Summer might be over for another year, but chasing endless sunny days, sandy spots and crashing waves is a rather easy pastime in Australia. The country is girt by sea, after all, and boasts thousands of beaches — including Western Australia's Cable Beach, which has just been named one of the best coastal spots in the world for 2023, plus the absolute top beach in the South Pacific for this year as well. The scenic Broome locale nabbed those honours thanks to Tripadvisor, which unveils a lineup of top beaches each year. Among the international plaudits, Cable Beach came in third behind Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha in Brazil and Eagle Beach in Aruba in The Caribbean. It also ranked higher than spots in Iceland, Turks and Caicos, Portugal, India, Sicily, Cuba and Hawaii. Yes, that's mighty fine company to keep. [caption id="attachment_891596" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cable Beach[/caption] In the South Pacific rundown, Cable Beach beat six other Aussie locations and one from New Zealand. Also getting some love locally: Sydney's Manly Beach in second place, Emily Bay on Norfolk Island in third and Mooloolaba Beach in fourth spot. Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas and Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island adding two more Queensland locations to the list at sixth and seventh place, while Turquoise Bay in Exmouth in WA came in ninth after topping the South Pacific spots in 2022. Across the ditch, Tahunanui Beach in Nelson sits at eighth place, too. The two beaches deemed the best in the South Pacific that aren't from Down Under? Matira Beach on Society Island in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which sits fifth and Natadola Beach in Sigatoka, Fiji, at tenth. If it's an overseas beach holiday you're after this year, you now know where to head. [caption id="attachment_891589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach[/caption] Back to the worldwide list, it spans 25 places, with Manly coming in 13th there ahead of locations in Grand Cayman, San Sebastian, Bali, Costa Rica, Rio de Janeiro and more. Across both the worldwide and South Pacific rankings, winners were chosen as part of Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice awards, which is based on millions of reviews and ratings left on the online platform across 2022. [caption id="attachment_891592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach[/caption] TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE WORLD FOR 2023: Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Eagle Beach, Aruba, The Caribbean Cable Beach, Broome, Australia Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos, The Caribbean Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily, Italy Varadero Beach, Cuba, The Caribbean Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC FOR 2023: Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia, Australia Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Emily Bay, Norfolk Island, Australia Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia Matira Beach, Society Island, Bora Bora, French Polynesia Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia Tahunanui Beach, Nelson, New Zealand Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Western Australia, Australia Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Fiji [caption id="attachment_891590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matira Beach[/caption] To check out the full list of top beaches for 2023, head to Tripadvisor. Images: Getty Images / Tripadvisor. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Nobody in their right mind could fault a café that tops its cappuccinos with real grated chocolate. That alone would be reason enough to love Moray Café, but luckily for locals, there are plenty of other reasons as well. Nestled into the greenery of riverside New Farm, the Moray Café feels like it's a million miles away from the hubbub of Fortitude Valley. The indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Moray Street and Merthyr Road is the perfect spot to enjoy a late start to the day. But let's get back to that coffee. Moray Café roasts its own own blend—Reverends Fine Coffee—on site. As for that grated chocolate… well, it pushes a good coffee into amazing territory, so be sure to order a cappuccino. The breakfast menu at the Moray Café is a welcome change to the standard bacon and eggs you will find elsewhere in town. Asian-influenced dishes such as the sweet Japanese omelette with salmon and pickled carrot ($15), the Vietnamese coconut crepes with pork and egg ($16), and the Indonesian sambal tofu ($15.50) are light options flavoured with fresh herbs. For a Mexican vibe, try the chipotle scrambled eggs with black bean and corn salsa ($15) – a bold breakfast best enjoyed with generous hits of lime and coriander. And of course, if you are a bacon and eggs devotee, you can get them (with Turkish toast and relish) for $12. Best of all, breakfast is served until 3pm for those late risers.
It was named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022, and it isn't short on reasons to stop by whenever you like. Back in 2022, however, the Scenic Rim region gave music fans a hefty piece of motivation to make the trip. That's when it debuted the state's newest fest, aka The Long Sunset — and the event is returning in 2023. On Saturday, April 29, the music and camping festival will sprawl across Elysian Fields in Canungra — and it'll make the most of its almost 500-acre location. Listening to live tunes may be the main drawcard, as well as bunking down for the night both before and afterwards, but this fest also fills its sprawling venue with other highlights. Think: wine tastings, celebrating local artists and artisans, and a range of homegrown food options. On the bill for 2023: Lime Cordiale, Winston Surfshirt, Hatchie and Sycco, as well as Tia Gostelow, Peach Fur, bella amor, Baby Cool and Luke Brazier. If you're camping or glamping — which gives you access from Friday, April 28–Monday, May 1 — there's also a Friday-night campfire session with Laura Frank, Seasoning and The Inadequates. Yes, as the name suggests, you can expect quite the dazzling display as day turns to night — with sunset at Elysian Fields seeing beams of light flicker over from the region's surrounding mountain ranges. The Long Sunset forms part of the also-returning Queensland Music Trails, which is all about spreading tunes and tourists across the Sunshine State. Images: Mitch Lowe.
Cunnamulla and the surrounding Shire of Paroo are steeped in history with the land occupied by the Gunya people long before the township's foundation. Nowadays, you can explore this history through the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail, which documents tales about the characters and buildings that forged this captivating outback community. There's great insight into the town's folklore throughout the trail. For instance, the Robber's Tree was climbed by wannabe bandit Joseph Wells as he tried to escape the police after he attempted to pillage the Queensland National Bank in 1880. Meanwhile, the towering bronze figure of the Cunnamulla Fella captures the spirit of 1950s bush characters recounted in Slim Dusty's namesake tune. Start your explorations at the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
On Australia's list of big things, the Big Pineapple is among the most famous. It's big. It's a pineapple. It's heritage-listed Queensland icon. It's located on the Sunshine Coast surrounded by pineapple fields. Basically, what's not to love? It's not merely a reason to head to Nambour to gawk at over-sized tropical fruit, though. Back in 2013, it also became home to a music festival. Initially, the Big Pineapple Festival ran annually. At present, it was last held in 2021. The event's three-year hiatus is coming to an end, however, with organisers announcing that the fest will return in October 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Big Pineapple Festival (@bigpineapplefestival) No specific date has been revealed as yet for this spring, and there's no lineup so far, but the fest's website says it all: "we're back baby!". The Big Pineapple Festival's site and socials have also said far more than just those three words about the event's comeback. So, you can start looking forward to a Woombye fest that'll take over the location's natural amphitheatres, get folks pitching a tent at the 4000-person campground, and also span workshops and art installations in a relaxed setting, too. The fest has always drawn a crowd, selling out in its very first year and plenty of times since. In 2021, Alison Wonderland and Peking Duk headlined, leading a lineup that unfurled top-notch entertainment across four stages. Also included at past festivals: a ferris wheel, food stalls aplenty, arts, crafts and other activities, and camping — all in the shadow of a giant pineapple that's the Sunshine Coast's biggest tourist attraction. The Big Pineapple Festival's return is welcome news at a time when the Australian music scene has been seeing cancellations, rather than comebacks. Tasmania's Mona Foma said farewell forever after its 2024 event, both Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo scrapped their 2024 festivals mere weeks after announcing their lineups, Falls Festival took summer 2023–24 off, Summergrounds Music Festival at Sydney Festival was cancelled and This That hasn't gone ahead for a couple of years now. [caption id="attachment_944026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Big Pineapple, Alpha via Flickr[/caption] The Big Pineapple Festival will return in October 2024, with an exact date yet to be announced. We'll update you with more details when they're revealed — keep an eye on the fest's website, Facebook and Instagram in the interim. Images: Claudia Ciapocha / Charlie Hardy..
When BŌS asks you to join its club, here's what it means: picking a dry-aged cut of meat from its cabinet, purchasing and reserving it, then tucking into it via the restaurant's 'Cleaver Club' whenever you're onsite. If that sounds like a swanky experience, it is, and that's what Brisbane's newest dining option has in store all round. You'd expect exactly that from a venue by Good Chef Bad Chef and Richo's Bar Snacks chef Adrian Richardson, plus ex-Cha Cha Char restaurateur Chris Higgins. Now open on Queen Street opposite Customs House, in Otto Ristorante's old Dexus Tower digs, the 120-seater BŌS gives the River City a luxe go-to with river views. Think: green hues and a plush fitout, as well as rounded edges, warm light, plenty of linen, and polished marble and brass, all courtesy of local interior design outfit Alkot Studio. Seating diners at tables and banquettes, or in the restaurant's al fresco seating, BŌS also clearly goes heavy on steak. It takes its name from the Latin word for beef, after all, which is indeed reflective of its menu. Here, you'll also find steak tartare, eight cuts from the grill included a bacon-wrapped fillet mignon, and two giant 1.2–1.5-kilogram options to share all on offer. That said, diners can also choose from oysters three ways, chargrilled Fremantle octopus, house-smoked salmon, sand crab lasagne, crackling-wrapped pork loin and duck breast with black garlic as part of BŌS' embrace of different types of proteins. The culinary theme, other than meat: modern Mediterranean, as also seen in the lineup of handmade small goods like salamis, bresaola and pastrami; the southern rock lobster with hand-cut mafaldine pasta; and the hand-stretched buffalo mozzarella. And, BŌS' sides range covers creamy mashed potatoes, wagyu-fat roasted spuds and a selection of other vegetables, while the dessert options include vanilla bean crème brûlée, Basque cheesecake, strawberries and cream, cheeses, ricotta doughnuts and dark chocolate brownies. As first announced in early November, BŌS sees Richardson and Higgins team up with lawyer Liam McMahon, with Richardson also taking cues from La Luna, his bistro in Carlton in Melbourne since 1998. The drinks list is just as much of a highlight as the meat-centric menu, thanks to restaurant manager and sommelier Romain Maunier (Montrachet, La Cache a Vin). BŌS' vino choices favour drops from high-end producers in Australia, France and Italy. "Our wine list is a journey around the world; it is the present moment but also an envy for the future, an everyday pleasure and a special celebration, a perfect food matching or just our favourite bottle," advises Maunier. If you prefer cocktails, the espresso martinis and affogatos fall into the 'liquid dessert' category; the full cocktail and spirits offerings fills seven pages; and there's a global gin selection, Bond-style martinis, share jugs of sangria and three kinds of spritzes. Come January 2023, BŌS will also boast a dedicated champagne and cocktail terrace bar — called The Aviary Terrace Bar — for summer sips and taking advantage of Brisbane's usually sultry weather, which'll pair full bottle service with city views. BŌS arrives in Brisbane at a busy time for big culinary names making a move to southeast Queensland, much to local diners' delight. Guy Grossi has announced plans to open an Amalfi-inspired restaurant in Brisbane, Hong Kong's Michelin-starred cantonese restaurant T'ang Court launched on the Gold Coast and Melbourne's famed Supernormal is planning to set up a Brissie location. Yes, that's quite the stacked list of new and upcoming eateries to add to your must-visit list. Find BŌS on level four, 480 Queen Street, Brisbane — open 12pm–12am Tuesday–Saturday. The Aviary Bar and Terrace is set to open in January 2023, and we'll update you with further details close to its launch.
