Having been around longer than most readers of this masthead, it's safe to say the team at Tandoori Den, founded in 1981, know how to cook a good curry. Self-proclaimed culinary guides Prakash Mirchandani and Gaurav Khanna pride themselves on having created a suburban restaurant with a touch of class. It's the kind of place you can bring the whole family without having to settle for flavourless fare to please the kids. Dishes such as the beef kashmari honour their northern heritage while all curry sauces are prepared individually using only the freshest, most authentic ingredients. Tandoori Den also has a healthy selection of entrees including Indo-Chinese specials – the Vegetarian Manchurian and the Chilli Paneer. The tandoor gives us everything from battered fish cooked in onion and tomato to goat meat on the bone cooked with the chef's secret chill sauce. Vegetarians aren't forgotten, with garlic and chilli vegetables cooked with leeks and another of the chef's secret sauces. For a chicken dish, try the boneless chicken cooked in mustard seeds, coconut and curry leaves. The mustard pickle lamb with vinegar and a green spicy sauce is another winner. This Melbourne Indian restaurant doesn't shy away from the chilli, and while not every dish is going to blow your head off, it's good to have a drink within reach for the others. There's a selection of lassis to try, with the Tandooriden Special Lassi, made with strawberry, vanilla, peach, rose or passionfruit, particularly refreshing.
Of all the ways to get your seafood fix on a chilly winter day, a piping hot fish pie has to be up there with the best. Wrap some buttery golden pastry around a creamy filling of seafood and you've got yourself some serious comfort food. And now, this classic winter dish has just been taken to the next level. Carlton North fish shop The Fishmonger's Son has teamed up with fellow northsiders Maria's Pasta and The Pie Shop's Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan, Montalto) to create the fish pie of your lockdown dinner dreams. The limited-edition collaboration features a filling of local scallops, salmon, orange roughy and smoked Shetland cod, encased in a hand-made pastry shell you'll be savouring until the very last crumb. The pies are available daily from The Fishmonger's Son throughout this week (July 21–July 25) until sold out. They come in at $34 each, served snap-frozen and ready to finish in the oven. [caption id="attachment_752265" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Fishmonger's Son, by Brook James[/caption] Top Images: Parker Blain
"What really matters is what you like, not what you are like. Books, records, films — these things matter." - Rob Gordon, High Fidelity. Every muso at one point in their life has wanted to be Rob Gordon from High Fidelity. Not so much for the heartbreak and thirtysomething life crisis, but more for the fact that his job required him to chill with Jack Black and let good music like The Beta Band sell itself. The record store is a place of refuge for creative types like us and now, once a year, we congregate to worship at its dusty vinyl feet. Record Store Day Australia will be happening this Saturday, April 19. For those not yet acquainted with this most auspicious occasion, it brings with it specials on stock, free live music and general good times. TITLE on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy will be hosting three bands from 3.30pm; Polyester Records on Brunswick Street will feature guest DJs in store as well as taking a special event to the Evelyn Rooftop at 2pm; and Readings St Kilda will be blessed with a special performance from Record Store Day ambassador Dan Sultan. Aside from all that, the best way to experience the magic will be to visit your local record store. Even if there aren't any big events going on, it's important to take time to appreciate the fact such a great creative oasis still exists at all. For a full lineup of gigs around Melbourne check the Record Store Day website.
Exploring art galleries can at times be a sterile and overwhelming experience. Sprawling layouts, visitors' lack of knowledge, sleep-inducing audio guides, and a dearth of viewer interactivity with the world of the artworks and artists can quickly turn a cultural adventure into more of a cultural chore. Yet arts organisations across the globe are transforming how tech-savvy visitors can experience their works, with the help of innovative, entertaining, and interactive apps. Using multimedia, geolocation, augmented reality, and dozens of other features of mobile technology, these apps have the capacity to transform even the most unengaged of armchair critics into bona fide art aficionados. Take a closer look at these 10 of the best current arts apps, from online exhibitions to DIY art and pocket-sized glossaries. 1. Magic Tate Ball It seemed to be a match made in pun-lovers heaven: combining London's beloved Tate galleries with the concept of the Magic 8-Ball to create perhaps the most entertaining art gallery app available. The process is simple: once you have opened the app, give your iDevice a good shake and the Magic Tate Ball will take the date, time-of-day, your GPS location, live weather data, and ambient noise levels and spurt out the piece of artwork from the Tate collection that most closely matches your surroundings. So a hot day may have the Tate Ball tempting you into a pool with Australian David Hockney's A Bigger Splash or a loud, bustling pub may give you Georg Baselitz's sculpture carved from a chainsaw, all of which comes with a smattering of interesting details about why your particular surroundings produced that artwork. The brilliance of this app lies in its ability to utilise a fun gimmick to draw in people who only have a passing or casual interest in art, providing a refreshingly unique way to discover some of the highlights of the Tate's massive collection. 2. MCA Publications The Museum of Contemporary Art has become renowned for pushing artistic boundaries and embracing new technology. It therefore should come as no surprise that their newly launched e-publication provides a fascinating and highly interactive insight into the breathtaking exhibition of the legendary Gangnam-styling British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor. The iPad app takes the user on a virtual tour of the exhibition complete with photographs, in-depth descriptions of the various works, videos from the curator and Kapoor himself, and even a behind-the-scenes look into the immense task of engineering and installing the immense artworks. Add to this the intuitive nature of the app and you have yourself a brilliant tool for getting under the skin of the artist and understanding the awe-inspiring collection now on show at the MCA. 3. Watercolours of Namatjira For those of us whose brushwork leaves a lot to be desired, this app provides an interactive insight into how iconic Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira is able to create his vibrant watercolour paintings of the Australian landscape. Developed by Big hART, it allows you to create virtual replicas and redesigns by filling in stencils of the artist's work with your own choice of colours and brush sizes, with the paint then soaking into the screen just like it would have on Namatjira's own canvas paper. The end results are both realistic and often surprisingly spectacular, allowing users to gain a firsthand understanding of the watercolour process and tempting them into a more detailed exploration of the Namatjira community development project, theatrical show, and vast array of beautiful landscapes. 4. Art Gallery of NSW: Contemporary and Australian Produced in association with The Nest, the Art Gallery of NSW's two companion apps for iPad do a couple of things really well: they provide richly detailed vision of the gallery's most celebrated works, and they do it in a really interesting interface that encourages browsing by feel and intuition. Once you focus on a work you like, you can also take in additional material, such as sketches, photos, and curator insights. 5. Frank Lloyd Wright - Fallingwater History's most celebrated architect and his most celebrated work have been given the app treatment to awesome effect. Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, described by the American Institute of Architecture as the "best all-time piece of American architecture", can now be explored in three-dimensional glory from the comfort of your iPad. By combining photographs, archival drawings, floor plans, and videos in a sumptuous multimedia feast, this app allows budding architects the ability to explore Fallingwater in a unique and comprehensive way that is not possible on any other media platform. With more than 275 photographs, 360-degrees panoramas, and 25 minutes of video footage, this app is possibly the most perfect marriage of content and form yet imagined for tablet technology. 6. Art Authority Art Authority seems so simple in its concept yet quite unbelievable in its execution: collect the most famous and beloved works of art from across history and put them all together in a single, virtual gallery. This remarkable app includes a database of nearly 60,000 artworks from over 1000 different artists, taken from Ancient times all the way up until the present day. Perhaps even more impressive is the way Art Authority displays and organises the 10GB worth of art. Paintings are presented in beautiful, intricate frames on textured wallpapers resembling a real gallery and can be viewed in almost any thematic form you desire from time period to artist to subject matter. You can even take your virtual art tourism into the real world with the Art Near Me function, which allows you to locate nearby galleries and artworks. 7. Muybridgizer The technological pioneers at the Tate galleries in London have done it again, this time creating an interactive app that allows iPhone users to step into the shoes of the experimental motion capture artist Eadweard Muybridge. Created to accompany the Tate Britain's Muybridge exhibition, this app allows you to take filtered photographs and then piece them together to create a frame-by-frame animation that you can speed up, slow down, or reverse simply by swiping your finger across the screen, cleverly and playfully pastiching Muybridge's iconic videos of flying horses, waltzing couples, and cantering bison. Add to this the fact that they have managed to turn Muybridge's quite unpronounceable name into a verb and you can see why the Tate can almost undoubtedly stake claim to the title of most linguistically canny and technologically savvy gallery in the world. 8. MoMA - Art Lab Emphatically disproving the myth that iPads can only function as a medium for media consumption, the Museum of Modern Art - Art Lab app allows users to create some truly awesome pieces of virtual artwork. By playing with shapes, lines, and colours, you can make everything from collages to sound compositions and shape poems. What separates this app from your regular Etch A Sketch, however, is the way it combines simple drawing functions with the techniques and artworks on display at MoMA. You can trace a Matisse or read how Van Gogh created his starry, starry night or, if your creative flair dries up, check out the ideas section for a bit of inspiration from the world's premiere modern art gallery. In this way the MoMA app brilliantly combines the user's individual creativity with an interactive tour of the MoMA's world-beating collection. 9. Pocket Art Gallery If you've ever dreamed of becoming an art curator — selecting and hanging some of the world's most incredible artworks in your own home — then who else but the Tate could make that dream a virtual reality. The Pocket Art Gallery app allows users to select from a hundred famous artworks and then position them wherever they may desire while looking through the phone's camera. Augmented reality enables you to 'hang' a Picasso above your fireplace, a Turner in your workplace, or a Jackson Pollock in your bathroom. With the app linked into Facebook and Twitter, you can impress your socially networked friends with all the awesome and ingenious images you produce. 10. Tate Guide to Modern Art Terms Thanks in equal part to the complexities of the artist's technique and to the linguistic pretentiousness of the art world, keeping abreast of the terminology used by artists can be a mystifying and mind-boggling exercise. The Tate (again) is hoping to make the beguiling vernacular of artists more accessible and understandable with their Guide to Modern Art Terms. The app includes over 300 art terms covering everything from styles to schools to movements, allowing the user to search via category or through the app's image gallery. So if you're struggling to get your head around fauvism or want to find the word for sculpting concrete, then check out this super-handy app.
Not content with mastering what he believes to be the perfect burger recipe, Ralph Rashid — owner of Beatbox Kitchen and Taco Truck — turned his attention to sweets with the opening of All Day Donuts. Although it's not open 24-hours, it has extended its hours to seven days a week, selling doughies from the morning until sold out. There are five flavours a day — including lime brûlée and strawberry cheesecake — but our recommendation is the jaffa. Need something savoury to follow these bad boys up? The space also houses Juanita Peaches for post- or pre- doughnut fried chicken.
This year, Melbourne and Australia got its first not-for-profit bar Shebeen on Manchester Lane. With every drink sold going towards developing projects in its country of origin, it is changing the way we think about charity and sipping a tipple. We have Simon Griffiths to thank for this. Concrete Playground got hold of Simon to talk about his philanthropic work, Shebeen, toilet paper and his cat. What drove you to philanthropic work? I started working in the corporate world but quickly realised that I wanted to use my skills to solve social problems, not just business problems. After a lot of research I found that the number one problem faced by development aid organisations was a lack of funding, so I decided to create a new channel for funding, moving away from the donation market, and instead creating an avenue for consumer dollars to create social impact. After you came up with the concept for Shebeen with Zanna McComish, what was it that made you think, this really might work? The basic concept was actually 100 percent Zanna's, but it has snowballed into something much larger and more sustainable over the years. When Zanna first mentioned the idea to me, I was so excited that I knew a lot of people would dig it as well ... we just had to figure out how to make the business model work. How was it getting partners and suppliers on board? The really tricky part was raising the capital to get the venue open. We ended up raising social capital, i.e. without any financial return, from 20-25 different investors, then pieced together product partnerships with Brown-Forman, Schweppes and Silver Chef to fill the remaining cash shortage. We did everything on a tiny budget, so had to garner pro bono support from anyone and everyone, including Foolscap Studio (interior architecture), Swear Words (graphic design), Run Forrest (PR and communications), McCorkells Construction (building), Alpha 60 (uniforms), Tin & Ed (murals and uniform graphics), and so on. It has been a long but amazing ride! What is one of the projects you are most excited about contributing to in the developing world? I really get off on KickStart, who we work with in Ethiopia. Around 80 percent of the poor in Sub-Saharan Africa are small-scale farmers who depend on unreliable rain to grow crops. KickStart figured out that irrigation would allow many of them to move from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, so they developed the MoneyMaker pump to allow farmers to draw water from rivers, ponds and wells to irrigate large areas of land year-round. Basically their pumps create a substantial and sustainable increase in household income — and they're really great at measuring their impact. We know that every $1 we give them turns into $12 of profits and wages for one of their farmers. That's a pretty exciting return-on-investment — or return-on-drinking-an-Ethiopian-beer. For you, how does Shebeen's support to the developing world differ from other charitable organisations? Basically we give consumers an opportunity to put their purchasing power to work. Now that we're open we're 100 percent self sustaining — we're already profitable and will start donating funds in the next four months or so. We'll only seek to raise additional capital to open new venues. What do you want people to take away from Shebeen? We want them to start thinking a little differently about what it means to be a consumer, and where their money ends up. After five years in the making. What does it feel like to walk into the bar and see it as a reality? It's still quite surreal to see people in there! But we've been so busy it's also been difficult to stop and celebrate. I'm taking my first weekend off for the year this weekend — it's going to be great! Where do you see Shebeen in five years? In five years we're hoping to have venues in five or more locations and will hopefully be looking at our own retail range of products as well. What is your favourite drink on the menu? I've really gotten into our cocktails. I really like the Ginger Kaffir Limeade, which is made with Kaffir Lime infused Finlandia vodka, and our warhead-sour lemon frozen margaritas, which we're making with El Jimador tequila. We're just about to start experimenting with cocktails on tap, too. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Usually my alarm, or my cat biting my foot. Occasionally it's a hangover. What's next for Simon Griffiths? Getting Shebeen doing a great takeaway lunchtime trade, opening the second Shebeen venue, and selling more toilet paper — I also run whogivesacrap.org. Images by Clever Deer.
