Melbourne is in the grips of a rotisserie renaissance and it's really no wonder — that stuff is delicious. Sure, Belleville and Henrietta's have been flyers of the chook flag in recent times, but the man who started it all original rotisserie chicken pioneer Philippe Mouchel. And now he's opened a brand new restaurant on Collins Street with — you guessed it — rotisserie chicken on the menu. There's been a void in the city since Mouchel's much-loved French restaurant PM24 (and his revered rotisserie chicken) ceased to disappeared in 2014. Now he's back and throwing the doors on his new venture Philippe (you gotta be your brand, right?). Philippe is designed to be a little traditional and a little modern, with a menu chock-full of decadent French staples such as foie gras, escargot and brioche — but the real star of the menu is still the chicken. The spit method used to cook rotisserie chickens locks in juice and wraps it in a crunchy, charcoal coat. Mouchel's rotisserie consists of breast and thigh cooked two ways and served with natural jus, potatoes and mushrooms. The venue has been tszujed by Crosier Scott Architects and the reno includes a chic zinc bar with black steel shelving, leather bench seating and a lush green wall overlooking the venue. Tres chic and the perfect environment to sip some champers and slam down a hefty serve of juicy rotisserie chook.
It feels like it whipped past quicker than you can pick up a pair of chopsticks, but 2019 is done and dusted. Thankfully, while it was here, it brought a huge collection of worthy new restaurants and culinary hotspots. We saw a lot of ground covered throughout the last 12 months — an unconventional Indian diner, a traditional Macedonian restaurant and even a debut Aussie outpost for one of China's most over-the-top sichuan hot pot brand were among the venues that opened their doors. Here's our wrap-up of all the best new Melbourne restaurants that impressed us in 2019. Make sure you tick them off before 2020's list starts shaping up.
Among the many trends that have popped up in 2020, major film festivals streaming their programs to the online masses ranks among the better developments. It's a one that, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, seemed rather unlikely — Australia's major film festivals want cinemagoers to head along in-person, after all, and soak in the silver screen magic in a darkened cinema surrounded by a movie-loving crowd — but with gathering and venue bans and limits in place to tackle the coronavirus, digital film fests swiftly became a reality for Aussie audiences. The Melbourne International Film Festival's 2020 online version, dubbed MIFF 68 1/2, ran from Thursday, August 6–Sunday, August 23 — and, in news that should come as a surprise to no one, it amassed quite the audience. In fact, the virtual event and its 100-plus film program nabbed the beloved Victorian fest its biggest crowd yet. Given this is the festival's whopping 69th year, that's quite an achievement. Before the closing weekend had even kicked off, Australians had streamed MIFF's films more than 205,000 times — reaching an approximate national audience of over 307,500. Around 20 percent of those viewers are estimated to have come from outside of Victoria, too. If you're wondering which flicks everyone was checking out, of the top three movies, two — documentary Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky and comedy Paper Champions — were Aussie-made titles. Also popular, accounting for 69 percent of the event's streams until the last three days of the fest, was MIFF's free lineup. It comprised almost two-fifths of the program and, up until the morning of Friday, August 21, notched up 135,000 streams of individual short films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgwX2hvgXCI The benefits of an online film festival — or an online component to a major film festival like MIFF — are many. They're also pretty obvious. For people with disability or chronic health conditions, the digital option makes fests far more accessible. The same applies to movie buffs with children, who work shifts, or who simply can't take 18 days, even a few days or just one night off work to watch films. And, as a fifth of this year's viewers demonstrated, folks who live outside of Victoria still want to be involved as well. Of course, that Melbourne was under stage four stay-at-home conditions during MIFF's dates, and still is, would've helped. Also playing a part: the fact that Aussies have become pretty accustomed to staying in and getting their movie fix on the couch this year. MIFF isn't the only Aussie fest taking the online — and national — route in 2020. Among the others, Sydney Film Festival did the same in June, the Revelation Perth International Film Festival held its digital version in July, and the Sydney Underground Film Festival going virtual in September. The Melbourne International Film Festival is set to return in 2021 from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22. Top image: Black Bear.
Chucking a sickie is as true blue Australian as breaking out an impromptu Nutbush boogie. Now you're being encouraged to mute your office notifications, as Visit Sunshine Coast is giving away all-expenses-paid, two-night escapes designed to clear your head through pristine nature and non-stop warm weather. With applications now open until Thursday, September 11, ten lucky winners will be randomly selected on Thursday, September 18. If you're among the chosen few, you have just 12 hours to pack your bags and organise a friend to join you on this spur-of-the-moment 48-hour adventure. Touching down on the Sunshine Coast, winners get to choose from three relaxing mini-breaks designed for peace, calm and wellness. Think ocean floats, tranquil spa treatments, rainforest walks, long lunches and farm stays — all intended to help with workplace-related burnout. According to Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel, almost two-thirds of Australians have experienced professional burnout. "Whether it's a dip in the sea or a hike through the rainforest, a nature-based break is just the right medicine, and we're inviting Aussies to come and find their own sunshine moment." Top image: Jesse Lindemann.
When a film or TV program struggles, flounders or flat-out bombs, it often gets its audience wondering exactly what the folks behind it were thinking. HBO series Betty has the opposite effect. Within minutes of starting the New York-set show's six-episode first season, it's easy to see why filmmaker Crystal Moselle wanted to tell this story — and why she wanted to not only spend her own time with its characters, but also to share their exploits with the world. That feeling proves true even if you don't know Betty's history, because it was true of the show's predecessor as well. In 2018 film Skate Kitchen, Moselle followed five friends who spent their days ollying, kick-flipping, shredding, grinding and nose-sliding around NYC. The entire quintet was female, and the fact that they all loved to skateboard — a male-dominated pastime not just historically, but also still now — coloured their lives' many ups and downs. And, while Skate Kitchen unfurled a fictional story, it took its name from a real-life all-female skateboarding crew, used its members as the movie's stars and crafted its narrative by fictionalising their real-life experiences. Betty brings the group's tale back to the screen, both extending and expanding it at the same time. The central young women remain the same, and the same main talent all return — Skate Kitchen's biggest name, Jaden Smith, is nowhere to be seen though — but the show tinkers with some of the details. Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) is no longer a skateboarding novice, but a girl who feels more comfortable hanging out with the guys, for instance. The dynamic between the always-outspoken, often-stoned Kirt (Nina Moran), no-nonsense vlogger Janay (Ardelia Lovelace), wealthy but weed-dealing Indigo (Ajani Russell) and shy wannabe filmmaker Honeybear (Kabrina Adams) has also been massaged, as have the specifics of each character. You could see Betty as Moselle's attempt to bring a bit of skateboarding into her filmmaking, rather than just depicting it in front of the lens. No matter how often a skater does a manoeuvre, it's always bound to differ slightly from the last time — which is exactly the mindset that helps Betty glide away from Skate Kitchen's shadow. The two share much in common, of course. The director's eagerness to relay her characters' escapades via warm, dreamy visuals hasn't subsided, and nor has the pervasive vibe that manages to make everything within Betty's frames feel both of-the-moment and nostalgic all at once. But, with no criticism meant towards the excellent Skate Kitchen, it now plays like the teaser for Betty, in the same way that the movie itself was preceded by 2016 short film That One Day. Story-wise, each episode of Betty sprawls and scampers as its characters do the same. The plot's main thrust often remains straightforward — Camille leaves her bag at the skate park, and Janay helps her run around town trying to find it, for example — but Moselle and her team of co-writers aren't afraid to see where every element of every story takes them. Accordingly, the show bobs and weaves back and forth between its main players, letting the mood and the moment guide each episode where it needs to. In other words, Betty not only lets its viewers tag along, but styles and structures each episode like it's a hangout session itself. Moselle is no stranger to mining the connections between art and life. It's what drove her first feature-length film, acclaimed 2015 documentary The Wolfpack — which focused on seven home-schooled NY siblings who staged elaborate recreations of their favourite flicks because their parents would rarely let them leave the house. Viewers should watch Betty with that in mind, actually, which the TV show openly invites. This astute and engaging series offers a window into a world that has long seemed like a dream for teenage girls. It lets the audience step inside, skate along, hang out and try it on (or imagine what might've been for those whose all-girl skateboarding crew days feel long behind them). Betty doesn't ever over-stress the point, but it knows it's doing something revolutionary. Its scenes of female-only skate sessions through the city and primary school-aged girls jumping on boards for the first time are joyous, and Camille, Kirt, Janay, Indigo and Honeybear's fight to be seen as skaters first and foremost is ferocious. Indeed, Moselle is acutely aware that she's the only one telling this tale — examining the realities that female skaters face, and also celebrating their efforts and even their existence — and she does so exceptionally well. Check out the trailer for Betty below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCP1zqmdGs0 All six episodes of Betty's first season are available to stream via Binge. Images: Alison Rosa/HBO.
If you've stepped foot outside recently, you'll probably have noticed Sydney has scored a bevvy of new neon-green arrivals. First appearing in early November, the distinctive vehicles of US-born bike share company Lime has now taken over the city. You might be thinking it's a strange time to be rolling out yet another bike share service in Sydney, and you're not wrong. A swag of international share bike companies like Reddy Go and oBike launched in Australia, but had a rough time gaining traction locally, as councils crack down on dumping and vandalism issues spurred by the new dockless systems. But strict laws and stories of ill-fated predecessors don't appear to have deterred Lime, which has this week launched a fleet of its Lime-E electric-assist bicycles across Sydney. These work much the same as others we've seen — you locate a nearby bike using the Lime app, unlock it by scanning a QR code or entering an ID, cruise to your destination, then park and lock the bike safely out of the way. The difference between other dockless bikes and Lime-E, is its lithium battery, which the company says allows users to ride up to 14.8 mph (23.8kmh) without breaking a sweat — even when venturing uphill. The bikes' batteries (which last for about 80 kilometres) will be supposedly monitored and replaced regularly by the company, and can be checked by tapping the Lime-E icon on the app. Each of the vehicles is also equipped with a sensor, which can tell the operators its location, elevation and even orientation — a feature which may or may not help curb bike dumping. In Sydney, it'll cost you $1 to unlock a Lime-E and 30 cents per minute for your ride. The Californian company's perhaps best known for its dockless electric scooters, which first hit the streets of Auckland and Christchurch last month. A week-long trial of the two-wheeled vehicles is also underway on campus, at Monash University in Clayton, Melbourne. The scooters are gaining popularity across the globe, with even Uber signing up as a strategic partner. Unfortunately, given that NSW road safety laws currently state that "powered foot scooters and skateboards cannot be registered and can only be used on private land", it doesn't look like we'll be seeing a Sydney launch of Lime's e-scooters anytime soon. While we don't have high hopes for the success of this new bike sharing service, we do hope it's better monitored, and the neon green bikes don't end up clogging footpaths, parks and waterways, like the others did. The Lime App is available to download now via the app store.
Byron Bay's Bluesfest has lost another name from its 2023 lineup, with acclaimed rapper Sampa the Great pulling out of this year's festival. Just over six weeks out from the Easter long-weekend fest, Bluesfest today announced its playing times for the five-day music program and a revised lineup, both of which were missing Sampa. A member from Sampa's team confirmed to Concrete Playground that Zambian hip hop trailblazer will not be performing at the festival. US supergroup The Soul Rebels & Friends with special guests Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia also appears missing from the set times and revised lineup, however, there's been no confirmation of the group's removal from the lineup. Bluesfest was reached out to for comment on both Sampa and The Soul Rebels, but did not respond before publication. [caption id="attachment_811633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sampa the Great, Lucian Coman[/caption] The lineup change follows Monday's announcement that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard had also removed themselves from the program. The band's decision to withdraw from the festival was kept reasonably vague but, in a statement, the Melbourne psych-rock group cited the festival's decision to book content that conflicts with their values as the reason they won't be appearing. "As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence," King Giz's statement reads. "Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values." "Given this decision by the festival, we have decided to cancel our appearance at Bluesfest," continues the statement. "We are deeply disappointed to be in this position but sometimes you need to be willing to make sacrifices to stand up for your values. This is, unfortunately, one of those moments." Controversy began brewing around this year's Bluesfest after the unveiling of its sixth artist announcement which featured the band Sticky Fingers. The booking of Sticky Fingers received online backlash from others in the music industry including Jaguar Jonze and Camp Cope's Sarah Thompson. Dylan Frost, Sticky Fingers' frontman, has been the subject of serious allegations which include physically threatening First Nations singer Thelma Plum and harassing a transgender woman at a Sydney pub. Frost and bassist Paddy Cornwall were also caught in an alleged brawl with each other in 2019 which saw Cornwall charged with affray. Bluesfest previously faced controversy after festival director Peter Noble compared a Jewish woman to a Nazi for commenting on the gender imbalance present on the first announcement of the festival's 2018 lineup. The festival will continue without King Giz and Sampa the Great from Thursday, April 6 until Monday, April 10 with headliners including Gang of Youths, Paolo Nutini, Tash Sultana, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and Beck. [caption id="attachment_876098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jason Galea[/caption] Bluesfest 2023 will run from Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. For the most up-to-date lineup, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Jordan Munns.
