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Keep it local at Bowerbird Bar

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Unlike the Tiki bars and vintage dives left right and centre, the seemingly innocuous Bowerbird Bar on Bridge Rd steps into the “themed” bar space of Melbourne with very low key aplomb. “Everything here is Victorian sourced”, manager Max Ware tells me after delivering our second round of cocktails “Not only are all our drink options Victorian made, but the tables, shelving, tableware and stools are from Victorian designers, or reclaimed from a local area” Even the rhombus trivet coaster beneath my frosted silver goblet are designed by Melbourne local Lauren Steller and made of recycled aeroplane tyres, a material that would once go directly to landfill. While I see the theme and appreciate the earth friendly nature of it, it’s not until my companion Mel (a wildlife officer, usually belly deep in a creek) points out to me the cleverness of the name – A Bowerbird goes and collects things it finds beautiful that are often throwaways from modern life, to bring back and decorate its nest with. Well played, Bowerbird bar.

Second hand materials maybe, but first class drinks, ambience and service. Bowerbird bar staff are relaxed and energetic by turn, happy to blend into the rough brick and industrial decor as much as they are to join the banter. Six rotating taps allow you to sample some fine Victorian brews, and for the sophisticated set, twenty different local wines and twenty local gins form an elegant gallery behind the recycled pavement bar. Currently crafting a gin based cocktail menu, Bowerbird impresses with cocktails that are both elegant and intriguing – perfect for foodie Melbourne looking for something a little more exciting than the humble martini.

On our menu was the Apple Wood, a spin on the classic Old Fashioned including Tequila from Tromba reposado tequila, walnut and apple bitters, smoked with apple wood and topped with a citrus and maraschino cherry foam. The Top Hat, a flip on the traditional Flip with Melbourne Moonshine sour mash, tobacco bitters and topped with a local cider from 2 Brothers brewery comes served in a frozen pewter goblet, with a dusting of sumac. Both of these incredible drinks disappeared alarmingly well – but if you’re a traditionalist, be sure to enjoy a crisp Mint Julep in its own chalice, ready to warm your heart during this slow start to Spring.

After your favourite foodie stop on Bridge Road, Bowerbird bar is the ideal spot to see out the night in style and comfort. Pull up a vintage chair in front of their crackling fire, and ask the bar staff what’s good. Something tells me they’ll know exactly what you need.

What: Bowerbird Bar – A socially conscious bar with local brands
Where: 274 Bridge Road, Richmond   / 03 9428 4422
When: 4pm – Midnight Tuesday – Thursda
2pm – 1am Weekends

 

Words by Lee Douglas 

 

 

Get your spook on with the Carnival of Lost Souls

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Dare to enter the dark and magical world of a 19th century circus as The Carnival of Lost Souls tours through Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and  Brisbane this October/November, leaving a dizzying path of mystery and mayhem for audiences along the way.

Nestled somewhere between the madness of a Tim Burton psychosis and the darkness of a David Lynch nightmare, The Carnival of Lost Souls tells the tragic tale of unrequited love & loss set amongst the splendour of a Victorian-era circus.

Featuring some of Australia’s best physical entertainers, musicians & singers, this uniquely original “circus noir” spectacle delivers a twisted bent on the familiar Circus, Musical Theatre and Cabaret stage genres.  Backed by a highly emotive and original live music score by Platonic, audiences are taken on a brooding and mystical journey into the dark heart of a vintage circus fraternity where nothing is as it seems.

Written and produced by Graham Coupland, founder of  Australia’s popular Gangster’s Ball,

The Carnival of Lost Souls is a lavish production that showcases a breathtaking mix of performances from world‐class acrobats, aerial artists, illusionists and carnival characters, all whilst telling a tale of desire and betrayal under the classic Big Top.

Combined with Victorian Gothic and Steampunk-inspired costuming and stage design, a magical world comes alive where the line between life and death, real and unreal, is truly blurred.

When: Thursday 19th – Saturday 28th of October
Where: The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St.,Collingwood
More info: www.carnivaloflostsouls.com

Our picks: The British Film Festival

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Take your own BFF to the BFF, as the Cunard British Film Festival returns to Melbourne, October 26 – Nov 15th. This year’s showings range from a shoe documentary to Nicole Kidman in a full punk get out. Here’s our top 4 for your viewing pleasure:

Breathe

If you’re a crier, get the tissues out. Based on a true story, Breathe is about Robin Cavendish who at only 28 is diagnosed with polio and given only months to live. Against the will of doctors, his wife Diana removes him from hospital and instead cares for Robin, determined to allow him to experience his lust for life. Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) and Clair Foy (The Crown) bring this story to life, with the film being produced in partnership by Robin and Diana’s son John Cavendish. Where are those tissues again?

