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Send a Raven: The GoT Inspired Wine festival hath returned

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WINE IS COMING: Game of Rhones festival celebrates the grapes of the Rhone Valley (think Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Viognier and Marsanne) and is making its way to Melbourne June 10th. Don your best Game of Thrones inspired outfit and make like Cersei Lannister by sampling a mix of Australia and New Zealand’s best wines. Every ticket includes a free PLUMM glass, but if you haven’t brought your own golden chalice to drink from, what’s the point?

If you’re feeling especially worthy of the throne, a Royal Pass gives you pre event access, food vouchers, and an important date with a sommelier who will curate an experience exactly to your taste. Early raven tickets are currently available here

Even if one can’t make it due to ones regal callings elsewhere, we strongly suggest you check out their facebook page for some cracking GoT/wine memes and pictures of previous year’s event.

Valar Mourvedre Morghulis

More Wine

What: Game of Rhones Wine Festival
When: June 10th, 2017
Where: Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, Melbourne, VIC 3051
Tickets: Get em here

You know you want it: Shop The City Melbourne

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Get ready for Melbourne’s biggest night of shopping. Shop the City Melbourne is here, Wednesday May 17th, to rock your world with a range of fashion focused free events, activities and discounts across Melb’s favourite shopping precincts, including QV, the Strand, Emporium and Melbourne Central.

Enjoy a free butterbing cookie, wander through the night garden, then apologise to your roommate for not paying rent because you spent your entire pay on over 300 deals available for one day only.

Freebies include:

  • Oyster Magazine AW17 edit for all the new seasons lewks
  • St Kilda’s famous Matcha Mylk bar pops up, giving away their free famous lattes
  • Butterbing cookie sandwiches are also on the fly for free (so good we had to mention them twice!)
  • Try Grill’d’s new wagyu beef menu
  • Early birds can enjoy a free gift treasure hunt
  • Most importantly – free parking from 5pm till midnight.

More info: http://www.shopthecity.com.au/

Win: Tickets to the Italian Food Festival

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More wine! More food! More Italians! More Fun!

Everything that’s good about eating and drinking in Italy comes together under one roof in June with the second Melbourne Italian Wine + Food Festival. Just as the appeal of Italian food runs from street-style pizza-fun for the whole family to fresh-pasta finery for the connoisseur, the festival has food and drink, entertainment and information to suit everyone from spaghetti-loving kids to the most engaged Italian-speaking wine lover.

Melbourne’s top Italian chefs are turning out in force to make it a day to remember, with much-loved locals Rosa Mitchell (Rosa’s Canteen) and Johnny di Francesco (400 Gradi) leading the charge. The teams from Melbourne’s favourite Italian restaurants (400 Gradi, Caterina’s Cucina e Bar, Trattoria Emilia, Bar Idda, Pasta Classica, La Bonta, Small Axe and Pasta Adagio among them) will be cooking up a storm in our pop-up restaurants, and there’ll be cooking demonstrations with chefs and providores on the Main Stage.

Guests can taste over 200 Italian wines by the region, explore Italian-centric Aussie wines, or take an Italian Wine Masterclass. Meet winemakers and importers, learn more about the grape varieties, the regions and best of all, how good they taste. The Barolo Bar and Franciacorta Bar – a tasting experience like no other – with sommeliers, vertical tastings and information about these unique wine styles are not be missed.

For something stronger, there’s coffee made to order by Espresso di Manfredi’s baristas, or Moretti Beer on tap, and don’t miss our Festival Bar will serve up Negroni and Spritz cocktails all day! Proudly presented by Smeg, the festival is all about celebrating wine, food and culture together in inimitable Italian style.

When: Sunday 25th June 2017, 11am-9pm
Where: Royal Exhibition Building – 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
More details: http://www.italianwinefoodfestival.com.au/melbourne/

Hungry yet? We’ve got two molto bene double passes to giveaway. All you need to do is tell us what is your favourite Italian dish and why? 

