Sydney foodies, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. New top-notch eateries are cropping up faster than ever before. If you're struggling to keep up — and who isn't? — never fear Taste of Sydney 2016 is the four-day foodie festival to get to up to speed on the cream of the culinary crop. Setting up residence in Centennial Park from March 10 to 13, Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux is all about bringing diners and chefs together. Ticketholders will be treated with nosh from some of Sydney's top restaurants, including Middle Eastern street food from the crew at Glebe's Thievery, Porteno's famously hearty fare, Biota Dining's sustainable modern Australian dishes, nel.'s fine dining dishes, plus fire-cooked noms from Firedoor. Also joining the deliciousness will be Kitchen by Mike, MoVida, Sake, and the newly opened Kensington Street Social, among others. But we can't wait until then. We annoyed the Thievery team to give us a recipe, NOW. NOOOOOOW. So they relented and told us how make their mouthwatering baba ghanoush with sheep's milk yogurt, pinenuts and burnt butter. You can make it too! Thievery's Baba Ghanoush with Sheep's Milk Yogurt, Pinenuts and Burnt Butter 2 eggplants 25g tahini Juice of one lemon 1 clove of garlic 25g olive oil Salt and pepper (to taste) For pinenut burnt butter 75g pinenuts 120g unsalted butter For sheep's milk yoghurt dressing 100g sheep's milk yoghurt ¼ clove of garlic 15ml extra virgin olive oil Chervil leaves, to garnish Lebanese bread Method Prick the eggplants with a fork all over. Over an open flame, using tongs, grill the eggplant whole under tender and soft. Juices should bubble and start to flow. Alternatively, roast in oven at 190 degrees until tender and soft. Cut eggplants in half, length ways, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Allow to cool. Add remaining ingredients to the eggplant flesh in the bowl. Using a whisk, gently combine all the ingredients together, keeping the texture thick to avoid turning the eggplant into a paste. Season to taste. On medium heat, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan until butter starts to turn an amber colour with a nutty smell. Just before beurre noisette (brown butter) add the pinenuts, tossing until noisette stage is achieved. Remove from heat. Set aside and keep warm so that butter does not solidify, allowing the pinenuts to infuse the flavour. Finely grate ¼ clove of garlic. Add sheep's milk yoghurt and olive oil, combining all ingredients together in a bowl. Season to taste. Place baba ghanoush in a serving bowl. Dollop sheep's milk yoghurt dressing around the baba ghanoush. Using a spoon, mix the pinenut burnt butter and spoon over the top. Garnish with chervil leaves and serve with warm Lebanese bread.
Add another name to your list of CBD cafes that you really ought to try. Opening last week in Southern Cross Lane, Axil SXL is the latest member of the Axil Coffee Roasters family, after their flagship store in Hawthorn and their standing-room-only espresso bar in Flinders Lane. The new location appears to fall somewhere in the middle, size-wise, serving caffeinated brews along with fancy jaffles and tasty sweet treats. Tucked away in the Southern Cross Lane shopping mall at the east end of the city, Axil SXL isn't a full blown restaurant. According to The Weekly Review, coffee is their primary focus, although they also serve snacky breakfast and lunch options. After a high-end toastie? Try the variant made with gruyere and garlic mushrooms, or slow cooked shredded lamb. Their waffle offerings are similarly insane, featuring chocolate, peanut butter and banana. SXL won't be the new kid on the block for long though. Founders Dave Makin and Zoe Delany are already getting ready to throw open the doors on their fourth location: an all-day cafe on Bridge Road in Richmond. Mayday, as it's set to be called, will serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and it might even have its own bakery attached. Look out for them in January...and hit up SXL in the meantime Axil SXL is located at Shop 6, Southern Cross Lane, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne. Their opening hours are 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday. For more information, visit www.axilcoffee.com.au. Via The Weekly Review & Good Food. Image: Axil Coffee Roasters, Hawthorn.
Musicians dream of many things: playing packed-out gigs, releasing a hit album that rockets up the charts, and attaining Kanye-levels of fame and fortune, just to name a few. Getting your own beer has to be on the list as well — and that's a rockstar achievement DZ Deathrays now has covered. No, bandmates Shane Parsons and Simon Ridley haven't cooked up a batch of homemade ale (well, that's not what they're unleashing upon the world right now, at least). And no, there's no rum involved, even though the duo both hail from Bundaberg. Instead, the ARIA-award winning Brisbane outfit has teamed up with the fine folks from Sydney brewery Young Henrys to make their very own brew. If Queen and Pearl Jam can have their own tipple, why can't they? Called Pils 'n' Thrills (Wellington's Garage Project will be raising a few eyebrows, they've already released a beer called Pils 'n' Thrills), DZ Deathrays' beverage of choice is a Czech-style pilsner complete with a stripped-back, classic, compact malt bill and a surprisingly hoppy palm to the nose. If you don't speak beer speak, that means that it's flavoursome, tasty and refreshing, i.e. all the things you want in a pint. Of course, Pils 'n' Thrills is a limited-edition affair, so you'd best head to your local stockist to get your fix quick smart. Then, next time you indulge in one of life's simple pleasures — aka enjoying an ice-cold beer while listening to your favourite band — you can do it with DZ Deathrays' very own drinks in your mitts. For more information about Pils 'n' Thrills, check out the Young Henrys website. Image: Luke Henery.
When you're on holiday, we think it's a rule that you can't leave the city without exploring the local pub scene. But often, there are so many pub options that the whole choosing-where-to-go thing can be a little overwhelming. What you need is a go-to guide that saves you a lot of research and tells you exactly where to go depending what mood you're in or what vibe you're after. Whether you're keen for a party, a chilled beverage in a beer garden, a good quality pub feed or a drink by the water, we've got you covered. We've partnered with Hahn Brewers and come up with a few failsafe options for you to visit. Never be lost for pub options in Perth again. FOR LIVE MUSIC: THE ROSEMOUNT, NORTH PERTH The affectionately-named 'Rosie' hosts national and international bands like Spoon, The Panics and Tiny Little Houses regularly in its live music room. It's the regular venue for album launches, karaoke nights and open-mic nights where undiscovered Perth talent can often make an appearance. If you're in Perth and looking to go to a gig, this is definitely the place to be. Sometimes there are food stalls and vintage markets out in the 'backyard', which consists of the 'deck' and the 'lawn'. Both spectacular spots to grab a beer to drink outside while checking out what's happening on the day. FOR THE VIEW: OCEAN BEACH HOTEL, COTTLESLOE The Ocean Beach Hotel, opposite Cottlesloe Beach, has everything — it serves coffee and breakfast from 7am, there's a sports bar, pool tables, a dining room, accommodation and most importantly, a huge, sunny rooftop with stunning views of the beach. Famous for its Sunday sessions and rooftop beer garden, it's the perfect spot to stop for a feed and a cold beer after a swim, or the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the ocean. [caption id="attachment_605929" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: The Local[/caption] FOR A FEED: THE LOCAL HOTEL, SOUTH FREMANTLE The Local Hotel in South Fremantle is one of Perth's stylish and recently renovated pubs. It's the perfect place to grab a slightly fancy pub feed, with a menu that accommodates almost every meal and appetite. There are simple cheese boards and starters, more substantial mains such as the sirloin steak, beef and veggie burgers and the grilled lamb loin. At the Local there's a public bar, a casual dining area and a whisky bar. There's also the Local Garage — a drive-through bottle shop that's been converted into a pop-up garden bar, open for breakfast on weekends and hosting food trucks in the afternoon. Should you need to stay the night, The Local also has beautiful boutique accomodation options. Each of the eight rooms are styled by local designers and offer their own light and airy features. FOR THE BEER GARDEN: THE NORFOLK, FREMANTLE Much loved by locals in Fremantle, The Norfolk is a failsafe option for a beverage in Perth. On the menu are all the pub classics like pizza, pasta, parmas and steaks, but the real highlight of the place is the two outdoor beer gardens. Leafy, half-sunny and half-shaded just like a good beer garden should be, the Norfolk is famous for its huge limestone walls. They make for a great, cosy atmosphere where you can sit back and watch some live music. [caption id="attachment_605945" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Raffles Hotel[/caption] FOR THE WATER: RAFFLES HOTEL, APPLECROSS The Raffles Hotel is located in the riverside suburb of Applecross. It's worth the trip from Perth to the other side of the river, because Raffles has beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere where you can grab a drink and chill out by the water. Gourmet pizzas are on the menu alongside upscale pub classics like burgers, parmas and big plates of fresh seafood and pork belly to share. Raffles has multiple levels of outdoor seating, which means it hosts quite a few summer parties. Fashion launches, dinners, New Year's parties and Australia Day gatherings by the water. That kind of thing. FOR A BIT OF HISTORY: THE WINDSOR, SOUTH PERTH The Windsor Hotel in South Perth is an institution in the area. It's that classic, huge, old pub that everyone knows and occasionally visits. There's a sports bar, a beer garden out the back, and DJs that play on the weekends as well as all the classic events like Melbourne Cup, Australia Day and New Year's. The old building is surrounded by a historic verandah — a great place to settle down with an afternoon beer and read about one of the city's oldest pubs. FOR THE GAME: THE VIC, SUBIACO If you're in Perth and there's a game on (whether it's football, NRL, AFL, tennis, golf or anything else really), the place to watch it is at The Vic in Subiaco, one of Perth's popular inner-west suburbs. This place is as classic as an old-school sports pub gets, with parmas, burgers and cheap pints of beer served up in the beer garden and multiple dining rooms alongside local live music and trivia nights. The Vic packs out especially on big AFL days. The projector screens are rolled out and the building is filled with sports fans and footy scarfs. FOR A PARTY: BOTANICA BAR AND BISTRO, INNALOO Botanica boasts 'the best Sunday Session in Perth'. It's a big call, but if you're a regular you'll know that this Innaloo pub throws a few parties, and they tend to go off. During the day (or when there's no special event on, like the Silent Disco pictured), the outdoor beer garden is packed with people enjoying the sunshine, a brew and a pub feed. At night (and on Sundays) the DJs come out to play. There's also a sports bar attached to the Botanica — the crowd can get rowdy (in a good way) when there's a big game on the screens. Sign up to Hahn Brewers and settle down with a drink this weekend.
