At the rate burger joints keep popping up across Brisbane, the meat-and-bun combo really should be the city's official meal. Hello Harry is the latest place keeping the dream alive, but they're not just another greasy spoon. If their name sounds familiar, that might because you've already visited their Maroochydore or Caloundra stores. From the end of March, Brisbanites can head to Forest Lake to get their fix. Additional outlets in Milton and at Portside will open in May — and if all goes well, more will follow. That might sound like an ambitious plan for a chain selling the city's favourite dish, but if anyone knows how to capitalize upon a food frenzy, it's Hello Harry's Tony Kelly and Scott Hoskins. They're the folks that also brought Donut Boyz down south, and that's worked out pretty well. With a menu bursting with pulled pork, chickpea, barramundi and brisket burgers — plus Nutella, strawberry and salted caramel shakes — working their magic outside of the Sunshine Coast shouldn't be too hard. Here's hoping that the Fat Harry also pops up, because who doesn't want to feast on a maple-glazed doughnut filled with wagyu beef, American cheese, mayonnaise, tomato jam and pickles? For more information about Hello Harry, head to their website and Facebook page.
If you love doughnuts (who doesn't?), but you're wary of just how bad they are for you, you're probably a fan of a certain Brisbane business. And if you're not already a Nododonuts enthusiast, you'll soon have more chances to try their tasty wares and convert to their healthy (well, let's say healthier), organic, gluten-free, baked ways. Yes, the makers of the world's friendliest doughnuts — even if they do say so themselves — are opening their own cafe. In the best Halloween news you're likely to hear this year, Newstead's Ella Street will become the home of the snack can feel less guilty about consuming, from October 31. Their brand new bakery will offer up all the flavours they've been serving at selected markets and cafes across the city, plus a big batch of new concoctions. Given that their existing lines include banana bread and blueberry cheesecake varieties, as well as mouthwatering fresh raspberry, triple coconut and dark chocolate, you're allowed to get excited about what's to come. Given that Nodo has taken the fatty, sugary, deep-fried snack we all know and revamped it as baked, organic, gluten-free gourmet fare, you're allowed to overindulge a little as well. The idea of doughnuts that are actually good for you might sound like a fantasy, but in the two years since Nodo launched, they've tried their best to make things a little less artery-clogging for dessert lovers. At a time when you can find doughnut stores of the not-so-good-for-you variety on almost every corner, it's no wonder that they've found their way into the hearts and stomachs of everyone who can't resist what has become Brisbane's favourite sweet treat. Find Nododonuts at 1 Ella Street, Newstead from October 31. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
What's better than a microbrewery that serves both food and brews? A venue that pumps out its own beers and offers patrons two distinctive dining and drinking spaces. That's what happened at The Charming Squire, with the South Bank venue splitting its floorplan to welcome a new woodfired grill and rotisserie restaurant. Having opened its doors in 2021, Embers at The Charming Squire is the fancier sibling to the existing Brewhouse. Where the latter skews casual, this relative newcomer is all about levelling up your lunch or dinner. And while it's definitely located inside The Charming Squire, this space-within-a-space has its own entrance, vibe, and wood-heavy decor. Able to seat 177, including in booths for five to ten people, at low tables and outdoors, Embers at The Charming Squire is filled with timber. Seasoned Charming Squire guests will recognise the layout, but the look has been tweaked — including via dashes of greenery. The look suits the culinary theme, given that it focuses on a fire-fuelled menu that heroes wood-roasted, smoked and grilled dishes and meals finished over ironbark coals. Standout options include dishes with lamb, given that a whole lamb is slow-cooked every weekend and then broken up into plates — such as the wood-roasted lamb with potatoes, peppers and pebre salsa. The grain-fed rib fillet is served with bearnaise sauce, carrots and jus, while the charcoal chicken comes with pickles, lemon and green beans. Other highlights span gnocchi with local mushrooms, truffle, stracciatella and sage butter from the vegetable-focused section of the menu, and grilled octopus with tomato, peppers, shallots and olives from among the seafood dishes. Or, there's Moreton Bay squid, mushroom and truffle arancini balls, and fresh natural or kilpatrick oysters — all from the small-plates range. If you're after something sweet following your meal, dessert options include pineapple souffle with coconut crumble, banoffee pie and an affogato with salted caramel ice cream. Drinks-wise, more than 100 bottles of wine will tempt your vino-loving tastebuds, with Australian reds comprising more than half the list. James Squire's beers obviously feature, including tipples brewed in-house. And the cocktail selection skews towards the classics, with the highly skilled bartenders willing to make you whatever you like, so long as they've got the ingredients at hand.
It has only been three months since Suki set up shop in South Bank, giving Brisbane its first specialty sushi burrito and poke bowl eatery. Everyone fond of eating a giant version of a Japanese staple quickly flocked to try its wares, as did Hawaiian salad lovers — and now they'll have a second site to visit. As rumoured at the time of the South Brisbane store's launch, Suki is opening another store in Bulimba. Bringing its make-your-own meals to Oxford Street, it'll offer up the same great foods in a new location from July 18. Expect the same difficulty choosing just what to eat as well. For those who haven't stopped by yet, don't be fooled by the mere two options on Suki's menu — that duo of dishes can be made many, many ways. Pick your choice of burrito or bowl, then keep working through the six-step process to select your base, hot or cold proteins, sauce, salad fillings and toppers. If that's too much variety, their favourite combos include The Fighter (kingfish, coriander, avocado, fresh chilli, orange, cucumber, suki sauce and wasabi peas), 3 Amigos (snapper, salmon, tuna, cabbage, cucumber, red onions, ponzu, sesame oil, surimi crab and fried shallots), and Angry Bird (katsu chicken, wasabi mayo, spinach, cabbage, coriander, pickled ginger and daikon, and soy egg). More Suki stores might just be in the works as well, with the chain currently offering franchise opportunities. Not limiting itself to Brisbane, they're also open to expanding interstate, bringing more of their blend of Hawaiian, Mexican and Japanese cuisines to more people. Find Suki at Shop 2, 161 Oxford Street, Bulimba from July 18. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
For Brisbanites fond of burying their nose in good books, September might as well be Christmas. That's when the annual Brisbane Writers Festival rolls around, brandishing literary love aplenty and bringing a plethora of writers and wordsmiths with it — and its 2017 program is no exception. More than 100 authors will descend upon the city for five days of word-based fun from September 6 to 10, with the bulk of BWF taking place at — where else? — the State Library of Queensland. This year's event kicks off with an opening address about writing and Indigenous knowledge creation from Aboriginal activist Alec Doomadgee, closes with a session on transcending standard world views thanks to Indian-Canadian novelist Anosh Irani. In between, you'll find an ode to gossip, a discussion about touching upon taboo topics and scribes telling stories in outrageous costumes — and that's just a taste. Indeed, the rest of the lineup features a large-scale interpretive artwork, Angel's Palace, to mark the tenth anniversary of Alexis Wright's Carpentaria; British journalist and documentary producer Adrian Levy giving behind-the-scenes accounts of covering Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda, and a day dedicated to the superheroes, vampires, werewolves and more of Young Adult literature, just to name a few. Other highlights include John Safran chatting about the rise of extremism, Nakkiah Lui on writing for performance, Tracey Spicer throwing away outmoded expectations on how women should present themselves, and Benjamin Law helping dissect just why the news affects our psyche — and sharing his thoughts on humour as tool to reflect the world around him as well. It's an eclectic lineup, one designed to delight, challenge and inform in equal measure. As always, the festival will also be holding BWF satellite sessions in suburban libraries, helping word nerds get their fix closer to home. Whichever book nook you're headed to, BYO between-panel reading material. The Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 6 to 10. To check out the full program and purchase tickets, check out the festival's website.
IT'S A GOOD DAY. A very good day. One of the world's most celebrated rappers, Kendrick Lamar, has been added to the Bluesfest lineup and has announced two huge performances in Melbourne and Sydney. Biaaaaaaatch, no way. Hitting Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on March 21 and Sydney’s Allphones Arena on March 23, Lamar will then join The National and Tom Jones to headline Bluesfest in Byron Bay on Thursday, March 24. More dates are expected to be announced, so keep those fingers crossed Brisbane. Lamar's quite the curveball for this year's Bluefest, with the festival already sporting quite the eclectic patchwork of a lineup — from Noel Gallagher to Tom Jones, Jackson Browne to City and Colour. This will be the first time Lamar has toured Australia since 2014's Rapture Festival, and since releasing his wildly critically-acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, so expect tickets to go quicker than you can say 'Kunta'. KENDRICK LAMAR 2016 AUSTRALIAN DATES: MELBOURNE — March 21 (Rod Laver Arena) SYDNEY — March 23 (Allphones Arena) BYRON BAY — March 24 (Bluesfest) Tickets for Kendrick Lamar's Sydney and Melbourne shows will go on sale at 9am Monday, October 19. Telstra pre-sale from 10am Wednesday, October 14 until 10am Friday, October 16, those pre-sale tickets over here.
You have to hand it to the team at I Heart Brownies: they know that people love their mouth-watering chocolate treats, and they're keen to give everyone exactly what they want. Soon, that'll include selling their 100 percent gluten-free creations from their brand new kiosk in the CBD. Just head to the Wintergarden from August 8 to get your heart-shaped fix. You'll find a dozen flavours on offer, including double chocolate, jaffa, cherry, peanut butter, salted caramel and Turkish Delight. Opening first thing in the morning and operating until around 7pm to take care of both pre- and post-work brownie cravings, the kiosk will also serve up a selection of drinks, including drip-filter coffee and the pink lemonade that visitors to the business's Fortitude Valley location already know and love. This is just the beginning of the brownie empire's expansion plans. Next stop: the Gold Coast in early 2017. Basically, it's the best news we've heard since I Heart Brownies started delivering. And with their hand-made artisanal products boasting top quality ingredients, including Belgian black cocoa, couverture chocolate, free-range eggs, Queensland cane sugar and Australian butter, there's no need to feel quite so guilty about indulging in a few brownies...or a few more after that. Find the I Heart Brownies kiosk in the Wintergarden from August 8. Until then visit their website and Facebook page for more information and check out their bakery and cafe at Shop 7 Bakery Lane, 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Via The Courier-Mail.
Greek street food fans have reason to throw down a solid jig today, Sydney's Zeus Street Greek is opening a South Brisbane instalment. The souvlaki specialists will open at South Bank at the Chocolate Pavilion, scheduled to open on Saturday, June 20. Founded by a patriotic team of first-generation Hellenic Australians (a formidable collaboration between the team behind Crust Gourmet Pizza and Pony Dining Group), Zeus is modernising souvlaki for the contemporary Greek food lover. Armed with traditional recipes and cooking methods passed down through five generations, Zeus are set to serve up Mirool Creek lamb cooked ‘kontosouvli' — a traditional skewer-grilled Cypriot method resulting geared for a little tenderness. "The inspiration for Zeus was to give Sydneysiders an innovative food experience that incorporates the founders’ passion for Hellenic food, culture and tradition," say the Zeus team, who unveiled plans to expand to Brisbane last year. "Zeus pays homage to the 'God of hospitality' and the Greek custom of filoxenia or 'showing hospitality to all'. Renowned in Greek culture filoxenia translates to everyone being welcome in a Hellenic house where there is always food and wine to be shared whether it’s with old friends or new." Savoury street-style splendour at Zeus comes dine-in, takeaway or delivered to your doorstep. The eponymous house specialty, The Zeus, is set to be a Greek street food staple worth crossing the city for — slow-cooked lamb with Aegean slaw, smoked eggplant, onion and parsley in fresh pita. There's the Uncle 'Tzimmy' Classic, with chargrilled lamb, pork or chicken with tomato, tzatziki, onion, paprika in pita (with the all-important chips) and ancient grain salads and mezze dishes for vegetarians (think marinated olives, spanakopita and the salty, salty monarch of Greek food — halloumi). Then for dessert, smoosh your face into Zeus' fig and cinnamon rizogalo. Going hungry isn't an option at Zeus. "When a Greek family hosts you, you’re treated like a guest of honour whether they’ve known you your whole life or you’ve just met that day," says the Zeus team. "Greeks welcome everyone with open arms and make sure that you don’t go hungry while you’re a guest of theirs. It’s this feeling of being welcomed in to the extended family that is brought to life when people drop into Zeus." Find Zeus Street Greek at 13-14 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane. Open daily 11.30am-9.30pm, (07) 3846 0200, zsg.com.au.
If Nambour can have a big pineapple, Bundaberg a big rum bottle and Bowen a big mango, then Queensland's capital can have a large likeness of the item that really has become nearest and dearest to its citizens — or to their stomachs, at least. "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" isn't just advice your mum doled out when you were at school. It's also Brisbane's new motto when it comes to the food craze we can't get enough of. Yes, we're talking about doughnuts. What else? With every corner of town seemingly selling the fried, glazed morsels (often pumped full of devilishly gooey fillings, and coloured so brightly that you can probably spot them from space), Brisbane City Council has finally decided that they may as well embrace the trend. In doing so, they're adding another landmark to the cityscape — and it'll definitely be big, probably a bit awkward looking, most likely made of fibreglass, and will certainly attract tourists, inspire merchandise, and feature in way too many selfies. Prepare to say hello to Brisbane's brand new giant doughnut monument. King George Square is the current preferred site for this Springfield-like monument to doughy desserts, because building it in the actual Brisbane suburb of Springfield would be way too obvious. The CBD location would ensure that that massive round object also serves another very important purpose: casting some shade over the area's sun-drenched, so-hot-you-could-cook-a-doughnut-on-it pavement. Soon, you'll be hanging out in the inner-city space, meeting your mates in the statue's shadow, and presumably feasting on as many cinnamon-coated snacks as you can consume. Those'll be the days. That's just the beginning of the colossal sweet treat trend, though — consider it the Brisbane City Council dipping a toe in the icing, if you like. If the big doughnut becomes the hit everyone knows it will be, another idea is on the agenda. Fancy soaring over South Bank on a revolving version of the pastry wonder (aka The Wheel of Brisbane repainted and made to look like a giant, rotating doughnut), anyone? [caption id="attachment_565927" align="alignnone" width="631"] Image: @marina_mendes1984.[/caption] Top image: Reddit.
