One of the world's most acclaimed galleries is coming to Australia, and it's bringing more than 70 works that chronicle the past 200 years in art history with it. For a five-month season from mid-June, the UK's Tate will take over Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image with a hefty exhibition that'll span everything from painting, photography and sculpture through to drawing, kinetic art and installations — and, of course, the moving image. Given the time period covered by Light: Works from Tate's Collection, the list of artists that'll be on display is a varied one — as drawn from pieces in the Tate's four separate sites in Britain. Art lovers will be able to see works by famed English romantic painter and watercolourist Joseph Mallord William Turner alongside the light- and space-focused efforts of American artist James Turrell, plus pieces by impressionist Claude Monet and Japanese favourite Yayoi Kusama. Running from Thursday, June 16–Sunday, November 13, the unifying theme is light, as the exhibition's name makes plain — and if you're wondering how this connects to ACMI's remit as a museum for the moving image, light is obviously crucial to all recorded vision. While Light: Works from Tate's Collection will step through art history, ACMI will further put its pieces into broader artistic context by presenting it alongside its permanent The Story of the Moving Image exhibition, which examines the origins and genesis of film and television. From the impressive roster of art and artists, Turner's 1805 painting The Deluge will make its Australian debut, while Kusama's characteristically kaleidoscopic 2005 sculpture The Passing Winter gets viewers peering into a mirrored cube. Turrell's Raemar, Blue, from 1969, is an immersive spatial environment that surrounds visitors in infinite and immersive light. And among the other highlights sits paintings by John Constable, Wassily Kandinsky, Bridget Riley and Joseph Albers; more impressionist pieces from Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley; and rotating crystalline sculpture Stardust Particle by Olafur Eliasson. The ticketed exhibition will be accompanied by talks, performances, workshops and late-night events, as well as film screenings. Although the events lineup hasn't yet been revealed, masterclasses with cinematographers, artist discussions, and magic lantern and 16mm presentations will all be on the bill, as will two free exhibits — from Australian artist Mikala Dwyer in ACMI's lightwell and by Lis Rhodes in Gallery 3, with the latter's Light Music also coming from the Tate Collection. [caption id="attachment_858887" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raemar, Blue, 1969, James Turrell. Tate: Presented by the Tate Americas Foundation, partial purchase and partial gift of Doris J. Lockhart 2013. © James Turrell. Photo: Phoebe Powell[/caption] [caption id="attachment_858889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Passing Winter, 2005, Yayoi Kusama. Tate: Purchased with funds provided by the Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee 2008. ©Yayoi Kusama. Tate. Photo: Phoebe Powell.[/caption] Top images: Installation view, 'Light: Works from Tate's Collection', showing at ACMI, 2022. Photos by Phoebe Powell.
Code Black Coffee knows how to cafe. Each of its six sites serve some of the city's best breakfasts and cups of joe, plus the sleek warehouse design in its larger Brunswick and North Melbourne venues is oh so Melbourne. The team is conquering the city, one cup of coffee and eggs benny at a time, with no signs to slow down. That's especially clear as it just opened its seventh outpost on Flinders Lane. Here, the team is pumping out the types of dishes that have seen Code Black assume a rightful claim to being one of the very best places for breakfast in Melbourne. On the menu, you'll find dishes like baked eggs with truffled white beans, smoked ham hock and parmigiano; milk bread mille foglie with poached rhubarb and pistachios brought together with a burnt butter mascarpone; and house-made soda bread topped with seasonal mushrooms, whipped buffalo ricotta, crispy onions and chimichurri. Of course, coffee is a also huge feature at the new Flinders Lane spot. Expect your usual milky options and on-tap batch brews as well as coffee flights and caffeine-infused cocktails — both boozy and non-alcoholic. Code Black's more unusual zero-proof bevs include an espresso martini with Vegemite syrup, as well as one featuring lemongrass, anise syrup and earl grey tea, and the Morning Bar Coco that sees cold filter coffee given a lift by rooibos tea, coconut water and cream. You've also got two vodka-based espresso martinis, an alcoholic coffee negroni and a bunch of other caffeinated sips spiked with booze. If you're keen to explore a lot of this menu, you might want to get a few with decaf. The new space, designed by We are Humble (Kaiju Cantina, No. 100 Flinders Lane, CoConspirators Brewpub, Ruby Dining and Good Measure), feels a lot more like a cocktail lounge than a cafe, which will make more sense once the team opens for nighttime trade. It's painted in the cafe's signature black all over, decked out with leather upholstery and dimly lit throughout. Melbourne's already got some stellar CBD breakfast spots, but there's always room for more — especially when they're also open on weekends like Code Black Coffee's Morning Bar. You'll find Code Black Coffee's Morning Bar at 189 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, open 7am–5pm during the week and 8am–4pm on weekends. For more details, head to the venue's website.
Hawthorn has welcomed a new wining and dining destination into its fold — though, as you'll quickly see, Ate One Ate is following a very different recipe to most of its Glenferrie Road neighbours. The brainchild of restaurateur Stephen Papagelou, this two-week-old eatery hits that casual-meets-refined formula that inner-city Melburnians go mad for. So, amid a sea of laidback cafés and budget-friendly Asian restaurants, this contemporary 180-seat venue offers a slightly upscale take on all-day dining. Its menus are best described as modern Australian, spliced with a swag of European and Mediterranean flavours. Breakfast here might see you swapping out your usual eggs Benny for glammed-up gear like a carrot hot dog with black kale and vegan cheddar, or organic protein pancakes with activated buckwheat. Meanwhile, the dinner menu can sort you out with freshly shucked oysters, pasta dishes Nonna would be proud of, and elegant seafood plates up until 11pm. Over behind the stylish bar, Ate One Ate's cocktail selection is a mix of classics and signatures, and the wine list takes a brief jaunt through the more familiar regions of Europe and Australia. All the while, Studio Equator's glossy interior of marble and peach-hued banquettes will fool you, like the food, into thinking you're a whole lot closer to the CBD than you actually are. Ate One Ate is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week at 818 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. For more info, visit ateoneate.com.au. Images: Ewen Bell.
What better way to launch yourself into summer than by ripping up an openair dance floor at a day party celebrating one of the past decade's big summer tunes? It's never too early to start plotting your warm weather debut, especially now that music collective Untitled Group (Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts Festival) and tour company Thick as Thieves have unveiled details of their huge first party of the summer season. Descending on St Kilda's Riva on Saturday, November 23, the beachside day party will celebrate ten years of 'In The Shadows' — the enduring summer soundtrack from Hamburg's Lovebirds, aka Sebastian 'Basti' Doering. The German artist is set to throw down a memorable set packed with his signature dance-floor fillers, and he'll be joined on the stage by UK DJ and producer Cristoph. Riva Day Party will run from 2–10pm.
Contrary to popular belief, the best time to be at Revolver Upstairs is not 3am on a Saturday morning. The classic Chapel Street venue is not only home to a dance floor, but also to a pretty great Thai restaurant, Colonel Tan's by Karen Batson, of Cookie and Magic Mountain Saloon fame. From 5pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, grab a seat on those comfy couches and devour some spicy Thai food alongside a beverage. On Tuesdays, the venue hosts trivia, then DJs after 9pm. Get yourself down there, and discover a brand new side to the venue you most likely have a love-hate relationship with. Image: @jjaarrvviieess / Instagram.
It's back, it's big and it's heading around Australia in February 2023: St Jerome's Laneway Festival and its impressive lineup, that is. Returning for the first time since 2020 — since celebrating 15 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio first decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes — the beloved fest boasts a phenomenal list of talent taking to its stages for its huge and eagerly awaited comeback tour. Here are three names to get you started: HAIM, Joji and Phoebe Bridgers. Laneway has been teasing its 2023 return since early 2021, then locked in dates and venues — and come Saturday, February 11, 2023, it'll hit up The Park at Flemington in Melbourne. Also on the bill: Finneas, Fontaines DC, Fred again..., Girl in Red, slowthai and Turnstile, as well as 100 Gecs, Chaos in the CBD, Knucks and Mallrat. Yes, the lineup goes on from there. Clearly, there's a whole heap of reasons to be excited — from HAIM's first Australian tour since 2017 (and definitely the first since Alana killed it on the big screen in Licorice Pizza) to Bridgers' return after a huge few years, just to name a couple. Also on the list: just Laneway being back and livening up late summer in general. General ticket sales start at 9am on Thursday, September 29 via the festival's website. ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2023 LINEUP: Haim Joii Phoebe Bridgers Finneas Fontaines DC Fred again... Girl in Red slowthai Turnstile 100 Gecs Chaos in the CBD Knucks Mallrat Ross From Friends The Beths Yard Act Adam Newling The Backseat Lovers Harvey Sutherland Jacoténe Jamesjamesjames Logic1000 Sycco Tasman Keith The Lazy Eyes Top image: RC Stills.
Thinking about work-life balance when January hits is an annual tradition. The Christmas break has been and gone, everyone is making resolutions for the new year, and better dividing your time between your professional and personal realms becomes a goal for most. Come January 2025, the subject will get a bigger push via a hugely anticipated TV returns — and so will how work-life balance can weigh on your mind, or not. Capitalising on perfect timing, Apple TV+ will finally end the wait for more Severance, the sci-fi mindbender where disconnecting from your job come quittin' time — and giving your gig 100-percent of your focus during your daily grind — has become literal in a nightmarish way. At Lumon Industries, employees agree to undertake the titular procedure, which splits their memories between work and home. That tale will continue from Friday, January 17, 2025, a date that no one will want surgically removed from their head between now and then. This news calls for a waffle party, an egg bar or a melon bar. In the upcoming second season of the series — which was one of the best new shows of 2022 — more celebrations must be on the way based on the first sneak peek at new footage from back in June. Apple TV+ has now added to that initial glimpse with a first proper teaser trailer for Severance's second season. It's still brief, putting most of its emphasis on the elevator that Lumon's workers take to its labyrinthine workspace, as well as the verbal agreement that the show's key characters gave to having their recollections severed. If you missed season one, its dive into the kind of scenario that Black Mirror might've dreamed up, and technology that could've been used if Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was about punching the clock instead of romance, pushed Macrodata Refinement division employee Mark S (Adam Scott, Loot) to the fore. He willingly signed up for severance, all to help process his grief over the death of his wife. And he's happy with the situation until his work BFF Petey (Yul Vazquez, The Outsider) leaves suddenly without saying goodbye, then new staff member Helly (Britt Lower, American Horror Stories) comes in to replace him — and instantly starts questioning the insidious setup, the rules and restrictions needed to keep it in place, and why on earth her "outie" (as the outside versions of Lumon employees are known) agreed to this in the first place. In season two, Mark and his work pals will attempt to dig deeper into the consequences of the severance procedure, and trying to escape it. There isn't much more detail in the trailer, but the mood is disquieting — in typical Severance fashion. Tramell Tillman (Hunters), Zach Cherry (Fallout), Jen Tullock (Perry Mason), Michael Chernus (Carol & the End of the World), Dichen Lachman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), John Turturro (Mr & Mrs Smith), Christopher Walken (Dune: Part Two) and Patricia Arquette (High Desert) also star — and season two newcomer Gwendoline Christie (Wednesday) also pops up in the sneak peek. Ben Stiller (Escape at Dannemora) is back as a director on five episodes, and executive producer across the whole season, with ten episodes on the way. Apple TV+ will drop instalments through until Friday, March 21, 2025. Check out the first trailer for Severance season two below: Severance returns for season two on Friday, January 17, 2025 via Apple TV+.
