St Kilda may be known for its backpacker-filled pub crawls, but we get more excited about the Fitzroy Street precinct's annual restaurant crawl — spending a night sipping and snacking around the neighbourhood's top eateries. This year, 18 local venues have banded together to put on Around the World in One Night, which takes place from 6–9pm on Wednesday, September 18. Restaurants championing cuisines from across the globe — including India, Italy, West Africa, Thailand, France, Scotland and China — are each creating two small dishes for the night that you can pick up and eat as you move from venue to venue. Every snack costs $5.65, and needs to be ordered ahead of time — so the kitchens know how much food to make. That means you'll need to plan your restaurant crawl route ahead of time, picking up your pre-ordered food as you go. [caption id="attachment_908470" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Louey's[/caption] These dishes will be served as takeaway bites, but some venues will let you dine in if you buy a bev. Otherwise, you'll eat it as you wander around the Fitzroy Street precinct, catching some live music and entertainment in the streets as you go. Basically, think of it as a restaurant crawl and a block party all in one. You'll find all 18 participating restaurants' menus on the event's website, but you can expect West African spiced wings from Akwaaba Restaurant & Bar; Himalayan prawn dumplings from Babu Ji; steak tartare from Bistro Voliere; pad grapow from Derby Thai; empanadas from La Bodega; chicken tikka from Mukka; scallops with black pudding from The Cross; and pumpkin and blue cheese arancini from Louey's Bar & Kitchen at The Espy. According to the crew who ran last year's Around the World in One Night, four to five tasters are about enough to fill you up, but we suggest getting a few more just to be safe. [caption id="attachment_926672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mukka[/caption]
From children playing in the sea near Arnhem Land to an elderly man cleaning his suburban pool, Australians from all walks of life are represented in the 22 stunning images chosen as finalists in this year's Australian Life photography contests. An initiative of Art and About Sydney, the competition is the second largest photography contest in the country, with a cash prize of $10,000. The winner will be announced on September 17, while all the finalists will be on display along the St James walkway in Sydney's Hyde Park from September 18 to October 11. The judges for this year's competition are previous winner Tamara Dean, ARTHERE founder and Stills Gallery curator Sandy Edwards, Australian Centre for Photography curator and exhibition programmer Mark Feary, and interior stylist, author and lifestyle blogger Jason Grant. Organisers have also partnered with Tourism Australia for a special Instagram competition, which last year drew more than 30,000 entries. Amateur photographers can submit their entries using the hashtag #australianlife and go in the running to win $5000. The Instagram competition closes on October 1, with winners announced on October 9.
Each year, the Berlin International Film Festival premieres a treasure trove of flicks that movie buffs will be talking about for months to come, and longer, including when said titles make their way to Australia. It also understandably goes big on new German cinema, which often heads Down Under via the German Film Festival — and that touring event now has the 2023 program to prove it. Heading to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Byron Bay throughout May, this year's German Film Festival sees Palace Cinemas team up with German Films, which is devoted to promoting the nation's movies internationally, on an impressive lineup. Here, recent and retro features sit by side, including five new efforts that debuted at Berlinale back in February, all of which are now making their Australian premieres. Film lovers can look forward to The Teacher's Lounge with Babylon Berlin's Leonie Benesch, which follows a teacher struggling over a series of thefts at her school; Sisi, the latest take on Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary after Corsage, this time featuring Toni Erdmann's Sandra Hüller as her lady-in-waiting; and Ingeborg Bachmann — Journey into the Desert, as led by Corsage star Vicky Krieps as the titular writer. And, there's also the 1990-set Someday We'll Tell Each Other Everything, which stems from the page — plus crime-thriller Till the End of the Night, which won actor Thea Ehre Berlinale's Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance. The German Film Festival kicks off with A Thousand Lines, hailing from Balloon filmmaker Michael Herbig, and diving into the IRL 2018 fake news scandal involving a journalist disgraced from Der Spiegel. At the other end, it'll close with Over & Out, Germany's addition to the spate of flicks about women reuniting with their old pals years later (see also: Off the Rails). Another hefty highlight: big focuses on the glorious city that is Berlin and also music, both via retrospective picks. So, add Christiane F, which follows the eponymous 14-year-old through 70s-era West Berlin and features David Bowie as himself, to your must-see list on the big screen. Add Wim Wenders' stunning Wings of Desire, about angels observing daily life but unable to interact with it, too. And, B-Movie: List & Sound in West Berlin 1979–1989 belongs in the same category with its archival footage and interviews, complete with Nick Cave, Joy Division and '99 Luftballons' band Nena. Other standouts include In a Land That No Longer Exists, as based on director Aelrun Goette's experiences in the 80s; documentary Merkel, about Germany's first female chancellor; crime comedy The Peacock; and body swapping in sci-fi Skin Deep. The German Film Festival is also celebrating Austrian and Swiss films, such as World War II drama The Fox and Vienna-set love story First Snow of Summer from the former, as well as And Tomorrow We Will Be Dead, about two Swiss citizens held hostage by the Taliban, from the latter. GERMAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES: Tuesday, May 2–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema and Palace Central, Sydney Wednesday, May 3–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, May 3–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Wednesday, May 3–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, May 4–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, Palace Westgarth and The Astor Theatre, Melbourne Thursday, May 4–Wednesday, May 24 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square, Perth Thursday, May 4–Wednesday, May 24 — Palace Byron Bay The German Film Festival Australia tours the country from throughout May 2023. For more information, visit the festival website.
There's a great anecdote behind Big Poppa's. It's three guys sitting around, eating cheese and drinking wine while listening to hip hop and deciding that their current activity was a) costing them too much money — they were literally spending thousands of dollars on cheese — and b) a great concept for a restaurant. And so, Big Poppa's was born from Lewis Jaffrey, ex-operations manager at The Baxter Inn, Frankie's and Shady Pines, and Jared Merlino, owner of The Lobo Plantation and Kittyhawk. It's a two-floor ode to Biggie Smalls that plays hip hop until 3am, and serves cheese, wine and Italian food until the doors close. The restaurant is upstairs, the bar is downstairs — it has bare brick walls, candles, dark blue leather booths and the face of Biggie Smalls is tiled on the floor. It's an unpretentious space, and it's worth the wait for a table. We've partnered with KitchenAid to celebrate the launch of the KitchenAid Mini, and we asked two chefs from two of our favourite restaurants to throw a Mini Dinner party (and create a Mini Moment) for their friends. Liam O'Driscoll, head chef at Big Poppa's, former Sydney hip hop DJ (although he probably won't enjoy us calling him that) obliged. He cooked us up a three-course dinner of the simple, rustic Italian food he serves at Big Poppa's, and told us what he loves about cooking at home. He reveals his menu in advance — it's so beautifully Italian I have to research it so I know what we'll be eating. There's salsa salmoriglio, parmigiana-reggiano, pangrattato, flat iron tagliata and potato al forno. This appears on the table as globe artichokes, pasta sprinkled with cheese, a thinly sliced flat iron steak, potato with rosemary butter and a simple semifreddo nougat dessert. [caption id="attachment_592755" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Flat iron tagliata with confit garlic and rosemary butter, and potato al forno.[/caption] O'Driscoll adores Italian food. "I love pasta," he says specifically, "if I was on a desert island and there was one food I could take, it would be pasta." With Italian food, he explains, less is more — it's about the quality of the produce over anything else. "It's not like French food where there are so many ingredients and complicated techniques to learn. Some Italian dishes only have three to four ingredients, so the produce is left to stand for itself." Big Poppa's isn't fine dining, it's casual dining. Produce is sourced from quality suppliers, and the food is presented in its simplest state. Despite having a background in fine dining (he just came from Pendolino in the Strand Arcade), this is how O'Driscoll chooses to cook. The preparation at his dinner party is simple, as is the service. Food is served in the pan, and friends help themselves to steak and potatoes. [caption id="attachment_592851" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Torrone Semifreddo, dulce latte.[/caption] "One of the beauties of cooking is being able to share food with the people you love," he says. "There's a communal feeling in everyone being able to dig into a dish that's on the table, as opposed to everyone having their own particular meal". Liam pulls his tub of semifreddo straight from the freezer and starts to scoop it out and serve. "When you're home cooking you just slap it on a plate," he says. "If this was a nice restaurant, I'd shape it into something. But this is rustic cooking — everyone agrees that they would like it better like this." What he says doesn't really have an impact until the next morning, when I'm sitting in a café and I look down at my breakfast. It's piece of toast that's been delicately scattered with edible flowers. While beautiful, they don't really add anything to the dish in terms of taste. "It's not about it being pretty," I remember Driscoll said. "It's about what it is." Images: Samantha Hawker.
From vending machines lining the streets to combinis (that is, convenience stores) taking up real estate on every corner of Tokyo, it's clear Japan is a nation puts a lot on emphasis on convenience. The Japanese attitude to fast food is no different — except in Japan, convenience doesn't have to mean compromising on quality. From curry houses filled with salarymen, ubiquitous heartwarming hamburgers and contemporary takes on traditional Japanese meals that will set you back less than $5AUD a pop, this is where to get real fast food in Japan. [caption id="attachment_629778" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lucy Dayman[/caption] SUKIYA No matter how long you spend in the country, Sukiya (すき家) is one sight you'll become familiar with fast. With over 1600 stores dotted throughout the nation, the store's red, white and gold logo is a staple on the Japanese urban landscape. The 24-hour restaurant delivers no fuss, classic Japanese dishes, though their most iconic dish is gyudon, which translates to 'beef bowl'. What you'll get is shredded beef served over rice accompanied with topping of your choice. What's great about Sukiya is the chain's dedication to experimentation and perfection, with additions and modifications being made to the menu — so no matter how many times you've visited, there will be something new to try. A meal will set you back about ¥500-800 ($6-10AUD). [caption id="attachment_629781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] cathykid via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] OOTOYA Ootoya might be a little steeper in price than beef bowl outlets like Yoshianoya and the aforementioned Sukiya, but it's worth the extra yen. Plus, with the average price hovering around ¥800 ($9-10AUD) it's still cheaper than anything in Australia. Ootoya specialise in classic Japanese teishoku 'meal sets'. Though a meal set sounds like something you'd get in a retirement village or jail, it's actually the best way to appreciate carefully curated Japanese cuisine. It will usually include rice, miso soup, and a main dish, which might be fish, or soba noodles. At Ootoya the sets are seasonal, so you won't be stuck eating the same thing over and over. [caption id="attachment_629779" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lucy Dayman[/caption] HIDAKAYA RAMEN It's impossible to speak about Japanese fast food — or just Japanese food, for that matter — without giving time to the nation's most internationally loved culinary creation: ramen. In Japan, ramen is as diverse as it is popular; every prefecture, city, restaurant and even chef has a different take on the dish. In Tokyo the ramen options are almost excessive, so, if you do your research, you can definitely find the most perfect bowl for your palate. However, if you're after consistently good, cheap, filling and easy-to-access ramen, you can't miss Hidakaya. This generally 24-hour outlet is the perfect place to rest your weary body and dive into a warm comforting bowl any time of the day or night. Most meals will cost you little more than your pocket change at ¥500 ($6AUD) and, if you want to drink, booze options start at ¥270 ($3AUD). [caption id="attachment_629782" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dick Thomas Johnson via Flickr.[/caption] UOBEI GENKI SUSHI Like ramen, you sushi is incredibly diverse in terms of options, price points and specialties — but as a little local tip, Uobei Genki Sushi is kind of special. Cheap and always delicious, the crew at Genki Sushi have reinvented the concept of conveyor belt sushi. Rather than constantly rotating dishes, the Genki Sushi use the conveyor belt method to deliver specifically ordered dishes right to you. With touch screen menus, all you have to do is select what you feel like and, within moments — like some strange futuristic dream — the sushi will take a ride on a little delivery plate stopping right in front of your face. With dishes costing around ¥100 ($1.20AUD) and simple English ordering, there's really no excuse not to go. [caption id="attachment_629783" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hunter Nield via Flickr.[/caption] MOS BURGER It's impossible to speak about fast food in Japan without acknowledging the country's growing love of western cuisine. Like so many things here, Japan has turned appreciation into full-blown obsession and somehow managed to improve the already perfect. Though from the outside it seems like an average burger joint, MOS Burger is a not-so-little takeaway restaurant with a connection to the land: M.O.S stands for 'mountain, ocean, sun'. With over 1700 stores across the country, the store's mission is to "make people happy through delicious food". In a time where other burger chains are constantly unveiling artery clogging Frankenstein-style creations to garner publicity, Mos' humble attitude to producing made-to-order, well-crafted hamburgers is pretty refreshing. Depending on how fancy you want to go a MOS Burger will cost between 200- ¥600 ($2.50-8AUD) [caption id="attachment_629784" align="alignnone" width="1920"] kici via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] COCO ICHIBAN Though the icon status goes to ramen and sushi, curry is actually the most popular dish in the country. With over 1200 locations sprinkled throughout Japan (and more internationally), Curry House Coco Ichibanya are the local curry kings. Traditionally, Japanese curry is a more mild take on the Indian dish and it comes in a variety of forms. From curry with udon noodles, 'curry pan' (that's curry-filled bread) and the classic karē raisu (aka curry rice), this dish is a lot more Japanese than you anticipated. What makes Coco Ichiban so exciting is your freedom to fully customise your order. The amount of rice, spice and all those toppings are so nice that it means you're never going to get a mass-produced run-of-the-mill plate here. Depending on your order you can easily get a serious meal for less than ¥700 ($8AUD).
