendlove, Geraldine Quinn and Rod Davies, the last of whom you might know as the voice from the Good Guys commercials. The Melbourne Cabaret Festival runs from June 14-26. For the complete lineup and to secure tickets visit melbournecabaret.com.
By the time October hits, 3600 Australian pharmacies will be administering COVID-19 vaccinations with the Moderna jab. It's the third coronavirus vax to be used in Australia after AstraZeneca and Pfizer, with doses of Moderna arriving on our shores in the past few days — and now being rolled out to chemists nationwide. During the week beginning yesterday, Monday, September 20, 1800 pharmacies will receive their batches and start getting Aussies to roll up their sleeves for Moderna. Next week, from Monday, September 27, that number again will join the Moderna rollout. So, if you haven't had your jabs yet, you now have more options — both in terms of which vaccination to receive and where to get it. Exactly how many pharmacies will be stocked with Moderna in each state varies; however, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that 721 chemists across his state will be administering the shots from this week. Obviously, which pharmacists themselves are doing Moderna jabs also varies, but the Australian Government Department of Health's Vaccine Clinic Finder website lets you find where you can get it, or the other COVID-19 vaccines if that's what you'd prefer. Moderna's vax got the nod from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration back in August, with the TGA advising that "the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has shown strong efficacy preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and severe COVID-19 in clinical trials." In early September, it was approved for 12–17-year-olds, too, meaning that it's now approved for all Aussies over the age of 12. The Australian Government has an agreement with Moderna for 25 million doses of the vaccine, which includes 10 million this year and 15 million in 2022. Elsewhere around the world, Moderna's jab has also received approval or authorisation to use in emergency situations in countries such as United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, the United States, Switzerland and Singapore. Partly funded by a donation from the one and only Dolly Parton, Moderna's vaccine is actually the fourth to get the nod in Australia, following AstraZeneca, Pfizer and a jab from Johnson & Johnson — the latter of which hasn't been included in the country's vaccine rollout so far. Like the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna jab is an mRNA-based vaccine. So, it uses a synthetic genetic code called RNA, which tells the cells in our bodies how to make the coronavirus' unique spike protein. Then, once our bodies have done just that, making the protein that's encoded by the mRNA vaccine, we're able to recognise the spike protein as being foreign to our system and launch an immune response against it. Two doses of the Moderna vaccine are required — and while the AstraZeneca jabs are recommended four–12 weeks apart, and the Pfizer jabs three weeks apart, Moderna's should be administered within 28 days of each other. Wondering what that the Moderna approval means in terms of boosting Australia's vaccine ability (because actually getting a jab hasn't been particularly straightforward under the country's slow-moving rollout)? Back when the Moderna vax got the tick, Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised the 25 million doses would join the 125 million doses of Pfizer and 53 million doses of AstraZeneca that are already part of the vaccine campaign. "The first one million doses is on track to arrive next month and will go to pharmacies. Then we will have three million in October, three million in November and three million in December," the PM said. And if you'd like to keep an eye on the country's vaccination rates now that a third vax is in the mix — with those rates tied to easing restrictions nationally, and on a state by state level (as seen in the New South Wales and Victorian roadmaps out of lockdown) — we've rounded up where you can do just that. For more information about the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, head to the TGA website. To find out where you can get vaccinated, check out the Australian Government Department of Health's Vaccine Clinic Finder website.
Sweet tooths, assemble. Pastry chef Pierre Roelofs and his team of wicked enablers have packed up their summer soft serve pop-up and resurrected their legendary Dessert Evenings, shattering our halfhearted plans to cut down on the sweet stuff like the ears on all those chocolate Easter bunnies we devoured over the weekend. Oops. After five years at Cafe Rosamond in Fitzroy and a short stint at Adriano Zumbo's Fancy Nance in South Yarra last year, Roelofs' dessert extravaganzas are making the move to a new home: Milkwood in Brunswick East. Hosted every Thursday night at the cosy Nicholson Street cafe, diners can expect a four-course degustation — the catch being that all four courses are dessert. The menu is top secret and changes every time. We can tell you that previous evenings have involved ridiculous concoctions of mascarpone, strawberry, honey, orange, cardamom and speculaas, as well as a deconstructed bread and butter pudding served in one of Roelofs' famed dessert test tubes. The first dessert evening will kick off next week on Thursday, April 7 with sittings at 7pm, 8.20pm and 9.40pm. You'll need to book in advance — so for the love of the dessert Gods, do so right away. Pierre Roelofs' Dessert Evenings will be held every Thursday evening at Milkwood, 120 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East. The four-course degustation will cost $55, and you can book here.
The largest-ever showcase of living Australian artists will casually drop by Ballarat this spring, with the inaugural Biennale of Australian Art (BOAA) in town from September 21 until November 6. It's big news for the small city, with the six-week event set to be a major drawcard for Ballarat and the surrounding region. There'll be 150 artists coming from all reaches of Australia, making up 65 solo exhibitions, as the Biennale aims to have equal representation of artists from every state and territory. Taking place in over 14 different venues across Ballarat, its art points will certainly be amped up several notches by the array of visual arts and live music set to take over the town. BOAA will reflect on what it means to be Australian and tell stories of our country's past, present and future. It's also a celebration of Australia's multiculturalism, with the event boasting a strong focus on Indigenous talent, art from the Numina sisters, Abdul Abdullah, Kim Anderson, David Jensz and Peggy Griffiths will be on display, among work from over a hundred others. Music-wise, the BOAA Band Wagon will be doing the rounds: a specially built music truck that'll provide the sound staging for the event's outdoor gigs at Lake Wendouree and St Andrews Grounds, as well as concerts held at Ballarat's other music venues. In special events, there'll be a living sculpture fashion parade, an evening program called BOAA Dark — the Victorian version of Dark Mofo with bright lights and quirky performance art — and a lake sculpture walk that will see Lake Wendouree transform into an outdoor gallery featuring 26 sculptures. Free mini buses, bikes and rickshaws will transport attendees around the art path, pausing at pit stops providing food — from internationally acclaimed chef Gavin Draper, no less — as well as local beers and wines for your hungry, thirsty and very well-arted selves. With the Biennale expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, Ballarat looks set to be a pretty busy little place over the six weeks. Two-day or six-week (festival) passes are available at $25 and $100 respectively, so start planning your road trips. Images: Asher Bilu, Heavens (2006-7); Louise Paramor, Palace of the Republic; Gerwyn Davies, Subtropics. For more spring places, spaces and events to discover in regional Victoria visit Your Happy Space.
Sustainable design company SMIT has been busy developing solar power solutions as simple as putting up some sun protection in your backyard. Tensile Solar Structures are "lightweight, modular systems that produce solar power". And they're not limited to decorating your place. The product has real-world applications: providing shade in car parks by day and generating power to light up at night is just one example. The SMIT design team who created this versatile product were inspired to combine technologies of fabric architecture, composite materials and thin film photovoltaic technology. Designers Samuel Cochran, Teresita Cochran and Benjamin Wheeler Howes have also worked on the Solar Ivy project, a solar energy device attaches to the sides of buildings like ivy vines. [Via Good]
If there's one thing that can get a Sydneysiding burger fiend all jittery, it's a Mary's burger. Opened in an old Newtown warehouse in 2013, this humble burger joint has developed a cult-like following in Sydney over the last couple of years — they've even opened a second chapter in the CBD and made our ten best burgers in Sydney list. But now it's time for Melburnians to take a bite of the Mary's hype, putting aside our Huxtaburgers for a day and heading down to a one-day-only pop-up at fellow Americana lovers, Belle's Hot Chicken. On Sunday, May 24, Mary's will be making 200 burgers (that's right, 200 only) at BHC in Fitzroy, kicking off at around 4pm. We're guessing all focus will be on their famous Mary's burger, renowned for its mouth-wateringly tender med-rare beef patty slathered in liquefied cheese — whether the top notch veggie burger makes it down remains to be seen. But you're going to want to get there early; you can't pre-book a spot and these are seriously sought-after burgs. This marks the second Sydney/Melbourne swapsie for Belle's Hot Chicken, who took a pop-up to Bondi Icebergs earlier this year. Mary's Burgers pops up at Belle's Hot Chicken, 150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Sunday, May 24 from around 4pm. Get. There. Early. Via Good Food.