What are you doing right now? No, stop. Whatever it is, it most likely doesn’t compare to what you could be doing at this exact time next year. Sea N Beats, Australia’s first ever music festival at sea, is on March 5-8, 2016 — and if you’re into electronic dance beats and/or super chilled-in-a-chilla-way cruises through aquamarine waters (and isolated island paradises to boot), it's probably going to float your boat. The Sea N Beats ship will boast seven stages (so we know this is ain’t no dinghy), and a huge pool deck, where you’ll dance till the wee hours in the middle of the deep blue sea sea sea (hey, there’ll be no noise complaints here). Plus, included in your ticket is entry to an exclusive mystery island festival on an exclusive mystery island, somewhere off the exclusive mystery Queensland coast. After the seafaring shenanigans that went down at It’s the Ship — Singapore’s inaugural festival on a boat — last November, plus the fact that SS Coachella and the Weezer cruise are actual things that exist, it was high time we got one of these boat-fests of our own. Those festivals attracted sailors like Basement Jaxx, Lil John, Toro y Moi, Pulp and Hot Chip. No word on who’s going to be (literally) onboard for ours yet — but it’s safe to say this is going to be one hull of a party. Now's probably a good time to start training yourself out of your sea sickness. But it sounds well worth stocking up on those ginger tablets for; Sea N Beats reckon there's no other experience like this in the southern hemisphere. The ship sets sail from Brisbane on March 5 next year, and the festival runs till March 8. You know your psych-up music, crank it. Via Pedestrian. Image: Falls Festival.
There are movies, and there are movies. At MIFF you'll find the latter. The largest and most prestigious event of its kind anywhere in the country, the latest edition of the Melbourne International Film Festival will feature more than 350 films over two and a half weeks, spanning every imaginable genre, language and style. MIFF 2016 kicks off on July 28 with the world premiere of Australian sci-fi drama The Death and Life of Otto Bloom. From there it's off to the pictures — and with literally hundreds of options to choose from, there'll always be something to see. There's a stream dedicated to movies made in Australia, and another one on films about food. Fans of arthouse cinema can catch the latest titles from Sundance, Berlin and Cannes in the 'Headliners' section, while horror buffs get to stay up late with the weird and wonderful 'Night Shift'. For our full list of recommendations, check out our ten must-see films of the festival.
Melburnians rejoice! Our time has come to put on our red shoes and dance the blues. David Bowie Is, the most talked about exhibition all year, has graced us with its almighty presence. Now you can all stop complaining that you only just missed it when it was in London, and get to ACMI ASAP. The exhibition features a whole heap of Bowie-related items, including costumes, sets, lyrics, album artwork, rare footage and obviously, music. Really, you had us at 'Bowie Exhibition'. You could charge $20 to come and view just one sequinned shoulder pad, and we’d still be running one-another down to get to the entrance. But before you rush too quickly out the door, you might want to prepare yourself for the onslaught of aggressively competitive Bowie fanatics who'll be lining up and no doubt loudly exclaiming various facts and quotes to out-Bowie each other. You know, the kind who will be all, "That’s not even David’s correct blood type..." So to help you stand your ground, we've put together this list of pointers. Consider this your David Bowie homework. WATCH (OR REWATCH) LABYRINTH First and foremost, rewatch Labyrinth. Or, at the very least, get your fix through one of the greatest, most terrifying moments from everyone’s childhood that is the clip above. Bask in the glory of Bowie as he dances around with a large swarm of tiny alcoholic goblin puppets. It truly is something to behold. Extra fun fact: Toby Frouder, the actor who, as a baby, quite convincingly played the baby in Labyrinth, is now a puppeteer himself. A goblin puppeteer, in fact. It's true and it's amazing. HAVE SOME BOWIE MERCHANDISE TO FLASH Drunkenly purchase yourself some Bowie merchandise in the wee hours of the morning. Not speaking from experience at all, but when your new Aladdin Sane queen-size bed set arrives in the mail, you'll thank your past boozed-out self. Take a snap on your phone and set it as your background so when you waltz around the exhibit, you can be like "lol, I’m sleeping with Bowie tonight lol lol." Everyone will love you for it and think you are hilarious and original. They will. BRUSH UP ON YOUR BOWIE CAMEOS Remember that time Bowie starred as Pontius Pilate alongside Willem Dafoe’s Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ? Yeah. That happened. Well, just in case someone quizzes you on that, you can memorise the full scene from here (but don’t, because it’s not great.) In fact, Bowie has a habit of popping up in unexpected places, everywhere from Zoolander to Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwdORJVw3-o[/embed] GET THE LIVE(ISH) EXPERIENCE There’s a million videos of Davey B killing it on stage, but our personal favourite is this performance of ‘Under Pressure’ featuring Annie Lennox at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert in 1992. Unfortunately Bowie and Mercury never performed the song together live (can you actually imagine how incredible that performance would have been?), but it’s fair to say Lennox did a pretty phenomenal job. The dress, the three-piece green suit, the long loving embrace. It’s all too much. MEMORISE AT LEAST ONE BIT OF OBSCURE BOWIE TRIVIA When he was 13, Bowie was punched by his mate George Underwood over some mix-up with a girl (cuuute), and was left with a permanently dilated pupil. This story is relatively well-known and won’t earn you any Bow-n-ie points amongst aficionados. But what you may not know is that Underwood continued being one of Bowie’s best mates. Not only that, he's responsible for two of Bowie’s album covers, in Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars. This proves that Bowie's a forgiving gentleman and all-round top bloke, just like we always knew he was. David Bowie Is will be at ACMI until November 1. See the full program of exhibition-related events at www.acmi.net.au/bowie. Top image: Masayoshi Sukita, The David Bowie Archive.
While wine and deep fried drumsticks might not seem like the most obvious of pairings, it’s certainly been a winning combination for Fitzroy fried chicken joint Belle's Hot Chicken. Since opening on Gertrude Street last year, Belle's has clocked up plenty of praise for its spicy, Southern-style fried chicken, but also has found itself becoming something of a hot spot for lovers of natural wine. Inspired by their surprise success in the fermented grape realm, Belle's have announced Bar Clarine, a spinoff natural wine bar set to open right next door. Natural wine – for those of you out of the loop — is wine made with minimal chemical or mechanical intervention, allowing for a more natural appearance and taste. The wine list at Belle’s features a number of local natural wines from producers such as Bill Downie, Tom Shobbrook and Patrick Sullivan. Bar Clarine is likewise expected to offer a broad variety of natural Australian wines, as well as a smaller selection from France, Italy and Spain. The food, on the other hand, will be a different beast entirely. Belle’s chef Morgan McGlone will concoct a French-inspired menu of light, seasonal market food, with plenty of cured meats, cheeses and terrines — and not a skerrick of hot chicken in sight. The teeny Bar Clarine will share an internal entrance with Belle's, and is expected to be able to seat around 20-25 people. It's currently expected to open in the first week of April. Via Good Food.
Life is a cabaret, old chum — or at least that's what we've been told. Come June, we'll get the chance to find out. Heating up venues in both Prahran and the CBD, the latest edition of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival will welcome more than 100 different performers from around Australia and the world, for two weeks' worth of singing, dancing and outrageous fun. This year's festival hub will be based out of Chapel Off Chapel, with additional shows at The Space Arts and Dance Centre and Love Machine Nightclub in Prahran, as well as The Butterfly Club in the city. The fun begins on Tuesday, June 14 with an opening night gala featuring some of the biggest acts of the festival, and won't stop until Sunday, June 26, with a closing night billed as "Australia's biggest piano bar party". In between, punters can check out over 40 different shows. UK performer Joe Stilgoe will pay tribute to Hollywood with a showcase of songs written for and inspired by some of the greatest films of the last century, while Steve Ross — dubbed The Crown Prince of New York Cabaret by The New York Times — will perform a selection of tunes from the 1920s and '30s. Standout local performers, meanwhile, include Yana Alana, Imogen Spendlove, Geraldine Quinn and Rod Davies, the last of whom you might know as the voice from the Good Guys commercials. The Melbourne Cabaret Festival runs from June 14-26. For the complete lineup and to secure tickets visit melbournecabaret.com.
Vegans of Melbourne, prepare to loudly rejoice into your soy products. Collingwood has just scored a vegan-only pizzeria with a vegan dessert menu. Wooop. Plan the rest of your lives accordingly. Red Sparrow opened last week, and the charge is being led by Michael Craig, an ex-chef of Fitzroy vegan mainstay Trippy Taco. A vegan himself, Craig says the venture has been on the cards for a while now. "Opening up a vegan restaurant and bar has been a dream of mine for a long time, so I've been planning this for a while," he says. "I think there's a gap in the market for high-quality vegan pizza — not necessarily from a business point of view, but from a personal desire to have somewhere to eat good pizza and drink beers with friends." Located on Smith Street, Collingwood, Red Sparrow has a solid menu of nine pizza options plus dessert. Craig says the eatery isn't just for vegans though and his goal is to prove to people that you don't have to be vegan to love vegan food. "You don't have to be vegan to come to Red Sparrow Pizza and enjoy the food on offer," he says. "More and more people are either becoming vegan or vegetarian, or at least aware of its benefits, either for animal welfare, the environment or personal health reasons. We're now at a stage where people know they can eat vegan food and it doesn't have to mean compromising on flavour, and that's what I intend to create — a good pizzeria, not just a good vegan restaurant." And don't for a second think that a vegan pizza will lack that cheese goopiness you've come to expect. Craig and his partner Shelley Scott have been developing the perfect cheese mimicry products. "We'll be using at least five different types of dairy-free cheese," says Craig. "Each one is being planned for the specific pizza — be it an almond feta, coconut parmesan, or a soy fior di latte." Traditional pizzerias — heavy on the cheese and meat side of things — don't often give much thought to the vegan alternative. Generally, they, just offer the same pizzas but without cheese, which is pretty blasphemous (in our books, anyway). So Red Sparrow has worked on its faux meat game too, with a plant-based pepperoni and a beer-infused bratwurst on the menu. Fake meat, for those of you who're yet to try it, is usually made with a combination of gluten and organic tofu and you'd be amazed at how convincing it can be. But don't worry, everything at Red Sparrow is ethically sourced and guaranteed to be suitable for dietary requirements — including the booze. So you can chow down and drink up knowing everything is totally animal product-free. Red Sparrow is now open at 406 Smith Street, Collingwood. For info, head to their Facebook page.