Maybe you recall first seeing Rebel Wilson two decades back in Fat Pizza. Perhaps her part as "girl in alley" in the Nicolas Cage-starring Ghost Rider initially caught your eye. Or, it might've been her two big Hollywood breaks: Bridesmaids and the Pitch Perfect franchise. Whichever fits, the Australian actor has charted quite the path over the last 21 years — and she's keen to share a heap of stories about it. That's happening in two ways: her new book Rebel Rising: A Memoir and a tour of the country's east coast to chat about her career so far. The printed tome fuels the in-person conversations, of course, with the former due to hit shelves in April, then the live sessions happening in May. An Evening with Rebel Wilson has the right moniker, then, with the event heading to the Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne. In taking to the stage to reflect upon her journey, Wilson follows in the footsteps of everyone from Henry Winkler to Tony Hawk so far in 2024. That said, no one has taken the same route to fame as the Sydney-born actor, with dog shows, creating TV's Bogan Pride and winning an acting scholarship launched by Nicole Kidman just some of the steps along the way. As well as talking through time in the spotlight that's seen her feature in Cats, Isn't It Romantic, Senior Year and Jojo Rabbit as well — plus How to Be Single, Pain & Gain, Grimsby and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, too — Wilson is set to reflect on her personal experiences. Expect a behind-the-scenes glimpse, then — apparently with a Brad Pitt tale thrown in, and details about martial-arts tournaments and an Oscars hallucination induced by malaria. An Evening with Rebel Wilson 2024 Australian Dates: Thursday, May 9 — Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney Sunday, May 12 — Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Tuesday, May 14 — Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne An Evening with Rebel Wilson hits Australia's east coast in May 2024, with ticket presales from 10am on Wednesday, February 21 — head to the tour website for further details.
Shop pre-loved bric-a-brac, clothing, accessories, antiques and collectibles, records and more at the Geelong Vintage Market. The impressive indoor market is open seven days a week and there are over 60 stalls to browse, so make sure you dedicate a good couple of hours to take a look around. Got some extra things you want to offload? The market takes donations and can also buy your second-hand goods — it offers top dollar for good quality vinyl, CDs and CD singles (remember those?). If you need to refuel, pop next door to The Pickers Union for a great brunch and coffee. Images: Julia Sansone
Thornbury locals will know Pastificio Sandro well. The Italian grocer fills its cabinets with its own handmade pasta and ready-made meals, along with stacks of local and imported produce. To enjoy Sandro's cooking prowess in its full glory, you used to have to buy its pasta and sauces separately (or its excellent meat lasagne) and cook it all up at home. But there's now another way. Every Friday and Saturday night, diners who book a seat online can head around the back alleyway and find the entrance to its new secret restaurant p r o v a. Here, you'll either sit at the large table where they make the very pasta you'll be eating or at one of the smaller tables by the pasta cabinet, and tuck into a six-course feast ($125). Head Chef Adrian Bressanutti (ex-Stokehouse and Tipo 00) has created a menu of contemporary Italian eats — featuring plenty of pasta, of course. You can also add a wine pairing to the whole experience, curated by Andrew Barry (ex-Gingerboy and Anchovy), or just order as y0u please from the tidy selection of wine and beer. And don't worry too much if you can't get one of the 14 seats. You can always take home one of Pastificio Sandro's fresh pastas, sauces or desserts while you wait for availability.
Summer has well and truly arrived — and with it comes the reopening of stacks of Melbourne rooftop bars following extensive renovations. Joining the likes of Skinny Dog Hotel, Johnny's Greenroom and QT Melbourne, the latest rooftop bar to hit Melbourne is Mirror Mirror, set to open on Saturday, December 9. Mirror Mirror cocktail bar has been plonked atop South Melbourne's Clarendon Hotel, boasting some pretty damn good views across the city's skyline. The makeover comes from the crew behind Goldilocks Rooftop Bar, House of Correction and Lost Boys Bar and is loosely inspired by the classic tale of Snow White. Signature cocktails are named after some of the story's characters, with the Evil Witch Spritz sounding devilishly good. It comes with crème de violette, Campari, lemon juice, Four Pillars gin and a few good splashes of prosecco. A tidy list of mostly Aussie wines is also available for those not wanting to spend a whole day in the sun drinking cocktails. Unlike the drinks at this new rooftop cocktail bar, the food menu is not themed. Expect Asian-fusion eats that span small plates like sesame prawn toast, veggie dumplings and satay skewers, as well as larger dishes like the wagyu steak and a pan-grilled barramundi covered in a Thai-style chilli dressing. Mirror Mirror is definitely slanted towards the luxury end of Melbourne's rooftop bar scene, with beer and parmas nowhere to be seen on the menu. But if that's the vibe you're after, you can always check out nearby haunts like The Montague, Golden Gate Hotel and Westside Aleworks after a few spritzes up at Mirror Mirror. Mirror Mirror will open on Saturday, December 9 at 209 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. It will be open from Wednesday–Sunday, 12pm–late. For more information, check out the venue's website.
What is the one thing better than something excellent? Two excellent things merged into something incredible. That is the beauty of the mash-up, providing the best of both worlds inside a brand new world. We should all say a deafening thank you to all those inspired enough to say 'por qué no las dos' when confronted by the dilemma of choice, who create something ingenious for us all to enjoy. Now, inspired by Red Bull Flying Bach's (think Bach meets breakdancing) forthcoming tour of Australia, we've gathered the top ten mash-ups of anything ever for you. Some you may be pretty familiar with; others may blow your mind. BRUNCH When someone suggests brunch, I get exactly this excited. While this list is not hierarchical, brunch is the greatest mash-up ever. Combining the best elements of breakfast (the food) and the temporal qualities of lunch (that it isn't early), there is no greater meal in culinary history. Brinner deserves an honourable mention here, but given brunch's ability to cure any hangover and save your Sunday, it has to win, hands down. Whoever decided to put the likes of pancakes, bacon and a cheeky bowl of Coco Pops on the menu after a much-deserved sleep-in deserves all of the Nobel prizes. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yfG94k41MrI GIRL TALK When most people think of a mash-up, their brain takes them to the musical kind. In fact googling 'mash-up' returns page after page of remixes. Some are awful, others aren't too bad, and then there are those that excel, and they are made by artists such as Girl Talk. Having sampled songs for over a decade, Girl Talk (otherwise known as Gregg Michael Gillis) knows what he is doing, seamlessly blending around a dozen songs per track into his own musical masterpiece. While hip-hop in the 1970s brought sampling to the fore, artists such as Girl Talk really laid the foundation for the modern mash-up, allowing songs that shouldn't belong together to fuse perfectly into songs such as this. RED BULL FLYING BACH This is a serious clash of cultures, a performance where Bach meets breakdancing and produces brilliance that "turns the international classical world upside down". It is really no surprise it has been so successful; it features music from arguably the greatest composer of all time (who happens to be German) expressed physically by four-times breakdancing world champions Flying Steps (also German). No coincidence, just a collaboration that shatters the suggestion that breakdancing and Bach don't blend and thrusts the cohesion of the classic and the contemporary into the present. The best part? It's coming to Australia, visiting Sydney September 10-12, Brisbane on September 24-26 before heading south to run in Melbourne from October 1-4, so grab your tickets now. SLAMBALL In a nutshell, Slamball is basketball that includes full contact and, most importantly, TRAMAMPOLINES! That's right, while the court remains much the same dimensions as a regular basketball court and retains a hoop at either end, there are also four trampolines at either end of the court for players to gain as much air as possible to dunk spectacularly. Dunking (or 'slamming' in Slamball) is pretty crucial as it scores three points compared to your usual two for non-dunks inside the arc. (You still get three-points shooting from deep as per normal basketball.) I don't know about you but I'm asking my local council to install some trampolines at my local court. Check out some Slamball highlights here. GLAMPING For those not in the know, glamping is glamour camping. It's just like camping, only comfortable, warm and something you want to do regularly. Still trying to paint a picture in your mind? Just imagine that you are in your bed, only the roof is now a nice canvas and you can hear the soothing sounds of nature right on your doorstep. Glamping has taken off in the last few years across the nation as it's removed almost all of the reasons that people use to avoid camping. It's basically an alfresco hotel and no matter where you are there's bound to be a five-star tent pitched nearby. HIP HOP SHAKESPEARE Bach is just a baby compared to old man Will. Joining Red Bull Flying Bach in the classic-meets-contemporary mash-ups are hip hop 'ad-rap-tations' of Shakespeare's classics. It's a perfect fit. After all, Shakespeare was the original lyricist and excellent at smack-talking: "A knave; a rascal; an eater of broken meats; a base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred-pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knave; a lily-liver'd, action-taking, whoreson, glass-gazing, superserviceable, finical rogue; 1090 one-trunk-inheriting slave; one that wouldst be a bawd in way of good service, and art nothing but the composition of a knave, beggar, coward, pander, and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch; one whom I will beat into clamorous whining, if thou deny the least syllable of thy addition." Building on this wit and transforming it into modern urban classics are troupes such as the Q Brothers, whose Othello: The Remix is about an artist who rises out of the ghetto and wins the respect of the music industry, only be taken down by hip hop purist Iago. SWISS ARMY KNIFE The ultimate mash-up, the Swiss Army Knife is a must-have for general life. Need a knife? Done. Need a screwdriver? Done. Need a corkscrew? Done. Need a warm hug at night? I'm sure it can find a way to do that too, because they can do just about anything. If you don't have one and are now scrambling out the door to buy one (which you can do once you've finished reading this article all the way to the end), then spend the extra cash on a good one that will last as it could end up saving your life. TURDUCKEN A turducken is a deboned chicken stuffed inside a deboned duck, which is then stuffed inside a deboned turkey, which is then stuffed in the oven, cooked and then stuffed into your mouth with absolutely no regrets. Whether you know it as a turducken or a chuckey, this is something that you must try if you enjoy these three birds. Apologies to our vegetarian friends out there, but this really is delicious. If you're really into your meats, you can also wrap bacon around your turducken, but have 000 pre-dialled into your phone just in case you pop. CHESS BOXING If you laughed at the concept of chess boxing, then I don't blame you. It may sound absurd, but once you actually watch a match, you realise the mental and physical strength needed to take part and find yourself having a lot of respect for those who can cop a barrage of punches and then sit down and play chess so well. They do this for 11 alternating rounds of chess then boxing, for a total of six chess rounds and five in the ring. Victory either comes in the form of a knockout or checkmate. (PS Okay, after watching more matches this sport is ridiculous. The players wear headphones while playing the chess rounds in order to not hear the live chess commentary. I find this sport dreadful and yet feel weirdly compelled to play.) THE MEAN GIRLS OF EUROPEAN HISTORY Finally, we have arguably the greatest (and possibly only) Tumblr mashing up the classic Lindsay Lohan film Mean Girls with European history to create The Mean Girls of European History. Words are useless here, just visit the blog and soak in all of it's uncannily appropriate use of Mean Girls quotes and accept that it may have won the internet.