Read more here

 

Manolo: The Boy who made shoes for lizards

A fascinating documentary about Manolo Blahnik, the man behind the worlds most wanted shoes. While Sex and the City may have rocketed the brand into interstellar proportions, not much is known about the man behind the name, of whom to this stay still retains full control of the business at 74 years. British fashion Journalist Michael Roberts presents a charming biography of Manolo and features a star studded guest list who reveal the impact the world’s most famous luxury shoemaker has had on their careers. Humorous and informative, this is a fabulous choice for the fashionista just as well as someone looking to discover something new – isn’t that what International Film Festivals are all about?

Read more here

Finding your feet

This year’s resident heart warmer follows the story of upper middle class “Lady” Sandra Abbott who, upon discovering her husbands affair with her best friend, seeks refuge with her free spirited sister Bif who lives in an inner city council estate. Traversing the topics of life, death and retirement, Finding Your Feet is about discovering life beyond expectations, and what happens when you learn to dance in the rain. Our pick for seeing an International Film your mum will enjoy, Finding your feet features Imelda Staunton (Pride) Celia Imri (Bridget Jone’s Baby) and Timothy Spall (Mr Turner)

Read more here

How to Talk to Girls at Parties

Based on the award winning short story by Neil Gaiman, How to Talk to Girls At Parties is a punk rock, queer, interstellar, twisted sci fi film about not caring, not fitting in and realising that truly, some girls are just out of this world. Fabulously kinky and grimy punk costumes assist Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning and Alex Sharp into leading you into an intergalactic romp with a banging bass line.

Read more here

 

Lose yourself in the House of Mirrors

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Lose yourself inside a mirror with a thousand faces in the House of Mirrors.

How to maintain a sense of direction, while you wander through the disorienting, perception- altering and optical illusion- based labyrinth of yourselves. With 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of mirrors taking over the Arts Centre in Melbourne, it will be difficult for you to find your way out as no doorway, corridor or wall can be trusted and where the three dimensions themselves conspire to disorient and deceive.

House of Mirrors is the creation of Victorian based artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, and created from steel, timber and mirrors, uses only geometry and spatial design. For the first time in Melbourne, the event brings an authentic sense of amusement, a thrilling blend of delight and fear.

House of Mirrors experience could take between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, depending on how fast you solve the maze and is not recommended for people who experience anxiety when feeling lost.

So, come along and take a good look at yourself… You might be surprised by what you see.

Date: 5th – 22nd October 2017

Location: Arts Centre Melbourne – Forecourt   100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Price: $10

Website: www.festival.melbourne/2017/events/house-of-mirrors

Monday to Friday: 4pm to 10pm

Saturdays and Sundays: 10am to 10pm.

Get your Freekeh on at the Spring Vegan Market

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Meat lovers watch out!

Soon you will exchange your juicy piece of meat for an amazing mix salad of red, green, orange and yellow colour, as the market will be taken over by the Spring Vegan Festival.

This exciting new event will take place at the historic Meat Market in North Melbourne. The venue which once served the modern needs of the meat trade will be transformed into a day celebrating veganism, ethical shopping and compassion for animals. The festival will feature 100% vegan vendors and non profits, as well as animal rights cinema, vegan high tea, an art zone, golden tickets and more.

PENCIL THE DATE in your calendar, and “less meat” on Saturday October 28 @ The Meat Market.

WHEN: Saturday 28 October 2017

WHERE: Meat Market, North Melbourne VIC (map)

ORGANISER: Animal Liberation Victoria

SEE MORE: Spring Vegan Festival event webpage

Kick up your heels and get tapping

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The 6th annual Australian Tap Dance Festival shuffles into Melbourne from 30 September – 6 October with a world-class line-up of dancers arriving for Australia’s premiere celebration of tap from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States.

This year’s Festival faculty features an exceptional line up of tap artists including international French headliner and choreographer Roxane Butterfly (first woman to win the prestigious Bessie Award for tap dance and founder of Jimmy Slyde Institute), Winston Morrison (founder of Melbourne Tap Dance and Australian Tap Dance Festival), Nathaniel Hancock (current touring member of ‘Tap Dogs’), Jack Egan (coach of the Australian International Dance Organization tap team), Thomas Wadelton (principal dancer Tapestry Dance Company – North America’s only professional full time dance company), Darren Disney (original member of ‘Tap Dogs’), Thomas Egan (creative/ performer ‘The Tap Pack’), Peta Anderson (touring member of ‘Riverdance’), Brianna Taylor (one of Australia’s leading professional tap dance artists), and Shane Preston (teacher, choreographer and performer – currently commissioned to create the ‘Australian Teachers of Dance’ organization). Each carefully selected faculty member will also be offering special 5-day residencies teaching full performance routines from 2- 6 October.