Step inside a great hotel and the staff will make you feel welcome. Check in for a stay at QT Melbourne and you'll now be greeted by a very special (and adorable) employee: Russell the wellness dog-cierge. The accommodation chain's Victorian site has announced a partnership with Guide Dogs Victoria to enlist the help of a four-legged friend at the hotel — bringing cuteness, joy and companionship to patrons. If you know where QT Melbourne is located, then you'll know where this cute pooch gets his name. Russell Street's newest resident trained as a guide dog, but it was decided that he's better suited to aid with wellbeing due to his affectionate and friendly nature. While his job at the hotel from Thursday, February 27, 2025 involves being charming, greeting guests and leading walks, he also gives the venue a walking, tail-wagging tribute to the work done by Guide Dogs Victoria, even if he hasn't been dispatched to assist people with blindness or low vision. Consider this your latest reason to book in a staycation if you're a Melburnian — and great motivation to pick where to slumber on your next trip to the Victorian capital if you're located elsewhere. "We're incredibly proud to welcome Russell to QT Melbourne," said the hotel's General Manager Kristen Foat. "His presence represents not just a commitment to our guests' wellbeing, but also a deep appreciation for the important work Guide Dogs Victoria does in the community. Through this partnership, we're able to give back in a meaningful way while creating an environment of joy, connection and compassion." For more pup-centric fun, QT Melbourne is also launching a trio of experiences for or involving pooches, all of which will donate their proceeds Guide Dogs Victoria. Fancy bending and stretching on a rooftop with puppies in training to be guide dogs? Monthly Pups & Poses sessions have you covered. Keen to drop by with your own barking bestie instead? Puppacinos are on offer, as are pup staycations. You'll be heading to Deli QT, the hotel's sandwich bar, for a pup-friendly sip from 8am–3pm Monday–Saturday. And during pet-friendly sleepovers, your pooch will be able to get snacking thanks to the in-room menu for dogs. Russell joins QT Melbourne, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne from Thursday, February 27, 2025 — head to the hotel's website for bookings and more details.
In recent years, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art has played host to an array of weird and wonderful exhibits. The Hulk's giant bed, a real-life snowman and Patricia Piccinini's otherworldly field of not-quite-flowers have all graced the South Brisbane site's halls and walls, as have David Lynch's inimitable art and a recreation of a real-life riverbed. But come summer 2020–21, the cultural institution is heading in a completely different direction. A gallery-wide celebration of motorcycles mightn't be the kind of thing you'd generally expect to find at GOMA; however, that's exactly what'll be on display from November this year till April 2021. Called The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire, the Queensland-exclusive showcase will explore the two-wheeled vehicle's enduring appeal — from the way it looks and how it has evolved over the years, to the way it's portrayed in popular culture and how it makes people feel. Obviously, the exhibition will do so by displaying plenty of motorbikes. Sourced from public and private collections from around the world, more than 100 will ride into GOMA — with some dating back more than 150 years. That'd be the Michaux-Perreaux steam-powered velocipede from 1868, which is the oldest-known motorbike on the planet. It'll be joined by a selection of the first Aussie built and designed motorcycles, including one made in Brisbane in 1906; record-breaking bikes, such as the land speed record-breaking 1951 Vincent Black Lightning; and a lineup of super-modern motorcycles that represent the vehicle's future. [caption id="attachment_762937" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede (1869). Collection du musée du domaine départemental. Photo by Olivier Ravoire.[/caption] Honing in on the motorcycle's importance not just as a mode of transport, but as an ever-evolving machine, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire will also feature interactive experiences — and while GOMA hasn't revealed what they'll be just yet, you can reasonably expect it'll be something more exciting than just hopping on a motorbike and driving around South Bank. Up Late events will form part of the program, too, for those wanting to party in the gallery and peer at historic motorcycles after dark. And, because there are quite a few motorbike-related movies to choose from — Easy Rider, Mad Max, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Purple Rain and Hot Rod, for example — GOMA's Australian Cinematheque will also get into the same gear, with its lineup set to be unveiled closer to the exhibition. The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire will display at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art from November 28, 2020–April 26, 2021. For further information or to buy tickets, visit the exhibition website. Top images: Vincent Black Lightning (1951), image courtesy Bonhams; Majestic 350 (1930), photo by Olivier de Vaulx; Megola Sport (1922), courtesy Guggenheim Museum, photo by David Heald.
Dining out with friends is all good fun until someone tries to split the bill. If Tim, Tahlia and Tony shared a bottle of wine, Thomas had an entree, Tamika ordered three gin and tonics, Tim couldn’t help but have dessert, meanwhile Tahlia and Tony crack a second bottle - you’ve got a mighty mess on your hands. And besides, it’s not fair on ‘budget-wise Tess’ to split the bill even if she refrained from dessert or even a sneaky vino. Enter, Vapiano. This is not casual dining as you know it. Walk in the door and be handed a plastic card - your own personal tab. No messy sharing, you’ll walk out with no bitter disputes. The venue is massive - a double storey mega-complex hidden in a lane just off Queen Street Mall. Not exactly a date venue, the solid wooden tables are designed for four or more - each features a small marble planter with a lamp and fresh basil or rosemary plants to enhance your food. The design is clean and unique - making it hard to believe Vapiano is indeed an international franchise with the same fit-out replicated across Europe and in Egypt, Brazil and South Korea. Food wise, the highlight was most certainly the antipasti plate. Stacked high with an amazing buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, pepperoni, parmesan, olives, roast veges and bruschetta, the small size ($13.9) was on par with many boards you’d find elsewhere for double the price. We couldn’t let the L’acacia pizza go past without a try. Almost dessert-like in flavour, a strong hit of honey reaches your taste buds before the salty prosciutto and tomato base weigh out the sensation. The pizza base is beautifully thin and crisp with a great woodfired taste that allows the toppings to shine. A little sparse on the fig, but not on other flavours. We also opted for the Gamberi e Rucola, with classic italiano flavours the olives and prawns ran beautifully with a generous topping of fresh rocket giving a healthy and light flavour. The rocket and walnut salad ($10.9) was tasty, albeit a little drowned. Despite receiving a mixed leaf base rather than rocket, the lettuce leaves were crisp and very fresh. Vapiano’s pasta is made fresh on site. You line up to watch your dish being made and while it’s fun to interact with the chefs as they work, it’s a little alarming seeing how much butter, oil and cream gets added to each dish. They say ignorance is bliss, but thankfully the taste makes up for it. Staff are friendly and upbeat - our pasta cooker was a bit of a joker, asking how our night was - and the venue has a great relaxed and fun vibe. With bars on both levels, cocktails aren’t far - nor is dessert. At $3.9 a pop, get yourself a jar of cheesecake, tiramisu or panna cotta. You won’t regret it, because Tess, life’s too short not to order dessert.
When Brisbane Open House returns for 2024, it'll let Brisbanites take a wander through a space that dates back to 1846 and is also the River City's oldest European-style residential property. That place: Newstead House. But that's not your first chance to check out the historic riverside site after its three-year restoration. If you're keen to pop by before that — and enjoy live tunes, food trucks, markets, lawn games and tours — then head to the abode's one-day official reopening shindig between 10am–2pm on Saturday, July 6. Before the restoration and also prior to the pandemic, the Newstead spot regularly held picnic-worthy weekend sessions — and this celebration is following in that trend. Entry is free, but you'll need your wallet for whatever you choose to eat when you get cosy on the sprawling grass. To take a peek at Newstead House's unveiling, you'll be wandering through the site at your own pace, spying how far it has come from its first days as a two-level Georgian cottage. You'll also notice period decor that dates back to between 1862–90, when it was home to local businessman George Harris and his family. For kids — because this is a family-friendly affair — there'll be a roving magician, face-painting and an educational reptile showcase.
Harveys is a charming bistro on James St, New Farm, that is all about the little details. The staff are dressed stylishly, inspired by the surrounding chic fashion boutiques. Every dish on the menu is a classic with a contemporary twist. You can choose to sit inside and soak in the modern decor, or out on the leafy outdoor area for some people watching in the blissful Queensland sun. If you are looking for a satisfying brunch, opt for the spiced mince in flour tortilla with poached egg, sour cream and avocado, perfectly washed down with a freshly squeezed orange juice. For a lighter option, the fresh seasonal fruit bowl with toasted coconut, passionfruit and organic honey is the 'little black dress' of the breakfast world: a staple and slimming classic. When accessorised with the optional homemade vanilla bean yoghurt, this dish is a knockout. The relaxed atmosphere and a clean and modern approach to its dishes makes Harveys the kind of place you take someone you want to impress.
Living in a river city like Brisbane means making the most of that winding waterway every chance you can, especially when the climate is sultry and sunny, too. When it opened back in late 2020, Will & Flow offered Brisbanites another way to do just that with the ol' brown snake: by sipping drinks over the water while peering out at South Bank. The city's second overwater bar in the last few years — following Mr Percival's over at Howard Smith Wharves — Will & Flow boasts a killer location, stunning views and an impressive deck where you can enjoy both. Obviously, plenty to eat and drink is also on the menu. But that spectacular spot meant it was susceptible to Brisbane's floods when they wreaked havoc earlier in 2022. Now, after a few months spent recovering, the venue has reopened. Up and running again since late June, Will & Flow is back doing what it has always done best: pairing sips and bites to eat with that dazzling vista. Run by the Treasury Brisbane — marking its first off-site location, in fact — the bar has also undergone an interior revamp, and given its menu a makeover as well, all while bringing back one of its beloved regular events. Part of the Queen's Wharf precinct, and sitting between the QUT Gardens Point CityCat stop and the Goodwill Bridge, Will & Flow has gone natural with its new furnishings. There's also a new deck area, plus an outdoor kitchen. The menu still spans coffees during the day, cocktails after work and meals from morning till evening, but now starts with woodfired open omelettes with mushrooms, onions, tomato and buffalo mozzarella for breakfast — and breakfast pides with bacon, pork sausage, mushroom and egg. The lunch range includes cheesy baked potato gnocchi with creamy mushroom, woodfired pizzas, and pork meatballs with pomodoro sauce and pecorino, while pides feature there as well. Think: garlic and cheese pides, one topped with salt and vinegar potato and buffalo mozzarella, and a barbecue beef brisket flat bread with sour cream, avocado and tomato relish. Also getting a shakeup: the cocktail range, with dessert cocktails now on offer to suit the colder weather. Enjoy chocolate hazelnut martini made with Frangelico, crème de cacao and vodka, a lamingtini made with Baileys, Frangelico, Coconut Monin, cream and chocolate bitters, as well as a 'Winter Warmer' that combines custard, Makers Mark, Mozart chocolate liqueur and Baileys. And if you head by on a Thursday night from 4.30pm, Beats and Eats is back. For $20, you can choose from a menu of woodfired pizzas and pides, and get a glass of sparkling glass of prosecco — with DJs providing the tunes. Find Will & Flow in the Queen's Wharf precinct, between the QUT Gardens Point CityCat stop and the Goodwill Bridge — open Thursdays from 4.30–9.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30am–10pm, and Sundays from 6.30am–9pm. Images: Mitch Lowe.