With classic Chinese furnishings and elegant design, Red Emperor offers rich and authentic Chinese cuisines in a traditional surrounding, which transports one with the flavours of the food. It's been delighting diners for over twenty years, and by combining traditional recipes with modern techniques, it'll deliver a truly unforgettable experience. The chefs here hail from all parts of China, which ensures that whichever dish you order, be it of Cantonese heritage or Sichuan, it'll be prepared with knowledge and authenticity. The menu begins with a range of banquets, designed for two, four, or six or more. The two-person kicks off with sang ahoy bow, crispy prawn spring rolls and steamed dim sum. It continues with a chicken and sweet corn soup before moving on to classics such as golden pork cutlets and beef and black has been. There's also a special fried rice and dessert of banana fritters, ice cream and Chinese tea. The six-person banquet adds classics such as Sichuan prawns, Mandarin chicken and Peking duck. If you decide to go a la carte they've got it all covered, with a selection of soups such as shredded duck soup and wonton soup, while the entrees include calamari and Queensland jumbo prawns. From the tank share a live lobster served with ginger and spring onions, spicy salt and pepper and your own choice of sauce, or go for a live green abalone. Their selection of provincial specialties is a fun addition, with the spicy Sichuan beancurd with minced chicken and capsicum being the standout.
The philosophy at Bowltiful is homemade, flavoursome and unpretentious halal food made to celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of Melbourne and its food heritage. Bowltiful offers up a Chinese Muslim style of beef noodle with halal meat, no soy sauce whatsoever and a light seasoning of salt and herbs. It is a traditional recipe dating way back and is served with a clear soup and hand pulled lamian noodles, garnished with white radishes, red chilli oil, coriander and leeks. And it is absolutely delicious. There are nine varieties of noodles here — all made from scratch — and are organised by their width and thickness. They start off with super thin which weigh in at 0.5mm, while they steadily get thicker until they climax with the whopping 30mm option. We'd suggest starting somewhere smack bang in the middle, with the semi wide being our choice. Then pick your soup with hot and spicy beef and braised beef brisket being standouts. For vegetarians, look no further than the stir fried noodles with mixed vegetables at Bowltiful. Throw in a few extras such as a tea braised egg or a serve of pickles and your soup is complete. There are also a range of sides to compliment your noodle dish, including seaweed salad, shredded tofu, beef tripe and a spicy beef salad. Add copious amounts of chilli oil and get slurping. Wash it all down with some honey tea or an imported soft drink and enjoy a traditional meal unlike anything you've had before.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 — Frankie's Tortas and Tacos is now open for takeaway tacos, Mexican sandwiches and tinnies every Tuesday–Sunday, from 11.30am–3pm. This Mexican joint doesn't have a heaving tequila selection, a dinner menu, or a single cerveza in sight, but it is dishing up a lunchtime offering that'll keep you coming back for more. Opening on Smith Street just before Christmas in 2019, Frankie's Tortas & Tacos is located in a tiny car park kiosk most recently home to a kebab joint. It has chain-link fencing, a charmingly low-key vibe and room for not much more than 15 diners. The menu might be short and simple, but it's the stuff lunchtime regulars dream of, served speedily out of a busy streetside kitchen and best enjoyed perched on one of the venue's red plastic stools. You can leave the formalities at home — here, it's paper plates all the way. A trio of tortas — or Mexican sandwiches — features soft, white Vietnamese-style rolls, stuffed with beans, avocado, queso, lettuce and coriander, and served with house-made pickles. There's a classic al pastor starring marinated pork cooked on a shawarma-style spit, another with crumbed beef and a vegetarian-friendly mushroom number. Tacos play the simple game, too, with a lineup of just three options, each jazzed up with onion, coriander and a dollop of salsa. You'll find an al pastor with pineapple and another meat-free mushroom creation (both gluten-free), along with a beef asada. Add a squeeze of lime and a few splashes from the hot sauce collection and you're good to go. Just don't leave it too late to visit, as the kitchen only serves up limited portions each day. While you can't match this Mexican feast with a beer, Frankie's is slinging daytime-appropriate sips like Jarritos Mexican sodas, glass bottles of Coca Cola, horchata (a sweet rice milk drink) and a cold brew and filter from Abbotsford's Blume Coffee. Images: Tracey Ah-kee
Road trips are an idealised summertime activity, but when the heats eases in Autumn there's really no better time to be in the car for extended periods of time. If you do it right, you come away with good friends and esoteric stories which will never be understood properly by people who weren't there. But it's equally possible for road trips to turn hellish and monotonous. That's not what you want - that's not what anybody wants. So we have compiled a list of tips to help you on your way and make sure you have the kind of road trip which will remind you of the wind and sunshine in your hair, shared memories and in-jokes. WHEELS So this seems a superfluous point, but if you're going to go on a road trip you need a car, and if you don't have one then you've got yourself a problem. Once you've got the car, make sure it's one that everybody knows how to drive. Nobody likes being the only manual driver in a car full of stricken automatic-only drivers. You should also do all the practical things like get the oil, tyres and water checked before you leave, and make sure you've got back-ups in case of emergency, especially if you're trying to look like you know your stuff about cars. Bigger cars are better for road trips, especially if you've got friends with ample hips or ridiculously long legs. And for the love of God, make sure the car has air con. A GREAT DESTINATION Jumping in a car and heading nowhere might sound very Kerouac-esque for an hour or so, but in the end you're going to want to be heading somewhere. Holiday houses and camping grounds are all good, although there's a high likelihood a music festival might be your destination this autumn. If that's the case, be patient and anticipate that you will have to wait in a queue for six hours on a backed up country road and be forced to pee in the bushes in direct view of many headlights. MAPS Getting lost is not half the fun. The person who says it is needs to be ejected immediately from the vehicle. You probably have a GPS, but bear in mind that the GPS is not infallible. You need a map. A map in this instance is defined as a proper map you purchase from anywhere good maps are sold, not scrawled notes copied from Google Maps your barely literate friend drew on the back of a phone bill. CREW Be wise and consider precisely which of your friends and loved ones you're going to enjoy being in a cramped, confined space with for potentially several days. It's also a good idea to make sure there's not going to be anybody overly-familiar with their sense of personal space, particularly if they have personal hygiene issues. There's nothing more awkward than finding yourself on a road trip with a couple who have recently broken up and still have unresolved issues. CONVERSATION Once you've exhausted your witty high school stories, politics, childhood traumas and the ever-fascinating subject of who's having sex with whom, complex philosophical questions are always a good bet. Questions such as 'which of your legs could you do without' and 'would you rather punch Kyle Sandilands or Miranda Devine in the face' are good starting points. MONEY Money is a general necessity in all areas of life, but when we say 'money' here we mean the multi-coloured pieces of paper marked with numbers the ATM is wont to dispense. This is crucial because ATMs can be scarce in the bush, and on a road trip sharing is of the utmost importance. SNACKS It's a given that everyone is obliged to bring a lot of sugar on a road trip. Minties, Snakes and all things that once delighted you in children's birthday party bags are right and necessary when on the road. Hot chips with tomato sauce sold by old ladies with facial hair in country towns are also awesome. It's uncanny how the shops saying 'Best Pies in Grafton' actually do sell the best pies in Grafton. MUSIC If you've got one of those whatsits that plug your iPod into the car's stereo system, you're sweet. If you don't have one of those, however, you're going to want a couple of good mixtapes, or, more accurately, mix CDs. '60s pop songs, '80s power ballads and '90s rap should all be considered in the choice of music. You want to have songs that are going to remind you of the trip for years to come, an underlying theme for your future reminiscing, if you will. RIDICULOUS APPAREL Questionable fashion choices are a mandatory on the road. Nothing makes you feel more alive than climbing out of the car at a truckstop wearing something outrageously fluoro and swaggering inside to get yourself a rainbow Paddlepop. Furthermore, there is no more appropriate occasion for a man to sport short shorts. Stupid sunglasses and hats are fun, but bear in mind they might enrage Mick Taylor-types on the roads. SUNSCREEN Often overlooked in the relative shelter of a moving car, sunscreen is necessary for anybody with an arm in close proximity to a window. You don't want to get sunburnt, and unevenly sunburnt at that, while sitting in the car. More to the point, nothing will ruin your holiday more than being so sunburnt you have to wear shapeless kaftans with long sleeves and not being able to sleep at night because it hurts so bad.
Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! Wait, no it's actually... a bacon and egg muffin? Today only, Micky D's on Elizabeth Street have teamed up with aerial food delivery service Jafflechutes to literally rain down breakfast food from the sky. The high-flying offer is part of a marketing push surrounding the rollout of McDonalds' new all-day breakfast menu. From 3pm until 5pm this afternoon, piping hot McMuffins will be launched from the rooftop of the Maccas at 11-15 Elizabeth Street, floating via parachute down into the laneway next door, where hungry Melburnians can catch them in their mouths. Or, y'know, their hands. But really, where's the fun in that? Alternatively, might we recommend bringing a large sack of some kind? The view from here! Drop time is 3PM right near the Maccas on Elizabeth and Flinders. Bring your friends! Your cute dogs! Your depleted myki cards! Your parachute catching skills! Posted by Jafflechutes on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 To be honest, we're not normally all that hot on the golden arches, but we can't deny the appeal of flying food. And if bowing down beneath the golden arches is what it takes to make our dreams of living in a live action version of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs a reality...so be it. We'd also like to take this time to reiterate the fact that Jafflechutes are awesome. Any company whose business model involves tying tiny parachutes to sandwiches will always get our tick of approval.
If you're a fan of author, comedian and NPR humorist David Sedaris, then you'll know that he's a frequent visitor Down Under. Missed him on his last trip in 2023? 2025 is your next chance to experience his snappy wit, as well as his discerning and astute ability to observe life's moments — both trivial and extraordinary — in both an observational and unique way. This will be Sedaris' seventh trip Down Under, spanning stops in both Australia and New Zealand — in Auckland, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane — across January and February. If you haven't seen Sedaris live before, his shows are part of the reason that he's built up such a following. Onstage, he regularly weaves in new and unpublished material, too — and the satirist will throw it over to the crowd for a Q&A as well, and also sign copies of his books. Sedaris has more than a few tomes to his name, so you have options for him to scribble on, including Happy-Go-Lucky, Calypso, Theft by Finding, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked and Barrel Fever. [caption id="attachment_862850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Fishbein[/caption] Sedaris is equally celebrated for his constant This American Life appearances and must-read pieces in The New Yorker, and boasts everything from the Terry Southern Prize for Humor and Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor to the Time Humorist of the Year Award among his accolades. If you've been searching for a supportive environment to use the phrase "how very droll", this is it. [caption id="attachment_862851" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] An Evening with David Sedaris 2025 Australia and New Zealand Tour Dates: Friday, January 31 — Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Saturday, February 1 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Sunday, February 2 — Regal Theatre, Perth Tuesday, February 4 — Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide Thursday,February 6–Friday, February 7 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Saturday, February 8 — Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle Tuesday, February 11 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Thursday, February 13 — Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane David Sedaris is touring Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025. For more information, or for general ticket sales from 9am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, head to the tour website. Top image: Anne Fishbein.
