When is a cafe more than just a cafe? When it transforms into a vintage-styled bar by night. While the sun is shining, the Bowen Hills spot is known as caffeine fiend central, aka Boutique Espresso. When evening hits on Wednesday through to Saturday, it becomes Yorks Hollow. If the name conjures visions of a quaint hangout, you're on the right track, vibe-wise — think that, complete with retro furniture, mixed with a jazz-infused speakeasy. Yes, that means you know exactly what type of mood-setting music you'll hear here, including live performances on Friday evenings. When it comes to satisfying not just your ears but your stomach, expect a tapas menu perfect for sharing with friends over a drink, whether cheese, meat, dips or sun-dried tomatoes take your fancy. Then, you can choose to wash it all down with a craft beer or a glass of wine; however cocktails are Yorks Hollow's specialty. The absinthe sour sounds like the type of drink everyone must try at least once, but if you don't warm to that or anything else on the list, the bartenders will whip up whatever you feel like — just ask.
Thirteen years ago, Korea's cinema standouts scored their own showcase Down Under, with the inaugural Korean Film Festival in Australia debuting in 2010. Since then, the festival has kept returning — and expanding — to celebrate both the latest and greatest flicks that South Korea has to offer. It was playing Bong Joon-ho films before Parasite swept the Oscars. It was revelling in Korean thrillers prior to Squid Game becoming an international success, too. It loved Korean genre fare before Train to Busan as well. And, KOFFIA will keep the nation's must-see titles in Brisbane this spring. 2023's festival has a date with the Elizabeth Picture Theatre from Thursday, September 14–Sunday, September 17. Across four days, it'll endeavour to give audiences a new Korean favourite, or several, from a selection that spans everything from murder-mysteries and detective dramas to revenge thrillers and musicals. There's no such thing as a standard Korean film, which is true of every country's movie output; however, this national cinema is mighty fond of twisty tales. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that Confession is on the 2023 bill. It's a locked-room mystery with an IT company CEO suddenly finding himself the prime suspect. Also on the lineup: The Devil's Deal, which sees a political candidate disqualified, then out for revenge; and The Night Owl, about an acupuncturist who is blind in daylight, can see clearly at night, and witnesses a tragic event one evening. The latter opens the festival, and the directors of both films — The Devil's Deal's Lee Won-tae and The Night Owl's An Tae-jin — are coming to Australia for KOFFIA. Elsewhere, Hero heads back to 1900s Korea to hone in on independence activist Ahn Jung-geun's plight battling Japanese colonial rule — and musical drama Life Is Beautiful sees a husband trying to locate his wife's childhood sweetheart. Or, the standouts also include Switch, where a celebrity wakes up one morning to discover that he's living a completely different life — and romance Nothing Serious, about an aspiring novelist who writes a sex column.
US singer-songwriter Julie Byrne is returning to Australian shores for a run of east coast dates in 2024. The acclaimed folk musician is currently touring behind the release of her devastating new album The Greater Wings, a record which reckons with the passing of Byrne's longtime creative partner Eric Littmann. You can expect an intimate journey through the songs of The Greater Wings and Byrne's back catalogue at the Brisbane Powerhouse's Underground Theatre on Saturday, January 20. [caption id="attachment_641500" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonathan Bouknight[/caption] If you want to inject some beautifully gentle, intensely personal music into your summer, this is your opportunity. Byrne will be bringing her kaleidoscopic folk to Brisbane for her first trip Down Under since her 2018 tour with Mount Eerie — a must-see for anyone whose Spotify Wrapped was filled with plenty of sad-girl indie. If you want to secure your spot, tickets are available for $59 via Ticketek. Top image: Alexander Kellner
Announced back in May as one of Brisbane Festival's main 2019 drawcards, the world-renowned Fire Gardens installation was due to light up the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens this September. But with devastating bushfires carving a destructive path across the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, and a total fire ban presently in place across southeast Queensland, organisers have now cancelled the fiery event. It was already an inopportune time to stage Fire Gardens, which Brisbane Festival recognised earlier this week by initially postponing the installation. With the extension of Brisbane's total fire ban until 11.59pm Friday 20 September, however, the fest has now pulled the plug completely. Originally due to run between Wednesday, September 11 and Saturday, September 14, Fire Gardens was rescheduled to take place between Wednesday, September 18 and Saturday, September 21 — but the bulk of the newer dates now fall within the fire ban period. "The extension of the ban into next week means Fire Gardens can no longer proceed as the event's visiting international team of artists is unable to extend their Australian stay further due to existing international touring commitments," the Brisbane Festival webpage for the event states, with ticketholders informed via email late on Friday, September 13. QTIX, Bris Fest's ticket provider, will automatically refund the purchase price onto customers credit cards within 14 working days. Folks who paid via Paypal, EFTPOS or cash will need to contact QTIX from Wednesday 18 September to arrange a refund. While it won't be making it to Brisbane, Fire Gardens has previously popped up everywhere from Stonehenge to The Kremlin to Melbourne. It's the work of French art collective Compagnie Carabosse, who has been starting fires professionally for more than 20 years — so it knows how to do so safely. This isn't just about watching things burn, obviously, with a mysterious live soundtrack performed by French musicians boosting the mood and allure. For more information about the Fire Gardens cancellation, visit the event website. For updates on the Queensland bushfires, head to the Rural Fire Service website and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Twitter. Images: Sylvie Monier, Regina Marcenkiene and Vincent Muteau.
After years of wielding brass instruments, eccentric outfits and outrageous headpieces, one of Brisbane's most cherished bands are hanging up their sailor's caps and anchoring for good. The Good Ship was started by songwriters John Meyer and Daz Gray as a side project from their various bands. Since then they've played over 150 shows, produced three albums and 10 singles, had up to 14 band members at various times, and seen countless guests as part of their act. In 2010 their lineup settled, and they explored foreign seas by producing stage show The Seven Seas, and by then had managed to transform from a small, cafe-playing band to one of Brisbane's greatest musical broods. Now, after years of perfecting and showing off their unique PoCoFoCa music (porno country folk cabaret) The Good Ship are playing their final show in Brisbane. The Zoo will host La Petite Mort (French for 'the little death', i.e. orgasm). The Bon Scotts will be supporting The Good Ship as they bid adieu in their token eccentric fashion. Expect wild times, a couple of tears and waves of awe at what may be the last live performance of PoCoFoCa and the local band that invented it.
When you think of Tropical North Queensland, the outback probably doesn't come to mind. But if you drive 160 kilometres northwest of Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge, that's exactly what you'll find. As the name suggests, this boutique accomodation overlooks the immense tabletop mountain that is Mount Mulligan. Here, you can experience an all-inclusive luxury outback stay featuring hikes, all-terrain vehicle adventures, barramundi fishing, stargazing and more. The sprawling 28,000-hectare property ensures all 20 guests it can accommodate have ample privacy during their stay. Plus, each guest room gets a buggy to buzz around the property on, so you can get from your bed to sunset drinks at the bar with ease. Mt Mulligan Lodge has lots of worthy initiatives in place, too, from a waste minimisation program to a partnership with Ganbina to help local Indigenous students secure employment after school.
