If you're fond of cats big and small — fluffy, hair-free, scampering, sleeping and the like — then you'll know one golden rule: every day is better when there's meowing mousers involved. And, maybe you've secured that sweet situation thanks to your own purring pet. Or, perhaps you're just the kind of person who makes a beeline to any kitten they see, tries to become its best friend and can't focus on anything else while it's in the vicinity. Whichever fits, adding more cats to your day is something that every feline fan wants — and it's definitely a part of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's new dream gig. It's a volunteer job, spanning a three-month stint in Melbourne, but it'll 100-percent bring kittens your way. The role: CPSV's official 'cat cuddler'. Yes, that's really what it's called. Obviously, what it entails is rather self-explanatory — because the lucky person who scores the position will be tasked with providing love, affection and enrichment to the cats and kittens in the society's care as they wait to be adopted. The word you're looking for? "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww". This is the organisation that offered cat cuddling gift vouchers as Christmas gifts last year, after all — but this is even cuter. The caveats: you'll need to be in Melbourne to take the gig, and you'll need to have a minimum of three hours per week — on one weekday each week, and during normal operating hours — to head to CPSV's adoption centre to give its kitties all those snuggles. If that sounds like you — or if you've got a pussy-loving pal that you know would love it — all applicants have until Friday, June 4 to apply to temporarily join the society's team of around 40 volunteers. To throw your name in the ring, you'll want to head to the CPSV website and upload a short video (up to two minutes max) that explains why you should be the official Cat Protection Society Cat Cuddler, and also complete the online application form. To apply for the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's 'cat cuddler' position before Friday, June 4, head to the organisation's website.
Taylor Swift has already played Australia in 2024, as the entire country knows. Billie Eilish will hit the country's stages in 2025. Arriving in-between: Olivia Rodrigo, with the former Disney talent — see: Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series — bringing her huge GUTS world tour Down Under in October 2024. When we say huge, we mean it. With the addition of four Aussie dates alongside new gigs in Bangkok, Thailand, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, the tour now spans 82 concerts around the globe. In Australia, Rodrigo has a two-night date with Melbourne and then another two with Sydney. Fans elsewhere, you'll be needing to travel. Touring in support of her second studio album that's also called GUTS, three-time Grammy-winner Rodrigo is hitting Rod Laver Arena Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 to start her Aussie visit. The next week, from Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18, she'll play Qudos Bank Arena. In both Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee will also take to the stage in support This is 'Drivers License', 'Good 4 U' and 'Vampire' singer Rodrigo's first arena tour, as well as her first tour Down Under — and she'll have her debut album SOUR to work through as well. The GUTS tour started in Palm Springs in February, saw Rodrigo do four shows at Madison Square Garden in April, and is currently making its way around the UK before heading to Europe, back to the US, then to Asia and Australia. Olivia Rodrigo GUTS World Tour 2024 Australian Dates: Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olivia Rodrigo is touring Australia in October 2024. Ticket presales start at 1pm on Wednesday, May 15, and general sales at 1pm on Thursday, May 16 — head to the tour website for further details. Images: Chris Polk, Polk Imaging.
For what seems like forever, locals and visitors alike have asked themselves: why doesn't Melbourne Airport have a rail link? Having been promised and walked back over, and over, and over again since the 1960s, this lack of convenience hasn't gone unnoticed, at least according to a just-released study from travel comparison website iSelect. Based on a specially created index, Melbourne Airport is now officially considered Australia's least convenient airport, with its high transport costs and long distance from the city to blame. To arrive at their conclusion, the stats boffins at iSelect ranked our major airports on the average cost of airport parking, transport and taxi costs, as well as distance from the city's CBD, number of daily passengers and time spent queuing. Now, before anyone from the Harbour City leans too far into intercity rivalries, Sydney Airport placed second to last on the index. It lost marks for having the highest average weekly parking costs at $343. Unsurprisingly, it also receives the most daily passengers, at more than 113,000. At the same time, the airport offers flights to 99 destinations around the globe, making sure departing and arriving tend to be more than a little congested. As for the airports that make heading away on a holiday a breeze, Townsville and Canberra shared top honours. Travellers can expect cheaper weekly parking costs at $178 and $190, respectively. Meanwhile, Canberra Airport had the most affordable transport costs to get to the airport. At just 7.4 kilometres from the CBD, a taxi journey should cost around $28. Both airports also scored four out of five stars for queueing times, as ranked by travellers. But with these smaller centres having a bit of an advantage, you might wonder which major capital airport performed best in terms of convenience. The answer would be Adelaide, landing fourth on the list behind Darwin and just pipping Perth. Featuring some of the cheapest average public transport and taxi costs at $15.48, the airport's distance from the city centre is third-best at 6.8 kilometres. While the convenience of your nearest airport might not change your travel plans, the journey to reach the runway could dampen your holiday vibes before they've even begun. And for those Melburnians hanging out for an airport rail link, the good news is that plans are moving ahead. Yet with no publicly announced timeline or completion date, don't expect Melbourne Airport to climb the convenience rankings any time soon. Head to iSelect to read the full report on Australia's best and worst airports for convenience.
One of modern art's most argued-about works has been sold. Tracey Emin's famously debated 1999 work My Bed went under the hammer for the very first time, complete with dirty sheets, cigarette butts and condoms — and taking away a cheeky £2.2 million. Emin, who showed up to the auction yesterday, gained notoriety when her work Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995 debuted at a 1997 Charles Saatchi's Sensation exhibition at London's Royal Academy. After getting drunk, going on national TV and getting all sweary, she'd release My Bed two years later to colossal debate. One of modern art's classic "Is this art? What is art? Is this bag of wrenches art?" generators, My Bed was expected to sell between £800,000 and £1.2 million (roughly $1.4 million to $2.2 million) at auction — instead raising the bar to £2.2 million. With the buyer's premium, My Bed really went for £2,546,500; a world record for Emin at auction. Francis Bacon's Study For Head Of Lucian Freud was also put under the hammer, fetching a quiet little price of £10.2 million. The highly-scrutinised installation is a recreation of Emin's actual bed during a rough time — the artist spent days in the bed during relationship difficulties and dealt with suicidal thoughts. Scattered with paraphenalia from the artist's own bedroom (condoms, menstrual-stained underwear, slippers), My Bed caused controversy not for the collective sum of confrontingly personal items but for the stains on the sheets. Gallery-goers saw the traces of bodily secretion as a little too human. "It's a self-portrait, but not one that people would like to see," Emin said. "I took everything out of my bedroom and made it into an installation," Emin said. "And when I put it into a white space, for some people it became quite shocking. But I just thought it looked like a damsel in distress, like a woman fainting or something, needing to be helped." The new owners (who haven't been revealed yet) might be able to recreate the work of two performance artists, Yuan Chai and Jian Jun Xi, who jumped on Emin's bed in a performance creatively titled Two Naked Men Jump into Tracey's Bed. Most interestingly will be the conditions under which the new owner must actually display My Bed. Previously (when not displayed in a gallery setting) the work has been on display at the home of its owner Charles Saatchi. As The Guardian reports, the work — a flurry of seemingly random miscellany — has very meticulous installation instructions. "It's a very complicated piece to put together," Director of Cadogan Tate Fine Art Stephen Glynn says. "It comes with a dossier of photographs of every object, and a list of where exactly everything needs to go." A bit like an Ikea instruction manual, then? "A bit. You're certainly trying to make sure that everything goes in the right place." Displayed at the Tate Modern in 1999, My Bed was shortlisted for the Turner Prize that year. Saatchi can now count its sweet, sweet Emin pennies, with proceeds going straight back to the Saatchi Gallery — the team are moving to make the gallery have free admission. Via BBC, Reuters and The Guardian.
Usually when a festival dedicated to espresso martinis pops up, it takes over one place. Such boozy fests only tend to run for a day or so, or a weekend, too. But one of Australia's big hospitality chains is ditching both of those norms, because this drink needs a whole week and more than 200 pubs countrywide to truly get buzzing. Who needs sleep when there's caffeinated cocktails to sip and celebrate? The event: ALH Hotels' Espresso Martini Festival, which'll take over venues in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory from Monday, March 13–Sunday, March 19. If you're wondering why, the reason is the same that most food- or drink-themed fests pop up. Yes, there's an occasion dedicated to the beverage in question, with World Espresso Martini Day upon us on Wednesday, March 15. For the week around the espresso martini-fuelled date, ALH Hotels will pour Grey Goose espresso martinis no matter what time you drop by. Fancy a pick-me-up over lunch? After-work bevvies with your colleagues? A cruisy weekend session giving you some extra perk? They're all options — just don't expect to be tired afterwards. Among the venues taking part in NSW, Sydneysiders can hit up the Summer Hill Hotel, Kirribilli Hotel, New Brighton Hotel, The Ranch and Harlequin Inn. Victoria's list spans Young and Jacksons, Moreland Hotel, Elsternwick Hotel, The Croxton and Balaclava Hotel, too. In Queensland, options include Breakfast Creek Hotel, Brunswick Hotel, Oxford 152, Indooroopilly Hotel, Stones Corner Hotel and the RE in Brisbane, plus spots both up and down the coast. The full list also features pubs in SA such as the Watermark Glenelg, Royal Oak and Esplanade Hotel; venues in WA, complete with Hyde Park, the Belgian Beer Cafe and the Albion Hotel; and four places in the NT. [caption id="attachment_870392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Breakfast Creek Hotel, Andrew S (Flickr)[/caption] ALH Hotels' Espresso Martini Festival runs from Monday, March 13–Sunday, March 19 at venues around the country — head to the pub chain's website for the full list and further details.
It's not every day someone asks you to steal their things. Stolen Rum did just that. They posted notices to telegraph poles asking "Is this your sofa?" and kindly let the good people know where to steal them from. You steal it, you keep it; that was the deal, no tricks. On the same day across three countries — Sydney, Australia; Miami, USA; and Dunedin, New Zealand — people lined up for hours hoping to secure a sofa. Needless to say, all 150 sofas were burgled, plundered and nicked in less than seven minutes. Seven. With the average sofa weighing at least over 30kg, that's some speedy thieving. The Stolen Sofas Project generated a gargantuan amount of public interest, with budding thieves nabbing a spot in line hours before kick-off in each city. The first 50 lounge bandits in Sydney, Miami and Dunedin then had one job to do: nick the lounge and get the heck home. Punters scraped together their best burglary getaway vehicles, trucks, cars, bikes, even skateboards. But the purists simply came with ready hands and previous experience in moving house for their mates. The result? Pure, debaucherous international chaos. Stolen Rum, a new drop on the market, has been winning over hearts in bottle shops across Australia, New Zealand and the States. The company’s inspiration is a rebellion against the “tedious existence of work and pay”. “We cannot buy our lives back, nor can we beg them back,” writes the vagabond theorist on their site. “Our lives will only be our own when we steal them back — and that means taking what we want without asking permission.” Want to know where you can taste Stolen Rum? It's on the shelf at BWS Australia wide and in some of your favourite Sydney bars. Check out all the happy couch thieves from The Stolen Sofa Project day below. Sydney Dunedin Miami
Here's a trend: co-stars from Baywatch, the movie not the series, making separate biopics about wrestlers. When Zac Efron (The Studio) did it, The Iron Claw was the result, and the film about Kevin Von Erich and his family was excellent. Next, it's Dwayne Johnson's (Red One) turn in The Smashing Machine, with MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the spotlight. Johnson, aka The Rock, leaping into the ring is far from a new development, of course — but the wrestler-turned-actor is now drawing upon his sporting background and talents in the other well-known side of his career. That said, even if you've watched plenty of his WWE exploits, and then his film and TV roles in everything from The Scorpion King, the Fast and Furious franchise, Ballers and Pain & Gain to San Andreas, the recent Jumanji flicks and Black Adam, you haven't seen Johnson like this before. The Smashing Machine hits cinemas in October 2025. Opposite Emily Blunt (The Fall Guy) as Dawn Staples — with the pair reuniting after 2021's Jungle Cruise, and set to team up again next for Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) — Johnson helps bring the story of a wrester-turned-UFC star to the screen. In the just-dropped first trailer for the flick, Kerr is determined to keep chasing the unparalleled high that comes with winning, even while he's in pain and as it's clearly taking a toll on his relationship with Staples. The term "unrecognisable" gets thrown around a lot when actors transform for a role; however, every time Johnson's face is on-screen in the first sneak peek at The Smashing Machine, that description proves true. If the name of the movie sounds familiar, that's because there's a 2002 documentary of the same moniker that's also about Kerr. As a biopic, The Smashing Machine hails from writer/director Benny Safdie, making his first solo directorial effort after spending his filmmaking career so far co-helming with his brother Josh. On their shared resume: Daddy Longlegs, Lenny Cooke, Heaven Knows What, Good Time and Uncut Gems. It's been six years since Benny was last behind the camera on a feature, but he's been popping up in acting parts elsewhere, including in Pieces of a Woman, Licorice Pizza, Stars at Noon, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Oppenheimer and The Curse — the latter of which he co-wrote and co-created with The Rehearsal's Nathan Fielder. Benny's brother Josh also has a new film out in 2025, also focusing on sports and also helmed on his lonesome. In Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) is in the lead — and ping-pong is the focus. Check out the trailer for The Smashing Machine below: The Smashing Machine releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
If Audrey Horne, Lula Pace Fortune or Lady Jessica decided to head downtown for some yoga, David Lynch has them covered for threads. In one of the most unexpected endeavours from the director yet, Lynch has designed a brand new sportswear collection for women. Seems the man who recorded tunes with Karen O, opened his own whimsical Parisian nightclub and exhibits photographs of dissected chickens as art (among many other wonderful, weird and WTF Lynchian things), can still surprise us. A paired-down, monochrome collection of threads we'd absolutely prance to the gym in, Lynch's fitness line whips up floral geometric design (a collaboration with New York artist Jason Woodside), grey marle and flattering seams in a truly great assortment of basic gymwear. Lynch's activewear line includes corset and scoop bras, geometric leggings and bike shorts all sporting the special edition Lynch Floral print, going for around $100 — $200 a piece. There's more afoot than mere fashion here; Lynch is working in collaboration with Live the Process, an online hub self-described as "a guide to wellness and holistic health from a curated group of experts in beauty, fitness, meditation, nutrition, energy therapies and quantum physics, as seen through a modernist lens." It's a thing, quantum physics included. But fashion isn't where the collab ends for Lynch, really teaming up with Live the Process for a good cause — with some of the proceeds going to victims of abuse. Teaming up with Live the Process shouldn't come as a surprise for those in the Lynch-know. The Twin Peaks creator is a big meditator, having practiced for over 40 years. His method of choice, transcendental meditation, is his pet awareness project with his namesake charity, The David Lynch Foundation. He even penned a book about it. "I have experienced many benefits: more happiness within, more energy, more love of life, more understanding and more of a flow of ideas and intuition," he says. "I see people as friends not enemies. I feel and understand a bigger and bigger picture forming, and experience life as more of a great game than a great torment. For me, TM serves my work and life. It cleans the machine of garbage and brings in pure gold." Shop the David Lynch collection at Live the Process. Go for a scroll here: Via Dazed.