When a seafood restaurant is absolutely brimming with people every night of the week (and even on the same day as the Caxton St Seafood and Wine Festival), then you know they must be dishing up something more than your everyday fish 'n' chips. Reef Seafood + Sushi at Gasworks Plaza offers such variety — with fresh, made-to-order seafood plates of crayfish, shellfish and fish fillets; Tasmanian, New Zealand and South Australian sourced oysters and imported caviar; as well as fresh nori rolls and sashimi expertly sliced by a team of Japanese chefs — that even the most discerning of seafood aficionados will be impressed. Specialty dishes include the lobster mornay (a succulent lobster tail smothered in a rich, creamy mornay sauce, topped with cheese and baked until melted, $29) and Reef's own giant seafood platter with calamari, prawns, miso scallops, beer-battered fish fillets, crab claws, lobster, oysters, sashimi and chips. At 99 bucks a pop, it's the perfect option for a group seafood feast. If you're after something smaller, then you can't go wrong with the crumbed oysters ($15) or a fresh swordfish fillet with house-made lemon butter sauce ($23.90). Served with salad (topped with a delicious Japanese-style sesame dressing) and tangy, crunchy chips, it's a fresh, filling dish that gets in your daily dose of omega-3s. Set in the relaxed atmosphere of Gasworks with a view of the Gas-o-meter lights and a menu a mile long (as well as a fully stocked bar and cocktail list), Reef is sure to reel you in every time. They certainly got us. Hook, line and sinker.
Traditionally, a food outing with kids in tow has involved a jumbo pack of wipes, stale nuggets and worn-out parents who wished more than anything that they had booked an expensive babysitter while they indulged their passion for food. Well, times have changed. Now more than ever, restaurants have parents in mind. So we've teamed up with Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove, to find Brisbane's top ten kid-friendly cafe and restaurants. These places offer some of the best, most exciting food offerings in the city — with a little extra somethin' somethin' to make family outings a delight. Now you can save the babysitter for when you actually need the alone time, not just a great feed someone else has cooked. RISTORANTE LA FAMIGLIA It doesn't get any more family friendly that this Italian joint, with the word family literally there in the name. Ristorante La Famiglia specialises in regional Pugliese food such as orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta), with a fresh and tasty kids menu to match. Desserts are designed to be shared, spreading the post-feast sugar high evenly among family members. 3/855 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba PLUM TUCKER Come to Plum Tucker to feast on delicious and healthy brunch dishes. Table service and a kiddies' corner complete with books, toys and colouring-in activities makes it perfect for parents who actually want to have a conversation over their eggs Benny. You might even get some food envy from the kids' menu. With options like a mini bacon and egg burger on Turkish, the little rascals have plenty to choose from. 1/5 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill THE PRIORY KITCHEN Let's be honest, there are only so many ways you can get creative with eggs and avocado. Brunch spots that offer fresh and exciting menu options are very hard to come by — which is why The Priory is a rare gem in the inner south. Ample seating options, high chairs and a full kids' menu that will have you pretending to be under 12. There'll be no objection to finishing off Three-Year-Old's fruit salad sundae complete with summer fruits, passionfruit jelly, lemon sorbet and brioche cinnamon toast. Shop 4/855 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba MECCA BAH A now not-so-well-kept secret, this hot spot in the valley not only offers incredible Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grub, it welcomes kids — to the extent that it hosts children's pizza-making classes and parties. For just $35 per child, kids learn the art of dough acrobatics, followed by a pizza buffet, soft drink and fairy floss. A wise investment for weekly at-home pizza nights; there's no need to buy frozen bases when your child's learned the trade straight from a the pizza maestro. Win. 21/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley THE COFFEE NOOK A popular spot on the south side for busy parents, The Coffee Nook offers quick and friendly service, consistently excellent coffee, plus one of the best beef burgers in town. With ample parking and jumbo babycinos on offer, this hole-in-the-wall is a great spot at which to refuel after a sleepless night (or 20). 2/5 Secam Street, Mansfield SEPTEMBER 18 This is one restaurant where the whole family is sure to eat their vegetables. September 18 (no, not the last time you went to the bathroom without an audience), the all-vegan eatery at North Lakes, is a family-friendly destination for plant-based meals. The cosy spot provides high chairs, and its Malaysian-inspired dishes are bound to please palettes young and old, timid or bold. Think dumplings, noodles and stay mock chicken. 1650 Anzac Avenue, North Lakes PAWPAW Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this buzzing Woolloongabba eatery covers all bases and is especially creative when it comes to catering for little ones with allergies. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are all available in the form of breakfast bowls, French toast and steamed bao. Bonus: they serve all their kid-sized drinks with lids so as to avoid spills and frantic table wipe-downs. 898 Stanley Street East, Woolloongabba SAIKO TEPPANYAKI Nothing says family fun like having an egg thrown at your face. Saiko is a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, which means the food is cooked right in front of you, flamboyantly, on huge grills. This is for parents who are looking for more than just your ordinary dinner. The magic of interactive dining never gets old — much like the teppanyaki masters themselves. Book early to avoid missing out on all the theatrical fun, and bring some extra wipes for the grown-ups in case the sake interferes with your ability to catch rice in your mouth. 17/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley PIZZALUNGA DA CARLO Woodfired one-metre-long pizzas are the specialty at Pizzalunga. And there is no need to keep the kids occupied with an iPad when they can watch the pizza chefs in action in this open-plan kitchen. All pizzas are hand rolled, and there's a simple but delicious kids' menu on offer as well — for the minority of the population who like their pizzas on a smaller scale. For those with a second dessert stomach, the woodfired Nutella pizza topped with fresh strawberries is a must. 3 Aspinall Street, Nundah MRS BROWN'S BAR & KITCHEN Remember when you used to socialise at bars and drink alcohol out of a lovely glass? It feels like so long ago. Thankfully, Mrs Brown is here to help. Home to an impressive selection of wine and spirits, as well as Asian-inspired bar food, Mrs Brown's aims to bring locals together, including the reason why we took up daytime drinking in the first place — our offspring. It's rare to find a bar that will accommodate the kids; even rarer to find one with such a welcoming vibe and plenty of high chairs on offer. 32 Commercial Road, Newstead Drive your family on adventures in and outside of town in the Holden Equinox, the SUV for parents with nothing to prove. Find out more on the Holden website.
Strolling through stunning lights as far as the eye can see, moseying beneath a canopy of glowing multi-coloured trees, wandering between ribbons of flashing beams, enjoying the most-luminous two-kilometre stroll through nature that you can imagine: you'll be able to do all of this again when Lightscape returns to Brisbane in 2024. If you went to the 2023 version, this second Lightscape stint in the Queensland capital will also take place as part of Brisbane Festival 2024. For two years in a row, one dazzling event hosts another, then, with this year's iteration running from Thursday, August 29 and staying around for a few weeks post-fest until Saturday, October 12. Once more, the after-dark light festival is taking over the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, beaming away from 5.45pm each night. Prepare to see the garden illuminated by immersive and large-scale installations scattered along the lengthy route, including sparkling trees, lit-up walkways and bursts of colour that look like fireworks. A big highlight: large-scale works like giant flowers and glowing tunnels, both of which will make you feel like you're being bathed in radiance. But don't go thinking that you'll just be repeating what you saw last year, because 2024's Lightscape in Brisbane has a few new additions courtesy of works by Queensland First Nations artists Paul Bong (aka Bindur Bullin) and Michelle Yeatman. The whole experience has also been reimagined, in fact. Also, pop-up food and drink stalls will be scattered throughout the walk. Images: Markus Ravik.
It's hard to miss Tibetan Kitchen. The bright yellow and blue building right on Petrie Terrace is the sort of place you've probably driven past a hundred times and never actually been inside. But you should. The restaurant specialises in authentic Tibetan cuisine, including momos — steamed and fried dumplings, filled with meat or veggies, coriander, ginger and garlic, served with house-made chutney. For the vegetarians, Tibetan Kitchen in Brisbane City has veg kofta with mashed potato, chickpeas, capsicum and coriander rolled into balls that are deep-fried, then cooked in a spicy sauce. We also love the veg shapka, which has potatoes, mixed vegetables and tomatoes cooked in a curry sauce loaded with ginger, garlic and coriander. Round out your meal with some starters — we suggest the aloo chop (curried potato patties with homemade chutney) or spinach dhal soup — and the staple rice, bread and khir for dessert, a Nepalese pudding topped with caramel. Image: Hennessy Trill
For more than six decades, fans of Disney have been able to step into the Mouse House's wonders IRL, thanks to a theme park empire that started in the 1950s with Disneyland. For even longer, touring your way through Universal Studios' wares — first during lot visits, then theme parks as well — has also been a reality. While Japan's beloved Studio Ghibli joined in back in 2001 via its Ghibli Museum, now it has launched its very own theme park. Get ready to get spirited away, and to skip around a sprawling place that's both gorgeous and magical. The venue at Aichi Prefecture Expo Park has been in the works since back in 2017, and has also been through a few delays over that five-year period — but as of Tuesday, November 1, it's finally and officially open to animation lovers. If that's you, Ghibli Park is welcoming in fans to wander its 200-hectare expanse in Nagoya's Aichi Prefecture, around a three-hour train trip from Tokyo, with the space's first three stages launching on opening day. Ghibli has been dropping early glimpses at the park over the past few months — even if its recent Hayao Miyazaki-directed cat train trailer was solely animated (but still wonderful) — and there's plenty of store for visitors. Part of the first phase is a space that's been dubbed Ghibli's Great Warehouse, aka the park's main area. Think of it like a fair within the overall attraction, featuring a video exhibition room, three special exhibition rooms, plus shops and cafes all in one space. Many movie lovers' first stop should be Orionza, a cinema that sets 170 patrons and screens ten Ghibli shorts — all of which have only previously been seen at the studio's existing museum in Mitaka, a city on the western outskirts Tokyo. The easy highlight: the 13-minute-long sequel to My Neighbour Totoro, which is an absolute delight, unsurprisingly. Fancy entering one of Ghibli's films? The park also includes recreations of 13 famous scenes from the company's cinematic catalogue that you can step into, including becoming Spirited Away's Chihiro by sitting next to Kaonashi on a mysterious train by the sea. Or, another exhibition focuses on Ghibli's knack for drawing delicious-looking food, and is certain to make you hungry. And, if you're curious how Ghibli's works — such as posters, videos, music and books — appear overseas, there's an exhibition about that as well. Because you'll want souvenirs, the Ghibli's warehouse store sells Ghibli goodies galore, including items specific to the park. Expect two things: to want to purchase everything, so much so that you'll contemplate whether it's worth getting another suitcase to take home with you; and plenty of company while you're browsing and buying. For a bite or a drink, the Great Warehouse's cafe and milk stand both take their cues The Wind Rises. One slings sandwiches and pizzas, while the other focuses on sips to drink — and a sweet made of red bean paste between two pieces of castella, as seen in the movie. Yes, it all truly does resemble the Japanese animation house's glorious frames in real life — as that aforementioned Studio Ghibli museum already does as well. Also open in the first stage: gardens, including the antique shop and verandah from Whisper of the Heart, plus Satsuki and Mei's house from My Neighbour Totoro. The latter was already a part of Aichi Prefecture Expo Park, but that doesn't make it any less stunning. Indeed, there's a reason that Ghibli Park was initially described as having a My Neighbour Totoro focus. Also slated to feature across the whole park: a life-sized version of Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's home from Kiki's Delivery Service, a village area that pays tribute to Princess Mononoke, nods to the cat from Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns, buildings with design elements that take their cues from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, and a super-sized garden that'll make you feel like you're one of the tiny characters in Arrietty. If you're now planning a Ghibli-centric holiday, Japan reopened its borders to individual international tourists, and ditched its visa and package tour requirements, back in October — which, yes, is handy timing. A note re ticketing: like Ghibli's museum, Ghibli Park opens for bookings one day per month, working months ahead. On Monday, November 14, for instance, you'll be able to buy tickets for January visits. Ghibli Park is now open at Aichi Expo Memorial Park, 1533–1 Ibaragamama Otsu, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: © Studio Ghibli.
