Australia's oldest public library is one of the many venues that has had to close again in a bid to contain COVID-19. So, you can't check out its new $88.1 million transformation, but you can still access its 4.1 million digital items, including books, music, photos, magazines and more. Part of that collection are the State Library of Victoria's 19,000 ebooks. The likes of Maxine Beneba Clarke's Growing Up African in Australia and Stranger Country by Monica Tan are available to read online or download for seven days for free — all you need to do is sign up for a free library membership over here. Once you've done this, you can also take part in the library's Instagram bookclub #SLVBookClub, where you'll find staff tips and book recommendations. Those interested in Victoria's history will find hours and hours of entertainment in the library's digital image pool. It's home to 170,000 historical pics, including some serious (such as Ned Kelly and architecture), some adorable (good dogs) and some hilarious (moustaches). Elsewhere on the library's website, you'll find online galleries, archival videos, family history research tools, music and magazines. Sign up to become a State Library of Victoria member over here and explore its digital collection. Top image: State Library Victoria Ian Potter Queens Hall by Patrick Rodriguez Updated July 9, 2020.
Melbourne's eastern suburbs aren't short of ramen joints, so you shouldn't take this recommendation lightly. The recipes at Ichi Ramen come courtesy of Rikisai Miyajima, who runs the Osaka Ramen School in Japan. These warming dishes come from a family recipe and have been perfected over 25 years of experimentation. You can't go past the signature tonkotsu or chicken broth ramen, or there's a bunch of specialty ramens that are customisable, including a heap of seafood options like blue swimmer crab, king prawns, clams and oysters. Not in the mood for soup? The menu is complete with dry sauce ramen, Japanese curry rice and udon dishes, massive servings of katsu, sharing plates and bento boxes. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
Making a movie about the life and work of Sebastião Salgado might seem like a rather easy task. For more than 40 years, the Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist has travelled the world chronicling the people and places most don't ever see — the sights well off the beaten path. He has captured and collated thoughtful, contemplative long-term studies on topics such as work, migration and the interplay between nature and humanity, as seen in both books and exhibitions around the globe. The images snapped by his camera are as detailed, delicate and sometimes devastating as any seen on film, and look just as breathtaking when projected onto a cinema screen. It is far from surprising, then, that The Salt of the Earth emphasises his output in all its glory. Blowing his pictures up big is a marvel no filmmaker could resist, not even seasoned veteran Wim Wenders (of Pina and Buena Vista Social Club fame) and his co-director Juliano Ribeiro Salgado (Sebastião's son). They understand the extraordinary power of the images they have to work with, and use them accordingly. Their film lovingly lingers on a series of carefully selected snapshots that epitomise his entire career. And yet, even when gifted with such stunning visuals as an obvious starting point — and an apt ending point, too — Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro ensure The Salt of the Earth never merely lets the photos do all of the talking. Though each picture says plenty and then some, the tales behind them aren't just interesting asides used to make the movie more than a feature-length slideshow or bulk up its running time; they're integral to the broader story. Sharing insights into specific images, Sebastião's many memories are filled with twists and turns. The intrigue continues as he speaks about how he came to his profession after starting out working in economics, and how things have panned out since. He is frank and generous in looking back at his life, never sugar-coating the details nor avoiding the difficulties. This isn't only his story, however, with the photographer's anecdotes joined by those of his wife and long-term collaborator, Lélia Wanick Salgado, and of Juliano Ribeiro, too. That's what helps make The Salt of the Earth so engaging and so effective in ranging beyond Sebastião's always-arresting output. The film gets to the heart of the interplay between the art and the artist, as well as the ripple effect throughout his family. It may seem like a son crafting a tribute to his father, yet intimacy isn't the same as sentimentality. Instead, the documentary is really a textured portrait of a man who has dedicated more than just his career to taking textured portraits.
Life can feel like it's getting more and more hectic, but, thankfully, clever Melburnians keep coming up with new, creative ways to de-stress. You'll find places where you can hurl an axe at a target, smash ceramics to bits in a private room and sweat it out to some techno beats at a nightclub-inspired spin class. And now, Melbourne's latest high-powered stress reliever has arrived, allowing you to get messy and wild with a supply of colourful paints and some white walls. In addition to a classic smash room — where punters can unleash their destructive tendencies on unsuspecting glassware and breakables — Oakleigh's Smash Splash also plays host to Melbourne's first 'splash room', inspired by an offering that's gone gang-busters across the USA. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1PxlFfANqX/ Here, you're invited to tap into your inner Jackson Pollock and get gloriously messy at your own private paint party. You can book the splash room for 15-minute sessions, with up to two people allowed in at once and your choice of tunes on the speakers. Prices range from $47.50–50 per person. Don your protective gear, step inside and get as creative as you like, hurling cups of paint, smashing or batting paint-filled balloons or simply going to town with your hands or some paintbrushes. Best of all, there's not a scrap of cleaning up involved. Book a session in Smash Splash's Splash Room, at 37 Edward Street, Oakleigh. It's open on Friday 6–8pm, Saturday 11am–6pm and Sunday 11am–6pm.
A visit to New Zealand's South Island is filled with breathtaking views, invigorating treks and some seriously fine drops of wine. What to do is the easy part. But, with so many accommodation options out there, deciding where to stay can become a bit tricky. While camping within the country's incredible national parks is an excellent choice, camping may not be your thing — even if it is glamping. But, there are still tons of out-of-the-ordinary stays available. On your next trip to the South Island, do things a little differently when it comes to your accommodation — whether that's by staying in tiny homes, converted railway wagons, two-storey silos or on a floating catamaran. Here, you'll find five alternative places to book on a South Island journey. SILOSTAY, LITTLE RIVER Little River's multi-award-winning SiloStay "goes against the grain" and puts up visitors (instead of farm grain and feed) in two-storey cylindrical silos. Inside the one-bedroom metal structures, the ground floor is fitted with a custom-built kitchenette, living room, small toilet and balcony. Take the winding steel staircase to the upper floor bedroom, and you'll find the bedroom and a balcony. While the silos may have a rustic feel (originally being grain-holders and all), each comes with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, a mounted stereo unit in the headboard and free wifi, as well as bike and kayak racks. Plus, the silos are eco-friendly, using a sustainable pellet boiler system, a planet-friendly waste-water system and natural wool insulation. SiloStay also offers one-level accessible silos with the same features. Prices range between $200–$230 depending on the season, with discounts available for bookings of two nights or more. AQUAPACKERS, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Comforting, soothing — there's just something about being rocked to sleep. Those babies really have it good. Enter Aquapackers. This converted catamaran offers floating accommodation set in Anchorage Bay in the centre of the Abel Tasman National Park where you can be rocked to sleep by the gentle ripples of the bay. And when you're not enjoying that rock-a-bye sleep, you can relax with some sun on the upper deck or a trek around the peaceful national park. After something a bit more energetic? Sign up for a coastal trek or water sports like sailing and kayaking — Aquapackers specifically offers guided kayaking and coastline walking tours. Rooms range from shared backpacker dorms ($110 per person) to private cabins ($245 per cabin) and each night's stay includes breakfast and a barbecue dinner, plus complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. GOLDEN BAY HIDEAWAY HOUSE TRUCK, WAINUI BAY Though Wainui Bay's Golden Bay Hideaway offers five secluded, solar-powered and energy-efficient eco-home options, our favourite is the House Truck. Set in a remote bush location and overlooking the sea, this restored 1950s Commer truck has been transformed into a two-storey tiny house. The home features a woodfire stove, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor picnic table, two queen beds and, the best part, an outdoor bath looking out over the bay towards the mountains. The isolated setting means guests can comfortably enjoy a long bath under the stars with a glass of the region's finest wine in hand. All of Golden Bay Hideaway's homes are also solar-powered and energy efficient so you won't be Prices range depending on the season, with discounts for longer bookings — which can get you down to $110 per night if you book four or more nights. WAIPARA SLEEPERS, WAIPARA Set in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, 45 minutes from Christchurch, the team at Waipara Sleepers has converted a group of 1940s railway cars into stationary accommodation. The owners have maintained the original features of each upcycled wagon, securing each to a piece of train track in their country garden. Cars range from traditional four-berth bunk rooms ($25 per person) to more homey fit-outs with brass double beds, refrigerators and televisions ($50–$70 per room). All wagons have internal heating, a balcony and a separate seating area. Accommodation ranges from $25 per person in the shared bunk rooms to $50–$70 a night in private accommodation. For a cheaper, private space, there's also the Railway Hut ($40–$60 per night) — a tiny cabin that once housed railway workers. ST BATHANS POLICE CAMP, OTAGO If you've ever been even the teensiest bit intrigued by what it's like to spend the night in gaol, St Bathans Police Camp is happy to give you a little (but certainly more luxe) taste. The owners have repurposed the tiny town's historic 1864 gaol into a self-contained apartment. Plan a trip to the historic St Bathans, founded during the goldfields mining era (and now only home to six permanent residents), to wander the reserve formed by the gold mining processes and to check out some of the town's historic architecture. The gaol cell accommodation is located near the old constable's cottage — a much bigger three-bedroom option you can also rent — and looks out over the pristine Blue Lake. The old cell is now fitted with a queen bed, and the former lobby and office are now the kitchen, with an ensuite bathroom and veranda also installed. It's an old-fashioned fit-out, complete with rocking chair, timber walls and jail-house door. St Bathans Jail (Gaol) is available for $145 per night, including a continental breakfast. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
Star Wars, but make it a murder-mystery thriller? If that's your dream for a galaxy far, far away, it's looks like it's coming true in The Acolyte, at least based on the upcoming show's just-released first trailer. The sixth live-action series in the George Lucas-started sprawling saga to hit Disney+, this eight-episode effort will plunge into a grim spree — someone is killing Jedi — when it joins your streaming queue this winter. Following a Jedi Master who is forced to face a mysterious warrior from his past, The Acolyte will initially debut with two instalments on Tuesday, June 4. Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game) and Amandla Stenberg (Bodies Bodies Bodies) play the figures in question, respectively, in a series that doesn't skimp on cast highlights. Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Jodie Turner-Smith (Sex Education) and Rebecca Henderson (You Hurt My Feelings) also co-star, as do Dean-Charles Chapman (Game of Thrones), Joonas Suotamo (who played Chewbacca in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi, Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker) and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix Resurrections). The vibe in the newly revealed first glimpse at the series: moody, leaning into the dark side and filled with confrontation. Visually, there's a gloomier look to much of the trailer as well, with creator Leslye Headland (Russian Doll) adding something distinctive to the ever-expanding space-opera franchise. Also different is the fact that The Acolyte takes place during High Republic era, which means that its events precede Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace by a century. Don't got expecting a heap of familiar faces popping up, then, whether Stenberg's assassin is attempting to slay Moss' Jedi, lightsabers are being swung or a Wookiee is making an appearance. On the small screen, The Acolyte slips into the Star Wars realm after The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor and Ahsoka, all of which have arrived since 2019. Both Andor and Ahsoka also have second seasons on the way. Only one film in the saga has been released in that period, with The Rise of Skywalker closing out the third big-screen trilogy in the franchise just a month after The Mandalorian premiered. The next movie expected: The Mandalorian spinoff The Mandalorian & Grogu. Check out the first trailer for The Acolyte below: The Acolyte will stream via Disney+ from Tuesday, June 4, 2o24. Images: ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
If you're in Melbourne and you're a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda, rejoice: your next chance to enjoy the musical talent's work is on its way in 2025. Hamilton has already done the rounds, including a season in the Victorian capital. Next, it's time for another of Miranda's big Tony Award-winning shows to take to the stage locally — and his debut smash, too. Comedy Theatre is set to turn into New York City's Washington Heights for a run of In the Heights. Initially staged in 2005, then leaping to off-Broadway in 2007, then playing Broadway from 2008–11 (which is where it nabbed those 13 Tony nominations and four wins), Miranda's first stage sensation spends its time with Usnavi, a bodega owner from the Dominican Republic who dreams of going back — and who also sports a crush on Vanessa, who aspires to move out of the neighbourhood. Miranda himself originated the role of Usnavi, scoring a Tony nomination for his efforts. In Australia for this run, which began in Sydney in 2024, Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) has stepped into the part. When the show heads to Melbourne from Friday, August 1, fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alum Olivia Vásquez is playing Vanessa. Alongside Gonzalez, she's joined by Richard Valdez (All Together Now — The 100) as the Piragua Guy — another character that Miranda has brought to life personally, this time in the 2021 film version of In the Heights. On the stage and on-screen, the production not only follows Usnavi and Vanessa's connection, and their respective hopes for the future, but also the residents of Washington Heights, their family ties across multiple generations and their friendships. The soundtrack — which helped In the Heights win Best Musical and Best Original Score Tonys — as well as the vibe and mood bring together salsa, soul, rap, hip hip, merengue and street dance. Images: Daniel Boud.
