Sunday afternoons are great for kicking back, getting cosy in one spot and being leisurely with time. At Ivory Tusk from December 1, they're also great for all-you-can-eat tacos. The Palm Springs-inspired bar is pairing its pastel decor and hefty drinks list with a bottomless serving of filled tortillas — and those non-stop tacos will cost you just $22 per person. Choose from the regular taco flavours on the venue's menu, aka baja fish and cauliflower, as well as an additional array of flavours that'll change seasonally. And, get ready to settle in for the long haul, because there's no time limit. You don't need to purchase a beverage to get the deal either, although all those tacos will likely make you thirsty (as will the tequila flights, probably). Ivory Tusk's All-You-Can-Eat Tacos offering starts with an eating competition from 4pm on Sunday, December 1, if you really want to show just how many you can stomach. Afterwards, the Sunday afternoon feast will run from 12–9pm weekly.
In excellent news for anyone who loves scouting out new tunes from fresh local talent, the folks at Rare Finds have launched an east coast touring circuit, kicking off in January 2018. The Sydney-based PR and artist management company has long been a champion of emerging Aussie artists, hosting regular showcases in Brisbane and Sydney over the past two years. Now it's teamed up with Oporto and creative collective Pilerats to bring its latest musical finds to a stage near you. Touring once a month across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, each Rare Finds circuit will feature a curation of up-and-coming acts, providing an all-important live platform for these emerging artists. Headlining the first tour in January 2018 is Sunshine Coast songstress Ayla, off the back of her second EP Let's Talk Monday. She'll be joined by a different lineup in each city — Asha Jefferies, Royal & The Southern Echo and DJ Tom Bloomfield will be in-tow for the Brisbane leg. Catch the first iteration of the circuit on January 12 at Black Bear Lodge.
If the current wave of boozy exercise classes has taught us anything, it's that alcohol is a great motivator. If it has taught us anything else, it's that we mightn't be too far away from a future where the alternative — aka getting active without a drink in your hand — seems strange. Add Yin & Gin Fridays to the list of sessions making the case for simultaneous sipping and stretching. Here, you'll strike your best yoga pose while knocking back some juniper spirits, and, thanks to its Friday afternoon, post-work timeslot, you'll unwind from the 9-to-5 in quite the relaxing fashion. Unsurprisingly, something this ace is proving rather popular — and while Stretch Yoga have two classes scheduled, from 5.30pm on both December 1 and 8, the latter has already sold out. The sessions include an Ink Gin cocktail, a Deep Stretch Yoga class, and cheese and nibbles afterwards, all in support of the Women's Legal Service. Bookings are essential.
Since 2011, DJ Tom Loud's travelling dance party Hot Dub Time Machine has ripped up stages the world over, offering a rolling crossfade of the last six decades of pop-music. And last year he launched Hot Dub Wine Machine, a series of al fresco get-togethers on some of the country's most-loved wine regions. The Hot Dub Wine Machine events were a success and this year the tour will head to O'Reilly's Vineyard in the Canungra Valley on Saturday, March 3. The boutique event will run from early afternoon through to after dark, and feature a hand-picked smorgasbord of Australian talent, including The Kite String Tangle, Touch Sensitive and Sneaky Sound System. This will all lead into one of Hot Dub's signature sets, which will see audiences dancing their way from 1954 to today, as the DJ mixes an iconic song from each year. Backing up the tunes, expect a careful curation of eats, craft beer and, of course, some sensational vino from these iconic Australian wine regions. Safe to say, it's probably the rowdiest event these wineries will host all year.
Whether you're a lifelong vegan, you're giving up animal products as your New Year's resolution or you're just partial to a delicious meat-free feast, find a clear January weeknight in your diary. Twice a week, West End's plant-focused eatery Grown is teaming up with Brisbane culinary wiz Alejandro Cancino for a seven-course vegan degustation. Best known for his prowess at Urbane, the Argentinian chef is lending his skills to the pop-up series — and if you've devoured his dishes over the river, you'll be eager for more. Each dinner will focus on seasonal produce, starting from January 16 and also taking place on January 16, 23, 25, 30 and 31. Two seatings are available on each date, at 6pm and 6.30pm. Two options are also available: boozy and sober, with both offering matched drinks for each course. Dinner itself is $120 per person, and bookings are required — by calling or emailing the restaurant.
They're back. Killer Sprocket and Kaiju just keep teaming up — first to make the malty science experiment that was KaKS Cotmari, then to hold a monster movie night at the last two Brewsvegas fests, and now to do the latter all over again. Kaiju Monster Movie Madness is the threequel this year's Brewsvegas had to have, aka a movie night where you don't just watch. Knocking back a beverage by both companies is a must here as you settle in for their film of choice. So too is listening in as Saccharomyces Beer Cafe pops on a classic flick and the Killer and Kaiju crews provide their own commentary. Added bonus: there'll also be free popcorn.
If there's ever a time not to throw away your shot, it's this: getting the chance to be in the room where Lin-Manuel Miranda chats about Hamilton live in Australia in March. The smash-hit musical's creator is heading Down Under for the first time since the show started its Australian run, to see the Aussie version which kicked off in Sydney, then hit Melbourne and is now playing Brisbane. Even better: he's doing a live public Q&A session to share some insights about the theatre production that everyone has been talking about for almost a decade now. While the news that Miranda would hit Brisbane for an in-person Hamilton fan event was revealed last week, further details have now dropped. The Tony-, Grammy-, Emmy-, Olivier- and Pulitzer Prize-winner will take to the QPAC Lyric Theatre stage on Sunday, March 5 to discuss all things Hamilton in an interview with Leigh Sales. Also joining them: actor Jason Arrow, who plays Alexander Hamilton in the Australian production. [caption id="attachment_795466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Attendees can expect to hear about everything from Miranda's decision to make the show to begin with through to how the lyrics for Hamilton's famous tunes came about — and about the music theatre easter eggs peppered throughout the piece as well. Folks eager to get the Hamilton scoop from the man himself will need to hope they have luck on their side, however, given that the only way to attend is to win free tickets. Entries open at 10am AEST today, Monday, February 20, via the QPAC website, closing at 10am on Wednesday, February 22 — which is when winners will be drawn, then notified by email. Miranda's Brisbane Q&A is an Australian exclusive, so Hamilton obsessives elsewhere in the country will need to make plans to hit up the Sunshine State if they score tickets. [caption id="attachment_773737" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.[/caption] "I have been waiting such a long time to come to Australia and I can't wait to be with the company down under in-person for the first time," said Miranda when his visit was first announced. "I have heard such great things from friends and fans in Australia, it is going to be fantastic to be able to meet them and watch them perform." The biggest show in musical theatre this century, this game-changing, award-winning, rightly raved-about take on 18th-century American politics is about the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, as well as inclusion and politics in current-day America. In addition to its swag of Tony Awards — 11 in fact, which includes Best Musical — it has nabbed a Grammy Award and even a Pulitzer Prize. And, Miranda wrote the music, lyrics and the book for the critically acclaimed hip hop musical. [caption id="attachment_774805" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.[/caption] The Broadway hit's Aussie production features a cast that currently includes Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton, Martha Berhane as Eliza Hamilton, Callan Purcell as Aaron Burr, Akina Edmonds as Angelica Schuyler, Matu Ngaropo as George Washington, and Victory Ndukwe as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. Sami Afuni plays Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, Wern Mak does double duty as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha plays Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, and Brent Hill steps into King George III's robes. When it finishes its Brisbane season at QPAC's Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 23, the show will leave the country for a New Zealand run. That'll mean that fans will then need to be content with watching the filmed version of Hamilton's Broadway production, which started streaming via Disney+ in 2020, again. (And yes, it's as phenomenal as you've heard). Brisbanites keen to see Hamilton for cheap in-person can also try the $10 ticket lottery, which offers tickets for less than the cost of lunch. [caption id="attachment_846530" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Lin-Manuel Miranda will chat with Leigh Sales and Jason Arrow at QPAC's Lyric Theatre, South Bank, Brisbane on Sunday, March 5. To enter to win free tickets to attend, head to the QPAC website between 10am AEST on Monday, February 20–10am on Wednesday, February 22. Hamilton's Brisbane season runs until Sunday, April 23 at QPAC's Lyric Theatre, South Bank, with tickets available via the musical's website. Top image: Hamilton filmed version courtesy Disney+.