Not only home to grapevines as far as the eye can see, but also a restaurant with views over Moreton Bay, a nine-hole modified form of golf and regular concerts — Mount Cotton's Sirromet Winery also has onsite glamping within its expansive 560-acre grounds. It's also the first vineyard glamping experience in Queensland, and visitors can get cosy in one of 18 tents, with each featuring a king bed, indoor day chairs, outdoor tables and seating, bathrooms with a shower and toilet, and reverse cycle air-conditioning to cope with southeast Queensland's usually warm weather. Every safari-style abode also includes a mini-bar filled with Sirromet wine, and all bookings include complimentary breakfast at Tuscan Terrace (midweek) or Restaurant Lurleen's (weekends).
When a new brewery opens in Brisbane that shares part of its moniker with Queensland's nickname, it's clearly happy to get playful. At Little Miss Sunshine, that's the vibe. First announced in mid-July 2024 and now welcoming in patrons in the River City, this addition to Ann Street is a bistro, too, pouring brews and serving up Sunshine State-inspired cuisine from the back of the ground floor of an office building. From Milton to West End, Woolloongabba to Morningside and Fortitude Valley to Newstead, it isn't hard to find a brewery in Brisbane's inner-city suburbs and their surrounding locales. River City drinkers are spoiled for choice, in fact. Maybe it's thanks to the yeast and hops smell that's long lingered over the inner west courtesy of the XXXX factory, but this beer-loving town has never been one to say no to more breweries, especially over the past decade. Brissie loves new spots making beer as much as new bridges — so opening a brewery in this area of town feels like an inevitability. Whether you're keen to drop in for after-work drinks, lunch, dinner or anything in-between, Little Miss Sunshine sports a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating — and, yes, a sunny yellow hue features heavily, with light-coloured timber to match. Wherever you choose to say cheers, 28 taps have your tips taken care of, complete with both house-brewed tipples, including small-batch sips, alongside favourites from elsewhere picked by the team. On the menu, Moreton Bay bug spaghetti, a wagyu cheeseburger with lettuce from the Sunshine Coast, harissa roasted sweet potato salad with Toowoomba-grown spinach and a sirloin served with Lockyer Valley broccolini are just a few examples of Little Miss Sunshine's Queensland-leaning culinary options. Haloumi skewers, beer-battered barramundi, wings, lamb kofta, and beef and chicken shawarma also feature, as the food lineup additionally takes some inspiration from the Mediterranean. Hitting up Little Miss Sunshine means catching live tunes as well, all in a space that you've probably walked past countless times — especially if you work in the CBD — without considering that a brewery could one day live there. The folks behind it: RMS Group, which also has fellow inner-city haunts Isles Lane Bar & Kitchen, Fig & Olive Bar Bistro, Hellcat Maggie Laneway Bar & Kitchen and The Grove Rooftop Event Space to its name. Find Little Miss Sunshine at 80 Ann Street, Brisbane — operating 10am–9pm Monday–Wednesday and 10–12am Thursday–Friday. Head to the venue's website, Facebook and Instagram in the interim. Images: Markus Ravik.
Caxton Street's go-to for whisky, southern-style food and Americana rock, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall left Brisbane's nightlife scene with a considerable gap when it shut up shop last November. Thankfully, the Petrie Terrace venue isn't staying closed for much longer, with new management swooping in, slightly amending its name and reopening the joint by the end of February. While the dive bar-style spot is now called Lefty's Music Hall and will be run by Hallmark Group Australia — the folks behind Jamie's Italian, Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria, Finn McCool's and Retro's Cocktail Lounge — not much else seems to changing. If you've been a fan of its honky-tonk saloon theme, famed whisky apples and live music lineup since it originally launched back in 2013, that's all sticking around in the new iteration. So are Lefty's vintage chandeliers, crimson walls and the sizeable mirrors splashed around the place. Also staying put: its black leather booths lit by candles, giant curved bar, smattering of moose heads, wall-mounted bear and peacock, and heavily used stage and dance floor. Basically, it's a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. That seems understandable given how popular the venue has always been, and the reaction when it was shuttered suddenly. Exactly what'll be on Lefty's specific food and drink menu has yet to be revealed — other than that popular blend of whisky and freshly juiced apples — but the bar will be serving plenty of boutique beers and, obviously, whisky. As for its entertainment lineup, it'll once again focus on rockabilly and country music, showcasing local, Australian and international talent. Find Lefty's Music Hall at 15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace, from a yet-to-be-announced date in late February — we'll update you when an exact opening date comes to hand. Top image: Google Maps.
Gemelli Italian has set up shop in Fortitude Valley's bustling James Street precinct, marking the Gold Coast-based chain's first Brisbane outpost. You might've eaten at brand's spots down the coast, which include a restaurant in Broadbeach and a trattoria in Nobby Beach, but now it has made the trip up north. Decked out with timber arches to break up the space, and featuring large windows as well, Gemelli's James Street eatery has a light and airy feel. Settling into the McLachlan and James street corner site that was previously home to Bucci, it's serving up pizza, pasta, antipasti and sweet dishes such as deep-fried dessert gnocchi and Nutella calzones, all inside a three-level dining space. Here, you can start with the cherry tomato, buffalo mozzarella and parmesan-topped bruschetta, then move on to a black olive and black anchovy pizza or the carbonara, or opt for bistecca or saltimbocca. The drinks list favours Italian beers and wines, too, and you can sip classic Italian cocktails — negronis, bellinis, rossinis and the like — or try house concoctions such as the Sicilian margarita. Those pizzas? They're cooked in a bespoke oven from Naples. Those tipples? They hail from the bar at the back. Fancy some salumi? There's a display fridge filled with it. Images: PHNX Digital.
The sight of a big, colourful sunflower is enough to put a smile on just about anybody's face. In Brisbane, this uplifting feeling can be a weekly occurrence, as the Sunny Truck pulls up at the Kelvin Grove Village Markets every Saturday from 6am–1pm. Founded by graphic designer Lucy Tann, this sunflower-slinging microbusiness can brighten your day in more ways than one. Parked beneath a towering fig tree, the tray of a slightly battered truck overflows with buckets of freshly cut sunflowers. Yet from its position tucked between buskers and fruiterers, Sunny Truck aims to be more than just a place for people to shop singles and bunches, pleasant as they may be. Just as important is providing a tight-knit community hub. Running her design business online, Tann began to feel like she lacked connection. Even after returning to Brisbane from Magnetic Island, her proximity to inner-city life did little to solve the problem. Instead, Tann set about creating her own community, with locals now making their way to Sunny Truck to get stems, but perhaps more significantly, to stop for a chat. Now, this growing Saturday morning ritual is on the rise, with Tann regularly selling out within just a couple of hours. And on the days she doesn't, the flowers are donated to aged care homes or bought by local cafes. "I think people are craving something unguarded and real," says Lucy. "The truck has given that to me and I think maybe it's giving that to others, too."
