Are you The Walrus?

Monday 8 February 2010, 3:54 PM
By Holly Shorland | Posted in Summer Fun in the City

For many of us, Friday night means freedom. And for the next two weeks, it also means great music in the city as the Summer Covers series of free concerts continues.

Rubber Soul is the  Beatles covers band playing at Summer Covers on Friday 12 February and we catch up with Rubber Soul – The Beatles Show guitarist, David Gillard.  We haven’t spied a yellow submarine parked outside one of the band’s shows, but these guys really do go the extra mile to reprise the excitement of those Beatlemania days.

Have you ever been tempted to add your own ‘improvements’ to original Beatles music?

Rubber Soul – The Beatles Show keeps everything as faithful to The Beatles’ original sound and arrangements as possible. That’s what we’re about. We don’t just cover the songs. We try and bring the same sounds, atmosphere and excitement to our live shows. What you hear on the records is what we aim to achieve on stage. As Beatles fans ourselves, that’s what we’d want to hear at a Beatles show.

During the Beatles’ 1964 Australian tour, Paul McCartney played the grand piano in the Melbourne Town Hall. Have you ever wanted to sneak in and tinkle those ivories yourself?

Did he? I didn’t know that! I guess if you were walking past the piano there you’d have to have a go! I would.

Do you ever get sick of the Beatles and wish you were in a Rolling Stones cover band instead?

No and no. If a Beatles tune comes on the radio, I still turn it up! The recordings and songs still sound fresh after all this time. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing them. I’m a fan. Nothing against The Rolling Stones, I like them too. And sometimes if somebody asks which Beatle I am, I’ll answer, ‘Keith’, as in Keith Richards.

If you had a time machine, what year in Beatles history would you travel back to, and why?

If I had a time machine where would I go? Are you sure you’re not imbibing in some of those psychedelic Beatles substances? I could think of a few other periods in time I would like to travel to first, but if it had to be a Beatles period I’d say 1965–66 and possibly even 1967. Why not stay awhile?

That period is right in the middle of all the creative changes. The Beatles were still doing a lot of hands-on playing but the songs were starting to lean into a more creative and interesting psychedelic area.

I’m having a bet each way here, one foot on the early side and one foot on the latter.

If you were to meet a Beatle today, what would you most like to ask him?

I’d probably ask for a photo and autograph. Be happy with either one – would love both. What else can I say? I’m a huge fan. We all are!

Make sure you check out Rubber Soul – The Beatles Show’s brand new ‘Sgt Pepper suits’ making their stage debut at Summer Covers. Sumer Covers is a Summer Fun in the City event, proudly presented by the City of Melbourne.

Slow Fashion

Friday 5 February 2010, 5:04 PM
By Lucy Perera | Posted in Hot Spots

Slow Fashion may make you think of catwalk models walking at a snail’s pace, but it’s actually a growing fashion movement to support the environment while still looking stylish.

On Wednesday that’s melbourne attended the Slow Fashion clothes swap at Trades Hall, a fundraiser for the Sustainable Living Festival. More than 60 women (and two men) each brought six items of clothing to be exchanged. These pre-loved items were hung on racks to form one giant extended wardrobe and many found homes with very happy new owners.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“I thought it would be lots of fun and I wanted to support this event, especially as the leftover clothes at the end go to charity.

I found this gorgeous light cotton dress which I’m wearing which I’m going to give to my friend who would this love this. You can often find beautiful fabrics and styles in recycled fashion.” ~ Regina

“This sounded like fun and I have bags and bags of clothes sitting around at home, waiting for me to do something with them. It’s great to be able to exchange stuff. I keep meaning to organise a stall at Camberwell market but I just never get the time, so this is perfect.

I found this vintage 60s dress which I love. You can really find something unique at something like this and the girls that come to clothes swaps are more likely to have interesting taste – so you are bound to get something different!” ~ Trina

“I wanted to volunteer for Slow Fashion clothes swap because I really want to do something for the environment. Every day we consume so much and by doing this, I can at least help in a small way.

This is my favourite piece, it’s so simple and elegant and you can see the workmanship in the way it’s made. I’m so into recycled fashion, there is real history in the clothes – you can feel the previous owners. I got a bargain today and it feels good!” ~ Liz

“I heard about this event through an email my friend passed on. It’s funny because my friend and I swap clothes all the time but this is better as there’s a bigger pool to draw on.

Recycled fashion is great. Everything is one-off and there’s always the thrill of finding hidden gems like this dress. It’s very 90s, it reminds of a flower girl dress.” ~ Rose

Review: Mezzo Bar + Grill Melbourne

Thursday 4 February 2010, 9:03 AM
By Lucy Perera | Posted in Reviews

In late 2009, Luke Stringer and Joseph Vargetto transformed the space formerly-known-as-Melbourne’s-Oyster-Little-Bourke into Mezzo Bar + Grill – a new look space with a new dining philosophy and a very different food and wine focus. Read the review below and watch a video of the transformation.