While it feels like much of your year has been spent cooped up at home and dining in instead of out, a bunch of local and interstate names have been busy plotting and planning; cooking up their next big hospitality ventures to join Melbourne's celebrated food scene. And trust us — there's a lot to look forward to. From a world-class vegan dining hub courtesy of the unstoppable Shannon Martinez, to multimillion-dollar coastal pub makeovers and inner-city Italian haunts, we've pulled together some of the tastiest openings coming soon to Melbourne. Get excited for these new restaurants, bars and pubs, all very deserving of a spot on your must-visit list.
When Anchovy co-owners Jia-Yen Lee and Thi Le first started slinging khao jee pâté — the Lao cousin of the Vietnamese banh mi — during last year's lockdown, it was never meant to become a permanent venture. But as lockdowns and restrictions continued, and the duo's street food offering earned itself a loyal following, it became clear the Ca Com pop-up was here to stay. Now, it's spawned its own standalone shopfront next door. Named after the Vietnamese words for 'anchovy', Ca Com first made an appearance at the front window of Anchovy in May 2020. The restaurateurs were keen to keep busy while Anchovy was closed to dine-ins, and a rotating menu of banh mi was exactly the kind of accessible, lockdown-friendly fare the neighbourhood needed. The pair have been running the pop-up on and off ever since, using a hibachi on the window sill to barbecue proteins and ramping up opening hours whenever Melbourne goes into a snap lockdown. The concise banh mi menu changes regularly depending on the availability of meat cuts and other ingredients, giving the team a chance to flex their creativity and test out new flavour combinations for its dedicated Melbourne fans.
For eight decades, the space at Hawthorn East's 225 Camberwell Road served up all sorts of pre-loved treasures. Now, the heritage building across from the Rivoli cinema is slinging all manner of local and international wines. Taking over half of the shop front, East End Wine Bar transforms a 1930s auction house into a old-meets-new hangout — one where sitting and sipping is the main attraction, but where browsing the racks and taking a bottle home with you is also on the cards. Whichever you choose, you'll be doing so among timber and steel finishings, with the decor influenced by English pubs as well as modern-day Melbourne. Combining a cosy indoor space with an outdoor courtyard — complete with a retractable awning to make the most of the weather, when appropriate — the new watering hole can hold 130 people for drinks and a bite to eat. Small plates, charcuterie boards and pizzas are on the food menu. Among the latter, the 'Gawny', is a tribute to one of East End's owners: Melbourne Demons footballer Max Gawn. He's teamed up with Saint James' Rich Donovan and Craig Tate, plus Burnley Brewing operator Phil Gjisbergs, with their venture now open seven days a week — from 4pm on weekdays and from midday on weekends. Drinks-wise, wine lovers will find a 21-strong wine list spanning reds, whites, sparkling, rose and orange tipples, plus beer and cider as well — including three brews on tap. The aperitif selection is small but stacked with favourites, including Aperol spritzes, Pimm's cups, negronis and old fashioneds. And, on the takeaway front, vino aficionados can pick from the bottle shop's selection, which highlights low yielding wine producers as well as established masters.
If you fancy prancing through fields laced with the charm of provincial France, forget about booking a flight and lock in some casual summer weekendery at So Frenchy So Chic instead. The ever-popular one-day French festival is doing the can-can back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion on Sunday, January 15, 2023, and celebrating its 12th anniversary in the process. Expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including gourmet picnic hampers, très bon tartlets and terrines, and supremely good wine — all set to a blissed-out French soundtrack. So Frenchy hinges on an eclectic lineup of artists, both embracing the classic sonic stylings of France and showcasing top-notch French talent. Heading the 2023 bill is the 60s-accented pop sounds of Pi Ja Ma, award-winning singer-songwriter Rover and French festival favourite Kalika, as well as the fiery tunes and huge stage presence of globally-renowned artist Suzane. As always, the wine and food will be flowing just as easily, starring an abundance of bubbly courtesy of Champagne Lanson, one of France's oldest champagne houses. In Melbourne, Frederic Bistro, Milk The Cow and L'Hôtel Gitan will be putting together top-notch picnic hampers. If you're more of a mix-and-match kind of picnicker, you'll also find a huge array of food stalls slinging all the chic essentials — think, oysters, lobster rolls, croque monsieurs, cassoulet, crêpes and cheese upon cheese. And of course, there'll be plenty of French beer, cocktails and wines, too. There's a limited number of Premiere Pique-Nique group tickets for crews of 10 ($205), while regular early bird tickets are now on sale for $79.40 a pop. Images: Liz Sunshine and Tekni.
Next time you're road-tripping through Victoria, you can do so to a soundtrack of homegrown tunes specific to wherever it is you're exploring. It's thanks to a new initiative by Music Victoria and Visit Victoria, which has drawn on local talent to create a series of unique playlists inspired by six of the state's regions. Hitting your headphones from Tuesday, June 21, to coincide with World Music Day, the playlists invite you to celebrate top-notch Victorian music while you're adventuring around the state. Each sonic selection is the work of a different band or artist local to that area, curated to reflect its unique energy and cultural diversity. ARIA-nominated Melbourne-based act Evelyn Ida Morris — aka Pikelet — has headed up a playlist dedicated to the metro area, while singer-songwriter Tom Richardson has lent his talents to the Great Ocean Road edition. [caption id="attachment_858487" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harry Hook Is Real[/caption] Indie-pop-rockers This Way North created the series' High Country curation, Harry Hook is Real dreamed up a selection inspired by his stomping ground of Gippsland and Indigenous singer-songwriter Benny Walker has developed a playlist reflecting the Murray region. And, originally hailing from Horsham, acclaimed songstress Alice Skye embraced her roots to curate the Grampians playlist, bringing that region to life through sound. "It's been a real collaboration that manages to bring to life all that is special about the state — the people, the places and the music," Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel said in a statement. "With so much local talent here in Victoria, why would you look anywhere else?" [caption id="attachment_858417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] by Rob Blackburn for Visit Victoria[/caption] If all that has left you inspired to jump in the car and explore the regions with some specialised tunes pumping through the speakers, you'll find the new playlists available now via Spotify and over at the Visit Victoria website. Where to start? This newly unveiled silo artwork in Horsham is a great excuse to hit the road and check out Victoria's famed Silo Art Trail. The Music Victoria x Visit Victoria regional playlists are available on Spotify, accessible via Music Victoria's profile page. Top Image: Artist Alice Skye
One of the great joys of being a Nicolas Cage fan is seeing what the actor adds to his resume next. In the past year alone, for example, he has fought alien ninjas from space, hosted a series about the history of swearing, loaned his voice to The Croods franchise again, starred in the yet-to-be-released first English-language film from equally over-the-top Japanese filmmaker Sion Sono and announced that he'll play Joe Exotic in a new drama series based on the Tiger King star's life. His next project: battling demonic animatronic mascots in an effort to save a possessed amusement park. That's the premise behind Willy's Wonderland, which gets a straight-to-home-entertainment release in the US in February — and will undoubtedly do the same Down Under, although a release date for the latter is yet to be announced. Here, in a plot that sounds very close to the video game series Five Nights at Freddy's, Cage plays a quiet loner who becomes stuck in a small town when his car breaks down. He's short on cash, so he takes a night job cleaning the abandoned Willy's Wonderland. Soon, however, fending off the haunted attractions that roam the site's halls is added to his janitorial duties. The film is likely to go one of two ways: absolutely OTT like its lead, or the kind of movie that you only keep watching because of its star. Either way, as the just-dropped trailer shows, expect plenty of Cage demanding your attention in the way that only he can — and adding yet another weird and wild role to his ever-growing resume. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v27rfaoB2Y Willy's Wonderland releases in the US on Friday, February 12, but doesn't currently have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when further details come to hand.
One of 2013's best album covers, Pennsylvanian Kurt Vile's LP Waking On a Pretty Daze featured a specially commissioned mural by Steve "ESPO" Powers in Philadelphia. Now the bright, purely inoffensive mural — which controversially features a rampaging dancing snowflake, threateningly adorable postbox and a terribly welcoming couch surround by a love heart and the words "There's a place for all my friends." — has been painted over by local man DJ Lee Mayjahs, according to Philadelphian radio station WXPN. Why? Apparently the mural was "attracting graffiti to the neighbourhood." WARNING: Vile fans, this photo hurts a little. Philadelphia journalist Leah Kaufmann spoke to Mayjahs, turns out he really didn't know what he was doing when he took to the mural with white paint. Mayjahs is apparently horrified by his actions and has offered every sincere apology. "I got home and started doing research on my computer. I can't believe what I had done ad I wrote a letter to Kurt Vile apologising," he said. "I wrote a letter to the artist Espo apologising, telling them that I would pay Espo to come down and repaint it. I also wrote a letter to the mural arts apologising. Apparently it wasn't official. Even though it wasn't official I'm sorry for everything I did. I would do whatever I could do to make it right. I really am sorry. I don't know what I was doing. I literally lost my mind and took it out which was the dumbest thing I've ever done in my entire life." "I live in that neighbourhood. I've lived there for 15 years. I'm always cleaning up the streets and alleyways. I don't know… for some reason I feel like ever since that piece has been there it's attracted more and more graffiti to that neighbourhood, he said. "Every time I paint over illegal graffiti I was blaming it on it (the mural) and I didn't realise the people in the neighbourhood love it, I've never really sat and looked at it. I never did any research on it and then I just snapped." "I didn't think anything through and acted false pretence. I didn't think about the consequences of my actions. I'm sorry about that, I love Philadelphia, I love my neighbourhood and I love the arts. I'm a big supporter of the arts and so for me to do something that offends all of these people is completely out of character for me. Anybody who knows me will tell you the exact same thing. I'm sorry about it." Vile's rep has confirmed to that ESPO will head back to the mural and repaint it. The building's owner and the attached restaurant are apparently fans, seeing no reason to fear a graffiti influx to their Philadelphian streets because of it. Check out the mini-doco about the creation of the mural and just stare forlornly at the Waking On a Pretty Daze album cover for consolation: https://youtube.com/watch?v=I4RlljcBKg0 Via Pitchfork, Metro and WXPN.