Well, this is rather excellent branding. Britpop kings and experts in cheesemaking Blur are selling its own ice cream for their latest album tour. Coinciding with Blur's newest album The Magic Whip, the new edible merch is an attempt to recreate the neon sign on the cover; taking something like Gelato Messina's Jack White flavour next level. Damon Albarn and the lads teamed up with UK based ice cream company The Licktators, whose previous music-themed flavours include 'John Lemon' and 'Jiggy Pop'. But the company really made its headline-worthy reputation after releasing 'Baby Gaga' for the royal baby — an ice cream flavour made with human breast milk. Yep. Really. Blur's own escapade into iced confection will, of course, be called 'Magic Whip' after the new album. Attempting to mimic the cover art, the ice cream will be vanilla custard flavour with raspberry sauce. Unfortunately, 'Magic Whip' will be available exclusive at the legendary foursome's concerts and at a few London co-ops this year. We're not sure whether the ice cream will make it to Australia for their highly anticipated Splendour appearance and stadium tour, but until we're sure we'll be cooking up our own Blur dessert using the recipe hidden within the video for lead album single 'Go Out'. Via AV Club.
This year's Oscars belonged to one man, much like the last year in cinema has. It doesn't happen all that often, but the best film of the past twelve months dominated the Academy Awards — as did the filmmaker behind it. By winning Best Picture, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite became the first movie in a language other than English to do so. Let that sink in: it's the first film to score the top prize in the Oscars' 92-year run. By winning four trophies, all of which went to Bong thanks to his work as the movie's director, co-writer and co-producer, Parasite also became this year's most awarded feature. Given that before 2020, a South Korean film had never even been nominated for an Oscar — not even in the Best International Feature category — Bong well and truly made history. What a delight it was to see him so overwhelmed by the recognition, whether paying tribute to Martin Scorsese, a filmmaker he himself studied in film school, or thanking Quentin Tarantino for championing his movies from the get-go. How relatable it was, too, to hear Bong reveal his post-Oscars plans several times: "I will drink until the next morning". Still, while Parasite deservedly came out on top, 2020's ceremony spread the love across a heap of worthy films. A whopping 14 features won gongs, ranging from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Judy and Rocketman's respective renderings of showbiz history to Taika Waititi's 'anti-hate' comedy Jojo Rabbit — with the latter making him the first Maori person to win an Oscar. Among the other highlights: Janelle Monae and Billy Porter wowing everyone with a lively song-and-dance number right out of the gate, Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig demonstrating that they would've killed it if they'd emceed the host-less ceremony, and Chris Rock mentioning how vaginas are missing from the director's nominees this year. Among the oddities: Eminem taking to the stage to sing his 2003 Oscar-winner 'Lose Yourself' for some unknown reason. That's the ceremony done and dusted. Now, if you haven't already, it's time to enjoy all the flicks that just received shiny accolades. From the second movie to nab an actor a prize for playing the Joker, to two Netflix films you can stream right now, here are all of the winners that you should add to your viewing list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc PARASITE Won: Best Picture (Kwak Sin-ae and Bong Joon-ho, producers), Best Director (Bong Joon-ho), Best Original Screenplay (Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won), Best International Feature Film Our thoughts: "Bong Joon-ho has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it... This isn't just a killer picture on all of the standard levels, however. Contemplating society's growing class collisions and inequities, Parasite also makes a killer statement." Where to watch it: In cinemas, still — and it's also available to rent or buy on DVD. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsL_spv4yEw ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Won: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Brad Pitt), Best Production Design (production design: Barbara Ling; set decoration: Nancy Haigh) Our thoughts: "Incessantly keen to splash his affection for celluloid history across the screen as always, Quentin Tarantino is in his element recreating Hollywood's golden days, its big names and LA's gleaming sights, and nodding to westerns once again. But, befitting a flick about weathering seismic personal, cultural and societal shifts, Once Upon a Time In Hollywood is a glorious character piece first and foremost." Where to watch it: Available to rent or buy on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play and DVD. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwRL0u87nbc 1917 Won: Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins), Best Sound Mixing (Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson), Best Visual Effects (Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy) Our thoughts: "The storytelling gimmickry is obvious, jamming in chaos and peril across a wealth of scenarios, but the overall impact is inescapably immense and heartbreakingly intense. What Dunkirk did for a pivotal World War II event, 1917 does just as commandingly for an entire earlier war." Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C61wB6DTwiA JUDY Won: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Renee Zellweger) Our thoughts: "Stepping into a famous figure's shoes might be one of acting's most difficult feats, especially when that person is cinema royalty, but Renee Zellweger doesn't ever feel like she's just impersonating Judy Garland. Rather, she wears Garland's ruby slippers as if they're her own — and they fit perfectly." Where to watch it: Available to rent or buy on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play and DVD. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr-Lg-_KFHU JOKER Won: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Joaquin Phoenix), Best Original Score (Hildur Guðnadóttir) Our thoughts: "Joker is unflinchingly bold and brilliant in one inescapable fashion, as it was bound to be when it cast its lead. All skin, bone and sinew as he cavorts, frolics and chortles, Joaquin Phoenix is in stunning, mesmerising, awards-worthy form yet again. His raspy cackle isn't easily forgotten; neither is his off-kilter demeanour." Where to watch it: Available to rent or buy on YouTube, Google Play and DVD. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHi-a1n8t7M MARRIAGE STORY Won: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Laura Dern) Our thoughts: "While Marriage Story does indeed tell the tale of a marriage, this devastatingly astute and empathetic drama does so within a portrait of the relationship's dying days and its rocky aftermath... In his ever-perceptive way, Noah Baumbach hones in on figures whose lives are a shambles, then watches as they natter their way forward — revealing their fragile core while revelling in the minutiae of their existence." Where to watch it: On Netflix. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCOpNti_pQ LITTLE WOMEN Won: Best Costume Design (Jacqueline Durran) Our thoughts: "Greta Gerwig works wonders with her script and her actors — tasks that might seem easy, but still bear her fingerprints — however she also directs a visually sumptuous film. Little Women sparkles with warmth and charm, not only when dresses catch alight and catastrophic haircuts inspire laughs, but across tender and heartbreaking moments." Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m36QeKOJ2Fc AMERICAN FACTORY Won: Best Documentary Our thoughts: The first film produced for Netflix by Barack and Michelle Obama, fly-on-the-wall documentary American Factory tackles a subject of paramount importance — not just to the former President and First Lady's own country, but worldwide. Across three years, directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert chronicled the operations of a Chinese-owned plant in Ohio, crafting an eye-opening portrait of the human impact of the global economy. Where to watch it: On Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl9JS8-gnWQ TOY STORY 4 Won: Best Animated Feature Film Our thoughts: "Reflective, sweet, sensitive and virtually guaranteed to wring a response out of even the most cynical of viewers, Toy Story 4 is a classic Pixar piece... At its best, this saga is as imaginative, amusing and fun as it is thoughtful, with bright, bouncy animation to match — and, returning to the heights of the first film, the franchise is at its best again here." Where to watch it: Available to rent or buy on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play and DVD. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTm5DWgL-MU ROCKETMAN Won: Best Original Song ("(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again — music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin) Our thoughts: "There's a vibrant spark to Rocketman as it charts Reginald Dwight's transformation into Elton Hercules John. A glorious tone, too, which couldn't work better. Showing how fantastical the ups and downs of fame, fortune and rock stardom can be by sashaying through a sea of surreality, the result is a winning marriage of form and feeling." Where to watch it: Available to rent or buy on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play and DVD. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL4McUzXfFI JOJO RABBIT Won: Best Adapted Screenplay (Taika Waititi) Our thoughts: "Waititi's irreverent, irrepressible sense of humour is usually a delight (see: his aforementioned films, plus What We Do in the Shadows and Thor Ragnarok), but Jojo Rabbit is at its best when it actually dials back the gags, mockery and pointed current-day parallels, and instead hones in on its central trio in less overt moments." Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3h9Z89U9ZA FORD V FERRARI Won: Best Film Editing (Andrew Buckland and Michael McCusker), Best Sound Editing (Donald Sylvester) Our thoughts: A car-racing film that branches beyond speeding vehicles driving in circles around a track, Ford v Ferrari is more than just a dramatised account of two automotive companies battling it out in a prestigious race, too. With particular thanks to Christian Bale's performance as British driver and engineer Ken Miles, this is a celebration of smarts, hard work and ingenuity — and one that's engaging, thrilling and superb on a technical level as well. Where to watch it: In cinemas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjOdDd4NEeg BOMBSHELL Won: Best Makeup and Hairstyling (Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker) Our thoughts: "Bombshell is the slick, shiny version of a ripped-from-the-headlines story, which earned global attention when it broke back in 2016. Airbrushed to buffer away blemishes and avoid tricky spots, it's watered down to deliver an easy, glossy, simplified narrative. " Where to watch it: In cinemas. Read our full review. Top image: Parasite.
Long-deprived vegetarians, today's your day to high five a stranger, hug a disinterested cat, throw flowers from your shitty morning bus, dance merrily to your 9am. Today, IKEA Australia announced the launch of its long-awaited veggie Swedish meatball, consisting only of vegetables. AW. YEH. That's right, vegetarians can now partake in the glorious Swedishery that is IKEA's famed meatballs. The new ball is called GRÖNSAKSBULLAR, which sounds like a demon the Charmed sisters once battled — but this long-awaited IKEA newcomer deserves one mighty title. The new veggie balls will be rolled out (heh) in Australian IKEA store restaurants from April 27. Carnivores, if you're freaking out, don't think for a second the original meaty meaty meatballs are going anywhere. The veggie orbs of goodness will set you back $8.99 for a serving size of 10 and $3.69 for the kids’ serving size of five (plus you'll probably be able to take frozen balls home with you). “Our iconic IKEA meatballs are much loved in Australia — last year Aussies enjoyed nearly 8.5 million of them," said IKEA Australia food manager Simone Fowler. "The new veggie balls are a healthy, more sustainable option and form part of a move to decrease the impact of our food offering on the environment. Producing this meat free product will help cut our carbon emissions by half.” Overall, IKEA's aiming for a more sustainable food offering, acknowledging the lower environmental impact veggie-only balls have in comparison to their ambiguous meatballs. As Fowler said, the newbies will lower IKEA's carbon footprint too. It's part of their new campaign to promote for more environmentally-friendly, healthy and more ethically-produced food products — called the 'IKEA People and Planet Positive Strategy'. So IKEA's not only producing sweet veggie balls, but taking a long hard look at all their instore food. Meat-eating haters gonna hate. This is a victorious day for IKEA-lovin' veggos who've watched their buds enjoy dollar hot dogs and sweet, sweet meatballs on every furniture run.