We know you gin lovers out there don’t need a reason to merrily guzzle the liquid of the gods, but we’ve got a legit reason for you anyway — there’s a new distillery in town. Because you can never have too much of a good thing, Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville are throwing their doors open to the thirsty masses. The grand opening is kicking off next weekend on October 31 and November 1 with a plethora of gin-based activities. There’ll of course be wall-to-wall gin for consumption and purchase, gin tastings, mini G&T fights, choose-your-own-adventure negronis and some fabulous food trucks to soak it all up. It's literally a Willy Wonka factory for gin-loving adults — though hopefully you won’t leave in various stages of disfigurement like the naughty kids that came out of the Wonka factory ‹(•¿•)›. If you’d actually like to learn something about distilling your favourite happy juice, Four Pillars is doing a range of classes to help you achieve the status of ‘Most annoyingly knowledgeable gin drinker’ at your local. These include a distiller’s masterclass at 2pm on Saturday, and a martini and negroni masterclass at 5pm on Saturday (we recommend taking notes before downing the deadly negroni though). There's a breakfast martini masterclass, which actually revolves more around Four Pillars homemade marmalade (and how to use marmalade in cocktails), and finally the afternoon delight masterclass at 2pm on Sunday which is all about how to make the perfect G&T. All of this earthly delight is nestled out in the picturesque Healesville. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of your liver weeping and your heart fluttering in anticipation. Find Four Pillars Gin Distillery at 2a Lilydale Road, Healesville. Grand opening weekend is happening October 31 and November 1. Tickets available here.
For many a traveller, Singapore means three things: shopping centres, strict rules and stopovers. But, break out of the predictable itinerary, and you'll discover a more exotic side to this five million-strong island state. Beyond the CBD, tree-lined streets lead to diverse neighbourhoods, and each home to a distinctive culture. From beachside Katong, where Peranakan chefs serve up fiery laksa among heritage-listed architecture, to Little India, which is infused with incense, strung with flower garlands and draped with hand-woven silks, there's plenty more to be discovered beyond the aforementioned three S's. Here's Concrete Playground's less obvious guide to exploring Singapore. [caption id="attachment_571546" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Village Hotel Katong[/caption] STAY There's no better recovery from a long flight than a long soak. And with an oversized bathtub next to your bed (and within full view of a 46-inch LED TV) in a Peranakan Club room at the 229-room Village Hotel Katong (a 15 minute drive west of Changi Airport) you can do just that. When you're done, prowl about in 41 square metres of cool, white and blue space, splashed with Peranakan-patterned furnishings, including feature tiles and an enormous floor rug. There's also a roomy outdoor pool, a gym and a restaurant, serving up marathon multicultural buffet breakfasts and dinners. (Peranakan, by the way, refers to the descendants of Chinese people who moved to the Malay archipelago between the 1400s and 1600s and developed a famously rich culture, combining Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arabic and European influences.) [caption id="attachment_573954" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Village Hotel Albert Court[/caption] For a stay full of character on the edge of Little India (about 30 minutes west of Changi), check into Village Hotel Albert Court. The airy, marble-lined lobby is a step back into the colonial era. Order a martini and take a seat on a plush red lounge in the front bar, and you'll feel like you're in a James Bond film. The pre-war feel continues in the greenery-filled, sculpture-dotted courtyards and the classic rooms, furnished with dark wood and fitted with shutters. Some are arranged around a spectacular sunny atrium, and if you're staying above ground level, you'll be travelling via an external, glass-walled, Willy Wonka-style lift. Need to reenergise after a long, steamy day? Smash out some kilometres in the gym and relax in the twin jacuzzis — one warm and one cool. Ask about the 'Far More Perks' package for a bunch of extras, like free cocktails and canapes, private lounges, late checkout, city tours, laundry and access to a Changi Airport lounge. DO A stay at either hotel lets you in on some pretty special cultural experiences, which allow you to see Singapore through a local's eyes. If you're in Katong, it's well worth getting on the Village Hotel's heritage walking tour — if not just to get your bearings. A fun, friendly guide will lead you through nearby Joo Chiat neighbourhood. Once a coconut palm-filled seaside retreat, Joo Chiat is now full of colourful, ornate shophouses and, as of 2011, is protected as Singapore's first Heritage Town. A hawker food court, an eatery advertising 'sexy desserts', a dog-friendly cafe and an eatery dedicated to chocolate are all en route, with your journey finishing with a visit to a Peranakan heritage home and a dumpling-making workshop. Alternatively (or in addition), the Little India walking tour covers little-known Hindu temples, hidden-away street art and secretive alleyways. [caption id="attachment_574235" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Ridges Walk by Kimon Berlin via Flickr[/caption] Once you've dosed up on heritage, get your art fix at the new Singapore National Gallery, which became Asia's biggest visual arts institution when it opened on November 24, 2015. It occupies a whopping 64,000 square metres across two monumental buildings — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — joined by a 'canopy' of fine metal mesh, supported by giant columns resembling tree trunks. Eight thousand Singaporean and Southeast Asian artworks are shared between two permanent galleries, and there's oodles of space left over for international travelling shows. Check out the fire truck-red grand piano in the atrium. For an island that has a reputation for being built-up, Singapore has a heck of a lot of parks. The 156-year-old, 182-acre Singapore Botanic Gardens stay open until midnight and are home to the largest orchid collection in the world. There's even one particularly delicate species named after Margaret Thatcher. At HortPark, in the southwest, you'll wander through 21 themed gardens, including one filled with butterflies. For a longer walk, take on the ten-kilometre Southern Ridges hike, an adventure through coastal panoramas, lush rainforest canopy, a 36-metre high undulating bridge called Henderson Waves and Singapore's second highest peak, Mount Faber. EAT AND DRINK At the 2013 Hawker Heroes Challenge, no amount of swearing could change the results when chef Gordon Ramsay lost to 328 Katong Laksa, a tiny joint decked with plastic seats just a stumble away from the Village Hotel Katong. Yet, while Ramsay sells at Michelin-starred prices, a few bucks will still buy you a huge bowl of steaming deliciousness here. After all, laksa was created by the Peranakans, as a fusion of their Chinese and Malay cooking. To get the low-down on where else locals queue for food, jump on the hotel's Makan Bus Culinary Tour. At a diverse array of tucked-away eateries, you'll sample numerous tasty and eye-opening morsels; try everything from fried chicken and frogs' legs to soup at the rather charmingly and perhaps too-honestly named Pig Organ. Surprisingly, vegetarians can be catered for at every stop. Back in Little India, the island's most flavoursome curries are served beneath Banana Leaf Apollo's chandeliers. Headliners include fish head, butter chicken and mango prawn, all of which wash down tidily with an icy cold beer — or a mango lassi. For the finest chilli crab in the land, grab a table at Wing Seong Fatty's. Founded in 1936, it's been a favourite with international pilots since World War II and, these days, is run by father-son team, Fatty and Skinny. Fatty's been trying to retire for years, but just can't leave the wok alone. Finally, head to Indochine's rooftop bar for a relaxed pre- or post-dinner bev. Despite being in the touristy Marina Bay area, it's worth a visit — firstly, because it's on top of one of Singapore's chronically Instagrammed Supertrees and, secondly, because the epic views across the city are like a scene out of Blade Runner. [caption id="attachment_574226" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Kai Lehmann via Flickr[/caption] LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Singapore is around an eight to eight-and-a-half hour flight from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A number of airlines fly to Changi Airport, with return fares with QANTAS starting at $800. Jasmine travelled to Singapore as a guest of Far East Hospitality. Top image: JUJUlianar via Flickr.
With the cost of living crisis hammering people's restaurant budgets, we're starting to see more venues dabbling in hot deals for dedicated locals. St Kilda's new-look Saint Hotel, which opened its doors in March of this year, has decided to join the postcode bandwagon this month. They're running a cheeky Locals Night every Wednesday where you can score 20% off your bill at either Saint Bar or Saint Dining… if you live or work in St Kilda. Not too shabby for a midweek feed. Just a heads up: this deal doesn't apply to Stellas or Bar 54. If you work nearby, Saint Bar is also running an express lunch special on Fridays, 12pm to 4pm. You can get two courses for $45 or three courses for $55, and that includes a complimentary wine or beer. In this economy? A bargain! Personally, we recommend starting with Saint's Josper-grilled flatbread with confit garlic oil. Throw on some whipped flathead roe and salmon caviar for good measure. Images: Supplied
This November, the bustling Night Noodle Markets will return to Birrarung Marr for 18 nights of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, bao and extravagant frozen desserts. Taking over the riverside inner city park from November 7–24, the latest iteration of the fairy light-lit markets will see a slew of Australia's favourite food stalls set up shop to serve a wide variety of street snacks. Crowd favourites — and NNM regulars — Hoy Pinoy will be back with its Filipino barbecue, and will Wonderbao's fluffy buns and Puffle's cheesy cone waffles. You can also expect to find dumplings, okonomiyaki and soba noodles, right through to pancakes and Korean-style shaved ice desserts. Gelato Messina will be back, too — its 2019 Sydney NNM menu includes Thai-style sweets like a milk tea banana cheesecake sandwich, a layered condensed milk pudding, and banana fritters with caramelised banana gelato and peanut crumble. Let's hope these make their way down here, too. Naturally, there will be plenty of booze stations as well, including a Jacobs Creek tipi wine bar, a beer garden and a 20s-inspired diner serving beer floats and spiders. So start scheduling your visits the market — and cross your fingers for good weather. The Night Noodle Markets will run from 5–9pm Monday and Tuesday, 5–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 5–11pm Friday, 4–10pm Saturday and 4–9pm Sunday. Image: Kimberley May Moore.
The circus has always been a safe place for the freaks and superhumans of the world. They get to do freaky and superhuman things like squeeze themselves into boxes so tiny they would barely hold our gym gear while the rest of us ooh and ahh and think how much easier crow pose would be if we were superhuman too. Le Noir — The Dark Side of Cirque, promises to take the spectacle to an even higher level. Bringing together the most super of all the superhumans (seriously, the cast is 22 of the most celebrated cirque performers ever, including a long list of former Cirque de Soleil stars) Le Noir promises to shock, move and entertain in unimaginable ways. Luckily, hectic acts like the 'Colombian Wheel of Death' (Google that for some midweek entertainment) and the 'Aerial Cradle' are interspersed with bouts of comedy and music to give you a chance to pick up your jaw from the floor. We've come along way from the juggling clown and the super strong man. Get yourself a front row seat and prepare to have plenty to talk about at interval.
