Daily

Melb

99 Problems

There are so many ways the intro to this new bar could go, yet we'll take the high road and avoid (most) Jay-Z referencing.99 Problems has just opened on Johnston St in Collingwood, a short stroll up from the ol' Tote. This bar has a lot of things going for it, but mainstream traffic isn't one of them. Which is positive, considering that it's pitched as a bar for the local neighbourhood set.The product offering isn't altogether awe inspiring but its certainly a level above a lot of the other local boozers and they've managed to tick most of the boxes. Tiger and Cider on tap and then a smattering of Monteith's beers along with some other mainstreamers topped off with a pretty solid offering of sprits.The conceptual design is killer, laid down by local agency Robot Academy. Awesome murals, typeface and design make the place pop. A little side alleyway creates an informal outdoor space that is sure to be packed wall to wall once the word of this new hang gets out.Head down and check it out if you're a local and its worth the trip even if you're not.99 Problems31 Johnston Street, Collingwood, Australia 3066Details: Facebook
Read more

The Broadsheet Cafe

We've been hanging out at the Broadsheet Cafe a lot over the Food and Wine Festival. As it comes to a close, we figured the last day would be the best day to tell you about it. Featuring the barista and roasting talents of Seven Seeds, Dead Man Espresso, Five Senses, Proud Mary, The Premises and today, Market Lane Coffee. Head down to their Pop Up location on Crossley St and get schooled by the Market Lane Coffee purists on everything from Flat Whites to Pour Overs.Making the controversial decision to roll a 100% Single Origin for their Espresso, you know these guys mean business if you know the first thing about coffee. If that means nothing to you, just believe its all good. The Broadsheet Cafe, 24 Crossley St, CBDDetails: The Broadsheet Cafe
Read more

Up There Store – Norse Projects Launch

Tonight sees the Up There Store present the new Norse Projects range and throw a killer party in celebration.Hard to say what the new season has in store, but one can only hope to see a return of their raincoats, jackets and eternally good fitting chinos.Head down to enjoy some live music and grab a couple of James' Squires to get you in the buying mood.6pm - Level 1, 15 Mackillop St, CBDDetails: Up There Store
Read more

The (new) Collection

Long standing Bridge Road bar, The Collection has recently been purchased by a pair of enthusiastic industry pro's looking to change the face of the bar and drinking on Bridge Road.Owen and Paul are the new faces behind the bar and they've got some grand plans to convert their regulars to better drinkers (albeit slowly) with fresh and home made ingredients.Stroll down and sample the fares on the new menu that take inspiration from their former venues which include the much prized Bourbon and Branch (San Francisco) and PDT (NYC).The Collection Bar328 Bridge Rd, RichmondDetails: The Collection Bar
Read more

Doss Blockos

There are a host of amazing Victorian Micro Brews doing the rounds and for the most part they are outstanding products. But one thing most have in common is a backyard mentality to label design and marketing. They're mostly hideous (cite 2 brothers as a radical exception).Doss Blockos is a new Pale Lager brewed locally and taking a fresh approach to the micro brew mentality. Attached is a video doing the rounds that shows the story behind the name and the three street artists they got to paint their Bedford delivery truck. The name is based around a group of underground brewers from NYC that squatted in the 'Dos Blockos' in the 90's.All bottles are delivered in a customised brown paper bag, which could look a little contrived and lame but they back it up with the rest of the brand image and make it work.As for those of you still not sold, the beer is solid. It's an easy drinking lager style with a bit more interest than your standard parochial offering thanks to the inclusion of mild hops and a long ferment. All of this means that these guys know how to make beer properly and it's perfect for a whole session.Poppin up all over town, check the video then keep an eye out for the brown paper bag at Section 8 and other similar hispter locales.Details: East 9th Brewing
Read more

Chez Regine

This little inner city bar is transforming into something of a little whisky hideout with a growing list of Scotland’s finest. The owners are now taking the bold move to servicing the growing trend of neat whiskey drinkers in the city, expanding their back bar, offering flights to test a range of styles and even starting up their own club for cool kids. Sign up to become a member of the Single Malt Collective (SMC) and you’ll be treated to industry presentations from the likes of ambassadors and master distillers. Open until stupidly late on Fridays, if you’re in the hospo crowd or just love a late night shot, the booze is super cheap.Chez Regine, 270 Russell St, CBDThursday – 5pm to Late, Friday 5pm – 5am, Saturday 5pm – 1amDetails: Chez Regine
Read more

