Tote Reopening: A Brumby Photo Op?
The reopening of Melbourne’s famed Tote Hotel was announced at a press conference attended by Premier John Brumby yesterday (April 11). But was it little more than a photo op from a government under the pump? RENÉ SCHAEFER reports. Photos by MAT GOVONI.
Sunday afternoon is an odd time to hold a press conference. Even stranger was the fact that it was held in the gutted front bar of the former Tote Hotel on the corner of Wellington and Johnston Streets, Collingwood. The word had gone out to the media a couple of days earlier that “big announcements” were in store from Jon Perring and Andrew Portokallis, current proprietors of Bar Open, Pony and Yah Yah’s, regarding the future of one of Melbourne’s premier music venues and watering holes.
The bandwagon had barely started rolling when rumours filtered through that Victorian Premier John Brumby would be in attendance as well. He would ostensibly be there to show his support for Melbourne’s live music industry, and possibly address issues regarding the potential roll-back of punitive Liquor Licensing regulations that had greatly contributed to The Tote’s closure in January.
It was a subdued affair as the media contingent filed through the side door of the iconic venue and gathered in a huddle near the spot the famous Tote jukebox used to occupy. The long-suffering Tote documentary crew were there to record the beginning of yet another chapter in the pub’s colourful and turbulent history. Microphones and cameras were poised as Perring nervously scanned the room.
Without too much fuss, he announced that he and Portokallis, collectively trading under the company name “Seventh Tipple”, were the new licensees of the pub, following extensive negotiations with the owner of the freehold, multi-millionaire Chris Morris and his company Colonial Leisure Group. Perring envisaged that the venue would reopen in approximately six weeks, pending substantial refurbishments. Most importantly, it would continue to operate as a live music venue, along similar lines to those established by previous licensees the Soccio family and later Richie Ramone, Bruce Milne and his brother James.
Asked whether this meant that “high risk” restrictions imposed by the current Director of Liquor Licensing Sue Maclellan no longer applied, Perring responded that he was applying to have these conditions lifted, but that this process could still take a while. Until these issues are resolved, the venue would operate from Wednesday to Sunday, with a closing time of 1am. Perring also asserted that band booker Amanda Palmer would be reinstated in her previous role, as would one of the more recent bar managers. Whether the pub would be able to retain the iconic Tote brand is dependent on negotiations with Bruce Milne, who legally still owns the name. When contacted by M+N yesterday, Milne declined to comment, but confirmed that talks were going positively and a decision either way would be announced soon.
Then it was time for some spin from Brumby, who trumpeted Victoria as a state of arts lovers. “It wasn’t a surprise to me to see thousands and thousands of people stand up for what they believe in,” he said in reference to the recent Save Live Australia’s Music (SLAM) rally. At the same time, he emphasised the need to be tough on alcohol-related violence, while listening to concerns from the live music industry. He acknowledged that government policies needed fine tuning, but cannily neglected to mention that no actual changes had been implemented yet.
“One need not be a hardened cynic to realise that both Brumby and Wynne were trying to score points in the lead-up to November’s state election.”
Speaking like a typical politician, the premier equated Melbourne’s live music scene with tourist dollars. He spouted optimistic statements about recent round-table discussions with representatives of Melbourne’s live music community, including Fair Go 4 Live Music and SLAM representatives, but had to concede that the state government was not able to tell the director of liquor licensing “what to do”. Referring to the Live Music Accord reached in those meetings, he thought that it demonstrated the need to balance combating alcohol related violence with “creating an environment in which live music can flourish”. This was all well and good, but his glib platitudes did not gloss over the fact that this media opportunity had precious little to do with anything effected by his government.
Perring had nothing but praise for local Labor MP Richard Wynne in his press statement, saying he had been helpful in ensuring that the voice of Melbourne’s live music scene was heard within government. “This is a positive outcome for live music in Melbourne,” he continued. “The premier, John Brumby, listened to the live music industry and took steps to resolve some of the most pressing issues around liquor licensing through the Live Music Accord.”
