Oktoberfest in the Garden – Melbourne 2015

via Nokturnl Events

via Nokturnl Events

It is no secret that Australians love taking up the opportunity to flock to Munich at least once in their life for the worlds most popular beer festival in the world – Oktoberfest.
It is therefore no surprise to see that bringing an Oktoberfest festival to Australia has been such a success. Following on from the sell-out event in 2014, the biggest Oktoberfest celebration is back with a double dose of Bavarian fun. Located at the Melbourne riverside grounds of Birrarung Marr, Oktoberfest in the Gardens will be two days of celebrations in Melbourne on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October.
via Nokturnl Events

via Nokturnl Events

Ladies don your dirndl, and fellas slip on your lederhose as ticketholders will be welcomed to the event with a commemorative event stein and complimentary beverage upon arrival. Then get ready to sip (or chug) a selection of imported European beverages at the pop up beer hall including wine, cider and of course – beer, with over 15 imported German draught beer options.
But a stein of ‘bier’ would not be complete without a pairing of ‘brezel’ and you can sample from an assortment of authentic Bavarian food on offer.  Enjoy the rest of the day amongst the variety or performers, competitions, carnival games, rides and live music to keep you entertained and partying like a Bavarian throughout the afternoon and evening.
via Nokturnl Events

via Nokturnl Events

Tickets for Saturday were sold out shortly after their release, however you can still purchase the last remaining tickets for this Friday’s event!
For more information visit the official event site at www.oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au
Purchase the last of the final release tickets for Friday’s event via Moshtix below:
*Images via Nokturnl Events

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Melbourne Spring Flavour Exchange

Image via flavourexchange.com.au

Image via flavourexchange.com.au

Get ready to be wined and dined by local producers as you sample and purchase fabulous local foodie finds and wines at the Spring edition of the Flavour Exchange Melbourne event on Thursday 3rd September and Friday 4th September at Federation Square.

We have a special offer for Melbourne darling readers with a 2-for-1 ticket deal! Just enter the discount below when purchasing tickets via Ticketek to activate the special discount:

Code for Thursday: TH241

Code for Friday: FR241

With each ticket, visitors will receive 14 tasting tokens to sample across the many exhibitors as well as a keepsake tasting glass.

Sample from a multitude of the best Victorian producers with the additional opportunity to meet and buy direct from the source!

Welcome the start of Spring at the Flavour Exchange and get your taste buds dancing with the freshest flavours created right from within our state of Victoria!

If you happen to not be able to make the dates this weekend, keep an eye out for their next event in Summer!

For more information head to www.flavourexchange.com.au

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DJB World Photography – Melbourne Photography Walk ‘Laneways, Rooftops and Street Art’ Review

Looking for a unique and interactive way to discover and explore some of the overlooked areas within the city of Melbourne whilst brushing up on your photography skills? DJB World Photography offers a fun way to discover and appreciate the quirky, colourful city of Melbourne through the lens of a camera for photography beginners. Let me assure you that I am probably the best example of an absolute beginner photographer, I can barely work out the number of automatic camera settings and functions on my camera let alone dare to brave the switch on my camera dial from automatic to manual. However, DJB Photography School aims to help its students do exactly that, offering a casual introduction to what could be the start of your new love for photography. DJB World Photography runs a number of different Melbourne photography walks and I attended the two hour sphotography walk ‘Laneways, Rooftops and Street Art’.

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

The session was run for two hours on Sunday afternoons in a small size group (eight people maximum). My session was led by the ever knowledgeable Rachael. Upon joining the group of attendees at the designated meeting spot on a Sunday afternoon, I was at first a little intimidated seeing the rest of their group with their serious photography gear, SLR cameras and big lenses. However, attendees are invited to bring whatever camera and photography gear they feel comfortable using. You can simply choose to bring along an iPhone if you wish and my Sony digital camera ended up doing the job perfectly!

We started off with an introduction on the manual settings, and the features of shutter speed, aperture, ISO and exposure levels, but keep in mind this was really the only time during the session we were taught about manual camera functions as this is not intended to be an instructed class about camera functions, but more of an introduction to manual settings and a guided tour focused on exploring different areas of Melbourne for creative photography. Although if you do have any questions about camera functions (as trust me, I had many!) Rachael, our guide was always more than happy to help. All of the locations we stopped at during the walk were perfectly selected as I found myself taking notes on where each was so I could come back and explore on my own. That being said, we were able to explore different areas at each stop at a very leisurely, relaxed pace and were never rushed to move on.

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

DJB World Photography Melbourne Photography Walk

Whether you are looking to learn photography techniques, explore the often overlooked pockets of Melbourne’s CBD or meet new people, a DJB World Photography course offers an artistic new perspective on Melbourne city streets while allowing you to brush up on your photography skills.

