Latest Posts

After Hours with Eau De Vie

Published by
We chatted to Greg Sanderson, owner of one our favourite speakeasy bars, Eau de Vie for the inside scoop on the world of cocktails and the Melbourne bar scene.

 

You’ve been in the industry for several years now and have also won the
2012 Australian Bartender of the Year Award. In your opinion what makes a good bartender?
A great bartender first and foremost must be a fantastic host. Receiving service from a professional bartender should feel like you have been invited into their home and you are being taken care of like a friend. Sure an in-depth knowledge of spirits, cocktails and everything they are serving is important but a truly great bartender will know exactly when to pull out those facts and not force them upon their guests. As well as being an impeccable host they must move with grace and purpose, entertain but know how to leave a conversation gracefully to keep working, must be clean and organised, and always be willing to learn new things.

 

Eau De Vie is one of Melbourne’ s best kept secrets. What do you think it is about your speakeasy that constantly puts it on everybody’s favourite bar list?
I think Eau-de-Vie has become extremely popular with the drinking culture of Melbourne for a number of reasons. Melbourne is known for it’s laneway gems whether it be the cafes, restaurants or even street art. Wondering down an alley in Melbourne looking for that special something is accepted and because it is talked about so often visitors from overseas and interstate love to find that experience. When we opened Eau-de-Vie we wanted to open a venue where people left talking about the drinks and the service, not the $40,000 sound system or the $10,000 chair the guest was sitting on. Our devotion to great drinks and personable service is largely what Melbourne drinkers are seeking. The Melbourne culture has perpetuated the mantra of the quality of what is in the glass or on the plate is the most important aspect of the experience.

 

How do you think the cocktail/bar scene has changed in Melbourne over the years? Can you name some of your other favourite bars in Melbourne?
I think the cocktail scene in Melbourne is always evolving. Whether it be brand new venues or existing venues reinventing themselves or keeping on trends and even setting them. One thing I find about the cocktail culture in Melbourne is that we have this perfect storm for a great culture. The city is filled with fantastic bars, the fact we are so far removed from the rest of the world has enabled us to propagate our unique scene, there is an abundance of world class bartenders and most importantly the imbibing population of Melbourne are keen to experiment with new drinking trends, exotic flavours and concepts for venues that may seem a little out there. Some of the bars I love in Melbourne are (and I have to say) Boilermaker House, Black Pearl, Romeo Lane and Lilly Blacks.

 

Finally, If we were to buy you drink, what would it be?
If you were to buy me a drink I would simply have what you’re having that way I am forced to get out of my usual repertoire of drinks and would get to know you that little bit better.

 

 

Interview with Jessica Alice, Program manager of MWF

Published by

Each year, MWF bring together writers from around Program Manager of MWF the world to celebrate literature, to explore ideas and to inspire readers. We got a chance to have a chat with the Program Manager, Jessica Alice this year and she is ready to tell you all about literacy!

1. Tell us about your journey from being a writer to Program Manager at Melbourne Writer’s Festival 2017?

It’s a little convoluted! Right out of high school I hit the slam poetry scene pretty hard, performing in pubs and theatres and at festivals. I became the poetry editor for several publications – notably, a feminist punk journal called Scum. I wrote an honours thesis on feminist poetry, and after university I used my writing skills to land jobs in arts marketing. I directed the National Young Writers Festival and felt really at home programing events, and after deciding marketing wasn’t my thing, I made the move to MWF, where it’s literature and creativity on a massive scale.

2. How did you celebrate after you were appointed to be the Program Manager of Melbourne Writer’s Festival?

I can’t quite remember. I probably ate a lot of food. I know that I got the call during a staff meeting at another arts organisation, and the director came out of the room with me and we did a kind of squeal-dance-hug. It was lovely.

3. What can writers and readers expect this year at MWF?

The world is in a really weird, dangerous place politically right now and we’re responding to that directly. Expect big international and local names in literary fiction, political commentary, journalism, poetry, music and more. We’re figuring out how we got into this mess, and where to next.

4. What is your favourite topic to write about?

I’m currently writing a monthly column about intimacy and new media that explores different modes of digital communication and its effect on our experience of time and space. More generally I write personal creative nonfiction about the usual things – art and desire – as well as cultural criticism, exploring pop culture through a theoretical lens.

5. What were you like in uni and what inspired you to get into literature?

I was knee-deep in performance poetry and probably fairly obsessive about that as an art form (I also hosted a community radio show interviewing poets). I felt I innately understood literature and poetry, so it was natural to want to be close to art by working in editing and festivals.