Sofia Coppola is not the first director that comes to mind when you think Disney. In fact, with her consistent focus on complicated and dreamy sadness — see Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides and Somewhere — she seems like the perfect buzzkill to all the joy and greatness that Sebastian the crab worked for all those years ago. Nonetheless, this divisive filmmaker is currently in negotiations to direct a live-action adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale. Deadline reports that the script has already gone through multiple drafts from Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Abi Morgan (Shame) and is currently in the hands of Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands). With that in mind, it's safe to assume the film will in fact be a darkly sexual story that may or may not feature either Johnny Depp in BDSM gear or Michael Fassbender in no clothes. Although this will Coppola's first feature where she didn't write the screenplay, it's easy to see how her brand of 'beautiful and bothered young things' will work seamlessly with the original story. Ariel is, after all, a girl with problems. She's besotted with a boy she can't have, she's split between two worlds, and the story finishes with her taking the less than lovely form of sea foam (I'd warn for spoilers but, hey, you've had over 100 years to read it). As ridiculous as it first sounds, we're actually excited by the news. Now all that's left is to decide whether Kirsten Dunst or Scarlett Johansson would make the better hipster Ariel.
A book described as "a modern story of sex, erotica and passion. How the sexiest sales girl in business earns her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels," might not be anything to write home about. But what if the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary? Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. Since its premiere in 2015, the podcast about "the best/worst erotica ever written" has racked up over 150 million downloads. And now, off the back of an HBO Original Series featuring a "lost chapter", Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut back to Australia and New Zealand in 2020. As part of a huge world tour, the live show will treat 'Belinkers' across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in January. Team Porno will read unreleased material from the erotic saga while throwing in a few surprises and interactive elements. Now four books deep — with the fifth due to be cracked opened on Monday, September 9, 2019 — the series follows the sexual escapades of Belinda Blumenthal who works in the sales and marketing department of a pots and pans company. There have been leather rooms and nipples as big as Titanic rivets, anti-erotic ridiculousness with sales reps and young-ish men, references to pomegranates and the popping of vaginal lids, and one truly disgusting flaking prosthetic appendage. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. As Belinda says, "When you get what you want, you feel great." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WotAuoFwF0 'MY DAD WROTE A PORNO' WORLD TOUR 2020 Wednesday, January 8, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Saturday, January 11, Crown Theatre, Perth Monday, January 13, Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Wednesday, January 15, Palais Theatre, Melbourne Friday, January 17, The Tivoli, Brisbane Monday, January 20, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland Tuesday, January 21, Wellington Opera House, Wellington Wednesday, January 22, Issac Theatre Royal, Christchurch Tickets for My Dad Wrote a Porno World Tour go on sale at 1pm on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Stay tuned for further updates.
When Pantone's colour experts picked the shade they thought would define 2017, they went green. To be precise, they chose a hue called Greenery (PANTONE 15-0343) — a pick chosen to offer reassurance in trying times and symbolise the yearning to reconnect. Yep, we understand. Looking at it is one thing, however; setting foot in a house that brings the colour to life is quite another. Enter Airbnb and a London abode that's showering visitors in the "fresh and zesty yellow-green shade". Here, contrary to the advice Kermit the Frog has espoused for years, it is easy being green. Dubbed the 'Outside In' house, the Clerkenwell property casts aside traditional notions of internal and external spaces. How? Well, a plant-filled garden bedroom that even boasts a mown lawn and topiaries, herb garden kitchen, tropical lagoon bath, woodland reception area with a groundskeeper, and dining room that's actually an indoor greenhouse might just do the trick. It's designed to "provide an antidote to January blues and encourage all those who enter it to embrace 2017 with fresh optimism and excitement", and serves up more than just a unique, colour- and plant-centric place to stay. To promote Airbnb's new Experiences service, which endeavours to combine their accommodation offerings with ace things to see and do, guests can also take their pick from the house's greenery to build their own sustainable terrarium, learn the art of artisan printing using foliage, and pick tea leaves on-site for a tai chi and cuppa session. Sure, that all sounds good — but, if you like plant-based drinks, making your own gin is the definite highlight. Like the company's other attention-grabbing concepts — Dracula's castle, shark tanks, van Gogh's bedroom, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' secret lair , to name a few — the 'Outside In' house is only open for a small window of time: from January 27 to 30. For more information, visit the listing on Airbnb.
You love your mum, and if you're looking for ways to spoil the leading lady in your life, we're here to help. Because let's face it — your favourite underground bar is a bit too dingy, and your go-to ramen joint is a bit of a lazy pick for the woman who gave you, you know, life. This is your chance to deliver something momentous and memorable — and earn some serious brownie points on the side. From luxuriously long lunches to boozy brunches and everything in between, we've rounded up the best places for Mother's Day in Melbourne, and for every weekend after it. Go forth and really make mum's day. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Melbourne The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne The Best Pubs in Melbourne The Most Romantic Bars and Restaurants in Melbourne For Wine Lovers: Fergusson Winery This Mother's Day, Fergusson Winery in the Yarra Valley is hosting a luxury garden party surrounded by rolling vineyards. The team has created a four-course menu just for the occasion ($99) and will set up a bunch of lawn games for the afternoon — just hope for good weather. There will also be a themed cocktail menu, matching wines (obviously) and a special gift for each of the mothers who attend the lunch. For Immersive Art, Dining and Yoga: The Lume Melbourne digital art gallery The Lume's current multi-sensory exhibition is dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh, and this exhibition will be the gallery's final before closing its doors forever on Sunday, June 1. Van Gogh's masterpieces cover all the floors and walls, making for an experience that goes above and beyond your typical art gallery. And for this Mother's Day, there will be a few ways to celebrate at The Lume. For a special meal with a special lady, you can book a spot at Caffè Terrace 1888, the on-site dining destination that blends into the immersive space, for a taste of 19th-century French classics inside the works of Van Gogh himself. If Mum is a wellness lover and doesn't mind an early start, The Lume's wellness program is running a special 8am class on the big day for $35 per person. Move and Connect with Her Run combines gentle yoga and soothing sound baths for a restorative Mother's Day experience you couldn't find anywhere else. If you need early morning energy to support Mum, the class includes complimentary coffee for all participants beforehand. For Classic Mother's Day High Tea: Mary Eats Cake, Royal Exhibition Building and Sofitel on Collins Treating your mum to a luxe Melbourne high tea is a classic Mother's Day experience. It's easy, no matter the size of the group, and it doesn't have to be too expensive. There are also heaps of places in Melbourne that have made one-off afternoon teas for Mother's Day. First, Mary Eats Cake is running its Mother's Day High Tea again (from $75 per person) from Thursday, May 1–Saturday, May 31, as well as a dedicated Ultimate Mother's Day High Tea for $95 per person on the weekend of the occasion. Both include your usual high tea treats of specialty cocktails and mocktails, savoury and sweet treats, and oh-so-many scones. For a touch of historical elegance, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building is hosting a Mother's Day high tea with complimentary bubbles and live classical music for $139 per person, while Sofitel on Collins has put together a Mother's Day high tea in No35 Restaurant with complimentary champagne, degustation bites and live music from $155 per person. For Mums Who Love a Cause: Mother's Day Classic and The Terrace Sure, you could spend your day indulging in all sorts of high teas and treats across Melbourne, but the occasion marks a great opportunity to get moving for a damn good cause. The Mother's Day Classic is an annual Mother's Day marathon (or walkathon) that circumnavigates Royal Botanic Gardens to raise money for breast cancer and ovarian cancer research. Nearby to the course is an ideal recovery spot at one of Melbourne's most scenic cafes: The Terrace. You can recover with an à la carte booking or opt for the Mother's Day high tea package, which includes sweet and savoury treats, a hibiscus spritz and bouquets (available for preorder) across three sessions for $89 per person. For Ceramics Shopping: Three Day Clay Pop-Up Instead of picking a present to get your mum ahead of time and hoping she loves it, why not take her shopping for her own gift instead? You can hit up stores all over the city or opt to visit the Three Day Clay pop-up store on Sydney Road in Brunswick. 13-plus artists will sell their wares during the mornings and afternoons from Friday, May 8–Sunday, May 11. The event is even open in the evening on Friday, when the team will give a glass of complimentary sparkling wine to everyone who stops by. For a Lunchtime Feast: Bottomless Yum Cha at David's If you prefer a more casual, all-you-can-eat feast for Mother's Day in Melbourne, then you've got to check out David's in Prahran. On Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, the team will serve up their bottomless yum cha ($74 per person), with seatings throughout the day on Saturday and bookings into the evening on Sunday. Given that it's Mother's Day, there will be more than enough tea and spritzes to enjoy throughout your booking. These guys are super quick with their service, so you know the staff won't let your glass lay empty for long. [caption id="attachment_951928" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay[/caption] For Total Luxury: Reine and La Rue Reine and La Rue is home to one of the finest dining spaces in Melbourne. It's also hosting one of the most decadent Mother's Day meals in Melbourne. For both lunch and dinner, the team has created a stunning set menu and is giving guests the opportunity to personalise the occasion. When booking, guests can choose between a preordered box of sweet treats or an elegant floral bouquet to adorn their table. The experience isn't the cheapest, clocking in at a hefty $245 per person, but it is great for those looking to go all out this Mother's Day. For Fresh Flavours: Lona Misa If you're not drawn to the temptation of scones, teas or even a hearty pub feed, there are some more adventurous Mother's Day offerings around town. One of those is at Lona Misa, the South Yarra Latin hotspot that specialises in approachable and vegan-friendly fare. The team has put together a long lunch menu for Mother's Day, for $95 per adult. Expect potato bread and grilled shiitake anticuchos skewers, roasted peri-peri chicken, roasted cabbage with salsa macha and Andean papas with black garlic mayo. All that comes with free-flowing coffee and tea, and two hours of bottomless mimosas, spritzes, wine and beer. For a Sweet Treat: Piccolina Not all Mother's Day treats have to include outings to Melbourne restaurants and bars. Sometimes, you just want to hang out at home and have some family time. If that's your plan, but you still want to do something a little special, think about pre-ordering some of Piccolina's limited-edition tiramisu gelato sandwiches. The pastry chefs over at one of Melbourne's best gelaterias have adapted the timeless Italian dessert into an all-new form, with chocolate-dipped and cocoa-dusted sponge wedged around a slab of ganache and marscarpone gelato. You can pick them up on Mother's Day and deliver them yourself for an easy $22. Top image: Mary Eats Cake
Endings have always been a part of Succession. Since it premiered in 2018, the bulk of the HBO drama's feuding figures have been waiting for a big farewell. The reason is right there in the title, because for any of the Roy clan's adult children to scale the family company's greatest heights and remain there — be it initial heir apparent Kendall (Jeremy Strong, Armageddon Time), his inappropriate photo-sending brother Roman (Kieran Culkin, No Sudden Move), their political-fixer sister Siobhan (Sarah Snook, Pieces of a Woman), or eldest sibling and now-presidential candidate Connor (Alan Ruck, The Dropout) — their father Logan's (Brian Cox, Remember Me) tenure must wrap up. He's stubborn, though. He's proud, too, of what he's achieved and the power it's brought. Whenever Logan has seemed nearly ready to leave the business behind, he's held on. And if he's challenged or threatened, as three seasons of the Emmy-winning series have done again and again, he shows no signs of ever letting go. Succession has always been waiting for Logan's last stint at global media outfit Waystar RoyCo, but it's never been about finales quite the way it is in its fourth season, which starts streaming from Monday, March 27 Down Under (including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia, and on Neon in New Zealand). This time, there's a ticking clock not just for the show's characters, but for the stellar series itself. In late February, in an interview with The New Yorker a month out from season four's premiere, Succession's creator and showrunner Jesse Armstrong advised that this is its last go-around. Nothing can last forever, not even widely acclaimed hit shows that are a rarity in today's TV climate: genuine appointment-viewing. So, this one is going out at the height of its greatness — yes, its final batch of episodes begins out that strongly — which is how Logan should've always wanted to as well. That Succession won't be tearing into its ultra-rich squabblers again after these ten episodes casts a shadow over the new season, unsurprisingly. That said, given that it commences with the Roys as fractured as ever in the aftermath of 2021's season three — with Kendall, Roma and Shiv all estranged from and actively working against their dad, who has badged them "rats" with his usual venom — there's a higher sense of tension, greater stakes and a firmer feeling of finality anyway. This bickering brood has split, backstabbed, betrayed, undermined and reunited many times before. They've overcome health scares, accidental killings, high-strung weddings, legal troubles, hostile attempted takeovers, dark scandals, political scrutiny and more. Armstrong and his writing team could've kept the cycle going, but there's an unshakeable sense of hurt to this round of tussles that feels like the last the Roys can endure. In season three, Waystar went from trying to buy streaming service GoJo to entertaining a buyout from it — and from its tech visionary Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård, The Northman) — instead. And, as Kendall, Roman and Shiv kept trying to lock in their futures, Logan found a way to cut them out that couldn't have cut deeper. Accordingly, when season four kicks off with Logan's birthday just as season one did, a party that he's characteristically miserable at, only Connor shows up among his kids. The other three are busy trying to secure financing for The Hundred, the new media venture they're pitching as "Substack meets Masterclass meets The Economist meets The New Yorker". What they really want to do, of course, is stick it to their old man above all else. Money, which the Roys have much more of than most, aren't afraid to splash about and are always chasing, sure can't buy a reprieve from good old-fashioned pettiness. That's always been a glaring truth at the heart of the series, just like its fantasy equivalent Game of Thrones, because boasting immense control and hefty fortunes can't make anyone a decent person. No one watches this takedown of unfettered power, wealth and entitlement for hugs and smiles, but for Shakespearean dramedy and tragedy that rips brutally and ravenously into the one-percent. However it concludes and whoever thinks they've won — make no mistake, Succession is always a battle — no one is likely to be living happily ever after, or even managing to be content enough with where things wind up. Still, Roman will probably be smirking, Shiv shooting a steely glare and Kendall wearing the intense gaze that never wholly masks his inner sadness. They all sport exactly those expressions to begin season four, all while building their plans to simultaneously cement their next step and topple Logan. As sycophantic grins beam noxiously around his birthday, he's as caustic as ever even in just his eyes — more so with Shiv's husband Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen, Operation Mincemeat) playing middleman in a crucial deal, and when cousin Greg's (Nicholas Braun, Zola) love life taints the festivities. Yes, the more that things change in Succession, the more that they stay the same, including with general counsel Gerri (J Smith-Cameron, Fleishman Is in Trouble), CFO Karl (David Rasche, Swallow) and vice-chair Frank (Peter Friedman, She Said) hovering around while looking like they'd rather be anywhere else. Family malaise is a dime a dozen on TV, and workplace struggles as well. Succession is so sharp and scathing — so devastatingly well-cast and delicious with its incisive insults, too — that it's in a stratosphere of its own. With this compelling ensemble and the cracking dialogue they're gifted, the show's directors could just point cameras at the former in glass-walled rooms as they spout the latter and the series would gleam from every angle. That isn't how the handsomely staged and executed effort fills its episodes, but both its actors and writers remain at the top of their games. Indeed, watching Succession in such savage vintage form in everything from Strong's concentration to Culkin's way with witty slights, plus Braun's cluelessness and episode-one helmer Mark Mylod's (The Menu) tonal mastery, viewers will never want it to end. There'll be much to miss when the show severs its final ties at the end of May, glorious episode titles included (the fourth season's opener is aptly called 'The Munsters'). It's going out how it's always gone on, though — without losing its bite, or its taste for blisteringly dark, pointed and funny family-feud chaos. Logan is pondering farewells again, too. Succession hasn't lost its ability to astonish, and its fearsome white-haired patriarch waxing lyrical about whether death is just an abyss over a diner dinner with his chief security guard is one such delight. There'll certainly be a chasm left in the show's wake but, like its most formidable figure won't stop doing, audiences will just have to make the most of it while it's here. Check out the full trailer for Succession season four below: Succession season four starts streaming from Monday, March 27 Down Under, including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Check out our review of season three. Images: Claudette Barius, Macall B Polay / HBO.
