It's that time of year, again. After another 12 months interrupted by the pandemic, summer is almost here, Christmas is creeping closer and you're probably thinking about your end-of-year holiday shenanigans. While jetting overseas is about to become an option for Australians once more, exactly when that'll kick in is set to vary state by state. So, depending on where you live, you still might want to make plans to roam around this very country — and, if you're a Queenslander, South Australian or Western Australian who'd like to head down to Tasmania before 2021 is done and dusted, the Tassie Government wants to give you an extra incentive. As part of the new Tassie Holiday Voucher Program, the Tasmanian Government is giving away $300 vouchers to use in the state between Thursday, November 4–Friday, December 31. There are 10,000 on offer, and you have to use them in a set way — with $200 available for accommodation and $100 able to be put towards tours and attractions. When other states have run these types of programs, such as South Australia's 2021 scheme to attract interstate visitors, they've proven immensely popular. Accordingly, the Tassie vouchers are being allocated via ballot, with entries opening at 9am AEDT on Friday, October 29. Again, these vouchers are only open to residents of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, with the ballot closing at 5pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 2. After that, lucky recipients will be informed via email and SMS on Wednesday, November 3. And, to book, you'll be directed to an online Tasmanian tourism marketplace. Announcing the scheme in a statement, Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney said that the Tassie Government knows "that visitors from Victoria and New South Wales traditionally make up 70 percent of total interstate visitation to Tasmania, and the ongoing border restrictions with these markets have significantly impacted our visitor economy." "This program is expected to stimulate travel from interstate markets that currently have open borders with Tasmania, providing vital economic support for our accommodation, tours and attractions sector," the Minister continued. Border-wise, Tasmania currently doesn't require visitors from Queensland, SA and WA to quarantine; however, it does have rules in place if you're from those states and you've been to a venue in your state that's classed as high-risk. In the latter case, you won't be permitted into Tassie — so, as has always proven wise during the pandemic, keeping an eye on border rules is recommended. For further details about the Tassie Holiday Voucher Program — or to enter the ballot between 9am AEDT on Friday, October 29–5pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 2 — head to its website.
What's more spectacular than spending time in Brisbane's great outdoors? Heading outside for an event dedicated to the city's multicultural community. Taking place at Roma Street Parklands from 10am–5pm on Sunday, September 18, that's the MOSAIC Festival through and through — and in 2022, it's part of Brisbane Festival, too. The returning event will unleash a storm of world music, dance and food — aka the type of storm that brightens things up, rather than darkens clouds. Multiple stages will showcase performances, songs and cultural storytelling, including a Welcome to Country to kick off proceedings, a calypso and reggae set by Bustamento, and an international drumming workshop and performance. When you're not paying your respects, listening to live tunes or learning a new skill, hit up the Rock Around the Wok cooking demonstration — it'll see refugee and migrant community cooks whipping up a traditional dish while sharing their settlement stories. Markets will be selling handmade wares, and an array of international cuisine will also be on offer. So, in-between checking out the stages and demos, you can eat and drink your way through a range of food stalls. Entry is free, but bring your wallet for the markets and culinary offerings.
"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair". The fingerprints of Shelley's timeless poem Ozymandias are all over Ridley Scott's latest foray into the Alien franchise. Perhaps more so than he intended. While the inexorable decline of leaders and their empires forms the central theme of Alien: Covenant, it also feels neatly appropriate for a franchise in dire need of an original idea. Put simply, Alien: Covenant feels like a beat-for-beat remake, which is at once good news and bad. It's good because Scott's original Alien from 1979 remains one of the best films he has ever made, and is arguably the strongest entry in the now eight-film franchise. But it's also bad because, by sticking so closely to a tried and true formula, Scott robs us of the possibility of seeing anything much new. The reason they've gone in this direction is obvious. The previous film in the series, Prometheus, was a wildly divisive effort, splitting audiences over its sudden and sweeping shift away from the killer xenomorph story towards a far more philosophical one built around questions about mankind's origins and purpose. Factor in the movie's many, many plot holes and absurdities, and you at least understand why Scott felt the need to rein things back in. Even so, the extent to which Covenant so quickly dispenses with everything Prometheus established is both remarkable and disappointing. And yet, at the end of the day, this is still a Ridley Scott film, meaning that even at its worst it still has much to offer. Visually, for example, it's another spectacular piece of cinema, combining stunning panoramas with gritty, claustrophobic closeups. We also get some excellent work from the likes of Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup and – in an impressive dramatic turn – comedian Danny McBride. That said, the MVP gong absolutely belongs to Michael Fassbender, although in order to avoid spoilers we can't really say why. Finally, there's the action. For all of his film's shortcomings, Scott manages to craft at least one set-piece, in which the aliens first appear, that proves absolutely gripping. This is a gory, frenetic and xenomorph-heavy return to safe and familiar territory for the Alien saga, which will doubtless come as pleasing news to all of Prometheus's detractors. And yet, to quote Shelley, nothing beside remains round the decay of this colossal wreck. No more questions. No more mystery. Just lone and level sands stretching far away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svnAD0TApb8
First, it turned Speed into a play. Then, it gave Titanic the same treatment. They're not the only two classic flicks that've earned Act/React's attention, however — so get ready to say "yippee-ki-yay" to its version of the mother of all Christmas-set action films. Break out the white singlets, get festive and prepare to spend plenty of time watching someone crawl around in vents, because that's what happens with Die Hard hits the stage. This comedic theatre performance will transform the Brisbane Powerhouse's Turbine Platform into Los Angeles' Nakatomi Plaza, let European terrorist Hans Gruber do his worst and task New York cop John McClane with saving the day — with help from the dad from 80s and 90s sitcom Family Matters. Throw in more than a few one-liners, incredibly low-fi special effects and an all-round comic atmosphere, and that's Die Hard: The Movie, The Play, which'll unleash its mayhem from Sunday, December 12–Thursday, December 23. Yes, this is one hijacking that you'll want to witness.
Already home to gelato, doughnuts, Mediterranean cuisine, Hungarian pastries, Greek eats, the second outpost of one of Brisbane's favourite cafes and more, West End's West Village has just added a new culinary go-to to its lineup: Ippin Japanese Dining. Initially announced in 2022, and welcoming in patrons since Wednesday, April 12, it's the first Brisbane venture from Sydney restaurateur Kenny Lee, owner of the New South Wales capital's Kuon Omakase, Allta and Funda restaurants — and he has brought his popcorn lobster with him. That beloved dish from down south sits on a seafood- and meat-heavy menu heroing Queensland produce, plus products imported from Japan, in a space that also takes the same mix-and-match approach. Located in West Village's Garden Pavilion, Ippin's decor ties into its both its culinary influence and its setting, featuring minimalist Japanese design but working with the timber and brickwork that's prominent around West Village. Also a supremely Brisbane touch: the greenery views, including peering down on openair lawn The Common from its second-floor perch. Diners ascending above West Village's hustle and bustle — literally, given the levelled-up location — to the 140-seater will tuck into Japanese eats overseen by head chef Tatsuya Miwa. With owners Helen Lea and Jane Ma, too, Miwa and Lee have devised lunch and dinner menus that feature traditional seafood starters, sides, mains and desserts. You can kick off your visit with that famed lobster fare or karaage chicken, for instance, then enjoy wagyu beef tataki, soft-shell crab rolls, chargrilled octopus and yuzu panna cotta. If you're fond of bites from the robata grill — wagyu, chicken and prawn skewers; miso-marinated toothfish; honey, coriander and mint duck breast; and 48-hour dry-aged coral trout, to name a few options — your tastebuds will also be tempted. The same goes for raw bar fans, with 12- and 24-piece sea-to-table sashimi sets on offer, plus a salmon-only ten-piece set. Or, go for kingfish carpaccio, and catch-of-the-day sushi sets in six or 12 pieces. The dessert lineup also spans to dark chocolate hemispheres filled with red fruits and topped with raspberry icing, plus caramel puddings. And, while all of the above dishes spring from the a la carte menu, Ippin is launching with a $118 chef's menu until Monday, April 17 — an 11-course range that starts with bluefin tuna paired with sea urchin and caviar, also includes wagyu tartare and tempura Moreton Bay bugs, and finishes with roasted green tea warabi mochi over vanilla ice cream. No matter when you drop by, with the restaurant open for lunch from Friday–Sunday and dinner Monday–Sunday, sake is a big drawcard, sitting alongside a lineup of cocktails and spirits, and a list of Australian, French and Italian wines. So, expect to sip Umenoyado's fruit-flavoured sakes (think: peach, orange, lychee and pineapple), yuzu whisky sours and Matcha-gronis (made on matcha-infused gin, matcha powder, Midori and vermouth), plus a range of Japanese gins and whiskies. Although the entire space is both secluded, diners can also choose between two private dining spaces that seat ten–12 guests. Find Ippin Japanese Dining at West End's West Village precinct, 97 Boundary Street, West End — trading from 11.30am–10pm Monday–Sunday.
Peanut butter and jelly, that beloved lunchbox combo, was a trendsetter. Before every other food mashup anyone can possibly think of started tempting tastebuds, it had the concept down pat. You know how the idea works, because it just keeps happening: take two edible items that don't usually go together, mix them into one dish and, voila!, a new culinary marvel has emerged from Frankenstein's kitchen. The latest such dishes: pizza burgers and burger pizzas, all courtesy of a collaboration between OTT burg joint Milky Lane and Crust pizzas. How you feel about it will probably depend on how you normally react to decadent burgers and fruit on pizza. So, you're either ravenous already or instantly know it's not for you. A Hawaiian pizza, but as a burger? Milky Lane's beef burg, but as a pizza? You can try both for a limited time. They're two of the key offerings during this team up, which hits menus at both brand's stores Australia-wide from Tuesday, August 30. Over at Milky Lane, there's that pineapple pizza-inspired burger, called the 'Notorious P.I.G.'. It comes with a double-smashed beef patty on a cheese, bacon and pineapple milk bun, and is then topped with mozzarella, streaky bacon, shaved leg ham, Mexican shredded cheese and deep-fried pineapple. Or, you can opt for the 'Peri J Blige', which mashes up Crust's peri peri chicken pizza and Milky Lane's chicken burger. That means southern fried chicken on a peri peri milk bun, alongside peri peri sauce, red capsicum strips, mozzarella, Napoli sauce and mixed Italian herbs, with a deep-fried mozzarella patty on top. If you're heading to Crust instead, their pizza-burger hybrids span 'The Big P' and the 'Chic-Kanye'. The first takes its cues from a Milky Lane favourite, and combines slow-cooked pulled pork, ground beef, caramelised onions and mozzarella on a barbecue base with an onion-ring crust. It then adds dill pickles, maple bacon bits, a Mexi cheese mix and Milky Lane's signature burger sauce. Crust's second special pays tribute to one Milky Lane's chicken burgs, featuring fried chicken tenders coated in Milky Lane's southern seasoning, as well as bacon, caramelised pineapple, roasted potato and mozzarella. That's all popped on a barbecue base, and topped with maple bacon bits, a Mexi cheese mix and Sriracha aioli. Yes, just reading the above should make you hungry. Milky Lane and Crust's mashup menu is available at both brand's stores Australia-wide from Tuesday, August 30 — for a limited time.
