It's no secret that Adelaide's live music scene is one of the most thriving in the country — though this is probably not a surprise when you consider the city has given the world artists like Jimmy Barnes, Sia, Hilltop Hoods and Paul Kelly. When it comes to live music festivals though, the cities in the east tend to get the biggest acts. Until this November, that is, when brand-new festival Harvest Rock will take over Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina for two massive days. Headlining the bill is Jack White (pictured below), with The White Stripes frontman playing his only Australian show at Harvest Rock. And he'll be joined by plenty more international talent — The Black Crowes, Khruangbin and Groove Armada are all on the roster, as are The Lumineers, Hot Chip and Sam Fender. We reckon that's a lineup worth planning a weekend in Adelaide for. From the local contingent, Crowded House will bring a hefty dose of nostalgia, while The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, You Am I and Tones And I will also take to the stage. Hailing from Secret Sounds, the crew behind Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival, Harvest Rock's two-day run will also place a big focus on the other part of its moniker: food. That'll include a dedicated stage for chef and bar stars to showcase their skills, a marquee serving up curated bites by chef Jake Kellie (arkhé, Burnt Ends) and a food-truck park. Plus, the bar lineup is being curated by Australian wine critic Nick Stock, and features Archie Rose Distilling Co pouring spirits, wine tastings at a cellar door pop-up, a beer hall and a champagne bar. One watering hole will be a LGBTQI+ space, too, and there'll also be a booze-free bar for anyone keen on avoiding a post-fest hangover. Harvest Rock will take over Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, November 19–Sunday, November 20. Tickets are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, head to the Harvest Rock website.
Star Wars fans, prepare to punch it on down to Sydney's Powerhouse Museum in November — and prepare to come face to face with 200 original objects from the popular sci-fi franchise at Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition. You might have to wait more than 12 months until Star Wars: Episode IX reaches cinemas late next year, but you can spend your days from November 16, 2018 until June 10, 2019 perusing the items that helped make space opera movie magic happen. Coming to Australia for the first time, that includes costumes, props, models and artworks from the Lucasfilm archives, complete with a galaxy's worth of favourites — think BB-8, R2-D2 and the Millennium Falcon just for starters. Get a glimpse of Yoda, you will, circa Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back. You'll also feel the power-hungry menace radiate from Darth Vader's suit from Star Wars: Episode VII — Return of the Jedi. Star Wars Identities is also an interactive exhibition, with creating your own unique character also part of the experience. If you've ever felt as though you should be hanging out in a cantina somewhere on a remote planet, here's your chance to answer a heap of questions, work through a series of stations and find your inner Star Wars hero. You won't need to use the force — rather, you'll receive a smart technology bracelet and a headset to use while you're in the exhibition (but if you want to say that you're using the force or even want to give midi-chlorians some credit, no one will stop you). The Powerhouse Museum is no stranger to Star Wars shenanigans, having hosted a weekend's worth of May the Fourth fun earlier this year. For those already planning their costumes for this 90-minute experience, you're welcome to attend as Han Solo, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker or whichever other character you'd like — but helmets and masks will need to be left in the cloak room, and you'll also need to leave your lightsabers at home.
First, the bad news: as much as fans of Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan's excellent Australian mystery series Deadloch want it to (and we do want it to), the first season of that stellar new show doesn't go on forever. Now, some news to help cope with that reality: come August, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will hit streaming to deliver another twisty Aussie affair. This one heads to the screen from the page, with Holly Ringland's 2018 novel getting the miniseries treatment. And, it features one helluva huge name leading the show. Alien and Ghostbusters legend Sigourney Weaver stars as June, the no-nonsense grandmother to the titular nine-year-old, in the seven-part drama — with the story kicking into gear when Alice loses her parents in suspicious circumstances. On the page and on Prime Video — where The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will debut on Friday, August 4 — Alice moves to Thornfield flower farm after the life-changing tragedy, and starts to find solace among its wildflower blooms. But her new home is also the place where secrets about her family and their past start to blossom. Wondering about the show's mood? In both the initial teaser trailer back in June and the just-dropped new full trailer now, the series emphasises that it hails from the producers of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers. Lambs of God's Sarah Lambert, Mustang FC's Kirsty Fisher and A League of Their Own's Kim Wilson penned the scripts, while Penguin Bloom's Glendyn Ivin directs every instalment. As well as Weaver as Alice's grandmother, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart stars Alycia Debnam-Carey (Fear the Walking Dead) as its namesake, plus Ayla Browne (Nine Perfect Strangers) as the younger version. The cast from there is a who's who of homegrown talent, including fellow Nine Perfect Strangers alum Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell (The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson), Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Hotel Mumbai), Xavier Samuel (The Clearing) and Alexander England (Black Snow). In sneak peeks that highlight the complex decades-spanning drama surrounding the titular character, the swirling lies and simmering mistrust, fire, the Aussie backdrop and the big-name stars, Frankie Adams (The Expanse), Charlie Vickers (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Sebastián Zurita (How to Survive Being Single). Check out the full trailer for The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart below: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will start streaming via Prime Video from Friday, August 4.
Haute couture. Murder. Disco tunes and Studio 54. Throw in one of the biggest names in fashion — and a tale that's filled with both glam and grim strands, too — and that's House of Gucci. Ranking highly among the most anticipated movies set to hit the big screen across the rest of 2021, this Ridley Scott (All the Money in the World)-directed drama steps inside the Gucci family fashion dynasty, charting its successes and shocking moments over the course of three tumultuous decades. If you've read the book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed, which this new film is based on, then you'll know the details. If you've seen news coverage about or can remember the events that rocked the Italian family back in 1995, you will as well. The focus: Maurizio Gucci, grandson of company founder Guccio Gucci, and the head of the fashion house throughout the 80s and early 90s — until he was assassinated by a hitman in 1995. Adam Driver steps into also Maurizio's unsurprisingly stylish shoes, in what's proving a big year for him in cinemas. He'll also grace the big screen in Scott's next film The Last Duel, which is due to release in October — a month before House of Gucci arrives in November. In the latter flick, he's joined by Lady Gaga in her first big-screen role since A Star Is Born, this time playing Maurizio's wife Patrizia. Obviously, there's quite the tale to tell — and, as the just-dropped first trailer for House of Gucci shows, Scott is going big on striking threads, 70s and 80s tunes and vibes, indulgence and luxury dripping through in every frame, and also an unavoidable air of melodrama. To help, the star-studded cast also includes Jared Leto (The Little Things) sporting plenty of prosthetics and makeup, as well as Al Pacino (The Irishman), Jeremy Irons (Love, Weddings and Other Disasters) and Salma Hayek (The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard). As the trailer reminds us, that's a whole lot of Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated talent in one flick. Check out the trailer below: House of Gucci will release in Australian cinemas on November 25.
With drought blighting the country, Australia just sweltering through its hottest summer on record, and severe storms popping up with frequency in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, there's little doubt that the earth's climate is changing. And while the subject has fuelled many a documentary in recent years, a new Australian film is taking a different approach. Rather than chronicling the bleak status quo, it ponders how we could improve things for the future. The second film from actor-turned-director Damon Gameau, 2040 sees the Aussie exploring areas such as climate, economics, technology, civil society, agriculture and sustainability — chatting with experts, assessing the best technology currently available and prognosticating on what life might be like if we were to embrace solutions that are being worked on today. Specifically, he muses on the state of the planet in 21 years time, using his young daughter as inspiration, with the doco framed as a letter to the now four-year-old. In his previous feature back in 2014, Gameau took on unhealthy diets by consuming a whole heap of sugary food — and given That Sugar Film's local success, it's hardly surprising that he's taking a personal approach to an important topic once again. 2040 premiered last month at the Berlin Film Festival, where it struck a chord with audiences, and will have its Aussie debut at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April before releasing around the country in May. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE&feature=youtu.be 2040 opens in Australian cinemas on May 23.
UPDATE: MARCH 11, 2019 — Due to the show on Saturday, April 20 selling out, Palais Theatre has announced a second David Gray show on Friday, April 20. Tickets start at $99.50. UK singer-songwriter David Gray has ticked off more than a few achievements in his 25-year career. His breakthrough album, White Ladder, became the biggest-selling record in Ireland of all time and he has gone on to receive BAFTA, Brit and Grammy nominations, plus a slate of other awards. Gray's seventh album, Life in Slow Motion, debuted at number eight on the Australian charts, establishing a firm fanbase Down Under ever since. And in good news for both new and existing fans, Gray is heading back our way in April to play Bluesfest, plus a handful of sideshows. His tour will be timed around the release of his eleventh album, Gold in a Brass Age — the first record of new material in four years. Head along to Palais Theatre on Saturday, April 20 to hear the entire record played live, including the new single 'The Sapling', plus an array of Gray's smash hits including 'Babylon', 'This Year's Love' and 'Sail Away'. To purchase tickets, head this way.
Clear your calendar. Check your annual leave balance. Dust off your biggest suitcase. In the space of less than 24 hours, not one but two dream vacation spots have added themselves back to everyone's must-visit lists — and, even better, to our can-visit lists. First came Japan, which'll drop its travel restrictions on individual international tourists in mid-October. Also announcing a big change to its border requirements: Hong Kong. The Special Administrative Region's Chief Executive John Lee advised on Friday, September 23 that it'll ditch compulsory hotel quarantine for incoming travellers from Monday, September 26. Yes, in a matter of days you'll be able to jet over to the popular getaway destination and enter without spending a stint holed up in a hotel first. The quarantine requirement will lift "for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan" after "analysing scientific data and striking a balance among factors such as transmission risks", the Hong Kong Government said in a statement. "The Government's goal is to minimise the inconvenience faced by inbound travellers due to quarantine requirements and allow room for Hong Kong to connect with the world as far as possible, while being able to contain the epidemic development." Also changing: testing requirements, with travellers no longer needing to provide a negative PCR test to enter Hong Kong from Monday, September 26, too. Rather, you'll have to show a negative COVID-19 result from a rapid antigen test, which needs to be taken within the 24 hours prior to getting on your flight. There are a few other caveats. A period of "medical surveillance" lasting three days applies, which requires self-monitoring from wherever you're staying in Hong Kong. And, during that period, travellers can't enter bars or restaurants — places considered "high-risk premises involving mask-off or group activities" — but they can use public transport, and shop in supermarkets and markets. You'll also need to undertake daily RATs for a week, and take a PCR test upon arrival — and on days two, four and six of your stay. Currently looking for your passport? Making big summer plans? Plotting out your bucket-list 2023 trip? That's understandable. Hong Kong's compulsory quarantine requirement will lift on Monday, September 26. For further information about travelling to Hong Kong, visit the Hong Kong Government's website.