Cities make possible the suspension of night and day. With enough neon and insomnia at our disposal, we can turn them into places where we can do anything we want, whenever we want. In New York City, for example, you can shop for nuts and bolts, stalk your crush with a nocturnal flower delivery, nab the latest smartphone and spruce up your hairdo 24/7. Like Simone Beauvoir wrote, “There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.” The big question is, now that we have this potential at our fingertips, what should we do with it? To what extent does a cosmopolitan city depend on infinite opening hours? Many laud the energy, excitement, romanticism and economic benefits of the 24-hour metropolis. Marion Roberts, a professor of urban design at the University of Westminster, concludes that it “generates more jobs, activities and social solidarities”. Others fret about excessive alcohol consumption, noise pollution and the next generation turning into a horde of sleep-deprived, hedonistic narcissists. With the one-year anniversary of Sydney’s controversial lockout laws looming over us, we take a look at how much napping is happening (or not) in some of the world’s best cities, and how essential it is their success on the world stage. WHERE NIGHTLIFE IS A RELIGION BERLIN In Germany, closing times are determined by each town or city. For Berlin, this means there’s no such thing as last call. Bars decide on their hours independently, with oodles of them operating according to the ebb-and-flow of demand, and a bunch of
There's plenty to love about newly-opened, vegan snack bar, Follies. Along with a food and beverage menu that's entirely plant-based, Follies pays homage to the classic pintxos bars found in Barcelona and San Sebastian. Everything on the menu comes in a bite-sized ration, served on toothpicks as a nod to its Basque Country heritage. Follies is the lockdown brainchild of Melbourne-born and bred Olivia Franklin, a young but eager hospitality veteran. A nostalgic ode to the 70s, Follies' fit-out has been brought to life with the help of retro wallpaper prints, bright orange table tops and the fuzzy, original carpet from the 70s. Patrons will find a reliable everyday menu of hot, cold, sweet and savoury pintxos priced at $5.50 for a small stick and $7 for a large. The pintxos bar choices run to the likes of peach and goats cheese crostini done with a balsamic glaze ($5.50), and cream cheese-stuffed peppers laden with walnuts ($7). Extra soft and juicy Italian meatballs are served coated in a rich tomato and red wine sauce ($7), while a Patatas Bravas with roast chickpeas ($7) is a must-try. Seasonal and event-themed specials are also promised to make appearances throughout the year. Drinks take the form of house cocktails, spritzes, local beers and an ever-evolving selection of vegan, low-intervention wines. The Frosty Fruit margarita contains a crowd-pleasing tequila, Cointreau, passionfruit and lime ($22), while a Porny Pom mixes vodka, vanilla, pomegranate liquor, molasses and prosecco ($22). Low-to-no alcohol drinks are given plenty of love too, with a range of iced teas, spritzes and pét-nat for guests looking for alternative bevvies. An enticing daily happy hour offers $18 cocktails, $10 spritzes, $9 wines and $7 schooners. Bottomless lunch comes in at an easy $75, including bottomless pintxos, spritz, beer and wine. Images: Genevieve Rankin
A nirvana of live music and creative thinking nestled smack bang in the middle of one of America’s most conservative states, Austin, Texas is amongst the most hypeworthy cities in the world. Never is this truer than during South by Southwest, a ten day festival of hugely talked-about movies, must-hear new music and groundbreaking, interactive tech. From flying cars to talks by Edward Snowden, this year’s event has once again got us turning green with envy. To help us cope with hardcore FOMO, we’ve come up with seven things happening at SXSW 2015 we wish we were bragging about experiencing firsthand. MEERKAT IS TAKING OVER With a tech-head on every corner, SXSW has become a premiere destination for developers looking to launch their latest app. Twitter and Foursquare both got their start in Austin, but this year the buzz has coalesced around Meerkat, an app that lets you live stream video from your phone to Twitter. Interesting idea, although whether it has staying power remains to be seen. VIRTUAL REALITY IS PUTTING PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE AT SNL40 Right now it feels like we’re right on the cusp of virtual reality actually being a thing. The team at Saturday Night Live certainly think so, teaming up with Sony to capture the filming of their recent 40th anniversary show. Just think: now you’ll be able to experience Eddie Murphy’s awkward guest spot like you were squirming in the audience firsthand. THERE'S A KWIK-E-MART FOOD TRUCK HANDING OUT FREE SQUISHEES Celebrating 25 years since the Kwik-E-Mart first opened its sliding doors on The Simpsons, Fox have created a food truck for SXSW that's serving up free squishees to lucky, lucky jerks for the duration of the festival. The flavours? 'Not So Very Cherry' and 'Give 'em the Razz'. The whole thing's a publicity stunt of course, and coincides with the announcement of the first ever 1100-piece Lego Kwik-E-Mart set. JIMMY KIMMEL TAPED A COMMERCIAL FOR A LOCAL AUSTIN VIDEO STORE For the second year in a row, late night host Jimmy Kimmel made the trip to Texas for a week’s worth of shows, with guests including Bill Murray, Willie Nelson and Kanye West. But the highlight might be the trio of TV ads he recorded for Austin’s Vulcan Video, where he and a self-effacing Matthew McConaughey pay tribute to Leonard Nimoy and extol the virtue of VHS. Alright, alright... alright? THERE'S BEEN SWORD FIGHTING AT SXSWESTEROS Well of course there was a Game of Thrones thing. HBO’s SXSW installation, teasing the launch of the show’s fifth season, has been one of the biggest drawcards of the festival, with lines stretching around the block. Fans got the chance to practice their swordsmanship, snap a pic in the Iron Throne and get a taste of the show’s latest branded beer, Three-Eyed Raven Ale. As of yet, no one appears to have been betrayed and brutally murdered, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted. TINDER'S BEING USED IN A CREEPY BUT MOVING MARKETING CAMPAIGN Okay, so we’re not exactly sure we’d actually want to experience this one. Like any popular social networking app, Tinder has got its fair share of bots, but none of them are quite like Ava. While she appears to be a pretty 25-year-old, she’s actually part of a viral marketing campaign for sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, which premiered at the festival over the weekend. It’s a clever stunt, although we can’t help but feel a little bad for the guys who swiped right. PEOPLE ARE VOLUNTARILY STAYING AT BATES MOTEL We all go a little crazy sometimes. Some of us are even crazy enough to want to stay in a pop-up Bates Motel, publicising the A&E thriller television show with a terrifying stay. An exact replica built with the help of the show's set designers for the third season of Bates Motel, the pop-up fully functioning hotel accommodates guests in three rooms from March 13-21. You're only able to check-in by winning a daily sweepstakes in the motel office. Lucky winners have found a fake blood spatter in the shower in their room, along with poor ol' Norma's bathrobe on the bed. Freaky. PEOPLE ARE GENUINELY RALLYING AGAINST ROBOTS Perhaps a few of Ava’s disgruntled victims were amongst the protestors at the Rally Against Robots, a protest march attempting to warn festivalgoers about the dangers of artificial intelligence. Or at least, that’s what it looked like. Turns out this was actually another marketing stunt, for a dating app called Quiver. That said, we’ve seen The Terminator enough times to think they might actually be on to something. PUNTERS ARE TAKING INTERSTELLAR VR TOURS Speaking of virtual reality, a VR tie-in with Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar put attendees 'inside' the film’s Endurance space craft — letting them explore the ship in zero gravity and get a glimpse of a time-warping black hole. No word on whether this experience actually helps you understand the plot of the movie, but either way it sounds pretty cool.
Hitting the indoor mini-golf course for a few holes of pop culture-themed fun and a few rounds of delightfully named beverages isn't just something Brisbanites should enjoy, or Sydney residents either. After launching in Queensland in late 2016, and announcing their first New South Wales venture, Holey Moley Golf Club officially opens in Melbourne today, Thursday, April 20. From noon, 590 Little Bourke Street will be home to 27 holes of club-swinging antics across two levels. It's Holey Moley's biggest venue yet, which means that there's plenty of room for the three nine-hole courses. The Brisbane bar is known for its creativity when it comes to creating courses, and this venue is no exception. Melburnians will be able to tap, tap, tap their way through rooms dedicated to The Simpsons and Game of Thrones and throwbacks to Pacman and Barbie dolls. Plus, everyone will be able to break out into song at the same time, with karaoke part of the antics. If you choose to work your way through the Happy Gilmore soundtrack, no one will stop you (at least not any of the staff). Drinks-wise, expect cocktails. The Caddyshack Bar boasts a pun-laden drinks list that includes the The Sugar Caddy, the Teeyonce Knowles and a Long Island Iced Tee (just what it sounds like, but with an appropriate name). Beer, cider and wine will also be available, but when you're aiming for a hole-in-one, it seems appropriate to be drinking from one (made from Pampero white rum, cinnamon whisky, half a banana, sugar syrup and a doughnut — yep, a doughnut) at the same time. Holey Moley Golf Club is now open at 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne. It will be open noon till late Monday to Friday, and 10am till late on weekends. For more info, check out their website. Images: Lucas Dawson.
Uber's switched on marketing team are at it again. Less than a week after teaming with Optus on an Australia Day stunt that saw cricket umpires dispatched to backyards around the country, the ridesharing service have announced their latest promotion. From 11am on Sunday January 31, Uber users will be able to summon a driver to collect unwanted gifts and second-hand clothes for donation to the Red Cross. The promotion is being run in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, in partnership with local Red Cross Shops. Users wishing to donate can simply log in to the app between 11am and 4pm and select the 'Clothing Drive' option. The Red Cross asks that people bag up their donations, and only include items that can be resold. "The more donations we receive the more we are able to support the work of Red Cross around Australia," said Red Cross Shops Marketing Manager Kate Dear. Proceeds from sales at Red Cross Shops go directly to support the daily work of the organisation. Here's hoping people respond to this Uber promotion with the same enthusiasm that they did to ones involving kittens and ice-cream. Sure, helping people in need might not be as exciting as cats on demand, but you'd be hard pressed to argue it isn't a little bit more worthwhile. For more information visit the Uber newsroom.
As 2017 continues to fly by, Melbourne's galleries have got your much-needed creative fix covered with a fantastic selection of contemporary art exhibitions featuring some international greats and local legends. This month, head to the Art Gallery of Ballarat to catch the photographs of fashion icon David LaChapelle, tickle your senses as sound and visuals clash in unexpected ways at the Ian Potter Museum of Art and find the best small-scale works across loads of different creative mediums for the Small Works 2017 annual event. With heaps more to choose from, August is bound to keep your creative needs topped-up and ready for the rest of the year.
A new rooftop hotel in Melbourne is offering a luxurious alternative to the cramped family camper you would have piled into as a kid. Opening on Friday, August 26 atop a Flinders Lane carpark in the CBD, this boutique venture consists of six vintage airstream caravans transported from the U.S. and completely refitted as "designer urban accommodation", complete with queen size bed, split-system heating and cooling, and a fridge full of complimentary craft beer and wine. Throw in a little laneway graffiti art and this couldn't get any more Melbourne if it tried. In addition to the amenities listed above, each caravan at Notel Melbourne comes with a television, linen and an en suite bathroom with full height shower. Sounds a little cosy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need, especially when you're dealing with chilly Melbourne weather. There's also an 'Airstream with benefits' ultra-luxe option, which includes access to a goddamn spa outside your trailer. The rooftop itself, meanwhile, has recently gotten a new lick of paint courtesy of local artist Ash Keating. A photo posted by Notel Melbourne (@notelmelbourne) on Aug 24, 2016 at 3:03am PDT Guests will have access to tablets loaded with music and movies along with a virtual guide to help them explore the city. The space will also be available for functions, with room for up to 300 people on the roof. Keen to book a night up there? Airstreams are going at $395 a night for two people, and bookings are officially open here. Notel Melbourne is now open on the corner of Flinders and Harper Lanes, Melbourne. For more information and to book visit notelmelbourne.com.au.
When last year's Dark MOFO program dropped, House of Mirrors immediately rocketed to the top of everyone's must-do list. Created by Australian installation artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, it's exactly what it sounds like: a walkthrough space filled with reflective surfaces that will not only strands you in a maze of your own image, but turns your likeness into a kaleidoscope. Since then, the installation has made its way to Brisbane and Sydney for a stint at January's Sydney Festival. And now, eager Melburnians will soon get the chance to wander through the disorienting, perception-altering, panic-inducing, optical illusion-based labyrinth for themselves. From April 7–30, the mirror maze will take over Rosalind Park adjacent to Bendigo Art Gallery for three weeks of reflective roaming, with the modern, minimalist twist on the fairground classic featuring 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of mirrors — and no added gimmicks, no special effects, no special lighting, no soundtrack or soundscape. It'll be the first time House of Mirrors has come to Victoria — and with Bendigo less than a two-hour drive (or train ride) away, it's an easy one to do on a day trip. The House of Mirrors will be at Bendigo Art Gallery from April 7–30. For more information, visit their website.
UPDATE: MARCH 31, 2020 — This much-loved vegan spot is now offering a limited menu available for takeaway and delivery, so you can enjoy penne carbonara, vodka-spiked spaghetti and tiramisu in your own home. Check out the full menu here. The early success of new Fitzroy restaurant Smith & Daughters has taken everyone by surprise, including first-time restaurant owners Mo Wyse and Shannon Martinez, who run the floor and head up the kitchen respectively. Understandably, there have been some teething issues; the restaurant has been booked out every night since opening and, at one point, they were forced to abort a lunch service to re-stock absolutely everything in their kitchen. Despite all this happening within a week of opening, the staff haven't stopped smiling, and the food certainly hasn't suffered. For a completely vegan restaurant to appeal to non-vegan patrons and avoid any subculture stereotype or prejudice is fairly remarkable. And, the Latin-inspired food is great. For a carnivore and dairy-fiend, I couldn't have been happier with what Smith & Daughters put in front of me. The tasty house-made guacamole with tortilla chips ($12) was a fabulous entry point to the menu, which consists of 'small plates' and 'big plates' — all of which are very shareable. Avoid the paella (delicious al dente rice flavoured with vegetable saffron stock was sacrificed by the faux seafood) in favour of the tacos ($14 for three), which consisted of soft, floury (but gluten free) tortillas filled with spicy 'chorizo' and potato, jackfruit carnitas or mushroom nopales and sweet grilled corn. They rival anything from the many (non-vegan) taco specialists around Melbourne. With other offerings such as Spanish tortilla with a beautifully crafted creamy house-made aioli ($7), 'tuna' and green pea croquettas ($15 for three), and crowd favourite taco con ensalada ($16), it's the sort of menu that can make decision time a tricky thing... especially if you want to leave room for a round of warm Spanish doughnuts or chocolate tart with avocado ice cream. The entire menu is plant-based, local and organic, and the kitchen puts in a lot of effort and consideration to make sure flavour is not hindered by the cause. As a result, non-vegan diners will happily return to this new culinary hotspot, and Melbourne's vegan contingent will rejoice their new favourite as one they can happily share with their non-vegan friends. If you still need any convincing, the cocktails coming from behind the bar were stunning creations in themselves.