Seasonal change is finally settling into Melbourne and with it comes one of the NGV's best annual exhibitions: the Winter Masterpieces series. This year, it's no secret they've snagged a true master, Vincent Van Gogh, the poster boy for post-impressionism and dramatic self-mutilation. Set to open on April 28 and running until July 19, blockbuster exhibition Van Gogh and the Seasons has been years in the making, and is expected by NGV to draw one of the gallery's biggest audiences yet. Curator Sjraar Van Heugten has fine tuned a thematic exhibition after Van Gogh's own heart, an exploration of the seasons in over 60 works. "In the seasons, he [Van Gogh] has perceived infinity, something larger than humanity. The seasons represent ongoing life," he says. Inside the exhibition, you'll find a fascinating investigation into Van Gogh's life, alongside some of his best naturalist pieces. The artist's character, and his fluctuating mental health, often receive as much attention as his best works. The story of his life, and his death, are expounded wonderfully (and sensitively, snaps for not stigmatising mental health) through quotes, correspondence and essays. Although the collection itself doesn't feature his most famous works, you'll leave with a window into the artist's true persona and an understanding of the sheer breadth of his talent. Structurally, Van Gogh and the Seasons is broken into (you guessed it) the four seasons, that masterfully weave a narrative through the artist's life. The NGV has produced a short accompanying film, narrated by David Stratton and David Wenham, that's worth a watch before you proceed through the exhibition, as it explains the structure of the exhibition and sets the mood. We'll let you experience the exhibition for yourself, but in case you'd like a little guidance in your visit, here are five works you shouldn't miss. A WHEATFIELD WITH CYPRESSES, 1889 This painting is perhaps one of the exhibition's best known pieces. You'll see it emblazoned on all the NGV's marketing collateral and once you're standing in front of it, you can feel why. The vibrant colours and rolling cloud banks are euphoric. There's nothing more to say except this painting is worth the ticket price alone. TREE TRUNKS IN THE GRASS, 1890 The composition of this painting is a departure from the Van Gogh tradition. It's an awkward close-up of a tree trunk and surrounding vegetation but it stands out for the detail, the peaceful atmosphere, and the perfectly balanced colours. Van Gogh painted this in the spring (April) of 1890, just after a period of severe mental illness and only months before taking his own life. VIEW OF SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER, 1888 Love a good Cezanne town landscape? Don't miss this work. Painstakingly composed and one Van Gogh's more structured pieces, View of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer will catch you off-guard. While his style was overwhelmingly more fluid and impressionist, this scene is clearly defined and an interesting counterpoint to the rest of the spring and summer pieces. ORCHARD IN BLOSSOM, 1889 This is part of a series in the 'spring' section that is collectively stunning. The delicate pastels used in this season represent Van Gogh's time in Paris, living with his doting brother Theo in Montmartre, where his style lightened and evolved into what we know today as his best works. As a lover of nature, the fertile spring inspired some of his most beautiful pieces. SELF PORTRAIT, 1887 And at the very end of the exhibition, we get a final glimpse of the man who had previously remained faceless. A small but articulate self portrait of a weary looking artist, rendered three years before he died. Van Gogh's final words, spoken to his brother Theo, were famously, "The sadness will last forever". There's a lot of sadness in this exhibition. If you can, we recommend you walk through alone and take it all in. Van Gogh and the Seasons runs April 28 to July 19 at NGV. Installation images: Tom Ross.
Park City, Utah is getting a hit of Australian coffee culture, with the tourist hotspot set to become home to the first international cafe by home-grown coffee roasters Campos Coffee. The Sydney-born coffee shop has announced that it will open its first US store in Park City in mid-December, ensuring locals can finally enjoy a halfway decent flat white. Sorry not sorry, Starbucks. "We've considered the US market for more than ten years, but never found the right fit for us," said Campos founder and president Will Young in announcing the brand's stateside expansion. "As soon as we visited Park City, we knew it would be a perfect extension of the Campos Coffee brand." Park City is known for its tourist economy, driven by multiple ski resorts as well as the annual Sundance Film Festival. "Walking around, you can see the whole town has an active, inclusive and diverse community that cares about the environment," said Young. "Add to this a significant dedication to the arts, such as the Sundance Film Festival, and the decision was made." Campos, which currently has seven stores across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, is following in the footsteps a number of Australian coffee brands who have set up shop in the United States. Most recently Paramount Coffee Project opened up a base in Los Angeles. Look for Campos Coffee in Park City, Utah from mid-December.
The 2017 Melbourne International Film Festival is already slated to start with a Jungle trek, take audiences on a retro sci-fi trip and showcase a hefty dose of Cannes titles. But that's just the first act — there's way (way) more where that came from. This year MIFF will screen 358 films in total, representing 68 countries, and including 251 features, 88 shorts, 17 virtual reality experiences and 12 talks. Phew. Taking over 13 venues across Melbourne from August 3 to 20, the 2017 festival — the event's 66th — also boasts 31 world premieres and 135 Australian premieres. That's quite the batch of numbers, but cinephiles only need remember one more: how many films you can cram in over the fest's 18-day run. Leading the charge among the complete program is closing night's Gurrumul Elcho Dreaming, which will enjoy its world premiere at MIFF. The documentary explores of the life and music of Aussie artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, formerly of Yothu Yindi, and ensures that this year's festival is bookended with local flicks. Elsewhere, fellow Australian picks span street art documentary Have You Seen the Listers?, Melissa George and Ewen Leslie in The Butterfly Tree, and a virtual reality peek into asylum seeker life in VR short Inside Manus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJweqjIWtbg Other new titles include the Jon Hamm and Geena Davis-starring Marjorie Prime, about holographic recreations of deceased loves ones; Beatriz at Dinner, featuring Salma Hayek, Chloe Sevigny and John Lithgow; Lucky, which sees Twin Peaks' Harry Dean Stanton and David Lynch appear together on screen; and Beach Rats, this year's Sundance US Dramatic comp director winner. An IMAX screening of Terrence Malick's 40-years-in-the-making documentary Voyage of Time, the David Wenham-directed walk-and-talk effort Ellipsis, and Swedish indigenous drama Sami Blood are also on the bill, alongside a triple dose of Hong Sang-soo thanks to Yourself and Yours, Claire's Camera and On the Beach at Night Alone, as well as the world premiere of Ben Elton's newbie Three Summers. Of course, MIFF isn't just about screening films — it's also about showcasing the talented folks behind them. One of the best movies of the year so far, the Armie Hammer-starring romance Call Me By Your Name, comes to MIFF with Italian director Luca Guadagnino in attendance, while iconic Aussie filmmaker Jane Campion will introduce a screening of her new TV mini-series Top of the Lake: China Girl. Plus, diving deeper into its themed strands, this year's festival will also feature a program of '80s and early '90s Australian films directed by women, a tribute to The Party filmmaker Sally Potter's cinematic output to date and a selection of animal docos (expect chicken, rats, dolphins and more). Getting into genre territory, MIFF's usual Night Shift lineup jumps from real-life serial killer thrills with My Friend Dahmer to Takashi Miike's Blade of the Immortal to the US-made, Colombia-set The Belko Experiment from Jungle filmmaker Greg McLean, with plenty of others in between. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2KRS_hinE All of the above joins a sizeable selection of already-revealed, excitement-worthy flicks, including The Killing of a Sacred Deer from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos, '90s-set AIDS activism drama BPM, Palme d'Or winner The Square, Robert Pattinson crime flick Good Time, Michael Haneke's Happy End and the Andy Samberg-produced Brigsby Bear. Plus, more RPatz in The Lost City of Z, Aussie actress Emily Browning playing a Melburnian in New York opposite Jason Schwartzman and the Beastie Boys' Adam Horovitz in Golden Exits, swoon-inducing queer romance God's Own Country, transgender drama A Fantastic Woman, New Zealand horror amusement park-based Spookers, and Aussie efforts Ali's Wedding, Australia Day and That's Not Me are also on the stacked bill.
Fancy old world cocktail spot The Everleigh has expanded the family, finding a spot for a late night sister bar named Heartbreaker — a more free-spirited sibling inspired by sexy, seedy LA drinking dens. Now open on Russell Street, Heartbreaker taps into that one universal reason why people drink late into the night — tragic love woes. But with a full kitchen, pool table and retro jukebox, we’re sure you’ll soon forget about it all (and inevitably dance emotionally to 'Bad Romance'). Just don’t expect the classy leather couches and glassware that defines The Everleigh. Heartbreaker is touted as the loveless little sister; opening up when The Everleigh calls last drinks and sweeping all the dregs into her maw to let the good times keep rolling. And drunk or sober, loveless or loved up, Melburnians appreciate a good late night kitchen and Heartbreaker knows it. In terms of the vibe, it’s very specific. It’s old school glamour meets old school grunge; it’s a True Detective double exposure with a foreground of Marilyn Monroe shooting Steve McQueen in the foot; it’s Lana Del Rey drinking in a wedding gown but she’s been living alone in the desert for three days, y'know what we’re saying? No? You’ll get it when meet this lass. The front bar serves a variety of Australian and American beers, while the back bar is all about hard liquor — tequila, mezcal and whiskey. And if you want to stay classy on the inside but look hard on the outside, you can try one of The Everleigh’s classic bottled cocktails via The Everleigh Bottling Co. Choose from a Martini, Old Fashioned, Negroni or Manhattan ($18 each) and never risk someone bumping into you and spilling your entire drink again. Oh Heartbreaker, you really get us. Find Heartbreaker at 234 Russell Street, Melbourne. Images: The Everleigh and Heartbreaker.