Australia will soon get to see The Wind Rises (Kaze tachinu), the supposedly final work from Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro), who based the film on his own manga comic of the same name. Set in Japan pre-WWII, the critically acclaimed animated drama follows the life of a young flight-obsessed engineer who designs Japanese fighter planes, a plot inspired by the real-life creator of the Mitsubishi A5M and A6M Zero, Jiro Horikoshi. As the highest grossing Japanese film of 2013, The Wind Rises also took out the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. It sounds like a must-see for Studio Ghibli fans and aviation nerds, plus those keen to experience what sounds like the last film from a truly legendary animator. The film will play in Japanese and English, with respective subtitles. Its English language cast includes Joseph Gordon Levitt, Elijah Wood and Emily Blunt. The Wind Rises is in cinemas on Thursday, February 27, and thanks to Madman Films, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
After four years off the scene, The Espy — St Kilda's legendary waterside music pub — flung open its doors on Friday, November 23. But, rather than giving us everything at once, new owners Sand Hill Road opened it in stages. Which is fair, considering the sprawling establishment has 12 bars, two restaurants and three live music stages spread across six levels. The first eatery to open was the 450-seater Espy Kitchen, which is serving up pub classics and share plates, overseen by Executive Chef Ash Hicks (Circa, Garden State). Now, new Cantonese Restaurant, Mya Tiger and its accompanying cocktail bar have joined the action. Located on The Espy's (also new) fifth floor, this warm, welcoming space has dazzling vistas of Port Phillip Bay. The design — a collaboration between Sand Hill Road, Techne Architects and stylist Eleisha Gray — takes inspiration from two sources: St Kilda's 1850s Chinese cook-shops and the airy colonial architecture of Singapore's Raffles Hotel. Think plush gold and green velvet, lots of tassels, dark timbers and old-school fans. Expansive windows make the most of the watery views and, in warm weather, coastal breezes. Hicks put together the menu with Head Chef Sarah Chan (Longrain and Lotus Dining). At its heart is traditional Cantonese cooking, designed for sharing. Start out with sesame prawn toast and ginger chicken dumplings, then move onto roast duck and crispy pork belly, with a generous side of veggies, such as honey caramel eggplant or fried green beans with chilli and cashews. It's also a bit hard to go past the super-fresh seafood, be it XO pipis or typhoon king prawns. On the dessert menu you'll find mango coconut pudding, red bean pancake and an ice cream sandwich. These sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavours are well matched with the wine list, put together by sommelier Matt Skinner. It's big on fragrant whites and light reds, with a particular focus on riesling and pinot noir made by local producers. Following suit is the cocktail list, created by bar manager Kevin Peters in collaboration with Chan. On a summery evening, try the Beijing Peach, a heady concoction of Jasmine-infused vodka, lime and peach. Or, if you're in the mood for a harder hitter, there's the Chinese 5 Spice Highball, infused Havana Especial, Pepsi and citrus. Or help yourself to a craft brew from the self-serve beer fridge. Mya Tiger is now open on Level 5, The Espy, 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda. Images: Simon Shiff.
If you're a Harry Potter fan keen to relive the wonder of your favourite book-to-film series, you don't need to cast a spell or wind your time turner to get some wizarding fun. Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child might've followed the original franchise, but JK Rowling's boy-who-lived and his pals are never far away from a big screen — or a concert hall. After doing the honours with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, it's hardly surprising that this piece of prime movie and music magic for muggles has now turned its wand to the third flick in the series. From April 2018, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be heading to the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to screen the film while the score is played live by each city's symphony orchestras. Prepare for John Williams' Oscar-nominated music to echo through your ears as you watch Harry, Hermione, Ron and company meet Sirius Black, realise that they shouldn't believe every dark tale they hear, learn something new about their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and tussle with Peter Pettigrew. That means dogs, wolves, rats and Dementor's Kisses are all part of the action, plus Buckbeak the hippogriff, and trips to The Leaky Cauldron and the Shrieking Shack. It's arguably the best movie in the series, as directed by a pre-Gravity Alfonso Cuarón, and it's certain to prove even more enchanting with live music. We've said it before and we'll say it again — will sell like pumpkin pasties, so get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert teams up with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House from 18 - 20 April 2018, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for two shows on 19 May 2018, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8 - 9 November 2018. For more information, head to the SSO, QSO and MSO websites.
Belles Hot Chicken has flirted with all sorts of chook-centric creations over the years, but, this time round, it's teaming up with Shin Ramyun for a spicy limited-edition menu. And, yes, it includes fried chicken ramen. For the collab with the Korean instant noodle brand, Belles Head Chef and Co-Founder Morgan McGlone has created two ramen dishes and Korean-style chicken wings. Available for one day only on Saturday, April 18 at the Belles Elizabeth Street store, the limited-edition menu features a fried chicken ramen with egg and fried spam, a ramen with Cloudy Bay clams and shiitake mushrooms, and wings with Korean fried chicken sauce and green onion. We expect this is going to get very busy, so get there early if you want to snag yourself a bowl. Belles x Shin Ramyun menu is from 12pm till sold out.
When working nine to five isn't panning out for Raylene 'Red 'Delaney (Krew Boylan, A Place to Call Home), she does what all folks should: takes Dolly Parton's advice. Pouring yourself a cup of ambition is never simple, but when you're a Parton-obsessed Australian eager to make all things Dolly your living, it's a dream that no one should be allowed to shatter. That's the delightful idea behind Seriously Red, which pushes Parton worship to the next level — and idolising celebrities in general — while tracking Red's quest to make it, cascading blonde wigs atop her natural flame-hued tresses and all, as a Dolly impersonator. That's a wonderfully flamboyant concept, too, as brought to the screen with a surreal 'Copy World' filled with other faux superstars; enlisting Rose Byrne (Physical) as an Elvis mimic is particularly inspired. Seriously Red doesn't just get its namesake adhering to Parton's wisdom, whether sung or spoken over the icon's 55-year career. It also splashes the country music queen's adages like "find out who you are and do it on purpose" across its frames as well. They help give the film structure and assist in setting the tone, as this rhinestone-studded movie comedically but earnestly explores two universal struggles. Everyone wants to be true to themselves, and to work out what that means. We all yearn to spend our days chasing our heart's real desires, too. As penned by Boylan in her debut script, and directed by fellow feature first-timer Gracie Otto (after documentaries The Last Impresario and Under the Volcano, plus episodes of The Other Guy, Bump, Heartbreak High and more), Seriously Red spots a big question lurking in these missions for Red, however — because what does it mean when being yourself and scoring your dream gig means being someone else? When the film begins, Red isn't loving or even liking her lot in life, and definitely doesn't want to keep the status quo on purpose. Tension lingers in her real-estate valuer job and at home, where she's turned her mum Viv's (Jean Kittson, Fat Pizza: Back in Business) garage into a flat — and the daily tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, then to work, is a grind. Even worse, she's tricked into showing up to the company party in her Dolly regalia to be the butt of the office's jokes, although it does get her an in with an impersonator talent agent. Teeth (Celeste Barber, The Letdown) sees an opportunity, Red is willing to take it, and employment and a whole new world follows. Still, Viv can't see how going full Dolly can pay the bills, withholding her support. Also at home, Red's friendship with her best mate Francis (Thomas Campbell, Love and Monsters) feels the strain. Just like its protagonist, embracing this trip down the impersonator rabbit hole — using a Parton-shaped key and plenty of pluck — is easy for Seriously Red. It revels in the look and feel of all things Dolly from outfits to paraphernalia; if something is adorned in a Parton-esque way, this film will likely always love it, short of the flick becoming a movie version of Dollywood. Plunging into the Copy World happens with just as much spirit and affection, and with gags like Dannii Minogue as a Dannii Minogue impersonator. Trevor Ashley's Barbra Streisand tribute gets a whirl, and everyone from Elton John and Freddie Mercury to Madonna and George Michael scores a doppelgänger. If The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Muriel's Wedding spring to mind — because movies about taking to the stage in big, camp theatrical displays based around music legends has long been in Aussie cinema's DNA — there's a tangible link to the former courtesy of Oscar-winning costume designer Tim Chappel. It should come as no surprise, too, that Boylan's script has Red team up with a Kenny Rogers impersonator (Daniel Webber, Billy the Kid), including to do more than croon 'Islands in the Stream'. In the business, as she flits around the country and even the world busting out her best Dolly, there's no shortage of people who respect the gig — Bobby Cannavale (The Watcher) plays Wilson, an ex-Neil Diamond impersonator-turned-agency owner, as another example — but Seriously Red's Kenny is something else. He lives like his hero 24/7, right down to the attire, locks and facial hair. He's also made 'The Gambler' singer's moniker legally his. And, he's the impetus for Red making a similarly hearty commitment, then also evaluating whether Dolly or Red should actually come first. Glimmering with the same fantastical vibe that gleefully silly recent new instant comedy classic Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar also boasted — cinematographer Toby Oliver lenses both, roving over jewel tones here instead of pastels — there's more verve and attitude than poise to Seriously Red. That always feels fitting. There's a scrappiness to being even the best impersonator, as Red's Parton shows; over and over, she sums up the bulk of the movie. While the film can fall on the awkward side of comic, and its dramatic beats aren't quite in tune (see: Red's conflicts with her family and friends), that can-do attitude keeps shining. Of course a feature about taking a big swing does that itself again and again. Of course a picture about adoring and taking life advice from a legend that has never let anyone else define her, and has proven the epitome of kindness-fuelled resilience over her time in the spotlight, dances to its own song as well. Parton's music isn't always as bright as her smile, though, a truth that Seriously Red also works with. This Dolly-approved flick — with her likeness so prominent and her music instrumental, including sung by both Boylan and the artist herself, it couldn't have happened without Parton's seal of approval — grapples with Red's lows as well as highs. It shows the impact that her self-centred behaviour has on others, too, and the way the world often beams anything but sunshine her way. As an actor, Boylan weathers those ebbs and flows with adaptability and commitment. As a performer playing an aspiring performer whose whole routine is based on another performer, she ensures that Red's raw edges are never buffed away. As a writer, Boylan noticeably leans on tropes, but Seriously Red doesn't need to beg its viewers to have an entertaining time.
It's a scenario that every Australian can relate to: it's summer, the temperature has reached scorching levels and you can hear the sounds of someone splashing around in a cool, refreshing pool. Alas, those noises aren't emanating from your own pool, because you don't have one — and you don't know your neighbours well enough to just pop by for a dip. And, maybe your local swimming spot is too far away, you don't live near the beach or the nearest public pool is closed for the day. Add all of the above together, and you're stuck trying to cool down in the bath or under the fan. Enter Swimply, a service that's operational in nearly 20 American states, just launched in Toronto in Canada, and is set to head to Australia by summer, according to Lonely Planet. Like every other service that's popped up in today's sharing economy, it's all about renting out something that one person has and doesn't use all of the time, to another person that has a short-term need. In this case, it lets folks with pools lease out their backyard swimming spots when they're not in use, and lets folks without pools find a place for a splash. If you fall into the latter category, you can look for a spot by the day or for a weekend. If you're after a pool with specific facilities and inclusions — such as a changing area, lounge chairs, wifi, a shady spot to sit under and heated waters — you can do that too. Prices aren't particularly cheap, hovering around the US$40 mark for a day, but if you're planning a dip with your pals and can split the cost, it's much more affordable. Add Swimply to the list of Airbnb-like ventures popping up — services that let you stay in architecturally significant houses, the homes of friends of friends, camping grounds, and caravans and campervans; rent out your spare room to refugees; find a music studio; and take care of your luggage needs overseas. This one sounds particularly enticing, however, especially as the warmer weather starts to hit. For further details, visit Swimply's website and Facebook page.