SXSW has never left Austin until this year. For the first time ever, a second iteration of the world-renowned music, screen, gaming, tech and ideas festival is popping up — and it's landed all the way over in Sydney. Running between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22, the first SXSW Sydney has produced a huge lineup with hundreds of musicians performing across Surry Hills, Ultimo, Chippendale, Darling Harbour and Haymarket. The American iteration is known for breaking the next big thing and, following that trend, a who's who of Australian and international up and comers make up a bulk of the lineup — with the intention that you'll wander through the festival precinct each day and stumble upon a healthy mix of acts you know and love, as well as your next great music discovery. There are soon-to-be superstars with co-signs from the biggest names in music, free dance parties in Tumbalong Park, a huge takeover of Powerhouse Museum, hidden parties in abandoned cinemas and Chinatown restaurants, and an 11-year-old Australian rap prodigy. If this all seems like a lot, don't worry — we've got you. Here are ten gigs you should have at the top of your list if you're heading to the festival. HARVEY SUTHERLAND If you're around on Sunday, October 15, then head down to Tumbalong Park as SXSW Sydney kicks off the entire festival with a series of free events. Local funk and house producer Harvey Sutherland will be making an appearance at 8pm for a special one-off festival set that's free for everyone to attend. The Tumbalong Park program will stretch on through the whole week, so don't make a visit here a one-and-done affair. Also on offer: an outdoor cinema featuring classic films that have premiered at SXSW Austin over the years, an onstage discussion between Adam Spencer and Dr Karl, and a massive Suntory -196 vending machine which will function as a rooftop bar. REDVEIL He's already collaborated with Denzel Curry and JPEGMafia, and he's been shouted out by Tyler, the Creator and Pusha T — and he's only 19. Maryland rapper Redveil is heading to Australia for two sets at SXSW Sydney. You can catch his unique alternate hip hop stylings at the House of Vans, located at UTS Underground on Wednesday, October 18, and then at Phoenix Central Park at 8pm on Friday, October 20. Get in line early for his Friday set — it's sure to be a special one at the extremely intimate Chippendale venue. [caption id="attachment_848402" align="alignnone" width="1916"] Barkaa, Luke Currie Richardson[/caption] FBI RADIO SXSW SYDNEY PARTY The abandoned Chinatown cinema that hosted the beloved summer arts and music venue Pleasures Playhouse is being revived for SXSW Sydney — and the equally beloved community radio station FBi Radio is taking it over for a one-night party. The Haymarket space will host a stacked lineup of Australian talent spanning a heap of different genres on Thursday, October 19 from 7–11.50pm. Iconic Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper Barkaa leads the lineup alongside the psych-pop of Skeleten, future reggaeton superstar Lamira, the self-proclaimed 'Blak Britney' Miss Kaninna and the punk-hip hop hybrid duo Bract and Bayang (the Bushranger). It's an eclectic mix (as is customary with FBi Radio), and it's coming to one of the city's most interesting arts spaces. FLYANA BOSS If you've been hearing the words "hello christ, I'm 'bout to sin again" all over your TikTok feeds, these are artists responsible. Flyana Boss is a US hip hop duo who have seen a wave of success from that viral moment, including a remix of that song 'You Wish' featuring none other than Missy Elliot. The pair of multi-instrumentalists and rappers will be kicking off the whole music festival alongside Ekkstacy on Tuesday, October 17 at the opening night celebrations — hosted at The Starship on the Convention Jetty. If you miss out on this set, you can also find them performing at the House of Vans at UTS Underground at 11.20pm on Wednesday, October 18. POWERHOUSE LATE Powerhouse Late is being given the SXSW Sydney treatment with a showcase of some of the program's most exciting artists — and best of all, this one's open to everyone no whether you've got a pass to the festival or not. From 5–9pm on Thursday, October 19, you can catch sets from hugely popular Indonesian singer-songwriter Isyana Sarasvati, South Korean synth-pop group ADOY and Aussie rockers Dust on Stage One. Stage two will welcome rising local musos Tiffi, POOKIE, Big Skeez and SUPEREGO, while stage three will host electronic artists Nuum, Moss and Sonic Mutations in their debut live performance. FRIDAY* If one of your goals for the festival is to catch a local Sydney artist before they blow up, make sure you attend one of FRIDAY*'s sets. Alongside fellow SXSW artists Dylan Atlantis and Zion Garcia, as well as Sollyy and Breakfast Road, FRIDAY* is part of the bustling Western Sydney music collective recently spotlighted in the SBS short film We Just Live Here. The melodic singer-songwriter effortlessly blends pop with genres like R&B, UKG and folk. You can catch these sonic melting pots on stage at the Hollywood Hotel on Thursday, October 19; UTS Underground on Friday, October 19; and Mulan Music Restaurant on Saturday, October 20. [caption id="attachment_888440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Otoboke Beaver by Mayumi Hirata[/caption] OTOBOKE BEAVER Japanese punk quartet Otoboke Beaver is hitting Australia for three SXSW Sydney sets, bringing their ferocious guitars to stages across Sydney. This one's not to be missed for any fans of rock music or anyone looking to experience something you won't see anywhere else in Australia this year. On Thursday, October 19 the band is playing a late-night set at The Soda Factory in Surry Hills, followed by a set at UTS Underground the next day. Then, rounding out their trio of shows for the week, you can catch them at The Factory Theatre's outdoor stage on Saturday afternoon. LANEWAY FESTIVAL SXSW SYDNEY PARTY Before it returns for its stacked 2024 festival with Stormzy, Dominic Fike and Steve Lacy, Laneway is throwing a SXSW party in a Chinatown restaurant. Mulan Music Restaurant and Bar on the corner of Dixon Street is known for its neon-lit stage and spicy seafood, but during the eight-day festival it'll be hosting a heap of gigs. Laneway's takeover is happening from 6pm on Wednesday, October 18 with a lineup of up and comers from Australia and abroad. If you were around for the height of the indie-dance era circa 2004, you'll want to check out Fcukers, who are bringing back the sound of bands like The Rapture and Hot Chip. Pop singer Cody Jon and Melbourne art-punk group Gut Health are also on the lineup, alongside Miss Kaninna, Will Swinton and RAVVE TAPES. INKABEE Another one for those looking to catch the next big thing: Western Australia's Inkabee is already killing it at the age of 11. All you have to do is watch his freestyle on Triple J's Bars of Steel with his dad, aka rapper and activist Flewnt, to see the huge potential this kid has. You can catch Inkabee on the mic at APRA AMCOS on Friday, October 20, and then downstairs at The Lord Gladstone on Saturday, October 21. [caption id="attachment_922018" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michael Cole[/caption] SOMEDAY SOON SXSW Sydney has teamed up with The University of Sydney's Someday Soon to give attendees the chance to attend this festival popping up in the event precinct. Head to Manning Bar on Saturday, October 21 and you'll be treated to a lineup featuring What So Not, Peach PRC, 1300, Sly Withers, Northeast Party House, Royal Otis and Sweden's Kornél Kovács. The festival will feature three stages stretched across the two levels and outdoor areas of Manning Bar. A reserved number of tickets for Someday Soon are available exclusively for SXSW Sydney Platinum Badge holders, Music Badge holders and Music Festival Wristband holders on a first-come-first-serve basis — so head down early to guarantee your spot. SXSW Sydney runs from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Top image: Brittany Hallberg.
One of the grand dames of Melbourne's CBD, the Queen Victoria Market has finally received the historic recognition it deserves, being added to the National Heritage List over the weekend. Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg made the announcement on Sunday, making the Queen Victoria Market Australia's 114th national heritage listed site. It joins the likes of the MCG, Bondi Beach and the Australian War Memorial. The historic building is located on top of Melbourne's first offical cemetery, which is estimated to be made up of over 6500 burial sites spread underneath the market's sheds, stores and carpark. While it's great news for the future of the famed market, it could potentially throw a spanner in the works of Melbourne City Council's planned multi-million dollar revamp of the site.The council was already forced to review its original plans earlier this year after Heritage Victoria voiced concerns over the proposed development beneath the market's 140-year-old sheds. Now, these new protections mean that any plans "likely to have a significant impact" on the site's heritage would need to be assessed by the federal environment department before getting the green light. But it seems the council isn't concerned about any negative impact on its planned revamp, with Lord Mayor Sally Capp telling The Age, "the heritage listing and renewal can exist side-by-side and both are incredibly important". She's hoping that working in conjunction with the market's new heritage status will help more locals to accept the development. The listing comes less than a week after the Queen Victoria Market was named among the 'Magnificent Seven' global alliance of food markets, alongside London's Borough Market, La Boqueria in Barcelona, Markthalle Neun in Berlin, Budapest's Central Market Hall, Sydney Fish Market, and Pike Place Market in Seattle.
There you are just standing around minding your own business, going about your day as usual, when you see a tyrannosaurus rex towering over you. Given that the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchise doesn't depict reality, that's the kind of incident that requires either fossils or a bit of creative magic to make happen in the year 2023. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience opts for the latter, thanks to animatronic dinosaur replicas that are life-sized, and also move — as Australians can see for themselves when the exhibition heads Down Under from September. Welcome to... your next date with prehistoric creatures after watching Prehistoric Planet, hitting up Brisbane's Dinosaurs of Patagonia museum showcase, exploring the Lego Jurassic World exhibition a few years back and soaking in every other excuse to scope out the earth's always-fascinating ancient inhabitants. This one will debut locally in Melbourne, kicking off on Friday, September 29. It makes its way to our shores with help from entertainment platform Fever, which is also currently touring a Banksy showcase. At Dinos Alive, you'll peer up at not only a T-rex, but also stegosaurus, ankylosaurus, gorgosaurus, velociraptors and other critters that roamed the planet all those millions of years back. (No, everyone's dad's favourite, aka doyouthinkhesaurus, won't be there.) The exhibition's creatures are designed to look as realistic as possible, with more than 80 specimens covered. Because this is an all-ages affair — kids love dinosaurs, and adults never grow out of loving dinosaurs — there'll also be an educational side if you're keen to up your dino knowledge. As the latest season of the David Attenborough-hosted Prehistoric Planet devoted some time to, the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras weren't just about giants on land. Accordingly, Dinos Alive will also feature a virtual aquarium to showcase the creatures that dwelled under the sea. Virtual reality will also help make parts of the exhibition as lifelike as possible, as part of an experience that'll take attendees between 60–75 minutes to wander through. While Melbourne is Dinos Alive's first Australian stop after proving a hit in the US, there's also a waitlist for a yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. Fingers crossed that these dinosaurs will also rampage elsewhere around the rest of country once they've brought their giant footprints to the Victorian and New South Wales capitals. Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience will open at Fever Exhibition Hall, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick, Melbourne from Friday, September 29, 2023, with tickets available now. You can also join the waitlist for the yet-to-be-announced Sydney season. We'll update you with future dates and cities when they're announced.