Calling all late-night Tour watchers, cycling enthusiasts and anyone who wants to know what a 'peloton' is. The NSW Government has today announced the first ever Tour de France event to be held in Australia, locked in for 2016. Dubbed L’Etape Australia and locked in for the next three years, the upcoming race is an official offshoot of the Tour de France — the oldest and most prestigious road cycling event to rival all road cycling events. It's not the first Tour side quest, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile and Argentina have all seen their own stages. Destination NSW and the NSW Government have recruited SBS to broadcast the race, who've been your late night Tour broadcaster pal for 25 years. So where's the race going to be held? (Read: where can we place a huge CP logo on someone's rural property for sick helicopter coverage?) Designed to replicate the infamous Tour mountain stages, L’Etape Australia will weave through Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo. Rather than Alps and Pyrenees, riders will pump those legs through the beautifully formidable Snowy Mountains, where the Ultimate Snowy Challenge breaks people. These pretty, pretty NSW locations will inevitably boost the tourist dollar for the state; Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said he anticipated the race to deliver in excess of $4 million in visitor expenditure across the three years. So you're a bit of a mad cyclist? Get up every morning at sparrow's fart just to beat the tradies to the tar? Want to see how you'd fare in the Tour? An expected 10,000 riders of varying levels are up to compete for the legendary Tour de France yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys, and the waitlist is now open at the official L’Etape Australia website. Riders can register for updates, pick their level of difficulty (The Race is the big one, The Ride is slightly shorter for seasoned riders, and The Ramble is the fun, easier course) and reserve their place on the start line. L’Etape Australia by Tour de France is happening in December 2016. To register or for more info, visit the website. Images: Dollar Photo Club and NSW National Parks.
Kingpins of Brooklyn hype Parquet Courts are the kind of ramshackle, indie genre benders that strip back production-heavy 'garage' and deliver punk-as-blazes music every time. Blending lo-fi, geek-chic, your beyond stock-standard garage rock, and a healthy dose of punk, Parquet Courts are impossible to pin down. Think Pavement meets The Strokes, but with more tongue-in-cheek. Now, after playing sold-out shows in the States and making their mark at Splendour in the Grass last year, they're heading back to Australia for three intimate shows. Their 2014 album, Sunbathing Animal has been praised by Pitchfork as a musical testament to the band's unique grasp of simple, rough rock that places the band, "in their own distinct weight class." The foursome just released a new album Content Nausea under the name Parkay Quarts last December, recorded on a four-track tape over two weeks and predictably brimming with bristly feedback. Making appearances after their headlining spot at Secret Garden Festival, Parquet Courts are popping into Manning Bar in Sydney, The Zoo in Brisbane and Melbourne's Hi-Fi in early March. Supported by UV Race + The Stevens.
Plan those half-hearted New Years Resolutions, the 2015 Falls Music and Arts Festival lineup is here, announced by triple j this morning. Returning to Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron for another bout of end-of-year scullduggery, Falls is back with the likes of Foals and Disclosure at the top of the bill (both with shiny new albums to boot). Expect those beloved Brits Bloc Party on the bill as well, alongside a killer collection of international gems — we're talking Gary Clark Jr, Mac DeMarco, Kurt Vile and The Violaters, Toro Y Moi, Django Django, Young Fathers and The Maccabees to start with. Even Weird Al' Yankovic will headline the opening Boogie Nights party. Random. Australia's contingent deserves two thumbs way up, from international goakicker Courtney Barnett to dancefloor dominators RUFUS and the likes of the legendary Paul Kelly (with his Merri Soul Sessions), Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, Gang of Youths, Hiatus Kaiyote, Little May, Alpine, Birds of Tokyo, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Seth Sentry, Halsey, BØRNS and more. Enough chatskies, here's that lineup you're after: FALLS FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP: Alpine The Avener Birds of Tokyo Bloc Party BØRNS Courtney Barnett Disclosure Django Django Foals Gang of Youths Gary Clark Jr Halsey Hiatus Kaiyote Hilltop Hoods King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Kurt Vile & The Violators Little May The Maccabees Mac DeMarco Meg Mac Oh Wonder Paul Kelly & Merri Soul Sessions feat. Clairy Browne, Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, Vika & Linda Bull RÜFÜS Seth Sentry Toro Y Moi Young Fathers and more BOOGIE NIGHTS LINEUP Art vs Science El Vez Fleetmac Wood 'Weird Al' Yankovic and more Lorne, Victoria (18+) December 28, 2015 – January 1, 2016 Marion Bay, Tasmania (all ages) December 29, 2015 – January 1, 2016 Byron Bay, New South Wales December 31, 2015 – January 3, 2016 Via triple j. Image: Falls Festival.
Between the blazing fire shows taking over the Royal Botanic Gardens, the swag of immersive theatre experiences inviting audiences into parallel worlds, and the huge international acts returning to Aussie shores for the first time in decades, this year's Melbourne International Arts Festival will be tough to ignore. The festival's 2018 program is set to deliver a diverse, vibrant celebration of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and architecture from October 3–21, with the entire city as its stage. The Royal Botanic Gardens, acting as the festival's mini hub, will be transformed in a haze of flames across four nights, for the Fire Gardens fire-burning spectacular. Elsewhere on the site, acclaimed contemporary circus company NoFitState explores the 250-year history of the circus ring, with an exclusive performance of Lexicon. Post-punk legends The The make their first Melbourne appearance in almost 30 years, to play hits from across their internationally renowned back catalogue, and Berlin composer and pianist Nils Frahm makes his return to Hamer Hall, four years after the sell-out success of his Melbourne Festival debut. Japanese sound artist ASUNA will present its unique aural installation 100 Keyboards, which will see 100 battery operated keyboards brought to life. And the creators of last year's iconic House of Mirrors installation and Dark Mofo's upside down crosses, Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney are at it again, taking over the Arts Centre forecourt with their new work 1000 Doors, an interactive piece inviting audiences to choose their own adventure. Meanwhile, the program's broad-ranging dance lineup includes top choreographer William Forsythe's boundary-pushing A Quiet Evening Of Dance, and visually stunning, Romeo & Juliet-style dance-opera, Layla and Majnun. Image: Fire Gardens, shot by Vincent Muteau.
Think enjoying a pint and making a difference are mutually exclusive activities? Think again. Thanks to The Good Beer Co., the next drink you knock back could help save the world — or at least the Great Barrier Reef. The Good Beer Co. is Australia’s first social enterprise beer company, with a mission to match nice drinks with nice deeds. The company aims to pair the nation's top craft brewers with worthy causes — as their maiden beverage demonstrates. That'd be the aptly named Great Barrier Beer, as brewed in Bundaberg by the local legends at the Bargara Brewing Company. Once it hits the shelves, they'll donate 50% of the profits to the Australian Marine Conservation Society. To get to that point, though, The Good Beer Co. needs your help, which is why they're launching a crowdfunding campaign. You can assist them with brewing, distributing and promoting the Great Barrier Beer, and with startup costs to get established and roll out the idea to other great causes. Backers will enjoy the warm and fuzzy feeling of supporting something good, as well as the chance to taste the tipple before anybody else. You'll also get the opportunity to have a say in future recipes, labels and causes. So if you like beer and are keen to help the planet, it really is a win-win situation. After all, who doesn't want to put their beverage consumption to good use? For more information about The Good Beer Co, visit their website. Image via Dollar Photo Club.
Sleek CBD diner Botswana Butchery is hosting a very special once-off dinner degustation this September. Partnering with whisky experts Nikka, Botswana Butchery is set to deliver a six-course culinary journey championing exceptional meat, including four courses of wagyu. This longtime Kiwi favourite is known for its signature luxe meat- and seafood-focused offering. Pop into the New Zealand-born eatery on Wednesday, September 6 and you'll be served four wagyu-centric dishes followed by a palate cleanser and dessert. Rump tartare is dressed with Jerusalem artichoke and truffles, rib chunk shavings are served with a burned butter emulation, and there's a beef shin paired with celeriac and preserved lemon. Throughout the evening, guests will also be treated to paired whisky drinks and talks from guest speakers. On the lineup: Culinary Director Angel Fernandez on each dish, Botswana Butchery Bar Manager Reuben Beasley on cocktails and Nikka Whisky Ambassador Marcus Parmenter will speak about whisky blends. With room for 300 punters across three levels, Botswana Butchery Melbourne features handsome Charlotte Spary-designed interiors with marble-topped counters, sunken dining areas and sumptuous booth seating, as well as two terraces overlooking Flinders Lane. [caption id="attachment_859635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Garth Oriander[/caption]
Whether you're staying put or travelling interstate this summer, one thing's for sure: you won't be bored from a lack of art. A fine contingent of blockbuster exhibitions has hit the country for the warmer months, sweeping into temperature controlled galleries from Brisbane to Melbourne and all the way across to Perth. You can step into the dotty world of legendary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama GOMA, curl up in bed at the MCA to watch some of Pipilotti Rist's work go by and remember gone-too-soon talents Amy Winehouse and Heath Ledger (at the Jewish Museum of Australia and Art Gallery of WA, respectively). And that's not even mentioning the NGV's huge new NGV Triennial, which features a giant buddha and 100 oversized resin skulls. If you're someone who travels for art, you might want to book those domestic flights now. This is probably one of the most impressive summer lineups we've seen — and, come March, most of them will be gone. Hop to it.
Come summer in Melbourne, you won't just see stars on cinema screens — you'll sit beneath them while you're watching a movie. That's what Rooftop Cinema promises, and the first part of its new program certainly delivers. First stop: Tom Hiddleston navigating an anarchic society in an apartment block in High-Rise. Kicking off on December 3 and running through until April 2017 (with the second half of the program still to be announced), there's plenty more movie fun where that came from. Haven't had a chance to catch up with Marvel's latest superhero, Doctor Strange? Keen to revisit this year's lady-centric version of Ghostbusters? Want to take the ultimate US road trip with American Honey? You'll find them all on the lineup. Amy Adams-starring duo Arrival and Nocturnal Animals, amusing action hit The Nice Guys and a dose of the skux life courtesy of Hunt for the Wilderpeople also feature among the more recent portion of the program. So do two music offerings sponsored by Levi's: Nick Cave doco Once More With Feeling, as well as a look at the fab four in The Beatles: Eight Days A Week. Don't forget that checking out classics on the big screen is all part of the Rooftop Cinema experience as well, though. This year's retro contingent including tear-inducing tributes (Labyrinth and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), all manner of Christmas hijinks (Bad Santa and its forthcoming sequel, Love Actually, Home Alone and Elf) and three nights of Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice, new release The Founder, and Birdman). If there's ever been a reason to spend your evenings outdoors for the next few months, this is it. Rooftop Cinema takes place in the Melbourne CBD, on top of Curtin House, Swanston Street (between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets). The bar opens daily between 11am and 1am, with films starting at 9.30pm in December and January. The February to April program will be announced in late January.