Whether you're embracing being at home, or itching to get out of the house and into a bar as soon as possible, we expect you've experienced many mood changes with every 'new normal' moment. Perhaps you've been unexpectedly thrilled with your baking skills? Mortified with your home hair dye efforts? Proud of your Zoom hosting skills? Each day comes with its own highs and lows, so, we've teamed up with Jimmy Brings to suggest a drink and a snack for the small wins through to the mini meltdowns. Jimmy Brings is known for its 30-minute delivery times, so even when all you're doing is cleaning out the fridge, you can order a spontaneous drink to mark the occasion. Find the iso moment you relate to most, below. UNEXPECTED JOY AT YOUR BREAD BAKING SKILLS Deserves: a mini celebration with Covielle sparkling. In times like these it's all about celebrating the little things. Is your starter bubbling and doubling as it should? Are you proving your dough without having to watch the clock? Sounds like you're nailing it. When you're ready to slice into that crusty loaf, pair it with a selection of deli cheeses, from one of these cheese shops in Sydney, these ones in Melbourne, or from Le Fromage Yard in Brisbane. And make yourself an Aperol spritz with Covielle sparkling, which has a citrus tang and a clean, crisp finish that pairs well with the gooey cheese and that proud grin on your face. UTTER PUZZLE FRUSTRATION WHEN THAT BLUE PIECE DOESN'T SEEM TO FIT Deserves: a comforting bowl of pasta and a Mists & Shadows Chardonnay. You're 300 little blue shapes from completing that masterpiece of dots and swirls, and though you don't remember caring about puzzles before 2020, this is now all you think about. Why. Won't. It. Fit? Just remember, it's the little things that cause us most angst. No, your friends probably don't understand. But, you know what will help? A warming hug in a bowl. Order in a lamb ragu from Tottis or a cacio e pepe DIY pasta kit from Ragazzi, if you're in Sydney. Melburnians, Tipo 00 has its braised duck gnocchi for pick up, and much-loved vegan spot Smith & Daughters is delivering its penne carbonara and vodka-spiked spaghetti. In Brisbane, you can get spaghetti, rigatoni and carbonara to take away from 1889 Enoteca. The white peach and nectarine notes in the Mists & Shadows chardonnay pairs particularly well with lighter pasta dishes. [caption id="attachment_770129" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Mossholder[/caption] BOTCHED ISOLATION HAIRCUT BLUES Deserves: a treat-yourself moment with Heritage House Shiraz. Too scared to embrace the grombre, you decided it was a good idea to touch up those roots yourself and now… well, it's a good thing all those social catch ups come with a 'no video' mode. At least you didn't cut yourself a fringe, or decide now was the time to grow a beard. Console yourself with a treat meal — after all, you've saved all that money avoiding a professional. We suggest ordering Walter's dry-aged steaks, if you're in Brisbane. Or you can get wagyu sirloin steaks and beef fillets from Vic's Meat in Sydney, and Meatsmith can deliver a porterhouse or marinated minute steaks to you by the next day if you're in Melbourne. Get Jimmy to bring you a full-bodied red to match it. The Heritage House Shiraz has rich berry flavours and hints of oak that complement a sirloin or porterhouse served with buttery veggies. [caption id="attachment_770049" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Creative Exchange[/caption] PURE HAPPINESS AT A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL DANCE PARTY Deserves: a cheeky Jolly Trotter Pinot Grigio to set the mood. If you've been tuning into Hot Dub at Home every weekend, you'll know a dance party is all about the details. Balloons? Check. Glitter on your cheeks? Check. A raving outfit ready for that 'Sandstorm' drop? Triple check. When you're in the mood to dance, it doesn't matter if you're in a sweaty club or jumping around the sofa — so to help you get into the spirit, crack open a bottle of pinot grigio. Jolly Trotter is a crowd-pleaser with an orchard fruitiness to it that leans on the dry side. And, because you're planning to recover like a champion, prep an order of bacon and egg rolls for the morning. Sydneysiders can order a BKE roll and coffee combo from Paramount Coffee Project. In Melbourne, Egglab has its full menu available for delivery. And Brisbanites, you can order crispy bacon and fried egg baps from the masters of the humble brekkie roll, Yolk. WHOLE BODY SATISFACTION AT FINALLY CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE Deserves: Mists & Shadows Cabernet Merlot on the couch, with a chocolatey treat. Look at that: you've organised the dairy to the top shelf and everything. You deserve to put your feet up on the couch (once again) and give yourself a much needed pat on the back. We all made lists during lockdown, but you actually achieved something. May we suggest having your cake and eating it? Our pick would be this decadent baked cheesecake from Attica. But if you're too far from Melbourne and want something you don't have to share, Koi Dessert Bar is delivering its weekly rotation of cakes around Sydney, from mascarpone tiramisu to mango yuzu tarts. And in Brisbane, you could order Gelato Messina's bombe alaska, or just a jar of its housemade dulce de leche. Pair it with Mists & Shadow's South Australian cab merlot that has a smooth mouthfeel and plum and blackcurrant aromas. GIDDY ANTICIPATION FOR YOUR UPCOMING FIVE-GUEST DINNER PARTY Deserves: Kiwi Hawk Sauvignon Blanc, because you're the host who knows the most. There's a reason everyone's looking to you to host the first catch-up dinner: you're the social alpha. You always know the best bars to visit and the newest restaurants in town, so now we're allowed friends over once again, it's your turn to impress with all that local knowledge. Not that you need our help, but if you're in Sydney, stock up at Paddington's Fish Butchery, which also has Mr Niland at Home meals if you're feeling lazy. Pair your seafood feast with a Marlborough savvy-b with a difference — Kiwi Hawk's is crisp and medium-bodied and works well with shellfish and herbaceous salads. In Melbourne, you can buy sashimi platters and green ocean king prawns from restaurant seafood supplier Clamms. And Brisbane's oldest seafood market, The Fish Factory, has plenty of whole fish and freshly shucked oysters to choose from. [caption id="attachment_770050" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash[/caption] NERVOUS BUTTERFLIES BECAUSE YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOUSEMATE Deserves: a bottle of Arcadian Tryst Shiraz and a couple of bowls of ramen. So you hooked up with your housemate during iso, and you liked it more than you expected. In fact, you want to take this out of the friend zone and into an IRL relationship. That's a ballsy move, so you may want some dutch courage. Better yet, make it a romantic dinner date for your do-you-feel-the-same? chat. First, order a bottle of date-night worthy shiraz from the cool climate Langhorne Creek; its sweet berry flavours, with crushed plum and smoky spices, pairs well with rich food, like the pork broth of a tonkotsu ramen. In Sydney? Order The Darkness from Rising Sun Workshop or RaRa's tonkotsu shio. Global ramen chain Hakata Gensuke is delivering across Melbourne. And Brissy lovers can enjoy Taro Ramen's DIY home packs. Even if things don't pan out, at least you ate good food. Download the Jimmy Brings app and use the code 'CONCRETE' to get $10 off your first order. Offer expires July 30, 2020. Top image: Andrea Piacquadio.
Jamie's Italian Australia has had a rocky few years — with ownership changing hands and the closure of a few local stores. Luckily, the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group took over the management of the Australian restaurants and, now, perhaps in an attempt to help us put our faith back in the brand, Jamie's Italian on Edward Street is bringing back its super-popular $50 bottomless prosecco lunches. The one-month deal will run every Saturday and Sunday (from 12–4pm) in October — and it includes a lot more than just two hours of endless sparkling wine. Each table will be served small bites to share (including those crispy polenta chips), and everyone will get a big bowl of pasta. You'll be be able to choose which one you want, too — think classics like prawn linguine and carbonara, and signatures including the truffle tagliatelle and fresh crab spaghetti. Plus, you can top it off with a dessert or an espresso martini for just $10. If we know anything, it's that people really love Jamie's Italian. As such, these lunches are sure book out fast, so front a pineapple and book it already.
