We don’t want to sound like wanker Real Estate gurus, but the deal with hotspot Ponyfish Island is seriously location, location, location.It is as the name suggests, a tranquil island haven built on a deck under the Yarra Pedestrian Footbridge at Southbank.We also don’t want to sound cliqued, but from about 5pm onwards you can forget what you have heard about dead bodies and the toxicity of the Yarra River, the view across the water from this bar is spectacular.In Winter they do a great job making it as comfortable an outdoor setting as possible, with gas heaters and a glass of mulled wine for just $6.Come Summer, you will be struggling to find a seat/over-turned crate as this refreshing venue allows you to soak up the last few rays of each sunny day. VCA kids get discount rates. So if you are seeking the perfect hipster mate: alternative, creative and loves to have a drink or two, we suggest haunting Ponyfish Island. Take a break and indulge at Ponyfish post-work or post-uni. It is the one exception from the outrageously awful chaos of peak hour anywhere within a 1km radius of Flinders St Station. It’s bliss. Ponyfish IslandYarra Pedestrian FootbridgeOpen 7 days from 8am-1amDetails: Ponyfish Island

Photo Credit: theselby.comLocal label P.A.M. or Perks and Mini if you hide under a rock is expanding it's presence throughout the country with it's intelligent uber-hipster urban threads. Heavily stocked across some of our favourite stores like Someday and Saint Cloud, the iconography, design and quality is putting them up there on the world stage.The label itself is run by Misha Hollenbach and Shauna Toohey, who recently allowed Todd Selby inside their home to shoot their daily lives at home with their kid Odi. The Selby is an epic photo journal put together by Todd Selby, who recently visited Melbourne and shot inside the homes of people he admired or was intrigued by. We met him a couple of days before the shoot and he was dressed head to toe in P.A.M., giving us the sense that he was a big fan.Check this photo set and then save The Selby in your bookmarks, your RSS or your list of sites to look at religiously every week. There is a host of amazing people that have let Selby inside their homes and creative spaces and the results can help to inspire us all. His little handwritten question sheets for all his subjects are pure abstract gold too.The Selby is in your place!The Selby x P.A.M.

Attention art hunters: there’s a new kid in town. He’s dark and mysterious. Coy. Some call him a dark horse. This may be because little is known of the new gallery. However it might also be a simple reference to the gallery’s title: Dark Horse Experiment. This new player is a surprising addition to Melbourne’s commercial gallery scene. While numerous galleries unwillingly close their doors, Dark Horse Experiment opens theirs with a haaaaaaiya! karate kick in the GFC’s balls.Dark Horse Experiment is the result of a collaboration between Adrian Doyle and Joel Gailer (former directors of Michael Koro Galleries), and Stephen Nall (Dickerson Gallery). These gallery old-hats wanted to create an exhibition space for both traditional and new media art forms, with an emphasis on curatorial experimentation.According to Nall, “The artists we represent will often have hidden qualities – ‘dark horse’ status, if you will. Curatorial selections will be determined on the basis of a quality aesthetic, however there will be an emphasis on what’s new and relevant now.” The gallery’s first exhibition, The New Field, is a group show presenting one work by each of the gallery’s represented artists.Come welcome this new kid to the block at The New Field’s opening night, 14th July 6-9pm.Dark Horse Experiment110 Franklin StreetMelbourneTues-Sat 12 til 6pmDetails: Dark Horse Experiment

Nestled among the galleries and exhibition spaces of Flinders Lane, self-proclaimed ‘social hub’ Cumulus Inc. is open seven days a week, from 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 11pm Saturdays and Sundays. Service kicks off with breakfast, which features a cardiac-inducing farmhouse slab bacon and blood sausage on toast fry-up, but also a number of light and fresh options, such as watermelon salad with strawberry, vanilla yoghurt and mint. In fact, if you discount the muffins and madeleines, homemade granola, muesli and candied orange and raisin toast make brunch here a relatively sinless affair. Lunch and dinner are all about sharing plates with an emphasis on oysters (with eight varieties ripe for shucking), charcuterie and hearty meat and fish dishes. Arriving at three in the afternoon, the place is half full with people finishing up long leisurely lunches, popping in for a post-shopping glass of wine or, like us, looking for a mid-afternoon grazing session. Wait staff recommend ordering four of five plates to share (there were two of us – me and photo monkey) and then the kitchen sends them out one by one. Kind of like designing your own degustation menu. You can also have your own chef’s table (ish) if you grab a stool at the white marble counter overlooking the kitchen. Chef Andrew McConnell and architect partner Pascale Gomes-McNabb’s ‘eating house and bar’ consists of a light and airy open dining room dotted with circular tables and space to eat and drink at the kitchen and bar, which is framed by high frosted windows that, combined with the vault-like door, add to a sense of being tucked away, a haven of bustling gourmet activity on an otherwise deserted strip, on the weekends, that is. Wine by the glass – quality not quantity when it comes to options – and homemade bread set the scene. First out the kitchen: creamy foie gras parfait with toasted brioche. Smooth foie gras, crunchy buttery brioche, heavenly. Then the $4 sardine on toast with caramelised fennel and orange. Two bites and it is gone, but at $4 a pop it is fantastic value – could easily wolf down a plate of these. Subtle fish and orange flavours complement each other brilliantly, and it looks oh-so pretty. Smoked corn and mussel chowder is split between two glasses for us and really benefits from a sprinkling of punchy paprika, lifting the earthy comfort food flavours to something all together more refined. Could have had more mussels in mine, but I think that is just luck of the draw. There are loads of cured and fresh meats to choose from, so we opted for the kitchen charcuterie selection (a taster of four) – pork and pistachio terrine, jamón serrano, Wagyu bresaola with beetroot and gherkins, hand-cut Sicilian salami with mustard fruit. We will definitely be heading back for the one of the meaty mains (whole slow-roast shoulder of lamb, mustard-crumbed pig’s tail or roast rabbit saddle) or fish dishes (tuna tartare, line-caught baby snapper or steamed clams with sorrel sauce), but on this occasion we were just too full. However, I think this is the beauty of Cumulus Inc., a place where people can slow down and take time to taste their way through the menu and, with regular pauses for quiet contemplation, even reach dessert. Cumulus Inc. 45 Flinders Lane CBD Tel. (03) 9650 1445Website: Cumulus Inc. By Nic Crilly-Hargrave

