Back in the late 90s, there was a period when every second film was a disaster film, or so it seemed. Independence Day, Daylight, twin volcano flicks Dante's Peak and Volcano, Hard Rain, duelling death-from-above movies Deep Impact and Armageddon: they all kept unleashing chaos upon the earth on the big screen. Also among them, and proving a whirlwind box-office hit: Twister. Come July 2024, that tornado-chasing picture starring Helen Hunt (Blindspotting) and Bill Paxton (The Circle) will no longer be a once-off. Cue Twisters, a sequel that arrives 28 years after the initial feature to turn it into a franchise — because everyone knows that if this followup swirls up huge audience interest, more will likely follow. Alongside Deadpool & Wolverine and Wicked: Part One, Twisters unveiled its first trailer during the 2024 Super Bowl, introducing Glen Powell's (Anyone But You) character as a "tornado wrangler" in the process. There's also twin twisters, plenty of chasing them and a whole heap of fellow familiar faces getting swept up in the action Story-wise, the film follows an ex-storm chaser played by Where the Crawdads Sing's Daisy Edgar-Jones, who has to join forces with a cavalier colleague (Powell) thanks to an intense season that sparks weather that no one has seen before. They each have teams by their side, and both end up on a path to central Oklahoma, where the bulk of the chaos looks set to converge. Also featuring on-screen: Anthony Ramos (Dumb Money), Kiernan Shipka (Totally Killer), Sasha Lane (How to Blow Up a Pipeline), Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters), Brandon Perea (Nope), Nik Dodani (Atypical) and Maura Tierney (The Iron Claw). The fact that Lee Isaac Chung is behind the lens is no small detail, either, marking the filmmaker's first feature since Minari, which nabbed him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Check out the trailer for Twisters below: Twisters will release in cinemas Down Under on July 18, 2024.
At last it feels like summer — by Melbourne standards at least. Any time there's a break in the weather, we recommend getting outside to see what's on across town. For starters, Melbourne Quarter is playing host to a series of pop-up activities across four days the middle of February. From Monday, February 13 to Thursday, February 16 you can head to the ever-growing Collins Street precinct for some casual putts on a pop-up mini-golf course in the forecourt between 11am and 4pm. Or practice your perfect swing in a pop-up golf simulator in the One Melbourne Quarter Lobby from 9am to 5pm. You'll be putting your way into the draw for some serious prizes from Catch.com.au or Melbourne Quarter's own First Nation fashion label Ngali – or vouchers to spend on the other retailers in Melbourne Quarter. Visitors will also be able to enjoy some sunshine and summer fun in the rooftop Sky Park, which boasts fantastic views and vibes year-round, but it's busting out free yard games for the limited-time celebrations from 11am to 4pm. And what's a seasonal pop-up without seasonal snacks? Pass by the forecourt between 11am and 2pm to get your hands on free fresh popcorn to complete the experience. Melbourne Quarter's summer celebrations take place from Monday, February 13 to Thursday, February 16. Entry to all activities is free, program is subject to change with weather conditions. For more details, head to the website.
Writing a prescient tale is the science-fiction holy grail, and a feat that Philip K Dick firmly achieved. Making a movie that becomes the prevailing vision of what the future might look like in the entire world's minds? That's a stunning filmmaking feat, and one that Ridley Scott notched up as well. The reason for both? On the page, 1968's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. In cinemas, 1982's Blade Runner. And if you need reminding of how stunning a story that the iconic sci-fi author penned, or how spectacular a film that the legendary director then turned it into, look no further than Blade Runner's return to the big screen — with a live score. When Dick pondered the difference between humans and artificial intelligence more than half a century back, he peered forward with revelatory foresight. When Scott followed fresh from Alien, he did the same. Now, in 2023, with the clash between the organic and the digital a daily part of our lives in this ChatGPT-heavy reality, of course it's time for Blade Runner to flicker again. Film lovers, get ready for another dream movie-and-music pairing. Get ready for synths, too. Vangelis' stunning score will echo as Scott's feature screens at Melbourne's Hamer Hall, in the only Australian stop announced so far for Blade Runner Live — an event that premiered in London in 2019, made its way around the UK, then hit Japan earlier in 2023. The Victorian capital will host two sessions, on Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5, and show the Final Cut version of the movie. Wondering how it differs from the OG release, and also the House of Gucci, The Last Duel and Napoleon filmmaker's Director's Cut? First unveiled in 2007 for the feature's 25th anniversary, it's the only version that Scott truly had full artistic control over. Blade Runner's narrative, if you're new to the franchise — which also includes exceptional 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049 and recent animated series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, with a new Blade Runner TV series also on the way — focuses on the one and only Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) as cop Rick Deckard. His task: finding replicants, aka androids, which turns into quite the existential journey. It's almost impossible to name a movie or TV series in sci-fi that's popped up over the four decades since Blade Runner first arrived that hasn't owed Scott's film a massive debt — and any synthesiser-fuelled score that hasn't done the same with Vangelis. And yes, add Blade Runner to the list of favourites getting another silver-screen run that celebrates their tunes heartily, alongside everything from Star Wars: Into the Spider-Verse to The Lion King to Star Wars and Harry Potter, plus The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story. Check out the trailer for Blade Runner below: Blade Runner Live will play Melbourne's Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5. Head to the event website for further details, and tickets from 10am AEST on Friday, August 11.
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same few days as possible. Last year, more than 300,000 Aussies took part at this festival of pre-loved stuff, holding more than 15,000 sales. Will this year's Garage Sale Trail top those hefty numbers? It'll certainly try via a huge array of events that will open their doors to bargain hunters, selling millions items across two big spring weekends: between Saturday, November 11–Sunday, November 12, and then again from Saturday, November 18–Sunday, November 19. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Garage Sale Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There'll be a right slew of sales happening all around Melbourne, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood.
If you'd been hoping to dance like Christopher Walken, pretend you're in Cruel Intentions, or just get transported back to the late 90s and early 00s when Fatboy Slim plays Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl in late April, we have bad news: that gig is sold out. But, thanks to a just-announced new addition to the British dance music legend's Australian itinerary, you can now hit the club — Revolver Upstairs, to be specific — for his 'live in the cage' DJ set for one night only. The man born Norman Cook will take to the decks on Wednesday, April 26, two nights before his openair show. And, tickets are just $43.95, although they're bound to get snapped up quickly. There will be some on the door on the night, too, but only until sold out. [caption id="attachment_897289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Cook's Australian tour marks his return after his 2020 headline shows — pre-pandemic — with his Melbourne gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl recorded for an epic live video that's notched up more than 2.4-million views. At Revolver Upstairs, he'll do a three-hour set from 10.30pm–1.30am, with Mz Rizk, Luke McD and Luke Vecchio also getting spinning beforehand, and Sunshine afterwards. [caption id="attachment_878697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Top image: Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to The Lindis in Canterbury, New Zealand, where you'll find small but mighty luxe pod accommodations overlooking the Ahuriri Valley's dramatic landscape. If you're itching to get away and ready to book an Aotearoa holiday now, head to Concrete Playground Trips to find a fabulous line-up of deals on roadtrips around New Zealand — including car rental, accommodation and breakfast. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? These nature pods are inspired by the tiny homes you've seen popping up all over Australia and New Zealand — but so much more luxurious. The design of the rooms, the epic views and the access to the nearby lodge all make for a spectacular stay. THE ROOMS What the Lindis pods lack in size (they're about 18 square metres), they more than make up for with amenities. Each totally private room boasts a king-size bed with lush linens, ensuite with premium toiletries and private bathtub, an outdoor sitting area and, crucially, heating for when the outside temperature drops. But one of the best features comes in the form of the pod's structure itself. Three of the sides are covered in double-glazed mirrored glass than spans from floor to ceiling — perfect, in other words, for sitting in bed and marvelling at the incredible valley views before you. The Lindis pods are also entirely separate from everything else on the property, but you are within a short walk of the property's main lodge. Head here for the property's main dining room, a bar, lounge areas, a games room and a billiards room. FOOD AND DRINK One thing to note up front: at The Lindis, daily breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, multi-course dinner and the minibar is all included in the price of your stay. Because a truly relaxing getaway should involve needing to make as few decisions as possible. On the menu, you'll find produce that's either locally sourced or harvested from the property's on-site garden, from wild venison to porcini mushrooms and even locally caught seafood. The ever-evolving menu can also be paired with a nightly rotating selection of New Zealand and international wines. THE LOCAL AREA The Lindis is located in the Ahuriri Valley on New Zealand's South Island. Up here you'll spend your time among rugged mountain ranges, wetlands bursting with wildlife, tussock grasslands and vast beech forests. If you're looking for peace, quiet and reconnecting with nature, you're in the right place. THE EXTRAS Sure, you could take in the rugged terrain from your bed or outdoor terrace, but The Lindis also offers plenty ways that allow you to experience the land from up close. Take yourself on a hike or e-bike ride through the valley, or saddle up for a horseback tour for a truly unforgettable experience. Want to see it from above? The Lindis also offers helicopter flights so you can truly feel on top of the world. If you're after something more leisurely, book a picnic or barbecue package. And, when the sun goes down, join the team for a spot of spectacular stargazing. Head to The Lindis website to book a stay at one of its luxurious pods. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
It's one of the quintessential Melbourne experiences we're all sorely missing right now: a pint and a feed enjoyed IRL at your local. And while it might be a while before it's back on the menu properly, Parkville pub Naughtons Hotel is dishing up the next best thing with its new Pub in a Box. As the name suggests, the venue's packaged up all the best bits of a pub visit into one covetable care pack, available for delivery and click-and-collect. The contents change up each week, though always include some cracking pub dishes (vegetarian options are available, too), accompaniments, a trivia card and — if you're ordering the two-person box — a curation of booze. Recent editions have featured the likes of house-made peppered beef pies served with mash and gravy, fettuccine with an eggplant and chilli sugo, loaves of house-baked sourdough bread, bottles of wine and tinnies of local craft beer. A solo serve box will set you back $45, while the two-person version comes in at $135. There are plenty of add-ons available, too; from cheese packs to desserts, plus Naughtons' full online selection of beer, wine and bottled cocktails. Jump onto the website to check order cut-off details and to suss out this week's menu. [caption id="attachment_826064" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Weaving[/caption] Images: Emily Weaving
Frustrated at the distant Australian release date for The Great Gatsby? Forget the flamboyance and pizzazz of Baz Luhrmann's film, because the best way to get lost in the decadent world of The Great Gatsby is through this 8-bit video game. Okay, maybe we're exaggerating a pinch, and maybe this isn't the best bit of Gatsby paraphernalia going around. But the Great Gatsby video game is undoubtedly the best Friday afternoon procrastination that we have stumbled across in a very long time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yqTUKgQ_Cz4 The story behind the making of the game is a Gatsby-esque rags-to-riches tale in itself. Having come across the 8-bit Nintendo game at a yard sale and forking out a whopping 50c for it, the developers thought it deserved some time in the sun and transformed it into an open-source online game. For all the Gatsby fans out there, the thrill of playing as a butler-and-showgirl-killing Nick Carraway in search of both your fortune and the mysterious Gatsby himself is only matched by the games plethora of references, some of which we loved (like that deliciously smug gentleman reading a book and dishing out directions), and some which I imagine flew right over our heads. If nothing else, the game may just be one more thing to get us in the mood for Luhrmann's film, which by now we're busting to see. Via Fast Co.Create.