Instagram looked rather fetching last week. Hoards of hovering fashion bloggers, well-dressed punters breaking out their most social media-baiting outfits and a somewhat random Gerard Butler all descended on Sydney's Carriageworks last week for Australia's premier fashion event. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is a tossed salad of the fashion industry's heavyweights, Next Big Things and hopeful scenesters eager to catch a glimpse of the coming season's boldest and brightest looks. Fresh from a long, house music-fuelled week of drooling over impossibly high heels and disarmingly playful outfits we could never comfortably wear into the office, Concrete Playground takes a look at next year's biggest trends. Looks like next year we'll be wearing wetsuits, donning enough sparkles to blind passers-by and asking our mums for style advice. Image: Toni Maticevski, Dion Lee, Ginger & Smart Luxe sports We all know Australia is a sporting nation, but who could have predicted that a fair whack of the MBFWA designers would premiere collections referencing sportswear as a key inspiration? Prominent zips, pockets, mesh panels, racer backs, fabrics that looked totally capable of wicking moisture — sporty detailing was everywhere this year. Dion Lee went varsity track-and-field, Ginger & Smart inserted a hint of streetwise mesh into otherwise romantic pieces, and several newcomers came out looking ready to race. The style reached its zenith, however, with Toni Maticevski, who sent athletics-inflected eveningwear down the runway (and it was stunning and formidable and would be perfectly rocked by Claire Underwood on House of Cards). Style inspiration: Sochi Olympics Image: Gabriel Lee (Raffles showcase), Ciara Nolan (The Innovators), Toni Maticevski Neoprene dreams Although a pedant might say neoprene is just one subset of the sports trend, the textile (you might know it as wetsuit material) was so prevalent at MBFWA that it deserves a mention in its own right. As well as anchoring the athletic collections of Maticevski et al, it made appearances contrasting against floatier, finer fabrics in the girlier wares of Cameo, Alice McCall and Gabriel Lee (part of the Raffles International Showcase), while Ciara Nolan achieved ultimate neoprene-age with her dinosaur-inspired (yes, dinosaur inspired) pieces. Best of all, neoprene should prove surprisingly wearable, particularly in skirts, where it not only makes sculptural curlicues from your waist to your knees but has a hold-everything-in effect. Stay away from any neoprene jumpsuits though; that could well just be a wetsuit. Style inspiration: Surfers. Duh. Image: Yousef Akbar, Alice McCall, Bei Na Wei SO SHINY This season designers are infusing a little celebration in each of their pieces. Accompanying the straight-up party that is Romance Was Born's hootenanny of an exhibition, Reflected Glory, designers like Aurelio Costarella, Alex Perry and Zhivago are making a dance floor out of mere clothing. Basically, the more sequins you can pack into a pair of pants the better. Metallic, rigid tunics and playsuits shone down more than one runway, making appearances everywhere from Alice McCall to Bei Na Wei, while glass beadwork, monochrome sequins and shimmering tassels made an absolute shindig of the Yousef Akbar runway. Day to night has never been easier. Style inspiration: Vince Noir’s mirrorball suit Image: Dyspnea, Alice McCall, Haryono Setiadi OVERLAYS We could see right through this one — overlays are getting serious exposure. Romantic as ever, intricate lace is all loved up by designers like Aje, Alice McCall and Alex Perry, prettying up full-length onesies, sheer business shirts and playful cocktail dresses. Appropriately breezy for her cruise-inspired birthday collection, Alice McCall paired long hemlines with high-waisted ‘50s style undergarments, while Ae'lkemi took sheer to the next level with gowns, shirts and skirts almost whispered on. The best thing about the evolution of sheer into overlays? Odds are you can actually wear it in the street. Style inspiration: Freedom Image: Hayley Elsaesser, Alice McCall, Emma Mulholland LOUD PRINTS Oh, you're thinking of wearing that ditsy floral dress? No. Life is short and this year's designers want you to spend yours not as a wallflower but as a rare, crossbred and likely poisonous orchid. Therefore, those who are working with colour (and not strictly monochrome and structural, which is, of course, also a thing right now) are working in vivid technicolour smashed together in brash prints. We're particularly taken with Emma Mulholland's and Hayley Elsaesser's sweet spins on childhood nostalgia and Alice McCall's mystical and alluring digital pyramid print. Fortunately, mixing prints is the pinnacle of this trend, so: let's wear both. Style inspiration: Ken Done Image: Dyspnea, Aelkemi, RACHELALEX THAT '70s SHOW Hemlines are longer, prints are bolder, sleeves are bigger — the '70s are the season's chosen decade for a runway revamp. Bell bottomed pants, asymmetrical tunics and winged sleeves made appearances in the Ellery, Bianca Spender and Ae’lkemi shows, while the impossibly bright, geometric prints of Desert Designs and tie-dyed designs from Rukshani channel an early '70s post-Woodstock vibe. Zhivago brought out yellow long-sleeved gowns with plunging necklines and Jayson Brunsdon featured super feathered, luminescent collars and one-shouldered numbers, also seen in Haryono Setia's candy corn-coloured tunics. Style inspiration: Studio 54 Image: Hayley Dawson, Yousef Akbar, Dion Lee MIXED MATERIALS Sometimes you need to pair something with its opposite to truly bring out its best qualities. Alex Perry fused rough snakeskin with bejewelled silk, Dion Lee is bringing leather to denim like only the Ramones could and newcomer Hayley Dawson introduced feminine, sheer cotton to hardy industrial uniforms. Yousef Akbar's Francis Bacon-inspired collection ended with floor-length gowns of half neoprene half silver sequins, while Bei Na Wei blended industrial strength synthetic mesh textiles with shiny leather to find a futuristic femininity. Style inspiration: Neenish tarts Image: Cameo, Emma Mulholland, Ellery MORE OF WHAT YOU'VE ALREADY GOT Not everything is a flash in the fashion pan; some trends are showing staying power that's a good two seasons long. Crop tops, bustiers and sheer garments are still around in a big way (layer the two together and you have something approaching modesty), while matchy-matchy monochrome remains a strong look, particularly in statement white. Style inspiration: MBFWA 2013 Top image: Emma Mulholland. Words by Shannon Connellan and Rima Sabina Aouf.
The end of Game of Thrones is coming, with the show's eighth and final season kicking off this month. Not ready to say goodbye? Try claiming the Iron Throne for yourself instead. Joining the huge list of GoT-themed bits and pieces — including spinoff series, official tours, boozy banquets and ice hotels — is Game of Thrones Winter Is Coming, a new multiplayer browser game that puts players in the thick of the action. It might have the most obvious title possible, but Game of Thrones Winter Is Coming gives fans an important role and a huge task: becoming either a lord or lady in Westeros, scheming against and slaying your enemies, and seizing the Seven Kingdoms' coveted metal chair. So, basically, stepping into the standard GoT world and doing what all of your favourite characters have been doing for years. Unlike Jon Snow, you'll know that much at least. Now available to play, it all kicks off after the death of Eddard Stark, aka the moment that had every TV fan hooked. Your character will take his place among Westeros' upper echelons, train an army, recruit followers and endeavour to remain victorious (and keep your head, obviously). And, because the game is a collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment under license from HBO, expect plenty of other iconic GoT figures to pop up. Expect to virtually roam around the Seven Kingdoms as well, which has been recreated complete with major landmarks and castles from the show. You'll also be able to relive some of the series' iconic moments, just in computer game form. Played online in your browser, it's really your latest excuse to never leave the world created by George RR Martin, even if the hugely successful TV show based on his books is about to leave our lives. Or, think of it another way — it's a way to pass the time until Martin finally finishes the sixth instalment in the printed franchise, the long-awaited The Winds of Winter. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gon69yQTx9M Game of Thrones Winter Is Coming is available to play online now. Image: Game of Thrones season 8. Helen Sloan/HBO.
Elizabeth Street could be on the verge of a fairly drastic (and particularly green) facelift. Taking cues from cities like Seoul and Fukuko, Japan, a globally-renowned urban planner has put forward a radical new proposal to transform the Melbourne's Elizabeth Street thoroughfare into a leafy tropical canal. Speaking to The Age, Gilbert Rochecouste, founder and managing director of Village Well, said he'd like to rip up the old bitumen and replace it with "a walkable green oasis full of quirky shop and spontaneous day and night experiences." Elizabeth Street already has a waterway, although you wouldn't know just by strolling down the sidewalk. Although confined by storm drains, William’s Creek runs straight down Elizabeth Street to empty into the Yarra. It's the reason that the street is prone to flash flooding during periods of heavy rain — as we saw in 2010. Although it may sound like a bold idea for Elizabeth Street, Rochecouste has a tried and true history when it comes to revitalising urban spaces, having previously helped breathe new life into Melbourne’s dilapidated laneways. This also isn’t the first time Rochecouste has floated the idea for the Elizabeth Street waterway, having previously spoken about it back in 2009. Rochecouste’s new plan would be to expose the creek, lining its banks with trees and local foliage. "Footpaths would become shared spaces that bleed into the creek with activation supported by the myriad of restaurants and cafes,” he explained. “The footpaths/piazza would also become and ancillary events space to happenings throughout the CBD." This GIF gives you a pretty dramatic idea of what to expect: The plan would mirror similar projects in cities around the world. Cheonggyecheon, an 11km redevelopment in downtown Seoul, has proven enormously popular with tourists and locals alike, while urban canals have also been proposed in places like Berlin, Rotterdam and Suqian City, China. Unfortunately, one man who seems less keen on the idea is Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle. “There's no doubt it's useful to have some radical ideas thrown up from time-to-time [but] this one's just a bridge too far,” he told Fairfax radio. Via The Age.
Each of Australia's capital cities has a different shtick. Melbourne's just happens to be a 24-hour culture — or, at least, the closest Australia has to it. It's got all-night public transport on weekends, late-night opening hours for the National Gallery of Victoria's new Triennial and the city's White Night festival will return for its annual all-nighter in 2018. If you haven't been down to White Night before, here's how it works. From 7pm, much of Melbourne's CBD is closed to cars. From then on, the streets give way to pedestrians, who are free to wander between temporary installations, live music and on-street projections — as well as in and out of galleries and cultural institutions — up until the sun comes up at 7am the next day. It's the Australian version of Nuit Blanche, which was founded in France in the 80s. Next year's festival — which will shut down the city for 12 hours on the evening of Saturday, February 17 — features work from a tonne of both local and international artists. Expect to see neon pups, two Burning Man installations and one laneway covered in snow. There are far too many works to list, but here are a few highlights you'll want to look out for. A giant shimming silver net that will hover above Federation Square for White Night (and two weeks afterwards). Drag queens singing from balconies above Collins Street. A laneway filled with virtual neon 'dogs' and another filled with falling 'snow'. A tree that lets you write temporary messages on it with the light from your phone Two installations straight from Burning Man: a fire-breathing serpent outside Melbourne Museum and a giant mechanical insect that doubles at a DJ booth. Mini gigs performed from multiple balconies above Swanston Street. A 360-degree dome in Alexandra Gardens that will feature mesmerising projections. Stories from Australian detention centres projected onto the NGV's façade. White Night will also head out to Victoria's regional centres. It will return to Ballarat on March 17 for a second year, and will take to the streets of Bendigo and Geelong for the first time later in 2018.
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.
Ready to crisp up your March? British producer Bonobo has arrived just in time for autumn with a string of highly-anticipated DJ shows around Australia. As well as tipping his hat to one of the world’s great endangered apes, the UK-based DJ, musician and producer (real name: Simon Green) effortlessly incorporates sample layers with complex basslines; creating that signature minimalist sound he's inspired budding producers with worldwide. Since the release of his completely self-produced and self-instrumented debut Animal Magic in 2000, Bonobo has released five full-length albums and a handful of EPs and singles — becoming somewhat of a downtempo pioneer in the process. His latest release The North Borders saw him play over 175 shows across three continents and 30 countries, including appearances at Coachella and Glastonbury. March will see Bonobo travelling to Auckland, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth for solo DJ sets, with a bucketload of visuals to enhance the experience.
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.
We know you guys are probably tiring of the food truck trend, but hear us out on this one. Now, we're not entirely sure how to feel, so we're just gonna lay out the facts. There's a new food truck doing the rounds that specialises in… gourmet dog food. The Canine Wellness Kitchen (heh) is Australia's first food truck for dogs — which, honestly, is a sentence we never thought we'd write. Founders and 'canine chefs' Katie Crandon and Laura Yeomans aren't new to this game — they founded 'dog superfood' (apparently a thing) label Because I Luv My Dog, specialising in healthy pooch snacks for on-the-go doggos. It'll be the first food truck of its kind in Australia, offering a range of dog-friendly goods including dehydrated snacks, raw food, chicken necks and organic bone broth. And… again, not sure how to take this… a beer for dogs. It's named Freddie's Froth and it's not actual beer guys, it's bone broth, geez. The whole venture is a little tongue in cheek and pokes fun at the food truck revolution. This is a little snippet from the menu: "Forget the super smoothies, our bone broth is the ultimate detoxifier. Get your active wear on, this is all the warm up you need for a workout." Look, in your heart of hearts, you know this is one business that'll go incredibly well. We're on board. Canine Wellness Kitchen will be making their first appearance on September 24 at the Hank Marvin Markets in St Kilda.