You've gotta love female front-women.They are powerful and capturing. Their dancing is less of the rigid sexual jolting of front-men and more of the dreamy, dazzling movements of goddesses. They offer smiling faces as opposed to smouldering smirks. In this particular performance the girls from Alpine are glittery and gorgeous. Their vocals and actions bounce so well off each other, it's like watching a rally between Federer and Nadal. Once warmed up, Alpine perform their more familiar tracks with such professionalism for a band who is really pretty new to the scene.They are performing at Splendour too. But if you don't have $500 for a ticket, a tent, a back-up cheap airline flight (Tiger, you really are balls), food supplies, gumboots, blah, blah, etc. get to NSC tonight!Alpine @ Northcote Social ClubFriday 8th July, bands starting at 9pm301 High St Northcote VIC 3070Ph: (03) 9489 3917Tickets via www.northcotesocialclub.comPh: (03) 9486 1677Details: Alpine

Around every sneaky CBD corner there is a sushi place.There is no shortage of dry, flavourless, old, seaweed-breaking, limp sushi rolls. And it seems the price of a roll goes up at least 20c every year. End geriatric rant. There are many good sushi places out there too. Every business day over the peak lunch period there is a telltale line outside Sushi Monger. People know this place rules. You won’t wait long. The production line inside operates on a foolproof system, churning customers through incredibly quickly. The deals are super reasonable, such as 2 fresh sushi rolls and miso soup for just $5. Sides of gyoza or yasai salad set you back just $3 each. Staff are friendly, incredibly swift at serving and actually Japanese. If you're after a religious lunch option this healthy haven has to be one of the best.To the Sushi Monger: a simple Japanese ‘yokudekimashita’ is deserved. In English, well done. Sushi MongerThe Walk ArcadeShop 17, The Causeway309-325 Bourke StreetPh.: 9663 0899Mon-Sat 10:30am-3.30pmCash Only Details: Sushi Monger

Things relative to the words ‘trippy’ and ‘taco’ are generally pretty good.Apply this rule to Smith Street’s hot Mexican cafe Trippy Taco and you get double the goodness.Hit up Trippy to immediately stifle a grumbling tummy with glorious nachos, quesadillas, burritos and tacos, all hovering around the $10 mark. This casual place is the best for those days you are defeated to find only a collection of ‘poo change’ in your wallet but need something warm and spicy to keep you alive. Trippy is bound to the doctrine of the hippy, mostly all the options are vegan and gluten-free. But if you’re really missing that meat flavour try the ‘trippy fries’ that taste a bit like they have been covered in powdered bacon. Beans, cheese, guacamole and incredible salsa full of miraculous ingredients (I found sultanas in there once), ensure a tasty Mexican feast that will truly satisfy. It could prove a struggle to fit in the door and finding a seat is definitely in issue. But keep your ears out because Trippy will shortly relocate just around the corner to a bigger space.You will almost certainly walk out with half your burrito all over your face, or your pants. But your previously drooling mouth will be smiling with content, perhaps brought on by a little something extra in the food. Who knows? Trippy Taco48 Smith StreetCollingwood VIC 3066Mon-Tue 11am-4pmWed-Sun 11am-9pm(03) 9415 7711Tram: 112, Gertrude St/Smith StDetails: Trippy Taco

