Domain Review Stonnington & Boroondara - September 25, 2024
Visualisation by Gabriel Saunders
In a groundbreaking convergence of art and architecture, DCF proudly presents First Light. Curving gracefully it is a masterpiece of elegance and privacy, transcending conventional design. First Light unites the visionary talents of Philippe Starck, Léo Terrando and Scott Pickett, setting a genuinely new benchmark for luxury living. Each half and full floor residence is a canvas of sophisticated design, complemented by worldclass amenities — a wellness sanctuary, gourmet dining, and bespoke services — all nestled within the vibrant Domain Precinct.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Julia Busuttil Nishimura
On writing hit cookbooks, being a style icon, and making home entertainment simple and chic
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Cover credits: Julia Busuttil Nishimura shot by Hilary Walker
Broadsheet Media acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to lands, waters and communities. We pay respect to Elders past and present and honour more than 60,000 years of storytelling, art and culture.
It’s hard not to be a little bit starstruck when it comes to Julia Busuttil Nishimura. In the past decade, the Ostro food writer has become one of Australia’s most successful cookbook authors – a champion of family cooking and chic home entertaining. For this week’s feature, we got to spend some time in her kitchen command centre and learn more about her philosophy of food.
Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor
Melbourne: Level 4, 600 Church Street, Cremorne 3121, VIC
Tombo Den reflects a version of Tokyo that restaurateur Chris Lucas remembers from the ’90s. The long, narrow restaurant blends elegance and modernity with slightly subversive elements. Downstairs there’s booth seating and an extra-long 26-seat sushi bar. Upstairs you’ll find a cocktail lounge and a karaoke area.
Dan Chan (Supernormal, Michelin-starred Yardbird in Hong Kong) oversees the menu alongside Kisume sushi chefs Toaki Kyo and Carlos Lopez. Market-fresh sushi, sashimi and nigiri have their own daily menu and are made using traditional techniques with a twist. The à la carte menu features small plates like the duck hambagu (hamburger steak). Larger plates from the hibachi grill include the charcoal chicken thighs with pickles and lettuce.
The dessert menu has rotating ice-cream flavours. Drinks are by master sommelier Yuki Hirose. There are classic cocktails, sakes, an extensive list of whiskies and wines by the glass. — JR
Photo: Arianna Leggiero
ADD TO CART
Gliese 504hand-dyed scrunchies
Statement scrunchies seem to be everywhere at the moment, from It girls’ Instagram profiles to red carpet events. The nostalgic ’90s look has become an unexpected trend for spring, coming in bold colours, ruffles and prints. This sustainable scrunchie is handmade in Melbourne from soft silk organza using discarded fabric from local designers and stores, and hand-dyed in vibrant shades. Available in three sizes: mini, mega and giga. — GC
gliese504.com / from $19 95
IN THE DIARY
Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition
American couple Wally and Amanda Koval started their Instagram account Accidentally Wes Anderson in 2017. Today, they have nearly two million followers and two published books of collected imagery. And now, you can experience it first-hand. Take an immersive voyage with more than 200 real-life images, curated and organised into 10 themed rooms inspired by the auteur’s films – including classic facades, nature and an Australia-focused section showing off our native landscapes with a Wes Anderson twist. — EA
Until Nov 3 / 360 Bourke Street, Melbourne / awaexhibition.com
READ ME
Chopsticks or Fork?
Lin Jie Kong and Jennifer Wong – also the talent behind the ABC series of the same name – unpack the rich history of Chinese restaurants in Aussie towns in Chopsticks or Fork? Travelling around the country to interview the owners (and customers) of these beloved institutions, the pair tell immigrant stories, unpack a multicultural legacy and share Chinese Australian recipes for dishes such as sweet and sour pork, and dim sims. — AP
sausage rolls and dim sims are handmade using meat from invasive species. There’s chunky venison with red wine and rosemary, diced goat with fragrant Sri Lankan curry sauce, a wild boar sausage roll and more. — MH
$99 for a nine-pack of pies / wildpie.com.au
THREE OF A KIND
Fruity bag charms
First made popular by actress Jane Birkin in the ’70s, bag charms are back –playfully layered and dangling from everyday carryalls. And there’s a local crop of fruit-themed designs to add to your stack. Maison de Sabre lets you attach leather produce, including pears and apples, fastened with a zip to hold an Airtag or loose change. Daniel Emma crafts acrylic watermelon styles. And Poppy Lissiman adds Y2K glam with a rhinestone-encrusted strawberry. — GG
Maison de Sabre The Sabremoji fruit charm, $69, maisondesabre.com
Daniel Emma watermelon lucky bag charm, $30, daniel-emma-store.com
Bondi-based artist Tan Arlidge creates unique polymer sculptures. Depending on the piece’s size, she uses a furnace or heat gun to “melt” the polymer, manipulating the solid forms to create the illusion of movement. Most artworks are designed to be hung on walls, but some are made to be displayed on plinths or tables.