The Wagyu Ya Group celebrates all things wagyu across each of its Melbourne restaurants, with Yakikami even serving up a decadent wagyu beef degustation. This spot is also home to one of the very best steaks in Melbourne, a cut of meat that we can't stop raving about. But the team's success isn't stopping there. The group's latest venture is tackling the world of teppanyaki, discovering a whole new way to hero top cuts of wagyu beef. Fine-diner Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki, curiously located within The Glen shopping centre, is split into four distinct areas — a 12-seat teppanyaki counter, a main dining room with booth seating, a separate ten-seat sushi bar and a private dining room. At the teppanyaki counter, guests get a proper show. The teppan chefs are cooking up flame-grilled feasts, but unlike some of the more kitsch teppanyaki diners in Melbourne, Wagyu Ya's version is far less theatrical. Yeah, the chefs will put on a bit of a show, but they won't be tossing diners bits of food or being overly playful. Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki is pitched as a more authentic kind of Japanese dining experience. It might be helpful to think of it as a grilled version of omakase. High-quality ingredients are championed in refined dishes made right in front of you. And the team really is only using the best produce. After all, the Wagyu Ya Group's restaurants are the only places in Victoria where you will find Kobe A5 wagyu beef — one of the highest-grade and most expensive cuts of wagyu in the world. But you're not only going to fill up on meat here. The teppanyaki team is also slinging a luxe salt-baked abalone that's been steamed in seaweed leaves and topped with a buttery seaweed sauce, plus plenty of Hokkaido scallops and lobsters. Then you have Chef Waturo Satu (Nobu) at the sushi bar. He's slinging a heap of maki, nigiri and sashimi — with the sea urchin being a particularly special option. And diners ordering off the extensive a la carte menu can even dabble in a cheeky hot pot experience. This 70-seat Glen Waverley restaurant is clearly working hard. As with all of the Wagyu Ya Group restaurants, this is a fairly fancy affair. You're going to pay handsomely for your lunch or dinner., but with top-quality produce being at the forefront of everything, it'll be worth it. You'll find Wagyu Ya Teppanyaki at Level 1, 235 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley. It's open seven days a week, from 11.30am–9.30pm. For more deets, check out the venue's website.
If you're going to start a distillery in one of Victoria's celebrated wine regions, you need to take a creative approach. So, that's what Bass & Flinders Distillery did. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, it's all about vine-to-bottle spirits, which are exactly what they sound like. When you're sipping Bass & Flinders' brandy, you're sipping a spirit distilled down from chardonnay. If you opt for its gin, you're also tasting a drop made from shiraz. Unsurprisingly, this technique sets the brand's range apart in terms of flavour and texture as well. Also a heavy influence: the region's fresh produce, including its apple orchards, truffles and cherries, as well as native ingredients from the Aussie outback Bass & Flinders operates a distillery door, serving up its grape-based spirits, liquors and brandy seven days a week — and also offers onsite gin and brandy masterclasses.
Tony Mahony's The Mule is a film about a universal human experience. Its message of determination is one that anyone can relate to, regardless of their gender, their colour or their creed. In some ways, its protagonist Ray Jenkins epitomises the common man. He's not a superhero or a crime fighter, or even particularly smart. He just really, really needs to use the toilet. Such is the conceit of this '80s-set Australian crime comedy, one that gives new meaning to the words 'stomach churning'. Angus Sampson plays Mahony's eponymous drug mule, a dim-witted TV repairman detained by airport customs with a kilogram of heroin nestled snugly in his guts. It's a huge bust for the authorities, except for the fact that the only physical evidence remains trapped inside their suspect. Legally prohibited from x-raying his stomach without his consent, the only other option is to keep Ray in custody, and hope he goes to the bathroom before the seven-day holding period expires. So begins the longest week in Ray's pathetically misspent life. Strong-armed into drug-trafficking by a teammate on his local footy team (Leigh Whannell), Ray's a far cry from a criminal mastermind, and woefully ill-equipped for the pressures of police interrogation. Sampson — who co-wrote the screenplay with Whannell and Jaime Browne — does a good job of making his characters seem sympathetic, even if it's mostly in a sad, flop-sweaty kind of way. Ewen Leslie and Hugo Weaving, meanwhile, play the pair of federal police officers who are tasked with monitoring Ray's case. Both performances are excellent, although it's Weaving who's particularly funny as the moustachioed Detective Croft, a bullying old-school copper who grows more and more frustrated with every scene. The sheer absurdity of the situation lends the film an air of satire; there's something deliciously twisted about watching cops, crims, judges and lawyers all awaiting the outcome of a single, stubborn shit. Mahony and the trio of screenwriters also turn their lens on some of the worst and/or most cringeworthy elements of 'true blue' Australian culture. Even as Ray fights to keep his buttocks clenched, the country sits glued to the television, watching the last days of the 1983 America's Cup yacht race. The rampant nationalism is enough to make you squirm — as is the old Holden TV jingle that blares merrily across the airwaves. Football, hot pies, kangaroos and Holden cars? What a load of crap. The Mule will screen in Melbourne on Wednesday, November 26 with Hugo Weaving and Angus Sampson in attendance for a one-off Q&A session at Cinema Nova. This film releases on Tuesday, November 18.
UPDATE, Friday, June 20, 2025: 2025's First Nations Film Festival — National Reconciliation Week has been extended until Wednesday, August 6 (from its original end date of Tuesday, June 10). This article has been updated to reflect that change. As part of the flurry of streaming services always competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pay-per-view platform. The service runs all year round, of course, but it goes the extra mile for National Reconciliation Week, which is when it hosts one leg of the First Nations Film Festival (previously known as the Virtual Indigenous Film Festival). In 2025, the National Reconciliation Week season is taking place between Tuesday, May 27–Wednesday, August 6, all solely online. The returning fest has four features and a collection of shorts on its lineup, starting with The Moogai — which sees writer/director Jon Bell (Cleverman) turn his own short into a full-length film, explore how Australia's past continues to haunt in the process, and brings back his stars Shari Sebbens (The Office) and Meyne Wyatt (Troppo) as a couple grappling with Stolen Generations trauma with their growing family. Also excellent: Like My Brother, a must-watch documentary that follows four young Indigenous women from the Tiwi Islands as they set their sights on playing AFLW at the highest level. With Blown Away, the impact of Cyclone Tracy upon Darwin is in the spotlight four decades later — and Winhanganha, which was commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, sees Wiradjuri artist Jazz Money examine archives through a First Nations lens. To view this at-home screen celebration, you'll need to buy an all-access pass, which lets you catch everything for $38.
The winter chill is enough to make anyone head for the airport. That idea is even more tempting now that Qantas has just discounted 350,000 seats across its international network for a huge one-week sale. With economy fares starting at $499 return, perhaps an overseas adventure is the perfect way to cure the winter blues. Featuring discounted flights on more than 30 routes across Asia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, Africa and the Pacific, now is your chance to soak up fascinating (and warmer) destinations. Think the bright lights of Los Angeles, a Tokyo shopping spree or some much-needed beachside bliss in Bali. For those who can't just get up and go, the sale features travel dates from July 2025 to May 2026, offering plenty of time to carve out some space in your calendar. Meanwhile, the sale coincides with the school holidays alongside must-see international events, like the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebrations in LA. Ready to depart? There's no shortage of options. Melburnians can book return flights to Bali from $599, while Sydneysiders can soak up the island scenery of Nadi for the same price. There's also discounted return departures from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Vanuatu from $549, Tokyo from $949 and Los Angeles from $1099. Plus, holiday-seekers in Perth and Darwin can journey to Singapore from $519, while those in Perth can kick-start a European adventure in London with return flights from $1749. There are heaps more routes on the list too, with premium economy and business fares also discounted for those with a little more room in their travel budgets. "What makes this sale special is the availability during school holidays, which is something we know families really value," says Qantas International CEO, Cam Wallace. "Whether you're looking for a tropical escape to Bali, exploring Los Angeles and Dallas or experiencing the culture in Hong Kong, there's something here for everyone." Qantas' international sale is on now and ends at 11.59 AEST on Monday, August 4. Head to the website for more information.
Some pieces of film news feel like they can't be believed until the end results are actually seen. For a decade, the prospect of Hayao Miyazaki making another movie has been one of them. This enchanting development has come to fruition in the form of The Boy and the Heron, which not only exists but has been playing at international film festivals, already released in cinemas in Japan and now boasts two English-language trailers to give audiences a sneak peek at it magic. After a mesmerising first look back in September, The Boy and the Heron has just dropped a full glimpse at the new gift from the Studio Ghibli great. In store is the story of Mahito, a boy pining for his mother and experiencing the realm where the living and the dead converge. Also present: stunningly gorgeous animation. Miyazaki is back to spirit audiences away again, ten years after releasing The Wind Rises, which was expected to be his last film at the time. The movie maestro even announced his retirement. Thankfully, he changed his mind quickly — and now, more than half a decade after that welcome revelation, his next film is here. The My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle icon's latest was confirmed back in late 2022 for a 2023 release, at least overseas. Back then, it was known as How Do You Live, but has changed its title since. The official synopsis describes it as "a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death and creation" — and yes, plenty of Miyazaki's trademarks already exist in that short blurb. While The Boy and the Heron hit the big screen in July in Miyazaki's homeland, it did so without the usual promotional campaign — which is why trailers have only arrived in the lead-up to the American release, which begins in November. At the time of writing, the feature doesn't have a date with cinemas Down Under as yet, but it'll obviously get one. Echoing through the latest sneak peek is the film's English-language voice cast, which boasts the starry likes of Christian Bale (Amsterdam), Robert Pattinson (The Batman), Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer) and Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3). You'll also hear Gemma Chan (The Creator), Willem Dafoe (Asteroid City), Mark Hamill (The Fall of the House of Usher) and Karen Fukuhara (The Boys). There's nothing quite like a Miyazaki movie. While Studio Ghibli isn't short on gorgeous on-screen wonders hailing from a range of filmmakers, the Japanese animation house's best-known co-founder truly does make films like no one else. The Boy and the Heron already looks spectacular — unsurprisingly — in its initial glimpses, complete with lush greenery, mysterious spaces and floating critters. And, of course, with Mahito and the picture's titular bird making appearances. The Boy and the Heron marks Ghibli's fifth film since Miyazaki's last movie, following Isao Takahata's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, page-to-screen treat When Marnie Was There, gorgeous French co-production The Red Turtle and the CGI-animated Earwig and the Witch. Check out the full English-language trailer for The Boy and the Heron below: The Boy and the Heron is already open in Japan, and will release in the US on Friday, December 8, 2023. The film doesn't yet have a release date Down Under — we'll update you when one is announced. Images: © 2023 Studio Ghibli.
For some, the best thing about winter is the cosy indoor opportunities to escape the cold. Who can deny the almost spiritual joy of snuggling down next to a wood fire or cuddling up inside thick sandstone walls while the weather outside seems a world away? And if there's a glass or two of vino going, so much the better. If this sounds like a heavenly way to spend a winter's day — and you're ready for a seasonal switch from tannin' to tannins — put these five exquisite Tasmanian wineries at the top of your winter to-do list. We've tracked down a winery from nearly every corner of Tassie that'll warm the cockles of your heart — whether you're after biodynamic and sustainable practices, premium tastes in heritage buildings or a glass of red with the comfort eats of an Italian osteria. You are about to fall in love with a whole cool-climate wine culture — you'll never sip a pinot noir the same way again. [caption id="attachment_719342" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Crerar.[/caption] MOORE'S HILL — TAMAR VALLEY How many wineries come with their very own dog? Well, Moore's Hill does; the loveable Otto is a regular fixture by the fireplace in winter. Located in the lush Tamar Valley, a 40-minute drive from Launceston, you'll come upon this boutique vino-producing estate that happens to be Tasmania's first 100-percent solar-powered winery. The fireplace at the cellar door is always lit for the chilly season, so you can drop by any day from 10am–5pm for a cosy guided tasting of current release wines (which are free for groups smaller than ten, too). Moore's Hill also offers a wine and chocolate tasting, as well as a whisky tasting, should you need a little something extra to really warm the soul. [caption id="attachment_719279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Nick Osborne.[/caption] POOLEY WINES — COAL RIVER VALLEY Make sure to add Pooley Wines to your winter getaway. It's a vineyard with pedigree — three generations of winemakers have brought forth this nectar, producing some of the finest pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling on the island. Located in the Coal River Valley, it's proudly the first fully accredited environmentally sustainable vineyard in Tasmania. The cellar door (open 10am–5pm daily) is snuggled within the thick sandstone walls of the stately 19th-century Belmont House on the Butcher's Hill estate. With a swag of awards to its name, particularly for its pinot noir and riesling, Pooley will ensure you're sipping premium drop after premium drop. STEFANO LUBIANA — DERWENT VALLEY Stefano Lubiana Wines is an exceptional winery, being Tasmania's first and only biodynamic vineyard. This family-run winery opens its cellar door to wine-lovers from 11am–4pm Wednesday to Sunday. Sample the six-taste offering — including the bright and delightful Primavera pinot noir or a biodynamic reserve merlot — at $5 per person, or sit down for a structured tasting of exclusive museum and flagship wines for $35. The vineyard also distils its own grappa brandy, which is the perfect nip for a nippy Tassie winter. And then there's Stefano Lubiana's on-site Italian eatery, Osteria, that blends rustic food tradition with fine dining. The menu is fresh and seasonal, with locally sourced ingredients. Stay for an expertly paired meal and wine to taste the terroir and the country produce all in one go. [caption id="attachment_719278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Harmsen.[/caption] DEVIL'S CORNER — EAST COAST For some seriously cool architecture to match your cool-climate wines and the surrounding cool temps, you'll have to hit the east coast and check out Devil's Corner. En route to Freycinet National Park, Devil's Corner is a winery with a wild edge. Looking down to Moulting Lagoon and the Hazards mountain range, the vines are exposed to the elements, which creates a unique, intense flavour. In the winter, the cellar door opens daily from 10am–4pm from June to September and tastings are free for groups of up to seven (larger groups pay $5 per person). With regular music sessions and both a seafood restaurant and pizza cafe, this is a winery that can keep you toasty warm as you enjoy views over the wintry landscape. And in even more reasons to visit, Tassie's Festival of Voices will host a gig at the winery on Sunday, June 30. FROGMORE CREEK — COAL RIVER VALLEY If you don't want to stray far from Hobart but yearn for that country vineyard experience, Frogmore Creek offers the best of both worlds. After just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, you'll reach a vineyard prestigious enough to draw celebrity visitors such as Margot Robbie. Within the expansive homestead of blue-grey timber, you'll find an award-winning cellar door experience. What's more, from July 1, the barrel room here features an open fire on weekends (and the occasional weekday) all throughout winter. Open from 10am–5pm daily, the cellar door offers samples from the different wine series for you to sip around the fire. The featured offering focuses on boutique harvests, reserve wines or minimal intervention drops. Away from the roaring fire, Frogmore Creek has spectacular grounds. But if it's too chilly for exploring, you can appreciate the sweeping valley vistas from the cellar door and restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows. Top image: Moore's Hill by Chris Crerar.