UPDATE: Thursday May 6, 2021 — New COVID-19 restrictions have been announced. We'll keep you updated on this event as the situation changes. For the latest information, visit NSW Health. More than ever, we're looking for opportunities to immerse ourselves in another universe for a few hours. Luckily, that's exactly what you can do this summer when the hit Frozen the Musical premieres in Sydney. The stage production, based on the legendary 2013 Disney animated film, opened on Broadway in 2018 and proceeded to break box office records. After a US tour in 2019, the production is expanding to international markets with Sydney as its first stop this summer. Why was our city the lucky chosen destination? Perhaps the producers took the advice of everyone's favourite snowman Olaf when he sang "the hot and the cold are both so intense. Put 'em together, it just makes sense." If the cultural phenomenon has somehow passed you by until now, Frozen was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen tale The Snow Queen, and it tells the story of Princesses Anna and Elsa. At the latter's coronation to become Queen, she accidentally reveals her magical powers to control and create ice and snow and inflicts an eternal winter on her kingdom, Arendelle. She flees to the North Mountain and, while singing the iconic ballad 'Let it Go', builds herself an ice castle in which to hide. Anna sets out to find her sister, proving the bonds of sisterhood can overcome all obstacles. The musical adaptation brings the beloved story to life before your eyes with opulent costumes, stunning sets and awe-inspiring special effects. All of your favourite tunes from the film will be performed — including 'For the First Time in Forever' and 'Love Is an Open Door' — plus 12 new songs as the stage production expands upon the film's narrative. The Sydney production has an all-Australian cast, led by Jemma Rix (Wicked) as Elsa, Courtney Monsma (Aladdin, Six) as Anna and Matt Lee (Mary Poppins) as the lovable Olaf. As we live in uncertain times, there are flexible ticket options available, which might suit those planning to travel to Sydney especially for the show. The Capitol Theatre also has a COVID-19 safety plan in place, in accordance with NSW Health. Frozen the Musical is running from Tuesday, December 1, 2020 to Sunday, May 23, 2021. Tickets start at $49.50 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster. Images: Frozen the Musical, Original Broadway Cast, Deen van Meer, courtesy of Destination NSW.
How will Sex Education climax? That's the big streaming question for September, when the hit Netflix series returns for its fourth season and also says farewell. How will Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield, Flux Gourmet) and his friends fare at a new school? What happens when he has a fellow teen sex therapist also giving his peers advice? How stressed is Eric (Ncuti Gatwa, the next Doctor Who) about making a good first impression among his new classmates? What will university in the US bring for Maeve (Emma Mackey, Barbie)? Add those to the queries that'll be answered on Thursday, September 21. Back in July, Netflix announced two things: that Sex Education would finally drop new episodes this spring, but that this'd be its big finish. Following a teaser trailer at the same time, the platform has now revealed a full sneak peek at how the show will wrap up its roll in streaming's sheets. As always, a whole lot of teen drama and chaos is on its way. Since 2019, Netflix has taken viewers to the fictional Moordale Secondary School, where Otis followed his sex-therapist mum Jean's (Gillian Anderson, The Great) lead and started helping his schoolmates with their romantic and sexual struggles — as he himself tussled with his own troubles, and also with his feelings for Maeve. When Sex Education unveils its last run, the series will move the action over to Cavendish Sixth Form College. Queue plenty of the trains of thought outlined above, as well as big changes, new beginnings and new challenges. When Sex Education creator, lead writer and executive producer Laurie Nunn announced that the show was saying goodbye, she said that the series' team "wanted to make a show that would answer some of the questions we all used to have about love, sex, friendship and our bodies. Something that would have helped our inner teenagers feel a little less alone. It's been overwhelming seeing how the show has connected with people around the world, and we hope it's made some of you feel a little less alone, too." "This was not an easy decision to make, but as the themes and the stories of the new season crystallised, it became clear that it was the right time to graduate," Nunn continued about bringing Sex Education to an end. As well as Butterfield, Anderson, plus Barbie co-stars Gatwa, Mackey and Connor Swindells, Sex Education will also see Aimee-Lou Wood (Living) back as Aimee and Kedar Williams-Stirling (Small Axe) as Jackson — among other familiar faces. Helping them say cheerio: Schitt's Creek favourite Dan Levy, Thaddea Graham (Doctor Who), Lisa McGrillis (Last Night in Soho), Marie Reuther (The Kingdom), Jodie Turner Smith (White Noise) and Eshaan Akbar (Spitting Image). Check out the full trailer for Sex Education season four below: Sex Education season four will stream via Netflix from Thursday, September 21. Images: Samuel Taylor / Netflix.
It's been more than 18 months since the world first got a glimpse of Dev Patel going medieval, all thanks to the initial sneak peek at The Green Knight. The action/fantasy-thriller sees him mess with Arthurian legend, swing around a mighty sword and giant axe, and head somewhere completely different after filming two of his last four movies in Australia (Lion and Hotel Mumbai) — and also stepping into a Dickens classic set in Victorian England (The Personal History of David Copperfield). A second trailer for The Green Knight dropped earlier this year, and the movie released in the US in July; however, if you're an Aussie fan of Patel, medieval thrillers or both, you're currently still waiting to see the dark and ominous-looking film. Thankfully, that delay is about to come to an end, with the movie set to stream locally via Amazon Prime Video from Thursday, October 28. Based on the 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the film casts Patel as Sir Gawain. Nephew to King Arthur (Sean Harris, Mission: Impossible — Fallout), he's a knight of the Round Table and fearsome warrior. The character has popped up in plenty of tales, but here, he's forced to confront the giant green-skinned titular figure in an eerie showdown. As the poem explains, the Green Knight dares any other knight to strike him with an axe, but only if they'll then receive a return blow exactly one year and one day later. Based on all of the movie's trailers so far, this adaptation looks to be sticking to that story rather closely — and the end result also looks more than a little moody, brooding and creepy. Patel is in great company, too, with The Green Knight also starring Alicia Vikander (Earthquake Bird), Joel Edgerton (Boy Erased) and Barry Keoghan (Calm with Horses). Games of Thrones' Kate Dickie pops up as Guinevere, while her co-star Ralph Ineson — who is also known from the Harry Potter flicks, The Witch, Gunpowder Milkshake and the UK version of The Office — plays the Green Knight. Originally set to release in 2020 until the pandemic hit, The Green Knight is the latest movie by impressive and always eclectic writer/director David Lowery. His filmography spans everything from Ain't Them Bodies Saints and Pete's Dragon to A Ghost Story and The Old Man and the Gun — and The Green Knight isn't like anything on his resume so far. Check out the trailer below: The Green Knight will be available to stream in Australia via Amazon Prime Video from Thursday, October 28.
Looking for an excuse to get out of the city this weekend? The Great Australian Beer Festival might be it. The fest is returning to the Geelong Racecourse for its seventh year this Saturday, February 16 with over 200 Australian beers and ciders in tow. Craft producers from across the country will set up stalls, including the Gold Coast's Balter Brewing Company — which just won top spot on the GABS Hottest 100 list — Melbourne's Stomping Ground and Two Birds, Sydney's Young Henrys and Adelaide's Pirate Life and Prancing Pony. This year, in addition to tasting tokens, the festival is also offering middies and craft tinnies for purchase. The beer cocktail stall will return as well, and table reservations are up for grabs, too. Apart from the brews, there'll be over 20 live acts performing across three stages — one of which is a dedicated piano bar. Headliners include Great Gable, The Settlement, Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission, The Grand Wazoo and Skyscraper Stan. Otherwise, there's a keg rolling competition, themed races, a beer cabaret and carnival DJs to boot. And, for eats, expect a range of food trucks, with a focus on barbecued, slow-cooked meats. General admission tickets are $39 in advance, or $45 on the day. Tasting tokens can be purchased at the venue or a ten-pack can be purchased with your ticket. The whole thing kicks off at 1pm, and a shuttle will run to the event from South Geelong Station, so no one in your crew has to be designated driver.