A plug nickel is a five cent coin where the "plug", or centre disk, has been removed to decrease its value. The guys from Dr Morse may have named their new hole-in-the-wall café after one of them because, well, it's not much more than a hole punched into the wall — but while Plug Nickel is definitely small, it's by no means short of value. Located just off Smith Street a few doors up from Lazerpig, Plug Nickel only has ten seats. The reasoning behind this bare bones layout is that this pocket of Collingwood already has Proud Mary and Major Major; it didn't need another sit-down speciality coffee café. Plug Nickel instead focuses on takeaway food and coffee — and you don't need many seats for that. So how do they produce edibles in a space so small? Well, food is prepared at Dr Morse on Johnston Street every morning and brought over to the Peel Street space. It's then placed, on request, into their high-tech Turbo Chef oven, which heats up food in three minutes and takes it from cold, to hot, to crispy. "Our whole thing is to have food and coffee out the door within three minutes," says Lucien Kolff, one of Plug Nickel's owners. "It fits with our whole ethos of getting things out as fast and efficiently as possible. But it's not like we're just chucking it in the microwave. It's good food." A small takeaway menu features breakfast roti, pork sandwiches, sausage rolls, pies, noodle salads and soup. They also have two cold coffee taps installed on the back bar. One pours Nitro Black, a single origin espresso infused with nitrogen that tastes like a creamy, fizzy cold coffee. The other serves Sparkling Cascara, which sees dried berries from the coffee plant brewed like tea for 48 hours. It tastes like iced tea, but is still highly caffeinated. There might not be a kitchen at Plug Nickel, but there is a hairdresser and a bike shop. After acquiring the heritage space, the owners decided it would be too disjointed to have seating in the other rooms. So they rented it out to their hairdresser friend Ginger Light, who has opened her one-seat salon Ginger Hair. Bike shop Northside Wheelers plan to be open and running in the next room by mid-June.
Insta-worthy eats and drinks are one thing, but a world-class food scene isn't built on the edible stuff alone. There's also a stack of gorgeous design work behind the most memorable hospitality venues and it's this very aspect that's celebrated at the annual Eat Drink Design Awards. As Australia and New Zealand's only hospitality design awards program, the Eat Drink Design Awards recognise hospo design gems across both countries, from restaurants, bars, and cafes, through to temporary spaces. While the 2017 award winners won't be chosen by the jury until November, the shortlist was revealed today and, as expected, it's packed full of all those cafes, bars, and restaurants your inner style nerd has been drooling over this past year or so. Local nominees for Best Bar Design include Hecker Guthrie's revamp of The George on Collins, Studio Y.'s work on Stomping Ground Brewery and Biasol for Mordialloc's Bang Bang. Mim Design for Au79, Six Degrees Architects for Cromwell STREAT and FOolscap Studio's compact design for Sensory Lab are among the projects shortlisted for Best Cafe Design, while the likes of Uncle Collins Street, Anchovy, the new Wilson & Market and Architects EAT's all-day venue Abacus are being considered for the Best Restaurant Design gong. Other categories being selected include Best Installation Design, Best Identity Design, and Best Retail Design. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 14 in Melbourne. For the full list of nominees, visit their website.
If the Scream franchise can make another comeback — and, come January 2022, it will again — then another late 90s horror series can pop up again, too. Both Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer were penned by the same screenwriter, they each followed slashers terrorising teens and, on-screen, they pushed Party of Five cast members to the fore. Now, as Scream already did between 2015–19, I Know What You Did Last Summer is heading to the small screen. We know what you'll be doing this spring, clearly. Once again, Lois Duncan's 1973 novel of the same name will come to life — and yes, a car accident will play a pivotal part here as well. This time, the show's group of teenagers find themselves being stalked by a killer a year after their graduation night turned bloody. You know how it goes from there, with I Know What You Did Last Summer's central characters forced to try to stay alive while they're also still attempting to hide their secret — and they need to work out who's swinging weapons their way, obviously. To flesh out the underlying concept over the course of the series, this version of the story is set to ponder everything else that lurks in the key figures' seemingly perfect town, so it's taking a few more cues from Scream there as well. On-screen, Madison Iseman (Jumanji: The Next Level), Bill Heck (Locke & Key), Brianne Tju (47 Metres Down: Uncaged), Ezekiel Goodman (Dragonfly), Ashley Moore (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping), Sebastian Amoruso (Solve), Fiona Rene (Underwater), Cassie Beck (Joe Bell) and Brooke Bloom (The Sinner) will be endeavouring to survive — or, maybe one of them is the killer? Australian director and horror genre hitmaker James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw, Insidious) executive produces the series, while Sara Goodman is in the writer's chair. Amazon Prime Video will start airing I Know What You Did Last Summer from Friday, October 15, with new episodes dropping weekly until Friday, November 12. The streaming platform has also just dropped an initial teaser trailer, if you're wondering how the premise shapes up almost a quarter-century after the original film. And no, there's no word if Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe or Freddie Prinze Jr will make cameos in the series. Check out the first teaser trailer below: I Know What You Did Last Summer starts streaming via Amazon Prime Video on Friday, October 15.
Writers' festivals are getting more and more 'with it' these days. People wear shirts with hashtags on them, you're encouraged to live-tweet questions for authors on panels, and the events are no longer held at local library reading rooms, but cool back-alley warehouse spaces. The kind of place where everyone's wearing black-rimmed glasses and talking about Tao Lin. All this is old news now however, as the Emerging Writers' Festival has just announced the creation of the world's first exclusively online writers' festival to take place in February 2014. While writers' festivals once lamented the damning effects of the internet and digital technology on the written word, the Digital Writers' Festival will be a 12-day celebration of it. Digital publishing, eBooks, alt lit, fan fic, webcams and Twitterbots — the publishing industry and the nature of writing itself has transformed dramatically in even the past few years, and DWF is going to be a dedicated space in which to examine it. This also has a huge impact on accessibility. Do you live in the Northern Territory and always feel jealous when you see pictures of the Melbourne Writers' Festival? Maybe you live in Melbourne, but never felt quite cool enough to head along to the events. Perhaps you tried, but got lost looking for the event down a laneway? The DWF will be the first truly accessible festival for a vast array of people all over country, and more than that, the world. Admittedly it could all be a little confusing though. We talked to the new DWF Director, Connor Tomas O'Brien about what the festival will be and how it will all work. We talked on Twitter because that's what the cool kids do now, right? Right? The full DWF program of events and artists will be released in January 2014.
Architecture aficionados and self-confessed sticky-beaks, listen up. The historic city of Bendigo, located an easy two-hour drive from Melbourne, will throw the doors open on some of its top buildings for one weekend next month. Across October 27–28, locals and visitors will get the chance to see inside spaces that are generally closed to the public. A boom town during the gold rush period, Bendigo is home to a rich architectural heritage that has been met with rapid development in recent years. Hop on one of the vintage trams and explore the city from the inside. The Open House weekend is a chance to engage with city planners and discuss Bendigo's design future. Visitors are welcome to explore the iconic designs of the city, from private homes and heritage buildings to commercial and civic developments. Over 20 buildings will be on display — highlights include the $630 million Bendigo Hospital (the largest regional hospital development in Victoria), along with B House, a newly completed, bespoke three-bedroom townhouse designed by E+ Architecture. Plus, you can enter the historic Beehive Building while its still under renovation. The building was designed by the famed Charles Webb (the architect behind Melbourne's Royal Arcade) and erected in 1864. Alongside the program will be a series of talks and public workshops. For more information or to pre-book tours, head to the Open House Bendigo website.
Beer, wine and spirits of all sorts – whatever your poison, you'll find it at the Australian Drinks Festival. Formerly known as Top Shelf, this annual event is all about the alcohol, featuring workshops, panels and live entertainment, along with all the free samples you can (responsibly) drink. Held once again at the Royal Exhibition Building, this year's festival is set for July 16-17. Think of it as a non-stop two-day happy hour. Take part in a blind beer tasting and sip cocktails from any one of a number of pop-up bars. You can also learn the tricks of the trade from some of the biggest names in bar culture, including gin expert Elly Baxter and world-renowned bartender Iain Griffiths. As for food, you needn't worry – some of Melbourne's best food trucks will be on-site, including That Arancini Guy, Chilli Express and Franklins Classic American Hotdogs.
Another day, another new film festival announcement — and while we've probably made that claim before, it really is beginning to prove accurate. Come August, movie buffs will be able to immerse themselves in the big screen wonders of Latin America courtesy of Palace Cinemas' newest fest. Meet CINE LATINO: A New Festival of Latin American Cinema. Not content with adding an American indie showcase and an Aussie offshoot of the documentary-focused Hot Docs to the mix already this year, the arthouse cinema chain is keeping the festivals coming. Screening in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide, CINE LATINO is the first country-wide event dedicated to Latin American cinema in Australia, featuring films from Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala and more. Given that Latin America is made up of 20 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries with over 600 million people — and has given rise to recent Oscar winners Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón — there's certain to be plenty of flicks to choose from. That'll be the task of Alex Castro, who previously oversaw the Melbourne Latin American Film Festival from 2004 to 2007. That makes quite the number of cultural touring film fests gracing the cinema outfit's big screens in 2016, with the French Film Festival currently doing the rounds, the Spanish Film Festival rolling out from April, and the Scandinavian, Israeli, Italian and British festivals also on Palace's slate throughout the year — not that we're keeping count or anything. And while you'll never hear us complaining about too many film festivals, we are mighty curious about what new niche they might move into next. CINE LATINO: A New Festival of Latin American Cinema will screen in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide from August 11 to 31. For more information, keep an eye on the festival website. Image: Ixcanul (2015).