Each piece is finished in matte or gloss. Arlidge plays with stripes and gradients and uses different colours and finishes to add personality. Light blue and sand are two of her most-used hues.
“I really like neutrals and that’s inspired by my surroundings: the sand, the sky,” she says. — AJ
tanarlidge.com
INSTITUTION
Gin Palace
10 Russell Place, Melbourne
Gin Palace has been a mainstay in Melbourne’s bar circuit since 1997. The moody venue is famous for its 330-strong (and counting) gin menu, coveted chicken sandwich, and above all, lush interiors. Its combination of velvet, dim lighting and plush seating brings words like “opulent” and “luxurious” to mind. A recent renovation has breathed new life into the venue, while preserving its classic aesthetic.
Gin is naturally the focus of the extensive drinks menu. A page purely dedicated to Martinis is followed by a double spread devoted to the Palace’s spirited namesake. But gin-less cocktails aren’t entirely neglected and range from cooler, fruity concoctions to a warm, spiced and buttered pear cider.
Known for: Being one of Melbourne’s most iconic cocktail bars. Make sure to: Enjoy a Martini (or several). Locals say: It’s been their go-to spot for more than 20 years. Don’t forget: You can stay until 3am. — MD
Photo: Myles Kalus
Photo: Ashley Ludkin
SNACK BAR STREET STYLE
By Audrey Payne Errol Street, North Melbourne
Beloved CBD Thai restaurant Soi 38, known for its boat noodles and iconic location in a Wilson Parking above-ground garage off Mcilwraith Place, is moving. Owners Chavalit “Top” Piyaphanee and Phawinee “Tang” Suwankamnerd plan to relocate the restaurant to 235 Bourke Street in December. @soi38
The Soi 38 team is also due to open a completely new restaurant in October. R.Harn will specialise in southern Thai cooking, which Piyaphanee says is heavily influenced by Malaysian cuisine. 260 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Popular Collingwood Yards wine bar Hope St Radio named Bake Ellis its new head chef. Ellis, who is new to Melbourne, previously worked at Perth venues Wines of While, Si Paradiso and Casa. The chef says to expect plenty of hand-cut pastas and promises the venue’s signature fluffy focaccia will not leave the menu any time soon. 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood / @hopestradio
Prahran Market’s G.McBean Family Butcher is offering lamb butchery masterclasses hosted by third-generation meatsmith Gary McBean. The classes are capped at four people each and participants will take home a number of cuts, including lamb cutlets, chops and lamb shoulder. Shop 501, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra / gmcbean.com.au/pages/ masterclass
Melburnians have been calling Healeys Lane, which stretches from Lonsdale Street to Little Lonsdale Street, “Koreatown” for years now. This month, The Future Melbourne Committee –formed by the City of Melbourne council –passed a vote to ratify the precinct, making it Melbourne’s official Koreatown.
Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar
Name: Eric Mai Age: 30 Occupation: Real estate agent Tell us about your outfit today. I’m wearing basic loafers, dress pants with a quarter zip, a green sweater on top and a jacket – just because of the weather. How does your style fit into your lifestyle? I try to be comfy while looking professional. What do you gravitate towards when shopping? Something that’s versatile. Something that I can wear to work, at home and also to dinner. I don’t go all-out, but I don’t go too casual.
North Melbourne offers a charming mix of hilly, verdant streets with classic Victorian homes and modern apartments. Its village vibes include friendly neighbours, markets and family-friendly amenities. The area is quiet yet vibrant, with great schools, hospitals and easy public transport.
Photo: Liana Hardy
GREEN HAVEN
Photo: Arianna Leggiero
Photo: Claire Summers
Photo: Kristoffer Paulsen
THE INTERVIEW
Artist Abbey Rich Paints Community in Public Spaces
“It kind of happened by accident,” painter, sculptor and public artist Abbey Rich tells Broadsheet of their career shift from fashion to art. “I was making clothes for myself and putting them on Instagram and then all of a sudden, I was running a whole clothing label with employees ... But then someone asked me to paint a mural.”
Said mural, painted for Monash University, soon led to a second – an entire shopfront for Aussie eyewear retailer Bailey Nelson on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. Eight years on, Rich has created dozens of large-scale murals, sculptures and paintings displayed in public spaces and galleries in Melbourne, interstate and, most recently, Japan.
Known for its vibrant colours, unexpected shapes and abstract illustrations, Rich’s work focuses on infusing shared places with a sense of community and belonging. “The way that
Words by Gideon Cohen · Photo by Sam Biddle
we’re able to [exist] in different spaces, who’s allowed in certain spaces, and how these spaces are designed – a lot of my painting comes from that.”