It’s time to crawl out from under your winter clutter and embrace the sunshine with bare limbs and sparse shelves; spring has arrived and we couldn’t be more relieved. More sunlight and (slightly) warmer weather makes now a great time to ditch any excess your home/wardrobe/office space may have accumulated and add some fresh pieces. We’ve got a few tips on cleaning out your home or office space as well as expert advice from Joshua Speechley, one half of the couple behind HIM&I online store, on how to make your place pop. HIM&I focus on simple, minimal, top-quality pieces. “Everything we sell on HIM&I we personally love, so our home is really a reflection of the store,” says Speechley. Garage Sale, Yard Sale, Bake Sale Step one is to declutter, and a great way to get rid of your goods is through a garage sale. It’s extremely tempting to go out and buy heaps of sparkly new things to spruce up your place, but without this essential first step you run the risk of being a contestant on an Australian version of Hoarders. Any clothes that are still in good nick that you don’t wear anymore, wash them, give them an iron (or boots a polish), and price them kindly. Bring out old books, magazines, knick-knacks, anything you’re not using; you’d be surprised what people will take off your hands for a reasonable price. Anything left over at the end of the day can go to The Salvos, Brotherhood of St Laurence, or hard rubbish. Sorted. Here how to bring all the boys (and girls) to the yard, no milkshakes required. A kickass flyer: Pop culture references and puns go down a treat. Baked goods/lemonade stand: It’s cute, the smell will lure passers-by in, and you know you need a cupcake at 10am on a Saturday. Dress the part: Look fabulous, and others will want your steez. We recommend a splashy bum bag. No really — it’s a great conversation starter, and so handy when keeping track of the cash being exchanged. Image: Mark Nye, ClubofHumanBeings.com via photopin cc. Do Your Homework, in a Fun Way A little bit of research can go a long way, and it’s a great way to justify poking around on social media. “We do find a lot of inspiration on Instagram," says Speechley. "It’s a great platform for finding other people's amazing creativity, there are so many creative DIY people out there! Magazines are always great too, [like] Inside Out, Frankie and Smith." Research doesn’t have to be restricted to the page, you’re just as likely to be inspired by getting out and about. As Speechley advises, “Markets and, of course, friend's houses are always great too, seeing what our friends are coming up with or finding here and there is always a big inspiration.” Get Crafty If you’re looking to deck out your digs with some new pieces, why not flex those craft skills that have been idling since primary school and make something yourself? Record boxes, planter walls, bookshelves, beds, you name it, Speechley and partner Kara Allen have attempted to make it. “Not all to great success,” Speechley points out, “but that ones that have worked out we’re completely stoked with ... Head down to your local hardware store and give it a crack.” Another bonus to having something you actually made decorating your place? You can guarantee no one else will have the same item adorning their walls or shelves. If you’re a bit of a novice, there's no need to fret, as many places offering affordable, fun, one-off classes for those looking to get their hands dirty. Our favourite places running classes include Work-Shop (Sydney and Melbourne), Laneway Learning (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane), Colourbox Studio (Melbourne) and Koskela (Sydney). Avoid IKEA Rule number one: think outside the box. “It’s a trap!" says Speechley. "Sure, you can find some great items at IKEA, you get them home and you love them. Until you see them at eight of your friends houses ... We’ve found spending the little bit extra, to get something a bit more unique, or with more of a personal touch, means you’ll love the item more, and for longer!” Flower Bomb It’s spring. Everything is in bloom. They smell amazing. They’re colourful. They cheer you up. Why the heck wouldn’t you fill your house with floral goodness? If flowers aren’t your thing, succulents never die, or any other indoor plant/fern is actually good for your health. Lauren from Fowlers Flowers in Melbourne recommends blushing bride, hellebores, geraldton wax, tulips, magnolia buds, and king proteas for this season, but just about everything is in bloom at the moment, so pick whatever takes your fancy. Image by Lucy Djevdet.
These days, having actual cash in your wallet is a real rarity. But it's probably not something you'll need to worry about when picking up your next copy of The Big Issue, with many of the charity magazine's street vendors accepting cashless payments from today. This move into the digital economy means customers can now purchase an edition of the magazine using a debit or credit card. Two cashless options are being rolled out by vendors across the country, including regular tap-and-go, and via mobile payment app Beem It, which can receive instant payments. The Big Issue street vendors are able to choose whether they'll offer one or both of the card options, or simply stick with the previous cash system. The fortnightly magazine, which provides work opportunities for homeless or disadvantaged people, without access to mainstream jobs, has been operating in Australia since 1996. It's hoped the new digital payment offering will boost sales of the magazine, reaching more customers and helping those selling it to increase their profits, putting more money back into the pockets of disadvantaged Aussies. As always, each of the fortnightly editions will sell for $7, with half of that kept by the vendor. The newest edition — aptly titled 'Cashless Revolution' — hits the streets today. Vendor images: Nicole Reed.
Everyday Coffee's Collingwood cafe has long been a stomping ground for the northside's laptop set, its two-room space often brimming with regulars tapping away on keyboards and downing very good coffee, most on a first-name basis with staff. Now, owners Mark Free and Aaron Maxwell are continuing the tradition with a slight trek west, teaming up with a couple of longtime customers to open their fourth space, over in Carlton. The new cafe has made its home in the front room of these former regulars' Queensberry Street design studio, offering a multi-faceted space for working, caffeine-fuelling and shopping alike. The espresso machine's pumping out Everyday's own All Day blend, batch brew options rotate through seasonal filter roasts, and the cabinet is stocked with a tidy selection of pastries, cookies and sweet treats courtesy of sister bakery All Are Welcome. And when you're ready to leave, you'll find a range of retail coffee to take home, as well as a great lineup of design tomes from fellow tenant Perimeter Books. Find Everyday Coffee's new space at 225 Queensberry Street, Carlton. It's open 7.30am–4pm, Monday–Friday. Images: Tom Ross
Described as a 'modern cowboy of the creative revolution', Mr Lentz creates objects and fashion accessories from wood and upcycled materials, which he finds in junk yards. 'My aim has always been to find beauty and share it with others,' he explains on his site. Mr Lentz works with leather, and dabbles in photography, but his current project is the creation of rings, necklaces and brass knuckles made of wood and grass. Fashioned from sustainably harvested walnut, each ring plays host to a live micro-environment - a teeny tiny patch of growing grass or moss. For those who don't go for green, Mr Lentz has created a limited edition series of brass knuckles made from deer antlers. According to his site, 'they're a force to be reckoned with', designed 'for the rebel livin' life on the edge'. The antler tips are gathered from the forest floor, after the deer have gone through their annual shedding process. Mr Lentz says that he decided to make environmentally-inspired jewellery after a solitary walk through a foggy, overgrown redwood forest. 'This walk lasted days, meandering through river valleys and steep, dense hillside. The redwood forest did not once fail to impress and inspire me, and so what once was a trail of footsteps is now a journey into the handmade world of eco-friendly and sustainable jewellery'. [via Inhabitat]
They're two celebrated Melbourne chefs who probably couldn't be much more different and whose styles are worlds apart. But vegan maestro Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Smith & Deli) and Euro-focused Ian Curley (The European, Kirk's Wine Bar) are set to prove that unlikely pairings really can work a treat, when they launch their new collaborative venture next month. The powerhouse duo is embracing the world of plant-based fare, together heading up the culinary offering at new vegan and vegetarian bar and eatery, Lona Misa. Taking over a warm Luchetti Krelle-designed space within the new Ovolo South Yarra hotel, the 90-seat venue is set to be an all-day affair that'll cruise happily from lunchtime to those after-dinner drinks. Here, the two chefs have been busy creating a vegan- and vegetarian-focused menu designed to shake up all your preconceptions of plant-based dining. Vibrant and unapologetic, it's a share-friendly lineup that'll bear both the marks of Martinez's signature rebellious stylings and touches of Curley's fine dining flair. [caption id="attachment_802683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannon Martinez[/caption] As with the eats, Lona Misa's drinks offering will see the pair heroing seasonal ingredients from their favourite local producers. Expect sips including house-made sodas, a range of innovative cocktails, and an adventurous wine selection featuring a healthy spread of natural, organic and carbon-neutral drops. All up, it sounds like a fittingly bold choice of resident for Ovolo's new South Yarra hotel — a 123-room, dog-friendly stay featuring 70s-glam styling and rockstar suites named after iconic musicians. The launch of Lona Misa also ties in with the hotel group's 'year of the veg' move, which has seen the full suite of bars and restaurants at its Australian and Hong Kong sites go plant-based for an entire year, starting from October 2020. Find Lona Misa within the Ovolo South Yarra, at 230 Toorak Road, South Yarra, from April 2021.