Been spending every spare moment lately dreaming of summer getaways, and also making travel plans right into 2023? Haven't we all. It's the time of year when holidays are on the brain in multiple ways, all thanks to the festive season and the warmer weather — and if you're happy to jet off sometime next year, then Virgin has quite the array of sale flights to tempt you. More than 800,000 fares are currently up for grabs as part of the Bring On Wonderful sale, covering a heap of Aussie and international destinations. Yes, that means that you've got options if you're keen to holiday somewhere on home turf, including Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Hamilton Island, Alice Springs, Hobart and more. And, if you're eager to journey overseas, you can hit up Bali, Fiji, Samoa and Queenstown. One-way domestic fares start at $55, which'll get you from Sydney to Byron Bay (which is always the cheapest route in these kinds of sales). Other discounted flights include Brisbane to either Cairns or Hamilton Island from $95, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $89, Adelaide to Darwin from $139 and Perth to Launceston from $195. Internationally, return flights are on offer — including Adelaide to Bali from $569, Brisbane to Fiji from $539, Melbourne to Queenstown from $469 and Sydney to Samoa from $579. If you're wondering when you'll need to travel, there's a range of dates in 2023, all varying depending on the flights and prices. Some legs run right through until next spring, if you really are thinking ahead. As always when it comes to flight sales, you'll need to get in quick. Virgin's discounted fares are now on offer until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, October 31 or sold out, whichever arrives first. Virgin's Bring on Wonderful sale runs from until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, October 31 — or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
These days, you'll find yakitori all over the city. But skewers aren't the only thing Japanese people cook over coals. There's a huge branch of the cuisine, yakiniku, that covers barbecued eats, and the new Yaki Nau is here to show us exactly what that can look like. Chef Hugo Mai (ex-Nobu) is overseeing the food concept here, which is casual, fun and heavy on the DIY barbecuing. Like your usual KBBQ joints, every table has its own gas-powered grill where you'll cook up whatever cuts of wagyu — including a selection of M9-grade cuts from Victorian producer Blackmore — you desire. You can also supplement your wagyu with a selection of flame-kissed eats from the main kitchen — the a la carte menu includes eight different types of yakitori, as well as share plates like a tomahawk pork chop katsu, carbonara somen, and a spicy wagyu fried rice. Classic izakaya bar snacks also feature for those wanting to spend the night grazing while sipping on sake and knocking back beers. You've got chicken karaage, wagyu tartare, donburi bowls, deep-fried garlic wings and soft-shell crab tempura, just to name a few. Pair all this with Japanese whiskies, sake beer and cocktails to get the full izakaya experience. There's a lot going on at Yaki Nau, giving you the chance to choose your own delicious adventure. Yaki Nau is located at 370 Queen Street, Melbourne, open every day for lunch from 11am–3pm, and for dinner from 5–11pm. For more information and to book a table, head to the venue's website. Images by Long Boy Media and Pablo Diaz.
The force is strong with this one — the Lego-building force, that is, with the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled, as well as the biggest touring Lego exhibition, hitting Australia in 2025 (and world-premiering Down Under). Melbourne has locked in the first-ever Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition season. And yes, of course it'll open on Sunday, May 4. Melbourne Museum will be filled with more than eight-million bricks, all making models based on the George Lucas-created space saga. What music goes best with turning all that Lego into a Star Wars fan's dream? 'Luke's Theme', aka the franchise's main tune? 'The Imperial March' when things get tricky? 'Parade of the Ewoks', just because? That's a question for Ryan McNaught aka Brickman, who has indeed been spending time turning plastic rectangles, squares and other shapes into a recreation of a galaxy far, far away. The exhibition is set to take 25,000-plus hours of building, which is occurring at McNaught's headquarters in Tullamarine. Here's a question for attendees, too: which tunes will pair well with walking through this Lego Star Wars wonderland? The full list of models that'll feature hasn't been unveiled so far, but one will be life-sized — and that'll be a Lego Star Wars first. A huge 64,759 bricks are being used to craft the three-metre-high X-wing Red-5, taking 382 build hours. Attendees can also expect to see battle scenes between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, plus Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul duelling, and also Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards. If you're keen to check it out, you'll need to be in the Victorian capital to wander through Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition. As well as the hosting the world-premiere season, which will run until Monday, January 26, 2026, the stint at Melbourne Museum is an Australian exclusive. While you're there, you won't just be looking at all things Star Wars in Lego — you'll be able to get building yourself. Images: Museums Victoria.
Maybe Sammy is no stranger to winning an award. It was named in the top 50 bars in the world in 2019, 2020 and 2021 — and named the Best Bar in Australasia at The World's 50 Best Bars in all three years. Back in 2019, it was also named the Best International New Cocktail Bar at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans. The Spirited Awards recognises the best cocktail bars from around the world since 2007, and this year Maybe Sammy has one-upped itself taking out two honours at the 2022 ceremony. Firstly, the bar's staff have been crowned Best International Bar Team, while co-founder Martin Hudak has also been awarded Best International Brand Ambassador. Maybe Sammy beat out the Best International Bar Team shortlist which included Columbia's Alquimico, Greece's The Clumsies and Spain's Two Schmucks to be named the cream of the crop in the areas of experience, professionalism, hospitality and consistency of service. While the entire team was recognised, Hudak was singled out and named Best International Brand Ambassador for his work with the beloved local coffee liqueur brand Mr Black. Maybe Sammy was the only Australian bar to be recognised at the ceremony. Elsewhere in the world, London featured heavily in the international categories, with Tayer + Elementary taking out the Best International Cocktail Bar, Sexy Fish being named Best International Restaurant Bar and the confusingly named A Bar with Shapes for a Name winning Best New International Cocktail Bar. Plus, Katana Kitten out of New York was named Best US Cocktail Bar, New Orlean's Jewel of the South took out Best US Restaurant Bar and fresh Albuquerque face Happy Accidents won Best New US Cocktail Bar. [caption id="attachment_794856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DS Oficina[/caption] You can find the list of winners for the Tales of the Cocktail 2022 Spirited Awards at the award ceremony's website.
If you peek through the velvet curtains on Hardware Lane and adventure down the stairs, you'll find cocktail and dim sum hotspot Golden Monkey. Owners Adam Ong and Michael Chen have managed to blend Shanghai 1920s nightspot with moody opium den and make it work with Melbourne's nightlife. Successfully, evidently, as the venue's been open since 2005. It has a hint of mystery, romance and decadence — moody red lights illuminate the entrance, and folding shades provide an intimate space for booths and couches. It's open Thursday through Saturday and each night features a musical twist, from live bands performing R&B and soul, to DJs capturing the essence of Melbourne's nightlife on a weekend. You can expect cocktails from three menus – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil – which cover everything from old-time favourites to in-house specialties. If you're feeling extra thirsty, order your group a punch bowl. The Concubine's Last Kiss, for example, features tequila, Pimms, Aperol, peach sencha and will comfortably quench four people for $58. There are snacks, too, like signature steamed soup dumplings, barbecue pork bao and custard buns, which are brought down from the kitchen upstairs at the adjoining East China Trading Company. Images: Julia Sansone.
Subscriptions services have taken off over the last few years and for good reason. Whether it's for craft beers and natty wines, house plants or colourful socks, it's like giving yourself a little gift every month. If you're a caffeine enthusiast and you enjoy brewing your own cuppas at home or you're looking to cut down on your trip to the cafe, Thieves Coffee is the subscription service for you — and it's just introduced a new coffee pod option to its range so all home brewers can get involved. Thieves Coffee drops you off a different bag of coffee beans or set of pods from a new roaster each month. You can expect choice selections from small independent coffee companies like Stella or Criteria Coffee, through to larger beloved brands like Rumble and Industry Beans. If you're the kind of coffee drinker who enjoys branching out and trying different makers and flavours in your morning cup o' joe, your subscription will provide you with a regular rotation of top-quality varieties that the Thieves team has hand selected. Originally focusing on beans, Thieves has now added the option to have selections of pods for your pod-based coffee machine dropped to you each month. Plenty of popular and boundary-pushing brewers have expanded to offering compatible coffee pods recently, including local favourites like Stitch and ST. ALi, as well as the sustainability-minded Tripod. With your daily flat white or oat cap hitting upwards of $5 at cafes right now, Thieves is also a penny-pinching alternative. If you go the bean route, you have the option to order between 250 grams of beans each month, all the way up to three kilograms. If you want just one bag delivered each month, that will set you back $25 including shipping Australia-wide, or you can up your delivery to two bags (500g) for $40 or four bags (1kg) for $60. This means each cup of coffee will cost you as little as $1. These beans can be ordered either for espresso machines or for simpler filter or Aeropress coffee — plus you can choose between whole beans or pre-ground coffee depending on if you have your own grinder. As for the pods, subscriptions start from $15 for 10 pods and go up to $255 for 300 pods which can be ordered on a monthly basis or once every two or three months. Head to the Thieves Coffee website to check out all the options and treat yourself to a monthly coffee surprise. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Kano — "a computer anyone can make" — will soon be a widespread reality, following a Kickstarter campaign that's raised more than US$1 million. London-based tech geniuses Alex and Jonathan came up with the concept about a year ago. They felt that, in comparison with the toys they had growing up, today’s technology is inaccessible. Alex’s seven-year-old cousin, Micah, clarified the issue — and set the challenge — when he asked why couldn’t computers be “as simple and fun as lego”? Over the following 12 months, Alex and Jonathan travelled the world, talking to children, parents, educators and artists. All the research led to the development of Kano. According to Alex, "It’s based on three principles — simple steps, storytelling, physical computing — and tying them all together, with a sense of play and exploration.” Kano arrives in the consumer’s hands as a kit. Starting from scratch, the user builds the computer, powered by Raspberry Pi, as well as a speaker, a wireless server, HD video, music, and a custom-designed case. A basic introduction to coding enables the step-by-step construction of simple games such as Pong and Snake, as well as the modification of more complex games like Minecraft. Beyond that, the possibilities are limited only by the user’s imagination. Kano is open source, so there’s access to an abundance of software. Back in May, Alex, Jonathan and their team released a run of 200 prototypes, which sold out quickly and inspired plenty of positive reviews. When it came to expanding their scope, they turned to Kickstarter. Upon going live last month, the campaign achieved its initial goal of US$100,000 within 18 hours. Since then, a stretch goal of US$1 million has been conquered. Open until December 19, the campaign is still accepting donations of $119, which buys a Kano kit.