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your Christchurch trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. Bars on buses, pop-up public buildings and shipping container shopping centres — it's what you expect to see in some of the most cutting-edge cities in the world, but is it what you expect to see on the South Island of New Zealand? This is the land of the long white cloud's inventive, industrious and inspiring city of Christchurch today. Excitement and opportunity are stirring everywhere in a city with a fresh slate. It's in the small bars that have appeared in deserted streets, the designers who have started working a disused tannery and the locals who just want to contribute to the new incarnation of their city. For most, it's an inspiring time to be in New Zealand's second largest city, and there's no better time to visit. Here are four areas in which the city is thinking laterally and pulling off big things. Hospitality: C1 Espresso Christchurch is catching up to Auckland and Wellington in the cool stakes and forging its own rep for great coffee, small bars and a focus on local produce.. "We're all starting again and we've got an opportunity to redefine ourselves," says Sam Crofskey, owner of High Street's C1 Espresso. Pioneering the second wave coffee movement through to the third in Christchurch since 1996, C1 is famous for its pneumatic tube system that delivers burgers and fries to you at 100 km/hr. While there is something very Fifth Element about it, but this system is actually more in tune with the past than the future, as the tubes are part of the building's former life as a bank. "There is so much opportunity in the city," Sam says. "You can open a bar in an alleyway or upstairs above a shop or whatever." And people are. Bars specialising in whiskey, craft beer and local wine have popped up in unlikely places and are almost always buzzing with crowds. Retail: Re:START A temporary structural solution is driving the retail industry: shipping container shopping. Re:START encouraged retailers to establish temporary spaces in shipping containers to grow their businesses. Located in Cashel Square, Re:START has been one of Christchurch's biggest successes. (It's also home to Dimitri's, possibly the best souvlaki in the South Island.) In addition to what's happening in the city centre, retail has found an unlikely home-away-from-home in the industrial side of town. Ten minutes drive from the CBD in Woolston, an old tannery has become the new home of Christchurch's boutique designers and retailers. After owning the site for near on 20 years, Alasdair Cassels was able to redevelop the space into an arcade-like shopping mall, aptly dubbed The Tannery. Giving designers a place to create and sell their wares, The Tannery became a meeting place as well as a shopping destination — at a time when the city had nothing else like it. Art: Gap Filler Colour flows through Christchurch in the form of street art. From almost any vantage point you're bound to be in viewing distance of at least two pieces of work, with murals painted on the sides of buildings both abandoned and inhabited and outdoor installations littered over disused blocks. What's happened in Christchurch has shown that adversity exemplifies creativity. Seeing a way to breathe new life into the city, artists have used bare walls to redefine the mood and vision of the urban area. A mural painted We got the sunshine lights up Madras Street, a super-size Rhone portrait sits on one side of Cathedral Junction and local artist Wongi 'Freak' Wilson has left his mark all over town. As well as this, 'Gap Filler' projects are placed all over the city, activating vacant spaces with interactive installations. Walking around, it's likely that you'll hear someone playing the drums (in the Sound Garden), see someone having a boogie in front of a washing machine (at the Dance-O-Mat) or sitting on a giant Astroturf couch. Once a super conservative city, Christchurch now thrives on new work that will continue to shape and develop with it. If you're an artist with a crazy idea, Christchurch is the one city that might just let you do it. Infrastructure: Cardboard Cathedral As well as Re:START, which can be moved at any time, the Cardboard Cathedral is an incredible example of how great transitional architecture can be. Erected as a place of worship by emergency architect Shigeru Ban, the structure is made largely from cardboard tubes and looks like a picture of perfect symmetry from the inside. It's temporary, but it's meant to last around 50 years. But permanency is the ultimate goal, and plans for infrastructure and urban living are well underway. New Christchurch looks like it's going to be one hell of a city. Feature image and Rhone mural image courtesty of Jocey K, Cardboard Cathedral courtesy of Forgemind ArchiMedia via photopin.
How much of what we draw is memory and how much is imagination? It's a tricky question, that has no concrete answer, but it's something two Brisbane artists have been exploring for some time now. Michelle Roberts and Sony G Peters are diverse in their art practices, creating work and artistic theories that compliment as often as they clash. Their joint exhibition re: cognition/re-cognition delves into themes and concepts of subjective reality and autobiographical memories, through intense research of both artist’s behalf. Michelle Roberts is a PhD candidate at Griffith University Queensland College of Art, and she currently investigates the capabilities and influence memory and imagination can have on the future. Her counterpart Sonya G Peters is currently completing her Doctorate in Visual Studies at the same school, where she also teaches. Her current research focuses on the act of drawing, and the notions of what is remembered and what is imagined from an autobiographical perspective. Opening night for re: cognition/re-cognition is this Wednesday at 5pm, and you can catch the exhibition until the September 1. Don’t forget.
Dear Concrete Playground Readers, With the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment to check in. Going out might not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but you can continue to support small, local businesses without leaving your apartment. These businesses have had a tough run of late — battling through the lockout laws in Sydney, the bushfires in regional areas and, now, coronavirus fears — and they need our support now more than ever. Buy from artists who've had their shows cancelled, order gift cards and merch from venues that are struggling or just book in a dinner for that birthday a few months away. Then, when we come out the other side — which we will — we'll be raring to get out there and hit up concerts, food festivals, comedy galas and charity raves once again. And we'll be there with you every step of the way. In the meantime, keep washing your hands — to the chorus of Lizzo's 'Truth Hurts', of course — and get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat. Love, CP To stay up-to-date with the events postponed and cancelled in your city, head over here. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Not one, but three, designers have put their two-wheeling brains together to come up with tokyobike's latest offering: the company's first ever Designer Series. It's a trio of bikes that will make you seriously want to shell out (and at this price, you'd be skipping more than a few meals). The first, a schmick golden number, is the work of Everything Elevated, who are based in New York and Oslo. It's a single speed with dropped handle bars that gets its inspiration from early minimalist track racing bikes. The second you'll want with you next time you're in Paris. Calico Wallpaper, a Brooklyn-based company run by couple Nick and Rachel Cope, based their concept on the bikes you see in 1930s French films. It's so comfy you can ride all day. The dreamy blue, white and burnt orange paint job reflects the transition from dawn to dusk. Not good at making decisions? The third in the series is your pick. It's white on one side and grey on the other. Joe Doucet, award-winning Brooklyn-based designer, is behind this third bike, with half-canvas, half-rubber handles, which are handmade in Italy. This kind of design doesn't come cheap. Each limited edition bike will set you back $2,500 a pop. Orders are available online. Images: Tokyobike.
Put down your Kit Kat, for we’ve just discovered a break that's even better than snappable chocolate-covered wafers: smashing stuff. To be more specific, we mean smashing stuff with a baseball bat — and it's a legitimate, all above-board activity at new Melbourne pop-up, The Break Room. Currently housed in the back of a Brunswick shoe warehouse-turned-espresso bar Kines, an appointment at The Break Room is a five-minute, sweaty task that puts you behind thick, plastic walls, wields you with a pink baseball bat and some protective headgear and lets you go to town on some very satisfyingly smashable items. For the moment, they’re using plates and glasses as collateral. But if anyone can produce it, our ‘ultimate smashable’ would be a ceramic Matryoshka filled with glitter. The Break Room was born in a moment of frustration (and through the efficacy of podcasts) by founder Ed Hunter, after he realised that everybody wants to blow off steam in their own way. And while some might prefer to hit the gym, Hunter is inviting you to hit some crockery off a stool instead. Speaking of the stools, notches of pink residue from the so-coloured bats have been passionately left on them; reminders that other members of the baseball bat cathartic club (do I hear badges?) have bashed their way to sanity before you. For anyone studying their swatch patterns, the pink is Baker-Miller, and has been used in correctional facilities across America to help calm violent inmates. Yet Hunter heeds that The Break Room’s goal isn’t violence, but rather to reduce stress and harness those destructive tendencies in a controlled and fun way. A video posted by The Break Room (@thebreakroom) on Feb 10, 2016 at 8:46pm PST At $50 to smash your way to calmness for five minutes, this emotional outlet may seem a bit on the spenny side, but the beauty is in the fact that you’re not breaking your own stuff — and some other guy will be picking up the pieces after you. These pieces are, in fact, added to the pile that hides further out back, where both shattered crockery and snapped pink swords from liberated brethren lay, which is a good indicator that the allocated time is probably ample. So wait until the shutters go down, don your best Joaquin Phoenix impersonation and swing away at those inner aliens of yours by taking your aggression out in some organised chaos. The Break Room is currently located in Brunswick, Melbourne and is open from 3pm every day. For more information, visit thebreakroom.com.au.
For two nights in March, your plans can include checking out more than 100 motorbikes, drinking, tapping your toes to DJs and listening to live music. That's all on the agenda at The Motorcycle Up Late, because the Gallery of Modern Art is doing what it usually does whenever it hosts a major exhibition — that is, throwing a couple of huge after-hours parties. Until the end of April, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire is on display across GOMA's floors and walls. You can see the results everyday over the next few months, in fact. Or, you can head along from 6pm on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20, wander the gallery, get revved up, watch performances, grab a bite and enjoy a few beverages. There'll various bars around the place, so a drink won't be hard to find. On Friday evening, you'll also be able to listen to tunes by The Hi-Boys, Tia Gostelow and WAAX, with Black Amex, Lori Lee and Sweaty Baby on DJ duty. If Saturday better suits your diary, prepare for JK-47, Tex Perkins and Friends, and VOIID, plus Eamon Sandwith, Paolo and Patience Hodgson on the decks. Tickets cost $34–38 for one night and $57–64 if you're keen on going to both. If you'd like to wear a leather jacket, that's up to you. Images: Installation view The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire. Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane. Photograph: Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA
If you've been looking to keep your wardrobe choices as ethical as possible, then shopping local just got a little easier. Long-running fashion not-for-profit Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) has launched a new online map that pinpoints all the Aussie stores featuring ECA-accredited brands on their racks. The new digital tool currently maps out over 300 accredited ethical retail destinations, allowing shoppers to easily hunt down ethically conscious fashion with just a few clicks on their smartphone or other device. In order to nab that all-important ECA accreditation, a business must be able to show that all workers involved in its manufacturing operations are being paid properly, working in safe conditions and receiving all the necessary legal entitlements. ECA conducts these audits looking deep into the whole manufacturing process, from design to dispatch. [caption id="attachment_800970" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clothing the Gap[/caption] Some of the ethical businesses to have earned themselves a spot on the map include 53-year-old brand Cue, popular jeans label Nobody Denim and high-end designer favourite Manning Cartel. And Victoria especially looks to be flying the flag for conscious fashion, with 120 store mapped in that state alone, including The Social Studio, Vege Threads, Remuse Designs and the newly opened Clothing the Gap store. The new map comes as more and more Aussies are choosing to hunt down ethical producers when they shop. A recent ECA survey showed that a huge 70 percent of local textile, clothing, and footwear manufacturers reported their customers were asking more questions about the labour rights of their workers than ever before. On its website, the ECA also has a comprehensive directory listing all of its ethically accredited fashion businesses. To check out the ECA Digital Shopping Map, jump over to the website. Image:
After being unearthed by Triple J just over a year ago, Brisbane locals Ball Park Music have experienced a flurry of successes and are showing no signs of slowing down. Returning home for their most ambitious national tour yet, The 180 Degree Tour finds our creative crew gallivanting across the nation playing their collection of colourful and catchy tracks such as iFly, Sad Rude Future Dude and Rich People Are Stupid from their debut album, Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs. The six piece are notorious for their energetic performances and will be back at the Hi-Fi on March 24. Our local indie sextuple sure are something to be proud of. Having toured with a wide array of acts such as Hungry Kids of Hungary, Boy & Bear, DZ and international giants Radiohead, it's been a fast journey up the road to success. As the band said themselves, they can't wait to make love to their fan's ears. So put on your dancing shoes and join the party.