The retro vibes are high at Leonard's House of Love, a log cabin-themed dive bar off Chapel Street in South Yarra. One part Twin Peaks and one part ski trip-party, Leonard's is run by the same team behind Ramblr: Guy Bentley, Mark Catsburg, Nick Stanton and Jon Harper. And the four are about to add another notch to their belts, opening a new pizza joint north of the river in Carlton. Leonardo's Pizza Palace will make its home in a very old building at 29 Grattan Street. The owners plan to keep the bones of the original structure intact, which include some pretty "epic" stained glass windows. They want the restaurant to feel like it's been there for a very long — Italian-mobster-length of — time. Despite its historic location, the venue will continue the casual party-bar vibe that's well-known to the team's other establishments. In terms of food, obviously pizza is the name of the game. Though they're still deciding on an exact menu, it'll be about classic Italian-American style pizza — and we'd bet our bottom dollar this means there'll be pepperoni somewhere. Considering where they've chosen to take up residence – in the midst of Melbourne's competitive Italian dining precinct around Lygon Street – we bet it'll also be pretty good. Leonardo's Pizza Palace is slated to open at 29 Gratten Street, Carlton in the summer of 2018. For further updates, check the Leonard's House of Love Instagram.
Being seen is no longer fashion's biggest priority. Taking you right off the radar, Aussie label The Affair has created a line of 'post-Snowden' threads inspired by George Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984 — a crowdfunded capsule collection that makes you invisible to Big Brother and lets you reclaim some ownlife using stealth technology. Taking cues right from the pages of Orwell's schoolroom required reading, the 'stealth fashion' capsule collection helps you reclaim privacy. Accordingly, the new line is dedicated to Edward Snowden, your modern Orwellian poster boy. "Edward Snowden proved that Big Brother is no longer fiction," says the team on their Kickstarter page. "The government is watching everyone via our smart phones: telescreens beyond Orwell’s wildest dreams. It's time to fight back and reclaim privacy with clothing that takes you off the surveillance grid and makes you invisible to Big Brother." Combining the colours and workwear styles described by Orwell himself, the garments all come embedded with UnPocket stealth technology. The 11 x 16 cm UnPockets are made from layers of stealth fabric that fit your phone, passport, bank cards — anything you'd like protected against wireless identity theft. Making sure the Thought Police can't get you down at a glance, The Affair's UnPockets are slipped into specially created sections of each garment: The Affair have created four different 'Party' garments (all embedded with the UnPocket) that are 'unhackable' and 'untraceable': Party Workshirt "Inspired by 6079 Smith W himself... Whether you’re rewriting history or creating smut for the proles, the relaxed workwear styling of the Party Workshirt makes this your new wardrobe essential." Party Chinos "Whether you are making love surreptitiously in the forest or being tortured in Room 101, you can be certain these Party Chinos will see you through the day in style." Outer Party Jacket "Created for the workers of Airstrip One, the Outer Party Jacket captures the eternal drive of IngSoc." Inner Party Blazer "O’Brien befriended Winston only to stab him in the back, take everything he loved and reduce him to a broken mess. So if you identity with the iron fist of the 1% then this fully-lined Inner Party Blazer is for you!" Boasting the tagline 'Make Literature Fashionable', The Affair have been using your favourite classic stories as inspiration for seven years, using the last 12 months to perfect the 1984 line. It's not the first time the label has used the celebrated novel for a design; their very very t-shirt was a shoutout to Miniluv. Giving a nod to the Orwellian spirit, the team are jumping on the Damn the Man distribution bandwagon and selling their wares through Kickstarter. Using the classic funded wares as perks set-up, the team have already raised over £2,813 of their £25,000 goal. Check out the entire 1984 collection at The Affair's Kickstarter page and check out the look book below.
To find perfection in one single, suburban cafe, nestled snugly at the end of the 96 tram line seems so scandalous you'd find it only on Today Tonight (RIP). So when Milkwood provided all this with one visit, a single lamington, a take-home baguette and a perfectly frothed latte, I felt a little stunned in my strangely satisfied stomach. Milkwood is one of those rare cafe's that builds precedent for visitors to prance around Melbourne with an upturned nose and unrealistic standards for meals that can sometimes be matched, but never exceeded. The coffee was beyond spot on, the chicken baguette was lashed with so much mayo I could have happily drowned in it, and the lamington was deserving of a paragraph all to itself. Here is said paragraph. Lamingtons are begging to be messed up. They combine three components, each as difficult as the next to perfect, with the ratio of each being just as susceptible to failure. Milkwood's lamington got it all right to a tee. The sponge could have stood solo as a cake, the chocolate covering was sweet, smooth and anything but sickly, and the coconut was the thick, soft kind that doesn't come in a black and gold packet. And, the jam – an addition usually added to a baked good to compensate for lack of thrill — just added to an already sold spectacle. I ate one that day. And then close to a dozen in the weeks that followed. Lamingtons aside, there's something remarkably humble about Milkwood that is striking from first step up and in to the cafe. It's cosy, without being claustrophobic, pretty without being tacky, and smells like grandma, but not the one in the nursing home. All of their baked goods are made in store, the selection of which is anything but constrained. From carrot cake to muffins, baguettes to a perfect eggs Benedict, they've got enough meals and treats to fill a Margaret Fulton cook book, and cement it as a best seller. All it takes is the simple perusal of some photos and the realisation that Milkwood is affordable, cosy and delicious to catch on to the questions that its customers tend to ask — why would anyone ever eat anything besides breakfast food?
That time of year has rolled around again and we're all looking forward to many catch-ups with mates and family over glasses (or bottles) of vino. Not to mention there's the office Secret Santa gifts to be bought and the inevitable conversation with the siblings around who's picking the wine to impress the folks. And what you'll be drinking at Christmas lunch, no less. Thanks to Vivino and its hardworking community of wine lovers who voted in the inaugural Aussie Vivino Community Awards, we've handpicked the best of the best from the winning wines, so you can stock up on these top drops for all the silly season shenanigans you have planned, from a reasonably priced riesling to crack open with the crew to a $141 biodynamic cabernet blend that'll impress even the stubbornest of sippers. 2019 GRANT BURGE BAROSSA INK SHIRAZ, BAROSSA VALLEY SA ($17) With almost 1500 ratings, the Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz was rated as the top vino in the Vivino Community Awards' wines under $25 category. Aussie wine lovers must know what they're talking about as this wine is quintessential Barossa — think Christmas cake spices with notes of plum and luscious blueberry. This wine is perfect for those who are always stuck on how to impress dad at family dinner. A crowdsourced success. Purchase Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz via Vivino. 2020 TIM ADAMS RIESLING, CLARE VALLEY SA ($21.99) In the early 2000s, a group of forward-thinking winemakers in South Australia's Clare Valley were frustrated with cork-related faults ruining the vibrancy of their rieslings, so they banded together, bucked conventional norms and bottled their wines under Stelvin closure (screw caps). Twenty years later, screw caps are the norm and the future of Australian rieslings has never looked so bright. To experience the freshness and vibrancy of Clare Valley riesling, look no further than this archetypal example from Tim Adams. Bursting with flavours of freshly cut citrus and hints of white florals, this drop is the perfect accompaniment to a serve of Sydney rock oysters. Hot tip: you can even drizzle a bit of the wine on top of the oyster instead of lemon. Purchase Tim Adams riesling via Vivino. 2019 UNICO ZELO ESOTERICO, RIVERLAND SA ($24.99) Unico Zelo's Esoterico really lives up to its name, having developed a cult-like following over the years. At first you'd be excused for not knowing what to make of it on account of its slightly hazy colour and the kind of pronounced texture you only see in red wines, but then you're hit with pretty and delicate florals from the zibibbo and gewurztraminer grapes. If you've never understood what all the fuss is about with skin-contact wine this is a fantastic entry point, and a perfect one to crack open with a charcuterie board on a sunny afternoon with mates. Purchase Unico Zelo Esoterico via Vivino. 2018 LANGMEIL VALLEY FLOOR SHIRAZ, BAROSSA VALLEY SA ($30) Langmeil boasts a 125-year winemaking history with their dry-grown vineyards believed to be the world's oldest surviving shiraz vines. While the wine from that particular vineyard from this prestigious winery will set you back $145, they have released a wine that is a little more approachable for everyday drinking. The Valley Floor shiraz is crafted from fruit grown by over 20 families from across the Barossa's 30 original villages, still being made in the historic Langmeil winery. A piece of South Australian wine history at a fraction of the price, the perfect gift for the old school wine lover in your life. Purchase Langmeil Valley Floor shiraz via Vivino. 2018 SAILOR SEEKS HORSE PINOT NOIR, HUON VALLEY TAS ($67.10) From small vineyard plantings in Tasmania's Huon Valley comes a pinot noir by husband-and-wife winemaking duo Paul and Gilli Lipscombe. Fruit for this exceptionally well-crafted wine comes from the estate vineyard, planted by the duo's own hands in 2005. It's not hard to see why this wine clocked in at 14th place in Aussie wines priced between $25–80. It has blackberry and raspberry notes intermixed with a tension that causes you to reach for the bottle before you've even finished the glass in front of you. This small-batch premium pinot noir has become one of the most sought-after wines on the mainland, fought over by sommeliers and wine lovers alike. Purchase Sailor Seeks Horse pinot noir via Vivino. 2018 CURLY FLAT PINOT NOIR, MACEDON RANGES VIC ($72.60) There's pinot noir, and then there's Macedon Ranges pinot noir, and no one sets the gold standard of this wine varietal from this region better than Curly Flat. This light red is a medley of aromas and flavours, from violets and black cherries on the nose (with just the tiniest hint of dried rose petals) to balsamic strawberries and slight savoury notes of forest floor and slate. Meet duck pancakes' newest accompaniment. Purchase Curly Flat pinot noir via Vivino. 2019 TOLPUDDLE CHARDONNAY, COAL RIVER VALLEY TAS ($95.33) This wine is touted as the benchmark for cool-climate Aussie chardonnay. Using grapes from vineyards planted in Tasmania in 1988, this exceptional chardy is made by celebrated South Australian winemaker Adam Wadewitz (of Shaw and Smith fame). This drop is rarely available for long after its release. But you don't have to take our word for it — it's currently rates 4.4 out of five on Vivino, and it came in second in the Vivino Community Awards' top ten Aussie whites category. If you find some, buy it ASAP and impress the family with it on Christmas Day — and convert the anything-but-chardonnay drinkers in your household. Purchase Tolpuddle chardonnay via Vivino. 2018 CULLEN 'DIANA MADELEINE' CABERNET BLEND, MARGARET RIVER WA ($141) Vanya Cullen, the current winemaker of Cullen Wines in Western Australia (and often dubbed as Australia's High Priestess of Biodynamics) has named her flagship cabernet blend after her mother, Diana. What makes this wine so unique — and absolutely worth the price? The fruit comes off vines dating back to 1971, and the care and great attention it takes to produce this wine are unparalleled. The fruit was picked according to the biodynamic calendar dates, with one of the harvests occurring on a full moon. Due to this vino's structured nature, it'll cellar for up to 50 years (if you have that kind of patience). Purchase Cullen 'Diana Madeleine' cabernet blend via Vivino. Download the Vivino app and start discovering more ideal summer sips to stock up on — then buy them straight from the app. For more wine inspo, check out this year's Vivino Community Awards.