On a stinking hot day in the middle of summer, nothing is more refreshing than jumping waves at the beach.Experiencing an Indigenous photography exhibition, after a bombardment of contemporary dot paintings in recent years, can be just as refreshing. Enter, Ricky Maynard. A documentary photographer based on Flinders Island, Maynard tells it as it is. Portrait of a Distant Land presents several series of photographs, some taken as early as 1985. A number of beautiful images depict the Australian bush and close-up portraits. Others require a stronger stomach: Maynard explores the impact of drugs and alcohol on Australian Aborigines, and the contentious issue of deaths in custody. Aesthetically, think black and white, strong lines, shadows and patterns. And not a dot in sight. Ricky Maynard: Portrait of a Distant LandOn until 14th August.The Ian Potter Museum of Modern Art, The University of Melbourne (on Swanston Street between Elgin and Faraday Streets)Free admissionDetails: Ricky Maynard: Portrait of a Distant Land

If you're dying to be fashion forward but lack the funds, this weekend’s Ellery Sale is your calling.Sequin-encrusted frocks with jutting shoulders, beautiful dyed silk shirts, ankle-breaking perspex heels (watch out for the slippery mat in the change room, 'nuff said), short skirts, pants and tees will still set you back a handful of pineapples. But it is undeniably a must-visit. This stuff is worth elbowing another chick out of the way for. Ellery Sale106 Bridge Road, RichmondFriday 24th, Saturday 25th of June, 10am-6pmSunday 26th, 12pm-5pmMonday 27th, 10am-5pmDetails: Ellery Sale

EPISODE rocks some of the dopest vintage stock that can be found this side of LA. Good news then, that they're clearing out their Brunswick warehouse this weekend.Head down, hand over a crisp lobster (commonly known as a twenty dollar note) and they'll give you a bag to stuff with as much stuff as is physically possible and send you on your way again. Imagine that, taking out that feeling of remorse of not snapping up that other top or that thirteenth scarf. As with anything, all the cream will be scooped off the top, with the rubbish sinking to the bottom. Fortune favours the early riser, so get in early, stuff your bag and leave the rest of the vultures to fight over the scraps. Episode Massive Vintage Clearance SaleSaturday 25th & Sunday 26th June, 9am - 4pm18 Hardy St, BrunswickCASH ONLYDetails: Episode

Rocco has been making hand made shoes in Melbourne for 40 of his 75 years. Jet, The Strokes, The Dandy Warhols, Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones are some of Rocco’s more high profile customers.Thankfully Rocco doesn’t just favour rock stars. I once took Rocco a picture from Vogue of a pair of Yohji Yamamoto ankle boots worth around a$1,000. Rocco made me an almost identical pair for $200. Specialties seem to be cowboy boots and leather brogues, with a number of amazing pre-made pairs gracing the shelves, particularly some very snazzy loafers. For those with more specific desires allow Rocco’s ‘sweet Italian Nona’ wife to trace both your feet to ensure custom fit and designate the colour of the leather, buckles, straps, and the best bit, the heel. Rocco makes a mad Cuban heel. Shoes take up to three to four weeks as they are made with stringent love and care using irreplaceable 100-year-old presses, heelers and trimmers. Word is Rocco’s son John is now the family business frontman. It makes me happy to think Rocco has a day or two to kick back and smoke a pipe (or whatever old Italian men enjoy doing) after all these years.The shop is adorably old-fashioned. It has a Facebook page that appears to have launched in accordance with the opening of a new boutique for more modern designs next door. The original store still has no website, no email and no phone. You will have to trace the footsteps, the face paint, the safety pins, the glitter, the long strands of greasy hair and the skull heads of rock stars to find dear old Rocco.Or I’ll just tell you where it is. Rocco’s Shoes43 Station Street, MalvernMon - Fri: 10:00am-4:00pmSat: 09:30am-1:00pmDetails: Rocco's Shoes

Every Wednesday evening in Melbourne’s inner city suburbs, a group gathers to play the ukulele. Titled the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, and outnumbered by beginners, the group is united through a passion for the instrument. Having performed at Federation Square and the Port Fairy Folk Festival, it might not be long ‘til you can claim you knew this group before they went commercial.If you’ve been watching the new TV program Fringe Lane, you’ll know what I’m on about. In only the show’s second week on air, Fringe Lane has featured segments on Melbourne’s Ukulele Kollective, St. Kilda’s Veg Out Community Garden, West Footscray’s Women’s Circus, and other quirky attributes of this city.Fringe Lane focuses on Melbourne’s art, fashion, food and music culture. Hosted by four young women, the show presents stories on emerging and undiscovered pastimes, enterprises and events that slip under the mainstream media radar. ‘We just felt there was no room on Australian television for something a bit different, a little left-of-centre, so this is our way of trying to change that’, says Fringe Lane Producer, Tahlia Azaria. Better yet, Fringe Lane is associated with Yourthworx Productions, enabling at-risk minors to get involved in the show’s production. Watch Fringe Lane, and you’ll be supporting Melbourne youths gain skills in editing, and operating cameras, audio and lights for the program. Fringe Lane Wednesday evenings 8:00pmChannel 31 (Digital Channel 44)Details: Fringe Lane