The cola wars are now fought on a battlefield of green credentials: Coke and Pepsi are already in an arms race over the sustainability of their bottles, and now Coke has taken the fight to shelving. Their Give It Back displays are made from recycled Coke packaging cardboard and are designed to be used, then recycled again once past their 'shelf-life'. While there is very little new in the concept — at the end of the day, it's just recycled cardboard — it's good to see the drinks giant taking up new green initiatives, which will hopefully provoke others into following suit or coming up with their own ideas. As an added bonus, it should help Americans (the shelving is only planned for US stores) come to appreciate the humble corrugated cardboard. Of course, here in Australia we're reminded of its sturdiness every election, but Coke's initiative should help people start to accept cardboard as more than just the stuff things come in. Research into the properties of cardboard suggest it could be an ideal building material for housing. [via core77]
Planning a Sydney getaway? Need an excuse for a trip to the Harbour City? How's chasing bliss at a new two-storey spa overlooking Darling Harbour for motivation? In January 2023, global hotel chain Sofitel will unveil a new addition to its Darling Harbour site: Sofitel Spa, which is being billed as a holistic retreat in the heart of the city. Overlooking the water and featuring an array of wellness treatments and spa facilities, it will join Sydney's existing impressive supply of luxe spa experiences. The spa will feature seven spacious treatment rooms, including two serene suites with soft timbers, alongside sandstone and marble finishes. Other elements include an infrared sauna, a meditation zone and relaxation deck that will sit on level four of the hotel. The spa will sit alongside the hotel's previously opened level-four infinity pool. The pool is heated year-round and offers guests the ability to enjoy a dip while soaking in panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD skyline. "We have designed our new day spa to nurture and empower guests in their wellness journey, assisting them in identifying their needs and gently guiding them in accomplishing their own goals, whether that relates to fitness, stillness of the mind, replenishment with nutrition or achieving glowing skin," Director of Spa and Wellness Cecilia Ferreyra says. "Our aim is to create bespoke journeys for each of our guests which means all treatments are tailor-made, so guests walk out feeling the full benefits of being in our care." Traditional treatments like massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliation will all be available alongside more holistic half-day experiences that combine exercise, healthy eating, a variety of treatments and introspection. French beauty brand Biologique Recherche and fast-rising Australian company Waterlily have been enlisted to provide the spa with its cosmetic treatment products, each of which will be personalised to any one guest's needs. Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is located at 12 Darling Drive, Sydney. Sofitel Spa is set to open at the hotel in January 2023.
In 2020, the Melbourne International Film Festival hosted its largest festival to-date — when it came to the size of its audience, that is. Taking place last August when the city was in lockdown, the fest attracted plenty of eyeballs to its online-only lineup. This year, however, Melburnian movie buffs will also be able to head to a cinema to get their film fix. MIFF isn't ditching digital in 2021, though. Instead, it's going hybrid — so watching at home from wherever you happen to be around the country and attending in-person in Victoria will both be options. Just what will be available virtually and what you'll need to see in a theatre hasn't been revealed, but the fest has just announced 32 titles that it'll be showing one way or another between Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22. Also, this year's MIFF will be expanding its physical footprint, hitting up not only the usual CBD venues but also suburban and regional spots as well. As for what you'll be seeing, so far the festival has named a hefty number of homegrown movies. Topping the list: the supremely powerful opening night pick The Drover's Wife The Legend Of Molly Johnson, which'll become the first movie by a female Indigenous filmmaker to ever open the fest. Directed by and starring Leah Purcell (Wentworth), the film will launch MIFF 2021 in quite the potent fashion, with this exceptional reimagining of Henry Lawson's 1892 short story making its Aussie premiere after initially debuting at SXSW back in March. Purcell first turned The Drover's Wife into a play and then a book, and thankfully she isn't done forcing audiences to reckon with the country's colonial history and its impact upon First Nations peoples and women just yet. Another big Australian name, and one that'll bow at MIFF after playing at the Cannes Film Festival: the already-controversial Nitram. Read the movie's title backwards and you'll know why it has sparked a reaction long before it even hits the screen. Here, Snowtown and True Story of the Kelly Gang filmmaker Justin Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant reunite on a drama about the lead up to the events in Port Arthur 25 years ago — with Caleb Landry Jones (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) playing the titular figure. [caption id="attachment_815946" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Nitram[/caption] Other notable local titles include Anonymous Club, a Courtney Barnett-centric documentary about creativity; political thriller Lone Wolf, which stars Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Hotel Mumbai), Stephen Curry (June Again) and Hugo Weaving (Hearts and Bones); and Wash My Soul in the River's Flow, which chronicles Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter's performance with Paul Grabowsky's Australian Art Orchestra, and comes to MIFF at around the same time as it'll screen at this year's Sydney Film Festival. This year, the two events overlap — SFF is being held two months later than usual — so cinephiles can expect the fests to share more a few more movies in common than usual. From MIFF's international slate, Petit Mamam leads the bill — and, given that it's the latest film from Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Céline Sciamma, it's an instant must-see. Other standouts include tweet-to-screen comedy Zola, Oscar-nominee Quo Vadis, Aida?, Japanese relationship drama Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy and documentary Hopper/Welles, which charts a boozy 70s conversation between Dennis Hopper and Orson Welles. MIFF will also screen Pedro Almodóvar's (Pain and Glory) latest, a short called The Human Voice that stars Tilda Swinton, and also marks the Spanish auteur's English-language debut. And, it'll host a Hear My Eyes session as the fest often does, this time screening Aussie great Two Hands. The full festival lineup will be revealed on Tuesday, July 13, which is when you'll be able to start planning out your August viewing schedule — and your trips between the fest's 2021 venues, which include Comedy Theatre, the Forum, RMIT Capitol Theatre, ACMI, Kino Cinemas, Hoyts Melbourne Central, Coburg Drive-In, The Astor, Palace Cinemas Pentridge, The Sun Theatre and Lido Cinemas. The 2021 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 5 to Sunday, August 22 at a variety of venues around Melbourne. For further details, including the full program from Tuesday, July 13, visit the MIFF website.
Airbnb are giving four lucky, brave people the chance to spend a night in luxury amidst the snow-capped crescents of the French Alps. Ascend the mountain on chauffeured snowmobiles, feast on mulled wine and cheese fondue, and be the first to hit the slopes the following morning. There’s just one catch: your four person apartment is actually an alpine cable car, suspended 9000 feet in the air. The precarious lodgings hang atop Sommet de la Saulire — the highest mountain in the Courchevel — approximately 2,700 metres above sea level. Specially modified, the gondola includes two double beds and 360 degree views, but no bathroom — which frankly, when your guests are spending all night in abject terror, seems like the type of amenity that might be worth including. Then again, I can see how plumbing might be somewhat impracticable at that height. I suppose you can always just open the door and relieve yourself over the edge? Obviously, this particular giveaway is not for anyone who struggles with heights. To me, it sounds a lot like the setup of one of those ghost stories, where you inherit a fortune from an eccentric old uncle, but have to spend a night in a haunted house before you can collect. Those of you braver than I can enter the competition by heading on over to the Airbnb website, and letting them know in less than 100 words why you deserve to win — look, you're probably someone who lives in a house like this, right? Entries close on Wednesday February 25 for a stay on the evening of Friday March 6. The prize also includes a return airfare, if you survive. Via Fast Company.