6. What advice do you have for start-up writers?

Learn to accept, and even desire, criticism of your work. Working with an editor is kind of an amazing thing that you don’t get in other pursuits – an editor’s job is essentially to help you make your work better. Honest feedback in invaluable and integral to your growth as a writer.

7. If you could describe yourself under 5 words, what would it be?

All about the vision.

8. What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading Elizabeth Tan’s amazing debut novel Rubik¸ about death and connectivity in the digital age, and Ottessa Moshfegh’s short story collection Homesick for Another World, which has the weirdest and darkest characters.

9. Lastly, what is the most effective way to make a great first impression?

Offer someone something – a bit of haloumi, a glass of wine, a kiss on the cheek.

Experience life in the dark – brought to you by Dialogue in The Dark

Published by

Have you ever wonder what it is like if you have lost your vision or wonder what life is like if you were a vision impaired person? Dialogue in The Dark gives you a chance to experience how a blind person goes through their day in a 60 minutes walk in complete darkness.

We are so honoured to have a chance to go through this challenge last Friday, and we know that you would love it too. The venue is located at Harbour town, the perfect location for shopping, delicious food, and get a ride on Melbourne Star before you do the challenge!

Dialogue in The Dark is an immersive experience in total darkness through which, led by blind guides. Guests interact and communicate relying solely on their other senses during the entire 60 minutes walk in darkness, as you lose your sense of vision. Guests are armed only with a white cane while a blind guide provides skilled leadership through life’s everyday challenges and activities. Within a 60 min tour experience, guests will discover how to orientate and move themselves in the dark, identify the world around them through the other senses and collaborate without sight.

This whole exceptional exhibition is brought to you by Guide Dogs Australia, an organization that is more than just dogs. 30% of GDA business focus on training guide dogs and 70% of it focus on providing vital support for person who is blind or has low vision. All the profits from Dialogue in The Dark goes to Guide Dogs Australia, to help on mobility and occupational training, assist with financial support and improving community environments to make GDA more accessible for people who are visually impaired.

We also got a chance to have a chat with our guide, Cass who has low vision. Cass can’t tell between blue and purple and can only see 0.6 metres with blurred vision. Currently, she is studying at Monash Caulfield campus and has a guide dog herself. We asked her what is the most difficult thing she needs to face in her day to day life. The answer? Socializing. It is difficult when we see someone with a disability and feel awkward and unsure how we should engage with them. Let us broaden our hearts to understand that everyone has a disability in life, some are just more visible than others.

 

To find out more facts about Dialogue in The Dark, please click here.

Where: Harbour Town Docklands, Level 1, 29-31 Start Crescent
When: Tuesday – Sunday, please check the website for opening hours.
More information: Check out their website

Dialogue In The Dark Stats and Facts

Published by

What is Dialogue in the Dark™:

  • Dialogue in the Dark™ is an experience in total darkness. You are led by blind guides, and learn to interact and communicate by relying on your other senses.
  • A reversal of roles is created: people who can see are taken out of their familiar environment. Blind guides provide them with orientation through every day experiences in a world without pictures.
  • The tour lasts for about an hour, but the effects are life-changing. Dialogue in the Dark™ gives you the chance to challenge your own limits, overcome boundaries, and discover your hidden potential.
  • The exhibition aims to open every day Australians’ eyes in the dark, showing that a world without sight is not poorer, just different
  • Globally, the program operates as a social enterprise. Its mission is to facilitate social inclusion of the people with a disability and people who are marginalised in general. Through experiential learning, DiD visitors’ attitudes and behaviours are changed.

For guides, their employment opportunities are improved. These combined, DiD provides the environment to create more inclusive and welcoming communities that embrace diversity and celebrate ability rather than highlight disability.

Dialogue in the Dark™ in Australia

  • Australia is the 40th country to participate in the Dialogue in the Dark program
  • In a world-first, the social enterprise is partnered with Guide Dogs Australia, championing independence for every Australian with low vision or blindness. Through Dialogue in the Dark™ this means significant employment opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision, and education of the public to understand and accept diversity in the community.
  • In addition to the exhibition, Dialogue in the Dark™ Melbourne offers Corporate workshops and school programs for students aged 9 and above. It is also a unique venue for special events.
  • Dialogue in the Dark™ Melbourne is proudly supported by: Public Transport Victoria, Harbour Town Melbourne, Victorian Government, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Shine On Foundation, Ian Potter Foundation, Collier Charitable Fund, The Sebel Melbourne Docklands, FPPV Architecture, Better Living Group, Magian Media Studios, and Ticketmaster.
  • Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.au