Throw on your formal orange jumpsuit for an evening in the slammer. The one-time home to some of the worst offenders in Australian penal history, the Old Melbourne Gaol is undergoing a one-night transformation, into a gin-guzzling pop-up bar. And really, it makes sense. After all, what makes people want to party harder than the thought of going to prison? The Gin Bar is actually the latest in a series of prison pop-ups, organised by the folks at the Australian National Trust. See, that’s how they get you; luring you in with the promise of alcohol, and then ambushing you with a history lesson. Well played, National Trust. Well played. Entry to the pop-up starts at $40, but this comes with two complimentary drinks. An extra $10 gets you into an intimate cocktail masterclass, and food by CNK Food Design will be available to purchase.
Chimac Plus is a classic Korean barbecue joint, brought to life with an elegant interior and dim lighting which set the mood for an intimate and tantalising feast. The all-you-can-eat menu includes a meat selection of pork belly, soy-marinated pork scotch, oyster blades marinated in soy, a range of bulgogi and fried chicken wings in wonder soy — all complemented with classic sides like kimchi, spicy fish cakes, pickled onions and steamed rice. From the a la carte menu, try the fried chicken coated in a sticky and sweet chilli paste or the mad chilli chicken (hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot and hot they warn). For a barbecue set, look no further than the 'Show Me What You Got' option, which includes oyster blade steak, beef bulgogi, spicy pork bulgogi, soy chicken and plain pork belly and soy wings. You can add extra meat on your own accord. There is also a Kor-Mex menu (Korea meets Mexico, duh) that includes takor (think tacos, quesadillas and burritos with your choice of beef, spicy pork and chicken or kimchi). Pair this with some loaded fries and enter a brave new world of Korean cuisine. Wash it down with some Korean or Japanese beer or some Korean rice wine. If you're off the booze, try a bong bong or two (a Korean grape drink) which is delightfully fizzy. All up, Chimac Plus is the perfect place for a chill catch-up with serious and fun cuisine. Images: Tran Nguyen
Sydney-based artist Rosemary Laing is bringing works from two of her celebrated photographic series to The Heide for Climarte this month. In Laing’s 2006 series, The Weather features a woman suspended in the air, caught in a storm of shredded environmental texts; a metaphor for the confusing whirlwind of facts and opinions surrounding the contentious issue of climate change. Images from Laing’s 2013 series, The Paper, depicts a casuarina forest floor covered in sheets of newspaper, suggesting the human influence on nature. Interestingly, images from each series were not created through digital manipulation; what you see in the photos was meticulously created by the photographer herself. Images from both series examine the unsettling relationship between our natural and cultural environments. Laing's series are appearing as part of Climarte, a Melbourne-wide festival focused on climate change and its representation in arts and ideas. During the festival there will be over 20 curated exhibitions, keynote lectures and public forums featuring both local and international guests.
We've known for a while that the team at Fancy Hank's are opening a new two-storey venue on Bourke Street in the CBD. We also know it'll have its very own rooftop bar. But what of their original digs opposite Queen Victoria Market? Fear not, meat lovers: the masters of all things smoked and char-grilled aren't leaving you in the lurch. It may not technically be called Hank's anymore, but Knuckles BBQ Sandwiches & Bar does a pretty good impression. Dubbed a "pop-down", the newly opened restaurant features a scaled-back version of the Fancy Hank's menu split into two distinct sections: "sandwiches" and "not sandwiches". On the sandwich side you'll find sandwiches (duh) including a pork sanga with Kentucky-style slaw and kewpie mayo, as well as a southern fried chicken number featuring Alabama BBQ sauce and American cheese. As for things that aren't sandwiches, think stateside favourites such as chicken wings, tater tots, potato salad and fried pickles, plus a chocolate cherry brownie with ice cream for dessert. They'll also serve $7 pints of Furphy during Happy Hour, which runs generously from 4pm to 7pm each day. "After two great years at the Victoria Market, Knuckles provides the perfect homage to Fancy Hank's: tasty food, cold beer, no frills and a let-your-hair-down kind of atmosphere," said Fancy Hank's co-owner and head chef Mike Patrick. Find Knuckles Sandwich Bar at 456 Queen St, Melbourne. For more information follow them on Instagram.
Anyone who has ever watched a horror movie before knows that you should never, ever go into the woods. Yet that's exactly what the people behind Australia's coolest new immersive cinema experience are asking you to do. Horror Movie Campout is a blood-soaked overnight camping trip held in a secret Blair Witch-style forest an hour from the city. Just please, leave the machete at home. Coming to Melbourne in December and Sydney next year, this uniquely scary take on outdoor movie-going will treat campers to two classic horror films, along with a number of gory shorts. The first is 1973's head-spinner The Exorcist – enjoy the serenity of fear while roasting marshmallows and munching on popcorn (or spilling it) into the early hours of the morning. The second popular horror feature will be voted for by HMC campers via Facebook. But it's not just the movies. Beyond the comfort of your cosy cinema spot, surprises lurk in the forest. Is someone following you? Is that a person’s shadow, or just your imagination playing tricks? Horror Movie Campout promises to put your heart – and your bladder – to the test. Each $180 ticket includes a tent to sleep three mates. Glamping options are also available for $240, offering luxury horror-goers VIP perks such as express entry and primo spots in front of the screen. Just don't think you're exempt from the special horror surprises. Melbourne’s Horror Movie Campout is being held at Point Cook Homestead on December 4 and 5, while the Sydney event will be held in early 2016. It should also probably go without saying that this is strictly an R18+ event. Image via Dollar Photo Club.
Descending on the city from August 30 to September 8, this year's edition of the Melbourne Writers Festival is set to be an especially amorous one, dishing up a jam-packed program that's all about L-O-V-E (yep, luuuuurve). From the sappy soulmate stuff, to all-important self-love, MWF has pulled together a diverse lineup of talent to help get to the heart of it all. Pulling inspiration from Raymond Carver's short story collection What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, the program sets out to explore our love for everything from people, sex, politics and country. And, no matter where you sit on that spectrum, it's got a little something for everyone. A slew of loved-up special events includes a rowdy rendition of a hen's night, helmed by comedy writers Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan (the Kates from Get Krack!n and The Katering Show), and a faux wedding reception for author and presenter Yumi Stynes. And we'll all be getting nostalgic about past heartbreaks, when the Museum of Broken Relationships exhibition makes its Aussie debut, bringing pieces from its permanent collections in Zagreb and LA and showing them alongside a few tear-jerking local contributions. You'll also catch conversations with some heavy-hitting international talent, including the USA's Tayari Jones (An American Marriage), Canadian novelist Patrick deWitt (French Exit), Scottish crime-writing star Val McDermid and experimental rock writer and Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon. Elsewhere, legendary singer-songwriter Tina Arena joins Yorta Yorta soprano, composer and educator Deborah Cheetham for the festival's popular Duets series; Cold Chisel's Don Walker chats with Paul Kelly, reflecting on a couple of impressive musical careers; Daniel Mallory Ortberg — host of Slate's Dear Prudence podcast and founder of The Toast — digs deep into all those occasions when love just hurts; and even a performance by Ben Folds. Book Club will see a group of broadcasters, comedians, former politicians and authors discussing their favourite tomes, or you can enjoy a selection of the city's cringiest DIY wedding vows, as performed by comics Anne Edmonds and Nath Valvo. In short, you'll have a lot of new additions to your Goodreads list.
With three holiday dates coming up, April is the month to plan a weekend getaway. If you're still looking for your ticket out of the city, Flash Camp has just announced they'll be hosting a pop-up glamping site within Shoalhaven's Coolendel private reserve from April 7 through 25, including the Easter and ANZAC Day holidays. Only a 2.5 hour drive down the South Coast from Sydney and thirty minutes from Nowra, the remote location is an easy trip to achieve a true bush experience — well, kind of. As to be expected, the tents look quite luxe. The bell-shaped, premium 'Flash Tents' come with a king-sized mattress, covered in plush bedding and perched on timber pallets. The tents also feature solar lighting, table and chairs, Biology toiletries and a hand-woven Armadillo & Co rug. For groups looking for a slightly (very slightly) more traditional camping experience, Flash Camp also offer their regular bell tents with air beds. Guests will also have access to the existing Coolendel amenities, including hot showers and barbecue facilities, as well as a communal Flash Camp tent with seating, fairy lights and a campfire. The glamping site will be located within Coolendel's 52 hectares of bushland along the Shoalhaven River. Nature lovers will be keen on this secluded grassy park, which is an ideal location for spotting wombats, goannas, wallabies and native birds. Apart from nature watching and bushwalking, guests can also try a spot of canoeing, biking and fishing. Rates vary from $110 to $220 per night, depending on day of the week and holidays. Food is not provided, though, so campers should make sure to pack the eski full for the duration of the trip. Flash Camp Glamping will pop up at Coolendel from April 7 through 25. To book, visit the Flash Camp website. For more glamping options, check out our list for the ten best glamping spots near Sydney .
It's not uncommon for Aussie pubs to be named after famous lords and statesmen. A new bar in Prahran, on the other hand, is named after one of their pets. Opening this week on Greville Street, Rufus takes its name from Winston Churchill's beloved poodle, a faithful friend so adored by his master that it's said that no-one at the PM's table ate until the butler had served Rufus his meal. Visitors to the pooch's new namesake can expect similarly sophisticated service. Open from 4pm daily, Rufus is billed as a champagne parlour and terrace, with the intimate space ideal for groups of 2-4 people. The swish interior includes mirrors along the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, giving the impression that you are enjoying a tipple in Sir Winston's private parlour. Drinks include dry martinis mixed at the bar's special pink martini station, and a selection of spirits which sit proudly on display in the Rufus' drawing room cabinet. Melbourne, we will be mixing martinis from our pink martini station until 1am. #rufusprahran #martinipleasejeeves A photo posted by Rufus (@rufusmelbourne) on Apr 29, 2016 at 5:30am PDT Rufus is located at 143 Greville Street, Prahran. Their operating hours are 4pm-1am, seven days a week. For more information find them on Facebook or visit www.rufusbar.com.au.
Melbourne's latest CBD pub looks set to tower over the competition. Opening on Tuesday, July 19 after years of planning, the Garden State Hotel is a sprawling four-storey watering hole complete with public bar, beer garden, private dining room, subterranean saloon and New York-style grill. The way things are shaping up, we'll never have to go anywhere else. Garden State is located at 101 Flinders Lane, inside a 130-year-old building that began its life as a saw mill before playing host to Rosati, one of Melbourne's top dining destinations in the '80s and '90s. Now, under the new ownership of Sand Hill Road Hospitality – the same team behind the Prahran, Bridge and Terminus Hotels – the space has been transformed once again. In the centre of the building, punters will find a multi-level beer garden built around three large ficus trees. The space is served by a long bar, with a self-order kiosk that delivers snacks and toasted sandwiches in a flash. At the rear of the beer garden is the venue's main dining area, the appropriately named Garden Grill. There you'll feast on Modern Australian cuisine including an array of fresh seafood. Also on the ground level is the Garden State's public bar, featuring booth seating, bar tables and views onto bustling Flinders Lane. Shuckin' for days #gardenstateblooming #menutasting #flinderslane #melbournebarsandrooftops #blkboardmelb #melbourneeats RG @dp_chef A photo posted by Garden State Hotel (@gardenstatehotel) on Jul 13, 2016 at 11:19pm PDT Head downstairs and you'll end up face to face with the Rose Garden, an intimate saloon decorated with French crystal chandaliers, vintage vases and rose bouquets, with a cocktail menu overseen by ex-Eau de Vie barman Kevin Peters. The first floor, meanwhile, is home to the Balcony Dining Room, a private space for 18 people with its own bar and balcony. And on the second floor? The venue's premier function space, described as "a glamorous, light-filled space for up to 120 people." Find Garden State Hotel at 101 Flinders Lane from Tuesday, June 19. For more information visit www.gardenstatehotel.com.au.