This enduring Brissie barbecue hotspot is a firm fave among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its rose gardens and prime river frontage. Take advantage of the beautiful Brisbane weather with a meandering bike ride from the city to New Farm Park via the river walk, before cooking up a storm at one of the barbecues. Invite your mates, pack an esky (yep, you can BYO drinks here), bring the Frisbee and settle in for the afternoon before the mozzies get the better of you at dusk. Image: Emily Davies
The music business might look like one big party but at the business end of it, well, it is a business. And it's not an easy one to be in - haven't you heard that thing about most small businesses failing in their first year? One company that doesn't look like it's going to fail any time soon is Rare Finds – a boutique management and publicity company in the Valley that works with the likes of The Belligerents, Millions, Founds and more. It's an impressive bevy of names to be working with, one that looks like it would take years to establish, right? Wrong. This Saturday is Rare Finds' first anniversary. Rare Finds director Andrew Stone says, "I was working in a similar field (management and PR) for a few years, but starting Rare Finds was when I started to take things more seriously, and work with bands other than just ones I was in. "The best bits [of the business] is that we can work with who we like - and when we like - and it's working with music and musicians; the worst bits are that we sometimes have to say no to bands if they aren't quite ready, and that we have to work with music and musicians. " To celebrate their fledgling year in business, the guys and girls at Rare Finds are throwing a party, putting on a festival showcasing the bands of Rare Finds, taking over The Zoo and Winn Lane this Saturday. It's expected to be an annual event – "if the world doesn't end in 2012…" Andrew says. The lineup is massive, with YesYou playing their first headlining show. What's the cost of a good party? Why, only $30 (plus booking fee), which also gets you a fourteen-track sampler of all the bands to enjoy after the party's over. Buy your tickets here. We've got two double passes to give away to the 2011 Rare Finds festival. To go into the running to win, simply email brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au with your full name. Good luck! Rare Finds lineup: YesYou (first ever headline show) The Belligerents Founds The Dead Leaves (Vic) Tin Can Radio Gung Ho Teleprompter Hey Geronimo New Manic Spree Kate Martin The Trouble With Templeton Kate & Max Cub Scouts Tinian's Boy + special guests
Is heading to Bribie Island to see if you can devour a one-kilogram doughnut on your to-do list this festive season? Will this jolly time of year feel all the more merry if you can enjoy a coffee- or hot chocolate-filled doughnut? Are you just a fan of giant baked goods and sweet treats-turned-beverage containers all year round? Get excited about Kenilworth Island Bakery's big opening on Friday, December 15, then. As announced earlier in 2023, the Kenilworth Bakery chain is launching its third outpost — and the Sunshine Coast favourite's closest to Brisbane. This one sees brother-and-sister pair Nathan and Jenna Sanders set up shop at a beachfront store near the Bribie Island jetty, adding to the brand's OG spot in its namesake hinterland town and its coastal store at The Wharf in Mooloolaba "Our bakeries aren't just a place to grab a pie or sausage roll; they're a destination in their own right — a place people actually have on their southeast Queensland bucket list to visit, said Jenna. "It's a place where kids spend forever debating which flavour (or two) of doughnut they want; where adults savour that first bite into a crispy, chunky meat pie; and where caffeine lovers sip from our unique coffee doughnuts. With this in mind, it made perfect sense to look to Bribie for our latest store, given its popular appeal as a holiday and day-trip location." "It's also moving that little bit closer to Brisbane, where we have a dedicated fan base," Jenna continued. Everyone should love country bakeries for a pie, sausage roll, finger bun or lamington on any road trip, but Kenilworth Bakery isn't any old spot for a bite. If you're new to the bakery, it's particularly famous for its special menu item, which does indeed involve pouring coffee or hot chocolate into a doughnut. Ordering a cuppa and a round orb of dough separately is a thing of the past here, then. Instead, the doughnuts are hollowed out so they can be filled with your choice of beverage (an espresso shot and milk if you go for the caffeinated option). Also a highlight: one-kilogram bites both savoury and sweet. Cue chocolate-covered doughnuts, strawberry-iced doughnuts, jam- and cream-filled doughnuts, Nutella and cream doughnuts, Gaytime-flavoured versions and sausage rolls all on offer at that weight. If your tastebuds are tempted, you can take the challenge, which spans ordering one online in advance, finding it waiting when you arrive, eating it in-store, and then getting your money back and a plate on the bakery's wall of fame if you finish it all. The Bribie Island menu will feature dogaccinnos, doggie biscuits and doggie donuts, too, as well as sourdough bread baked onsite. Hit up Kenilworth Island Bakery from 8am on its launch day and you'll also score a free doughnut — while stocks last. Kenilworth Bakery's new opening comes just shy of the brand's 100th anniversary, with the OG site operating since 1924. Its Kenilworth venue sits in a heritage-listed building, unsurprisingly — which makes it still worth a trip even when the Bribie Island outpost opens. Kenilworth Island Bakery opens at 3 First Avenue, Bongaree on Friday, December 15, operating from 8am–3pm Wednesday–Sunday — head the chain's website and social media for further details.
A Chinese fine diner in a former bank. A futuristic eatery decked out with Prince-themed crockery inside a hotel. An inventive Indian restaurant from a Michelin-starred chef. These are just three of the boundary-pushing restaurants that have opened their doors this year. Brisbane's restaurant scene has had an impressive year with both big-name chefs opening new outposts, and smaller, but equally talented, chefs opening their first eateries. And the restaurants that have opened are as diverse in their cuisines as they are in their decors — Indian, French, Chinese and Greek; pastels, velvet purple banquettes, communal benches and revamped 1920s-era buildings. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Brisbane to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new restaurants were nominated for Best New Restaurant in Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards.
Earlier this year, Mondrian Hotels launched its debut Australian stay just steps from the iconic Burleigh Heads beachfront. And like its other design-first accommodation, spanning glam locations from Los Angeles to Cannes to Seoul, the Aussie foray brought wall-to-wall luxury brimming with natural light, million-dollar views and a calming neutral colour palette. Now Modrian has opened reservations for its two highly anticipated Beach Houses. Following a similar rhythm to the hotel towers, this addition offers something of a residential experience (if you could imagine being so lucky), just with the service and amenities of a world-class hotel. Guided by acclaimed Los Angeles–based designers, Studio Carter, guests can expect privacy, luxury and bespoke hospitality. Across two- and three-bedroom stays, you can live out the beachfront lifestyle of your dreams. Accessed through private entrances, both through the hotel lobby or off the esplanade, these homes away from home come complete with magnesium plunge pools, terraces primed for entertaining, convenient laundry facilities and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces that invite the Gold Coast warmth. Meanwhile, a full-sized kitchen enhances the long-stay appeal while bringing another level of residential comfort. The smaller details are just as impressive. Think sandy-toned interiors that reflect the laidback essence of the hotel and relaxed textural finishes inspired by coastal life. In fact, those seeking the most opulent stay can combine both residences into a five-bedroom retreat, perfect for big family vacations or celebrations with all your pals. Of course, a five-star stay like this also comes with plenty of guest perks. That includes expedited in-suite check-in, a curated gourmet welcome basket and a personal host and contact throughout your stay. Plus, you'll relish a daily à la carte breakfast at LiTO, the in-house Italian restaurant, and make the most of personalised experiences, from private chefs cooking up a feast to spa and beauty appointments, VIP restaurant and bar reservations, shopping services and more. Naturally, you're also welcome to enjoy the rest of the hotel's amenities. Step into Haven, serving elevated coastal cuisine, or slide into the Ciel Spa for holistic remedies and a high-performance gym. When it's time to explore beyond the hotel, the stunning stretch of Burleigh Heads is directly across from your accom, while the suburb's easy-breezy restaurants, bars and shops are just a few steps away. Mondrian Gold Coast's Beach Houses are now open for bookings at 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads. Visit the website for more information. Images: Justin Nicholas.
Day in, day out - the working week can drag on like groundhog day and tired legs on a hot summer's day. To escape and prepare for the daily grind, office workers need their daily grinds. Much like ants the CBD workers, always in a hurry, trudge into one of hundreds of espresso bars and cafes lining every corner. Triple macchiato and a muffin-that-is-more-like-cake* and off they go. Fortunately, the CBD's newest laneway cafe is anything but ordinary and those who are curious will spot it first. Tucked away in Burnett Lane, blink and you'll walk right by, but open your eyes and climb the half-flight of stair to meet with Felix Espresso and Winebar. This is not the sort of place you want to stop, grab a coffee and walk on by, but somewhat of an urban oasis to sit, enjoy and contemplate within. The small cafe's design is an interesting and well-executed one. From the street go up half a flight, turn left and you'll reach the coffee counter filled with fresh-baked goods and roasting beans. Behind it is the small kitchen, and in front is seating. Step down a few stairs into the sunken eating area and pull up a bar stool at the open stained-glass window. Taking over one wall is a massive print of a cloud, helping feed your day dreams about further places, and the other wall is raw brick. The menu puts a focus on on healthy food made from scratch. Daily offerings vary but usually include 2-3 salad options, fresh-baked savoury tarts, goat pies, baguettes, chia cups, green smoothies and home-baked sweets. The coffee is organic and comes from Cup, and Felix even make their own almond milk. That's dedication. For lunch, a caramelised onion, feta and pumpkin tart with two salads sets you back a reasonable $13. Served on a blue-rimmed white tin plate, the salads of the day were a raw beetroot, feta and pepita, and a raw grated zucchini with olive, parmesan and barley offering – both definitely beat a greek or caesar from any food court. Wash it down with a raw cashew-milk smoothie. The strawberry one had a fresh, strong real-fruit taste. Sadly, like many CBD cafes, it is not open on weekends, and the winebar side of things yet to show its face. Felix is young on the scene and we can't wait to see this venue evolve into a Brisbane staple, we feel it has what it takes. *We'll leave the muffin/cake/cupcake battle for another time.
Comings and goings are part of every soap opera, especially any series that's notched up decade after decade on the small screen. With Neighbours marking its 40th anniversary in 2025, plenty of faces have arrived and departed the show since 1985. Now the Aussie staple itself is saying farewell — again. The long-running series initially wrapped up in 2022, then was resurrected by Amazon in 2023, but has now been cancelled for a second time. "We are sad to announce that Neighbours will be resting from December 2025. New episodes from the 40th-anniversary season will continue to air on Prime Video and Ten four times a week until the end of the year, with all the big soapie twists and turns that our viewers love," announced the team behind the series on social media. "Audiences all around the world have loved and embraced Neighbours for four decades and we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years, including often appearing as one of the Top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024. As this chapter closes, we appreciate and thank Amazon MGM Studios for all that they have done for Neighbours — bringing this iconic and much-loved series to new audiences globally," said Neighbours Executive Producer Jason Herbison. "We value how much the fans love Neighbours and we believe there are more stories of the residents of Ramsay Street to tell in the future." Herbison's statement leaves the door open for a continuation, if another TV network or streaming platform were to decide that everybody needs more Neighbours. When the show first said goodbye in 2022 — when it was originally cancelled after being dropped by its UK network, Channel 5, leaving local backer Network Ten without enough funding to continue the series — it did so with help from some of its big-name past stars. Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Barbie star Margot Robbie and The Brutalist Oscar-nominee Guy Pearce all returned for its initial sendoff, before the series made a comeback in 2023. Since its mid-80s debut, Neighbours has aired more than 9000 episodes, all charting the lives of characters either living in or connected to the show's cul-de-sac in the fictitious Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough. As well as Minogue, Donovan and Pearce, 80s-era Neighbours boasted a four-episode stint from Russell Crowe (Kraven the Hunter). In the 90s, Natalie Imbruglia got her start there. Liam Hemsworth (Lonely Planet) was a regular in the 00s, as was Robbie, and Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) popped up in one 2002 episode before moving over to rival Aussie soap Home and Away. Also just as sizeable: the show's four decades of twists, amnesia spells, shock returns from the dead, and Ramsay and Robinson family dramas. Neighbours will continue to air until December 2025 via Network Ten and Prime Video in Australia, Prime Video in New Zealand, and Amazon Freevee in the UK and US — then say farewell. Images: Fremantle / Prime Video.