Luke Jerram has been bringing the universe to West End throughout Brisbane Festival 2022, all thanks to one giant globe. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the UK-based artist's glowing orb has made its home at West Village for the duration of the huge arts fest — first as his famed Museum of the Moon installation; then as Gaia, aka the earth; and finally as the red planet. Mars will be on display for just five days, from Tuesday, September 20–Saturday, September 24 — and, like its predecessors, it's worth a look. Looking at our own terrain and its natural satellite recreated in such a huge but close fashion has already felt otherworldly, so expect that sensation to only grow while peering at a completely different planet. Once again, the attention-grabbing piece uses NASA imagery — and, as a result, features Mars' valleys, craters, volcanoes and mountains in stunning detail. As well as offering a scale model of the Martian surface, the installation is a work of light and surround sound as well. Is there life on Mars, as David Bowie pondered? Could you survive on the planet by growing your own potatoes, like in The Martian? You won't get the answers here, but you will take in a spectacular piece of art. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Jerram (@lukejerramartist)
If you're exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland you may get a bit over bushwalking, so you'll be stoked to know that the oh-so-nearby town of Landsborough is home to the largest commercial go-kart track in Australia. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, looking for something to keep the moody teenager in the family distracted or just keen for a revvin' good time, the aptly titled Big Kart Track is sure to be a hit. The 1.2-kilometre track includes a series of wide looped turns as well as some serious hairpins, which you can take on in a cart capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour. The track is open seven days a week for you to live out your Formula One dreams, at much more manageable speeds. Nighttime and wet-weather sessions are also on offer for more experienced drivers. Get your tickets here. Image: Garry Zhuang
Thanks to the franchise's increasingly over-the-top sequels, it's easy to dismiss John Rambo as an idiotic and cartoonish action hero whose movies readily employ more bullets than brain cells. That would be to forget how pointed and politically charged First Blood was when it came out in 1982. Grappling with issues such as the hidden wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and the disenfranchisement of Vietnam vets, the original film presented Rambo as a tragic figure simply trying (and failing) to slip silently through society's cracks as a harmless and withdrawn loner. In the original cut, he actually committed suicide, only for test audiences to declare the ending too disheartening and morose — hardly the stuff of action heroes. So it was that a franchise was born — one in which Rambo was slowly reinvented as a one-man killing machine and poster child for US military might. Politics and social themes were still in there, but the emphasis shifted with each instalment. First Blood Part II held mostly true to its origins, showing the secret abandonment of American prisoners-of-war and the disposability of assets like Rambo by the very government they vowed to serve. By Rambo III, however, the villain was now the Soviet Union, with the film concluding with a dedication to "the gallant people of Afghanistan". Yet even with the third movie's souped-up action, Stallone continued to present Rambo as a tragic figure, suffering in silence, tormented by demons, seeking penance wherever opportunity presents and as uncomfortable as ever over his god-given gift: dealing death better than anyone else. Rambo, coming out 20 years after its immediate predecessor in 2008, focused its politics on the atrocities of the army in Myanmar, however it also introduced a level of violence and gore that went far beyond anything previously seen in the franchise. There was a bloodlust to it, taking it out of harmless action-movie fun, and into something uncomfortable and almost voyeuristic. There were still some great moments, but it was clear that the franchise and character had changed forever. Which brings us to Rambo: Last Blood — a film that aspires to be Logan, yet lands somewhere closer to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Plot-wise, the trailers intimated something to do with hidden secrets coming back to claim their dues. Not so. Co-written by Stallone and directed by Adrian Grunberg (Get the Gringo), this is essentially Taken, Mexico-style. Rambo's niece Gabrielle (Yvette Monreal) is drugged, kidnapped and groomed as a sex slave south of the border, compelling him to use his "very particular set of skills, skills... acquired over a very long career, skills that make [him] a nightmare for people like [cartels]" (as Liam Neeson would put it) until he baits his new enemies to chase him back to Arizona. It's a bizarre mishmash of storylines, all trying to ground themselves in Rambo's ongoing PTSD. Sometimes that's done well, revealing that he sleeps underground in a Viet Cong-styled network of tunnels beneath his family ranch — or when he admits he never got better, but rather he's just trying to "keep a lid on it". Most of the time, though, the film feels rushed and clumsy. Cheap, even. Rambo is still softly spoken and withdrawn, but the nuance is no longer apparent. He abhors violence, yet maintains a terrifying arsenal of knives, guns and explosives. And beneath that picturesque ranch is a straight-up house of horrors, physically and psychologically. But is the film still enjoyable? Mostly, no. Last Blood's quiet moments feel forced compared to the surprisingly tender or revealing offerings from earlier instalments, and the action is heavily abbreviated for most of the movie — no doubt because Stallone is now 73. The ending, however, is a different story. It's at once insanely silly and confessedly satisfying: a veritable smorgasbord of gruesome deaths packed into a tight 10-minute sequence, culminating in one of cinema's most gory finishes. Suffice it to say, the audience in the press screening was both hiding behind its hands and cheering amidst horrified laughter. It's one of those rare cinematic experiences that brings a room of strangers together in a weird but wonderful way. And as for this being Rambo's Logan moment... we'll save the spoilers and leave it up to you to find out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83nGns3pErk
New York bartender Richard Boccato visited Brisbane last week to help launch the White Lightning Tiki Bar's new cocktail menu, training staff and teaching them the ins and outs of Tiki. Richard is known for his penchant for Tiki with Painkiller New York (PKNY), Dutch Kills, Weather Up Tribeca, Weather Up Austin, Hundred Weight Ice and, most recently, Sweetleaf in Long Island City under his belt of bars. Richard gave us some insight into the world of Tiki and Alfred and Constance's latest liquid treats. How would you describe the Tiki concept in a select few words? The essence of Tiki is about escapism through a contrived tropical fantasy that often times involves delicious cocktails and the abandonment of one's general preoccupations about work, life and other common stressors. You hail from NY, a thriving cultural metropolis. What are your thoughts on Brisbane's bar and restaurant scene? There are amazing things happening in Brisbane. I look forward to continuing my efforts there at Alfred & Constance in the future. What attracted you to become involved with the A+C White Lightning Tiki Bar? I must admit that it was the lure of travel. Where in the world have you been and drawn inspiration for your Tiki creations? I have travelled everywhere from Europe to the South Pacific to the Caribbean. But in truth, most of my inspiration for my Tiki cocktails comes from New York City. What new creations can we expect to see on the new Tiki menu at A+C? There will be a significant expansion of our blended and frozen cocktail category, as well as new additions to all of the other styles of Tiki cocktails that were featured on the last menu. What is the most outrageous drink we can order on the menu? I don't know if it's outrageous, but the Hanalei Rum Punch will certainly be a crowd favorite. What should we order if we want to try something completely unexpected? Try the whiskey-based cocktails. You won't be disappointed.