"One more thing, Manson is small, like, really small — try not to stare," talkative serial killer Ed Kemper (Cameron Britton) warns FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) in the new trailer for Mindhunter season two. If you didn't know, Charles Manson was only 157 centimetres tall (just under 5"2), which is short — especially in comparison to Kemper's towering 206-centimetre (6"9) frame. In this season of the show — which finally drops on Netflix on Friday, August 16, returning two years after the series first hit the platform — the agents are hoping Manson (Damon Herriman) will help them solve the Atlanta child murders. For the uninitiated, across 1979–81, at least 28 kids, teens and adults were killed — and this second trailer for the show's new season shows the reaction in Georgia, the agents desperately trying to solve the case and some particularly gruesome murders. This time round, expect more criminal profiling and psychological thrills, obviously, with the show based on the excellent non-fiction book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit. Expect more meticulous Fincher magic as well, as the Seven and Zodiac filmmaker continues his on-screen fascination with serial killers. He has company behind the lens, thanks to Australian director Andrew Dominik (Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) and US helmer Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress, Out of Time). Get creeped out by the second trailer for Mindhunter season two below (and the first here, if you haven't already): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHlJQCyqiaI Mindhunter season two drops on Netflix on Friday, August 16.
With so many beauty products floating around, it's hard to know if your current ten- (or one-) step skincare routine is making any kind of difference. It might seem obvious, but Carla Oates, founder of The Beauty Chef, recommends starting with what's on the inside — with products that work on improving your gut and skin microbiome. The Beauty Chef first saw success with its GLOW®️ Inner Beauty Essential: a probiotic supernutrient powder that features powerhouse ingredients such as vitamin C, biotin, niacinamide, prebiotics and zinc to give your skin a serious glow-up, while supporting healthy hair, nails, digestion and energy. The entrepreneur has since spent the past 15 years creating a line of innovative inner beauty products for skin, gut and whole-body wellness that are now sold at David Jones, MECCA and Sephora — as well as beloved by people across the globe. In partnership with Klaviyo, we caught up with Oates to uncover her path into the industry, her advice for fellow entrepreneurs and the importance of listening to your gut. How did The Beauty Chef come about? As a child, I suffered from eczema and allergies. My mum took me to see a naturopath who dramatically changed what I ate, removing processed foods and allergens like gluten and dairy. My allergies and eczema subsided, so I experienced firsthand that what we eat can affect our skin and health. My daughter also experiences eczema and allergies. With the assistance of health professionals, we removed specific trigger foods from her diet, and I began researching the link between gut and skin health. As I explored this link more closely, I decided to put my family on a gut-healing protocol, which included eliminating certain foods and introducing lots of lacto-fermented whole foods with beneficial bacteria into our diet. Friends and family took notice and I realised I was onto something. Why focus specifically on inner beauty? Inner beauty is so important. When people start to delve deeper into understanding what makes skin healthy, it's not so much about what they're putting on their skin but how they're nourishing it from within. I focus on inner beauty because so many benefit from it. I've spoken to people who have tried all sorts of concoctions to remedy their skin on the outside, but it's only once they look to support their skin and health from the inside that results become abundantly clear. Can you break down the gut-skin connection for us in simple terms? The simplest way is to use the analogy of our gut as a garden. If the soil in the garden isn't healthy, balanced and thriving with a good array of nutrients and bacteria, then the plants that grow within its soil will struggle to blossom. The gut is where 70 percent of our immune system lies. It's where we make nutrients, regulate hormones, detoxify enzymes, neutralise pathogens and make neurotransmitters, so it's super important to get your digestive health in check. For someone just discovering The Beauty Chef, where should they start? GLOW®️ Inner Beauty Essential or GLOW AGELESS™ Inner Beauty Essential are five-star probiotic supernutrient formulas that promote healthy glowing skin, hair and nails, energy and gut health. From there, you can target any other specific skin, gut health or wellbeing concerns with products from the rest of our range — all our products are designed to work together for enhanced results. What challenges did you have to overcome as a woman establishing her own business? When I launched in 2009, ingestible beauty was a foreign concept. Pioneering the category wasn't easy because retailers didn't have a category for it. One of the hardest things was convincing manufacturers to support our low volumes. I had to find my CEO voice and seriously hustle to help them see my vision and understand the product. In the beginning, I was wearing every single hat, from product development to marketing and even HR. Now, we have 30 full-time staff at our head office. A key learning for me has been understanding and accepting that I can't be and do everything all the time. And, as the business expands, it's imperative to support that growth with leaders who are specialists in what they do. Networking with other female founders is also very important for me, both professionally and personally. No matter how different our businesses may be, we face similar challenges. When you connect, you can relate to each other and share learnings. How has Klaviyo helped your business? Klaviyo email and SMS have helped The Beauty Chef streamline our communications with our customers. We now have one central platform for key communications to our customers and can effectively personalise and segment to ensure long-term retention. Do you have any advice for other budding entrepreneurs? Do what you love because success requires hard work, so you might as well spend the hard work doing something you wholeheartedly enjoy. Plus, you are bound to be more successful doing something you have fire, passion and drive for. Try not to get caught up in trends and make sure you're creating products that serve a purpose and provide a solution that is unique. And be gutsy and follow your gut instinct. Discover The Beauty Chef's full range of products at the website, and find out more at the Klaviyo website.
When The Square won the top prize at last year's Cannes Film Festival, it was considered a controversial choice. That's an understandable reaction — an over-the-top satire about the art world that's filled with odd incidents and clocks in at nearly two-and-a-half hours long was never going to be everyone's idea of a masterpiece. But with Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund behind the camera, that's by design. Fittingly, he's made a piece of art that's not only about a divisive piece of art, but also proves incredibly divisive itself. A complex look at the responsibilities that come with living within a society, as seen through the filter of creativity, contemporary art galleries and the reactions to both, The Square marches straight into the gap between public posturing and private truths. As such, it places the writer-director in very familiar thematic territory. Fans of Östlund's previous film, the fantastic Force Majeure, should instantly recognise his thematic hangups, as he skewers humanity's general tendency to say one thing but do another. Last time, he stepped inside the intimate confines of a dysfunctional marriage undone by a husband's selfish behaviour in a time of crisis. Here, the filmmaker similarly contemplates a wealth of complicated contradictions, this time in a world known for being polarising, prestigious and — sometimes — downright pretentious. Indeed, if egotistical Stockholm gallery curator Christian (Claes Bang) was to offer his thoughts of the film he's in, he'd likely declare The Square a triumph — all while knowing that half of the audience strongly disagrees. Moreover, he'd do so with a particular kind of arrogance meant to pressure others to come around to his way of thinking. That's how he talks about his new installation, also called 'The Square', which is designed to cultivate empathy. Whether he's being interviewed by journalist Anne (Elisabeth Moss), discussing viral promotional strategies with his marketing team, or trying to wow the elite art crowd at gallery functions, Christian is certain that the four-by-four metre space (a "sanctuary of trust and caring" where participants "all share equal rights and obligations") is vitally essential and important. How much of his behaviour is authentic? When you're expected to act a particular way, can you ever be your real self? Or are you putting on your own piece of theatre, whether you know it or not? And should your own personal role-play come at the expense of others? Again and again, Östlund puts his protagonist in situations that ponder the boundaries between art, life, truth and performance. Christian goes home with Anne, only to discover that she has a chimpanzee for a roommate. He hosts an elaborate party, which features an actor (Terry Notary) accosting the guests by acting like an ape. He's mugged on the street, but it's so well choreographed that it could be a show. As Christian, Bang lives up to his surname. It's not a loud performance, but rather a commanding and compelling one, with the Danish actor turning in a portrayal that's as dense and disarming as the film itself. Considering he's in a movie that probes the difference between the organic and the staged, that's quite a significant feat. Furthermore, he also achieves something that Östlund sometimes struggles with: balance. The Square might contend that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, but it sometimes overplays its hand in making that statement. The film is funny and insightful when you're on its wavelength, and positively grating when you're not. Its stunning set-pieces grab attention no matter which side you fall on at any given moment, but the movie can jump from astute and amusing to patience-testing with whiplash-inducing speed. And yet, in a picture this savage, smart and wildly ambitious, even the infuriating bits always feel like they're part of Östlund's playful game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXOV2-7tYP8
For years, its beery creations have appeared at leading bottle shops, graced the Good Beer Week lineup and sat among the winners of the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers list. Now, finally, Deeds Brewing will have a taproom and tasting bar to call its own with its Glen Iris brewery set to open to the public from this weekend. Located in a 2600 square metre former mechanics workshop, the new venue will launch on Saturday, June 26. Showing off the results of an extensive six-month makeover, there is room for 150 people across a ground floor and booth-filled mezzanine level, featuring a 20 metre-long bar and a sprawling kitchen. It's a lofty, open, mod-industrial space, offering views of the brewing equipment and fermentation tanks from wherever you sit. A 28-tap lineup will focus largely on Deeds' own house creations, pouring year-round sips like the XPA and Juice Train NEIPA alongside a rotation of seasonal and limited-edition brews. The beers are backed by a curation of local wine, Aussie spirits and cocktails, plus brewery tours and tastings will also be on offer. Head Chef Paul Kasten (Stomping Ground, Host Dining) is delivering a menu that's at once approachable and clever, incorporating both beer and classic beer ingredients throughout. You're in for bites like focaccia teamed with malt butter, hop-cured salmon with creme fraiche and Geraldton wax, chicken wings featuring fish sauce caramel, and brussels sprouts with pale malt and onion cream. Blue Grenadier is coated in a Deeds draught batter then matched with malt vinegar; a wagyu MS9+ blade fillet comes alongside an ale glaze and green chilli harissa; and pork cheeks feature a mole sauce and mizuna (Japanese mustard greens). And if dessert's on the cards, prepare to be won over by the likes of a stout brownie and a malted whipped cheesecake with caramelised puff pastry. Paired with a serve of Deeds' latest dark, malty creation, of course. Find Deeds Taproom & Kitchen at 4 Paran Place, Glen Iris, from Saturday, June 26. It'll be open 5.30–11pm weekdays, and 12–11pm Saturdays and Sundays.