Collingwood has a brand new event space and cafe that provides support to homeless and disadvantaged youths. Cromwell STREAT is the latest project from local social enterprise STREAT (and, yes, it's located on Cromwell Street), who for the past seven years have offered opportunities and hospitality training to at-risk young people, via employment in their numerous cafes as well as fundraising initiatives such as their annual Melbourne Central Sleepover. Opening on Friday, September 16 after securing funding through a successful crowdfunding campaign, Cromwell STREAT isn't just a cafe, but an artisan bakery, coffee roastery, function space and youth training academy too. The 80-seat eatery — which is located in a renovated 150-year-old heritage-listed Cromwell Manor — will also feature a big outdoor area, all-day breakfast and lunch from 11am. Pastries and fresh loves of bread will be available from 7am and STREAT's own blend will be going into coffee cups. Cromwell STREAT is now open at 66 Cromwell Street, Collingwood. It's open from 7am till 4pm on weekdays and 8am till 4pm on weekends. For more info, visit STREAT's Facebook page.
Enjoy a breakfast of champions at whatever hour you please, courtesy of Australia's first ever cereal cafe. Opening its doors in Melbourne in just over a week, this pop-up snack hub will be serving all your childhood and/or late-night share house favourites, including Froot Loops, Coco Pops and Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut. Launching February 12, Cereal Anytime is the latest temporary tenant of Richmond’s year-long food and retail precinct, Swan Street Chamber of Commerce. Supposedly, the aim of the cafe is “educating people on foods in moderation”, which might get tricky given the sugar content of what they serve. Perhaps a limit of one bowl of Frosted Flakes per customer? The cafe will operate via a “pay-it-forward” payment system. Upon entry, diners simply peel a Post-it note off the wall, which they can then use to pay for their bowl of cereal. The Post-its can be replenished for $4 a pop, ensuring that those who are a little less fortunate don’t miss out. A recent cereal cafe that opened in London served over 120 different kinds of cereal, 13 milks and more than 20 additional toppings, so our iteration has something of a reputation to live up to. It sparked huge demand, followed by something of a culture war when some very practical types balked at paying £3.50 for flakes out of a box. Melbourne's version, with its element of feelgoodery, should sidestep that issue. Hungry members of the public can help decide the cafe’s final menu and gain entry on day one (February 12) via a ballot on their Cereal Anytime Facebook page.
In January next year Noma will open in Sydney for ten weeks. For that time it will likely be the only restaurant in Sydney entirely inspired by Australia’s native ingredients, landscape and climate. When he was here in 2010, Noma’s visionary chef Rene Redzepi said this: "I think this is the essence of great cuisine. I think that in any city they should have all the ethnic and multicultural cuisines, but I think that it's a poor culture if it doesn't have its own true, unique expression that can only be represented right there at the place." He was making a comparison between the restaurant food he’d eaten in Sydney and Melbourne and the indigenous feast he'd had in the Flinders Ranges. Redzepi was surprised that, given the incredible variety of native produce we have, no one outside of indigenous communities (and a tiny pocket of restaurants) were using them. A lot has changed since then. "After listening to Rene Redzepi's keynote address at the Sydney Opera House, I was completely inspired and left that night on a mission to track down Australian native produce which I could weave into my Cantonese cooking," says Kylie Kwong, owner and head-chef at Billy Kwong — the only restaurant in the world making traditional Cantonese food with Australian ingredients. At the moment, their latest menu includes wallaby cakes with Kakadu plum, crispy saltbush parcels and stir-fried spanner crab with a trio of native greens. Elsewhere, Adelaide's Orana has a dish of emu, plum pine and mountain pepper, while at Attica in Melbourne you'll find salted red kangaroo with pepperberries and bunya bunya, a starchy Queensland nut roughly comparable to a chestnut. With the exception of the above restaurants and a handful of others though, the use of native ingredients is rarely more than an occasional flourish — a few wattle seeds here and there, a lemon myrtle infusion or maybe a sight of warrigal greens. Finding a native vegetable, fruit or meat is an extreme rarity. You get the impression that Australia's portfolio of native ingredients is simply a short list of easily substitutable herbs and greens. [caption id="attachment_552283" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Billy Kwong[/caption] REVOLUTIONISING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIVE FOODS John Newton's been researching native ingredients for his book The Oldest Foods on Earth. The history of native Australian food, with recipes. Australia has around 6000 unique edible plants and, in South East Queensland alone, there are more than 1500 different fruiting trees, he says. "We have the most fantastic native game birds. I've tasted the magpie goose — I love duck, and it's ten times better than duck. There's the bustard, there's scrub turkey, which tastes like pheasant. Beautiful." Even if only a tenth of our native ingredients tasted any good, it would be more than enough to completely revolutionise a green grocer’s shelves or an entire restaurant menu. But that particular revolution will have to wait, as there's not nearly enough farms or even knowledge of how to farm the vast majority of those ingredients. A lot of that information was lost after Europeans first arrived and started terraforming Australia for the production of beef, wheat and wool. [caption id="attachment_552284" align="alignnone" width="960"] Quay[/caption] FARMING NATIVE FOODS Picture this: you're an enterprising land owner who wants to start a farm. Given the resources and knowledge out there, you're more likely to start growing blueberries, cabbage or some common vegetable, rather than spend several years fiddling with native ingredients that have little to no backlog of info on how to actually cultivate or propagate them. Well, this has been the life of Mike and Gayle Quarmby. The owners of native food farming and distribution initiative Outback Pride have dedicated the best part of two decades to figuring out how to grow various native ingredients on a commercial scale. "We've done an enormous amount of research, development and horticultural work to actually domesticate these native food plants to get them to perform in a sustainable way," says Mike Quarmby. When they started, the majority of native produce farming consisted of simple wild harvesting, now their business is the biggest general supplier in the native food industry. Their clients include some of Australia's most innovative restaurants, chefs and grocers — and in January they'll be supplying almost their entire range of 65 ingredients to Noma Australia. [caption id="attachment_552289" align="alignnone" width="960"] Scallops with beach succulents at Orana.[/caption] SO, WHY THE STIGMA? It’s been a tough slog for the Quarmbys to get here. Aside from their trials in horticultural adventure, Quarmby says the duo has had to battle against an entrenched negativity against indigenous produce. "Australians have an inferiority complex about everything and anything related to food. ‘If it comes from overseas it must be good’. That has had a major effect,” he says. When we talked to John Newton about this, he mentioned the experience of three of Australia's early native produce pioneers: Jean-Paul Bruneteau and his restaurant Rowntrees, and Jennice and Raymond Kersh with Edna's Table. Interestingly, this first wave of restaurateurs made a big noise about using Australian native ingredients. Newton, who was working as a food critic in the '80s when the restaurants were operating, says the restauranteurs regularly faced criticism from customers solely due to the fact that they sold indigenous ingredients. "I don't know why. You could explore that in terms of racism all that you like," he says. But Newton says the worst thing to happen to the industry was a TV show called Bush Tucker Man. "Every time he puts something in his mouth he screws up. He hated it." Quarmby gave a similar review: "All due respects to Les Hidden, but he gave the impression that you only ate bush tucker if you were starving, and it tasted like shit." Quarmby says Redzepi has proven so influential because, as a Dane, he didn't come to Australia attached to any cultural prejudice or inferiority complex around Australian ingredients and the idea of a national cuisine. And now, despite a rough past, both Quarmby and his competitors in the native food industry are witnessing rapid growth. "We can't believe the number of new restaurants — we have nine exclusive distributors around Australia and our phone is running hot. They're saying things like 'this is the easiest thing we've sold all our lives'." WHERE TO EAT NATIVE INGREDIENTS Orana 1/285 Rundle Street, Adelaide, South Australia Attica 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, Victoria Vue de Monde 55, Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria Billy Kwong 1/28 Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay, NSW Quay Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, George & Argyle Streets, The Rocks, NSW Bennelong Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney, NSW Top image: Salt cured red kangaroo with bunya bunya at Attica.
Smith Street rejoice! The universe has heard your cry for more meat, cheese, wine and all things deli and has answered with an ambitious new butcher shop and eatery named Meatsmith (and politely asks if you would stop sending letters about the matter). Meatsmith is a collaborative effort between chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell (of Cumulus Inc., Supernormal amongst many) and butcher Troy Wheeler, once of Peter Bouchier. Meatsmith, which is slated to open next week, features an in-house deli with a fine dining twist. Alongside the standard deli fare, you’ll find pre-prepared, take-home versions of fancy Cumulus dishes, like the whole slow-roasted lamb shoulder and other mouthwatering cuts (hello, braised beef cheeks) that ensure you’ll never eat McDonalds on the run again. The eatery will also serve up a divine selection of charcuterie, pates, house-made preserves and mustards, homemade terrines and lots of French and European style cold-cuts and smallgoods. If this Cumulus roast is any indication of what to expect, we're on board. Wheeler says the point of difference for the Meatsmith butchers is the expertise of the staff, who all have extensive practical knowledge (and more than a little charm) from working in hospitality, as opposed to the classic brusque butcher stereotype. “If you walk in not knowing what you want for dinner or if you want to impress at a dinner party, our staff can help," he says. "We would like to think we're accessible to people who know good food and want good food, as well as people who want some confidence in the staff and want clear information. The design of the shop reflects this idea; we don’t have the big high butchers counters and the barrier between us and the customer, so we’re accessible”. Find Meatsmith at 73 Smith Street, Fitzroy, meatsmith.com.au. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Seafood towers are so underrated. The masses love a boozy brunch, big set menus and seafood deals, but a seafood tower combines a whole lot of these all in one. And right now, Etta's has got to be one of the best in Melbourne. Every Friday and Saturday arvo, you can drop by one of the best restaurants in Melbourne for a totally luxe seafood tower offering that'll cost a very reasonable $75 per person. On the tower, you'll find woodfired sand crab; chilled king tiger prawns; smoked mussels; raw snapper with sambal; watermelon and green mango; champagne-battered fish bites; and a bunch of different mayos and oils for dipping. As Etta is also one of the city's top wine bars, you can also pair this feed with incredible champagnes. You can add on NV Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV Frédéric Savart 'l'Ouverture' Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, NV Larmandier-Bernier 'Rosé de Saignée' or Egly-Ouriet Ratafia de Champagne to make it even more lavish. But be aware that there will only be a limited-number of seafood towers available each lunchtime, so be sure to request one when making your booking. Yo're not going to want to miss out on this deal, which runs throughout November and December. Images: Jana Langhorst.
There is nothing quite as comforting as a perfect cheese toastie. Both delicious and nostalgic, it is a go-to on any day. And luckily for us, Maker & Monger will once again elevate the toastie experience with the fifth instalment of its famed Friends of Fromage series. Every Saturday, from August 31–September 28, Melbourne's favourite cheese connoisseurs Maker & Monger are letting a different top Aussie chef take over its Prahran Market stall — each creating a one-of-a-kind toastie. The series will include Micha Tropp (Toddy Shop), Rosheen Kaul (ex-Etta), Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters), Blayne and Chayse Bertoncello (O.My), and Jeung Eun Chae (Chae). Tropp kicks it off on Saturday, August 31 with his riff on a Bombay veggie sanga, and is followed by Kaul's tuna sambal toastie on Saturday, September 7. Martinez is running the stall on Saturday, September 14, pumping out stacks of her Mexican cobb loaf, before Blayne and Chayse Bertoncello work together on their 'textures of artichoke' sandwich on Saturday, September 21. This year's Friends of Fromage ends on Saturday, September 28, when Chae whips up an epic cashew doenjang and comté toastie for the Prahran Market masses. The FOMO is real with this one pals, as these toasties have been created just for this cheesy event. If you want to sample one of them, you'll only have single day to do it.