Greville Street has scored itself a dapper new meat destination in Angus & Bon, a New York-inspired steakhouse that's set up shop in the former Prahran Post Office. The brainchild of Liam Ganley (who brought you Lemon Middle and Orange, and Freddie Wimpoles), along with former Rockpool chef Declan Carroll, the offering here is all about heroing the kitchen's woodfire grill. It'll be used across an unpretentious menu of veggie, fish and meat dishes, though the steak selection is set to be the indisputable star of the show. Alongside plates like confit lamb ribs and pork croquettes, there's a truly hefty array of beef options; choose from quality cuts like a 30-day aged rib eye on the bone, or a grass-fed scotch fillet, teamed with a range of classic sauces and sides. The wine list proves a worthy match, with plenty of choice by the glass and a special focus on local pinot noir varieties. You'll also spy an exciting collaboration with former Rockpool sommelier Wiremu Andrews. Meanwhile, weekends will see punters swapping steak knives for Champagne flutes, with bottomless brunches offered each Saturday and Sunday. Head in between noon and 2pm to enjoy an endless parade of bloody marys, mimosas, bellinis and spritzes, for $39 per head. The space itself is both stylish and comfy, the work of Melbourne studio Bergman & Co. The front bar and streetside areas are primed for summertime sipping sessions, while the back restaurant space tempts long, lazy dinners with its luxe banquettes and moody lighting. Angus & Bon is now open at 168 Greville Street, Prahran. For more information, visit the Facebook page.
Chef Brooke Nazzari from Cooking 101 shares a recipe for warm beer and bacon cheese dip, blended with James Squire Hop Thief 7 American-style pale ale. This smoky, gently beer flavoured dip is heavenly. Filled with three cheeses, fried free range bacon pieces, zesty mustard, smoky paprika and a decent splash of Hop Thief 7 American-style pale ale, it has all the winning ingredients for the perfect warm dip. I serve it with corn chips and veggie sticks, but warm crusty bread would be just as delicious. Ingredients 200gm free range bacon (diced into small pieces) 250g cream cheese ½ cup parmesan ½ cup shredded mozzarella 1tbs wholegrain mustard 1tsp ground dried paprika ½ cup James Squire Hop Thief American Pale Ale 2 x spring onion (diced finely) Salt and pepper to taste Method 1) Gently fry off the bacon pieces until they are golden brown. Remove from the heat and put it on some paper towel to absorb the fat while it cools. 2) Meanwhile, in a food processor blitz the cream cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, mustard, paprika and beer until it's all well combined. Stir in the spring onion, ¾ of the bacon, salt and pepper, making sure it's all mixed through well. 3) Spoon the mixture into an oven proof ramekin/dish, top with the remaining bacon and bake for 20-25mins in a moderate oven, until it's warmed through and deliciously gooey. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Architecture and design lovers, take note — Melbourne Design Week's inaugural program launches this week. Held at the National Gallery of Victoria and selected venues across Melbourne, the ten-day creative extravaganza runs from March 16–26 and features talks from leading local and international designers, as well as a slew of tours, exhibitions, workshops and industry events. Broadly exploring the theme of 'design values', the 2017 event will investigate the question: What does design value and how do we value design? With dozens of events to choose from, we've picked out ten of the best to help get you out and explore what's on offer at Melbourne Design Week. [caption id="attachment_613273" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Porky Hefer: Fiona Blackfish (2015)[/caption] GAPE AT THIS KILLER WHALE CHAIR While chairs are often overlooked as ordinary objects in our homes, Creating the Contemporary Chair argues the chair is a focal point for the evolution of design vernacular — and that it even symbolises an object's ability to express ideas. Having fixated designers for decades, the exhibition will present 35 provocative designs from 1980 to 2016. The exhibition has been in development for two years and includes several prominent international designers such as Jacopo Foggini, Helen Kontouris, gt2p and Porky Hefer, who designed this killer whale piece. It will be on show at NGV International from Friday, March 17. CREATE YOUR OWN CITY SOUNDSCAPE Global engineering firm Arup work with soundscapes to improve the melodies resonating inside theatres and concert halls, as well as to reduce the noise that emanates from infrastructure such as airports and stadiums. The Design a City Soundscape event for Melbourne Design Week will see the Arup acoustic design team host a soundscaping workshop in their SoundLab, which is a dedicated space in their East Melbourne office for listening to 'auralisations' (that is, sound simulations of real-world places). Participants will be able to use Arup's own library of sounds and recordings to produce soundscapes, which will later form the basis of discussion on the importance of acoustic design. Multiple free sessions will be held on Sunday, March 19. Make a booking for this one. [caption id="attachment_602904" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Haven't You Always Wanted..? 2016 NGV Architecture Commission, shot by Sean Fennessey[/caption] DESIGN YOUR OWN PAVILION WITH VIRTUAL REALITY Redesign the 2016 NGV Architecture Commission by M@STUDIO Architects with the help of virtual reality. Situated in the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden, the acclaimed pavilion takes the form of a light-hearted reinterpretation of the humble carwash. A collaboration by RMIT's Centre for Game Design Research, M@STUDIO Architects and d__Lab RMIT, If Only… allows you to give the pavilion a fresh coat of paint, while also letting you remodel the surfaces and materials used throughout the original design. The pavilion (which you can visit until April 17) is an exact replica of a 23-metre car wash in the eastern suburb of Blackburn and was designed to highlight the banality of suburban architecture. ATTEND A FREE HIGH FASHION PARTY High Risk Dressing / Critical Fashion explores the latest concepts by RMIT fashion designers with their reimaginations of the evolving industry. Utilising archive material on the former Fashion Design Council (1983–93), an organisation dedicated to promoting experimentation fashion design in Australia, the exhibition will transform RMIT Design Hub with a program of presentations, performances, film screenings and exhibitions. The closing party is when you want to be there though. Taking place on Thursday, March 16 from 6pm, the free party will feature D&K's All Or Nothing — a performance that evolves over several hours — alongside sets by local DJs Andras & Lewis Fidock. [caption id="attachment_613315" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Theodore Treehouse, shot by Peter Bennetts[/caption] LEARN ABOUT QUEER SPACES IN ARCHITECTURE How can workplaces become friendlier for LGBTQIA people? This designer talk sees panellists Simona Castricum, Sophie Drying and Nicole Kalms discuss what represents queer architecture and how it contributes to professional identities and practices. Moderated by academic Naomi Stead, the panel will also discuss what architecture can gain as a profession from valuing the influence of diversity, and how might queerness bring about new design principals and considerations. The event takes place at NGV on Sunday, March 26 from 3pm. [caption id="attachment_613289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hugh Altschwager: REPLICATE THIS[/caption] SEE A BUNCH OF (VERY GOOD) FAKES How do designed objects become valued? 26 Original Fakes explores issues of authenticity, creative practice and the commercial market as 26 contemporary Australian designers reinterpret and create their own 'fake' of a replica Jasper Morrison HAL Wood Chair. Curated by Friends & Associates (a collaboration between designers Dale Hardiman and Tom Skeehan to bring local designers closer together through partnerships), the exhibition features prominent designers such as Studio Edwards, Adam Goodrum, Jon Goulder and Fiona Lynch. The exhibition takes place at Watchmaker, Melbourne Design Week's off-site venue on Smith Street by Piccolina Gelateria, and is open daily from 1–7pm. TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GUSH ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHS Hear from some of the very best photographers as the Centre for Contemporary Photography presents What Makes A Great Photograph? The event's five panellists will each be given five minutes to discuss a chosen favourite photograph and explain why it holds significance with them. As part of the NGV's Melbourne Art Book Fair, audience opinion and discussion is highly encouraged. The speakers include leading architecture photographer and artist John Gollings AM, director of prominent photography organisation M.33 Helen Frajman, and curator of the Centre for Contemporary Photography Pippa Milne. What Makes A Great Photograph? will go down at NGV International on Sunday, March 19 at 2pm. [caption id="attachment_613327" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ian Wong[/caption] LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGNS Wi-Fi, ultrasound technology, the legendary Hills Hoist — Australians have been responsible for a long list of revolutionary designs, many of which have impacted the entire globe. Innovators: Australian Design and Innovation celebrates this rich history with 16 digital archives of Australian inventions in an immersive exhibition. Featuring designs such as the bionic ear and polymer bank notes, the exhibition also commemorates iconic designers such as Marc Newson, Susan Cohn, Michael Simcoe and Denton Corker Marshall. The exhibition is being held at Monash University's Clayton campus from March 16–24. [caption id="attachment_613335" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RMIT's Ngarara Place, shot by Peter Casamento[/caption] LEARN ABOUT INDIGENOUS ARCHITECTURE With many significant Indigenous landmarks dotted throughout the city, this Melbourne Design Week panel discusses Indigenous-led projects and how designers can move further away from collaborative or consultative models. Exploring several high-profile design practices headed by Indigenous Australians, the diverse panel will consider how Indigenous design can be defined and how it might be promoted within the Australian architecture, interior design, town planning and product design communities. The talk takes place at NGV on Friday, March, 24 at 6.30pm. EXPLORE TOKYO'S ARCHITECTURE OVER COCKTAILS Just as the NGV is putting on the first ever Melbourne Design Week, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is presenting Cities of Architecture for the first time this year. The series of talks — which will run monthly until October — will explore the world's most fascinating and beautiful cities. For Melbourne Design Week, director of Fitzroy's NMBW Architecture Studio Marika Neustupny will present a lecture on Tokyo on Monday, March 20. Tickets cost $35 and include a custom-made cocktail to suit the city, designed by the people at the Melbourne Gin Company and Starward Whisky. Melbourne Design Week kicks off on Thursday, March 16 and runs until Sunday, March 26. For the full program, visit their website.