From the director of Dumb & Dumber, There's Something About Mary and Shallow Hal comes a race-relations drama with five Academy Award nominations to its name. Only a handful of years ago, that would've seemed like one of the most unlikely sentences in the film industry. But Green Book is a Peter Farrelly movie through and through, even if no one gets their tongue stuck to a frosty pole, uses an unconventional type of hair gel or dons a fat suit. It might take its real-life tale seriously, however the same simplicity — and the same penchant for upbeat, easy sentiment — that has characterised the director's filmography remains. Taking to the road across America's Deep South circa 1962, Green Book follows a journey within a journey. As revered classical musician Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) and his hired chauffeur Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) venture from town to town on a piano recital tour, this odd couple ventures towards an unexpected friendship. Painfully aware of the discrimination of the time, the reserved, refined Shirley understands the need for a chaperone, but is hardly accustomed to some of his driver's behaviour. For the mouthy, uncouth Lip, a New York bouncer who's happy to treat African-Americans the same way he'd treat an unruly bar patron, working for a black man likewise takes some getting used to. Co-writing the screenplay with Brian Currie (also one of the film's producers) and Nick Vallelonga (son of Tony 'Lip' Vallelonga), Farrelly throws up plot developments like his characters throw fried chicken scraps out of the car window. That's one of Green Book's big scenes, and it's tossed in breezily but lands with a thud. The same is true of much of the movie. Simultaneously light and overt, and shot and styled in the same way, this is a picture that ticks all of the obvious boxes, charts all of the predictable developments and services all of the expected messages. It has a heart, as do most of Farrelly's films, yet it always seems like it's expending most of its energy on stressing its feel-good importance. While scenes that show Tony learning to overcome his own prejudice, saving Shirley from violent attacks and teaching him that stereotypical aspects of black culture may have a basis in truth, they also feel carefully calculated to further the picture's overall vibe. A film that makes Lip the protagonist and Shirley the supporting player, Green Book is also a film that's willing to shape the details to suit its smooth angle on reality. That's far from uncommon in the "based on a true story" game, but even if controversy hadn't sprung up about the handling of specific aspects of Shirley's life (with his family contesting some elements), the movie would've still felt massaged for mass consumption. Indeed, Farrelly has a mould that he's trying to fit, earning and thoroughly deserving the label of this year's Driving Miss Daisy. It's also this year's The Blind Side, aka a picture where a person of colour's narrative is framed through their relationship with a helpful white friend, or saviour. Green Book's questionable approach would've always been apparent, but it perhaps cuts deeper because of the film's biggest success: its performances. Oscar-nominated for their respective roles, Mortensen and Ali truly make the best of the material at their disposal. More than that, they exceed it — as you'd expect from both. In Mortensen's case, there's a welcome looseness to his take on Lip that never feels like he's forcefully pushing buttons or hitting marks, even though the script always is. With likely two-time Best Supporting Actor winner Ali, there's soulful elegance, resounding dignity and quiet vulnerability to his portrayal of Shirley, giving the man what he deserves even if the film around him doesn't. Although a great movie could be made starring the pair, this isn't it. Instead, they lift a polite hug of a picture, one that boils down good intentions to the easiest, most conventional elements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c18JX_RS-Xo
Remember the days before coffee pods, when getting your caffeinated fix didn't involve spending many a minute trying to choose a flavour? Well, that experience has arrived at an Australian pub near you. Yes, beer pods are now a reality. Carlton & United Breweries has rolled out a trial of their new Bond Brothers Fusion brand to selected venues in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, adding a whole new dimension to ordering a drink. The base lager remains the same; however once you select your variety of choice — with pink grapefruit, honey, lime, raspberry and apple options available — the appropriate pod will be slipped into the tap, infusing your yeasty beverage with flavour as it is poured. Sounds like a gimmick that's trying to jump on the craft beer bandwagon, right? Yep, it sure does, but we all thought something similar when the concept first reared its head in the coffee world. Speaking to Nine News, CUB marketing director Richard Oppy said that they were looking to "add some excitement" to drinking beer (although we thinking having a bev is pretty exciting enough), as well as extra varieties. While this is the first time you can get this type of drink in Aussie bars, the concept isn't particularly new. Launching in 2014, US company SYNEK is a countertop beer dispenser that uses cartridges to let you pour and drink your favourite brews at home, while wine, spirits and cocktail takes on the trend are also in development. Via Brews News / The Drinks Association.
He's one of Sydney's most in-demand chefs, as well as the award-winning seafood maestro and sustainability guru behind celebrated Paddington restaurant Saint Peter. And in January, you can get a front-row seat to hear from the man himself, with Josh Niland zipping into Melbourne to join the Australian Open 2023's stacked food program. Niland's sustainable fish and chipper Charcoal Fish will be making its Melbourne debut, popping up at the AO Beach Bar to treat locals to goodies like the rotisserie Murray cod roll with gravy and crispy skin, plus the cult-favourite double yellowfin tuna cheeseburger. [caption id="attachment_826360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charcoal Fish[/caption] And on Tuesday, January 17, the chef will take the stage for an intimate chat as part of the AO Talk Series. Audiences will hear about Niland's game-changing zero-waste, whole-fish philosophy, and the approach to sustainability that's earned him international applause. He'll share big ideas, a solid dose of culinary wisdom and plenty of inspiration along the way. Tickets to the 8.30am talk clock in at $69, which also includes a Ground Pass to hit the AO for the rest of the day. The session will take place at the AO Beach Bar, near Gate 1–3 of Melbourne Park. [caption id="attachment_826357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney's Charcoal Fish[/caption] Top image: Rob Palmer.
The Hotel Windsor's fancy afternoon tea is getting tweaked for Chinese New Year. Forget about finger sandwiches and scones with jam and cream, and instead scoff down dishes made with classic Asian ingredients, such as pastries with peach, lychee and kumquat, dim sum-inspired savouries, and a wide range of specially brewed teas. Hotel guests will also notice an array of Asian pastries making their way onto the hotel's dessert buffet — and frankly, we're thinking of checking in ourselves just so we can have a good feed. The Chinese New Year afternoon tea will be available for two weeks starting from Monday, February 8.
The Shins have announced two tour dates in Sydney and Melbourne for July 2012. The Portland-based band will be performing at Splendour In the Grass, plus they’ll be headlining a gig at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on July 25. Currently touring the US to celebrate the release of their fourth album Port of Morrow, The Shins will be supported by special guests Husky when they play at the Hordern, as well as at Festival Hall in Melbourne on July 23. Tickets go on sale here at 11am on Monday, April 30.
By this stage, most of us have come to terms with the fact that jetting off to USA or Europe is a seriously long slog, made worse by unavoidable (sometimes long, always painful) stopovers. But that European or American trip looks set to become a whole lot more bearable, with Qantas on track with its plans to launch direct flights between the east coast and both London and New York, by 2022. Last year, the airline announced that it was exploring non-stop routes from Sydney — routes that would eclipse the company's direct flights between Perth and London, which launched in March this year. Now CEO Alan Joyce has told Bloomberg that the plan, called Project Sunrise, looks set to become a reality. The key factor is the most obvious one: planes that can handle the trip. The extra distance involved with flights from the east coast capitals to London and New York is something that none of today's planes can manage, so the airline put out a call to Airbus and Boeing, the world's biggest aircraft manufacturers, to make an aircraft that can go the distance. Joyce now says "we're now comfortable that we think we have vehicles that could do it". In numbers, the planes will need to be able to handle a 20-hour and 20-minute stint between Sydney and London (16,983 kilometres), and an 18-hour and seven-minute journey from Sydney to New York. The airline has done its homework, analysing a decade's worth of wind and weather data to confirm the routes are actually possible — but it needs the planes to fly it. Those planes could come equipped with extra facilities — such as bunks and workout spaces — to help combat the lengthy time travellers will spend in the air in one stint. And, if and when the new routes are up and running, Qantas will look at direct connections between Australia and other places around the globe, with spots in the Americas, Europe and Africa on the company's list. Right now, the world's longest direct flight clocks in at around 18 hours and 14,529 kilometres, running between Doha and Auckland on a Boeing 777-200LR. That'll change in October, when Singapore Airlines launch its Singapore-to-New York route, which spans 15,322-kilometre and takes over 19 hours. Via Bloomberg.
To the joy of folks who love ice cream but don't consume animal products, tucking into a creamy frozen dessert that's 100-percent vegan is much easier than it used to be. You'll find vegan Magnums, Cornettos and Weiss Bars in your supermarket freezer, vegan choc tops at Event Cinemas in Sydney and Brisbane, vegan ice cream sandwiches at Lord of the Fries around the country, and a selection of vegan sorbets at Gelato Messina — and now you'll find a new vegan lineup at gelato chain Gelatissimo as well. Gelatissimo already has its own vegan sorbet range, spanning flavours such as green apple, lemon, mango, passionfruit, raspberry, strawberry and coconut. Now, it's also scooping up dairy-free gelato. As part of the new selection, two varieties are on offer at present, with a third still to come — and they're the first in the chain's ongoing commitment to providing flavours for all dietary preferences. If you like your frosty desserts with a dash of decadence, you're in luck, with caramel mudcake and triple chocolate flavours on the menu. When you're licking your way through a cup or cone of caramel mudcake vegan gelato, you'll be enjoying vegan caramel gelato combined with caramelised sugar, as well as chunks of vegan caramel mudcake. As for the vegan triple chocolate gelato, it blends West African cocoa, vegan dark chocolate morsels and vegan chocolate sauce, then dusts the whole thing with cocoa powder. Available until Thursday, April 2 — or until stocks last — in all Australian stores, both dairy-free flavours use coconut and soy milk. Just what the third vegan gelato flavour will be, or when it'll be available, hasn't been revealed as yet. Gelatissimo's new vegan range is available from all stores nationwide until Thursday, April 2 — or until stocks last. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
If you've ever sipped lamington vodka, eaten a baklava croissant or tucked into a cookie pie, you'll know that mashing up two different types of foods and/or drinks is a gift to indecisive stomachs. Sometimes your tummy just doesn't know what it's hankering for — or it does, but it wants too many things at once to make a choice. The next culinary hybrid that's certain to help the next time you can't pick between multiple options: Latina and Old El Paso's new taco-flavoured ravioli. The two supermarket staple brands have teamed up on the limited-edition dinner offering and, yes, the result is exactly what it sounds like. You'll be tucking into Latina's beef ravioli, but made with Old El Paso's taco spice mix. And if you're not that fond of zesty dishes, you'll be pleased to know that this one is mild. The new ravioli is only available in Woolworths supermarkets for a short time, for RRP$8 a packet — and if you're wondering how to serve it, the two brands suggest pairing it with beans, corn kernels and a pasta sauce, popping it in the oven with cheese on top and turning it into a pasta bake. Obviously, just cooking it like you normally would Latina's pasta, slathering it with sauce and sticking a fork in is also an option. But you won't have to decide whether your tastebuds are screaming for Italian or Mexican — because you can have both. Latina and Old El Paso's taco-flavoured ravioli is available now at Woolworths supermarkets for RRP$8 a packet.