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Notice something missing from the top end of Little Bourke St? Shucks, fans of the bivalve may be disappointed that Oyster Little Bourke is no longer. But you’re still in good hands with Luke Stringer and chef Joseph Vargetto at the helm of a more casual approach to fine dining.

Mezzo Bar + Grill is now a slick but casual eatery reflecting Vargetto’s Sicilian heritage. Its hearty, provincial fare from the south and range of Australian and Italian wines follow the European tradition: choose a brew in half bottle, 500ml or 1000ml carafe. Nice!

We decide to stick to struzzinchini (appetisers), which are ideal for sharing and offer more vegetarian choices.

Recommended are the just-seared juicy nuggets of scallop served with contemporary flair on a smear of cauliflower puree and sweet muscatel raisins. Next is schiaciatinne or rectangular potato and onion filled-pastry, each crispy bite hits a different shade of oozing smoked mozzarella or distinctive roasted fennel seeds. The zucchini flowers are beautifully done here: plump with ricotta, enclosed in a light, airy batter and decorated with a delicate salsa of pine nuts and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes.

The ‘full’ sign is flashing but there’s an empty corner of my stomach still available for traditional Sicilian cannoli. These handmade tubes of heaven, dusted with icing sugar and pistachio crumbs come filled with chocolate-flecked ricotta and chunks of glace cherries.

And if you’re still hankering for the past, you’ll be pleased to know that the famous oysters are still on offer but I fancy I’ll be back to sample Mezzo’s more meat-heavy tesori della cucina (kitchen treasures) next time.

VITAL STATS
Take: A group of friends, your beloved or your parents – or all of the above.
Entrees: $5-$14
Mains: $24- $43
Desserts: $4.50 – $11.50
Wine: Wide range of Australian and European wines, cocktails and home-grown and international beers.
Specials: Two arancini with a glass of wine $14. Half priced dozen oysters between 5.30-6pm

3 + 11 = Acoustica3 at Elevenses

Wednesday 3 February 2010, 11:50 AM
By The Team | Posted in Hot Spots

Lost and Sound : the magic behind Acoustica3. Mellem Rose, Ella Sparkle, Eugenia Rosa and Shanny Sena.

This is definitely one for fans of undiscovered, home-grown talent: Elevenses (one of our Hot Spots-featured cafes from the Northside) + Obscura + Sideways Studios have come together again to present the THIRD semi-acoustic performance of local Kensington and Flemington musicians.

Acoustica3 kicks off at 4pm this Saturday, making for an ideal afternoon session of laidback beats as the sun goes down.

They will be expanding the milk crate stage to bring you a delightful line up of local artists including Mr Brady, Konami Cheat, Ellen Kibble, The Orphan, Lost & Sound, Owls of the Swamp, Svavar Knutur, The Hazelman Brothers, and Mechanical Animal.

The first Acoustica took place in October 2009 when the owners of Elevenses learned just how much talent was in the immediate area. Determined to showcase this, the ideas started to unravel, local residents started to recommend their favourite local talents and the pool began to grow.

In keeping with the relaxed vibe, the audience is encouraged to BYO beach chair or milk crate, otherwise there’s plenty of space on the sidewalk to squat. Not wanting to discriminate against music lovers, no matter how many limbs, means that Acoustica is also pet friendly and dogs are welcomed.

The Dark Horse Espresso Martinis will be flowing once again, so swing by and enjoy a drink under the cherry trees as music takes over this Friday night.

Elevenses + Obscura: 169 Rankins Road, Kensington.

Degraves Street

Monday 1 February 2010, 1:44 PM
By Alana Holmberg | Posted in Stylish Melbourne men

Hot Spots: Baristas of Melbourne

Friday 29 January 2010, 10:44 AM
By Hot Spots Team | Posted in Hot Spots

They’re the connoisseurs of crema, messengers of the morning roast, the reason you get out of bed every day… but we bet you don’t even know their names! We hit the streets of Melbourne to meet the faces behind the foaming wand – your baristas.

(click images to launch gallery)

Jungle Juice
Journal
C.O.T. (Cup of Truth)
Council House 2
Brother Baba Budan

Flying high

Saturday 23 January 2010, 11:11 AM
By The Team | Posted in Moomba Festival

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For decades fearless birdmen and women have made marvellous and madcap attempts to fly across the Yarra River in their bid for Birdman glory.

Using sheer creativity, lots of imagination, and with a lovingly engineered craft, the Birdmen/women are the dedicated who line up each year to take the leap of glory with ultimate flying contraptions.

Want to go down in Birdman history? Soar or plunge your way to legendary status while raising funds for your favourite charity. But that’s not all, the grand prize is a $4,000 travel voucher to a destination of your choice. Runner-up prize is a $1,500 travel voucher and third place wins dinner for two at Eureka 89.