Spoiler warning: this interview incudes specifics about Smoke if you aren't up to date with the series before reading. Noticing patterns sits at the heart of most detective narratives. For the characters in Smoke, that's firmly part of the job. Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton, Carry-On) is a former firefighter-turned-arson investigator on the trail of two serial pyromaniacs — one using milk bottles to set their blazes, the other starting multiple infernos at once to attempt to split the fire department's resources — and, as a result, he's hunting for recurring clues in the ashes. So is Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett, The Order), his new partner and a police officer who has been transferred to the fictional Umberland's arson squad not by choice. Add these figures to the list, too, in the nine-part Apple TV+ miniseries: Captain Steven Burke (Rafe Spall, William Tell), who is behind Michelle's reassignment; Commander Harvey Englehart (Greg Kinnear, Off the Grid), Umberland's fire chief; Ezra Esposito (John Leguizamo, Bob Trevino Likes It), the cop who was previously by Gudsen's side; and Special Agent Dawn Hudson (Anna Chlumsky, Bride Hard). Spotting connections falls on Smoke's audience as well, although it's an easy task at the outset. Here, Egerton leads, Kinnear co-stars and author-turned-TV showrunner Dennis Lehane is behind the miniseries, drawing upon a true-crime tale to make a thriller series about questioning appearances — who is reliable as a character, who isn't, and the difference between how someone is perceived and their reality — where unpacking the human psyche is a key factor. This all also proved the case with the streaming platform's Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning Black Bird in 2022. Smoke boasts a few more nifty links. Back when Egerton was just starting his on-screen career, one of his first roles was in the 2014 firefighter-focused British series The Smoke, for instance. "It's a weird moment," Egerton advises. "When I first started working on this, I sent a photo of myself in the firefighter gear to Rhashan Stone [Midsomer Murders] and Jamie Bamber [Beyond Paradise], who were two actors I worked with on that TV show The Smoke, saying 'this is weird'," he continues. "I'm glad that I've been employed long enough to end up doing two shows that are called the same thing. That's got to be a success on some level, right?" Then there's the fact that this Smoke, which debuted with two episodes at the end of June 2025 and is unveiling the rest of its instalments weekly, is drawn from the Firebug podcast focusing on IRL serial arsonist John Orr — and that when a 2002 HBO TV movie also told his tale, it starred Black Bird's Ray Liotta alongside now-Smoke supporting cast member Leguizamo. What interested the latter in stepping back into this story a second time? "Because this time it's better-written, it's better-directed — no offence. Ray Liotta was brilliant as John Orr, but I think this is a better version," Leguizamo tells Concrete Playground. "I think Dennis Lehane took some liberties, which I think made it much more interesting. It's based on, not a direct copy of what really happened, so I think that makes it more fun. He had a whole bunch of new characters, and he really gets into the mind and pathology of this character, the arsonist. And I think that's what's fascinating about this series." As Leguizamo notes, Smoke isn't a strict adaptation of John Orr's life. He isn't a character in the series, in fact. Lehane, who enjoyed great success on the page before his screen work — his books Mystic River, Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone and Live By Night were all adapted into movies directed by Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese and Ben Affleck, respectively (Affleck helmed both Gone Baby Gone and Live By Night) — fictionalises many details, including monikers, in finding a new way into this story not only after Firebug but also Point of Origin. "I was trying to write about self-delusion. I was trying to write about chaos," the scribe who got his TV start penning episodes of The Wire, then worked on Boardwalk Empire, Mr Mercedes and The Outsider, explains. "I was trying to write about a world in which people feel so powerless and confused now that there are extremely powerful people who suggest with a straight face what we need to do is just burn it all down. Burn it all down. You don't like the way the government works? Burn it all down. Do we have anything to replace it with? Nope. But burn it all down. That's going on in the world, and at a pretty consistent level. And I thought this would be a fun way to look at it." "So everybody in this show is, I think, both psychologically complex and psychologically chaotic. And then they're emotionally chaotic. And then there's fire moving everywhere, which is chaotic unto itself. And it was just a way to look at a world that right now feels like it's on fire." [caption id="attachment_1014821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Lamparski/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival[/caption] Plenty of Smoke's complexity and chaos springs from Gudsen, who isn't just looking into the fires that are burning across his town, and is also an aspiring novelist writing about what he knows. "Dave is such a fascinating, extreme role," reflects Egerton of his latest recent part with a cat-and-mouse dynamic, because Black Bird and Carry-On also fall into the same category. "There's a few moments in this show that really come to mind very quickly as being extreme or strange moments. And I've got to be honest with you, I really love doing those moments," he says. "I do think of myself as an artist, but deep down inside I'm still the kid who wanted to climb on my school desk and have everybody look at me — so those moments, I do enjoy as an actor." What appealed to Egerton, Lehane and Kinnear about reteaming so soon after Black Bird? And to Spall, Leguizamo and Chlumsky about being a part of a series about the fine line between arsonists and arson investigators with them? What's the draw, too, of portraying morally ambiguous yet playful characters — and of jumping in when there isn't a single person in the series who is clearcut, and keeping audiences guessing about almost everyone is baked into the story? In addition to reckoning with people not being who you think they are, plus exploring what makes folks tick when they're attracted to things that can kill them or bring about their downfall, we also spoke with Egerton, Lehane, Kinnear, Spall, Leguizamo and Chlumsky about all of the above, plus more. On Reteaming on Another Crime-Thriller Series Developed by Lehane, Starring Egerton and Co-Starring Kinnear That's Unpacking the Human Psyche and Questioning Appearances Taron: "I think as an actor, you are only ever as good as the words on the page, and you're only ever as good as the person opposite you in the scene. And I really believe that. And I think in the case of the work I've done with Dennis, they are — both Jimmy and Dave — just very, very rich, well-drawn characters. And they're characters drawn by Dennis. And so I feel very privileged to be in this collaborative partnership with him. As long as he wants to employ me, I'm going to work with him because he writes tremendous roles. It's not always going to be the case. He's going to want to do things without me and that's cool. But if he wants me to do something, I'm down. I really love working with Dennis, and we've struck up a really great friendship and partnership over the past five years." Dennis: "I knew I wanted to do it with Taron because I love working with Taron, and because the two of us have a great shorthand and a rather immense amount of trust between each other — for where we're willing to go and how we're willing to push each other. So in that regard, that was a no-brainer to bring Taron in on this. It's an interesting thing, because Jimmy in Black Bird goes on a journey in which he's kind of a callow, shallow guy at the beginning, and by the end, by moving through this transformation, he's become a better human being, but he's lost a lot of his swagger. Dave starts off as oh, you think he's this sweet, heroic fireman, arson investigator — but very quickly, we start to put a lie to that, and by the third episode we've pretty much lit the whole concept on fire. And now it's really about the rabbit hole of 'how demented is this guy's psyche?' — and that becomes the journey of the show. So it's almost inverse. And it was fun to write, it was fun for Taron to play." Greg: "I just think they're good dudes. What can I say? Taron and Dennis, they're both super-talented. Who doesn't like to work with talented people? And in addition to them, we have a whole cast of talented people. So I knew, I just had great confidence that that this would be a good show. And it would be unexpected — and it would like any good novel, it would be a page-turner and keep the audience hooked and guessing. He certainly didn't disappoint in Black Bird. I know he — I mean, I guess you never know, but I have great confidence just in his ability." On What's Interesting About Digging Into a Cat-and-Mouse Dynamic as an Actor Taron: "I think there's obviously tremendous tension in a cat-and-mouse dynamic — and the feeling that a great deal is at stake. And stakes are important for really good storytelling, I suppose. I have to say, I do, having been the mouse in the cat and mouse dynamic of Carry-On, there is something nice about playing Dave, who is probably a little bit of both. I think he would probably style himself as a persecuted man at a certain point in this show, but as we know, he's anything but a victim. But that's very central to his pathology, I think. I think he's a man who styles himself as what he needs to be at any one time. And I think it probably suits Dave's needs to be thought of as a victim, as a mouse, some of the time." Anna: "A lot of acting is about identifying intentions, and the cat-and-mouse structure of storytelling is delicious for that. You have to commit. You have to ask 'why this mouse?' if you're the cat — 'why this cat?' if you're the mouse, to extend the metaphor. And it's all about figuring out those motivations. And what's so awesome is, in a show like ours, because it refuses to be cut and dry, you're always discovering new motivations. And you're always discovering like 'oh wait, this is what I thought this was', but once you see it, you're like 'oh, maybe that's what it was like'. It keeps living. It doesn't die on the page. It just keeps living and generating its own fire." [caption id="attachment_1014824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Lamparski/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival[/caption] On Whether Moving Into Creating TV Shows Was the Plan for Lehane When He Penned His First Novel or Scored His First Screenwriting Gig Dennis: "It definitely wasn't 30 years ago. It didn't really take effect — it didn't take hold even when I was doing The Wire. I think it was when I was doing Boardwalk that I said 'well, I really like this. I like the social aspect of this. I like the feel of it. Maybe one day I'll run a show'. And then we moved to LA three years later, and then it just really, my life changed drastically, and then it just took hold. And I ultimately became a showrunner." On How Lehane Having His Own Books, Such as Mystic River and Shutter Island, Adapted for the Screen Helped Put Him on the Path to Making Television Himself Dennis: "I think it opened some doors for me in LA, in Hollywood. People knew who I was. But my desire was never to make movies — which is weird because I love movies. I'm a movie fanatic. But my desire, I started to realise — it was when I was doing Mr Mercedes with David Kelley that I realised 'wow, the form seems to feel just like writing a novel'. If you've got ten episodes and they're 50 minutes apiece, that's 500 pages. Most novels and manuscripts are somewhere between 400–500 pages. That felt natural. So it felt as if I understood, at an organic level, how to tell a story for television — where writing for the movies is much more like writing a short story." On the Appeal of Being a Part of a Series That Explores the Fine Line Between Arson Investigators and Arsonists Rafe: "It's an unusual subject matter. I don't think I've ever thought about the idea of arson investigation. I don't think it ever crossed my mind. But of course it's a thing. Now, it's an extraordinary story, based in some ways on a real case. And yeah, I was interested in that, the idea of it, but what really hooked me in was the complexity of the characters — was their moral ambiguity, was their richness, was how each character was so well-defined, and how each character went on a very succinct journey. And I was really excited to play Steven. I was really thrilled to have a conversation with Dennis Lehane about it. I was really flattered to be asked. It's really great when people that you respect ask you to be in stuff. I never get over that. I'm always really made-up and flattered when someone of his calibre would want me to be in one of his shows. So I was flattered into doing it." John: "First of all, Dennis Lehane is one of the great writers, true-crime writers of our time. So the series was so well-written, and you don't get great writing like this too often. So that was a gift in itself. And then this character he wrote for me is unbelievable. This crazy, broken loser, loveable loser, who nobody believes but he knows the truth. It's an incredible role to play. I was so excited to be a part of it." [caption id="attachment_1014837" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Lamparski/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival[/caption] Anna: "The writing. It's always the writing — the writing, the writing. Dennis Lehane is, I think, exactly what the world needs right now. We have to examine the things that he is fearlessly willing to examine. The way he writes, he gives every character that he's creating space and advocacy. And he allows the audience to ask their own questions and to engage with the storytelling. He's never telling you