Calling all history buffs: now is an excellent time to plan a long weekend in Canberra, with an incredible exhibition celebrating the might of the Roman Empire arriving at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) on Friday, September 21. Rome: City and Empire is a collaborative exhibition with the British Museum and makes the NMA only the second institution to host it worldwide — and the only museum that will do so in Australia. The exhibition showcases over 200 jaw-dropping objects, including marble sculptures, illustrations, geometric jewellery, gold medallions and burial chests — many of which have never toured internationally, let alone reached the Southern Hemisphere. This is once-in-a-lifetime stuff. Whether you're a history aficionado who smashes all the ancient Rome questions at trivia or a total novice, the exhibition offers an opportunity to step back in time to experience what daily life was like in one of the most sophisticated, culturally diverse and creative civilisations the world has ever known. You'll leave with an insight into just how Rome became such a mighty empire — one whose aesthetics, ingenuity and approach to design continue to influence us today. Rome: City and Empire will run from Friday, September 21, 2018 to Sunday, February 3, 2019. Tickets can be purchased via the NMA's website. Images: Fragment of a diadem, Naukratis, Egypt, 67–98 CE, gold; Roman Republican coin for Julius Caesar minted in Rome, Italy, 44 BCE, silver; Mosaic panel, Halicarnassus (modern Bodrum), Turkey, 4th century CE ©Trustees of the British Museum
If you woke up this morning and got yourself a hankering for one of the best TV shows ever made, here's some good news: a big-screen prequel to The Sopranos is on its way. Fourteen years after HBO's hit mobster drama cut to black, creator David Chase has penned The Many Saints of Newark, which jumps back to Tony Soprano's formative years in the 60s and 70s. And, because family was always a huge part of the influential drama, the film's central role is played by Michael Gandolfini (The Deuce, Cherry) — son of the late, great James Gandolfini. The Many Saints of Newark hops into Soprano's story when he's a teen in the titular New Jersey city — a place under the sway of the DiMeo crime family, struggling with race relations and about to be caught up in the race riots of 1967. Young Anthony plans to go to college, but he also has a strong relationship with his uncle Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola, The Art of Self-Defense). Fans of The Sopranos will recognise the name, with Dickie the father of series regular Christopher Moltisanti. As the just-dropped first trailer for The Many Saints of Newark shows, Anthony's connection to his uncle will have a huge impact on his life — and on his path to becoming the ziti-loving, panic attack-suffering, hot-tempered mob boss that The Sopranos followed for six seasons between 1999–2007. Leaving a significant imprint on the film: the casting of the younger Gandolfini. Even from just this initial sneak peek, it's impossible to imagine this movie being made without him stepping into his dad's shoes. Whether director Alan Taylor, a veteran of The Sopranos, gives Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' a whirl in the feature is yet to be seen. It doesn't pop up in the trailer, though. Of course, when the film releases in cinemas in September, The Sopranos aficionados can definitely look forward to spending time with a few familiar characters other than Young Anthony — including Corey Stoll (The Report) as Uncle Junior, Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) as Anthony's mother Livia, and Billy Magnussen (Made for Love) and John Magaro (First Cow) as his future righthand men Paulie Walnuts and Silvio Dante. Leslie Odom Jr (One Night in Miami) and Jon Bernthal (Those Who Wish Me Dead) also co-star, while seeing Ray Liotta (Marriage Story) jump back into the gangster genre immediately conjures up memories of Goodfellas — the Martin Scorsese classic that also charted the rise of a young man within the mob. Check out the trailer below: The Many Saints of Newark releases in Australian cinemas on September 23.
As if Bill Murray's moustache wasn't excitement enough, the entire soundtrack to Wes Anderson's new film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, is currently streaming ahead of its release at Pitchfork. And true to the director's form, the 32 songs have enough whimsy and intrigue in them to knock Jude Law on his pipe-smoking, tweed-wearing back. Unlike Anderson's more gutsy early offerings like Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, the Grand Budapest soundtrack easily favours Russian folk songs over anything like The Ramones or The Velvet Underground. In that way, it's much more akin to the music found in Moonrise Kingdom or Fantastic Mr. Fox — one could easily imagine the characters scurrying around while looking at ornate objects from above. In fact, that's what the film looks like as a whole. From the trailers already released it seems much less like Wes's early, thoughtful character studies, and much more a madcap reunion of his on-screen favourites. Not that we're ones to complain about another opportunity to see Jason Schwartzman with cigarettes morosely hanging out of his mouth, or Bill Murray in high-waisted pants. Like all things Wes, this soundtrack is an acquired taste. If you're already a fan, the music has the ability to transport you — its folksiness is almost otherworldly. If you're not, we recommend you stay clear of it. If Wes couldn't win you over with The Beatles and Elliott Smith, I doubt the Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra is going to do the trick. The Grand Budapest Hotel will be released in Australian cinemas on April 10. Stream the soundtrack here.
For many designers, their work is developed through experimentation with new materials, while for others their entire body of work is dedicated to exploring the potential of only one. Jan Gunneweg falls into that latter category, and his material of choice is wood. Gunneweg's workshop in the Netherlands is filled with beautifully crafted traditional wooden objects, such as benches, desks and tables. However, it is also filled with some fairly non-traditional ones, including sunglasses, which he creates by hand. His wooden bicycles, though, have garnered Gunneweg the most attention of late. Gunneweg's bikes are both technically and aesthetically beautiful, as well as practical, and are made out of solid walnut or birchwood. And while Genneweg's has plans to produce bikes which are far easier (and cheaper) to make, assemble and ship overseas, at present he is only making to order. Understandably too, as each takes between 160 and 200 man hours to create. Quite an impressive labour of love, and a rather nice way to get around town this summer - especially if you can afford the matching sunglasses.
Get ready for 18 days of around-the-block queues and arguing with people who refuse to put away their phone. That's right, Melbourne movie lovers: the Melbourne International Film Festival is a mere three-and-a-bit weeks away, and the freshly spoiled lineup is as diverse and enticing as ever. Of the more than 300 films and 52 countries represented on this year's MIFF program, the Australian contingent looks particularly impressive. The festival kicks off on July 31 with the world premiere of Predestination, a time travel thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Noah Taylor. Tony Ayres' period crime film Cut Snake has been tapped for the centrepiece gala, while closing night will feature Joel Edgerton and Melissa George in the Melbourne-set police drama Felony. Other local highlights include SXSW's Aussie darling The Infinite Man; Amiel Courtin-Wilson's grim but beautiful new drama Ruin; a destined-to-offend reboot of the classic Ozploitation film Turkey Shoot; and the latest cine-centric documentary from Not Quite Hollywood director Mark Hartley, Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films. American indie cinema will also have a strong showing this year, with major titles including Richard Linklater's 12-year passion project Boyhood, Kelly Reichardt's lauded environmental thriller Night Moves and James Gray's fourth consecutive Palme d'Or competitor The Immigrant. Nicholas Cage, meanwhile, proves he still knows how to act as the titular character in David Gordon Green's new character piece Joe, while Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig give rare dramatic performances in The Skeleton Twins, which also won a screenwriting award at Sundance. Speaking of major festival winners, MIFF patrons can look forward to not one but two new films from Quebecois enfant terrible Xavier Dolan, in the form of the breathtaking mother-son drama Mommy and the tense psychological thriller Tom at the Farm. The former film shared the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival with Goodbye to Language, a 3D experimental work from the 83-year-old Jean Luc-Godard. The tense, strikingly shot Czech drama Honeymoon won Jan Hrebejk directing accolades at his native Karlovy Vary last July, while a little closer home, the Dardenne Brothers' Two Days, One Night deservedly took the top prize at this year's Sydney Film Festival. Melbourne's programmers have also continued their impressive run of Asian cinema, with standouts including Wong Kar-wai's long awaited martial arts epic The Grandmaster and the immaculately photographed Chinese neo-noir Black Coal, Thin Ice. More daring MIFFers might also want to check out the latest blood-soaked opus from Japanese provocateur Sion Sono, Why Don't You Play in Hell, described by Film.com critic David Ehrlich as "quite possibly mankind's greatest achievement". From the documentary section, no film buff should skip Jodorowsky's Dune, a fascinating and often hilarious look at what many people consider the single greatest movie never made. Also on tap: master documentarian Errol Morris probes the mind of former US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld in The Unknown Known, while Michel Gondry animates a series of interviews with Noam Chomsky, posing the question Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?. Alternatively, if all that sounds too challenging, maybe try I Am Big Bird, a no-holds-barred expose about Sesame Street's resident yellow pigeon. MIFF 2014 runs from July 31 until August 17. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 11am on Friday, July 11. For more information, visit the MIFF website
When Christmas and New Year are over, the temptation to hibernate grows pretty strong — so, you're probably going to need a little something extra to tempt you off the couch come January. Handily, online reservation platform The Fork has a winning idea up its sleeve: it's offering a huge five weeks of dining specials nationwide. Kicking off on Monday, January 6, the second ever The Fork Festival will see top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for half the usual price. Yep, 50 percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. So far, 300 restaurants have signed up, but The Fork is expecting this number to grow to over 500 by January. To snag a half-price meal, you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the five weeks. [caption id="attachment_653288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boathouse at Blackwattle Bay by Kitti Gould.[/caption] There are some great venues coming to the party, too. In Sydney, you'll find discounted eats at the likes of Eliza Food and Wine, Uccello, The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, Berowra Waters Inn, Butcher and the Farmer and Little Jean. Melbourne spots include Tulum Restaurant, Pascale Bar & Grill and Meat and Wine Co in South Yarra and Hawthorn. Brisbane folk can score discounts at the likes of Corbett & Claude and Malt Dining, and Perth diners should put Hunter and Barrel and Meat and Wine Co. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discount feasts before the festival wraps up on February 9. The Fork Festival runs from January 6–February 9. The full list of participating restaurants will be released on the website on January 6. Top image: Eliza Food and Wine, Sydney.
FBi Radio's boots are getting bigger, better and shinier by the day —for the first time ever, Sydney's independent radio legends are launching an Australia-wide competition. Extending their Northern Lights competition nationwide — in which FBi flies two above-and-beyond newbies to Iceland Airwaves Festival in Reykjavik — FBi are looking for talent across Australia this time. A hotly-anticipated date on the music festival calendar, Iceland Airwaves has seen everyone from Bjork to Omar Souleyman, Savages to Harpa Silfurberg playing to packed halls of Icelandic and international fans. FBi competition's now in its third year, offer two winning spots to join the Airwaves lineup — one solo producer/artist, one band. With the help of philanthropist Mitchel Martin-Weber, this marks one of FBi's biggest-scale competitions to date, kicking another goal after yesterday's FBi Click launch. Winners of the first Northern Lights, Oliver Tank and Rainbow Chan, have seen super success following their Icelandic escapade (with Tank supporting Lorde on her recent national tour and Chan joining the lineup for Vivid LIVE's recent Avalanches tribute Since I Left You, no biggie). "It really changed my life that whole trip. It was so incredible," says Tank. "I got to play music overseas before I’d even done that many gigs in Australia. And there were people over there that were interested in my music and that just blew my mind. It was like a dream come true. It was such an experience." A national callout means a national road trip for FBi, taking their Music Open Day (a monthly staple event for FBi where new bands/artists can meet FBi music director Stephen Goodhew and learn how to get their music on radio) to community stations around the country. "Over 300 artists have been to Music Open Day in the last 12 months," says Goodhew. "Oliver Tank, Cloud Control, Gang of Youths, Movement are all examples of the kind of talent that have responded to and engaged with our Music Open Day in the past and gone on to establish themselves as prominent figures in the Australian music scene. It’s a great way to discover new talent and give emerging musicians some valuable advice about the industry." To apply for a spot at Iceland Airwaves and enter FBi Radio's Northern Lights competition, you simply have to be an emerging solo artist/producer or band (and an Australian resident). Head to FBi's website to throw your name in the ring from June 26 - July 21. Music Open Day is on the road from July 11-18. 11 July - Brisbane's 4ZZZ 15 July - Adelaide's Fresh FM 16 July - Perth's RTR FM
It swept cities across the nation into a sugar-dusted frenzy when its pop-up 'dessert museum' travelled the country. Now, the team behind the nostalgic Sugar Republic and festive Christmasland is taking its sweet-toothed fantasies to a whole new level, announcing plans to open Australia's first-ever sweets-inspired accommodation. Not a whole lot of info has dropped just yet, but we do know the Sugar Republic Sweet Retreat will be opening its doors in Daylesford, Victoria, this autumn. And it's set to be a true candy-coated affair, complete with sugar-themed suites you can stay in, play in and take some rather dashing snaps in. https://www.facebook.com/SugarRepublic.au/posts/456179658379936 Expect a B&B-style getaway, decked out with sweet additions like private ball pits, free candy and even cherry-scented wallpaper. If the original Sugar Republic pop-ups are anything to go by, you can bank on some pretty wild, OTT styling, with a healthy dose of pink, lots of textures and primo selfie opportunities aplenty. While only one has been announced for now, we're hoping more will open across the country in due time, too. Sugar Republic Sweet Retreat is set to open in Daylesford this autumn. We'll keep you posted with more info as it drops. Top images: Sugar Republic's Christmasland by Kate Shanasy.