Imagine if Ferris Bueller's Day Off was a horror movie, with the eponymous truant skipping class, flitting around Chicago and narrowly avoiding hordes of zombies that start shuffling around on the same day. Or, maybe Dirty Dancing could get the spooky treatment. No one puts Baby in the corner unless they need to help her combat a demon conjured up by the repressive reaction to all that fancy footwork, perhaps? We should probably stop listing these ideas, because Blumhouse Productions might end up making them a reality. Already, the film company has turned Groundhog Day into a horror flick via Happy Death Day and Happy Death Day 2U. It gave 70s TV series Fantasy Island an unsettling makeover, too, to downright awful results. Now, it's Freaky Friday's turn. Body-swap movies span far beyond films starring Jodie Foster (in 1976) and Lindsay Lohan (in 2003), but given that Freaky sets the bulk of its action on a Friday, it's clearly nodding in the obvious direction. The movie begins with a prelude on Wednesday the 11th (yes, not only will most of the chaos go down on a Friday, but it'll happen on Friday the 13th). In the opening scene, four small-town high schoolers do what teens do in the first moments of slasher flicks: talk, party and make out in an empty old mansion, then get killed by a mask-wearing psychopath. Before the quartet meets that fate, its members explain who is responsible. The Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn) is known to have terrorised the area but, due to a lack of recent murders, the serial killer has mostly become an urban legend of late. Writer/director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day and its sequel) and his co-scribe Michael Kennedy (Bordertown) know that they're sticking to a formula here, and that any viewer who has seen any number of other frightening franchises knows it as well. They're being playful, though, a trait they try to keep up for the rest of the film. Not only is the Butcher real, but he steals a cursed Aztec dagger that lets him swap bodies with his next victim. So, when Millie (Kathryn Newton, Big Little Lies) crosses his path, she wakes up in his very tall and very male guise the next morning — and vice versa. For the Butcher, who instantly kits out Millie's petite frame in an uncharacteristic red leather jacket and tight jeans, it's a dream. He's already known for offing adolescents, and now he can blend in as one of them. For Millie, it takes some explaining to get her besties (The Goldfinch's Misha Osherovich and Selah and the Spades' Celeste O'Connor) not to scream at her new manly form. And, with the entire town is on the lookout for the Butcher, she's forced to run and hide while she's trying to track down her actual body. Shy, bullied and still mourning the death of her father a year ago, Millie also notices the changes that come with her masculine appearance. She can impose her might on her tormenters (although the Butcher has them in his sights, too), and comments on feeling strong and commanding. As Millie explains this strangely empowering sensation — after gags about what's now in her pants, expectedly — Freaky adds some depth to its high-concept horror-comedy idea. It calls out society's accepted notions of male power, and makes it plain that women are never seen in the same forceful fashion. Later, Millie shares a tender exchange with her also grief-stricken, often wine-drinking mother (Katie Finneran, Why Women Kill), showing how it's often easier to unburden your problems upon strangers than loved ones. These are astute and accurate observations, as paired with savvy moments. In a far more lived-in way than fellow recent release The Craft: Legacy, the film eagerly inhabits a progressive and accepting world. But not every aspect lands as intended. Another sequence that sees Millie connect with her crush (Uriah Shelton, Girl Meets World) while also still stuck in the Butcher's body too overtly tries to evoke laughs when they kiss, for example. That patchwork outcome — sometimes things fall into place entertainingly, sometimes they don't — applies to Freaky overall. Given that it sports a big twist right there in its premise, no one should expect a surprise-laden narrative. Still, even though Landon and Kennedy wink and nod as they borrow from other body swap and slasher fare, a movie can be aware of what it's doing, deliver standout moments and elements, and flit between fun and average as well. Freaky is glossily shot, swiftly paced and boasts a memorable graphic match, segueing from a head being slammed by a toilet seat to two teens getting intimate. It's particularly engaging when it ramps up either the gore-splattered horror or the over-the-top comedy. But it also swaps a heap of competing pieces into one package, then appears mostly content to play by the numbers when it comes to relentless serial killers plucking off teens and folks ending up in each other's bodies alike. Oh, and it's mighty keen to make its franchise aspirations well and truly known, too. As a result, Freaky always feels heavily indebted to its lead casting choices, both of which are top-notch. Without either Vaughn or Newton, the film might've resembled The Hot Chick meets the worst Nightmare on Elm Street sequels rather than Freaky Friday meets Friday the 13th. Vaughn gets the showier role, and demonstrates how shrewdly he's considered what it's like to be a teenage girl, with his version of Millie occasionally proving more fleshed out than the real thing. Newton embraces her fierce and fearsome side as the Butcher and, consequently, it's easy to see why Millie herself is a little impressed by her confidence. Both actors do more than just stick to the movie's clearcut concept, crucially — but Freaky itself could've taken their lead more often, and taken note of its titular term far more as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-M4qEmF268
It was meant to be the sci-fi hit of 2020. It ended up being one of 2021's standouts instead. It picked up a heap of 2022 Oscars and has a sequel about to drop. Spice saga Dune is also now back on the big screen in Australia and New Zealand, giving audiences another chance to see it in the best way possible. Directed by Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), the 2021 film followed in David Lynch's footsteps, making a new adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel — and managing what Alejandro Jodorowsky sadly couldn't (see: excellent documentary Jodorowsky's Dune) in the process. It also gave the world a stunning new science-fiction cinema classic, which started its return season in cinemas on Thursday, February 8, 2024 Down Under in preparation for part two arriving at the end of the month. The initial Villeneuve-helmed Dune flick scored ten Oscar nominations and six wins for beginning the space-opera series' story. In the 2021 film, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet, Wonka) headed to Arrakis because his dad Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac, Moon Knight) had just been given stewardship of the planet and its abundance of 'the spice' — aka the most valuable substance in the universe — and then got caught up in a bitter feud with malicious forces over the substance. It also saw Paul meet the population of people known as the Fremen, including Chani (Zendaya, Euphoria), plus Javier Bardem's (Lyle, Lyle Crocodile) Stilgar, which is who he and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, Silo) are with in Dune: Part Two. The second film has also taken the long way to cinemas, after originally being slated to release in November 2023, then postponed during Hollywood's strikes. It will now keep the tale going from Thursday, February 29. This time, war has arrived on the franchise's spice-laden planet, and Paul and the Fremen are ready to fight. The former doesn't just want to face off against the folks who destroyed his family, but for the sandy celestial body, with Chani at his side. Expansive desert landscape, golden and orange hues, sandworms, Villeneuve's reliable eye for a spectacle and Hans Zimmer's (The Son) sonic best: they're all part of the first movie. So are Josh Brolin (Outer Range), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Beau Is Afraid) and Charlotte Rampling (Benedetta) among the cast. Some cinemas are also doing Dune double features on Wednesday, February 28, the evening before the second part officially releases, if you want the full Chalamet-led Dune experience so far in one sitting. Check out trailers for Dune and Dune: Part Two below: Dune returned to cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 8, 2o24. Read our review. Dune: Part Two will release in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
The lineup for Australia's most highly anticipated music festival, Splendour in the Grass, was announced early this morning via the Breakfast Show with Tom & Alex on Triple J. Headlining the 2011 edition of the festival, to be held at Woodfordia in South-East Queensland for the second time, are Kanye West, Coldplay, Jane's Addiction, Pulp and Regina Spektor. The full Splendour In The Grass 2011 lineup is as follows: Kanye West Coldplay Pulp Jane's Addiction Modest Mouse Gomez Elbow Friendly Fires The Living End Foster the People Regina Spektor (only show for 2011) The Hives Architecture in Helsinki Bliss 'n Eso Grouplove The Kills Glasvegas Cornershop The Vaccines The Mars Volta Mogwai DJ Shadow The Grates James Blake Eskimo Joe Cut Copy Boy and Bear Sparkadia Muscles The Jezabels Isobel Cambel and Mark Lanegan The Panics Jebadiah British Sea Power Seeker Lover Keeper Black Seeds Liam Finn Wild Beasts Garath Liddiard Lanie Lane Kan Festival dates: Friday 29th July to Sunday 31st July Tickets cost: $390 (inc gst) Event + $120 (inc gst) Camping + booking fees, which gives you entry to the festival for 3 days, from Friday 29 July to Sunday 31 July. Tickets go on sale at 9am AEST on Thursday 5 May. For more info visit the Splendour in the Grass site. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yQ7YTVop-hE
Whenever a movie milestone rolls around, it sparks two things: a reminder about how much time has passed since the flick in the spotlight first hit screens, and a yearning to watch whichever classic is worthy of such celebrations right now. When a Studio Ghibli film hits a big anniversary, it also sparks a sense of urgency — although we all just feel like watching the beloved Japanese animation house's flicks right this minute all the time, don't we? 2022 marks a huge 25 years since one of Studio Ghibli's absolute best movies first graced picture palaces, which means that it's time to revel in all things Princess Mononoke. And if you're now desperate to revisit the Hayao Miyazaki-directed masterpiece, Australia and New Zealand's cinemas have great news for you: they're playing the historical fantasy gem again from Thursday, July 14. Two versions of the movie will hit a selection of Aussie and NZ venues as part of a 25th-anniversary season: the original Japanese version, which is the one that every Ghibli fan should be flocking to, and the English-dubbed version as well. And, whichever you choose, participating cinemas will also be offering a free commemorative pin featuring San's mask. It's available when you buy a ticket — although, given it's a collector's item, it's only on offer while stocks last. If you're a newcomer to this delight by the one and only Miyazaki — a film that only ranks behind Spirited Away and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind among the director's greats — get ready for a picture that makes a clear ecological statement. The iconic filmmaker has never shied away from doing just that; however, Princess Mononoke might just send his most forceful message about humanity's impact upon the earth. As set in Japan's Muromachi period (from the 14th to 16th centuries), the involving fantasy takes place among humans, animals and gods, all of which have been living in harmony until the movie starts. From there, the film charts the paths of a young prince with a curse and a young woman raised by wolves, as well as the conflict between a modernising town and the forest it's destroying. Every Studio Ghibli film is worth seeing — the animation house hasn't ever made a bad one, even if a few sit below the rest — but Princess Mononoke is a stone-cold classic. The highest-grossing Japanese feature of 1997, it's also the picture that helped bring the company's wonderful flicks to western audiences. Check out the trailer for Princess Mononoke below: Princess Mononoke returns to Australian and New Zealand cinemas from Thursday, July 14. For more information, and to find cinema locations, head to the Madman Films website.
How far would you go to keep a roof over your family's head? That's the question posed by 99 Homes, the blistering new moral melodrama from writer-director Ramin Bahrani. Set in Orlando, Florida during the height of the 2010 foreclosure crisis, it is perhaps the most compelling film yet made about the global economic downturn and the everyday people whose lives it tore apart. Forget serial killers wielding machetes. This is a horror movie for the modern age. Trading his spandex and web-shooters for a toolbox and blue collar, Amazing Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield plays protagonist Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single parent forced to move his family into a motel after they're thrown out of their home. Adding insult to injury, the only work Nash is able to find is as a day labourer for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the same ruthless real estate broker who evicted him in the first place. But Carver soon sees potential in the desperate young father and invites him to take a greater role in his business. But what will it take for Nash to sell his soul? 99 Homes is Bahrani's fifth feature effort, although it's the first to receive a significant release here in Australia. Still, those who have seen his earlier work, including Chop Shop, Goodbye Solo and At Any Price, will recognise his signature motifs. He's an unapologetically earnest filmmaker with a strong social conscience, taking major issues that dominate headlines and using them as a basis for intimate human stories. During the film's numerous eviction scenes, he employs handheld cameras and a low, pulsating score, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming helplessness. Watching Carver throw Nash and his family out of their home will likely leave viewers feeling nauseous – although not half as nauseous as they'll feel later in the film, when Nash begins evicting families on Carver's behalf. After a few years languishing in superhero limbo, Garfield recaptures the stellar dramatic form seen in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go. Every compromise Nash considers the actor makes us understand, forcing us to ponder what we'd do in the same situation. Laura Dern is likewise strong in the admittedly thankless role as Nash's kind-hearted mother. Both, however, are overshadowed by Shannon. With the same simmering intensity he brought to Take Shelter and Boardwalk Empire, the Oscar-nominated actor is captivating whenever he's on screen. A callous big screen capitalist in the vein of Gordon Gecko, Carver is at once repellent and uncomfortably persuasive – characteristics best exemplified in a monologue midway through the film in which the e-cig smoking realtor gives us a glimpse into what drives him while raining rhetorical fire down on everyone from federal regulators to homeowners themselves. It is, quite simply, one of the best written, best acted scenes you'll see in a cinema this year. That's not to say that Bahrani's screenplay isn't also without its weak points. Nuance isn't exactly his strong suit, and there are stretches of the film that feel rather histrionic. More frustrating is the ending, in which the writer-director strips away any sense of moral ambiguity in favour of a simpler, less interesting conflict between right and wrong. Yet even in the moments where the narrative falters, the weight and sincerity of Bahrani's intention are enough to carry you through. That, along with the phenomenal work of one of the finest actors working today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfttvNCIJvE
Been spending the first few months of 2021 pondering the future? Given how the past year has panned out, that's only natural. But come Wednesday, May 26, you might want to look to the skies as well — and feast your eyes on a luminous lunar sight. For folks located Down Under, this is when you'll see this year's 'blood' supermoon. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — two usually happen each year, and one occurred just last month — there are plenty of reasons to peer upwards this time around. It's the last supermoon of 2021, for starters. It's also a total lunar eclipse. If you're wondering what else you need to know, we've run through the details below. WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. They're not all that uncommon — and because May 2021's supermoon is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. It's also a flower moon, too, which doesn't refer to its shape — obviously — but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, the May full moon usually arrives as spring wildflowers are blooming. Of course, it's currently autumn in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. This May's supermoon also happens to coincide with a total lunar eclipse, which is why it's also called a blood moon. When the astronomical body passes directly into the earth's actual shadow, it turns a blood-red shade thanks to sunlight that's filtered and refracted by the earth's atmosphere. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? If you're keen to catch a glimpse — and you didn't nab a ticket for Qantas' flight above Sydney just for the occasion — you'll want to peek outside on Wednesday, May 26. In the New South Wales capital, and in Melbourne and Brisbane, the lunar eclipse is due to begin at 6.47pm, reach its maximum at 9.18pm and end at 11.49pm, according to Timeanddate.com. In Adelaide, all of those times move forward half an hour — so it'll begin at 6.17pm, reach its maximum at 8.48pm and end at 11.19pm. And in Perth, it'll start at 5.16pm, reach its maximum at 7.18pm and end at 9.49pm. You'll want to have your cameras at the ready, of course — and see if you can outdo previous big batches of supermoon snaps and super blue blood moon pics. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? According to NASA, folks in the Pacific Rim will be best placed to see the supermoon total eclipse — which includes in Australia. Naturally, you'll be hoping for clear skies that evening. You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking into the night sky always applies. So, city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. If you can't get a clear vantage, The Virtual Telescope Project will be live-streaming from the skyline above Rome from 5am AEST. And Timeanddate.com will be hosting its own livestream, too, starting at 7.30pm AEST. The 'blood' supermoon and total lunar eclipse will take place from 6.47pm AEST on Wednesday, May 26. For further information, including about timing, head to either NASA or Timeanddate.com.