If you've been making plans to revamp your style, but haven't been able to rustle up the coin, here's your chance. For five days, Hugo Boss will be hosting a mega sale at its outlet stores. You'll be able to score 50 percent off a massive range of premium clothing — from comfy t-shirts and soft sweaters to suave suits and women's dresses. Hello, EOFY cash splash. Whether you're after a suit for a special occasion or looking to prep your spring wardrobe early, Hugo Boss's mid-year outlet sale will have you sorted for a fraction of the fashion label's usual prices. You'll have to get in quick to score though, with the sale only running from Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 30. In Brisbane, you can head to the BOSS Outlet at Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre to get these quality threads for such a steal. Opening hours are Wednesday, 9am–5.30pm; Thursday, 9am–7pm; Friday–Saturday, 9am–5.30pm; and Sunday, 10am–5pm. Hugo Boss mid-year outlet sale will run from Wednesday, June 26 to Sunday, June 30. To find your closest outlet, visit the website.
Death is everywhere in The Book Thief: sometimes shown, usually implied and — every so often — speaking as its narrator. There is death in the film's opening scene, and there is death again at its end, yet early denunciations have labelled it 'Holocaust lite' or 'Holocaust kitsch', with one critic going so far as to call it "a preposterously sanitised portrait of hardship and war". If these criticisms (of which there have been many) were to be distilled into one pure, refined quibble, it would be that The Book Thief is simply too nice for a story that, at least in part, touches upon the Holocaust. Is it Schindler's List? No, but let's be clear: it's not even remotely trying to be. Directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey), this is a PG film, based on a young adult novel and told from the perspective of a 13-year-old German girl. Neither the bestselling book by Markus Zusak nor the film adaptation ever set out to tell the same old conventionally harrowing and affecting war narrative, because — presumably — that story has already been told so many times before. Instead, it presents the moving, imaginative and even charming tale of a child's profound love of literature and its ability to transport, enlighten, incriminate, incite and inspire its reader. That child is Liesel Meminger (Sophie Nelisse), who's put up for adoption after her communist mother is forced to flee the Nazi purge. Liesel's brother dies en route to their new home with the elderly Hubermanns (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), and from the outset it's clear she has an ally in the playful Hans and a challenge in his irascible wife Rosa. She also quickly befriends her snowy-haired neighbour and champion runner Rudy (Nico Liersch), whose idolisation of African-American sprinter Jesse Owens places him at odds with local the Nazi Party officials. Most importantly, though, Liesel begins to learn how to read, and together with Hans she quickly discovers the infinite joys and rewards to be found in books. Her first is picked up on the day of her brother's funeral, the next, rescued from the ashes of a book burning event. Each book tells a story, yet also has a story of its own, and none more so than the copy of Mein Kampf possessed by Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jewish man kept safe and hidden by the Hubermanns. Which brings us again to the accusation of 'Holocaust kitsch'. Max's torment is prolonged and palpable, drifting close to death on multiple occasions through exhaustion, malnourishment, exposure and the unremitting threat of discovery. Worst of all, he spends — quite literally — years living in the Hubermanns' basement without even a single opportunity to breathe fresh air or once see the sky. Had The Book Thief been told from his perspective, it would have been every bit the despairing and wretched tale so many apparently seek, yet it would not have been the tale told to Zusak by his grandparents and which he, in turn, wished to tell the world. If many of these critics are to be believed, the only way you're permitted to tell a Holocaust story is through bleak imagery, solemn dialogue and a complete lack of tenderness. The Book Thief, much like 1997's Life Is Beautiful, offers a different perspective. Through the extraordinarily talented Nelisse, we see a scared, confused and compassionate girl attempting to make sense of the senseless. The horrors befalling so many around her aren't explicitly shown, but our knowledge of them, matched with the meticulously recreated settings, contributes to a beautiful and largely original tale of one family's bravery, decency and humanity. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hEnLF-pCybw
Renowned Sydney designer Henry Wilson has joined forces with innovative Sydney-founded furniture website NOMI to design an exclusive, super sleek, flat-packed shelving system called the Chevron Shelves. Customisable online down to the individual panel, the Chevron Shelves are delivered flat-packed and assembled without any tools. No tools. At all. Au revoir, Allen keys. Pairing up with one of Sydney's most celebrated multidisciplinary designers is a big new project for NOMI — the Sydney company revolutionising customisable furniture online. Wilson is well-known for his minimalist, bragworthy furniture, lighting and interiors — usually featuring some kind of self-build component (meaning extra dinner party bragging points). With the no-tools approach and customisable colour being the biggest drawcards, NOMI and Wilson both see manufacturing technique and swanky aesthetic as equally important in the design process. "Our mission is to combine innovative design with efficient manufacturing and cutting edge online technology," says NOMI director and co-founder Henry Gresson (another creative Henry). "Henry's Chevron Shelf epitomize this mission and we are very excited to have him on board." Taking its name from an Ancient Grecian interlocking zig-zag pattern, each Chevron Shelf can be customised in both size and colour with NOMI's slick website. You can pick your desired shelf height, shelf width and pick different colours for every single side panel, shelf layer and back wall — kind of like Shoes of Prey for furniture. Each unit will set you back around $150 each, depending on the material you pick, the width and the amount of layers you add. With each shelf made up of four pieces of precision-milled Birch-play and available in all the shades you've envied in glossy interior design magazines (teal, olive, rose), you can tailor the shelves to suit whichever room needs serious organising. "Everything about the Chevron Shelf reflects its construction method," says Wilson. "It achieves maximum yield from the resources used in its production. It's exciting for me to see it within in the NOMI range where the full potential of its flexibility can realised." Check out NOMI and Henry Wilson's Chevron Shelf here and get customising.
You've read the books, you've watched the flicks, you've sat through both parts of the theatre production and you've devoured your fair share of pop-up potion bars and themed experiences. But if you're yet to get your fill of Harry Potter-related goodness (I mean, not possible, right?), then you're in luck. This spring, a series of immersive, HP-themed high tea events is coming your way, popping up in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Harry Potter High Tea will grace all three cities with a run of multiple sessions each, held at top-secret locations. It all kicks off in Sydney from September 23–26, before visiting Brisbane from October 15–17 and heading down to Melbourne from October 21–24. So what sort of magical shenanigans are guests in for, you ask? Well, each session will host between 200 to 300 people (COVID depending), with daytime sessions open to all ages (11am–12.30pm, 2.30–4pm) and the night events reserved for adults only (7–9pm). There'll be butterbeer, polyjuice cocktails and appearances from some of the franchise's hit characters, as well as immersive activities including potion-making classes. Of course, the high tea spread will have a distinct HP lean to it, though exactly what's on the menu is being kept under wraps for now. Ticket-holders will be sent clues to the location of their high tea 30 days before the event, with the exact address revealed one week out. Tickets to the 'daybreak' sessions are $60, with 'twilight' passes coming in at $85. You can also nab a family ticket to any day session for $220 (two adults and two kids). The Harry Potter High Tea will hit Sydney (September 23–26), Brisbane (October 15–17) and Melbourne (October 21–24) this spring. Tickets are on sale now.
No man is an island entire of itself. Except maybe Peter Thiel, co-founder of Paypal. Working in tandem with the Seasteading Institute, the Silicon Valley billionaire is making plans for the first floating city to be launched off the coast of San Francisco next year. As an organisation experimenting in the creation of floating island states, the institute is a hub of design and innovation in offshore communities. What can be best described as 'oil-platform like structures' will operate according to Mr. Thiel's ideas of a "more efficient, practical public sector model", unfettered by minimum wage, welfare, restrictions on weapons and tight building codes. Quite a list you say. The icing on the cake is Mr. Thiel's US$1.25 billion pledge, calling upon Seastead to 'open a frontier for experimenting with new ideas for government'. In an interview with Details magazine, founder of the Seasteading Institute has estimated the project to start small with 270 residents, and rapidly upscale to support over ten million by 2050. For those averse to the idea, Margaret Crawford, Professor of Architecture at UC Berkeley, cites it as particularly shortsighted, and "without any urban-planning implications whatsoever". And she has a point. Many other concerns that have been raised, namely "What about pirates?" and "Are seasteading enthusiasts just a bunch of rich guys wanting even more freedom?" are also addressed as perfectly legitimate in the Institute's FAQ section.
