Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - July 19, 2023

CHEF’S SECRETS DESSERTS TO DEVOUR

FOOTY FOOD WHERE TO GRAB A PRE-GAME BITE

PROPERTY VIEWS OF THE GREEN

In 2001, our cover star Gemma Ward made her acting debut in a film by Perth director Elissa Down. No, not The Black Balloon (that would come later). It was called Pink Pyjamas. It featured a young Ward who played the best friend to the lead character – who happened to be my sister. Ward, of course, went onto a very successful modelling career, though she kept one foot in the acting biz, too. She is set to rekindle her love of performing in the hit play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, which is coming to Her Majesty’s Theatre next week. She and co-star Ruby Rose told us about their excitement to return to the stage. ●

Compiled by HAILEY COULES

DIVERSE FLAVOURS \ Get to this year’s Winter Feasts in North Fitzroy. Chefs from social enterprise Free to Feed will serve cuisines from Ukraine, Egypt, Sri Lanka and more. July 27 to August 24. ● freetofeed.org.au

FROM ABOVE \ Chadstone’s newest rooftop bar has just opened at Euro-brasserie Cityfields. The Terrace has panoramic views of the city skyline, a toasty fire pit and delish snacks and drinks. ● cityfields.com.au

THE EDIT

Things we love about Melbourne

Gemma Ward

Photographed by Daniel Boud

Go to domain.com.au/domain-review

General inquiries \ editorial@domain.com.au

Editor \ Jemimah Clegg

Editorial producer \ Hailey Coules

Group picture editor \ Kylie Thomson

Senior designer \ Colleen Chin Quan

Graphic designer \ Emma Drake

National magazine editor \ Natalie Mortimer

Group content director \ Mark Roppolo

Chief marketing officer \ Rebecca Darley

Chief executive officer Domain Group \ Jason Pellegrino

Real estate sales director \ Ray van Veenendaal \ 0438 279 870 ray.vanv@domain.com.au

Retail sales \ retailsales@sales.domain.com.au

Is your mag missing? Distribution \ distribution@domainreview.com.au

MAKES SCENTS \ The team behind Daily Boom florist has launched its own hand-poured candle label, Öde Studio. The three scents in the collection are designed for reflection and self-care. ● odestudio.com.au

CALM DOWN \ Get cosy at any Ovolo or By Ovolo hotel this winter. The Hygge Package lets guests save up to 25 per cent on a two-night stay and includes a velour blanket and two divine cocktails. ● ovolohotels.com

ASHLEY LUDKIN

HUGH DAVISON

Words

Whether you’re yellow and black, your heart beats true, or you support the old, dark navy blues, there are more options than Collingwood’s forward line when it comes to enjoying the biggest game in town.

From sitting in the outer to heaving pubs with delicious fare or cosying up on the couch with tasty treats, there are many ways to enjoy the footy.

A drop punt away from the MCG is the famous London Tavern Hotel, a traditional fan favourite.

“Our location is massive,” says venue manager Gina Cimarosti. “It’s an institution for Melbourne footy, and the atmosphere is amazing.”

A game-day menu bursting with traditional pub fare satisfies the 700-odd punters who converge on the venue in the lead-up to the first bounce.

Just down the road at the mighty MCG, there’s something for every footy lover, from Royal Stacks burgers and Industry Beans coffees to star-studded menus in the famous function rooms.

A new player is the Lucy Liu Lounge in the Ponsford Stand where MCC members can tuck into dishes from the popular city Asian restaurant. Guests in the Committee Room by Grossi pair their football with a line-up from duck and porcini tortellini to herbed, crumbed veal cutlet.

In the iconic Long Room on match days members enjoy Victorian charcuterie and antipasto, porchetta, house-smoked brisket or marinated chicken chops with seasonal veg and a salad bar.

At the 1875 Ascot Vale Hotel, a short trip from Marvel Stadium in the inner north-west, you might even bump into a Bulldog given stars Tom Liberatore and Caleb Daniel are both partners here.

Best on ground

Owner-operators Brad Olsson and Nick Schultze relaunched the venue during COVID in 2020.