Dialogue Globally by the numbers

  • Dialogue in the Dark has been operating for more than 25 years across 39 countries globally.
  • Dialogue in the Dark has experienced 10 million visitors worldwide, and employed upwards of 10,000 people who are blind or have low vision.
  • Dialogue in the Dark has been operating since 1988. It was founded in Frankfurt by Andreas Heinecke, an internationally acclaimed social entrepreneur, who still spearheads the innovation of Dialogue Social Enterprise’s new concepts and exhibitions aimed at overcoming mind-sets and breaking communication barriers.
  • Andreas founded Dialogue in the Dark™ after an encounter with a fellow employee who was blind. This encounter changed his life: He learned to understand the true potential of an individual who is living with blindness or low vision, and went on the create Dialogue in the Dark™.
  • Dialogue in the Dark™ is a social enterprise with a goal of increasing awareness and tolerance for otherness and promoting greater social integration. We create job opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision, to strengthen their skills where they will be able to continue to use and grow their potential to contribute to society.

Dialogue Corporate Workshops

Dialogue in the Dark™ workshops have created lasting impact on participants, and their organisations. Research* of participants of Dialogue in the Dark™ workshops shows:

  • 95% of participants would recommend, or had already recommended the workshop to somebody else
  • 82% appreciated the value and importance of cooperation and collaboration with trust and empathy at the core
  • 76% of participants found themselves collaborating with others to come to a solution, rather than coping by themselves
  • 74% of participants have applied what they learned in the workshops into their real work environment
  • Dialogue in the Dark™ workshops have a sustained impact on participants, with 3 out of 4 participants reported to have translated lessons learned into increased self-awareness, a consciousness for matters of communication, and more openness towards others.
  • 43% of Dialogue in the Dark™ participants were inspired to enhance their way of interacting with others, and to pursue a more cooperative and collaborative approach
  • more than half were impressed with experiencing their own limits and abilities that unfold in an unknown environment

* Dialogue Social Enterprise Social Impact study 2009, including 300 questionnaires and 20 interview

Get Glowing at Stonnington’s Glow Winter Arts Festival

Published by

The winter darkness is spectacularly illuminated during the Glow Winter Arts Festival, across the City of Stonnington, from twilight until after-dark, 10 – 20 August 2017.

Stonnington’s most iconic venues and public spaces will light up like never before with glowing neon installations, architectural projections and larger than life illuminations. Now in its fourth year, the festival will kick-off with a spectacular opening night unveiling new commissioned works for the Festival and works never before seen in Victoria.

See buildings transform before your eyes, discover luminous butterflies on light posts, find glowing giant flowers and colossal mushrooms, journey through an enchanted village, discover multi-coloured and oversized neon Glow letters in corners, parks and gardens across Stonnington plus much more.

Award-winning Melbourne based, lighting and visual design firm, Mandylights, will transform Central Park with Alice’s Garden. Ginormous flowers will bloom in fading, flickering rainbows, larger than life mushrooms will loom and little sprouts, not yet grown, will cover the landscape with trills of colour running between them.

Dislocate will perform If These Walls Could Talk…?, an intricate mesh of slapstick theatre, astonishing circus skills and powerful story-telling. Projection artists Nick Azidis and Rose Staff are set to work their magic, transforming historic buildings into a whimsical wonderland of light projections with Wonderlight.

Emerging opera company BK Opera strip away the usual pomp and circumstance of this timeless art form to reveal the raw emotion at the heart of their performance <<Guerilla Opera>>.

The Centre (for) Projection Art travel south to light up the nooks and crannies of Greville Street while Sowinski/Cullen and Associates’ Untitled will challenge traditional notions of light, allowing us to re-think how we interact with objects in public and private spaces.

James Voller’s Enchanted will spring you into a new imaginative world where you can interact with familiar places under a new light and Carla O’Brien’s work, Neon Glow, will see giant ‘Glow’ letters finding homes around Stonnington.

Advice From a Butterfly by Skunk Control sees a kaleidoscope of butterflies making the light posts of Stonnington their pulpit, whispering advice to passers-by.

Glow Winter Arts Festival, 10 – 20 August 2017. Full program details and to book  www.glowfestival.com.au

It’s a bit cheesy, but we’re in love with Raclette

Published by

Gooey. Melted. Cheese. If anything screeches “Fill me up like a hibernating bear” it’s The Raclette – the act of smothering warm potatoes, pickles and other delicious things in Raclette cheese that flows like Alpine lava.