As fun as parties, feasts and downing eggnog all are at this time of year, one thing can make them better: games. We're not just talking about guessing how long until your uncle falls asleep after lunch, or seeing who knows all the words to every pop Christmas carol. Instead, we're talking about eating, drinking, playing and being merry in Brisbane's very own bar-slash-arcade. 'Tis the season for all of the above at Netherworld, and they're throwing quite the shindig to prove it. Just bring your button-mashing self, some cash for tokens, brews and a Hellmouth roast, and a wrapped can of beer that you can swap for another in the Secret Santa pit. It all takes place from 5pm on Saturday, December 22, complete with Santa pictures in-between rounds of whatever pinball, arcade, console or board game takes your fancy. Photos require a donation, with funds going the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. And a karma keg will be pouring at the bar, raising more cash for those needing some festive help. Image: Cole Bennetts.
Anyone can drink a lager, pilsner or pale ale. Not everyone can knock back a stout or porter. And while the former are available everywhere, you won't find a celebration of the latter just anywhere. That's why Milton's favourite dive bar started the Weekend of Darkness. Since 2013, the Scratch has dedicated a couple of days year to showing their love for brews on the blacker end of the beer spectrum — and offering a home for those who feel the same way, of course. If it's yeasty, liquid and overflowing with smoky, coffee, chocolate, spiced and even bourbon flavours, you'll find it here. You'll also find snacks, offbeat vibes and strange happenings galore. This year's sixth dalliance with the dark side runs from Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29, with five sessions of dark-coloured drinks on offer for another year. Expect a hefty beer lineup, as well as some hearty grub to go with it courtesy of the Hellmouth Diner. Expect everything, be it food, booze or atmosphere, to warm up your insides too. There's a reason this takes place in winter, after all.
The ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come are set to descend upon Australia — just as things are getting merry, of course. After haunting Ebenezer Scrooge on the page since 1843, and sparking the miserly Charles Dickens-penned character's change of attitude on stages for almost as long, they'll work their magic Down Under courtesy of The Old Vic's version of A Christmas Carol, which is heading our way for the first time. While A Christmas Carol itself has been delighting theatre audiences for close to two centuries — the first stage production reportedly debuted in the UK mere weeks after Dickens' novella was published — this new take on the tale initially premiered in London back in 2017. It has proven a huge smash since, including picking up five Tony Awards for its Broadway run. Next stop: Melbourne from November. Just in time for festive season, A Christmas Carol will enjoy its first Aussie season at the Comedy Theatre, kicking off on Saturday, November 12 and playing till Saturday, December 24 (of course). Whether it'll also hit up other Australian cities yet hasn't been revealed — but tickets to see it in Melbourne would make a mighty fine early Christmas present. This version hails from two Tony-winners, too: director Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) and playwright Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). The list of impressive talent involved also includes Aussie actor David Wenham, with the Lord of the Rings, Seachange, Goldstone, Lion, Top of the Lake and Elvis star playing Scrooge. "A Christmas Carol is a ripping yarn, this production is as compelling as it is surprising. I'm counting the days to get back on the stage in the role of Scrooge. It's a story of hope, redemption and community. I guarantee the audience will leave the theatre feeling better about themselves and the world at the end of the show. A perfect story to be told at Christmas time," said Wenham, announcing the show's Australian debut. The rest of the local cast is yet to be revealed — and, story-wise, the production obviously still focuses on its selfish and greedy central character that's become synonymous with curmudgeonly behaviour, his Christmas-hating ways, and his journey of compassion and redemption with help from the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Not only does the play work through that beloved story, but it also incorporates 12 Christmas carols, including 'Joy to the World' and 'Silent Night'. The words you aren't looking for: "bah humbug!", unless you truly do despise Christmas — and haven't yet been given your own ghostly reasons to rethink your stance. A Christmas Carol will host its Australian premiere season in Melbourne, playing the Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, from Saturday, November 12–Saturday, December 24, 2022. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, September 16 — for more information, or to join the ticket waitlist, head to the musical's website.
Queensland's gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is set to continue, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk bringing forward the next stage of the state's loosening of lockdown conditions. It's a result of the "tremendous job that everyone in this state has been doing," the Premier advised. And if you've been eager to travel to anywhere in Queensland, have more than a few friends over, head out with a big group of your mates or go to the gym, it's all great and welcome news. Since the beginning of May, the state has been easing restrictions in stages, including announcing a roadmap for the government's plans between May–July. At present, up to five visitors are allowed inside homes, gatherings of ten are permitted outside, retail shopping is back on the cards, Queenslanders can travel within 150 kilometres within the state, and cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels can welcome ten people at a time. Now, today, Sunday, May 31, the Premier has outlined a heap of additional activities that will be permissible from midday tomorrow, Monday, June 1. The majority of the newly announced changes were already planned to come into effect in mid-June, but are now happening at the beginning of the month, with all of the following allowed: Up to 20 people in your home, including both residents and visitors. Gatherings of up to 20 people outside of the house, for outdoor, non-contact activities — such as personal training, hiking in national and state parks, swimming in outdoor and indoor pools, visiting public spaces such as South Bank Parklands (including the lagoons), and heading to parks, playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms. Up to 20 people in gyms, health clubs and yoga studios. Up to 20 people in libraries. Weddings with up to 20 people. Church gatherings of up to 20 people. Funerals with up to 50 people. The reopening of entertainment and cultural venues such as galleries, museums, historic sites, indoor cinemas, arcades, zoos, concerts, theatres, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums and outdoor amusement parks — with 20-person limits. Non-contact community sporting activities, both indoors and outdoors, with 20-person limits. Dining in and/or seated drinks at cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and licensed clubs, with up to 20 people allowed inside at any one time. Open homes and auctions with up to 20 people. Beauty therapy services, with up to 20 people allowed in-store at any one time. Recreational travel, camping and accommodation, including caravan parks, anywhere in the state — including overnight stays. In addition, cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels with more space will be allowed to permit 20 people per defined area from midday on Friday, June 5, rather than just 20 customers in total in their entire space — but only if they have an approved COVID Safe Industry Plan in place. Some venues, such as places of worship and tourism experiences, will be required to collect and keep the names and contact details of people visiting their sites to assist with contact tracing. Notably, given the debate on the issue in recent weeks, Queensland's borders still won't be opening to interstate visitors as yet. No timeframe has been announced; however the new announcement does advise that "current interstate border control measures will remain in place and [be] reviewed for Stage 3 of the Roadmap, commencing on 10 July". Here's Queensland's updated stage-by-stage rundown, reflecting the changes announced today: If all goes well, the next stage of eased restrictions will come into effect on July 10. That said, the Queensland Government will continue to assess community transmission and testing rates before giving the go-ahead to loosen more limits. When the next stage does start in Queensland, people limits will increase to 100, and nightclubs, food courts and gaming areas will also be able to reopen with those caps. At each stage, the standard social-distancing requirements still apply — so sticking with physical distancing, maintaining four square metres per person indoors, hand and cough hygiene, and frequent cleaning and disinfection. https://www.facebook.com/annastaciamp/photos/a.523591701005345/3203690996328722/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBQ8sFM861RNmz7gHdttGcQE-HINUGw6jMm13M3Iqvl9uGZ7-ccRiova23CP1-SJP27MXKjTSFdhzlBMO-K-eCY8zePOiOq-m0yX9oJkpXYwXUm9VHY7l5M9tuqLliMFXOgnrmsEQeUExJrFAIojVkhNmoPu7G3ozujF2bsEMxu81D9GnPqc0yUA75qw1JhDioLgcZ417qNhaLSDP7GdRstmEE_WBOD5Ecxos0HbOWHkejm8nJtlwv4O-p2Vi97mGS-0RtvUQ0o-HTy0befST_Pi-lFU-LZKISyErywum6UIn2pwt3PVrETA9GyjOEgcbQaa8-nh5XrKBeXlNzfLxQtxw&__tn__=-R Announcing the eased restrictions, Premier Palaszczuk also advised that Queensland only has five active cases of COVID-19 at present, with zero new cases overnight. To find out more about Queensland's easing COVID-19 restrictions, and the status of the coronavirus in the state, visit Queensland's online COVID-19 hub. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top images: Nick Boustead, Tourism and Events Queensland / Atlanta Bell.
At the end of September, Newstead farewelled a recent favourite, with City Winery pop-up Carl's Bar and Bistro closing its doors on Wyandra Street as part of a move to a yet-to-be-revealed new location. But the team that gave Brisbane its first inner-city winery isn't done with the space, or with pop-ups there. Ahead of a new concept that'll also focus on vino — unsurprisingly — the crew has launched a temporary seasonal bar and bottleshop for the holiday period. Dubbed City Winery Christmas Pop-Up, the Wyandra Street site is currently serving wines by the glass, cheese and charcuterie, and pintxos-style bites — and selling bottles for customers to take home. So, you can stop in for a drink and something to eat, chat about ace vino and nab something for your wine rack. The pop-up is operating six days a week, from 3pm Tuesday–Friday and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays — with public holiday closures from December 25–27 and January 1–2 — and is likely to stick around until the end of January. When it says farewell, the City Winery team will move onto renovating the venue for that aforementioned new concept, with details about what'll settle into the space permanently still under wraps. While City Winery opened its doors in Fortitude Valley three years back, the Wyandra Street address has been in use for four, with Carl's initially starting as a pop-up before City Winery's Wandoo Street flagship launched. It proved so popular, however, that the hole-in-the-wall wine bar and bistro stuck around until outgrowing the venue. Hence the move, with City Winery co-founder Adam Penberthy still looking at new spaces when Carl's finished trading at its OG home. For now, patrons at Carl's short-term successor can expect Australian wines aplenty, as well as a curated selection of European drops. And, as for those bites, the City Winery Christmas Pop-Up has the likes of caramelised onion jam and goat's cheese tarts with candied walnuts, truffle mushroom duxelle tarlets with confit button mushrooms and sage, citrus-cured trout with smoked crème fraîche and dill, and mini pavlovas with house-poached strawberries on its menu. Find City Winery Christmas Pop-Up at 22 Wyandra Street, Newstead — operating six days a week, from 3pm Tuesday–Friday and from midday on Saturdays and Sundays — likely until late January. Keep an eye on City Winery's socials for further details.