Whether you're new to the world of Italian amaro or you're already a true aficionado, you'll find plenty to wet your whistle this week at Alimentari Goods. The gorgeous new goods store at Smith Street Alimentari will be moonlighting as an aperitivo tasting bar, taking punters on an amaro-based sipping adventure. From 6pm on Thursday, February 23, Aperitivo & Co's Naz Fazio is dropping by to chat all things digestif — and to pour you some of his top Italian amaro picks of the moment. You'll get the chance to taste six different iterations from labels like Cocchi, Alpino, La Canellese and Cardamaro. You can pick Fazio's very knowledgeable brains while you sample, and there'll be light snacks to match. What's more, if you sip something you like, all the amaro varieties will be available to purchase to take home — and, so will the rest of Alimentari Goods' range of homewares, aperitifs and gourmet pantry items. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Johnny di Francesco's award-winning pizza empire has just got bigger. His latest venture, a new two-level precinct on Mornington's buzzy Main street, boasts a 400 Gradi restaurant; a Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar; and the latest edition of di Francesco's delicatessen concept, Gradi Mercato. It's the first time a standalone Gradi site has played host to all three venues — a trio the restaurateur likens to the classic Neapolitan ice cream. "It creates a little something for everyone and every occasion," di Francesco said of the venue in a media statement. "We've waited a long time to find the perfect spot in the peninsula and we're very much looking forward to meeting the locals and becoming part of the Mornington community." Inside, earthy tones, elegant finishes and terrazzo countertops carry on the familiar 400 Gradi aesthetic across two spacious levels. Downstairs houses a casual wine and snack bar for drinks and antipasto sessions, plus a chic dining room. Upstairs the restaurant space features its own bar, al fresco terrace and balcony with coastal views. A kitchen headed up by Pierre Khodja (Pinchy's, Camus) and 400 Gradi pizzaiolo Giuseppe Fortunato won't be straying too far from the signatures. This menu covers the full lineup of 400 Gradi favourites, alongside a raft of new seafood-centric 'al mare' additions inspired by the venue's coastal location. Classics like the meatballs in napoli, tagliatelle alla bolognese and the legendary World's Best Pizza titleholder Margherita Verace sit beside newcomers including a spaghettini al granchio with lobster bisque and crab meat, and a dish of lobster cooked on the Josper. A supporting cocktail list employs plenty of creative flair, with sips like a passionfruit and cardamom margarita, a bacon-garnished 'breakfast' old fashioned, and the Ruby Rose Martini sporting a crown of dry ice. [caption id="attachment_819510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breakfast Old Fashioned, by Kristoffer Paulsen[/caption] Meanwhile, Zero Gradi and Gradi Mercato have their own space on the lower level, with the former slinging the brand's trademark offering of hand-churned gelato and artisan sweet treats. And the deli promises to be a one-stop shop for those wanting to continue the Italian vibe at home, stocked with a hefty array of ready-to-heat meals, fresh pasta, antipasto trimmings, dinner kits, pantry goods and more. In addition to this Mornington newcomer, 400 Gradi has local outposts in East Brunswick, Essendon and Ringwood, and at Crown. 400 Gradi Mornington Peninsula is the sixth sibling in the Australian 400 Gradi family and is set to re-open its doors tomorrow Wednesday, July 28 — the perfect way to celebrate the end of lockdown 5.0. Find Gradi Group Mornington at 25 Main Street, Mornington. 400 Gradi is open from 12pm–late daily, while Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar, and Gradi Mercato are open from 8am–late daily. Gradi Mornington will re-open on Wednesday, July 28 and bookings are open now via the website. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
If there's a season that's made for feasting, it's winter. And if there's a spot within cooee of Melbourne that can offer the cornucopia necessary, it's Ballarat. Found a short 90 minutes' drive west of Melbourne, this 100,000-strong city, famous for its grand 19th-century architecture and links to gold rush history, is packed with cosy cafes, excellent restaurants, top-notch pubs and lamplit wine bars. Together, they add up to make the state's most exciting food scene outside of Melbourne, with a bumper crop of new openings shaking things up even further in the last year. When you've indulged to your appetite's content in town, jump in your car and head for the hills, where you'll be exploring cellar doors surrounded by vineyards and rolling paddocks. To get you started, here are our picks, but be sure to leave yourself time to wander down Ballarat's alleyways and tree-lined streets, following your nose to further delights. CAFES TO START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT In the cafes of Ballarat, beans come from Melbourne's best roasters but the food owes everything to the surrounding farms. On a frosty morning, you can't go past Websters Market and Cafe for their Pumpkin Pie Spiced Brioche French Toast with pumpkin butter, maple pancetta and pecans. A hit from their all-day brekkie menu, it will pretty much have your cockles warmed until next winter. You'll also find single origins and cold drip made with Industry Beans from Fitzroy. Another spot where you can breakfast from dawn till dusk without watching your watch is The Local. Relax in the light-filled, art-dotted, Scandi-inspired space and tuck into smoked Tuki trout with free-range eggs, house-made horseradish cream, confit leek, greens and herbs on Dench sourdough, accompanied by a Coffee Supreme brew. Alternatively, for Sensory Lab coffee overseen by ex-St Ali barista Matt Freeman and just-baked bagels, make tracks to Fika. Adding an extra sweetener to this time of year is the food-heavy Ballarat Winter Festival, with all three of these cafes squaring off in a pie competition until July 23. Try The Local's vegetarian caponata and white bean, Fika's pork shoulder pie (a collaboration with Salt Kitchen Charcuterie on filling and Le Peche Gourmand on pastry) and Websters' sweet pecan and porter pie, and vote for your fave to win people's choice. RESTAURANTS THAT MAKE LOCAL PRODUCE SHINE The paddock-to-plate experience is unrivalled in Ballarat — this region is known for producing extraordinarily good free-range meat, and the hero ingredients in your meal will usually come from small farms just a stone's throw away. The most coveted experience in town is the degustation at new restaurant Underbar, only on Friday and Saturday nights for an extremely limited audience of 12. The ever-changing menu is created by Derek Boath, formerly of Per Se, a triple Michelin-starred restaurant in NYC. Typically you'll get local produce, foraged ingredients and the prettiest plate of lamb with black and white garlic and romesco you've ever seen. Take a detour to Japan at Kambei, a restaurant dedicated to beautifully composed creations. Think super-fresh sashimi, grilled eel and saikyoyaki (black cod marinated in miso for three days, then grilled). Or, mix things up at local hang Moon and Mountain, where traditional Asian dishes meet Aussie influences. Start with caramelised sticky pork with green apple salad and kaffir lime. End with a deep-fried Snickers bao bun. Wintry comfort food doesn't get any more, well, comforting. To try a whole swatch of Ballarat's finest restaurants in one hit, wander the stalls of the Potato Festival on Saturday, June 30, and see what they've spun out of the humble spud (clue: potato halwa and potato-stuffed naan bread are among the menu items). BARS AND PUBS WITH REAL COUNTRY WARMTH Before and after feasting, Ballarat has bars and pubs of all kinds to explore. In a 140-year-old building that once served as a produce store, then as a mechanic's garage, Mitchell Harris Wine Bar offers more than 100 drops, many from local wineries. Once you're done there, go searching for the Lost Ones Basement Bar, which you'll find (eventually) hidden down an alleyway. Here, you can sink into a plush couch, sip on a cocktail, peruse artworks and play Cards of Humanity. There's also a diverse live program, covering poetry, music, political debates and more. If you're on the hunt for a laidback pub, then go to The Mallow for more craft beer on tap than you could ever drink. Note that happy hour goes on all day, giving you $6 beers from opening time till 7pm. Gastropub-style eats are on offer at the Munster Arms, where the parma comes crumbed in Cheezels, cornflakes and panko. Or, for Argentinian grill, visit artist David Bromley's latest venture, The Pub With Two Names. The stunning 19th-century bluestone reopened in April 2018, after a years-long hiatus. Share a rack of Waubra lamb, with potato and pea empanadas, plus corn-on-the-cob with lime and jalapeno mayo. WINE ADVENTURES ON YOUR DOORSTEP Although you might not consider Ballarat synonymous with wine making, it's the gateway to numerous vineyards and cosy cellar doors that are perfect to retreat to at this time of year. Gear up to sample some excellent cool-climate varieties, from Pinot Noir to Riesling and Chardonnay. A good place to start is the Pyrenees region, which lies about 45 minutes' drive north. Here, you can visit one of the first wineries in Australia to experiment with cool-climate wines: Blue Pyrenees, established in 1962. Today, owner and wine maker Andrew Koerner makes every drop from grapes grown in his vineyards and you can sample his creations surrounded by panoramic rural vistas. For organic wines and ciders, pop over to Captains Creek Organic, about 40 minutes' drive north-east of Ballarat. There's an array of sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and cider to try and, should you get peckish, share plates loaded with local deliciousness, including Istra chorizo and prosciutto, Captains Creek olives, marinated veggies and house-made dips. Finally, about 20 minutes' drive south – making it a convenient pit stop on the way back to Melbourne — is Mount Buninyong Winery, a super-relaxed cellar door and restaurant where you can peruse a massive collection of fortified wines and fuel up on woodfired pizza before scooting down the highway home. To plan your winter adventures in Ballarat and the surrounding countryside, visit the Wander Victoria website.
If you're a fan of craft brews and you like being spoilt for choice, then we've found the booze-based pilgrimage you've been waiting for. Collingwood, aka one of the epicentres of Melbourne's indie beer scene, is playing host to the next edition of the Urban Craft Beer Crawl — a hoppy self-guided adventure from the minds behind the long-running Urban Wine Walk. From 12–4pm on Saturday, November 12, you'll stroll around Collingwood, sipping your way between some of the suburb's best-loved breweries and beer bars. There are seven venues on the lineup, including The Mill Brewery, Molly Rose, Hotel Collingwood, The Craft & Co, Fixation Brewing Co and more. [caption id="attachment_807469" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Molly Rose, by Amanda Santamaria[/caption] Tickets will set you back $65 and you'll get to choose which venue you kick off from, though spots are limited. Guests will enjoy a three-pour tasting paddle at each stop, along with a full-sized beer at their starting venue and a $10 voucher to spend on lunch. [caption id="attachment_829519" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hotel Collingwood[/caption]
It's always rather cool when a venue surprises you, exceeds your expectations and pulls out a trump card. Well, the multifaceted Royal Saxon has done just that. In fact, this double-story Church Street venue is full of surprises. While it may operate as more of a bistro during the week, serving Italian-style fare in a lax outdoor setting, it transforms on the weekends into rowdy Richmond bar with plenty of doof-doof beats and dancing. Its design is surprising, too, thanks to the architects at Melbourne-based firm Six Degrees. The heritage red-brick facade is juxtaposed against a sleek and modern glass interior, while the leafy beer garden — punctuated with a Moreton Bay fig tree —gives some green relief. With ample seating and outdoor and indoor heating, the venue has any occasion covered. Images: Giulia Morlando.
Queensland has the Big Pineapple and Big Mango. New South Wales boasts the Big Prawn and the Big Merino, and you'll find the Big Lobster in South Australia. They're just some of Australia's 150-plus big things, because we sure do love giant versions of foods, animals and everyday items — and if you'd like to walk into a huge whale that's also an underwater observatory, that'll be on the cards from the end of 2022, too. Australia already has a couple of big whales, but not like this one. The animal-shaped structure will house the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre, and it'll sit right at the end of the Busselton Jetty in Western Australia. That means that it'll be located two kilometres out to sea — and, when it launches in December next year, it'll become the largest natural marine observatory in the country. The $30 million centre has been in the works since 2017, when Busselton Jetty started looking into ways to increase the capacity if its current underwater observatory — because it can only accommodate 44 people per hour. Now, however, the designs for the new site have been revealed. Marine contractor Subcon has appointed Baca Architects as the project's lead architects, and it's going with a cetacean design that resembles a whale. The design recreates the marine creature in an abstract but still noticeable manner, and will be made to look as if the concrete structure is raising its head over Geographe Bay. When the building comes to fruition, it'll span 900 square metres across multiple levels, and huge windows will be a big feature. Some will measure up to 5.5 metres tall and 12 metres long, letting visitors peer out at the area's marine life — including via a partially submerged window called the 'cetecean's eye'. Attendees will enter from the pier, which is 5.5 metres above the average sea level, then descend down through an art gallery and accompanying exhibition spaces to the observatory on the ocean floor level. Those galleries will mainly focus on new habitats for fish and coral, but underwater sculptures and marine art will be part of the project, too. And, if you'd like to eat beneath the ocean's depths, an underwater dining experience is also set to be included. Project engineers Core Marine have experience with restaurants under the sea, as the company also worked on Norway's Under. The Australian Underwater Discovery Centre will be designed to withstand cyclones and storm surges, including 6.5-metre-high waves, and will feature an outer surface that'll enable barnacles and algae to graft onto the outside, like they would with a real whale. And, as it'll be fabricated onshore, the centre will then get towed out to its location — which is planned to occur in tandem with 2022's annual whale migration. As for Busselton Jetty's current underwater observatory, it's set to become a marine research centre. It'll focus on promoting clean oceans and educating people about ocean climate change. The Australian Underwater Discovery Centre is set to open at the end of Busselton Jetty by December 2022 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when it's announced.
The historical city of Ballarat is home to one of the most widely anticipated brewing festivals in Australia. And on Saturday, Janaury 19, it'll return for its fourth instalment, serving up a mind-boggling selection of Aussie craft beers and ciders. The Ballarat Beer Festival is set to showcase 43 makers in the picturesque new location of Ballarat's Northern Gardens. Expect to see offerings from old hands such as Little Creatures, Grand Ridge and Bright Brewery alongside newer ventures like the ever-growing Stomping Ground Brewery, and many others. But it's not just for hopheads — artisanal cideries including Flying Brick and Cheeky Rascal will also be popping up to pour a few, and wine lovers can look to the stalls of Taltarni, Blue Pyrenees Estate and The Mallow Hotel for some top-notch tipple. There'll also be a number of beer education events, beer trivia and beer-fuelled yoga sessions on offer. A food garden, hosted by brewing powerhouse Hawkers Beer, will take care of your appetite with a wide variety of food trucks and stalls available from Benny Burgers, GoGo Icecream, Opa Greek Food, East India Trading Company and more. Plus, live music and DJs will perform throughout the day, with such acts as nine-piece band Butterfunked, crooner Frank Sultana and blues artist PJ O'Brian. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD, you could easily make Ballarat Beer Festival a day trip — but then there's the awkward conversation of who'll be designated driver. Instead, use it as an excuse for a weekend jaunt, then check out our guide of other things to eat, see and do while you're there. Getting there early will also mean you can get a head start on the beer festivities with a special degustation on Friday, January 18. Held at Housey Housey, this dinner will feature two craft beer specialists taking guests through five beer and food pairings ($125 per person). General admission tickets for Ballarat Beer Festival cost $51.37, with discounts available for group bookings. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.