It’s also about “working with people to create public spaces that feel good for them,” Rich says, “so that they feel like they have ownership of [the] space – that’s probably my biggest inspiration.”
Recently returned from a month-long artists’ residency at Iki Base on Iki Island, Nagasaki, Japan, Rich is feeling especially inspired. “This was my first time going overseas by myself and it was just incredible.” They created two murals on the island – one at Iki Base and another at a nearby beach – in collaboration with the mayor and local department of tourism. The latter work is a colourful ground painting set against the edge of pristine sand and crystal-clear water. Rich says the
beach may be the most beautiful spot they’ll ever paint in.
“I think my work makes a lot of sense there in the way that things are really aesthetic, but they’re also really functional. I find that a really interesting concept; how we make everyday things functional and beautiful at the same time.”
Back home, Rich works out of gallery and communal creative studio Honey Bones in Brunswick, where they paint smaller works – some of which will be exhibited next year at Penny Contemporary in Hobart. On any given day, they might be sketching, sculpting or cycling to meetings to discuss their next project.
Outside of the studio, creating large-scale artwork involves as much hands-on physical labour as it does creativity. “There’s so much physical exercise in my job, I feel like it really
makes me healthy,” Rich says. “Every day feels really good. I come in grimy from all the paint, but it just feels like this is what my body wants to be doing.”
One of these recent works is an outdoor spot in Cranbourne in Melbourne’s southeast, combining large areas of painted ground with bespoke floral-shaped chairs and tables. Commissioned by the City of Casey, the bright, pastel-coloured artwork stretches along Hotham Street and brings the entire shopping strip to life. It’s a particularly meaningful project for Rich, who spent their childhood on that side of town.
“Cranbourne’s not far from where I grew up, in Frankston. There was never art, there were never things that were fun, it was just grey.
“Watching kids play on my artwork, watching them be able to engage with art on a day-to-day basis is really special.”
Modern Dining Surrounded by CenturiesOld Natural Beauty in Launceston
The ancient majesty of the 65-million-yearold Cataract Gorge is just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Launceston. It’s where locals unwind, swim and soak up the beauty of the Tasmanian bushland. The gorge may be the natural centrepiece, but Tassie’s second city also has a burgeoning food scene that’s worth exploring.
Start the adventure early at Bread & Butter, a delightful hybrid small-batch butter factory, bakery, cafe and coffee bar. There are two locations in town where you can find an array of baked goods. I indulged in a perfectly flaky croissant, though heartier options like generously filled bagels and
By Natalie Mortimer
savoury pies are also tempting choices as you explore the CBD.
For lunch, head just outside the city to Stoney Rise Vineyard, where wine takes centre stage. Set on a hilltop, the tasting room – designed by Cumulus Studio – is warm and laid-back with a cosy outdoor fireplace and a sprawling lawn. Settle in for the afternoon with a wine flight, or enjoy a glass or bottle from the vineyard’s range. And don’t miss the snack menu –the cacio e pepe toastie is a particular standout.
For dinner try Stillwater – a fine dining gem inside a beautifully restored 1830 s flour mill overlooking the Tamar River. Executive chef Craig
Will highlights the island’s seasonal produce with dishes like broccolini served with truffled lentils, whipped potato and a velvety shallot soubise – so delicious that even my carnivorous dining companion couldn’t resist coming back for seconds. The service is professional yet warm, and the wine list is impressive; there’s a selection of Tasmanian drops alongside standout bottles from around the world. To round off the evening, head to Bar Stelo in the heart of the city. The cosy spot offers a diverse cocktail menu with seasonal drinks that embrace native botanicals. The Negroni, made with local gin, is a particular favourite, and a great nightcap.