Australia is just getting accustomed to life without single-use plastic bags; however Europe is set to go one step further, backing a directive to ban a number of single-use plastic items within the European Union. The European parliament's plan was drawn up to specifically combat the growing amount of plastic that's clogging up the world's oceans, specifically targeting plastic cutlery, plates, stirrers and straws, as well as cotton buds and balloon sticks. And the target date for phasing out these products is soon: 2021. The EU's highlighted items rank among the top ten products found in the sea, the directive states, with reducing the consumption of food containers and beverage cups also on the agenda. By 2025, all EU members will also be required to collect 90 percent of single-use plastic beverage bottles for recycling, while awareness campaigns will ramp up for the likes of general plastic packets and wrappings, sanitary items such as wet wipes and sanitary towels, and cigarette butts. The draft legislation received overwhelming support, passing 571 votes to 53, although it's not yet law. It is, however, the latest recognition that the war on waste is one that needs serious attention. The British parliament announced plans to go plastic-free earlier in the year, France has banned plastic plates, cups and cutlery from 2020, while the Australian government has pledged to ensure that 100 percent of the country's packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable in the next seven years. And that's on top of the flurry of supermarkets, big name brands, well-known food chains and furniture behemoths making their own commitments to reduce, recycle or eradicate single-use plastics from their operations.
If the insanely beautiful Field of Light installation had you ready to blow two months' wages on flights to Alice Springs, the latest addition of light-focused cultural events in the outback might just nudge you over the line. For the first time, Parrtyeme - a Festival in Light will illuminate Alice Springs for ten nights this September. Announced by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Adam Giles this week, Parrtyeme — which comes from the Arrernte word parrtma meaning 'light up' or 'lighting up' — will be the first Indigenous festival of its kind. Featuring both contemporary and traditional indigenous artworks, the festival will also be Australia's biggest light installation, covering 2.5 kilometres of the MacDonnell Ranges. Among the works, you can expect to see a series of large illuminated 1950s-style circle skirts based on the watercolour artwork of Lenie Namatjira, who's the granddaughter of artist Albert Namatjira. Vivid eat your heart out. The festival will run for ten nights later this year in the Alice Springs Desert Park (about a ten minute drive from the centre of Alice Springs), from September 23 till October 2. It's a collaboration between the NT Government, AGB Events (who are known for their work on Vivid) and local Aboriginal artists. And if all goes well, they hope that the Parrtyeme will become an annual event. Parrtyeme will take place from September 23 until October 2, 2016. To register your attendance, visit parrtyemeaustralia.com.au.
'Jumoo' means 'smoking' in the Turrbal language. And, to open this year's Brisbane Festival, Yuggera and Turrbal man Shannon Ruska will lead a city-wide smoking ceremony on Friday, September 4 that everyone is invited to watch and participate in. Ruska, who is the managing director of Custodianship of Tribal Experiences, will lead Brisbanites into the three-week festival peacefully, and with respect to his ancestors and First Nations communities in Brisbane today. After a whirlwind year, it's time to reset and start afresh. This celebration is open to all ages and starts at South Bank and Roma Street Parklands. Image: Atmosphere Photography
Got a pooch who loves a bit of socialisation? Don't have a pooch but just the mere sight of a dog puts a swing in your step? A visit to the dog park is exactly what you need. Wembley Dog Park is located on the eastern side of Wembley Park and is a fenced-off area to give your furry friends sweet, off-leash freedom. Let the pups play, wrestle and roll around while you have a sit and chat — or roll around with them. The grassed, shady area has water taps, benches and even a ramp for you to test out your dog's skills and smarts.
Cycle-fashion: most people consider the term an oxymoron, bringing to mind images of brightly coloured lycra, or even worse, cycling shorts worn so thin that they’ve become transparent. If you’ve been afraid of joining the cycling revolution for fear of committing a crime against fashion, then allow British fashion designer Paul Smith to put you at ease. His new collaboration with cycle clothing brand Rapha brings some style to the two-wheeled set. Their new spring/summer range blends Smith’s fashion sense with Rapha’s cycling nous to create cycle-wear with a stylish look, but maintaining the technical and functional elements needed to stay comfortable on a bike. Unfortunately, style comes at a price, so the hip pockets of hipster cyclists will be a little light if they’re sporting these threads. And of course, compulsory helmet laws in Australia mean you can’t legally look as cool as these models. [via Hypebeast]
If you've ever heard someone mention Botanica, then you've heard plenty of gushing. But if you've never been there, you might be surprised at just what everyone's about: their salads, all 19 of them. Yep, people talk about the plant-focused eatery and their kale, cauliflower and lettuce-heavy offerings with so much enthusiasm, you'd think they were talking about doughnuts and burgers. And while you'll find sweeter treats on their menu (particularly of the gluten-free kind), here you'll also find that dessert can actually be good for you. They're just some of the reasons that their second store has been causing such a buzz — both before it opened its doors on May 5 in Teneriffe, and since. It might look and feel the same as their original Red Hill location, which is definitely a good thing; however given that it boasts a kitchen the size of its sibling shop, the Doggett Street venue just might become the heart of the whole healthy-eating, breakfast box-serving, leaf-loving operation.
No strangers to a party, the Treasury Casino is getting into the swing of summer with not just one shindig, or two, but six. On the first three Friday nights in December and the last three in January, the inner-city venue is opening up its courtyard, setting up pop-up bars and letting the drinks flow. Taking place from 4.30–7.30pm on Friday, December 7, 14 and 21 — plus January 11, 18 and 25 — Summer Time Drinks is really all about kicking back when the working week is done, enjoying the sunny weather and letting the season wash over you. If you're heading out for a big night to celebrate the weekend, the festive season or the new year, it's a way to warm up for the evening. If you're just looking for a few tipples on the way home, consider it your stopover before the bus or train comes calling. Entry is free, and includes live entertainment in the Treasury's courtyard. And while the beverages aren't free, sorry, you'll be able to knock back a couple of particularly zesty selections of spritz cocktails.
It's impossible to think about Christmas without also thinking about ornament-adorned trees; however, the traditional towering variety isn't always practical. Perhaps you don't have space in your apartment. Maybe you're keen on the real thing, but just can't make it to market, farm or nursery to get one. Or, you could have a four-legged friend (or several) that's fond of scaling anything that reaches up into the sky. Even if you've found a place for the same old plastic tree that you trot out every year, you're probably still wishing that you could gaze up at the real thing — which is where Floraly comes in. The Australian plant delivery service focuses on sustainable blooms and even offers monthly subscriptions, and it introduced a Christmas offering in 2019. Because it's that time already, it's getting festive again in 2020, too. The big drawcard: living trees. If you're happy with a pint-sized version, then this tiny plant is about to make your festive dreams come true. 'Tis the season to order a 60-centimetre-tall tiny tree that comes with decorations and a pop-up pot, wait for it to be delivered, then feel mighty jolly. Sourced from farms in Victoria and New South Wales, and able to be sent Australia-wide, Floraly's trees also arrive with soil, fairy lights, baubles and a tree-topper — so they really do look like miniature versions of your ideal Christmas centrepiece. There are two versions available, so you can opt for red baubles and a gold star for the top, or go with white decorations and a silver star In line with Floraly's eco-conscious mindset, its trees still have their root system intact. That means that once Christmas is over, you can replant them, keep them for some year-round merriment and then enjoy their splendour next year. The trees also come in fully recyclable packaging, further reducing their environmental impact. If you're keen, you can order a small bundle of greenery from the Floraly website for $79. Fancy sending a tiny tree as a gift? You can do that too, including as part of packs with T2 tea, Gelato Messina spreads, Endota body care products, and champagne and chocolate. Floraly's tiny Christmas trees are available to order now by visiting the service's website. Images: Floraly
If your Easter routine usually involves a seafood feast, you don't need to alter your plans in 2020. While heading to the shops looks a bit different in these COVID-19 times — and going out for a meal is on hold indefinitely — Betty's Burgers is serving up plenty of prawns for the occasion. Combining four juicy fried prawns, the chain's special garlic mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato, Betty's new prawn roll is available for takeaway from its restaurants spotted across Australia. If your stomach is already rumbling, you can tuck into one for $15 — or order a meal for you and your housemate and get two rolls and two serves of fries for $35. You'll need to get in quickly, though, with the prawn roll only available for a week from Thursday, April 9–Thursday, April 16. And, if it's anything like the chain's lobster roll, expect it to sell-out — fast. Known for its Shake Shack-style burgs and frozen custard desserts (called concretes), Betty's foray into prawns is also a celebration of its beachy roots. While you can now grab a Betty's burger at over 20 locations across Australia, including six Sydney outlets, four Melbourne spots, four Brisbane outposts, one Toowoomba eatery and one location in Adelaide, the company first began in Noosa, and then expanded to the Gold Coast. Over the Easter long weekend, Betty's Burgers stores are open from 11.30am–9pm daily, with the following stores temporarily closed: Coomera and Pacific Fair in Queensland, Central Station and Market Street in NSW, and The Glen and Exhibition Street in Victoria. The rest of the chain's stores are open for takeaway and most of them offer delivery via UberEats and Deliveroo. To check what options your local has, head to the Betty's Burgers' website or download the app for iOS or Google Play. Betty's Burgers' prawn roll is available at all Australian stores — except Coomera and Pacific Fair in Queensland, Central Station and Market Street in NSW, and The Glen and Exhibition Street — for takeaway for a limited time. To order, download the Betty's Burgers app for iOS or Google Play. If you choose to pick up these burgers, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Although universally acknowledged that pancakes are acceptable to eat at any time of day, you'd be hard pressed to find an upmarket eatery offering one of its signature dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gauge is the exception. Head to this South Brisbane café — run by Jerome Batten, the mastermind behind Teneriffe institution Sourced Grocer — at any time of day to indulge in their black garlic bread with brown butter and burnt vanilla. It's equal parts sweet, savoury and delicious. Image: Gauge via Instagram.