It's a well-known fact that Mondays were invented in the '50s by Wall Street fat cats to keep the idealistic youth down in the dumps. The sense of existential dread and terror that pervades the soul on Sunday afternoon has only one known cure: a big, fat, greasy, heart-stopping burger, consumed with a cold beverage, in the company of friends. Luckily for Melbourne sufferers, there are havens all across the city serving up the antidote in bulk. We may be die-hard foodies but we also love a mean burger. And regardless of whether your dream burger is a double-meat-and-cheese, schnitzel or mushroom situation, the venue has to be just right too, welcoming you into its bosom with cheerful music, good deals, a relaxed atmosphere, hearty portions and a spot where you can easily tap that American Express of yours. Otherwise all the hard work done by the burger will be wasted. Fortunately, we've lived through many Mondays and know such spots. Together with our mates Amex, we've eaten our weight in burgers and discovered Melbourne's best and most cheerful restaurants for a burg and a brew when Mondayitis hits you hard. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
When your working day is spent kicking around in the heart of the concrete jungle, it can feel like nature and green stuff is in pretty short supply. But you're in for a little reprieve, as the CBD's newest watering hole Bourke Street Green opens its doors, showing off a foliage-filled space that's sure to cure some of those inner-city blues. A greenhouse-inspired bar tucked behind floor-to-ceiling glass, this light-drenched newcomer is working a snappy fit-out by Bates Smart and a locally focused offering from both kitchen and bar. Pull up a sunny spot beneath the retractable roof and watch the Bourke Street buzz pass by as you get acquainted with the almost all-Aussie drinks list. Victorian drinks reign supreme, with beers like 3 Ravens pilsner and the IPA from Hawkers, alongside drops from the likes of the Yarra Valley's Rochford Estate. There's big love for local spirits, too, in cocktails like the Misty Forest, a blend of Tiny Bear gin, lime, cucumber, tonic and smoked applewood. A monthly-changing beer takeover features $10 pints each Thursday (Hawkers is kicking things off for September), plus you'll find wine specials on Mondays and a slew of $12 cocktail specials every hump day. As for the food, expect a seasonal celebration of top Victorian ingredients, across a range of arancini, snacks, cheese boards, pizzas and trapizzino (Roman-style pizza pockets), stuffed with combinations like blue swimmer crab and finger lime hollandaise. After-work punters will appreciate the snacking flights of arancini and mini burgers – settle in for a trio of small bites, paired with three curated brews. And if you're citybound on the weekend, Saturday offers all-you-can-eat feasts for $59 per person, starring 90 minutes of bottomless trapizzinos, beers and spritzes and other cocktails. Stay tuned for a program of food and drink events celebrating homegrown heroes, as well as regular gigs from local DJs and artists. Find Bourke Street Green at 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open Monday to Friday from 11.30am until late, and on Saturdays from 11am.
While it seems the large majority of Australian expats have decided to put down roots in London or New York, Hong Kong has one heck of an Australian population — especially in the culinary scene. From Melbourne-style coffee bars and roasteries to underground contemporary Chinese fusion restaurants and Western Australian iron ore mine-themed cocktail bars (really), Honkers is brimming with little pieces from home for Australian travellers. Embracing the traditional cooking styles of HK with a little contemporary twist, these Aussie expat hubs aren't just for travellers, seeing locals queue up as much as visitors every day and night of the week. If you're planning a visit to Hong Kong, pop by and see how Aussies are representing. THE IRON FAIRIES One of the most talked about cocktail bars in Hong Kong is themed around nothing less niche than a Western Australian iron ore mine. Think Flintstones-like private cave nooks, gritty mining tools lining the back bar, live jazz, and a casual 10,000 dead butterflies suspended from the ceiling. Prolific Australian designer Ashley Sutton simply ran with what he knows — he really is a former miner from Western Australia. Sutton makes his own gin, Iron Balls, which features in a few of the highly decadent cocktails (a craft beer or wine-focused bar this ain't). Try the 'Underground Martini'. Pull up a leather Chesterfield armchair around what looks like a macabre bonfire of bodies but is actually a pile of iron fairies (hence the bar's name). Each fairy has its own name and personality — word is that each is named for Sutton's ex-girlfriends. Don't steal them like a jerk, instead you can buy a fairy and have it packaged up with magic dust and wishes. But what's this tunnel, and where does it lead... LG, 1 Hollywood Road, Central. J.BOROSKI Followed the tunnel? You've emerged into one of the city's newest, most unique and most visually jaw-dropping cocktail bars. Also designed by Ashley Sutton and run by owner/mixologist Joseph Boroski, this bar is a syndication of its sister bar in Bangkok and apparently operates on an invitation-only basis. Horned beetles tile every inch of a curved tunnel ceiling, while framed giant spiders line hidden alcoves made for intimate conversations. There's no cocktail menu at J.Boroski, only particularly intuitive bartenders who'll quiz you on your preferences before producing your perfect elixir. "Have we shown you the sex room?" asks the manager. We can't tell you about the sex room, but we can tell you it exists and involves 1950s porn. You'll just have to find it for yourself. Your only clue? Follow the spiders. Secret location. To request an invitation call +852 2603 6020 or email hk@jboroski.com. HO LEE FOOK Taiwan-born chef Jowett Yu has created one heck of a Hong King must-visit with his modern Chinese, Elgin Street restaurant in Central, Ho Lee Fook (say it out loud, you got it). The name literally translates to "good fortune for your mouth" and is inspired by old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) and late night Chinatown haunts in 1960s New York. Yu's known in Australia for his Tetsuya's training and for co-opening Sydney restaurants Mr Wong and Ms.G's with Eric Koh and Dan Hong. You won't have trouble missing this highly publicised spot — just look for one of the most Instagrammed walls in the city, a clinquant assembly of waving cats. Just try and keep tipsy passersby away from this selfie trap. Downstairs, in his dimly lit, Chinese street art-adorned basement, Yu weaves contemporary Chinese magic through street food staples like French toast (Yu hides peanut butter in his version, and casually serves it with condensed milk ), prawn toast done okonomiyaki-style, and roast wagyu short ribs with jalapeño purée. But it's the roast goose that has foodies aflutter at HLF — order that bad boy 48 hours in advance. 1 Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong PEEL STREET ESPRESSO If you're looking for a little piece of Australian cafe life in Hong Kong, head for Central and seek out Peel Street Espresso, the brainchild of Scottie Callaghan from local wholesale roasting company Redback Specialty Coffee (co-owned by Keith Regan and Craig Jackson). Opened in February 2016, this modernist, cement corridor space looks straight out of Melbourne or Sydney, and plays host to locals and visitors to the city alike, with the Ho Lee Fook team regular coffee fiends. Perch up at the window bar with a black, white or filter coffee ($3.30 each), a freshly baked and schmeared bagel ($5-11) or the quintessentially Australian avo toast ($14) before a big day of exploring. If you pop back after closing time, the coffee beans are whisked away and the space transforms into a wine bar. 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.redbackcoffee.com.hk [caption id="attachment_600511" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Maison Libanaise[/caption] MAISON LIBANAISE Fancy a spot of Lebanese in the middle of Hong Kong? Head for SoHo's Maison Libanaise, a three-storey, canteen-style restaurant inspired by 1960s Beirut, the 'Paris of the Middle East' with its French-inspired architecture and contemporary food scene. On the ground floor you'll find takeaway nosh from Le Comptoir, on the first floor lives Le Salon, a seated, sharing-focused restaurant doing Lebanese mezze, and on the rooftop you can sip on a wine or two at La Buvette, overlooking SoHo's streets. Head chef James Harrison hails from Melbourne and trained under Greg Malouf at MoMo. He's dishing up honey-glazed haloumi, eggplant fattoush and hearth baked pita bread daily. 10 Shelley Street, SoHo [caption id="attachment_600509" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ophelia[/caption] OPHELIA Yeah, yeah this one's another Ashley Sutton, but look at it. An epic peacock-themed cocktail bar inspired by 19th century opium dens and located in the nightlife-happy area of Wan Chai, Ophelia polarises bar fans in the city (like any venue boasting a penchant for blatant voyeurism, decorated female performers and onstage debauchery). Chef Angus Harrison, who's previously worked with Martin Boetz and Luke Mangan, does tapas here, perfectly paired with the bar's Asian herb-heavy cocktail menu. Shop 39A-41A,1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai. OTHER AUSTRALIAN-HELMED RECOMMENDATIONS Belon Carbone Le Garcon Saigon Images: Shannon Connellan unless otherwise specified. Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
At this point, winter is but a distant memory. Long live summer. But if you can think back to those days when your sunnies and togs were still in hibernation, you may recall a few key outdoor spots had emerged onto the scene. Some classics were renovated, some rooftops were revealed and some Latin American eateries opened to serve their treats on the streets. Perhaps you visited a few; perhaps the cold chill whisked these names right out of your mind. Either way, we're here to remind you of the new(ish) outdoor spots to head for summer hangs this season. To help you plan the perfect al fresco eve, we've put together a list of Melbourne's new, hot but breezy spots where you can go from sunset and well into the night. There's a limited window to soak up all the vitamin D before that chill begins to creep in again, so get out there and enjoy the sunshine — and don't forget your hat.
Five years in the making, W Hotel's luxury Darling Harbour development will finally bring the global hotel chain back to Sydney in October this year. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the unmistakable harbourfront hotel has faced several delays and setbacks, but will finally swing its doors open in three months' time — and it has just revealed the next-level dining options that are in store for Sydneysiders and guests alike. The flagship restaurant and bar for the hotel will be called BTWN, playing on the building being wedged between its neighbouring expressways. This ambitious all-day eatery's kitchen is led by Head Chef Chris Dodd (ex-Aria, The Blue Door and Bistrot Plume), whose menu places emphasis on sustainability and local New South Wales produce. Hotel breakfasts and hearty dinners will be available here, with expected highlights from the mains menu including poached Murray cod, slow-cooked yoghurt-rubbed lamb shoulder and mushroom ragout. The level-three restaurant can be seen from the adjacent highway, acting as a living, breathing billboard for the hotel. Inside, designer Bowler James Brindley uses urban hallmarks and a slick chrome fitout inspired by airstream food trucks to celebrate the hotel's place in the heart of the city. Come sundown, a one-of-a-kind dessert bar labelled 2AM will open inside BTWN. Acclaimed Singaporean dessert chef Janice Wong is in charge of this venue within a venue — her first permanent outpost in Australia. Wong has twice been named Asia's best pastry chef on The World's Best Restaurants list, and runs restaurants and dessert bars across Singapore, London, Korea and Tokyo. The accomplished lover of all things decadent has crafted a menu that will appeal to both sweet tooths and more conservative dessert-enjoyers — and one that is designed to pair with BTWN's wine list and custom cocktails. 2AM's cacao forest is created using chocolate mousse, passionfruit chocolate, and consommé made from mango, lime and lychee. Or, there's the cassis plum, which places a bombe with yuzu pearls on top of elderflower yoghurt foam and choya granita. Rounding out the offerings at the sleek inner-city venue is the cocktail bar, which will keep things rolling from midday till late with a meticulously designed drinks list and sweeping views of Darling Harbour. Located within The Ribbon, the multimillion-dollar development has been designed by HASSEL architects and sits on the former IMAX theatre site (don't worry, the new IMAX is scheduled to also reopen this year). Outside of the dining options, W Sydney's drawcards include 585 stunning rooms and suites, plus exuberant shared spaces throughout the hotel including a heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water, a luxury spa and a gym. If you want to be one of the first to stay in the massive Darling Harbour accommodation, bookings are now open for stays starting from Wednesday, November 1. [caption id="attachment_909978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Janice Wong[/caption] W Sydney will open its doors in October 2023 at 31 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour — head to thee Darling Harbour website for further details.
With Snapchat, Facebook Live and Instagram Stories, we thought we'd already seen peak selfie. But last week Nokia unveiled its new flagship device, the Nokia 8, which has been built for just that: streaming selfies. The brand new smartphone is primed for personal content sharing, with world-first technology that allows use of its front- and rear-facing cameras simultaneously. Dubbed the 'bothie' by Nokia, this feature uses the phone's dual sight mode to pull footage from both cameras into a split-screen visual, which can be live-streamed in real-time to your social feeds. You can record what's in front of you and your reaction to it for your fans (read: mum) to watch — most probably on Facebook Live or Instagram Stories. It's a cool little spec for sure, but, as the phone's flagship feature, we can't help but feel Nokia is differentiating the 8 through trend rather than technology. After all, the phone's longevity relies on selfies being a thing. But while the popularity of this bothie feature has a limited lifespan, the phone itself might just have enough to keep you hooked, even after you've grown bored of live-streaming your entire existence. For this device, Nokia has worked with ZEISS optics for the first time to ensure both front and back cameras are as slick as can be. The Nokia 8 is also first smartphone to feature Nokia OZO Audio to capture and play audio with 360-degree surround sound — a function that'll really take those 4K videos to the next level. It 64GB storage and also includes unlimited uploads to Google Photos. The device runs smoothly on Android — much like the Google Pixel — and is powered by the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 835 Mobile Platform. A bit longer than in iPhone, it feels nice in the hand and is engineered with a graphite-shielded copper cooling pipe to suck out the heat and keep it running without overheating. The best part about the phone is that is will retail at $899, which is a bit cheaper than many of its competitors — the iPhone 7 128GB and Samsung Galaxy S8 64GB currently retail for round $1200. The Samsung has just announced the Note 8, which is expected to be even more expensive, while Apple will announce the new iPhone 8 early next month. It will be interesting to see how the Nokia 8 compares to the new release of iPhones — but if you're looking for a usable Android phone at a reasonable price, the Nokia 8 is a really solid contender. The Nokia 8 is available now for pre-order from JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman for $899. By Libby Curran and Lauren Vadnjal.