Make the most of that glorious spring sunshine, with a Sunday session of a different kind. On November 29, Richmond's National Hotel will be transformed into a tropical oasis, as the pub serves up a Jamaican celebration to top them all. Soak up some rays as you enjoy jerk chicken, reggae tunes and an abundance of rum-infused cocktails. Entry is free, so take your friends and make a day of it.
Stay tuned. More info coming soon.
With a couple of self-proclaimed boneheads at the helm, this indie brewery makes its home within a former mechanics workshop in the heart of Kensington. The laidback, 80-person capacity taproom rocks an industrial aesthetic, with high-top tables, plants hung from the soaring steel rafters and eight shiny stainless steel beer fermenters standing proudly visible in one corner. It's dog-friendly inside and out, and there's a healthy dose of colour from the sprawling wall murals, created by local artists during live painting events. The latest beauty from Lynn Bremner was also replicated as can art for one of Bonehead's recent brew releases. The brewery's signature beer offering champions balance and approachability, with the 12-strong tap list pouring a mix of core drops and seasonal releases — from the Revered red ale and the Mum's pilsner, to a Belgian-style wit bier they've dubbed the Half-Wit Hero. There are fun, inventive new brews dropping regularly, so you can expect to try something different every time you visit. A handful of Victorian wines and a couple of boilermaker curations round out the drinks lineup. The matching food situation is a simple one, with a trio of beer-friendly jaffles featuring fillings like prosciutto and pesto with smoked mozzarella. Though there's also a rotation of food trucks swinging past on the regular, including local legends like Nicolosi Pizzeria and Brother Trucker.
While it feels like much of your year has been spent cooped up at home and dining in instead of out, a bunch of local and interstate names have been busy plotting and planning; cooking up their next big hospitality ventures to join Melbourne's celebrated food scene. And trust us — there's a lot to look forward to. From a world-class vegan dining hub courtesy of the unstoppable Shannon Martinez, to multimillion-dollar coastal pub makeovers and inner-city Italian haunts, we've pulled together some of the tastiest openings coming soon to Melbourne. Get excited for these new restaurants, bars and pubs, all very deserving of a spot on your must-visit list.
If you're after beaches with fewer footprints in the sand, seaside wilderness escapes and untouched national parks, then set your sights on the New South Wales Sapphire Coast. Spanning from Eden to Bermagui, the region offers exhilaration and tranquillity in equal measure. When fishing, scuba diving, wildlife encounters and even roller coasters are on the list of potential holiday activities, you're sure to find fun that'll suit you within this gem on the NSW far south coast. The region is perched on the border of NSW and Victoria, and those driving from either Melbourne or Sydney will arrive here in around six hours. There is also now a direct flight from Melbourne to Merimbula. Wherever you're coming from, consider these ten incredible Sapphire Coast experiences for your holiday itinerary. Please stay up to date with the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_809679" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hallie Heeg, Unsplash[/caption] EXPLORE UNDERWATER SEASCAPES Whether you're an intrepid deep sea diver or have only just bought your first set of flippers, there's a diving experience to suit your under-the-sea skills on the Sapphire Coast. Dive Eden offers scuba diving certification courses, boat dives, free diving sessions and snorkelling tours. The sparkling waters of the NSW far south coast are home to all manner of aquatic life. So, you can expect to meet weedy seadragons, cuttlefish, octopuses and even seals and dolphins above the rainbow coral beds, depending on where you dive. If you're staying a few nights in Eden while you get scuba certified, check out the Eden Beachfront Holiday Park for family-friendly accommodation right by the shoreline, or Snug Cove Villas for views over Eden's wharf. [caption id="attachment_807164" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Light to Light Walk, Destination NSW[/caption] HIKE ALONG COASTAL CLIFFS ON A MULTI-DAY TRAIL The Light to Light walk is an epic 30-kilometre expedition that runs between two historic lighthouses — Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse — and should be tackled over two or three days, staying overnight at Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee campgrounds. The path is relatively easy but covers remote and constantly evolving terrain, so come prepared with sturdy shoes, plenty of water and swimmers for cooling ocean excursions. Along the route, you can expect vast cliffside grasslands, deserted beaches, banksia woodlands, regular whale sightings, towering red rock formations and seabird companions. If you're walking solo, you'll want to stock up on supplies at Eden and start out from Boyds Tower. This way you can finish the trip with a night or two at the heritage Green Cape Lightstation Keepers' Cottages or the rustic Telegraph Station Bunkhouse. Otherwise, there are fully catered walks with local guides offering varying levels of camp luxury along the trail. [caption id="attachment_809681" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Potoroo Palace, supplied[/caption] MEET RARE NATIVE WILDLIFE Continue your wildlife tour at Potoroo Palace, a sanctuary and conservation centre in the undulating hills of the Bega Valley. The creatures you'll meet here are of much smaller stature than the Sapphire Coast's sea giants, but are equally endearing. The star is, of course, the native long-nosed potoroo. These adorable fuzzy fellows are the size of a small cat and have pointed noses which they use to sniff out grubs and truffles (their favourite snacks). The sanctuary houses other native critters including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, bandicoots, flying foxes, emus and more. Want to spend more time around animals? Book a stay at Bumblebrook Farm Motel, a stunning farm stay near Candelo that is home to highland cows, sheep and ducks. [caption id="attachment_807437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Magic Mountain, supplied[/caption] CHASE THRILLS AT AN OUT-OF-TOWN AMUSEMENT PARK Roller coasters and wild water slides might not feature on many Sapphire Coast postcards, but locals will insist you spend a day on the rides at Magic Mountain. This beloved amusement park sits just outside Merimbula and offers hours of old-school family fun. Adrenaline junkies can brave thrilling twists and turns on the Doom Tube water slide, then test their Tarzan skills at the treetop ropes course. There's mini golf, jumping castles and go-kart racing for holidayers who prefer to stay at ground level, and plenty of space and facilities for a barbecue or cafe lunch. Be sure to check operating hours before planning a Magic Mountain adventure, as this can change seasonally. That night, rest your weary head in an oceanside bungalow at NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort. [caption id="attachment_795687" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bermagui Blue Pool, Destination NSW[/caption] SPY SEALS AS YOU BATHE IN AN OCEAN POOL This renowned ocean rock pool juts out from the cliff face along Bermagui's Scenic Drive and provides a protected spot to swim and snorkel. Go on a sunny day dip at low tide and you'll see the crystal waters reflecting the blue of the sky — this spectacular colouring earned the swimming hole its name. Along with glorious views of the headlands, you may also be able to spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the waves and, if you're lucky, watch seals dive off rocky outcrops while you float in Blue Pool. There are steps down to the water and bathroom facilities on-site. If you want to stay in the seaside town of Bermagui, the historic Bermagui Beach Hotel is perfect for country pub fans and only an eight-minute stroll to the ocean pool. Other charming accommodation options include the colourful Seaview Beach Houses and the pet-friendly cabins and caravans at Reflections Holiday Park. [caption id="attachment_808123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Valentina, supplied[/caption] RECLINE AND DINE BY THE BAY After a day of exertion in the surf and sun, Valentina is an ideal spot to recuperate while you taste some of the region's finest produce for lunch or dinner. This calming space perched on the edge of Merimbula Lake has ceilings draped with linen and lit by a soft glow from smoothly carved wall sconces. Lay claim to a luxuriously cushioned window bench or curved booth and order from the seafood-focused menu. Pair the region's famed oysters with grilled octopus and a serve of stracciatella with figs. Cool down at the end of your meal with honey ice cream, served with fresh mango, macadamias and tapioca. This oasis is in the heart of Merimbula, and the nearby Coast Resort provides sophisticated accommodation to match your Valentina dining experience. [caption id="attachment_807165" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Montague Island Lightstation, Eurobodalla Coast Tourism[/caption] BECOME A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER You'll need to travel nine kilometres off the Narooma coastline to reach this secluded gem. Barunguba (aka Montague Island) is part of a nature reserve and can only be visited on a guided tour or if you're staying at the island accommodation. To get the island (almost) all to yourself, you can book a stay at the Montague Island Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, which sleeps up to twelve people, or the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, which sleeps seven. While you're there, you can walk around the tiny island spotting seals, dolphins, whales and the resident penguins. [caption id="attachment_658207" align="alignnone" width="5760"] Carl Heyerdahl, Unsplash[/caption] KAYAK INSIDE A TOWERING GORGE About an hour's drive inland from Bermagui you'll find the snaking waterways of the Brogo River. This little corner of the Sapphire Coast is perfect for a peaceful paddle. Start your journey at Brogo Dam, where you can alight on a BYO canoe or kayak from the boat ramp, or hire a vessel from the nearby Brogo Wilderness Canoes. As you cruise along under the willow trees you can spot water dragons, goannas and occasionally a shy echidna. If you paddle out to Nelsons Creek, simply sit back and take in the towering walls of the gorge. You're right on the edge of a national park here, and there isn't much in the way of eateries or amenities, so come prepared with a riverside picnic, water and any other necessities. Meanwhile, Rock Lily — a 100-acre bushland retreat with a one-bedroom mudbrick cottage — is where you'll want to spend the night. [caption id="attachment_797057" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthew Lejune, Unsplash[/caption] SHUCK A SEA FEAST Oysters are a bit of a Sapphire Coast speciality – there are five different oyster estuaries along this section of coastline, each subtly imbuing different flavours in their sea treats. While many local haunts serve up these salty bivalves exquisitely, the Oyster Barn by Merimbula Gourmet Oysters is something rather special. This family-run producer offers fresh oyster takeaways straight from the farm, or you can enjoy seafood dining on its deck. You'll soon be feeling like a local as you gaze out over Lake Merimbula while slurping a local sea bounty. [caption id="attachment_807194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fishpen Charters[/caption] CHARTER A BIG GAME FISHING VESSEL If you simply can't get enough seafood, it might be time to catch some for yourself. The Sapphire Coast is abundant with prime fishing real estate, whether you cast from the shore or a boat. If you're in it for a prize catch, you can charter a big game fishing vessel. Fishpen Charters has been running boats from Mitchies Jetty in Merimbula for three decades and can help steer you towards bountiful seas. Jump on the three- or five-hour fishing trips, or book a private session for up to ten people. Round out your trip by cooking up your catch and toasting to the Sapphire Coast. Start planning your great escape to New South Wales this season by visiting the Visit NSW website. Top image: Light to Light Walk, Destination NSW
It has been nearly two years since streaming platform Shudder — and AMC Networks, the American company behind it — told scary movie fans in Australian and New Zealand exactly what they wanted to hear. Back in October 2018, it was announced that the dedicated horror service would make its way Down Under; however, as anyone who likes unsettling flicks and spine-tingling TV shows will have noticed, that hasn't actually occurred — until now. In a case of better late than never, Shudder has finally launched to Aussie and New Zealand viewers — joining an ever-growing streaming landscape, but also providing a very specific lineup. Forget anything that doesn't cause goosebumps, chills, thrills or a generally unnerving, suspenseful feeling, as it doesn't belong here. Instead, you can watch your way through new and classic horror movies, as well as horror-focused television programs. Yes, Shudder takes its chosen genre very seriously. Film-wise, that includes retro favourites such as Hellraiser, several Halloween movies and Maniac Cop; newer releases like It Follows, New Zealand horror-comedy Housebound and creative Japanese zombie film One Cut of the Dead; and fresh platform exclusives such as The Beach House and Host. On the TV front, expect to binge your way through the TV adaptation of The Dead Lands, a new anthology series based on 1982 film Creepshow and a self-explanatory five-part documentary series called Cursed Films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4LZBEVlSXA If you already have a Netflix, Disney+ and/or Apple TV+ subscription and you're wondering whether you really need to add another, rest assured that Shudder's selection continues — so whether you want to revisit Swedish great Let the Right One In, check out Aussie slasher The Furies, or hear from George Lucas, Christopher Nolan and Ridley Scott in James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction, you'll be covered. Shudder's curated collections also handily compile films on certain topics or themes, should you really love monster movies, tales of possession or haunted house flicks, or want to watch more horror features by female filmmakers. In terms of price, Shudder is offering a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. After that, you'll pay either $6.99 if you opt for a month-by-month account or $69.99 if you sign up for a year. For more information about Shudder — and to sign up — visit the streaming platform's website.