what to think — and this is exactly what I sign up for as an actor." On Going From Black Bird to Taking Inspiration From the Firebug Podcast and John Orr's Story Dennis: "So the sort of missing piece there is a guy named Kary Antholis. So Kary Antholis was a producer with me on Black Bird. Kary was obsessed with the John Orr case and had created Firebug. So he was the producer and narrator and writer of Firebug. And he pitched me when we were in the final stages on Black Bird, and I listened to it, and I said 'well, I don't think I'm the guy to tell the story of John Orr's trial, or the fires in San Bernardino and Glendale in the 1980s. That's not really my jam. It's not what I want to do. But I love the pathology of this guy. I would love to base a character on him, on his pathology. I would like to create a guy who is just as delusional, who is just as in denial, who is an arson investigator chasing an arsonist who happens to be him, and writing a book about an arson investigator chasing an arsonist whose arsons are mirrors for the real arsons that only the real arsonists would know about. That's a story I want to tell. Everything else, I kind of want to throw out'. And he was like 'great'. And so that's what we did as our launching pad. And I went off and told this story, which is very different than the John Orr story." On Stepping Into a Series with Real Life as a Basis, Even If the True Story Is Being Fictionalised Greg: "I was familiar with the podcast. And certainly there are fire chiefs, some people in that storyline, that I guess maybe Harvey is based on, but he's an amalgamation of a maybe a few different people. Most of it was just in the script I felt like Dennis had really written. Like I say, I used the basis of that podcast, a great piece of source information — I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more podcasts as sources for shows, because they're so rich and they offer so much creative backdrop to work with. I felt like this, though, had all been put into a script. And I felt like all of the characters had a real journey. I liked the character he had asked me to play. I worked with the Dennis, of course, on Black Bird, so it was great to come back to the party again." On Egerton's Run of Portraying Morally Ambiguous, Playful Characters — and Being Great At It Taron: "The secret is, the truth is, he is me. That's the thing. When you're an actor, sometimes when actors talk about the lengths with which they go to become someone else, there's something I think is slightly disingenuous about it because — or not disingenuous, that's mean, that's sounds judgmental. My experience of being an actor is not that you become someone else, it's that you express yourself through the prism of a character that has traits that are different to you. It's still you. It's still Taron. It's still me. It's still Taron existing in a set of imaginary circumstances that are different from the ones that have characterised my own life. So Dave is — although I am not an arsonist, I am exercising the muscles of imagination to be a version of me in that situation. I think I have a few of those on the way over the next 18 months — a few morally, either ambiguous or bankrupt, characters. And for some reason I'm entering a phase in my life where those are the roles that I'm playing, and I'm really okay with it. It's interesting. I think as somebody who started their career playing more archetypically heroic roles, there's a real appeal in like fucking shit up a bit, you know?" On Fleshing Out Characters When There Isn't a Single Person in the Series That's Clearcut — and When Keeping Audiences Guessing About Almost Everyone Is Baked Into the Story John: "Oh, I love that. That's what I live for — these roles that are not black and white, that are really complex and you can sink your teeth into, that allow you to be the full spectrum of human life. Life doesn't present itself with villains and heroes. It's just very complex and grey — in the grey zone. I really enjoyed this character, because there was so much to do in terms of he thinks he's sexy, nobody believes him, he thinks he's right, everybody thinks he's wrong. I think it's a very relatable sort of character. So it was a lot of fun for me." Rafe: "I think that the first thing you need to work out is the character's intention, is what they want and how they go about getting it, without passing judgment on it. You can never really have your own personal view on the person that you're playing. You need to believe that they're doing what they think is right. And so Steven, my character, from the outside is obviously dubious at points. But he is able to justify everything he does in his own mind. Now, from an objective point of view, a lot of the things that he does are wrong. But he would be very good at telling you why you were wrong in thinking he was wrong. And he's someone that's used to getting what he wants. So all of this stuff that I'm talking about is the stuff that me, as an actor, hooks into. What does the character want? What does he need? How does he go about getting those things? What gets in the way of him achieving those objectives? All of those things are really playable. And when you've got writing as detailed, as rich as this, it makes that pretty easy. Then you get there on the day and you try and make it sound real. That's it. You try and make it sound real and like real people talking — which, as I say, is easier when the when the writing is as excellent as this." On Playing Someone Who Is Forced to Reckon with the Fact That a Person He Knows Is Completely Different to Who He Thought He Was Greg: "I don't think people want to see what they don't want to see. I think Harvey is, I don't think it's — I guess he could be naive, but I just think it's that human condition of not wanting to be surprised by a friend. It's too painful. It hurts to have someone you trust break that. So he's kind of the last man standing in this when it comes to his assessment of one particular character, but he comes around and gets on board, but it takes a minute." On Chlumsky Taking on Roles with a True-Crime Angle After Veep with Inventing Anna and Now Smoke Anna: "I will engage in true-crime as a genre if the story is good — and when the story is good, that's what matters to me. It's funny, but these roles have been really excellent journeys into the people who are having to engage with these kinds of things every single day. And I appreciate it. I appreciate getting to play them." On Exploring What Makes People Tick When They're Drawn to Things That Can Kill Them or Bring About Their Downfall, Especially When They're Far From Being Honest About Themselves Rafe: "That's a really good question. I think that bad people don't know they're bad people. They think they're good. I think everyone thinks they're good. And so it's interesting to work out, when you're playing a character, what he puts out into the world and how others perceive him, and the dichotomy between those two things. He makes mistakes, but I like him, and I think that that is always good. And I think I always like the characters that I play, even if they're bad people, because I'm inside them. It's difficult to talk about acting, really, because it's such a sort of slippery old thing — and ultimately it is the process of throwing a load of shit against the wall and seeing what sticks. And it's quite a private process. But sometimes it's really fun, and this was one of those cases — and I don't know why. I think it's to do with the people that I was working with. I think that's what it comes down to, is being surrounded by really clever people that make your job easier." On the Crucial Commitment to Using Practical Effects Wherever Possible — and Getting Performances That Are Truly Responding to the Fire as a Result Dennis: "We were adamant about that from the very beginning. The first production meeting, that was the topic: 'how do we make this?'. If they could do it in Backdraft before CGI existed, then the problem has to be how CGI is being employed, not how they used to do fire. So we came up with a fusion of practical fire, CGI fire, put them together. If you had the practical fire in a scene, then the CGI artist could go in there and know what he was matching to. There's a fire — match to that. With the opening scene in which the fireman, Dave Gudsen, is trapped in a fire and runs toward his own reflection — that opening sequence was shot with Taron using nothing but practical fire on what's called a burn stage. So I don't think Taron had to do much acting there. That was pretty much 'aaaaah' — I wasn't going on that stage. But later, in some of the other scenes where the fire was far less practical, the actors were just bringing it, man. They were just bringing it. And we were documenting it and then filling in those fires later." Taron: "It's interesting. I didn't anticipate, when I first read the scripts, that Dennis would elect to shoot the fire practically. And it's a really amazing sequence. I think he chose to do that because that moment, for Dave, the opening sequence of the show, it's more than just the turbulent moment from his past. It's a kind of existential moment where something happened for him that changed who he is, and even I don't fully understand what that was, but it's something to do with his relationship with himself. It's something to do with his own self-image. And I think the significance of that event meant that it needed to be particularly cinematic and almost visually poetic. And the fire looked stunning in that sequence. It really is quite beautiful to behold. And I'd argue that it's better executed than anything that could have been done with computer-generated imagery. So I really loved that sequence. In terms of preparation, you do a little bit of training with the breathing apparatus to make sure that you're safe and set to go in there — because you can't step on a set like that without a regulator, and all the crew are wearing them as well. But beyond the rehearsal we did, which was quite rigorous because it's a dangerous set, I didn't go and do any special firefighter training or anything." On How the Smoke Cast Reflects Upon Their Careers So Far and Their Paths to the Series Taron: "The life of an actor is strange for many reasons, but it's very strange to have a moving video chronology of your own life. And sometimes I'll put on the telly or put on Netflix, like things I've been in sometimes pop up on Netflix and I'm all of a sudden having, like I put on the telly and there's a bit of me at 24 — and I find it really weird. And it's quite creepy. Because in my head, I look the same as I did when I was 24. And then I see a bit of a clip of Kingsman and I'm like 'no, no, definitely not'. And it's weird. I don't get super-reflective about my career so far, and I feel just enormously grateful to still be working and really grateful to be playing leading roles — and to be working with the great people that I get the chance to work with. And I don't take any of it for granted, ever. I am such a fortunate individual. I'm really glad that I'm still being employed." Rafe: "It's one thing getting opportunities, I think, as young actors. And I think that we put a lot of stock in like 'the big break', the idea of that — and there's a lot of reverence of that. That's never really been the case in my career. Like, I've always just done, just kept going, and done one thing and another thing and keep getting asked to do things. It's all I've ever wanted, really, is just to sustain a career. Because that's the most-difficult thing, is sustaining — is to keep going and to keep employed in good work. It's really difficult. It's a really difficult thing. So I'm just very, very grateful that I get to do it, because I really like my job. I really, really like — I love acting. I love actors. My dad's an actor, grew up around them. I think it's both a very important and very silly thing to do, and I'm very grateful for those things." Greg: "It's funny, we [Kinnear and Spall] both played Atticus Finch [in To Kill a Mockingbird], so we've both been through the same path. Plus, Rafe's done a lot of comedy and a lot of drama. I have been able to have kind of done both of that as well, which is really great. I feel very fortunate to be able to do both. This, I feel like Harvey's got — there's a little humour and a little warmth with him, and there's a little drama mixed into it. Whatever's led me here, it's the right mix of stuff, because I find myself more often than not being real happy with whatever it is that I'm doing at the time. That's certainly the case of Smoke." Anna: "I just want to tell the truth and explore the human condition. And if I get to in beautiful text, then I feel like I'm engaging in the culture and I'm engaging in the world, that's really anything anybody can ask for. So I'm just very proud that I'm still getting to answer questions about a show that I still feel that way about. I'm that kind of actor who's always wanting to stretch in different in ways. It's what keeps me alive in the craft. So it always feels like a gift when I get to stretch something." John: "I love to be a part of things that really make you think deeper than most shows. I like to be in work that makes a statement, that tries to change the way the world is and makes it a better place. That's what I strive for. And hopefully I hit that mark more than not. I've had to fight for appropriate representation and appropriate roles that I felt should have came my way, or been offered to me, because I'm a Latin actor in America. And I've had to deal with quite a bit of racism in this country, even though we're such a huge — we've been here since the beginning, the first European language spoken in this country was Spanish, not English, but we're still the most aggressively excluded ethnic group in America, even though we're 20 percent of the population. So I've had to deal with a lot of a lot of that, and luckily I haven't given up, and have persevered. And I think my fanbase is what's helped me to stay strong and to continue. And luckily Dennis Lehane saw something in me for the role of Ezra, and I'm really thankful for that." Smoke streams via Apple TV+.