Lockdown is bringing wholesome home activities back into the spotlight. If you've already birthed a sourdough starter, planted new seedlings and started leaning te reo Māori, it may be time to start flexing your puzzle skills. New Zealand's national museum Te Papa is getting in on the action for those who forgot to stock up and has turned taonga (treasures) from its collection into online jigsaw puzzles. Unwind as you piece together Bernard Roundhill's colourful 1956 painting of Auckland, make up the skeleton of a Stewart Island brown kiwi or complete the fossil of an iguanodon tooth from 132-137 million years ago. Te Papa is closed to the public until further notice. Read about the museum's collections, research and stories at tepapa.nz.
The Royal Exhibition Building is set to be overrun with pooches of every shape and size. Returning for its sixth year, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show will welcome around 250 exhibitors and upwards of 30,000 visitors. Whether you're in the market for a new family pet or are just looking for a bit of a cuddle, you won't find a more adorable event in Melbourne. Obviously, cat people need not apply. This year's show includes a number of special events for guests on two legs and four. For the first time the event will include the Common Woof Games, which will see chows and poodles come together as one species to jump over mini hurdles, play basketball (with their snouts!) and somehow throw a discus. There'll also be a doggy pool for belly flops and celebrity vets such as Dr. Katrina Warren and Dr Harry will run seminars on canine health. Several of Victoria's dog shelters will be there, with no shortage of rescued animals looking for permanent homes. Oh, and in case that doesn't make your heart melt, they've also got a dedicated puppy patting zone.
Forget flame-grilled, British company Bompas & Parr are taking the backyard barbecue to new, hardcore heights — using molten lava. Experts in curating spectacular culinary experiences that go beyond the wildest dreams of Willy Wonka himself, Bompas & Parr one-upped Sydney's last New Year's display with the world's first edible fireworks in London. This year, they're forecast to trump our favourite summer pastime, the age old Australian barbecue. We can't help but be impressed. The duo teamed up with lava expert Professor Robert Wysocki from New York's Syracuse University to learn how to transform billion-year-old basalt into magma that would cook a nice T-bone at 1350 degrees. Experiments like this one have ensured the pair have honed their charring technique to perfection. Now, Bompas & Parr are offering British diners the chance to host the ultimate summer barbecue. Apart from the five-tonne furnace for those lava-seared steaks, the company will provide designers to makeover the venue, invitations hand carved from volcanic rock and lava-heated hot tubs in which to enjoy cocktails. Plus, they promise a weird and wonderful soundscape fusing real-time volcanic frequencies from around the world with more conventional tunes. The catch to getting Bompas & Parr barbecuing in your own backyard? You'll need a minimum of 500 friends to join you. But come on, though that may seem a little high and possibly saddening, who wouldn’t want to go to this barbecue-to-end-all-barbecues?
Sydney ambient electro darlings Seekae dropped news of their third album and a national August tour earlier this year. Luckily they didn't do it so silently. They've also gifted us with a new single, 'Test & Recognise'. Picking up the tempo and embracing the power of the synth, it could signal a new direction for the group — from classic chillout sessions to the dancefloor. With past releases, The Sounds of Trees Falling on People and +DOME, Seekae have made a name for themselves in the past few years, playing local festivals like Harvest and Golden Plains. Known for hypnotic electro-pop such as 'Void', 'Crooks' and 'Blood Bank', their name is synonymous with late night drives through the city or relaxed midnight hangs with friends. In the bigger picture, their debut was named one of the albums of the decade by FBi Radio, and their follow-up earned them four nominations at the Australian Independent Music Awards. Since then they've been touring internationally and even took to the stage at this year's SxSW. Seekae's third album, The Worry, is openly described as their most ambitious work to date. Bringing vocals to the fore and losing some of that distinctive ambient haze, it definitely marks a departure from their past sound that may not win over all fans. However, the shift will make for an entertaining live gig. Caught somewhere between blissful oblivion and classic electro these new tracks are sure to get people awkwardly shuffling around the dance floor nationwide. https://youtube.com/watch?v=S78pfy37SN8
A decade has sashayed away since Bianca Del Rio won the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. After emerging victorious over Australia's own runner-up Courtney Act, the drag queen and comedian has been conquering Down Under stages ever since. Among multiple tours over the past ten years, the fabulously quick-witted talent last brought her Hurricane Bianca whirlwind this way in 2022 — and she'll next break out her devilish snark and timing in 2025. "I'm coming out of my crypt and hitting the road again to remind everyone that I'm still DEAD INSIDE!" said Del Rio about her latest world tour, which has dates in Canada, the US, Britain, Ireland, Europe and Latin America across the rest of 2024. It began this year in San Diego, spending from February–May packing out theatres across North America. "If you enjoy irreverent humour, like sparkly costumes and are NOT easily offended … this is the show for you!" Del Rio continued. The global favourite keeps building upon her massive past decade or so, with the dimple-cheeked performer doing everything from tours upon tours to hitting the West End stage in the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie and also popping up in the film version as well. Then there's 2016 comedy Hurricane Bianca and its 2018 sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate, plenty more appearances on various Drag Race seasons and specials, web specials, music videos and even an episode of Celebrity Family Feud. Accordingly, you know what to start watching in preparation for Del Rio's Dead Inside gigs in Australia and Aotearoa from January — although, as you'll know if you've seen her live before, there's nothing like seeing her in the flesh. [caption id="attachment_965670" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Ronn via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Del Rio's 2025 visit will break out the cutting insults — plus her larger-than-life persona in general — in Brisbane first, beginning the tour with two nights at Fortitude Music Hall. After that, one-night stops are on the agenda at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, Astor Theatre in Perth, Sydney's State Theatre and Llewellyn Theatre in Canberra. In NZ, Del Rio will hit the stage at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland, Wellington's Opera House and James Hay Theatre in Christchurch. Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside Tour 2025 Dates: Tuesday, January 28–Wednesday, January 29 — Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Friday, January 31 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne Wednesday, February 5 — Astor Theatre, Perth Saturday, February 8 — State Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, February 11 — Llewellyn Theatre, Canberra Thursday, February 13 — Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland Saturday, February 15 — Opera House, Wellington Monday, February 17 — James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside! tour heads around Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025. For more information or to buy tickets from 9am on Friday, July 19, 2024, head to the tour website.
From piecing together messages or wondrous discoveries hidden among the stars, to using the constellations as a guiding force for navigation, or simply sitting back and admiring the view, stargazing has proven to be an enduring hobby. To honour this, Vivid Sydney is taking to the skies with the return of its stunning annual drone shows, in partnership with the Australian Traffic Network. Across six nights from Sunday, May 28, you'll be able to look up and witness over 1000 drones lighting up the night sky to create the biggest drone show the Southern Hemisphere has seen to date. Written in the Stars will take audiences on a visual exploration of space, delving into the natural world of our solar system by featuring awe-inspiring landscapes from the Sun through to Jupiter — along with some unexpected stops and visitors. A rework of Gustav Holst's 'The Planets' by Peewee Ferris will soundtrack the shows, available via the Cinewav app (which you can download here), to heighten the experiential journey. And you'll be able to marvel at these sights for free. Catch the recurring light shows from 9.10pm from your vantage point of Circular Quay or The Rocks. This event will only light up Sydney Harbour for six nights throughout the duration of Vivid Sydney 2023. Written in the Stars is running from 9.10pm on Sunday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 31 then June 4th, 7th, 12th and 14th. For more information, visit the website.
Loving skivvies, winning Triple J's Hottest 100, performing at the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade: all three of these yummy yummy things now apply to Australian national treasures The Wiggles. And yes, as fans young and old have seen for more than three decades now, the children's music group clearly already has the outfits for it. The Wiggles' rainbow-hued threads will grace the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) when Mardi Gras' famed signature event returns on Saturday, March 5. The parade is being held at the stadium due to the pandemic, as it was in 2021, too — so, sorry, you won't see a big red car drive down Oxford Street. This year's Hottest 100 victors have promised to bring "their Wiggly friends" to the SCG with them, however — all to take part in Sydney's huge LGBTQIA+ celebration for the very first time. On the parade's lineup, they'll be joined by Savage Garden's Darren Hayes, who'll headline and do his first Australian performance in a decade; Vanessa Amorosi, for some more late 90s/early 00s nostalgia; plus Mo'Ju, Timothy Springs and Prinnie Stevens, as well as local DJs KILIMI, Charlie Villas and Division 4. And, the parade will host 40,000 spectators to watch 5800 marchers across 161 parade entries as well, celebrating the 2022 theme 'united we shine'. [caption id="attachment_828658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] This year's fest is ticketed, and there are still some available; however, if you can't head along for some fruit salad, hot potatoes and cold spaghetti in person — and perhaps the Hottest 100-winning 'Elephant' cover — in person, you'll be able to tune into the parade in a number of ways. So, whether you're a Sydneysider who'll be at home or you live elsewhere around the nation, you can watch on ABC iview from 6.30pm AEDT, ABC TV from 7.30pm AEDT, and listen via Triple J (including the Triple J and ABC listen apps) and ABC Local Radio Evenings from 7pm AEDT. The 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 5. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the Mardi Gras website.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 15: Moonlight Cinema has now dropped its March program, which'll take the openair cinema through until the end of its 2019–20 season on Sunday, March 29. Highlights include Oscar-winner Parasite, the creepy new version of The Invisible Man and a couple of chances to see Margot Robbie unleash mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). You can also enjoy a blast from the past with The Dark Knight and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. UPDATE, JANUARY 18: Moonlight Cinema has revealed its February lineup, with a fresh batch of films coming to the outdoor venue. Recent gems such as Little Women and 1917 will screen alongside old-school hits such as Mean Girls, Ghost, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and a sing-along session of Grease (yes, it's playing on a summer night). You can also head along to a pooch-focused night of movies thanks to a collaboration with Top Dog Film Festival, who'll be presenting a best-of screening. Like all sessions at Moonlight, you can bring your pupper along, too. When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights from the just-dropped November, December and January program, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile from November 28, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels — and, in some cities, to see Brad Pitt twice thanks to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Ad Astra. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will mark 20 years since The Matrix with an anniversary screening, and revisit last year's A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also BYO booze and bring your dog.
To celebrate their shared first birthday since arriving on Chapel Street, Suzie Q and Windsor Wine Room have shaped a collaborative menu that combines each venue's culinary philosophy. Pairing Suzie Q's nostalgic takes on Chinese cuisine with Windsor Wine Room's meticulously curated wine list and European-inspired fare, this east-meets-west menu is as fun as it is flavourful. However, this birthday celebration won't last long. Running from Thursday, July 24–Sunday, July 27, this collab sees Head Chefs Benji and Ben fuse their talent and inspiration in fascinating and unexpected ways. Priced at $59 per person, the menu behind this strictly limited party will certainly pique interest thanks to its numerous, off-the-wall surprises. Available for four days only, this is your chance to dine on burrata with chilli oil and crispy Chinese doughnut, where the soft, buttery flavour combines with heat and crunch. There's also Taiwanese fried chicken with ricotta dipping sauce, and Singapore chilli crab spaghetti, offering a saucy take on a hawker classic. "It's more than just a birthday. It's about honouring a year of shared passion, two kitchens, and the creative energy that defines what both Suzie Q and Windsor Wine Room stand for," says Thai Ho, Founder of Mamas Dining Group. "This collaboration is a symbol of unity, of culture, creativity, and community."
To ring in the year of the rabbit, dumpling master Din Tai Fung created cute chocolate and Biscoff bunny buns, continuing its annual tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year with an adorable addition to its menu (see also: its tiger buns from 2022 and the ox buns it brought out in 2021). But creative dishes aren't just a once-a-year thing here. Now that Easter is almost upon us, the chain is serving up something else to tempt your tastebuds: hot cross bao. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, with the bao only available for a limited time. And, while you might be familiar with the concept from previous years' incarnations, Din Tai Fung has changed things up a bit for 2023. The treats are made to look like traditional hot cross buns, only they're crafted on fluffy steamed bread and filled with gooey molten chocolate lava instead of the usual raisins or sultanas. And this time around, the dough is also made on cocoa, so it's all as chocolatey as ever. The hot cross bao are available at all Aussie Din Tai Fung restaurants and food court outlets. Sydneysiders will want to hit up its World Square, Westfield Chatswood, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Sydney, Broadway Shopping Centre, Gateway Sydney, The Star, Greenwood Plaza and MLC Centre venues. In Melbourne, you have one spot to head to, with the bao on offer at Emporium Melbourne. If you'd rather have them brought right to your door, they're also available for delivery in frozen form. If you're keen to stock your freezer and enjoy them once Easter passes, that's an option as well. The only problem we can foresee with this Easter hybrid dish? Wanting to devour as many as possible. They'll cost you $8.90 for two in-store, and $12 for a three-pack of frozen dumplings. Hot cross bun bao are available for $8.90 for two at all Din Tai Fung stores. They're also available for delivery.