Currently at South Melbourne Market, you can find Frencheese‘s pop up, serving this delight to your hungry hungry winter belly. Frencheese has even added entertainment to your dish by serving it with an optional salad.

Should you miss a chance at your fix, check out Maker and Monger at The Prahran Market, or head up into Collingwood to Smithward who – take a deep breath – combine The Raclette with mac n cheese. It’s called the Rac’n’Mac. And it’s only available on Thursdays, because Smithward know you probably thought it was Friday already and need to eat something comforting.

Have you had the ‘rac lately? Tag us on Instagram with #weknowmelbourne and show us!

What: The Raclette by Frencheese pop up at South Melbourne Markets
Where: The South Melbourne Market, Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Stall 45.

Words by Lee Douglas

Where to relax in the Melbourne CBD

Published by

Melbourne is a fast paced metropolis with intrigue, action and something new on every corner. Local or visitor, this excitement can soon turn to exhaustion, especially if you’re in desperate need of TLC – Think overworking it, post Europe jetlag, or a good old fashioned hangover. We’ve got our top picks for kicking back in the heart of Melbourne.

I don’t want to have to do anything at all – Onsen Ma

Bring a little slice of Japanese tranquillity to your day with a trip to Onsen Ma, Melbourne’s favourite Japanese bathhouse. Surrounded by a traditional wooden interior, the pools are a warm soak in heaven. As they say on their website “Japanese bathing cleanses the body and serves to refresh and relax. It is also considered to calm the kokoro (person’s spirit or heart) and is good for both physical and psychological/spiritual well-being”. Make the most out of your trip with the inclusion of a japanese dry or oil massage and foot treatment to really punch stress in the throat. An important thing to remember? Onsens do not allow for swimwear – In both private and public baths, bathers are dressed only in their birthday suits, and separated by gender. We say let it go and embrace the nude in the name of relaxation.

 

I’m emotional and physically crumpled up – Yoga Corner

Yoga corner’s tagline is literally ‘Your oasis in the heart of the city’ – Without practice even beginning, the interior is cosy, minimalist and delightful with pops of colour. If you can get past the merch rack filled with gorgeous yoga pants in every pattern imaginable, the timetable is broad and encompassing for everyone – choose a Hot Yoga challenge, a comfortable Vinyasa, or just step in on Wednesday afternoon for a led 45 minute meditation session. While yoga can be a challenge (I personally have about twenty backwards legs and no upper body strength during sun salutations) the post yoga benefits are well worth it. And Jet lag has nothing on a good old fashioned savasana.

 

Is it just stress or have I actually done something bad – Core Therapy

We’re probably biased, since a few members of the team see Danny on the regular, but Core Therapy is your blessing for a frozen shoulder suddenly acting up on holidays, weird elbow pain after sports and when your body is just feeling a general wreck. If you’ve fallen asleep on a weird angle upright on your hotel bed (phone in hand; shoes still on) and need a serious muscular rejuvenation, Core Therapy is your Go To. Dry needling, cupping and of course remedial and sports massage are all on the cards here.

I have no chill left and it’s giving me chin acne – Sakura Lounge

An urban warehouse encompasses this traditional Japanese inspired interior, adding to the ambience of Sakura lounge. Offering beauty treatments alongside massage, Sakura is ideal for the weary individual who needs polishing alongside their unwinding. With light lunches and champagne upgrades available, Sakura is dedicated to bringing you back to a good place, skin wise and soul wise.

When I said I don’t want to have to do anything, I REALLY meant it – Sensu Spa

The sister enterprise to Sakura lounge, Sensu spa is the CBD’s first spa to include float tanks. Sensory Deprivation tanks (or “float” tanks as the marketing simplifies) are pods filled with highly salinated water, creating a gravity defying sensation of weightlessness. Enclosed against all visual and audio stimulus, you are given the chance to relax, mentally and physically, and float in a space free of city life, work life, and real life. Add to your treatment with massage, facials and beauty options.

Help me, I’m broke and need to relax – Carlton Gardens/Abbotsford Garden

If money isn’t on your side, take it easy. Carlton Gardens is the city’s easiest and most elegant option for Plant therapy. Join businessmen and uni kids in stretching out across the lawns or leaning against ancient oaks and take a much needed break amongst plants that don’t talk back or have urgent deadlines.