THE FIT-OUT
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor Chic Enough for Year-Round Display
By Jo Walker
MAISON BALZAC PAPILLON RUG – $349 This rug is a collaboration between Sydney homewares label Maison Balzac and Doing Goods animal mats. Handmade in India with 100 per cent wool and a cotton backing, it suggests the fragile – often overlooked – night-time beauty of moths. Or perhaps a subtle nod to the urban legend of Mothman? maisonbalzac.com
GARDEN GLORY CLAW HOSE HOLDER – $299
Swedish label Garden Glory – known for its colour-drenched hoses – embraces the dark side of the fairytale aesthetic with this wall-mounted hose holder modelled on a deadly falcon claw. Made of solid brass with chrome plating, it’s designed for outdoor use, but there’s nothing to stop you installing one inside to hold your towel or apron. gardenglory.com/au
BLAZE SEAWEED PILLAR CANDLE – $19
For most of the year, this striking candle from Sydney label Black Blaze acts as a groovy sculptural decor piece ready to be lit when you need some warm light (and drama). During Halloween season, you can play it off as an homage to Cthulu, or a minimalist tentacle of doom. blackblaze.com.au
CRUMBLE PUMPKIN CASSEROLE – $499 Aussie brand Crumble brings colour to cast iron cookware. And sure, you could go for a traditional Halloween orange take on this limited-edition casserole. But why not widen your spooky palette with petrol blue, olive green, or perhaps classic cream? Great for roasting, frying and baking all year round – and bringing elevated Hocus Pocus vibes to your kitchen. crumble.co
SEAN MORRIS HARBINGERS BLANKET – $350 Aussie artist Sean Morris has a thing for the dark and macabre. For his Harbingers blanket he’s gone full-blown gothic novel, with a full moon over a craggy castle, a windswept damsel, and folkloric hounds. Great as a wall hanging or a throw. (Or perhaps a sturdy cape to cavort in the moonlight.) seanmorris.bigcartel.com
DEGOEY PLANET POLYCEPHALY PYTHON VASE – $240 We love the delightfully unhinged ceramics produced by Gold Coast studio Degoey Planet. This double-headed snake vase looks like it belongs on the cover of an ’80s metal album, yet it’s finished in Wedgwood-esque matte powder blue. A demure and lovable monster-of-the-week that also holds your flowers? Fangs a lot. degoeyplanet.com
BLACK
HOME OF THE WEEK
Opulence near village delights
Words by Anders Furze
Drive into a quiet avenue off buzzing Toorak Road, and you’ll find this cathedral to luxury residential architecture. This new property, designed by Nicholas Day Architects, offers three levels of refined, contemporary family living. Call it liveable opulence.
Beyond the magnificent facade and oversized entry you’ll find two stately living rooms: a sitting room to the right and a den to the left. Both have stone fireplaces and plenty of built-in shelving. Large windows bring in lots of light. The sitting room transitions seamlessly into the dining room, with French doors opening to a side garden.
The rear living, meals and kitchen area really impresses, offering plenty of space for the family to enjoy an easy lifestyle overlooking the outdoor entertaining area and pool.
The outdoor kitchen and built-in barbecue make summer entertaining effortless.
The adjacent covered outdoor living space is essentially its own room, complete with a statement pendant light. It is the definition of indoor-outdoor living.
Back indoors, the gourmet kitchen is chock-full of Miele and Gaggenau appliances.
It is suitably complemented by a discreet butler’s pantry. It’s essentially a second kitchen, and includes a Gaggenau gas cooktop, an integrated fridge-freezer and a second dishwasher, which is a particularly useful inclusion for nights when entertaining is in full swing.
All of the bedrooms are on the first floor, and they all have en suites. The spacious main-bedroom en suite has a free-standing bath, a walk-in shower and a double vanity.
There’s also a separate dressing room here, making this a true sanctuary.
Alongside the four other bedrooms, you’ll also find a home office that overlooks the front garden and avenue.
The fun continues underground with the home theatre.
This room’s rear wall has been transformed into a stone bar, so on movie nights, a cheeky beverage or two is never far away.
There’s also a home gym down here, which is perfect for working out. It could also be a wellness room for meditation or yoga.
The basement garage can easily accommodate six cars.
Take your pick from the stunning curved staircase or the lift to get up and down. There are two more powder rooms and a separate laundry, and it’s all set behind security gates.
This house is on Kilsyth Avenue and is a moment’s stroll from the many shops, boutiques and amenities of Toorak Village.
Top schools, including Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak Primary and St Kevin’s, are all nearby, as is the greenery of Como Park, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and the winding Yarra River.
Toorak
6 Kilsyth Avenue
$16.895 million
5 5 6
Private sale
Agent: Marshall White, Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271
Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Toorak
WHAT THE AGENT SAYS
“Kilsyth Avenue is incomparable luxury, brilliantly designed and created by the esteemed Nicholas Day, and only a moments’ walk from the delights of Toorak Village.”
NEED TO KNOW
The highest recorded house price for Toorak (past 12 months) was $21 million for 2 Hopetoun Road in May. The median price for a five-bedroom house is $9.125 million.
PAST SALES
$6.85 million
663 Toorak Road, March
$11 million
3 Balfour Street, February $18 million
4 Bromley Court, November 2023
Marcus Chiminello Marshall White
FEATURE SO JULIA
Words by Michael Harry · Photos by Hilary Walker
Cookbook author, mum, style icon. Julia Busuttil Nishimura is a one-woman lifestyle brand, and her latest book ofers more simple and stylish recipes for friends and family.
I’m standing in Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s immaculate stone kitchen, whipping cream in a heavy porcelain bowl with a giant whisk. She doesn’t want to dirty her striped dress from Australian brand Alemais, which is dotted with sunny sketches of fruit and animals. “Keep going,” she says with a wink as the cream slowly thickens. “Sorry to ask you to do that!”
She’s so luminously charming, I would do anything she asked. Like Melbourne’s answer to Nigella Lawson, Busuttil Nishimura has become one of the country’s most successful cookbook authors, publishing four hit books in just seven years. It’s not just recipes that her fans connect with, but her entire life, from her linen-swathed fashion to her photogenic young family.