New cinemas might keep opening around Brisbane, but the city's latest film venture isn't your usual picture palace — it's a pop-up taking retro movie screenings to different venues around town. Launching on Saturday, June 9, FilmHouse will host its first session — a screening of iconic documentary Grey Gardens — at East Brisbane's Mowbraytown Hall. Future events will take place at similar spots throughout the inner city and surrounding suburbs, particularly focusing on the types of places you wouldn't normally expect to see a movie. "The places we're looking at, they're locations that you wouldn't necessarily turn into a cinema," explains Portia Hunt, who created FilmHouse with local projectionist Michael Brooks. Drawing upon their time working in Brisbane cinemas — Hunt has a background at Palace and New Farm Cinemas, while Brooks' vast experience also includes Brisbane's CineRetro Society, as well as working with Brisbane's various cinemas and film festivals — the duo is eager to add to the variety of film events happening around the city. That includes expanding the cinema-going experience beyond simply sitting down to view a movie, courtesy of themed events and parties. "We want people to go watch a film and enjoy the film, but we want to create a party atmosphere as well — with post- and pre-film events," remarks Hunt. FilmHouse plans to use a different venue for each screening, with sessions initially held every few months as Hunt and Brooks works towards a regular monthly lineup. They're keen to build their program around their audience, and welcome feedback about what they should be offering. "With this first screening, we'll hopefully get a sense of what kind of audience we have, what kinds of events we'll be able to create, and get an idea of what people want," says Hunt. Still, movie-wise, viewers can expect a range of things, including rare flicks and possibly sessions using 35mm prints. "Our programming is going to be full of variety," Hunt advises. "We want to screen much-loved cult classics, film noir, Australian and foreign films, and more mainstream content, such as those family-friendly crowd-pleasers — but, more importantly, we want to screen films that don't get screened too often." The first FilmHouse screening takes place at 6.30pm on Saturday, June 9 at Mowbraytown Hall, 26 Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane. For more information — and to keep an eye out for future screenings — head to the FilmHouse Facebook page.
After snagging their second ARIA for Best Heavy/Hard Rock Release, DZ Deathrays are doing a victory lap of Australia this February and March in celebration of their second album, Black Rat. Big, loud and in-face, the lads' second offering demonstrated DZ Deathray’s versatility, from their classic DZ sound on 'Reflective Skull', to the wonderfully frantic 'Gina Works at Hearts', to the moodier 'Northern Lights'. It’s all there and it’s all good. The Get Rich or Drunk Tryin’ tour will see the boys reunited with past touring pals, and good mates in general, Bass Drum Of Death (USA) and Hockey Dad. After an absolutely massive 2014 filled with international touring, it's nice to have the Brisbane lads home. Catch them while you can.
West End and watering holes go hand-in-hand. Pubs, bars, cafes that serve booze — throw a stone in the inner west suburb and you'll hit one. But there's always room for more, with The Montague Hotel adding its own blend of brews and food to the mix come the end of April. Setting up shop on the road that shares its name, The Montague Hotel — or the Monty, as the pub has nicknamed itself — will boast plenty on both the drinks and the dining front. Enough to encourage both West End residents and those who find themselves in the vicinity to drop by more than once. Indeed, that's their aim — in a place filled with spots to have a sneaky sip or two, the 80-seat restaurant and 400-capacity premises wants to become the suburb's new go-to drinking spot. Showcasing local creatives, as seen in the venue's wall mural by street artist Stewart Shuker, is also on the cards. Beverage-wise, copper beer tanks above the bar will pump out CUB brews, while the Montague will also pour craft tipples from the likes of Newstead Brewing, Green Beacon and Fortitude Brewing, helping to tempt thirsty patrons. In total, more than 17 beers will be available on tap, alongside a wine list spanning over 19 vineyards and suppliers, as well as eight straight-pour gins, eight classic cocktails, six house signatures, six martinis and six share jugs. With ex-Bavarian Beer Cafe, London Fields and The Charming Squire chef Enda Gaffey in the kitchen — and with a charcoal rotisserie on the premises, too — the food menu falls on the substantial side to help soak up all of those drinks. Think haloumi fries, fish tacos and crispy buffalo wings to snack on, alongside an 11-strong selection of burgers (ranging from Swiss beef to crab), and a choice of chicken, lamb or pork from the rotisserie. There'll also be the usual pub faves of schnitzels, pizzas and steaks, and dessert will feature 'espresso martini' ice cream sundaes. The Montague will be open for lunch too, which could prove a nice time to try their 'superfood' menu with items like mushroom burgers and 'detox' salads, though those healthier options will be available all day. Find The Montague Hotel at 363 Montague Road, West End from the end of April. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details.
It's 3pm. All you want right now is another a coffee. Or maybe a cronut. Or a freakshake, dammit. Or maybe, like, ten Arnott’s biscuits. Nope, can’t do that. Already had five. Is that the post-3pm slump blues whispering – nay, bellowing – in your ear? Really, by now, you should be kicking back at some secret swimming spot or under a waterfall. Especially in this hectic summer weather. We know. We know! But capitalism dictates you’ve another two hours to go before your boss is going to lay down that whip. So, you have to find a way to keep going. All that sweet, sugary, deliciousness might be looking like your only job-quitting-preventative-measure right now, but it’s a bad, bad idea. So, we’re riding to your rescue with five jack-jumping, healthy, healthy snacks. And it’s not all gustatory doom and gloom. We’ve picked these babies for their tastiness, not just their nutrition information panels. BANANA AND TAHINI This God-sent duo has all the creaminess and sweetness of ice cream but none of the refined sugar or saturated fat. Spread it across a piece of toast, throw it in the blender to make a smoothie or just eat it straight, dipping the banana in the jar. Tahini's got more goodness than Mother Teresa (go with it) — from calcium, magnesium, lecithin, potassium, protein and iron to Vitamins E, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15. If you've had a big night out, it'll help you liver to cope better, thanks to the detoxifying powers of methionine. And everyone knows bananas make you happy. PROTEIN BALLS Available in stacks of different flavours, the mighty protein ball can give any conventional, packeted treat a run for its money, taste-wise. And it also comes with a big ol' dose of protein, which does heaps of good stuff. Like building and repairing muscles, making enzymes, producing hormones and making sure your hair and nails grow (in fact, they're nearly all protein). YouFoodz makes an especially lip-smacking version, a salted caramel version that's actually good for you. It's packed with apricot, sultanas, dates and dark chocolate and coated in crispy bits of waffle wafer. FROZEN FRUIT Regular, room temperature fruit is an excellent substitute for lollies and biscuits. But, with a freezer, you can take things to a whole new, more satisfying, longer-lasting level. That said, you have to make sure you're freezing the right kinds. Grapes are a winner — they become firmer on the outside, yet stay relatively soft in the middle (depending on the temperature of your freezer). So, eating one's a bit like biting into a soft-centred jube or toffee. Bananas, oranges and mangoes are crackers, too. Apples and strawberries don't go so well, as they to get too hard, all the way through. Raspberries can work if left to thaw for a while. DIY TRAIL MIX Plenty of peanut-heavy, packeted trail mixes aren't too appetising — even if they are salutary. Others are peppered with sugary bits and bobs, like choc buds. So, go ahead and make your own. That way, you can tailor it to suit you and, at the same time, make sure there's nothing in there undoing your healthy intentions. Don't forget to add some seeds — sunflower ones give you Vitamin E, B1 and B6, copper, selenium and manganese, while in teeny-tiny sesame seeds, there's CoQ10, which helps keep your heart working and your energy levels booming. No time to DIY? Have a stash of pre-made bars ready to go — Youfoodz does a pretty top notch Supa Food Bar. KALE CHIPS Potato chips one of your go-to snacks? Break that salty, fatty habit with kale chips. You can even make them yourself, without too much hassle: toss a bunch of kale in a minimal amount of olive oil and pop it in the oven till it's crispy. Unless you've been under the Rock of Gibraltar, you'll know this superfood's many benefits by now. There's bucket loads of beta-carotene to help your eyesight, Vitamin C to fight bugs, Vitamin K to make sure your blood clots and Vitamin E, an antioxidant. Images: YouFoodz and Dollar Photo Club.
Kingpins of Brooklyn hype Parquet Courts are the kind of ramshackle, indie genre benders that strip back production-heavy 'garage' and deliver punk-as-blazes music every time. Blending lo-fi, geek-chic, your beyond stock-standard garage rock, and a healthy dose of punk, Parquet Courts are impossible to pin down. Think Pavement meets The Strokes, but with more tongue-in-cheek. Now, after playing sold-out shows in the States and making their mark at Splendour in the Grass last year, they're heading back to Australia for three intimate shows. Their 2014 album, Sunbathing Animal has been praised by Pitchfork as a musical testament to the band's unique grasp of simple, rough rock that places the band, "in their own distinct weight class." The foursome just released a new album Content Nausea under the name Parkay Quarts last December, recorded on a four-track tape over two weeks and predictably brimming with bristly feedback. Making appearances after their headlining spot at Secret Garden Festival, Parquet Courts are popping into Manning Bar in Sydney, The Zoo in Brisbane and Melbourne's Hi-Fi in early March. Supported by Blank Realm + Kitchen's Floor.
Perhaps Peter Pan was onto something. The famous literary character didn't want to grow up — and, once you've become an adult, it's hard not to agree with him. Alas, flying through the air and cavorting with pirates isn't a reality for anyone, well, real, but it's easy to pretend otherwise. Brisbane boasts a hefty array of activities that'll unleash your inner kidult, bouncing around, taking a few boozy swings and playing giant board games included. HIT A FEW BALLS AT HOLEY MOLEY Brisbane's mini-golf bar sure happened upon one hell of an appropriate name. Just try not to exclaim "Holey moley!" several times while you're there. It's impossible, unless you're a big ol' boring grown-up. You heard us. Putting your way around a former church — and through courses that glow in the dark, are filled with creepy clowns, take a swing at Twister and feature a nine-iron throne the entire Stark and Lannister clans would be envious of — will incite that reaction. Cap it all off with a drink at the Caddyshack Bar, where Long Island Iced Tees and Happy Gilmoreo cocktails await. MASH BUTTONS AT NETHERWORLD It's a simple idea, but a good one. Whenever you come across an arcade or pinball game in a bar, lumped into a corner somewhere, it's always popular — so why not fill an entire pub full of them? Turning a space that has housed plenty of seedy watering holes into a gaming mecca, Netherworld doesn't just want you to pump tokens into machines, with video game consoles and board games on offer too. If you're after the same retro fun without the booze, head to Morningside's 1Up instead. TAKE MARIO KART INTO REAL LIFE AT SLIDEWAYS Think Mario Kart's Rainbow Road is hard? It is — but, so is sliding around a real-life multi-coloured space at Slideways. Don't worry, it's also fun as well, courtesy of a 425-metre, two-level indoor track, complete with a bridge, tunnel and loop of the carpark. It's the best kind of car-related activity Eagle Farm has to offer. No, getting stuck in traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive doesn't count. JUMP AROUND AT SKYZONE Is there anything as simplistically enjoyable as jumping up and down? There's a reason countless musicians instruct you to do so. Skyzone at Macgregor will help you bounce until your heart's content — on huge trampolines, between huge trampolines, off of walls, into pits of foam, while shooting hoops and while dodging balls. And when you're done hopping around, you can also take in a game of laser tag in a massive three-storey arena. Indoor rock climbing is also in the works, making Skyzone a one-stop kidulting bonanza. GET ZAPPY AT LASERFORCE Speaking of running around wielding flashing pretend weapons, Laserforce is a Brisbane mainstay. Most folks would have ventured to the Woolloongabba centre as a kid — if you didn't hold a birthday party there, you went to someone else's. Still running after 29 years (yep, that'll make you feel old), it still offers all of the fun you knew and loved, plus a few new attractions. Walk through a glowing portal into the time vortex, pretend you're in an action movie as you crawl under laser beams, or just run, hide and blast away. GET YOUR SKATES ON AT STAFFORD SKATE CENTRE Another place that time seems to have forgotten, but you shouldn't. Stepping inside Stafford Skate Centre will make you feel like you've gone back to the '80s; if the decor doesn't do the trick, then the soundtrack will. But, that's all okay. Rolling onto the rink, clutching the wall trying not to fall over or imagining that you're in Whip It are all timeless activities. If you'd prefer to bust out your best Blades of Glory impression, you can get icy instead at Iceworld at Acacia Ridge and Boondall. PAINT AND SIP WINE AT CORK AND CHROMA Lurking inside all of us is an artist waiting to emerge and smash out a masterpiece worthy of GOMA. For some of us, however, that creative side needs a bit of encouragement. That's where painting with a glass of Pinot in your hand comes in, with Cork and Chroma taking an activity you mightn't have dabbled in since high school and adding alcohol to the mix. You bring the bottle, they'll provide all of the necessary art supplies. Themed evenings include everything from pineapples, surf shacks and Brisbane itself to Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh and Ziggy Stardust. GET SLEUTHING AT ESCAPE HUNT Six rooms. Three games. Only one way to work your way through each — or is there? Puzzling over mysteries and plotting your escape from a locked space is what's on offer at the aptly named Escape Hunt. Can you discover who killed a jockey, find explosives at Government House or locate stolen jewellery? Of course you can! Round up your best pals and find out (and, likely learn plenty about your friends' problem-solving skills, too). In a nice touch, each of the experiences is Brisbane-themed. GET SOME BOARD GAME ACTION Good news, fans of rolling dice, moving counters and shuffling cards — if that's your idea of a kidulting great time, this is the town for it. As well as the aforementioned Netherworld, Brisbane has plenty of places just waiting to make your board game-playing dreams come true. Here's five to start with, and Paddington also has a dedicated space, Club Sosay. Or, head to Woolly Mammoth to not only get your giant-size jenga on. [caption id="attachment_623917" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Riverlife, Kevin O'Matta.[/caption] HIT THE WATER AT RIVERLIFE You can't miss the massive body of water snaking its way through Brisbane, and nor should you. Sure, the powers that be keep building bridges and tunnels to bypass it, however, thanks to Kangaroo Point's Riverlife, it's a great place for some splashy fun. In fact, with the city lacking in water parks since Amazons was torn down back in 2001, it's one of the only places offering something other than just taking a dip. Hire a kayak for an evening paddle, or give standup paddleboarding a try, all with killer views of the CBD.