Lock up your children, Hocus Pocus fans. Actually, if you have kids, you'll want to leave them at home on your next getaway. Just in time for Halloween, Airbnb has conjured up a particularly witchy stay in Salem, Massachusetts: the Sanderson sisters' cottage, which comes complete with broomsticks, bubbling cauldrons, cobwebs, curious cats, creaking floorboards, potions in apothecary bottles and spellbooks. Get ready to run amok, amok, amok to indulge your Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 love, with this one-time-only listing arriving not only for the spookiest time of year, but because the latter flick — a 29-years-later sequel to the beloved 1993 film that starred Bette Midler (The Addams Family 2), Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) and Kathy Najimy (Music), with all three returning as Winnie, Sarah and Mary Sanderson this time around — hits Disney+ on Friday, September 30. A screening of that movie is included in your magical stay, too, whether you've caught it already by then or you manage to hang out for the ultimate viewing experience. The bewitching date to pop into your diary: Thursday, October 20. But, as tends to be the case with Airbnb's pop culture-themed one-offs, only one booking is being taken. The cottage will welcome in two guests for a one-night stay, with reservations opening at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13 via the Airbnb website. There is a fee for the accommodation, costing US$31 dollars — but, if you're lucky enough to score the booking and you're travelling from Down Under, flights and transportation aren't included in that cost. That obviously makes it a much more expensive prospect. Still, this spellbinding experience will be the first time that anyone has been able to get slumbering (and scheming) like the Sandersons. And, it also includes the chance to try the enchantments listed in the Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy, as well as exploring Salem's history via visits to some of the town's purportedly haunted properties. And yes, the black flame candle flickers. Of course it does. In fact, expect candlelight to be a huge part of your trip — in every room. The cottage has been recreated as though it's 300 years ago, after all. (Bathroom facilities are in a separate outhouse, for example.) "We all know that the Sanderson sisters' story might not have ended when we turned to dust, nor did our shenanigans," said Kathy Najimy, aka Mary Sanderson, helping Airbnb announce the Hocus Pocus stay. "What better way to celebrate the season than to host guests at the trio's historic haunt for a night they'll remember for years to come?" Najimy continued. The Sanderson sisters' cottage joins Airbnb's growing list of movie and TV-inspired getaways, including the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! windmill, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, The Godfather mansion and the South Korean estate where BTS filmed In the Soop just in 2022 alone. For more information about the Hocus Pocus mansion listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 4am AEDT on Thursday, October 13, head to the Airbnb website. 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. Images: Helynn Ospina.
Know a very good boy or girl of the furry, four-legged persuasion? This weekend is their time to shine. On Saturday, February 25, food truck park and beer garden Welcome to Brunswick is set to become even more dog-friendly than usual, as it celebrates man's best mate with a day of festivities. The Good Dogs of Brunswick party will kick off from 12pm with DJ tunes spinning through the afternoon, $20 jug specials and food trucks, as well as a hot dog stand raising funds for Forever Friends Animal Rescue. If you and your pooch are up for some shopping, you'll find an array of pet-centric market stalls slinging everything from dog desserts and treats to funky accessories and leads. And for pups with a competitive edge, the venue will be running a whole swag of fun dog contests throughout the day, with prizes for the waggliest tail, the most petite pooch, the wrinkliest dog, the hound with the best rescue story and more.
Giant fluorescent orange fluffy birds, 30 ft high dogs shooting lasers from their eyes, costumes made entirely of marijuana leaves and onstage fake fellatio on a man wearing a Bill Clinton mask. Whatever you think of pop's favourite shock poppet, Miley Cyrus' Bangerz tour has been one of the global Tickets To Have. Now the Wrecking Baller is bringing Bangerz to Australia this October. Kicking off in Melbourne on Friday, October 10 at Rod Laver Arena, Cyrus will embark upon a five-date tour of epic visual proportions. Incapable of being able to stop, Cyrus will then head to Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth for what will most likely be Australia's most 'grammed tour since Beyonce's recent run. Tickets are going for $99.90 to $149.90, plus booking fees. Dainty Group presale tickets kicks off at 10am local time on Friday, June 20. General public tickets via Ticketek go on sale Monday, June 23 at 10am. Miley Cyrus Bangerz tour dates: Melbourne - Rod Laver Arena, Friday, October 10 Brisbane - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Wednesday, October 15 Sydney - Allphones Arena, Friday, October 17 Adelaide - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Monday, October 20 Perth - Perth Arena, Thursday, October 23
It has won 11 Tony Awards and is one of the Obamas' favourite musical, and now Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changing musical Hamilton is finally coming to Australia. The critically acclaimed hip hop musical, for which Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book, is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. As well as its 11 Tony Awards, which include Best Musical, it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. After hitting Broadway in 2015, then West End in 2017, and beginning its third tour of the US earlier this year, Australians can finally catch Hamilton — when it makes its Southern Hemisphere premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in March 2021. While this is not new news, with the musical heading Down Under first announced back in May 2019, the fact that it's still planning to go ahead in seven months despite the global pandemic is. And, Aussies keen to head along will be able to snag tickets in just a few weeks. Those who've signed up to the waitlist — or do so before Sunday, August 23 — can get pre-sale tickets from 10am on Monday, August 24. General public tickets will then go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, September 1. Tickets will set you back $70–250 a pop — but there'll be a limited number going for just $10, available as part of the Hamilton lottery. We'll be sure to let you know more details about that when they're announced. [caption id="attachment_731122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Joan Marcus[/caption] There's no word yet on whether it'll head to other Aussie cities later on — it's possible, other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormons, have. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it. Of course, if you're hoping to make the journey to NSW from interstate, you'll be keeping your fingers crossed that all the internal borders will finally be open by next March. It's not Miranda's first musical to hit Australia, either, his take on the classic 200s film Bring It On: The Musical hit Melbourne in 2018 and quadruple Tony Award-winning In The Heights just finished a short season at the Sydney Opera House last year. In the meantime, you can watch the filmed version of Hamilton with the original Broadway cast on Disney+ — yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard. Hamilton will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from Wednesday, March 17–Sunday, August 1, 2021. You can sign-up for pre-sale tickets now before they are released at 10am on Monday, August 24 via Ticketmaster. General public tickets will then go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, September 1. Image: Hamilton, Broadway. Photo by Joan Marcus.
There's more than beaches and beautiful weather to draw you to Queensland. The Sunshine State's art scene has become one of the most vibrant in Australia, and 2023 is shaping up to be a non-stop calendar of festivals, exhibitions and cultural events that you'll want to lock in ASAP. And it's not just Brisbane: the quintessentially Queensland beachside towns and rural cities come alive all year long as well. You'll find everything from boundary-pushing urban installations that merge art and science to world-first exhibitions of iconic artworks, celebrations of First Nations creators, new interpretations of classic performance pieces and international music acts satisfying all your boot-scootin' and blues-rockin' needs. Together with Queensland, we've rounded up nine stand-out arts and culture events that warrant a trip to the tropics all on their own. Book your flights and pack your sense of artistic appreciation, culture vultures — the north awaits. [caption id="attachment_876729" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aerocene 2 and Aerocene 1.2, Studio Tomás Saraceno[/caption] 'AIR' AT GOMA, BRISBANE Until Sunday, April 23, 2023, the entire ground floor of GOMA will be given over to a sprawling exhibition exploring the ethereal element we breathe — aptly titled Air. Through the themes of atmosphere, burn, shared, invisible and change, diverse artworks will explore this vital, intimate and at times dangerous element that is core to our existence. The exhibition features Australian and international artists, including collection pieces from Ron Mueck and Jonathan Jone, plus commissions from Jemima Wyman and Tomás Saraceno. The artworks address weighty issues like climate change and the pandemic, as well as evocations and meditations on the place of wind and breath in the natural world. Encounter Air through a broad range of artistic mediums, from solid light installations to moving sculptures, the release of scents and art made from breath and pigment. 'Air' at GOMA, Saturday, November 26 till Sunday, April 23, 2023 [caption id="attachment_880980" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lizzie Himmel, Jean-Michel Basquiat 1985. Artwork ©️ Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.[/caption] 'POP MASTERS: ART FROM THE MUGRABI COLLECTION, NEW YORK' AT HOTA, GOLD COAST For 15 weeks, the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts (HOTA) will play host to an exclusive, world-first exhibition of pop art. Pop Masters will take over the Sunshine State from Saturday, February 18 till Sunday, June 4, 2023. What's on show? Renowned works from the icons of the artistic movement that emerged during the late 50s — the likes of Andy Warhol will get cosy alongside the great Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Characterised by playful, incisive creative conversation with popular culture, these pieces have been selected from the private New York collection of Jose Mugrabi. More than 40 works will span the 60 year history of pop art — there will be legacy pieces from the original artists of the 70s and 80s, and those they inspired up until now. Don't miss the rare chance to see these works in person on Australian shores. 'Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York' at HOTA, Saturday, February 18 till Sunday, June 4, 2023 [caption id="attachment_853020" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL ft. CURIOCITY BRISBANE, BRISBANE Open your minds and feed your desire for new knowledge, insights and thought-provoking art at the World Science Festival. Presented by the Queensland Museum Network, the program offers a stellar lineup of live events across STEM, education and art, with activities for all ages and curiosities. From Wednesday, March 22 till Sunday, March 26, 2023, the festival will hit locations through the Queensland Museum precinct, South Bank and the city, before it takes a tour of locations in regional Queensland. Curiocity Brisbane is back too. From Wednesday, March 22 till Sunday, April 2, 2023, the city will transform into a landscape of wonder, strange encounters and eye-opening experiences, where an intersection of science, technology and art come to life in installations throughout the urban playground. World Science Festival ft. Curiocity Brisbane, Wednesday, March 22 till Sunday, April 2, 2023 [caption id="attachment_878012" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dave Kan[/caption] CMC ROCKS QLD, IPSWICH Pull out the cowboy boots and grab your Stetson, Australia's biggest international country music festival is boot-scootin' its way back to Ipswich. Over three days (March 17–19, 2023), Rebel and Stampede — the two main stages — will keep up a non-stop musical program of epic shows. Past years have brought big name talents — think The Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Troy Cassar-Daley — and 2023 is no different. Next year's fest is hosting the finest country acts from here and abroad. Morgan Wallen and Kip Moore will be joined by the exclusive chance to witness the Zac Brown Band perform Down Under. Expect yeehaws of all kinds: old-school classic country, alt and pop-country. Camp onsite and come join the good country people for a hoedown and/or hootenanny. CMC Rocks QLD, Friday, March 17 till Sunday, March 19, 2023 BLUES ON BROADBEACH, GOLD COAST Now in its 22nd year, Blues on Broadbeach always draws a lineup of big-name artists and the best local talent in blues, rock and soul to its sunny locale. Ever-popular and packed with fans of good tunes, good grooves and good times, this free fest will run from Thursday, May 18 till Sunday, May 21, 2023. Those that've been know the fun they're in for. First time? It's massive: gigs take place throughout Broadbeach, from the seaside parklands to favourite venues, with around 20 different spots for you to catch a performance. Make a holiday of it — stay a few nights, explore the area, eat and drink delicious local things. You're free to get up and dance the trip away, or simply sit on the grass with a brew while soaking in the beachy energy of this seaside blues party. Blues on Broadbeach, Thursday, May 18 till Sunday, May 21, 2023 [caption id="attachment_879295" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Blue Click Photography[/caption] CAIRNS INDIGENOUS ART FAIR, CAIRNS AND GREAT BARRIER REEF The annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is both a leading ethical art market place and a true celebration of First Nations culture. From Thursday, July 13 till Sunday, July 16, 2023, the event provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to exhibit, collaborate and connect with each other and wider Australian audiences. Next year's theme, 'Weaving Our Future: Claiming Our Sovereignty', highlights the crucial point of time we're in, on the edge of wide-scale change, bringing the narratives and lived experiences of Queensland's First Peoples into national discourse and uplifting their voices. The festival is comprised of both free and ticketed events, with stages at the Cairns Convention Centre precinct and other venues throughout Gimuy (Cairns) featuring art, music, fashion, comedy, food, crafts, conversations and more. It's an optimal time to book a trip to the tropical north — sun, sea and a showcase of stand-out Australian art. Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Thursday, July 13 till Sunday, July 16, 2023 TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS, SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND COUNTRY Toowoomba will burst into bloom again for the much-loved, endlessly photographable, month-long Carnival of Flowers from Friday, September 1 till Saturday, September 30, 2023. Expect citywide floral displays, tours and activities, from a glorious swathe of natural colour taking over 25 hectares of Queens Park, to the floral floats and street performers of the Grand Central Floral Parade and the private gardens of proud Toowoomba residents in the Chronicle Garden Competition. By night, take a twilight tour through the magical grounds of Laurel Bank Park or explore the illuminated Botanic Gardens. It's not all buds and petals: there are foodie experiences, pub tours, and a food and wine mini-fest of Southern Queensland Country producers — plus music, local markets and a ferris wheel. Explore Toowoomba at its most lush with a trip next September. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Friday, September 1 till Saturday, September 30, 2023 BRISBANE FESTIVAL, BRISBANE Brisbane Festival is the vibrant celebration that hits the city annually, bringing bold art, boundary-pushing performances and installations throughout the city. With a focus on challenging, disruptive and bold art, the popular fest spotlights international, local and First Nations creators and collaborators. Although official dates are yet to be released, it's set to run through September 2023. Expect to be able to head to free events, live concerts and interactive hands-on activities — in past years, there's been Naughty Nights Out, magic shows straight from the streets of Tokyo, all-out block parties, blow-out burlesque performances — even rollerskating. The starter? The famous Riverfire display over the waters of the Brisbane River. Brisbane Festival, September 2023 THE RING CYCLE, BRISBANE There's no opera quite like Wagner's Ring Cycle. Totalling 15 hours, you're in for four nights of powerful, operatic wonder. But even if you've seen it before, we're sure you've not seen anything like the upcoming rendition by Opera Australia. Hitting QPAC from Friday, December 1 till Saturday, December 23, 2023, the production comes from Chinese director Chen Shi-Zheng, and brings together performers from here and abroad. The version places Wagner's classic interpretation of Germanic mythology into a futuristic, parallel-universe setting, using digital art to create virtual landscapes. Breathtakingly original, the music is led by French conductor Philippe Auguin, who has headed up The Ring Cycle on numerous occasions. If you're an opera buff or just a fan of fantasy, futurism, timeless tales and truly epic theatre, this is an unmissable cultural event. The Ring Cycle, Friday, December 1 till Saturday, December 23, 2023 To explore more arts and culture events taking over Queensland in 2023, head to the website.
This winter, Aperol is partnering with QT Hotels to host its first Après Ski Club, where you can enjoy a spritz in the city or on the slopes. If you're planning a trip to the Victorian snowfields between Monday, June 14 – Wednesday, September 30, be sure to stop in at QT Falls Creek to kick back and enjoy a post-ski feast and sip on a refreshing Spritz while discussing the adventures of the day on the slopes with your mates at the Après Ski Club. If you can't make it to the slopes this year, head to QT Melbourne from Friday, July 16 till Thursday, August 12 for a wintry experience. Here you can enjoy a Spritz on the rooftop in the Charilift lounge area and soak up Melbourne's spectacular city skyline. On Saturdays from 4-7pm you can score a personalised embossed luggage tag, too. To score one, simply purchase two Aperol Spritzes and an Apertivo board loaded with cheeses, fruit bread, honey and quince and the tag is yours. Aperol Après Ski Club will run from Monday, June 14–Wednesday, September 30 at QT Falls Creek and from Friday, July 16 till Thursday, August 12 at QT Melbourne. For more information, head to the website. Remember to Drinkwise.
After spending the bulk of winter and spring in lockdown, Victorians look set to slowly ease back to normality as summer approaches. Already, the curfew has been scrapped, stay-at-home requirements have been lifted and the hospitality industry has been allowed to reopen. In the next batch of eased restrictions — set to be announced on Sunday, November 8 — both the 25-kilometre rule and the ban on metropolitan Melbourne residents travelling to regional Victoria are expected to disappear, too. This is all great news — as is Victoria's eight consecutive days without any COVID-19 cases or deaths, at the time of writing — but if your summer plans usually involve camping along the Mornington Peninsula foreshore, that still won't be on the agenda. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has announced that it won't be open its three council-run campsites until February 2021, making the decision "after careful consideration of the State Government's coronavirus roadmap and to ensure the health and safety of all Victorians". "Even as we hopefully move from Step 3 into the last step of the roadmap and then COVID-normal, social distancing, density quotients, group sizes and a range of other measures will still be required," said Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker. "It's not feasible to have foreshore camping under many of these conditions," he continued, noting that one of the major concerns at the always-popular sites "is the transmission risk from people having to use the shared toilet and shower amenity blocks". The news affects the Shire's Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento camping grounds — although they will still be open for use by the public. You can't pitch a tent, but you will be able to picnic at all three spots. They'll also be able to be used as overflow spaces when the beaches are busy, to help maintain social-distancing requirements. A number of non-Shire-managed camp sites sit along the foreshore, including Capel Sound, Crib Point Stony Point, Dromana, Shoreham, Somers and Whitecliffs to Camerons — with The Age reporting that these are still expected to open by December this year. For more information about camping in the Mornington Peninsula Shire area, visit the foreshore camping section of the Shire's website. Top image: Ewen Bell/Visit Victoria
UPDATE, Friday, June 20, 2025: 2025's First Nations Film Festival — National Reconciliation Week has been extended until Wednesday, August 6 (from its original end date of Tuesday, June 10). This article has been updated to reflect that change. As part of the flurry of streaming services always competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pay-per-view platform. The service runs all year round, of course, but it goes the extra mile for National Reconciliation Week, which is when it hosts one leg of the First Nations Film Festival (previously known as the Virtual Indigenous Film Festival). In 2025, the National Reconciliation Week season is taking place between Tuesday, May 27–Wednesday, August 6, all solely online. The returning fest has four features and a collection of shorts on its lineup, starting with The Moogai — which sees writer/director Jon Bell (Cleverman) turn his own short into a full-length film, explore how Australia's past continues to haunt in the process, and brings back his stars Shari Sebbens (The Office) and Meyne Wyatt (Troppo) as a couple grappling with Stolen Generations trauma with their growing family. Also excellent: Like My Brother, a must-watch documentary that follows four young Indigenous women from the Tiwi Islands as they set their sights on playing AFLW at the highest level. With Blown Away, the impact of Cyclone Tracy upon Darwin is in the spotlight four decades later — and Winhanganha, which was commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, sees Wiradjuri artist Jazz Money examine archives through a First Nations lens. To view this at-home screen celebration, you'll need to buy an all-access pass, which lets you catch everything for $38.
The thing about Brisbane is that, whether you think of yourself as an indoor person or an outdoor person, you’re inevitably going to spend most of your time outside. As Brisbane is almost constantly blessed with the kind of weather you see on the classic Microsoft screen saver, we’ve naturally become an outdoorsy city. Nearly every café and restaurant has an al fresco area, every house worth its salt has a verandah and everywhere you walk has long green expanses that are perfect for soaking up the sun. It’s no wonder, then, that when we spoke to Last Dinosaur’s bass guitarist, filmmaker and all-round cool guy Michael Sloane (above, right) about his perfect weekend in Brisbane, it was mostly spent outdoors and under the sun. The Last Dinosaurs are just about to release their second studio album “Wellness” and embark on a national tour, so Michael’s wholesome outdoor weekends may be something to do with the hectic schedule of touring band member. "Coming back home to Brisbane after being away is like a moment of decompression, in a good way," he tells us. "It has a feeling of laid-backness." The Last Dinosaurs are a Brisbane born and/or bred cohort and Michael (above, second from right) says for him the culture of comradery between Brissy-based bands is a huge influence on the music scene. "You can't help but be influenced by the place you live and grow up, but I'd say our biggest inspiration from Brisbane is other Brisbane bands,' he says. "It's a cosy enough city to cross paths with other bands of the same mindset and it's always nice to share touring moments or shows with other Brisbane bands, even when we're not in Brisbane." Indeed, much like the bar from Cheers, Brisbane is the kind of intimate city where everybody knows your name – and if you’re in an incredibly successful local band, they might just scream it at you as you walk past. You can grab the Last Dino’s new album Wellness on August 28 or catch them on tour from September 25 to October 18. In the meantime, here are Michael’s five steps to the perfect Brisbane weekend. To experience them for yourself, head to the Visit Brisbane website and get booking. TAKE THE CITYCAT TO SOUTH BANK Brisbane has a good mix of city and bush, so my little tour of Brisbane would have a bit of both. Take a CityCat from wherever you are over to South Brisbane. (Yes, the CityCat is part of the experience if you can be bothered.) Choose your own adventure here.. Either you can wander through South Bank, eventually getting into the cultural precinct to check out GoMA and the museum, or you can venture deeper into West End and find a place for lunch along Boundary Road. TAKE A CITYCYCLE RIDE ALONG THE BRISBANE RIVER From there, get on a CityCycle and ride along the river until you reach a bridge; we have plenty of them to choose from. Ride across the bridge of your choosing and continue around the Riverside of the CBD until you feel like having a look at the city centre itself. STOP IN AT WAGAYA Straight from the city to Fortitude Valley for dinner in Chinatown mall. Wagaya is a favourite. It's a pretty authentic Japanese 'Izakaya', and you get to order off a touch screen. After that, you're in the centre of nightlife for Brisbane and, for good or bad, it's worth experiencing. There's a bar for every type of night you'd like to have. CHECK OUT MOUNT COOT-THA Maybe I'm biased living close, but I'm a big fan of Mt. Coot-tha state forest. The Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens at the base of the mountain are actually Botanic Gardens, unlike the CBD version. That means there's a huge array of environment types and plants. They also have a planetarium and library, if you're into that. From there, Mt Coot-tha has a lot of wood fire stoves dotted around, so cook up some grub on the barbie and get the Aussie out of your system. Slaughter Falls (don't be scared) picnic area has a bush track leading up to the lookout of Mt Coot-tha. It's actually a pretty great view if you don't mind a few tourists taking selfies. Image via Facebook TAKE A DAY TRIP TO NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND Assuming you have a long weekend or can chuck a sickie, try to get the ferry from Cleveland to North Stradbroke. I'm always surprised when I go to Straddie that I don't go more often. It really does have awesome beaches, with campgrounds right on the edge of the beach.