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Good Beer Week is upon us

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Gather your steins, boots, and Granddad’s best mug, Good Beer Week is upon us again for another year from the 12th to the 21st of May. Filled with a brimming cornucopia of events, this year brings with it a variety of themed moments spread across Melbourne City, such as Beer School, Pint of Origin, Foodie and Good Times.

Beer DeLuxe once again remains the heartbeat of the festival, with their prime location in Fed Square. Should you miss the festival’s opening party on the 12th, fear not: Beer DeLuxe are here to feed and water you in the best possible way. A six course-six beer night with a kiwi flavour (The country, of course – Liberty and Epic brewing from NZ fill your glasses), Palate to Plate menu offerings and Granddad’s Supper – The Boilermaker edition degustation on Saturday night are sure to tantalise.

Should you be the discerning type and seek education with your ale, Good Beer Festival has you covered. Meet the founder of Sierra Nevada beer baron Ken Grossman on the Wednesday to chat about becoming one of the US’s biggest craft breweries. Discover the art of beer and food pairings with Boatrocker Brewing Co. founder Matthew Houghton and Merricote’s Rob Kabbord on Monday. Not feeling lush enough? Matt Houghton joins Olivia Sutton from speciality cheesemongers Harper and Blohm for some cheesematching heaven.

Check out the full spread of Good Beer Week events here

 

Images via Good Beer Week Instagram

No Ifs, just Putts – Melbourne’s new indoor mini golf is teeing off

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There is a graph somewhere in the universe that places all people in Melbourne on a spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is people who love the city for a lazy lunch, cheeky drink or just generally doing very little while consuming delicious calories to their hearts content. At the other end is the people who love to move and explore. Probably wearing sensible shoes with arch support, these people adore bubble soccer, know to the block the nearest rock climbing centre, and always book a hotel with a gym. If, like me, you sit somewhere in the middle, Melbourne has blessed us with the perfect spot to have a cocktail in one hand, and some kind of sporting accessory in the other – enter Holey Moley Mini Golf Bar.

After gleefully donning your visor, enter a clash of pop culture and twee knick knacks and enjoy 27 themed courses, such as Game of Thrones and The Simpsons, while replacing your hard earned calorie deficit (Golf is a sport, right?) on cocktails like Happy Gilmoreo (Chambord raspberry liqueur, Smirnoff Red Vodka, Baileys, milk, chocolate sauce, crushed Oreos with a whipped cream topping) and woodfired pizza.

Ibis ad

Holey Moley is more about luck than skill, making it an ideal spot for groups looking for a fun, memorable time with no beat downs from Todd in HR who golfs every weekend with his Dad. Kids are welcome before 5pm, and should you be wanting more than a chip and a drink, enjoy kareoke and a low fi games room to continue the fun.

Find Holey Moley at 590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000.

Review: RENT

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Last night I climbed the stairs to the Athenaeum 2 theatre to check out the Federation University student performance of RENT. Don’t judge, but for someone who adores musical theatre, I’d never seen this iconic show, so it was fairly safe to say that, I was pretty excited to be seeing it for the first time.

Most people are familiar with the premise of RENT. Set in the late 1980’s, in the colorful Alphabet City precinct of New York’s bohemian East Village, a group of struggling, penniless artists live, love and try to survive.

Ahead of its time, RENT looks at the fear, horror and loss associated with the AIDS epidemic of the time, and lightheartedly tackles topics like sexuality, drug addiction, homelessness and corporate greed.

Performed in a relatively intimate space, the set was super funky, with the audience members sitting right up close to the action, allowing the cast to interact with them on a more personal level.

The cast was nothing short of brilliant, each performer perfectly matched to their character, and the story was brought to life with boundless energy and seamless scene, chorus and character changes.

The acting was superb, the singing, on point, my only critique would be that the group choreography was a little sloppy, but as the pace was so fast it was very hard to notice, and it sort of added to the rawness of the story itself.