Since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has given travellers a decidedly cool place to stay each winter. December hits, and the site reveals its new super-chilled rooms — the kind that are carved out of ice and only around for a short time, as they'll melt once the weather gets warmer. They're not just any old slabs of ice and snow in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, however. As part of its annual tradition, the accommodation provider calls for designers and artists to unleash their chilly ideas — then unveils their wondrous creations to travellers. In the 2019–20 crop? A pride of lions chiselled out of cold substances, an icy depiction of Santorini, a frozen cabin in the woods and a space that resembles a grand theatre. Or, perhaps you'd like to climb into a cat's lair, sleep in a room filled with giant ice bones, stare at a frosty version of a kaleidoscope, be watched over by huge hands or curl up in a book in a more literal sense than usual. The 'Golden Ice' room certainly stands out among the new additions, too — it shimmers with its titular hue. [caption id="attachment_755983" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ICEHOTEL 30 | Art Suite The 6th Feeling | Design Ekaterina Barsukova and Vladimir Barsukov | Photo Asaf Kliger | © ICEHOTEL[/caption] Now open until April 2019, the fresh blend of ice and creativity features 35 one-of-a-kind rooms in total, as crafted by 33 artists from 16 different countries. They're made from more than 30,000 cubic metres of snice — that's a mix of snow and ice — from the local Torne River. As well as places to sleep, the new iteration also includes an ice bar, a 75-metre-long ice ceremony hall, a four-metre-tall outdoor ice sculpture that people can enter and an icy observation deck with views of the northern lights. [caption id="attachment_755986" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ICEHOTEL 30 | Icebar by Icehotel Torneland | Design Mathieu Brison & Luc Voisin | Photo Asaf Kliger | © ICEHOTEL[/caption] If you're a fan of the kind of coldness that the southern hemisphere doesn't see at this time of the year (especially at the moment), but you can't make it to Icehotel's cold climes during the northern winter, don't worry — in addition to its annual slate of artistic suites, Icehotel is open all year round. It includes 20 permanent suites, an ice bar, plus private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings. Icehotel 30 runs until April 14, 2020. For further information, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
For Melburnians, this long weekend is a little different to most. Lockdown might be over, but a number of restrictions still remain. Heading to a big music festival isn't on the cards, for instance — but, because we now live in a time where virtual fests are becoming the norm, The Long Weekender is bringing six hours of Victorian music highlights straight to your couch. The latest event in the Victoria Together initiative — aka the online program that delivered plenty of things to watch during 2020's lengthy stay-at-home periods — The Long Weekender will stream a heap of past festival sets from plenty of the state's big events. Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Golden Plains and Yirramboi Festival are all covered, as are Summersalt, Share The Spirit, Brunswick Music Festival, Roots Picnic and A Day On The Green. You'll just need to head to ACMI's streaming service, Cinema 3, between 12pm–12am on Monday, June 14, and turn your volume up loud. Myf Warhurst is on hosting duties and, if you're wondering who'll be belting out tunes, it's a hefty lineup. Everyone from Courtney Barnett and Archie Roach to You Am I and Frente! is on the bill — with no clashes, no queues and no worries about rushing between stages. THE LONG WEEKENDER LINEUP: Adalita Alex Lahey Alice Skye Allara feat. Culture Evolves Archie Roach Cable Ties Courtney Barnett Djirri Djirri Dancers The Black Sorrows The Cat Empire The Dirty Three Frente! Hachiku James Henry King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard Loose Tooth Magic Dirt The Meanies Mo'Ju Sampa The Great Spiderbait Simona Castricum Sleep D The Teskey Brothers Total Giovanni You Am I Top image: Falls Festival.
What boasts a hefty lineup of First Nations talent, is all about celebrating Blak excellence in music and culture, and will take over Hanging Rock for one spring Sunday? Australia's newest music festival. What features a jam-packed lineup hand-picked by Briggs (with a thank you to Paul Kelly), and includes Baker Boy, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum, Christine Anu and more on the bill? That same must-attend event, aka First & Forever. The day-long, picnic-style fest will make its debut on Sunday, November 27 in the Macedon Ranges spot, and sport a clear focus: showcasing and highlighting First Nations artists and performers. Indeed, the 20-plus acts announced so far spans an impressive range of names, featuring everyone from Budjerah, King Stingray and Sycco through to Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Electric Fields, Ziggy Ramo and Barkaa. [caption id="attachment_872292" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Georgia Wallace[/caption] The specific Hanging Rock venue has been named The Gathering Place for the event, acknowledging the people of the Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung who have long met there, and also the power of Country. First & Forever is also paying tribute to the late Archie Roach by dubbing its stage the 'Uncle Archie Stage'. If this seems like the kind of festival that Australia should've always had, that's because it is — and it came about via a chance meeting between Briggs and late Mushroom founder Michael Gudinski AM. "For years I'd had an idea for a First Nations-led contemporary music festival, something cool and boutique that was really about the music and culture," said Briggs. "When Gudinski called me about a similar idea he'd had, we found this really collaborative working relationship. We both had a passionate approach to Melbourne, Victorian music, and amplifying Blakfellas' stories. MG got the ball rolling. After he passed, the ball was in my court. I had to take it home." Adds Kelly: "My last conversation with Michael just over a week before he died was backstage at Archie [Roach's] concert. [MG] was bubbling with ideas for a new project, a big concert with headlining First Nations artists... he urged me to get involved. I said no to Michael many times over the years and I said yes lots. I'm glad I said yes this last time." [caption id="attachment_862591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Morgan Sette[/caption] FIRST & FOREVER 2022 LINEUP: Baker Boy Budjerah Jessica Mauboy King Stingray Sycco Thelma Plum Alice Skye Busby Marou Christine Anu Dan Sultan Electric Fields Emma Donovan Tasman Keith Ziggy Ramo Barkaa Birdz Dameeeela Jess Hitchcock Jk-47 Kardajala Kirridarra Kobie Dee and more First & Forever takes place on Sunday, November 27 at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock, in Victoria's Macedon Ranges. Ticket pre-sales start at 11am AEDT on Tuesday, October 11, with general sales from 11am AEDT on Friday, October 14. For more information, head to the festival website.
Here's some tasty news for anyone who's been mourning the loss of Pope Joan since the cafe shut its doors a little over six months ago: Matt Wilkinson's Brunswick East legend lives again, this time in the form of a two-month CBD pop-up. The favourite neighbourhood eatery is setting up shop in the Collins Street space most recently home to The Mayfair, which suddenly closed its doors just last weekend, plating up its signature sandwiches and mod-Aus fare all day, every weekday, from February 4 through to April 18. "Ever since we closed Pope Joan in Brunswick East, I've been missing cooking (and eating) the food," said Wilkinson, who also runs Brunswick East's Pie Shop, in a statement. "In my mind, it didn't feel like that chapter had fully closed." So now, the Pope Joan story continues, with a showcase of old favourites and clever new dishes. A revamped breakfast offering sits classics, including the rice pudding and boiled eggs with soldiers, alongside newer plates like fried eggs teamed with hummus and pickled red kraut. The beloved Pope Joan sandwich lineup returns in all its original glory, too, albeit with a couple of newcomers — expect to find the Cornish, the Cuban and the Reuben, as well as the debut Club Salad (with whipped cheese and optional mortadella) and the Turkish Delight, pairing harissa carrot, hummus and grains. On the lunch and dinner menu, you'll spy star carryovers — including the sardines on toast and mussels in smoked tomato romesco — mingling with the likes of fish matched with spinach, capers and butter, and a hanger steak done with tomato and mustard. Four new salads are available to enjoy solo or as part of a combo plate, in iterations like miso pumpkin, wakame and golden sesame seeds, and burnt cabbage with rice vinegar, soy and parmesan. Meanwhile, a new cake trolley is sure to prove a hit when those sweet tooth cravings strike, loaded with pastries and wedges of cake, though you can also opt for a hearty serve of ice cream from Pope Joan mates Sundae School. Pope Joan will open 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from Monday, February 4 until Thursday, April 18. Find it at 45 Collins Street, Melbourne (in the Sofitel driveway). Images: Annika Kafcaloudis. Exterior shot of the Mayfair: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Greenlighting Anyone But You with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as its leads must've been among Hollywood's easiest decisions. One of the rom-com's stars has been everywhere from Euphoria and The White Lotus to Reality of late, plus Sharp Objects and The Handmaid's Tale before that, and has a stint in the superhero realm on Madame Web to come. The other is fresh off feeling the need for speed in Top Gun: Maverick, including getting sweaty and shirtless in the beach scene. They both drip charisma. If this was the 80s, 90s or 00s, they each would have an entire segment of their filmographies dedicated to breezy romantic comedies like this Sydney-shot film, and probably more than a few together. From here, they might achieve that feat yet — because if there's much ado about anything in Anyone But You, it's about how well its two main talents shine as a pair. Regardless of that gleaming casting, director and co-writer Will Gluck crafts his first adult-oriented flick in 12 years — since Friends with Benefits, with Annie and the two Peter Rabbit movies since — as if it's still two, three or four decades back. The gimmick-fuelled plot, the scenic setting, the swinging between stock-standard and OTT supporting characters: they're all formulaically present and accounted for in Anyone But You. Also eagerly splashed in is the picture's biggest twist, courtesy of its filmmaker and co-scribe Ilana Wolpert (a feature first-timer sporting writing and story-editing credits on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on her resume). With Easy A, Gluck took inspiration from The Scarlet Letter, giving it a modern-day remake. Now, complete with some character names to match (there's no Dogberry, though, but there is a dog), ample matchmaking gossip and lines from the play clumsily dotted around the sets for viewers to see, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing scores the overt riffs. Always apparent as well: the fact that, even as it follows in the Bard of Avon's footsteps, Anyone But You's story constantly comes second to Sweeney and Powell's smouldering chemistry. Plus, most of its obvious jokes only land because the twosome sell them, and the whole movie. Takes on Shakespeare's 16th-century-penned, 17th-century-published rom-com have graced the big screen before. In the past 30 years, see: 1993's with Emma Thompson (What's Love Got to Do with It?) and Kenneth Branagh (A Haunting in Venice) as Beatrice and Benedick, and Branagh directing, and also 2012's with Buffyverse alums Amy Acker (The Watchful Eye) and Alexis Denisof (How I Met Your Father) for Joss Whedon (their guiding hand on Buffy and Angel). But this one is as merry as the day is long about being a playground for Sweeney and Powell first and foremost. Law student Bea (Sweeney) and finance bro Ben (Powell) meet-cute over a restroom key in a busy cafe. She's desperate