Korean dessert shop Bingsoo is opening its first Melbourne CBD store on Saturday, August 10, and is celebrating by giving away a stack of its signature dishes. Bingsoo is best known for serving bingsu — a Korean shaved ice dessert packed with different fruits, syrups and toppings — but it's championing the rest of its menu with freebies. Those who visit the store from 12–3pm on its opening day will get either a free corn dog or gilgeori thick toast sandwich. But these aren't your basic corn dogs and sangas. The deep-fried Korean corn dogs can be decked out with all kinds of toppings, including sugar, ketchup, mayo and mustard. And the thick toast sandwiches have even more options. These come chock full of fillings, from scrambled eggs and maple beef bacon to Nutella, Biscoff and taro. Like all of its menu items, they're also stunning to look at. If you're curious about — or already obsessed with — Bingsoo's bites, you're not going to want to miss this giveaway. Just be aware that the offer only lasts until the corn dogs and gilgeori are sold out. Be sure to get in early to avoid disappointment. Images: Pete Dillon.
Docklands' winter forecast is looking very warm and toasty, as the annual Firelight Festival returns to the precinct from Friday, June 29. The festival's second outing promises to totally eclipse the first, featuring a sprawling program of events and activities, and some particularly lavish celebrations across the opening weekend. Victoria Harbour is set to be transformed into its biggest, brightest self, playing host to nightly fireworks displays, roving performers, fire drums, flame jets and striking installations. You'll even catch three huge wooden sculptures, designed by local artist Christian Patton, set ablaze as they float along the Harbour. Throughout the month, a diverse live music lineup ranges from jazz, to gypsy, to a New Orleans brass outfit, and special guest Jo Stanley heads up a family-friendly Fireside Storytelling session, sharing tales from her literary series Play Like a Girl. Of course, foodies and booze buffs will also find plenty here to keep them off the couch and out of hibernation, including long-table feasts at Collins Square's Chiara, a program of workshops and progressive dinners exploring some of Docklands' finest food spots, and the 1930s-inspired Speakeasy Series, which descends on the area's top watering holes. The Docklands Firelight Festival kicks off with a program of opening weekend festivities from June 29–July 1, running from 5-10pm each night. The full program of events runs until July 31. Image credit: Grace Petrou
If you're a science-fiction fan — and a lover of 2008's Cloverfield and its 2016 follow-up 10 Cloverfield Lane, specifically — then you might want to cancel your plans for tonight. With barely a few hours notice, Netflix is now streaming the third film in the franchise. Yes, today. No, that's not a typo. Previously called God Particle, it's now going by the name The Cloverfield Paradox, and it's now available worldwide (yes, even on Australian Netflix) via the streaming platform the moment the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles walk off the field. Haven't even heard of the flick, even though it stars Black Mirror's' Gugu Mbatha-Raw, The IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd, Inglourious Basterds' Daniel Brühl, Selma's David Oyelowo, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's Zhang Ziyi and Aussie actress Elizabeth Debicki? That's okay — the first trailer for the movie only aired during the game, bearing the words "only on Netflix tonight" at the end. The news that it'd be available via Netflix rather than in cinemas is a recent development, too. Initially, it was set to release in theatres last year, before being moved to February 1 this year and then later this year. In fact, up until a few minutes ago, we still had the film in our review schedule for April. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8brYvhEg5Aw&feature=youtu.be In taking on a star-filled, decent-budget movie that was originally made to be viewed in cinemas, then releasing it for all the world to see with very little warning, Netflix is in uncharted territory. If this was another sci-fi saga, we'd say they're boldly going where no one has gone before. It's great news for film buffs eager to watch something when and where they want — and not be at the mercy of different release dates around the world — but it's also indicative of a new trend. Paramount, the studio originally behind The Cloverfield Paradox, did something similar with fellow sci-fi title Annihilation, the latest effort from Ex Machina's Alex Garland. As The Hollywood Reporter noted in December last year, it decided to find another avenue for the film after worrying it was "too intellectual" and "too complicated" for viewers. If you think that sounds a little patronising, you're not alone. The Atlantic ran through some of the worries behind the strategy, but, in short, it could be a sign of not-so-great things to come. At a time when cinemas are filled with endless Star Wars instalments and multiple superhero cinematic universes — not that there's anything wrong with that, either — movies like The Cloverfield Paradox and Annihilation are becoming increasingly rare. Not just sci-fi flicks, but anything that doesn't fit into an existing franchise, remake/reimagine/reboot a recognisable property or star The Rock (or, sometimes, all of the above). And while they're frequently the films that do extremely well at the box office, audiences do want to see other things too. We don't just want our cinematic candy — bright, loud, comfortable and familiar — but fare that's are different, intriguing, unusual and unexpected as well. Of course, the Cloverfield franchise has a history of surprise reveals, keeping things close to its chest and doing things differently. The first film, a found-footage monster effort, gave very little away before the movie hit cinemas. The second, which focused on Mary Elizabeth Winstead in a bunker with a possibly hostile John Goodman, only released its first trailer and confirmed that the movie even existed a month before it was released. Netflix's plan of attack with The Cloverfield Paradox makes that seem positively slow. But, when you're settling down to watch the flick from today onwards, here's hoping that you'll still be able to see movies like this on the big screen in the future. The Cloverfield Paradox is now streaming on Netflix here.
We've all been drooling over Scandinavian-inspired furniture and décor for a while now. But sometimes it's hard to distinguish between economical, IKEA-esque goods — which certainly have their place, ahem, those tiny light wood stools in every cafe across the country — and the kind of pieces you'll keep forever. If you're looking for the former, you already know where to go. However, if the latter is more your style you can't go past 20th Century Scandinavia. Boasting vintage furnishings that tread the perfect line between retro and modern, this store has something for everyone. The family-run business gets in new shipments from Denmark on the reg, so there's always newly refurbished pieces hitting the shop floor. Weekend shoppers, be sure to also check out the warehouse showroom located just down the road at 41 St Phillip Street, Brunswick East, which is open 11am–4pm, Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment.
Kawaii alert: Hello Kitty and her adorable entourage are opening a colourful cafe in the heart of Melbourne. Opening on Friday, May 9, the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe will be the first of its kind in Australia, bringing Sanrio's most iconic characters to life through food, art and, naturally, super-cute design. Popping up at Melbourne Central, this immersive, multi-zone experience merges Japanese pop culture with a bold dose of Melbourne flair, and is no doubt set to become a must-visit spot for fans of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and My Melody. The whole concept has been brought to life by a team of Australian creatives, including art director Eddie Zammit — who was behind the striking visual identity for Hello Kitty's recent Chadstone pop-up — and illustrator Travis Price. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eddie Zammit (@eddiezammit) Inside, you'll find four themed spaces, each dripping in pastel tones and Sanrio references aplenty. At the centre of the action is Cinnamoroll World, an ode to the eponymous cinnamon roll-tailed puppy. You can also explore the Friends Garden, where bespoke illustrations of Sanrio characters share the spotlight with Melbourne Central's iconic Clock and Coop's Shot Tower. In a rush? Stop by the Hello Kitty Corner, ideal for a quick, but no less cute, refuel to break up the shopping with a takeaway coffee and pastry. On the menu, you'll find appropriately kawaii Japanese-inspired picks, like strawberry sandos, fresh rainbow poke bowls and character-themed bento boxes that feel more like collectibles than meals. And that fourth themed space? That'd be a gift shop, stocked with limited-edition merch you won't find anywhere else. Think: embroidered patches, tees, plushies, key rings and monthly drops, all designed by Aussie creatives to celebrate the mash-up of the Hello Kitty world and Melbourne's creative energy. "This one-of-a-kind experience is a true celebration of two icons — Hello Kitty and Friends, and the vibrant city of Melbourne," says Silvia Figini, Chief Operating Officer Sanrio (EMEA, India and Oceania) and Mr Men (Worldwide). "We're proud to have seamlessly blended Sanrio's beloved aesthetic with Melbourne's unique spirit and creativity." The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe opens on Friday, May 9, at Melbourne Central. For more info, head to the Melbourne Central website.