Events includes a free Never Tapped Before (beginners class), Talking Tap (faculty Q&A), Rhythm Creation (improvisation night with live jazz band), the Future of Tap presented by Capezio (artist showcase), Cutting Competition (tap battle), Learn the Famous Shim Sham and BS Chorus(lesson), free Lunchtime History Talks & Jams and the penultimate event, the Australian Tap Dance Festival Gala, showcasing the superb skills of a cavalcade of international and Australian tap dancers.

On Friday 6th October at 7pm, the Australian Tap Dance Festival will present international and Australian tap dancers showcasing everything you love about tap dance and more. Enjoy the sight and sounds of some of Australia’s best tap dancers, International Headliner Roxane Butterfly, special guests, and live music!

Where: 38 Huntingtower Road Armadale VIC 3143, Armadale, VIC 3143
When: October 6th, Friday 7pm.
Tickets on sales here.

Where to watch the AFL Grand Final

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Ah the Grand Final – the only game to turn the head of even the most staunchest of footy rejectors, who suddenly become a screaming, rules-knowing, stats-googling maniac. We love it. So get in amongst the excitement and emotion of the day, plus score some fantastic food and drinks offers.

Carpark Pop up at The Corner Hotel

A pub in Richmond? For the Grand Final? Groundbreaking. But hear us out – The Corner Hotel is going full Meryl Streep with a Car Park Pop up on both Grand Final day and eve (Thanks, Dan) with some tunes from The ReChords, LCD TVs for game watching, and a variety of food trucks and bars. A family friendly event, the Corner will also be taking a gold coin donation entry fee that goes to Reclink Australia in support of rebuilding people’s lives through sport and art.

Where: 57 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
More: www.cornerhotel.com

Stomping Ground Beer Hall

Inspired by the great beer halls of Europe, Stomping Ground is a tasty spot for footy viewing, especially if you’re with a large group. Pre game, Stomping Ground is offering a feast-style brunch for only $30 with bottomless coffee or juice from 10am till 11:45am to get you off to a great start. Stick around for the game for $65 and enjoy a main meal, house beers and wines (or soft drinks/juices for the under aged or driving – Be smart!) and the game shown on EIGHT screens. Grab your seats from 2pm till final siren.
Should you be seeking a more casual affair, walk ins are welcome at the Front Bar where you can shout at the umpiring on two screens.

Where: 100 Gipps St, Collingwood VIC 3066
More: www.stompingground.beer

Cocoon Lounge

If a comfortable seat is as valuable to you as a good view of the screen, Cocoon is your winning choice. Tucked up on the mezzanine level of The Swanston Hotel, Cocoon is serving up a classically Australian Grand Final special – Enjoy a meat lover’s pizza with a pot of Furphy’s for only $18. Enjoy two large LCD TVs, and two happy hours to match – 12pm – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm, and find yourself in the heart of the city, ready to celebrate!

Where: Mezzanine level of The Swanston Hotel, 195 Swanston Street CBD.

Local Taphouse

Tavern style, local taphouse is one of the most awarded craft beer venues in Australia and ranked #2 in the Beer & Brewer’s Magazine Best Beers Venues on the 2016 list, and #1 in Time Out’s People’s Choice award for Best Pub 2017. What we’re trying to say is: Here’s a good spot for your footy froth if you are beer inclined.

Downstairs on game day is a 3 hour beverage package in front of the big screen including Aperol spritz, beer wine and sparkling for only $60pp. Enjoy footy themed food throughout, or even hire out their private function room for your own viewing party? If your mates are non committal, fear not – The game will be showing on the rooftop with free entry.

Where: 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East VIC 3183
More: www.thelocal.com.au

 

Fringe Review: “After Hours Cabaret Club”

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Last night we were invited to check out the Fringe Festival edition of the After Hours Cabaret Club at the newly-relocated Wonderland Speigeltent – now located adjacent to Channel 7 Studios off Harbour Esplanade.

You’d be excused for thinking you were in a twentieth-century underground cabaret club as you step into the intimate, slightly hazy confines of the Speigeltent, the jazz music cranks up, you take you seat and slip into their old-world style of classic ‘anything goes’ entertainment. 

Hosted by a very talented Tash York (Desperettes, These Things Take Wine) – who also MC’s the club’s regular evenings at the Melba Speigeltent (in Collingwood) – the After Hours Cabaret Club mixes the best of old-world entertainment with a modern twist – offering a superb collection of talented, unique individuals for a top-value, highly entertaining Fringe collaboration. 

The club features bite-size snippets of talent from some of the nations best burlesque, cabaret, vaudeville and old world sideshow, backed up by a fabulous five-piece band – it’s a little bit charming, a little bit naughty – but overall funny and fabulous.

