Category: MELBOURNE

Wine & Cheese Fest 2025 returns to Melbourne – your tastebuds are in for a treat

Attention Melbourne foodies – the ultimate day for indulgence is just around the corner. The much-loved Wine & Cheese Fest is making a delicious comeback to The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on Saturday, 1st March 2025. If you’re a fan of perfectly aged cheeses, incredible wines, or just love excuses to eat and drink your way through the best Victoria has to offer, mark your calendar now. What’s on the menu? Everything you could dream of. This year’s festival promises a feast for the senses with over 50 exhibitors from around Victoria and beyond. Think creamy delights from Boatshed Cheese, Milawa Cheese Company, and That’s Amore Cheese paired with sensational wines from Rob Dolan, Santolin Wines, and Witchmount Estate. Whether you’re a blue cheese aficionado or prefer an easy-drinking Shiraz, there’s something to please every palate. And it’s not just about tasting – though you’ll want to show up hungry. The festival offers unlimited free tastings, because how else will you decide which goodies to take home? Don’t forget your stretchy pants because the lineup of eateries is equally tempting. Grab a gooey bite from Frencheese, munch on flavour-packed arancini from That Arancini Guy, or spice up your day with tacos from La Santa Muerte. No one leaves this festival empty or unsatisfied. Become a Wine & Cheese Expert Love wine and cheese but wouldn’t call yourself an expert? That’s about to change. Festival-goers can attend free masterclasses that turn casual enjoyers into full-fledged aficionados. The sessions, which will be announced closer to the… Read More

Hotel Sorrento on Mornington Peninsula: new rooftop & salt bar unveiled

Hotel Sorrento, the iconic Mornington Peninsula landmark, is set to redefine coastal luxury with the unveiling of its new Rooftop bar and restaurant and the refreshed Salt bar. Officially opening on Friday, 13 December 2024, this next phase of the hotel’s multi-million-dollar development fuses timeless elegance with the vibrant charm of seaside living.

Grey Goose serves style and sophistication at the Australian Open

Ace your summer with a touch of elegance as Grey Goose, Australia’s number one super-premium vodka, partners with the Australian Open 2025. Making its debut as the official vodka partner, Grey Goose is set to elevate the tournament both on and off the court with chic cocktails, premium hospitality, and an exuberant celebration of Australian summer culture. If that’s not a “smash” hit, we don’t know what is! The Grey Goose way Fans will be sipping in style with the unveiling of the Grey Goose Lemon Ace, a cocktail crafted exclusively for tennis enthusiasts. This citrus-forward masterpiece is the signature serve of the Australian Open 2025. Picture this—a refreshing blend of Grey Goose original vodka, passionfruit syrup, and sparkling lemonade, served over ice, and garnished with a zesty lemon ball and fresh mint. It’s a glass of sunshine designed to capture the spirit of the tournament and the Australian summer. Building on the international success of Grey Goose’s legendary Honey Deuce™—the globally recognised US Open signature cocktail—the Lemon Ace is set to take centre stage in Melbourne. If A-list celebrities sipping raspberry-accented cocktails at the US Open is anything to go by, the Lemon Ace might just become your must-try drink for 2025. Courtside hospitality Grey Goose isn’t just bringing cocktails—it’s bringing an experience. Melbourne Park will host two exclusive new hospitality offerings, ensuring fans feel the tournament’s electric vibe while enjoying premium drinks in unmatched settings. But don’t worry if you can’t secure a spot at these premium venues. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace… Read More

A new bar in Mordialloc! Check out La Cabra for drinks and views

Situated on Main Street in a heritage-listed building, the new flagship venue combines bold flavours, vibrant interiors, and sweeping bayside views, offering the ultimate spot for summer sunsets and sunshine sipping.