Whether you're heading to the cinema with friends or curling up on the couch with your significant other, a night watching movies remains a fantastic source of entertainment, enjoyment and escapism. Sitting in the dark, switching your mind away from your regular worries and slipping into another world — if you're catching the right flick, few things can top it. Cinema-wise, 2019 has thrown up plenty of films that tick all of the above boxes — and now we're just past the halfway mark, it's time to look back. Maybe you missed one of this year's hits when it was in theatres. Perhaps it's still showing and you haven't made it yet. Or, there could be a few gems that just slipped your attention. Of course, there's always the ace movies you saw, loved and want to see again. Whichever category fits, here's 12 films from 2019 that you you need to catch up on. Head to the cinema and grab a choc top or organise your streaming queue and cook up some popcorn, as we've sorted out your viewing for the near future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoxKy3d7Wno EIGHTH GRADE What our critic said: As effective as every narrative beat, probing shot and well-deployed blast of Enya (yes, Enya) proves, writer/director Bo Burnham's savviest move is also his most straightforward. Actually casting a teenager in a movie about a teenager is much more rare than it should be, and Eighth Grade wouldn't be the success it is without Golden Globe nominee Fisher as its star. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XhsuT0xctI FREE SOLO What our critic said: As well as chronicling an awe-inspiring story, every frame of Free Solo offers a palpable, visceral reminder of life's enormous risks and immense rewards — and to the filmmakers' credit, you're all but certain to feel the impact in your constantly sweaty palms. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qbq6Z6HYk IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK What our critic said: Black lives devastated by discrimination, young lovers braving seemingly insurmountable obstacles: both tales have played out across countless pages and screens before, although not as they do so here. There's a bewitching alchemy to the combination of James Baldwin's words and Barry Jenkins' direction — never shying away from the despairing truth of the situation, but never wallowing in inescapable bleakness either. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMCYE9hKP68 VOX LUX What our critic said: In Vox Lux, the difficulties and complexities of success slash savagely and hack furiously, with Brady Corbet writing and directing a blunt yet brilliant onslaught of a movie. As he did in The Childhood of a Leader, the actor-turned-filmmaker relentlessly charts the ascension of an influential fictional figure who owes their rise to struggle and trauma. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcKinfILGDk DESTROYER What our critic said: Conflicted cop Erin Bell could walk alongside any of noir's dogged investigators and hold her own. Stepping into the character's shoes, Nicole Kidman could do the same among any of the genre's best stars. Destroyer lives and breathes through its complicated protagonist and phenomenal lead performance, with each putting on a stunning show. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bavqDA_3vIo US What our critic said: Us is a creeper in multiple senses of the word. It's disquieting from the outset (even more so when it spends its opening credits staring at caged rabbits), but Jordan Peele knows how to let that unease fester and grow. While the 'master of suspense' label was bestowed decades ago, the comedian-turned-filmmaker is just as devastating at cultivating distress as Hitchcock or any other iconic horror or thriller director. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9UYcEwUYA BURNING What our critic said: A ruminative mystery, a fine-tuned character study and an intricately observed examination of human relationships all at once, one of the joys of Burning is its wholesale aversion to simplicity. Here, as in reality, nothing is straightforward. Indeed, Lee Chang-dong takes life's enigmas and puzzles, thrusts them into view and forces the audience to ponder along with him. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6hldpSTF8 AVENGERS: ENDGAME What our critic said: There's very little that's simple about this picture, marking as it does the extraordinary culmination of several dozen intricate and intertwined story arcs that extend all the way back to 2008... Where Infinity War was all bombast, Endgame offers reserve. Where Infinity War wrought intergalactic devastation and destruction, Endgame delivers intimacy and an examination of grief, loss and very private regret. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ5X75F1YJw LONG SHOT What our critic said: After a five-year stretch that's included Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde and Tully, Long Shot is the latest example of its star's chameleonic talents — a political rom-com that's as irreverent (and often inappropriate) as you'd expect of a flick that also features Seth Rogen, and genuinely heartfelt and hilarious as well. Charlize Theron, romantic-comedy standout? You'd better believe it. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BULB0aX4lA JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 — PARABELLUM What our critic said: Cinematic beauty comes in many forms, and the John Wick franchise perfects one of them. The term 'balletic' couldn't better describe the series' hypnotic action sequences, with its array of frenetic fights and carnage-dripping set pieces all meticulously choreographed like complex dance routines. In fact, when ballerinas actually pirouette across the screen in John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, they seem bland in comparison. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZeIHrx7Oyc HIGH LIFE What our critic said: While shooting into the stratosphere to ponder what it all means has become a genre of its own, High Life proudly stands in its own space boots. Perhaps that's why both the film and Robert Pattinson seem like such a perfect fit, and why the final product both soars high and burrows deep: you won't catch either meekly treading where everyone else has before. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_0KJAzyUJc PARASITE What our critic said: Parasite proves exceptional in every single frame and detail that it flicks onto the screen... Internationally renowned and beloved as the auteur behind The Host, Snowpiercer and Okja, Bong Joon-ho has crafted a bleak, twisty blend of black tragi-comedy, pulsating thrills and socially relevant horror — a movie that's such a phenomenal example of all that cinema can and should be that you'll want to high-five the filmmaker after watching it. Read our full review.
When is a wine bar more than just a wine bar? When it also boasts a champagne garden and deck, and its daytime espresso cafe doubles as a whisky-focused space by evening. That's what Baedeker is promising. You won't have to choose your favourite tipple here — you can indulge in them all (responsibly, people). Taking over the Constance Street space formerly occupied by Wine Emporium, the new Fortitude Valley venture aims to offer a one-stop-shop as far as its beverages of choice are concerned. If you're wondering why yeasty, foamy pints aren't highlighted, that's because Baedeker will sit underneath an existing craft beer bar, aka The Mill on Constance. As well as breaking up its 600-square-metre site, carving out separate areas for different drinks also allows Baedeker to open in stages. Nothing is up and running just yet, but expect to grab a coffee there soon, with the whole place due to be operational in November. The new venue is the latest project from Darren Davis, a name vino and dairy lovers might recognise from Grape Therapy and Cheese Therapy, his existing efforts. And in case you're wondering, he'll be bringing snacks with him, courtesy of cheese and charcuterie boards, as well as other items from food partners. Find Baedeker at 111 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, in the coming months. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for further information. Via The Courier-Mail.
In the words of Tyrion Lannister, it's not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy. That may be true, but you can certainly give it a go, when Game of Rhones returns for another year. An epic wine tasting event inspired by the grapes of France's Rhone Valley and the works of George R. R. Martin, this year's Game of Rhones will visit all Seven Kingdom – by which we mean Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Wellington and Auckland. Each event will welcome more than 40 different winemakers, including Shaw + Smith, Yarra Yering, Tarrawarra Estate, Olivers Taranga and Paxton Biodynamic Wine (exact producers vary city to city). There'll also be a number of food vendors on hand, to ensure you don't go hungry. In between goblets, ticketholders will get the chance to chat with sommeliers at the Rhone Bar, vote for their favourite vintages as part of the People's Choice Award, and take part in a blind tasting 'torture chamber' that we promise is more fun than the name makes it sound. It should also go without saying that dressing up as your favourite GoT character is highly encouraged. Zombie John Snow, anyone? GAME OF RHONES DATES May 1 – Adelaide May 22 – Perth May 29 – Brisbane June 18 – Melbourne June 19 – Sydney July 2 – Auckland July 9 – Wellington For more information and to book tickets visit the Game of Rhones website.
You can spend this summer immersed in legendary Japanese artworks at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Its upcoming blockbuster exhibition, dubbed Japan Supernatural, is set to open on November 2 as part of the tenth Sydney International Art Series. Made up of more than 200 works from all over the planet, it's an exploration of the spirit world in Japanese art. Expect an immersive experience involving paintings, sculpture, prints, film, animation, comics and games. Leading the show is a monumental piece by Tokyo-born Takashi Murakami. He's a bit of an international rockstar, renowned for bringing together high and low art — much like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. Chances are, you first heard of him in the 1990s, when he launched the inaugural Superflat exhibition. Since then, he's been a prolific creator of paintings, drawings, sculptures and animations, and collaborated extensively with Louis Vuitton. Representing a much earlier era will be Katsushika Hokusai, born in Edo in 1760. His best-known piece is Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, a series of wood block prints that includes the now iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa. While can't reveal, yet, which of his pieces will be travelling to Sydney, we're hoping we get some of the works that were at Melbourne's NGV in 2017. Look out, too, for works by historical artists Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Kawanabe Kyosai, as well as contemporary pop artist Chiho Aoshima and photographer Miwa Yanagi. The artworks are expected to be announced in early 2019, but, in the meantime, you can check out the ninth Sydney International Art Series, which includes paintings by Monet, Matisse and Picasso and a retrospective of South African photographer David Goldblatt's work. An installation view of the exhibition Japan Supernatural at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, November 2, 2019 until March 8, 2020. Photo: AGNSW/Jenni Carter
The National Gallery of Victoria's 2019 program continues to pull in the big guns, with an ever-growing lineup of internationally acclaimed artists — including Keith Haring and Jean-Michael Basquiat — heading to the gallery. And from Friday, September 20, that list will include Brooklyn-based Kaws (aka Brian Donnelly), who's bringing his instantly recognisable pop-culture sculptures to Aus. Kaws is best known for his large-scale sculptures, vivid murals and distinctive, pop culture-inspired characters. You're probably familiar with his reinterpretations of iconic figures like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and The Smurfs, all reworked with those signature Xs over the eyes. While it's a stable of work that's laced with a healthy dose of humour, this NGV exhibition, entitled Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, focuses on the rest of those underlying emotions. You'll get a glimpse at how KAWS celebrates generosity and explores our need for companionship, offering up an antidote to the world's current 'Age of Loneliness'. Off the back of solo exhibitions at the Yuz Museum Shanghai and the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis in 2017, as well as the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Foundation earlier this year, Kaws' NGV presentation has plenty of never-before-seen goodies. It features a sprawling collection of his pop culture reworkings, human-size figures and collaborative pieces, while a newly commissioned monumental work will be the artist's largest bronze sculpture to date: Gone (2019), a seven-metre-tall bronze sculpture standing imposingly in the NGV's Federation Court. The main event is be backed by Kaws: Playtime – an interactive, touch-focused installation centred around Kaws' bright blue BFF character, complete with soft sculptures and a hands-on multimedia game. While it's created for 'children', we'll sure you'll find a few kidults exploring it, too. Top images: Kaws, Gone (2019); Kaws, What Party (2019); Kaws, Kawsbob (2007); and installation views of Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness at the NGV International. All photos by Tom Ross.
If your New Year's resolutions are to be a) more honest with yourself and b) save money, then December 31 might be the perfect time to put them in action. It takes an honest person to accept that on New Year's Eve (after a few drinks) money is bound to be burnt. Black Bear Lodge has the perfect solution to keep your bank account intact. For one solid price of $92.90 you can dance and drink the night away and welcome 2015 without a care in the world. The price includes all you can drink — that's Mountain Goat beer on tap, basic spirits and house wine, a glass of champagne on arrival, and live sets from some of Australia’s best. If you haven’t heard of The Creases, Babaganouj or Donny Benet, then maybe your New Year's resolution should be to get your head out of the clouds and pay attention to the Australian music scene. These guys have been making leaps and bounds on national and international rock radars — between The Creases landing a pretty sweet deal with London's Rough Trade Records and Donny Benet's open (and highly contagious) synth addiction. This is one solid New Year's lineup to combat the usual 'Destination Unknown'-spinning NYE DJ. You can grab tickets online here, or take your chance grabbing them on the door.
Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Well now it looks like you finally can. Cirque du Soleil, the world famous circus troupe, is heading to Australia, and they're inviting all of us to audition. What could possibly go wrong? Preliminary auditions will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth throughout the second week of February, with talent scouts on the lookout for artists, acrobats, sportspeople, singers, musicians and dancers, as well as "everyday Australians" who are looking to show off their "creative performance talent." We don't know about you, but that description sounds just vague enough to mean pretty much anything. Time to bust out the hula hoop people! If it all sounds a bit like an episode of Australia's Got Talent, you're actually not that far off the mark. Turns out the audition process is part of an as-of-yet unnamed reality show. A selection of talented and/or ridiculous candidates from each city will be flown down to Melbourne for a second audition on February 14. Hurrah! If you dream of being the next Philippe Petit or are just happy to make an idiot of yourself on TV, you can register for an audition in your home city at the following website. Registrations close at 5pm on Monday February 8.