These guys are a hugely talented bunch of individuals, I can’t wait to see them in major productions in the coming years. 4.5-stars!

RENT wraps up this week, but be quick, it was a sell out last night and seats are limited.

Where: Athenaeum 2 – 188 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
When: 8pm until 6 May, 2017.
More information & tickets: Available via Eventbrite

2017 Melbourne Cabaret Festival

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Dolly Diamond, Melbourne’s undisputed Queen of Cabaret has taken the reins of this year’s Melbourne Cabaret Festival, in her role of Artistic Director to bring together ten Australian premiere shows as well as some of the best new talent.

Now in it’s eighth year, Melbourne Cabaret Festival returns to Chapel Off Chapel with two weeks of fabulous entertainment. 

“At last I can reveal the fabulous line-up for this year’s Melbourne Cabaret Festival”, says Dolly Diamond, Artistic Director, Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

 “It’s full of homegrown Australian talent with a huge amount of new works being presented. It was important for me this year to draw on the talented artists who live and work in Australia, just as I do. I’m a great admirer of artists working all around the world but I felt it was time to focus on the performers who are the backbone of Australian cabaret.”

 “I believe we have put together a program that audiences will really enjoy and for me that’s what cabaret is all about. I’m looking forward to seeing you all at Chapel Off Chapel when June rolls around, so be sure to get your tickets early and support the festival that supports Australian cabaret.”

THE PROGRAM IS AS FOLLOWS: 

The Opening Gala presents a dazzling night with highlights from shows from across the festival in one extravaganza, hosted by the one and only Dolly Diamond.  Tues 20 June, 7pm.  Dolly Diamond’s Closing Night Cabaret, a great way to see the festival out, Sunday 2 July, 7pm. 

Australia’s Boys of Motown

Wednesday 21 June (preview) to Sunday 25 June, 6.30pm

Australia’s Boys of Motown is a modern twist on that distinct soul-pop sound that is Motown. These boys blend the world’s best known originals, covers and remakes of Motown, with current chart hits in one Motown inspired spectacle.  Sing along to the music of Jackson 5, The Temptations, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to Bruno Mars.
Featuring Vincent Hooper, Richard Swanson & Barnaby Reiter. 

Queen of Broadway – The Ethel Merman Story

Wednesday 21 June (preview) to Sunday 25 June, 7pm

Jon Jackson, acclaimed Australian operatic counter-tenor recreates the life and times of Ethel Merman.  Revisit the era and amazing songs of Cole Porter, the Gershwin’s, Irving Berlin and even Amy Winehouse as Miss Merman comes back to earth for one last show. However, first she has to find a body to inhabit. She sends out her wish list and ends up with Mr. Jon Jackson. He’s got the presence and the voice, so his gender is something she’s prepared to overlook.

Ginger and Tonic: For Love or Money

Wednesday 21 June (preview) to Sunday 25 June, 8.30pm

After a lot of touring and a Green Room Award for Best Musical direction for Desperate and Dateless, the Ginger and Tonic girls are still struggling in love, but that’s not going to stop them from being the awesome women that they are. They have big ideas – huge ideas – to make big bucks! Or do they…? Using their powerful voices and tight harmonies, this time the girls are pitching in more ways than one, hoping to find success in this dog-eat-dog world.

 Join Laura Burzacott, Rebecca Moore, Jane Patterson and Danielle O’Malley as they take you on a journey through their ambitions, from humble food dreams to embryo-freezing empires.

You’re My World – The Story of Cilla Black

Tuesday 27 June (preview) to Saturday 1 July, 6.30pm

Fresh from a sold-out season with rave reviews at Perth Fringe, You’re My World – The Cilla Black Story is a biographical cabaret full of the powerhouse vocals and self-deprecating humour that made Cilla Black one of the UK’s most beloved performers.