There were short-lived rumours that Melbourne's art and hospitality scene had reached peak saturation, but the city quickly put those to bed when its cultural ecosystem grew and flourished once again. It was a year of innovative new restaurants and bars — bigger and taller than ever before — forward-thinking events and bold spaces, pubs and cafes. And they're not all from the big players — independent ventures are flourishing. The cafe culture is stronger than ever, too, with new cafes not only guaranteeing a stellar cup of Joe, but also innovative lunch snacks and sleek interiors that'll really make you reconsider that desk sandwich. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new cafes, opened in 2017, were nominated for Best New Cafe in Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards.
Activewear fans, we've got some big news: P.E. Nation is bringing back its warehouse sample sale — but, this year, it's all online. The athleisure experts hosted their first ever sample sale in 2016 (and everything sold out in the first day) but, luckily, you don't have to worry about being crushed in a throng this year. You just need to have your mouse at the ready. Whether you're stocking up your own balcony-gym wardrobe (or WFH outfit, if we're totally honest) or doing a solid for sporty loved ones, you'll find an extensive array of swim, activewear, accessories, sweaters and jackets available from 12pm on Thursday, April 16 — and all for 60 percent off. There'll be accessories from $40, tops and bottoms from $60, outerwear from $140 and snow (for those future holidays) from $230. Remember the age-old advice of when it comes to sample sales, you need to get in quick. Given the following the label has amassed since General Pants Co. design director Pip Edwards and former senior Sass & Bide designer Claire Tregoning joined forces, its functional, fashionable bits and pieces are bound to be popular. So, keep an eye on the website. P.E. Nation's Online Warehouse Sale goes live on Thursday, April 16. 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.
There might be an abundance of vegetarian restaurants up on Brunswick Street, but Madame K's is one of the best (and there's another branch in Williamstown for westsiders). With a menu that isn't to be trifled with, you'll have to go in accepting that you'll be beat before you even start — you simply can't try everything in one visit. All the Southeast Asian favourites make an appearance — from laksa and pad thai to massaman curry and steamed wontons. But there's a key difference between these dishes and any neighbourhood Asian restaurant — every dish is vegetarian. Madame K's uses vegetables, tempeh and wheat protein to create the 'meats' for its dishes — including BBQ duck and slow-cooked lamb. For dessert, you can tuck into roti with banana filling and homemade berry sauce, coconut mousse or black sticky rice. Madame K's Vegetarian offers BYO wine and beer. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Australia mightn't be home to any of the globe's top restaurants for 2023, but love is pouring out for our wineries. Among the many lists of the world's best — which also includes bars and steak joints — the World's Best Vineyards ranking names the planet's top wine destinations. Earning a spot this year: three South Australian winemakers. From the Aussie contingent, McLaren Vale's d'Arenberg nabbed the highest placing, coming in at 17th. Sprawling around a giant cube might've helped. That five-storey square is quite the centrepiece, but the Osborn family's organic and biodynamic tipples score plenty of attention on their own. The awards also praised the vineyard for living "up to its billing as 'more than just a cellar door'". Next on the list: Henschke in Eden Valley, which boasts a vineyard that was planted more than 150 years ago, and nabbed 26th spot. Then comes Magill's Penfolds Magill Estate, which dates back to 1844 and is particularly known for its shiraz, in 44th place. None of these wineries were anointed the best in Australasia, however. That honour went to New Zealand's Rippon, in Central Otago, which also sits in 11th spot in the top 50. The awards heaped praise onto the Southern Alps favourite for producing "a highly lauded range of pinot noir from this magnificent landscape and its biodynamically farmed vineyards". While Down Under was well-represented among the Best 50 Vineyards, 23 vineyards in this year's list hailed from Europe. France alone scored nine spots, the highest number for any single country. That said, the top placing went to Argentina's Catena Zapata, which also won overall South American vineyard. Next came Europe's first listing, for Spain's Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, followed by Chilean vineyard VIK in third, Creation in South Africa in fourth, and France's Château Smith Haut Lafitte in fifth. Completing the top ten: Bodega Garzón in Uruguay, Montes in Chile, Germany's Schloss Johannisberg, and both Bodegas Salentein and El Enemigo Wines in Argentina. If you plan your getaways around vino, consider this list a handy piece of travel inspiration. If you're just interested in the drops, consider it a guide for your next trip to the bottle shop. The World's Best Vineyards also names a 51–100 list, which saw New Zealand's Craggy Range come in at 58th, Man O' War at 77th and Kumeu River Wines at 81st, plus Australia's Seppeltsfield Barossa at 98th. To check out the full World's Best Vineyards Top 50 and 100 lists, head to the awards' website. 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.
With Snapchat, Facebook Live and Instagram Stories, we thought we'd already seen peak selfie. But last week Nokia unveiled its new flagship device, the Nokia 8, which has been built for just that: streaming selfies. The brand new smartphone is primed for personal content sharing, with world-first technology that allows use of its front- and rear-facing cameras simultaneously. Dubbed the 'bothie' by Nokia, this feature uses the phone's dual sight mode to pull footage from both cameras into a split-screen visual, which can be live-streamed in real-time to your social feeds. You can record what's in front of you and your reaction to it for your fans (read: mum) to watch — most probably on Facebook Live or Instagram Stories. It's a cool little spec for sure, but, as the phone's flagship feature, we can't help but feel Nokia is differentiating the 8 through trend rather than technology. After all, the phone's longevity relies on selfies being a thing. But while the popularity of this bothie feature has a limited lifespan, the phone itself might just have enough to keep you hooked, even after you've grown bored of live-streaming your entire existence. For this device, Nokia has worked with ZEISS optics for the first time to ensure both front and back cameras are as slick as can be. The Nokia 8 is also first smartphone to feature Nokia OZO Audio to capture and play audio with 360-degree surround sound — a function that'll really take those 4K videos to the next level. It 64GB storage and also includes unlimited uploads to Google Photos. The device runs smoothly on Android — much like the Google Pixel — and is powered by the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 835 Mobile Platform. A bit longer than in iPhone, it feels nice in the hand and is engineered with a graphite-shielded copper cooling pipe to suck out the heat and keep it running without overheating. The best part about the phone is that is will retail at $899, which is a bit cheaper than many of its competitors — the iPhone 7 128GB and Samsung Galaxy S8 64GB currently retail for round $1200. The Samsung has just announced the Note 8, which is expected to be even more expensive, while Apple will announce the new iPhone 8 early next month. It will be interesting to see how the Nokia 8 compares to the new release of iPhones — but if you're looking for a usable Android phone at a reasonable price, the Nokia 8 is a really solid contender. The Nokia 8 is available now for pre-order from JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman for $899. By Libby Curran and Lauren Vadnjal.
Hundreds of movies grace Sydney Film Festival's lineup each and every year. Even if you're among the most dedicated of cinephiles, you can't see them all during the event's 12-day annual run. Here's something that you can do, however: add four extra days to your fest experience in 2025, plus a heap of flicks along with it, because SFF is sticking around after its official closing night. When Splitsville wraps up the festival's standard Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 dates for this year on Sunday, June 15, the Harbour City's major annual cinema celebration won't be saying farewell until 2026 just yet. Extending the movie-watching fun into the following week is a SFF tradition. So, it's adding 16 sessions at Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. These screenings have been dubbed SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand, which explains right there in the name why the films on the lineup have been picked. Putting on a bonus session of 2025 Palme d'Or-winner It Was Just an Accident from Iranian writer/director Jafar Panahi comes after the filmmaker was revealed as a surprise SFF 2025 guest at opening night. Also picking up new screenings after hitting Sydney straight from Cannes: The Mastermind, which sees Josh O'Connor (Challengers) and Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) in a 70s-set heist thriller for director Kelly Reichardt (Showing Up) — and Ari Aster's Eddington, starring his Beau Is Afraid lead Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) opposite Emma Stone (Kinds of Kindness ), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) and Austin Butler (The Bikeriders). Then there's The Secret Agent, as led by Wagner Moura (Dope Thief) for filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho (a Sydney Film Festival Prize-winner for Aquarius); Vie Privée with Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country); and Raoul Peck's (I Am Not Your Negro)'s Orwell: 2+2=5. The SFF 2025 Back By Popular Demand program also includes Berlin's Golden Bear-winner Dreams (Sex Love), the near-future Tokyo-set Happyend and Venice award-winning documentary Mistress Dispeller, alongside stepping inside the World Porridge Making Championship in The Golden Spurtle, exploring a music genre's origins via Move Ya Body: The Birth of House and Mr Nobody Against Putin's look at propaganda. Aussie effort Death of an Undertaker, the directorial debut of actor Christian Byers (Bump) — which uses an IRL Leichhardt funeral parlour as its setting — is among the titles scoring encore sessions, too. [caption id="attachment_1008444" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sundance Institute | photo by Vince Lawrence.[/caption] Sydney Film Festival's 2025 Back By Popular Demand bonus screenings hit Dendy Newtown, Palace Cinemas Norton Street and Ritz Cinemas Randwick between Tuesday, June 17–Friday, June 20. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website. Sydney Film Festival 2025 takes place from Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information and tickets, head to the festival's website.
The community spirit is well and truly thriving at the Coburg Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 8am–1pm, the playground of Coburg Primary School transforms into a bustling community marketplace. The market features over 30 stalls where you can browse an excellent selection of fresh, seasonal produce from growers and farmers across Victoria. The market also features live music and great breakfast and brunch stalls. Entry to the market is via gold coin donation. Remember your shopping bags, too — there's a strict no-plastic policy here. [caption id="attachment_809950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Chew Photography[/caption] Images: Mark Chew Photography
If it's one of those weeks that feels like an eternity when the weekend is barely in sight, it's time to up your relaxation game with a session in a float tank. We're big fans of Beyond Rest, a gorgeously-designed space—all low lighting and clean lines—in Prahran, where a 60 minute float will set you back $79. First time giving flotation a try? Expect to spend about an hour bobbing in an egg-like bath filled with warm water and heaps of Epsom salts. Designed to block out all external distractions and give a sensation of weightlessness, flotation has been shown to alleviate aches, stress, anxiety and depression, and even stimulate creativity. Just what your mid-week slump needs.
It's something straight out of Bridget Jones' Diary, except there's nary a wet, smokin' Hugh Grant in sight. Sorry. We might not be as flashy and have as much bravado as our counterpart Sydney, but that's not to say Melbourne still doesn't pay its dues when it comes to outdoor activities in, on or around bodies of water. You can settle back in a wooden punt boat on the lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens with your special someone and be propelled into your most relaxed selves by a charming punter (again, sadly not Hugh). This fella will be in the full punting regalia of boating hat and red vest. BYO parasol, snacks and drinks, 'cause nothing says romance like being punted. Oh, and dogs are welcome, too.