to use the facilities, the staff won't let her unless she buys something, the line is morning-rush long and he claims that she's his wife to help. So begins a dreamy day of flirting, walking, talking, cooking grilled-cheese sandwiches and connecting over deep secrets like Gluck is fashioning a sped-up version of the Before trilogy, too. That heavenly first date ends badly the next morning, however. More pain is in store when Bea's sister Halle (Hadley Robinson, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) starts dating Ben's best friend Pete's (GaTa, Dave) sister Claudia (Alexandra Shipp, Barbie) months later. When an engagement is next, cue Bea and Ben's feud going international at the destination wedding in Australia, then getting a shakeup when the quarrelling duo pretend that they're together. There's kindness in this faux truce, alongside trickery and self-interest. Bea and Ben are trying stop their squabbling ruining the nuptials, yes, but they're attempting to get her parents to back off from campaigning for a reunion with her ex-fiancé Jonathan (Darren Barnet, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) at the same time — and to make his own past love Margaret (model-turned-acting debutant Charlee Fraser), Claudia and Pete's Australian cousin, jealous. Anyone But You's protagonists are also well-aware that the rest of the wedding party is conspiring to push them into love, subscribing to the whole "fighting means you like them" theory, and quickly tired of overhearing conversations that they're meant to about each other. Romantic-comedy logic dictates what happens next, of course, as packaged with slapstick gags, literal bathroom humour, sing-alongs, farce everywhere, as much flaunted bare flesh as an Aussie beach, and far more horniness than has been typically seen in 2010s and 2020s cinema. Every expected narrative beat is struck, then. Almost every genre cliche is hit as well. Nodding to other rom-com wedding flicks — My Best Friend's Wedding co-stars Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths play Bea's mum and dad, and the latter is also a Muriel's Wedding alum — is also heartily on the menu. So are fish-out-of-water Americans-in-Australia jokes, and being cheesily Aussie via koalas, endless shots of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House to make both Tourism Australia and Destination NSW proud, and Bryan Brown (Faraway Downs) and Joe Davidson (Neighbours) playing the stereotypical parts. The vision of Sydney that the film inhabits is not only overseas tourist bait, but a one-percenter paradise, as evidenced by the sprawling seaside home of Pete and Claudia's parents (Brown and Star Trek: Picard's Michelle Hurd) that becomes the movie's on-screen base. And yet, as Anyone But You needs and knows with gleeful self-awareness that it's going to get, Sweeney and Powell ace their performances and rapport, and couldn't be more watchable in the process. While no one has a particularly difficult job — least of all cinematographer Danny Ruhlmann (True Spirit), with the film's two stars and a sunny, picturesque locale to lens — it's their lively back and forth and game-for-anything commitment that keeps the picture afloat. For months, this was the feature that sparked headline-grabbing off-screen rumours about life imitating art. Now, it's an audition piece for a second silver-screen team up. Back in the 80s, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn did it (in Swing Shift and Overboard). The 90s had Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (Joe vs the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail), plus Julia Roberts and Richard Gere (Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride), while it was Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey's (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Fool's Gold) turn in the 00s. After Anyone But You, audiences won't want anyone but Sweeney and Powell to be next.
Good news for all you night owls out there: 24-hour weekend public transport in Melbourne is set to continue as a permanent service for the city's late night travellers. The state government first began trialling the Night Network at the beginning of 2016 with metropolitan train services, as well as select tram and bus routes, operating all night long. In August last year, it extended the test run through until June 2017; however now Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has announced that it's here to stay. "The best cities in the world don't stop when the sun goes down – and neither does Melbourne," said Allan in a statement. More than two million trips have been taken on overnight services since the Night Network started running, with shift workers comprising more than 20 percent travellers. The implementation of all-night public transport was a key election issue for the Labor government, and it's no wonder that helping people get home after a late shift or a big night out has proven popular. In a statement released today, the commitment to making the all-night weekend services a permanent feature will see an assessment take place based on passenger feedback and movement patterns, with an aim to improve the network post June 30. However that shakes out, you'll still be able to hop on a train, tram and bus all the way through the evening come Fridays and Saturdays. That's worth staying out late to celebrate. Image: Binayak Dasgupta via Flickr. By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward.
There's no single ingredient that will lead to success in the cafe business. Yet why is it that some venues have us queuing down the street just for a morning feed and coffee? Judging by Melbourne's most popular cafes of late, the secret could lie in Scandinavian interior design, succulents in old baked bean tins and logos apparently all produced by the same graphic design house. But there's another trend emerging amongst the cafe community that has seen customers pouring through the doors: dinner items on the morning menu. None of this eggs-and-bacon or muesli business; we're talking everything from hearty breakfast burgers and burritos to sating stews, salads and souvlaki. Shift workers and esurient eaters unite — your time for enjoying a full-on feed at sun-up has finally come. Barry As new kid on the Northcote block, Barry's menu manages to tick every box on the superfood catalogue. In fact, it's actually impossible to eat here without raising your energy and antioxidant levels. For those who simply can't stoop to a standard eggs benny, the cucumber and gin cured ocean trout ($17.50) should attract your immediate attention —slivers of trout are delicately draped over a pretty plate of freekeh, roasted cauliflower, pomegranate, coriander, shredded kale, and soft boiled egg. Don't worry if you’re not a local — just follow the quinoa delivery trucks down High Street and you'll find it, no problem. 85 High Street, Northcote, (03) 9481 7623, barrycoffeeandfood.com Tom Phat Asian street food has little regard for our Western notion of traditional breakfast ingredients, as anyone who's adventurously attempted a morning pork sausage congee will know. At Sydney Road local Tom Phat, Uncle Ho's Brekky with grilled pork chop, crispy fried free-range egg, tomato, cucumber & rice ($16.90) serves as a saucy twist on the classic oinker-and-egg combination, taking its inspiration from a culture that refuses to play by the brekkie-brigade's draconian rulebook. 182-184 Sydney Road, Brunswick, (03) 9381 2374, tomphat.com.au Top Paddock Elsewhere in the world, it's not uncommon for Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos and sizzling, chargrilled meats to make up a morning meal. Back in Australia, however, we still think it's all a bit of a novelty. Nevertheless, Top Paddock have found their own trademark 'dinner for breakfast' in the pan fried local snapper with chilli-fried egg, avocado, tomato, lime and corn tortilla ($19.50). Essentially a deconstructed wrap, the dish spans the entirety of the plate like a well-seasoned performer who knows exactly how to work the stage. Extra points are awarded for the generous use of avocado, which remains refreshingly un-smashed, retaining its structural integrity. 658 Church Street, Richmond, (03) 9429 4332, toppaddockcafe.com Third Wave Third Wave is the kind of cafe that can be relied upon for delivering a daytime dinner. The menu is oddly comprehensive, delving into Eastern European dishes alongside American BBQ country, while still catering to the paleo crew. We're not complaining — the end result is that there's something to please everyone. Recommended: the crunchy risotto hash brown ($19.90), involving a seared mushroom and parmesan risotto hash laden with mushrooms, chorizo, tomato and poached egg. 30 Cato Street, Prahran, (03) 9510 2991, thirdwavecafe.com.au Stalactites The venue might not be in vogue, but Stalacities' twenty-four hour commitment to service makes it worthy of a mention. Long-time hero to hoards of hungry drunks, nurses and insomniacs, it's the kind of place where lashings of hot, spit-roasted meat are available — stuffed into a pita bread blanket — at any time of day. For breakfast it's difficult to go past the sausage souvlaki ($10.50) — a bundle of grilled spicy sausage and fried egg, wrapped in pita like a delicious gift from the Greek food Gods. 177-183 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, (03) 9663 3316, stalactites.com.au Mixed Business Sure, you could go for eggs any way you like 'em, but how about enjoying them as part of a Ploughman's Breakfast ($17)? This twist on the classic workers lunch combines sharp aged cheese with the acidic bite of sour pickle and the creamy, meaty savour of potted pork — all served on a platter with a soft boiled egg (which provides a token acknowledgement of the fact that this is still breakfast). 486 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill, (03) 9486 1606, mixedbusinesscafe.com Hammer & Tong 412 What else could you expect from a cafe that employs popping candy as a key kitchen ingredient? A breakfast ramen ($15), perhaps? Comprised of confit oyster mushrooms, soy and sesame candied bacon, slow cooked egg, coriander shoots, black sesame seeds and spring onion immersed in a bacon dashi broth, this is, by all accounts, inverts typical Australian breakfast fare. Match it with a coffee from Duke's Coffee Roasters for a true breakfast/dinner mashup. Rear 412 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9041 6033, hammerandtong.com.au The Grain Store The Grain Store has secured a stronghold on the Urbanspoon popularity ranks for some time now, and for good reason. Dedicated to chemical free, organic ingredients — sourced from the cream of the crop in local producers — their dishes deviate from the typical cafe fare by a mile. For a big ballsy vegan brekkie, try cauliflower, quinoa and goji berry with pumpkin hummus, celeriac and nigella seeds ($17). Carnivores needn't be turned off by the lack of animal product either — everybody loves an ancient grain these days, and here you'll find it utilised to maximum potential. 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, (03) 9972 6993, grainstore.com.au Hungry Birds Not to be confused with the irritating (although similarly addictive) mobile game Angry Birds, Hungry Birds serve early risers with a deconstructed assembly of black beans, fresh salsa and tortillas from early morn with their chicken with mole poblano ($14.50). Interestingly, it's also Melbourne's first NBN enabled wifi cafe — so those of you who tend to spill their dinner over their laptops would be well advised to bring moist towelettes. 242 Victoria Street, Brunswick, 0401 540 872, facebook.com/hungrybirdscafe Chez Dre It's not the most aesthetically pleasing of dishes, but the braised mushroom ragu (19.50) at Chez Dre is a solid performer amongst those trying their best to avoid the sweets cabinet (resistance to which is futile). A medley of mushies (swiss, button and field varietals) pile atop rich, gooey parmasen polenta, finished off with a lick of truffle oil. While it could easily double as an item on the dinner menu, a poached egg is thrown in to remind us it's still morning after all. Rear 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, (03) 9690 2688, chezdre.com.au Barry image credit: heidiapples; Tom Phat image credit: Caroline Pankert; Top Paddock image courtesy of Sabrina and Scott from Brunch Addict; Mixed Business image credit: jasonlow21.