Modern Vietnamese has found a sprawling new home in Elsternwick, with the opening of the latest edition of Hanoi Hannah. Sitting just up the road from the original restaurant, which has shut its doors for good, the roomier digs mark a big expansion for the well-loved Asian eatery. Double the size and boasting room for 100, Hanoi Hannah Vol. II comes complete with an all-weather al fresco space, a hefty bar dotted with ringside seating and an impressive open kitchen that takes pride of place. Fans can get also excited for a fresh haul of contemporary Vietnamese dishes, across an all-new menu offering. Share-friendly snacks include the likes of grilled chicken ribs with lime salt and pickled chilli, red oil wontons matched with a Szechuan chilli vinegar, and a salmon tartare starring pineapple and betel leaf. Heartier appetites will find plenty to love about creations like the lemongrass-spiked claypot mussels served with crusty banh mi for dipping, a dry-aged roast duck with five spice and crunchy noodles, and the aromatic masterstock-braised crispy chicken. Lively salads and a hefty lineup of rice paper rolls keep things fresh. The fun-loving streak remains and the bar's happy to comply, offering a range of easy-drinking tinnies, a tidy list of wine and punchy cocktails for all occasions. Keep the chill at bay this winter with sips like the Spicy + Stormy, crafted with lime, ginger beer and chilli-infused rum, and a rich Maple Old Fashioned. Hanoi Hannah Vol.II is open now at 306 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. Head in from noon–11pm Sunday through Thursday, and from noon till late Friday and Saturday.
Just a week ago, Molly Rose Brewing announced it was calling in the liquidators, leaving the influential Collingwood spot as just the latest casualty of Australia's struggling craft beer scene. At the time, Founder Nic Sandery offered a glimmer of hope, saying the business would look to negotiate an agreement that would allow it to "continue serving our community with great beer and food." In an Easter miracle, these words have quickly come true, as Molly Rose Brewing has sent the liquidators packing after finding a solution to prevent its closure. While details of this solution are forthcoming, the fact that its doors have reopened is more than enough reason to celebrate. And in true Molly Rose style, this positive news is being met with a long weekend treat. From Thursday to Sunday over Easter, the brewery is pouring non-stop pints of its much-loved Little Hazy for $10. Serving as a "gesture of gratitude to the community," this party is perfect for an Easter catch-up with friends, or a well-earned pint after spending a little too long with the family between egg hunts and long lunches. As for the venue's immediate plans, some minor changes are afoot. Expect shorter hours and an approachable weekend snack menu featuring a new kids' offering. And, of course, the drinks list remains full of the Molly Rose beers you love. According to the brewery, further updates on trading hours, menu changes and upcoming events will be shared in the coming days. But for now, the mood around the place is looking rather bright. "This reopening isn't just about the beer or the food – it's about the people who make Molly Rose what it is. Our regulars, our neighbours, the folks who stop in for a quick sip and end up staying for hours, you!" said the brewery in a statement. Molly Rose Brewing's reopening comes after the business entered liquidation due to a combination of financial pressures, including rising operational costs and delayed expansion projects. With other breweries like Kaiju Beer and Black Hops Brewing having also emerged from the liquidation process in recent times with positive prospects, we're glad to see Molly Rose sticking around too. Molly Rose Brewing has reopened at 279-285 Wellington Street, Collingwood. Head to the website for more information. Images: Sarah Anderson.
Pablo Picasso jammed plenty of creativity into his 91-year life, including paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, stage design, plays, poetry and more. During the 1930s, he also etched and engraved a set of 100 pieces, in a series that was named after the art dealer who commissioned them: The Vollard Suite. Produced over an eight-year period, the collection takes inspiration from stories, tales and myths, as well as the human form, his mistress and politics at the time. In other words, it proves an artistic overview of his favoured themes and fascinations, while also offering an autobiography of sorts. It's the kind of intimate work that gives fans an insight into the Spanish master beyond his more famous pieces. As it happens, Canberra's National Gallery of Australia is one of the few institutions in the world to boast a complete set, and it's being so kind as to send the collection down our way for a spell. You'll be able to catch The Vollard Suite at the Ballarat Art Gallery for two months from February 22, 2019. The Vollard Suite will be on display at the Ballarat Art Gallery from February 22 until April 28, 2019. Image: Pablo Picasso, Spain 1881 - France 1973, Minotaure aveugle guidé par une fillette dans la nuit. [Blind minotaur led by a little girl at night.] between 3-7 December and 31 December 1934, or 1 January 1935 from the Vollard Suite (97). Etching and scraper, printed in black ink. National Gallery of Australia. ©Succession Picasso. Licensed by Viscopy, 2017.
Laying claim to being Australia's coffee-sipping capital, Melbourne isn't short on top-quality cafes. But it's not every day we score a coffee destination with quite the pedigree of Campos Coffee's new Victorian flagship, which has just made its home on Chapel Street. The Australian International Coffee Awards' reigning Champion Australian Coffee Roaster (and two-time winner of the accolade), the Sydney-born brand is gearing up to turn the big 2-1 this year. And what better birthday present than a stylish new Melbourne outpost celebrating primo coffee alongside a host of talented local creatives? Lining the walls of the two-storey cafe, you'll find a rotation of local artworks, the ongoing collaboration kicking off with an exhibition of clay sculptures by Victorian ceramicist Cassie Hansen. Meanwhile, local crew Pot Dispensary are behind the custom cups that'll prettily house your long blacks and lattes. The space itself is abundant in warm hues, retro curves and timber panelling, executed by design studio Guru Projects and offering an elegant nod to the Euro espresso bars of yesteryear. Venture upstairs to find a fresh white- and green-accented room that's used to host coffee training sessions and cupping events. As with its Brisbane and Sydney flagships, Campos' extensive range of caffeinated wares is front and centre here in South Yarra. The OG Superior Blend features alongside rare Geisha varieties and the newly-launched Lab Series, which stars a curation of limited-release single origin sips. Home-based coffee drinkers are also in expert hands here, with a handpicked retail selection of brewing and grinding equipment on the shelves. As for the food, you can settle in with a lineup of sandwiches, pastries and other sweet treats courtesy of Glen Iris' AM Bakehouse, while vegan food business Mahadeva's Kitchen has a range of plant-based goodies to choose from, too. Find Campos Coffee's new Victorian flagship at 572 Chapel Street, South Yarra. It's open from 7am–3pm on weekdays and from 8am–4pm on weekends. Images: Jana Langhorst
Blooming gardens, citrus fruits and delicious local food and wine are on the lineup of the annual Griffith Spring Fest. Headlining the event — which will run between Sunday, 8 October and Sunday, 22 October — is the Garden Festival where green thumbs can wander through six delightful landscaped sites, created and nurtured by local gardeners. If you can make it to the official launch party on Friday 13 October, we highly recommend you do. If for no reason other than to tuck into the super-sized communal paella that will be whipped up on the day (it's served in a very covid-safe and hygienic way, just in case you had concerns). Other standout activations include over 50 unique citrus sculptures which will line Banna Avenue for two weeks. Made from more than 100,000 locally grown oranges and grapefruit, these displays are proof that when life gives you lemons in Griffith, you transform them into robots, reclining chooks or a giant giraffe. Go old-school and join a guided bus tour, or DIY and discover the best that Griffith has to offer all by yourself. The only non-negotiable is that you squeeze the day. (Sorry). Griffith Spring Fest will run from Sunday, 8 October till Sunday, 22 October 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
If there’s one thing the movies of Noah Baumbach tell us — including the college exploits of Kicking and Screaming, the teenage unhappiness of The Squid and the Whale and the midlife crisis of Greenberg — it’s this: growing up doesn’t come easily. Sure, we all get older as the days, months and years pass, but that doesn’t mean we feel our age. While We're Young lives and breathes this sentiment, and its characters as well. “For the first time in my life, I've stopped thinking of myself as a child imitating an adult,” says documentarian Josh Srebnick (Ben Stiller) to his producer wife Cornelia (Naomi Watts), to which she replies, "you feel that way too?" It's an easy way of expressing the feature's theme in dialogue — a little too easy, in fact — but it rings true. They're trapped by expectations they can't fulfil and ambitions they haven’t achieved, and they're not ready for that realisation. Two events start Josh and Cornelia thinking that maybe their mid-forties life isn't what they think it is. First, friends their own age (Maria Dizzia and the Beastie Boys' Adam Horovitz) have a baby and tell them constantly that they should do the same. Then they meet wannabe filmmaker Jamie (Adam Driver) and his wife, Darby (Amanda Seyfried), twenty-somethings they can nostalgically see decades-earlier versions of themselves in. Cue a whole heap of generational contrasts, of the young-folks-like-retro-trinkets versus older-people-prefer-technological-gadgets variety. Again, it's simple shorthand for a divide that looks obvious, but the film isn't just trying to show how things are different. Focused on a couple who don't feel in synch with their age group yet soon learn that they don't really fit in with younger friends and trends either, While We're Young is trying to understand why. That's a big challenge for a 97-minute comedy; however, it is one that the ever-perceptive Baumbach accepts. As he did with the delightful Frances Ha before this, the writer/director homes in on details so specific, they might as well be ripped from many of the audience's lives. And if his last film was his attempt at combining such wry observations with a French New Wave coming-of-age tale, this is him revelling in Woody Allen, comedy-of-manners territory. Though a Bowie song is again in the mix, While We're Young doesn't quite bounce along with the same zest as its predecessor, but it does roll with the punches of a story that morphs into a contemplation of authenticity. Thankfully, the film's bright frames boast that in spades, as it juxtaposes both sides of the age divide but, crucially, never judges. Everyone — Josh, Cornelia, Jamie and Darby alike — just wants to reconcile their dreams with their reality. Performance-wise, the good stuff keeps on coming, gifting Watts her best work in years, letting Stiller show a more chilled version of his Greenberg persona and playing with Driver's natural charm. That said, if there's one thing that doesn't sit right in the whole movie and its musings on getting older, it's one piece of casting. Seriously, who wouldn't want to hang out with Ad-Rock, baby or not, at any age?
The Australian festival scene's worst-kept secret for 2023 has been confirmed: Post Malone is headlining Spilt Milk. When the melancholic hitmaker announced his latest solo tour Down Under, he named venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, but also had Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballarat and Perth listed without specific sites. We predicted that those stops would see him play Spilt Milk — and, yes, that theory was right. Music lovers and festival fans in Canberra, Ballarat, Perth and the Gold Coast, Post Malone is on his way. The fest will kick off its 2023 season on Saturday, November 25 at Exhibition Park in the nation's capital, then head to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct on Sunday, November 26. The following weekend, it'll hit up Ballarat's Victoria Park on Saturday, December 2, before wrapping up on Sunday, December 3 at Claremont Showgrounds in Perth. The latter stop marks Spilt Milk's debut in the Western Australian city, and might just see the fest prove even more popular than it usually does. In 2022, that year's three stops all sold out in less than seven days. Post Malone has company on the fest's stages, with Dom Dolla and Latto also leading the bill. So, expect to hear everything from 'Sunflower' and 'I Like You' to 'Rhyme Dust' and 'Big Energy'. Tkay Maidza and Aitch also rank among Spilt Milk's impressive 2023 names, with Chris Lake, Dermot Kennedy, Budjerah, Cub Sport, Lastlings, Partiboi69, Ocean Alley, Peach PRC, Royel Otis also set to hit the stage. [caption id="attachment_851189" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Billy Zammit[/caption] Also, because this fest is also about food, there'll be bites to eat from Chebbo's Burgers, 400 Gradi, Chicken Treat, and the BBQ and Beer Roadshow. Originally only held in Canberra, then expanding to Ballarat, then the Gold Coast and now Perth, the multi-city one-dayer has cemented its spot as a must-attend event for a heap of reasons. In 2023, this just-announced lineup is one of them. [caption id="attachment_851187" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jordan Munns[/caption] SPILT MILK 2023 DATES: Saturday, November 25 — Exhibition Park, Canberra Sunday, November 26 — Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Gold Coast Saturday, December 2 — Victoria Park, Ballarat Sunday, December 3 — Claremont Showgrounds, Perth SPILT MILK 2023 LINEUP: Post Malone Dom Dolla Aitch Budjerah Chris Lake Cub Sport David Kushner Dermot Kennedy Djanaba Grentperez Jessie Murph Lastlings Latto Levins & Friends (Guilty Pleasures) Lime Cordiale May-A Mincy Ocean Alley Pacific Avenue Partiboi69 Peach Prc Poolclvb Redhook Royel Otis The Buoys The Dreggs Tia Gostelow Tkay Maidza Also in Canberra: Apricot Ink Clique & Brittany Demarco G.A.C.T (Just Tneek, Kinetictheory, Bin Juice, Geo) Sputnik Sweetheart Zach Knows + more to be announced Triple J Unearthed Winner Also on the Gold Coast: Bill Durry Friends Of Friends Logan Peach Fur + more to be announced Triple J Unearthed Winner Also in Ballarat: Ango Ben Gerrans Blue Vedder Sami Srirachi Yorke Triple J Unearthed Winner Also in Perth: Don Darkoe Dulcie Sammythesinner The Vault Djs + more to be announced Spilt Milk will hit Canberra, Ballarat, the Gold Coast and Perth in November and December 2023. Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Tuesday, July 11 and general sales on Thursday, July 15 — at 8am AEST for Canberra tickets, 8am AWST for Perth tickets, 9am AEST for Ballarat tickets and 11am AEST for Gold Coast tickets. Head to the festival website for more info and to register for pre-sales. Top image: Jordan Munns.