If you haven’t heard of Mikala Dwyer now, don’t worry, there is still time. The Sydney artist has been around for quite some time now, impressing audiences in the 90s with her exuberant installations and provocative contexts – ranging from the amateur to the infantile and feminine. She has also had a residency at her hometown’s Museum of Contemporary Art in 2000, and since then, her art has broken off from its initially pure path and has moved into stranger territory, namely the paranormal and the occult. In Drawing Down The Moon, we see black magic become her niche, as she has included spiritually and emotionally demanding elements to her art: séances, candles, Ouija boards, as well as clairvoyants and crystal therapy. You can also expect her collaboration with neodadaist Justene Williams to channel spirits of female convicts of yesteryear to be particularly eerie, and like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. This striking reversal of interest displayed through her art has made Mikala’s installations all the more intriguing. It may seem as if the infantile, angelic past she had is repressed, but in her most recent work, it is a haunting backbone and a must see.
Upstate is building towards its first interstate opening, expanding beyond Melbourne's reaches to arrive at a sunny stretch along Palm Beach. Spreading the gospel about its high-energy fitness studios, this exciting location is set to launch on Saturday, July 26. The team is boldly marking the occasion, offering free reformer pilates classes all weekend long across Saturday, July 26–Sunday, July 27. This studio is the brand's biggest to date, with 29 beds primed for group workouts bubbling with vivacious fitness and fun. Upstate Palm Beach is keeping up the good times around its debut Brisbane launch, with a series of introductory offers. Snag a 30-day unlimited pass for $29 or a launch membership featuring unlimited reformer for $59 per week. For those unfamiliar with Upstate, the brand's bright and high-vibe approach is the ideal fit for the Sunshine State. Situated just steps away from the shoreline, plenty of top-notch cafes are within walking distance for pre- and post-workout gatherings. Alongside the massive reformer studio, the Palm Beach location will also feature 50 classes per week, ensuring there's a stellar workout for your fitness level and goals. Just choose from three reformer class styles — Power, Burn or Strength — and sweat it up for 45 minutes. With Upstate Palm Beach's opening quickly approaching, just know that class bookings open two weeks before its doors. "We can't wait to share our high-energy workouts and create a buzzing community here. This studio is a huge milestone for us, and we couldn't think of a better place to make our first Queensland debut," says Upstate Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Gail Asbell. Upstate Palm Beach is opening Saturday, July 26, at 4/1172 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach. Head to the website for more information.
A long time ago, in this very galaxy, brass instruments sounded, a text crawl started and the first Star Wars film burst onto the screen. Thanks to director George Lucas and composer John Williams, it's one of the most iconic movie openings in history — and, in all of its force-wielding, Death Star-destroying, orchestra-scored glory, the sci-fi classic is making a kriffing special return. With Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens getting the concert treatment in 2017, every jedi, wookiee, droid and even sith around the rest of the country has been crossing their fingers and toes for a similar blend of Star Wars movies and music. Those hopes and dreams are being answered with two screenings of Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 7 (at 2pm and 7.30pm). The film will roll, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra will perform Williams' Oscar-winning compositions, and you'll burst with a Millennium Falcon's worth of happiness. Whether you're a huge Star Wars buff eager to ride a wave of excitement past Solo: A Star Wars Story's May release, just have a casual interest, or have no idea what the term R2-D2 means, prepare to experience history — it's the first time that a live performance has accompanied A New Hope in Brisbane. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's associate conductor Benjamin Northey will be leading the charge, as Brissie's finest provide the soundtrack to Luke Skywalker meeting Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia sending a message for help, Han Solo oozing his usual attitude and Darth Vader just being a power-hungry jerk.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or 11? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, May 14, this time as part of the also-returning Dine BNE City, you'll saunter around the CBD — and between the likes of Banc, Coppa Sputino, Walter's Steakhouse, Boom Boom Room, The Gresham, City Winery, Super Whatnot and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples at each of the 11 spots, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries such as Konpira Maru, Jericho Wines, Witches Falls and Gerler, so prepare to get sipping. Tickets cost $79.99, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for some food.
The latest cure for festival FOMO is here: for the first time ever, two of Glastonbury's headline performances are being livestreamed around the globe for everyone to watch. Won't be in the UK during the fest? Always wanted to see big names take to the event's famed Pyramid Stage? A fan of Dua Lipa and/or Coldplay? Thanks to the BBC, you're now in luck. When Coachella rolls around each year, it's not just an exciting time for folks fortunate enough to be on the ground in California, but for audiences worldwide via the fest's arrangement with YouTube. Glastonbury and the BBC might only be streaming two sets across the planet and not the majority of the British event, but it's still a welcome development. [caption id="attachment_926976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Lee[/caption] Your destination: the BBC's Glastonbury website, where you can catch Dua Lipa's set on the morning of Saturday, June 29, then Coldplay's — before the Chris Martin-fronted group returns to Australia and New Zealand later in 2024 — on the morning of Sunday, June 30. Dua Lipa's stint in the high-profile slot also marks her first-ever time on the Pyramid Stage. As for Coldplay, they're headlining the fest for the fifth time, albeit in their first visit since 2016. [caption id="attachment_963580" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] "The Glastonbury Festival is an icon of British culture, and this livestream will give fans around the globe a front row seat to headline performances like never before. This is just the latest example of our focus on bringing more cultural-defining moments like Glastonbury to fans on our platforms outside the UK so users can experience the best of British culture wherever they may be," said BBC Studios' Chief Commercial Officer Tara Maitra, announcing the global livestreams. "From this exciting live music experience from two of the biggest names in music, to the BBC News channel livestream that is coming soon in Australia, our digital platforms offer immediate, unrestricted and tailored access for all audiences," added BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand General Manager Fiona Lang. Also on the Glastonbury 2024 bill across Wednesday, June 26–Sunday, June 30 UK time but not being beamed to the world, sadly: SZA, LCD Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, Cyndi Lauper, Janelle Monae, Shania Twain, Disclosure, The Streets, Camilla Cabello, Bloc Party, The National, Avril Lavigne, Jessie Ware, Sugababes, Jamie XX, Kim Gordon, James Blake, Sleafod Mods, Orbital, The Breeders, Peggy Gou, The Cat Empire, Eric Prydz and a whole heap more. Glastonbury 2024 Livestream: Saturday, June 29 — Dua Lipa, 7–8.45am AEST / 6.30–8.15am ACST / 5–6.45am AWST / 9–10.45am NZST Sunday, June 30 — Coldplay, 6.45–8.45am AEST / 6.15–8.15am ACST / 4.45–6.45am AWST / 8.45–19.45am NZST [caption id="attachment_963582" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Raph_PH[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Lee[/caption] Glastonbury's 2024 livestream will broadcast Dua Lipa's set globally on the morning of Saturday, June 29 Down Under, and Coldplay's show on the morning of Sunday, June 30 — head to the BBC's Glastonbury website to watch. Dua Lipa images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
Sports have been bringing people together for hundreds of thousands of years now, and for a new country, Australia does its best to catch up — and pretty damn well at that. We've got our fingers in numerous pies like AFL, NRL, the cricket and soccer, plus we have women's leagues across the country in most of these (about time, right?) If you're a diehard Collingwood supporter, live and breathe Brisbane Roar or want to see some serious boss lady power on the field, chances are you'll want a little pre-game session to get you pumped before the match. We've got you. In partnership with Hahn, we've cross-checked top pre-drink venues with some of the biggest sporting venues to bring you our list of convenient pre-game watering holes. There's also nothing wrong with visiting these spots for a cheeky post-game drink, either. SYDNEY: THE LIGHT BRIGADE HOTEL FOR THE SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND Pre-game into your best self before a thumper of a match at Sydney Cricket Ground. The Light Brigade in Paddington is a pub drenched in history, full of art deco charm and it's only about a kilometre away from the SCG. There's a bunch of levels to accommodate your pre-drinks vibe with a restaurant on level one, cocktail bar on level two and a rooftop terrace bonanza up the top. By the time you've hit all three, it'll be time to move on to the game — though we'd suggest just grabbing a beer and heading straight to the rooftop for that view. MELBOURNE: THE CORNER HOTEL FOR THE MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND Tried and true, there'll be something at The Corner Hotel in Richmond for everyone. If it isn't a crowded gig on a Thursday night, perhaps it's trivia on Wednesdays, lunch in the rooftop beer garden or you've missed the last train and you just want to have a drown-your-sorrows pint. During the AFL season, The Corner is on to a very good, meaty thing, bringing fans of every team together with $10 barbecue hotdogs before every game. Have a couple of bevs, smash down a dog then cruise along with the rest of the crowd to the MCG to catch a solid showdown. [caption id="attachment_636204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Facebook / The Paddo.[/caption] BRISBANE: THE PADDINGTON TAVERN FOR SUNCORP STADIUM Brisbane Roar is Brissie's offering to A-League soccer, so when Roar fans ready themselves for a big season, it's also a big season of pre-drinking. The Paddington Tavern (aka The Paddo) is your go-to for a big plate of pub grub that'll keep you going through both halves of the game. It also does late night dining for a post-match feed, and — most importantly for your pre-drinking needs — the pub holds three different bars to get your round of drinks sorted. SYDNEY: THE GREENS FOR NORTH SYDNEY OVAL The Greens in North Sydney is full of bowls club charm, with live music and a pretty outlook. There are also quirky weekend additions like a petting zoo on Sundays, and it expands its sporting pedigree with yoga classes on Monday mornings. Consider hitting up The Greens before you run off to catch a match at the neighbouring North Sydney Oval. Play a game of bowls if you need to get yourself in the bowling mood pre-game, or just enjoy some drinks in the sun in their vast beer garden. BRISBANE: THE PINEAPPLE HOTEL FOR THE GABBA For your pre-match drinks within a few blocks from the Gabba, The Pineapple Hotel is your go-to. They're known for their steaks — tuck into an eye fillet, a wagyu rump or a T-bone with some ace sides for a good dose of protein — the pub features an extensive, ever-changing beer list, and its aptly named Park Bar offers up outdoor seating with views overlooking the neighbouring Raymond Park. Before the game, give yourself some time to work your way down the steak menu and sideways along the fifteen beer taps. [caption id="attachment_636203" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Instagram / Royal Saxon.[/caption] MELBOURNE: ROYAL SAXON FOR AAMI PARK For any big game at AAMI Park, we'd suggest kicking back in preparation for the match. If you start things off in Richmond, it'll just be a short stroll down to the big game (or a $5 Uber). The Royal Saxon on Church Street does hearty Italian grub to line your tums and give you enough energy to yell about onside and offside all day. They also have a comprehensive wine list, a whole slew of bottled and draught beers and their negroni is pretty great, too. Mark your calendars for when your team is playing, and plan to head out for a pre-game Hahn or two.