Did we miss something? Suggest your favourite spot for inner city relaxation to us at ask@weknowmelbourne.com.au

 

Romantic Melbourne Winter Dates

Published by

Got a cozy winter date coming up and no idea where to go?
Swipe right on these awesome options, and nail the possibility of a follow up date.

The Town Mouse | 312 Drummond Street, Carlton.
A super cozy neighborhood nook that specializes in good food, wine and conversation. It offers larger plates and a tasty-cute small plate menu designed for sharing, and so you can “accidently touch hands” across the table.

Il Solito Posto | 113 Collins Street, Melbourne
Be sure to book in the restaurant (not the bistro), for a romantic, underground Italian dining experience with soft lighting, an excellent wine list and next level, non-intrusive service. This place is just beautiful, the perfect gem to keep up your sleeve for dates and such.

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar | 66 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Pure, honest and upfront, Pellegrini’s hasn’t changed since the fifties, because it’s basically perfect. Walk in, grab a seat at the communal bar with your date and not have that awkward ‘what should we eat moment’ – just order what’s available on the night, leaving you more time for conversation.

Clever Polly’s | 313 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Warm and lovely-looking from the outside, this place is first and foremost, a wine bar, but it’s seasonal 5-course set menu and matched wines means you can just sit, order and get down to the business of getting to know each other without pesky intrusions like decision-making.
Luna Park | 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Wait what now. No, it’s not a restaurant or bar. But if the innocent, idyllic dream of the Coney Island date with fairy floss, oversized stuffed toy prizes, and a shared ice-cream appeal to you, Luna Park is actually a great option. Plus, it’s cold, so extra points because you can snuggle up on the rollercoaster…

 

Words by Kerstyn Dance

Donut worry, Beer happy at the Donut + Beer Fest

Published by

Just when you are about to give up on winter, Donut Fest comes along and pick you up from being a couch potato! So, put your layers back on because one of the most exciting event is here!

Prepare your appetite, as Donut Fest has 36 food and beverage vendors ranging from food stalls, food trucks and beverages. You can try donuts from around the world such as Argentina, Greece, Hungary, South Africa, America, Denmark, Australia and even Nutella donut burgers to glow in the dark donuts. #instagramworthy

This Donut Fest is packed with full entertainment. Enjoy some live music, party at the pinball party bus, or maybe join the donut eating competition and win some prizes. Be the judge at the People’s Choice Best Donut Award and be wow by the miniature donut museum.

Donut Fest has also thought about how nobody carries cash nowadays. They made this event 100% cashless, meaning your ticket is scanned and put onto a card (think: debit card) that can be used on the day like pay-pass to start buying food and drinks! This means less lines and faster transactions and more time for you to enjoy the fest.

Are you a dog owner who can’t find a dog-sitter? No worries! Bring your best friend along. The event is dog friendly and suitable for all age.

So donut hold back, because we know you are excited to beer happy this August!

Where: Batman Royale
When: 11:00am – 8:00pm, August 19 +20
More Information: Check out their website.

 

Unmissable CBD food deals

Published by

Is today one of those days where you want to treat yourself? Not just for breakfast, but for lunch AND dinner? Well, you are at the right place to find out what deals there are in Melbourne CBD.

We have gathered two amazing lunch deals and two dinner deals for you to spoil yourself when the day doesn’t go as planned. *warning, not vegetarian friend*

The Duke Lunch Special

Grab a killer parma with a pot or a glass of wine for $20 at The Duke from 12pm – 3pm, available daily! We are sure you will walk out feeling satisfied. It is irresistible when the cheese on the parma is extra cheesy!

Check out their website here

Sake Lunch Special

A big fan of Japanese food? Well, Sake offers a delicious bento box for $49! You can never say no to popcorn shrimp or ginger garlic chicken. Available daily from 12pm – 3pm, Sake has the premium Japanese dishes awaiting for you. Say yes to salmon sashimi, say yes to miso soup and say yes to green tea ice cream… for $49 you’ll get 8 dishes bento box!

Check out their website here

The French Brasserie Pre Theatre Special

Melbourne, the city of art and culture always has a show on, and The French Brasserie has read your mind on a quick dinner before your show starts. Get a two course menu with a beverage for $39.50 or 3 course at $49.50.

Check out their website here

Meat me at Dutchess

The place to be every Tuesday night. Indulge a 250g porterhouse steak, a glass or wine or schooner of Hawthorn Brewing Company for $25. The steak comes with a bowl of chips and house made jus.

Check out their website here