Fitzroy's Black Pearl has long been considered one of Australia's greatest cocktail bars, so it was only a matter of time before a few of its talented alumni teamed up to carry on the legacy and make some cocktail history of their own. Having all met at the ionic Fitzroy bar and boasting over 50 years experience between them, Chris Hysted-Adams, Rob Libecans, Matthew Stirling and Ryan Noreiks are now gearing up for the launch of their first joint venture. Fancy Free will be a neighbourhood-style bar — it's slated to open later this year at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the CBD. It's been a long-held dream for the four to pool their talents to open a bar of their own, explains Hysted-Adams, adding that the team is "kind of like the Avengers, but with drinks". At Fancy Free, wine, beer and food are each set to play starring roles alongside cocktails, which is undoubtedly where the team's expertise lies. While an opening date is yet to be announced, the boys are happy to give us all a sneak peek, taking the Fancy Free concept on a nationwide 'teaser' tour. They've lined up collaborations with Tasmania's Dark Mofo, Saville Row in Brisbane, the Sydney's burger and booze slingers Mary's and Melbourne's own Ramblr in late July. Fancy Free is set to open later this year. For more info on the national tour, jump over to the fancyfreebar.com.au.
There's nothing like a big, warm welcome to make you feel instantly at home, whether you're wining and dining out or enjoying a hard-earned weekend escape. At some places, it might be a traditional greeting, called cheerfully when you walk through a restaurant's front door, for others, a thoughtful gesture that's steeped in culture. Then, there are the greeting rituals that'll please your taste buds as well as give you the warm and fuzzies — like DoubleTree by Hilton's signature 'cookie welcome', which sees all of its guests gifted with a freshly baked, warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival. Keen to feel at home away from home? We've scouted out some of Melbourne's best global eateries dishing up warm welcomes of their own. BHANG, BRUNSWICK At contemporary Brunswick spot Bhang, Indian street food gets a freshen-up with classic flavours married to modern techniques and served up in a funky, new-school setting. Here, a lot of thought goes into making visitors feel welcome, with gestures both traditional and not. If you're digging the vibe, it could be because the figure of Hindu deity Ganesha is given fresh flowers at the start of each service, as a way of increasing the positive energies and inviting health and prosperity. You'll also catch welcoming wafts of incense throughout the restaurant and enjoy complimentary house-made pappadums to kick-start your meal. 1/2A Mitchell Street, Brunswick. DOC, CARLTON Enter through the doors of Carlton's legendary DOC and you'll be welcomed with the scent of baking pizza dough, as well as a cheery chorus of ciao, Italy's well-known greeting. Here, crisp-based traditional pizzas are the stars of the show, but to start things off right, let the friendly staff invite you aboard the aperitivo train. An alcoholic sip designed to help fire up the appetite, consider this the proper Italian welcome to any hearty meal. At DOC, fuel up with a glass of prosecco or a spritz, and you'll know you've been invited to enjoy some serious feasting. 295 Drummond Street, Carlton. AKACHOCHIN, SOUTH WHARF For fresh, honest Japanese fare served with a side of warm hospitality, you'll find it hard to beat a visit to South Wharf's Akachochin. Named after the red paper lanterns you'll often spy strung up outside a Japanese izakaya, this waterfront spot plays to tradition — from the serious knife skills on display in the open kitchen to the menu of sushi, sashimi and tried-and-true classics. Of course, you'll find it hard not to get swept up in tradition yourself, when you're greeted with a cheerful staff chorus of irasshaimase — Japan's customary call of 'welcome' or 'come on in'. 33 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf. MOVIDA, CBD Spain's renowned tapas culture is about much more than just chowing down on tasty small food — it's about sharing a meal and wine with friends and celebrating social interactions. And when you partake in the tradition, it's hard not to feel like you're part of some big Spanish eating club. Here in Melbourne, Frank Camorra's famed MoVida is one of the best spots to get your authentic tapas fix — all funky tunes, moody lighting and a menu filled with top-notch small bites, like mini beef tartares and pressed pork tostadas. 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne. PASTUSO, CBD Dining at ACDC Lane restaurant Pastuso is a bit like embarking on a journey through the many flavours of Peru, from the lively seafood dishes of the dedicated ceviche bar to the charry, meaty offerings coming hot off the traditional grill. And of course, the proper welcome to any authentic Peruvian adventure comes in the form of a fresh, tangy pisco sour — Peru's widely celebrated national cocktail, made from a grape-based spirit. To have you dining like a true Peruvian, the staff here are always eager to steer you towards an expertly crafted concoction from the pisco bar. 19 ACDC Lane, Melbourne. BON AP', FITZROY This cosy Fitzroy gem is like a little slice of provincial France, with fare as charming and authentic as the staff's French accents. The aim here is to replicate the familiarity of a quaint village bistro from back home, so expect a hearty bonjour upon entering, a warm bon appétit and an easygoing energy for as long as you stay. It's an inviting spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner — settle in with some charcuterie, a serve of mussels and a few glasses of great French wine and you'll find it pretty hard to say goodbye. 193 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. LOS HERMANOS, BRUNSWICK At cosy Brunswick haunt Los Hermanos, bank on being greeted by authentic Mexican eats, a festive vibe and a serious collection of Mexico's national drink, tequila. But for all the choice, you won't be left daunted, with staff always keen to help hook you up with your ultimate agave match — their way of welcoming you into the fray. For full effect, pair your chosen drop with a few of the kitchen's drool-worthy tacos, featuring fillings like beer-battered fish, slow-cooked lamb leg and bold chipotle chicken. 339 Victoria Street, Brunswick. SON IN LAW, COLLINGWOOD Rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to unleash its creativity, Collingwood's Son In Law is one of Melbourne's best-loved Thai joints. Named after the dish of deep fried eggs that's said to be served up to misbehaving Thai sons-in-law, it's a colourful spot that's guaranteed to charm. Owner Piyawut Tony Rungpradit says his aim is to welcome diners to an authentically Thai dining experience by offering this namesake dish, as well as traditional share plates like the rich green curry and pad see ew noodles. Expect a sunny Aussie welcome to make you feel at home while you tuck into a proper Thai feast. 56 Johnston Street, Collingwood. DIN TAI FUNG, CBD Famed for its signature dumplings and boasting venues across the globe, Din Tai Fung sure knows how to pull the crowds. But no matter how busy the Melbourne Emporium restaurant might get, you'll always be met with a friendly call of ni hao — a Mandarin version of 'hi' or 'how are you' that's commonly used in China and Taiwan. It's just a kind little reminder of the Taiwanese deliciousness that awaits — drunken chicken, fragrant wonton soup and, of course, a parade of juicy, perfectly-crafted dumplings. Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. HOFBRAUHAUS, CBD In Germany, one of the world's largest consumers of beer, the heartiest welcome you'll find comes in the form of a nice, cold stein. For centuries it's been part of the social fabric, bringing people together and creating homes away from homes. And you'll experience exactly this with a visit to Market Lane's historic German restaurant, Hofbrauhaus. Here, staff sport classic Bavarian outfits, live German tunes set a cheerful tone and generous serves of pork knuckle are primed for feasting sessions. A range of traditionally brewed biers rounds out the whole lively experience. 18–28 Market Lane, Melbourne. Discover the many ways to feel welcome in Melbourne — from an authentic aperitivo hour to a chorus of 'irasshaimase' to the warm, freshly baked cookies waiting to welcome you to your home away from home at DoubleTree by Hilton on Flinders Street.
Maybe Sammy is no stranger to winning an award. It was named in the top 50 bars in the world in 2019, 2020 and 2021 — and named the Best Bar in Australasia at The World's 50 Best Bars in all three years. Back in 2019, it was also named the Best International New Cocktail Bar at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards in New Orleans. The Spirited Awards recognises the best cocktail bars from around the world since 2007, and this year Maybe Sammy has one-upped itself taking out two honours at the 2022 ceremony. Firstly, the bar's staff have been crowned Best International Bar Team, while co-founder Martin Hudak has also been awarded Best International Brand Ambassador. Maybe Sammy beat out the Best International Bar Team shortlist which included Columbia's Alquimico, Greece's The Clumsies and Spain's Two Schmucks to be named the cream of the crop in the areas of experience, professionalism, hospitality and consistency of service. While the entire team was recognised, Hudak was singled out and named Best International Brand Ambassador for his work with the beloved local coffee liqueur brand Mr Black. Maybe Sammy was the only Australian bar to be recognised at the ceremony. Elsewhere in the world, London featured heavily in the international categories, with Tayer + Elementary taking out the Best International Cocktail Bar, Sexy Fish being named Best International Restaurant Bar and the confusingly named A Bar with Shapes for a Name winning Best New International Cocktail Bar. Plus, Katana Kitten out of New York was named Best US Cocktail Bar, New Orlean's Jewel of the South took out Best US Restaurant Bar and fresh Albuquerque face Happy Accidents won Best New US Cocktail Bar. [caption id="attachment_794856" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DS Oficina[/caption] You can find the list of winners for the Tales of the Cocktail 2022 Spirited Awards at the award ceremony's website.
We all lived through the lockdown sourdough frenzy when everyone and their dog became bread-making masters seemingly overnight. We get the appeal, we do — it's a fun challenge, it's an effective way to eat up any pesky hours stuck in lockdown, and it yields something versatile and delicious. But there are scores of other options for you to have fun and experiment in the kitchen if you've suddenly found yourself cooped up at home for an iso stint with plenty of extra time on your hands (and especially if you feel like you've done your dash with the takeaway and food delivery apps). Staying at home doesn't mean you have to settle for cooking repetitive meals or boring recipes — we've scouted out a stack of fun cooking projects that'll help break up your iso slog, and none of them require any fancy sous chef-level skills. So step away from the sourdough starter, arrange delivery of whatever ingredients you'll need and check out these weekend cooking ideas. [caption id="attachment_819800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matthieu Joannon via Unsplash[/caption] DUMPLINGS, PLEASE Making dumplings in your own kitchen will teach you why they always say 'practice makes perfect'. We can't promise the first few will look amazing; in fact, you'll probably end up with a bunch of slightly sad, deformed dumplings at the start. But with a little bit of patience and practice, you'll soon be achieving the symmetrical folds and adorable little parcels of your dumpling dreams. Stock up on wrappers from your local Asian grocer (yes, there are plenty of iso-friendly delivery options, too) and make a bunch of whichever filling you're feeling. Follow Atlas chef-owner Charlie Carrington's advice to help get the process down, or have a go at these ones from Alice Zaslavsky. You can cook a few to have immediately, and freeze the rest for future meals or late-night cravings. So why not make a day of it and whip up as many dumplings as you can fit in your freezer? You'll have fun, master a new craft and have an amazing dinner option ready to go. GET PICKLIN' We know on paper that pickling does not scream sexy. But these mini flavour bombs are the perfect accompaniment to almost anything, with the ability to take a sandwich from mundane to extra special. Plus, the technique works as the base of some pretty nifty homemade condiments, like a classic kimchi. Pickling is a simple and versatile kitchen skill to master, since time does most of the work — and we all know you've got plenty of that if you're currently waiting out isolation. Just add your favourite veggies to spiced vinegar and see them bloom into a new, different ingredient that can brighten up any dish. Thinking of making a leftover steak sandwich? Add this easy-to-make giardiniera (an Italian-style veggie pickle) and it'll seem like a brand new meal. You can even pickle eggs and have them as a lively snack next time you enjoy an ice-cold iso beer. STOCK UP ON STOCK Since you can't just pop out for your standard supermarket shop while in iso, you can make things easier on yourself by having some kitchen essentials on hand. Enter: homemade stock. There aren't that many rules to it, so you can really add whatever you fancy for a rich, cosy winter broth. It's also easy to freeze and enjoy later, plus it's a great way of using up those veggie scraps and meat leftovers. In order to really get all the collagen from the meat you choose for your stock base, you'll want to cook it for as long as possible, which of course is no drama when you're under stay-at-home orders. For inspiration, check out this chicken stock. You could opt for pork, seafood or any other base that will make you happy. And for a great vegetable broth, simply start saving your vegetable scraps in the freezer. Once you become a stock maestro and have loads of stock on hand, you can put it to good use in some other tasty dishes, like this chicken and leek pie from Nat's What I Reckon. [caption id="attachment_814516" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hyosun Rosy Ko via Unsplash[/caption] BAGELS FOR DAYS Why settle for sourdough when you can make your very own New York bagel brunch at home? Plan it in advance, so you'll have time to make the dough and let it rest — then you can bake and boil these bad boys come Saturday, Sunday (or Monday) morning. You can use any seeds you have at home for toppings, but poppy seeds, sesame and caraway seeds all work particularly well. If you're feeling creative, make a mix of seeds with some garlic and onion flakes for a homemade 'everything' bagel. If you're an overachiever, have a crack at making gravlax by curing your own salmon with dill, and a good amount of salt and sugar. The star at any bagel brunch, gravlax can be stored for a week, and this Spring Street Grocer recipe only needs to cure in your fridge for 24 hours. Have some cream cheese on hand, and bring your bagels to the next level with capers, red onion and a squeeze of lemon. SOME VERY SPECIAL NOODS With all this excess time spent in lockdown over the last couple of years, we've all had more than our share of packet pasta and instant noodles. Instead, level-up and have a crack at making your own fresh noodles, using just a few basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and (sometimes) eggs. You don't need a fancy pasta machine to make delicious pasta at home — you just need a rolling pin, some pantry staples and lots of patience. You could also try Guy Grossi's approach. We also recommend having a go at these hand-smashed noodles, pimped out with your choice of sauce or toppings. They're called biang biang noodles because of the sound they make when you bang the dough against the kitchen counter to stretch it out, so be ready to get your hands — and probably your kitchen — a little messy in the process. These are always good to keep frozen for whenever you're ready to boil and enjoy them, plus they're incredibly fun to make. [caption id="attachment_814510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mahyar Motebassem via Unsplash[/caption] THE PERFECT PUFF What's flaky, golden and delicious, and works an absolute treat atop a rich pie? If you guessed puff pastry, you'd be spot on. Sure, this particular cooking project can prove a little fiddly and time-consuming — but that makes it the ideal thing to tackle during a draggy stretch of isolation. To make it, you'll need butter, salt, flour and a decent sprinkling of patience, as you master the art of lamination — the key technique on which puff pastry is made. It involves loads of folding and rolling, as you incorporate a brick of butter into your dough, with the whole thing allowed to rest properly between each step. You'll find an in-depth step-by-step guide to creating puff pastry online, courtesy of the Tivoli Road Bakery crew. And if it all seems daunting, just think how good those crispy-topped homemade pies and tarte tatins are going to taste. [caption id="attachment_729638" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] REPURPOSE YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER If you are one of the many homebound amateur chefs who joined the trend and made sourdough already, that's OK. Even after you're long bored of bread, you can use your sourdough starter to make something different and fresh. Have a go at unleashing your inner Neapolitan and whip up some pizza dough, adding whatever toppings make your heart sing. It might take a little effort and a fair bit of time, but you'll end up with crisp, chewy pizza bases that are sure to win you plenty of praise. Our hot tip? To really embrace your pizzaiolo adventures, make up a bunch of tomato sauce you can use for topping pizzas or stirring through pasta — it can be kept frozen, ready to heat whenever the craving strikes.