So, you've mastered all the usual yoga poses, and you think you've attempted every variation that there is. Not so fast. There's a style you mightn't have tried, and it's all the rage in Brisbane. That'd be blindfolded yoga, aka one of the main attractions at the Left Brain / Right Brain workshop at Woolloongabba's Princess Theatre on January 29 and 30. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. All that bending and breathing you're familiar with — well, it's about to seem a whole lot different when you're doing it without being able to see anything. Using sensory deprivation to sharpen focus, shift attention inward and heighten instincts is the name of the game, with the trend towards sightless stretching gaining traction around the world for a couple of years. If you're keen to give it a go, you might also want to peruse the rest of the event's program. A sound bath session or other movement and music-oriented mind-expansion techniques, anyone? Of course, we haven't yet mentioned the most exciting part — well, for those a little self-conscious about their form, that is. With a blindfold wrapped around your head, you can't see your exercise classmates and they can't see you either. You don't get that at bikram or disco yoga. For more information, visit the Left Brain / Right Brain website. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Art has prevailed in the battle to fill a Melbourne rooftop with naked people. In the latest development surrounding Spencer Tunick's newest work, the New York artist has been given permission to hold a nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park — just over a week after the store said no. It was announced in May that Tunick would be returning to Australia in July to stage another of his famed mass nude photos, all as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. Seventeen years after assembling 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival, the polarising artist plans to amass another contingent of naked (and pretty brave) folk for a work titled Return of the Nude While Tunick has photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, snapped the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK, his initial attempt to craft his latest piece against a Melbourne skyline backdrop was knocked back by Woolworths. A petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, in response —and due to community pressure, the store has decided to let the shoot go ahead. A spokesperson for the supermarket giant advised, "in further discussions with the festival organisers they indicated a willingness to be flexible with dates and times to ensure the shoot could happen without inconveniencing our customers during busy weekend trading. As a result, we're now able to accommodate the request to temporarily clear the rooftop for Spencer Tunick's group shot on a Monday morning during a traditionally slow trading period." The shoot will take place on Monday, July 9, with Tunick given an hour to complete his vision. And if you'd like to participate — anyone over the age of 18 can git their kit off and get involved — there's still time to register. Participants each get a print of the photograph and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. Provocaré will take place across the Chapel Street Precinct from July 5–15, with Return of the Nude being shot over one hour on July 9.
If you're a female chef, sommelier, waiter, restaurateur or manager — in short, if you're a woman and you work in hospo — there's a brand new not-for-profit in Australia dedicated to you. It's called WOHO and it's already attracted the support of some big names in the industry, including Christine Manfield, Danielle Alvarez and Nadine Ingram, who'll be acting as mentors. Even though 51.8 percent of Australian hospitality workers are women, only 15.4 percent of CEOs in the same industry are. So, when it comes to the top jobs, females are seriously underrepresented. WOHO will be bringing educational opportunities and forums to professionals at all stages of their careers. Members will be able to share experiences, ask questions, discuss issues, seek advice and access a supportive network. There'll be a formal mentoring program, regular events and meet-ups. "It is a very exciting time for Australian hospitality, which is now getting more recognition on the world stage," says Julia Campbell, founder and chair of WOHO. "While our forward-thinking approach to food and concepts is well-recognised, it is imperative that we face the issue of female underrepresentation at a senior level in the industry. WOHO is a vehicle for us to inspire, recruit and retain more females and to give them the confidence to support themselves and each other in their professional development." The rest of the WOHO Board is made up of Anna Pavoni (Ormeggio), Jane Hyland (4fourteen), Claire van Vuuren (Bloodwood), Michelle Maiale (A Tavola), Jane Strode (Bistrode CBD), Lisa Hobbs (Dedes Group), Lisa Margan (Margan Estate), Kerrie McCallum (delicious and Stellar) and Lyndey Milan (OAM). WOHO will launch on May 29 at 6pm at Three Blue Ducks, 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery. There'll be food by Bloodwood, 4Fourteen, Pastry Project and Bistrode CBD, and drinks by Printhie, Lisa McGuigan, Margan Estate, Young Henrys and Santa Vittoria. Tickets are $25 (members) or $30 (non members). WOHO membership is $10/month.
Besides naps and binge watching Netflix, there's very few things in life that will fix a grouchy mood better than a delicious snack. And when you inevitably find yourself in that irritated, hungry state — perhaps cooped up in your office, working on a deadline at the library, or just roaming the city streets on the verge of breakdown — that's exactly when you need those snacks the most. So for the love of your soul, here are the ten best snacks in the city — from sweet somethings to the hot, deep fried kind. They're all under $10, can all be eaten on-the-go, and are all absolutely delicious. NUTELLA AND BANANA JAFFLE, T-ROY BROWNS — $4.50 Every tummy needs a T-Roy Brown Nutella and peanut butter jaffle from time to time. Combining our two fave spreads, this Melbourne cafe has turned the all-too-familiar PB&J sandwich into one very sleek snack. Bursting with a mix of warm chocolate and peanut spread, these babies are available for the taking on the outskirts of Flinders Street Station, right next to the 24 hour gym. White shirts are not advised during consumption. 365 Flinders Street, CBD CHEESE AND SPINACH BOREK, THE BOREK SHOP AT QVM — $3 One of Melbourne's best savoury pastries is located in the heart of Queen Vic Market. Remarkably kind on your purse, these boreks are Melburnian legend. Don't be fooled by the low prices, the ultra-efficient ladies at Shop 95 know exactly what they're doing. Just be prepared to elbow your way in, because this Borek Stand isn't much of a hidden gem anymore — it's a rather popular one. You'll know why after you take the first bite. Shop 95, Queen Victoria Market, cnr Victoria and Elizabeth Streets, CBD BRAISED PORK BELLY BAO, WONDERBAO — $4.20 Surely a list of the CBD's best of the best cannot exclude the wondrous creations from Wonderbao. Set between their plant-your-face-on-it soft bao, Wonderbao's sticky braised pork belly buns are the perfect 3pm snack. Pickled mustard, fresh coriander and crunchy peanuts make up this gua bao dream from Wonderbao's A'Beckett street home. Splurge with some hot soya if you feel a cold coming on. Shop 4, 19-37 A'Beckett Street, CBD HERBED CHICKEN GOZLEME, GOZ CITY — $10 Regretting that lunchtime salad because you 'weren't hungry'? Do a runner down to Goz City, one of Melbourne's best Turkish takeaway joints. Warm timber and classic wooden stools make up this homey Lt Collins Street eatery, but if you don't have time to stop, grab your gozleme to go. Crammed with fresh herbs and tender chicken, Goz City's herbed chicken option is the ideal post-lunch filler. 502 Little Collins Street, CBD POTATO MAC AND CHEESE CROQUETTES, GRAND TRAILER PARK TAVERNA — $4.50 When the afternoon blues hit and you're in need of a delicious (preferably greasy) pick me up, there's really no time to skimp on carbs. Luckily, one of Melbourne's favourite burger joints also makes gloriously crispy snacks, which are perfect to snag on the go. The Grand Trailer Park Taverna's potato mac and cheese croquettes (pictured above in a burger) are stuffed with gooey cheesy goodness and piping hot potato — and they're guaranteed to make your afternoon considerably better. And at $4.20 a pop, you can grab two and still get change for a tenner. 87 Bourke Street, CBD LA GOURMANDE WAFFLE, WAFFLE ON — $9 If melted chocolate layered with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream doesn't make you happy on a bad day, I'm sorry — there's nothing we can do for you. But if it does, then you're in luck. Tucked between the sandwich shops in Degraves Street, Waffle On is a haven for work-weary Melburnians (as well as an occasional awkward date-spot.) Order a La Gourmande waffle (chocolate, strawberries and extra cream) when you're down in the dumps, and prepare to slip into a blissful post-waffle state. Shop 9, Degraves Street, CBD COFFEE AND DOUGHNUT, SHORTSTOP — $8 A doughnut a day won't keep the doctor away, but we'll pretend Shortstop's goodies do until further notice. Their magnificent sticky date and gingerbread doughnut combo is hellishly decadent, merging three of the best desserts together into one ridiculously delicious snack. You can also pick up your morning coffee in this deceptively small setup. Better yet, you can use your addiction to caffeine as an excuse to keep coming back. We certainly do. 12 Sutherland Street, CBD BBQ CHICKEN BAHN MI, PAPERBOY KITCHEN — $9.50 The humble bahn mi might be Melbourne's favourite takeaway roll. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, those of us true to Vietnamese baguettes munch away on the pickled vegetable and soy sauce combo. Paperboy Kitchen's BBQ chicken creation is perfect for your pesky second lunch craving. And while it isn't the dirt cheap bahn mi you can get elsewhere, it's got an edge you won't find in traditional offerings. Filled with marinated, free-range chicken and a killer sriracha-mayo combo, you'll be raring to go after dropping by Paperboy. 320 Little Lonsdale Street, CBD FETA, OREGANO AND GARLIC OIL CHIPS, JIMMY GRANTS — $7 Melburnian's can only resist the crispy comfort of deep fried chippies for so long. When you eventually cave to the urge, you might as well pick some of the best chips in Melbourne too. One of our favourite Greek restaurants, Jimmy Grants, is now located in the Emporium food court, and serves up fries layered with creamy feta, oregano and garlic oil. They're certainly good enough to warrant repeat visits. Many, many repeat visits. Emporium Cafe Court, 287 Lonsdale Street, CBD CINNAMON AND RAISIN BAGEL, 5 & DIME — $2 In all their hole-y, carb-filled glory, there's nothing quite like 5 & Dime bagels. If you haven't been to one of Melbourne's best bagel bakers at The Archway in Katherine Place yet, you've been doing coffee breaks wrong. Their cinnamon and raisin bagel is ideal for sweet tooths struggling with afternoon hunger pangs — and all you'll need is the change in your back pocket. For a laughably cheap two dollars, you might as well splurge and get housemade jam ($3.50) or seasonal fruit ($4.00) while you're there. 16 Katherine Place, CBD Borek image credit: avlxyz via Flickr; T-Roy Brown's image credit: clyde_yang via Instagram; Paperboy image credit: victoriatrian via 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.
As Mr Miyagi enters its second decade of trade on Chapel Street, it's proof that despite Melbourne's ever-rotating door of hospitality venues, the best restaurants endure. Mr Miyagi is a rarity in this sense — brushing off momentary food fads and dizzying rebranding in favour of staying loyal to the original idea that won them hearts in Windsor and across the river, over ten years ago. Modern Japanese is the focus here. The ever-popular Salmon Nori Taco — with Huon Valley salmon belly, sushi rice, spicy napa cabbage and Japanese mayo — continues to be the photographed favourite, but there are highlights to be found throughout the menu. Margaret River MB9+ wagyu beef is prepared tataki style, lifted with sesame ponzu, persimmon, red wine shallots, capers and watercress. The Tempura Broccoli reimagines the oft-maligned brassica with ramen seasoning and salted buffalo ricotta, while a hearty carbonara-inspired udon bowl pairs crispy pork belly with miso butter beurre blanc, garlic, chilli oil, pancetta crumbs and chives. If you're with a group, banquet options starting from $49 for four courses deliver bang for your buck at both lunch and dinner. Turning to the short but sharp drinks menu, the vodka-based Hello Kitty Sour features lychee liqueur from Rosebud distiller Stache House, lemon and aquafaba. Another 'naughty but nice' cocktail with gin, blood orange, passionfruit, white chocolate and aquafaba is dubbed Yukie Makes a Porno (a nod to Mr Miyagi's former snack bar next door). The bartending team are clearly having fun with the menu and it's paying off — drinks are beautifully balanced; spicy, sour and sweet without verging into sickliness. Beyond what's written on paper, it's clear that a lot of investment has been put into training the staff, who operate like a slick machine. The bustling ambience and thoughtful fluidity from the front door to the carriage booths out the back creates a fast, fun atmosphere that's perfect for its location. It's this focus on quality fun — from the menus through to the service, neon-pink interiors and cheeky details — that has made Mr Miyagi a staple on Chapel Street's highly competitive restaurant scene.
American BBQ-style restaurants will always be in vogue. The formula goes something like this: Pull the pork, barbecue the chicken wings, smoke the beef, add a side of slaw fries and a stiff drink with which to wash it down. Le Bon Ton, from the American brothers behind Chignon, jumped on the southern-style bandwagon way back in 2014. It might seem all too familiar, but its saving grace is the myriad of personalities contained within its fun and fierce identity. Anywhere you can feasibly find pit-smoked meat alongside a dozen fresh oysters, a glass of real champagne and an absinthe cocktail has got something going on. One thing pulls it all together, and that's the homage to America's Deep South: meat smoked as if in Texas, fish prepared with thoughts of Louisiana Gulf Coast and an underlying ode to the French-influenced city of New Orleans. There's a sophisticated authenticity here that other venues lack. Upon entering at meal times you'll be hit with the smell of the meat smoker that lives in the courtyard, supplying luxuriously tender beef, pork and sausages. The 12-hour smoked pork belly was perfectly cooked, and provided a great excuse to pour the house-made BBQ sauce and fiery habanero onto the plate. The chicken wings have become legendary, and there are plenty of sides to accompany your meaty choices — think house made pickles, seasoned fries and BBQ broccoli. Also a saloon, cocktail bar and absinthe house — with a late night licence, no less — Le Bon Ton is a real all-rounder. It's sure to lure you in, whatever your fancy, and provide enough reasons for you to sit and enjoy, hour upon hour, snack upon snack and Sazerac upon chest-hair-inducing Sazerac.