When the ancient Greeks dreamt up democracy many moons ago, they surely knew their labour of political love would reap plentiful rewards for humanity — barbecuable rewards. Why else would our society have evolved so deliciously to the point where Election Day is synonymous with hot snags in bread? Yep, here in Australia, voting and sausage sizzles go together like Q&A and provocative tweets. But thanks to a bit of ingenious technology, you don't have to simply cross your fingers and hope your local voting booth is one of the ones firing up the barbie on voting day. There's a nifty online map that'll tell you exactly where to find those glorious democracy snags. The Democracy Sausage website crowdsources data from social media sites, as well as from direct audience submissions, to map out the polling places that feature sausage sizzles and other food and drink offerings. While the site has offered a comprehensive sausage database for various elections since 2016, it's currently getting a run for the upcoming 2022 federal election, which takes place this Saturday, May 21. [caption id="attachment_839440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] Jump onto the map to easily identify which polling places will be slinging sausage sizzles, cake stalls, bacon and egg rolls, and coffee. You'll even spy separate icons marking those spots that are serving vegetarian food and halal options. According to the website's own stats, there are currently 722 polling places confirmed to feature sausage sizzles for this weekend's voting, with more to come. Of course, since the map is built largely off community intel, it's not entirely exhaustive — if you've got some goss about sausage sizzle locations, you can help by sharing it with the team via a direct message or tweeting #democracysausage. If you're a diehard fan of the humble Election Day snag, you'll also find a selection of snag-related merch available on Democracy Sausage's Redbubble online store. Of course, if you're one of the many Aussies who took advantage of early voting or postal voting for this election, you might have to settle for a Woolies run and a home-cooked homage to that democracy sausage instead. To plot your sausage haul during the federal election on Saturday, May 21, head over on the Democracy Sausage website. Top image: Jonathan Taylor, via Unsplash.
The pandemic hasn't conjured up many fond memories, but Normal People's small-screen arrival in 2020 is definitely one of them. Dropping into our streaming queues when the world was mid-lockdown and already feeling every emotion possible, the heartwrenching TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel was impossible to stop watching — thanks to the story, the pitch-perfect performances and the evocative mood that made you feel like you'd stepped into the writer's pages. Based on the two trailers for Conversations with Friends so far, history looks set to repeat itself on Monday, May 16, which is when the latest television version of one of Rooney's beloved books hits. This time around, the author's debut novel is making its way to the screen, but it has another tale of love, lust and emotional chaos to tell. Of course it does. As seen in the first teaser back in January and fleshed out further in the just-dropped full trailer, Conversations with Friends focuses on Dublin college students Frances (newcomer Alison Oliver) and Bobbi (Sasha Lane, American Honey), as well as married couple Nick (Joe Alwyn, The Souvenir: Part II) and Melissa (Jemima Kirke, Sex Education). Frances and Bobbi used to date, but are now best friends; however, everything shifts when they meet their new pals — with Frances and Nick having an affair, Melissa and Bobbi drawn to each other, and Frances and Bobbi's friendship put under threat. Complicating matters: everything from the fact that Frances and Bobbi are so close that they even perform spoken word poetry together, through to their different ways of pursuing Melissa and Nick. While Melissa and Bobbi flirt openly, Frances and Nick keep things under wraps. And yes, as the trailer shows to the sounds of Phoebe Bridgers, it all gets complex fast. Unfurling across 12 parts, all of which will drop on the same day — so you really can repeat the Normal People binging experience — Conversations with Friends also shares that series' co-director Lenny Abrahamson (Room, Frank), as well as co-screenwriter Alice Birch (Lady Macbeth). When Conversations with Friends was first published five years back, it launched Rooney's career and sent award nominations her way, with Hulu and BBC Three announcing their plans to bring it to the screen after the Normal People adaptation proved such a hit. Obviously, if you can't wait for Conversations with Friends to land in your streaming queue, you can try to fill your time rebinging Normal People. Check out the full trailer for Conversations with Friends below: Conversations with Friends will be available to stream Down Under via Prime Video on Monday, May 16. Images: Alison Oliver (Frances), Sasha Lane (Bobbi), Joe Alwyn (Nick) and Jemima Kirke (Melissa) in Conversations with Friends, Element Pictures. Photographer: Enda Bowe.
Gluten isn't always the enemy. Sometimes it's just wheat, a grain that's been modified so much over time that many of our guts now struggle to digest it properly. The team at Farro is well aware of this, opting to replace wheat with 100-percent spelt flour in all of its pizza, pasta and bread. Not only is this ancient grain better for our bellies, but it arguably tastes a whole lot better than wheat and totally gluten-free options. It's also what had made this Italian restaurant group so successful, with the crew having opening its seventh outpost in Moonee Ponds. Here, diners can expect the same stacked menu of classic Italian dishes found at its locations in Fitzroy, Caulfield North, Hawthorn, Thornbury, Windsor and Richmond, from the long list of antipasti to house-made pasta and woodfired pizzas. The extensive vegan menu can also be found the new Moonee Ponds site, offering up a huge amount of completely plant-based eats. Drinks-wise, all the usual contenders are here. Aussie and Italian beers come both on tap and in tinnies, vinos from Victoria and Italy dominate the wine list, and there's a decent selection of cocktails for those feeling a little fancier. And if you're simply looking to order some pizza and pasta to be delivered to your house near in the inner northwest, Farro is available on UberEats.
One of the world's most acclaimed galleries is coming to Australia, and it's bringing more than 70 works that chronicle the past 200 years in art history with it. For a five-month season from mid-June, the UK's Tate will take over Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image with a hefty exhibition that'll span everything from painting, photography and sculpture through to drawing, kinetic art and installations — and, of course, the moving image. Given the time period covered by Light: Works from Tate's Collection, the list of artists that'll be on display is a varied one — as drawn from pieces in the Tate's four separate sites in Britain. Art lovers will be able to see works by famed English romantic painter and watercolourist Joseph Mallord William Turner alongside the light- and space-focused efforts of American artist James Turrell, plus pieces by impressionist Claude Monet and Japanese favourite Yayoi Kusama. Running from Thursday, June 16–Sunday, November 13, the unifying theme is light, as the exhibition's name makes plain — and if you're wondering how this connects to ACMI's remit as a museum for the moving image, light is obviously crucial to all recorded vision. While Light: Works from Tate's Collection will step through art history, ACMI will further put its pieces into broader artistic context by presenting it alongside its permanent The Story of the Moving Image exhibition, which examines the origins and genesis of film and television. From the impressive roster of art and artists, Turner's 1805 painting The Deluge will make its Australian debut, while Kusama's characteristically kaleidoscopic 2005 sculpture The Passing Winter gets viewers peering into a mirrored cube. Turrell's Raemar, Blue, from 1969, is an immersive spatial environment that surrounds visitors in infinite and immersive light. And among the other highlights sits paintings by John Constable, Wassily Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Joseph Albers; more impressionist pieces from Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley; and rotating crystalline sculpture Stardust Particle by Olafur Eliasson. The ticketed exhibition will be accompanied by talks, performances, workshops and late-night events, as well as film screenings. Although the events lineup hasn't yet been revealed, masterclasses with cinematographers, artist discussions, and magic lantern and 16mm presentations will all be on the bill, as will two free exhibits — from Australian artist Mikala Dwyer in ACMI's lightwell and by Lis Rhodes in Gallery 3, with the latter's Light Music also coming from the Tate Collection. [caption id="attachment_858887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Phoebe Powell[/caption] [caption id="attachment_858889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Passing Winter, 2005, Yayoi Kusama. Tate: Purchased with funds provided by the Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee 2008. ©Yayoi Kusama. Tate. Photo: Phoebe Powell.[/caption] Top images: Installation view, 'Light: Works from Tate's Collection', showing at ACMI, 2022. Photos by Phoebe Powell.
We're all going on a summer holiday: as long as you're keen to take your a vacation within Australia, Qantas has cheap flights on offer to help make your next getaway a reality for cheap. For a week, the Australian airline is slinging over one-million discounted fares to locations around the country. Byron Bay, Uluru and Hamilton Island, here you come. Maybe you've changed your computer backdrop to a picture of The Whitsundays. Perhaps you keep perusing snaps from a past Tasmania stay on your phone. Don't just think about your previous jaunts or the ones you want to take, however — here's the motivation that you need to book in your next one. Qantas has dropped the price on flights to over 60 Aussie destinations, with fares starting at $109 and 30-plus routes on sale for under $150 one-way. The cheapest cost will get you from Sydney to either Byron Bay or the Gold Coast. Other options include Melbourne to Launceston from $119 or Adelaide from $159, and Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $129 — and to Hamilton Island from $169. The list of destinations and departure points also spans Cairns, Townsville, Kangaroo Island, Perth, Mackay, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Toowoomba, Albury, Hobart, Port Macquarie, the Fraser Coast, Darwin, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Mildura, Broken Hill, Bundaberg, Whyalla, Longreach, Emerald, Mount Isa, Broome and more. You'll be able to travel between November 2024–June 2025 — so, you can also have an autumn or early-winter holiday — although the specifics vary per destination. If you're keen, you'll need to get in before 11.59pm AEDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. And yes, the usual caveat applies: if fares sell out earlier, you'll miss out. Inclusions-wise, the sale covers fares with checked baggage, complimentary food and beverages, wifi and seat selection. Qantas' Red Tail sale runs until 11.59pm AEDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, or until sold out. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world. Top image: hypergurl via iStock.
Between Thursday, September 8–Wednesday, September 14, Palace Cinemas is giving movie buffs in Melbourne an extra present. It's not just the gift of great flicks — that is, their daily bread and butter — but the gift of cheap great flicks. Head to the chain's Balwyn, Brighton, Brighton Bay, Como, Westgarth, Pentridge and Kino venues across the week in question, and any film at any time will only cost you a fiver. Haven't yet seen Top Gun: Maverick, Bullet Train or Elvis? Catching up will cost you $5. Keen to check out Nope, The Black Phone, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Where the Crawdads Sing and Full Time? Also $5. We'd keep naming movies, but you get the picture. Booking in advance is highly recommended, given how much everyone loves going to the flicks for little more than the price of a cup of coffee. If you do nab your tickets online, you will have to add a transaction fee to the cost. You won't be able to use the $5 deal on special events and film festivals, or on two-for-one offers and other deals — and it's a Melbourne-only special — but you've now got plenty of movies to see for cheap.