Somewhere Store

The death of Schwipe and their Royal Arcade store was mourned by many. But in its place has risen a house of Swedish radicality. So fresh, it gets it’s own made up word. Dr. Denim, Cheap Monday, Whyred, Gram shoes, Sperry Topsiders, its all there. The space is packed full of seasonal goodness that will have you looking like a downtown Stockholmer in no time flat. Combined with a rotating gallery and the worlds friendliest staff, this is a serious one stop destination. Goodbye Schwipe, Hello Somewhere. Somewhere Store, Level 2, Royal Arcade, 314 Little Collins St, CBD Details: Somewhere Store
Read more

Acclaim Magazine 5th Birthday

The locally produced Acclaim Magazine is a dominant world force in print based reporting on everything hip-hop, street based and it's a perfectly produced, on trend masterpiece.So after 5 years of consistent goodness, it's time to celebrate. And their throwing the readers and fans a super block party to celebrate.Head down to Saint Cloud on Saturday 18th December and get involved. When you roll up, all you have to do is purchase one of the new issues and you are granted access to the block party to end them all, with booze flowing freer than the Fitzroy drains after a down pour.Check the flyer for more details or entertain yourself endlessly with the masterpiece that is the 'video flyer'.Details: Acclaim MagazineACCLAIM Magazine Issue 22 Launch - Video Flyer from ACCLAIM Magazine on Vimeo.
Read more

Beatbox Kitchen @ Rooftop

You might have caught onto the food truck cutting about town disguised as a big ass boombox. If you’ve ever sampled the delights from this revolutionary transportable food dispensing wonder mobile then you’ll know it’s the business. Ordinarily, good luck or a rigourous twitter checking methodology were the only ways to catch up with the Beatbox Kitchen.But it seems this lonely wanderer has decided that he might need a little space to camp down and call his own. And what better place than right under the stars at The Rooftop Bar? The astrofturf hipster cinema and cider dispensing outlet now serves as the fixed location for the killer burgers and fries that are, put simply, ‘the freshest’, in every manner of speaking.So climb the stairs to work off the calories before the fact and score yourself one of the tastiest burgers in town, whenever you like.Check out theBeatbox Kitchen – Rooftop, Curtin House 252 Swanston St, CBDtwitter.com/beatboxkitchenDetails: Beatbox Kitchen
Read more

Pillar Of Salt

Following in the families' footsteps is a tradition that unfortunately doesn’t occur as often as it should these days. But for two young brothers, the decision was easy. After securing a site right next to the ever popular Royal Saxon, they set about putting together a café to fit into the surrounding environment. With the help of TECHNE architects, the result is a perfect setting combining the indoor and outdoor spaces and making it feel roomier than its modest floor space. With massive windows opening onto the street and an awning that retracts to take in the sun all day long. Church St has been crying out for some good café action ever since Pearl Café went to shit and starting serving Vittoria Coffee. The testament to this has to be these guys selling out of food completely on their first day of trade. Food is simply, but delicious. A strong ‘smash and grab’ selection of hearty baguettes is on offer with some more delicate meals available if you’re eating in. Grab a coffee, you’re in safe hands with good baristas pumping out the 5 senses blends through a shiny new Synesso machine. Look forward to big things and great times from this café with weekend trade expected to get a liquor license and get the party started (as much as it can be in a café anyway). Pillar of Salt 541 Church St, Richmond
Read more

The Tuckshop

If you're looking for a new corporate job, here's the hot tip. Get one with the NAB and demand to be stationed in the building at 500 Bourke St. At your feet will be Movida Aqui, Cafenatics and the amazing Earl Canteen.And now, you'll also be able to brag about The Tuckshop.Channeling that inner desire to relive to good old school days of lining up for what was the greatest food in the world and making it the envy of all your mates.A host of industry pros including the brain behind St.Ali, Outpost, Sensory Lab (et al), Salvatore Malatesta have put together the concept. Which means that the coffee is from the roasts of St. Ali and pushed through a high end Synesso machine for optimum caffeine hits.Salads, wraps and cold cuts abound in the displays and entice the thousands of passers by. For a cheeky throwback experience there is even a grown ups hot dog. A custom made 'dog paired with homemade tomato sauce will take you right back to the school yard.The TuckShop, 500 Bourke St CBD (in the NAB Building)Regular Office Hours (7am - 5:30pm)
Read more

Melbourne Bikefest

Bikefest kicks off today with an opening party at 1000£ Bend. Then for five days of mayhem a day and night schedule of forums, parties, cinema and group rides will ensue. Organised by the crew that bought you the Bicycle Film Festival, this event is certainly not just for the fixie hipsters. It’s a celebration of all things bicycle and is designed to spread the good word about cycling. Events such as free maintenance workshops, Laneway Cinema at Little Mule, The Tweed Ride (yes, a mass ride where tweed is compulsory) and heaps more provide something for everyone. We’ll keep you posted on the highlights. Bikefest, 1000£ Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St, CBD 24 November – 28 November Details: Bikefest
Read more