One of Australia's most redeeming qualities is its ability to give good afternoon sun. There's something about its familiar glow that almost demands casual drinks — whether it's cracking open a cold beer after a day out, heading to the pub after a long day of work, or deciding on a whim that your backyard is perfect for having friends over. We love summer afternoons, and we've partnered with Heineken 3 so you can get the most out of them. We've spoken to a few of our favourite chefs, musicians and artists, to get their insights on creating the perfect balmy afternoon. For a summer playlist, who better to ask for advice than Ned East, a.k.a Kilter? His genre-spanning tropical electronic beats scream summer, and he's been making waves playing his tunes around Australia — performing at Falls, Field Day and Southbound. This year he followed the sun into European waters, playing shows and festivals across France, Germany, Malta and the UK. We asked him for some tips on how to create the perfect party playlist for a summer afternoon. Because he's a nice guy, he provided one of his own. It's good. Listen to this and get inspired, then follow his tips in creating your own. YOUR PLAYLIST NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY CURATED It's important to remember that your playlist should be delicately crafted — it shouldn't just be a bunch of tracks thrown together. It should be designed to be listened to in one fell swoop, just like Kilter's. That means no skipping, no jumping and absolutely no shuffling (tracks, that is). TAKE YOUR LISTENERS ON A JOURNEY There needs to be an effortless flow. Kilter's playlist has a strong dance tinge to it, cruising through a few downtempo tracks, moving into a house-centred, upbeat party vibe. Things get a bit crazy towards the end, but what else can you expect from a summer session? PICK A FEW BANGER TRACKS TO GET STARTED Kilter tells us to "start with the tracks you really want to play, then think about their order and how they'll be consumed". Choose a few of your favourite tracks that you know you'll definitely want to include, and use those as your base. That way, it's easy to get inspired, ensure you get a variety of music and make sure your playlist has some direction. Kilter's starting point tracks were Kwesta's 'Ngud' (featuring Cassper Nyovest), as well as 808INK's 'Suede Jaw' and Hayden James' 'Just a Lover' (Karma Kid remix) — he recommends if you're in need of some inspiration. CONSIDER YOUR SITUATION, AND LEARN TO LIFT THE VIBES Music has the magical ability to dictate someone's mood. It's essential to a summer afternoon when you're throwing back a Heineken 3, because it'll lift the vibes. "If it's a rainy day and you're playing summertime jams, it's going to make you feel a little bit better," Kilter says. "If it's a sunny day and you've got sunny music on, it's really going to take your vibes to another level". In his own words: "Get some friends over and have some beers in the sun. Let the music do its thing while you do your thing." Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 — we're helping you make the most of them.
The world's best game of connect the dots is currently happening in Brisbane. Step foot inside Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, and it begins — first with a multi-coloured, circled-covered sculpture, then with giant yellow spheres suspended from the ceiling. Bright canvases blasted with tiny pinpricks, portraits of animals surrounded by giant rings, mannequins with orb-like structures protruding from their torso — the list goes on. They're present on paintings of pumpkins, on recreations of the Venus de Milo and when you peer into a mirrored hexagon through a circular porthole. Of course, given that GOMA is currently playing host to a free 70-plus piece retrospective of Yayoi Kusama's work, dots are inescapable. Whether peppered across other objects, floating through the air or plastered across a white room by a willing audience, they've been a part of the Japanese artist's work since she was ten years old. Ask her why, and she has a simple answer: "I am just another dot in the world," she has famously replied — and it couldn't better encapsulate the feeling of looking at her repetition-filled, infinity-pondering artistry. That sentiment doesn't just echo throughout the gallery. It's written on one of its walls — not that visitors need the reminder, given the round shapes that linger everywhere you look. The exhibition might be called Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow after one of her most recent pieces, but at the heart of that rainbow sits a giant circle. Yes, we mean that literally. It's one of the last paintings on display, so you'll see it for yourself. Co-curated with the National Gallery Singapore, where the exhibition displayed until September, the vast showcase also spans everything from Kusama's 'net' paintings and soft sculptures to her black-and-white pieces and video work — and, all of the dot-flecked pieces that you could imagine. Running in Brisbane until February 11, 2018, it's an immersive experience that has to be seen to be truly understood and appreciated. Here's six things to look out for along the way. [caption id="attachment_646485" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] I WANT TO LOVE ON THE FESTIVAL NIGHT A mirrored hexagonal box isn't the type of thing that you see every day. Neither is the kaleidoscopic array of colourful lights shining brightly inside. An Instagrammer's dream, I WANT TO LOVE ON THE FESTIVAL NIGHT was specially created for the exhibition's Singapore stint, though it has evolved from her 1966 effort, Kusama's Peep Show. You'll want to peer into each of the structure's three viewing holes, and, given the changing hues, you'll want to stay staring through each for at least a few minutes. [caption id="attachment_646487" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] THE HEART OF KUSAMA'S RAINBOW Colour abounds in Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow, just like dots; but standing in one particular room in the exhibition will make you feel like you're bathing in several pails of paint. The bright, spiky shapes of Kusama's sculptures combine with the vibrant hues and vivid lines in her paintings, making the room seem alive. And that's without featuring any of the artist's immersive installations in this specific space. [caption id="attachment_646493" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] THE OBLITERATION ROOM It's an old favourite for a reason, and it's back. Interactive in the best, brightest and most fun possible way, The Obliteration Room stems from Kusama's childhood perception, seeing the world through a screen of tiny dots. After "obliterating" her work with dots from that moment, she now asks everyone else to do the same. You step inside a room, painted white from floor to ceiling — including all of its surfaces, fixtures, furniture and objects too — and then add spots of colour in sticker form. Yes, running around sticking spots on everything is as fun and therapeutic as it sounds. [caption id="attachment_646512" align="aligncenter" width="1926"] Sarah Ward[/caption] SOUL UNDER THE MOON Other than dots, one thing is certain at Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow: whatever day or time you visit, there'll be a line visible on the other side of the exhibition entrance. It's for the most immersive aspect of the show, and it's well worth the wait. While you're only allowed inside SOUL UNDER THE MOON for 30 seconds given the queue, you'll find a dark, mirrored room filled with suspended glowing balls awaiting once you enter. Be careful not to step too far when you're marvelling at its luminous sights that appear to go on forever (or taking snaps), or you'll find yourself in water. [caption id="attachment_646510" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Sarah Ward[/caption] PUMPKINS AND POLLEN If you can wander through Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow and leave without feeling the need to eat pumpkin, then you clearly haven't spent enough time looking at Kusama's orange corner. You won't just find paintings of vegetables on display here, but sculptures that look like mutated pollen, a horror-movie like tentacle piece called Sex Obsession, and quite the blend of fabric, stylised anatomy and paint. Just when your cravings subside, however, you'll enter the mirrored THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS — and you'll be seeing pumpkins for days. [caption id="attachment_646494" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] KUSAMA'S VIDEO WORK Amidst the colour, movement, mirrors and dots of GOMA's exhibition, it's easy to walk past the dark room out the back — but don't. Inside, you'll find documents and video works from throughout Kusama's career, plus a seat to sit down and watch. Doing just that is recommended, whether you want to see the artist walk through the streets five decades ago, or see her stick dots on a cat. Yes, the latter does happen, and yes, it's as fantastic as it sounds. "If there's a cat, I obliterate it by putting polka dot stickers on it," is another of her famous quotes, after all. Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibits at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art until 11 February 2018. For more information, head to the gallery website. Images: Anwyn Howarth / Sarah Ward.
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
There's something brewing in Geelong, quite literally. The sleepy port city has been inundated in recent years with a plethora of world-class breweries, restaurants and wine bars and has quietly become Victoria's alternative foodie capital. White Rabbit Brewery and Barrel Hall is one such new neighbour. While they're new in town (they opened their doors late last year), they've quickly settled in and become a must-see stop on the unofficial Geelong food and beer tour. We took a stroll through the brewery with head brewer Jeremy Halse — who better to dish all the secrets on Geelong's beloved brewery than the man who cranks the cogs? STEP INSIDE Like all good things, you'll start your White Rabbit journey at the start. A dramatic entryway, piled high barrels and modern fermentation equipment parts to give you a glimpse of the length of the brewery. Jeremy says the entrance gives a taste of what's to come. "The way we designed the whole building is to take you on a journey, it's educational," he says. "It shows off the different facets of brewing that we do here, from the modern to the old school with the barrels." LOOK FAR AND WIDE Keep heading into the brewery and you'll come to a platform that gives you a view of the whole brewery and its inner workings. "As you walk through the brewery, you're following the brewing process. We've got a viewing platform where you can step into the production area and into an upper level – you can interact with the brewers when they're working, see steam coming out of vessels when we're mashing or boiling," Jeremy says. "It really opens up the whole process, we want to de-mystify brewing". A tip for all you home-brewers out there keen to see the professionals at work: during the week is when you'll see the most action. GET A LOAD OF THE OPEN FERMENTERS One of the most interesting elements of the White Rabbit brewery are the open fermenters. If you're not familiar with the ins and outs of beer making, open fermentation is an old school method. It's actually the old school method. At one point all beer was brewed using an open fermentation process and nowadays the White Rabbit brewers use their two open fermenters to experiment. From the viewing platform you can check out their rig, literally and you should — no brewery has anything like it in Australia. BARREL THROUGH THE BARREL HALL The Barrel Hall is both a namesake and highlight of the White Rabbit brewery. The rows and rows of barrels are currently fermenting White Rabbit's new barrel-aged red ale, a beer Jeremy has spent some time perfecting. "We always aimed make one beer at a time and make it really, really well. And that's always been in my head. That's why we've been very slow to release new beers, because we want to make the best, most balanced beers that we can," he says. "Unless we're loving it, we won't release it." GET IT FRESH FROM THE DINING HALL TAP By the time you reach the dining hall, you'll probably be fiending for a beer. In winter, a roaring wood fire will entice you into the rustic dining space and you should prepare for a long stay, nestled in the cosy hall. The White Rabbit menu echoes the beer itself — simple but beautifully balanced. We recommend a ploughman's board, piled high with Serrano, pickled veggies and sourdough or the beef bourguignon (with White Rabbit Dark Ale on the side). Jeremy's beer recommendation? "Our White Rabbit Jackalope is my go-to at the moment. We call it a whiskey sour as it's our sour wheat beer and we aged it in some ex-whiskey barrels. It picked up some of that whiskey character and turned out really beautifully." Find White Rabbit Brewery at 221 Swanston Street, South Geelong. Open Sunday to Thursday 11am – 5pm, Friday to Saturday 11am – 9pm.
It attracted 2.03 million votes in 2014, is regarded as 'the world's greatest music democracy' and is pretty much the only thing on Australian radios on Australia Day between the odd 'Khe Sanh'. Whether you 'get into it' or not, triple j's Hottest 100 has some serious reach, and this year, they're putting that blanket coverage to bloody good use. As part of this year's Hottest 100, triple j have teamed up with Indigenous school mentoring program AIME, for some hardcore fundraising. Aiming to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian students, AIME and triple j are encouraging Hottest 100 voters to donate right after they've popped their favourite songs in the voting form — votes open this Thursday, December 10. On Australia Day, you can also use your Hottest 100 rager or hushed barbecue as a fundraiser for AIME. In the lead up to the launch of the 2015 Hottest 100, we're stoked to announce a new partnership with triple j. Posted by AIME on Monday, December 7, 2015 It's all for a damn good cause, and you'll still get to screech about your favourite artist being played too early dammit. By donating in the Hottest 100, you'll be helping the hardworking AIME crew help 10,000 Indigenous kids finish school at the same rate as non-Indigenous students by 2018. Now that's worth getting all flustered about — albeit alongside whether Major Lazer tops the lot or not. It's not the first time triple j has worked with AIME; they've given big love to the crew around events like Homeground and NAIDOC week in the past. Here's hoping it rubs off on their listeners. Kyran Wheatley and Gen Fricker on triple j breakfast for #NAIDOCweek Posted by AIME on Thursday, July 9, 2015 Voting opens this Thursday, December 10. Via triple j.
Beloved short film festival Tropfest made the devastating announcement yesterday that due to mismanaged funds by the third party agency in charge of, you know, correctly managing funds, the festival has been cancelled this year. Founder and director John Polson made an (appropriately) salty statement on Facebook. “I have been made aware that the company contracted to raise the funding and administer the Tropfest event is unable to move forward for financial reasons. It is too early to tell what has actually happened here, although it is hard to avoid concluding there has been a terrible and irresponsible mismanagement of Tropfest funds.” And fair enough, as he estimates the funds mismanaged run into six figures. "It goes without saying that this announcement is the most difficult one I've made in Tropfest’s 23 year history," said Polson. "My heart goes out to this year’s 16 filmmaking finalists, to our incredible list of sponsors and partners, and of course to our loyal and beloved audience." Tropfest has been a staple in the Australia film vernacular since 1993, when it screened for an audience of 200. It's broadcast each year live to approximately 150,000 people around Australia and, despite everything, apparently received ample support this year, making the announcement even more upsetting. It’s a tangible blow to the Australian arts and filmmaking community as Tropfest was (and still is, we sincerely hope) one of the few festivals to offer sizeable prize money and valuable industry experience to the winning entrants (including a trip to Los Angeles to take meetings with film industry execs among other prizes). Can someone make a Kickstarter already so we don’t have to live in a world without Tropfest?
So you have good aim, know how to throw and you need a bill paid? Head to Federation Square next Thursday, June 29 between 11am and 3pm, and every 10 minutes you could get a chance to have up to $500 of your rent, water, electricity or phone bills paid for by BPAY. All you have to do is dunk someone (who will also be dressed as a bill for your own entertainment). You only have three chances, so brush up on your hand-eye coordination before then. At the dunk machine you'll be given a raffle ticket, and if randomly selected, you will then get the chance to spin a wheel to determine which bill could get paid. It's like your favourite childhood carnival memories are resurfacing to free you of your adult worries. You could make up to $500 of a bill disappear — into the dunk tank and off your to-do list — and even if you don't, at least you're not the one getting soaked on a winter day. Didn't get a dunk? Find out how to set up paying your bills through your bank using BPAY. See full terms and conditions here.
A brand new streaming service could change the way you watch new release movies — assuming you're willing to fork over the cash. The latest online endeavour from Napster co-founder Sean Parker, Screening Room wants to bring movies into your living room on the same day they hit cinemas. The idea has already received backing from several major Hollywood filmmakers, including Peter Jackson, Martin Scorsese, J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg. But hostile theatre chains and prohibitive costs could mean the service remains a way off yet. The biggest hurdle, it would seem, is the cost of the service. Subscribers would need to purchase a US$150 set top box, after which they'd be charged $50 per film, which would remain available to them for 48-hours. Admittedly, you're paying for the convenience of not having to leave the house, and if you get enough people to chip in, it could easily work out cheaper than going to the cinema. But by the same token, if you're willing to wait a few months, you'll be able to watch the exact same movie on Netflix for a fraction of the price. The reason for the cost is in part to placate theatre owners, who might understandably be none too pleased about Parker trying to muscle in on their territory. According to Variety, as much as $20 out of each $50 rental fee would be paid to exhibitors, in return for two free tickets to see the given film in theatres, should Screening Room subscribers so choose. Film studios would also get a substantial slice of the pie, with Universal, Sony Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox all expressing interest in getting on board. There have, however, been several prominent naysayers, including filmmakers James Cameron and Christopher Nolan, who reaffirmed their commitment to theatrical presentation. It's easy to see their point: films are designed to be viewed on the big screen with the best possible picture and sound, something that cannot be replicated at home. On the other hand, it only takes one jerk on their phone in front of you to ruin the whole experience. Of course regardless of what happens with the Screening Room, we'd wager it'll still be quite a while before it makes its way to Australia. Looks like movie night is still a go, for now. Via Variety.