Festival season is well and truly upon us, with the Woodford Folk Festival set to kick off this month. If you fancy seeing out 2019 and welcoming in 2020 while catching a heap of bands, wandering between arts performances and getting a little muddy across a grassy patch of southeast Queensland, the fest has you covered for its whopping 34th year. Taking place at Woodfordia about 90 minutes north of Brisbane, this year's event will be held for six days between Friday, December 27, 2019 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020 — with Amanda Palmer, Lior, Horrorshow, The Herd, Kate Miller-Heidke, Electric Fields, Emma Louise, Archie Roach with Paul Grabrowsky, and Kasey Chambers among its high-profile talent. In total, over 2000 artists will put on more than 1600 shows across the festival's 25 stages, all in venues that range from a 25,000-seat amphitheatre to chilled-out hangout spots. With the lineup featuring everything from music, art, circus and cabaret to yoga, dance and comedy, there's plenty of other highlights — including a spoken word, comedy and performance program that tasks American Gods and Stardust author Neil Gaiman with reading from his work as the sun sets on the first day of the new year. Elsewhere, Woodford's 2019–20 bill spans arts, dance and meditation workshops, plus a heap of circus and cabaret shows. And, if you're bringing littlies, the event's Children's Festival within the broader fest is also returning. Or, you can explore Woodfordia's rainforest plants on a guided tour, eat a feast of bush foods, play a real-life fantasy game and soak in the flames at the fest's annual closing fire ceremony. Fancy celebrating New Year's Eve with an Elton John sing-along? Woodford won't go breaking your heart, because that's on the agenda also. While the annual Queensland festival has weathered an uncertain future in recent years, it remains a staple of the state's end-of-year calendar — and visit will also boast a whole heap of stalls around the grounds (195 in 2018–19), turning the site into a mini-village for its duration. That includes everything from bars, cafes and restaurants, to an on-site doctor's surgery and two general stores. As always, camping is available at one of the fest's multiple campgrounds, or you can nab a ticket just for the day. Either way, expect to have company, as around 132,000 people attend each year. Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
One of Broadway's hottest and most prohibitively priced tickets of the last five years, The Book of Mormon, is set to get an Australian staging. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement today on his Facebook page, saying "I'm thrilled we're bringing the most successful piece of theatre in the world today to Victoria." The musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Princess Theatre in early 2017. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". Directed by Parker with choreographer Casey Nicholaw, the show will have a new local cast. Parker has commented on the team's enthusiasm for the Australian production and then made a Tasmania joke: "We can't wait to get started. Everyone says we should look to Tassie for casting so that's where we're going first." If you've been among the throngs to see the musical in New York, Chicago or London, then you'll be plenty excited that your Melbourne friends will now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. And because this is the most exciting piece of musical theatre news since Matilda, the waitlist for tickets has already opened. Sign up at the Book of Mormon website for priority ticketing information. Whether the show will tour outside of Melbourne is yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, get in the mood by watching this clip of Girls star and original Mormon cast member Andrew Rannells singing the ballad of religious faith 'I Believe' at the Tony Awards. UPDATE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7: Priority tickets for The Book of Mormon are now on sale via Ticketmaster. GO.
No doubt you're pretty busy keeping up with Australia's gangbusters craft beer scene. Whether your go-to is Four Pines, Young Henrys or James Squire, our local brewers are always on-the-go with cracking new ideas — from beer that tastes like Anzac biscuits to a porter that lives up to any chocolate dessert you can throw at it to a drop that doubles-up as breakfast, made from banana bread and coffee beans. As it turns out, our international beer-worshipping brothers and sisters are far from dragging the chain. Here are ten of the best craft brews you'll find outside of Australia right now. FUBAR BY TINY REBEL (WALES) Introducing the 2014 Champion Beer of Wales. This unique brew, first released in February 2012, arrives on your tongue with a floral, hoppy blast and leaves with a satisfying, spicy aftertaste. FUBAR is the flagship for Tiny Rebel, a craft beer company started in 2008 in a Welsh garage, where founders Brad and Gazz would home brew for fun on the weekends. Last year, the duo opened Cardiff's first craft beer dedicated bar and, in August, followed up FUBAR's triumph when their red ale, Cwtch, was named 2015 Champion Beer of Britain. PELICAN NOIR BY PELICAN BREWING CO. (US) Pelican Noir's cinnamon-chocolate flavours and caramel-raisin aromas inspired a Gold Medal win in the Belgian-Style Dark Strong Ale category at the 2015 North American Beer Awards. Three sources of hops go into its creation: Aramis, Goldings and Nugget, as does a trio of malts, giving it a delicious, well-rounded taste. Pelican Noir is made by Oregon's Pelican Brewing Company, which has won literally hundreds of national and international awards in its 14-year lifespan. BOURBON COUNTY BRAND STOUT BY GOOSE ISLAND BEER COMPANY (US) Bourbon County Brand Stout offers one of the densest, darkest, foamiest stout experiences on the planet. And you know it from the moment the bottle opens, releasing a heady mix of charred oak, chocolate, vanilla, caramel and smoky goodness. It's made by Chicago's Goose Island Beer Company, which a man by the name of John Hall started 25 years ago after a brew-focused journey through Europe. “America deserves some damn fine beer like this, too,” he thought to himself, and set about making it happen. Bourbon Country Brand Stout won gold at both the 2006 World Beer Cup Awards and the 1995 Great American Beer Festival. BEER GEEK BREAKFAST BY MIKKELLER (DENMARK) This beer single-handedly gave Mikkeller legendary status. Back in 2006, maths teacher-turned-brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergso came up with the ingenious idea of adding French press coffee to oatmeal stout. And Beer Geek Breakfast was born, shooting straight to first position on global beer popularity platform ratebeer.com. Since then, Mikkeller has used the recipe as a base for all manner of craft beer wonders, like Beer Geek Breakfast Brunch Big Blend and Beer Geek Vanilla Shake. THE VANDAL IPA BY PANHEAD (NEW ZEALAND) According to the Society of Beer Advocates, this was the best beer made in New Zealand in 2014. It's a potent 8% Indian Pale Ale (IPA) made with a serious dose of hops from Kohatu, Riwaka and Nelson Sauvin that tastes like tropical fruit. The Vandal is made at Panhead Custom Ales, a brewery housed in a former tyre factory in Upper Hutt, Wellington, established in 2013 when brewer Mike Neilson quit his full-time job at Tuatara Brewery to go solo. AMA BIONDA BY AMARCORD (ITALY) Italy might be traditionally known for wine, but microbreweries are on the up. One of the best is Amarcord, located in the medieval village of Apecchio, which is close to both the Adriatic Coast and the Appennini Mountains. Amarcord's AMA Bionda is a Belgian pale ale, made with Sicilian orange blossom honey, spring water and three types of hops. It's complex, floral and fruity. HOMMAGE BY DRIE FONTEINEN (BELGIUM) Made of 30% raspberries and 5% cherries, this sour beer is dark red in colour, big on flavour and heavily carbonated. It's definitely not for drinkers looking for something light. Drie Fonteinen, a brewery in Beersel, near Brussels, has made just two batches — the first in 2007 and the second in 2013 — and released only 5,000 bottles globally. So the only catch is that it's not easy to get your hands on. Image: 3 Fonteinen Hommage 2007 via photopin (license). YUZU WHITE ALE BY MINOH (JAPAN) Most wheat beers (like Hoegaarden, for example) are brewed with orange peel. But a couple of years ago, Minoh, a family-owned and operated microbrewery in Japan's Osaka prefecture, came up with a twist, instead using a local citrus fruit named yuzu and adding a dash of coriander. Their experimentation paid off — in 2012, Yuzu White Ale won gold in the fruit wheat beer category at the World Beer Cup. DOREE BY BOREALE (CANADA) This smooth, easy-to-drink beer is made with tasty Quebec honey and a decent dose of malt. In 2012, Doree topped the specialty honey beer section at the World Beer Cup and won silver in the special honey category at the Canadian Brewing Awards. Its home is Les Brasseurs du Nord, a microbrewery in the Lower Laurentians, where the brewing ethos is all about keeping things natural. OLD FREDDY WALKER BY MOOR BEER CO. (ENGLAND) This old ale has won no fewer than 20 prizes, a run that began back in 2004 when it took out CAMRA supreme champion winter beer of Britain. It's so rich and dense that you can drink it like a vintage wine. It is made at the Moor Beer Company in Bristol by an ex-soldier who hails from California.
Jackson Browne dropping a cover of The Eagles' 'Take It Easy'? Classic Bluesfest. Kendrick Lamar echoing across Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm with "This. Dick. Ain't. Freeeeeeeee."? New Wave Bluesfest. Bringing over 200 performances to seven stages over five 12-hour days, Bluesfest returned to the hallowed, well-gumbooted grounds of Tyagarah just out of Byron Bay over the Easter weekend. This outrageously-loved festival brought in its 2016 chapter with one of its most eclectic lineups yet (but importantly, brought back the festival's renowned yearly menu of fish tacos, Yemen rolls and organic doughnuts). From Celtic voodoo to pre-WWII 'minstrel blues', Icelandic indie folk to truly avant garde performance art rock, this year's festival took the genre-spanning game next-level. Kicking off the first night, Kendrick Lamar drew one of the most dominantly Young Person crowds of the festival. Following widely praised shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the 'King Kunta' gamechanger brought his wildly eloquent unpacking of race and identity to the festival's opening night — from 'Backseat Freestyle' to 'Alright'. Lamar gave ups to fellow festival headliner and R&B legend D'Angelo, who, helped the Bluesfest crowd find new hinges in their pelvises with his two highly seductive sets — even though multiple reports from Thursday's set saw Kendrick fans actually booing the R&B icon. Really. Booing D'Angelo. Kids today. Big favourites Tedeschi Trucks Band and Grammy award-winning, face-melting multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter made most Bluesfesters highlight lists, alongside a swathe of relative newcomers to many Aussie ears. Jerron"Blind Boy" Paxton had the festival well abuzz, the twenty-something multi-instrumentalist specialising in '20s and '30s blues a la Fats Waller and "Blind" Lemon Jefferson. Our jaws are still on the floor in the Delta tent after seeing San Francisco's super fun outfit Con Brio, lead by the unforgettable Ziek McCarter — the lovechild of Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars with better abs. Punters stood open-mouthed and wonderfully freaked out watching legendary avant garde experimental art rock collective The Residents. We raised plastic cups to Mojo Juju's "love song to Newcastle", attempted terribly to sing along Nai Palm-style with Melbourne's Hiatus Kaiyote, madly Googled 'Shooglenifty' and generally flailed around in bona fide Dad Dancing style to Mick Fleetwood. Big ups have to be paid to Friday night's heart-in-mouth set from The National, ending with frontman Bryce Dessner genuinely gobsmacked by one heck of an emotional, to-the-syllable singalong. Bluesfest delivered yet another feelgood, like-clockwork festival, nabbing only one and a half days of downpour and less mud than usual. More than one artist, including the legendary Jackson Browne, called it "the best festival in the world". With police happy, punters happy, sleeping kids in wheelbarrows happy and artists happy, we reckon that calls for another organic doughnut. Images: Andy Fraser. Words: Shannon Connellan.
2018 isn't even two months old, and it's already been a great year for Queensland beers. The Gold Coast's Balter Brewing Company took out top spot in the GABS Aussie craft beer list, and Brisbane's Murarrie was chosen as the site of BrewDog's first Australian brewery. Yes, you should be pouring yourself a cold one, taking a moment and saying cheers. The next thing worth celebrating? It's Brewsvegas, of course — and getting merry with a beverage in your hand is well and truly on the agenda. Returning for its fifth year, the yeast and hops-focused festival will spread the beer love in every bar, pub and watering hole across the city from March 10 to 18. It'll also host a pre-fest pool party on February 17 and a launch shindig on March 9, because containing all of the fun within nine days is just impossible. Also on the agenda: doggo-friendly drinking sessions, handball tournaments, monster movie nights, zombie-themed recovery parties, Aussie brewing celebrations, state-specific showcases, cities made out of cardboard, tiki shindigs, tours, talks, classes, dinners, degustations and more. No wonder it's all paired with brews aplenty — with more than 70 events at 50 locations, you're going to need it to get through what's certain to be a massive fest. Image: Bloodhound Bar.