Call it wild, weird and wonderful. Call it surreal and sublime, too. Whichever terms you want to sling Dark Mofo's way, there's no other event quite like it on Tasmania's cultural calendar — or Australia's. 2024 felt the winter arts festival's absence, after it sat out the year to regroup for the future ahead. Get excited about 2025, however, because Dark Mofo has confirmed that it'll be returning in June. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite, announcing the event's 2025 dates, and advising that limited pre-release tickets for Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music, will be on offer from 10am on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through," Twite continued. Not only Night Mass is returning, but so is the full Dark Mofo setup, largely taking place across Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025. The one exception: the Nude Solstice Swim, one of the festival events that still went ahead in 2024. Next year, it'll get everyone taking a dip on Saturday, June 21. Winter Feast, which also took place in 2024, will be back in 2025 as well — as will the Ogoh-Ogoh, plus a yet-to-be-announced (but sure to be jam-packed) art and music program that'll be revealed next year. If you spent a few days in 2023 attending a Twin Peaks-inspired ball and seeing a giant teddy bear with laser eyes — watching a stunning new take on Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, too — then you went to Dark Mofo's most-recent full run. Organised by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter arts festival fills Hobart with all manner of surprises every year, other than its gap year in 2024. When the break was announced, it was done to ensure that event could "move forward in a viable manner", said Twite at the time. "The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025" was the promise, and it's being lived up to. The year off came after a hit 2023 run that saw Dark Mofo smash it with attendances and at the box office — notching up record figures, in fact. Despite the event's success, the crew behind it have been working towards "a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next ten years", taking rising costs and other changing elements into consideration. Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
The name says it all, doesn't it? Shit-Faced Shakespeare features a cast of actors performing Shakespeare...only one of them is always absolutely plastered. A sell-out smash for years in the US and UK, the show is heading to Australia for the very first time. And what better play to perform for their local debut that The Bard's greatest love story: Romeo and Juliet.
First, the sad news: Melbourne Queer Film Festival doesn't run year-round. That makes its in-person festivals all the more special, of course, but hitting a Melbourne cinema isn't the only way to get your MQFF fix in 2022 — including if you live beyond the Victorian capital. Spreading its program of LGBTQIA+ movies as far and wide as it can, MQFF also has an online component this year called MQFF+. Streaming from Monday, November 21–Sunday, November 27, it features 25 films that you can watch from home. Yes, that's more than half of the physical lineup, complete with many of the fest's big highlights. On the bill: the Brazilian titles that both launched and wrapped up the fest in-person, aka opening night's Private Desert, about a genderfluid blue-collar worker in an online relationship who goes missing; and closing night's Uýra: The Rising Forest, focusing on trans-indigenous artist Uýra. Or, among other highlights, movie lovers can check out Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; Black as U R, a documentary about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; Youtopia, exploring the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult; and My Emptiness and I hones in on a young trans call-centre worker. Films are available individually, or with three- and five-movie passes — with the latter giving cinephiles a discount.
Near the 24-hour florist and the steeply priced milk bar, North Carlton Canteen is the sort of place everybody wishes they had as their local. The coffee is good, the menu is inviting, and there is a balsa wood moose head on the wall. The staff aren't bored, ironic hipsters and the service is thoughtful without being smarmy. Lounging at the window overlooking Lygon Street, you can watch trams whiffle past as you tap away on your laptop (free wi-fi!) and play footsies with your companion (or someone else's). There's a long communal table, small wooden tables which can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups, and a friendly buzz not just generated by caffeine. Raw sugar resides in old jam jars, fresh flowers and herbs adorn the tables, and a yellow wire rack of magazines and newspapers hangs next to the moose head. The NCC's food ranges from upgraded counter classics — a waygu burger on toasted brioche ($12) — to rejigged brunch staples like banana bread pancakes with whipped cream yoghurt ($13). The tasty, messy egg 'n' bacon roll comes with house-made BBQ sauce, avocado and rocket ($9.50), and the house specials currently include gooey, cheese-stuffed jalapenos. A side order of hand-cut fries and mustardy aioli is practically compulsory ($6.50). For vegans and gluten-free warriors, there are plenty of options to accommodate allergies, preferences and principles. The bacon is free-range, the muesli slice is made with agave nectar, and the walls are made from recycled wood. North Carlton Canteen is relatively new but fast becoming a reason to visit the floral end of Lygon Street. They even offer portable picnics to eat in the parks nearby. You score two paninis, two sweet treats and two bottled drinks of your choice ($30). You can get enough for four people with a wink of your ravenous eye ($56). Gabi, the lovely owner, plans to add wine to these picnic boxes. Voila! Go grab a bunch of carnations from the open-all-hours florist three doors down, and you've got yourself a perfect lunch date. Just don't bump into the customers enjoying homemade Monte Carlo biscuits in the footpath seating area — this isn't a school canteen, after all, and there's no excuse for shoving. No excuse for not supporting your local NCC, either.
It has proved a busy year for St Kilda's historic pubs. At the end of November, The Espy reopened after three years behind closed doors and a mighty reno. Now, the new-look Prince of Wales Hotel has just launched its restaurant. In 2016, Melbourne businessman Gerry Ryan and his son Andrew took over management of the pub — now just The Prince Hotel — and have since overseen a multimillion-dollar makeover, in with Melbourne's IF Architecture. Located on the second level of the spruced-up St Kilda haunt, Prince Dining Room has taken over the space previously home to Circa, which closed its doors after 20 years last year. In the kitchen, Executive Chef Dan Hawkins (Stokehouse, Circa and Longrain) and Head Chef Dan Cooper (Circa and Garden State Hotel) are creating a Mediterranean menu, showcasing local, sustainable and ethical ingredients from local markets, the St Kilda Veg Out garden and a network of producers, growers and fishermen. Make your may through a selection of skewers and flatbreads — like Flinders Island lamb with fermented chilli, and prawns with sesame, lemon and coriander — or a main, such as the woodfired turmeric chicken with pickled ginger, and add a bunch of sides. The lineup of smaller bites includes options like baby cabbage with prawn butter, and woodfired zucchini with feta, almond and ras el hanout (Moroccan spice mix). As you can probably tell from the aforementioned dishes, there's an emphasis on cooking with fire in the Prince Dining Room kitchen."Fire causes changes in flavour, texture and appearance, to provide a unique final product that cannot be replicated by other means," said Hawkins in a statement. Cocktails do not use fire, but are instead fruit-driven with colourful concoctions like the Jackie & Jess featuring grapefruit juice and thyme syrup, and the bourbon-heavy Louis Li a mix of Aperol, amaro and lemon juice. A succinct list of local and international beers and wines — including a few quality $10-a-glass drops — rounds out the drinks list. In coming up with the design, IF Architecture wanted to respect the building's Art Deco architecture and historical significance, while also adding more light and space. The centrepiece is an oval black steel bar, while eclectic seating — made by local and Italian artisans from metal, wrought iron and wood — and soft, curvaceous banquettes in brown, pink and green hues surround it. Find Prince Dining Room at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 7am–11pm, daily. Images: Gareth Sobey.
Apologies to backyard cricket, barbecues and water sports. Sure, they're ace things to do in summer in Australia, but movie buffs only have eyes for one outside activity. That'd be outdoor cinemas — and if you're keen catching a flick in Mt Martha under thes tars, Sunset Cinema is heading to The Briars from Wednesday, December 21—Friday, January 20. Whether you're eager for a moonlit date night or gathering the gang in the open air, this season's program has something on the bill. That includes opening with Christmas flicks, including Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas — and recent hits such as Top Gun: Maverick, The Menu , Don't Worry Darling and Strange World. Also on the list: classics Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride, aka openair movie staples. BYO picnics are encouraged, but if you want to enjoy a sparkling, cocktail or brew throughout the film, the onsite bar will be serving a range of drinks. Didn't pack enough snacks? There'll be hot food options, which you can order online and then pickup, plus plenty of the requisite movie treats like chips, chocolates, lollies and popcorn.
