Daily Detours for the Week of October 16

You scream, we scream, everyone screams for ice cream. Or, in La Macelleria‘s case, gelato. The frozen treat emporium doesn’t just serve up scoops of artisan Italian creaminess, but teaches you the tricks behind their dessert wares, in case you want to try your hand at home. Held every Monday evening from 5.30pm, the workshops first step through the basics and concepts — such as the difference between ice cream and gelato, for example. Then, they explore the raw materials that go into the finished product, and even whip up a couple of flavours. Classes cost $75 each, and everyone gets a one-litre pack to take home with them. Plus, if Teneriffe isn’t on your side of town, La Macelleria will be bringing these tasty sessions to its just-opened West End store.

There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink in Paddington, especially on the stretch of road that starts off as Caxton Street, segues into Given Terrace and eventually becomes Latrobe. Nowhere has stood the test of time like The Paddo, however. It dates back to 1885, although it definitely looks a little different these days. As well as a slice of inner-west history, The Paddo has something else on its menu on Tuesdays: two-for-one meals with a side order of karaoke. Grab a cheap meal then belt out a tune — and banish any midweek blues in the process. Mains include pork belly, lamb cutlets and Atlantic salmon, aka just the kind of pub food favourites you’d expect to find in the area’s favourite pub. And, if you don’t have to work the next day, you can show off your singing skills until late, with the karaoke session kicking on until 2am.

While there’s never a bad time to go to the movies, the Limes Hotel knows how to make a Wednesday evening trip to the flicks even better. Sorry, Brisbane’s many other movie houses, but the opportunity to watch a film at a rooftop bar is just too good to ignore. Actually, it’s almost too good to worry about what’s playing, although you’re likely to find a cruisy classic such as The Goonies, Wayne’s World, Thelma and Louise, Mean Girls or Clueless. Whatever’s on the big screen, you’re in for a fun movie-watching time — and a laidback atmosphere to go along with it. Sit high above the city, soak in the fresh evening air and even take a dip in one of the plunge pools while the film rolls. The bar starts serving at 5pm, perfect for after-work drinks, while the flick starts playing at 7pm.

Hearing the right song at the right moment can instantly improve your mood, and we all have dance floor stories that attest to that fact. Now, imagine hearing a killer track while you’re painting up a storm. In fact, just think of the masterpiece that you could whip up. That’s the concept behind Brushes & Beats, Work-Shop‘s latest art class. As guided by artist Shannon Toth, it embraces the cathartic, de-stressing pleasures of painting and music, but not in a classical tunes and watercolours kind of way. Arrive empty-handed, get given all the tools and skills you need, and prepare to blend toe-tapping rhythms and your creativity. If that’s not enough of a drawcard, or in case you need some added inspiration, Brushes & Beats also taps into Brisbane’s current art and alcohol craze.

Looking for something different to do on a Friday night? We’re guessing that you haven’t considered playing water polo. Yes, it’s a pastime that combines splashing about with team sports. And yes, it’s something you can do every week in Fortitude Valley. In one of the Valley Pool’s best-kept secrets, the watery game takes over the Wickham Street aquatic centre at the end of every working week from 6pm until 7.30pm. Run by Academy Waterpolo, the sessions combine swimming, skills practise and playing — and they’re open to both seasoned water polo fanatics and newcomers. Classes cost $10 per session, with no registration required. Head along, and you could be enjoying a stint of the sport first known as water rugby in no time.

Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn’t decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane’s hefty array of burg-slinging places, we’ve been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. On October 21, the Newstead music venue is joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up Brisbane’s most delayed trend festival: the Brisbane Burger Fest. That’s a big call in a year that has seen ice cream, mussels, Japanese culture, espresso martinis and specialty coffee all get their own shindigs.

For those wondering about the festival’s burger credentials, Ze Pickle, Miss Kay’s, Ben’s Burgers, Mr Burger, 5 Boroughs, Red Hook, Lucky Egg and The Triffid‘s own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There’ll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don’t think you can handle taking part, that’s okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a free burger street party even better, The Triffid’s beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews.

On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you’re in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. More than 10,000 garages are expected to open their doors to bargain hunters, selling two million items, when the event returns for its eight time — and it’s first two-day, weekend-long stint — on October 21 and 22. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There’ll be a right slew of sales happening all around Brisbane, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood.

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