When it comes to street art exhibitions, it really doesn't get any bigger than this. A retrospective of Banksy's work is making its way to Australia, featuring more than 80 of the artist's off-street masterpieces. From October 7 to January 31, The Paddock in Melbourne's Federation Square will play host to The Art of Banksy, a massive collection of pieces by the art world's chief enigma — including the darkly satirical, overtly political work that has turned the stencil-loving artist into such an infamous icon. Endeavouring to take audiences on a journey through Banksy's output and mindset, the exhibition will include the well-known Girl with Balloon, Flag Wall and Laugh Now pieces, as well as three efforts that have never before been displayed to the public. If it sounds epic, that's because it is. The art featured has been sourced from over 40 different private collectors around the world, and comprises the largest showcase of Banksy pieces to ever make its way to our shores. As curated by the artist's former manager Steve Lazarides, the exhibition is also a little controversial. While every piece is original, unique and authentic, The Art of Banksy proudly boasts that the entire show is 100% unauthorised. No, Banksy hasn't signed off on the event. As well as displaying Banksy's work in a custom-built enclosure, The Art of Banksy will also shine a light on a range of pieces by well-known and emerging local street artists. Expect to find them on the surrounding external surfaces and the inside walls of the exhibition's own Circle Bar, which will serve craft beers and cocktails. Outside, the Welcome to Thornbury team will corral a heap of food trucks into an area called 'The Railyard'. Plus, on Friday nights and Saturday arvos, DJs will also provide appropriate tunes to suit the occasion. Of course, Melburnians will know that this isn't the mysterious figure's first dalliance with the city. The artist's stencils have popped up around the city previously courtesy of a visit in 2003, though many have been destroyed and damaged in the years since.
Start your engines, RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under fans — come Saturday, July 30, the Australian and New Zealand version of the hit series will return to Stan in Australia and TVNZ OnDemand in New Zealand for a second season. RuPaul is back playing host, of course. Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson also return as judges, too. And, based on the just-dropped trailer, the challenges are taking the whole Down Under part extremely seriously. Well, one challenge is. Just as everyone in Australia will start paying an extra dollar for their Bunnings sausage sizzles — a price increase that NZ has been spared — Drag Race Down Under is throwing some snags on the barbie. Yes, there's a sausage sizzle photo shoot, as well as all the puns that you'd expect. Obviously, it looks glorious. Competing for the title of 'Down Under's Next Drag Superstar' this time around: three contenders from Aotearoa and seven from Australia. Aubrey Haive hails from Timaru in NZ, and will be representing the country alongside Spankie Jackzon from Palmerston North and Yuri Guaii from Auckland. In the Aussie contingent, Brisbane's Beverly Kills, Adelaide's Kween Kong and Newcastle's Molly Poppinz will be doing the honours alongside Sydney's Faúx Fúr, Hannah Conda, Minnie Cooper and Pomara Fifth. This fierce roster of queens will don eye-catching outfits, navigate plenty of dramas and vie for glory — and endeavour to follow in the footsteps of Kita Mean, who took out RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under's first season. The second season's lineup of celebrity guests hasn't been revealed, however, after 2021 saw Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue and Taika Waititi all pop up. If you're a fan, you already know the show's format, which spans fashion challenges, workroom dramas and lip sync battles aplenty. If you're a newcomer to all things Drag Race, you'll watch these new Australian and NZ competitors work through a series of contests to emerge victorious, and join the likes of Mean and US contenders Jinkx Monsoon, Sasha Velour and Sharon Needles in being crowned the series' winner. Before it made the leap Down Under last year, the US version of RuPaul's Drag Race had already been on the air for more than a decade, first premiering in 2009 — and wholeheartedly embracing its mission to unearth the next drag superstars ever since. The original US series just aired its 14th season this year, so this is a program with proven longevity. It has also spun off international iterations before, including in the UK — where it's also hosted by RuPaul — plus in Thailand, Holland, Chile and Canada. Check out the Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under season two trailer below: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will return for a second season in 2022 on Stan and TVNZ from Saturday, July 30.
Melbourne loves a good pub revamp and the latest is a doozy, breathing new life into a sunny corner site in the heart of South Melbourne. In the 169-year-old building formerly home to The Market Hotel and The Star Hotel, Tyson and Ashleigh Chambers (Melbourne Food and Brew, Golden Hills Brewery) have unveiled their latest project, known as Hotel South Melbourne. In its previous lives, the Clarendon Street boozer played host to music legends like AC/DC and Nick Cave. Now, it's jumping into a new phase of existence complete with a refreshed fitout and a renewed gastropub focus. It's a breezy, light-filled affair with lofty ceilings throughout, a spacious front bar, sunny beer garden and 120-seat dining room. Stripping out the tired interiors of yesteryear, the owners have infused the space with more modern charms, playing warm timber and exposed brick against considered pops of colour and a splash of terrazzo. There's sport on the screens, the Chambers' own signature brews on tap, and a variety of private spaces for gatherings of all sizes and occasions. Hotel South Melbourne's multi-faceted culinary offering comes courtesy of chef Lewis Bryce (Supernormal), celebrating elevated pub classics with a modern Australian edge. Here, the public bar is your go-to for a casual feed, slinging small plates, steaks, burgers and other favourites alongside a range of pizzas — think hot salami and prosciutto with pickled chilli and honey, or perhaps the oozy potato, brie and artichoke number. Meanwhile, the pub's main restaurant steps things up a gear, beginning with snacky options like beef tartare, cacio e pepe croquettes and grilled scallops with preserved lemon butter. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder is matched with marinated eggplant, saltbush and a romesco sauce; garlicky linguine marries spanner crab and clams; and a half roast chicken is done with miso butter, leek and crispy skin. The tap list invites you to get acquainted with Golden Hills Brewery drops like the Mexican lager, a biscuity American amber ale, and the blood plum and feijoa sour. The wine offering leans local with a handful of options also by the carafe, and the cocktail lineup is filled with gently tweaked favourites. Try the spritzed fusion of limoncello, thyme and prosecco, or go for the bar's take on a sbagliato featuring Davidson plum. Find Hotel South Melbourne at 160 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. It's open daily from 12pm–late. Images: Griffin Simm
Throwing a lavish dinner party? Trying to up your bartending game? Or just tired of dropping $20 per cocktail at the bar? Enter Cocktail Porter — it has you covered on all three counts. Australia's new online subscription service for at-home cocktail making is now delivering to door's across the country. While it's not the first of its kind in the country — with The Mixery delivery all the non-booze cocktail ingredients you'll need — it's the first delivering the spirits, too. It's founded by Sydney-based Cameron Northway, who also co-owns Rocker in Bondi with Three Blue Duck's Darren Robertson. He's joined by a team of renowned Australian hospo vets, including former Bartender of the Year Tim Phillips (owner of Bulletin Place and Dead Ringer). The subscription works similarly to most DIY food delivery services, except with booze. Fixings for a different drink will be delivered each month, along with a recipe card and pre-measured ingredients and premium spirits. This element of convenience will cost you $135 per month, which can be a lot to fork up at once — though it'll make 14–18 cocktails (about a tenner each), so it's a big saving for regular spenders at the bar. Each month will feature a different cocktail, curated by world-class bartenders and based on global drinking trends. At the moment, there's the Treacle Old Fashioned with sweet Italian vermouth, burnt orange-vanilla syrup and cacao-macadamia bitters; a classic gin martini with your choice of flavoured vermouth; and a bloody mary with turmeric vinegar. Coming up, November's two-in-one Spring Cup Spritz offers the options to make both Tanqueray and Ciroc spritzes in one box, along with sparkling wine, elderflower cordial and lemongrass and ginger sparkling water accompaniments. December will see a classic espresso martini box complete with Ketel One, coffee liqueur, cold drip coffee and grated dark chocolate. The fresh ingredients, garnishes and glassware are not included in the box, though the recipe card will tell you exactly what else you'll need, along with some at-home hacks if you want to avoid buying expensive tumblers, jiggers and shakers. If a month subscription is just too much, there are one-off orders and gift options, too, which are delivered within three-to-five working days — so not too much planning is needed if you want to amp up your next soiree. Cocktail Porter is now delivering across Australia.
If you heard the name 'Funland' in Australia, you'd think it was one of two things: an offshoot of Dreamworld where you'd be surrounded by obnoxious tourists, or an offshoot of Sexyland where you'd be harangued by middle-aged sex pests. Neither sound all that desirable. But in New York this week, Funland is an 'erotic playground' designed by British artists Bompas and Parr at the Museum of Sex — a bizarre combination of both Dreamworld and Sexyland that's infinitely better than either. One of the most obviously titillating (lol) attractions at the frisky fairground is an enormous bouncy castle full of giant protruding breasts. Appropriately titled, Jump for Joy this artwork is for those of us constantly frustrated by the absence of adult playground equipment, and also for lovers of big squishy Skywhale-scale boobies. In addition to this absolutely amazing thing which might be worth booking a flight for on its own, Bompas and Parr are also presenting four other fairground attractions with a sexual bent. There's an R-rated cinema, The Tunnel of Love — a mirrored labyrinth where patrons must go in search of the Gräfenberg (G) Spot, a mechanical horse-riding game where the animal is replaced by a certain male appendage, and a climbing wall made out of body parts knowingly titled Grope Mountain. The artists behind this utter excellence actually have quite the reputation outside of giant grope-able genitals too. Known for their extraordinary culinary innovations, they were responsible for London's NYE celebrations last year creating the world's first edible fireworks display. They also make the most incredible artisan jellies you've ever seen. What a life, eh? The entire Funland installation is of course a great celebration of sex positivity — an important principle of the NY institution in which it will be held. But the artists also claim they're responding to the erotic nature of fairgrounds themselves. Bompas explained to Wired this week that fairgrounds were a place to "hold hands and have a snog"; they're a place of thrills, pleasure and climaxes. Gives you a whole new perspective on the Royal Easter Show, right? Via Wired and Gothamist.