The over-the-top brunch extravaganza that is Melbourne's Boozy Brunch is set to hit Brisbane with an inaugural party at Eagle Street's Blackbird Bar & Grill on September 24. The hospitality company launched in 2014 and brings together high-end fashion brands, DJs, live acts and, of course, brunch food and booze for these luxury "social outing" events. Boozy Brunch Brisbane will include runway shows featuring Sass & Bide, Australian DJs and a Chambord pop up bar. The event comes at an especially high-end price of $175, which includes three courses and three hours of drinks. Mistwood Gin, Cider Lab and Chandon are among the alcohol sponsors, though, so you can definitely expect the good stuff. While we have no doubt it will be a glamorous affair, the event seems to be much more about the entertainment than the actual brunch — and is more of an excuse to see and be seen rather than just enjoy some bubbly with friends. The price is particularly steep at $175, (especially given that it could buy drink-filled brunches for a whole table filled with you and your mates elsewhere — just saying). Tickets are limited, and can be purchased via Blackbird.
It has been five months since Queensland's Containers for Change refund scheme launched, hot on the heels of the state's single-use plastic bag ban. And, like the move away from disposable shopping containers, it's already having an impact. In the initial two months of the CRS, it received more than 102 million empty drink containers — and across its first five months, that number has now rocketed up to over 400 million. That's 400 million water bottles, beer cans, juice containers and more that aren't sitting in landfill or headed to our waterways, all since the scheme was rolled out on November 1, 2019. As well as recycling a hefty amount of aluminium, glass, plastic and steel items, the regime has also paid out a sizeable sum to eco-conscious Queenslanders. Money is a great motivator, obviously, with ten cents per eligible vessel refunded. So far, the scheme has paid more than $40 million to participants. The figures exceed initial expectations, with "container redemption volumes about a third higher than forecast," according to Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch. In the first ten months of 2018, nearly three billion beverage containers were used by Queenslanders — so while returning 400 million bottles and cans since November still represents a mere fraction of the recyclable containers in use across the period, it's definitely a promising start. More collection and refund points continue to be added to the scheme, with 270 now set up — an increase from the 230-plus available when the CRS launched. For more information, visit the Containers for Change website — or check out our how-to guide.
For more than a century, screens have transported viewers to places far and wide, first via cinemas and then via television, phones and any other device that can get streaming. In the art world, screens and projections have been playing a similar function of late, but in a different way. They've let us wander through immersive van Gogh pop-ups that surround you with the artist's famed works, for instance — and they're about to unleash something similar via Australian Geographic with Aussie flora and fauna. Nature lovers, listen up. Australian Geographic has put together an exploration of the plants and animals that help make this country of ours what it is, with Our Country going big on the multi-sensory experience. When it hits Brisbane from Saturday, March 11–Sunday, April 16, the exhibition will let visitors wander through 40-plus screens that reach up to six metres tall, with its super-sized projections spanning across 1200 square metres and featuring works by 25 accomplished cinematographers. Here, attendees will encounter mist, starry night skies, all creatures big and small, and a 360-degree soundtrack. You'll feel like you're stepping across the nation's stunning landscape, rather than simply through the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Yes, that's a big part of the point. Each screen will be present previously unseen footage collected from over 100,000 hours in the field from the lineup of cinematographers, which includes Peter Nearhos, a frequent collaborator of David Attenborough. Nearhos has worked on documentaries such as One Life and David Attenborough's Tasmania, and it's exactly this type of close-up look at Australia's wildlife that you can expect to revel in. Emmy Award-winner Karina Holden (Love on the Spectrum) was tasked with the challenge of whittling down this footage, curating an intimate look at ecosystems across the country. Bustling bushland, expansive desserts and vibrant rainforests all make an appearance. Also featuring contributions by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, sound designers and performers, this is Australian Geographic's first-ever multi-sensory experience, and comes to Brisbane after debuting in Sydney over summer. Australian Geographic: Our Country displays at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Glenelg Street, South Brisbane, from Saturday, March 11–Sunday, April 16. Head to the exhibition website for further details, and to Ticketek for tickets. Images: Ben Broady.
What's better than one new Edgar Wright movie in a year? Two new flicks by the Scott Pilgrim vs the World, The World's End and Baby Driver filmmaker, of course. And, that's exactly what 2021 is delivering. Neither of the British director's latest movies fits his usual type, either — as phenomenal documentary The Sparks Brothers has already demonstrated, and the trailers for Last Night in Soho keep showing as well. Wright does indeed have a comfort zone, as his fans well and truly know. He first caught the film world's attention with zom-rom-com Shaun of the Dead, after all, and also toyed with both horror and comedy in Hot Fuzz. But he hasn't ever dived headfirst into mind-bending psychological thriller territory before, which is where Last Night in Soho dwells. No one is set to kill the undead to Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now' here. That said, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit) does play a singer in 60s-era London who appears to be a ghost. In the movie's initial teaser trailer, her character Sandie pops up when aspiring fashion designer Eloise (Thomasin McKenzie, Old) manages to venture back in time. Mysteriously travelling six decades into the past, Eloise looks in the mirror and sees Sandy's reflection, rather than her own. Both that initial sneak peek and the just-dropped new full trailer are filled with neon hues and an all-round trippy mood. In a feature that seems to take plenty of cues from horror and thriller flicks from the time it is set, things appear to get even more lurid as well. Impeccable period-appropriate set and costume design, vibrant pink lighting aplenty and an all-round dreamy feel also feature in the trailers so far, as Eloise finds herself coming face to face with her idol while plunged into a ghost story. Similarly playing a pivotal part: The Crown and Doctor Who's Matt Smith, who pops up alongside Taylor-Joy in the film's eerie 60s-set scenes. Whether following small-town cops in Hot Fuzz or jumping into the heist genre with Baby Driver — or directing late 90s/early 00s sitcom Spaced, too — Wright's work always stands out visually, and Last Night in Soho clearly promises to continue the trend. And, because the director loves his standout soundtracks, this one looks set to continue the trend. Expect glorious 60s-era tunes, obviously. Check out the full trailer for Last Night in Soho below: Last Night in Soho is slated to release in Australian cinemas on November 18. Images: Parisa Taghizadeh / Focus Features.
Whether you're the kind of fan who has a lightsaber on your shelf and a Jedi robe in your cupboard, or you prefer simply watching and rewatching every last second of the space-themed science fiction franchise, it has never been easier to indulge your love for Star Wars. We've just seen five new films hit big screens over the latter half of the past decade, The Mandalorian keeps bringing new tales to streaming and, pre-pandemic, an event devoted to the series was never too far away no matter where Down Under you reside. When 2021 rolls around, though, you'll be able to live, breathe and sleep the saga by staying not only in a themed hotel, but onboard a Star Wars spaceship. Yes, in the very near future, in this very galaxy, you can set your sights on Walt Disney World's immersive 360 vacation concept in Orlando. Disney first announced this addition to its growing theme park realm back in 2017, and dropped specific details for all those wannabe Jedis clamouring for a unique holiday back in 2019 — but now it has released a sneak peek of what its new hotel, called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, will look like. When you're getting some shuteye, expect grey and orange tones combined with white surfaces, and an industrial look and feel as well. Fancy climbing up a ladder to kick back in a space built into an alcove — yes, as seen in oh-so-many space-set flicks? Well, based on the initial mockup imagery, that's in store. To answer the obvious question: no, you won't actually be going into space (although that idea isn't as out-of-this-world as it may sound). You will have a blast pretending that you're headed to a galaxy far, far, away, though. We're happy to report that the resort is taking the immersive part very seriously, with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser allowing patrons to embark upon a two-day, two-night adventure on the starcruiser Halycon. First step: leave your real life at the door. Upon check-in, guests become a citizen of the galaxy — which means that, every minute of every day of your stay, you're a part of the Star Wars story happening around you. You'll hang out in the Atrium, where crew and passengers gather; operate the Halycon's navigation and defence systems, with plenty of guidance; and learn how to use a lightsaber, because an interactive Star Wars-themed stay wouldn't be complete without wielding a glowing weapon. You'll also sleep in the aforementioned spaceship cabins, drink in the passenger lounge and try to sneak into the crew-only engineering rooms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOGH5fpqStE&feature=emb_logo Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will form part of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World's new sprawling zone dedicated to the space-set franchise — which opened at the Orlando site, and at Disneyland in California as well, in 2019. For now, the hotel doesn't have an exact 2021 opening date given the current state of the world at the moment; however, you can sign up to register your interest. If you're keen to give it a whirl once it opens (and once international travel gets back to normal, too), you'll have to be committed to the experience. The "every minute of every day" comment may well include sleeping hours — the dark side never sleeps, after all. For more information about Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which is due to open sometime in 2021, head to Walt Disney World's website. Image: Disney/Lucasfilm via Disney Parks Blog.
It’s that time of year again where all the freakishly young and talented fashion designers emerge from their studios to showcase what they’ve been working on from within their studio-esque lairs. Yes, the bi-annual Threaded Young Designer Night is happening once again at Alhambra Lounge this Friday, bringing in what is sure to be a highly attractive, sartorially-blessed crowd. The evening will feature shows from the likes of Ox + Hammer, Wind and Water, TEDA, Denver McKenzie and Zhou. Now, I haven’t seen any of their work before, but with names like that I’m pretty sure crazy good things can be expected. Obviously fashionable threads need bodies to be paraded around on, so there will also be a surplus of model types lurking around drinking champagne that you can (attempt to) seduce. As well as clothes, there will be an abundance of good tunes mixed by Charlie Hustle, Aydos, Fidel, LL Cool James and J-Free. So even if fashion isn’t your “thing” you still have an excuse to check out all the beautiful people and swing your hips to the beat.