A quarter of a century is a long time to spend with Larry David, even with gaps along the way. Friends and acquaintances of the fictionalised and heightened version in Curb Your Enthusiasm might have some not-so-positive things to say about investing that chunk with one of TV's great curmudgeons. If you're a fan of the satirical series that premiered in 2000, however, 12 seasons isn't enough. But David has called time on his second small-screen smash. While CYE hasn't beaten Seinfeld's episode count, going out with 120 instalments versus 180, it stayed on-screen on and off for far longer than the ultimate show about nothing — and, right up until its final moments, it didn't avoid for a second the fact that Seinfeld was always going to cast a shadow. Streaming in Australia via Binge and New Zealand on Neon, Curb Your Enthusiasm isn't Seinfeld 2.0 for a lengthy number of reasons that'd get anyone saying "yada, yada, yada". But in riffing on David and his life, playing with his fame for co-creating one of the all-time sitcom hits has been baked into the premise from day one. Cue appearances from Seinfeld cast members, also as themselves. Cue dedicating a season focusing on making a Seinfeld reunion special as well. Accordingly, when CYE's ending first came into sight, of course the inimitable force behind both shows began the last season with the series' iteration of Larry going where Seinfeld's characters closed out their tale: jail. In season 12's debut episode of ten, he isn't incarcerated due to criminal indifference. Rather, Larry's stint behind bars comes about thanks to the opposite. In Atlanta to attend a rich fan's (Sharlto Copley, Beast) birthday party, on a paid gig courtesy of the success of Young Larry — CYE's in-show show about David's childhood, in the style of Young Rock and Everybody Hates Chris — he gives a bottle of water to Leon's (JB Smoove, Música) Auntie Rae (Ellia English, Blood Pageant) while she's in line to vote. That's illegal in the state of Georgia. The cops pounce immediately. So, with the nudging and winking — and reshaping and tinkering — that Curb Your Enthusiasm does exquisitely well, one of the season's key threads is born. Larry being Larry, he wasn't really trying to make a stand against ridiculous voter-suppression laws. Larry still being Larry, he's also content to capitalise upon being regarded as a hero, complete with droves of media attention. And, Larry never able to be someone other than Larry, he's his petty normal self regardless of how much praise flows from Bruce Springsteen — or ire, because getting to know Larry even when he's being commended and congratulated doesn't always mean actually liking him, as the plot strand involving The Boss, his final Los Angeles gig, COVID-19 and whose drinking cup is whose screams. Before Beef was winning Golden Globes, Emmys and other awards for trivial squabbles, David got there first. Before The Rehearsal and The Curse's Nathan Fielder was inspiring cringing so vigorous that you can feel it in your stomach, David was as well. Almost anything can happen and has happened to Larry, and being argumentative and awkward, holding grudges and rarely having his foot out of his mouth in response is a constant. Since season one, whatever has come his way has usually involved his manager and best friend Jeff Greene (Jeff Garlin, Never Have I Ever), alongside the latter's perennially suspicious wife Susie (Susie Essman, Hacks). Initially as his spouse and then as his ex, Cheryl David (Cheryl Hines, The Flight Attendant) has frequently weathered the fallout in his vicinity. So have his friends, such as Ted Danson (Mr Mayor) and the late, great Richard Lewis (Sandy Wexler) as themselves from the get-go, plus the aforementioned Leon Black, who moved in with Larry when the Davids took in his sister Loretta (Vivica A Fox, Bosco) after Hurricane Katrina. The show's swansong season is vintage Curb Your Enthusiasm, including when a lawyer who looks like one of David's many enemies, overhearing golfing lessons, throwing things at CODA Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur, getting disgruntled over breakfast menus cutting off at 11am and shirking reading scripts for old colleagues are involved. Season 12 also sees Larry try to date Sienna Miller (Extrapolations), sponsor Lori Loughlin (Blessings of Christmas) to join his country club and attempt to befriend Conan O'Brien (Conan Without Borders) when he moves into the same neighbourhood. He learns the Gettysburg Address while urinating, conditioning himself to feel the urge when he hears it afterwards. He's suspected of drawing penises on billboards. Also on his list: conjuring up schemes to ditch his girlfriend Irma (Tracey Ullman, Death to 2021) that he despises and get out of looking after an acquaintance's daughter if he passes away. From its premiere at the turn of the century to its farewell now, Curb Your Enthusiasm has been fascinated with whether someone as set in his ways as David — who was the inspiration for George Constanza — can and will ever change. He doesn't, and watching why that's the case only stopped being comedy gold when the credits rolled on the very last episode. That goodbye is named 'No Lessons Learned'. David gives voice to the idea, too: speaking to a young boy being told how to behave by his mother, he's unrepentantly Larry, telling the child "I am 76 years old and I have never learned a lesson in my entire life". As he bickers with a flight attendant about turning off his phone on the plane to Atlanta, gets crude hand signals from a driver who won't let merge on the highway and questions something about an ex-girlfriend of Richard's that's never normally spoken about (because when would that stop Larry?), his own words keep ringing true. When season 12 sent Larry to jail early, echoing how Seinfeld ended, it was always working towards more overt nods in its predecessor's direction. Cycling through legal representation (Will & Grace's Sean Hayes plays one attorney), Larry has been bound for court ever since. Airing grievances, all coming from folks who believe that they've been wronged by him over the years, was the natural — and gloriously, gleefully intertextual — path for Curb Your Enthusiasm's climax, then. David has learned lessons, though, since penning the end of Seinfeld. How that pans out, and CYE's conclusion overall, is pretty, pretty, pretty perfect. Check out the trailer for Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 below: Curb Your Enthusiasm streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Images: HBO.
Martin Fella Vintage is a long-standing local fashion boutique just around the corner from North Melbourne's Errol Street shopping strip. The store is run by owner Martin Fella, who carefully selects pieces from auctions in Australia, Asia and the UK. Here you'll find the big names (Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, Chanel and YSL) as well as other classy no-name vintage pieces. Fella's passion lies in menswear and locals won't be disappointed by the quality range in store. Women are also well-catered for — some beautiful shoes and bags are often in the window. And don't pass up on his beautiful homewares and design objects; mid-century lamps, German ceramics and Japanese wares are just some of the treasures to be found. Images: Parker Blain.
Since COVID-19 was first reported in Australia at the end of January, 6606 cases have been recorded across the country (as at 3pm on Sunday, April 19), bringing with it 70 deaths and a drastic change to life as we know it. As the coronavirus has spread, travel has been banned and restrictions on everyday movement have been implemented, good news has been few and far between of late — which makes the past weekend's significant drop in reported cases across Australia a welcome development indeed. In Queensland, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that zero new cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, which comes after just five cases were announced on Sunday morning and eight on Saturday morning. It's the first time in more than six weeks that the state has recorded no new cases overnight, with the state's total currently sitting at 1019 out of 85,870 tests administered. In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that only one new case was confirmed overnight. That news comes after just nine new cases were announced on Sunday, with the state's total currently sitting at 1329. https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3097645476933275/?type=3&theater And while overnight numbers in New South Wales haven't dropped quite as low, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that only six new cases were confirmed overnight last night — from almost 3500 tests conducted yesterday — which is the state's lowest total in five weeks. As Australia's worst-affected state, NSW's total currently sits at 2963. Whether the drops in new cases will eventually lead to a loosening of current restrictions might vary state by state — with the Federal Government already outlining the three conditions that need to be in place before Australia-wide rules surrounding social distancing and public gatherings could start to be relaxed, and announcing that the earliest that this might be possible is in four weeks. Announcing today's news, Queensland Premier Palaszczuck noted that, "if we can keep this up over the coming weeks, I'm sure this is going to mean that we will be able to make some changes and ease some of those restrictions on the population." In Victoria, where a State of Emergency is in effect until at least midnight on Monday, May 11, Premier Andrews advised that "these numbers are not an invitation for us to roll back all the rules". To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Image: Julia Sansone
If you've ever enjoyed a few drinks and wondered just what impact they've had on your blood alcohol limit, prepare to wonder no longer. Meet Proof, the wearable alcohol sensor that not only tells you how drunk you are — it (somewhat frighteningly) predicts how drunk you'll be later, and when you'll be sober if you stop drinking. Plus, it can also remind you when you're back in the safe realm. This is how it works: the slim band, which looks just like a fitness tracker, reads alcohol molecules through your skin. It then sends those readings to an app on your phone, where you can check whether you're okay to drive, and when you will be. You can also set it up to send vibrations through your wrist and flash an LED light when you reach pre-set blood alcohol levels. The band itself relies upon on disposable cartridges that last for 12 hours, and is powered by a rechargeable battery with a four-day continuous-use lifespan. Proof, which was among the technological advancements featured at CES 2017, has been in development by Milo Sensors for two years, with a crowdfunding campaign planned for 2017 to help it come to fruition. Once it reaches the market, it is expected to sell for US$100 to $150. Milo Sensors CEO and founder Evan Strenk told Mashable that the product aims to "empower people to make educated decision about alcohol," and is on par with consumer breathalysers. The last part is key, and not just in terms of effectiveness. Sure, plenty of blood alcohol testing products already exist; however who wants to blow into a tube when knowing just how those after-work drinks are hitting the spot is as easy as wearing a wristband and checking your phone? Via Mashable.
Ambitious is an understatement when it comes to the infamously ongoing construction of Antoni Gaudí’s famous basilica, Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona. Eighty-seven years have passed since the death of the Catalan virtuoso. During this time, a subsequent nine architects have continued the project, striving to adhere to Gaudi's original vision. However, according to the current chief architect, Jordi Fauli, the basilica will be completed by 2026. And even more excitingly, the Sagrada Familia Foundation has released a computer-generated glimpse into what the finished product will look like. Each architect who has taken on this eccentric masterpiece has encountered a unique set of challenges. One of the central problems was the destruction of Gaudi’s workshop, containing the building plans and models, during the Spanish Civil War. This resulted in a slow process of piecing together the essential details of the project. There's also the issue of decoding Gaudi’s highly unorthodox method of design. Rarely putting pen to paper, he created 3D scale models, moulding his uncanny inventions as he conceived them. Gaudi famously stated, "my client is not in a hurry," and clearly there is no substitute for perfection. You have to admire the commitment of a man who put so much faith in engineering technologies that hadn’t been invented yet. It is only recently that the special lightweight concrete cladding has been developed to complete the uppermost spires. To comprehend the scope of this magnificent structure really demands a visit to Barcelona. It is all too easy to whittle away the daylight hours inside this basilica, admiring the kaleidoscopic effect of light filtering in through stained glass windows or Gaudi’s distinctive organic structures blossoming like flowers across an impossibly intricate ceiling. Will the endless construction come to a close by 2026? Only time will tell. Via Gizmodo and My Modern Met.