One need not be a hardened cynic to realise that both Brumby and Wynne were trying to score points in the lead-up to November’s state election; a fact not lost on SLAM founders Helen Marcou and Quincy McLean, who sent the following statement to M+N today:
“On the Tote's hallowed turf yesterday, the Premier said, ‘It’s important that the industry is given the support it requires and this is a really valuable first step.’ Where is the support if none of the 700 venues have been contacted by the government in relation to the roll-back; if there is still no help desk; and not one venue has had its 'high risk' conditions reversed as yet, including the Tote? Mr Brumby, a photo opportunity is not real action.”
Meanwhile, down the road on Smith Street, former licensee Milne spent the day flogging the remains of his once formidable record collection at the Crate Digger Record Fair. He was hoping to cover the considerable legal costs accumulated while trying to fight Liquor Licensing at the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if a revitalised Tote (or whatever it may be called eventually) can recapture its grotty charm and formidable reputation. Some people, intimately involved with The Tote over recent years, have expressed reservations about it continuing under the same name, preferring a clean break from the past. Its new licensees on the other hand, would clearly benefit from associating their new venue with The Tote’s rich and colourful history.
Either way, having the pub reopen can only be beneficial to Melbourne’s live music scene. Some people will be pleased, others will harbour mixed feelings, but in the end the proof of the pudding will be in the tasting. Considering that Perring has mooted the possibility of a grand celebration gig and street party to celebrate The Tote’s rebirth, punters will find out which way things will swing in the not-too-distant future.
Most crucially though, the reopening of one venue should not detract from the fact that no real amendments have been made to government policy concerning Liquor Licensing laws or procedures for licensees to have “high risk” conditions reviewed. If the Brumby government wants to garner genuine support from the music industry, it needs to do more than pay lip service to its supposedly flourishing arts community and implement real changes.
The Tote’s closure was supposed to act as a catalyst for changes to an oppressive and ill-conceived licensing regime, so given that it's reopened with little more than a promissory accord in place, are we back at square one? One can only hope that 20,000 concerned punters marching through the streets of Melbourne was not in vain.
As a high profile advocate of Fair Go 4 Live Music, the onus is now on Perring, in particular, to continue the fight for meaningful reforms to legislation, despite securing a unique business opportunity for himself.
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very well written.
agreed
The best part of this is Amanda getting a job offer. I wonder if she will take it?
the 1st photo looks like a bikie meeting.
hahaha it does not!
good article. But I still feel like it's all a bit odd.
Well said, Schaeffer.
In other news, the author of this article is still stuck in London cos none of you have sent money to him via Western Union.
bikie meeting? Ulysses Club maybe.
Politicians seeking to score points in an election year. Is this really news?
In the first photo grey haired guy has a 'loner on the grassy knoll' look in his eye.
hope suemlc points out the tokenism of yesterdays brumby show when she tables the petition in parliament. If I could get out of bed I’d love to go along and have a good heckle and laugh.
It is when they haven't really done anything to score points with.
Maybe my brand of cynicism is post-cynicism, but this is more often the case than not.
Another champion effort from Rene. Nice to see the graffiti in the final shot.
The fact that Brumby was there at all is promising, though of course not conclusive. Think Kennett would have gone to the Tote on a Sunday to talk about live music for a photo op?
Exactly, which makes it even more unacceptable. Something about ''keeping the bastards honest''.
if it's so obvious then why is it consistently swallowed whole by the mainstream media?
these high risk venues should be the target of a crackdown
Is that the sound of furious backpedalling? Glad they still managed to shit out a self-congratulatory press release:
''Here we are to announce the re-opening of the business we ruined in the first instance. Remember to show your gratitude in November & vote for Brumby.''