“We want to be known for having the best, coldest beer,” Olsson says. “It’s a pretty simple thing but consistency is key and we show every game with the volume up and people know what they’re going to get pre, post and during the footy. Given the area, there’s a strong Essendon flavour, but people recognise the link to the Bulldogs, so we get the Bulldogs crowd and North Melbourne and Carlton.”

Locals love the seafood spaghetti, chicken parma or famous dim sims with house-made chilli jam and soy sauce, a nod to the “old” pub, which had just two beers on tap and only dim sims on the menu.

The hotel also hosted one of the Australian Hotels Association Publican’s Lunches, headlined by former champs David King and Billy Brownless.

If you need to feed a crowd watching the game at home, Collingwood aren’t the only hot pies in town – National Pies’ new players are also heating up.

Straight out of Tasmania, like the AFL’s soon-tobe newest and 19th club, bacon and cheese pies and pepperoni pizza pockets are new members of the

team, which includes age-old performers like the classic beef pie and golden sausage rolls.

If a sweet treat is more your thing, you can have your favourite player and eat them too with handmade gourmet cookies baked in Geelong, home of the reigning premiers. Fookies custom decorates its vanilla shortbread biscuits with royal icing in club colours or digital images of your team’s stars. ●

KAYLA MAREE PHOTOGRAPHY

From pubs to new-style pies, here are some firm fan favourites.

MEGAN HUSTWAITE

LONDON TAVERN HOTEL

Ascot Vale Hotel’s dim sims with soy sauce and house-made chilli jam.

CHEF’S SECRETS

Sweet space

Bricks-and-mortar is back. At least, it is for bakers Alisha Henderson and Alice Bennett, known to their Instagram followers as @sweetbakes_ and @misstrixiedrinkstea.

The cake creatives opened Co.Bake Space on Swan Street in Richmond on Mother’s Day as “a place for pick-ups and popups”. They bake out the back with clients collecting in the front showroom, but the space is also on offer to small businesses who want to test the waters with a shop or put on special events.

The curvy, peach interior designed by Dot Dot Dash features a “caking in progress” light box, frilly ceramic sconces, terracotta-toned marble and touches of gingham. But nothing tops the warmth that accompanies a waft of freshly-baked cake.

“We are finding our online audiences are the first ones in the queue on pop-up days, but we’ve attracted new customers from the amazing local Richmond community,” Henderson says. Her first bake sale sold out in an hour. Bennett’s within two. There are more scheduled over winter, including a sweets and flower sale with Fig + Salt and Wild Flos, plus a bake sale from Reece Hignell (aka Cake Boi).

“I started this business at 19 years old and a decade later I feel I’ve only just warmed up,” Henderson says. “Starting a business was easy, maintain longevity in business is hard. I’ve had to reinvent the wheel and the business model so many times to stay relevant, and being here with my favourite iteration of Sweet Bakes and now Co.Bake is my proudest moment.”

Many of the Sweet Bakes orders are “cakefirmations”, a cake range with messages ranging from “So proud of you” to “You’re hot” painted with chillies. Once she hand-painted a pregnancy announcement on a cookie, which a woman sent to her father when he wasn’t able to travel interstate.

One of her most popular creations is also her most recent: the “Tiramisuki”, a golden-edged, gooey-centred, espresso chocolate-chip cookie crowned with tiramisu mascarpone. It took her months to perfect the cookie dough.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed quality control,” she admits.

While the Tiramisuki recipe remains under “lock and key”, Henderson has created a cake version to share – lucky us! ●

Sweet Bakes’ tiramisu cake recipe

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE

350g butter, room temperature

½ cup vegetable oil

600g caster sugar

5 eggs

200ml buttermilk

150g sour cream

360g plain flour

1.5 tbsp baking powder

4 tbsp coffee powder in

2 tbsp boiling water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla bean paste FOR THE COFFEE SOAK

½ cup caster sugar

½ cup water

¼ cup instant coffee powder FOR THE TIRAMISU TOPPING

250g mascarpone

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Cocoa powder to finish

METHOD

1. Line a 28cm cake tin with baking paper on the base and the sides. Preheat oven to 160 degrees, fan-forced.

2. With the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, beat oil, butter and sugar on high for five minutes until pale and fluffy.