It's fair to say that MasterChef Australia winner and media personality chef Adam Liaw is a national treasure. When he's not blessing us with insights on Twitter or presenting cooking shows on TV that make our tummies grumble, he's off collaborating with flavoursome chip brand, Red Rock Deli. And on Wednesday, May 15, Liaw will be hosting an intimate secret supper for 20 guests. The location remains a secret for now — as does the menu. All we know so far is that the three-course menu will be inspired by Red Rock Deli's newest flavour — Limited-Edition Thai Red Chilli and Creamy Coconut. [caption id="attachment_718821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] It's all very hush-hush — but we've done some prying. First up, Liaw did tell us that the menu is 'a journey in three parts'. The first dish will hero chilli, while the dessert will incorporate the creamy texture of coconut. For the main, you can expect both flavours to be featured. We also know that Liaw's knowledge of Asian cuisines is extraordinary — he was born in Malaysia to an English Singaporean mother and Hainanese Chinese father and is the Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese cuisine — and he loves bringing elements from these cuisines into his cooking. "The one thing I always come back to is not how different they are, but how much common ground there is. Every cuisine has its comfort foods, sweet treats, grilled meats and balanced tastes. Once you understand the context of the food, the ingredients can be combined and integrated to create something new," he told us. [caption id="attachment_659258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chaco Bar, Leticia Almeida[/caption] So, in trying to crack the menu code, we thought we'd find out a little about the Asian restaurants that Liaw visits in Sydney (and the dishes he orders) for inspiration. He name-dropped a few of his recent favourites, which may give us an idea of what to expect. First up: wagyu carpaccio with sea urchin, parmesan and truffle — a bold flavour combo — from Darlinghurst's Chaco Bar. And, if you're feeling brave, Liaw recommends the 'char-siu' roasted Glacier toothfish from Mr Wong. What is a Glacier toothfish? And why do we want to eat it? It just goes to show that a menu item that starts with 'char-siu' (which is traditionally served as barbecued pork) can end however it likes and, if Liaw suggests it, we'll give it a go. He also mentioned Mama Mulan's Mongolian-style lamb ribs with cumin and the Moo ping marinated pork skewers with jim jaew from Khao Pla as inspirational dishes. [caption id="attachment_611319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Wong[/caption] Rounding out Liaw's top six were hot pot chain The Dolar Shop and Ho Jiak — both in Haymarket. "[They're] doing fantastic things with modern, creative Asian food while still understanding Australia's love of authenticity," he says. From Dolar Shop, he rates the Sichuan broth, whole big eye ocean perch and sweet potato noodles. You had us at whole big eye ocean perch, Mr Liaw. Adam Liaw's Secret Supper is now sold out but we've still got two tickets to give away. To be in with a chance, head this way. And, while you wait for the big night to roll around, you can get cracking on this Liaw-certified recommendation circuit. Top Image: Kitti Gould.
After a year of travelling inside our own states (and around our own apartments), the last of the interstate borders are finally opening. Apart from WA (which is still closed to SA) and Queensland (which is opening up to SA from Saturday, December 12), Australians can visit anywhere in the country without quarantining. To celebrate, ridesharing service DiDi is offering half-price rides to airports across the country from now all the way through till Sunday, January 31 2021. This is great news if you have trips home to see the fam or summer getaways planned. You can, of course, choose from Ola, Uber or DiDi. If you go with the latter, though — you'll get a much cheaper trip. The newer of the three, DiDi is offering every rider two half-price trips (with a max saving of $20 a trip) to eligible airports, which include Melbourne Tullamarine, Melbourne Avalon, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast airports. You just need to jump onto the app, use the code 'EXPLORE' and you'll get access to the discounted trips. DiDi has implemented a range of safety measures in a bid to reduce the spread of COVID-19, too, including two-person passenger limits in an Express and four in a Max, installing over 2000 in-car partition screens and distributing face masks to drivers. DiDi Chuxing launched in China in 2012 and has quickly become a huge player in the global ridesharing game — it has since bought out Uber's Chinese operations and has stakes in numerous companies, including Ola, Taxify, Lyft and Grab. To get your two half-price DiDi trips — from now until Sunday, January 31, 2021 — download the app (for iOS or Android) and use the code EXPLORE. Find out more about current interstate border restrictions over here.
You might have thought King George Square looked pretty fine during the day and maybe a tad finer at night, but it's at twilight City Hall really shows off its colours. And what better backdrop when you're shopping the evening away — especially when the King George is filled with some of Brisbane's best designers and makers, and you're looking for Christmas presents. The festive offshoot of the regular Brisbane Twilight Markets, this event will show off a sizeable array of stalls — usually more than 60, in fact — all staffed by some pretty nifty and talented local artists. Expect an eclectic selection of items, so prepare to browse and buy. You'll be perusing everything from handmade clothing, accessories and leather goods to paper goods, homewares, art and ceramics (and more). And seasonal gifts, obviously. [caption id="attachment_666947" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] BrisStyle[/caption] This market is all about sound, smell and sales — so live music will provide a soundtrack to the evening, and expect to be hit with that spring flowerbed smell that always lingers when there's a soap stall around. Food trucks are also on the agenda, with the market running from 4–9pm on Friday, December 20. So take along some cash and stock up on all things crafty. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
A powerful Australian western that explores the country's troubled history. The world premiere of a celebratory documentary about one of the nation's most important dance companies. A food and movie event that lets audiences step into the world of truffle hunting after eating a feast of truffles. If you're a Brissie cinephile looking for a reason to abandon your streaming queue at the beginning of October, this year's Brisbane International Film Festival has plenty. The three aforementioned movies — opening night's High Ground, starring Simon Baker as a policeman navigating the aftermath of a brutal massacre of an Indigenous tribe; closing night's Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, exploring Bangarra Dance Theatre's 30 years in operation; and Italian doco The Truffle Hunters — sit among a 70-plus film program for this year's BIFF, which is slated for Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 11. And while some of Australia's other major film fests have run virtual events in 2020 (to huge success in Melbourne's case), Brisbane's is forging on as a physical-only affair (with COVID-19 safety measures in place, obviously). That means Brisbanites will need to head to the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinémathèque, which organises the whole event, to get their festival fix — and to Dendy Coorparoo, the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Reading in Newmarket and the State Library of Queensland as well. That's where movie buffs will be able to watch the latest out-there flick from Japanese auteur Sion Sono, Red Post on Escher Street; the Australian premiere of acclaimed British feature Rocks, about a rapping teenager of Nigerian heritage living in East London; Ai Weiwei's new documentary Vivos, examining the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico; and Sundance sci-fi hit Nine Days, starring Us's Winston Duke and Atlanta's Zazie Beetz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBtoLqsv-_A&feature=emb_logo Other highlights include Pete Davidson-starring comedy Big Time Adolescence; drama Blackbird, featuring Kate Winslet, Mia Wasikowska and Susan Sarandon; Sydney-shot Aussie queer coming-of-age flick Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt); and the latest absurdist piece from Swedish filmmaker Roy Andersson, About Endlessness. There's also the delightful Jumbo, starring Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Noémie Merlant as a woman in love with a theme park ride; German horror film Pelican Blood; unnerving British standout Saint Maud; and Hong Sang-soo's minimalist yet insightful The Woman Who Ran. BIFF also breaks some of its features down into thematic strands, including one on transcendence featuring Tilda Swinton-narrated sci-fi Last and First Men, another on belonging with dive bar hangout doco Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets, and yet another about homecomings with includes Gold Coast-made horror-comedy Bloody Hell. And, as it has every year since GOMA took the helm in 2018, BIFF will also showcase the work of this year's patrons: Aussie acting legend Jack Thompson and Academy Award-nominated film editor Jill Bilcock. On the bill are films starring the former and edited by the latter. The likes of Burke & Wills, Yolgnu Boy and The Assassination of Richard Nixon fall into the first category, with Romeo + Juliet, The Dressmaker and Road to Perdition in the second. It wouldn't be a GOMA event without getting out the Gallery's 1929 Wurlitzer organ, too, of course. In 2020, it'll be given a whirl during a screening of 1915's Filibus, about the adventures of a female sky pirate. The 2020 Brisbane International Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 1–Sunday, October 11 at a variety of Brisbane venues. For further information, and to book tickets, head to the festival website. Top images: Production still from Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra 2020. Directors: Wayne Blair, Nel Minchin. Image courtesy: Icon Film Distribution. Production still from The Truffle Hunters 2020. Director: Michael Dweck, Gregory Kershaw. Image courtesy: Sony Pictures Releasing. Production still from High Ground 2020. Director: Stephen Maxwell Johnson. Image courtesy: Madman Entertainment.
Connoisseur of the cocktail? Listen up: Pony Dining is on the hunt for Brisbane's most impressive cocktail-maker. And they're not going to rest until the search is over, the drinks are poured and a cocktail champ is crowned in their Brisbane's Best Cocktail Bartender competition. Starting last week, Pony has extended the challenge to nine of Brisbane's best mixers, from some of the city's hippest bars. The final two (and obvs most exciting) rounds will be held this Sunday and next. And with some of the city's finest masters of the mix in the running, things are sure to be shaken (not stirred) up. Each bartender must create three different cocktails, with the core ingredients of rum, bourbon and coffee. Then, in the final showdown, those still standing will make a masterpiece from sparkling wine before offering up their own personal, signature cocktail. With bangin' tunes, killer drinks specials and a venue that boasts some of the best views in Brissie, the scene is set for a showdown of epic, alcoholic proportions. The Cocktail Competition is currently led by Glenn Morgan of Jungle, with Perryn Collier from Papa coming in a close second. The title will be awarded on November 24, with the winner receiving $2000 in prize-money. Go along this Sunday to hang with our own food and drink editor, Daniela Sunde-Brown, who'll be helping to judge the entrants. The competition is on Sunday, November 17, and Sunday, November 24, from 2pm to 5pm. Entry is free.
As fans of whodunnits on the page, stage and screen know, anything can and often does go wrong in sleuthing tales. Usually, however, the antics remain in the story. That's not the case in The Play That Goes Wrong, as its title indicates — and as theatre audiences have enjoyed for over a decade, watching what happens when The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society endeavours to put on a murder-mystery, then chaos ensues. When the production premiered in 2012 in London, it not only proved a hit but won Best New Comedy at the Laurence Olivier Awards. It's also still treading the boards in the UK, making it West End's current longest-running comedy. For its first Broadway season, it also nabbed a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play. The Play That Goes Wrong has made its way Down Under before, too, but audiences will have another chance to catch it locally when it tours Australia again in 2025. HOTA, Home of the Arts is hosting the show's Gold Coast stop — so, the closest to Brisbane — from Wednesday, August 6–Sunday, August 10. The plot: when The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society give the whodunnit genre a spin, telling the tale of a murder at a country manor and the quest to find the perpetrator, making it through the show becomes an accident-filled challenge. Since its debut over a decade ago, The Play That Goes Wrong has been seen by more than 4.2-million people worldwide — in 49 countries — and given 3500-plus performances at West End's Duchess Theatre alone. Another tidbit: also in West End, members of The Drama Society have been hit more than 125,545 times, sometimes by objects and sometimes by each other. Images: original West End cast, Robert Day.