It's the German culinary classic that's become a true blue Aussie pub favourite — and now the humble schnitzel is getting its very own ten-week celebration courtesy of The Bavarian. Folks, get set for Schnitty Fest. Running from Wednesday, March 31–Wednesday, June 9, the event sees the German beer hall chain's many outposts (Victoria's are at Highpoint and Knox) paying homage to this beloved dish with an exclusive menu of ten different schnitzel creations. On offer right through the festival, it's a truly diverse lineup, featuring everything from a Mexican-inspired schnitty topped with corn chips, salsa and spicy beef ($26), to a crumbed mushroom parma served with cabbage slaw and fries ($24). The Nashville variation takes a trip through southern USA by way of some southern fried chook, potato gems and a chipotle aioli ($26), while the aptly named Oktoberfest ($26) comes teamed with sautéed potatoes, mustard and wurstsalat (sausage salad). And the pork-based Schweineschnitzel ($26) will send all the traditionalists to bread-crumbed heaven. What's more, as a special hump day treat, diners will find the full range of schnitzels dropped to just $10 all day long every Wednesday. And as always, The Bavarian is pouring a slew of both Aussie and German beers to wash down your schnitty feast in style. [caption id="attachment_805249" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Oktoberfest schnitty[/caption]
It began, as so many wonderful internet things do, with an XKCD cartoon. Titled Up-Goer Five, the schematic explained the internal workings of the only rocket to have transported humans into space, the Saturn V, using only the 1000 most commonly used words in the English language. Rocket is not one of the words, nor thousand. Nor most of the words in this paragraph. In the last few days, enabled by Theo Sanderson's specially built text editor, several other people have Up-Goer Fived their own area of expertise. Most of them are scientists from esoteric fields, giving us laymen a rare chance to grasp what their life's work is about. Not being able to use jargon makes for some convoluted WTF gibberish sentences, but at other, better times, it creates windows where you can grasp at some previously ungraspable idea. Check out these excerpts and their simply stated insights. 1. Saturn's moon Iapetus is two-toned because bits of air turn into ice on the back side of it "First, it runs into black stuff that sticks to the front of it. That black stuff takes in more light from the sun and makes it warmer. That makes very tiny bits of the ice it's made of turn into air, and the bits of air go around it and turn back into ice on the back side of it. Second, when the bits of ice go away from the front side, they leave behind dark stuff that was between and under them, and that makes the front side even blacker, and helps it warm up even more, so things go on and on and on. The back side is white because it didn't get black stuff on it, and also because the ice that went away from the black side went there and made it bright." By Rachel Klippenstein. Read in full at io9.com. 2. The Higgs boson is the tiny thing that makes all other things heavy "What makes the tiniest things heavy? The best guess explained this by saying that all around us is a field, which is a bit like water or some other stuff that would slow you down if you tried to walk through it … [U]ntil last year, people weren’t completely sure this field was real. But they knew that if it was real, and you shook it really hard, then a totally new tiny thing would fall out of it. That’s because it’s a bit like the water-like-stuff is made out of this new tiny thing." By Michael Slezak. Read in full here. 3. We don't have robot helpers yet because it's hard to make computers with bodies walk "We want the computers with bodies to run quickly. We want them to climb walls. We need them to do these things even when the ground is covered in rocks or with ice, without tripping and falling or getting stuck. We look a lot at animals to see how they do these things. We try to understand how their brain decides where to put their legs, and how their legs are built." By Shira E. Read in full here. 4. The Bechdel Test is a check to see if things are even in the way they show men and women "To make the story as much like real life as possible (except for the made-up bits) you really do need a lot of different kinds of people, not just lots of men who are quite like each other because they are all young and white and strong. This makes it easier for people to accept the really made up bits, because the rest of the story feels much more real." Read in full here. 5. Environmental protection might mean not giving so much food to animals and cars "So how are we going to grow more food without cutting down more trees? One answer to this problem is looking at how we use the food we grow today. People eat food, but food is also used to make animals and run cars. In fact, animals eat over one-third of the food we grow." By Emily S. Cassidy, environmental scientist. Read in full here. 6. Postmodernism is that many things we think are facts are actually stories "This is not to say the facts are not true. But the story isn't." Read in full here.
Winery visits and weekend getaways are two things that were largely missing from our calendars in 2020. But if you'd like to make up for lost time now that restrictions have eased, you'll find both experiences rolled neatly into one at famed Nagambie winery Mitchelton. Of course, the property already boasts a luxury boutique hotel and spa, which opened in 2017. But they've now been joined by a very different style of accommodation, this time starring seven shiny, full-size Airstream RVs. Originally set to launch in late December, but now open for bookings, the new Airstream hotel has plans to stick around permanently, gracing the picturesque grounds just a short stroll from the original Mitchelton Hotel. Each of the vintage-style vehicles comes fitted with 20s-inspired interiors, styling touches courtesy of local boutique Harvest Moon Home, and a minibar stocked with gourmet snacks and Mitchelton wines. There are private ensuites, comfy beds and luxurious linens. Guests will also enjoy their own deck area and barbecue set-up, primed for sunset sips. A stay in one of the Airstreams will also get you full access to the rest of Mitchelton's many facilities, including the swimming pool, gym, day spa and the Gallery of Aboriginal Art, which is the largest of its kind in the country. You'll enjoy a breakfast hamper filled with goodies, while the onsite Muse restaurant is open daily from morning until dinner, serving contemporary fare in a newly refurbished space overlooking the Goulburn River. Those keen to do some exploring will also find a range of picnic options available to order from The Provedore. And of course, there's the winery's award-winning cellar door, where you can sample Mitchelton's finest drops, dig into the property's history and choose a few bottles to go. Find Mitchelton's Airstream Hotel at 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie. Prices start from $400 a night for two guests. To find out more and make a booking, head to the website. Images: Brett Goldsmith.
After cooking up a storm at a host of Melbourne restaurants over the past 16 years, chef Tim Martin is branching out on his own. If you've enjoyed his culinary prowess at The Cut, Taxi Dining Room, The European, Maris and even Noosa's Berardo's in Queensland, you'll want to flock to his new dual-venue venture in South Yarra in 2017. Setting up shop in Claremont Street, Harvest and Privi will quench your thirst, satisfy your stomach and provide your next group-dining spot. The former will be a bar and restaurant serving boutique wines by night and cafe-style fare by day, while the latter will be reserved for bookings of ten or more, with two private rooms accommodating parties of up to 50 people. Seasonal produce and 'long lived' techniques will be Martin's focus, including ageing meat and butchery, plus small batch producers, craft brews and naturally fermented beverages. Whatever the menu ends up boasting, it's certain to go down a treat — Martin did win The Age's Young Chef of the Year gong back in 2015, after all. Find Harvest and Privi on Claremont Street, South Yarra, in 2017 Via Hospitality Magazine.
Melbourne Cup not really your thing? If you'd rather be outdoors than cooped up inside going bonkers over a horse race, take advantage of the public holiday to get your nature fix with a ride along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail. Pack a picnic, some water, and your bike, and drive over to this iconic 40km path that will have you testing the gears on your bike (and the muscles in your calves) as you climb and fly from mountain to valley to river. Following the historical railway, the trail winds through the vineyards of the Yarra Valley, over quaint bridges, and through lush forests, before finishing at the picturesque little town of Warburton.
With a season of long, balmy evenings stretching out before us, there are ample opportunities for dusk bike rides. And if you want a bike ride with a dreamy destination at the end, head to Abbotsford after work. The grounds come alive in the evening, with floral fragrances warming the air and groups of friends lounging on the grass, it can look just like a Renoir painting. And when the hunger kicks in, head over to Kappaya. Packed into a tiny space in the Convent Annexe, the menu of Japanese soul food, organic coffee and homemade sweets is the perfect way to end a Convent evening. We recommend the tempura chicken for an indulgent treat.
I scream, you scream, we've all been screaming for ice cream — and, this February, our prayers are being answered once again. Victoria's annual Ice Cream Festival is back, taking place at three of the state's chocolateries and ice creameries: in the Yarra Valley, along the Great Ocean Road and on the Mornington Peninsula. You may want to prepare the smelling salts, because each venue will be trotting out 12 new flavours a day between Wednesday, February 9–Sunday, February 20 — for 12 days. That's 144 unique flavours all up, including scoops like Aperol spritz, blueberry boba bubble tea, cinnamon scroll and French toast, plus black garlic and chocolate, dill pickle and salted brown butter pecan. For $24, you can book into a tasting session that covers 12 of the day's flavours at once — or you can just rampage around the place like a deranged, hungry Pac-Man and try to taste 'em all from $5.20 a scoop. What's more, each of the venues — in Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Bellbrae and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie and Ice creamery in Flinders — has lovely grounds for you to lay around in and enjoy. The view may well be lost on you as you slide into a sugar-induced happiness coma, but that's okay. They aren't inventing all those flavours for you to not try them.