3. Add eggs, scrape the bowl down and beat a further two minutes.

4. Sift in plain flour and baking powder and beat on low until just combined.

5. Add the buttermilk and sour cream and beat one minute, until mixture comes together.

6. Add the hot coffee, vanilla and salt, Mix for a further minute. Scrape down bowl to fully incorporate.

7. Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when poked in centre of cake.

8. Once cake is removed from oven, place all coffee soak ingredients in a saucepan on high heat.

9. One mixture comes to a rolling boil, pour the syrup all over cake so it seeps in.

10. Allow cake to cool, and refrigerate (you can leave it overnight or for three days prior to serving).

11. Once cooled and ready to serve, remove cake from pan and place on plate.

12. Whip together mascarpone, egg yolk, icing sugar and vanilla until medium-soft peaks form.

13. Place into a piping bag and pipe in spots across top of cake. Finish with a dusting of high-quality dark cocoa powder.

TIRAMISU CAKE

Alisha Henderson from Richmond’s Co.Bake Space shares her twist on a classic Italian dessert.

Getting in the spirit

Gemma Ward and Ruby Rose are set to star in the highly-lauded London play, 2:22 A Ghost Story, which makes its way to Melbourne in July.

Supermodel and actress Gemma Ward is returning to the stage for the second time in her career. It’s a move she’s thought about often, but it was her international modelling career that took precedence, which saw her walk for the fashion giants Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Marni and Prada.

The Perth-born model who became the face of Calvin Klein’s Obsession campaign in 2003 (replacing Kate Moss) lives in Sydney and is temporarily in Melbourne to rehearse for her theatre comeback in 2:22 A Ghost Story.

For Ward, performing at the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre is a dream come true. The last time she was in a play was for the Perth Theatre Company’s The Ugly One in 2011.

“I was honoured to be given this opportunity to make my stage return,” says Ward, a mother of three young children with her partner, David Letts.

“Theatre is a great place to learn, and while I did step away from acting for a while, it’s good to be

Words JANE ROCCA ● Photos AARON FRANCIS

back. I want to get into more TV and stage roles, so this was the perfect moment. My family is really supportive and happy for me.”

Ward performs as Jenny in 2:22 A Ghost Story, a paranormal thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

The plot traces Jenny and her husband Sam (Remy Hii) as they renovate a house in Greater London.

For several nights, at exactly 2.22am, Jenny hears the sound of someone moving around the house and becomes convinced that the house is haunted.

While her husband Sam remains a steadfast cynic, Jenny convinces some friends to stay up until 2.22am to see what happens.

Ward was in London last month to watch the West End hit play, and was

totally taken by Lily Allen, who played her character there.

“I was hooked the moment I read the script,” Ward says.

“That’s when I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. And seeing the show in London meant I got more of a sense of the set production, sound effects and lighting that goes into the show.

“It was interesting to see how the actors played their roles and how I’ll do mine differently. I also got a sense of how much [of] an ensemble cast it is, and how much each character must bring to the role.”

Ward is joined by Melbourne-born and Hollywood-based actress Ruby Rose, former Neighbours star Daniel MacPherson and Wellmania’s Remy Hii. It’s the first time the four of them will work together.

what it will feel like. But I like the stage – I have done some plays and worked as a VJ in the past, so I guess there’s a shared transaction of energy with the others that I am looking forward to.

“Making a film with special effects is very different to being at the theatre. This is more immediate, fun and outside the comfort zone.”

Rose noticed Ward at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney on many occasions in the late-2000s. Rose herself became the face of Maybelline New York, and worked with brands like Urban Decay and Nike.

“I saw Gemma on the runway and everybody was rightfully talking about her gangly beauty,” she says. “That’s where I remember thinking, ‘I get it – she is pure – and this is for her.’ I knew that modelling wasn’t for me and never focused my effort on walking the runway after that.”

On the day we meet, Rose is feeling emotional as she’s back in her hometown and it’s stirring all the feels. She went to school not far from the theatre she’ll perform in; not always the greatest memory as she was bullied at high school.

Ruby Rose, who grew up in North Melbourne and owns an apartment in the same street as her grandparents and brother, says returning here last month for two weeks was emotional. It had been five years since she was last in the city.