"Never go back" should be the default mantra for any movie studio with a surprise hit on its books. Rare as it is to bottle lightning once, capturing it a second time is nigh on impossible – which is why the list of memorable sequels is usually countable on just one pair of hands. 2012's Jack Reacher was a better than expected offering from Paramount, combining top-notch action with a few well placed comedic beats. Unfortunately, it's part of a million-book series by author Lee Child, meaning that the moment it did decent business, a follow-up was all but inevitable.. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back sees Tom Cruise again assume the role of the celebrated soldier turned drifter with the habit of getting in trouble. This time around he finds himself coming to the aid of an army officer accused of espionage (played by How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders). Everyone seems to want her dead, so the pair need to figure out who's behind the apparent setup before they're both executed by dogged assassins. An alternate name for the movie would be Cobie Smulders Gets To Run Alongside Tom Cruise: A Lot, because that constitutes a significant part of both the plot and the action. There are a couple of key problems with this film. Firstly, Cruise plays Reacher with preposterous amounts of simmering menace, something that proves entirely unnecessary given the character is already so ridiculously calm and capable against any number of threats. In the original movie they got the balance right – at times, Cruise even playfully gave advice to the people he was fighting. But here he just glares and threatens before beating everyone up, thereby robbing the film's action scenes of any personality. Apologists will say that's how Reacher is written, but even in the books he shows moments of dry wit amidst the bitterness. Secondly, there's very little here by way of interesting plot. It ultimately feels like a double episode of NCIS, only with even less action or intrigue. Add to that the frequent schmaltz, particularly between Reacher and a young girl whose life he saves, and you end up with a dull, predictable and corny piece of cinema that rolls back all the good work of its predecessor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCP_JHzBUM
Rum is more than just a sailor's drink. First US President George Washington ordered it by the hogshead and it's rumoured that the Kennedys were rum runners during the Prohibition. Famed writers Hemingway and Lord Byron drank it. You've probably had it from time to time, too. Coming in many forms — namely light, dark and spiced — and, with its ties to pirates and tropical islands, rum's a good thing to sip when you're feeling a bit adventurous. In preparation of many balmy nights of drinking it ahead, we've teamed up with RUM Co. of Fiji to get you across what you should know to become a rum connoisseur. Read on to discover everything from a bevvy of fun facts about the spirit to the recipe for a simple (but impressive) cocktail you can make at home. A QUICK NIP OF RUM HISTORY Made from sugarcane byproduct, it makes sense that rum first came from the Carribean in the early 17th century — back when sugarcane plantations were big business. Plantation slaves discovered that the molasses (the byproduct) could be fermented and turned into alcohol. Ironically, rum went on to become an integral part of the triangle between Europe, Africa and North America trade. So, its history is troubled. It's connection to seafarers stemmed from there, with sailors often being paid in the stuff. The British Royal Navy even rationed it out to prevent scurvy outbreaks. These, days rum's made in every corner of the world. However, you'll often find it distilled in tropical paradises such as Fiji, where the climate and fertile volcanic soil are perfect for sugarcane production. Handy, too, seeing as it's closer to Australia than the Caribbean. SOME FUN RUM FACTS TO IMPRESS YOUR MATES WITH It's the oldest distilled spirit in the world. Nelson's blood, demon water, pirate's drink and Barbados water are all names for rum. It was once so valuable, it was used as currency. It is said that to test if the rum had been watered down, sailors would mixed it with gunpowder. If the rum ignited, it was good. If not, they'd been ripped off. It was given to the British Royal Navy to prevent scurvy — known as the rum ration or 'tot', the practice only stopped in 1970. It was used as a shampoo by some, under the belief that it could thicken hair. RECIPE: FIJIAN DAIQUIRI Now that you've got the background knowledge down, you need to continue your education by perfecting a classic rum cocktail for the big day. And, as the weather begins to warm, we're craving a drink which is fun, tropical, zesty and a little bit spicy. The classic daiquiri, made with just rum, lime juice and sugar shaken over ice, originally comes from Cuba. It's the kind of cocktail to order when you want to pretend you're sunbaking on a tropical island somewhere. This take on the Caribbean classic uses top-quality rum — RUM Co. of Fiji's Bati spiced rum — with fresh lime, a spiced syrup and coconut water. BATI rum is part of RUM Co. of Fiji's range, made from hand-cut sugarcane and filtered through coconut shell carbon then matured in oak barrels. Made on the north western coast of Viti Levu island, RUM Co. of Fiji produces both BATI and RATU rums, which are hand crafted from cane to label and aged from two to over ten years. So, while this daiquiri may not be a far cry from the OG drink, it certainly brings its own Fijian twist. Hot tip: you'll want to serve this one cool. Ice cold, in fact. Here's everything you need to make this punchy and tropical tipple. INGREDIENTS 45ml Bati spiced rum 45ml coconut water 15ml falernum syrup 15ml lime juice ice METHOD Pour all ingredients into a boston shaker and shake over ice for at least 30 seconds. Strain. Vessel: chilled cocktail glass Garnish: lime slice Feeling Adventurous? Start planning for the warm season and learn more about the RUM Co. of Fiji range here.
They headed Down Under to give the town of Yass a makeover. They toured their first-ever standup show our way back in early 2020, too. Now, to make 2022 a whole lot more fabulous, Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness is again venturing to Australia — bringing their latest live show Imaginary Living Room Olympian to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, September 30. On the agenda: not just tales from the Emmy Award-nominated television personality, hit podcaster and hairstylist to the stars' life, which'll definitely be included, but also gymnastics as well. Their last tour was inspired by a lifelong goal of becoming a figure-skating prodigy in time for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, after all. Clearly, that's not something you shake easily, and Van Ness has a gymnastics routine to show audiences this time around. The overarching theme of the show: that's it's not about the destination, but the journey. That might sound like standard advice, but fans of the rebooted Queer Eye know that no nugget of wisdom sounds average or cliched when delivered by Van Ness. The Imaginary Living Room Olympian tour comes after a big few years for Van Ness, including not only Queer Eye — which has notched up six seasons already — but this year's fellow Netflix series Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, which is based on their podcast of the same name. And, there's Van Ness' publishing career, too, courtesy of 2019's Over The Top: My Story and this year's Love That Story: Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life (plus children's picture book Peanut Goes for the Gold, about a gender non-binary guinea pig). Expect Van Ness' new shows to be popular — their last tour, which played 40 cities worldwide, sold out theatres in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
What do Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney all have in common? For the period between 1989–1997, under the direction of Tim Burton and then Joel Schmacher, they each donned Bruce Wayne's slick suits by day and Batman's cape by night. Sure, everyone from Adam West to Christian Bale to Ben Affleck has played the Dark Knight, too; however this four-movie Batman series stands out. It's over-the-top, and yet not as campy as the original TV series. It enjoys its time in Gotham City, even if it's not as detailed — or serious — as Christopher Nolan's films. And it has more villains than the current DC Extended Universe. 2019 marks 30 years since Burton's first Keaton-starring Batman flick (and since its ace Prince soundtrack, too), and Dendy Coorparoo is celebrating, naturally. On the menu across four huge days: the highs of the original and Batman Returns, plus the lows — and silliness — of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. Prepare to get comfy between Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26, with each film screening on all four days — but at a different time each day. If you're keen on watching them all in order, Thursday is your time to follow the bat signal.
Indonesia - the country that gave us puppets and nutmeg. If you love one of those things, and that thing is puppets, you are going to love Pesta Raykat, the largest annual Indonesian event in Brisbane. Pesta Raykat returns to Brisbane for another year of full-fledged Indonesian culture and diversity - plus puppets (and maybe nutmeg). The theme of the day - that day being the 8th of September - is Pandawa Lima, the five staple character of Indonesian lore and fairytale, but you probably just know them as the gangly shadow puppets. It's no surprise that Indonesian culture is rich, and can hardly be compressed into one five hour workshop, and a three hour performance, but by God, the folks at Powerhouse are going to try. There will be workshops in Saman - a fast-paced rhythmic dance, plus plenty of delicious sounds, traditional games, and curries that would knock Matt Preston's socks off. Pesta Raykat promises to be a fantastic insight into Indonesia's music, dance, food, and show, guaranteed to be just rich and fascinating as the country and culture itself.
Cake lovers, this one's for you. Fourthchild Cafe is a sweet, family-run business that makes absolutely everything on site. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's the cake cabinet that is truly legendary. We're talking several varieties of cheesecake — classic, cherry ripe and turkish delight — and banoffee and lemon meringue pies. Oh, and a range of grandma-approved slices: burnt caramel, raspberry coconut and lemon pistachio. The best part is that you can order these cakes to be delivered straight to your door. It's basically like having the best of a country bakery brought right into your living room, without needing to find your car keys (or put on real clothes).
For more than a decade, Brisbanites have flocked to South Bank for Regional Flavours, the inner city precinct's signature food and wine festival. To the delight of hungry stomachs across town, the popular event is returning in 2021 — and, while hosting one big food fest is all well and good, this year three separate weekend-long festivals are on the agenda. So, if you haven't made it along in the past, you'll have multiple chances in multiple months to rectify that situation this year. The first opportunity coms courtesy of Grazed and Grown by Regional Flavours, where local providers will be in focus between Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20. This three-day event is all about Australian makers and chefs — and the Aussie landscape. You'll be able to shop through a range of wares from local producers and artisans, with everything on offer hailing from 250 kilometres of Brisbane City. Among the 40 stalls, you'll find wine ice cream, cakes in jars, handmade American-style pies and cold-fusion honey. And, expect a sizeable eco-friendly contingent as well, with supporting sustainability another big point of interest. Also on the lineup: cooking demonstrations with Alastair McLeod, Matt Moran, Georgia Barnes, Paul West, Alanna Sapwell, Matt Sinclair and Louis Tikaram; talks with industry leaders; live music; and craft brews and cocktails to sip. Regional Flavours might be tinkering with its format, but it still all takes place by the river at South Bank. And, if you'd like to hit up one of the mini fest's signature events, there'll be an opening party, a winter feast, a celebration of food and drinks businesses just to Queensland's south, and a beer, gin and wine pairing session, too.
