Winter festival RISING is back in Melbourne in just a few weeks, taking over the city from Wednesday, May 27 to Monday, June 8. And today, festival organisers have announced a few more exciting things for us to look forward to, from “the world’s smallest ramen-ya” to the return of the late-night dining series, Moon Bites. Here are some new things to add to your calendar.
Sapporo Supper Club: Chīsai
With room for just two people, the tiny Sapporo Supper Club: Chīsai at Fed Square is being described as the smallest ramen shop in the world. Inspired by the intimacy of Japanese ramen culture, this cosy experience serves up free, Hokkaido-style ramen, along with perfectly poured Sapporo.
The night begins in The Waiting Room, where you’ll settle in with bar snacks from Mr Miyagi. While you’re there, Sapporo Beer Sensei Shimo-san will pour Sapporo Premium Lager and the hard-to-find Sapporo Black.
Then, when it’s your turn, enter the supper club, and sit at a table for two.
This experience is on from Thursday to Sunday across both weeks of the festival. It will run on a first-come, first-served basis, and you get 30 minutes to slurp your ramen.
Midéegaadi in Fed Square
Gather in Fed Square during RISING’s opening weekend (May 28 to 30) to see the large-scale projection and sound work, Midéegaadi. Created by Native American artist Cannupa Hanska Luger, this illuminating piece was first presented in Times Square, New York. It visualises the regeneration and return of the North American bison through a speculative world. For RISING, Luger has created a new iteration of the piece, bringing it in dialogue with Naarm and Wurundjeri Country, and incorporating customary dance, regalia and Indigenous futurisms.
Settle in on a beanbag or a deck chair, and watch the video work illuminate Fed Square. While you’re there, Killara Foundation will be firing up the barbie for a reimagined sausage sizzle, showcasing First Nations flavours and native ingredients.
During opening weekend, ACMI will also extend their hours for The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, with $10 tickets available after 5pm.
If you miss Midéegaadi, don’t worry. After the opening weekend, it will light up the façade at Hamer Hall as part of Calling Country: The Land Speaks Back, where it will be paired with large-scale projections by Djirri Djirri Women’s Dance Group.
Moon Bites
Bars, restaurants and venues around Melbourne will offer up late-night menus for RISING. Participating venues include:
- Cathedral Coffee – inspired by the late-night dessert culture of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, they will serve up treats like lychee Swiss rolls, hojicha ice cream sandwiches and black sesame lattes.
- Melbourne Supper Club – they will collaborate with Melbourne Gin Company to serve up some moon-inspired cocktails. Pair these drinks with their cheese toasties, along with the cult-favourite Pig’s Head Doughnut from Kirk’s Wine Bar.
- Dom’s Social Club – sink your teeth into a roast beef dippa’ pizza.
- Bottega – indulge in a pre-theatre tasting menu with soft shell crab, ravioli and braised beef cheeck.
- Mr Mills – feel like you’re on the coast of Portugal with croquetas, gilda and late-night sweets.
- Boire – find Mauritian flavours over wood fire.
- Aru – pair a Southeast-Asian snack with a moon-inspired cocktail.
To see the full, expanded program, click here.