For those of us who bemoan the destructive tendencies of music's digital revolution — making such endearingly humble (and ubiquitous) devices as vinyls and walkman permanently redundant — the newly released Sharetapes are giving modern music a decidedly old-school twist. Sharetapes, the product of an Australian start-up, are the iPhone and Spotify era equivalent of a casette mix-tape. The credit card-sized tape allows you to make a playlist using such online services as YouTube, 8tracks and Spotify and then writing it to one of your blank tapes by hitting record at sharetapes.com. Then, simply tap your tape on an NFC-enabled smartphone (recent Android, Windows or Blackberry devices) or scan it using any QR code application (all your other iPhones and smartphones) and you can easily share your favourite playlists with your friends. These transportable, shareable and fashionably retro cards are awesome for bands or DJs hoping to connect their music with fans. And in the spirit of the mix-tape heyday of the '80s and '90s, these cards are the perfect companion for the modern lover. While once upon a time, teenage romantics would use their casette mix-tapes of MC Hammer and Barry White to woo their high-school crush, the modern lover simply has to swipe their card across their prospective other's iPhone and get ready for the romance to get a-flowing. We're giving away five packs of Sharetapes, with each packet including five individual tapes. To be in the running, simply subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and postal address at hello@concreteplayground.com.au.
This post is presented by the All New Toyota Corolla Sedan. There's plenty of fun to be had in this city each week, but there's only a small handful of truly fresh urban adventures to be had. We've partnered with Toyota to bring you a series showcasing the very best of these shiny-new experiences in Brisbane. Presented by the All New Toyota Corolla Sedan, these are our picks to put you on the road to a lifetime of goodtimes. Now your only challenge is getting to them all. This week, we recommend you tinkle the ivories at cafe with a dark side, tick parkour off your bucket list and get tactile with all the magazines you've been missing. Eat: Samson and Sophie A mere two weeks old, it’s easy to fall in love with Samson and Sophie Cafe. In what is perhaps a Brisbane trend of naming cafes after dogs, Teneriffe’s new sweetheart is treading a path already carved by older siblings Alcove and Esther St Cafe Deli. The owners used their tried and tested cafe and deli experience with Samson and Sophie offering a cafe menu, small selection of produce and even small potted plants to buy. Cute decor is the cherry on top, with recycled furniture and living coffee tables making a feature. Part-grass, part-wooden table, these turfed tops are a novel place to sit and chow down bircher or a toastie. Shop 1, 2 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe Drink: John Mills Himself Brisbane is currently enjoying a trend of cafes with a darker side. Come the afternoon, these newbies keep their doors open past COB and twist the tops off a range of fine brews and bottles. One of those is John Mills Himself. With a classic yesteryear look, dark wooden beams and a marble bar, John Mills harks back to old days serving local beers on tap on a five-ounce glass. It has a focus on local, with wines sourced from the south-east corner, spirits from across the nation and organic spiced peanuts from Kingaroy. The narrow space even has piano, and you’re always welcome to tinkle the ivories. See: cool stuff at URBNE Festival The URBNE Festival is all about unleashing Brisbane's creative side and enjoying our gorgeous city by using all of its nooks and crannies. The team behind this ingenious idea are a bunch of young creatives from a kaleidoscope of creative backgrounds joined by the common goal of making Brisbane both more creative and accessible. This weekend, March 28-30, join Brisbane’s Biggest Clothes Swap, join a Scavenger Hunt or form part of an art attack. Carve up the streets in Street Skate Jam, tick parkour off your bucket list and wind down with a film at the State Library, entitled City Dark. Do: Visit Kunstler Magazines Despite CP living wholly in the digital world, we’re firm believers that print is not dead. Enter Kunstler Magazines and Books, a new little shop that popped up in Winn Lane last Saturday. The independent store stocks publications on everything from art and architecture to fashion and design, and, of course, food literature. The store is a coop for Brisbane’s small and specialty magazine scene and is great fun to peruse. Take a look yourself; on Sunday afternoon Kunstler (German for ‘the artist’) are having a neighbourhood shindig to welcome you to its new digs.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. Among all of the dream jobs that everyone wishes they had, picking the globe's top stretches of sun, surf and sand sits up there with taste-testing new gins and trying out every bar and eatery in Tokyo. That particularly proves true whenever a new list of the world's best beaches is revealed — although, Australians can always pretend by heading to one of the high-ranking spots on our own shores. In FlightNetwork's just-announced 2018 lineup of the planet's best beaches, which ranks 50 idyllic locations, six Aussie spots made the cut. And, in news that will come as no surprise to anyone, the Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach came in at number two. It's the latest accolade for the picturesque Queensland favourite, which also came in second last year. Blinky Beach on Lord Howe Island also made the list, coming in at number 30, while Hyams Beach in New South Wales' Jervis Bay placed at number 33. Western Australia was responsible for two more of the country's top spots — with Lucky Bay at 35th and Cable Beach at 34th — and Tasmania's Wine Glass Bay rounded out the Aussie offerings at 44. If you're wondering which coastal oasis beat them all to first place, that'd be Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos. On a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, the picturesque spot has a shipwrecked boat on its sands, crystal clear waters and sunny weather approximately 275 days of the year. Alongside the World's Best Beaches, FlightNetwork released a list of the World's Top 50 Untouched Beaches — featuring Tasmania's Wine Glass Bay at fourth and Binalong Bay at 19th — and the World's Top 50 City Beaches, where Sydney's Bondi Beach got top gong, Surfers Paradise Beach came in at 11 and NSW's Manly Beach at 12. The picks were made by more than 1200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies, aka folks who work in the travel and beach trade, and therefore know their stuff. Thinking about taking your own trip to Whitehaven Beach? Check out our Outside Guide to the Whitsundays. Image: Damien Dempsey via Wikicommons.
There's no changing the iconic facade that surrounds the Fortitude Valley General Post Office building, which has stood on Ann Street since back in 1887. But when the venue known as GPO Hotel reopens its doors this winter after a massive makeover, Brisbanites can expect new spaces aplenty inside — including a Gatsby-themed lounge bar, a second bar called The Tax Office and a sprawling ground-floor restaurant filled with natural light. It was back in 2022 that Artesian Hospitality announced it was giving the locale a revamp behind its heritage-listed exterior, with more than $7 million set to flow into the renovations. Now, that figure has been upped to $9 million, all to help bring to life the GPO's new food- and drink-heavy guise. Clearly, it's a significant makeover for the 136-year-old site, which is targeting an early June opening for two of its spaces. The first is fittingly called The Gatsby, and it's a late-night cocktail and whisky bar that'll sit on the building's upper level. The vibe here will be luxe and upscale, as the name makes plain, including velvet booths, leather accents and brass features as part of the design. It'll also feature the building's original, now-restored 1887-era vault — and you'll be able to take private tours if that takes your fancy. "It feels like you're being thrown back into the soirees of the 1920s golden age — it's an incredibly unique venue, which will have exemplary service to match," says Alan Hunter. The sommelier and ex-General Manager at OTTO Brisbane is helping oversee the GPO's new guise, including TAMA, its contemporary dining venue. [caption id="attachment_896924" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Gatsby[/caption] That restaurant will take over the site's ground level, offering diners a radiant experience thanks to the high ceilings and double-storey windows. There'll be stone and marble flooring, bursts of greenery and soft furnishings, too, while making use of the original beams and custom chandeliers. And in the kitchen: Executive Chef Richard Ousby, who'll use his experience overseas and locally to shape the restaurant's menu. "TAMA offers something for all occasions with an expansive ground floor restaurant and a mezzanine that can play host to private dining for 40 guests, and more intimate rooms for parties of six to eight," Ousby notes. [caption id="attachment_896918" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAMA[/caption] Hunter comes to the new GPO with plenty of accolades, including being named the Pol Roger 2013 Sommelier of the Year, and helping lead OTTO Brisbane to nabbing the Wine List of the Year award in the Good Food Guide in 2019. As for Brisbane local Ousby, he'll draw upon his time in England at Michelin three-star restaurant Waterside Inn, in Sydney at Sous Chef at Quay, and as Executive Chef of Stokehouse restaurants's in Melbourne and Brisbane. Both The Gatsby and TAMA are aiming for that June launch date, and will be joined by The Tax Office sometime afterwards. When it starts welcoming in patrons, it'll do so around an island bar with lounge-style seating — and it's being put forward as a go-to for post-work drinks and midweek dinners. [caption id="attachment_896926" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tax Office[/caption] Outside, that Victorian Italianate facade has been preserved, as have the building's balconies, stairwells and ceilings (with heritage paint tones a big feature after a colour study). And back inside, the design pairs modern finishings with OG touches — so exposed beams and brick, plus fireplaces. The end product is the result of a collaboration between The Royal Historical Society of Queensland, Brisbane City Council, heritage architects, Zero9 Builders (The Dorsett Hotel, The Star, and Edwards and Co) and Space Cubed Design Studio (Donna Chang, Iris Rooftop and Boom Boom Room). "With a project of this magnitude, and a job requiring such impeccably high standards, we wanted to ensure every detail was carefully executed, from hand beaten copper detailing, one-off chandeliers to glass art installations," says Space Cubed Design Studio Director Arran Woollams. "It was recognised from inception that no expense would be spared to ensure the precinct was designed and constructed in line with the rising expectations of the Brisbane hospitality scene." [caption id="attachment_896919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TAMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_896925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tax Office[/caption] GPO Hotel is located at 740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, and will reopen sometime in winter 2023. We'll update you when Artesian Hospitality announces an exact launch date.
Whether you're a Marshmallow or just a soul naturally curious about one of the most high-profile Kickstarter success stories around, you'll be happy to learn that the new Veronica Mars movie will be made available to rent or buy online on March 14 — the same day it hits cinemas in the US. Usually, there's at least a 90-day window between theatrical and DVD or VOD releases, but Warner Bros. is in a position to bypass it this time around, since they don't have a standard distribution deal and are instead renting the theatres that will screen the movie. They see a big market in couch-dwelling non-cinemagoers for this TV-to-film crossover, and they're tapping it. It's just one more way Veronica Mars is doing things differently. After becoming the most widely supported Kickstarter campaign in history with more than 91,000 backers, it has kept fans involved in the process throughout and will make its world premiere at SXSW on March 8. The Australian digital release date has not yet been confirmed, but it seems possible it'll be March 14 here too, and Moviehole is reporting it as so. You can preorder the movie on iTunes, or wait for a definite date before you plan your downloading strategy. As for whether anyone else is listening to consumer requests for timely, legal, convenient access to content, it's not looking so good. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wq1R93UMqlk