It is gearing up to be a cracker of a summer, and what better way to spend those lazy, sun-kissed months than on a picnic? In what can only be described as perfect timing, first-time cafe owner Giorgina Venzin is set to open Picnic on Tuesday, September 24. And Venzin has certainly embraced the picnic theme. A cabinet filled with fresh-baked goods will be on offer all day round, as will 'Goodie baskets' full of picnic-appropriate treats. With all food taken care of by Pawpaw Cafe's Rory Doly, this family-friendly environment looks to be the perfect setting for a summer afternoon. Or perhaps a whole season. Picnic features an all-day breakfast menu, with prices ranging from $10-$15. And just because night has fallen, doesn't mean your picnic has to end: picnic-themed tapas will be on the menu in the evenings, with meals from $15-$25. But perhaps the most anticipated part of this summer affair is the delectable drinks menu. Picnic has been sending out mouth-watering pictures of a vibrant range of shakes, Campos coffees, fresh pressed juices and a particularly fascinating looking 'Pina Colada super green smoothie' on their Instagram. Those after something a little stronger will be satisfied by a selection of wine cocktails. Whether you're with your family or your lover, a self-confessed foodie or just someone who can't be bothered to dust off your picnic rug or pack your own basket, Picnic is a must-visit over the coming months. The cafe will open at 12 Martha Street, Camp Hill and will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 7am to 5pm and Thursday to Sunday from 7am to late. For more details or to check out some delicious-looking summer spoilers check out @picniccafe on Instagram.
Tim Minchin's “wee secret” is out of the bag. Yesterday, he confessed via blog that a stage production of Groundhog Day is in progress. Yes, Groundhog Day. As in the 1993 classic film written by Danny Rubin, directed by Harold Ramis and synonymous with actor Bill Murray, who plays a grumpy, self-centred weatherman doomed to live the same day over and over. And over. With Minchin on board, it’s bound to be a musical affair. He’s conjuring up the songs and lyrics, Rubin is writing the book and Matthew Warchus is in the director’s chair. Rather than producing a carbon copy of the film, they’re going to do it their own way. “It would be impossible to try to translate the style and tone of the movie to stage," Minchin writes, "and even if it were possible, it wouldn't interest me." We can expect a work that’s “both instantly recognisable and utterly different”. He’s planning on introducing elements of darkness and complexity whilst maintaining the film’s joy, comedy and romance. Five or so years ago, Stephen Sondheim was toying with Groundhog Day’s theatrical potential. He’s since shelved the idea but has expressed full support for Minchin et al’s ambition. Minchin and Warchus have previously proven themselves as a winning team. Since 2010, their musical Matilda has sold out London’s West End and New York’s Broadway, picking up a Grammy nomination and Tony Awards along the way.
Huge news! Out of nowhere, everyone's favourite chaotic electronic musician Fred again.. is performing at the Sydney Opera House tonight, Tuesday, February 27. The English producer and DJ posted to his Instagram, showing him boarding a flight with his buddy and collaborator Joy Anonymous, teasing that they'd be performing wherever the plane landed. Now, Fred again.. has popped up on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, announcing an ultra last-minute performance at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Tickets are already available with tens of thousands of people jumping into the queue within minutes of the announcement. They're also limited to just two per person, to deal with the high demand. [caption id="attachment_943139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maclay Heriot, Laneway 2023[/caption] Fred was last in town for Laneway 2023 alongside Haim, Joji and Phoebe Bridgers, at which time he created pandemonium by performing at a slate of pop-up DJ sets around Australia and New Zealand alongside his festival appearances. Whether he'll be heading anywhere else in the country is yet to be confirmed. All we know is he'll be bringing his catalogue of hits to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall from 9.30pm tonight. So, if you want to catch 'Delilah (pull me out of this)', 'Marea (we've lost dancing)' and 'Rumble' in the hallowed halls of the recently renovated Sydney icon, this is your chance. To stay up to date with any more shows that might be announced, you can follow along at Fred again..'s Instagram account. [caption id="attachment_943136" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud, Laneway 2023[/caption] [caption id="attachment_943137" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud, Laneway 2023[/caption] Fred again.. is performing at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday, February 27. Tickets are now on sale. Head to the Sydney Opera House website for more information. Images: Daniel Boud, Laneway 2023.
Chances are you've got a newfound appreciation for your living space after the past two years — and a renewed drive to make it a stylish oasis you actually love spending time in. If that's your mission, who better than the experts to help guide you towards style success? In partnership with Samsung, we're exploring achievable ways for you to incorporate design-forward items into your living space. So, we sat down for a special chat with Design By Them founders Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis, who shared their top tips for using furniture to elevate your living space. The industrial designer duo launched their Sydney-based design house back in 2007, creating a celebrated furniture, accessories and lighting brand built on a timeless aesthetic and a flair for collaboration. Steered by an ever-growing ensemble of Aussie design talent, Design By Them has crafted a collection of over 120 bespoke products to date, with numerous awards and exhibitions under its belt, including a show at Milan Design Week 2019. Here, Gibson and Karlovasitis impart a little of their design wisdom to help you create an enviable living space with minimal effort. [caption id="attachment_833654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nicholas Karlovasitis by Paul Liddle[/caption] BEGIN WITH INSPIRATION For these designers, inspiration is sourced from far and wide, and favours eras past instead of contemporary trends. "I love design history and seeing how design has evolved over time, incrementally changed and improved with manufacturing and technology," Karlovasitis tells Concrete Playground. "I like [looking at] how movements form and how they embrace certain ideologies, as opposed to any single designer or brand." Gibson is another believer in looking to the past for inspiration; whether that involves browsing mid-century modern stores to rediscover old-school joinery techniques or scoping out some local architectural goodness. "I'm a little obsessed with Australian architecture and interiors," she explains. "I love a long walk admiring the built environment." [caption id="attachment_833684" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] MISTAKES TO AVOID Before you jet off on a furniture-buying binge, the pair has a couple of big no-nos. Buying for the now, rather than for the future, is a common one Gibson encourages avoiding. "Having an eclectic interior means that you can collect pieces over time that will always go [together], rather than needing to redo your interior every five to ten years," she says. "You wouldn't replace your art and nor should you have to replace your furniture." And to create a space that's authentically yours, you're best to avoid simply copying those interiors you've been lusting after on Instagram. "I think your home and your possessions should be personal and reflect who you are," says Karlovasitis. "A lot of people try to recreate an interior they see without making it theirs. Spaces should feel personal." If you're a styling novice and need to build up confidence in your choices, Karlovasitis recommends investing in items that are easy to work with and around — this goes for both furniture and tech. Take, for example, Samsung's The Serif TV, which he owns and says "feels more like a considered piece of premium furniture". The TV was designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and has a chic design with an 'I'-shaped profile and easel legs. "It is flexible and complements an interior rather than looking like an afterthought or compromise," he explains. THE BEAUTY OF BUYING BESPOKE When it comes to selecting pieces for your space that will last the distance and serve you well for years to come, the pair say bespoke furniture is the way to go. "A lot of bespoke furniture is made from materials that can be refinished and wear better. This is important if you want to keep your furniture long-term," Gibson acknowledges. If you're willing to part with a little more money on these kinds of pieces, Karlovasitis says it'll be well worth your while. "You do not only pay for the manufacturing and materials that go into a piece of furniture but also the design and knowledge," he explains. "By investing in good design you reward brands that produce considered and better products." [caption id="attachment_833653" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] STYLING ON A BUDGET The designer duo also has a few handy focus points that'll save you money in the long run if you're after bang for your buck. "Invest in things that will last, so when you look at the cost of the item over the life of the product it isn't very expensive at all," Karlovasitis offers, recommending people steer clear of trends. "I always think that anything you buy should have looked good thirty years ago, as well as today and in 30 years' time." For Gibson, a good lounge and good dining table top the list of pieces worth investing in. "Dining chairs can be expensive but you use them every day. If you don't have the budget for six chairs, you might build your collection slowly or go for an eclectic look with every chair being different," she explains. And for the rest, minimalism is best. "You don't need a TV cabinet these days, you can fix things to the wall or invest in a nice stand. Hooks are also handy and a cheap way of storing things where spaces are small." [caption id="attachment_833659" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Liddle[/caption] RULES TO STYLE BY Finally, when it comes to rules, there are no rules. "You just have to work out your balance of minimalism and character and work towards what you like," says Gibson. "Nick and I often think like this when designing; for us, the balance of minimalism and character is somewhere in the middle. For someone else, it might shift towards the right or left. Everyone is different." Karlovasitis backs this, saying: "You can set your own rules if you want to but don't let styles or trends dictate your choices." As for the rules you can straight up ignore? "Having a strict colour palette," says Gibson. "With the right balance everything can go. Blue and green should never be seen — really?" If you're looking to add a touch of designer aesthetic to your living space, check out our editor's picks of must-have homewares. To find out more about Samsung's The Serif, created in collaboration with celebrated industrial designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, visit the Samsung website. Top image: Paul Liddle
Alone is a performance art installation. No, scratch that — it's a psychological experiment. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Devon Paulson and film producer Lawrence T. Lewis, it hurls participants into a city-wide, 'haunted house'-style scenario. And, it's coming to Australia. Aided by a crowd of actors, the hour-long walkthrough will see participants transported around Melbourne, into inexplicable, scary or hilarious situations that are designed to mess with their sanity. Participants must sign a waiver beforehand and be in good physical and mental health, which just might says something about what the night will involve. They're then taken to a secret location to begin their terrifying abduction. No mobile phones are allowed and it's likely that your clothes will get dirty. "Alone explores the complex folds of the human psyche and the human condition, from the inside out," says Paulson. "The truth is that one needs to experience Alone to understand it." According to the website, "your body may be aggressively touched and moved or tenderly embraced or utterly left displaced and alone." Despite having organised the event 18 times over the last six years, the creators refuse to reveal details of previous stints. "What I can say is that the situations will cause participants to traverse the spectrum of human emotion," says Paulson. "But the crucial goal is to dislocate you, from the world, from others, from comfort, from self." And yes, it begins on Valentine's Day — but it's a completely solitary journey, so don't think about bringing your date. "Some experiences you may find yourself in a group situation, but as in life, you will eventually find yourself to be alone," reads a hard-hitting FAQ on the Alone website. Alone runs from February 14–27. Head to the website for tickets and more details.