When you feel like hitting the water, you don't need to head straight for the sea. Instead, hook up the boat and take a cruise to one of Australia's many serene inland lakes or rivers that offer everything you need for an incredible boating trip with your closest mates. Keep yourself entertained on the water by loading up some fishing rods and snorkelling gear. You can also throw in the new ultra-portable Sonos Roam — it features a drop-resistant design and waterproofing technology — to make sure your on-water getaway comes with your very own soundtrack. [caption id="attachment_813546" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pittwater, Destination NSW[/caption] PITTWATER, NEW SOUTH WALES Pittwater is ideal for those looking for a quick escape from Sydney. Situated about an hour's drive from the CBD, this 18.4-square-kilometre estuary boasts a remarkably diverse landscape and incredible scenery. You can spot everything from mangrove wetlands and salt marshes to sand flats and seagrass meadows. While the waterway features plenty of nooks and crannies that are well worth dropping anchor to explore, the expansive, grassy lands of The Basin offer opportunities for fishing, swimming and beachfront barbecues. It's also home to one of the area's only campgrounds. [caption id="attachment_813653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jack van Tricht, Unsplash[/caption] LAKE SOMERSET, QUEENSLAND Situated about a 1.5-hour drive from Brisbane, Lake Somerset is a prime destination for Queensland boating enthusiasts. This picturesque spot is one of the state's top places for water sports, so don't be surprised to find dozens of people ripping up the freshwater lake with jet skis and speedboats. There are a number of private campgrounds, holiday houses and retreats dotted around the 42.1-square-kilometre lake, too, if you're looking to make a trip out of it. Prefer to indulge in some peaceful fishing away from the crowds? Nearby Lakes Wivenhoe and Atkinson are worth a visit. [caption id="attachment_813549" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nelson Bay, Destination NSW[/caption] PORT STEPHENS, NEW SOUTH WALES As far as marine playgrounds go, Port Stephens is undoubtedly one of Australia's most impressive. The Great Lakes Marine Park consists of an estimated 980 square kilometres of waterways that provide virtually limitless offshore adventures. If you're coming from the city (or Newcastle, from which Port Stephens is about a 40-minute drive north) you don't have to worry about bringing up your own boat, with a number of boat hire shops dotted around the estuary that makes exploring every corner of the region easy. Popular pitstops include the Karuah and Myall Rivers, which are perfect for a relaxing cruise through beautiful national parks. [caption id="attachment_813554" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mildura, Visit Victoria[/caption] MURRAY RIVER, VICTORIA/NEW SOUTH WALES You won't find many inland boating trips quite as special as cruising down the mighty Murray River. Stretching over 2500 kilometres, this winding waterway is the third-longest navigable river in the world and stretches from the alpine Snowy Mountains, along the Victorian border and into the Great Southern Ocean via South Australia's Lake Alexandrina. You're welcome to climb aboard a throwback paddle steamer or even rent a houseboat if you want to complete the journey in style with riverfront towns like Mildura, Swan Hill and Renmark making for outstanding stops along the way. [caption id="attachment_813720" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patrick Ryan, Unsplash[/caption] GOLD COAST WATERWAYS, QUEENSLAND Weaving in and around the Gold Coast is a labyrinth of waterways that ensures boaties can see every side of the city from the water. With so much space to cover, knowing which direction to point your vessel is no mean feat. Runaway Bay is a fine place to start, as you can calmly sail along the wide waterways and tie up at one of the restaurants or cafes lining the local rivers and canals. Further along, the Coomera River is another great pick, with Sanctuary Cove's Marine Village offering a selection of high-end eateries and boutiques well worth the stop. [caption id="attachment_813563" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] LAKE MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES As Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie has everything you need for a top-notch boating adventure. Locals here love the water, so you'll find lavishly appointed marinas, yacht clubs and jetties in the towns around the lake to make your trip a smooth one. Keen anglers won't be disappointed in Lake Macquarie — the region was zoned as a Recreational Fishing Haven in 2002, so you can while away the hours at your leisure. Plus, there's a high chance of spotting a much-loved dolphin that has made Marmong Point its home for the last few years. [caption id="attachment_813552" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Josie Withers, Visit Victoria[/caption] GIPPSLAND LAKES, VICTORIA The largest network of inland waterways in Australia, the Gippsland Lakes are bursting with things to see and do. There's no shortage of remarkable places to dock, but Barrier Landing's jetty and lagoon are especially rewarding for those who love fishing and wildlife spotting. If you're on the lookout for something a bit more heart-pumping, the waters surrounding Raymond Island are the go-to spot for water skiing. The island itself is also one of the best places in Victoria to get up close with koalas in their natural habitat. Further south, consider mooring at Ninety Mile Beach for a delightful picnic on the sand and a chance to spot humpback whales migrating along the coast. Connecting Ninety Mile Beach with Gippsland Lakes is the relaxed town of Lakes Entrance. Probably the region's headline destination, the popular beachfront town is perfect for experiencing the glistening waters in relative peace. [caption id="attachment_813734" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ezykron, Wikimedia Commons[/caption] LAKE BOONDOOMA, QUEENSLAND Drive through the flourishing wine region of South Burnett and you'll arrive at Lake Boondooma. Since being dammed in 1983, the area has transformed into a popular water sport and fishing destination, attracting visitors from across the state eager to spend a tranquil day on the water. Situated deep within the Queensland backcountry, Lake Boondooma offers a great chance to switch off and enjoy the serenity for a couple of days. Once you've finished carving up the lakefront, pitch a tent at one of the nearby campgrounds or book a cabin for the night. Find out more about the new Sonos Roam at the official website. Top image: Unsplash
Lyndon Kubis and Mark Nelson have proven they can really deliver when it comes to the wine bar-bottle shop concept, having nailed the formula at the likes of Toorak Wine Cellars and Milton Wine Shop. But this pair's also not afraid to break the mould a little, as you'll discover at their latest venture The Moon. Setting up shop at the bottom of a Collingwood apartment building, this marks the duo's first foray into the northside bar scene, the result a touch moodier and a little more refined. The wine offering, though, is as good as any of them, with a focus on small producers across the board and a curation that that reflects places and regions, rather than processes and technique. A hefty by-the-glass selection celebrates locals and foreign finds in equal measure, alongside two craft beer tap options and a rotating bottled range of boutique brews. There's a serious retail collection sitting pretty along one wall — you can grab a bottle to enjoy then and there, or pick something up on your way home. Foodwise, the menu's all about things you can feast on with just one hand. Keep the other firmly on that glass of Patrick Sullivan 'Gypsy Juice' Pinot Noir, while you tuck into a brisket and jalapeño toastie, chilli-doused pork ribs, or your pick of cheese and charcuterie. The north might be, as Nelson says, "a hard nut to crack", but it sure looks like The Moon is up to the challenge. The Moon is located at 28 Stanley Street, Collingwood and is open daily. For more info, visit themooninmelbourne.com.
Digital art is taking over the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in a huge way in 2024. The Melbourne venue might be known for its cinemas, as well as past exhibitions about Martin Scorsese, David Bowie, Disney animation and women in Hollywood, but it doesn't just celebrate movies and television. If it can grace screens, it can feature here — including at the Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature showcase that's displaying until April, and then at just-announced fellow world-premiere Beings. Interactive pieces using innovative technology firmly fit ACMI's remit, which is exactly what its big winter exhibition will be about. The playful event explores the work of art and design collective Universal Everything, featuring 13 pieces from its 20-year career. And the experience that you have while walking through Beings won't be the same as anyone else's. [caption id="attachment_944195" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Future You' by Universal Everything, installation view, Digital Impact, Barcelona, Spain, photo by Eva Caraso.[/caption] On display from Wednesday, May 22–Sunday, September 29, 2024, this new reason to head to ACMI wants attendees to not merely look at, but also move and dance in front of its large-scale screens and projected artworks. Beings' pieces will respond differently to each visitor, using evolving algorithms and generative technology. That makes you part of the art as well. Founded in 2004, Universal Everything began in a garden studio in Sheffield, England, which is where Creative Director Matt Pyke initially set up shop. Now, the collective — which includes animators, architects, cinematographers, designers, developers, engineers and musicians — works globally. Its creations display around the world, too, with stints in London, Seoul, Paris, Istanbul and New York before its upcoming Melbourne exhibition. [caption id="attachment_944193" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Friends' by Universal Everything[/caption] Beings' pieces — four of which will be brand-new world-premiere artworks themselves — frequently use the kind of tech that Hollywood studios and video-game makers deploy. Expect to peer at and play with an assortment of characters, and to feel like you've stepped into a movie or a game as well. The exhibition will unravel Universal Everything's creative process, including via hand-drawn sketches that'll be seen by the public for the first time. [caption id="attachment_944198" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Into the Sun' by Universal Everything, installation view, Lifeforms exhibition, 180 Studios, photo by Jack Hems.[/caption] "This is technology with heart and soul. Innovative, interactive and enriching, Universal Everything's joyous creations bring warmth and a sense of humanity. Whether you have an eye for design, an interest in new tech or are simply looking for some fun, this family-friendly experience will leave you with a smile. ACMI is the home of endless play this winter — no two visits to Beings will be the same," said ACMI Director and CEO Seb Chan, announcing the exhibition. "I relish this opportunity to push our studio practice even further, with some never-before-seen artworks created for Melbourne audiences. And as ever, I'm looking forward to being surprised by unexpected visitor responses to the show. We hope they have lots of fun," added Universal Everything's Pyke. [caption id="attachment_944196" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Future You' by Universal Everything, installation view, More than Human, Afundación, A Coruña, Spain, image courtesy of the artists.[/caption] As is ACMI's custom, an exhibition at the Federation Square venue spans more than just the showcase itself. While the specifics are still to be revealed, there'll be late-night access, as well as a new contemporary dance series that features Melbourne choreographers. Beings is also family-friendly, so activities for kids — for preschoolers in general, and over the school holidays — are on the agenda. [caption id="attachment_944201" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Transfiguration' by Universal Everything.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_944199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Kinfolk' by Universal Everything.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_944200" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ''Maison Autonome' by Universal Everything, installation view, image courtesy of the artists.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_944194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Symbiosis' by Universal Everything.[/caption] Beings will display at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne, from Wednesday, May 22–Sunday, September 29, 2024 — head to the ACMI website for further details or to get tickets. Images: courtesy of Universal Everything. Top image: 'Infinity' by Universal Everything.
Purchasing a pair of Dejour jeans is a rite of passage for every Melburnian. But this isn't any mere pop-in, pop-out trip to the store — each item is personally altered for you on site by owner Nam Huynh. Once you've chosen from a range of cuts and colours in store, Dejour will properly fit and pin your garment in place to make that good pair of jeans great. Though it seems tedious, Huynh and his team have got this down to a science sometimes sewing up your purchase while you wait. Better yet: it'll only set you back around $40. Cheap Mondays don't look so cheap anymore, do they?
For lovers of fine fragrances, Peony Melbourne has been providing things that smell great for 15 years. Peony founder Jill Timms has an incredible nose for helping customers discover the ideal perfume or skincare product that matches exactly what they're looking for. In addition, the store stocks a large selection of home fragrances, so you can surround yourself with incredible aromas all the time. Featured brands range from the popular to the exclusive, including Ormonde Jayne, Eight & Bob and Urban Apothecary. Images: Tracey Ahkee.