The 36-year-old lives in a beautifully renovated freestanding Victorian in the inner north with husband Nori, a chef-turned-tenniscoach, and their two boys Haruki, nine, and Yukito, four. Her mum, Rachel, lives in the studio out the back, and her older sister, Sarah, recently moved in, too. “Do you want me to take over?” she asks, but I’m determined to whip this cream into shape.
Busuttil Nishimura has thrown together a light lunch for our shoot, despite having been stuck in Sydney working until almost midnight the night before. The table is laden with plates, candles, clipped leaves and vibrant spring produce. There’s a platter of sliced melon with torn mint, prosciutto and grassy olive oil; buffalo mozzarella marinated in crème fraîche and brightened with boiled lemon (“It’s an old Claudia Roden trick that I’m obsessed with,” she says.) Also, fresh tomatoes grated on Baker Bleu sourdough with washed rind goat’s cheese; bruschetta with blitzed peas draped with anchovies; and to finish, a jammy fruit galette with thickened cream, as discussed.
I’m intrigued to know how she achieves her signature mix-and-match aesthetic. “My favourite linen brand is Maison de Vacances, which I get from [Collingwood homewares store ] Pan After. The plates I actually got made in Puglia, which took six months to arrive. I love these Moroccan tea glasses and metal pizza trays from The Hospitality Shop. Beeswax candles from Tony Asness. It’s that mix of textures, of high and low.”
She might be the kitchen Carrie Bradshaw who makes entertaining look easy, but her career has been far from an overnight success. The youngest of three children born to Maltese parents, Busuttil Nishimura grew up in South Australia, on the coast near McLaren Vale. “From the very beginning I was obsessed with
food,” she says. “I remember begging my mum to call the ABC and get a recipe from Play School aged about four. It was called apple snow, a floating island dessert.”
As a child she was always drawn to the kitchen at family gatherings and at the local Maltese club. “It felt warm, safe and comforting, and it was usually where the women were, so it was just a nurturing space,” she recalls. Her parents split when she was six, and mum Rachel (a former Miss Malta Australia) made the family’s sometimes frugal meals more exciting through enthusiastic storytelling.
She wanted to be a professional chef, and did work experience at the renowned Royal Mail Hotel. She also worked at a butcher and a burger shop. But a formative gap year in Italy inspired her to move to Melbourne to study politics and Italian at Melbourne University. “After that I was going to Italy every year,” she says. “I did a ‘study abroad’ program, and I was an au pair for a family in Tuscany.”
Her dream of being a professional chef waned, but the desire to work in food remained. Then came the “ah-ha” moment. “Remember those little offers years ago that would fall out
“My first book [Ostro] was hand-sold by independent booksellers – I was a complete nobody. I wasn’t on TV, I didn’t have a restaurant. But it became a bestseller, which is still ‘wow’ to me.”
“We didn’t have a lot of resources. Some dinners we would just have canned tuna, but Maltesestyle with olives and antipasto … but she would tell a story of being on the beach in Malta eating this dish. So everything felt romantic, even if it was a [bad] time.”
When Busuttil Nishimura was a teenager, the family moved to Hamilton in country Victoria where Rachel ran a boarding house. There the future cookbook writer’s palate broadened beyond her usual Mediterranean diet. “I knew what crostini was, and what zeppole was, but not lemon slice,” she says.
actual surname. “It’s also the etymology of Australis – Australia – and it comes from Malta. So all those connections felt really good. I wanted it to be [a word] that not everybody knew, so they would come to me without any expectations.”
Instagram proved the perfect showcase for Busuttil Nishimura’s simple seasonal recipes. She now has over 130,000 followers on the platform, who revel in her chic-but-attainable world. Quite simply, it’s a vibe: brilliantly lit images of matcha cake on a gingham tablecloth, perhaps, or a snap of her new granola collab, or a glistening shallot tarte tatin straight out of the oven. Yet she insists she’s not working to please an algorithm. “People are going to get on board, or they won’t. I’m not making stuff that I think people are going to like, I make it because I love it.”
Lots of people love what she does. Early on she was championed by local website The Design Files, which led to a book deal with food imprint Plum in 2017. “My first book [Ostro] was hand-sold by independent booksellers –I was a complete nobody. I wasn’t on TV, I didn’t have a restaurant. But it became a bestseller, which is still ‘wow’ to me.”