For more information on DJB World Photography and the Melbourne Photography Walks on offer, visit the link below:

DJB World Photography- Melbourne Photography Walks

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and Melbourne Darling was not invited to attend the DJB World Photography walk as a guest. The opinions shared in this article are based completely on my own honest and personal views, thoughts and experiences.

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The Love Vintage and Retro Fair Melbourne

love vintage logo

The most exciting and entertaining vintage shopping event is nearly upon us! The Love Vintage and Retro Fair, being held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne this weekend!
Make your way through the extraordinary collection of vintage fashion and home ware dealers and shop for the best quality selection of vintage treasures. See the classic cars on display, fashion parades, special guest speakers and burlesque shows or take part in a vintage styling makeover and photoshoot, and try out a burlesque workshop! See the full program of events here and a full listing of exhibitors and retailers here.

For anyone who loves being inspired by the fashion and lifestyle of the dazzling eras gone by, the Love Vintage and Retro Fair is an event not to be missed!

Let the good old’-fashioned fun begin!

 

Opening Hours:

Friday, May 16th 5.30pm – 9pm

Saturday, May 17th 10am – 5pm

Sunday, May 18th 10am -4pm

 

Location:

Royal Exhibition Building

9 Nicholson St

Carlton VIC 3053

Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

 

Admission:

Adult $15 (at the door)

Age & Disabled Pensioner $12

Senior Card Holder $12

Student $12

Children 10-16 years $7

Under 10 years free

Or buy your Early Bird tickets online here!

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Melbourne Darling’s Top 5 Picks for the Queen Victoria Wednesday Night Market

The Queen Victoria Night Market is back to excite your Wednesday night plans from now until the end of Summer. But before you race on down and make a bee line for the spiral fries like everyone else, read my wrap up of the top  5 things to do at the Wednesday Night Market this season:

1. Hammer and Tong’s Soft Shell Crab Burger

Last week I reviewed Hammer and Tong and their ever popular contribution to Melbourne’s gourmet burger scene with the Soft Shell Crab Burger. Well firstly, I advise you make the first thing you do when you arrive at the Night Market is to pinch yourself a table early, while you still can. I find the Night Market only gets busier and busier each year and the later the night gets, the increasing number of people flock to the dining areas and begin their hunt for a seat.  So before you go exploring the market stalls, I suggest you find a table with your group first and eat early in the evening.

That being said, if you were looking forward to trying the Soft Shell Crab Burger for yourself, the Wednesday Night Market is a great opportunity to do so. Hammer and Tong’s market stall is especially dedicated to pumping out those delicious burgers all night, so you’re getting the same delicious meal as you would if you were to order it in their restaurant, but for a few dollars cheaper too!

Hammer and Tong Soft Shell Crab Burger at the Night Market

Hammer and Tong Soft Shell Crab Burger at the Night Market

2. Vintage Hub

Among the sea of regular market stalls at the Queen Victoria Night Market – cheap sunglasses, handmade soaps, band t-shirts and jewellery - coconut watches anyone? This year it was refreshing to see the addition of the ‘Vintage Hub‘. Hosted by Vintage Garage, The Vintage Hub is a cluster of stalls selling an assortment of all things vintage from pre-loved and reworked clothing to retro homewares. Check out Grandma-Funk for her one-of-a-kind collection of vintage European leather patch jumpers and Vonruby for a gorgeous Vintage hairdo and makeover.

Vonruby

Vonruby Vintage Hair and Makeup at The Night Market

 3. Live Music

Your perfect summer evenings at the Wednesday Night Market are made complete with festive tunes hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria. Each week features a selection of the diverse mix of performers. From my experience, some bands are extremely funky and engaging and will invite the crowd to get up and dance. A couple of sangria’s later and you may just be more than eager to get up and join them! You can view the full program of gigs for the 2013-2014 season here.

4. Dessert

After all that walking and talking (and perhaps after the last point, some dancing too?) you would have most likely worked up your second (or third) appetite for the night, and with so many exciting and exotic variations of food on offer, you’d be glad you did! There are so many food stalls you are bound to find something to tickle your fancy, but if you are having trouble deciding, try the Creme Brulee or Lemon tart macaron from Macaron De Paris, the Dutch Pancakes or the French Crepes (just look out for the giant tubs of Nutella)

Macarons from Macaron De Paris at The Night Market

Macarons from Macaron De Paris at The Night Market

5. Sangria!

It just wouldn’t be right if you didn’t put Sangria on your list of things to do at the Night Market! Not only do Running Bull Sangria offer a red and white wine variety, but they now have a couple of stalls set up around the market space, so you can sip on your fruity wine mix whilst browsing the market stalls in delight until…

oh! Whats that? You’ve finished your cup already and you’re already on the other side of the market by now? Oh look! There’s another sangria stall conveniently located two stalls down! And on it goes…

(Or for a non alcoholic sipping treat, try the original Lemonade stands instead!)