In the fight to help keep our planet healthy and firing on all cylinders, there's one little guy that can't be overlooked: the humble honey bee. These oft unsung heroes are crucial for pollinating the world's food crops, which means that our future food security relies on them thriving. Luckily, groups like Aussie not-for-profit Pollinator Alliance are spreading the word and helping to conserve our pollinator populations. Next month, the group is even opening a brand-new bee shed and bee school, creating not just a home for our insect mates, but a community space for educating and encouraging a new wave of backyard beekeepers. Making its home in Alphington at the Melbourne Innovation Centre, the Bee Shed was one of last year's winners of the Victorian Government's community grants initiative, Pick My Project. Thanks to the program, and strong community support and votes, Pollinator Alliance scored almost $200,000 in funding to bring its proposed venture to life. The project's using a double-whammy approach to help raise awareness about the bee's plight and its importance to our planet. Firstly, the onsite Bee Shed will act as a hands-on education hub and teaching apiary, where local beekeepers of all ages can head to for low-cost beekeeping tools, helpful resources and a program of workshops. Then there's the student-focused Bee School, which will visit schools across Melbourne, using display hives to teach budding future beekeepers about the ins and outs of pollination. The Bee Shed is kicking things off with Opening Day celebrations on Sunday, November 17. You're invited to head along to check out the new digs, take an apiary tour and even sit in on a beekeeping workshop. There'll be market stalls, live music, and plenty of CWA scones served with lashings of local honey. Find the Bee Shed at 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington from Sunday, November 17. To find out more, head to the Pollinator Alliance website.
It's the Swedish structure that's reimagining social spaces, and its about to take its unconventional meeting place abroad. Earlier this year, Stockholm-based artist duo Bigert and Bergström revealed the 'Solar Egg', a modal, stainless golden steel, reflective, egg-shaped sauna with a heart-shaped wood burning stove, as based in the town of Kiruna. Now, they're bringing it to Paris. The Solar Egg will bring the Kiruna-style sauna experience to the French city's Swedish Institute across November 25 and 26, and December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Visitors are encouraged to don their swimmers, stand next to the fire and pretend they're somewhere snowier — and wear designer dressing gowns while they're touring the installation. As far as interactive art pieces go, it's both acutely beautiful and functional, with stainless golden mirror sheeting reflecting the surrounding scenery. Inside, the sauna's interior is made of pine wood panelling and decks, and aspen benches, with an iron and stone stove in the centre. Temperature varies between 75 and 85 degrees Celsius in the egg. The striking structure was originally commissioned by Swedish economic and real estate association Riksbyggen as a "social sculpture", according to the artists, providing a communal space for the residents of Kiruna to discuss their town's problems. And, they have a lot to talk about while enjoying a sauna together. Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost village, with a population of just under 20,000. In 2003, they realised that due to adjacent iron ore mining activity (activity which provides thousands of jobs for locals), the ground beneath the town was becoming unstable. The solution? Move the whole town three kilometres away. The relocation has been underway ever since and will continue to trudge along, piece by piece, for many more decades supported by the government and the mining company responsible. Like town, like golden egg — which can also obviously be disassembled and relocated. Alas, anyone hoping to see the Solar Egg pop up elsewhere will find themselves disappointed, with the installation due to return to Kiruna after its Paris stint. By Imogen Baker and Sarah Ward. Images: Riksbyggen and Futurniture.
One-shot movies fall into two categories. Some hide their edits to make it appear as though they've been filmed in one continuous take, such as Alfred Hitchcock's Rope and the Oscar-winning Birdman. Others achieve the feat without resorting to cinematic trickery, including historical drama Russian Ark and Iranian thriller Fish & Cat. Either way, the intended effect is the same. By presenting an unbroken image free from cuts and interruptions, filmmakers try to plunge the audience so deeply into the on-screen action that they simply can't bear to tear their eyes away. Wandering from a Berlin nightclub to a cafe to a life or death bank heist, the adrenaline-fuelled Victoria joins the fold, unfolding in a single, unstaged take. Like all films that employ this technique, there's no denying the underlying technical wizardry on display in this heart-pounding German thriller. But writer/director Sebastian Schipper does more than simply jump on the latest movie-making bandwagon. Indeed, in his skilled hands, Victoria rarely feels like a gimmick. As the titular Spanish traveller (Laia Costa) catches the eye of the flirtatious Sonne (Frederick Lau) during a night out, and then tags along with him and his mates as they make the leap to the wrong side of the law, the uncut footage endeavours to take the audience along for the ride. Describing cinematographer Sturla Brandth Grøvlen's camera as one of the film's characters might be a cliché, but it's fitting. Victoria doesn't just want to make viewers watch its protagonist's wild night. It wants them to feel like they're in the thick of the frenzy, experiencing every single moment along with her. Here, variety and movement is key. While the screenplay crafts its own convincing dramas of the criminal and romantic kinds, it's not just the real-time story and changing locations that offer up a few unexpected elements. Equally unpredictable is the way Schipper uses the frame. Sometimes the visuals are claustrophobically precise and tight, while other times they're coasting and loose. The images lurch and circle, simultaneously going with the narrative's flow and creating their own momentum, and mimicking the feature's freewheeling mood while imparting their own urgency and personality as well. Of course, with the film clocking in at 138 minutes, Victoria's style does eventually threaten to overstay its welcome. Thankfully, Costa's naturalistic performance offers the pick-me-up fatigued audiences might need, even when she appears to be tired herself. The cast's improvised efforts add another layer of realism to a movie that could've just been the latest one-shot stunt. Instead, it's one of the most absorbing, surprising films we've seen in quite a while.