Jameson, the legendary distillers of one of Ireland's most famous whiskeys, are calling on eager filmmakers from around the world to pick up a pen and finally write out that short film script they've been thinking about. Now in its sixth year, Jameson First Shot is fostering the creative endeavours of young filmmakers — giving those who may find it difficult to break into the film industry a shot at the big time. It's a stepping stone for filmmakers who don't quite have their foot in the door yet — for those who want to break into the industry, but haven't had the chance to. It's a platform that gives talented individuals an opportunity to realise their ambition and potential, and a way for them to tell their stories. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, head to the First Shot website and submit a seven-page short film script. If your script is chosen as the winner, your film will be produced by a team of professionals that includes Dana Brunetti — he's the man responsible for Captain Phillips and The Social Network, and the brains behind getting House of Cards onto Netflix, something the world should be endlessly grateful for. Dominic West (best known for his role as Detective McNulty in The Wire) will also be the star of your film, taking the lead acting role. Winning First Shot gives filmmakers an opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in show business. Last year's winner, Jason Perini, had the opportunity to direct and work with Maggie Gyllenhaal. "The most exciting part of the filmmaking process was just watching Maggie act — her face was a special effect," he says. "What had the biggest impact on me was the result of really creative and collaborative people working together. All the crew and cast were so dedicated to making the film I had envisioned in my head. I don't think I will ever experience such ease and dedication again." Since filming wrapped, Perini has gone on to direct his debut feature film, Chasing Comets. "I never anticipated that within less than a year of winning, I'd be directing my own feature film," he says. [caption id="attachment_568922" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Trigger productions.[/caption] To enter the competition, write an original piece of work, with the final draft being no more than seven pages in length. Base your script around the great, unexpected things that can happen when you get rid of your fear and invite life in. For a complete set of guidelines and a script template, head here. It isn't everyday you get the chance to have your passion project turned into a reality, so sit yourself down with a delicious whiskey and get writing. Entries close at 5pm on Monday, June 1.
Legendary underground LA hip hop group Jurassic 5 will take you back to the concrete streets at Festival Hall this April Fool's Day, playing a huge sideshow for this year's Bluesfest. This charismatic six-piece formed in the '90s, comprising the remnants of Unity Committee and Rebels of Rhythm. Since breaking up in 2007 due to creative differences, the crew's notoriety has grown rather than dissipated. Having recently reunited, these old-school revivalists are back to flaunt their soulful beats and social commentary. Punching into the mainstream was never a priority for the J5 crew. In saying that, 2014's sold-out world tour thrust the group into the limelight, revamping their global profile and earning legions of new fans. There is an enduring quality to their music; eloquent and intelligent hip hop with real heart. With one of the most energetic live shows around, J5 ought to pull on your nostalgic heartstrings with Bluesfest sideshow.
If you haven't heard of 28 Hongkong Street before now, don't feel too out of the loop. Sure, it's been voted Asia's best bar for three years running and knocks out some seriously amazing cocktails — but it also operates as one of those mysterious, super secretive, word-of-mouth-only venues, hidden away behind an unassuming 1960s shopfront. Plus, it's been hanging out all the way up in Singapore, 6000 kilometres and an eight-hour flight away. Until now. For three nights this month, 28HKS will be hitting our shores as part of Sydney Bar Week. The brief touchdown on Australian turf will see the Singaporean enigma visit Sydney and Melbourne to take over two of our own hidden cocktail bars and give lucky locals a whirlwind taste of all the cocktail magic. They're not cutting any corners, either. The Melbourne pop-up — which will grace The Everleigh in Fitzroy from September 21-22 — will offer a bang-on recreation of the 28HKS concept. Expect those award-winning cocktails alongside a selection of the American-leaning share plates, all delivered by five of 28HKS's mixologists, floor staff and chefs. They're even bringing over the soundtrack to round-out the experience. It's not the first time Australia's had a fleeting taste of international cocktail greatness and, given the success of Attaboy's February stints at The Everleigh and Dead Ringer, and last year's Please Don't Tell pop-up at The Black Pearl, it's probably safe to say that this latest cocktail-wielding visitor won't be the last. Unfortunately both sittings on both nights have already sold out. If you missed out, keep those cocktail cradling fingers crossed they release a few more spots at the bar.
It is so often the case in life that the greatest things in life are often the simplest. The daiquiri we know and love today came from humble beginnings in the mining town of Daiquiri in 1898. Back then it was little more than lime juice, Bacardi rum, a little water, sugar and ice. From there it ventured to Santiago, then travelled to Washington DC, then happily dispersed across America and eventually, the world. Over the years, the daiquiri been bastardised by slushy machines and TGI Fridays into pink, icy mush, but there are some noble bartenders taking this misunderstood cocktail classic back to its traditional form. In honour of this delicious, prevailing cocktail, we celebrate World Daiquiri Day on Sunday, July 19, as part of Bacardi Rum Month. Here are Melbourne’s best bars to drop into if you’re simply dying for a daiquiri, darling. EAU DE VIE What cocktail round-up of Melbourne is complete without a nod to the classic connoisseurs at Eau De Vie? Melburnian bartender royalty Greg Sanderson is at the helm here (previous posts include the Black Pearl and Murmur), and his daiquiri has a little added texture and a delicious foamy head. That’s right, the secret ingredient is a small dash of egg white, as well as Bacardi Carta Blanca, powdered refined sugar and fresh lime juice. It even comes with a Bacardi bat stencil for garnish, just to remind you who the real king of rum is. 1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne GOLDILOCKS If it’s some rooftop sipping you’re after, Goldilocks is one of Melbourne’s finest. If you think outdoor drinking was only a summer time activity, think again; they’ve got the heaters a-blazing so you can continue to enjoy your beverage while leisurely taking in the view. Their Rosemary Daiquiri has both an intriguing flavour, and a little extra kick. Bacardi Carta Blanca is combined with lime juice, sugar syrup and a dash of green Chartreuse. It’s the old shake and strain technique for this one, and garnished with a dash of Peychaurds bitters and a sprig of rosemary. Level 4, 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne NEW GOLD MOUNTAIN If you want a tucked-away hidden Melbourne gem, New Gold Mountain is the way to go. There’s no signage to direct you, but just climb the stairs to two levels of Chinese-décor themed cocktail heaven. If it’s a daiquiri you’re after, order yourself up an El Barbudo, but be warned, this is not exactly close to the classic. Bacardi Carta Blanca meets housemade beetroot grenadine, fresh lemon juice and what is described as ‘Sugar Sizzurp’. We’re going assume this is not the cough-medicine variety of Sizzurp, although there’s no doubt this concoction may have some addictive qualities. Garnished with cracked pepper for good measure, enjoy this daiquiri with a difference. 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne JANE DOE Chapel Street is about to get a new bar, and the mystery surrounding the place is close to killing us. What we can reveal to you, dear reader, is that they have a splendid daiquiri on offer; a burnt lime and basil flavoured concoction, to be exact. A healthy dose of Bacardi Carta Blanca meets burnt lime juice, seven basil leaves, and two heaped bar spoons vanilla sugar. Hard shake over lots of ice, double strain and serve in vintage coupe glass. We love the vibrant green colour of the end product; looks like a potion but tastes like a dream. 219 Chapel Street, Prahran THE TOFF IN TOWN Slide into a cosy booth at the Toff with your posse and proceed to eat, drink and make merry. The Gardenside Sour, a twist on the daiquiri, is a delightful stroll down the garden path with all the freshness in flavour you could hope for. Bacardi Carta Blanca, St. Germain elderflower liquor, lemon juice, ginger syrup, two dashes of lavender bitters and two slices of cucumber diced and muddled are shaken, double-strained and served in a martini glass. Resting on top is the cucumber ribbon and rosemary sprig garnish, looking as pretty as a picture and beckoning you to dive right in. 2/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Gin lovers are in for a treat come September, with the opening of a specialty gin bar in the CBD. Gin Lane is the brainchild of James Tait, whose previously tended bar at such boozy institutions as Coda, Black Pearl and 1806. The man knows his liquor, that's for damn sure. Along with his wife Cara and business partner Peter Bartholomew, Tait will offer up 400 varieties of gin, as well as a healthy stock of wine and a selection of around 20 beers. Not bad for a bar named after an 18th century artwork about the evils of alcohol consumption. The bar will also serve food, with Tait bringing in a mysterious 'consultant chef' whose identity has so far been kept a secret. Given that Bartholomew's investment portfolio includes such mouth-watering spots as MoVida and Lee Ho Fook, our expectations are fairly high. Gin Lane will occupy a two-story space at the Parliament end of the city, on the corner of Bourke Street and Windsor Lane. The second level will include a sizeable outdoor area, with Tait telling Gourmet Traveller he wanted to create "a great place to enjoy a drink on a sunny afternoon or a warm evening." He also promised a space that was "bright, organic, fresh and light. There's a lot of greenery in Melbourne's bar scene at the moment, but we're making a statement that we're not one of those dingy places." Gin Lane is slated to open in September at 19-21 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Via Gourmet Traveller. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Sweeten up the day of somebody you care about — even if that somebody is yourself. LVLY, a new Melbourne-based gift delivery service, have announced a five-day partnership with Short Stop Donuts. Monday through Friday next week, you can get freshly made rings of delicious, doughy goodness delivered directly to your door. For their inaugural partnership, LVLY have cherry-picked the best of Short Stop’s flavours, with the hand delivered six packs including a mix of Vanilla Bean, Apple Pie, Boston Cream, Macadamia and Orange Blossom, Hazelnut Chocolate and Banana, Earl Gray and Rose and the classic Cinnamon, Cardamom and Sugar. You can preorder online now, or head back next week for guaranteed same-day delivery. Before you whip out your credit card, however, be warned that these donuts don’t come cheap: $38 for a box of six. As a point of comparison, Krispy Kreme will deliver twice that many donuts for $17.95 plus $6.28 shipping, although to be fair they don’t offer the option of including a flower arrangement with your sugar-glazed snacks. It’s safe to say LVLY might be a service best suited to people with a little bit of disposable income. In addition to donuts and flowers, they also sell hand cream, candles and chocolates. You can find a full list of suburbs that they deliver to on their website.