Running-Bull-Sangria-at-The-Night-Market

Running Bull Sangria at The Night Market

The Queen Victoria WednesdayNight Market

Every Wednesday night from 5pm-10pm

November 6th – February 26th (excluding December 25th & January 1st 2014)

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The Lab Nitrogen Gelato – Dining Review

Walking down Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD I had to do a double take when I walked by a store that claimed to serve nitrogen gelato that didn’t appear to be N2. I was surprised to see the presence of nitrogen gelato spots in Melbourne suddenly double before my eyes!

On the surface, The Lab looked to me like a hastily put together rip-off of N2, trying to get in on the sudden trendiness of nitrogen gelato. The Lab featured the same concept as N2, the same science lab set up, staff wearing white lab coats and protective eye wear, and a display of empty glass beakers. The Lab featured the same black walls and uninviting, slightly awkward seating area (though in defence of The Lab, at least they actually had tables and chairs, albeit a limited number of them and there was no AstroTurf in sight.) They were also a little more technologically adoptive with their menu displayed on screens above the counter, but the menu phrasing ’1 scoop = $6, 1 serve = yumminess’ sounded all too familiar. The first time I saw this place I walked past with my nose in the air thinking ‘Ha! Imposter! You are no N2!’ But the second time I walked past a week later I thought, ‘Well until I’ve tried it myself, who am I to judge!?’ It’s only fair.

The Lab Menu

The Lab Menu

The Lab

The Lab

The menu offering was not as exciting as N2. On my visit the flavours on offer included ‘Milky chocolate with homemade brownies, Black Sesame, Salted Caramel Popcorn, Raspberry and Yuzu Sorbet and Ice Lemon Tea Sorbet’. I went with the Salted Caramel Popcorn. There were a handful of people inside the store, staff were friendly and the wait time was not long at all. The ice-cream was presented well, with popcorn dotted on top of the ice-cream and finished off with a swirl of caramel sauce. The taste test was where the Lab could have really made me ‘eat my words’ with my snooty comparisons of it to N2, but unfortunately for The Lab, I stood corrected. The ice-cream had a wonderfully smooth consistency but it lacked flavour and tasted horribly artificial. The cute looking toppings also didn’t help when it came down to the ‘crunch’. The caramel sauce was sickly sweet and overly runny and the popcorn tasted stale and nasty. I felt sympathetic for the guy who ordered before me, as while waiting for our order, he turned to me and said ‘I keep hearing about how good nitrogen ice-cream is, so decided I just had to try it!’ But after I tasted The Lab’s contribution to nitrogen gelato in Melbourne I felt like running back to find that man and reassure him, ‘it’s not all like this, I swear!’

Salted Caramel Popcorn at The Lab

I don’t mean to be too harsh, it’s not the worst ice-cream I’ve ever tasted and if you were like that gentleman in line before me who was new to the concept of nitrogen gelato, you would still find it exciting and intriguing to watch your ice-cream being prepared and suddenly appear out of a cloud of smoke. But just as N2 would not survive long term based solely on the novelty factor of nitrogen gelato, (the difference is their exotic and mostly amazingly delicious flavour combinations like their outstanding Crème Brûlée) once the novelty appeal disappears, The Lab’s ice-cream just does not cut it for me.

However, The Lab’s convenient city location is an advantage and if their menu changes weekly, hopefully they start to serve some more enticing flavours. I’d give it another try in a few months, as I think that would be the true test to see whether they are just trying to cash in on the sudden hype over nitrogen gelato or if they are actually serious about serving good quality ice-cream.

The Lab

188 Bourke Street,
Melbourne

(03) 9077 5354

Open Monday – Sunday, 12pm til late

The Lab Nitrogen Gelato on Urbanspoon

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Kester Black & Trophy Wife Nail Art Launch Party!

Kester Black Tropicana Range

Kester Black Tropicana Range

 

Jay Z and Beyoncé, Sofia Coppola and Dior, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy

Sometimes a collaboration is just so fantastic it’s worth celebrating, and that’s just what Kester Black and Trophy Wife Nail Art are doing this Friday, to celebrate Kester Black’s lush new Spring / Summer nail polish range ‘Tropicana‘ and to launch the two stunning new nail polish shades the duo has created:

Kester Black Alimony Nail Polish by Trophy Wife

Kester Black Alimony Nail Polish by Trophy Wife

Kester Black Gold Digger Nail Polish by Trophy Wife

Kester Black Gold Digger Nail Polish by Trophy Wife

 

Head down to West Space this Friday night 6pm-8pm for this free event to sneak a peek at this exciting new range, sip on cocktails and be treated to free nail art!

Event Details:

Friday, September 27th

6pm-8pm

West Space,

Level 1 / 225 Bourke Street

Melbourne, 3000

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