Review: A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre

For those craving a cheeky, laughter-filled escape from the usual sentimental holiday fare, A Very Naughty Christmas at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda is just the ticket. Melbourne’s favourite adults-only Christmas tradition has returned in spectacular form, delivering a festive bonanza of burlesque, parody, and unabashed irreverence. Produced by Woodward Productions, this saucy variety show has been delighting audiences since 2017, and its 2024 season proves the naughty charm is far from wearing off. A Festive Show with a Wink and a Wiggle Set against the cosy backdrop of the Alex Theatre, A Very Naughty Christmas is a raunchy, high-energy exploration of the more ‘mature’ side of the holiday season. From sharp comedy skits to hilariously reimagined Christmas carols, the show takes everything you thought you knew about the festive period and flips it on its sequinned, slightly scandalous head. With its potent mix of stand-up, singing, and burlesque-tinged dance numbers, this production is a bold, unapologetic celebration of the Christmas spirit—though not as your grandmother remembers it. Director and choreographer Dan Venz orchestrates the chaos masterfully, crafting a fast-paced programme that caters to all manner of tastes (provided those tastes lean towards the naughty). This year’s lineup retains the show’s quirky humour while polishing its choreography and musicality, ensuring a mix of fresh surprises and time-tested comic gold. Standout Performances That Light Up the Stage Leading the sleigh this season is the wonderfully wicked Tim Paige as “Bad Santa.” A seasoned performer known for his work with Pop-Up Globe, Paige brings devilish charm,… Read More

Celebrate the Festive Season with Pidapipo’s Pandoro Christmas Cake

Pandoro

The holidays just got a whole lot sweeter with Pidapipo’s latest festive masterpiece, the Pandoro Christmas Cake. Like a pannetone, but not really, the pandoro is an Italian Christmas must. Even more so when it’s a gelato-filled creation that is a decadent twist on a beloved classic, perfect for elevating any holiday gathering. Shaped like a Christmas tree, the Pandoro Christmas Cake showcases Pidapipo’s signature flair for indulgence. Its base is made of Pandoro, layered with a dreamy mix of their favourite festive gelato flavours. Think bacio, hazelnut, Pandoro itself, coconut, chocolate, sour cherry swirl, and chocolate fudge—all wrapped in a rich dark chocolate semifreddo and a crisp milk chocolate shell. The result? A showstopping dessert that’s as elegant as it is mouthwatering. Available for $120, this seasonal delight can be ordered online via the Pidapipo website from 25 November to 21 December, with in-store collection starting from 10 December. If you’re more of a last-minute shopper (we’ve all been there), the Pandoro Christmas Cake will also be available from 10 December at Pidapipo’s Carlton, Fitzroy, and Windsor locations. To sweeten your holiday shopping spree, Pidapipo has popped up at Myer, Bourke Street Mall. Treat yourself to their beloved gelato flavours or try the limited-edition ‘Coconut Snowflakes’—a divine blend of coconut and mango gelato encased in a white chocolate shell and sprinkled with coconut flakes. It’s the ultimate on-the-go indulgence. Pidapipo’s Pandoro Christmas Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of Italian roots and holiday cheer. Whether you’re spoiling guests or simply treating yourself, this… Read More

A fresh new look for Flinders Hotel down the peninsula

The iconic Flinders Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula has just unveiled its impressive $1.45 million refresh, ensuring it remains a beloved destination for locals, road-trippers, and holidaymakers alike. Established in 1889, this historic pub holds a cherished spot in the community, and its latest renovation blends its rich heritage with a modern coastal-inspired charm. Perched just metres from the Western Port coastline and surrounded by Flinders’ picturesque beaches and scenic walks, the hotel has always been a quintessential spot for anyone visiting the area. Originally built to serve Morse code operators and staff from the nearby cable station, its long history speaks volumes about its connection to the surrounding community. “Flinders Hotel has been part of the community for nearly 140 years now, and this facelift means we can continue to grow and evolve with our surrounds,” says Venue Manager Nicola Forbes. “We’re a home-away-from-home for many and a weekly local favourite for others. Everything has been done with our customers in mind, and we can’t wait to see them enjoy the renovated spaces, especially over the Christmas period.” A Welcoming Coastal Retreat Upon entering the revamped lobby, visitors are greeted with decor that pays homage to the hotel’s storied past. The space now features heritage-style tiling and panelling, along with an eclectic mix of historic photography, vintage posters, and vibrantly nostalgic Slim Aaron prints lining the walls. Just off the lobby, the Sports Bar has had its share of upgrades too. Designed for a ‘live and loud’ vibe, the bar now boasts improved AV… Read More