Her second book, A Year of Simple Family Food, was published during the pandemic, when everyone was baking, poaching, pickling and roasting. It sold even more copies than the first, with season-by-season recipes melding Mediterranean and Japanese flavours. Less than two years later, Around the Table arrived, sharing more smart, generous recipes that embody contemporary Australian cooking. She describes new title Good Cooking Everyday as her most personal book yet. “I get asked all the time ‘What do I serve with what’, so the original premise of the book is around menus. I love writing menus and having people over. But ‘menu’ is such a formal word, it’s just about how to eat things together.”
of magazines? Like four books for $40 kind of thing. I found one that was all cookbooks, and I got Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Companion, Jamie Oliver’s Italy, River Cafe’s Two Easy, and a Nigel Slater compilation. And that really set me on a path – it was serendipity, I think. It became the foundation for how I cooked and thought about food.”
Busuttil Nishimura started writing about almost every meal in a notebook, which in 2013 became a blog called Ostro. “It’s the name of the Mediterranean wind in Italy,” she says of the moniker that some fans think is her
It’s the first time she’s launched into the competitive Christmas cookbook market. But there are plenty of other things going on –multiple brand associations, cooking classes, columns in Good Weekend and Gourmet Traveller, a fortnightly newsletter, and an upcoming revamp of her Youtube channel.
My arm’s getting tired from the whipping. Busuttil Nishimura peers into the bowl to inspect the cream, now shiny and thick. “That looks perfect,” she says, and we both beam. “Now let’s get that galette out of the oven.”
Good Cooking Everyday: Simple Recipes. Beautiful Menus. All Year Round. ($44 99), is out September 24 through Plum/Pan Macmillan
LIKE A LOCAL
Glen Iris
By Sasha Murray
With leafy streets, beautiful green spaces and soughtafter schools, it’s easy to see why Glen Iris has always been popular among families. The southeast suburb, 10-kilometres from the CBD, offers calm amidst its busier neighbours Camberwell and Malvern.
Glen Iris Wetlands – home to picturesque ponds and diverse bird species – and the Harold Holt Swim Centre are ideal for kids over summer. Shopping centre Tooronga Village and boutique grocers like Leo’s Fine Food & Wine mean you rarely need to go far to stock up the fridge and pantry.
A new wave of trendy places to eat and drink welcomes visitors to the cosy ’burb. There’s Grazia: an elevated 100-seat Italian neighbourhood restaurant serving 72-hour-fermentedpizzas, including a standout king prawn, rocket pesto and green olive number, and house-made pastas such as wild mushroomfilled tortellini in black truffle sauce. Around the corner is Napa, a nostalgic Californian-inspired cafe that’s open late on weekends. And pop into revamped wine bar Central Park Cellars for an Italian-leaning menu and a round of spicy Margaritas. There’s also a clutch of local mainstays worth trying. Cafe Platform Espresso is next to the train station. Golden Child offers inventive Italian-Chinese dishes and Spanish desserts. And at Mr Tucci, owned by three siblings, you can buy cakes baked by their mum (including specialties like an Italian sponge filled with lemon curd; carrot and pistachio; and a fig, pear and walnut loaf served with cinnamon butter). In the evening, QT Kitchen offers comforting Vietnamese fare with a focus on Aussie produce. Homey Japanese diner Izakaya Chouchou does small plates served counterside.
Or head to Glen Iris Road for a two-pronged eatery by hospitality heavyweight Julien Moussi (Bentwood, Clubhouse, Stanley) inside a 35-year-old milk bar. By day, it’s coffee and brunch spot Pantry Glen Iris. At night, it’s contemporary Asian-inspired diner and cocktail bar Too Good Talker, serving thick hand-pulled lamb biang biang noodles and DIY bao buns.
NEED TO KNOW
Glen Iris beckons with idyllic parks, prestigious schools and a delightful cafe culture. Lush green streets provide a serene haven, appealing to families and retirees. It’s a versatile neighbourhood, perfect for starting out, raising a family, or downsizing.
Average Age 40
Median Weekly income $2,491
Clockwise from top: 161 Cellars, photo Casey Horsfield. Grazia dish and interiors, photos Amy Hemmings. Too Good Talker, photo Jamie Alexander
“Residents love the unique blend of contemporary and period homes, the abundance of tree-lined streetscapes and expansive parkland, and the ease of access to Melbourne’s most elite schools.”
Across a decade of creating pared-back wardrobe essentials, Byron Bay label St Agni has become synonymous with effortless sophistication. Here co-founder and creative director Lara Fells reflects on the last 10 years and talks through the brand’s new Resort ’25 collection, punctuated with soft leathers, silver detailing and a new print inspired by her nonna.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at St Agni. I co-founded St Agni with my husband Matt 10 years ago. In the early days, we both wore many hats, but I naturally gravitated towards design, marketing and the overall creative direction, while Matt focused on finance, logistics and operations. Now, as the creative director, I oversee all aspects of our creative vision. We’ve made a conscious effort to bring in talented individuals who can bring skills to the business that we don’t have. My day-to-day varies – it could involve reviewing designs with our team or meeting with interior designers to plan a new store layout. I thrive on the problemsolving and diversity that my role offers.