Sleepovers at IKEA are one thing, this is a little more intense. Inspired by similar epic events held in Europe stores (and previous Australian attempts) there's a giant game of hide and seek planned for a Melbourne IKEA store. This Facebook event has been generating huge interest over the last few weeks, with Melburnians upping their yoga quota to more effectively fit into tiny storage bins and blue bags. And with over 25,000 attending on Facebook, this is going to be one seriously huge game, locked in for June 13. This is isn't the first time Australians have tried to stage giant games of hide and seek in IKEA. In March 2015, a Sydney game was shut down by IKEA, who claimed it raises security issues for both customers and co-workers. IKEA called the police on a Melbourne game in 2010, according to Huffington Post. Commentators on the Facebook event page are saying IKEA already knows aboout the planned Melbourne event, which explains the hidden location. But IKEA have held officially approved games in the past. Last year, about 500 people participated in a storewide hide and seek in Wilrijk, Belgium. But IKEA have also banned games in Holland after tens of thousands of people geared up to attend in Eindhoven, Amsterdam and Utrecht in April and May — IKEA found out about it on Facebook and shut it down. The Swedish furniture giant hasn't yet declared whether they'll be kicking people out for smooshing themselves into the store's display kitchens (would definitely aim for a cushy bedding spot). We're hoping the Man looks the other way this time around.
Today marks the last day of Dark Mofo and, for those of us on the mainland, this means today is the last day our social media news feeds are bombarded with Tasmanian whimsy. Over the past few days you may have asked yourself what this congregation of lights and bearded men actually is. You may have wondered what kind of wizardry has conjured all this neon and Hogwarts-esque feasting, and how you can become a part of it. Well, we've scoured our Instagram feeds and compiled a handy outsiders' guide for you. Organisers may declare the festival a celebration of "large-scale art, food, music, light and noise," but we feel it's best summed up by the following. Here's what went down at Dark Mofo 2014: People spent their time washing ice This was probably the most confusing thing that's popped up in your feed over the past few days. In an act of — let's face it — supreme futility, Mofo-goers have been caught this year scrubbing a large tower of ice (although we guarantee they didn't keep it up for long once the photo had been uploaded). Watching this ice slowly, slowly erode into separate smaller blocks has been like a deeply unsatisfying game of Tetris played in reverse. Explanation: It's actually an artwork by Chinese artist Yin Xiuzhen. After freezing water from the Derwent River, Xiuzhen asked festival patrons to scrub the dirty water clean. It's a symbolic act that she terms an artist's solution to pollution. This radioactive bunny made its way down from Sydney Tasmania has stolen Sydney's giant neon bunny rabbit! How rude. You probably recognise this critter from your jaunts down to Vivid Sydney earlier this month. It's the kind of thing that definitely sticks in your mind (and your Instagram feed, for that matter). Because of this, Sydney-siders really can't be too jealous of its presence at Dark Mofo. But, for everyone else across the country, this is the holy grail of public art and the number one cause of jealousy. I maintain that if I got one hug from this amazing bringer of joy, at least half the problems in my life would be solved. Explanation: The bunny is the work of Tassie artist (and Sydney expat) Amanda Parer. We can neither confirm nor deny that it's radioactive, but we can say that it's maybe the greatest thing we've seen for awhile. There was a cat shooting laser beams from its eyes We can't even. This needs all of the explanations. Explanation: Disappointingly, we can't find out much about this little treasure. From the almighty power of hashtags we can deduct it has something to do with Dj Kiti playing at the festival club Faux Mo on Saturday night. We don't know how big the cat was. We don't know how strong its powers are. We don't know what it wants from us. We do however know that it's maybe the most mesmerising thing we've seen since Hypnotoad and we feel strangely compelled to obey it. If you know more, please get in touch! It's a good place to be if you like to feast From all the photos of mood-lit dining halls and opulent dinners, we can only reasonably deduct that Dumbledore and/or representatives from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry have made their way to Tasmania. Sure, there are no ghosts flying around, but the twigs cascading from the ceiling do look suspiciously like broomsticks and the feast speaks for itself. Explanation: This is more or less right. The Winter Feast is one of the hallmarks of the festival and consists of a "three-night Bacchanalian banquet of feasting and fire, drinking and celebration, music and performance". Apparently there were some problems with capacity this year, but with the amazing spread on offer it's easy to understand why. Everyone got naked for some reason It's a strange thing to wake up to as you check your phone, but this morning we were treated to the sight of hundreds of bums along a beautiful beach at sunrise. Accompanying them (on what looked like a freezing morning) were a couple of old men in beanies shooting orange smoke into the air because, hell, why not? Explanation: This nude run into the water was in fact to commemorate the winter solstice. It's an annual event at Dark Mofo that's now in its second year. And, despite the unpleasant temperature, this year saw 700 people get on board! We're going next year Confusing art, giant animals, laser beams, opulent feasts, and reckless nudity — why is it that we don't live in Hobart, again? Photo credits in order of appearance: jackjesta, melfiddles, angela__g, katesaunders002, chdaku, rosiehastie.
There's nothing like a big, warm welcome to make you feel instantly at home, whether you're wining and dining out or enjoying a hard-earned weekend escape. At some places, it might be a traditional greeting, called cheerfully when you walk through a restaurant's front door, for others, a thoughtful gesture that's steeped in culture. Then, there are the greeting rituals that'll please your taste buds as well as give you the warm and fuzzies — like DoubleTree by Hilton's signature 'cookie welcome', which sees all of its guests gifted with a freshly baked, warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival. Keen to feel at home away from home? We've scouted out some of Melbourne's best global eateries dishing up warm welcomes of their own. BHANG, BRUNSWICK At contemporary Brunswick spot Bhang, Indian street food gets a freshen-up with classic flavours married to modern techniques and served up in a funky, new-school setting. Here, a lot of thought goes into making visitors feel welcome, with gestures both traditional and not. If you're digging the vibe, it could be because the figure of Hindu deity Ganesha is given fresh flowers at the start of each service, as a way of increasing the positive energies and inviting health and prosperity. You'll also catch welcoming wafts of incense throughout the restaurant and enjoy complimentary house-made pappadums to kick-start your meal. 1/2A Mitchell Street, Brunswick. DOC, CARLTON Enter through the doors of Carlton's legendary DOC and you'll be welcomed with the scent of baking pizza dough, as well as a cheery chorus of ciao, Italy's well-known greeting. Here, crisp-based traditional pizzas are the stars of the show, but to start things off right, let the friendly staff invite you aboard the aperitivo train. An alcoholic sip designed to help fire up the appetite, consider this the proper Italian welcome to any hearty meal. At DOC, fuel up with a glass of prosecco or a spritz, and you'll know you've been invited to enjoy some serious feasting. 295 Drummond Street, Carlton. AKACHOCHIN, SOUTH WHARF For fresh, honest Japanese fare served with a side of warm hospitality, you'll find it hard to beat a visit to South Wharf's Akachochin. Named after the red paper lanterns you'll often spy strung up outside a Japanese izakaya, this waterfront spot plays to tradition — from the serious knife skills on display in the open kitchen to the menu of sushi, sashimi and tried-and-true classics. Of course, you'll find it hard not to get swept up in tradition yourself, when you're greeted with a cheerful staff chorus of irasshaimase — Japan's customary call of 'welcome' or 'come on in'. 33 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf. MOVIDA, CBD Spain's renowned tapas culture is about much more than just chowing down on tasty small food — it's about sharing a meal and wine with friends and celebrating social interactions. And when you partake in the tradition, it's hard not to feel like you're part of some big Spanish eating club. Here in Melbourne, Frank Camorra's famed MoVida is one of the best spots to get your authentic tapas fix — all funky tunes, moody lighting and a menu filled with top-notch small bites, like mini beef tartares and pressed pork tostadas. 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne. PASTUSO, CBD Dining at ACDC Lane restaurant Pastuso is a bit like embarking on a journey through the many flavours of Peru, from the lively seafood dishes of the dedicated ceviche bar to the charry, meaty offerings coming hot off the traditional grill. And of course, the proper welcome to any authentic Peruvian adventure comes in the form of a fresh, tangy pisco sour — Peru's widely celebrated national cocktail, made from a grape-based spirit. To have you dining like a true Peruvian, the staff here are always eager to steer you towards an expertly crafted concoction from the pisco bar. 19 ACDC Lane, Melbourne. BON AP', FITZROY This cosy Fitzroy gem is like a little slice of provincial France, with fare as charming and authentic as the staff's French accents. The aim here is to replicate the familiarity of a quaint village bistro from back home, so expect a hearty bonjour upon entering, a warm bon appétit and an easygoing energy for as long as you stay. It's an inviting spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner — settle in with some charcuterie, a serve of mussels and a few glasses of great French wine and you'll find it pretty hard to say goodbye. 