 We meet the British Pop Icon and Television Personality at the peak of her popularity and reminiscing about her childhood in Liverpool, her meteoric rise to fame and sharing a few cheeky showbiz anecdotes about John, Paul, George, Ringo and her old mate Queen Elizabeth II.

 With beautiful arrangements of Cilla’s greatest hits, songs include: Goin’ Out of My Head, Alfie, Step Inside Love, Sing A Rainbow, Anyone Who Had A Heart and You’re My World. Written and Performed by Danielle O’Malley. Musical Direction by Mark Jones with a line-up of piano, bass, and percussion.

Blue: The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Tuesday 27 June (preview) to Saturday 1 July, 7pm

Renowned for her artful storytelling and raw, emotive vocals, cabaret chanteuse Queenie van de Zandt, returns to the cabaret stage with a brand-new show exploring the songs, stories and art of the musical legend that is Joni Mitchell.

 In Blue: The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Queenie, along with musical director Vicky Jacobs and a live band, explore her love of all things Joni – affectionately reinterpreting Joni Mitchell’s melancholy music, and intimately revealing the stories behind some of her most haunting songs such as A Case of You, Both Sides Now and Little Green.

Cyrens – The Swingin’ Songbook of Cy Coleman

Tuesday 27 June (preview) to Saturday 1 July, 8.30pm

A musical revue celebrating the legendary Broadway composer and jazzman Cy Coleman, known for shows such as Sweet Charity, Barnum, On the Twentieth Century, The Life and City of Angels, but his musical roots were in the jazz world.

 Cy Coleman’s songs are known for their sophistication and wit. Amanda Harrison (Wicked), Chelsea Renton-Gibb (Chicago) and Melissa Langton (The Fabulous Singlettes) are also known for their sophistication and wit – but more for singing loud and high and knowing how to sell the hell out of a song!  Cyrens is performed with a four-piece band, some dangerously close three-part harmony, arrangements by Mark Jones and a few jokes and a dash of Bob Fosse.

Dolly Diamond: The Lady is a Tramp

Tuesday 27 June (preview) to Saturday 1 July, 9pm

THE LADY IS A TRAMP is an autobiographical tell-all and celebration of the life of a hard-working and fearless woman. Featuring tales of Dolly Diamond’s life, loves and (alleged) lascivious behaviour this show features sensational new material and the incomparable Shanon Whitelock on piano.

Like so many pioneering women before her Dolly refuses to be branded a ‘scarlet woman’ for simply embracing her sexuality or ‘opinionated’ for speaking her mind. This cabaret diva is making a loud and proud contribution in her lifetime and refuses to apologise for that.

Plus Shows in Development by established and emerging performers bringing their talents to cabaret for the first time. 

Where: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran
When: Tuesday 20 June until Sunday 2 July 2017
More information & tickets: Check out their website.  

Dine with Heart This May

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For all the food lovers out there with their heart in the right place, Dine with Heart during the month of May is a great way to enjoy a night out, completely guilt free, while at the same time supporting Sacred Heart Mission, an organisation assisting people experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage.

Restaurants and bars all over Melbourne have jumped on board to organise fun and delicious events to fundraise for Sacred Heart Mission’s Meals Program which offers free, healthy meals to people in need. Restaurants who are on board this awesome initiative include Donovans, the Craft & Co, Little Blue, St Ali and so many more.

Highlights include:

Second Act St Kilda | May

This shiny new neighbourhood wine bar on Fitzroy Street are donating $2 from every dinner sold in May.

Cirque D’Ali – St Ali | 5 May 2017

Circus performers, jugglers, magicians and all manner of performance will delight in this intimate version of a big top, coinciding with lively music to transport guests to a vibrant atmosphere that delights all five senses. Enjoy the show, while sampling circus themed gastronomy. Truffled popcorn, crazy filled donuts and unique ice creams will inspire the nostalgia of the circus. Love a cocktail? Champagne, espresso martinis, Tanqueray and Pimms cocktails will be present.