In 2025, G Flip has a new album on the way. Come 2026, they'll be backing up their latest record with a five-city tour of Australia. When the drummer, singer and songwriter takes to the stage in Brisbane to kick off their next run of homegrown dates, it will be eight years to the month since Georgia Flipo first uploaded 'About You' to Triple J Unearthed — a move that's sparked a helluva career so far for the Aussie talent. G Flip has locked in gigs not only at Brisbane's Riverstage on Friday, February 27, but also at Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on Tuesday, March 3; Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, March 7; Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre come Thursday, March 12; and Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, March 14. If you've spotted the fact that these dates are nicely spread out, that's likely because the ARIA Award-winner's 2023 solo Australian tour played to sellout crowds, adding extra shows due to demand. [caption id="attachment_1013155" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Amy Martin Photography via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] For company this time, G Flip will have Toronto's The Beaches and Heartbreak High star Ayesha Madon in support at all gigs. "I am so excited to be coming home to play some shows with my mates The Beaches and Ayesha Madon! The Dream Ride tour is going to a bloody good time, can't wait to see you there!" said the 'Drink Too Much', 'Hyperfine', 'Gay 4 Me', 'The Worst Person Alive' and 'Good Enough' performer, announcing the tour. [caption id="attachment_1013154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Sophie Bine[/caption] Dream Ride, the album, releases on Friday, September 5, 2025 — and features already-released singles 'Disco Cowgirl', 'Big Ol' Hammer' and 'In Another Life'. Get ready for an 80s-inspired sound, and for G Flip playing almost every instrument on the record. Their second album Drummer dropped in 2023, and earned G Flip ARIAs for Song of the Year for 'The Worst Person Alive', Best Video for 'Good Enough' and Best Australian Live Act for the corresponding tour. Before that, their studio debut About Us released in 2019. While G Flip last took their own headline tour around the country in 2023, they were busy everywhere from Field Day and Great Southern Nights to One Night Stand and Spilt Milk's House Party series in 2024. [caption id="attachment_967435" align="alignnone" width="1917"] F Fawkes via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] G Flip Dream Ride Tour with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon Australian 2026 Dates Friday, February 27 — Riverstage, Brisbane Tuesday, March 3 — Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Saturday, March 7 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Thursday, March 12 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide Saturday, March 14 — Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth [caption id="attachment_966668" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Callum Walker Hutchinson[/caption] G Flip is touring Australia with The Beaches and Ayesha Madon in February and March 2026, with ticket presales from 12pm local time on Thursday, July 17, 2025 and general sales from 1pm local time on Monday, July 21, 2025. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images.
Horiren's journey leading her to become a famous tattoo artist is a very interesting one. Though none more than the interesting attributes of her tattoo artwork itself. After graduating from the Nippon Institute of Design and beginning her career designing computer games, she ventured forward to develop a professional career as a self-taught tattoo artist. She received her first ever tattoo in Australia and it was this occurrence that inspired her to consider what it would be like to design her own tattoos. Go Australia! If we can even claim we are one tenth responsbile for the introduction of Horiren to the tattoo world, that's something to shout loudly about. Now, many dedicated years later, she is officially known and refereed to as Horiren the 1st. Seriously, how fucking cool can one lady get? Specialising in traditional japanese traditional style tattoos, Horiren has made one hell of a name for herself as an artist. On Thursday, Horiren 1st will be demonstrating her Tebori tattoo style during the exhibition launch by her official photographer, Hara Hiroyuki at Lust For Life. She will also be accompanied by her former apprentice, Horimasu who specialises in Japanese style pieces using tattoo machine. Amazingly, this is a free event. Don't miss it! Image credit: shockmansion.com
Daniel McKwewn's got a lot goin' on. He's a founding member and co-director of Boxcopy, a Brisbane-based, artist-run-initiative that is working to provide exhibition opportunities and support for emerging artists, writers and curators and he is also a local video artist featuring in many solo and group exhibitions across town. His latest production is a fashion, pop culture video installation exploring the intersection of roles between the Hollywood Entertainment Industry and the impulses of its fans as they engage with and consume popular culture. Yep, he's dropped all his eggs in the right basket with this one. The installation titled Distance, presents the tension between fan behaviour and critical artistic practice by processing celebrity images from high-end fashion magazines to create a painterly shifting landscape. By questioning societies obsessions with beauty, Daniel McKewen draws upon many queries relating to our vein, personal attributes. They say beauty is only skin deep, right? Maybe she's born with it? Maybe it's the obsessions created by fashion magazines? How has really Hollywood impacted on us as a generation? What ever the question, Daniel McKewen's got the answer in his funky, modern video installation, Distance.
Netflix viewers, toss a coin to your new favourite watering hole — the only spot in Australia that'll bring The Witcher, Stranger Things, Squid Game and more to life while you're sinking a brew. For five days only, the Who's Watch Inn will pop up in Melbourne, offering fans of the streaming platform's hit shows a unique pub experience. Always wanted to throw down a beverage or several while sitting under a mounted demogorgon head? Yes, that's on the menu. Also on offer: coveting the piggy bank jackpot, reclining on Emily in Paris' Parisian garden bench and just generally feeling like you've stepped inside (and you're drinking inside) your Netflix faves. That covers the food and drinks menu, too, which'll showcase pub grub favourites and themed tipples — including the 'Emily in Parma' (taking on the old pub classic, obviously) and a Squid Ink Dark Ale. Even better: everyone who drops by the Who's Watch Inn will get a free drink on arrival (although there is just one per person). That's probably all the excuse you need to head to Carlton's Clyde Hotel across the Netflix takeover's five streaming-worshipping days, running from Wednesday, September 28–Sunday, October 2. The pub pop-up is only happening in Melbourne, which means you'll need to be in the Victorian capital this week to enjoy the fun. Whether you're a local or you'll be travelling down south, the Who's Watch Inn will also host a Netflix pub trivia night on Thursday, September 29, plus a comedy evening on Friday, September 30 featuring Urzila Carlson, Nazeem Hussain and Melanie Bracewell live — and all events are free. Bookings are recommended, and if you're wondering why the themed watering hole is happening at all, that's because it's been a big couple of days for Netflix — all thanks to a celebration that the streaming platform calls Tudum: A Netflix Global Fan Event, where the company drops details about and trailers from its upcoming slate. That's why you might've seen a sneak peek at The Crown season five, a trailer for Dead to Me's third and final season, and a clip from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story over the past few days, for instance. Also, Netflix sure does love these kinds of pop culture-themed shenanigans. Over the past 12 months, it has given away free clothes at a Heartbreak High uniform shop, set up a barber giving out The Gray Man-style moustaches and goatees, opened a Stranger Things rift and had the Squid Game doll lurking about, after all. Find Netflix's Who's Watch Inn at The Clyde Hotel, 385 Cardigan Street, Carlton, Melbourne, from Wednesday, September 28–Sunday, October 2 — open from 7–11pm on Wednesday, 12–11pm on Thursday, 11am–1am on Friday, 12pm–1am on Saturday and 12–11pm on Sunday.
Whether you're a Melburnian making a regular date with the city's major art gallery, or you're eager to head to the Victorian capital for a getaway, visiting the NGV International over summer is always recommended. That's when the St Kilda Road site plays host to its annual Architecture Commission — including a pink car-wash inspired playground back in 2016, an openair maze in 2017, a timber amphitheatre in 2018 and a dramatic tower in 2019. In 2021, the NGV is set to get watery — and pink, again. The gallery has just revealed its latest Architecture Commission, which'll include two parts: a pink pond that's meant to nod to Victoria's inland salt lakes, and a body of Indigenous plants. The entire installation is called Pond[er], and hails from Melbourne-based architecture firm Taylor Knights in collaboration with artist James Carey. Emerging victorious from this year's submissions, it will join the NGV's Grollo Equiset Garden from November 2021–April 2022. Exact dates are yet to be announced, but entry will be free. And yes, to answer the question that has instantly popped into your head, you'll be able to wade through the pond. When visiting Pond[er], NGV patrons will wander through a series of interconnected walkways and accessible platforms, which will become part of the venue's garden rather than sit separate from it. You'll then be able to step into the water as you're moving about, with giving NGV visitors somewhere to cool off during the summer one of the piece's main purposes. Also driving the installation: reflecting upon the environment, which Pond[er] aims to evoke in a number of ways. By filling the pond with pink-coloured water, the piece is designed to get people thinking about its scarcity and importance. By using Victorian wildflowers among its plants — which will bloom at different times throughout the installation — it also endeavours to inspire folks to contemplate just how fleeting and precarious our natural environment can be. Pond[er] will display at the NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne from November 2021–April 2022, with exact dates to be announced. Images: courtesy of Taylor Knights and James Carey.