Describe the brand in five words. I’d describe St Agni as independent, minimalist, considered, tailored and contemporary.
It’s St Agni’s 10-year anniversary, tell us about some of the highlights from the past decade. Partnering with some of my favourite stockists worldwide, participating in Australian Fashion Week and opening our Sydney and Melbourne stores last year. One moment that really stayed with me was when we were setting up our Paddington store. It was late at night, and Jack, our general manager, and I were unpacking in the store. We overheard a girl walking by, telling her friend how St Agni was her favourite brand and how excited she was about the new store. It’s strange but hearing someone speak so genuinely about the brand, not knowing I could hear them, really moved me.
What can we expect from the Resort ’25 collection in terms of shapes, fabrics and detailing? The Resort ’25 collection is all about creating a crisp, fresh aesthetic. We’ve achieved this through the use of papery cottons, soft leathers and fluid stretch-viscose fabrics. A standout feature is the introduction of an atlas print inspired by an heirloom skirt passed down from my nonna, Agni.
The design team also explored intricate folded details, which you’ll see in the paper-bag pants and thoughtfully designed pockets. We’ve also reimagined classic pieces,
offering a minimalist take on the traditional leather bomber jacket and designed soft tucked dresses with ties at the back – deliberately avoiding bows to maintain a sleek, streamlined look.
In accessories, the collection features silver leather pieces that add a polished, modern freshness and complement our signature woven leather accessories.
What were the inspirations behind the collection? While some collections are more conceptual, for this one, we really wanted to capture a feeling. Designed as a Resort capsule, it feels true to us. The inspiration was about evoking the sense of crispness and freshness you feel on the first day of spring. Our mood board was filled with references of crisp cottons and fold details inspired by Japanese origami. Are there one or two pieces that stand out for you? I’m particularly fond of the Cocoon Leather jacket. We began with the idea of a classic leather bomber and stripped back all the details, removing the traditional elastic and zippers to create something more refined and minimal. The result is a piece that feels both modern and timeless –embodying the essence of understated luxury.
What about the lookbook shoot – what was the brief for that and how does it represent the collection? Although this was our Resort collection, I aimed to move away from the typically expected “resort” locations. The Brooklyn rooftop drew me in because it offered the perfect blend of city energy with a serene, elevated atmosphere. We collaborated with Aussie photographer Claudia Smith and stylist Elly McGaw to capture the essence of the collection in NYC. The casting process was effortless – when I saw [model] Sylke Golding, I knew immediately she was perfect for this collection.
St Agni is known for versatility and adjustability. Tell us about why this is important. Adjustability in clothing enhances versatility and increases functionality across seasons – making it a valuable feature. St Agni customers seek longevity in the pieces they invest in and appreciate the ability to wear them in multiple ways.
What can we expect to see from St Agni in the next 10 years? While we don’t have a specific 10-year plan, our focus remains on continually refining and enhancing the brand. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibility of expanding internationally with stores overseas, but we’ll take it one step at a time and see where our journey leads us.
LUXURY
Words by Shae Wiedermann & Richard Cornish
Kew 14 Stawell Street
$6 million-$6.5 million
5 4 3
Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, October 1 Agent: Kay & Burton, Walter Dodich 0413 262 655
Only 200 metres from the busy Kew Junction, this house is set within gardens that match the nearby greenery of Studley Park. Built c1900 by architect John O’Loughlin, the abode has period elements in its wide entrance hall, jarrah floors, original bay windows and fireplaces. A formal living and dining room and a media room accompany a relaxed, open-plan family meals area that opens to verandahs on either side, one of which leads to a pool.
Get a sneak peek of the lifestyle you could enjoy with extra support around you at our free Open Home event. Explore our community, inspect our display home, discover our social activities, chat with our friendly team and find out if retirement living will suit you.
St Kilda
56 Wellington Street
$3.2 million-$3.5 million
4 2 2
Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, October 8
Agent: Marshall White, Nicholas Brooks 0419 883 136
Refurbished earlier this year, this house still retains some of its period charm. The brick facade pairs well with the interior’s herringbone timber floors and plantation shutters. Upgrades are evident in the kitchen’s marble countertops and the deck out back, which overlooks a solar-heated pool. It has the added convenience of a wine cellar, basement garage and under-house storage. Kooyong station and village are nearby, as are the parks that border the Yarra River.
3 2 2
Expressions of interest: Close 2pm, September 26
Agent: Jellis Craig, Sam Hobbs 0404 164 444
Sitting on St Kilda Hill, this grand two-storey Victorian terrace has been elegantly restored and renovated to create a tranquil home in the middle of the action between Chapel and Fitzroy streets. Featuring an imposing entrance hall, formal sitting and dining rooms with fireplaces, and an extended gourmet kitchen, the home blends classic charm with modern convenience. Expansive glass doors lead to a paved entertaining area, a solar-heated pool, and plumbed barbecue.