Applications close in a week, so why not concoct some wild ideas with your mates around the barby this Australia Day weekend.

Entry form and further information

Hot Spots News – Blak Nite Cinema

Friday 22 January 2010, 12:12 PM
By Hot Spots Team | Posted in Hot Spots

Most summer nights (those on which capricious Mr Melbourne decides to stay calm and warm, at least), you’ll find the population in courtyards, on rooftops, or blanketed on a lawn. All for the love of an open-air cinema under the stars.

In the final clutches of summer, Blak Nite Cinema descends on the Treasury Gardens, and we suggest you earmark it as a must-do. A cinematic celebration of Indigenous talent, Blak Nite crams short films involving Indigenous writers, directors and actors, filmmaker introductions, live local Indigenous music and (hopefully) good weather into two evenings.

The only thing better than that is you get it all for free!

Bring your own wine or beer if you’re legal, a blanket, and a picnic feast complete with soft cheeses, crackers and grapes to make all the non-planners seethe with jealousy at your set-up under the stars. Throw them a grape, then sit back and enjoy the films.

Film program (it’s wonderful), previews, information and ratings available online from today.

Eat like a tennis star

Thursday 21 January 2010, 3:34 PM
By The Team | Posted in Summer Fun in the City

With the Australian Open in, ahem, full swing, tennis fans all across Melbourne have been whipped into frenzy and perhaps even a little white-line fever. But where do you go if you want to see the tennis greats off court? Even the most dedicated tennis stars need some down time between sets and we’re guessing their going to seek out some of Melbourne’s hippest and hidden dining venues to escape the spotlight.

Here’s a few suggestions. They’re so hot right now you might just get lucky and spot Rafael, Roger, Novak, Serena or Venus while they’re in town.

Caboose Restaurant & Wine Bar, City Square

A great spot for the peckish pre-theatre dinner, Caboose Restaurant and Wine Bar is the perfect start to a night out on the town.

The French Brasserie, 2 Malthouse Lane

Situated in the top end of town, The French Brasserie is a sanctuary-style out-of-the-way escape for any tired tennis star.

Punch Lane, 43 Little Bourke Street

This Melbourne icon, housed in a 100-year-old building, is a pioneer of laneway dining.  Punch Lane is so very Melbourne and has built a strong and enviable reputation for its intimate setting, unpretentious food, extensive wine list, bar culture and personable service.

Money Order Office, Basement, 318 Little Bourke Street

Tucked away in the heart of the CBD, MOO provides the perfect end to a day when the tennis court is swapped for some designer shopping. With fine food, an impressive range of wines and beer on tap, MOO guarantees a memorable Melbourne experience for any international visitor.

Mecca Bah, 55A New Quay Promenade Docklands

Enter Mecca Bah and step into a Moroccan-style eatery –with a uniquely Melbourne twist. Mecca Bah is the place to experience the finest, low-key waterside dining.

And, lucky for you, these restaurants are all part of the Summer Serve two-for-one entrée promotion from 11 January to 28 February.

The Do-Good Cookbook

Tuesday 19 January 2010, 3:34 PM
By Hot Spots Team | Posted in Hot Spots

Shona Stark and Lily Tidhar are the smarts behind Wolfgang and Shlomo, a Melbourne-based graphic design studio with a philanthropic bent. They’ve just released their inaugural letterpress printed publication COOKBOOK, with all proceeds going to The Australian AIDS Fund Inc. We asked them how the project unfurled.

The book combines our love of typography, traditional design and social initiatives. Raising money for charity was our initial inspiration but then it grew into a beautiful example of Melbourne’s style and talent.

Truly some of Melbourne’s best, most acclaimed chefs jumped on board. COOKBOOK features amazing recipes by Neil
Perry, Dallas Cuddy and Andrew McConnell, just to name a few. Jon Campbell, Ned Culic, and Tin&Ed graciously collaborated with us to provide the beautiful lino prints which feature prominently in COOKBOOK. We think they make for an eclectic mix, as they each have a strong and unique voice within the Australian art and design community.

We love that people in Melbourne are relaxed and comfortable in their own skin – whoever they may be. There is a great design community in Melbourne and always an exhibition or discussion to attend to inspire and enlighten. We found that everyone we came in contact with while making

COOKBOOK, whether they came from a design background or not, were really open and enthusiastic about what we were doing.

The next frontier for Wolfgang & Shlomo will be our second COOKBOOK! We are currently discussing new ideas and possible directions as we are going to be a bit more adventurous with this one and take a different approach. Keep an eye and ear out for it later this year.

There are only a few COOKBOOKs left, so head down to Metropolis or The Thousands Shop in Curtin House (225 Swanston Street), or the Narrows Gallery on Flinders Lane to get your grubby hands on one stat!