The actress got her big break in the US with Orange is the New Black and says the cutthroat pace of LA keeps her on her toes. But she won’t lie –she craves for normalcy here too.

“Sometimes, all I want is a homecooked meal and kinder people,” she says. “I do miss the lifestyle in Australia that’s for sure.”

Rose plays Lauren in 2:22 A Ghost Story, and is looking forward to the thrill of being on stage.

“I am both nervous and not nervous,” she says. “As we haven’t started rehearsals yet, I can’t fathom

“It sometimes feels as I get older, I get more sensitive and less resilient,” Rose says. “When I was younger, I wanted to get out of here and find something new. But there is something very real, healing and emotional about coming back home.

“Orange is the New Black was huge, but everything happened within a schedule after that and my life became a blur. It’s hard to stay grounded in this business and know who is in your corner. You don’t have time to download and debrief what you are doing.

“I know I lost the plot many times but I don’t know how you don’t. Right now, I am excited to be in the same play as Dan MacPherson – that is a real ‘pinch me’ career moment and I am staying in the moment.” ●

2:22 – A GHOST STORY \ Her Majesty’s Theatre, July 25-August 20.

“Theatre is a great place to learn, and while I did step away from acting for a while, it’s good to be back.”

GEMMA WARD

2:22 A Ghost Story cast: Remy Hii, Gemma Ward, Daniel MacPherson and Ruby Rose.

FEATURE HOUSE

BRIGHTON EAST \ 86 COMER STREET

Brighton Golf Course is on the doorstep, and state and independent schools are just moments away; 86 Comer Street is an excellent location for a family looking for style, comfort and convenience.

The floor plan is spacious and well-designed – light and open with plenty of options for family members to gather or to find a quiet spot on their own.

A wide entrance hall opens on one side to a fitted study with plenty of desk and storage space and a view of the garden. Next is a 7.5-metre-long living room with a wide bay window to the side garden and a gas log fire set in a traditional fireplace.

Matt-finish parquetry floors and plantation shutters are used throughout, adding to the sense of light and space.

Next is the casual living and dining area. Here, bifold doors open to the pergola and custom-made cabinetry provides excellent storage. This section is open to the kitchen with its dramatic charcoal cabinetry and white stone benches.

A Siemens self-cleaning oven, a steam-combi oven and a warming drawer make cheffing easy, and the kitchen is backed up by a combined butler’s pantry and laundry.

The tiled pergola with its remote-controlled louvre roof is the place for easy entertaining.

The outdoor kitchen has a commercial-grade teppanyaki grill, barbecue and drinks fridge.

Also on the ground floor is a family bathroom.

Upstairs, the main bedroom suite is large and luxurious and has a view of the 17th hole of the golf course. A balcony runs the full width of the bedroom; the walk-in wardrobe is meticulously detailed with plenty of cupboards as well as hanging space; and the en suite has a charcoal-and-white colour scheme, an oval bath, heated towel rails, twin basins and underfloor heating.

The children’s bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and share a bathroom.

The house has video-intercom entry, ducted heating and a ducted vacuum system. Dendy Park is just a short walk away. It is zoned for Brighton Secondary College and Hampton Primary School. Haileybury College and St Leonards College are nearby. ● BEVERLEY JOHANSON property@domain.com.au

Agent: Marshall White, Kate Strickland 0400 125 946

Price: $2.6 million-$2.75 million

Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, July 25

FINAL WORD

“THIS IS A TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES OR DOWNSIZERS DUE TO THE LOW-MAINTENANCE LIFESTYLE IT OFFERS. GREAT ZONING, LARGE PROPORTIONS AND AN INCREDIBLE AL FRESCO AREA AND KITCHEN.” KATE STRICKLAND – AGENT

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton East

CHELTENHAM \

4 2 4

There are lots of things to draw approving oohs and aahs from prospective buyers here. From the comely facade to a backyard reminiscent of a down-home holiday resort, the property wears its heart proudly on its sleeve when it comes to providing for wholesome family living. Stepping stones form a pathway to the front porch. To the right of the entrance hall, the lounge links up with the dining room, which in turn adjoins the double-

chambered kitchen. In addition to the three bedrooms in the house proper, you get a fabulous fourth in the separate studio, along with a bathroom and living area. Making up the substantial ground between the house and the studio, the pool, trampoline, outdoor bathroom, fire pit and kitchen gardens create a charmed environment. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Buxton, Romana Altman 0414 804 270