Google's innovation in geo-location tools and imaging has significantly changed how we view and interact with our world. What with Street Art View, allowing users to tag their favourite street art; People Finders connecting friends and loved ones in times of disaster; and artists capturing incredible images from Google Earth, Google blurs physical existence with digital presence to connect us in amazing ways. Whether you want to check out a destination before hitting the road or travel to the other side of the globe without leaving your seat, Google Street View can take you there. With the launch of an all new look and enhanced interactivity, real-world navigation from your net browser has never been so awesome. When you load up Google Maps, areas outlined in blue highlight where Google Street View is available. Google's loveable stick-figure Pegman will light up yellow too. Drag him onto your desired location to view the 'hood, and click on the arrows on the ground to take a little stroll. Back in 2007 at Street View's inception, only select major cities had the feature. Since then, teams of photographers have worked tirelessly to compile incredible images from around the world. Stitched together, the images form 360 degree panoramas which afford gorgeous glimpses of far away places - so good it feels like you're really there. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MwCrjfmCgO0 [Via Mashable]
With Richmond experiencing a bit of a rebirth in recent times, it's no wonder that cafe owners, retailers and barkeeps are zeroing in on the heightened demand for eating, drinking and shopping in the area. As a result of this renewed love for the northside suburb, we've put together a list of some of our favourites, including the newest places to have cropped up and a few of the stalwarts that make Richmond what it is today. Nutrition Bar For all those that walk along Swan Street during business hours, you would be forgiven for thinking that Richmond was home to the headquarters of every gym conglomerate the world had ever known. So, given the high amount of protein-laden, tight t-shirt wearing personal trainers in Richmond, it was no wonder Nutrition Bar honed in on this market and opened up shop. They've become the go-to Swan Street purveyors of all things containing quinoa, acai, chia seeds, kale and anything else society can find to put under the superfood umbrella. So pull up a stool, grab an acai bowl and a green smoothie, and before you know it you'll be eating cleaner than Gwyneth Paltrow. 121 Swan Street, Richmond, (03) 9995 4329, thenutritionbar.com.au Bar Economico In direct contrast to Nutrition Bar, Bar Economico is a place where getting liquored up is not only called for, but encouraged. Previously the home of Der Raum, where at one point you needed a swipe card to gain access, Bar Economico has moved in and become a far less stately affair. The ambience in this bar could be described as slum-like and disheveled, but it somehow remains inviting. With a menu that sways heavily towards the rum side of the spectrum, both pirates and bar hoppers will be equally impressed. 438 Church Street, Richmond, bareconomico.com.au Happy Kappa Run by the enigmatic, efficiency machine that is Katsu (yes, that is his name!), those who frequent Swan Street at lunchtime will know that there is no place else to get your katsu curry fix. It is rare to find a restaurant that manages to combine consistency and speed without fail, everyday, so much so that it is a common occurrence that your meal will arrive at your table before you do. It has long been said that Katsu is waiting for the day when he will need to take up his post as commander of the universe (and what a glorious universe it will be). But until then, he'll be serving up Japanese fare for the weariest of Richmond natives with a steaming hot side plate of bitterness because he knows he is above all of us. We know it too Katsu, we know it too. 4/85 Swan Street, Richmond, (03) 9428 8672 Nelson Brown Situated a little off the beaten track, 191 Swan Street is yet another charming store that manages to always have impeccably curated windows and shelves full of the best, locally crafted gifts and homewares that Melbourne has to offer. We're not entirely sure who Nelson Brown is, but he claims to be your new best friend — and from the moment you enter the store, owners Leigh and Sue will welcome you like one of theirs. Whether you're in the market for a gift for someone you barely know or are looking for the perfect multi-coloured hammock chair for your balcony, these guys have your back. 191 Swan Street, Richmond, 0437 847 746, nelsonbrown.com.au Touchwood Okay, so just in case you needed another cafe that has incredible coffee, amazing food, a great atmosphere and ridiculously attractive staff, Touchwood is the place for you. This place really needs no introduction, but if you are yet to go, make sure you add it to your list because this place ticks all the boxes. Touchwood is really the needle in the haystack that Bridge Rd was desperately looking for. They've managed to find a balance in giving customers some of the ultra-health conscious options like coconut water and dishes with 'superfoods' in them, but also whacked in things like peanut butter and jelly waffles and wagyu beef burgers. If you choose one thing from each column that cancels out the calories — right? 480 Bridge Rd, Richmond, (03) 9429 9347, touchwoodcafe.com Cheerio Being relatively new in the plethora of new places in the Swan Street precinct, Cheerio have formed a loyal following through great coffee and even better personalities. These guys are some of the friendliest faces in Richmond and are also particularly perky in the morning. When we're all stumbling to our 9-5's, these guys give us our coffee and make us feel a little happier about the world. The gypsy ham sandwich complete with bechamel sauce also deserves a mention here, as it is up there on the list of life changing sandwiches. And it'll only set you back $10 — it's really all the therapy you'll ever need! 323 Lennox Street, Richmond Hut 13 This store is really the first appearance in Richmond of what we like to call the 'Collingwood Effect': the opening of stores that stock lots of nice things that can be somewhat overpriced, but for some reason you find yourself wanting all of them anyway. Whether it be the lure of beautifully finished throw rugs made from the hair of a goat aged between 9 and 12 months or that insatiable desire for plant stands to house your myriad of succulents growing in hand painted, concrete pots, Hut 13 will have you covered. A great store for a casual peruse or buying a present for that person that is a pain to buy for, they sell rings in the form of Cheezels. If that's not something for the person that has everything, then we don't what is. 79 Swan Street , Richmond, (03) 9428 1750, facebook.com/HUT-13 Rowena Parade Corner Store Opened in 1956 and hidden away in one of the lesser-known pockets of Richmond, the Rowena Parade Corner Store is, without a doubt, one of Melbourne's better-kept secrets. As members of the old guard of Richmond's food scene, they have no shame in presenting their customers with such menu items as BELTAC's, SmERTAC's and decidedly 'outta this world' milkshakes; it's no wonder these guys stay relevant in a cafe scene that sees more change than a tip jar on a Saturday night. This charming cafe is incredibly popular with both Richmond locals and anyone else who knows about it, so keep it on the down low. 44 Rowena Parade, Richmond, (03) 9421 3262, rowenacornerstore.com Nutrition Bar image credit: Hamish Ward
You sure couldn't accuse Sydney restaurant Bill & Toni's of expanding too quickly. After all, it's only now — with more than 50 years under its belt — that the Darlinghurst institution is preparing to add three more venues to the family, including one in both Victoria and Queensland. So, why now? Well, the venue has a new owner, Chris Montel, who, since taking over last year, has swiftly made plans to launch three more outposts by the end of 2018. Surfers Paradise and Melbourne's Lygon Street will each get their slice of Bill & Toni's in the coming months, followed by a venue in Montel's own stomping ground of Cronulla later in the year. The aim for each, according to Montel, is to recreate the vibe and offering of the original — everything from the retro-leaning decor to the memorabilia lining the walls will be reimagined for the new spaces. The loveable old-school diner has cemented its status as a cult favourite of Sydney's Italian dining scene with its generous fare, pinball machines and the complimentary orange cordial that makes its way onto most of the tables. But, arguably, its charm lies in the fact that it's been around forever, and we're not quite convinced that will resonate with new cities and communities — especially Lygon Street, which is full of long-running old-school Italian joints already. While details for the Cronulla restaurant are still vague, the planned interstate outposts will be a little smaller, each boasting just one level and room for about 150 people, though they'll be dishing up the same short and snappy menu Darlinghurst folks have been loving for years. Time will tell if those hefty serves of crisp chicken schnitzel and spaghetti bolognese will win over a few new lifelong fans. Bill & Toni's will open on the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Cronulla in Sydney's south this year. We'll let you know opening dates and exact locations of the three new venues as they drop. Until then, you can visit the OG Bill & Toni's at 72–74 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst. Images: Kimberley Low.
The world's most famous plumber siblings wearing colour-coded matching outfits? Tick. Earworm tunes? Tick again. Mushrooms aplenty, castles, tunnels, blocks that need bumping and flowers that let you shoot fireballs? Just keep ticking. All of the above are accounted for in the second and full trailer for The Super Mario Bros Movie, aka the animated flick that's bringing Mario, Luigi and all of the Nintendo-created gang back to cinemas. Also on that hefty list of inclusions: a rainbow road, and racing along it Mario Kart-style. This just-dropped sneak peek at The Super Mario Bros Movie arrives after an initial teaser back in early October, and gives Nintendo fans a bigger look at the world of the film and its characters — all of which look very faithful to their gaming counterparts. And yes, basically everyone's a fan of Mario. We've all played Nintendo's Mario games, including on Google Maps and mobile phones. We've tried our hands at Mario Kart in reality, too. And, we've made plans to hit up the Super Nintendo theme park in Japan, or perhaps the upcoming second site in Hollywood. (Also, if everyone hasn't watched 1993's live-action Super Mario Bros, which starred Bob Hoskins as the titular figure, John Leguizamo as Luigi and Dennis Hopper as King Koopa, then they need to at least once.) Come March 2023, however, cinemas will be pressing start on the new The Super Mario Bros Movie, which has enlisted Chris Pratt (The Terminal List) to voice the Italian plumber. Clearly, the former Parks and Recreation star doesn't have enough big franchises on his resume already; see: Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World and The Lego Movie. So far, there's only one new Super Mario Bros, but predicting there'll be more if it does well at the box office is as easy as collecting mushrooms in the games. This new full trailer includes a heap of other nods to Mario and the crew's time behind all of our controllers, sees Bowser (Jack Black, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood) proclaim his desire to rule the world and casts Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) as the Mushroom Kingdom's comedic sidekick. Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Menu) is determined to take on the challenge, and dispense words of advice in general, while battling Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen, Pam & Tommy) also features. The Super Mario Bros Movie's voice cast also includes Keegan- Michael Key (Wendell & Wild) as Toad, plus Fred Armisen (Wednesday) as Cranky Kong. And, it hails from directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies), is penned by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru) and is produced by Illumination Entertainment (aka the studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions flicks, and the Sing films). Check out the full trailer below: The Super Mario Bros Movie releases in cinemas Down Under on March 30, 2023.
Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It stops a nation, it makes us spend ludicrous amounts on dresses, fascinators, suits, shoes, booze, you name it. Yet someone has to back a winner and to be honest we always think it's going to be us. Whether you win $1000 or leave with only a few pennies left to rub together, Concrete Playground's here to suggest 10 ways to spend your Spring Racing bounty. 1. $4 Glass of Bubbles at Charlie's Bar Charlie's Bar, a little bit swanky but nowhere near pretentious. Tasty snacks like mini burgers and secret alcoves for conversation make Charlie's a great spot for a drink or two. So you went to the races and are now left with no money. Don't worry, us too. But fear not, Charlie's Bar run cheap drink specials every night for those of us on a budget. Try a $4 glass of bubbles (no, it's not Champagne) on Friday nights between 5-8pm. Basement 71 Hardware Lane, Melbroune; 03 9600 1545; www.charliesbar.com.au/ 2. $8.50 Huxtaburger Huxtaburger, from the lovely crew that brought us Huxtable and Bill's bar make some of the best burgers in Melbourne. Moondarra Wagyu beef served pink between two soft and slightly sweet buns is just the beginning. It may only have a handful of seats, but these burgers will do just fine as take away. For $8.50 you can get your hands on their 'Huxtaburger' which is a delicious beef pattie, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, cheese, lettuce and pickles. Perhaps the perfect Spring Racing hangover cure. 106 Smith Street, Collingwood; 03 9417 6328; www.huxtaburger.com.au/ 3. $13.20 Plate of pan-fried dumplings from HuTong Dumpling Bar It's no secret Melbourne loves dumplings. And HuTong, tucked away in a side street off Little Bourke Street, know a thing or two about the humble dumpling. You can get prawn dumplings and boiled pork dumplings, but it's hard to go by a plate of their famous pan-fried. 14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne; 03 9650 8128; www.hutong.com.au/ 4. $20 Buckets of Coronas from Campari House Campari House, on bustling Hardware Lane offers three levels of food and drink fun. On the ground floor the restaurant serves up Italian inspired dishes including a seriously good range of pizzas. On the middle level you'll find a cocktail lounge and if you keep going up the stairs you'll find the rooftop. For just $20 you can get yourself a bucket, yes a bucket of Coronas to enjoy with your friends. 23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne; 03 9600 1574; www.camparihouse.com.au/ 5. $45 High Tea at Friends of Mine Friends of Mine in Richmond, sister café to both Snow Pony and Porgie and Mr Jones is a brunching favourite for many. On Sunday afternoons, you can channel your inner socialite and partake in their High Tea. For $45 you will get both sweet and savoury delights along with a glass of bubbles on arrival. 506 Swan Street, Richmond; 03 9428 7516; www.friendsofmine.com.au 6. $66 'Feed Me' menu at Chin Chin If you've ever tried to eat at Chin Chin you will know they don't take reservations and the waiting time is often hours. Conveniently for us they have a great little bar downstairs, GoGo Bar. For $66 a head you can simply let them feed you. You might be treated to a salad of sticky pork belly with crispy fried barramundi, or a starter of roll your own rice paper rolls with lightly tempura tofu. A dry salmon curry or a moist beef massamum curry might follow. You will probably need to be rolled out of there, but it's worth it. 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne; 03 8663 2000; www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/ 7. $90 Odyssey at The Understudy The Understudy is the slightly kooky younger sister of cocktail bar 1806. Think Alice in Wonderland, a little confusing, but very intriguing. Cocktails are born here and they will surprise and delight. For $90 The Understudy guide you through a journey of the senses with a 5 course degustation with matched food ($75 a head for just the cocktails). It's a fun way to spend an evening and you'll be sure to taste something unlike anything you have before. 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne; 03 96637722; www.1806.com.au/understudy/ 8. $199 Mixed Dozen from City Wine Shop City Wine Shop is a wine lovers heaven. For $199 you can take away a mixed dozen from the wise wine lovers behind the City Wine Shop. They might push you out of your comfort zone with their choices, but where's the fun in sticking with what you know. 159 Spring Street, Melbourne; 03 9654 6657; www.citywineshop.net.au/ 9. $500 Degustation for two at Vue de Monde Vue de Monde, a Melbourne institution is an enchanting mix of culinary brilliance and theatre. While it is expensive, the degustation is an experience. It is more than simply food. Palate cleansers crushed at your table and dry ice add to the brilliant food. You will also be sent home with a bag of delights for the morning. It might include a tiny brioche loaf or some granola. It's like a grown up lolly bag. The experience of Vue de Monde will stay with you long after your last bite. Rialto Tower, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne; 03 9691 3888; www.vuedemonde.com.au/ 10. $1050 bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V at Eua De Vie Eau de Vie may be almost impossible to find. It was once suggested by an out-of-towner that I was making this place up, but once you have found it you won't look back. As you step inside it's like you step into another world where all that matters is which Whiskey or cocktail you should order. For those cashed up after a Spring Racing win, we suggest you indulge a $1050 bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V to stash in your very own personal drinks cabinet. You even get a key, awesome. 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne; 0412 825 441; eaudevie.com.au/Melbourne/
After seven years of bringing food to Australians' doors — and alcohol, kitchen and household products, and pop culture-themed board games in some places, too — Deliveroo has delivered a significant piece of news: it now no longer operates in the country. Via a series of messages to customers, on social media and on its local website on Wednesday, November 16, the company announced that it was shutting its Aussie service effective immediately. "Deliveroo no longer operates in Australia," the organisation's website now reads. "Deliveroo has taken the difficult decision to leave Australia. We have been proud to bring so many people amazing meals from Australia's great restaurants over the years," it continues. The company is now in administration, with KordaMentha appointed to oversee the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deliveroo (@deliveroo_au) In its statements on social media, Deliveroo called the news a "sad announcement" and reiterated that it "has been a very difficult decision to make". It also called out Australia's "amazing food" and "thousands of brilliant restaurants and riders". Obviously, the sudden shuttering will impact both considerably. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Deliveroo staff will receive compensation, and drivers who made a delivery in the past three months. As a result of the closure, Deliveroo's app is now no longer accepting orders, leaving customers to use competing food-delivery services such as UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash. Since opening in Australia in 2015, in efforts to stand out in a crowded market, Deliveroo has done everything from giving away burgers and Tim Tams, offering free delivery during lockdowns and slinging free fries based on vaccination levels through to even dropping off free Gelato Messina choc tops by boat. For more information about Deliveroo ceasing operations in Australia, head to the service's website.