It's a problem that everyone can relate to: your thirst needs quenching, but your tastebuds are craving two completely different things. You could make the hard choice and pick between them — or, if you happen to be hankering for dessert and beer (and getting your fill of dumplings, too), you could make a beeline to Harajuku Gyoza. From Thursday, December 10, the Australian gyoza chain is serving up a two new tap beers that taste like Japanese desserts. Obviously, they don't literally combine desserts with beer, but they're meant to taste that way. Come for the black sesame ice cream variety, which has been sweetened with lactose, takes its nutty flavour from black sesame seeds and features chocolate as well — and stay for the matcha ice cream version, which also uses lactose, plus matcha powder for a herbal green tea taste. Given that Harajuku Gyoza has already turned dumplings into dessert — via its salted caramel and Nutella varieties — pouring dessert-flavoured beers seems the logical next step. The brews come courtesy of Yoyogi Brewing Co, and use Japanese brewing techniques as well as Japanese-inspired ingredients. If you fancy pairing the new beers with two of Harajuku Gyoza's old favourites — cheeseburger gyoza, which is stuffed with burger pieces, aged cheddar, onion, pickles, mustard and tomato sauce; and mozzarella gyoza, which is filled with the obvious, then deep-fried and sprinkled with Twisties salt — that's up to you. Usually the chain's special additions to its menu are only available for a limited time, so you might want to get in quickly. Harajuku Gyoza's Japanese dessert-inspired beers will be available at all Australian stores — at Darling Harbour in Sydney; at South Bank and the CBD in Brisbane; and in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast — from Thursday, December 10.
Brisbane has woken up to a particularly hazy morning, with foggy skies descending upon the city. And no, this isn't just your usual early-hour gloom, with the conditions reducing road visibility around town. Heading out of the house on this murky Wednesday morning? Can't spend the day working from home? If either applies, then you'd best prepare for a longer journey than normal — and to be as careful as possible if you're driving. The latter is just common sense all the time, of course, but the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a road alert warning this morning due to the blanket of fog. BOM's alert is brief, simply stating: "reduced visibility in fog will make road conditions dangerous during Wednesday morning in the Brisbane area." If you've peeked out of your window already this morning, or you've already ventured out, you'll likely have seen exactly why the warning has been issued. https://twitter.com/BOM_Qld/status/1404890855056588809 Even if you're not heading far — or you're walking or cycling — it goes without saying that you should take caution on and near the road this morning given that visibility is low. BOM is due to update its alert by 11am, on what could be another slightly wet day for Brisbane. As well as being partly cloudy, Brissie has a 40-percent likelihood of late showers today, and there's also the possibility of a thunderstorm in the west. Temperature wise, a top of 24 degrees is expected. For more details about the Bureau of Meteorology's weather warnings, head to the organisation's website. Images: Darren Ward.
The Brisbane Fringe festival emerged in 2012 with support of a few community groups, united in pursuit of tearing down red tape in aid of Brisbane’s homegrown creative brood. Now, with 24 months of fine-tuning under their belt, festival organisers have proved themselves sharper and more streamlined than ever, with an extensive selection of collaborative work, ideas and entertainment under their 2014 banner. From circus, comedy and cabaret, to underground bands and eccentric plays, this year’s Fringe festival is running absolutely wild with acts. You can catch performers and personalities artists well-versed in their craft, or exercise some schadenfreude at the events of awkward first timers– everyone has to start somewhere after all. To kick off your Fringe experience head to the launch party at Zoo, get down with Babushka, Arandel and DJ Gaitling Gun - it'll be the best place to suss out your two weeks ahead. If Fringe is meant to encapsulate anything it’s comedy, and chuckles tend to be the epicentre of most events and showcases. The comedy performances of this year span as much in quality as they do in generations – Trashtalk will be presenting the young up and comers Tom Watkin, Sean Maccarthy and Tom Glassey at Visible Ink. They’re still in high school, but have already made their mark on the Queensland comedy circuit, daring to get away with whatever they can because at 17 anything goes. If you want something a bit more mature check out what The Bearded Lady, Lucky Duck Cafe and New Globe Theatre have on the bill. Last year’s music line-up for Fringe was flawless – between the Growl and Karl S. Williams organisers went and did real good. And this year’s selection of bee-boppers and rockers are just as dancefriendly. Josh Daveta’s Caramel at Best is an onstage, musical biopic that explores his battle as bi-racial human through a catalogue of pop, musical theatre, and even some Disney tunes. You can catch him at the New Globe Theatre on August 5. If you’re after something a little more sweet and dreamy, bounce up the Blackbear Lodge staircase to see Hana Rosa. The whole nature is of a Fringe Festival is to showcase a spectrum of art, catering to audiences who wouldn’t usually embrace harsh sunlight and don’t have to thanks to the night time events. So if you don’t like dance, music, or comedy, and like trickling Darwinism into everyday conversation and have a Sagan tattoo, Avid Readers’s Art of Science is your Fringe event. Top-notch researchers Sarah Winter, Miriam Taylor, Cindy Nicollet, events co-ordinator Madeleine Radke, and artist and curator Melody Woodnutt will be providing a set of engaging talks that fuse elements of science at art. Brisbane Fringe Festival runs from August 14 to 21 – make yourself familiar with the program, and take a chance with your event picks. You never know, he who performs in Brisbane one year, might just be at Edinburgh the next.
The festive season is upon us, again, which means that Christmas shopping is about to become everyone's favourite pastime. Thankfully, trawling the mall isn't your only option when it comes to finding a gift, either for your loved ones or yourself — or grabbing ingredients for a delicious meal. Returning for another year from 4–10pm on Saturday, November 23, 2024, the Carseldine Markets is hosting a twilight event brimming with the spirit of the season. Get your list ready, because all the art, craft and fresh produce stalls you know and love will be on site, just waiting to help you out of a festive fix — there'll be more than 200 of them, in fact. Prepare to tuck into festive treats, too (because you'll need to eat while you browse) and sips from the Stone and Wood pop-up bar, as well as ample entertainment. Yes, it's a Christmas wonderland, with the decorations and carols to prove it. Warning: if you're more of a Grinch than one of Santa's elves, you'd best prepare yourself for an overdose of holiday cheer. Entry costs $3, and there's free parking onsite.
Come June, you'll be able to enter the gateway to the Upside Down — if you dare. Keep an eye out for demogorgons, mind flayers and maybe even Hopper as you head into Brisbane's latest pop-up bar. If you haven't guessed, the new themed watering hole is inspired by Stranger Things, so expect plenty of 80s pop culture references, too, when the Upside Down Bar takes over a secret location on Sunday, June 21. You'll see upturned tables, Eggos on the roof and a room inspired by Joyce Byers' house (complete with an illuminated alphabet on the wall) as you sit down for Stranger Things-themed cocktails. Sip on the likes of the Eleven's Eggos and Demorgorgon slushies, a caramelised pineapple Mouthbreather number and the Snack Pack, made with mezcal and passionfruit. While the bar's location is firmly under wraps for now, we do know that the bar will also have DJs, arcade games and even a "dark and dangerous mission" that you'll have the possibility to complete. The pop-up bar's opening is happening ahead of the much-anticipated fourth season of Stranger Things, which does not yet have a trailer or release date. But, we'll let you know as soon as it does. You can pre-register for tickets to the Upside Down Bar over here.