Toorak
1/621 Malvern Road
$7.4 million-$7.8 million
3 3 4
Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, October 7
Agent: Kay & Burton, Andrew Sahhar 0417 363 358
Modern and simple, this two-storey apartment by Aiello Construction is located on the edge of Hawksburn village. The ground floor has two bedrooms (both with en suites), a sitting room, a study, a laundry and a courtyard. Upstairs the open-plan living-kitchen-dining area connects to two balconies. The main bedroom – also on the first floor – has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite. A basement garage accessed by a lift offers ample parking, a turntable and a storage unit.
By Design we are proud to produce custom joinery for any room in the home, making each space more usable and pleasant to spend time in. The team will work with you throughout the design, manufacture and installation journey to bring your dream to reality.
OPEN FOR INSPECTION
Words by Maria Harris, Joanne Brookfield & Richard Cornish
Clearance Rate of 63%*
Source: Domain Group
WHAT OUR EXPERT SAYS LAST WEEKEND
Dr Nicola Powell Chief of research & economics
“Sellers are confidently entering the spring market, resulting in record-high availability for this time of year and providing buyers with solid opportunities this spring.”
For the latest property insights go to domain.com.au/research
Elwood
479 St Kilda Street
$2.55 million-$2.7 million
3 2 1
Auction: 11am, October 5
Agent: BigginScott, Claudio Perruzza 0412 304 152
$3.685 million
Moonee Ponds
79 Bent Street Sold by McDonald Upton*
*As reported on September 14, 2024
This renovated, two-level duplex is suitable for young families through to downsizers. Ideally located close to the neighbourhood village with a park across the road, the property also benefits from a north-west orientation for spending time at home in the private, leafy landscaped garden. Inside, accommodation is split between the levels, and the kitchen separates the two living zones.
Black Rock
86b Stanley Street
$3.15 million-$3.35 million
4 2 4
Private sale
Agent: Buxton, Romana Altman 0414 804 270
With three levels linked by a lift, this house, set in low-maintenance, drought tolerant gardens, is a picture of contemporary family luxury where all living areas open to the outdoors. High-end finishes and fittings include Italian dolomite, marble, timber, designer lighting, a wine room, and Ilve appliances in the kitchen. The main bedroom suite is downstairs. Upstairs, three bedrooms, the retreat and a study nook share a central bathroom. It has a four-car basement garage.
With an elevated position and an edgy feel, this two-level apartment sits atop an awardwinning building by architects Six Degrees. Cathedral ceilings enhance the sense of space, and recycled timber floors counterpoint the modern design, while large picture windows frame city and bay views. The sleek kitchen opens onto a north-east-facing terrace.
Agent: Belle Property Albert Park, Stephanie Evans 0420 215 919
Lovers of Albert Park Lake, city views and bright lights should feel at home at this apartment in the aptly named and recently upgraded Lakeside complex. It also delivers a dress-circle view of the Formula 1 grand prix, but if you are not a fan of high-octane racing, double-glazed windows offer protection from the noise. The location is also close to MSAC and the 96 tram to the city.
$2.4 million-$2.5 million
2 2 2
Private sale
Agent: Woodards, Suzie Farrell 0428 379 908
Lush gardens and generous decks give this house extra pizazz, while high ceilings, timber floors and dramatic colour create visual interest. A kitchen with Smeg and Miele appliances is close to the living and dining area which opens to a secluded deck to continue the living outdoors.
Kew
105/369 Cotham Road
$1.649 million
3 2 2
Contact agent Agent: Kay & Burton, Sam Wilkinson 0400 169 148
Located within the tightly held Daracombe development is this stylish, spacious apartment. There are travertine surfaces, stone tiling and oak floors with brushed brass accents to create a soft and muted ambience, which is enhanced by the northern light. Stacker doors lead to a north-facing terrace.
Highett 2/21 Morley Crescent
$1.175 million 3 2 1
Private sale
Agent: Hodges, Angus Graham 0401 505 259
It’s easy living in this low-maintenance, turnkey townhouse. The floor plan lends itself to versatility, with a ground-floor bedroom offering potential as a home office, while the second living space upstairs could become a bedroom. The open-plan living-dining zone flows out to a paved entertaining area.
Montalto Avenue, Toorak
Expressions of Interest
Closing Tuesday 15th October at 1pm
Inspect
As
Noorilim Estate, 205 Wahring-Murchison East Road, Wahring VIC 3608 Noorilim is an iconic 160-acre country estate, one of Australia’s most distinguished private residences. Designed in 1879 by James Gall, its craftsmanship and scale inspire admiration. With 75 acres of mature vineyards, botanic gardens by William Guilfoyle, 1 km Goulburn River frontage, a sandy beach, and an ornamental lake, it is truly timeless.