193 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. LOS HERMANOS, BRUNSWICK At cosy Brunswick haunt Los Hermanos, bank on being greeted by authentic Mexican eats, a festive vibe and a serious collection of Mexico's national drink, tequila. But for all the choice, you won't be left daunted, with staff always keen to help hook you up with your ultimate agave match — their way of welcoming you into the fray. For full effect, pair your chosen drop with a few of the kitchen's drool-worthy tacos, featuring fillings like beer-battered fish, slow-cooked lamb leg and bold chipotle chicken. 339 Victoria Street, Brunswick. SON IN LAW, COLLINGWOOD Rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to unleash its creativity, Collingwood's Son In Law is one of Melbourne's best-loved Thai joints. Named after the dish of deep fried eggs that's said to be served up to misbehaving Thai sons-in-law, it's a colourful spot that's guaranteed to charm. Owner Piyawut Tony Rungpradit says his aim is to welcome diners to an authentically Thai dining experience by offering this namesake dish, as well as traditional share plates like the rich green curry and pad see ew noodles. Expect a sunny Aussie welcome to make you feel at home while you tuck into a proper Thai feast. 56 Johnston Street, Collingwood. DIN TAI FUNG, CBD Famed for its signature dumplings and boasting venues across the globe, Din Tai Fung sure knows how to pull the crowds. But no matter how busy the Melbourne Emporium restaurant might get, you'll always be met with a friendly call of ni hao — a Mandarin version of 'hi' or 'how are you' that's commonly used in China and Taiwan. It's just a kind little reminder of the Taiwanese deliciousness that awaits — drunken chicken, fragrant wonton soup and, of course, a parade of juicy, perfectly-crafted dumplings. Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. HOFBRAUHAUS, CBD In Germany, one of the world's largest consumers of beer, the heartiest welcome you'll find comes in the form of a nice, cold stein. For centuries it's been part of the social fabric, bringing people together and creating homes away from homes. And you'll experience exactly this with a visit to Market Lane's historic German restaurant, Hofbrauhaus. Here, staff sport classic Bavarian outfits, live German tunes set a cheerful tone and generous serves of pork knuckle are primed for feasting sessions. A range of traditionally brewed biers rounds out the whole lively experience. 18–28 Market Lane, Melbourne. Discover the many ways to feel welcome in Melbourne — from an authentic aperitivo hour to a chorus of 'irasshaimase' to the warm, freshly baked cookies waiting to welcome you to your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton on Flinders Street.
It's not every day that you get to sample drops worth 95-plus points in the eyes of premier Australian wine critic James Halliday. But, across October 5–7, if you venture to Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley, that's exactly what you'll be doing. Hidden away in the Dandenong foothills, this dreamy spot — which Mr Halliday has consistently awarded five stars — will welcome October with the launch of its 2017 release. You'll be gazing at idyllic vineyards, backdropped by Mt Donna Buang's mighty summit while swirling and sipping your way through the entire collection, made exclusively from the Estate's 26 acres of grapes. Two of the 2017 drops scored a whopping 99 points in the James Halliday Wine Companion 2019, taking home best shiraz and best pinot noir. But they're far from the only varietals you'll be tasting: gear up for killer riesling, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, too. The Seville folks will also be celebrating a recent revamp. Re-landscaping has given the gardens a new edge and there's now a stunning restaurant with an unbeatable view, open for lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Sunday. Bookings are available over here. If you're keen to hang around all weekend, stay over. Choose between the original four-bedroom homestead, built in 1975 by Seville's original owners Dr Peter McMahon and his wife, Margaret, and three self-contained apartments.
As Persian New Year (Nowruz) is overlapping with this year's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, the team at Free to Feed has decided to throw a huge food- and tunes-filled party. On the night of Wednesday, March 20, Free to Feed's Fitzroy North site will be transformed by Iranian immigrants and refugees as they cook up a traditional three-course dinner and play a heap of live music. The crew hasn't released a menu, but we can expect the dishes to come with saffron rice and ruby red barberries that symbolise the love, light and hope that the New Year brings. And while the $102 ticket doesn't include drinks, a bar will be on-site for those wanting to buy some bevs. Beyond this, the special Nowruz event will be somewhat of a cultural exchange, where guests will hear stories, jam to Persian music and learn more about the culturally significant New Year traditions of the Persian people. Tickets to the party will not only get you a great midweek night out, but the profits will help Free to Feed support people seeking asylum, new migrants and refugees with training and meaningful employment. It's so wonderful to see a Melbourne Food & Wine Festival event really support the community. Images: Sam Biddle
While you may be forgiven for thinking that all the bright young things of the culinary world are battling it out in the fiery pits of the MasterChef kitchen, it appears that a number of them have actually been working their way up through restaurants around the country. This Sunday, they all converge on Melbourne for the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence awards, but not before they showcase all they have to offer in a very special dinner that is sure to Whet Your Appetite. The dinner is to be hosted on Sunday, 11 August, at Smith Street's Huxtable — a fitting venue, seeing as owner Daniel Wilson was once a Young Restaurateur finalist himself. In a collaboration between the upcoming chefs, restaurateurs and waiters, a unique three-course feast has been developed purely for the occasion, along with a selection of matching drinks. Great food will of course be matched with great conversation, as the up and coming talent will be on hand to discuss their culinary choices, expertise and creativity. Whet your appetite and your curiosity and pull up a seat at the most coveted dinner table in Melbourne this week. Cravats and score cards optional.
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. Last year, more than 400,000 Aussies took part, and held more than 18,000 sales. While life is a little different in 2020, 16,000 events are still expected to open their doors to bargain hunters, selling more two million items. When the event returns across the weekend of Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, online garage sales will also be part of the trail — which is particularly great news for Melburnians. It's the first time ever that the Garage Sale Trail is going digital, too. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There'll be a right slew of sales happening, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk. [caption id="attachment_783811" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jo Lowrey[/caption] The 2020 Garage Sale Trail takes place on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, including via virtual garage sales. Images: Garage Sale Trail.
He has serenaded Laura Dern with an Elvis song, swooned over Cher, swapped faces with John Travolta, voiced a version of Spider-Man and won an Oscar for playing an alcoholic. He's appeared on-screen as brothers, professed his love for milking alpacas and fought ninjas from outer space, too. We're talking about Nicolas Cage, of course, and the list of amazing inclusions on his resume just goes on. Indeed, he's about to step into Joe Exotic's shoes — and, via a new Netflix series, teach the world about the history of swear words as well. Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words is a very real series that definitely exists, and will hit the streaming platform on Tuesday, January 5. So yes, if you were hoping that 2021 would be better than 2020, we can think of one very good reason why that's likely to prove the case. The concept behind the show is extremely self-explanatory. For that very reason, Netflix didn't release too many details when it first announced the show earlier in December. But, via a just-dropped new full trailer, it has given Cage-loving viewers more of a glimpse at what's in store. Prepare for Cage on hosting duties, plus experts and famous faces like Sarah Silverman and Nick Offerman popping up to talk through the origins, pop culture usage, science and cultural impact of oh-so-many expletives. Obviously, you don't get Cage involved in this kind of project without having fun with the concept. The first teaser trailer for the series made that plain — and nodded to Face/Off fans, too — and this new sneak peek does as well. Cage starts the latest trailer by screaming one word, then ends it by giving the audience quite the invitation. Clearly, it's glorious. Check out the latest trailer for Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XByiHpUvrj0 Nicolas Cage's History of Swear Words hits Netflix on Tuesday, January 5. Top image: Adam Rose/Netflix.