Starring a ‘Tease-Rex’, some tiny hands, tap dancing and burlesque, the After Hours Cabaret Club is a perfect performance length to take in a mid-week Fringe – and a great way to wrap up your last week of festival goodness.

The city-fringe location also means parking is plentiful so you can relax, enjoy the bar and food truck offerring – AND there is even a raffle on the night with solid (ie: better than a meat tray) prizes for those who enter.

Get along and support local talent for a raunchy, raucous night out tickets start from $25.

Where: Wonderland Speigeltent –  699 La Trobe St, Docklands
When: 21 – 24 Sept (8.10pm) & 26 -30 Sept (9.30pm).

More information & tickets: Check out their website. 

 

Words by Kerstyn Dance

The better way to pizza – brought to you by Fiona Tuck

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Melbourne will be buzzing as the warm days approach. We know how important it is for you and us to get that bikini body back. Try this delicious cauliflower pizza recipe design by Fiona Tuck that will assist with weight management, digestive issue, liver health and blood sugar imbalance. Enjoy the Melbourne spring while you bake away in the kitchen!

CAULIFLOWER PIZZA
Prep time: 20mins, cook time: 30min.
Serves: 2.

Base Ingredients:
1 cauliflower, stems removed, chopped
1 egg, beaten
½ small brown onion, finely chopped
3 tbs almond meal
1 tsp dried mixed herbs 1 tsp olive oil

Topping Ingredients:
2 tbs tomato paste
1 zucchini, finely sliced lengthways into ribbons
½ capsicum, deseeded, cut into very thin slices
1 tbs pitted and sliced black olives 4 tbs crumbled feta 

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

Step 2
Steam the cauliflower until just tender, then place in a blender and blend until it resembles crumbs. Place the cauliflower in a clean tea towel or piece of muslin and squeeze out any excess liquid (this will prevent the pizza base from going soggy).

Step 3
Place the cauliflower in a bowl and mix in the egg, onion, almond meal, dried herbs and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4
Place the cauliflower dough in the centre of prepared tray. Place a second sheet of baking paper on top and use your palms to flatten into a thin circle.

Step 5
Bake for 20 minutes or until the base is firm and crispy.

Step 6
Remove from the oven and top with the tomato paste, zucchini, capsicum, olives and feta. Return the pizza to the oven for a further 10 minutes.

Step 7
Remove from the oven and serve.

We also got a chance to get to know Fiona Tuck a little bit more. Read our interview with Fiona here.

Sweet, Savoury, Special: September Edition

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If you’re a Melbourne local, you know Winter is like a relative who overstays their welcome. You want to kick them out, but you know the minute things get tough (read: Our simmering summers) you’ll be begging them to come back. So while we wait for Auntie Winter to pack up her mothball suits of grey clouds and sudden sideways rain, let’s celebrate all the great things about Spring via this month’s edition of Sweet, Savoury, Special: Fresh flavour, shared experiences, and being a little more conscious of that waist line in preparation for summer.

Sweet: Serotonin Eatery, Burnley

Practically an institution in the #cleaneating tribes of Melbourne, Serotonin eatery is a trendy little space tucked away in Richmond’s sister suburb of Burnley. Only adding to their philosophy of “food that promotes serotonin (The chemical released when we feel happy)”, you’ll find this cafe next to the Golden Square Bicentennial Park, making this a good spot for a vegetarian feast with the kids. Serotonin gets our sweet pick for September thanks to it’s Positive Pancakes – a moreish stack of banana flour pancakes drizzled with house made banana ice cream and coconut and berry yoghurt, then finished with agave, strawberries and roasted almonds.

Where: 52 Madden Grove, Burnley 3121
Open for: Breakfast and Lunch
More: www.serotonindealer.com

Savoury: Souk, Melbourne

If you’re a dumpling fiend like us, get ready to have your mind blown. Neatly sliding into the Middle Eastern cuisine space in Melbourne dining, Souk doesn’t play to the usual beat – The bright pink neon sign illuminating Bligh Place will immediately tempt you in to a curtained cavernous interior, ready to delight with incredible Turkish fare. The taste here is contemporary, light and incredibly fresh. Reasonably priced, our pick is the Manti Turkish Dumplings, a perfect balance of beef and middle eastern spices, served with garlic yoghurt, paprika butter and topped with sumac dusted tortilla chips.

Where: 13 Bligh Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
More: www.soukmelbourne.com.au/

Special: MoVida

All hail the King of Spanish Tapas in Melbourne. MoVida scores our Special spot this month as a dining experience with branches. If you’re not lucky enough to score a spot this Spring (Tables are booked out months in advance) MoVida Next Door and MoVida Terrazza are the perfect alternatives, offering open air spaces to enjoy your share platters, and classic intimate dining, all amongst the rustic Spanish decor MoVida is so well known for.

Where: 1 Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Open for: Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
More: www.movida.com.au