You know those lunches, that turn into a long lunch, that turn into late afternoon snacks verging on an early dinner? It can only mean you’re onto a good thing. And in this scenario, that good thing is Julie, a gorgeous, gorgeous restaurant nestled into the grounds of Abbotsford Convent - in itself an always special place to visit. I spent a beautiful Saturday here with some friends a few weeks ago, making ourselves right at home in Julie’s warm and inviting dining room (and eventually their outdoor terrace, when we stayed past our booking time). A menu that changes with the seasons, using fresh produce from the kitchen garden just outside, and a wine list on point (there’s a pet nat I’m still thinking about - a Werkstatt 2023 pet nat riesling, for those playing along at home) - it all works so well. I’m already thinking about when I can get back, and who I can take - Julie is no doubt a total treasure.
watch
Challengers in cinemas
Oh. Boy. When you walk out of a movie and the main thought running through your head is simply, ‘damnnn’? That’s a great feeling. Challengers is a hell of a ride, you guys. It’s tennis, it’s hot, it’s drama, it’s tension - Luca Guadagnino has created something so intense and so incredible here. And let me tell you, the chemistry between Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist is something else. I’d watch these three do just about anything, but I was pretty bloody happy to watch them play tennis, flirt, argue and sweat so very, very much for two hours. Visually, it’s a total treat as well, and the soundtrack is nothing short of banging. I think the less you know the better with this one, so no massive plot description for ya - this is very much a ‘sit back and just let it happen’ kinda watch. And absolutely one I’d recommend seeing in a cinema while it’s still showing (all I’ll say is… there are certain scenes you definitely want to watch on as big a screen as possible). In closing - more like WimbleDAMN, am I right? (I’m not right, in fact I’m so sorry, Challengers deserves better.)
listen
King Stingray by King Stingray
I’m never not happy when I listen to King Stingray, and their 2022 self titled album is no exception - this record brings me so much joy. They have such an excellent sound - melding rock and surf and garage with that unmistakeable didgeridoo, and lyrics in both English and yolngu (the boys are from northeast Arnhem Land up in the NT). They sound like Australia in the most beautiful way, it’s just so good. My favourite tracks are Lupa, Hey Wanhaka and Milkumana, the latter I’m pretty sure I’ve made a very solid contribution to its three million hits on Spotify. I’m so excited to follow along with these guys and see what they continue to come up with - nothing else sounds quite like them. It’s beach music, it’s holiday music, it’s road trip music. Chuck it on, you can’t go wrong.
watch
Masterchef on Channel Ten and 10Play
One fun fact about me is that some of the most committed relationships in my life are with reality TV shows. (Is that a fun fact? Don’t answer!) I’ve written before about Survivor, and now my other major love is back on the screen - Masterchef, of course! What a beautiful piece of telly, honestly. And you know what - as much as I love the scheming and strategy that makes up Survivor, Masterchef is proof that reality TV can be unashamedly wholesome, while never lacking in drama or tension. It’s quite heartwarming to watch a group of people compete against each other, but support one another the entire way. And have so much fun doing it. And, um, make so much bloody excellent food. The food is out of this world, truly. Just one tip, and this is a big one - never, ever watch on an empty stomach.
just quickly
A bit out of left field, but if you haven’t tried Hooleys chips you simply must, asap. I thought we’d seen all the best chips we were going to see by now, but these lil’ guys are next level.
I quite appreciated a number of the pressing questions asked in this article, in particular, why on earth do we have no modern equivalent of DVD extras?
The Challengers soundtrack is on Spotify and it’s exactly as satisfying to listen to as you think it’s going to be.
Next time you need a fun, silly rom com to watch, Anyone But You is very much a fun, silly time.
Round She Goes puts on excellent vintage and pre-loved clothing markets in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide - I highly recommend popping along to have a dig around.
Stay good,
Lisa xx
Take me to Julie please! Can't wait to see Challengers, it looks like a lot of fun.
On the topic of DVD extras, I feel like I'd be so much more appreciative of audio commentaries now than I was fifteen years ago, but they're so much more difficult to come across. I think I liked the Futurama audio commentaries more than the show itself.