Melburnians aren't like most. We don't look at abandoned parking lots or empty blocks of land with despair — instead, we approach them with great anticipation. An empty space is always a potential place to eat. And the latest transformation to join the likes of Welcome to Thornbury and Preston Food Truck Park is no exception. The Ascot Lot is Melbourne's newest food truck park. Previously a deserted car yard, the Mt Alexander Road space has been transformed into a colourful venue for delicious food and ice-cold refreshments. Opening on Friday, October 26, The Ascot Lot will play host to some of Melbourne's most adored food trucks, including Poke Time, Two Fat Indians and Nuoc Mama's. The lineup will change weekly, with dinner and drinks served Friday through Sunday and coffee and jaffles available at the on-site coffee shop every day. In true Melbourne fashion, the bar offerings are epic, with espresso martinis on tap for just $10 a pop and a select range of wines and craft beers available too. If you're there on a Friday night, you'll be serenaded by bands from the comfort of a pastel picnic table. Basically everything at the space has been recycled, from the timber stools to the bricks that form the indoor bar and the cosy booth seating. The Ascot Lot plans to be open for a year. The Ascot Lot is located at 448-462 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale. It will be open on Fridays from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am for a year, beginning Friday, 26 October. Find out more at theascotlot.com.
If Johnny Di Francesco is anxious about the opening of Gradi at Crown, he isn't showing it. The bright lights of Southbank are a bit different to that of Brunswick East (where his first restaurant, 400 Gradi, resides), but in the kitchen it seems it's all the same. The pizza is still cooked in the same way — at 400 degrees for just 90 seconds — and even though he is now catering for the masses at this riverfront venue, it still tastes just as great. After all, he does make the best in the world. That prestigious title — the best margherita in the world, according to the official pizza assessors Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana — has blown up the Gradi empire. From the humble Lygon Street outpost to the Crown complex (taking up the space where GAS used to be), this is Gradi 2.0: it's bigger, shinier and totally on show. And on a Tuesday night, all 300 seats are full. And yep, the pizza is outstanding. You know how it is: crisp and charcoaled, but still chewy when you take a bite. Simple is best, and with all the credentials, it's hard to go past a margherita. But if you don't fancy paying $21 for the bare bones, the caserta will be more satisfying. It comes with the addition of rocket and an 18-month superfine prosciutto on top ($25.50). Not giving into the hype? There are adequate pasta, risotto and main meal options (think seafood, veal and a rack of lamb) as well. Italians know how to do antipasti like no one else, and Gradi has the start of the meal down to a tee. Fresh imported Italian salumi and cheese (including a flaky raspadura that comes in a bag) is served atop a crispy plate of Sardinian carasau bread. The seafood is fried, and best balanced out with a carpaccio of beef or fish. Fried balls of dough — the montanare fritte — are beacons of light, tasting like savoury doughnuts, served with a 'filling' of mozzarella, gorgonzola, tomato and basil ($15 for three). It's all very filling stuff — but, please, save room for dessert. There's no shame in sticking to the classics — a jar filled with some extremely stunning tiramisu ($15) awaits — but once you see the calzone, it's game over. This big hunk of sweet-and-savoury is beautiful and dangerous; go for the coffee over the Nutella and ricotta, and as you cut into it, the ooze of coffee cream might see you forget all about award-winning pizzas. Because when every dish is better than the last, it's a special experience. And whether it's in Brunswick East, Crown or Essendon (where a new outpost is soon to open), Gradi tastes just as good.
In the two decades that Gelato Messina has been in dessert business, more than 4000 special flavours have made their way through the chain's gelato cabinets around the country. Each year, it releases 260 specials, in fact. Yes, that's a lot of frosty and creamy scoops. To celebrate some of these oldies but goodies, the chain brings a selection of these flavours back every now and then — and, sometimes, it busts out its entire top 40 greatest hits. That's happening again this winter, based on the past year's top flavours, so you'd best make room in your freezer. Lucky Sydneysiders, Melburnians and Brisbanites will be able to treat themselves to a treasure trove of limited-edition gelato varieties. While, in the past, the greatest hits specials have been a buy-in-shop-only deal, the chain went with preordered tubs in 2020 — so no one had to worry about long queues and empty cabinets — and it's doing the same thing again in 2023. Gelato fiends can preorder 500-millilitre tubs of the 40 flavours from Monday, July 10. You'll then need to pick them up from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands stores; Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; and Braddon in Canberra — all between Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23. Individual tubs are filled with just one flavour and will set you back $19, or you can get three for $54, five for $75, ten for $140 or — if you have the freezer space — 20 for $250. Wondering which flavours are available? Messina has dropped the full list of faves making a comeback — and it's stacked with deliciousness (just like your freezer will be). Fairy Bread (toast and butter gelato with 100s & 1000s) and Robert Blondie Jnr (white chocolate gelato, blondie and white chocolate fudge sauce) will all return in tub form. So will Balls Deep (chocolate gelato with chocolate mud cake and salted caramel fudge) and You Cannoli Live Twice (chocolate crème patisserie gelato with chocolate hazelnut fudge, candied hazelnuts, and crushed cannoli shells), too. Love Messina's takes on other beloved desserts? The Malteaser, Eton Mess, Baked Mango Cheesecake, Have a Gay Old Time, Pavlova, Red Velvet — those Messina flavours are all on the list as well. Good luck trying to choose just one, or even a mere few. Gelato Messina's Greatest Hits will be available to preorder on Monday, July 10 with pick up between Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 from Sydney's Marrickville, Tramsheds, Bondi, Darlinghurst, Norwest, Brighton Le Sands stores (orders from 12.15pm); Fitzroy and East Brunswick in Melbourne; South Brisbane in Brisbane; and Braddon in Canberra (orders from 12pm).
Enjoy being served by a human being at a cafe or restaurant and being able to ask "what are your specials for today?" whilst you can because food delivery techniques are changing fast. Scrap that, they are dropping fast. After flying drones recently emerged to deliver food to patrons at London's renowned YO! Sushi restaurant and beer to festival revellers in South Africa, a group of innovative Melburnians have decided that wasn't cool enough, so they have decided to deliver double the cool. Not only are they serving delicious jaffles in Flinders Lane, they have elected to do it by parachute. That's right, by parachute. Then they gave their service an excellent pun-moniker: Jafflechutes. COOL. Describing themselves as the world's first float-down eatery, Jafflechutes has a process that sounds simple enough. You select your delicious filling (cheese and tomato; cheese, ham and pineapple; or the all-out cheese, roast beef, dill pickles, mushroom and mustard), pay via Paypal, stand on the 'X' at 349 Flinders Lane at your nominated time and catch your snack. Just be aware, if it gets stuck in the tree, then the people at Jafflechutes cannot stress enough to not climb the tree. Wind gods permitting, delicious pockets of cheese filled dough will be raining down on Flinders Lane tonight from between 10pm and midnight, and whilst they have sold out this time around (the Jafflechuters have got 600+ likes on Facebook since starting their page on August 12), they hope to be back in the near future should everything work out fine. What could possibly go wrong? You can follow Jafflechutes on their Facebook and Twitter.
Slumbering surrounded by red kangaroos, emus, echidnas and koalas just got cosier, and more targeted to couples keen on an animal-filled getaway without their mates in tow. Up at Australia Zoo, the Queensland tourist attraction has been welcoming overnight guests to Beerwah since 2022, launching The Crocodile Hunter Lodge with two-bedroom cabins. Now, it's expanded its accommodation options to include one-bedroom spaces, adding four new rustic lodges. If you're keeping count, that gives Australia Zoo 12 cabins in total now, all tailored for memorable and unique holidays. Here, patrons can visit the zoo, check out all creatures great and small, then stay the evening. There's even a wild group of eastern grey kangaroos that are seen hopping around the place each day. The four new one-bedroom 'Red Kangaroo' cabins come complete with wraparound decks that peer out over the site's bushland surroundings, as well as the wildlife within it. Expect to spy microbats, owls, kookaburras, possums and parrots, too, with nest boxes placed around the lodges to create homes for each. Also included: king-size beds, kitchens in each cabin, heated floors, smart TVs in the lounge, private carports and stone bathtubs for post-zoo soaks. Plus, guests all get access to The Billabong, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge's 25-metre infinity pool, which also looks out over the native wildlife. "We're delighted to introduce four wonderful one-bedroom cabins for guests, which will help us cater to groups of different sizes," said Terri Irwin. "The Lodge offers a unique and immersive experience that not only reflects on our conservation work, but honours Steve's important dream to connect people with wildlife and encourage them to become true conservationists." Whichever size cabin you stay in, your visit comes with unlimited Australia Zoo entry, where more than 1200 animals await — and a peek inside the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Getaways here still don't come cheap, though, with prices starting at around $949 for an overnight visit for two adults. For larger groups planning a visit, three-bedroom cabins will also join the site in 2023, with an exact opening date yet to be revealed. When it first opened its doors, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge launched alongside the zoo's Warrior Restaurant & Bar, if you're looking for somewhere to grab a bite during your trip. Boasting a focus on Aussie cuisine, locally sourced ingredients, and paying homage to Indigenous Australians and the plants that have long been part of First Nations diets, it welcomes in lodge guests and general punters for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and also for group bookings in its private dining room. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge's grounds also spans more than 3000 native trees and shrubs, including greenery that provides food for species such as the endangered glossy black cockatoo, with sustainability and conservation is a big focus. Find The Crocodile Hunter Lodge at 88 Irwin Road, Beerwah, Queensland. For further information, or to make a booking, visit the venue's website.
Saint Dreux, a Japanese-inspired coffee and katsu sando bar that opened in Melbourne's CBD last month, exudes Japanese minimalism. With a concise menu of five sandwiches, castella cakes, pastries and Tokyo's Onibus coffee served in a modern monochromatic fit-out, it's the kind of place that could even spark joy for Marie Kondo. The sandos are cut with laser precision, as are the varying castella (Japanese sponge cakes), packaging is simple and even the ceramics are polished to perfection. Inspired by the vending machines and convenience stores of Japan, the Saint Dreux team, who is also behind Slater Street Bench and 580 Bench, wanted to make the humble katsu sandwich a hero here in Melbourne. "You could get them from vending machines, trains and restaurants. They're absolutely everywhere [and] we became obsessed…" said co-owner Joshua Crasti, who owns Saint Dreux and Bench along with Nick Chen, Frankie Tan and Claye Tobin. While, traditionally, katsu sandos are made with soft (crustless) white bread, cabbage, sweet tonkatsu sauce, kewpie mayo and panko-crumbed pork, the Saint Dreux team has widened the range to include wagyu beef, ebi (prawn), tori (chicken), tamago (egg) and the classic tonkatsu with Kurobuta Berkshire pork. Think white bread sandwiches must equal cheap? Think again. While most of the sandos sit around the $15 mark, the wagyu version will set you back a whole $28 — which might just make it Melbourne's most expensive sandwich. Despite this — or because of it — the sandwiches are selling out pretty early most days, so we suggest swinging by early if you want to snag one. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuvJoKxhXfw/ Housemade castella cakes are also available in original, black sesame, matcha and hōjicha (Japanese green tea) flavours, as well as croissants and an assortment of pastries by local Bakemono Bakers. Saint Dreux is the latest vendor to join St Collins Lane's contemporary food hub and sits neatly amongst a range of pan-Asian fare including Sushi Boto (where sushi is delivered to you via boat instead of train), Poke Workshop and Think Asia as well as a couple of espresso bars. Saint Dreux is now open in St Collins Lane Food Hall, Level Two, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne. It's open from 8am–5pm daily. Top image: Bekon Media.