Once again, Melbourne's late summer openair cinema will occupy hallowed turf, with a pop-up cinema on the pitch at the MCG. Taking over the iconic sporting arena for two nights in mid-February, Cinema at the 'G will showcase a pair of hit movies from the last year under the stars. On Friday, February 14, the venue will be feeling the love for its screening Rocketman, the Taron Egerton-starring hit about the life of Elton John. The following evening, Ride Like a Girl will race across the stadium's screen, telling the true tale of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne. The venue might seat 100,000 on grand final day, but only 2000 tickets are available for each night of cinema. Ticketholders can bring picnic blankets, pillows and snacks, or munch on food available for purchase onsite. Doors open at 6.30pm for an 8.30pm start, and proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Bank of Melbourne Foundation, which in turns supports an array of Victorian charities.
It was Britney Spears who said it best. There are only two types of people in the world: the ones that entertain, and the ones that observe. Whichever category you fall into, there's no denying that, when done right, a dinner party is one of life's great pleasures. And, don't be fooled, there is definitely a right way to go about it. It's not rocket science, though — and that's where we come in. We've teamed up with Tempus Two to create your ultimate dinner party checklist. CURATE YOUR GUEST LIST (AND SEND OUT A PROPER INVITATION) So, you want to host a dinner party? First things first — who's around the table? Perhaps even more so than the food, the guest list is the most important element for a host to consider. It's all about striking the right balance between people who will keep the conversation both interesting (and, more pertinently, actually going), and a bringing together group of people who will get along. The guest list also hinges on the reason you're hosting in the first place — do you just feel like getting your people together? Looking to make an introduction? In this case, the 'why' will determine the 'who'. Guest list finalised, the next thing is to send out an invitation. This will set the tone from the outset — a casual text has a different vibe to a well structured e-invite or even a paper invitation. We love the touch of a proper invitation (be it paper or virtual) as it automatically makes your dinner feel like an event worth attending. SET THE MOOD Music is an often overlooked element of a dinner party. Ideally you want to soundtrack the evening with tunes that will both blend into the background while being interesting enough to cover any potential gaps in conversation. Low-tempo jazz and electronica are always winners — but a good DJ always knows how to read the room, so you shouldn't be afraid to mix it up if you feel the night going in a different direction. Although, we'd suggest that a dinner party probably isn't the right occasion to show off your latest Scandinavian scream metal find — it's probably better to keep the tunes a little more neutral. If the music provides the soundtrack for the night, how you prepare the room is akin to setting the stage. Lighting is key here — too bright and it might feel like you're in the office, too low and it might look like you forgot to pay your bills. Soft lights — think floor lamps and candles — are your friends here. Another nice touch is to bring in something from outside. Nice artwork is always a lovely touch, but flowers and the like really make a room come to life. PREP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN IN ADVANCE — OR EVEN GET IT CATERED As a host, it's all too easy to forget to actually enjoy yourself. And it makes sense — you're probably too worried about everyone else having a good time and making sure glasses stay full. But ideally, a dinner party is an opportunity to enjoy yourself and the company of the people you've invited. Do yourself a favour and do as much prep as you can before your guests arrive, so you have more time to have a good time rather than having to run back and forth from the kitchen. Want to really sit back and enjoy yourself? Go to the next level and get it catered — sure it's a little extra, but after all, it's hard to know these days just when you might be able to host your next dinner party. SERVE A LOW-ALCOHOL WINE TO KEEP THE GOOD TIMES GOING LONGER While you probably don't want to host a dry dinner party, you probably also don't want the night to potentially get out of hand. Plan ahead with an easy compromise: serve low-alcohol vino and keep the good times rolling. Tempus Two has just dropped an excellent range of low-ABV wines — they've got 30 percent less booze and calories than a standard bottle. The Lighten Up range includes top-shelf, low-alcohol pinot noir, prosecco and rosé, with each bottle clocking in at just four standard drinks. BEGIN WITH A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL This slick move is a surefire way to class up even the most casual of dinner parties. Yes, it's probably easier to pop a bottle of something, but a cocktail on arrival works better for two reasons. Not only can you serve these up to order, meaning latecomers can still enjoy a fresh drink when they arrive, but shaking or stirring in front of your guests adds a touch of theatre to the evening. And what's a dinner party without a bit of theatre? You could even go low-alcohol here, too — make a bubbles-based bevvie with a generous splash of Tempus Two Lighten Up Prosecco to start the night on the right note. For more information about the low-alcohol Tempus Two Lighten Up range, head to the website. Top image: Supplied
When the full trailer for Squid Game season three kicks off, the competitors hear words that are inevitable in this series: "the game will begin momentarily". But new rounds of the show's life-or-death contest aren't just starting this time around. This is the Netflix hit's third and final season, so these deadly matches are also coming to an end — with pleas, big reveals and truths, mazes, jumping rope and more. Squid Game is dropping its last batch of episodes on Friday, June 27, 2025 — and as the days count down until that huge streaming moment, Netflix has revealed its biggest sneak peek at what's to come yet. The complete trailer arrives just under a month after season three's teaser, which made it clear that it's set to play one last time, that Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, The Acolyte) is back in the game, that the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun, The Magnificent Seven) makes a return, and that a huge gumball machine with red and blue balls pops up. Competitors in green tracksuits, pink guards signalling plenty that's ominous: they're all accounted for as well. After season two's cliffhanger, Player 456 isn't thrilled, either, in the latest sneak peek. "Why did you keep me alive?" is just one of the questions that he's seen and heard shouting. By now, everyone knows the Squid Game concept: in this award-winning series, trying to win 45.6 billion won means battling 455 other players to the death. Fans will also know that Player 456 went back in the game with new fellow competitors for company in season two, then found himself closer to the person pulling the strings than he knew. However his efforts pan out this time around, the show's last run will feature a finale written and directed by series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. In Squid Game's second season, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returned as the man in the suit, aka the person who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place — and so did Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) as detective Hwang Jun-ho. That said, a series about a deadly contest comes with a hefty bodycount, so new faces were always going to be essential. That's where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all came in. If you've somehow missed all things Squid Game until now, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Check out the full trailer for Squid Game season three below: Squid Game season three streams via Netflix from Friday, June 27, 2025. Season one and two are available to stream now. Images: Netflix.
Belles Hot Chicken is taking to the streets, with the fried chook favourite launching its first food truck. The meals-on-wheels venture is a collaboration between Belles founder Morgan McGlone and co-owners at the 100 Burgers group — who've got no shortage of experience with mobile eats, having also brought you the likes of Mr Burger and northside food truck park Welcome Tto Thornbury. Now, in great news for chicken fans who live too far from the bricks-and-mortar originals, it's Belles' turn to get the four-wheeled treatment. The truck made her debut earlier this week as part of this week's Welcome to Thornbury lineup, rounding out a six-strong stable of Belles Hot Chicken venues across Melbourne and Sydney. It'll feature a selection of Belles smash hits, starring serves of McGlone's famed Nashville-style hot chicken alongside loaded sandwiches and drool-worthy sides. "I'm thrilled to take Belles on the road and put my stamp on the group's already amazing restaurants," sad McGlone. It's the first of four huge 2018 openings for the 100 Burgers group, with its much-hyped eatery Natural History just launching this week as well. For more information about the Belles Hot Chicken Food Truck, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Florian Rivière, an 'urban hackivist', wants to inject a little fun into the urban mundane. Whether the 'fun' involves a spontaneous game of soccer or a curbside beer depends on whichever of Rivière's masterpieces you stumble across. His installations, or interventions if you will, convert the material of Strasbourg, France into a humourous spattering of playthings. Benches become recliners, a meter-maid becomes a bottle-opener, and an ironing board is stationed as a diving board. By cheekily altering the everyday objects one may pass on the street everyday, Riviere transforms the city into a giant jungle gym. [via Architizer]
Tucked beneath Melbourne CBD's Evan Walker Bridge, Ponyfish Island is often considered the city's original on-river bar. Taking over an ice cream kiosk back in 2010, the spot was initially conceived as a creative summer pop-up. Now on the eve of its 15th anniversary, the bustling venue is gearing up to celebrate its success, hosting a three-day Birthday Weekender from Friday, November 28–Sunday, November 30. To kick things off, Ponyfish is leaning into its origins. With the venue partly named after the crayon creature that appears in Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Academy Award-winning creative Leo Baker has created two installations just for the occasion. That includes a permanent Life Aquatic-inspired DJ console shaped after the captain's control panel, and a mini submarine that will spend the summer suspended beneath Ponyfish's overhead bridge. As for the weekend's entertainment, expect DJs to ring in the milestone from 7pm–late each day, with the likes of Edd Fisher, No Era and Cooper Smith joined by Ponyfish owners Grant Smillie (a two-time ARIA Award winner, no less) and Andrew Mackinnon. Of course, an unforgettable birthday bash also needs solid discounts to match; Ponyfish isn't skipping a beat with $15 cocktails and pizzas throughout the weekend. And if you hear the bell ring, you've just scored a shout at the bar. Meanwhile, Ponyfish will also unveil a brand-new nautical look and debut fresh uniforms inspired by the aforementioned movie's whimsical seafaring spirit. "Turning 15 felt like the perfect excuse to dial everything up — the music, the menu, the uniforms, the whole experience," says Smillie. "Ponyfish has always been about fun, and this weekend is really a thank you to Melbourne for embracing this quirky little spot in the middle of the river." Images: Michael Pham.