When you're Tasmanian brewery Moo Brew — which, if you didn't know, is owned by enterprising MONA mastermind David Walsh — you don't simply launch your new line of beer cans the same way everyone else does. Instead, you enlist the team at production company FINCH to help design and build the world's first Russian roulette-style beer can vending machine to showcase those shiny new tins. And so Moo Brew's latest creation was born, which is set to make its public debut at The Newtown Hotel this Thursday, September 21. The unique idea comes courtesy of Moo Brew's head brewer, Dave Macgill. "We have six core beer styles, so thought we'd invent a vending machine that encouraged you to try a different one each time," he explains. "Basically, you pull the handle and the machine decides which one you get." Of course, it wouldn't be a game of roulette without a bit of risk and so, after tapping your card and pulling the machine's lever, there's a one-in-seven chance you'll lose out and score a tinny that's not Moo Brew. After its time in Sydney, Moo Brew Roulette will venture south for a stint at Melbourne's Garden State Hotel during Melbourne Festival, before heading back home to Hobart for the brewery's 12th birthday and eventually settling in at MONA from mid-November.
When it comes to Black Books stars bringing their stand-up shows Down Under, do Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran alternate years on purpose? Do they share a little book of calendars to plot out who'll be getting Australians giggling when? Bailey last toured here in 2022, then Moran took to the stage in 2023 — so yes, that means that it's Bailey's turn in 2024. Fancy seeing out spring by chucking at the British favourite who's known not just for starring in Black Books opposite Moran, but for everything from Have I Got News for You and QI to Spaced, Hot Fuzz and Skins as well? Then you'll want to make a date with Bailey's just-announced Thoughtifer shows. He's locked in 16 gigs in 15 cities — Sydney gets two — across October and November 2024 to have Aussies in stitches again. [caption id="attachment_812863" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andy Hollingworth[/caption] Bailey will be celebrating humanity's flaws in his latest sets, on what's been dubbed "a magical, musical mystery tour of the human mind". And if you're wondering what that might cover, whales, biophilia (aka the tendency of humans to connect with nature and other forms of life) and unrequited love have all been mentioned. Some of this musing will be set to music, because that's also Bailey's style. It isn't a Bill Bailey show if he isn't showing off his talents with a type of musical instrument or several — be it a guitar, a theremin or anything in-between. [caption id="attachment_956497" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brian Marks via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Bailey will be playing Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but he doesn't just stick to capital cities. So, Geelong, Wollongong, Bunbury, Mandurah, Launceston, Newcastle, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast also have a chance to see him onstage. And regarding alternating years with Moran, pre-pandemic Moran toured Australia in 2019, while Bailey did the same in 2018. Neither headed this way in 2017, but Bailey did the honours in 2016 and Moran in 2015. Bailey also came this way in 2014 — and while both sat 2013 out, Bailey did 2012 and Moran 2011. Bill Bailey Thoughtifer Australian Tour 2024: Thursday, October 24 — Costa Hall, Geelong Saturday, October 26 — WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong Sunday, October 27 — Royal Theatre, Canberra Wednesday, October 30 — Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre Thursday, October 31 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre Saturday, November 2 — Riverside Theatre, Perth Wednesday, November 6 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide Saturday, November 9 — Princess Theatre, Launceston Sunday, November 10 — Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart Wednesday, November 13 — John Cain Arena, Melbourne Saturday, November 16 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Sunday, November 17 — Coliseum Theatre, Sydney Tuesday, November 19 — Newcastle Entertainment Centre Thursday, November 21 — Empire Theatre, Toowoomba Friday, November 22 — Star Theatre, Gold Coast Saturday, November 23 — Brisbane Convention Centre Bill Bailey's Thoughtifer tour will make its way around Australia in October–November 2024. For further information and tickets — with presales until 5pm on Monday, May 20 and general sales from 9am on Tuesday, May 21 — head to the tour website. Top image: Brian Marks via Wikimedia Commons.
When the Australian Government announced its 2020–21 Federal Budget in October last year — later than usual due to the pandemic — it looked more than a little bare for half of the population. But in the newly arrived 2021–22 Budget (which was announced last night, on Tuesday, May 11), $3.4 billion has been committed to supporting women. This time around, Aussie ladies aren't being told that they can just take advantage of new roads and infrastructure. The new Budget does obviously include funding for roads, rail and infrastructure projects — $15.2 billion, in fact — but the money allocated to women's health, safety and financial security isn't insignificant. And, it's being directed towards key areas, including cervical and breast cancer screening programs, endometriosis support, services for women and children who are experiencing violence, and childcare. In the health and wellbeing space, $351.6 million will be spent on maternal, sexual and reproductive health, as well as ageing, chronic conditions, preventative health and mental health. Of that, $100 million will go to cervical and breast cancer screening programs, and $47 million to perinatal and postnatal anxiety and depression services. Endometriosis, which effects at least one in nine Aussie women, will be covered as part of a four-year $5 million package for education and pain management programs targeting the condition. Women's safety is also a big, important and well-deserving focus, with $1.1 billion allocated to initiatives to support victims of domestic violence, and to tackle workplace harassment and online abuse. That includes general support for women and children leaving violent situations, emergency accommodation, and legal assistance services. $20.5 million has been committed to preventing and addressing address sexual harassment in the workplace, $6 million to boost the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, and $26.2 million to online safety — the latter of which covers awareness campaigns, support for children being bullied online, and software that will investigate intimate images that are shared without consent. And, because women in the workplace and childcare are interconnected topics, an extra $1.7 billion will be put towards the latter. It'll cover an increase childcare subsidies for families with more than one child, to become effective from July 2022. Obviously, childcare really shouldn't be badged as just a women's issue — it's a matter for all parents, regardless of gender — but the aim of the funding is to increase women's participation in the workforce. For more information about the 2021–22 Federal Budget, head to the government's website.
When there's an occasion worth celebrating, Brisbane Quarter lights up. So, now that Lunar New Year is upon us for 2023, the inner-city precinct is doing just that. The CBD spot is marking the Year of the Rabbit with splashes of colour, lion dances and — in great news for your stomach — a few different menu options. Between Friday, January 20–Saturday, January 28, gathering the gang is recommended at Brisbane Phoenix. The restaurant is doing indulgent group feasts across the nine days, including a 12-course version for ten people, complete with lobster, for $2088 in total; another 12-course option for ten, this time with mud crab, for $1688; and an eight-course range for six diners for $1008. Fancy an a la carte selection instead? The eatery's usual will be reduced, but there'll be Lunar New Year specials on offer. Plus, at Persone, drop by from Thursday, January 19–Saturday, January 21 for a LNY addition. On the menu: steamed baby barramundi with soy, ginger and spring onions. Yes, Italian eateries can also get into the Year of the Rabbit spirit.
You're about to play a game to the death for a huge cash prize. A former contestant pops up to tell you what you're really getting yourself in for. Would you heed his warning? The latest teaser trailer for Squid Game season two depicts this very scenario, as 455 newcomers contend for 45.6 billion won — and season one's competitor 456, aka Lee Jung-jae's (The Acolyte) Seong Gi-hun, attempts to inform them of the true brutality that they're signing up for When you've fought for your life and a ridiculous amount of money while donning a green tracksuit, you're probably not going to shake off the deadly endeavour easily. When you've barely survived a game that's hardly fair, you're also going to want to steer others away, as well as take down those responsible. That's the Squid Game season two situation, too, which Netflix has been teasing with multiple sneak peeks, including the just-dropped official teaser trailer. These games don't stop, even if viewers have had a three-year wait since its award-winning first season. As the show's protagonist gets back into his green tracksuit, and on bunks, his new fellow competitors are wary of his motives. Also part of the current glimpse at the series' new episodes: Lee Byung-hun (The Magnificent Seven) as Gi-hun's nemesis Front Man, plus Wi Ha-joon (Little Women) also back as detective Hwang Jun-ho. Netflix is promising raised stakes this time around, with audiences able to see the results when Squid Game returns on Boxing Day. If you usually spend the day after Christmas shopping, at the cinema or recovering from your food coma by trying to play backyard cricket, you now have other plans if you want to catch the next instalment of the South Korean thriller ASAP. After Squid Game season two arrives on Thursday, December 26, 2024, Squid Game season three will drop sometime in 2025. There's no exact date for the latter as yet, but it will be the final season, closing out the show's story. Squid Game was such a huge smash in its first season that Netflix confirmed at the beginning of 2022 that more was on the way, and also released a teaser trailer for it the same year, before announcing its new cast members in 2023 — and then unveiled a first brief snippet of Squid Game season two in a broader trailer for Netflix's slate for 2024, as it releases every 12 months. For season two, Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) also returns as the man in the suit who got Gi-hun into the game in the first place; however, a show about a deadly competition that has folks battling for ridiculous riches comes with a hefty bodycount. Accordingly, new faces were always going to be essential — which is where Yim Si-wan (Emergency Declaration), Kang Ha-neul (Insider), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory) and Yang Dong-geun (Yaksha: Ruthless Operations) all come in. If you somehow missed all things Squid Game when it premiered, even after it became bigger than everything from Stranger Things to Bridgerton, the Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning series serves up a puzzle-like storyline and unflinching savagery, which unsurprisingly makes quite the combination. It also steps into societal divides within South Korea, a topic that wasn't invented by Parasite, Bong Joon-ho's excellent Oscar-winning 2019 thriller, but has been given a boost after that stellar flick's success. As a result, it's easy to see thematic and narrative parallels between Parasite and Squid Game, although Netflix's highly addictive series goes with a Battle Royale and Hunger Games-style setup. Netflix turned the show's whole premise into an IRL competition series as well, which debuted in 2023 — without any murders, of course. Squid Game: The Challenge has already been picked up for a second season. Check out the new teaser trailer for Squid Game season below: Squid Game season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, December 26, 2024. Season three will arrive in 2025 — we'll update you when an exact release date for it is announced. Images: No Ju-han/Netflix © 2024.