It's no surprise that regional travel has exploded in recent months. And there's a plethora of great escapes right on our doorstep. Less than three hours from Melbourne, Wangaratta is a booming rural city with plenty to offer, both in town and in its surrounding townships. It's probably best known as a gourmet destination, with some of Victoria's most notable exports calling the region home, but we've taken a look at some of its lesser-known — but no less spectacular — gems that are sure to put it at the top of your list next time you're looking for a city escape. Here are our favourites. HOT AIR BALLOONING IN KING VALLEY One of Australia's prime regions for European grape varieties, the picturesque King Valley is even more beautiful when seen from the air. Goldrush Ballooning offers luxe hot air balloon experiences, starting and finishing at Brown Brothers estate. Following your sunrise liftoff, you'll take in breathtaking views of the vineyard and patchwork farms, Milawa's famed Prosecco Road, as well as impressive natural sights such as the King and Oxley Rivers, Mt Buffalo and The Warby Ranges. After an hour of sailing through the skies, you'll land back at Brown Brothers where you can relive it all with a full breakfast spread and a glass of prosecco. PARADISE FALLS Deep in King Valley and well off the beaten track you'll find the aptly named Paradise Falls. This natural scenic wonder is part of the Alpine National Park, so there's plenty of beautiful foliage to enjoy as you make your way to the falls. Despite its remoteness, Paradise Falls is a relatively easy destination to reach by car, and you can park just a short stroll away from the falls themselves — a well-signed and stepped walking track, which is good for most ability levels, will lead you straight there. Head here for a slightly more adventurous picnic and an epic photo op, with these falls a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike. MILAWA PROVIDORE This charming tea room and cellar door is a perfect pitstop for a busy day visiting the region's excellent wineries. Swing by to enjoy a selection of cheese, charcuterie, a woodfired pizza or even a toastie, which you can pair with organic tea, coffee or, of course, a glass of wine. There's also an excellent dessert menu that showcases local produce and makers — we recommend pairing your sweet treat with a cup of the excellent house-made sticky chai. Right next door is the cellar door for Redbank Wines, which is open for tastings seven days a week. EL DORADO GARLIC AND CHILLI CO You don't have to travel to the lost city of gold to acquire these god-tier chillies and garlic, though there is a bit of mysticism around how they're grown on this farm. Crops here are grown entirely on winter rainfall and minimum watering from underground springs, and the yield is a product that is completely natural and devoid of any chemicals. The fresh harvest runs from the new year through until May, but you can buy seasonal produce all year round, including local honey, from a historic shed on the farm. BAILEYS OF GLENROWAN While the exact date is contested, the story of this historic winery begins as far back as the 1860s, when the Bailey family of Yorkshire first arrived in the region. One of northeast Victoria's very first vineyards, the first vintage was produced here in 1870. Over 150 years later these certified organic vines are still going strong, producing a great selection of full-bodied reds and bold flavoursome whites, rosés and globally acclaimed fortified numbers — there's also a shiraz block that was planted in 1904 and is still producing a top-shelf drop. While the wines are the star of the show here, don't miss out on a stroll through the native garden dotted with historic buildings, including the original 1870 vineyard, stables, a blacksmith's forge and a century-old cellar door, which is also home to a heritage museum of winemaking. [caption id="attachment_808335" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brooke Keam Photography[/caption] HURDLE CREEK DISTILLERY Family owned and operated, this distillery in the tiny town of Bobinawarrah champions local produce in its small-batch runs of (mostly) gin. All products are made and bottled in a former shed that was renovated with reclaimed materials. It now houses the distillery, where you can see the gin-making process up close, meet the distiller and also try a sample. As for the gin itself, the base spirit is made from a local grain and is twice distilled to ensure a smooth mouthfeel. It's infused with juniper and a select blend of local and native botanicals, some of which are grown in the on-site garden, resulting in a delicate and nuanced spirit. There are a number of year-round and seasonal products in the range, though for a truly local drop try the seasonal Aronia, made from a locally grown sloe-like berry which is steeped into the gin, lending it a deep purple hue and a touch of sweetness. Can't make the trip? You can pick up a bottle via their online store. SAWMILL COTTAGE FARM Tucked in the foothills of the bucolic high country of northeastern Victoria is the charming Sawmill Cottage Farm. This fully self-contained cottage has been beautifully renovated from an former sawmillers workshop, and is a perfect retreat for visiting couples exploring the area. The cottage is situated on a working farm, which is also home to a small menagerie of animals including cattle, sheep, goats, a miniature pony. There's also a wide variety of fowl including peacocks, plus a friendly alpaca named Lenny. During your stay, you can stroll around the farm and meet the animals, enjoy a bottle of wine around the fire pit, or even take a dip in the in-ground mineral salt swimming pool (weather permitting). THE YURT ALPINE RETREAT A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Yurt Alpine Retreat has three Mongolian-style tents located on a working farm in the heart of the King Valley. Each yurt features a wood heater and pure wool felt lining, so the tents are able to remain warm in winter and cool in summer. The secluded, 345-hectare farm is surrounded by mountain ranges and bushland, so expect sweeping views and plenty of privacy. The land is home to cattle, sheep goats and alpacas and there's an on-site, 20-acre vineyard, too. For more about what the Rural City of Wangaratta has to offer, and to plan your trip, head here.
The Chaser gang are getting back to their roots, with plans to publish a brand spanking new print magazine. The team behind The Hamster Wheel, Yes We Canberra, Sydney's Giant Dwarf theatre and the Make a Realistic Wish Foundation have recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to get the satirical publication off the ground, with the aim of releasing their first edition in the next couple of months. According to the group's Pozible page, The Chaser Quarterly will be a 96-page colour magazine that will address "the key problem of our time: namely — there is not enough content in the world." They're hoping to raise $50,000, money they say will be use to establish a "'tax effective' offshore corporate structure" so as to ensure the project isn't stymied "by the onerous burden of paying tax to fund Australia's hospitals, schools and roads". Truly this campaign video says it all. Right now, a $25 pledge will get you a copy of the magazine, while $50 will see it signed by the entire Chaser team. More extravagant rewards include the chance to pitch your own article for $500 (although there's no guarantee it will be published), or the opportunity to run your own full page ad for $1500 (on the condition that it "fundamentally undermine the product it is seeking to sell".) Although best known for their highbrow political satire on television, The Chaser team actually started out publishing a fortnightly newspaper that ran for six years between 1999 and 2005. Among their memorable stunts from this period was the time they published Prime Minister John Howard's home phone number on their front page. Assuming they reach their Pozible target, the first edition of The Chaser Quarterly will be published in spring 2015 and feature articles by many familiar Chaser contributors, including Andrew Hansen, Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel. In order to keep up the appearance of a successful company, head team members will be payed in Beluga Caviar, while the rest of the creatives, including writers, cartoonists, illustrators and graphic designers, will divvy up $300 between them. Pledge via Pozible and keep an eye on the Chaser Quarterly website for updates.
As Sydneysiders, we're lucky to be situated so close to so many of Australia's most celebrated wine regions — Orange, Mudgee, Hunter Valley et al. Whether you're looking for organically-produced, family-operated, or even inner city-located, wine lovers have got it all at a stone's throw away. If you're a fan of the plonk and you're not taking advantage of NSW's seriously kickass vineyards, it's time to get those engines revving. Here are ten top notch vineyards in your own backyard, from the best wine regions in NSW. Take a few pro tips before you head along though. Cellar doors and tastings are, for the most part, free. FREE. Some you'll have to book in advance, but most just let you rock up on the day. You're not obliged to buy anything, but you do have to be polite and respectful (don't guzzle yourself into oblivion on someone's hard work). Have a chat, talk to the winemakers, taste as many wines as you like, and you'll probably buy a bottle of something — and prices are usually wholesale, so cheaper than buying it later at the bottle shop. Also, do not drive home. Have a plan. The rest? These winemakers will take you through the tasting process (novice winos are always welcome). You just have to get there. ORANGE The Orange region is known for its sophisticated winemaking and cool climate which creates wines with bright fruit and deep, balanced flavours. [caption id="attachment_565814" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Andy Fraser.[/caption] PHILLIP SHAW Lead by Orange wine pioneer Phillip Shaw himself, this family-owned and operated vineyard has been kicking goals since 1988 and they take wine very seriously — award-winning seriously. The wines are 100 percent sourced from the 47-hectare vineyard and their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are both life-changing. Believe us, this is a Chardy not to be missed. A trip to the cellar door is more akin to visiting a wealthy friend's country house; the building is distinguished by a stone exterior and interior, with large share tables for tastings and stunning mountain views. You might even meet the famous Big renovations are planned for this site, and could change the game for Orange cellar doors across the board. 100 Shiralee Road, Orange; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 5pm [caption id="attachment_565815" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Andy Fraser.[/caption] SASSY WINES This single vineyard winery is family-owned and operated by husband and wife duo Rob and Felicia 'Fliss' Coles. Their signature wine, the Arneis, is an ancient Italian white varietal that dates back to the 15th century. Their newish cellar door is simple and modern, with glass walls showcasing their vineyard views. The head winemaker, none other than Peter Logan of Logan Wines, is a big part of the process; the two vineyards share grapes and techniques, the Coles taking over the process in barrel phase. 569 Emu Swamp Rd, Emu Swamp; Cellar Door Hours: Sat 10am – 5pm; Sun 10am – 4pm KANGAROO VALLEY The Kangaroo Valley region is distinguished by its rich volcanic soil which is ideal for viticulture — aka growing grapes. YARRAWA ESTATE The winding pathway to the remote Yarrawa Estate is not an easy one to follow, but you'll be pleasantly surprise as the path opens to this lakeside vineyard. If the golden retrievers and frolicking children remind you of a visit to your family country home, well, it should — the cellar door is quite literally set in the Foster family dining room, where strangers momentarily become relatives. Apart from the incredible wine, they also offer a range of nuts, jams and pickles made from homegrown produce. Be sure to taste their homemade walnut liquor wine, a combination of both passions. 43B Scotts Rd, Upper Kangaroo River; Cellar Door Hours: Sat 10.30am – 5.30pm; Sun 12.30pm – 5.30pm HUNTER VALLEY Hunter Valley is known for their Semillon and Shiraz and is easily the most popular of the NSW wine regions. BROKENWOOD This vineyard was established in 1970 and they've been turning out impressive, award-winning wines for decades. In this small barn of a cellar door, you'll find a fun and relaxed staff who are clearly passionate about winemaking, giving the place an infectious energy. It's a snob-free atmosphere where you can taste some great wines without being pushed to buy. Their Semillon is a must try, having just won best varietal of the year from the Halliday Wine Companion Awards 2016, and the Cricket Pitch blends are ever-popular. Overall, the bright, airy atmosphere of the place makes it one of the more fun tastings to be had. 401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sat 9.30am – 5pm and Sun 10am – 5pm TEMPUS TWO Tempus Two is one of the more famous Hunter Valley vineyards for good reason — the wine here is a high-end, classy affair and the staff are extremely knowledgeable. Founded by the well-known McGuigan family, this slick, contemporary cellar door is a modern take on a country shed. The best part is that they'll let you taste the most expensive, vintage wines with no fee. The wine to try right now is their Uno Series Shiraz (2013), a cellar door exclusive. Feeling especially lavish? Set up a private tasting for up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS The Southern Highlands are characterised by the long, slow ripening period and high natural acidity which gives the wines a clean finish and noticeable fruit character. TERTINI WINES A relatively young vineyard, Tertini Wines has received much acclaim since establishing itself in 2000. Their award-winning Reserve Pinot Noir is worth the trek alone and their Riesling is especially tasty with honeysuckle and green apple notes. They hand-prune and handpick their grapes, with little cropping involved. The cellar door is a simple barn attached to the vineyard, amplifying the country feel of this notable winery. Kells Creek Road, Mittagong; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm MUDGEE Mudgee styles are known for their diversity, from organic to international varietals, and turn out some seriously impressive wine for a small region. LOWE WINES For some ungodly reason, organic wine has gotten a bad rap over the years. Thankfully, Lowe Wines disproves this fallacy time and again. Owner David Lowe is extremely passionate and specialises in small-batch winemaking, his most popular varietal being the Zinfandel. The vineyard is untrellised, unirrigated and certified organic. Their wine is distributed mainly to independent bottle shops and restaurant and Lowe is truly a no-intervention grower that we'd love to see more of. Tinja Lane, Mudgee; Cellar Door Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 5pm HILLTOPS The Hilltops region sits atop a large granite rock, creating deep soils that are well drained and ideal for grapevines. FREEMAN VINEYARDS Freeman Vineyards uses this unique region to their advantage, providing Australia's only plantings of two northern Italian origin grape varieties – Rondinella and Corvina – which are the source of their flagship and award-winning Freeman 'Secco' wine. Their winemaking process is also unique; the grapes are dried in a neighbour's solar-powered prune dehydrator and then aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. All this work is worth it: the wine just received the Red 5-Star rating in the Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2016. 101 Prunevale Road, Prunevale; Tastings by Appointment SYDNEY CITY For the lazy Sydneysider who deserves great wine anyway. NOMAD Nomad champions the little guys in the winemaking business; they sell wine solely from local growers, giving the small producers out there the time to shine. Their cellar door offers wines that are generally not sold commercially, many of which you can also taste at their celebrated adjoining restaurant. Stop in for some charcuterie and a glass or two, or stay for the full shebang with the chef's premium share menu ($85 per person). If you're too lazy to make such a short trek, go for online delivery of these exclusive wines. 16 Foster Street, Surry Hills; Cellar Door/Restaurant Hours: Mon – Tues 6pm – 12am; Weds – Fri 12pm –2.30pm; 6pm – 12am; Sat 12pm – 2.30pm; 5.30pm – 11.30pm CAKE WINES Just opened on March 10, Cake Wines is shaping up to be Sydney's new go-to city winery. Set in a restored warehouse, the space pays homage to its industrial roots with recycled wooden furniture, barrel wall and exposed brick interior. You won't just be getting simple wine tastings here — head winemaker Sarah Burvill is running masterclasses, blending sessions and workshops. Apart from their own award-winning wines, they'll be stocking small-batch wine, craft beer, cider and spirits, all Sydney local. Add live music and late nights to the mix and you've got one out-of-the-box cellar door on your hands. 16 Eveleigh St, Redfern; Cellar Door Hours: Wed – Fri 5pm – 11pm; Sat 12pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 10pm. Honourable CBD mentions: Handpicked Cellar Door Urban Winery Sydney Top image: Nomad.