People who live in Sydney's beachy suburb Manly have always thought they had it all. It 'all' used to be the surf, the sand, the pub, an 18-minute alcohol-serving fast ferry into the city and a home within walking distance to all these things. But things are changing in the suburb on the other side of the bridge from the CBD — and it's giving locals even fewer reasons to leave the Manly bubble. And more reasons for visitors like you to see what it's like inside. Reason one: the food. It's not just wharf-based spots like Hugo's, Manly Wine and Wharf Bar anymore. Sydney hospitality giant Merivale has opened a second Queen Chow outpost, 4 Pines brewery now has an all-day eatery and the iconic waterside Manly Pavilion has finally reopened. There's also Chica Bonita and its newer Japanese joint, plus The Boathouse set up shop at Shelley Beach in 2015, bringing a whole bar dedicated to charcuterie and cheese (!!) and even a cafe dealing in fermented foods. Reason two is not a new one — it's the water. The surf isn't as life-threatening as Bondi, and Shelley Beach is prime for snorkelling on a clear day. If you want to explore past the Esplanade (and you do), there's plenty of kilometres for you to walk and even a few hidden coves to discover. Travelling to Sydney soon? Book a flight with Qantas and set out for this suburb by the sea packed with a burgeoning food and bar scene, plenty of scenic walks and, of course, lots of beach — ocean-side, bay-side and tucked away shores. FRIDAY NIGHT: DINNER AT SUNSET SABI Most destinations that aren't bed are a bit tough to get to on a Friday night, but not Manly. If you're based near Circular Quay and you could be there before you can even finish a beer. The fast ferry only takes a very precise 18 minutes, and it has a bar on board. For accommodation, there are plenty of Airbnb options, but if you want to stay right across from the beach, the Novotel Manly Pacific is your best bet. While watching the sun go down over the beach is highly recommended, stray away from the beachfront to Pittwater Road for a sunset of a different kind. At Sunset Sabi, food is done in an izakaya style, but it sure ain't tradition. Ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, parmesan and kettle chips (the chilli kind) all make their way into sushi rolls and other bite-sized morsels. Make sure you try the teeth-glueing caramel miso popcorn, the deep fried rice balls and the sweet heat roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, green beans and avocado inside, and tuna, white onion, shallots, chilli roe with sabi'q sauce on the outside. Book in advance to ensure you get a seat — this place is busy. SATURDAY MORNING: BREAKFAST BOWLS AND A BIG WALK Healthy eating seems to be synonymous with beachside suburbs, but this ain't Bondi — well, not yet anyway. Manly does have its own little health hub though, with Pure Wholefoods, Ora and Bare Naked Bowls. A contender for the best breakfast bowls in Sydney, this hole-in-the-wall cafe does seven different acai bowls, along with oats, porridge and smoothies. Best to get there early as the post-yoga crowd fill it out quite quickly — or get it takeaway, get a coffee from Barefoot around the corner and eat it by the beach. After you've finished breakfast, pull your walking shoes on and join up with the Manly Scenic Walkway and head in the direction of North Head. The track will take you past Spring Cove, uphill to the North Head sanctuary, right out to the killer views at Fairfax Lookouts and back down the other side of the head to Shelley Beach (see map). All up, it's about nine kilometres. You might want to wear your bathers for a post-walk dip. [caption id="attachment_557644" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Boathouse[/caption] MIDDAY: LUNCH AT THE BOATHOUSE Every challenge must have its reward and after that hefty, hilly walk, your reward is this: lunch at The Boathouse. Securing the absolutely kickass location with frontage at pedestrian-only Shelley Beach, The Boathouse has really outdone itself. You can head in salty and sandy or recently showered in your crisp white linens — it doesn't matter here. Order seafood, perhaps in the form of the tuna crackers, the trout board (with sliced trout and trout pate) or the decadent seafood platter. The hectic 'order at the counter and find a table' system still stands, so come with both patience and an appetite. It's worth it. [caption id="attachment_560528" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Manly Kayak Centre[/caption] AFTERNOON: KAYAK TO STORE BEACH Manly Beach is great for a surfing lesson (see Sunday's activities) or a quick dip, but it's pretty busy and generally feels a bit hectic. So we suggest going somewhere a bit more secluded for the afternoon. Store Beach on Manly's North Head is accessible only by water, meaning its visitors are restricted to boat owners, stand-up paddleboarders and kayaks. Rent a kayak from Manly Kayak Centre at Manly Wharf, take in a few tips and paddle around the head to the small beach. It only takes about 30 minutes, and it's well worth it for this little patch of paradise. EVENING: BEER, WINE AND CHEESE Brewery 4 Pines was named after the pine trees that line Manly beach. And you'll be able to get a good look at 'em from the 4 Pines Brewpub, which sits just across the road from the beach on the East Esplanade. Here you can try a pint of the pale ale or stout, or give them all a go with a tasting rack. When you're feeling peckish, wander over to Cured, which sits in one of Manly's little laneways off the main mall (which, we're warning, you should probably avoid on a Saturday night). This small bar ticks all the small bar boxes with its triple threat offering of cheese, charcuterie and wine. They've got 18 meats — most of which come from a farm up at Byron Bay — and ten cheeses, which include an epic triple cream brie, a tasty blue and some seriously milky burrata. They'll also help you out with some chicken liver pate, an Aperol Spritz if you're so inclined, or some local beers from Dad & Dave's Brewing. Buy a bottle and settle in. SUNDAY MORNING: BREAKFAST AT ORA You've ticked breakfast bowls off your list, and at Ora you can cross off fermented foods as well. Ora has a long mission statement — of which is literally written on the walls — but here's the short of it: all the ingredients are organic, healthy and locally grown. Much of the menu is good for your gut too; the fermented oatmeal with carrots and spices may just be the thing to settle your wine-addled stomach. The breakfast plate is much more satisfying though, with eggs fried in ghee, mushroom, greens, avo, sauerkraut and the seedy 'sai' bread. Naturally, Ora serves kombucha, as well as turmeric lattes (and normal lattes as well) and — for the really committed — cups of bone broth for $6. [caption id="attachment_561211" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Manly Surf School[/caption] MIDDAY: JOIN A SURFING LESSON On one of our best beaches to learn how to surf at, it would be remiss for you to spend a weekend in Manly without catching a wave. Book a lesson with the guys at Manly Surf School — they'll get you kitted out with a wetsuit and a board, and then take you out for two hours on the waves. Their groups are small, the instructors are literal pros, and they're very patient with even the most unpromising of surfing students. Lessons run for two hours and cost $70. Book in advance and hope for some sweet surf. Or, head along to the Australian Open of Surfing from February 27 to March 6 to watch instead. AFTERNOON: LUNCH AT THE HERRING ROOM There's just something about swimming in the ocean that inspires a tummy to rumble, and after two hours in the surf, it's probable that yours will be absolutely roaring for something to eat. If you can manage to shower without wasting away with that empty stomach, know that lunch is going to be worth it at The Herring Room. Set in a renovated surf shop on a quiet part of Pittwater Road, it's away from all the hubbub of Manly's main drag and is an absolute delight. The space is cosy, bright and feels somewhat like a friend's home, making it perfect for Sunday lunch. Order a bottle of sparkling (or bring your own for $6 corkage per person) and tuck in. The salt and pepper squid is a must if you're dining post-surf, and the scallops with cauliflower puree and pancetta are top notch. Cut into the squid ink ravioli and watch it ooze with egg yolk, then eat it up with the crabmeat, salmon roe and lemon-thyme beurre blanc it's served with. The service here is excellent, and it's the ultimate way to wind down your weekend in Manly. Ready to get away and experience Sydney? Book with Qantas for great fares to Sydney and NSW until 24 September. Terms and conditions apply.
Heading to Northshore Hamilton's Eat Street for a food fix has become a weekend staple for many Brisbanites; however, everyone's favourite evening markets have just gotten even better. No, they're not adding even more delicious bites to eat. Yes, they want you to hang around while you're digesting their tasty wares. From November 6, you won't just be hanging around — you'll be jumping in your car, driving down the road, then parking and peering up at a big screen with a riverside, city view. You'll also be taking all the edible morsels you've bought at Eat Street and devouring them while enjoying a movie at their pop-up drive-in. Films will run every Friday and Saturday night, spanning recent releases like Trainwreck and Everest, as well as classic fare. Fast & Furious 7 jumpstarts the program, because there's no better movie to watch while sitting in a vehicle, obviously. Just make sure your engine remains switched off, because no one needs to add to the feature's sound effects. If you're only interested in the movie, not the markets, don't distress — you won't go hungry. An American-style, retro-themed diner will be on site, or you can flag down the drive-in's Segway crew to deliver snacks, ice creams and non-alcoholic drinks to your car window. Yep. Segway delivery. Those with not-so-short memories might recall that the Brisbane International Film Festival did the same thing in the same spot back in 2011 and 2012. The current iteration is a limited time deal, only running until Eat Street moves into the space from its current site. When that happens, outdoor cinema will become a feature of the markets, just sans cars. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance, whether you're going with the romantic option (two people in a car for $32), coasting along on a double date (four people in a car for $44), or bringing every pal you can (seven people in a car for $54). Those without a set of wheels can get comfy in one of 200 moon chairs for a real under-the-stars viewing experience for only $13. For more information about the Eat Street Drive-In, visit their website.
Burgers flying through the sky in Melbourne? It's not a mere pipe dream. The wacky scientists at Monash University have teamed up with Mr Burger to create Future Burger, the new delivery service powered by drones and your insatiable love of burgers. If you’re in Melbourne and interested in receiving a burger that flies majestically through the air as if by magic and flutters delicately into your lap, oozing with cheese and relish (actual experience may be sloppier), you can sign up via the Future Burger website. A few caveats though. You have to be at the Monash campus at Clayton on August 2 (a Sunday on campus) and you'll have to actually be picked by the Monash Future Burger overlords as the chosen burger recipient. You have until July 28 to enter your details and be considered for this esteemed honour. We haven't been this excited about novelty food delivery since parachute jaffles. This seems to be an experiment coming out of Monash's drone department (or, more correctly Monash's Faculty of Information Technology, but we like 'drone department') and as such, we will strive do all in our power to help science — by stuffing our faces. Future Burger is brought to you by Monash University and Mr Burger. To be in the running for drone burger delivery, enter your details here.
Aunty's done it again; inviting the whole country round for a cup o' chai and a grand ol' hootenanny — the 2015 lineup for Meredith Music Festival is here. Returning to beloved Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, near Golden Plains over December 11-13, Meredith's more eclectic than ever — it's the Silver Jubilee 25th anniversary after all. Following the recent major announcement of Ex-Fleet Foxes minstrel Father John Misty as this year's top headliner, Aunty's added the likes of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Ratatat, The Thurston Moore Band, Tkay Maidza, Neon Indian, Big Daddy Kane, Shellac, Fatback Band, Jessica Pratt, Briggs, and many more to the bill. As always, Meredith's a BYO paradise, and of course, the 'No Dickhead Policy' stands stronger than ever. There's just one ticket type (none of this fancy schmancy VIP tiered business) and it'll set you back $338.70 + $10BF + $7.50 post. Like every year, it's a ballot system and first round ticket offers will be made today, the second on August 20. Enter over here. But enough chatskies, here's who's ringing in 25 years of glorious Meredith fun with Aunty this year. MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP Big Daddy Kane Bully Father John Misty Floating Points Fatback Band GL Goat Harvey Sutherland Jessica Pratt Julia Holter Levins Lucy Cliche The Peep Tempel Master Khalil Gudaz MC Jane Clifton Mighty Duke and The Lords Briggs Moon Duo Neon Indian Optimo Pearls Power Ratatat Shellac Steve Miller Band The Thurston Moore Band Tkay Maidza Totally Mild Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats Unknown Mortal Orchestra Meredith Music Festival is happening December 11 to 13 in the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith. Enter the ballot here. Image: Meredith Music Festival.
He's brought Brisbane doughnuts and bubbles, made Alfred & Constance one of the Valley's top hangouts and the Limes one of its coolest hotels, plus added Kwan Bros to our list of must-eat Asian eateries, too. He's Damian Griffiths, Brisbane restauranteur and entrepreneur extraordinaire — and his next stop is South Bank. If you've ever thought that the riverside precinct that hosted Expo '88 all those years ago needs more kiosks, then you're on Griffiths' wavelength. Over the coming months, he'll be filling a space on Grey Street with more than a couple of places dedicated to your favourite foods. With Doughnut Time one of his most popular eateries, expect glazed, fried pastry circles to start hitting South Brisbane. Ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes are among the other options currently mooted. Regulars to the area will have spotted that Grey Street has been undergoing a revamp in recent times, with a number of beloved shops — including now online tea store Tlicious — closing down and making way for new businesses. If revamping the inner-city hotspot means more sweet treats like Griffiths is planning, then consider us all for it. Image: Sam Petherbridge, Flickr.