There hasn't been much to get excited about during the pandemic, but seeing fantastic film festivals jump online and offer their usually city-limited programs to Australians everywhere is definitely a rare silver lining in these difficult times. One such fest doing just that is the Sydney Underground Film Festival, which went completely virtual in 2020 and is repeating the feat in 2021. As Sydney's go-to event for all flicks weird, wonderful, out-there and anarchic, SUFF will keep doing what it's been doing well for 15 years now — but by beaming an impressive heap of movies into homes around the country. From Thursday, September 9–Sunday, September 26, cinephiles looking for something other than the usual streaming options can binge their way through the fest's 30 features and documentaries. If you like your strange and surreal movies in bite-sized servings, there'll also be nine short film programs featuring more than 100 titles. From the full-length selection, highlights include opening night's road trip comedy Sweetie, You Won't Believe It from Kazakhstan-based director Yernar Nurgaliyev; documentary Alien on Stage, about a group of UK bus drivers who decided to create their own amateur stage production based on Ridley Scott's famous sci-fi/horror classic; and Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché, which explores X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene's story from her daughter's viewpoint. Other standouts span Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest, which follows an attempt to become the first in the world to play an arcade machine from the early 80s for 100 hours in a row; absurdist Japanese comedy Wonderful Paradise, as based around an eviction street party in the Tokyo suburbs; and coming-of-age comedy-thriller First Date. Or, there's Fanny: The Right To Rock, about the first all-woman band to release an album with a major record label; Ukranian effort Stranger, which sees people start to disappear from bodies of water; and Lorelai, starring familiar faces Pablo Schreiber and Jena Malone in thoughtful drama about working class life in America. SUFF will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Miss Osbourne, which stars the inimitable Udo Kier and isn't your usual take on the famous tale — because, just like attending ace film fests, celebrating big cinematic milestones is also something you can do at home.
Inspiration comes in many forms — and, as the folks at Cork & Chroma have already established, booze is definitely one of them. Always fancied yourself as an artist, but haven't had the courage to put brush to canvas? That's where alcohol-fuelled paint-and-sip sessions have come in over the past few years. Cork & Chroma's next class isn't any old excuse to knock back drinks and show your arty side, however. At Cork, Culinary and Colour, you'll be drinking and getting creative in the open air. Your destination: the Treasury Hotel's courtyard, where you'll spend an afternoon whipping up a masterpiece while downing spritzes. Next taking place from 12.30–3.30pm on Sunday, October 16, this leisurely session spans that impressive location — and two cocktails. Your $75-per-person ticket also includes cheese platters. Fancy more plonk? A cash bar will be open. Images: Adam Shaw. Updated October 11.
When an author publishes their memoirs it is reasonable to assume that the contents of the book, being based on that person’s life experiences, are factual; right? Not necessarily, it would seem. Remember that particularly infamous scandal when a book that had been chosen by Oprah’s Book Club was examined under a microscope and had its inconsistencies revealed? That’s one of a few literary hoaxes that have emerged recently. Rick Viede’s A Hoax was inspired by these so dubbed “misery memoirs”. The play focuses on Currah, a young indigenous girl with a horrific past. When social worker Ant discovers Currah, he’s certain he has found the way to make a difference. When literary agent extraordinaire Ronnie Lowe discovers Currah, she’s certain she’s found marketing gold. Now Currah’s got the world at her feet, an army of fans and isn’t returning any of Ant’s calls. Finding himself flung aside, Ant will do anything to be part of the spotlight. Presented by La Boite Theatre, co-produced with Sydney’s Griffin Theatre, and directed by Lee Lewis, A Hoax is a vicious satire on the politics of identity, modern celebrity and the peddling of abuse culture. Don’t miss the Brisbane premier of this Griffin Award-winning play.
Grabbing a bite from a restaurant is great. Buying clothes from shopping centres is fine. Ordering gifts on the internet works. And picking up a new plant for your home at Bunnings is okay (well, it's pretty good if you get a snag). But there's nothing quite like perusing rows and rows of food stalls, vintage wares, handmade goods and leafy greenery at markets — and just-picked produce, too — especially when it's spring. 'Tis the season, obviously. Whether you're interested in culinary specials, picking up something for your house or seasonal local produce, you have options. Whatever you're after — even if it's just browsing and having a bite to eat in the process — here are our must-attend markets happening around Brisbane (and sometimes a bit further afield) during September, October and November 2023. Top image: Lachlan Douglas.
Frequently, when Jungle Collective hosts one of its huge sales in Brisbane, it fills a warehouse with indoor plants — and jungle vibes. But between Wednesday, March 2–Sunday, March 6, it's going virtual with its weird and wonderful pieces of greenery instead. And, it's hosting its biggest online plant sale ever. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. You'll just be doing your shopping online via the Jungle Collective website rather than heading in-store. More than 250 different species will be on offer, which is a hefty range — and, nationwide, there'll be more than 20,000 plants on offer, too, with prices starting at $10. While this is a 100-percent online event, you do still need to register for free tickets in advance. Once you've nabbed yours, you can drop into the sale whenever you like — with early bird access open on the Wednesday night for those who RSVP, and the sale open to everyone from Thursday–Sunday. As for deliveries, your plants will make their way to you over the following week between Thursday, March 10–Friday, February 18, with more details given when you make your purchase. Delivery costs $15–30 depending on your area, with orders within 25 kilometres driving distance nabbing free delivery if you spend $150 — and everyone living further away getting $15 off. Or, if it's easier, Jungle Collective is also doing pick-ups as well. You'll just need to be able to head to its Nundah warehouse at Nundah Street from 4–6pm on Thursday, March 10.
Minimalist Australian clothing designer Assembly Label loves a warehouse sale, hosting them in Sydney and Melbourne, and also online. But it's never put one on in Queensland — until now. For four days, you can nab discounted threads, although you will need to head to the Gold Coast to do so. From Thursday, April 20–Sunday, April 23, the brand is heading to Tropical Studios in Arundel, operating from on Thursday from 7am–8pm, Friday 7am–7pm, Saturday 8am–5pm and Sunday 9am–3pm. Expect to browse and buy samples and pieces from past seasons, with prices at up to 70-percent off. The label is known for its linen basics and relaxed coastal vibes, and this debut Sunshine State warehouse sale will span threads, accessories, footwear and homewares. Options include tees from $30, jeans from $35 and shirts for $40, as well as leather sandals for $40, pants from $50 and towels for $30. It's also doing big reductions on premium styles, such as tailored blazers, as well as 50-percent off all silk styles. And cash, credit card, Zip Pay and Afterpay will be accepted.
Change is coming to Metro Arts, with the multi-disciplinary organisation and venue vacating its just-sold heritage-listed home of 40 years to move over to West End's West Village. But it's not going anywhere without saying a big farewell to its old digs, all thanks to a huge fortnight-long festival. Called Metro Arts, With Love, the 15-day celebration starts with a huge party, naturally. From there, a little bit of everything will grace the site. In tribute mode, Ephemera is a 40-channel video installation that commemorates the art, objects and other items that have inhabited the building over the years, while interactive circus performance Mothlight promises to push attendees into a labyrinth — and Forbidden Romance: A Love Cabaret shows its affection for romantic comedies. Other highlights include an exhibition by Courtney Coombs that responds to the distinctive light in Metro Arts' galleries, a burlesque ball and an ode to leotards. You can also grab a drink at the Last Hurrah Bar, which'll feature live performances, and swap stories about the venue. Just remember — you'll be soon be making new memories over at its new location. Images: Metro Arts.