Don't believe anyone who tells you that you can't like both arts and sports. Whenever a film or TV awards ceremony rolls around, that's clearly proven wrong. Watching great movies and television shows get the attention they deserve, as well as the talented folks that make them, is the screen entertainment equivalent of a grand final — with the same amount of thrills. At this year's Golden Globes, that included a red carpet filled with black-hued outfits to make an important statement, Oprah Winfrey giving one of the most inspiring and extraordinary speeches you'll ever hear about oppression and the fight for equality, and host Seth Meyers making Kevin Spacey jokes. And that's not to mention Tommy Wiseau living his dreams and taking to the stage, Natalie Portman pointing out that there was not one female nominated for best director and Amy Poehler popping up as well. Plus, whether some of your most anticipated films of 2018 won plenty of shiny ornaments (hello The Shape of Water and Lady Bird) or you're certain the best damn thing on any big or small screen was thoroughly robbed (yes, we're talking about Twin Peaks), we can still watch all of the best and the rest once the ceremonies are over. Indeed, this year's Globes winners have gifted us all with quite the must-watch list of both quality efforts to catch up on, and others coming to screens near us soon. Here's our pick of their picks. Get viewing. BIG SCREEN MUST-SEES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFYWazblaUA& THE SHAPE OF WATER Building his career out of monster movies in multiple guises, Guillermo del Toro has proven himself a master at creature features of the moving and unusual kind — think Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim and even haunted house effort Crimson Peak. Compared to the above, The Shape of Water floats through its own stream of romance and drama, and yet it could've only been made by this year's Golden Globe winner for best director. Here, Sally Hawkins plays a mute woman who works nights cleaning at a top-secret government lab, only to fall for its prized possession: a man-like amphibian. The film won top honours at last year's Venice Film Festival, and it's likely to keep collecting them in the next couple of months. It's that entrancing and wonderful. GLOBES Won: Best Director — Motion Picture (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score — Motion Picture (Alexandre Desplat) Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Drama, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama (Sally Hawkins), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Octavia Spencer), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Richard Jenkins), Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor) In cinemas January 18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzgTHyEv5Ng LADY BIRD Greta Gerwig, sitting solo in the director's chair for the first time in her career, didn't even score a nomination in that Golden Globes category. No female filmmakers did. As ridiculous as that is, her film won half of the fields it was nominated in anyway. A clearly personal endeavour for the Frances Ha and Mistress America star, Lady Bird wanders through life in her hometown of Sacramento circa 2002, spinning the exploits of its titular character (Saoirse Ronan) into one of the most relatable coming-of-age flicks to grace the big screen in years. No wonder it took out the gong for best musical or comedy film, and that fantastic Irish talent Ronan (Brooklyn) won best actress in the same category. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (Saoirse Ronan) Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Laurie Metcalfe), Best Screenplay - Motion Picture (Greta Gerwig) In cinemas February 15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aZ3r-84EQc THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI If Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri wasn't already an Oscar frontrunner, it is now, winning best drama, best actress in a drama, best supporting actor and best screenplay. They're all well-earned awards for Martin McDonagh's black comedy about a mourning mother doing whatever it takes to motivate her local police force, though none is more deserved than star Frances McDormand's. She's in typical top form spouting McDonagh's typically coarse dialogue; however, the always-fantastic Rockwell shouldn't be underestimated for bringing nuance to a difficult role either. Our only gripe about its Globes success? That the fleet-footed Rockwell didn't dance when he won his statuette. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Drama, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama (Frances McDormand), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Sam Rockwell), Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Martin McDonagh) Nominated: Best Director — Motion Picture (Martin McDonagh), Best Original Score — Motion Picture (Carter Burwell) In cinemas now — read our review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DT41LF22ZA THE DISASTER ARTIST Well, we all know what The Disaster Artist 2 should focus on. James Franco might've won best actor in a musical or comedy for playing Tommy Wiseau, but there wasn't a fan of The Room didn't break into an enormous smile when the real-life man himself took to the stage as well. He might've missed out on another chance to leap up when The Disaster Artist couldn't turn its second nomination — for best musical or comedy flick — into a trophy, but he stole the show as he tried to steal the microphone away from the man who imitated him perfectly. Next stop: the Oscars, hopefully. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (James Franco) Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy In cinemas now — read our review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyjnzhXJlHU IN THE FADE Diane Kruger may be the most famous German-born actress working today, but she hadn't starred in a German-language film until In the Fade. At Cannes last year, she won best actress for her troubles, but at the Golden Globes, it was the movie's time to shine. Under writer/director Fatih Akin's guidance, the best foreign-language feature winner is an exploration of terror, mourning and revenge that — like much of what we're seeing on screens these days — is all-too timely and relevant. It's also on the shortlist for the same field at the Oscars, so expect to keep hearing about it. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DIm1PyBSwc COCO In an industry increasingly ruled by sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots, resurrections, cinematic universes and franchises that'll still be going long after we're all dead, it's always a joy to see a studio rewarded for taking a chance. While Pixar was once known for only making original stories — albeit, always about toys, monsters, robots and even feelings having feelings — their love of follow-ups like the terrible Cars 3 changed that. Then came Coco, which isn't the first animated film to play with Mexico's Dîa de los Muertos celebrations, but it is the most gorgeous, engaging and heart-swelling. A great pick for best animated film, it overflows with warmth and authenticity as it charts a 12-year-old boy chasing his music dreams into the Land of the Dead. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Animated Nominated: Best Original Song — Motion Picture In cinemas now — read our review. FUTURE SMALL SCREEN BINGES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOmwkTrW4OQ THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL Calling all Amy Sherman-Palladino fans. If you loved Gilmore Girls and Bunheads, then you'll follow the American TV writer, director and producer anywhere, including to her latest show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Winning best comedy TV series, and best actress for star Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) too, it's the best show you probably haven't seen yet about a New York housewife trying out her stand-up comedy chops in the late 1950s. It should come as no surprise that Joan Rivers was one of the inspirations for the series, and that it is equally hilarious, heartfelt and finely observed, with the usual Sherman-Palladino charms in abundance. GLOBES Won: Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy (Rachel Brosnahan) Now streaming on Amazon Prime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9P34WqoBtQ BIG LITTLE LIES The series everyone was talking about in early 2017 just keeps garnering attention — turning a limited run into a second season, sweeping the Emmys and now doing the same at the Golden Globes. The only nods Big Little Lies didn't turn into victories? When it had two actresses competing against each other in both the lead and supporting actress categories. Winners Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and Alexander Skarsgård, and nominees Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley all star in this adaptation of Aussie Liane Moriarty's novel, about the mothers of first-graders attending the same school in California's Monterey. With filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée (Wild, Cafe de Flore) in the director's chair for all seven episodes, it's a deep and complex ride through topics that aren't always thrust into the spotlight. GLOBES Won: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Nicole Kidman), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Alexander Skarsgård), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Laura Dern) Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Reese Witherspoon), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Shailene Woodley) Now streaming on Foxtel Now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJTonrzXTJs THE HANDMAID'S TALE 2017 couldn't have been been a better time for The Handmaid's Tale to make it to the small screen. If that felt true when it first aired, the series' depiction of the oppression of women in a near-future dystopian society only proved more powerful as events played out in Hollywood as the year went on. The show's topical nature is only one of the its selling points, however, with everything about the adaptation of Margaret Atwood's ahead-of-its-time novel drawing you into an utterly unnerving realm. Standout and best actress in a drama winner Elisabeth Moss is particularly fantastic as Offred, one of the still-fertile women forced into sexual servitude to bear the ruling elite's children, while the series' mastery of mood and tone will give you literal chills. GLOBES Won: Best Television Series — Drama, Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series — Drama (Elisabeth Moss) Nominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Ann Dowd) Now streaming on SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzwZZjPHv3A FARGO When the idea of turning the Coen brothers' Oscar-winning black comedy Fargo into a television show was floated, fans were understandably skeptical. So specific in its tone, so tied to its directors' sensibilities and so driven by Frances McDormand's ace lead performance, would it work on the small screen? And if an attempt to do just that failed in 1997, why would it succeed now? Those fears were easily quelled by the excellent end result, and the anthology series has continued its stellar run across not one, or two, but three series to date. In the latest, newly minted best actor in a limited series winner Ewan McGregor plays two very different brothers, in another account of greed, crime and stupidity in snowy Minnesota climes. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Ewan McGregor) Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (David Thewlis) Now streaming on Netflix.
UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2018 — As MoMA at NGV gets closer to wrapping up, the NGV has announced that it will extend opening hours so you have a few more chances to see the exhibition (if not for the first, for the second or third time). The gallery will move its regular 10am opening time up to 8.30am from September 22 until October 7, and, in the final week, it will stay open until 10pm from Thursday, October 4 until Sunday, October 7. The exhibition will also be extended for an extra day, and will now close on Monday, October 8. Not going overseas this winter? Luckily, you'll still have the chance to take a bite out of some Big Apple arts and culture, as the National Gallery of Victoria plays host to an exclusive exhibition showcasing works from New York's prestigious Museum of Modern Art. Set to run until October 7, MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art will feature over 200 modern and contemporary masterpieces, many on their first ever visit to Australia. Taking over the entire ground floor of NGV International, it's certifiably huge. The exhibition will present pieces from all six of MoMA's curatorial departments, meaning the works will span Photography, Film, Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, and Media and Performance Art. You'll catch works from all of the big names of the 19th and 20th century art world, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O'Keeffe, Diane Arbus and Andy Warhol. Capturing the spirit of more recent times, will be pieces from the likes of Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, Olafur Eliasson, Rineke Dijkstra and Camille Henrot. Examining over 130 years of innovation, MoMA at NGV sets out to explore all the major art movements, with the exhibition spread across eight themed sections. Here are a few of the big-name works on display. Needless to say, the partnership with MoMa is a pretty huge coup for both the NGV and Australian art lovers. "The collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria provides a unique opportunity to see extremely important works from nearly every area of our collection in an exhibition that simultaneously explores The Museum of Modern Art's history as well as the history of modern and contemporary art in general," said MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry. As an added bonus, NGV members who are hitting New York while the exhibition is running will score free admission to MoMA, and vice versa.
Woken up in a self-induced, whiskey-fuelled, stomach-grating, cold-sweating Sunday Hades too many times? You’re about to feel real guilty. London’s wholesome beige cashmere cardigan of a suburb, Notting Hill, is about to open the unthinkable: an alcohol-free cocktail bar called Redemption. We like to call this a ‘juice bar’. But apparently there's more to it than that. Redemption is London’s first alcohol-free bar, the city’s only ‘cocktail spot’ with a mocktail and food menu designed by nutritional therapists. Created by Catherine Salway, ex Virgin Group Brand Director, executive chef and raw, vegan specialist Andrea Waters, the bar sports the tagline, “Spoil yourself without spoiling yourself.” It’s the latest in a ‘healthvolution’ (yep) of dry bars happening across England, tackling the country’s huge social drinking focus by simply replacing the booze with Healthy Things. It's like almost like nicotine patch for being around bars. “These days it’s hard to get away from booze – you can’t even go to the cinema without being offered a glass of wine,” says Salway and Waters. “With Redemption, we are creating a space away from temptation that still feels like a treat. We’re challenging the convention that we need alcohol to lubricate every social occasion.” Anyone who just did Dry July (right here), would probably be down with this. But let’s be honest, this isn’t a ‘cocktail bar’. Basically it’s a wholesome, vegan cafe open late and using a buzzword to generate articles like the one you’re reading now. Consider us suckers. Redemption’s less about getting smashed on Negronis and more about filling your weekends with less sugar and alcohol. Think 'beet-o-tinis', 'apple mockjitos', and the mildly terrifying-sounding ‘lettuce spray’. For those who don’t drink at all, or those looking to detox the Captain Morgan from their pores, this is a great, appealing initiative from a country whose deep-set drinking problems mirror our own. Perhaps it’s time for a Redemption of our own? *rolls over, orders pizza online, burps Chardonnay* Redemption Bar opens on August 10 at 6 Chepstow Road, London. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 11pm. Sunday 10am – 5pm. Via VICE and Sharking for Chips and Drinks. Images: Redemption and Sharking for Chips and Drinks.
There’s not much better on an icy August day than a hot bowl of pho. We know it, you know, and the folk behind the CBD pop-up Pho Real know it best. For the past week, they’ve been dishing out steaming bowl of brothy, noodle-y goodness after steaming bowl of brothy, noodle-y goodness and — here’s the twist — inviting you to choose the price. (Okay, so we’ve had the whole pay-as-you-wish deal going on around town for a little while now, but have we ever had it with pho? Didn’t think so.) The Pho Real team’s 12-hour slowly cooked broth is available in chicken, beef, chicken and beef, and vegetarian varieties. So strong is the pho’s inside-warming goodness that they actually sold out on their very first day, but since then they’ve rallied to meet the CBD lunch and dinner demand. Melbourne, you pho sure know what you want. As accompaniment, they’re also dishing out crispy spring rolls and charcoal skewers of pork, chicken or beef and, to wash it all down, on-theme Bia Saigon and cans of Southeast Asian sarsaparilla soft drink Sarsi. (Though know that these other Vietnamese-style treats are priced — the generous pay-what-you-want scheme is only pho your pho.) Sadly, as is the nature of pop-up deals like this, the pho-fest won’t last pho ever. Pho Real will be here warming our chilled winter hearts until next Tuesday 11 August. Don’t pho-get to get on down. Pho Real is open every day for lunch from 11-3pm and dinner from 5pm till late, at 11 Liverpool St, Melbourne.
