Comedian Troy Kinne knows how to tell a joke; and just as well, because that’s his day job. The very relatable Melbourne comic is best known for his TV shows Kinne [Channel 7] and Kinne Tonight [Network 10] and stirs the pot with his viral videos when he’s not on stage making everybody laugh.
From popular shows at the Comics Lounge in North Melbourne, to sell-out ones at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Kinne took time out of his schedule writing gags to talk At The Bar with The Write Drop.
MY CITY
I love that Melbourne and ‘Melburnians’ always seem to embrace the vibe revolving around an event taking place. Whether it’s the Australian Open, the cricket, the International Comedy Festival, The Formula 1 Grand Prix or AFL, there’s always a drawcard that can meet the desires of friends who are planning to visit – and when they arrive, they ‘get it’.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The Pad Thai (among other dishes) at Isan Soul Thai restaurant in Bourke Street, Melbourne. Their motto is “let us transport you to Thailand” and that’s exactly what the Pad Thai and venue atmosphere does. The mini Tuk Tuk literally in the restaurant gets you in the mood for the authenticity of the Thai food they serve. Ironically, the power of wonder in Melbourne is often its ability to transport you elsewhere through dining experiences.
FAVOURITE BAR
The Smokey Rob Roy at Eau De Vie – a somewhat hidden speak easy type bar in the city. It is a whisky cocktail described as a campfire in a glass and the staff bring it to you and pour it in a performative way so that everyone’s attention is drawn to you – if you’re into that kind of thing. As a drink, it’s silky smooth and makes you feel way more sophisticated than you are. I’ll take all the assistance I can get in that department. You can view the drink on my Instastory highlights @troykinne
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Any crisp lager beer that is served outdoors with a view of the ocean. It’s where I feel my best. I live in Williamstown so at the moment in summer, it’s at Sebastian’s Beach Bar ’n’ Grill. On a sunny day in Melbourne, this place feels like on the Greek Islands (a place I’ve never been but I’ve seen other people’s photos, so my point is valid).
BEST HANGOVER CURE
I recently tried a viral Thailand 711 trend that is a game changer that I’m sure can be replicated in Australia. A big Slurpee cup, half filled with ice, an orange electrolytes sachet, a small bottle of a Vitamin C booster drink either orange or passionfruit flavour, a bottle of water to top it up, stir and drink through a straw. Most thirst-quenching drink I have tasted.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
The Mooloolaba Surf Club on the Sunshine Coast. After a walk along the coast, a drink from the bar taken outside to watch the surf as the day finishes. Nothing beats it.
OVERSEAS BAR
Kata Rocks in Phuket Thailand. Arguably the best sunset view whilst sitting to drink and eat. It is set next to a pool which is the perfect shade of blue and possibly the most peaceful atmosphere I’ve experienced.
FAVOURITE WINERY
The Waratah Hills Vineyard in Wilson’s Promontory. It’s one of the many wineries along the wine trail in South Gippsland. A great stop on the way to the beaches. And their food menu has access to Berry Creek cheeses (famous for their world champion Blue Cheese) and Trulli’s wood fired oven pizzas. They’ve got old style deck chairs placed all around the place that you can take your pick from. I was going to have my wedding there, but we broke up before either could happen, thanks for bringing it up.
NEXT DESTINATION
I still have not been to Italy and I need to make it happen. I’ve looked into it so much I feel like I already have memories of places I’ve never been to. I once said to someone that the area we were in reminded me of Tuscany. They asked “when were you in Tuscany?” I had to reply that I’d never been.