Christian McCabe and Dave Verheul haven't been sitting on their hands since closing their much-loved eatery The Town Mouse earlier this year. It seems they've actually been quite busy. In excellent news for anyone mourning the loss of the Carlton restaurant, the pair has just opened a rustic new eatery, dubbed Lesa. The boys have transformed the space above their Russell Street wine bar Embla into the ultimate escape from all of that CBD hustle and bustle. Exposed bricks and reclaimed farmhouse benches lend a warm, rustic feel, completed by wooden banquettes with black leather cushions. A window at the back of the space looks through to McCabe's prized wine room, its sprawling collection heroing minimal intervention drops and Old World iterations. The duo has created a slower, more intimate sort of dining experience, with both food and a setting to linger over. Lesa has forgone an a la carte offering in favour of a four-course set menu, with a six-course and late-week lunch options to be added in the upcoming weeks. A woodfire takes pride of place in the kitchen, preparing dishes such as slow-roasted pumpkin, aged pork loin and hapuka with fermented fennel butter. Not everything touches fire, however, first courses feature raw flounder — paired with hazelnut, green almond and pear leaf — and veal tartare with braised saltbush. At the other end of the menu, you'll find salted bergamot meringue, preserved nectarines with buttermilk and a tart of délice de Bourgogne — a French cow's milk cheese from Burgundy. Well, for now, the menu will change regularly. Embla was one of our favourite bars of the year when it opened in 2016, so expect big things when you head upstairs to Lesa. Find Lesa at Floor 1, 122 Russell St, Melbourne. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
If you prefer to shop with a conscience, Melbourne CBD's new retail treasure trove will have you busting out the reusable bags and locking in a shopping trip ASAP. A new permanent showcase of products and services from local social enterprises has launched in the Queen Vic Market, dubbed The Purpose Precinct. Making its home along the market site's String Bean Alley, the new addition has been dreamed up in collaboration with well-known social enterprises, bike retailer and repair crew Good Cycles, and change-making cafe group STREAT. The new initiative's also being backed by the Victorian Government and Social Enterprise Network of Victoria. So just what will you find in this new haven of wares that care? Well, The Purpose Precinct is stocked with a rotating range of goodies and offerings from more than 20 different Victorian social enterprises; including beloved brands like streetwear label HoMie and the Indigenous-owned and -operated Clothing the Gaps. Next time you're hitting Queen Vic Market for your usual haul of fresh veggies and hot jam doughnuts, you'll be able to drop by The Purpose Precinct to shop pantry items, fashion, accessories, homewares and more — all crafted with a conscience from ethically and sustainably sourced materials. Good Cycles is also operating a new bike shop and service centre onsite, continuing its work helping to create employment pathways for young people. The new precinct's not just a win for shoppers, the planet and the ongoing work of our local social enterprises, but it's only set to get bigger and better. "Our ambition is to see hundreds of Victorian social enterprises represented in the Precinct over the coming years," explains Good Cycles CEO Jaison Hoernel. "All working together not only to create better cites, but also meaningful employment opportunities for Victorians." The Purpose Precinct isn't the only new addition the Queen Vic Market has welcomed of late. A bunch of venues and retailers have already been opening as part of the site's much-anticipated Munro development, while in August we scored a peek at the latest plans for its groundbreaking new community library and rooftop. Find The Purpose Precinct at String Bean Alley, Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne. You can see more details over on the website.
New Christmas, new spate of fresh festive flicks to add to your seasonal viewing: that's now an annual trend in these streaming platform-saturated times. A creative spin on A Christmas Carol, but as a musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, is one such newcomer vying for your eyeballs now that the merriest time of the year is upon us. And, dropping on Stan on Thursday, December 1, Australia's own Christmas Ransom is another. Everyone has their Christmas viewing rituals, whether you watch your way through every Home Alone movie each year (yes, even the recent one), pop on It's a Wonderful Life with the family after a big lunch or prefer saying yippee ki-yay to Die Hard. Until recently, however, it's likely that watching Aussie festive films wasn't high on your list, given this country of ours doesn't have all that much seasonal fare to its name. Back in 2020, streaming service Stan aimed to help change that with A Sunburnt Christmas, a festive caper about a criminal, some kids and end-of-year hijinks — aka Australia's answer to Home Alone and Bad Santa, in a way. In 2022, the platform is now adding Christmas Ransom to the list, starring Miranda Tapsell and Matt Okine. As first announced back in September — and as you can now see in the just-dropped trailer — Christmas Ransom stars Okine (The Other Guy) as every kid's second-favourite person during festive season: the owner of a toy store. Things aren't too merry for his character, however, when his shop is held up by thieves on Christmas Eve. And yes, as the name makes plain, he's held for ransom. These kinds of Christmas movies usually involve children, whether or not they turn them into Macaulay Culkin-level stars — so obviously a couple of kids get caught up in the heist. To save the day, they enlist the help of Tapsell (Top End Wedding), who plays a pregnant security officer. Stan notes that this new on-screen Christmas gift is inspired by Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf. If you've ever seen just one sesaonal flick for even just a few minutes, you will have spotted plenty that's predictable about the setup. Alongside Tapsell and Okine, Christmas Ransom stars Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife), Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Bridie McKim (Bump), Evan Stanhope (Thor: Love and Thunder), Tahlia Sturzaker (Ascendant) and Chai Hansen (The Newsreader) — and boasts Adele Vuko (Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am) in the director's chair. Add it to your festive viewing alongside this year's other new Aussie Christmas film, if it also surfaces in time: the upcoming movie based on Paul Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy'. Otherwise, this newcomer will join the likes of A Sunburnt Christmas; Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent-ish horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — the latter also featuring Oxenbould. Check out the trailer for Christmas Ransom below: Christmas Ransom will be available to stream via Stan from Thursday, December 1.
Before he was a key member of Euphoria's cast, stepping into Elvis Presley's blue-suede shoes in Priscilla and proving a drawcard in Saltburn, Australia's own Jacob Elordi scored his first on-screen acting credit beyond short films in Aussie movie Swinging Safari. From there, once the three Kissing Booth films also helped boost his career, the Brisbane-born talent has largely focused on working overseas — but he's returning home to star in a new five-part streaming drama series. Elordi leads the just-announced cast for The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which will make the leap to Prime Video from the page, adapting Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Also set to feature among the show's starry lineup of talent: Olivia DeJonge, fresh from playing Priscilla Presley in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis; her The Staircase co-star Odessa Young; Limbo's Simon Baker; Heartbreak High's Thomas Weatherall; Love Me's Heather Mitchell; and Belfast's Ciarán Hinds. [caption id="attachment_919075" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacob Elordi in Saltburn[/caption] The project's impressive names extend behind the camera, with The Narrow Road to the Deep North hailing from Snowtown, True History of the Kelly Gang and Nitram collaborators Justin Kurzel and Shaun Grant. Kurzel will direct, while Grant is on adaptation duties — and both are also executive producing. Exactly when the series will hit your streaming queue hasn't yet been announced, but production has just started on Prime Video's latest Australian original. No matter when it drops, it'll join 2023's Deadloch and Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles among the platform's Australian fare. [caption id="attachment_856508" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Odessa Young in Mothering Sunday[/caption] Elordi shares the role of Dorrigo Evans with Hinds, playing the younger version of the character in a tale that jumps between different time periods. The Narrow Road to the Deep North's protagonist is a Lieutenant who becomes a prisoner of war on the Thailand-Burma Railway. His story will encompasses becoming a surgeon and war hero, and a life-changing stint of falling in love with Amy Mulvaney (Young). DeJonge and Baker will also feature with Elordi and Young in the show's 40s-set segments, where World War II obviously casts a shadow. Hinds hops in when the series gets to the 80s, which is where Mitchell, Weatherall, Show Kasamatsu (Tokyo Vice) and Charles An (Last King of the Cross) will also pop up. [caption id="attachment_927128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Olivia DeJonge in The Staircase.[/caption] "With talents like Jacob Elordi, Ciarán Hinds and Odessa Young at the helm, The Narrow Road to the Deep North promises to be a cinematic, visceral, and undeniable contemporary love story, which explores the power of mateship and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity," said Sarah Christie, senior development executive at Amazon MGM Studios, announcing the series. "We just know that this series is going to resonate with customers in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and are proud to be partnering with Curio Pictures' Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner, who will bring this incredible story to life alongside the award-winning director and executive producer Justin Kurzel, and award-winning writer and executive producer Shaun Grant." [caption id="attachment_869120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thomas Weatherall in Heartbreak High.[/caption] The Narrow Road to the Deep North doesn't yet have a release date, but will stream via Prime Video — we'll update you with more details when they're announced. Top image: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic for HBO via Getty Images, supplied by Prime Video.
The only thing better than chicken is free chicken, so Melburnians save your pennies and prep your tums for a free lunch this weekend, courtesy of one of the city's hugely popular chicken shops. Chargrill Charlie's began as a small family-owned business back in the late 80s. These days, it's an institution in both Sydney and Melbourne, with 19 stores across both states. To celebrate the chain's recent opening of their Malvern venue — which actually happened in December but as we all know, COVID restricted celebrations — lunch is on the house at both the Malvern and Camberwell stores on Saturday, April 30. Head down to either store between 11am and 12pm (it's a tight window, so be in quick) to grab a free quarter chicken and serve of chips. A live DJ will be spinning tunes at the same time, to keep the celebratory Saturday vibes going.
Get ready to play that funky music, Melburnians, because a 70s-themed karaoke bar has rolled into town. Yep, Funlab — the group responsible for Holey Moley and adults-only arcade bars Archie Brothers and B. Lucky & Sons — has opened yet another kidult wonderland, with Juke's Karaoke Bar its latest themed venue. Located inside the Crown Complex, this one trades pinball machines and golf clubs for a psychedelic colour scheme, plenty of mirrors and mirrorballs, and decor that'll make you want to bust out your flares and big hair. Oh, and plenty of 70s bangers as well. It's time to warm up those vocal chords and prepare to belt out the likes of 'My Sharona', 'Stayin' Alive' and 'Hotel California', plus oh-so-much ABBA. In total, ten private karaoke rooms are available, accommodating between two to 25 people. While each suite boasts a different style and varying hues, they all come with velvet ottomans and couches, a stage and a stand-up mic. There's also a prop box, complete with items like tambourines, maracas and feather boas. Juke's also has a bar — for plenty of liquid courage, naturally — and serves snacks. As is only fitting, all food and booze is appropriately 70s-inspired. Drinks-wise, you can choose from orange crush-flavoured punch bowls served in disco balls, grasshoppers (the minty drink) and fruity cocktails adorned with lolly bracelets. Or, opt for a liquid or jelly shot, including the mini espresso martini and toasted marshmallow kind, as well as others in syringes. To eat, you'll find prawn cocktails, onion ring towers and Chiko Rolls, plus giant pretzels, mini hot dogs, sliders, potato gems, Swedish meatballs, and a platter of chocolate, lamingtons and marshmallows. Also on offer: cabanossi and pineapple porcupines, and this frighteningly fluoro cheese fondue. Juke's Karaoke is now open in the Crown Entertainment Complex at Level 1, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, from midday–1am, daily.
Regarded as one of Camberwell's longest-running shops, Sainsburys Books has been a constant presence in the area for the last 30 years. While owner John Sainsbury originally set up shop at the famous Camberwell Market so that he could sell on some books from his sprawling collection, he soon realised that his passion for all things paperback would better serve fellow readers if he opened up his own shopfront. While Sainsbury has a keen eye for secondhand books that span art, design, photography and history, the latest novels creating a buzz among voracious readers are also available. Images: Lee Riches.