When the weather starts to cool down, the urge to devour big bowls of pasta, warm soups and pot pies usually comes with it. Despite all the blankets and fuzzy slippers in the world, sometimes you just need some carbs — and a few boozy concoctions to wash them down with. And, really, there's nothing like curling up with just the thing you're hankering for. When the heart is calling for a cheesy carbonara or a bespoke negroni, you'd best answer it. To help you out when the cravings strike, we've teamed up with Australia Cocktail Month. The inaugural month-long celebration of Aussie-made cocktails takes place throughout May, so it's just the ticket as winter approaches. Alongside everything from yum cha to countryside fire feasts, it's also one of our six recommended ways to indulge when only cocktails and comfort food will do. [caption id="attachment_644421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] HIT UP YOUR LOCAL FOR A SUNDAY ROAST Warm up from the inside out with a hearty Sunday pub roast. Based on the traditional British end-of-weekend meal, the Australian take on the pub roast usually features all the fan favourites (yes, including brussels sprouts) to help chase away the cold weather blues. Think succulent roast meats, crunchy potatoes, juicy vegetables, copious pours of gravy, and a nice glass of red or two on the side. Right across the nation — including in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — there are plenty of pubs to hit up. Pick your favourite, then spoil your tastebuds with a filling roast lunch or dinner. Is there anything more comforting? [caption id="attachment_755166" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Death and Taxes[/caption] CURL UP WITH A COCKTAIL AT A TOP BAR If you're in the mood for a cocktail, you're going to love Australian Cocktail Month, a month-long celebration of Australian bars and bartenders that starts on Saturday, May 1. Across the event, 72 bars in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide are partnering with local and international alcohol brands to shake and stir up some bespoke cocktails, and to also offer discounts and unique bar experiences. To attend, all you need to do is grab a general admission ticket from the event's website, then head to a participating bar. Show said ticket and you'll be able to sip a $14 cocktail (or a $10 non-alcoholic version) while you're getting comfy. [caption id="attachment_780994" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] TUCK INTO A YUM CHA FEAST It's pretty universally known that one does not leave yum cha hungry. After all, the meal involves a steady rotation of small portions of dim sum dishes, including steamed, pan-fried and deep-fried options. Think juicy dumplings, prawn har gow, xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), barbecue pork buns and pork ribs — all washed down with piping hot tea. There are plenty of places in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to get your feast on, too. So, forget the cooking and feed your hankering for Cantonese food by heading to your local yum cha house — and indulging until your heart (and tummy) is content. Just make sure not to eat beforehand. [caption id="attachment_779829" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] HIBERNATE IN A CINEMA WITH POPCORN AND CHOC TOPS Grabbing a snack at a movie theatre isn't always easy to justify. But when you're nestled in your seat, it's hard to be sorry about the big box of popcorn in your hands. A choc top never goes astray, either, and neither does a bag of Maltesers. Accordingly, to feed that comfort food craving in your belly, grab a mate or date and head to your local cinema. There, you can hibernate in a supremely cosy setting and enjoy a flick with some quality movie theatre bites. Some venues even serve cocktails too, such as Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Sydney, Classic Cinemas in Melbourne and Blue Room Cinebar in Brisbane. THROW A POTLUCK DINNER WITH YOUR MATES Why indulge in comfort food and cocktails all on your own when you can do it as a group activity with your nearest and dearest? The easiest way: get on that group chat and arrange a potluck dinner at yours with your friends. Either get everyone to bring a surprise dish, or arrange for someone to take care of entrees, others to look after mains and the best cooks in the gang to whip up desserts. You could even try out a new recipe or two, and wow your pals with a skill they mightn't have realised you have. And the best part? There are usually leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. COOK A FEAST OVER FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Fill up your car, pack an overnight bag and hit the road. It's time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for some fresh country air and camping-style food. Get a fire roaring, then try your hand at some damper, classic s'mores, snags or corn on the cob. You could even give campfire nachos or some camping quesadilla a whirl. There are plenty of country towns to stay at just a hop, skip and jump from main cities, too, including near Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It's a two-for-one deal, really, because you'll indulge in the charm of the countryside and fill your belly at the same time. Australian Cocktail Month is taking over top bars across the Australia from May 1–31. To buy your ticket, and for the full list of participating bars, head to the event's website. Top image: The Duke of Clarence, Kitti Gould
There are plenty of reasons to look forward to a new month, but Lune Croissanterie's changing specials menu just might be the tastiest. Each time the calendar flips over, the cult-favourite bakery whips up a new batch of treats — such as lamington cruffins, one of its January specials; and bolognese and bechamel-filled lasagne pastries, a highlight from its June range. When July ticks over, the croissant haven's range is set to be just as tasty — especially if you like beloved desserts that have been turned into other sweet treats. Call them mashups, call them hybrids, call them the Frankenstein's monsters of baked goods: they all fit. On the July menu: Iced Vovo cruffins and tiramisu pastries. The words you're looking for? Yum and yum. They're both exactly what they sound like, with the first stuffing a cruffin with coconut custard and raspberry jam, dipping it in raspberry glaze, sprinkling coconut on top and adding another button of jam as well — and the second turning the pudding into a pastry with coffee soaked house-made savoiardi and coffee caramel, plus a ruffle of mascarpone cream and a dusting of Mork chocolate powder. Both of those dishes are available at Lune's Fitzroy store in Melbourne, as well as at its South Brisbane digs in Brisbane — and you can order them online in Brissie, too. The Sunshine State capital gets another mashup gem as well: apple crumble danishes, which are filled with jazz apple jam and whiskey crème, then finished with brown butter crumble and toffee apple glaze. The July specials list also boasts a twice-baked marble pain au chocolat, which returns after proving a hit in Melbourne last year. It'll be on offer at Fitzroy, Melbourne CBD, South Brisbane and online in Brisbane only. And, there's a vegetarian version of Lune's pepperoni pizza escargot, again in all venues. Brissie also scores Lune's carrot cake, if you're somehow still hungry. Lune's July specials menu runs from Friday, July 1–Sunday, July 31, with different specials on offer at Fitzroy and the CBD in Melbourne, and South Brisbane in Brisbane. In Brisbane only, you can also order them online.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's phase four is so 2022, and earlier. In 2023, the comic book-based blockbuster screen saga is all about phase five. And, to begin with, it's 100-percent focused on the MCU's tiniest superhero: Ant-Man, as adorably played by Paul Rudd. Here, entertaining things come in small packages, as the character's two solo big-screen outings have shown. Yes, those past flicks have also wavered between charming and familiar, but whenever the ageless star himself pops up — and wherever, given that he hasn't just been confined to his own franchise within the franchise — he's always proven a treat. So, of course a third Ant-Man movie is on its way, because who doesn't want to give the world more Paul Rudd more often? The MCU clearly does, and that new film is Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, which dropped its first trailer in 2022 and will buzz into cinemas this February. This time, the MCU's insect-sized superheroes — including both Scott Lang aka Ant-Man (Rudd, Ghostbusters: Afterlife) and Hope van Dyne aka The Wasp (Evangeline Lily, Crisis) — are thrust into a secret universe beneath the one they already know and inhabit, and also face a new enemy. The chaotic space? The quantum realm, hence the Quantumania part of the upcoming movie's title. The adversary? Kang the Conqueror, as played by Lovecraft Country and The Harder They Fall's Jonathan Majors. And yes, both pop up in just-released new trailer for Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, too, where the story gets dark quickly. Also part of the movie is the return of Hope's parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer, French Exit) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method), plus Scott's now-older daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton, Freaky). Viewers of 2015's Ant-Man and 2018's Ant-Man and the Wasp will know that Janet spent decades stuck in the quantum realm, so it's unsurprising that she's a key part of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. But, she hasn't told her family and friends everything about the place — as the film is set to explore. When it hits cinemas, the movie doesn't just spark Marvel's fifth phase — it also notches up the MCU's 31st film. Of course, if you're reading this, you know that, and you're ready for the company's latest silver-screen adventure after 2022's Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Check out the new Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania trailer below: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas Down Under on February 16, 2023. Images: courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