Getting a glass of wine at a bar doesn't usually involve pouring your own drink. That's one of the reasons that Woolloongabba's soon-to-open Stickybeak stands out. The new 60-seater vino haven is taking over the corner site at 2 Logan Road, which was previously home to Thai Rose Cafe and Bar, with an innovative concept: top wines made available via self-serve dispensing technology. Fancy a taste or a proper sip? Stickybeak's method for letting patrons nab their own beverages dispenses 25-, 75- and 150-millilitre pours. Eighty wines will be on the venue's list at the two-storey space, with 64 on the menu upstairs and 16 on offer downstairs, giving customers ample choice. Set to open in early December 2024, Stickybeak is the latest venture from the crew behind BTG Wine, marking the team's first venue. The idea behind the bar isn't just to allow patrons get their own drinks, but to make top global drops available at affordable prices. Champagne and blanc de blancs will also feature among the curated range, but championing Australian winemakers will earn special attention. For something to line the stomach while you're sat either indoors or out — including on the upstairs balcony — there'll be a small array of bites. And if you feel like knocking back something other than wine, canned craft beer will also be on the drinks menu. If both picking and pouring your own vino sounds like being spoiled for choice — and the possible reason to get indecisive — the bar's staff will be on hand to help chat you through the wine selection. "Australia has some of the most-diverse and exciting wines in the world, and Stickybeak is all about celebrating that. This venue is not just about pouring wine — it's about sharing the stories of the winemakers, the vineyards and the passion that goes into every bottle," advises co-owner Anthony McConnel. "We want our guests to feel connected to the incredible heritage and innovation that defines Australian wine." Find Stickybeak Wine Bar at 2 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, sometime from December 2024, operating Wednesday–Sunday from 3pm–late — we'll update you with more details when they're announced. Keep an eye on the venue's Instagram page in the interim. Top image: Google Maps.
2016 might now seem like a lifetime ago, but it's when the very first Holey Moley started pairing pop culture-themed putt-putt courses and cocktails in Australia — right here in Brisbane, in fact. Since then, the OTT chain has spread across the Sunshine State and interstate, including opening a second Brissie spot in the Wintergarden in 2019. There's always room for more places to tap, tap, tap and sip, sip, sip, though. To the delight of northsiders, Brisbane will score a third Holey Moley come November, setting up its greens at Chermside shopping centre. If you're known to pick up your Christmas presents at the huge Gympie Road spot, consider this an extra-festive piece of news — because this year's browsing and buying can now include a mini golf break. Holey Moley Chermside won't be small, catering to 350 people when it launches on Friday, November 18. Patrons will play their way around 18 holes, channelling their inner Happy Gilmore before hitting the Caddyshack bar. If you've been to the chain before, you know the general setup, vibe and menu — it'll just be in a different location. Those courses will include four new designs that've been exclusively tailored for the Chermside venue: Surfs Up, Dart Board, Moonshot and the Mini Sonic Loophole. They'll be joined by a heap of the brand's well-known decor from other venues, however, such as The Simpsons' Evergreen Terrace and The Flintstones' Bedrock n Roll. And, some holes will take their cues from Brisbane and its weather; 'tis the place for it, after all. At the bar, expect an 80s and 90s theme, as well as creative concoctions and stomach-lining bites to eat. Again, well-known faves like the Sugar Caddy and Rub a Dub Tub cocktails will be on offer — the latter served in a tiny bath tub that even has rubber ducks floating in it — while the snacks lineup will feature ingredients sourced from local Australian producers. When it opens, the Chermside Holey Moley will mark the sixth site in Brisbane for Funlab, the company behind it (and Strike Bowling, Archie Brothers and B Lucky & Sons), as well as the ninth in Queensland. Find Holey Moley Chermside at Chermside shopping centre, on the corner Gympie and Hamilton roads, Chermside, from Friday, November 18. Images: Eugene Hyland.
Fancy enjoying a taste of Paris without paying for the plane fare? Brisbanites, the CBD's newest cafe has you covered. Freshly arrived on Edward Street, Lait Noir is here to help break up the nine-to-five grind with French-inspired surroundings, a menu packed with pastries and toasties, and plenty of coffee. First announced at the beginning of March and now trading Monday–Friday, Lait Noir aims to give the River City the Parisian vibes it's missing — it's "Brisbane's first Parisian-style dining with guests able to watch the hustle and bustle go by from their seat," explains Charlotte Bourguignon, the cafe's Operations Manager. "I have lived in Brisbane for ten years, and there has never been a go-to destination for takeaway or dine-in on the finer side in the CBD," Bourguignon continues. "We are so proud to be opening our doors for workers, visitors and locals to experience a little bit of Paris, right here in the CBD. We pride ourselves on quality and service, with all of our pastries and desserts made with true French ingredients from some of the best French suppliers in Brisbane." On the menu: a hefty range of baked goods pumped out of Queensland's first Unox Speed-X oven. Lemon muffins, raspberry almond coconut tarts, apple tarts and mini French doughnuts sit among the sweet bites, while croissants, quiches, frittatas and beef bourguignon pie are highlights from the savoury range. And, from a dessert-focused lineup, lemon meringue tarts, passionfruit tarts, choc-fudge caramel brownies and carrot cake are sure to tempt tastebuds. Lait Noir also does salads, including a roasted vegetable option, plus sandwiches, toasties and wraps. And yes, the cheesy egg and bacon croque toastie instantly sounds like a must-try. Lait Noir now sits in the space that was previously home to Roll'd Vietnamese, and takes its cues from French cafes design-wise — complete with luxe $450,000 fitout overseen by Outkast. That means getting a caffeinated brew beneath seven-metre-high ceilings and over A-grade marble bench tops. If you happen to work in the building, it's also planning to do a concierge service for tenants. And, anyone who heads along to the cafe's official opening party between Wednesday, March 29–Friday, March 31 will find live tunes setting the mood, samples to help you try out the menu, and the chance to win free coffee for a year. Find Lait Noir at 144 Edward Street, Brisbane — open from 6.30am–5.30pm Monday–Friday.
If ever a place in Brisbane warranted its own beer garden, it is South Bank. The former site of Expo '88 turned riverside parkland aims to offer locals an inner-city oasis — and every peaceful spot needs an outdoor deck to hang out on and consume a few beverages, doesn't it? Calling it Brisbane's only beachside location of its type might be a bit of a stretch given the man-made pools of sand and water it sits beside; however everything else about the airy new bar and restaurant fits the bill. First, there's the constant stream of breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Next, there's the combination of craft brews and seven-to-twelve-hour cooked steaks served straight off the chargrill. Indeed, if you're after a meal with a chilled-out mood, this is the South Bank venue to head to. Slabs of meat upon bread provide a highlight, particularly the brisket and gravy roll or the open scotch steak sandwich. When it comes to something smaller, beer cheese fondue — with sliced charcuterie, vegetable crudité, and bread sticks — sounds too good to pass up. Of course, just grabbing a cocktail and gazing out over the city is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a few hours there, or a whole day, if you're simply too relaxed.
Unexpectedly tucked away in the middle of Hendra, Dandelion & Driftwood is an inner suburban gem. Stripy awnings, bright umbrellas, cream cast iron tables and a dapper chap peddling an outdoor coffee cart draw your attention. The art, science and religion of coffee all culminate here. Devout followers can be seen lining up at the cart for each day's morning service. The smell of coffee grasps your senses. Once inside, the cafe's old-world ambience charms with an urban chic. Lace curtains and pressed tin walls meet rustic tables and perspex chairs. Attention is in the detail, with staff decked out in stripy aprons, collared shirts and bowties. At the counter, cakes stacked high in tiers temp with mini sweet tarts, cupcakes and macarons. Weekends are a busy affair, so it pays to book ahead for groups. Husband-and-wife team Peter and Penny Wolff's passion for coffee is evident in the wall of accolades and awards. Peter, a roaster with 30 years experience, has created D&D's two signature blends — aptly named 'Dandelion' and 'Driftwood'. Described as the Yin and Yang, one is smooth and sweet, the other sharp and bitter. All coffees are delivered to your table with a small card detailing the origin, grower and even the bean's growing altitude. Sip by sip, follow each card's tasting notes. Dandelion gives hits of toasty caramel and dark cocoa, ending on a fruity note, whereas Driftwood is heavier with notes of molasses and cedar, creamy ganache and subtle apricot ($4 each). The experience is like wine tasting; good luck stopping after one. Speaking of tastings, pull up a chair at Dandelion and Driftwood?s 'Brew Bar'. More like a science lab than a cafe bar, what looks like an experiment with beakers and test tubes is in fact a range of high-tech glass, wooden and metal contraptions used to extract the beans. Penny says coffee from the 'Brew Bar' is to be savoured over half an hour or so. And it?s worth taking note; Penny was a judge for the Australian International Coffee Awards. Food is a simple affair. For a sweet morning treat, try the grandpa-style waffles ($14.50) with warm berry compote and vanilla ice cream, and for those needing a savoury indulgence, the Big Bad Wolff egg, bacon and onion jam toastie ($10.50) is a hit (also available gluten free). Coffee novices do not despair. Staff are more than willing to share their knowledge and make recommendations on the blends and single-origin coffee available that day. The owners ensure rotating single-origin choices (sourced direct from the grower) are on offer at all times from their roasting house.
For wannabe wizards and witches, the most magical place in Australia right now is located in Victoria. After boasting the country's only run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, then playing host to a natural history exhibition based on the Fantastic Beasts films, the state is now temporarily home to a new Harry Potter-themed experience. This time, you can walk around an illuminated woodland filled with nods to the Wizarding World, with Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience finally arriving Down Under. Accio joy, clearly. Think: Lightscape, which is returning to Melbourne in 2024, but all about the world that's sprung up around the Boy Who Lived on the page, screen and stage. So, with Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience taking over The Briars Community Forest in Mount Martha until June, attendees can enjoy a nighttime stroll an hour out of Melbourne. Entering the Forbidden Forest is clearly the big attraction, as lit up with dazzling lights, all while also spying creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. A hippogriff features, as do nifflers and unicorns. You also have the chance to pose for a photo mid-wand duel, and to summon up a patronus spell as well. Accordingly, visitors here aren't surrounded by all things Wizarding World after dark in a forest; they can be join in like every aspiring Hogwarts student has always wanted to. Sounds and special effects also help bring the experience to life, as aided by award-winning behind-the-scenes folks. Expect to spend around 90 minutes being immersed in the all-ages event — plus however long you need at the onsite shop afterwards buying merchandise. That's part of the village at the end of the trail, where you'll also be able to grab a bite and something to drink. Wands crossed for butterbeer, obviously. Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience has hit Australia after seasons in the UK, Europe, the US and Singapore, with Warner Bros behind it just like the films and upcoming Harry Potter TV series. Also helping conjure up the fun is events platform Fever, adding to a recent Australian slate spanning Banksy and NBA exhibitions, plus the Unko Museum: The Kawaii Poop Experience. Find Harry Potter — A Forbidden Forest Experience at The Briars Community Forest, Mount Martha, until Sunday, June 9, 2024. Head to the event's website for tickets and further details.