Price: $1.7 million-$1.85 million

Auction: 2.30pm, July 29

HIGHETT \ 43 DALMONT STREET

5 3 2

Extension and renovation by Sheri Haby Architects and presentation by Den Interiors bring out the best in this midcentury abode. If it had lost its mojo ’twixt the build and the present, there’s no sign of that now, with sexy new touches flattering its century-crossing bones. In sync with the house, the backyard has also been re-realised in a modern manner, with a deck-terrace-and-pool scenario meaning that less of that precious family time is spent pushing the mower and more of it

sunning sociably. Head up the garden path for verandah entry. Four bedrooms at the front of the house include the main with en suite. Find the fifth way down the back, beyond the central hub and rumpus room, both of which connect with the deck for indoor-outdoor unification. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Buxton, Richard Slade 0419 588 873

Price: $2.3 million-$2.45 million

Auction: 10.30am, July 2

BRIGHTON EAST \

This renovated 1950s number (currently leased until March 2024) proves itself a worthwhile stayer. All spaces get good natural light, and the deep backyard is perfect for child’s play. Rock up to an attached carport that’s peaked in keeping with the clinker-brick facade. Enter to linked lounge, dining and family rooms benefiting from a northern orientation. Step left from the dining room for a custom kitchen with marble and granite

surfaces abetted by Jarrah cabinetry. One of the bedrooms on the ground level doubles as a study. Both bedrooms on the first floor (including the main with a walk-in wardrobe and balcony) enjoy direct bathroom access. Solar panels and ducted heating figure among the plentiful extras. Stroll out for park, golf course and beach action. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

PORT MELBOURNE \

389 GRAHAM STREET

3 2 1

Agent: Marshall White, Campbell Butterss 0432 735 385

Price: $2.3 million-$2.53 million

Auction: 10.30am, July 29

Bold and contemporary, this house in the beating heart of Port Melbourne is conveniently located for a superb urban lifestyle. The design reverses the traditional layout of rooms and puts the living, dining and kitchen areas on the first floor. The interiors are as sleek and modern as the exterior. In the double-height living area, an electric log fire warms the clean lines, and a spacious balcony is the perfect spot for summer drinks or a barbecue. Stone

benches and Smeg appliances are fitted in the kitchen. The main bedroom suite, on the ground floor, has an en suite, and the shared bathroom has a soaker bath. Bedroom three opens to a courtyard. The house is an easy walk to Bay Street and has heating and cooling. ●

BEVERLEY JOHANSON

Agent: Marshall White, Scott O’Halloran 0413 464 473

Price: $1.35 million-$1.45 million

Auction: 10.30am, July 29

NICK JOHNSTONE

���������������������������

A Modern Masterpiece with a 385sqm Basement

AUCTION

OPEN TO INSPECT

Wednesday 19 July 1.00pm - 1.30pm

Saturday 22 July 1.00pm - 1.30pm

AGENT

Bert Geraerts 0418 514 090

Saturday 5 August at 2.00pm $5,500,000-$5,800,000 �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������

nickjohnstone.com.au 248 Esplanade, Brighton | 96-98 Station Street, Sandringham p. 9553 8300

NICK JOHNSTONE

20a Arkaringa Crescent, Black Rock

Unparalleled Luxury & Beachside

Striking a beautiful balance between sophisticated style and relaxed low maintenance living, this brand new, architect designed 4-bed residence sets the ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� options and a seamless connection to the outdoors. Custom created with extra-large room sizes, soaring ceilings, and tall windows with an expansive living ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� in or throw open tall glass stacker doors and dine al fresco overlooking a lush garden & resort style pool.

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

better

Educating girls and boys together for 32+ years. We are the leading inner-city co-ed Catholic Secondary College on two spacious, convenient campuses.

Book a tour today to find out more.

We lift students higher

together WINDSOR