Aussies are embracing the no- and low-alcohol movement. When we go out to a bar, bottle shop or even our local supermarket, we are spoiled for choice with options for non-alcoholic wines, beers, mocktails and spirits. One such offering is from premium alcohol-removed winery Edenvale Wines. It has positioned itself as an alternative range of wines for wine lovers if they've decided to go booze-free for whatever reason. We caught up with Edenvale Wines winemaker Aaron Milne to find out how the heck you even get the alcohol out of the wine, and what the future is for the no and low trend. First up, tell us about your background. How did you become involved in the wine world? I started in wine by picking up some work during the holidays working in the cellar door. About 16 or 17 years ago, I took a vintage job with Lindeman's Winery and I really enjoyed it. While I was there, I researched and jumped on a winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University. I was offered to come and work at AVL (Australian Vintage Limited) and they offered to help me with my studies. I did that and I really haven't looked back. It's been hectic! What was it about the wine industry that drew you in? It's just very different. When you're working in a factory or other production facility you do one thing every day, all the time. Whereas with wine, because it's so seasonal, we're doing a different thing at each time of the year and each wine is different and each season is different. So, although you are kind of making the same product every year, there's always something very exciting and challenging about it. So how, and why, did you end up making alcohol-removed wines? It was actually just fate. I was working at AVL and they had a division that had an alcohol-removal facility. They offered me a position to run the place. I was interested in the process, the spinning cone, evaporators, thermo flash extractors and all sorts of different pieces of equipment. Back in those days, there was some scepticism about the concept — "Who is actually going for alcohol-removed wines?" — and then suddenly it just turned around. People became really keen on it and it just grew and grew. AVL is where I met Michael Bright, he was our biggest customer and really championed the alcohol-removed wine category with Edenvale. I worked closely with him to improve and develop products and processes. When Michael asked if I wanted to join Edenvale and help them build a brand-new processing plant, I jumped at the opportunity. Can you bring me through the process of actually making alcohol-removed wines? The basic winemaking process is the same. We harvest the fruit, remove the stems and leaves and then crush the fruit to get all the juice, then add yeast and ferment it. Once fermented, it is clarified to remove impurities and put through cold and heat stabilisation to prevent spoilage. There are other potential steps like ageing in oak barrels and so on. But essentially, you get it to the bottle-ready stage and then we start the process to remove the alcohol. The standard method is with a spinning cone that uses vacuum distillation. This puts wine under a vacuum to reduce the pressure and lower the boiling point of alcohol. Before this method, winemakers would just boil the alcohol out of the wine — cooking out all of the flavours. Now we're able to remove the alcohol at quite low temperatures down around the 30–40-degree range. This first round is called the 'de aroma step' because the alcohol that is removed also includes all the aromas of the wine. We hold the alcohol and aromas to one side and pass the wine through again more slowly to get rid of the rest of the alcohol. What's left is a quite harsh, severe wine that's been concentrated as well. It's honestly undrinkable. So then we restore balance. Alcohol is very sweet. So when you remove the alcohol, you remove a lot of sweetness. We normally put in some grape juice concentrate to replace that. When it's ready, we return a small portion of that aroma that we took out back into the wine — but only a little bit at a time as there's alcohol in the aromas. We're not adding artificial flavours and trying to blend artificial or natural sorts of flavours to recreate wine. We're taking the original flavor and we're returning it to the wine. So, it's almost like you kind of deconstruct the wine and you reconstruct it again? Yes, we essentially pull it apart, get the alcohol out and then try and put it back together. And the alcohol by-product doesn't go to waste either. We sell it to distilleries for further processing and they sell that on to brandy makers. It makes for a good spirit because we use good quality grapes and wines. What's the biggest challenge you'd face when making alcohol-removed wines? It can be challenging, not just because of the flavour, but also trying to make it not look like watery juice. We also have issues with spoilage. As we've removed the alcohol, we've removed the main preservative that stops it from going bad. We have a really short time frame from when we remove the alcohol to trying to get it into a bottle nice and safe in a sealed environment because it really wants to ferment. With regular wines, you can leave it for months or longer before bottling, but we don't have that luxury with alcohol-removed wines. We need to get everything right in one go. Do you think an average wine drinker would be able to tell the difference between alcohol-removed wines and traditional wines? If you don't prime them and just pour wine at dinner and don't mention it, you might get away with it for an average wine drinker. It'll be much harder to detect that there's no alcohol in a sparkling wine than in aromatic whites. We find that sparkling wines are the easiest to make as the bubbles help to fill the palate and lift the flavour so you don't notice the missing alcohol quite so much. Then the next is probably our aromatic white like sauv blanc and riesling because they are fresh and fruity. Then more complex heavier whites like chardonnay. It gets a little bit easier to tell with reds. When we pull that aroma out, what's left is an extremely floral red berry flavour, not the expected complex notes and then there are the tannins. I was going to ask, do you lose any of that tannin structure? No, it actually comes forward really aggressively. The sweetness and mouthfeel of alcohol tend to help soften those tannins. When you take that away, the tannins become really quite harsh. That's why the alcohol-removed wines have grape juice concentrate in them to replace that alcohol sweetness and also to make those tannins a lot less harsh and more drinkable. Our GSM from Fleurieu Peninsula is a more serious de-alcoholised red that stacks up. We've done our best to dry up that wine as much as possible. How would you go about pairing Edenvale Wines? The wines pair excellently with food. You can even cook with them — there's no alcohol to cook off. I would say to pair seafood with our sem sauvignon blanc, canapes with our sparkling and for a big rich fatty steak I'd probably go with our sparkling shiraz. It might seem like an odd choice but it's got a big body and mouthfeel that would help to balance out a nice big steak. Do you see a point in the future where traditional wine is a competitor to your wines? I think right now it's different enough that people are choosing us specifically because we have no alcohol. If it gets to a stage where they're deciding whether or not they feel like alcohol and we're a good alternative, that would be a good place to be. But it's great that punters have the choice now between a mocktail, zero-alcohol beer and zero-alcohol wine. And why do you think there has been such a trend towards non-alcoholic beverages of all kinds? There's definitely an underlying trend in younger people to drink less alcohol and a growing health awareness around the consumption of alcohol. Speaking from my own point of view, if I get a hangover before a weekend when I have plans, that then makes me feel like I've wasted my entire weekend. With these wines, we retain all the good things about the drink, all the good extracts from the grape, just no alcohol. What do you think would be the future for Edenvale Wines and alcohol-removed wines in general? I think right now the focus on this side of the wine world is fantastic. There's a lot more energy in the industry. We're getting a lot more funding into research and I think we may see new developments and new technology to make the process even better. Edenvale Wines is a premium range of alcohol-removed wines that are available to purchase directly from the website or at most major supermarkets and liquor retailers.
If you like burgers with all of the taste and none of the meat, then you probably got excited in late 2021 when Grill'd teamed up with Impossible Foods. The national fast food chain and the big name in meat alternatives paired up on a range of cruelty-free burgs, which are available at all Grill'd stores. But that was just the beginning of the two brands' collaboration — and of Grill'd's meat-free offering. Now, if you head into the burger joint's outposts in Crown Street in Sydney and Collingwood in Melbourne, you'll only find plant-based menus on offer. The two stores have been completely converted into Impossibly Grill'd venues, which means that you won't find a trace of meat in any dish. Instead, diners will be able to eat their way through 23 plant-based burgers, including ten using Impossible's beef alternative, ten made with chicken-tasting Plantein, one that features a veggie pattie and three using Fable's mushroom meat. Among those options, highlights span the Impossible crispy facon and cheese, which comes with an Impossible patty, facon, cheese, lettuce, onion and tomato; a chicken-tasting option with brie and cranberry sauce; and the Fable truffle, which pairs its shiitake mushroom meat with truffle mayo. Plus, there's a range of 'healthy fried chick'n' burgs, including smokey and jalapeño-laden varieties. For sides, you can also tuck into Impossible loaded chips — or just sweet potato or zucchini chips — as well as 'healthy fried chick'n' bites. And, if you'd like to ditch the burger concept completely, there are two chick'n salads on the menu as well. To match their new menu focus, the Crown Street and Collingwood stores now sport leafier interiors, too, and decor in shades of green and an earthy red. Also, at all of the chain's locations, Grill'd is bringing its 'meat-free Mondays' deal for a limited time — so you can nab a free plant-based burger for every plant-based burger you buy on a Monday. Find Grill'd's new Impossibly Grill'd venues at 241 Crown Street, Darlinghurst and 230 Smith Street, Collingwood.
Losing a live music venue in your city is always sad. With it goes a platform for art, a source of revenue for local musicians and nights out watching your favourite bands. That seemed to be the case when Melbourne music venue The Spotted Mallard closed down last year. Fortunately, the spirit of The Spotted Mallard lives on with the space transformed into not one, but two new venues. Downstairs at 314–316 Sydney Road, Brunswick, the Brunswick Artists' Bar has been open since late 2020, serving drinks and showcasing artwork and acoustic sets from local musos. Now, the picturesque upstairs concert hall has been refurbished and reimagined as the Brunswick Ballroom. The space takes inspiration from the 1990s Melbourne spot The Continental Cafe, with stunning stained glass domes embedded in the ceiling and a balcony with views of the Melbourne city skyline. [caption id="attachment_802255" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicole Cleary[/caption] Brunswick Ballroom opened its doors in late February with an eclectic lineup of artists set to take stage over the next few months. Rising local musicians D'Arcy Spiller and Girlatones will perform during the ballroom's opening month as part of the Brunswick Music Festival (March 6–11) and Aussie comedians, including Tripod and 'Southern Hemisphere's best fake genuine Russian folk choir' Dustyesky, will take to the stage as part of this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March 24–April 18) lineup. Dinner and a show is encouraged, with a menu that spans far beyond your typical pre-gig snack. Mains including slow-roasted beef brisket and grilled cauliflower steak will be on offer alongside pretzels, vegan buffalo wings, grilled saganaki and a variety of club sandwiches. The Brunswick Ballroom is the venue's latest iteration of the building, which has a history stretching back to the 60s. It has previously been a hat factory, a nightclub, a wedding reception centre and a French restaurant, before it was transformed into The Spotted Mallard in 2012. Find Brunswick Ballroom and Brunswick Artists' Bar is located at 314–316 Sydney Road, Brunswick. For more information and to book tickets, head to brunswickballroom.com.au. Images: Nicole Cleary
2025 is going to be the year when Australia gets to see Oasis live again. And, after already announcing two Down Under shows on their reunion tour now that Liam and Noel Gallagher are happy to take to the stage together once more, the Manchester-born band has doubled their upcoming Aussie gigs. They're still only playing two cities, however, doing a couple of shows apiece in Sydney and Melbourne. Next year marks 20 years since Oasis last toured Australia, but that's where the lengthy gap between the band's Down Under shows is ending. There's comeback tours and then there's Britain's most-famous feuding siblings reuniting to bring one of the country's iconic groups back together live — aka the biggest story in music touring of 2024 since Liam and Noel announced in August that they were reforming the band, and also burying the hatchet. [caption id="attachment_975202" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Simon Emmett[/caption] Initially, Oasis locked in a run of shows in the UK and Ireland. Since then, they've been expanding their tour dates, also confirming visits to Canada and the US. From London, Manchester and Dublin to Toronto, Los Angeles and Mexico City, the entire tour so far is sold out. That's the story, morning glory — and expect Australian tickets to get snapped up swiftly for Oasis' four announced concerts. The Aussie tour starts on Halloween 2025 at Marvel Stadium in the Victorian capital, and now will also return to the same venue on Saturday, November 1. It's Sydney's turn in the Harbour City a week later, at Accor Stadium across Friday, November 7–Saturday, November 8 . [caption id="attachment_975205" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oasis Knebworth 1996, Photo by Roberta Parkin/Redferns[/caption] Oasis broke up in 2009, four years after their last Australian tour, and following seven albums from 1994's Definitely Maybe through to 2008's Dig Your Soul — and after drawing massive crowds to their live gigs along the way (see: documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996). If you're feeling supersonic about the group's reunion, you can likely expect to hear that track, plus everything from 'Live Forever', 'Cigarettes & Alcohol', 'Morning Glory' and 'Some Might Say' through to 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova' when they hit Australia. Oasis Live '25 Australian Dates Friday, October 31–Saturday, November 1 — Marvel Stadium, Melbourne Friday, November 7–Saturday, November 8 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Oasis are touring Australia in October and November 2025, with Melbourne tickets on sale from 10am AEDT and Sydney tickets from 12pm AEDT on Tuesday, October 15. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Batiste Safont via Wikimedia Commons.
Port Macquarie is best known for its idyllic climate and its many pristine beaches. But, over the past few years, this town on the mid-north coast of NSW has developed quite the foodie scene. That's partly thanks to the Hastings River, which runs along Port's northern border, creating fertile land for growing crops and raising cattle, sheep and chooks. It's also thanks to the numerous chefs and baristas who've travelled the world, working in top-notch restaurants and cafes, before settling down in Port Macquarie. Whether you're on the hunt for a good coffee, a tasty burger, some local seafood, a hatted feast or an epic wine list, you'll get it. And if you're contemplating a springtime visit, try to time it with October's Tastings on Hastings festival to experience the full spectrum of regional foods. [caption id="attachment_678289" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Stunned Mullet[/caption] EAT The food at The Stunned Mullet is worth the drive alone. The pale-timber accents, sea-green booths and concertina windows make the most of the breezy beachside location and sweeping ocean views. Among the hatted dishes are creamy oysters ($27 for six, $54 for 12) and Glacier 51 Toothfish ($49): a rarely served species that lives 2000 metres below sea level off Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic. Here, it comes with a shiitake-infused clear soup and black rice wafer. Let sommelier and co-owner Lou Perri choose you a wine from his extremely quaffable list. Another restaurant that puts you right on the water is the Whalebone Wharf. Perched on the Hastings River, this airy space has been serving up premium seafood since 1971. Every fish on the menu is described according to its source, so you know if you're getting mulloway from Yamba (300 kilometres north); dusky flathead from Wallace Lake (750 kilometres south); or mud crab from Forster (100 kilometres south). There's also a light all-day menu; for anyone short on time, a plate of oysters ($4 each) straight out of the Hastings should do the trick. [caption id="attachment_678288" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whalebone Wharf[/caption] Whalebone WharfGo rural at Cassegrain Wines, where the Seasons Restaurant overlooks the rose garden and vineyard. The menu combines French cuisine with local produce. Think terrine made of Macleay Valley rabbit or bouillabaisse crowded with black mussels and local fish. Match your picks with a Cassegrain drop – the French family first made wine in 1643 and, in 1980, descendant John and his wife, Eva, planted Port Macquarie's first vineyards. If you're looking for a more casual feed, then head to the Burger Rebellion for classic burgers or Zebu for pizza made with 72-hour dough. There are also plenty of excellent cafes in Port Macquarie. Drury Lane, located in a shady courtyard outside Glasshouse Theatre, utilises the local produce to create contemporary dishes, such as Wauchope zucchini with feta and olive-strawberry tapenade. Another champion of local produce is Milkbar, which is the spot for an early brekkie. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio and watch the surf roll in, while digging into house-made beans and baked eggs. Right near the river mouth is LV's on Clarence, it takes the whole locavore thing so seriously it's even established its own mini-farm. Every egg on every plate comes from one of 500 pet chickens, while all ham and pork started out as a free-range pig. The produce is turned into all kinds of tasty treats, such as char sui sandwiches and pork belly sliders ($17). [caption id="attachment_668369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Black Duck[/caption] DRINK First things first, coffee. One of the best brews in town is at Social Grounds. Since July 2014, this graffiti-covered hideaway has been bringing some seriously good beans to Port Macquarie. The house blend, known as The Story, is a complex journey across several continents, containing beans from Ethiopia, Sumatra, Colombia and Rwanda. Another good option is Blackfish: a welcoming espresso bar, laden with natural timber forms, that looks as though it's been transplanted from the streets of Melbourne. The fruity and caramelly house blend, Cheeky Monkey, comes from Flying West: a roastery based on the Sunshine Coast. About four kilometres southwest of downtown is Peak Coffee, which is not just a cafe but a retail space and roaster, too. To see the process in motion, jump on a tour. Otherwise, go straight to surfer-barista Kenichiro Seno, to choose from two or three single origins. Peak buys most of its beans directly from a man called Uncle Ravi — who inherited his father's coffee plantation in Southern India, where he now oversees a community of farmers. To add a baked treat, try Murray Street Bakery which peddles artisanal goodies from Coffs Harbour's K'pane, or Urban Grain Bakery for goodies made by ex-Zumbo chefs — such as lemon myrtle, caramel and chocolate cronuts. For a bagel fix, head to Blackmarket, where bagels are made according to a well-tested 17th century recipe. [caption id="attachment_668362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Botanic Wine Garden[/caption] Cocktail hour should begin at Bar Florian. This 1960s Italian-inspired bar offers an impressive drinks list, from a luxury dry gin martini to wines sourced from all over Australia and Europe. Let your boozy adventures continue at Botanic Wine Garden: a friendly bar with bright murals and creative cocktails. Also worth sampling are the efforts of local brewers. A name that you're likely to notice frequently on taps around the North Coast is Black Duck — its headquarters are in Port Macquarie. Work your way through a tasting paddle or take a tour with head brewer Al Owen and meet Murphy, an extremely lovable Great Dane. Another local brewer with wide reach is Little Brewing — it's responsible for Wicked Elf beers and winner of more than 150 awards. [caption id="attachment_668360" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Macquarie Waters Hotel[/caption] SLEEP In between all your eating and drinking, you'll need a cosy place to sleep. For that, check into Macquarie Waters. It's in town, so there are cafes, restaurants and plenty of bars nearby. And, when you're hiding out in your room — or self-contained apartment — you'll be treated to a comfy bed, oodles of space and free wifi and, if you so choose, a spa and/or ocean views. Communal facilities include a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a drive-in movie theatre and, on the rooftop, a hot tub overlooking the sea. For brekkie, The Corner Restaurant on ground level does a mean pulled beef benedict ($19) and Campos coffee. If you're looking for other things to do in Port Macquarie, then check out our weekender's guide.