It's not every festival feels like a country weekend fete that just happens to be headlined by say, Courtney Barnett. Fairgrounds, Australia's country boutique camping festival descends on the small NSW town of Berry each December. Taking over the local Berry Showgrounds, Fairgrounds boasts all the trimmings of a major music festival with the essence of a local fair. And this December, it's back for another two-day round. Running over November 30 and December 1, the two-day festival is making a triumphant return. In a huge coup for the small festival in its third year, they've secured big time festival favourites Courtney Barnett and Vance Joy to headline, alongside local legends Pond, Winston Surfshirt and more. Oh, and British punk poet Billy Bragg, US alternative rock band The Breeders and Zambian hip hop singer Sampa the Great will also join the lineup from across the globe. With a strong focus on the local NSW South Coast area, Fairgrounds isn't just about the tunes. Last year local nosh, market stalls and the local swimming pool played equally starring roles at this multifaceted festival — something we're sure made Berry residents pretty happy. Between dips in Berry's local pool (within the festival grounds), punters feasted on local delights, including fresh rock oysters harvested less than half an hour from the festival site. The festival's super-popular long-table dinners will return, too, which take place overlooking the live music. But we know what you're here for. Here's the full lineup. FAIRGROUNDS 2018 LINEUP: Vance Joy Pond Rolling Blackouts C.F. Saba Body Type Oh Pep! Tia Gostelow Courtney Barnett Billy Bragg Winston Surfshirt The Breeders Sampa the Great The Teskey Brothers Waxahatchee Kevin Morby Maddy Jane Carla Geneve Fairgrounds runs November 30–December 1 at Berry Showgrounds, NSW. Tickets on sale from Moshtix at 10am, Monday, August 13. Festival entry starts at $110, with camping $230. Image: Ian Laidlaw and Gabriel Vallido
Dating is tough, we all know this. We try to act like it's chill but admit it: the prospect of your taste being judged by someone you like is daunting. And as a result, we tend to overthink dates and overcomplicate them. It's good to be a little prepared but when you've planned an evening to the hilt, it can only disappoint you (not to mention distract you from your date). If you want to experience those memorable, miraculous, out-of-nowhere-amazing dates that somehow last forever and are over too soon, we have some advice: stop thinking so much. Opt for a spontaneous date that you'll both be surprised by, and see how much pressure that takes off. And because a surprise date can only be made better with a little sparkling, we spoke to Henkell, purveyors of fine bubbly, to get the 411 on sure-fire dates you don't have to overthink. SAY YES TO THE QUEEN VIC NIGHT MARKET Be brave and invite that cutie to the Queen Victoria Night Market on a random Wednesday. There's no need to overthink this one — the Night Markets are premium date territory. Waiting-in-line chat times, a few bevs, the joy of food samples and a high chance of a Lady and the Tramp noodle-smooch scenario are all good date fodder. We do recommend you kick it up a notch and impulsively order everything you see (the weirder the better) because there's nothing better than riding the rollercoaster of flavour together. MINI GOLF AND PIZZA IN THE CITY Channel your inner kids and head to Holey Moley in the city for some putt-putt action (and prepare to rattle off your favourite Caddyshack lines in-situ). Walk-ins are welcome, or you can you can book on the fly (helpfully, the website shows available tee-off times). But even if mini-golf is booked out, there's lots to do — like karaoke and pizza. Queue up the Don't Stop Believing or better yet, Don't Go Breakin' My Heart, and belt it out together. Impressed 'em with your crooning and want to keep the night going? Make sure you have some Henkell Blanc de Blancs on ice to keep the good times rollin'. TAKE A MINI FOOD TOUR OF LYGON STREET There'll be no bookings needed and no logistical management necessary for this date — all these phenomenal venues are on the same block. Start at Milk the Cow on Lygon (across from Cinema Nova) for an appetiser cheese board (or fondue, if you're not wearing a white shirt). Then head to Heartattack and Vine next door for Venetian bites. The bar food menu is always changing, and you can buy bites by the piece, AKA cicchetti. For a larger dish (and again, only if you're not wearing a white shirt) order the meatballs. Finally, walk back past Milk the Cow and jump in the line for Pidapipo to grab a cone of Melbourne's best gelato to enjoy (maybe over a glass of Henkell Trocken?) in the neighbouring Carlton Gardens. EMBARK ON A BELLARINE ADVENTURE If you want a truly memorable adventure date (with minimal planning required and a guaranteed good time), head out of town, just past Geelong, to the Bellarine Peninsula for a lazy afternoon of seafood and bubbles. The journey is only an hour and a half away, but the Bellarine feels like another world. First head to Port Arlington and drop in at Advanced Mussel Supply. At its Little Mussel Cafe (where you won't need a booking), grab a mussel bowl or mixed platter to share. Once you've had your fill, head to the famous Point Lonsdale lighthouse to watch the sun go down over a glass of bubbly. GO TO GAOL FOR A NIGHT Before you try to be too spontaneous with this one, you should gauge whether your date would be thrilled with a spooky night out or traumatised for life — it's an important distinction. If the former, book into an Old Melbourne Gaol tour. Tickets can be booked on the day (partly in the interest of spontaneity, partly to avoid nightmares in the lead-up) and you can choose from the ghost tour, The Hangman's tour or A Night in the Watch House — just make sure to bring a brave face. After an eerie evening of history, character acting and nervous sweating, calm the nerves over a glass of Henkell Blanc de Blancs together. Summer is here and it's time to pop the bubbly. Pick up a bottle of Henkell Blanc de Blancs or Henkell Trocken for your next sparkling occasion.
Sofia Coppola is not the first director that comes to mind when you think Disney. In fact, with her consistent focus on complicated and dreamy sadness — see Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides and Somewhere — she seems like the perfect buzzkill to all the joy and greatness that Sebastian the crab worked for all those years ago. Nonetheless, this divisive filmmaker is currently in negotiations to direct a live-action adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale. Deadline reports that the script has already gone through multiple drafts from Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Abi Morgan (Shame) and is currently in the hands of Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands). With that in mind, it's safe to assume the film will in fact be a darkly sexual story that may or may not feature either Johnny Depp in BDSM gear or Michael Fassbender in no clothes. Although this will Coppola's first feature where she didn't write the screenplay, it's easy to see how her brand of 'beautiful and bothered young things' will work seamlessly with the original story. Ariel is, after all, a girl with problems. She's besotted with a boy she can't have, she's split between two worlds, and the story finishes with her taking the less than lovely form of sea foam (I'd warn for spoilers but, hey, you've had over 100 years to read it). As ridiculous as it first sounds, we're actually excited by the news. Now all that's left is to decide whether Kirsten Dunst or Scarlett Johansson would make the better hipster Ariel.
2021 was a tough year for many, but it turns out there's nothing like back-to-back lockdowns to spawn some truly creative ideas. While doors were closed and restrictions lingered, some local businesses and communities banded together to help make life a little more bearable. During the many months Melbourne was under stay-at-home-orders, a stack of hospitality businesses went above and beyond to help those that were struggling. And a heap of our favourite spots came up with new and innovative ways of keeping their staff in work, while keeping locked-down patrons fed, entertained and feeling hopeful. We've compiled a list of seven fresh ideas that emerged during this lockdown-filled year, helping both us and the greater communities through some tough times. Whether it was streetside food pop-ups, next-level home meals or a virtual festival, these pivots truly made their mark.
A Taiwanese filmmaker might've made your favourite movie, although you may not realise that. Adored the original The Wedding Banquet? A fan of Brokeback Mountain? Loved Life of Pi? Still in awe at Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's action scenes? Thank Ang Lee (Gemini Man) — but he's just one of many talented directors from Taiwan. To dive into the depths of the rest of Taiwan's filmmaking prowess, Australia became home to the Taiwan Film Festival in Australia back in 2018. After starting in Sydney, it now tours to five other cities — including Melbourne, where it's playing from Thursday, July 31–Sunday, August 6, 2025 at Village Cinemas Crown. This year's fest puts a particular focus on showcasing female perspectives. Daughter's Daughter kicks off the program, starring Sylvia Chang (Forget You Not) and screening fresh from its berth at Sydney Film Festival. Also highlights: The Chronicles of Libidoists, about chasing desires, plus romance Unexpected Courage. From there, get ready for a range of fellow titles that, outside of occasional berths at Australia's major fests, don't often make it to our shores. Yen and Ai-Lee hails from filmmaker Tom Lin (The Garden of Evening Mists), while Where the River Flows and Organ Child have crime thrills covered. Or, catch the 4K restoration of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's (The Assassin) Tony Leung (Fox Hunt)-led 1998 great Flowers of Shanghai.
Hankering for some of Melbourne's finest casual Japanese cuisine, but can't tear yourself away from the couch — or commit to heading out for a eat-in meal? The cutest Karate Kid-inspired eatery in town has the answer. In addition to its main Chapel Street digs and its bite-sized counterpart next door, aka Yukie's Snack Bar, Mr. Miyagi is opening up a takeaway offshoot in Prahran. Setting up on Chatham Street, Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop will serve up 12 dishes and 12 dishes only, with the streamlined menu perfect for those eager to grab and go. Both new and existing options are on offer, ranging from deconstructed salmon tacos and Korean fried cauliflower, to wagyu bolognaise bowls and duck spring rolls. There'll also be sushi fries (that'd be sushi rice shaped into fries), and the return of Mr. Miyagi's ever-popular doughnuts with salted caramel sauce. The store won't launch in bricks-and-mortar form until September; however those eager to get ordering now can do so via UberEATS, where the entire takeaway range is also available. Alas, Mr. Miyagi's famous cocktails won't be getting the take-home treatment, so heading along to the original joints is still in Melburnian's futures — not that regulars will be complaining. Find Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop at 24 Chatham Street, Prahran. For more information, head to the Mr. Miyagi website and Facebook page.
If water pipes make you think of creepy clowns, then the latest tiny apartment design mightn't be for you. In Hong Kong, architect James Law has come up with a compact housing solution made out of old concrete tubing. A proposed solution to the country's affordability issues, they're cheap to construct — and, thanks to their shape, easily stackable too. Don't worry, these pipe-based abodes will be located above ground, so you can wipe your IT fears out of your mind. Called Opod, the proposed system is made from piping up to 2.5 metres in diameter, features between nine and eleven squares of cosy living space capable of housing one or two people, and comes complete with a bench that converts into a bed, a mini fridge, microwave, bathroom with shower and open-shelf storage. Currently on display and open to the Hong Kong public until April 1, it's envisioned that the former stormwater drains could be used in narrow spaces, and even on top of existing buildings, using space that's otherwise going to waste. Or, if you wanted to move, they could also be relocated to other sites or cities. https://www.instagram.com/p/BdNP0t1g4EL/?taken-by=cybertecture The cosy, circular homes are the latest innovative design in what's proving a growing field, with sustainability, affordability, eschewing mass consumerism via downsizing and embracing mobile living all motivators. An Australian start-up lets you stay in a tiny house in the wilderness, while flat-packed tiny homes are also available locally. Tiny mobile homes and Muji flat-pack houses and pre-fab huts can also take care of your compact needs. And, in the short-term accommodation arena, you can stay in New York's first shipping container home, seek out a portable shipping container hotel or head to a tiny house campsite in the US. Via Reuters. Images: James Law Cybertecture.