Having spent a solid decade celebrating modern Greek fare in its role as George Calombaris' Hellenic Republic, the site at 434 Lygon Street has gone and done a bit of culture swapping. After closing before Christmas, it's now home to Crofter Dining Room & Bar, the latest venture from UK-born chef Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan, The Pie Shop), dishing up modern Australian eats with a healthy dose of British influence thrown in for good measure. In a nod to sustainability, vegetables are given the role of headline act at this Brunswick 80 seater, with meat and seafood dishes stepping in as the support. This seasonal lineup of 'flora' might feature plates like a Keralan-style, wood-fired spicy cabbage salad, zucchini matched with a parmesan clotted cream, or scoffable potato gems laced with curry sauce and paired with gin salt. A vegan menu is also on offer. Local octopus, skate and cuttlefish star alongside capers in a side-serve marinara, while an 'old cow' kofta is teamed with pickled vegetables. Christmas-worthy free-range ham is carved to order and sided with mustard, and you'll find two styles of house-baked bread and dips to kick it all off. Of course, the Brits' beloved pudding gets a generous look-in, too, with a whole swag of desserts including an Eton mess-inspired pavlova roll. [caption id="attachment_757931" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The potato gems[/caption] The drinks offering is a hefty one, with reasonably priced drops for all occasions. Expect a considered mix of local and international wines from the likes of Pennyweight, Crawford River and Mac Forbes, along with sherries and a slew of house-made digestifs. Wilkinson also happens to be the creative director of Four Pillars offshoot Made from Gin, which turns spent botanicals from the distillation process into gin-based products like chocolate and even cheese. Thanks to this little collaboration, you'll find Four Pillars' full range of gin offerings behind the Crofter bar, along with two of the distillery's signature cocktails, dubbed Tan Lines and Pub Squash. A grapefruit-driven concoction designed by Wilkinson himself is also in the works. Find Crofter Dining Room & Bar at 434 Lygon Street, Brunswick East. It's open from 5.30pm–late Tuesday to Friday, and from 11.30am Saturday and Sunday.
There's nothing quite like scoring some validation that your favourite local spots are also certified gems that the rest of the world is loving too. And that's exactly the kind of street cred that fans of Flinders Lane restaurant Supernormal can now lay a little extra claim to, after the venue received the coveted 2022 Hospitality Award in the annual Melbourne Awards. At a ceremony held on Saturday, November 12, Andrew McConnell's famed Japanese-inspired eatery took out top honours in the hospitality portion of the City of Melbourne-run awards, as they returned to celebrate their 20th edition. A pop-up turned perennial favourite, Supernormal first opened the doors to its current Flinders Lane digs in early 2014 and has been earning fans ever since for its crafty fusion fare — including the famous signature lobster roll. Other finalists for this year's Hospitality Award included Southbank event space Metropolis Events, and the Arbory Afloat crew's new multi-storey CBD haunt HER. [caption id="attachment_776985" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] "We're thrilled to recognise this year's winners, who have worked hard to create positive change, inclusive communities and make Melbourne a better place to call home," Lord Mayor Sally Capp said of all the venues, organisations and people honoured as 2022 finalists. The awards celebrate the significant contributions of Melburnians across a variety of industries each year. Other 2022 winners included Antoinette Braybrook — named Melburnian of the Year for her long service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the first Aboriginal woman in history to win the award — and PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, which scored the Arts and Events Award. Last year's Hospitality Award went to Alejandro Saravia's Gippsland-focused restaurant Farmer's Daughters, earning the title for its commitment to local sourcing and sustainability. [caption id="attachment_730326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] For more information about the Melbourne Awards and this year's winners, head to the City of Melbourne website. You'll find Supernormal at 180 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Top Image: Nikki To
There's nothing new about burgers and shakes — but then again, there's nothing new at Kustom Burgers. From the fit-out made of old car parts and the fifties swing tunes filling the air, to the retro lollies on the counter (hello, Milkos!) and the vintage Chevy pickup that owner Paul Hendrie can be seen driving around Thornbury in, everything is a throwback. At one point while waiting for my burger and fries, I was sure Frenchie would lift her head out of her banana delight milkshake and start singing to Frankie Avalon. Alas, not this time. Still, Kustom Burgers holds a distinct fifties American diner vibe, with a nod to everything retro automotive. There's even an entire pickup placed in one corner with a slot car racing track built into the tray. Car fan or no car fan, the burgers, fries and shakes are really what bring in the business. A steady patronage can be seen at all times of the day, especially on weekends – although, that might have something to do with the fact that this is perfect hangover fodder. Burgers range from the standard Kustom Burger ($13) with a beef patty, bacon, American cheese, pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato sauce and mustard to the Impala Southern fried chicken burger ($15) with fried buttermilk chicken, cheese, jalapenos, house-made chipotle mayo and slaw, with a few stops in between. There's also a Portobello mushroom burger for vegetarians, a 1kg rib eye steak for $70 (pre-order only), and a Hot Rod Burger that will bring the toughest chilli fiend to their knees — and keep them there for a good hour or two. The patties are made from pure beef and minced onsite, the fries are beer battered to ensure they hold a fair deal of crunch, and the milkshakes are sickly sweet indulgence in a mason jar. Don't count calories here, because it won't end well. And make sure you leave room for an ice cream sandwich, or a Redskin to go. This is a passion project by Hendrie, and it shows. What Kustom Burgers lacks in refinement, it makes up for in honest, unashamed vintage fanboy fun.
If you want to release your inner wild child, head to Speakeasy Theatre on Flinders Street. With burlesque artists, comics and musicians taking their place in the spotlight from Thursday through Sunday, you're all set to be mesmerised by talent — and will probably leave feeling a little cheeky. All this fun is housed inside an historic building with maritime origins just back from the banks of the Yarra. There are limited-time performances (like The Vaudeville Revue, pictured above) and one-off fundraisers, as well as regular shows like Comedy Untamed — the high-energy night dedicated to laughs and improv, with a weekly-changing roster of comedians. So, check out what's on, grab your friends and enjoy a truly entertaining night out. Image: The Vaudeville Revue.
Queen Vic Market manages to fill just about every Wednesday night of the year with a huge food, music and shopping party, be it the Summer Night Market, the Winter Night Market or the Hawker 88 Night Market. But the latter isn't a rinse-and-repeat kind of situation like the others. Each night is unique, embracing a different Asian-inspired theme. During 2024's autumn iteration, running from Wednesday, April 10–Wednesday, May 8, you'll find yourself immersed in a heap of other cultures and cuisines as you feast your way through a lineup of street food stalls, with live entertainment, local artisans and eating competitions rounding out the festivities. The first Wednesday spreads its love across Asia in general, so every region gets a go. There'll be a stack of cultural performances such as colourful lion dances, plus a dumpling-eating competition. If you have a mate who goes ham at bottomless yum cha, consider signing them up for this one. This will be followed by a Southeast Asia night where the divisively fragrant durian is in the spotlight. For those who love the fruit, there'll even be a durian-eating competition. Malay dancers and martial arts demos will also be on the cards. The following week, K-pop dancers will take over the QVM sheds and laneways, alongside a Japanese band and some taiko drumming. Those heading over for Island Night get the chance to participate in yet another eating contest, this time tasked with downing as many skewers as possible. Plus, there'll also be a beer pong championship, with them facing off the next week for the title. The five-week night market culminates in the Full Moon Festival on Wednesday, May 8, as DJs spin tracks and a live Filipino band gets people dancing. It's going to be one massive party to end this year's Hawker 88 Night Market.
Parties, art, music, performances, food, stripping bare for a swim to celebrate the winter solstice: that's the Dark Mofo way, and so is weaving its anything-can-happen vibe, its beloved regular highlights, and its array of expectation-exploding shows and events into a ritual as much as a festival. The Tasmanian winter arts fest is a place to commune, with attendees and with its boundary-pushing program alike. Challenge, confrontation, evoking a strong response: Dark Mofo is a place for that, too. The festival sat out 2024, spending the time to regroup for the future ahead instead. Late that year, it announced its return for 2025, however. The full program will be unveiled at the beginning of April, but organisers have already announced the first new work. When attendees look at Nathan Maynard's We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep, they won't forget it. Set to premiere at Dark Mofo 2025 — which runs from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025, except for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21 — the new commission by the multidisciplinary Trawlwoolway artist will take over a Hobart CBD basement. Inside, expect a commentary on cultural theft and erasure via Maynard's mass installation, using sheep heads to make a statement. "Languishing in museums and their storerooms are the remains of ancestors of First Nations people from all around our globe. They have been stripped of identity and, without consent, treated like specimens for study and scientific inquiry," explains the artist. "We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep speaks to the sadistic power white institutions flex when they deny First Nations people the humanity of putting our ancestor's remains to rest in the physical and the spiritual." When Dark Mofo's 2025 comeback was first revealed, so were the returns of a number of its beloved festivities: the aforementioned Nude Solstice Swim; Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music; culinary highlight Winter Feast, which popped up in 2024 despite the festival around it taking a break; and the Ogoh-Ogoh. If you're wondering if the world missed Dark Mofo, the response to Night Mass alone so far says it all. When 6000 pre-release tickets were made available late in 2024, they were snapped up in less than four hours. "Taking the year off in 2024 was a difficult decision, but Dark Mofo is back with renewed energy and focus, ready to deliver an enormous program spanning two packed weeks this June," notes Dark Mofo's new Artistic Director Chris Twite. "It was encouraging to sell over 6000 Night Mass tickets in less than four hours during our pre-release late last year, indicating that demand for the festival remains strong. We are hoping for a similar response when we release the full program on the 4th April." Back in November, Twite gave a few more hints at what's in store this year. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," he advised when announcing the event's 2025 dates. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through." Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details — and check back here on Friday, April 4, 2025 for the full lineup. We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep images: Jesse Hunniford, 2025. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2025. Night Mass images: Jesse Hunniford and Andy Hatton, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Winter Feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
Fitzroy Nursery is heaven on earth for plant lovers. Whether you're obsessed with peace lilies or can't stop yourself from accumulating more and more kokedama (a type of Japanese hanging plant), you'll find it here. Having operated for 30 years, it's hard to imagine what Brunswick Street would look like without it. Seasonal fruits, citrus varieties and countless succulents cheerfully mingle within the outdoor nursery, while the interior is filled to the brim with a strange collection of rare flora. Hot tip: there's also an upstairs section that's home to a few handmade furniture items, like smooth concrete planters and colourful watering cans.
The latest line of merch you never knew you needed has just dropped — and it's celebrating yet another old-school favourite. This time, it's South Australia's strangely beloved milky treat, Farmers Union Iced Coffee (FUIC), that's been emblazoned on some sweet threads. Much like beer brands VB and Melbourne Bitter before it, the new line of branded goodies has a bit of a vintage feel. The streetwear collection — which features mens and womens designs — runs from classic hoodies and tees to beanies and a denim cap, with prices starting at $35. Each piece is adorned with the iced coffee's recognisable brown and turquoise logo, so you can share your love of the caffeinated drink — or simply let people know you're from Adelaide — without having to say a word. Everything is all printed right in FUIC's homeland of South Australia — so it's basically a symbol of SA pride. If you happen to be in Adelaide and really keen, an FUIC pop-up hits Adelaide's Rundle Mall this Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29. Otherwise, you'll find the full range on sale at online. Farmers Union Iced Coffee's new line of gear is on sale now at fuicgear.com.au.