Much like the Big Apple, Melbourne is afflicted with a little insomnia and it's no wonder why. There's so much to do and so much to see that we have to take advantage of every available hour. Not to mention, the wee-small hours of the morning are the perfect time to get amongst it while avoiding the big crowds. Whether you've spent all night working a long shift or vigorously bumping and grinding on the d-floor, a body needs a little fuel. So, we've turned to those nocturnal yum-slingers we admire so much — our chefs — to get the low-down on where to spend those later hours eating the good stuff. Plus, we had a little look-see at the Night Network routes to help you get to these great late-night eats on the weekend (no matter what time it is). We asked the big guns of Fancy Hanks, Annam, Hector's Deli and Anada where they eat late at night after a long shift on the tools or a big night out, and they replied with the kind, unbridled enthusiasm you would expect. COOKIE Hidden away inside the Curtin House is Cookie, one of Melbourne's favourite pioneering culinary hotspots. They serve up exquisite Thai food and don't stop serving until past midnight. Dom Wilton and Jason Barratt of Hector's Deli in Richmond have some pretty strong feelings about the whole thing. "[Cookie] is probably the best restaurant in Melbourne…the fact that it doesn't have at least one hat makes me lose faith in the whole hatted guide," says Dom. And as Stokehouse alums, we trust they know what they're on about. Cookie, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street. The 19 tram will get you pretty darn close to the front steps. [caption id="attachment_647048" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kristoffer Paulsen.[/caption] THE MAYFAIR This recommendation comes from Brendan Van De Sande, the sous chef for Fancy Hanks, one of the CBD's iconic barbecue venues — even if you've never been, you've probably smelled the barbecuey goodness of its smoker on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets. Brendan has an extensive knowledge of late-night haunts to pick you up after a long shift or a big night. The Mayfair on Collins is a fancy, jazzy affair that knows what you want in a late-night snack with their dedicated late-night menu. "[The Mayfair Restaurant] is decadent, open late and the food is delicious. The staff are always super friendly and can lift your spirits after the hardest of services. My go to? The Mayfair burger and fries," Brendan says. The Mayfair, 45 Collins Street. Hop on the 109 tram to get there. STALACTITES Well, look. Obviously Stalactites needs to make this list. We've all wound up there, destroying a souva after a big night. But if it makes you feel any better, some of Melbourne's best chefs go there, too. Jerry Mai, who runs Annam on Little Bourke Street, is a fan of both the fare and the feel. "Sometimes all you need is a souva. I love that it's always bustling. It's a bit like stepping into another world," she says. And the Hector's Deli collective agrees, "you can't beat a greek meat platter and a cold Mythos after a long shift". Or a long shift of working hard on the d-floor. Either way, all night roads lead to Stalactites. Stalactites, 177/183 Lonsdale Street. Catch the 19 tram to Bourke Street Mall for these sweet, sweet souvas. SIGLO There are many reasons you might end up at Siglo in the wee hours of the morn. You might need a cosy atmosphere for a few reflective gins or a place to amp up the sexiness factor at the end of a date. It's a very sensual place, which makes it the perfect after-work venue for Maria Kabal, the head chef of Anada on Gertrude Street. "You can have a bite to eat with a negroni to wind down from your night at work," she says. Both atmosphere and menu are old-school European summer (think linen tablecloths, deferential service and charcuterie boards) and so are their opening hours — they're up until 3am every night. Siglo, 2/161 Spring Street. The 86 or 96 trams will get you to the area — all you have to do next is find the door (it's the nondescript one next to The European). [caption id="attachment_657860" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr/John Joh.[/caption] LING NAN Ling Nan on Little Bourke stays open until 3.30am, probably because Melbourne's hospitality community has a massive thing for late-night XO pipis. It looks like a typical noisy Chinese restaurant but it's the place to be. Jerry Mai says "[They have] great XO pipis and congee and fried chicken ribs. You always run into other chefs and waiters knocking off — it's just that kind of place." The Hector's Deli crew are similarly afflicted with pipi-lust, but they have a different favourite: Supper Inn on Celestial Avenue in Chinatown. "[We've] spent too many nights annoying the amazing staff there at 2am not to mention them. The obvious choice is pipis in XO," they say. Ling Nan, 204 Little Bourke Street. Supper Inn, 15 Celestial Avenue. Look to the trusty 19 to get you to the corner of Swanston and Bourke streets. [caption id="attachment_657862" align="alignnone" width="1920"] @butchersdiner.[/caption] BUTCHERS DINER This unassuming little venue on Bourke Street is open 24/7, slings hearty meals in a diner setting and comes pre-loaded with a sense of nostalgia. Their menu is meaty and eclectic; think burgers, toasties, fried chicken, chilli dogs, pickles, roast veggies and sticky date pudding (to name but a few). Maria Kabal is cursed with a chef's worst nightmare: coeliac disease. She struggles to find easy late-night options, but Butchers Diner has changed all that. "Fate is an ironic mistress, making a chef a coeliac. The main thing for me is that [Butchers Diner] do everything gluten-free," she says. "Their specials board is usually what I go for. This one time I had two whole wheels of delice [a triple-cream soft cow's milk cheese] stacked on top of each other with pickled cherries. Best. Ever." Butchers Diner, 10 Bourke Street. Find this meaty paradise via the 86 or 96 trams to spring Street. HONOURABLE MENTIONS Union Electric, 13 Heffernan Lane, (open until 1am every night): "My friends and I stumbled upon this little diamond one night by accident, and our lives have never been the same. They don't have their own food menu, but you can BYO food from the surrounding Chinatown restaurants (or anywhere!). They've also just launched a new rooftop. My life has been electrified ever since."— Brendan Van De Sande, Fancy Hanks. Bar Tini, 3-5 Hosier Lane, (open until 3am Friday and Saturday): "Late night cocktails and beautiful Frank Camorra food…what more could you want?" — Jerry Mai, Annam. Whether you're working till the wee hours or partying to dawn, hop on the Night Network's weekend trams, trains or buses to refuel at one of these late-night eateries.
Nothing starts a week on a high note quite like a good old fashioned boogie. Especially when you can really let loose, dancing free of inhibition at No Lights No Lycra's Monday night East Brunswick session. Born in Melbourne and now loved the globe over, this free-form dance class invites punters to sweat and groove in their own style, the room dimmed to nix any of the self-consciousness that sometimes comes from dancing in front of strangers. Expect cranking tunes, a fun and friendly atmosphere, and a high-energy workout guaranteed to get your blood pumping.
Thought bingo was for your nan? Think again. It's also for you — or perhaps, if she's a groovy gran, for the both of you. Hijacking the traditional format of bingo with raves, conga lines and lip sync battles, Bingo Loco is 50-percent one of those strange dreams you get after eating too much cheese and 50-percent just a walloping good time. Come Saturday, October 29 at 170 Russell, the MC will keep the night rolling, while confetti showers and smoke cannons will go off throughout the evening (perhaps wear your glasses). Bingo ravers will compete for ultimate glory (and prizes) over the course of multiple rounds. Given the timing, this night is all about Halloween, too. That means spooky effects, scary hosts and maybe even breaking out the 'Monster Mash'. Obviously, dressing to meet the spine-chilling occasion is also on the agenda. In between the traditional bingo games, you'll be expected to groove to classic 90s rave bangers, partake in dance-offs and battle others for lip sync queen titles. Basically, be prepared for many high-octane, energetic activities — gone are the days of simply raising your hand when you've got a full sheet of numbers. Doing your stretches and vocal warm-ups first are advised. You'll vie for prizes, which in the past have included Coachella tickets, Vegas trips, mobility scooters (nan, listen up), boats and lawnmowers (maybe for your dad), among other goldmines. Bingo Loco has been running across the globe for a few years and now will trumpet its way around Australia once more, with a portion of ticket sales going to Minus18's work with LGBTQIA+ youth.
Whether you're new to the world of Italian amaro or you're already a true aficionado, you'll find plenty to wet your whistle this week at Alimentari Goods. The gorgeous new goods store at Smith Street Alimentari will be moonlighting as an aperitivo tasting bar, taking punters on an amaro-based sipping adventure. From 6pm on Thursday, February 23, Aperitivo & Co's Naz Fazio is dropping by to chat all things digestif — and to pour you some of his top Italian amaro picks of the moment. You'll get the chance to taste six different iterations from labels like Cocchi, Alpino, La Canellese and Cardamaro. You can pick Fazio's very knowledgeable brains while you sample, and there'll be light snacks to match. What's more, if you sip something you like, all the amaro varieties will be available to purchase to take home — and, so will the rest of Alimentari Goods' range of homewares, aperitifs and gourmet pantry items. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Seeing fruit mince pies in your local shopping centre in October feels downright disturbing, but there's one Christmas treat that no one ever minds arriving early: Four Pillars' annual Christmas Gin. The latest iteration of the Healesville distillery's seasonal sip is coming in strong, set to hit shelves on Tuesday, October 25. It's the delicious result of a yearly tradition that sees a bunch of Christmas puddings handmade with distiller Cameron Mackenzie's mother's recipe — the 1968 Australian Women's Weekly recipe, in fact — and distilled with various festive botanicals to create a sought-after tipple that pretty much screams December 25. The flavours of an Aussie Christmas are captured in notes of cinnamon, star anise, juniper, coriander and angelica. The Christmas gin is then blended with some earlier gin that's been carefully ageing in 80-year-old muscat barrels. It's all finished with a hit of Rutherglen muscat for a bit of added richness and complexity. Each year, a new unique label is chosen to wrap up this Christmas creation, setting out to evoke that same festive spirit. The 2022's bottle design is the work of artist Jane Reynolds, who has provided an abstract version of a Christmas tree scene. She has also whipped up artwork for the rest of Four Pillars' seasonal range — because the gin has company. If it's the tipple itself that has you excited, the distillers always recommend you sip the limited-edition gin neat; mix it with ginger ale, lime and bitters; or whip up a pavlova punch with the festive gin, passionfruit, muscat, berries and your choice of sparkling. Or you can just splash a bit of it on your own Christmas pudding — or pair it with Four Pillars' own Christmas gin puddings, as made with with gin-steamed oranges and a dash of Christmas Gin (naturally), which'll also be available to buy from Tuesday, October 25. There's also a sour cherry and fresh yuzu and apple pickle, aka pickles made from yuzu-steeped apples and botanical-infused oranges that are then mixed with sour cherries and spices, and are recommended to serve with cheese, charcuterie or a leftover ham sandwich. Finally, Four Pillars is releasing a linen yuletide tea towel, too, as decked out with with Reynold's work. If you want to nab a bottle — or any of the above — have your fingers poised over the 'buy' button when they go on sale online towards the end of October. Alternatively, you can stop by the Four Pillars HQ in Healesville, Victoria or the brand's Surry Hills shop in Sydney. Bottles are $105 a pop and would make stellar Chrissy pressies, if you're already thinking about that. The pudding will cost you $30, the tea towel the same price and the pickles $10. Four Pillars Christmas Gin is available to buy online, from the Healesville distillery and Surry Hills shop from Tuesday, October 25. But you'd best be quick — there's only a limited amount of bottles. Images: Benito Martin.
So, you manage to keep yourself pretty well entertained between the wine festivals, gallery exhibitions and bottomless brunches. But what about that four-legged mate of yours? Well, you'd better clear his or her schedule too, because an OTT pop-up doggy theme park is headed to Melbourne this spring. Descending on Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts (PICA) on Saturday, November 19, Theme Bark promises the dog's day out your pooch has been dreaming of all their life. So just what can Luna expect from this paw-some puppy playground? Well, there'll be a big ball pit playpen, complete with slide, and a giant obstacle course for ducking, diving and clamouring around in a floofy cloud of ecstasy. [caption id="attachment_861968" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blue Bird via Pexels[/caption] Talented pooches can try their luck in the Pup Pageant or the Doggy Dash, while the afternoon's dog yoga sessions promise to fill up fast. And four-legged divas will find a slew of nail techs, grooming specialists and other pampering services to have them looking and feeling schmick, as well as free vet checks for added peace of mind. Meanwhile, the pop-up Barkery Lane market will have retailers slinging everything from dog accessories to toys, and there'll be rescue and adoption stalls for those wanting to expand their fur family — or simply enjoy some cuddles. What's more, a portion of all Theme Bark ticket sales will be donated to a local dog rescue organisation.