Named after the god of the sea, it's no surprise to see Neptune champion all things seafood on its short yet solid menu. But the Windsor restaurant, run by hospo stalwarts Nic Coulter (Young Hearts) and Michael Parker (San Telmo, Pastuso), didn't always have this seafood focus. A more general mix of Mediterranean eats was served up here until 2023 when Neptune had a little revamp. Now, you'll struggle to find a dish on the menu that wasn't plucked from the sea or a river. Things kick off with a selection of shelled creatures — think oysters, scallops, mussels and pippies — and a few cold and raw options. The Fairy Bread toast is a particularly fun one. House-made focaccia is covered in lashings of garlic butter and salmon roe to create a fishy twist on a childhood favourite. You've also got a few options from the grill — this is where you'll find chicken and steak — plus a small selection of mains. Our favourite here has to be the spanner crab spaghetti that's been on the Neptune menu for quite a few years. Regulars wouldn't let the chefs stop serving this one. [caption id="attachment_920979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nic Coulter and Michael Parker[/caption] But if you hate making decisions when dining, the Neptune team has joined so many other Melbourne restaurants by creating some fairly reasonably priced set menus. Pick the $90 seafood set menu and prepare to feast on fresh oysters, scallops, salmon tataki (very lightly seared salmon), a whole grilled fish, that much-loved crab pasta, potato salad and a cheeky seasonal dessert. Make sure you get on the wines while you're here, too. Neptune is known for being a bit of a wine bar. Either ask the team to pair your meal with a few drops or head over to the large wine fridges to pick a bottle yourself. There's a strong focus on European vinos, but plenty of Aussie winemakers also feature on the extensive wine list. Many also hit up Neptune for wine, cocktails and snacks — sitting out by the street in the sun. You can easily make it into a little aperitivo spot for lunch or after work. The Mediterranean vibes lend very well to this kind of drinking and dining experience. [caption id="attachment_920974" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Pannell[/caption] Top images: Steve Murray, Sarah Pannell and Jo Rittey
The legendary, controversial performance artist who does 'nothing' is finally making her way to Australia, set to perform a brand new artwork. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the beloved and equally criticised 67-year-old artist, Marina Abramovic, has been invited by arts heavyweight John Kaldor to Sydney to perform a yet-to-be-revealed, shiny new work in June 2015. Famous (and the topic of furious debate) for her iconic 2010 work at NYC's Museum of Modern Art, The Artist is Present, Abramovic's work was last seen in Australia for Kaldor Public Art Project's applauded group exhibition 13 Rooms at Pier 2/3 — the work, Luminosity, which saw a naked artist wall-mounted on a bicycle seat for long periods of time (and didn't star Abramovic herself). For her mysterious new Sydney work, Abramovic will use the Pier 2/3 space herself, in one of the most squealworthy announcements for performance art lovers this side of the equator. But this isn't the first time Abramovic has been to Australia; before presenting Gold found by the artists with partner in crime Ulay at the 1979 Biennale of Sydney, the artist spent a cheeky five months with an Aboriginal community in central Australia in the '80s (and raised a baby kangaroo and cuddled this sheep). According to Fairfax Media, there's also a whole Abramovic exhibition planned for David Walsh's Museum of Old and New Art next year — quite honestly, why she hasn't made MONA's acquaintance baffles us. To be fair, she's been pretty busy doing zilch for a total of 512 Hours at London's Serpentine Gallery, hangin' with Jay-Z and backing a new online school for girls with Sia, Pussy Riot, Kim Gordon, Yayoi Kusama and Yoko Ono. The artist is busy. Via SMH. Images: Complex.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and make that film you've always wanted to? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of some bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. Sydney's Jason Perini knows all about the anti-comfort zone. He's a man standing on the precipice of an opportunity so monumental it's overwhelming — a fully loaded-career with seriously big names already sitting in his credit roll. Alright, so it's not quite as dramatic as all that but he has recently found himself hurtling from struggling up-and-comer to directing Oscar nominated Maggie Gyllenhaal in a film he wrote himself in the space of a few short weeks. One of three winners of Jameson's 2016 First Shot competition, an international short film comp giving aspiring writers and directors their 'first shot' in the film industry, Jason's channelling 'Sine Metu' all the way to Hollywood with his film The New Empress. But how the heck did he get there? GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS/AWESOME WIFE Jason started his directing career, as all great directors do, on the other side of the camera. Graduating from the Actors Centre Australia in 2009, he starred in a few short films, episodes of Underbelly, and a few plays for the likes of Belvoir, RockSurfers and NIDA. Highly sought after as a voice over artist, he churned out ads for KFC, Sony and Samsung before taking a little more creative control over his film career. He wrote and starred in multiple award-winning short films including 2012 Tropfest finalist and Best Comedy winner at NYC's BrownFish International Film Festival Kitchen Sink Drama, and the Cannes-screened short A Little Bit Behind. Being a director, writer and actor was paying off. In his new arrangement though, the scales are loaded. On one side is his family (wildly supportive wife Susan, three young kids and preschool fees stacking up), fear and niggling self-doubt. On the other side is the pure joy of making films and a fair dollop of entrepreneurial spirit. In the end, they balance each other out — but it doesn't come easy. "My wife reassures me to keep moving in this direction and making short films because… I think she just sees the joy it brings me," he says. "And that it brings me a level of satisfaction." Perini doesn't fit into any preconceived notions you might have about actors and directors. He could be your brother, your mate, your neighbour, your uncle — there's not a skerrick of Tinseltown pretentiousness in him and he seems acutely aware of that. What he lacks in old Hollywood gravitas he more than makes up for in relatability. He's not a polished protagonist and seems to have no faith in things working out for him. For some, that fear might be calcifying, but for Perini, it makes him cautious, calculated and hardworking. His approach isn't razzle-dazzle, it's a hard slog, and maybe that insight is why Trigger Street Productions president Dana Brunetti, Kevin Spacey and Maggie Gyllenhaal, chose his script out of hundreds to win First Shot. FYI, this is the straight-up baller way Jameson, Trigger Street and Spacey told the three First Shot winners they'd won (get the tissues ready): EAT HUMBLE PIE FOR EVERY MEAL There's nothing glamorous about clawing your way up the film industry ladder. Like most of the creative professions, there's a dearth of funding and a saturation of hungry mouths to feed. Putting a dollar value on creative ideas can be challenging but not as difficult as going hand-to-mouth to potential investors and supporters. But that's the reality for most filmmakers. There's no fat stack of Hollywood money, no personal assistants and no safety net. Making it work means calling in a lot of favours. "Constantly having to approach people I don't know and say, 'I don't have much money, my idea is probably not very good but would you be willing to come along and help out with this thing,' you think, 'I don't want to do this, it's out of my comfort zone.' But in five years, if I hadn't given it a shot, I would kick myself. "I'm not getting any younger. I get nervous calling anyone on the phone, I can't stand it. I get weirded out by emailing people [the same as] approaching people cold. But the more you do it, you still don't like it but you know that's what you have to do." Herein this simple admission lies the crux of Perini's appeal – he's you. He's all of us, unpolished and goofy and cringing about having to pick up the phone and ask a favour. He's a man with the same hang-ups, the same road blocks we all have (age, time, money, warring responsibilities), who's managed to somehow close his eyes, steel himself and awkwardly run screaming into the fray 'without fear'. FAKE IT TILL THE HOLLYWOOD HEAVYWEIGHTS NOTICE YOU Perini quickly discovered that for him, being an actor was far easier than being an everything else (don't throw anything at us, actors). As director, producer and writer, he finds himself holding a lot of threads which threaten to unravel at any moment and ruin everything. "What's nice about it is that you get more of a vision but then if it comes crashing down, it sucks," he says. "If I was acting it I'd just go, 'Oh they cut it badly, the director was a jerk.' But there's nowhere to hide once you start producing, directing and writing." His approach to his craft is one of self-assured humility; an oxymoron that blends equal parts ability and uncertainty. When asked if he thinks he's a good filmmaker, he's characteristically self-deprecating. "No I don't," he says quickly. "I think I'm a baby in it. Now that I've made two films completely on my own, in the sense that I produced them and wrote them, I think I learned the hard way really quickly. I look back at both those films and would do them completely differently. But I've learnt so much… that's kind of helpful." Trigger Street and Maggie Gyllenhaal evidently disagree. Perini's script, which he nearly didn't submit, was chosen out of hundreds as a co-winner of First Shot. The prize is a filmmakers' dream Your script is brought to life with you as the director, Kevin Spacey as creative director, Trigger Street as producers and Maggie Gyllenhaal in front of the camera. As you may guess, Perini is dealing with it in a characteristically low-key way. "They're gonna have a rude shock when I turn up and don't know what I'm doing... I'm just thankful and I want to learn from them as much as I can. I want to be as ignorant as I can and soak it all up." Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Thanks to Jameson and The Rewriters, one extremely fortunate Concrete Playground reader (and their even more fortunate mate) will get the chance to 'fear less' and go on a big ol' adventure to Ireland. In addition to two return flights departing from your choice of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, this epic giveaway comes with five night's accommodation and $500 spending money you can use to paint the Emerald Isle red. ENTER HERE. For more about how 'Sine Metu' influenced John Jameson's journey visit Jameson's website. Images: Michael Ciccone, Jameson, Trigger Productions.
Melbourne cinephiles, here's what you'll be watching come August. That's when the Melbourne International Film Festival will brighten up the city's big screens for three movie-filled weeks — and they'll have quite the stacked lineup if their first 2017 titles are anything to go by. Fancy watching Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson trek through the jungle in the excellent The Lost City of Z? Catching all six episodes of the eagerly anticipated, Nicole Kidman-starring, straight-from-Cannes Top of the Lake: China Girl? Seeing Aussie actress Emily Browning play a Melburnian in New York opposite Jason Schwartzman and the Beastie Boys' Adam Horovitz in Golden Exits? Ace, you're in luck. All three feature in MIFF's 25-title reveal, and they have company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fya_lWun_R8 The world's first feature-length painted animation, an unnerving horror about brothers escaping from a cult and a Sundance-winning exploration of the citizen journalists fronting the war on ISIS are also on the bill, demonstrating the festival's usual commitment to variety. Plus, with the Sydney Film Festival about to kick off, you could say that MIFF's program sneak peek smacks of great timing, with quite the number of New South Wales-bound flicks also heading further south. Films doing double duty at both events include the Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara and Michael Fassbender-starring, SXSW-shot Song to Song; the brief and banter filled The Party, swoon-inducing queer romances Call Me By Your Name and God's Own Country; transgender drama A Fantastic Woman; must-see, Samuel L. Jackson-narrated doco I Am Not Your Negro; and the New Zealand horror amusement park-based Spookers — as well as Aussie efforts Ali's Wedding, Australia Day, That's Not Me, Mountain and The Go-Betweens: Right Here. And, with the fest already announcing a huge science fiction retrospective — their first in their 65-year existence — it's safe to say that it's shaping up to be quite the jam-packed MIFF. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from August 3 to 20. For more information, visit the MIFF website — and check back on July 11, when the full program is announced.