Chef Tom Sarafian is opening his debut restaurant, ZAREH, on Smith Street in Collingwood next week — a 40-seat ode to his grandfather Zareh, whose journey from Egypt to Melbourne sparked a multigenerational love of hospitality. Expect the warmth of Middle Eastern hosting, filtered through a sleek and moody inner-north lens. "This restaurant is a new chapter in a story that began generations ago," says Sarafian. "My grandfather set the tone for all us Sarafians to follow a career in the food world. Some tried to steer away but we've all ended up working with food in one way or another." At ZAREH, the kitchen finds the centre of the room — fully open and built around a charcoal barbecue and woodfired oven by The Brick Chef. "I've worked in too many kitchens where the chefs are hidden away in basements or behind stainless steel walls," says Sarafian. "[The kitchen is] part of the dining room, because it is central to the experience." The restaurant's menu draws on a mix of Sarafian's family heritage, his stints in renowned Melbourne and London kitchens (Cumulus Inc, Rumi, Petersham Nurseries, St John, to name just a few) and travels through North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East — but is ultimately defined as Armenian-Lebanese. Expect fresh Victorian produce seasoned with 'Mouneh' (pantry goods sourced directly from organic farms in Lebanon) like high-quality za'atar, sumac and pomegranate molasses, plus pine nuts, cedar oak honey and fermented pepper pastes. ZAREH's wine list spotlights producers from Armenia and Lebanon, alongside thoughtful local and international labels. Bartender Matt Linklater leads the cocktail program, with a focus on arak (an anise-flavoured alcohol traditionally served in Middle Eastern countries) — including Arak Farid, discovered by Sarafian and partner Jinane Bou-Assi in Lebanon and now imported to Australia for the first time. Notable drinks include the Zareh Gilda Martini, an icy martini laced with arak and finished with Sarafian's take on the classic Gilda, plus a selection of world-class Armenian brandies. The space, designed with Min Tseng and MIC Projects, channels family nostalgia and Beirut's colour palette: soft green banquettes, pink-hued limestone walls and a flowing tahini-coloured curtain, anchored by a warm timber bar wrapped around the open kitchen. There are details nodding to Sarafian's grandparents' house, too — from bar tiles to a retro glass sliding door. ZAREH will also retail Sarafian signature pantry favourites alongside authentic Lebanese mouneh — distilled waters, vinegars, honey and jams, spices, za'atar and freshly ground sumac — via a partnership with Droubna, a mother-and-daughter team in South Lebanon preserving traditional farming practices and village food culture. It's an invitation to take the flavours home with you. ZAREH will open at 368 Smith Street, Collingwood, from Wednesday next week — dinner service only to start, with lunches added in early spring. Online bookings are now open. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen
Located a mere 40-minute drive from Auckland CBD, Kumeu has become one of New Zealand's most versatile drinking and dining destinations. Here, you'll find lush rolling hillsides, stunning natural sights and a high concentration of family-run estates. It's also the perfect backdrop for everything from cosy winter lunches to celebratory family feeds, casual summer picnics and a slew of wine-related tastings, tours and experiences. If you're after a short break, flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand offers great everyday direct fares from all three cities. Here are our picks for where you should head for a glass (or two) once you've touched down. WEST BROOK WINERY Nestled amongst the gently undulating hillside of the Ararimu Valley, West Brook Winery is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque pit-stops on this tour of the west. Framed by row after row of glorious grape vines, the cellar door is fully equipped with a serene view out over the terraces toward a lily pond. While the tranquil grounds offer warm respite from the stresses of the working week, the real treat at West Brook must be its comprehensive menu of cellar door experiences. Designed to please every level of wine lover (from the curious to the aficionado), these packages have every budget catered for with prices between $6 and $50 per person for wine tastings, wine and cheese matches and the full monty tasting tour. Consistently applauded for its flawless production of chardonnay and riesling varieties, it's the Sparkling Crackling Rosé which has proven to be most popular with punters. And with tasting notes such as raspberry, mandarin and paprika, it's not a surprise. THE HUNTING LODGE WINERY Despite a history that stretches all the way back to 1868, current owners the Sutton family have reinvented The Hunting Lodge as one of Auckland's most exciting restaurant destinations. Positioned atop 80 acres of lush green hillside, The Hunting Lodge has a lot to offer, from the rustic cellar door and lawn bar through to the slick restaurant, olive groves, manicured gardens and family zone. You'll envisage a way to celebrate every kind of occasion. Summers here are synonymous with Mediterranean-style platters and a glass or two of dry chardonnay, yet a transition to the approaching winter should also get you excited — imagine curling up in the comfort of the homestead sampling the rich, gamey flavours of chef Des Harris' seasonal creations. Backed by a slew of industry accolades, which commend everything from the ambience to its aroma, The Hunting Lodge should skyrocket straight to the top of your 'to do' list. KUMEU RIVER WINES Winning international acclaim and the hearts of visitors far and wide, the family behind Kumeu River Wines definitely deserve some of the credit for putting New Zealand's chardonnay (and damn good pinot gris) on the map. Established in 1944 by Croatian migrants, the Brajkovich family, Kumeu River Wines may just be the most serious of the wineries on this list — but no less warm and inviting. With 40 hectares of vineyards, which bottle around 250,000 wines annually, the operation has become an international benchmark for non-Burgundy produced chardonnay. Stop in and soak up some serious wine knowledge from the incredibly informed team at the cellar door, where you taste up to five different drops for $5, while overlooking Maté's Vineyard just across the road. BABICH WINES Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's premier wine estates, Babich Wines has a distinct family history that filters into every aspect of the 103-year-old business. Managed by third generation family members, visitors to the flagship cellar door, winery and vineyard in Kumeu can expect a tender family atmosphere where nostalgia and comfort envelope you just like a hug from your nan. Arriving on the shores of Aotearoa in 1910 with a dream of gum digging in the far north, penniless Babich patriarch Josip gave the family a century's worth of family lore — anecdotes they are all too willing to share over the eight-strong tasting menu. The Babich family has traded the traditional restaurant for an easy-going picnic area — a feature which ensures the focus remains on the award-winning wines. Along with a game of petanque, guests are encouraged to bring their own nosh to be enjoyed with an impressive selection of in-house drops. Or, you can nab a spot on the sunny verandah and enjoy a glass of the East Coast Vintara while overlooking the vines. SOLJANS ESTATE Like many other successful wineries across Auckland's west, Souljans Estate Winery began and continues to thrive as a family business. From humble beginnings in 1937, it has become one of the neighbourhood's most visited wineries today. Soljan is known for producing pinot gris, chardonnay and pinotage from its picture-perfect vineyard. Plus, visitors might be surprised to find that its Fusion Sparkling Muscat is, in fact, New Zealand's most awarded sparkling wine — and an ideal accompaniment to a feast of Mediterranean bites at the adjoining restaurant. The sunny grounds are completed with a casual cage and a surprisingly decent gift store. Soljans has cemented its place in the hearts and bucket lists of wine-lovers both near and far. Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away. Plus, Vinomofo has released a case of wine featuring six delicious wines representing the diverse and unique sub-regions of Waiheke, Kumeu and Matakana. Every case has a one in 50 chance of winning return flights to Auckland (from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). T&Cs apply.
For more than eight decades, Florentino has stood as a Melbourne dining institution — weathering trends, generations and the changing city around it. When the Grossi Group took the reins in 1999, it became Grossi Florentino we know today. But this November, the venue will shed its first name as the Grossi family closes out a chapter of shaping a restaurant that defined Italian hospitality. Raise your glasses at Grossi Florentino's final dinner service — a five-course showcase of the venue's most beloved dishes, including duck and porcini tortellini with caramelised pear and a family recipe of lamb with polenta. The meal will end, fittingly, with a Florentino chocolate soufflé.
When it comes to creating smash-hit venues, legendary chef Andrew McConnell knows what's what. He's the mind behind favourites like Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co, Supernormal and Marion, to name a few. And now, Melbourne is about to score another, with McConnell opening a new cocktail bar and restaurant in the 1920s heritage Cavendish House building at 33 Russell Street in the CBD this July. It'll be his first new project in five years. Sydney-based architecture and design studio Acme is heading up the build, which sees this historic building filled black and gold marble bars, leather booths, geometric tiles and honeycomb chandeliers inspired by famed Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. Considering the studio is responsible for highly Instagrammed venues like The Grounds Of Alexandria, Charlie Parker's and Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, you can expect it to be very impressive. Split into four spaces — a cocktail bar, an elegant clothed-table restaurant on the upper level, a 12-person private dining area and a more casual space on the lower level — the restaurant feels very elegant French bistro. And the food echoes this. Designed by Andrew McConnell together with Head Chef Allan Doert Eccles (Cutler & Co), the menu makes its way from escargot and and crab toast with sea urchin through to dry-aged duck cooked in a wood oven. But, it's certainly not all French. Flounder comes with pil-pil (a boldly flavoured Basque sauce), potatoes are roasted with taleggio and dessert includes gelati. Eccles says the food is "leaning on Europe and America, a bit of old world mixed with new world sensibility" — and, like the space, it's also a little bit indulgent. Expect caviar, champagne and truffles aplenty. [caption id="attachment_773819" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sharyn Cairns[/caption] To start, Gimlet is opening for a series of preview events from June 30, with dinner on offer first, followed by lunch from July 3. But, from July 14, the team will be plating up food, pouring wine and playing sauve tunes from midday every weekday, and from 9am for brunch on weekends The building — which was previously a fancy flagship for Bang & Olufsen — is located on the corner of Flinders Lane and Russell Street, only a short walk from McConnell's Supernormal and in the middle of the Flinders Lane dining action. Gimlet at Cavendish House is opening at 33 Russell Street, Melbourne from July 14. It will also be open for a series of preview events, with dinner ($85 set menu) from Tuesday–Sunday from Tuesday, June 30 and lunch ($70 menu) from Friday–Sunday from Friday, July 3. To book, call (03) 9277 9777. Images: Sharyn Cairns
Even in 2020, the most unpredictable of years, the end of November marks two things: the shift to warm summer weather and an influx of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. While we may not celebrate Thanksgiving here in Australia that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some outrageous deals in the lead-up to the holiday season. To help you sort through all the emails and Facebook ads you're being served up right now, we've collected a few of this year's biggest sales in one place for you — so you can pick up between 20 and 70 percent off a new gym outfit, mattress or reusable cup.