One of the greatest workplace perks is when the boss takes everyone out for a bougie lunch after a long week of pushing around pens and paper. But if they're not around — or they are but their company card is staying firmly in their wallet — bringing your own drinks is one way to enjoy a delicious meal with your teammates on a budget. We've scoured Brisbane to find eateries that deliver these three must-haves — affordable, BYO and good for groups — in neat little packages. Here are the lunch spots where you can arrive with a bottle or stubby in hand, build camaraderie and actually leave with change.
After authentic Japanese food without leaving Brisbane? Look no further than Rikyu Japanese Restaurant. Serving everything from set sashimi and salmon meals to Suntory and Sapporo on tap — and sake, too — it's the flavour-heavy dining experience anyone who can't afford a plane ticket to Tokyo should flock to. Located at the end of Park Road's busy eatery precinct in Milton, Rikyu keeps things simple but tasty. The usual starters like edamame and spring rolls are available, plus à la carte dishes such as yakitori, karaage, katsudon and gyoza, and green tea and black sesame ice cream for dessert, too; however selecting from the set menu is where the real action is at. Don't go thinking set options are only for those who can't decide what they want; instead, they're the best way to expose your tastebuds to the meals Rikyu does often and best. At lunch, gauge your hunger and then pick from one of seven mains with assorted sides — unless you're keen on sashimi or sushi, that is. Later in the day, $39.90 gets you an absolute feast, complete with an entree, sashimi, nimono, prawn and vegetable tempura, your choice of a grilled dish, pickles, rice, miso soup and two scoops of ice cream to top it all off.
If running a successful startup business is a feat, running 11 successful businesses is a modern-day miracle. But that's what Julien Moussi does. If you're a Melbourne food lover, you've probably eaten at one of Julien's establishments (including Temperance Society in Hughesdale, Penta in Elsternwick, Tinker in Northcote and most recently, Bentwood in Fitzroy) and enjoyed the fruits of his entrepreneurial labours without even realising it. We teamed up with MYOB to get to know the people who are doing business right and had a yarn with Julien to learn how his venues manage to thrive in a city so inundated with hospitality talent. Turns out, it's a healthy mix of hard work, trust and not sweating the small stuff. And, whether it's your first startup or your eleventh, it doesn't get easier, but you do learn a heck of a lot along the way. Julien gave us a rundown of his best tips for small business owners. RUNNING A BUSINESS IS LIKE RAISING A CHILD "You have to put all your time into it. Forget about your usual sleeping patterns, hobbies or routines," Julien says. The first few years can be tough as you learn the ropes of running a business. You'll make mistakes and more importantly, you'll have to make sacrifices (forget everything you knew about work/life balance — you're a business owner now). If you ever doubt yourself, remember it's not forever. When your little business baby ages out of the terrible toddler years, you'll both be stronger for it. "Those sacrifices have paid dividends," Julien says. "I get to travel a lot overseas and have a very flexible schedule. I can also catch up in the middle of the day with my mum, dad and friends for a coffee — things that just weren't possible in the first three years." YOUR PEOPLE ARE YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET If your business is a baby, then choosing who to co-parent with is the most important decision you'll make. It's scary but important — sharing the load is the only way to prevent burnout and actually have some fun with it. "Nothing can really prepare you for business. I had no social life for at least the first two or three years and did nothing but work," Julien says. "[My] mentality was 'if it is to be, it's up to me', but then finding fantastic people to work with is key. Staff are the most important part of any business. Now, I'm happy for us to make mistakes in order to give people experience and growth." BE DIFFERENT OR PERISH There's a lot of sameness and copy-cattery happening in the Melbourne cafe scene, but there's still always demand. It's crucially important, no matter what your business does, to put your own spin on things. Carve out a niche for yourself however you can and make sure that niche is incomparable. "[With Bentwood] our aim was to make a space that was very different to the typical Melbourne cafe scene," Julien explains. "We wanted an environment that was sophisticated but not over-designed, so the interior has grand but honest and raw finishes. The biggest statement is the steel boxed ceiling which was very challenging to get sign-off from structural engineers." The bottom line? Don't scrimp on standing out. DO YOUR HOMEWORK In the early years, many small business owners end up wearing a lot of hats. You become the accountant, the operations manager, the social media intern — you try to do it all, and it's a double-edged sword. Getting involved in every aspect of the business in the early days is a great way to understand what makes it tick, but it's probably not a sustainable reality. "Understand your model," Julien says. "Measuring benchmarks and reviewing your financials weekly is the reason we grew so quickly...MYOB helps us get a quick snapshot of where the business is at any given time, whether it be daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly...I knew what everything cost, how much profit we were making and what I needed to do to keep evolving and growing. I always looked ahead and wanted more." If trying to do it all sounds intimidating, Julien's final piece of advice might help: ask questions, no matter how dumb they sound; never stop questioning and learning. "That's what's helped me grow my skill set which has made our business more powerful." Planning to open your own business? Whether it's the first or eleventh, consider MYOB to help sort out all your accounting needs.
A book whose plot Amazon describes as "how the sexiest sales girl in business earned her huge bonus by being the best at removing her high heels" might not be anything to write home about. You know what would be? If the author of said book was someone's dad, and that someone decided it would be hilarious to read a chapter every week to the entire world, with some incredibly funny friends providing commentary. Jamie Morton did just that with his father's (pen name: Rocky Flinstone) erotic 'novels', the Belinda Blinked series. And so the audacious and pants-wettingly hilarious podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno was born. And now Morton and his pals James Cooper and Alice Levine are bringing their hilarious smut to Australia, announcing dates for live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth this August. While listening to the podcast is a truly confusing and outrageous experience, imagine watching a guy read chapters from a porno novel that his dad wrote that includes the characters 'discussing the merits' of each others' nipples and popping their supposed 'vaginal lids'. In front of people. In real life. At least this time when you laugh out loud in public at the show, everyone will know what you're cackling at. Tickets for the live Australian shows go on sale at 10am on Monday, February 27. If you're a fan of the show, the live incarnation should make you very happy. For as Belinda says: when you get what you want, you feel great.
There's a wonderfully authentic innocence about the circus. The combination of childish comedy mixed with the professionalism of performers is a sure way to keep you enthused and entertained, even more so when you become involved in the performance concept. That's the case at Knee Deep, the long-running show from Casus. After impressing crowds around the world over the last four years, the Brisbane-based contemporary circus company is treating local audiences to the return of their acclaimed effort. Knee Deep invites the audience to re-imagine notions of limitation. Throughout this journey, the artists demonstrate that delicacy does not necessarily equate to fragility, although it is often a fine line to tread. The circus' four performers explore the boundaries of strength and tenderness. Bodies are pushed and pulled, weighed and tested, probing the limits of both physicality and feeling to question your stance of limitation and boundary. When was the last time you took a break from life's boring debacles? Jump on the fun bandwagon and brighten your grin with Casus's brilliant circus.
The masculine associations with one-man party machine, Muscles is skyrocketing with the launch of his second album, 'Manhood'. Described as a prelude to his debut album ‘Guns Babes Lemonade’, which comprised of tracks such as 'Ice Cream', 'One Inch Badge Pin' and 'Sweaty' (don't pretend you didnt dance to them), Manhood is set to flex more Muscles than you can handle. As well as new tracks, the album also features reworks of party favourites from his EP ‘Young and Immature’ and an album version of ‘Girl Crazy Go’. Yep, the man who once toured the nation in a revamped ice-cream truck is back in Brisbane and everyone is getting excited. Tickets are still available for his Friday show at Oh Hello, but are selling fast! In celebration of Muscles arising 'Manhood' we've got two double passes to give away! Email sarah@concreteplayground.com.au with 'lemonade in hammocks' as the subject line for your chance to win. Let the brut force of Muscles invade your ear drums and spend your friday night dancing until you're tired and sweaty.
Mother's day comes and goes every year but no matter how many times you write in a card, buy a bunch of flowers or hit the shops hoping to find that special something, it never seems to show just how much we love our mums. C Gallery is hosting a cracker mum date so you can spoil your favourite lady early and surprise her with a high-tea party in her honour. The day will feature an array of activities including a tea seminar by Slurp Chief Flavour Guru Dr Matthew Hynd, tea-leaf readings, a fashion show by Ivy & Bird and Catepillar as well as make-up and hair touch ups by Vanilla Salon. Woot woo! On top of all this, your ticket will include a gift bag with over $300 worth of vouchers and products from Stone and Metal Gallery, Ivy & Bird, Gary Castles and other local businesses. But the best is still yet to come. What is a high tea with out a glorious arrangment of cakes? Local baker Spencer Thomasz will decorate an edible masterpiece for the mammas to enjoy as will Brisbane artist David Behrens, whose work also featured in the gallery last month. Treat your mum this mother day, even if it's a week early.
Take heed, Deliveroo and Foodora — there's a new player in the food delivery game. And it can fly. Kicking off this week in Royalla, NSW, Google parent company Alphabet has launched a trial of its drone delivery technology Project Wing, with Guzman Y Gomez one of two local retailers testing out the goods. Over the next few trial months, the Mexican food chain will use the Project Wing drone to deliver food orders to paying customers in the area, which sits on the border of NSW and the ACT. Residents will use Wing's app to order their Guzman Y Gomez food (like burritos, mini burrito bowls and handy serves of guac and chips), which will be cooked at a custom test kitchen, picked up by the drone and delivered to the final destination in a matter of minutes, soaring through the sky at about 120 kilometres per hour. A specially engineered carry package will keep the food hot and (hopefully) intact. The Project Wing crew has been working alongside the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and both local and state governments to ensure the drones won't be causing any mid-air mishaps or dropping off any unregulated deliveries. Pharmacy chain Chemist Warehouse is the other retailer involved in this testing phase, offering drone delivery of around 100 of its products to residents in the Royalla area. If all goes to plan, the drones could be used to deliver items to Australians living on rural properties. Or just deliver lunch to your courtyard.