If you're a fan of Better Call Saul, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Dead to Me or The Good Place, you've probably spent plenty of time in front of your TV screen over the past six months. But, even when we're all staying inside revisiting our favourite shows, 2020's television and streaming viewing isn't just about the programs you already love. If you're always eager to add some fresh favourites to your pile, the year so far has well and truly delivered. They're the new series that, in years to come, will sit atop your rewatch list. From ominous and ambitious science-fiction thrillers and contemplative slow-TV documentaries to comic takes on history and bold reworkings of literary classics, 2020's batch of new shows has proven a varied bunch — and an excellent one as well. It's enough to make you hole up in your living room and never want to leave. Or, to spend the year's colder months catching up. With the year at its halfway point, here are our picks of 2020's best TV and streaming series that you owe it to yourself to seek out now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODYjA9H4qcw NORMAL PEOPLE When Sally Rooney's Normal People first hit bookshelves in 2018, it thrust readers into a disarmingly relatable love story, following the amorous ups and downs of an on-again, off-again couple from Sligo, Ireland. Teenagers Marianne and Connell have known each other for years, as tends to happen in small towns. And although she's aloof, intense and considered an acerbic loner, while he's outgoing and popular, a torrid and tumultuous secret romance blooms. That's just the beginning of the Irish author's novel, and of the both tender and perceptive TV series that brings the book to the screen. As it dives deep into a complex chronicle of first love, it not only charts Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Cold Feet) and Connell's (newcomer Paul Mescal) feelings for each other, but details the recognisable and realistic minutiae of being a high schooler and then a uni student. This is first and foremost a romance, and a passionate and intimate one at that; however the series can't tell this complicated couple's story without touching upon everything else that pops up along the way. Normal People is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1htuNZp82Ck&feature=youtu.be TALES FROM THE LOOP If Black Mirror set all of its bleak futuristic tales in one small town, followed interconnected characters and sported a low-fi, retro sheen, the result would be Tales From the Loop. This patient, beautiful, poignant and incredibly moving sci-fi series is actually based on a series of paintings by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag — and even if you didn't already know that fact while you were watching, you'd notice the show's distinctive aesthetic. The title refers to a mysterious underground machine, called The Loop, that's designed to explore and unravel the mysteries of the universe. For the folks living above it, their lives soon take strange turns. Anchoring jumps and pauses in time, body swaps, giant robots and more in everyday situations and emotions (such as being envious of a friend, falling in love, betraying your nearest and dearest, and trying to connect with your parents), Tales From the Loop is as perceptive as it is immersive and engaging. And, its eight episodes are helmed by an exceptional array of fantastic filmmakers, including Never Let Me Go's Mark Romanek, WALL-E's Andrew Stanton, The House of the Devil's Ti West and actor-turned-director Jodie Foster. Tales From the Loop is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8klax373ds DEVS Radiating unease from its very first moments, yet sporting both a mood and a futuristic look that prove simultaneously unsettlingly and alluring, Devs is unmistakably the work of author-turned-filmmaker Alex Garland. His first jump to the small screen, it instantly slots in nicely beside Ex Machina and Annihilation on his resume — and it's just as intriguing and involving as each of those excellent movies. The setting: Amaya, a US technology company that's massive in size yet secretive in its focus. When Sergei (Karl Glusman) is promoted to its coveted, extra clandestine Devs division, his girlfriend and fellow Amaya employee Lily (Sonoya Mizuno is thrilled for him. But when Sergei doesn't come home from his first day, Lily starts looking for answers — including from the company's guru-like leader Forest (a long-haired, very un-Ron Swanson-like Nick Offerman). Devs is available to stream via Foxtel Now and Binge. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5vLgpdXz0g THE GREAT It takes its title from its central figure, Russian empress Catherine the Great. It's filled with lavish period-appropriate costumes, wigs, sets and decor. And, it explores an immensely famous time during the 18th century that had a significant impact upon the world. Normally, that'd all smack of a certain kind of drama; however The Great is firmly a comedy as well. As starring Elle Fanning as the eponymous ruler, Nicholas Hoult as her husband Peter III and Bohemian Rhapsody's Gwilym Lee as a fellow member of the royal court, that means witty, laugh-out-loud lines, an irreverent and often cheeky mood, and having ample fun with real-life details — much in the way that Oscar-winner The Favourite did with British royalty on the big screen. Of course, the comparison couldn't be more fitting, with that film's BAFTA-winning screenwriter, Australian Tony McNamara, using his savagely hilarious satirical skills to pen The Great as well. The Great is available to stream via Stan. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMIcuVH83M&feature=emb_logo THE BEACH Whenever Warwick Thornton makes a new project, it demands attention — and the Indigenous Australian filmmaker has never made anything quite like The Beach. The director of Samson & Delilah and Sweet Country turns the camera on himself, chronicling his quest to escape his busy life for an extended soul-searching getaway. With only chickens and wildlife for company, Thornton bunkers down in an electricity-free tin shed in Jilirr, on the Dampier Peninsula on the northwest coast of Western Australia. He fishes, cooks, chats to the chooks, wanders along the shoreline and reflects upon everything that's led him to this point, with this six-part documentary series capturing the ups, downs, sublime sights and epiphany-inspiring moments. Unfurling quietly and patiently in the slow-TV tradition, Thornton's internal journey of discovery makes for both moving and absorbing viewing. Indeed, combined with stunning cinematography (as shot by Thornton's son and Robbie Hood director Dylan River), it just might be the best piece of Australian television you see this year. The Beach is available to stream via SBS On Demand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TA3B8Z5lcQ DISPATCHES FROM ELSEWHERE It has been a few years since Jason Segel was seen on-screen with any frequency; however the Freaks and Geeks, How I Met Your Mother and The Muppets star returns in a big way with Dispatches from Elsewhere. As well as leading the cast, he created, co-wrote and co-directed the intriguing and enigmatic puzzle-like drama series, which is based on the documentary The Institute and tracks a group of strangers who find themselves drawn to a strange, game-like mystery. IT worker Peter (Segel), the lively Simone (Eve Lindley), the overly cautious and paranoid Fredwynn (Andre Benjamin), and the upbeat Janice (Sally Field) all don't know what they're getting themselves in for when they start spotting flyers around town about offbeat topics (communicating with dolphins and trialling human force fields, for example), then each individually call the number printed on them. And, for maximum immersion and enjoyment — and to go on the ten-part show's weird and wonderful ride with its characters — audiences should approach it with as little prior knowledge of any details other than the above as well. Dispatches from Elsewhere is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDKYJwih5-Q BREEDERS Catastrophe, that great, smart, acerbically funny British comedy about a couple's experiences with parenthood, attempts to navigate life's all-round chaos and just general effort to try to stay together, sadly finished up its four-season run last year. Let worthy successor Breeders fill the gap — with Martin Freeman starring as exasperated dad Paul, Daisy Haggard (Back to Life) playing his partner Ally, and The Thick of It's Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell on directing and writing duties. Basically, if the aforementioned political satire featured parents swearing profusely at their kids instead of government staffers unleashing at their colleagues, this is how it would turn out. The show is partially based on Freeman's own experiences, too, and stems from the Sherlock, The Office and The Hobbit actor's idea. Breeders is available to stream via Foxtel Now and Binge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zVhRId0BTw UNORTHODOX Deborah Feldman's best-selling 2012 autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots makes the leap to Netflix as a four-part mini-series. And, as the book's title makes plain, both explore her decision to leave her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, New York, flee her arranged marriage and everyone she's ever known, and escape to Berlin to start a brand new life. Names and details have been changed, as tends to be the case with dramas based on real-life stories; however Unorthodox still follows the same overall path. In a tense but instantly commanding opening to the show's first episode, 19-year-old Esther 'Esty' Shapiro (Shira Haas) slips out of the apartment she shares with her husband Yanky (Amit Rahav), picks up a passport from her piano teacher and nervously heads to the airport. The end result proves a unique and intriguing coming-of-age tale, a thoughtful thriller, and an eye-opening but always careful and respectful look at a culture that's rarely depicted on-screen in such depth. Israeli actress Haas (The Zookeeper's Wife, Foxtrot, Mary Magdalene) turns in a nuanced, weighty and gripping performance as Esty, too — which is absolutely pivotal in making Unorthodox so compelling to watch. Unorthodox is available to stream via Netflix. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyxdf2TvcJE STATELESS A flight attendant (Yvonne Strahovski) unhappy with her life, trying to find solace in a cult-like dance school run by a creepy duo (Cate Blanchett and Dominic West), and eventually making a drastic decision. An Afghan refugee Ameer (Fayssal Bazzi) attempting to escape to Australia with his wife and daughters in search of a better life. A struggling father (Jai Courtney) in a remote town who takes a job at the local detention facility because it pays well. A bureaucrat (Asher Keddie) brought in to manage said location when it attracts negative media attention. They're the four characters at the heart of six-part Australian mini-series Stateless — a show that doesn't just feel as if it is ripped from the headlines but, in one specific instance, is 100-percent drawn from real-life events. This is bold, topical television filled with fantastic performances, although that's to be expected given the cast. Stateless is available to stream via ABC iView. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMUPp_hNMlM THE EDDY A fantastic cast, a Parisian setting and oh-so-much jazz. As executive produced and partly directed by Whiplash and La La Land filmmaker Damien Chazelle, that's what's on offer in eight-part drama The Eddy. The title refers to the French club run by former pianist Elliot (Andre Holland) and his business partner Farid (Tahar Rahim), with every episode following the daily life of a different person — including Elliot's rebellious teenage daughter Julie (Amandla Stenberg), as well as Maja (Joanna Kulig), the lead singer of the venue's resident jazz band. Like almost everything that Chazelle touches, other than First Man, jazz features heavily. That's really just a given with his work by now. But whether you're as fond of the style of music as he clearly is, you could take or leave it, or you're just keen on virtually visiting Europe, The Eddy unfurls a moody and engrossing tale that benefits from its excellent on-screen talent. The Eddy is available to stream via Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMaPCYRPhY0 MYTHIC QUEST: RAVEN'S BANQUET For the past 15 years, Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton have co-written and co-starred in one of the best shows on TV: the so-ridiculous-its-hilarious It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Hopefully, that'll never change — Sunny just aired its 14th season last year — but McElhenney and Day have also just launched a new sitcom. Trading a sleazy Philly bar for a video game development studio, Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet sees McElhenney play a gaming visionary who's having trouble with the latest expansion pack of his big online role-playing hit. Big troubles, actually. A workplace comedy, Mythic Quest takes some time to find its feet, but it's worth sticking with. It also stars Community's Danny Pudi, Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham and Australian Content actress (and #Flipgirl) Charlotte Nicdao. And if you're a fan, you'll be pleased to know that Apple renewed it for a second season before the first even premiered. Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet is available to stream via Apple TV+. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQ9-XH3hc8 DRACULA After giving Sherlock Holmes plenty of twists in Sherlock, writers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have decided that another famous character could use a once-over — and not just any old figure, either. Bram Stoker's Dracula has been adapted for the screen so many times, the bloodsucker actually holds the record, but this version isn't like any other. Starring The Square's Claes Bang as the undead count, the BBC and Netflix three-part series has plenty of tricks up its sleeves. So many, in fact, that we won't say too much in order to preserve the mystery. In a smart, lush, gleefully theatrical and cleverly scripted affair that blends gothic horror with sly amusement, the basic framework of the 123-year-old story remains — spanning both Romania and Britain, and following his altercations with lawyer Jonathan Harker, his lust for Lucy Westenra and his run-ins with Van Helsing — but not as you'd ever expect. Bang is fantastic, but keep a particular eye out for Dolly Wells (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) as a pivotal nun. Dracula is available to stream via Netflix. Looking for more viewing highlights? Check out our list of film and TV streaming recommendations, which is updated monthly.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for handmade artisan gelato. Yes, the days of the humble Bubble O' Bill are but a speck on your long overdue dental exam, replaced by the elaborate taste combinations of burnt butter, rosemary & chestnut and rhubarb & Vincotto swirl. These are just a few of the flavours on offer at the newly opened Pidapipo Gelateria, which after operating as a pop-up 'test lab' on Carlton's Faraday Street last summer has found a permanent home just around the corner at 299 Lygon Street. The latest boutique ice-creamery bringing sugary goodness to Melbourne's inner north-east is the brainchild of Lisa Valmorbida, a graduate of Italy's Carpigiani Gelato University. As a sidenote, if the news that there's such a thing as Gelato University is making you question every decision you've ever made in life, then trust me, you're not alone. Inspired by Valmorbida's grandfather, Pidapipo Gelateria combines modern ideas with traditional ice-cream making methods. The gelato is made fresh in store using ingredients from local and Italian producers, including pistachios from Sicily, milk from Warrnambool and honey harvested from the store's own rooftop beehive. Every three months will see the launch of a new seasonal range of flavours, to go along with time-honoured Italian favourites such as fior di latte and ricotta & fig. Valmorbida will also collaborate with other chefs on special flavours, the first of which is a Coke float gelato inspired by local doughnut connoisseur and food-truck operator Raph Rashid. Of course it wouldn't be a modern ice-cream store without head-pounding techno music. So every Friday night, Pidapipo will play host to a series of resident DJs, including Edd Fisher, Laila Sakini and DJ Prequel. Pidapipo officially opens its doors on Friday, December 12. For more information, visit their website. Or if you just want to drool over pictures of gelato, they're on Instagram as well.
The NGV has hosted some pretty epic exhibitions over the last few years — Ai Weiei and Andy Warhol, Hokusai and Van Gogh are just a few— but this might be its most ambitious exhibition yet. Descending on the gallery from today — Friday, December 15 — and then every three years after that, the NGV Triennial presents a smorgasbord of art and design, plucked from all corners of the globe and representing established artists, emerging talent, and plenty else in between. And the first one is nothing short of grand. The free exhibition will take over all four levels of the gallery until April 2018 and host a slew of newly commissioned works by over 60 artists and designers. But where it's really upping the ante is in the audience experience, with visitors invited to present their own ideas through cross-platform content, and the exhibition's participatory works designed to engage like never before. Legendary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, best known for her obsessive patterning and vibrant representations of the infinite, will invite glimpses into the artist's mind with a work titled Flower obsession. Created especially for the NGV Triennial, the interactive exhibition will have visitors unleashing some creativity of their own, as they help plaster a furnished space with an array of colourful flower stickers and three-dimensional blooms. Another highlight is an epic display of 100 oversized human skulls created by Australian artist Ron Mueck, and you'll want to step inside teamLab's immersive mirrored room that reacts to visitors' movements. Kusuma joins other international names like Germany's Timo Nasseri and Canada's Sascha Braunig, alongside an Aussie billing that includes the likes of Ben Quilty, Louisa Bufardeci, and Tom Crago. There'll be an installation from Chinese haute couture fashion guru Guo Pei, designer of Rihanna's canary-yellow Met Ball gown, and chemist and odour theorist Sissel Tolaas will create the 'scent of Melbourne' exclusively for the Triennial. And Alexandra Kehayoglou will be creating one of her monumentally-sized, lushly illustrated carpets, spanning over eight metres long. The NGV Triennial will be on display at the National Gallery of Victoria from December 15, 2017 till April 15, 2018. For more info, visit ngv.com.au.
If you live in Windsor, congratulations, you have a standout modern Italian restaurant on your doorstep — Tipico. If you live elsewhere, plan a trip to Windsor ASAP. Experience can be tasted, and when you dine at Tipico, this becomes clear. Run by a team who have done the hard yards — at DOC, The Lucas Group, Tokyo Tina and Ti Amo — a chef on the pans who has cooked in some of Europe's most renowned restaurants and front of house staff who will explain the menu to you in a way that has you hanging off their every word, Tipico ticks many of the right boxes. By 7pm on a Thursday night, Tipico is full. Despite its concrete walls, floor and ceiling, the buzz isn't overwhelming — you can still hear your table companions. It's also, despite the aforementioned concrete walls, comfortable, with leather banquettes and warming lights. [caption id="attachment_781628" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sammy Green[/caption] There are families here as well as suits, some double dates and some hipsters with beanies. It's that kind of place. Appealing to everyone who likes good food. There is a range of woodfired pizzas, some incredible looking pasta dishes and a selection of secundi and contorni. Start with the burrata with roasted pumpkin and crispy guanciale. It's a beautifully fresh take on a Caprese salad, which is lighter and designed to enhance the flavours of the other ingredients. By the end of the dish you're left with a creamy smear just begging to be mopped up with fresh ciabatta. Which they offer and you should accept. It's pretty hard to go past a dish that's had as much Instagram airtime as the cotoletta — a dish chef Domenico De Marco is proud of. It's a crumbed veal cutlet that arrives sliced on a wooden board with a bowl of pickled, well, everything. It would probably be easier to list what's not there, given that what is there includes a lovely range of pickled apple, pear, eggplant, zucchini, capsicum, little brown mushrooms and cauliflower florets. The play between tender crumbed meat with pops of rosemary and the pickle is particularly delightful. A side dish of roasted cauliflower, labneh and chives is also a highlight at Tipico. "Not very normal as an Italian dish", says the waiter, "but I think it's wonderful." As he should. It is. The drinks menu features predominantly Italian wines but with some local delights thrown in for good measure. You can start with an Italian cocktail, such as a Milano Sour or a Sicilian Summer, if you're so inclined. Tipico means typical in Italian and if this is what it means to be tipico, it's exactly how I want to be. Images: Julia Sansone Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pasta in Melbourne for 2023
Paradise Alley is the latest addition to Collingwood's multi-faceted dining warehouse on Easey Street. The shared space includes a microbrewery, deli, art gallery, motorbike shop and, now, a 150-seater public bar and pool hall. Hospo vet and owner Laura Twomey (ex-City Wine Shop) maintains the warehouse's roots in this massive open space with polished concrete floors, original stained glass windows and exposed brick walls, along with eclectic furniture and a gorgeous handmade blonde timber bar. A separate pool room features a red table surrounded by hard-backed booths and the laneway doubles as a 35-seater beer garden, complete with potted plants and large-scale street art across every wall. The bar is serving up a rotating tap list of Australian craft beer, along with a small specialty cocktail menu and natural wines. For food, they're collaborating with neighbour Little Latin Lucy, who also resides in the warehouse and serves up Latin American street food with a Californian twist. Dishes can be ordered from the bar and include chipotle pork or smoked duck tacos topped with charred pineapple, lamb ribs and grilled whole fish. The bar also hosts weekly charity meat raffles and regular wine tastings. The co-op type space is also shared with Backwoods Gallery and Casati's Deli, the latter of which has begun brewing their own beer from the warehouse's microbrewery — which is visible from Paradise Alley and will make its way onto their taps soon enough. Images: Eduardo Vieira.