In 1978 Robert Redford helped oversee the first Sundance Film Festival, an event originally designed to attract the cinema world to Utah. Four decades later, and that aim has well and truly been achieved. Come the end of January each year, the who's who of filmmaking rush to Park City for a feast of film surrounded by wintry snow. And, with good reason. Over the decades, Sundance has helped launch everything from Reservoir Dogs, The Blair Witch Project and Donnie Darko to Boyhood, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Manchester by the Sea. In 2017, two movies that we were excited about after their Park City debuts — Call Me By Your Name and The Big Sick — ended up on Concrete Playground's best movies of the year list. So did Get Out, which premiered at Sundance as a secret screening, wowed viewers around the globe afterwards and recently picked up four Oscar nominations. In short, the fest's lineup usually offers a reliable roster of the flicks to look out for in the months afterwards. With 110 feature-length films on Sundance's 2018 program, as selected from 29 countries, including 47 first-time filmmakers and culled from 3901 full-length submissions, there's plenty to tempt cinephiles on this year's bill. One of them, the amusing National Lampoon insider effort A Stupid and Futile Gesture, is already screening on Netflix if you're keen to jump right in. Another, Australia's own stellar Indigenous western Sweet Country, just opened in local cinemas. As for the rest, here's our picks of the flicks we're hoping to see on our shores soon. SORRY TO BOTHER YOU Earning more than a few comparisons to Get Out thanks to its smart social satire, Sorry to Bother You marks the directorial debut of The Coup frontman Boots Riley. A workplace comedy set in the world of telemarketing, it's the tale of a black salesman (Lakeith Stanfield) who suddenly discovers magical selling abilities. As his career takes a turn for the better, his artist girlfriend (Tessa Thompson) has some concerns. Acclaimed for its distinctive voice, its no-holds-barred humour and its provocative absurdity, it's one of the most talked-about flicks of the fest, and also features Call Me By Your Name's Armie Hammer in a memorable supporting role. Also watch out for: Blindspotting, the hip hop-style comedy co-written by and starring Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, who play two Oakland pals trying to get their lives on the straight and narrow. DAMSEL Two of cinema's best current trends combine in Damsel — everybody's making westerns, and Robert Pattinson is making, well, everything. Trust the folks behind Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter to bring them both together; if brothers David and Nathan Zellner can turn a Fargo-inspired urban legend into a thoughtful and intriguing film, then they can remake the Old West in their own comedic way, and take Pattinson along for the ride. The former Twilight star-turned-indie darling features opposite Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska, veteran Robert Forster, and the writing, directing and producing Zellners themselves. Also watch out for: The latest effort from Aussie filmmaker Claire McCarthy, Ophelia takes on Hamlet in a fresh, female-focused way, with Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts, Clive Owen, George MacKay and Tom Felton among the cast. THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST You have to admire Desiree Akhavan's Sundance record. The writer/director's second feature marked her second stint at the festival, and it picked up the US Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic for its troubles. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, American Honey's Sasha Lane and The Revenant's Forrest Goodluck, and adapted from the novel of the same name, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows a high schooler sent to a gay conversion centre. She might be stuck in a place of oppression and repression, but a sense of community springs among her fellow attendees. Four years ago, Akhavan's Appropriate Behavior proved astute, insightful and amusing, so expect good things. Also watch out for: Bisbee '17, the latest documentary from Kate Plays Christine's Robert Greene, this time exploring a different historical chapter: the Bisbee Deportation of 1917, where 1200 striking miners were taken from their home, banished from the town and left to die. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbiakAVaXgU TULLY After completely hitting it out of the park on their first collaboration, Young Adult director Jason Reitman, writer Diablo Cody and star Charlize Theron join forces again with Tully. Where their last effort was steeped in arrested development — the state of not quite growing up, not the TV comedy Theron once appeared on — this time around they're wading into the womb of motherhood. When Theron's stressed mother-of-three Marlo welcomes the titular night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) into her life, a bond blooms, as does an empathetic dark comedy anchored by two of today's best actresses. Your usual mum-focused movie, this is not Also watch out for: Laura Dern stars in The Tale, writer/director Jennifer Fox's handling of the tough topic of sexual abuse, following a journalist and professor forced to delve back into her childhood relationship with two adult coaches. KUSAMA - INFINITY Yayoi Kusama is everywhere. The Japanese artist's work is splashed across the walls of Australian galleries, she now has her own Tokyo museum, and she also features in a documentary at Sundance. Kusama - Infinity seems an apt title for many reasons, not only due to Kusama's famed mirrored 'infinity rooms', but also because the singular creative's adaptability, innovation and influence seems like it will go on forever. Understandably, writer, director and producer Heather Lenz spent years charting the course of Kusama's seven-decade career beyond the dots and pumpkins. Whether you're a fan or a newcomer, you're in for an informative ode to an artist like no other. Also watch out for: U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking winner Mind the Gap, the personal documentary not only made by Bing Liu, but interweaving his return to Rockford, Illinois to reconnect with his childhood skateboarding buddies with archival footage of their younger heyday. LEAVE NO TRACE It's been eight years since filmmaker Debra Granik made one of the first great films of this decade, won Sundance's Grand Jury Prize and unearthed a star in the process. In Winter's Bone, the movie-watching world was gifted a tense family drama, as well as a career-making performance from Jennifer Lawrence — and Granik might've just done it again with Leave No Trace. Ben Foster features opposite acclaimed newcomer Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie, playing a father and daughter living off the grid until their cover is blown. If you're thinking that it has been too long between fictional films for the exceptional writer/director, then you're right. Also watch out for: In Shirkers, Sandi Tan hunts down her own film — one she penned in the '90s, was shot on 16mm, but disappeared along with her mentor, friend and director Georges Cardona. THE GUILTY Winner of the audience award in Sundance's World Cinema Dramatic section, The Guilty is the latest Nordic noir effort exciting cinema-goers. And, following in the footsteps of Alfred Hitchcock, recent films such as Buried, Locke and more, it's the latest single-setting flick as well. From first-time Swedish helmer Gustav Möller, the movie finds its story in the police emergency dispatch department, as a cop takes a call from a kidnapped women. Starring Jakob Cedergren (The Killing, Those Who Kill), it's a claustrophobic ticking-clock thriller that has already started buzz about an inevitable English-language remake. Also watch out for: Idris Elba steps behind the camera with Yardie, a gangster effort that's also a tense coming-of-age film, as split between Kingston and London in the '80s. SEARCH Another favourite with the Sundance crowd, this time winning the audience award in the festival's Next section, Search gives viewers what we've always wanted: a decent online-focused thriller, and a showcase starring role for John Cho. Sure, other films have unfurled their content via on-screen computer screens, but this debut effort from 25-year-old writer/director Aneesh Chaganty has been pegged as a potentially huge hit — and it's likely a case of when, rather than if, it'll make it to Aussie cinemas. Cho plays a father worried about his teenage daughter when she doesn't come home one night, and doing what everyone would do in that situation these days, aka taking to his computer and phone to look for answers. With that in mind, Search also won Sundance's Alfred P. Sloan Prize, which is awarded each year to a film focusing on science or technology. Also watch out for: Pity, directed by Greek filmmaker Babis Makridis, and co-written with Dogtooth and The Lobster's Efthimis Filippou, about a man who proves happy when his wife falls into a coma. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6wWKNij_1M HEREDITARY If it already sounds like this year's Sundance lineup has been doing what the festival always does best — that is, uncovering ace new talent — then Hereditary isn't going to change that perception. The first film from writer/director Ari Aster has been earning rave reviews for its take on haunting, grief-fuelled, despair-ridden horror, particularly in regards to its emotional depth and fleshed-out performances. Given the feature boasts an applauded turn by Australia's own Toni Collette, the latter is understandable. As for the story itself, it centres on a family's reaction after the death of their grandmother. Also watch out for: Nicolas Cage is back in the vengeance-driven Mandy, which sees Beyond the Black Rainbow director Panos Cosmatos dive head first into the pulpy genre realm. LIZZIE The story of Lizzie Borden has fascinated the masses for more than a century. Being accused and tried for the murder of your father and stepmother, but ultimately acquitted in a case that was never solved — well, that'll do it. Ballets, songs, operas, plays, novels, musicals, TV shows and films have all examined her story, with Lizzie the latest. Set in 1892 and starring Chloë Sevigny, it focuses on Borden's bond with her live-in maid, played by Kristen Stewart, while working towards the scandal that's now a matter of history. And if that doesn't intrigue you enough, it's billed as a psychological thriller, as well as a film that champions feminism and sexuality. Also watch out for: Four-time Independent Spirit Award-nominee The Rider, about a rodeo star yearning for the ring after suffering a head injury, from Chinese writer, director and producer Chloé Zhao. Images: courtesy Sundance Film Festival.
If you like your TV viewing as deconstructed as you like your cheesecake, the new web comedy The Katering Show is for you. Written and directed by coincidentally alliterative comedians Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, the series takes aim at our food-obsessed culture and its raft of related cooking shows. The "food intolerant" (McCartney) and "intolerable foodie" (McLennan) spend each episode trying to find the middle ground between the food that one loves and the food the other can digest, all while exploring such key culinary topics as Mexican cuisine, ethical eating, quitting sugar and food porn. The duo already have one award-winning web series, Bleak, behind them, as well as a combined CV that name checks It's a Date, Offspring, Adam Hills Tonight and Kath & Kim. Now the The Katering Show's hilarious and on-point references to paleo, locavores and food trucks should get them even more notice. How close to their real-life counterparts are the characters in the show? We'll probably never know, but they sure did turn it on for this interview. Read on for McLennan and McCartney's personal food philosophies, opinions on kale and feelings for Heston Blumenthal. Then head to ABC iView to watch all of season one of The Katering Show, with series two out very soon. Where does your passion for food come from? Or, for McCartney, your aversion? McLennan: I grew up in the country, so I've always had a strong connection to the food that we were killing and eating. One of my earliest memories is slaughtering a sheep with my grandfather and then feeding its shanks to my dolls. McCartney: From hanging around people like McLennan. See above. How would you describe your food philosophy? McL: Cook from the heart, but also use your hands. And your eyes. McC: If it's good enough for my cat, it's good enough for me. When did you realise your food journey was one you had to share with others, via your web series? McL: When we received funding from Screen Australia. McC: When we received funding from Screen Australia. What is the best use for kale? McL: Kale is great to use in salads, frittatas, and to take to a picnic, if you want to meet like-minded people with no personality. McC: I find if you soak it for an hour in cold water, it makes it easier to throw out. What hybrid food (eg cronut, ramen burger) would you like to try inventing? McL: I'd like to create a giant hotdog filled with Mac'n'Cheese and I'd call it "DON'T LOOK AT ME! STOP LOOKING AT ME!" McC: I'd to combine macarons and dry-rubbed chicken to create something called a "MacChicken". Actually, I just want a McChicken. I'll probably just get a McChicken. Who wants a McChicken? What is your relationship with sugar? McL: Lately I've cheated on it with stevia, rice malt syrup and agave (I hope sugar isn't reading this) *giggles* McC: Well, I can't have most alcohol, cheese, breads, cakes, which means I also can't have friends. So sugar is literally all I've got. If sugar leaves me, I'll have nothing. I'll have to embark on a life of crime just to feel something. What's your favourite kitchen gadget? McL: I have a smoking gun. It's a great little gadget, and if you don't qualify what it is, it's a great way to liven up a dull dinner party! McC: I have a butcher's knife that was given to me by a very nice gentleman who I met a train station. How do you make sure you're eating ethically? McL: I honour the life of every living thing I eat by preserving their memory in a handmade quilt. It's getting very big. McC: I personally kill every packet of two-minute noodles that I eat. What is your rule of thumb for wine matching? McL: Shiraz goes well with brisket, chardonnay goes well with barramundi, and chilled rosé goes well with drunk women at the races. McC: From experience, any bottle of anything goes well with an $8 price tag. Would you rather (a) eat at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, or (b) not? McL: Not, because there are so many starving people in the world, and I think I could probably do a better job at home. McC: I'd eat there. I feel sorry for Heston, given his name in Greek means "to poop oneself". Watch The Katering Show on ABC iView.
He's collaborated with everyone from Kylie Minogue to Kendrick Lamar. Even Grumpy Cat wears that hat. Now, Pharrell Williams has teamed up with choreographer Jonah Bokaer and visual artist Daniel Arsham for a unique multidisciplinary dance project — and it's coming to Australia. From September 14 to 17, Brisbane Festival will host the Aussie premiere of Rules of the Game, which brings eight on-stage performers together in a combination of dance, music, video, art and theatrical expression. Williams crafts his first-ever orchestral score for the stage to accompany Bokaer's crisp, elegant dance moves and Arsham's offbeat, architectural environments. Loosely based on Nobel Laureate Pirandello's controversial play Six Characters in Search of an Author, the piece "recasts dance as something close to moving sculpture" as Bris Fest's artistic director David Berthold puts it. For Bokaer, who is as acclaimed and innovative in the field of contemporary dance as Williams is in music, it's a blending not only "of cultures, but a blending of forms, expressions, and of inheritance". Rules Of The Game's four-day, five-show Brisbane run will mark only the second time it will have be seen by an audience, after debuting in May at the SOLUNA International Music and Arts Festival in Dallas. In fact, the production won't premiere in New York until November. And if you're not in Brissie, you'd better book plane tickets fast, because it won't be showing anywhere else in Australia. Catch Rules of the Game at Brisbane Festival from September 14 – 17. Check out the Brisbane Festival website for tickets and further details.
If you’ve been feeling lousy about procrastinating and putting off your dreams to watch cat videos on YouTube, prepare to feel even lousier. A resourceful rapper from New York City has made a legitimately amazing album solely using the display computers available in Apple stores. Prince Harvey, a 25-year-old rapper from Brooklyn, was floored when his laptop and music equipment was stolen and he couldn’t afford to replace them. But instead of doing what the Average Joe might have done (buying a bucket of caramel corn to cry-eat in the shower while pounding red wine), Harvey worked his way across New York and put his album together at Apple stores. "New York is expensive. I couldn’t just buy another laptop," he told Daily Beast. "I just thought, ‘I’m going to die before anyone knows I’m hot.’" Harvey's debut album is straight-up wonderfully-named PHATASS, which stands for 'Prince Harvey at the Apple Store, Soho', and the beats were made entirely by manipulating vocal recordings. He also befriended his neighbourhood Apple store Geniuses who showed him how get around obstacles (read: security), let him save his work instore, and generally helped the guy out over the four-month creative process. Talk about helping someone make the best of a shitty situation. They say hardship makes you stronger and Harvey joins a lineup of creatives who’ve overcome poverty and disenfranchisement to realise their dreams."I don’t think I’m poor. Poor is a mentality," Harvey told Daily Beast. "I mean, I can be broke — no money in my pocket — but I’ve never been poor." Mary J Blige survived a childhood of violence, poverty and sexual abuse only to be signed on the strength of a cassette tape of a karaoke recording. J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book in cafes while raising her daughter and scraping by in London and Jay Z grew up in the notoriously rough Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, sold drugs to make ends meet and is now married to Kween Yonce and worth $550 million. Damn. Round of applause. Harvey is now making waves for his tenacity, inventiveness and talent while further highlighting important issues that face young people across America. So let’s all of us get up off the couch, block YouTube for a while and go do. Via Elite Daily. Image: Sarah Wang.
Kween Yonce is about to tower over Melbourne. A skyscraper inspired by Beyonce’s fierce aesthetics in the 'Ghost' video clip is set to be built near Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. Although 'Beyonce' is not yet a recognised religion (give it time), the 76-storey tower will pay homage to the mother of us all by mimicking her monochromatic twists and turns in 'Ghost'. The 13012 Premier Tower will house retail space and hotel rooms as well as apartments and creates those curves with an innovative vertical cantilever system designed to make Beyonce fans weep (and effectively redistribute mass and stabilise the building but whatever). The tower has been designed by the architectural firm Elenberg Fraser, who have a monopoly on the chic apartment market; they're responsible for 42 percent of the apartments under construction in Melbourne right now and we're stoked they're Beyonce fans too (can we please have a 'Crazy In Love' apartment block next?). It may just be a marketing strategy but if so, boy do they have our number. We would love to live inside Beyonce. And we can even discern some graceful and svelte curves in the initial renderings of the 13012 Premier Tower. It’s a case of art mimicking life and who better to mimic than the Kween herself. Bow down bitches. Via The Guardian. Images: Elenberg Fraser.
