Quotable Quote

"Wisdom comes with winters."
Oscar Wilde 1854-1900

Winter in Melbourne

Winter is a time to let out a sigh of relief and get some serious 'me' time here in Melbourne. So rug up and warm up to the idea of trawling some galleries around town for that next special gift (to yourself of course). Nestle up in a gastro pub (preferably one with an open fireplace) for a long weekend lunch or warm up with a stroll around one of Melbourne's many shopping precincts.

A Night on the Town

Nothing beats a warm friendly pub, complete with open fire place and great food for that long lunch or dinner on a cold winter's day. Here are two of our favourites:

The Albert Park Hotel attracts its fair share of socialites and movers and shakers- don't be intimidated though. On offer are three menus for each separate space- a public bar, bistro and lounge bar. The interior spaces, designed by the firm Six Degrees, are contemporary with a retro edge. The food is modern and diverse, in the bistro area starters range from $12- $20 and mains from $26- $38, if this is too pricey you can go casual in the public bar with meals from $16- $22. A range of share plates, bar snacks and cheese are also available.
On the Cnr of Montague St & Dundas Pl, Ph: 9690 5459.
www.thealbertpark.com.au be sure to book for the bistro area.

The Marquis of Lorne is an eclectic pub with an alternative edge. The first level is a bar with an open fireplace that provides a warm atmosphere. Upstairs is the restaurant area offering casual and intimate dining. A menu is provided for both areas with traditional pub grub in the bar $10- $17, and a selection of Italian, Asian and Australian meals upstairs with mains between $18- $26. Sundays play host to live music and DJ's feature Wednesday and Friday nights. Open 4pm till late mon- thurs, 12noon till late fri-sun. The kitchen is open 7 days with lunch Friday to Sunday.
Cnr George & Kerr Streets Fitzroy, Ph: 9415 9904
www.marquisoflorne.com.au

Gallery Watch

The great institution we know as the National Gallery of Victoria is currently launching an ambitious project 'Masterpieces for Melbourne'. The aim is to raise 150 Million dollars by their 150th Anniversary in 2011. As an institution the NGV has always relied upon community support to help make it a truly world class gallery. Since 1950 the buying power of the gallery has been in decline and they are seeking once again gifts and pledges to keep them at the top of the gallery scene. So, help keep the masterpieces coming Melbourne's way by pledging what you can, or making sure you make it to the latest exhibition.

Coming up this Winter @ the NGV is the Art Deco 1910- 1939 Exhibition. Comprising over three hundred works, it reflects the exciting and diverse period that influenced architecture, fashion, art and design. Encompassing a period that saw the roaring twenties and the great depression it has come to symbolise a time of glamour, modernity and decadence. Opens on 28th June to the 5th October 2008. Check details and specific times at the NGV website www.ngv.vic.gov.au

The Hatton's Top 3 Winter Activities!

3 Winter is a time to shop indoors and the best place to go in Melbourne is Bourke Streets GPO building. Renovated several years ago it has proven itself to be a high end shopping arcade to rival those of Collins Street. The shops feature brands like Akira, Camper Shoes, Ben Sherman, Mandarina Duck and Karen Milllen. Finish with a traditional wood fired pizza at Cae Da Vin.
Go to www.melbournesgpo.com

2 Designers and aesthetes' take note- the fourth annual Melbourne Design Festival is on from the 17th- 27th of July. Comprising over 40 mostly free events including exhibitions, forums, design shows, workshops, a design market, competitions and installations it is a showcase of the diverse world of design held in various locations around Melbourne and in Federation Square.
For further information and events listings go to: www.nationaldesigncentre.com

1 Art lovers rejoice, the Melbourne Art Fair is back from the 30th July- 3 August. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building on Nicholson St Carlton, the event is the premier trade fair for the Asia-Pacific region. Including over 80 selected galleries from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, the event will also feature public forums, curator programs, project rooms for emerging artists and collector programs.
For more information go to www.melbourneartfair.com

Keep warm and enjoy your winter this year, from all the team @ The Hatton.