The show must go on for the folks at the Moulin Rouge. 15 years after the release of Baz Luhrmann's smash-hit movie musical, the story of doomed lovers Christian and Satine is coming to the stage. The lavish adaptation is currently in its early stages, and will be directed by two-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers. "I first encountered Alex Timbers through the remarkable and inventive production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and the brilliance of Here Lies Love," said Luhrmann in a statement. "I immediately recognised the young director's creative spirit and felt we shared similar sensibilities and instincts." Writing duties will be handled by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter John Logan, whose resume includes the recent James Bond outing Skyfall as well as the Tony Award-winning play Red. "It's immensely gratifying to know that a new wave of artists will be leading Moulin Rouge! into its rightful theatrical realm," said Luhrmann. The show is being developed by entertainment group Global Creatures, who previously worked on the theatrical adaptation of King Kong and helped bring Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom to the stage. A premiere date and location for Moulin Rouge! has yet to be announced.
Grammy-nominated New York duo Sofi Tukker have announced they'll be bringing their genre-blurring tunes to Aussie shores, set to take the stage in Sydney and Melbourne in February. Since releasing their debut EP, Soft Animals, early last year, Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern have garnered fans worldwide, snapping up chart spots in more than 20 countries and landing festivals across Europe and North America. The pair's dance-worthy beats draw inspiration from all corners of the globe, resulting in a layering of sound unlike any you've heard before. And the Sofi Tukker live show promises to be every bit as spectacular, starring the duo's own unique instrument, called 'The Book Tree'. Expect a six-foot-tall 'creature', decked out in foliage and hardcover books, each tome engineered to create a different sound when drummed, to compliment that blissful melange of guitar, bass, and bongos. Sofi Tukker plays at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory on February 17 and Melbourne's Howler on February 18. Tickets are available from Moshtix from January 12.
While we suspect he'll always be remembered best as the world's most famous boy wizard, you certainly couldn't accuse Daniel Radcliffe of always playing in the same sandbox. Since wrapping up the Harry Potter series, the actor has played Alan Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings, taken the stage in Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishman, and most recently appeared as a flatulent corpse in the surprisingly heartwarming indie film Swiss Army Man. His latest project is an Off-Broadway play, one that is noteworthy not just for Radcliffe's part, but for its unusual policy when it comes to mobile phones. While whipping out your cell is generally considered sacrilege in the theatre, Privacy takes the opposite approach — actively encouraging audience members to take selfies during the show in order to explore questions of privacy and accountability in an increasingly connected world. As Radcliffe dives into the open world of social media, audience members are able to post their photos to the theatre website, at which point they're projected onto a giant screen behind the actors. Further chances for crowd participation come when a character types "is it wrong…" into Google, with viewers prompted to shout out possible autofill possibilities. Of course Privacy isn't the first time theatres have allowed or even encouraged the use of mobile phones. Theatres in Melbourne such as Malthouse and La Mama have experimented with special 'tweet seats' in the past, sparking furious debate as to whether the practice should be allowed. What's interesting in this case is how the play actually incorporates phone users into the performance. This could very well be the beginning of a brave new world. Via PSFK.
It's been just a couple of months since the State Library of Victoria first showed off its wild side, hosting a huge week of gigs and dance parties as Melbourne Music Week's 2016 hub. Now, punters again have the chance to party in the usually grave-silent library after hours, with 3RRR transforming part of the space into a lively pop-up bar for two Friday nights this month. Set to rock the book stacks on January 13 and 20, the event ties in with the library's latest exhibition, ON AIR: 40 years of 3RRR, celebrating the history and evolution of one of Melbourne's best-loved radio stations. Each night of the pop-up will see RRR favourites like Chris Gill (Get Down), Steve Cross (Beat Orgy), and Sarah Smith (Breakfasters) spinning the tunes in the library foyer, as you knock back RRR cocktails on the Mr Tulk terrace and browse vinyl in the onsite bookstore, Readings. Even the library's galleries will be throwing open their doors, allowing a rare after-hours sneak peak at the current exhibition program. 3RRR's ON AIR pop-up bar is happening on January 13 and January 20, open 7-10pm. ON AIR: 40 years of 3RRR will run until January 29. Image: Pascal/Flickr.
Less is traditionally more in the tiny homes that have boomed in popularity over the last few years. This is not the case with Stella the Stargazer, an exceptional pop-up that will tour regional Victoria over the next six months. Stella's unique approach to luxury is considered and environmentally sensitive. The distinct interior design headed up by Port Fairy-based Ample champions upcycled and repurposed materials, including the use of corrugated iron and Victorian hardwood in the construction process. An indulgent, annular shower is surrounded by adjustable glass louvres designed to envelop you in the natural surroundings. Plus, there's an outdoor fire pit that doubles as a barbecue. Glass sliding doors open onto the modular deck with openair seating, and you'll find plenty of local wares featured throughout; from Dindi Naturals toiletries, to threads from Weave Home Australia, Society of Wanderers and Grampians Goods Co. [caption id="attachment_879299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Ample, Brook James[/caption] But the crowning jewel of this enchanting tiny palace is a roll-out, queen-bed-sized sleeping platform that's primed for stargazing on calm evenings. Provisions boast a local lean, with guests enjoying a curated welcome hamper of cheese and charcuterie, a bottle of wine and breakfast provisions — showcasing regional bread, bacon, eggs and granola. Famed chef Alejandro Saravia (Farmer's Daughters, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters) can also ensure you don't have to venture far, with a DIY dinner experience available to add to your stay. The evening's menu runs to the likes of Farmer's Daughters pork terrine served with Snowy River black garlic chutney; a warm roasted pumpkin on a bed of creamy stracciatella; and Cherry Tree Organics roasted lamb shoulder served with roasted carrot and marjoram. Currently, the limited-time tiny stay by Visit Victoria is situated at the idyllic Blue Gables vineyard in Maffra, but she'll move on from Thursday, December 15, and head to the Great Ocean Road for the end of summer. [caption id="attachment_879298" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Ample, Brook James[/caption] Stella the Stargazer will make her home in Maffra, Gippsland, from October 14–December 15, 2022. She'll then stop in a new location along the Great Ocean Road from February 3–April 6, 2023, before moving to the Grampians from April 17–June 18, 2023. Rates are $330 per night Monday–Thursday, and $390 per night Friday–Sunday.
Asking someone what they're going to do at Good Beer Week is sure to elicit one unanimous answer: drink beer, man. But there are so many ways to drink beer and enjoy it that the answer, my friends, is never simple. Certainly not when it's Good Beer Week and you can do everything from tasting bacon and Rocky Road flavoured schooners to playing unlimited arcade games with Lost Coast, find beer-loving prison ghosts and Surfari parties with Stone & Wood. So how do you go about planning for this? If you've picked up a copy of the program you'll notice that there is a lot happening and, as always, the more popular events have been sold out to people more organised than you. Running from May 16-24, it's a week of enjoyment and discovery of our favourite golden drink and we aren't going to let it pass by without a few ales passing through our lips. Check out our picks of the top ten events at Good Beer Week.
Gelato appreciation class. It's a thing. A real thing. It's not some fake class like 'Video Appreciation Class' at high school which is straight-up just watching Ten Things I Hate About You every Wednesday. It's legit. And of course, Gelato Messina are behind it. One of Messina's fastest-selling event every time, gelato class is an event worth jumping on right now. We mean now. Join the team at Messina HQ in Sydney or Fitzroy in Melbourne every Saturday and you'll find out what goes on behind the scenes of everyone's favourite gelato joint. What a bloody glorious way to spend your Saturday morning. Classes are now open for booking from January to April 2016. There are two types of classes: a Gelato Appreciation Class for $160 per person, a part gelato making class, part info session, part science lesson, and part gelato degustation with Messina's chefs; and a Hands On Gelato Class for $250 per person, where you'll learn the finer details of making gelato — and pasteurise and plate your own gelato or sorbet. Dear sweet mother of Benedict Cumberbatch, what a classroom. Book your delicious, delicious education at Gelato Messina's website.
Staying ahead of the curve in Sydney's constantly evolving food scene is difficult. New restaurants, bars and cafes pop up every week, and in Sydney, a city already saturated with food and drink options, it's incredibly easy for hospitality businesses to fall behind. In partnership with William Blue at Torrens University, we're asking the hospitality graduates who run our favourite Sydney restaurants to talk about how they got started in the industry. In 2015, Adelene Stahnke helped to open Bang Street Food in Surry Hills with her partner Tapos Singha and designer Nicholas Gurney. In 2016, the same team opened Bang Street Food spin-off Trunk Road in Darlinghurst. Stahnke is only 23 years old, so helping to start up two successful Sydney restaurants is no small feat. We asked her how it all happened, and if she has any tips to share. FIND A GAP IN THE MARKET (AND STICK TO IT) "Tapos kept talking about wanting to open a Bangladeshi restaurant in Sydney. I thought it was a great idea, and really inspiring because nobody had brought great, traditional Bangladeshi food to the city yet. I encouraged him to stick to his dream because I could see that there was a gap in the market, and I had a really strong feeling that a space would open up in Sydney. Tapos pitched the idea to his business partner, and once a space appeared in Surry Hills everything took off from there." LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT THE CUISINE YOU'RE COOKING "Tapos went back home to Bangladesh for a few months to get some ideas flowing for the menu, and I went to Melbourne to cook at Tonka [an Indian-fusion restaurant] with Adam D'Sylva. I wanted to get some experience in sub-continent food because I didn't know much about it beforehand, and I think it's important to learn everything you can about a style of food before you start a business with it. I worked at Tonka with the goal to learn as much as I could and it was a really great experience. When Tapos and I both arrived back to Sydney, he showed me the menu and I understood the dishes in a way that I wouldn't have, had I not worked at Tonka. The menu was great, but it needed some refining, which is where I came in. I made sure that the menu would appeal to Surry Hills, while making sure that the Bangladeshi soul was still there." KNOW WHEN YOU'RE ON TO A GOOD THING — AND RUN WITH IT "At Bang we have a dish that people really love called 'Bang Boti Kebab', which is a roti kebab with steak filling. That dish really blew up so we thought we would take the opportunity and run with it. We said, 'let's do a restaurant based on that dish but in a smaller space, something cheap where we can do take-away as well'. That's how Trunk Road, our second restaurant, came about. We waited until we found the perfect space — a little terrace house in Darlinghurst — and the boys built the whole restaurant while my dad tiled it. I moved over to run the kitchen at Trunk once it was up and running. It's just a one-person, solo kind of thing in a really small kitchen, very different from Bang. We only serve four types of the 'roadie' kebab, a curry and some snacks." SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE THAT SHARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS "In order to establish a really good business you need to have a concept and stick with that concept. It's also very important to have people around you that can compliment you and share your aspirations. Stay focused, and as long as it's still your hobby, you can make money from it because you love it. Having your own business is a lot of work, there are long hours right from the start. It's very different when it's your own project as opposed to working for someone else. Work everywhere you can and get experience in everything. I've studied hospitality and worked in hotels as well as fine dining, breakfast spots in Darlinghurst and Indian restaurants. You never know what will come in handy." William Blue at Torrens University offers courses in Culinary Management, Event Management, Tourism and Hospitality. Find out more about the diverse career options in hospitality, and kick-start your career via the website. Images: Kimberley Low.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun finally came together in Australia last year. If you didn't make it along, Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. It's hardly surprising that taking the show on the road — that is, launching Bongo's Bingo Down Under — went well. And now, it's hardly surprising that is's coming back for yet another round either. What you mightn't expect is the event's new special guests: British boy band royalty, aka Westlife's Brian McFadden and Boyzone's Keith Duffy. Under the name Boyzlife, they'll perform their respective groups' biggest hits while all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo gets underway. That includes rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to some absolutely ridiculous surprises, which is all part of the fun. Australia is the second international location for Bongo's Bingo, which recently launched in Dubai as well and, based on popularity, we imagine the event will continue to expand around the globe. BONGO'S BINGO DATES: Brisbane — Saturday, March 24 at The Tivoli Sydney — Saturday, March 31 at Big Top Melbourne — Thursday, April 5 at St Kilda Hall Doors from 6pm and shows kick off 7.30pm. Tickets are $40 per person and go on sale on Monday February 5 — the Brisbane show at 4pm AEST via Ticketmaster, and the Sydney and Melbourne shows at 6pm AEDT via Moshtix.