Chef Matt Stone wants to you to make a bar out of your own backyard. Really. Melbourne's young gun head chef of Victoria's Oakridge winery, Stone made his industry name as head chef of Joost Bakker's Greenhouse, Silo and Brothl, then as the culinary brains behind IconPark's Sydney pop-up Stanley Street Merchants and a MasterChef regular. At his core, Stone's a stickler for ethical and sustainable cooking, so he's just released his first cookbook The Natural Cook to help fuel some of that philosophy in everyday Aussie kitchens. The (extremely well photographed) cookbook's brimming with recipes meant to make you rethink food, bring you back to basics, try traditional techniques, adopt new sustainable cooking habits and make the best of the bounty of native ingredients Australia's got going on (one of the most sustainable ways Australians can cook). Of course, the book champions Stone's infamous 'zero-waste' philosophy, whether you're making yoghurt, pickling things or making a Bloody Mary. We've taken a couple of recipes out of of Stone's book, to show you how easy it is to incorporate native Australian ingredients into your everyday — well, into your cocktails in particular. Here's a little humdinger of a recipe for a Bloody Mary using native Australian spices — a truly homegrown breakfast of champions. Once you've crafted this gem, try making Stone's ant-rimmed Aussie South Side too (recipe over here). NATIVE SPICED BLOODY MARY "For a fresh kick, you can also add finely chopped veggies such as tomato, cucumber, celery and chilli. Hangover be gone!" INGREDIENTS Serves one ice 3 dried bush tomatoes 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) vodka 15 ml (½ fl oz) lemon juice 6 dashes of Worcestershire sauce 5 dashes of Tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce) 2 large pinches of ground pepperberry, plus extra to garnish 2 large pinches of Australian Seven Spice (recipe below) (see page 211), plus extra to garnish 1 pinch of pink salt, plus extra to garnish 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) tomato juice celery stalk or cucumber slice, to garnish Fill a serving glass with ice and let it stand. Muddle the bush tomatoes, and any other vegetables you feel like, in your cocktail shaker. Add all the other ingredients except the garnishes to the shaker and fill with ice. Slowly 'roll' your shaker end over end to mix and chill the ingredients without frothing things. Taste-test with a straw and add additional Tabasco if you'd like it spicier. Discard the ice from the serving glass and replace with fresh ice. Single-strain the liquid into the serving glass. Add the celery stalk or cucumber slice and finish with a pinch of salt, pepperberry and Australian seven spice. Note: Online bush food specialists offer a variety of Aussie fruits, herbs and spices, including bush tomatoes and pepperberries. HOW TO MAKE MATT STONE'S AUSTRALIAN SEVEN SPICE This is my version of Chinese five spice and it's perfect on barbecued meats, vegetables and fried bugs. If you don't feel like eating bugs with your beer then perhaps try it rubbed into barbecued chicken wings or slow-cooked beef ribs. The individual spices can vary due to season, availability and personal taste, so think of this as a rough guide. Use double the amount of mountain pepper if you like your spice mixes hot. 1 tablespoon ground bush tomato 1 tablespoon ground lemon myrtle 1 tablespoon ground wattleseed 1 tablespoon ground pepper leaf 1½ tablespoons ground mountain pepperberries 2 teaspoons ground aniseed myrtle 1 tablespoon ground mangrove myrtle Note: While most of the Australian ingredients used in this book can be substituted with something non-native, this is the one recipe I urge you to stick to (otherwise it will become 'mostly Australian seven spice'). Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container or jar. Recipe and image from The Natural Cook by Matt Stone (Murdoch Books). Photography by Mark Roper RRP $39.99 available now in all good bookstores and online.
Brisbane cinephiles, prepare for six words you never imagined you'd hear again: it's Brisbane International Film Festival time. The city's major cinema showcase was killed off following its 2013 festival, then replaced by the short-lived model that was the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, and now rises from the dead like a ravenous film-loving zombie. Instead of eating brains, however, the now Palace-run festival wants to fill movie buffs' heads with plenty of ace new international cinema. Indeed, with 60 shorts and features on the agenda between August 17 and September 3, BIFF's returning lineup aims to do just that. Austere Russian dramas, endearing first-time Aussie efforts, national icons taking on more roles than seems humanly possible, slice-and-dice samurai dramas and docos about Brisbane legends are all on the bill, and that's just the beginning. Here are our ten top picks (plus a few other recommendations) to help you fill nearly three weeks worth of movie-going. LOVELESS Dissecting a society infected by oppressive politics, Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev captures modern life in his homeland in bleak slices, whether exploring brothers reunited with their absent father in The Return, a woman forced to do whatever it takes for family in Elena, or a family taking on a corrupt mayor in Leviathan. Stark and stunning from start to finish, Loveless is no different. Here, a squabbling couple on the brink of divorce discover that their largely neglected 12-year-old son has gone missing — and there's no one like Zvyagintsev at taking an already tense and heartbreaking situation into formally composed, emotionally brutal, absolutely astonishing territory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0tsu0UaTk0 THAT'S NOT ME Some of the best comedies find their laughs from relatable drama. And, while we all haven't watched our twin sister live out our wildest dreams of becoming a successful actor (and date Jared Leto), we have seen hopes and wishes fall by the wayside, taken leaps of faith that haven't paid out, and had to redefine our idea of a happy ending. That's the tale of low-budget Aussie comedy That's Not Me, the first feature from writer/director Gregory Erdstein and writer/star Alice Foulcher, and an earnest, astute, insightful and thoroughly amusing exploration of making it, faking it and the fact that life usually exists somewhere in between. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hKtgrj7UXo GRADUATION Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu has proven a Cannes Film Festival favourite — if he's not winning the Palme d'Or for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, he's nabbing best screenplay for Beyond the Hills, and best director for Graduation. One of the key talents in the Romanian new wave, his acclaim is justified, as the latter demonstrates. Delving into the consequences of a fateful act and the decisions that follow, he chronicles a hardworking doctor's attempts to ensure that his daughter gets into university, exposing the horrors of real life — the unfairness, the corruption, the compromises and the sacrifices — in the process. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqIXtTZNnck THE WAY STATION Award-winning Vietnamese actress Pham Thi Hong Anh turns director with The Way Station, making her helming debut with a passion project about an isolated restaurant. Lives intertwine, problems coincide and a love triangle springs as the handy-with-a-knife Phuoc wanders into the eatery, then finds himself both employed and living in the same space as his boss's family. The film won best feature, actor and cinematography at this year's ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards, and is also in the running at the Brisbane-based Asia Pacific Screen Awards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no-aseDD2Z0 MANIFESTO Cate Blanchett was already won two Oscars and a whole host of other acting awards, however she's deserving of many, many more for her work in Manifesto. The formidable Aussie talent plays no fewer than 12 roles for German artist and filmmaker Julian Rosefeldt, with each of her characters spouting a political, social or artistic creed within their ordinary lives. If the fact that this was originally designed as a gallery installation doesn't give it away, then the precise framing and composition will — this is an art film through and through. It might test some viewers' patience, but it's also a unique piece of cinema determinedly endeavouring to provoke and challenge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NRXPSBycy0 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL Long after we're all gone, Takashi Miike will probably still be alive — and still be making movies. The prolific and provocative Japanese director has done everything from unnerving horror to superhero comedy to ultraviolent crime to a film about ninja kids on his resume (and much, much, much more), and he's simply not stopping. With swords flying, samurais fighting and carnage swelling, Blade of the Immortal is his 100th directorial effort, telling of a blade-wielding mercenary who cannot be killed. A word of warning for those new to Miike's inimitable antics: expect a bloodbath and then some. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BncEmI_OXx4 THE GO-BETWEENS: RIGHT HERE They're the Brisbane band so iconic, we've named a bridge after them — and whether you're a lifelong fan going round and round through the streets of your town, or have always wondered what the South Brisbane-to-Milton structure was all about, The Go-Betweens: Right Here has the answers (about the group, not the toll roadway.) Making his third film in less than a year, Red Dog: True Blue and Australia Day director Kriv Stenders weaves the tale of the band that leapt from the University of Queensland to the top of the international music scene, with plenty of archival footage, an ace soundtrack (obviously), and candid interviews from The Go-Betweens' current members. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCgM2IsnwOM FUN MOM DINNER Fun Mom Dinner takes an ace cast (including Toni Collette, Molly Shannon, Adam Scott and Paul Rudd), an Aussie director (first-timer, Jungleboys signing and former Tropfest winner Alethea Jones, who is next set to helm the live-action Barbie flick), a carload of inappropriate gags, a heap of heart and a '99 Luftballoons' karaoke singalong, and turns it into a frank and funny girls-night-out comedy. And if you feel like you've seen this before, and recently, don't worry: the terrible Rough Night, this definitely isn't. Ignore the not-so-ace title and settle in for a spirited, sometimes silly effort filled with great performances, moments and banter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=9xyoKq6_3HY NAMATJIRA PROJECT Australia has long been filled with talented folks. And, at the moment, we're increasingly filled with documentaries celebrating that fact. Hot on the heels of docos about Brett Whitely, Anthony Lister, Dr G Yunupingu and more, Namatjira Project sets its sights on Indigenous art pioneer Albert Namatjira, however this isn't just a life-and-times type run through of his career and impact. Filmmaker Sera Davies directs her focus towards his family's long and ongoing battle to reclaim the copyright behind his pieces, which was sold by the Australian government in the '80s, and therefore get back an important part of their culture and heritage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx5EfTvQc0w RETURNEE It's not every day that you get to see a Kazakh film on a big screen. And no, the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy you're thinking about definitely doesn't count. Far, far removed from Borat's outlandish antics, Returnee takes its title from the term used to describe Kazakhstan residents who have moved back to the country since its 1991 independence. In a measured drama filled with striking imagery, director Sabit Kurmanbekov examines the events that follow when an Afghanistan-raised family is finally able to head home. Eager for a few more picks? We have you covered. As well as being keen for Patti Cakes when it played Sundance, Song to Song at SXSW, Wonderstruck at Cannes and Happy End in general, we saw and loved The Party and On Body and Soul at Berlinale. Plus, we enjoyed Ali's Wedding and The Square at the Sydney Film Festival, and My Life as a Zucchini at the Gold Coast Film Festival as well. And then there's Faces Places and In This Corner of the World, two of our must-see selections from the Melbourne International Film Festival. The 2017 Brisbane International Film Festival runs from August 17 to September 3. To view the complete program and grab tickets, visit the BIFF website.
Sometimes, you need to take a break from your city, to get out and soak up the sun somewhere new. The sun-plenty city of Sydney is the perfect destination, it's bursting with beaches where you can ride the waves, catch some rays and let your worries dissipate. But you don't want to get stuck visiting the same old tourist traps, beaches with screaming kids, expensive eats and way too many people. Instead, an excellent option is to visit one of Sydney's incredible harbour beaches. Usually far more serene and less populated, with excellent views and (sometimes) more parking, these coves are Sydney's hidden havens. To help you out, we've partnered with Qantas and curated a list of the best harbour beaches in Sydney. Perfect for a date, a picnic or even some topless baking. Get away from everything loud and crowded, relax, and make the most of your Sydney escape. [caption id="attachment_598328" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] CAMP COVE The parking at the easternmost edge of the Eastern Suburbs can be a bit of a drag on a hot day, but if you pray to your parking angel you'll find somewhere eventually. It's worth the frustration, as this laid-back beach is big enough to have a social vibe (there always seems to be a lot of good-looking people here) and the lack of waves means you can bob in the water and still chat to a friend. There's a little kiosk selling snacks and sorbet in coconut shells, too. If you're brave (and skilled) you can do the big jump off the rock on the right like a bona fide Sydneysider. [caption id="attachment_598329" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] LITTLE CONGWONG BEACH If you want to beach like a real local, head to this pretty place in Botany Bay for a spot of 'clothing-optional' sunbaking. It's usually pretty quiet so you can avoid any potentially awkward encounters. If the thought of getting your togs off makes you blanch, just next door is Congwong Beach, where you won't be the odd one out if you're a strictly clothes-on type of person. [caption id="attachment_598331" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] BALMORAL BEACH You've probably heard of Manly, given the chance any Sydneysider will proudly talk about the beach. You may not have heard of Manly's little sister, Balmoral. Smaller and more romantic, it has a lovely sleepy vibe despite it's popularity. Have a long lunch at the famed Sydney institution Public Dining Room and float it off in the cooler hours of the afternoon. MILK BEACH This sandy cove is hidden behind Strickland House in Vaucluse — one of Sydney's fanciest suburbs. It's a short, steep walk down the driveway and across the lawn, but the views of Opera House and Harbour Bridge are well worth it. Be sure to snap a few pics and populate your Insta feed to make all your friends back at home super jealous. [caption id="attachment_538469" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] CURRAWONG BEACH If you've made the trip to Sydney, it's worth that little bit of extra effort to get to Currawong beach. It can only be accessed by boat, so jump on the ferry at Palm Beach ('Summer Bay' for you Home and Away fans) and prepare for a phone and internet-free 48 hours. There are no shops so bring food and water with you and stay at one of the cottages for a full-blown Sydney experience. You'll be able to deal with the worst Bondi Road traffic jam with a blissful smile on your return. LADY MARTIN'S BEACH Lady Martin's is the beachside backyard of Sydney's very, very rich — the surrounding suburb, Point Piper, is one of the most expensive places in the world to live. If you want to pretend one of Sydney's millionaires for the day and rub shoulders with Malcolm Turnball and Frank Lowy, then wear your darkest sunglasses and say "dahhling" at the end of every sentence and you'll fit right in on this quiet strip. Entry is via a narrow lane off Wolseley Road that passes by the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. [caption id="attachment_598357" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] STORE BEACH If your keen for an outdoor adventure on your mini-holiday, hire a kayak from Manly Kayaks and paddle around to this little beach (it can only be reached by water) for a picnic. Lay back, let the stresses of back home float away, and enjoy this little slice of paradise. If you're lucky, you'll see some fairy penguins. [caption id="attachment_598333" align="alignnone" width="1280"] via Flickr.[/caption] NIELSEN PARK Sydney beaches need not be compared with their foreign counterparts because it's only a slight exaggeration to say we have the best in the world. However, I can't help thinking that Nielsen Park reminds me of the Mediterranean coast. Maybe it's the amazing aqua colour of the water or the stained glass windows of the restaurant. It can get a little noisy with all the kids that are usually there but there is a large, leafy park surrounding the beach which you can escape into to eat your ice cream in peace. DAROOK PARK BEACH If you feel like a spot of solo fishing, try Darook Park Beach in the Shire — you might just catch yourself a flathead. There are onsite toilets and picnic shelters, making it perfect for a day-long escape. Once you've finished at the beach, drop into the sun-drenched hotspot Henrys Cronulla and enjoy a tipple with the Sydney locals. [caption id="attachment_570643" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Danny Butler.[/caption] LITTLE SIRIUS COVE A small stretch of sand surrounded by bushland, this beach has a unique feature — dogs are allowed. So if you're missing your pupper from back home, head down (after grabbing a coffee at Bacino Bar) and spend the day among some new four-legged friends. Pack some snags to cook on the BBQs provided and bask in Sydney's unparalleled beachside beauty. Ready to get away and experience Sydney? Book with Qantas for great fares to Sydney and NSW until 24 September. Terms and conditions apply. Top image: Eddie Milfort.