Groove with Heart – Captain Baxter | April 30

Enjoy a fantastic night out at Captain Baxter with complimentary cocktails, bubbles and canapés, DJs and delightful burlesque entertainment! Wear a touch of red and get in the groove!

Donovans – May 1 – May 8

Donovans will kick-off the first week of Dine with Heart Month with a specially-crafted dessert of vanilla and strawberry – all proceeds from the “Heart for the Homeless” dessert will be donated to Sacred Heart Mission.

Dine with Heart Fundraising Dinner | May 30

Dine on the stage of the Palais Theatre with 200 of your closest friends. The evening’s menu will be created by some of Melbourne top chef’s including Jesse Gerner (Bomba), Chris Watson (Cutler & Co/Marion), Adam D’Sylva (Tonka) plus more.

When: The month of May, 2017
Where: Various locations all around Melbourne
More information: Check out their website

Win tickets to The Dog Lovers Show

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-competition now closed –

Can you think of anything that is better than Disneyland? We can! No need to spend big bucks on your plane tickets, because The Dog Lovers Show is here again! Celebrate, interact with and learn about man’s best friend this May at the Royal Exhibition Building.

Visitors to the show will get to learn about over 600 beautiful dogs, browse over 250 exhibitors and see celebrity vets do their thing.

What can you expect at the show:

  • Australia’s most talented canines in action in the Royal Canin Arena
  • DockDogs, Australia’s most exciting dog sport and competition with a wide range of breeds launching themselves off a dock into a massive pool of water!
  • Meet and learn more about more than 100 popular breeds
  • Expert tips for a healthier and happier dog
  • Discover all you need to know about providing a loving home for a Dog in need
  • Information & experts on hand to help you find the right Dog for your lifestyle
  • Tribute to Australian Hero Dogs including Military, Guide, Therapy,
  • Customs, Working and Assistance Dogs showcasing the skills and abilities of our canines and how they contribute to our community
  • Free vet and grooming advice from trusted experts.
  • All the latest gear to spoil your pooch, with a Major Door Prize, free Face Painting and loads more new attractions to be announced soon!

True dog lovers can win a double pass to this show on us! Fill in the form below and tell us your favourite moment with your pooch in 30 words or less. We have one double pass to giveaway, which is valued at $60.

Competition closes on 28th of April 2017 at 12.01am EST.
Terms & Conditions here.

When: 5 – 7 May 2017
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
More information: Check their website.

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Delight your Mum this Mother’s Day

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Your mum deserves a solid gold statue in her honour, and a thousand roses delivered fresh every day. Since that’s not usually in the budget, we’ve gathered some ideas in advance to treat Mum this Mother’s Day (Sunday 14th of May if you really need help)

Let her pick her own present @ The Queen Victoria Markets

WKM QVM

Spend the morning strolling through the abundance of the Queen Vic, sampling some of Melbourne’s most delightful handmade skincare and homewares. Finish it off by picking up a fresh bouquet of mum’s favourite flowers.

Where: The QVM can be found between Queen, Peel, Victoria and Franklin Street
Discover more: Here

Treat her to a lush lunch  @ The Swanston Hotel

Mother's Day Lunch Buffet Melbourne 2017

Enjoy a three hour buffet in the stylish surrounds of the Swanston Hotel, choosing from over 20 options including a seafood bar, carvery, cold and salad options and, of course, dessert. All mothers enjoy a glass of sparkling and a box of chocolates to make their day even more special.

Where: 195 Swanston Street, CBD 3000
Discover more: Here

Relive your childhood together @ Aladdin the Broadway Musical, Her Majesty’s Theatre

Aladdin

Fresh from Broadway, the much beloved Disney’s Aladdin has been adapted for the stage and flown into Melbourne this month. Treat mum to one of our personal favourite stories spun into a spectacular show, perfect if grandchildren are coming along.

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000
Discover more: Here