Anyone who's ever been on a long haul drive knows that truck stop dining can be a fairly dubious proposition. We're talking soggy chips, mouldy sandwiches wrapped in gladwrap and questionable meat products that have been sitting under a heat lamp for God only knows how long. Fortunately, a new trucker-theme diner in Werribee is set to exorcise those unpleasant memories through a combination of gourmet burgers, killer cocktails and signature alcoholic milkshakes. Due to open in the west Melbourne suburb later this week, Truck Stop Deluxe is the brainchild of burger aficionados Jimmy Hurlston (Jimmy’s Burgers and Easey’s), Dani Zeini (Dandenong Pavillion and Grand Trailer Park Taverna) and Josh Lefers (Grand Trailer Park Taverna and Pawn & Co). They've teamed up with Werribee locals James Fava and Adam Toffolon, who previously operated Joe's Bar & Kitchen on the same site. While the full Truck Stop Deluxe menu isn't currently available, we do know it'll include waffles, ice-cream sandwiches, cocktails and spiked milkshakes (presumably not unlike the ones at the Grand Trailer Park, which are excellent by the way) as well as lots and lots of tasty, tasty burgers. Oh, and before we forget, the inside of the restaurant features two actual big rigs, one of which you can sit inside while you eat your meal. Don't kid yourself: you know you'll be tempted to try and recreate scenes from Smokey and the Bandit. As well you should. Truck Stop Deluxe is located at 98 Watton Street, Werribee. Their operating hours are 11:30am til late Tuesday – Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnJEeHND_lQ Via Good Food. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Richmond, prepare yourself for really f*cking hot bits of bird, courtesy of the poultry-smiths at Belle's Hot Chicken. The team behind the Nashville-style fried chicken joint and natural wine bar that has been doing a roaring trade in Fitzroy have just announced that restaurant number two will open this Friday, February 15, shacking up at 1/107 Swan Street. Or should we say... wait for it... Chicken Street? Is this thing on? Oh nevermind. Belle's Hot Chicken co-founder Morgan McGlone jumped on the lease at the Swan Street location last August. The restaurant will seat 100, and while further details are scant, we can expect a similar menu to the Fitzroy restaurant, albeit with a couple of extra sandwiches in both fried chicken and cornmeal-coated mushroom varieties. They'll also be well-stocked with the same selection of natural wines that have proven so popular north of the river. Other than that, expect fried chook and plenty of it. The chicken at Belle's comes in wingers, tenders or dark meat (drumsticks and thighs) and runs the gamut in terms of spiciness from 'southern' (don't be a wuss) to 'really f*cking hot'. Extras and side options include pickles, mushrooms, fries, waffles, coleslaw and oysters. Belle's Hot Chicken Richmond will open at 1/107 Swan Street, Richmond on Friday, February 19. In the meantime, you can visit their original restaurant at 150 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. Updated: Monday, February 15
With locations across Sydney and Melbourne and all over the USA, you know The Boiling Crab must be doing something right to be able to expand so much. The story here is a fun tongue-in-cheek idea that while other fishermen were off boozing and telling tall stories in bars, the honest and hardworking fishermen of The Boiling Crab were toiling through sleepless nights, trying to concoct the perfect spices and recipes for their restaurant. Whether this is true or not (it isn't) isn't the point; the point is this is a place that, despite having seriously good food, doesn't take itself too seriously. And you don't have to take it too seriously, either. They actively encourage diners to get sauce all over their bib and beer all over the table — just don't tell the waitstaff we said so. The Melbourne CBD venue features an interior that looks like some kind of acid trip along the San Francisco wharves, which you never quite came down from. It's all nets from the ceilings, life buoys on the walls and fake fish singing at you. In a word — subtle. If you're here for the food, though, and not interior design tips, then you're well and truly in luck. It's delicious. The Boiling Crab menu goes like this — step one: choose your catch, step two: add your sauce, step three: pick your spice level. The catch includes everything from king crab legs, live mud crab, Boston lobster, baby octopus, crawfish and abalone. The sauces feature options such as Rajun Cajun, lemon pepper, garlic sauce and the mysteriously titled Extra Juicy. Spice levels start at non-spicy for the kids to XXX (I can't feel my mouth!) for those who don't like the taste of food, just chilli. Pair it up with a cocktail such as the Blue Margarita (think a margarita, but blue) and you have yourself a wild night on the town.
Plans for Melbourne's newest openair plaza, officially named Cato Square, were released by the City of Stonnington over the weekend. The $60 million, 'European-style' project will be located on the site of Prahran's old Cato Street car park just behind the Coles on Chapel Street, turning it into an urban oasis. The plaza, said to be ten years in the making, is planned to be nearly the size of Federation Square at a huge 9000 square metres. "This public area is most importantly going to provide open space and recreation for the residents who are living in tight spaces and in dense apartment buildings," City of Stonnington Mayor Jami Klisaris told Concrete Playground. The elaborate plans reveal nine outdoor zones which will include 'themed' green zones, a central square with a water feature and free public Wi-Fi, dining spaces and a small forest. Seriously. The lawn, which Cr Klisaris says is her favourite element of the plaza, will be especially useful for public events, festivals and performances. "The lawn will not only be an open grass area that can be used by everyone, but will also be flexible with moving furniture and potted trees, so we can change the space and accommodate for any vibe or event," says Klisaris. To replace the existing parking, two underground levels consisting of 500 spaces will be built beneath the plaza, resulting in 20 percent more parking than was previously available. This transformation from drab car supermarket parking lot to public park will significantly up the green space in the Chapel Street surrounds. "This green space is particularly important because we have the second lowest amount of open space (per capita) of all councils in Victoria," says Cr Klisaris. The plaza's construction will also focus on environmental factors, using sustainably sourced, recyclable and energy efficient materials in the building process. For concerned taxpayers, the project will be funded by a combination of developer contributions, council funds and borrowings. Construction is expected to begin in the next 18 months and is due for completion in 2019; it is being designed by Australian architectural firm Lyons, who won the tender last year. The site is bounded by Prahran's Cato, Izett, Wattle and Chatham streets, so parking and surrounding businesses will be affected during this time frame. UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2018 — Construction on Cato Square commenced last month. This affects traffic and parking, so if you live, work or visit the area, check the project updates here.
Sydney’s Sepia has won prime position on the Australian Financial Review’s inaugural
Armadale's High Street is best known for its antique stores, cafes, art galleries, fashion boutiques and furniture showrooms. Once the sun sets though, things are generally a little quieter. But Japanese-French diner Bansho is happy to stand out as one of the few after-dark restaurants on the strip, joining the likes of nearby Amaru. Larry Xie and Mira Wu opened Bansho in September 2023, and it is easily one of the area's best dinner spots. Much of this is thanks to Chef Tomotaka Ishizuka (ex-Ishizuka, Kisume, Koko), whose menu expertly marries Japanese and French cuisines. These two cuisines have more in common than what might first appear: both are famous for showcasing seemingly simple flavours in dishes that require a huge amount of skill to master, both placed great value on on terroir, and both are seen as timeless and elegant. Pairing them together just makes so much sense, and it's effortlessly achieved at Bansho. In the starters, this is best seen in the king prawn tomalley, which consists of a slice of toasted brioche topped with generous amounts of prawn, red and white miso, cream cheese and framboise. The prawns are the star of the show, and are only elevated by the cleverly chosen supporting ingredients. Bansho's sashimi and sushi platters are also big hits – they're served traditionally, with wasabi, salmon roe and soy sauce. Only top-quality seafood graces these plates. But we find Bansho shines brightest with its more complex dishes. We licked the shells clean when trying the aburi scallops with king prawns, tomato essence and ikura caviar. And we'll dream about the succulent koji-marinated duck breast for quite some time. We just wish there were a few more main meals on the menu, to add variety for those wanting a big feed. Whatever you choose, you can pair it all with a carefully curated selection of wine, sake and beer, plus plenty of signature cocktails — and the sake martini is a big winner here. The food feels and is priced like a fine-diner, but the owners want it to be more of a local neighbourhood restaurant. This is certainly achieved through friendly and personable service, but the food is of such a high quality that it's hard not to think of it as fine dining. We recommend saving Bansho for a special occasion when you can explore the whole menu and really treat yourself. But that being said, you can just as easily pop in for a relaxing pre-dinner sip-and-snack situation and be very happy as well. Images: Jana Langhorst
Amar Singh, the legend behind some of Sydney and Melbourne's most forward-thinking Indian restaurants, opened Bibi Ji on the Carlton end of Lygon Street in May 2024. Much like Daughter in Law in Chinatown, Bibi Ji is home to Singh's much-loved brand of 'inauthentic' Indian food. Inspired by street food snacks in India, but reimagined for a contemporary Australian audience, Singh's dishes are all about big flavours served up in an easy-to-share manner. To start, for example, you'll find the likes of a vegan chutney platter, spicy chicken bites, and zingy dahi puri among a heap of other snacks. You could easily treat Bibi Ji like an alternative sip-and-snack bar, stopping by for a few drinks paired with reimagined street eats. But it would be a shame to miss out on the extensive list of curries. Here you'll find Aussie staples like butter chicken and tikka masala, plus plenty of lesser-seen options, most of which are vegetarian. Beyond the curries, tandoori chicken cooked on the bone, lamb seekh kebab, achari prawns and paneer tikka are streaming out of the in-house tandoor oven. When stopping by, we were also pretty blown away by Bibi Ji's set menu. For just $55, you get to experience Singh's version of a South Indian tradition: thali. You start off with a huge banana leaf covered in chutneys and papadums, before a stack of entrees get dropped off at the table. Once you're about done with these, staff will come by with a selection of curries that are then dropped onto the banana leaf with a good pile of rice. If you want more curry, all you've got to do is ask for another complementary serving. And if you want it even cheaper, you can get the $35 option that comes without entrees. It's one of our favourite set menus in Melbourne. A healthy selection of classic and Indian-inspired cocktails and mocktails is available, as well as a long list of beers, whiskies and wines. When it comes to vinos, you can expect an entirely Victorian selection that covers your usual suspects as well as a few natty options. Design-wise, Bibi Ji could not be more different than the space's previous occupant, Cafe Notturno, which was there for an impressive 45 years. This 80-seat Indian diner is fully embracing the more-is-more aesthetic. The ceilings are covered in a kaleidoscope of draped fabrics, the walls are either tiled, mirrored, or covered in bright paintings, a few big birds of paradise plants are dotted around the restaurant, and the bar is a symphony of colourful tiles, marble, and shimmering plastic garlands. It's hard not to crack a smile when first walking into Bibi Ji. And we don't expect you'll lose that grin at any point during the dining experience. Images: Jana Langhorst
Greville Street has itself a dapper meat destination in Angus & Bon, a New York-inspired steakhouse that set up shop in the former Prahran Post Office. The brainchild of Liam Ganley (who brought you Lemon Middle and Orange, Freddie Wimpoles and The Bay Hotel), the offering here is all about heroing the kitchen's woodfire grill. It's used across an unpretentious menu of veggie, fish and meat dishes, though the steak selection is the indisputable star of the show. Alongside plates like fried chicken tenders and wood-grilled octopus, there's a truly hefty array of beef options; choose from quality cuts like a 300g porterhouse, or a grain-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. Angus & Bon's 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.