Come July, Brisbanites can knock back cocktails at a gin-soaked high tea, taste creations from the city's next breed of culinary wizards, and dine under the stars at Eagle Street Pier, all thanks to one event. That's right, Good Food Month is back from July 9 - August 9. Gird your stomachs, and prepare to go gaga over gastronomy. To help keep you from going wild and eating yourself to death, here are our picks for the ten tastiest Good Food Month events. Tuck in.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, a lot of us can't actually imagine living without coffee. But what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, August 7, you can help your fellow Aussies out simply by buying a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its third year running. Last year, 415 cafes and 20 coffee roasters raised $120,000 to fund 91 community projects. Not too shabby. So how does it work? From every coffee purchased on August 7 at a participating cafe around Australia, $1 will be donated towards local projects. So if your go-to local isn't participating, shake things up for a day and head to one that is. Prefer a hot chocolate? You can also donate at the counter. Simply by aiming for a bighearted cafe, you'll be helping some of our country's most in-need humans, so treat yourself to a third or fourth coffee guilt-free. CafeSmart is happening around the country on Friday, August 7. Check the website for participating cafes near you. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Fair is foul and foul is fair, and both words can be applied to the harrowing new film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Foul in that Australian director Justin Kurzel evokes the pervasive bleakness and epic tragedy of the source material in a manner that few other screen adaptations have ever managed. And fair in that the film's hypnotic aesthetic, along with the incredible work of its cast, ensures that it will be remembered as one of the most awe-inspiring movies of the year. Fans of local cinema may remember Kurzel's name from his debut feature, Snowtown, which hit cinemas back in 2011. Based on a notorious South Australian murder case, the film's immaculate craftsmanship is matched only by its repellent content — it's the kind of movie critics appreciate and admire but find almost impossible to recommend. Either way, it could hardly have been a better audition piece for a director looking to tackle what is arguably one of Shakespeare's grimmest plays. Plenty of talented filmmakers — including Orson Welles, Roman Polanski and Akira Kurosawa — have made adaptations of the Scottish play, but rarely has the dialogue sounded darker or more enthralling. It helps that Kurzel has recruited two of the greatest actors alive in his quest to bring literature's ultimate power couple to life. Michael Fassbender is magnetic as the eponymous Scottish thane, a good man brought low by his own overleaping ambition. His whispered delivery in the film's early scenes brings the audience in on his character's moral misgivings. Yet it is his work in the second half, as Macbeth descends rapidly into cruel, paranoid madness, that will stick with viewers for days. Marion Cotillard, meanwhile, is steely-eyed and silver-tongued as Macbeth's conniving lady wife — and like Fassbender, she saves her best work for the back end. Kurzel shoots Lady Macbeth's famous "Out, damned spot!" scene in a single unbroken close-up, and it proves to be a very smart choice. Think Anne Hathaway in Les Miserables. Minus the singing. But while Macbeth contains no shortage of great acting moments in which the cast get to bear their soul for the camera, there is nothing remotely stagey about Kurzel's adaptation. From the opening frame to the close, his stylistic fingerprints are all over this film, and the results are absolutely magnificent. The selective employment of slow motion and evocative use of colour — along with the imposing images of the Scottish landscape captured by cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, and the haunting score of droning strings by Kurzel's brother Jed — make this unquestionably one of the most cinematic Shakespeare adaptations ever put to screen. It's as compelling in its moments without dialogue as it is when the characters are speaking. So heavy is the atmosphere that the film feels almost like a nightmare; one in which you're slowly being smothered and from which you cannot seem to wake. Now you may not think all this sounds like a particularly pleasant viewing experience, and to be honest you'd be right. Kurzel, to his credit as an artist, never attempts to make the film more palatable for a mainstream audience. Despite the period setting, the grizzly violence and the power plays, this is not Game of Thrones. It's a hard watch. A gruelling watch. But it's also an intensely rewarding one. All hail Macbeth.
Earlier in 2018, a massive change was announced for this year's Brisbane International Film Festival, with the festival heading to the Gallery of Modern Art for the next three years. With its previously revealed October berth fast approaching, further details have been unveiled for this year's fest — namely its specific dates and broader range of venues, as well as its opening night film and a retrospective series. While the South Brisbane gallery's Australian Cinémathèque will present and host the event from October 11–21 (and in 2019 and 2020 as well), BIFF will also take place at a range of cinemas around town. Cinephiles can expect to catch the festival's program of more than 100 films at Event Cinemas Myer Centre, New Farm Cinemas, the Elizabeth Picture Theatre and Reading Cinemas at Newmarket, with events also at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Powerhouse and the State Library of Queensland. As for what'll be screening, the full lineup won't be announced until mid-September; however the fest will open with the north Queensland-shot Celeste, which was directed by Brisbane-born filmmaker Ben Hackworth, stars Radha Mitchell and is set in the rainforest splendour of the Innisfail region. Across this year's BIFF, it'll be joined by a selection of movies either involving or considered inspiring by festival patrons Bruce Beresford and Sue Milliken — who've worked together on a number of titles, including this year's Ladies in Black, and will also feature in an in-conversation session about their careers. Retrospective screenings will include key films that Beresford has directed, as well features he's specifically enjoyed, such as 1928's The Passion of Joan of Arc, 1947's Odd Man Out and and 1995's Casino. Elsewhere, a curated series will explore current ideas from Iranian, Asian, and African filmmakers, while other sessions will come with live music, conversations, panel discussions. Of course, whatever else ends up on BIFF's screens, 2018's festival marks a landmark year after a period of significant upheaval and uncertainty for Brisbane's major government-supported festival. It was first run from 1992 to 2013, then cancelled in favour of the short-lived Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival between 2014 to 2016, which was also axed after a three-year stint. BIFF was brought back in 2017 via Palace Cinemas, but when that decision received criticism — both for awarding the festival exclusively to one commercial operator, and for doing so without calling for tenders from other interested parties — funding body Screen Queensland opened the event to submissions, with GOMA emerging victorious. The 2018 Brisbane International Film Festival will take place from October 11–21 at the Gallery of Modern Art, Event Cinemas Myer Centre, New Farm Cinemas, the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Reading Cinemas Newmarket, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Powerhouse and the State Library of Queensland. The full program and tickets will be released in mid-September — visit the GOMA website for further details.
Vivid Ideas is bringing innovative humans from all over the world to Sydney stages. Championing change-making creative voices, you can hear Troye Sivan explore beauty and fluidity, delve into the experiences of those who were raised in cults with filmmaker Sarah Steel or listen as experts discuss the ethics and potential ramifications of a future reliant on artificial intelligence and QR codes. Joining a lineup that's not lacking a lick in talent is Gretchen Carlson in conversation with Lisa Wilkinson. The prolific journalists and media personalities will dissect power (specifically the fallout when it's out of balance), toxic workplace culture and finding the courage to expose wrongdoing. As well, the pair discuss the intricacies of what's needed to make it easier for people to come forward after experiencing sexual assault. In 2016, Carlson — the highly respected and acclaimed US journalist and ex-Fox News anchor — successfully sued Fox founder and CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. This win, which inspired 2019's Bombshell, saw Carlson receive an unprecedented apology and settlement. The landmark case laid the foundation for the #MeToo movement's catapult to the global consciousness, as well as take down a predator who was in a position of immense power. [caption id="attachment_813274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivid Sydney 2019, Destination NSW[/caption] Bound by an NDA, Carlson has tirelessly fought to break the culture of silence and remove protections from perpetrators — working to ban NDAs, enact legislative change and encourage survivors to share their experiences of harassment (which has resulted in the most significant changes to labour laws — passed by Joe Biden in March, 2022 — in over 100 years). The trailblazer was also named in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World (2017). With a social climate that's been immersed in the courage of those sharing their stories of trauma in the quest for justice and a safer existence — the Grace Tames, the Brittany Higgins, the Saxon Mullins — the pair will discuss the shifting media and legal landscapes both here and in the US. They will look at what still needs to change so survivors are encouraged to draw upon reserves of bravery and resilience to keep pushing forward — for the good of others, for safer communities and to upend the status quo. Sydney's Town Hall will host Gretchen Carlson and Lisa Wilkinson on Speaking Out on Sunday, May 29 at 1pm. Head to the website for details. Top image: Destination NSW
Five generations back, the Hamilton family planted some of the first vineyards in South Australia. It was 1837, a mere year after the arrival of European settlers in the state, and to this day they continue to produce top-quality, award-winning wine under the name Hugh Hamilton Wines. Mary Hamilton, Hugh Hamilton’s daughter, has been the CEO for the last seven years and explains that her father has always been considered the black sheep of the Hamilton flock. “He was a very spirited young boy and got up to a fair bit of mischief," she says. "He was never going to be corralled into anything and has always remained an elusive character.” Hugh’s lively sense of humour and his ability to march to the beat of his own drum has never wavered, so it makes sense then that the wines have names such as The Scallywag Chardonnay and The Scoundrel Tempranillo. Quality, flavoursome wine is the number one priority for Hugh Hamilton Wines and they have ensured this by sourcing grapes from their three vineyards. McLaren Vale hosts perfect conditions for ripening grapes and viticulture, as it’s located between the Adelaide Hills and the coast. “Most people are not aware of this, but McLaren Vale has the most diverse geology of any wine region in the world,” explains Hamilton. Each of the three vineyards have very different soil types which greatly influence the flavour of the grapes, from the black clay at their cellar door vineyard, producing darker-style shiraz (think bitter dark chocolate and black olives) to their next vineyard 500 meters down the road that produces more red-fruit flavours due to a different soil type and climate. Hamilton refers to this as their "big comfortable red velvet chair" with a generous and juicy yield. As part of the FreeWines app, Hugh Hamilton Wines have contributed two of their expert drops; 'The Trickster' Pinot Grigio and 'The Rascal' Shiraz. The Trickster is made from grapes sourced from the Adelaide Hills and came about due to Hugh’s love of freshly shucked oysters and his desire to create a wine that would pair with it perfectly. Described as “racy, upbeat and brisk,” Hamilton would recommend pairing this wine with seafood dishes such as salt and pepper squid, prawns and, of course, fresh oysters. The Rascal, described as “the quintessential McLaren Vale Shiraz, with lots of fruit ripeness but also elegance,” goes beautifully with a scotch fillet or beef casserole. When it comes to selecting a wine for herself, Mary is often influenced by her mood first, rather than having a constant go-to drop. At the moment Hamilton is particularly taken with the medium-bodied 'The Mongrel' Sangiovese, “It’s got lots of lovely, juicy cherry-flavoured fruit, and it tends to be a great partner with the food I cook, which is often Mediterranean or Middle Eastern.”
Get the bacon and whisky ready, and prepare your ears for some high-pitched laughter. They're the only things you can do — other than start making your own canoe, and generally squealing with glee — upon hearing the news that Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are coming to Australia in early 2016. That's right, the dream off-screen duo — aka Parks and Recreation's on-screen Ron and Tammy Swanson — are bringing their latest comedy tour to our sunny shores for the first time ever. Just take a moment to let that sink in. Ron effing Swanson will be in the country. Offerman and Mullally's show, Summer of 69: No Apostrophe, will not only showcase their comic stylings but also delve into the inner workings of their long-term marriage. Given that there may not be a showbiz duo more in love than the pair — who've also featured on Will & Grace, Childrens Hospital, Smashed, Somebody Up There Likes Me, The Kings of Summer and Bob's Burgers together — exposing all the salacious details of their fiery union for the world to enjoy promises to be something special. Mullally describes Summer of 69 as "like comedic sex-ed" and "a variety show comprised of talking, singing and sex acts", in case you needed any more convincing. It also features "songs, funny talking, heavy ribaldry, light petting and an astonishing final act of completion". Consider us excited. SUMMER OF 69: NO APOSTROPHE DATES January 29 — State Theatre, Sydney January 30 — Theatre Royal, Hobart January 31 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne February 2 — Astor Theatre, Perth February 4 — Festival Theatre, Adelaide February 6 — QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, August 27, via Live Nation. UPDATE DECEMBER 21, 2015: Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally's Summer of 69: No Apostrophe show will be replaced by Offerman's solo show Full Bush. Mullally is no longer able to tour early next year as she starts a major film production overlapping directly with her Australian dates. There are no changes to the current tour dates, times or venues. Tickets for each show will remain valid for the new performance — Nick Offerman’s Full Bush show — without the need for exchange. For patrons who are no longer able to attend, a refund is available at point of purchase. Refund requests must be submitted prior to 5pm, January 19, 2016.