When a clown ponders its final farewell, what does it see? Cirque du Soleil's Corteo has the answer. When this production first hit the stage in Montreal in 2005, it won over audiences by setting its acrobatic feats within a funeral procession imagined by a jester — a carnival-like parade that muses on humanity's strengths and vulnerabilities — in a space between heaven and earth. Two decades later, it's one of the troupe's most-beloved shows. Celebrating that milestone, Corteo is heading Down Under for a six-city tour in the second half of 2025 — including a visit to Brisbane Entertainment Centre from Thursday, September 18–Sunday, September 28. One of the tricks that's helped make Corteo such a success, with over 12-million audience members in 30 countries on four continents seeing it so far, is its unique stage setup. Watching this show means also watching your fellow viewers, because the action takes place in the middle of the arena, splitting it in half and causing patrons to face each other. This is Cirque du Soleil's first production with this layout. As its clown protagonist conjures up the festive parade that ushers him from this world, attendees will witness a poetic yet playful performance — one where the acrobatics are unique, too, and where angels watch over. LUZIA was the last Cirque du Soleil production that bounded this way, kicking off in 2024 — and notching up another first as the Montreal-based company company's debut touring show to feature rain in its acrobatic and artistic scenes. Before that, 2023 saw Cirque du Soleil bring CRYSTAL, its first-ever ice production on ice, Down Under. Images: Maja Prgomet, Johan Persson and Aldo Arguello. Updated: Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Adelaide Hills gin distillery Applewood wants to help brighten up your time spent inside with a boozy gift: a free Quarantini. If you're yet to hear of this magical creation, here's a quick breakdown: it's a martini cocktail, drank in quarantine. While many Australians aren't quite in quarantine, some are self-isolating and everyone is social distancing and encouraged to only leave the house when it's absolutely necessary. So, a martini can't hurt. Especially when it's free. Applewood has bottled up 1000 200-millimetre bottles of pre-batched martini made with its famed gin, and is giving them away to the first 1000 people who sign up to its mailing list over here, before Wednesday, April 15. If you're one of the first, all you need to do is cover the $10 flat-rate postage fee and it'll arrive at your doorstep. The giveaway is only available to Australian residents over 18 years of age. If you miss out on the free Quarantini, Applewood Distillery has a lot of other fun tricks up its sleeves. As well as selling its usual tasty gins, liqueurs and limoncello, it has Isolation Gin Packs (for $199.99) and Espresso Martini Packs ($110). And it's running nightly Digital Happy Hours where you can learn to make your own Quarantinis and chat about all things gin with Brand Ambassador Henry Hammersla. To win a Quarantini, you'll need to be one of the first 1000 people to sign up to the Applewood Distillery newsletter before April 15.
At the moment, you and I can't go visit an Australian aquarium or zoo, as they're temporarily closed in a bid to contain COVID-19. But, the animals still need to be fed, the tanks cleaned and the littl'uns cared for. So, staff at Sea Life Sydney have made the most of the lack of visitors and taken some very special furry guests along for a day. And, yes, we've got the adorable photos to prove it. Earlier this week, Sea Life's animal care team brought in their pet pooches to help them around the aquarium. Some of the tasks performed by the four-legged workers included feeding the resident sharks, dugong, penguins and fish; auditing the aquarium website; modelling merch; and attempting to send emails. As well as just general observation. Very important. Ned, a golden labrador, did a lot of the latter. And looked very happy while he did. Typical golden lab, really. Georgie the spaniel, slightly more serious, got stuck into emails. But maybe less successfully, by the look of that blank screen. Dukdik, definitely the most productive of the canine staff, not only fed Pig the Dugong lettuce, but also worked hard on the website and modelled some Sea Life merch. Hopefully these photos have given you some Friday warm fuzzies. Temporarily, at least. This is not the first time Sea Life has taken us behind the scenes during COVID-19, either. The Sydney aquarium — and its outposts in Melbourne and on the Gold Coast — are regularly live streaming playtime with their marine residents. Already, we've seen baby penguins fed, explored a jellyfish exhibition and hung out with tiny seahorses. To see what live-streams are coming up, head over to the Sea Life Facebook page.
One week, you can pretend you're in France without leaving Brisbane, just by eating French food, drinking French brews and celebrating Bastille Day. The next week, you can do all of the above with Belgium thanks to Belgian National Day. Your destination for the latter: Saccharomyces Beer Café, which is spending Monday, July 17–Monday, July 24 looking abroad. The South Brisbane venue is also calling its celebrations Belgian Beer Week, and pouring Belgian brews every single day. That's what you'll find pumping through its taps, with more than 35 different varieties on offer. And, there's a lineup of bottled Belgian beers as well, including limited-edition drops. Think you can pick different Belgian beers? Blind tastings will be on the agenda from Monday, July 17–Wednesday, July 19. Fancy watching a TV show about Belgian burgundies while sipping them? That's also on the menu to kick things off. Old beer and cheese, which makes quite the pairing, gets its time to shine on Tuesday, July 19. On Thursday, July 20, fruity beers are in the spotlight. Over the weekend of Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, you'll be celebrating Belgian beer in general — and, over the entire week, the bar's kitchen will be doing Belgian specials. Then, come Monday, July 24, it's time for whatever's left — or kliekje, which is Flemish for leftovers. [caption id="attachment_669543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption]
When it comes to collage, there's a couple things you might not be aware of. Firstly, the act of cutting and pasting various parts into a brand new creation isn't just something kids do. Secondly, this fine city of ours has a whole group dedicated to the art of assemblage. For those keen to get snipping and gluing, the aptly titled Brisbane Collage Club is the place to flock to. The likes of Felix Clifford, James Hornsby, Justin Stenton-Dozey, Kat Elizabeth Donald, Katy McHugh, Kurt Whittington, Laura Richter, Lizzie Riek, Rachael Bartram, Warren Handley and Harley & Händen already have — so much so that they're all featured in the organisation's first exhibition. For three weeks, their efforts will adorn the walls of Poly Gone Cowboy, starting with an opening event on January 29. Working across both digital and analogue, and combining everything from poetry to photography, their pieces provide a showcase on two fronts: of the city's imaginative up-and-comers, and of works likely to inspire your own creative patchworks. Image: Katy McHugh Design.
If jungle vibes inside a Coorparoo warehouse sounds like your perfect outing, head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29. It's the latest greenery-filled Brissie market from The Jungle Collective, a Melbourne nursery that stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Yes, it is trucking its way up north again for another Queensland venture — and, after hosting plenty of online-only events this year, this sale is a 100-percent in-person affair. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Get inspired by greenery aplenty and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Jungle Collective is turning this event into a bit of a maze, too, so you'll enter in one spot, wander along a designated path and leave in a completely different area. Best get in quick though — these markets are always popular, with more than 170 different species usually on offer. Due to expected demand, the sale will be held in 30-minute sessions across both days, and attendees will need to register for free tickets in advance. Plus, if you wear 80s gym attire — and spend at least $10 — you'll get $5 off your purchase. Singing along to the Olivia Newton-John track that gives this sale its name is optional, though.
Need a little more spice in your life around Valentine's Day? Gelato Messina has combined forces with the well-loved Asian sauce brand, Lee Kum Kee, to create two bold new flavours. And for one day only this weekend, it's your chance to score free scoops at this Brisbane pop-up. Sure, classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are staples for a reason, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't experiment from time to time. After months of testing, Messina and Lee Kum Kee are ready to release their limited-edition flavours into the wild, celebrating Chinese New Year and the power of sugar and spice. Your first option is caramel and soy sauce gelato with Premium Soy Sauce brownies. As decadent as it sounds, Lee Kum Kee's sauce pairs with Messina's signature dulce de leche to take it to even smoother, richer heights. Next, coconut & kaffir lime gelato with peanut topping and Chiu Chow Chili Oil peanut crisps delivers a tangy and refreshing hit. If you're a spice fan, drizzle a little more of this classic sauce on top. Ready to scoop? Get down to Fish Lane from 11.30am–2.30pm on Saturday, February 15 to see what this unexpected collaboration is all about.
Since setting up shop in 2015, Morning After. has become one of West End's go-to weekend brunch spots. Like the name says, it's the place you go the day following a bit evening out. Now, every Friday and Saturday in November, it's the place you go to have some nighttime fun as well. Meet the Night Before. It's an obvious title, but it works. With a new sign to match its temporary new name, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, the Vulture Street eatery will be serving up share plates of the delicious kind — you know, dinner fare. Options include crispy chicken bao, prawn and truffle gnocchi, seared sea bass and pork belly skewers, plus Turkish Delight for dessert. There's more where they came from, including a dish that helps tie the morning and evening concepts together. That'd be corn flakes, but of the honey mousse, banana mascarpone and milk dust kind.