In November last year, Sydney hospitality giant Merivale confirmed the Lorne Hotel would play host to a fifth outpost of the hospitality group's much-loved Italian eatery Totti's. Now, we have a confirmed opening date for pasta lovers in Victoria. Victoria's first Totti's venue will throw open its doors this Saturday, March 11, with bookings opening later this week on Wednesday, March 8. Launching as the group's first Victorian opening — and the first-ever outside of New South Wales — the restaurant will be helmed by Merivale Executive Chef (and Totti's creator) Mike Eggert, along with Lorne Hotel Executive Chef and Surf Coast local Matt Germanchis. It'll take over the Ground Floor space formerly home to MoVida Lorne, where Germanchis was most recently on the pans. The venue's set to plate up a faithful interpretation of the Italian fare that's earned Totti's its cult status up north, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites will be in strong supply, from the puffy wood-fired bread to the fresh pasta; while the hotel's location will guide the menu's expansive seafood offering, showing off plenty of locally sourced ocean-fresh inclusions. Similarly, the drinks list is set to zero in on Victorian winemakers and producers, across a broad-ranging lineup of drops for all tastes. As for the vibe, it'll also embrace the restaurant's coastal setting, the space just as well suited to long weekend lunches, as to thirsty walk-ins strolling fresh off the beach. And you can expect foreshore views from every seat in the house. Totti's has proved a winning concept in Sydney since the opening of its OG Bondi outpost. The stable has expanded to include venues in Rozelle, the Sydney CBD and, as of August, Allianz Stadium, where Merivale has taken over the entire food and drink offering. The expansion into Victoria was initially announced back in May of 2021, with the news it had purchased the historic Lorne Hotel to play host to Victoria's first Totti's. Totti's Lorne will open its doors on Saturday, March 11 at midday at 176 Mountjoy Pde, Great Ocean Rd, Lorne. Bookings will open via the Totti's Lorne website at 9am, Wednesday March 8. Images: Ashley Ludkin
"The moon belongs to everyone, the best things in life are free," goes the old song by Ray Henderson, and while Henderson touched on little beauties like flowers that spring and robins that sing, a few more free things have come around since the 1920s, including free food from Chargrill Charlie's. In this case, little did Henderson know that far in the future, you'd be able to grab a free chicken schnitzel roll from Chargrill Charlie's Richmond for one day only. It's all to celebrate the grand opening of the charcoal chook-slinging storefront's fourth Melbourne location, hence the time-limited nature. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chargrill Charlie's (@chargrillcharlies) As such, you'll have to plan ahead to be able to head in-store between 12pm and 1pm on Saturday, November 29. And timeliness is key here, since the store only has 300 of the rolls that it's handing out without price tags. The early bird gets the free lunch, as they probably say. Chargrill Charlie's can be found at 171-173 Swan Street, Richmond. For more information, visit the website.
As House of the Dragon's second season finale set up, big things are happening in Westeros. With fellow Game of Thrones prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms dropping a sneak peek ahead of its 2025, big things are happening for the George RR Martin-created realm on-screen, too. Here comes some more big news related to the hugely popular page-to-TV fantasy franchise, which just keeps proving a hit for HBO: winter is coming to House of the Dragon, giving fans just two more seasons of its Targaryen feuds. In a press conference, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal has advised that as well as the already-announced third season of the show — which was greenlit before season two even aired — a fourth season is planned. After that, there'll be no more time with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy, Mothering Sunday), Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke, Slow Horses) and everyone else that's been squabbling over the Iron Throne since 2022. As both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety report, Condal also said that the third season of House of the Dragon is likely to go into production in early 2025, and span eight episodes as season two did. Why get viewers obsessing over one ending, given that season two just wrapped up on Monday, August 5, Down Under, when they can dig into two? That's where this information puts House of the Dragon aficionados. But while you start to come to terms with another stint in the Seven Kingdoms coming to its conclusion, your next Game of Thrones-related watch is already confirmed thanks to the aforementioned A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. HBO has always been quick to lock in more House of the Dragon. It took a mere one episode when the series premiered for the US network to sign on for season two, after all. But after giving Game of Thrones eight seasons, it seems that HBO is now also quick to know when not to drag out a storyline, even for one of its massive shows. There's no details yet on when either season three or season four of House of the Dragon will bring back its flowing long blonde hair, carnage, fire, dragons, conflicting factions and fights for supremacy — including if it'll be in winter in Australia and New Zealand, as has proven the case for both season one and two. Game of Thrones was always going to spark spinoff shows. Indeed, when HBO started thinking about doing a prequel six years ago, before the OG smash had even finished its run, it was hardly surprising. And, when the US network kept adding ideas to its list — including a Jon Snow-focused series with Kit Harington (Eternals) reprising his famous role, novella series Tales of Dunk and Egg and an animated GoT show, to name just a few prequels and spinoffs that've been considered, but may or may not actually come to fruition — absolutely no one was astonished. So far, just House of the Dragon has reached screens, with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the Dunk and Egg adaptation, arriving next. Check out the trailer for House of the Dragon season two below: House of the Dragon streams Down Under via Foxtel and Binge in Australia, and SoHo, Sky Go and Neon in New Zealand. Seasons three and four don't yet have release dates. Read our review of season one and our review of season two. Via Hollywood Reporter / Variety. Images: HBO.
In the two decades that Gelato Messina has been in dessert business, more than 4000 special flavours have made their way through the chain's gelato cabinets around the country. Each year, it releases 260 specials, in fact. Yes, that's a lot of frosty and creamy scoops. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, the chain brings a selection of these flavours back every now and then — and, sometimes, it busts out its entire top 40 greatest hits. That's happening again this winter, based on the past year's top flavours, so you'd best make room in your freezer. Lucky Sydneysiders, Melburnians and Brisbanites will be able to treat themselves to a treasure trove of limited-edition gelato varieties. While, in the past, the greatest hits specials have been a buy-in-shop-only deal, the chain went with preordered tubs in 2020 — so no one had to worry about long queues and empty cabinets — and it's doing the same thing again in 2023. Gelato fiends can preorder 500-millilitre tubs of the 40 flavours from Monday, July 10. You'll then need to pick them up from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands stores; Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; and Braddon in Canberra — all between Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. Individual tubs are filled with just one flavour and will set you back $19, or you can get three for $54, five for $75, ten for $140 or — if you have the freezer space — 20 for $250. Wondering which flavours are available? Messina has dropped the full list of faves making a comeback — and it's stacked with deliciousness (just like your freezer will be). Fairy Bread (toast and butter gelato with 100s & 1000s) and Robert Blondie Jnr (white chocolate gelato, blondie and white chocolate fudge sauce) will all return in tub form. So will Balls Deep (chocolate gelato with chocolate mud cake and salted caramel fudge) and You Cannoli Live Twice (chocolate crème patisserie gelato with chocolate hazelnut fudge, candied hazelnuts, and crushed cannoli shells), too. Love Messina's takes on other beloved desserts? The Malteaser, Eton Mess, Baked Mango Cheesecake, Have a Gay Old Time, Pavlova, Red Velvet — those Messina flavours are all on the list as well. Good luck trying to choose just one, or even a mere few. Gelato Messina's Greatest Hits will be available to preorder on Monday, July 10 with pick up between Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands stores (orders from 12.15pm); Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; and Braddon in Canberra (orders from 12pm).
Bluesfest has lifted the lid on its first artist announcement for 2020 and heading the stampede are famed American singer Patti Smith, rockers Dave Matthews Band and the legendary Crowded House. All three are repeat Bluesfest offenders, with Patti Smith and her band returning after a standout performance in 2017, the "magical and unmissable" Dave Matthews Band heading back for their third festival and Crowded House once again trekking up the coast — this time for an exclusive Australian performance. Expect to hear plenty of huge tunes from the likes of Smith's 'Because the Night' to Matthews' 'Crash Into Me' and the anthem that is 'Don't Dream It's Over'. Other acts to hit the stage over the weekend include the multi Grammy Award-winning George Benson, American singer Brandi Carlile, Aussie favourites The Cat Empire, British trip-hop band Morcheeba and John Butler. The festival will return to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm — just outside Byron Bay — for 2020 despite Festival Director Peter Noble threatening to leave NSW earlier this year because of the State Government's strict new music festival licensing regime. An inquiry into the licence is currently underway. Better start making Easter plans because tickets are already on sale. Anyway, here's the full lineup (so far). [caption id="attachment_737186" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Matthews Band[/caption] BLUESFEST 2020 LINEUP Dave Matthews Band Patti Smith and Her Band Crowded House George Benson Brandi Carlile John Butler Xavier Rudd The Cat Empire Morcheeba John Prine Jenny Lewis Frank Turner John Mayall Buffy Sainte-Marie The Marcus Kind Band Walter Trout Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram Greensky Bluegrass Larkin Poe The War & Treaty Bluesfest 2020 will run April 9–13 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix.
Odd Culture Fitzroy has created an event for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival specifically for all those who love wild and unusual fermented flavours — the funkier, the better. So if you would proudly describe your palate as dank 'Fizz: A Festival of Fermentation' is one to ink in your calendar. From 12–4pm on Sunday, March 17, the Odd Culture crew will take guests on a journey through the world of fermented drinks, from beer and wine to sake and gin, while serving up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern eats courtesy of the legend Chef Tom Sarafian who has curated a grill-heavy selection of bites. The $78 ticket will include one main meal per person, but you can always order and pay for more on the day. The Odd Culture crew has teamed up with Four Pillars to offer all punters a complimentary fermented dirty gin martini on arrival. For the occasion, Four Pillars' Creative Director of Gin Drinks Nick Tesar has also come up with a small list of other gin-based bevs that can bought at the bar. The venue's beer garden will then be filled with a series of stalls slinging tasters of fermented drinks. Either sip your way around the stalls or buy a few bottles to take home. For extra vibes, and to keep you entertained in between tastings, there'll also be live bands and DJs playing all day long.
At this point, winter is but a distant memory. Long live summer. But if you can think back to those days when your sunnies and togs were still in hibernation, you may recall a few key outdoor spots had emerged onto the scene. Some classics were renovated, some rooftops were revealed and some Latin American eateries opened to serve their treats on the streets. Perhaps you visited a few; perhaps the cold chill whisked these names right out of your mind. Either way, we're here to remind you of the new(ish) outdoor spots to head for summer hangs this season. To help you plan the perfect al fresco eve, we've put together a list of Melbourne's new, hot but breezy spots where you can go from sunset and well into the night. There's a limited window to soak up all the vitamin D before that chill begins to creep in again, so get out there and enjoy the sunshine — and don't forget your hat.