Since opening last year, sleek Surry Hills star Nomad has made waves in Sydney's restaurant scene, boasting a sophisticated, local-focused menu and an even more notable wine list. Known for its dedication to serving exclusively Australian wine from smaller, boutique producers, wine lovers will now be able enjoy these hard-to-find wines at home with Nomad's Online Cellar Door. The service lists most of the 50-odd wines from the restaurant's main wine list and a selection from the reserve list, as well as other locally produced sparkling, rose and dessert wines. With the online range changing regularly, Nomad's Online Cellar Door is the perfect way to acquaint yourself with the impressive, if little-known, wines produced in our own backyard. In the spirit of the silly season, Concrete Playground is giving away three of Nomad's Celebration Bundles — a range of mixed half dozens sure to get your festivities into full swing. Go in the running to win a Christmas BBQ Bundle (valued at $210), or get lucky with the Cellar Reserve Selection ($489) — six of Nomad's best red wines, ready to quaff now or savour in another 20 years. For fans of sparkling, don't miss the chance to win the New Year's Celebration Selection ($199) for the ultimate NYE party, containing Prosecco, Courabyra and Arras NV. Thanks to Nomad Online Cellar Door, we're giving away three Celebration Bundles — one each week until the end of the year. Delivery within Australia is included in the prize. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address: Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
2022 hasn't been kind to anyone's bank balances, with inflation having a hefty impact on the cost of living all around the world, including in Australia. We know you know this, and so does your wallet. In Sydney in fact, the year's financial struggles have seen the Harbour City reclaim global recognition for being a mighty expensive place to call home, taking tenth place on The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey. While Melbourne was dubbed Australia's most liveable city in the EIU's Global 2022 Liveability Index earlier in 2022, Sydney has nabbed a less sought-after mantle, after sitting in the same spot back in 2018. Again, it's an exxy time all-round in general, with the survey noting that prices worldwide, in the 172 major cities surveyed, have shot up 8.1 percent year on year on average (in local currencies). That's the biggest jump in the 20 years that the EIU has digital data for. The place on the planet that'll trouble your pennies the most? This year, there's two: New York and Singapore. The pair of cities tied for the top spot, with New York earning the unwanted honours for the first time ever, but Singapore taking the crown for the eighth time in a decade. The two places bump down 2021 leader Tel Aviv to third, with Hong Kong and Los Angeles then sharing fourth spot. The Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva came in at six and seven respectively, while San Francisco sits at eighth, Paris at ninth and Copenhagen shares tenth place with Sydney. Yes, this means that Sydney is more expensive to live in at the moment than London and Tokyo — two cities that aren't considered cheap at all. In fact, Tokyo dropped down 24 spots to sit in 37th place. As per The Guardian, Sydney's rise from 14th in 2021 to tenth this year isn't the only upward movement among Australia's cities. Melbourne leapt from 16th to 15th, and Brisbane from 36th to 32nd. For further details about the 2022 Worldwide Cost of Living survey, head to The Economist Intelligence Unit's website.
Embedding sustainable practices in the hospitality industry is a quest many a bar, cafe, eatery and associated organisation has taken up, spanning bans on straws, an attempt to recycle takeaway coffee cups, rewards for carpooling customers and more. One Japanese watering hole has taken the concept and not only run with it, but built their entire establishment out of it. Yes, the Kamikatz Public House is made out of 100% recycled rubbish. From the windows and walls to the furniture found inside, everything in this pub, brewery and sundries store would probably be considered trash in any other town. You'll find the environmentally conscious structure in the town of Kamikatsu, which is committed to not only reducing their wastage, but eliminating it — attaining an 80% recycling rate, and sorting their waste into 34 categories, for starters. Of course, when you fashion a dwelling with in such an eco-friendly manner, you want everyone to know about it, which is why Kamikatz Public House features an eight-metre-high wall of windows, all sourced from abandoned homes. You'll also find discarded tiles used as flooring, a chandelier made out of bottles, and newspapers doubling as wallpaper. Other design elements, such as an elevated ceiling and double-layered window fittings, are designed to increase ventilation and insulation respectively. No wonder the building won World Architecture News' Sustainable Buildings Award for 2016. As well as a cute pub to put on your must-visit list if you're ever in the vicinity of Tokushima prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island, it's also great motivation to think about more creative ways to recycle. Images: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP. Via: Inhabitat.
Whether it's being part of a crowd rooting for a football team, an audience laughing in unison at a comedian's jokes, or maybe flashmobbing a train station, there's something special about communal experience. Pop Up Playground's Fresh Air Festival is all about bringing strangers together through fun, games, and complicity. A series of activities will take place around Federation Square this weekend, all based around the theme of interaction and improvisation. Some are as simple as a tent where an artwork that has been left for a lucky stranger — on the condition that they make something for the next person to come along and discover. Then there are enormous, communal games that might have you carrying out secret missions, putting out fires, or even escaping a curse. Fresh Air Fest is an anarchic, hilarious, and inclusive festival of pervasive games — you're guaranteed to leave with a new friend. Image via fedsquare.com
If you're thirty-plus (either chronologically, or in terms of your musical tastes) and finding triple j increasingly unsuitable to your aural palette, then you're probably going to love the ABC's latest move. Yesterday afternoon, the broadcaster announced that, as of 5pm, digital music channel Dig had come under triple j's management. Essentially, the plan is to revamp Dig as a 'triple j for over-thirties'. In other words, the program will be shaped by the types of artists that originally informed the triple j ethos. Think Tex Perkins, Eskimo Joe, Nick Cave and their musical progeny. About 75 percent of the playlist will be comprised of new music (triple j's is about 90 percent that way) and the other 25 percent will be made up of classics familiar to '70s and '80s babies. Each week, there'll be a minimum of four pre-recorded, guest-programmed segments. Anticipated curators include Billy Bragg, Sarah Blasko, Adalita, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Tex Perkins, David Bridie, Eskimo Joe, Clare Bowditch and Moby. During the next six months, Dig is asking listeners to let the station know exactly what they want to hear, and how they want it presented. The channel will be officially launched in its new format in April 2014. "Over the last few years, there have been many voices calling out for a station like this," commented Dig Music's content director Meagan Loader, "and the input of those voices during this initial stage is hugely valuable. We are so excited to be able to evolve with our listeners and create something truly unique." Dig Music is available online at www.digmusic.net.au, on mobile phones via the ABC Radio App, and through both digital radio and television.
Some Pixar movies bring childhood obsessions to big screen, as seen in the Toy Story and Cars films. If you loved monsters as a kid, the Monsters, Inc flicks definitely also count. Other features made by the beloved animation studio explore exactly what it feels like to be a child — as seen in the wonderful Inside Out, of course, and now in the company's upcoming release Turning Red. Marking the first feature from writer/director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar for her delightful 2018 short Bao, Turning Red takes its moniker literally. Many Pixar flicks do (see also: Finding Nemo, Up, Brave and Onward, for instance). Here, 13-year-old Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang, also making her movie debut) is an ordinary teen who gets embarrassed by her mum Ming (Sandra Oh, The Chair) fairly often, and can find adolescent life a bit overwhelming. So far, so relatable — but when she's overexcited by all of the above, Mei Lee also happens to turn into a fluffy red panda. If you're thinking about the Hulk but red, female, younger and more adorable, that's the kind of vibe that the trailer gives. Disney does own both Pixar and Marvel, so that isn't a big leap. Just how Mei Lee copes with those sudden transformations is exactly what the flick will cover, obviously — and while the film was originally destined for cinemas, viewers will now be able to see the end result via Disney+ instead. The Mouse House has just revealed that Turning Red will take the same route as the past two Pixar releases, Soul and Luca, and head straight to its streaming platform. So, you'll be sitting on your couch to grab another dose of heartwarming animated cuteness, with the film due to drop on Friday, March 11. Check out the trailer below: Turning Red will be available to stream via Disney+ on Friday, March 11. Top image: © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
When it comes to succulent pieces of poultry, Australia boasts plenty, but you know what they say: you can't get too much of a good thing. Trying to help make that case is newcomer 4Fingers, the Singaporean fried chicken favourite that's just brought their crispy chook to our shores. Setting up their first two stores in Melbourne's Bourke Street and at Brisbane's new food precinct at Westfield Chermside (and another set to open on Albert Street in Brisbane soon), 4Fingers is all about farm-to-fork free-range chicken served up in their signature crispy style. It's hand-brushed and prepared to order in wingettes, drumettes and legs. Sure, that's what other greasy chook place offers, but why mess with a winning formula? If you're eager for something different, it's 4Fingers' extra bits and pieces that might motivate you to hop on in. Fancy a katsu sandwich with daily-fermented kimchi coleslaw, crispy chicken chops or chicken, garlic and button mushrooms on an artisanal charcoal bun? You do now. Wings and legs with rice, a selection of seafood and three types of salad are also on the menu. 4Fingers is now open at 189-191 Bourke Street, Melbourne and at Westside Chermside, corner Gympie and Hamilton Streets, Chermside in Brisbane. Another store is set to open at 108 Albert Street, Brisbane soon. For more information, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Updates: July 3, 2017.
For all the logicality of urban planners and architects, we often end up with some pretty weird conglomerations of concrete and steel around town. Once in a while, we all end up staring at a nonsensical urban nook while waiting at the traffic lights and thinking, 'why?'. Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner and his company take that reverie one step further with Bodies in Urban Spaces. They see an odd little city space and think: human Tetris. So how does it work? Dorner enlists a group of movement artists (whose skills are not solely focused on dance — he also hires climbers, martial artists and circus performers) and choreographs a performance that sees these 20 human bodies, clad in bright colour-blocked clothes, gracefully shove themselves into any sort of architectural gap they can find, hold their positions for several minutes and then effortlessly wriggle out of the tight spot and move on to the next. What it means for the passer-by is that your eyes fall on brightly colour-blocked human staying perfectly, magically still in an otherwise dead space. "Bodies in Urban Spaces is an invitation to let go, to take the time for a new look at the city, an opportunity to think so that we can form opinions about what makes a city a liveable space, and eventually make changes to achieve that goal," says Dorner. Bodies in Urban Spaces premiered in 2007 and has been co-produced by festivals and venues across Europe and the US ever since. It will be appearing in Sydney for Art & About on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, from 12.30-2pm. Check out more of their cheeky and surreal appearances around the world in the images below.