At the heart of Ze Pickle is the bar; covered with American numbers plates painted copper it sets the scene for the whole venue. Add copper pipes, raw light bulbs, rusted steel tables, leather bar stools, a black and white stripy awning, the right crowd, some pumping beats – and you’ve got yourself some good vibes. The truth is, you’re probably not cool enough to drink at Ze Pickle – but that shouldn’t stop you. Always packed on weekends, the bar can be found full of young 20 to 30-somethings meeting for a beer or three and chowing down some fine eats. The Americana-influenced Ze Pickle is known for its burgers – ranging from full-size to sliders – and its sweet potato fries. Be sure to order a bowl ($8.50); the massive serving comes with housemade aioli. The only thing better than the taste of the food is the names of the menu items. Our favourite (name and flavour) is the Pablo Escoburger ($15) – ground wagyu, cheese, guacamole, queso spread, jalapeno aioli and corn chips. The crunch of the corn chips take the burger from tasty to flavour-sensation. Also found on the menu are philly cheese steak, pulled pork, lamb and chicken mixed with everything from goat’s cheese to bacon jam. If you’re game, and for whatever reason need to prove your own masculinity (though, not excluding women here), go for the Triple Loco Burger ($34). Nicknamed “The Widow Maker”, the burger is made up of three wagyu patties, triple cheese, bacon jam, pulled pork, lettuce, tomato relish, caramelised onion, slaw and served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Sign the waiver and kiss your family goodbye. The GC is a few steps behind the craft beer revolution, but not here. With a bunch on tap, including a delicious ginger beer, Ze Pickle will have your night sorted with everything from NYC to San Fran hops. On the cocktail side of things, try the Ryan Gosling – using gold leaf vodka the drink is as intense as the man himself. Last but not least, we hope you’ve saved room for the Oreogazm – it’s every bit as pleasurable as it sounds. Oreos are coated in doughnut batter before being deep fried to perfection and served with ice-cream and chocolate sauce. Only your arteries will be complaining.
Remember how awesome Spongebob was? And Jimmy Neutron? And CatDog? Well turns out they were all written by the same guy, Steven Banks. What a legend. And now he has gone and out-awesomed himself again, this time by writing for dance. Reserve judgement until you watch this. Turns out, the guy is potentially even better at writing dance productions than scripting shows about sponges and starfish and genius kids and conjoined twin domesticated animals. Shadowland is a collaboration between Banks and Pilobolus. The American modern dance company started up in 1971, and has performed over 100 choreographed works in over 64 countries. Their trademark is their strong element of physical interaction between numerous dancers, and the exaggerated contortions of human form. Shadowland proves to be no exception. Dancers seemingly morph into animals, giants and even objects as obscure as motorcycles. The illusion of transformation into these impossible forms is made possible through the use of shadow. Audiences watch the silhouettes of dancers, who use trick lighting and complex movements to deceive audiences' eyes and create unbelievable images. Shadowland tells the story of a young girl who dreams of independence. Through a luminous playground of dance, gymnastics and optical illusion we follow her as she discovers her shadow and journeys into the Shadowland, where she meets numerous interesting creatures. The entire story is danced to the beats of successful American composer David Poe. Poe has toured the world with countless musicians, including Bob Dylan, so you know he must be good. When you combine the guy who made Spongebob, the guy who played for Dylan and the group who broke the world record for fitting the most humans into a Mini Cooper, something amazing has got to happen. Shadowland is that something.
Because you’re reading this, we know you’re not someone who received a pet for Christmas, only to decide it wasn't for you. We know you're one of the good folks. You're probably wishing that you did receive a loveable animal as a gift, even if you already have one — or several — that you adore. We understand your yearning, and so does RSPCA Queensland. In trying to find permanent homes for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens surrendered into their care from all over the state, they’re bringing all those cuddly creatures to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 17 January for their first-ever pop-up adoption event. Entry is free, and includes demonstrations, entertainment, food, and activities, as well as RSPCA stalls and information. And then there’s the hundreds of animals waiting for your affection — and for you to take them home with you. Although you can't put a price on the happiness a new four-legged friend will bring, discounted rates do apply on the day for those willing to adopt an older cat or dog. Kittens and puppies aged under four months will also be looking for someone to love them. The time and place is perfect for many a Brisbane resident, coinciding with the first day of the biannual secondhand free-for-all that is Lifeline Bookfest. Who doesn’t want to go out for a day of book browsing, puppy perusing and cat patting? You might just come home with six month's worth of reading, and a new pal to keep you company. There's more to pet adoption than overdosing on cuteness, of course, with making the commitment to care for an animal serious business. For further information, read RSPCA Queensland’s FAQs.
World champion athletes, renowned dancers and acclaimed musicians come together to create the 360 Allstars, what has been described as an “urban circus”, coming to the Brisbane Powerhouse. A reimagining of the conventional circus, the 360 Allstars inject breakdancers, basketball freestylers, BMX flatlanders and a roue Cyr to give the arena a whole new colour and shape. Because why not? The circus is where anything can happen and, in this case, it very well might. The international stage has already given their approval, with Theatermania in New York describing it as a “supercharged show" where "heart-pumping music, dazzling lights and video, and incredibly talented athletes and musicians come together”. Featuring artists from UK, Europe, America, Australia and NZ, 360 Allstars is a fun night out for thrill-seekers young and old.
If you're a fan of basketball, talented Aussies shooting hoops and one of the biggest local names in the game in the 21st century, then this one's a slam dunk: Patty Mills is coming home to chat about his career. The Brooklyn Nets point guard returns to Australia for the first time since helping score the Boomers their first-ever Olympic medal — and shooting 42 points himself in the crucial bronze-winning match — to tour the nation throughout September. Keen to hear the man himself discuss his success, life, learnings and everything in-between in the flesh? The four-time Olympian will be taking to the stage in Brisbane, at The Fortitude Music Hall on Monday, September 5, for an in-conversation session. If you know some budding basketballers who are eager to follow in the Indigenous Aussie's footsteps, he's also hosting basketball camps while he's back Down Under — but for players aged between 12–17. At the onstage component of Mills' tour, the star player will speak from the heart about his journey — which has taken the Kokatha, Naghiralgal, Duaureb-Meriam man from growing up in Canberra to rising through the basketball ranks, and also becoming Australia's first Indigenous Olympics flag bearer. "It's been a huge couple of years and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to go back to my roots to deliver an immersive experience to be felt and enjoyed both on and off the court," said Mills. "It was also important that this tour allowed me to share parts of me that I've never been able to share before. Getting up close and personal with my own hopes, challenges and achievements has allowed me to embrace opportunity to the fullest and by sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others out there, especially our youth, who are on their own path of self-discovery." Top image: Erik Drost via Flickr.
Whether you're looking for something on a budget, or you're after the best vintage fare, there's nothing like trawling through other people's wares. Forget your regular old household clear-outs, trash and treasure markets, outlet sales and car boot offerings, though — and forget leaving the house, actually. Usually, Brisbane's Biggest Clothing Garage Sale takes place as a physical event. For 24 hours from 9am on Saturday, August 29 until the same time on Sunday, August 30, however, this fashion frenzy is going virtual. BBCGS is calling it an Online Vintage and Streetwear Market, which is rather descriptive. Yes, you now know what's on offer. To take part, you'll want to check out the Instagram feed for Lil J's Vintage — that's the shop that runs BBCGS. In particular, you'll want to watch its Insta Live Story, which'll be showcasing everything on offer. Prices vary, as will condition. Look out for brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Adidas, The North Face and Lacoste, as well as Patagonia, Levi's, Puma, Reebok, FILA, Calvin Klein, Wrangler, Guess, Timberland and more. Brisbane's Biggest Clothing Garage Sale Online Vintage and Streetwear Market takes place from 9am on Saturday, August 29 until the same time on Sunday, August 30, via Lil J's Vintage's Instagram feed.