Few documentarians have the same taste for hot button issues as Academy Award winner Alex Gibney. From Julian Assange (We Steal Secrets) to Lance Armstrong (The Armstrong Lie), enhanced interrogation (Taxi to the Darkside) and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church (Mea Maxima Culpa), the New York filmmaker certainly isn’t afraid of controversy, as his latest film once again proves. Going Clear is a revealing and often disturbing look at the history, tenets and purportedly shady practices of one of the most divisive religious organisations in the world. If even half of what is alleged in it is true, then it’s not just an incredible doco, but a first-rate horror movie as well. Early sections of the film concern the early days of Scientology, and in particular the life of its creator, L. Ron Hubbard. Throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s Hubbard worked as a struggling science-fiction and fantasy writer, during which time his then wife claims he often remarked that “the only way to make any real money was to have a religion”. It was in the early '50s that Hubbard released Dianetics, a self-help book that would form the basis for Scientology. Yet as the movement grew, so too did its founder’s neurosis. The latter half of the film concerns Scientology under David Miscavige, who became head of the church after Hubbard’s death. This section leans heavily on a number of interviews with ex-Scientologists, including Oscar-winning Hollywood director Paul Haggis, as well as the head of the shadowy Office of Special Affairs — a kind of church secret service charged with running smear campaigns against members who dared to speak out. “People will judge me as really stupid,” says Haggis ruefully. “But then, I was really stupid.” With these chilling testimonials, Gibney dismisses the idea that the church is simply a group of harmless eccentrics. Stories of intimidation, brainwashing and emotional and physical abuse are but the tip of the iceberg — and the agony doesn’t always end once you leave. Many members who abandoned the church have found themselves cut off from their friends and family, while others have been targeted for ongoing public harassment. But perhaps the most telling thing about the film has been the way the church has reacted to it. Almost every person involved in the production of the documentary has had their character viciously attacked; the organisation has even gone after film critics who published positive reviews. So, at the risk of opening ourselves up to unwanted confrontation: go and see this movie as soon as you possibly can.
After announcing its dates earlier this year, Moonlight Cinema has revealed the first part of its 2018–19 program. In short: pack your picnic basket and get ready to watch a heap of flicks under the summer evening sky. Kicking off on Thursday, November 29 in the Botanic Gardens, this initial lineup boasts plenty of this year's favourites, a smattering of all-time faves and a few sneak peeks at new movies coming out soon. Tried-and-tested highlights include A Star Is Born, A Simple Favour and Crazy Rich Asians, plus Halloween, Bad Times at the El Royale and Venom if you're after something darker. And it wouldn't be a movie season under the stars (or a pre-Christmas lineup) without Love Actually, Elf and Dirty Dancing, now would it? You can also catch pre-release sessions of twisted period drama The Favourite, from The Lobster filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, as well as Transformers spin-off Bumblebee. Or, opt for Viggo Mortensen-starring likely Oscar contender Green Book, or Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan battling it out in Mary, Queen of Scots. Heist flick Widows, amusing sleuths Holmes and Watson and the wizarding antics of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald are all also accounted for — as is Moonlight's usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. This first announcement just covers the outdoor cinema's screenings until the end of January. A February and March lineup will be announced early 2019.
National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all people of Australia to learn and acknowledge the nation's shared history, to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and reflect on how we can each contribute to reconciliation. Reconciliation requires more than listening, learning and reflecting, which is powerfully summarised in this year's theme: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action. As always, hundreds of events are occurring around the nation in schools, community centres, workplaces, cultural institutions and sporting clubs. All these events embrace the theme and recognise that for reconciliation to occur in Australia, more impactful action is required. Reconciliation also requires the active participation and involvement of wider Australia. So this year, you can also host an event as well as attending a suite of unique educational discussions and workshops. National Reconciliation Week is convened annually by Reconciliation Australia, the national body on reconciliation. Significantly, this year marks twenty years since Reconciliation Australia was established in 2001. The start and end dates of Reconciliation Week are the same each year— May 27 and June 3. These dates celebrate two significant achievements in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision which saw the rightful recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of the land. [caption id="attachment_813142" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: City of Greater Geelong, City Hall[/caption]
One of Australia's most redeeming qualities is its ability to give good afternoon sun. There's something about its familiar glow that almost demands casual drinks. To help you out as summer comes rolling around, we've got a couple of fun (sometimes sweaty) suggestions for afternoon activities you can enjoy with your friends. They'll be all the more fun when coupled with a cold Heineken 3 in one hand. CROQUET Not just for fancy people, or old people, the low-key sport of croquet has gone through a resurgence of late. You can grab a croquet kit from K-Mart, set yourself up anywhere where there's grass and hit balls through pegs with a mallet and a beer in hand. It's quite a time, and strangely it makes you feel very sophisticated. The perfect place to play is at the Royal Croquet Club, which started in Adelaide but now tours its way through Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. From the December 8 until December 23, The Royal Croquet Club will take place at Birrarung Mar. Details are to be confirmed, but you can definitely eat some food, drink some beer, and play some croquet out in the afternoon sun. PETANQUE Ah, pentanque, the classic non-taxing "sport" – it harks back to the 12th century, and remains an A+ summer jaunt. It's just like bowling except you're shoeless and it's good for people with little hands and not many arm muscles. Feel the fake grass between your toes and let your hair down as you try to aim the silver balls for the little coloured ball and then forget about all that and just throw balls around willy nilly while drinking a cold beer. Pick your favourite spot of grass, get a Petanque (or bocce) set, and get on the green. BACKYARD CRICKET Backyard cricket is a bit of a great Australian summer pastime: play with your family, friends, or dogs before someone inevitably hits your last ball over the fence. All you need is an expanse of grass, a couple of bats, a tennis ball, and some large object you can make into the wicket. Don't forget to bring an esky outside for a potential boundary, and so you can easily access a drink (a Heineken 3) to replenish lost electrolytes after you've had a bit of a jog around in the sun. BADMINTON Have you ever played Badminton with a beer? It's fun. Badminton has hands down the best named playing vessel – the "shuttlecock" – so embrace the 'cock and go and hit it around a net with some other friends. Played in either singles or doubles, you can play on a court on ground or on the beach, or anywhere you can set up your the net you bought from K-Mart. It was developed in British India and has taken off especially in Asia, and it's a game of extreme agility and precision. The longer your summer afternoon kicks on if you're having a beery one, the worse you'll get at hitting the cock, but it'll still be fun. KUBB Kubb! What a time. The basic principle is throwing things (wooden batons) at other things (wooden blocks) to knock them over, and when a game is that simple you know you'll be able to cope no matter what state you're in. Rumoured to be born in the Viking times, it's a game much as old as time. It's perhaps one we haven't fully embraced yet, which means you might have to venture to your local sports store to grab a set. We think it should be an Olympic sport – the only way to achieve this is for as many sun-seeking revelers to partake as possible, so get kubbed this summer. Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 – we're helping you make the most of them.
Test out your putting skills over an ice cold bev courtesy of Brunswick Brewery, Good Beer Week and Howler. The Brunswick bar (the latter) is resurrecting its nighttime mini golf course, Howler Mini-Golf-O-Rama. Each of its nine holes corresponds to a classic mini golf theme (volcanoes, windmills, jungles). To use the course, all punters need to do is rock up and buy a glass of Brooklyn. And who knows, after a couple of drinks, maybe your aim will actually improve?
Deaf dance works, feminist hip-hop, an ecosexual labyrinth and a 24-hour performance piece are among the most eye-opening works on the newly revealed lineup for this year's Next Wave Festival. Melbourne's biennial celebration of young and emerging artists, Next Wave 2016 is set to kick-off in venues around town on Thursday, May 5, with 36 world premieres across a wide array of disciplines. Let's get stuck in. Diversity is clearly a major theme on this year's program, with a whopping 75 percent of projects led by women. Queensland artist Hannah Bronte will deliver a politically charged musical vision of an alternate Australia led by an entirely female parliament, while Nat Randall will spend a whole day and night on a performance inspired by the cult John Cassavetes film Opening Night. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will likewise be well represented. Katie West from WA will examine the impact of colonialism through a work that incorporates native plantlife, while writer and performer Maurial Spearim has created a darkly-comic one-woman show told partly in the Gamilaraay language. The festival has also partnered with the Victorian Aboriginal Council for Languages on a series on Indigenous language workshops. Further standouts include a dance work featuring both deaf and hearing performers, an audiovisual concerto from artist Dylan Sheridan, and a immersive, ecosexual (yes, eco) labyrinth in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Next Wave Festival will run from Thursday May 5 to Sunday May 22. For the full program visit www.nextwave.org.au.