Anyone who ever votes for these arseholes again gets a kick in the rear from me or one of my affiliated representatives.
extremely well written, rene
Great article that reinforces the two most salient points of this whole issue:
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An oldie but a goodie
Marginally:
Being the''gringo, I can not wait to sell tacos to the community culturally hungry Australian music stupid!''
- The Jon Perrino
''A good pub is hard to find''
Absolute rubbish. That said looking forward to seeing a pillar-less stage.
I suspect Prosciutto and mulligan are not getting the Feargal joke here....
I nearly had a happy little weep when I read the paper this morning. Makes the heart fair swell, it does.
So is there a new name??
name announced soon...
I second the call for soft-shell tacos, they're the completely one-handed taco option.
Looking forward to checking out the bigger band room and the improved sightlines.
Although that pillar was handy to hide behind when avoiding folk you really didn't want to talk to.
Yep, I can't believe their ignorance. Then again, I was trying to think of an Orange Juice instead of an Undertones quote...
They should call it The Scrote.
should call it
Authentic Mexican Breakfast Tacos
Prep Time: 5 Min
Cook Time:10 Min
Servings: 4
Ingredients
6 ounces chorizo sausage
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 dash hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste
1/2 cup salsa
Directions
brown. Set aside.
over high heat is for warming tortillas. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk,
salt and pepper. Spray the medium heat skillet with some cooking spray, and pour in
the eggs. Cook and stir until almost firm. Add the sausage, and continue cooking and
stirring until firm.
hot and crispy on the edges, but still pliable.
the scrambled egg and sausage, then add hot pepper sauce and salsa to your liking.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Dressing
Prep Time: 35 Min
Cook Time: 9 Min
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Marinade
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into chunks
Dressing
1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream
1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™
salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
1 (10 ounce) package tortillas
3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 small head cabbage, cored and shredded
2 limes, cut in wedges
Directions
To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the tilapia in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours.
To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed.
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Set grate 4 inches from the heat.
Remove fish from marinade, drain off any excess and discard marinade. Grill fish pieces until easily flaked with a fork, turning once, about 9 minutes.
Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and cabbage; drizzle with dressing. To serve, roll up tortillas around fillings, and garnish with lime wedges.
Serve with a few icy cold beers.
Although that pillar was handy to hide behind when avoiding folk you really didn't want to talk to
Haha, classic! So, everytime they'd change position you had to revolve around the post accordingly?
Feargal Sharkey to headline the Tote's reopening tonight?
NO, Taco Leg.
Taco Shark?
Shark Taco!
Laksa Fluff!
when said in an Adelade accent it would be ''shaaahk taahco''
Taco Sue.
Taqueria Style Tacos - Carne Asada
Prep Time: 25 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Servings: 16
Ingredients:
3 pounds flank steak
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 white onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
1 white onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
4 dried New Mexico chile pods
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
1 (32 ounce) package corn tortillas
2 cups grated cotija cheese (optional)
2 limes, cut into wedges
Directions:
Lay the flank steak in a large glass baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, 4 cloves of garlic, juice of two limes, and olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, cumin and paprika. Whisk until well blended, then pour over the steak in the dish. Turn over once to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap, and marinate for 1 to 8 hours.
In a small bowl, stir together 1 chopped white onion, cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Set aside to use as a relish for the tacos.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Toast chile pods in the skillet for a few minutes, then remove to a bowl of water to soak for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place the tomatoes, 1 onion, jalapenos, and 4 cloves of garlic onto a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, until toasted but not burnt. Place the roasted vegetables, and soaked chile pods into a blender or food processor, along with salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the marinated flank steak into cubes or strips. Cook, stirring constantly, until the meat is cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet for about a minute on each side to make them pliable. Tortillas may also be warmed in a microwave oven. Arrange two or three tortillas on a plate, and lay a generous amount of beef over them. Top with a sprinkle of the onion relish and a large spoonful of the pureed salsa. Add as much cheese as you like. Garnish with lime wedges, and serve with 16 ice cold beers.