To look back at the Archibald Prize's history is to ponder Australia's own past. Since 1921, the acclaimed portrait prize has immortalised the nation's faces on canvas — and what a tale all those works can tell. The list of subjects captured is who's who of the country's best-known names. High-profile sitters only relay part of the Archies' story, though. Among the instantly recognisable folks is a survey of Aussies from all walks of life, of their diverse experiences, of the artists that immortalised so many people through their pieces and of art styles over the years. Expect to revel in all of the above at Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize, which does exactly what's on the box: celebrates a century of this prestigious Australian art accolade. Displaying at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast from Saturday, July 15–Monday, October 2, it presents a carefully and lovingly curated selection of portraits that've been entered since the Archibald Prize's inception — and heads to Queensland from the Art Gallery of New South Wales. More than 6000 previous Archie works were considered — a massive range — with Art Gallery of NSW Curator Natalie Wilson and her AGNSW team also going digging to find lost portraits. Some pieces hail from other galleries, museums and libraries across both Australia and New Zealand. Others come from private collections, including internationally. In fact, a number of the paintings haven't been display in public since they were shown in their initial Archibald Prize year. If you're keen to head along more than once, HOTA is doing season passes. Fancy a party? It's also hosting an Up Late session. And, guided tours are on offer as well if you're keen on hearing more from art experts.
White Night might not be lighting up the Melbourne CBD this year, with the event's inner-city edition bowing out to make way for the new Rising Festival. But if you're willing — or even eager — to get out of town, you'll still be able to treat your eyeballs to that famously vibrant program of large-scale projections and light installations when White Night makes its much-anticipated return to the streets of Bendigo and Geelong this spring. After the two regional events were postponed last year due to the pandemic, they're now back on the arts calendar. White Night Bendigo firing will fire up on Saturday, October 2, followed by White Night Geelong on Saturday, November 6. As always, the program will see each regional city come alive after dark for one jam-packed night, with a mix of illuminations, projections, music, art, performance, culinary experiences, and interactive artworks from leading local and international talent. Public spaces including laneways, streets and parks will be brought to life with striking installations and audio-visual delights. Even the Geelong foreshore is set to score some extra decoration of its own, playing host to a major hub during the festival's local run. All up, it's set to be as diverse a program as ever — with artists guided by the theme 'everything on the land is reflected in the sky', and globally renowned artist Joseph O'Farrell heading things up as the festival's new creative director. When White Night Geelong made its grand debut back in 2018, the event pulled around 70,000 attendees. The same year, White Night Bendigo also proved a roaring hit, with a crowd of over 60,000. The call is now out for expressions of interest from artists for both events — and stay tuned for more program details to be unveiled in the coming months. White Night Bendigo returns on Saturday, October 2, while White Night Geelong follows on Saturday, November 6. For more information, jump over to the White Night website. Images: White Night Bendigo, Visit Victoria
After five months of deliberation, Nestlé has announced the new names for two of its classic lollies. Those chewy red lollies FKA Redskins are now Red Ripper and the brand's chocolate-flavoured, people-shaped Chicos are now called Cheekies. The names may not seem dramatically different at first glance, but they no longer have the racist overtones the company says are "out of step" with its values. "Nestle has an unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues," General Manager Confectionery Chris O'Donnell said in a statement about the name changes. Redskins is an antiquated and derogatory term for Native Americans, while Chicos means 'children' in Spanish and is considered offensive to people of Latin American descent. The lolly monolith first announced the decision to change the Allen's brand lollies' names back in June, when discussions around race and discrimination were thrust to the fore due to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, and protests over the death of American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer — as well as, at the local level, the ongoing fight to end the systemic mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori by law enforcement. Calls for Nestlé to change the names of its two products aren't new, however — with the debate raging when they were featured in a 2013 episode of MasterChef Australia — and they're not the only controversially named product on Australia supermarket shelves, either. Cheese brand Coon also recently announced it will change its name. A similar long-running debate about the offensiveness of the Washington Redskins NFL ramped up in the US this year, too, and led to the team removing its logo and temporarily changing its name to Washington Football Team for at least the 2020 season, before deciding on a new permanent name. While the Nestlé lollies will have different names when the new packaging lands on supermarket shelves in 2021, the company promises the lollies themselves "remain unchanged". Red Ripper and Cheekies will hit supermarket shelves in early 2021.
There are two ways that you can spend a Thursday night: wishing it was Friday already, or pretending that it is. The latter is much more fun, clearly, and it's exactly what overwater bar Will & Flow is serving up at its returning weekly Beats and Eats sessions. Here, you'll sit atop the river — on the CBD side, opposite South Bank — and you'll pair pizzas, sparkling, a DJ-spun soundtrack and that killer view. It all kicks off at 4.30pm each week, which is perfectly timed to stop in after work and make an evening of it. On the food menu, two types of slices will tempt your tastebuds. Whether you fancy mushroom and capsicum or tomato, basil and mozzarella, you can nab a pizza and a glass of prosecco for $20 — or a pide instead. Setting the mood, you'll find DJs Nik Conomos, Sarjent, Aaron Maybus, Stephen Smith and JL FOX on the decks, depending on the week. Entry is free, but you'll pay for whatever you'd like to eat and drink.
When Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves initially unveiled its first tenants back in 2017, four restaurants were revealed: a Greek taverna, an octagonal overwater bar, a Japanese joint and a Chinese eatery. Slowly but surely, the precinct is delivering on those promises. Greca and Mr Percival's are both already up and running, Yoko Dining is due to launch soon, and Hong Kong-inspired Cantonese venue Stanley is now welcoming patrons through its doors. Stanley has undergone a few behind-the-scenes changes since it was first announced — instead of being the latest venue from restaurateur Andrew Baturo (Walter's Steakhouse, Libertine, Popolo, Heya and The Gresham), the space and lease is in the hands of private investors — but it's still designed to impress. Revamping the two-storey, heritage-listed, 1930s-era former water police building in the riverside precinct, it features three bars, can cater for 220 guests and includes seating on a deck by the river. And, if you're a fan of peking duck and dim sum, it boasts separate kitchens dedicated to both. That means that, food-wise, authentic Cantonese dishes are well and truly in the spotlight — as is plenty of fresh, local seafood. Head chef Louis Tikaram's (ex-EP/LP Restaurant in West Hollywood) menu includes peking duck pancakes, honey-glazed char siu, steamed Hervey Bay scallops and wok-fried Moreton Bay bugs, as well as crispy-skin spatchcock, stir-fried wagyu, and salt and pepper Queensland banana prawns. You can also pick crabs and bugs live from the tank, and feast your way through two banquet options. Or, tuck into desserts such as deep-fried ice cream, as well as Stanley's version of a 'Splice', which is made with fresh pineapple, vanilla gelato, and lime and pineapple granita. To wash it all down, head sommelier Thibaud Cregut (ex-Nel. in Sydney) has curated a 400-strong wine list that spans both local and international tipples. [caption id="attachment_720544" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Howard Smith Wharves[/caption] And, as well as making the most of its waterside location, Stanley pays tribute to traditional Chinese design with a handcrafted rattan ceiling and bamboo fretwork lining its walls. It also features antique pieces sourced from Europe and Hong Kong, parquetry inlay floors and a centrepiece circular bar on the upper level. Find Stanley at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane — open Monday–Thursday from 12–3pm and 5.30–10pm, and Friday–Sunday from 12–10pm.
Thanks to all manner of markets around town, it's rather easy to stock your wardrobe with pre-loved threads. Brisbane's op shops help considerably as well, naturally. Alas, to the dismay of those who like fashion and sleeping in, secondhand shopping is usually a daytime rather than an evening activity — especially in Fortitude Valley. The key word is 'usually'. For one night only on Saturday, December 7, The Station Brisbane is hosting a late-night thrifting session. Forget hitting up a bar — if you're fond of all things sartorial, this is the way you'll want to spend your evening, with it all going down from 5–10pm. As well as recycled clothes, you'll also be able to pick up other vintage and pre-loved items, including a heap of secondhand records. Don't forget to take your post-shopping plans into account, though, given that you might have a new treasure trove to carry around with you. Of course, you can always wear your new outfit.