Already a go-to for gelato, burgers, Italian eats, Mediterranean cuisine and Hungarian pastries, West Village in West End has just become Brisbane's latest spot to tuck into a Greek feast, too. Bringing the tastes of the Aegean to the inner-city precinct: Yamas Greek + Drink, the newest venture from the team behind Opa Bar + Mezze and Fatcow Steak & Lobster. For most Brisbanites, West End already conjures up visions of impressive Greek spreads thanks to The Greek Club and the annual Paniyiri festival — and now those local favourites have company. Hospitality duo Michael Tassis and Caio Rossetto are focusing on modern Greek flavours in their latest venture, heroing in on cuisine from Thessaloniki, with plenty of seafood and souvla on the menu. Also on offer: saganaki and stuffed zucchini from the mezze lineup, and wagyu beef moussaka and leek and cheese filo among the large plate selection. Keen on tucking into the ocean's finest? The seafood range includes taramasalata for starters, oysters with ouzo, grilled octopus, lobster from the tank, a sand crab and prawn dish, and whole baby barramundi with orzo pasta. Those souvlas feature meat cooked on the spit, tzatziki, a touch of ground beef and pork, rice, chestnuts, pine nuts, sultanas and herbs — and the full menu also spans everything from haloumi chips and lamb ribs through to spicy village sausage 150-day-plus dry-aged t-bones. Dessert options include baklava, halva, filo-wrapped semolina baked custard (aka galaktoboureko) and chocolate bougatsa pastries — and if you simply can't pick from the entire spread, there are two banquet options (a nine-dish banquet for $68 per person with a minimum of two, and an 11-dish version for $90 per person with at least four people required). While you're taking in the parkside views thanks to Yamas' location next to Mollison Park — and enjoying the sleek, terracotta-hued decor, or sitting in the pink-coloured booths — you can also sip cotton candy-topped spritzes, lychee martinis, a lineup of house speciality and classic cocktails, and wine by the glass. And, Yamas opens at 9am daily for breakfast and brunch as well, should you fancy starting the day with Ioannina eggs with manouri cheese, red sauce and pita bread. Find Yamas Greek + Drink at West Village, 45 Mollison Street, West End — open from 9am–9pm daily. Images: Markus Ravik.
Tasmania's sinister winter music and arts festival Dark Mofo has announced its return to Hobart this June. The festival was one of the first events to cancel its 2020 festivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a potential $5 million dollar loss that could jeopardise the future of the festival had it run and then been called off. Luckily, the organisers' foresight has paid off, with the festival preparing for a grand return in 2021. Dark Mofo is set to run a condensed five-night festival from Wednesday, June 16–Tuesday, June 22. The reduced scope of the festival comes as a result of the Hobart City Council withdrawing its financial support, the cutting of sponsors and trepidation surrounding the potential for another cancellation. It's also the last year of the festival's five-year funding agreement with the State Government. The festival decided to drop sponsors this year as organisers believed they were having a negative impact. "While we've appreciated the support from many high profile brands, we want to be able to pursue our own cultural agenda free from restraint and with a renewed commitment to the art," Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said in a statement. While in previous years the festival has run over several weeks, Carmichael promises the "smaller and more intense" 2021 run to be "a typically grim and gloomy affair". The full program is due to be announced in early April. [caption id="attachment_800593" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jesse Hunniford[/caption] Previous years' lineups have seen a fantastical combination of musical performances, performance art and large-scale installations come together. In 2019, the program featured the likes of artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, American musician Sharon Van Etten and one of the world's largest glockenspiels. 2021's program can be expected too stay true to the Dark Mofo ethos with a likely increased concentration of local Australian artists due to current border closures. Dark Mofo will run from Wednesday, June 16–Tuesday, June 22 in Hobart, Tasmania. The 2021 program is expected to be announced in early April. Top Image: Lusy Productions
A few months ago, back when our feeds were cluttered with banana bread and sourdough starter, it seemed like everyone we knew was unveiling their previously hidden baking skills. But nobody seemed to be making doughnuts. You know why? Because they are surprisingly tricky to perfect. Which is why we respect the team at Brooklyn Donut & Coffee Co so much. They work hard daily to churn out the most perfect, New York-style doughnuts you'll find on this side of the equator. The White Biscoff is our clear pick of the bunch, filled with cookie butter, and topped with white chocolate. We also love the fact that doughnuts travel really well, so, if you order them for delivery, they will arrive looking picture perfect (until you inhale them, that is). Images: Adam Pinzone
Do your usual trips to Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke, involve hitting the beach? Of course they do. That's one of the island's biggest drawcards — but soaking up the destination's arts scene deserves to be on your list as well. And if you don't quite know where to start, there's a ten-day arts trail dedicated to that very topic. Thanks to the Island Artists and Makers Straddie Arts Trail, there are plenty of places to start — 34 stops across three townships, actually. Running from Friday, August 12–Sunday, August 21, the event will showcase more than 50 artists and six community groups across Straddie's scenic expanse, covering folks in Dunwich, Amity and Point Lookout. Put together by Island Artists and Makers (iam), the trail has a theme, too: creative island. Even if that concept wasn't overtly pushed to the fore, it's obviously what visitors will find as they head to community and museum galleries, wander into open studios and scope out pop-up galleries. Also, plenty of Straddie's retailers, restaurants and cafes are getting into the spirit of the trail, too, featuring pieces by the island's artists and makers, and hosting events as well. If you're keen to learn a few skills while you're there, you can book into workshops on everything from making jewellery and blacksmith methods to upcycling using embroidery, weaving and beekeeping. Some sessions are free, but others vary in price. Fireside storytelling is also on the agenda on selected evenings, and an island bazaar will feature from 8am–12pm across Friday, August 12–Sunday, August 14 and again from Friday, August 19–Sunday, August 21 at the Point Lookout Markets.
The building might be 97 years and heritage listed, but the coffee and belly-busting treats on offer at Kenilworth Country Bakery are anything but stale. This mecca of baked goods is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and has a prodigious selection of filled, iced and glazed doughnut worthy of a Saturday morning road trip from Brisbane. There are the classic cinnamon-dusted, jam-filled and glazed morsels, but you can step into modern territory with doughy boys taking on the flavours of Golden Gaytimes, Tim Tams, and peanut butter and jelly. In addition to this, Kenilworth also does old-school bakery faves like meat pies, vanilla slices and ice cream heavy milkshakes. You could pair one of these decadent baked goods with a latte, but you may as well get your coffee in a doughnut. The bakery hollows out a doughnut, fills it with Nutella and then pours in a shot of espresso and milk. It's messy but worth it for the novelty. And then there's the OTT one-kilogram doughnut challenge that sent Kenilworth viral a few years ago. The cream-filled monster costs $20, but is free if you can finish it in under an hour. We suggest sticking to the regular doughnuts so you don't ruin any future visits.
It was in the early 2000s that Melbourne-born jazz/funk band The Cat Empire exploded onto the world stage with its international sound layered with Australian charm. They wasted no time shooting to the tops of the charts with tracks like 'Hello', 'Days Like These' and 'How to Explain'. In 2024, they're still going strong on a global tour. Swap your headphones for the real thing when The Cat Empire hits the stage as a part of Brisbane Festival, backed by the wind, string and brass excellence of Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Time is short to catch it since the show runs for one night and one night only at Fortitude Music Hall on Thursday, September 19. The Cat Empire have spent the better part of two decades combining Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Flamenco genres with an infectious enthusiasm that is sure to get you out of your seat and dancing. Don't say we didn't warn you. The Cat Empire and Queensland Symphony Orchestra take to the stage on Thursday, September 19 at 7.30pm. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
Maybe you've always wanted to give rock climbing a go, or maybe you're looking to face your fear of heights. Whatever the motivation, you'll love the feeling of accomplishment you get when you make it to the top of the wall at Rocksports in Fortitude Valley. At this indoor climbing centre you'll discover a world of colour-coded climbs, knots, ropes and harnesses. You'll definitely look a little goofy, but the thrill you get taking on these activities more than makes up for it. Image: Anwyn Howarth.
It seems for many that gelato has assumed ice-cream's mantle as the height of iced indulgence. Lower fat content, less air incorporated during the churning process and a lower serving temperature all contribute to gelato's smooth, elastic allure. Many argue that these differences in preparation and serving give gelati a more intense flavour than ice-cream. Whether or not this is true, it certainly seems that way when polishing off a couple of scoops of Milani's banana gelato. So strong is the banana flavour, you wonder whether it actually contains anything other than its namesake ingredient. So impressive is this particular iced confection that it won a Gold Medal at the 2011 Queensland Royal Food & Wine Show. Milani has picked up a host of awards, having also been honoured at the Australian Dairy Awards and the Australia Dairy Product Competition. The panna cotta seems to be their most decorated creation so feel free to give in to the hype and give it a try. Though, you're just as likely to enjoy any of the other flavours. The beauty of Milani, is that unlike many ice-cream/gelati shops, where you pick your favourite early in the piece and stick to it religiously, here you'll be tempted to pick something new upon each return visit: dark chocolate, pistachio or French vanilla for example. Better yet, select all of the above to customise your own sundae. If you need some guidance, consider the Coppa Exclusiva with your selected combination of gelati, topped with whipped cream, drizzled in chocolate sauce and festooned with roasted hazelnuts, wafers and crunchy chocolate bits. Co-owned by Olympian Tatiana Grigorieva, Milani is incredibly popular and like many of its neighbours on Racecourse Rd, it attracts a crowd most nights of the week. Go there after dinner and you will be lucky to find a table – find yourself in this situation however, and you can always get a takehome tub.
You know those bad Christmas gifts, the ones that make you slap on your very best fake smile in order to say thanks without groaning. A brick-like pud, some subpar sports socks, a sickly sweet candle — generic and uninspired clutter that you instantly want to return, regift or chuck in the trash. We don't want to sound ungrateful — sure, it's the thought that counts — but a poorly chosen present can be kind of disappointing, not to mention wasteful. Nobody wants to get — or give — a gift like that. Indeed, there's a fine art to Christmas shopping. Not all of us can be gift-giving masters, after all. So, to help you pick the perfect pressie and avoid any bigtime blunders, we've partnered with Australia Post to pull together ten stellar gift ideas, which won't warrant a return. They all cost less than a pineapple, can be ordered online and conveniently delivered to your nearby Parcel Locker so you can pick 'em up whenever it suits you. Let your fingers do the walking, forgo the crazy Christmas crowds and rest easy knowing your parcel is stored securely till you're ready to collect. Happy shopping, Santas. FRANK GREEN STAINLESS STEEL REUSABLE CUP Forget splashing cash on a mug with some trite "Keep Calm and Carry On" message inscribed on the front and get a cup that is both eco-friendly and uber trendy instead. The Frank Green stainless steel reusable cup is pretty much the Superman of drinking receptacles; crafted from commercial grade stainless steel, it's built to last forever (in a good way) which is great if you have clumsy caffeine-lovers in your midst. Drop this baby and there's no need to cry over spilt milk — it won't shatter or break. The cup is also stain and odour resistant, has a nifty spill-proof lid and a clever one-handed toggle button to drink and reseal — like we said, Superman. How much? $39.95 RELOVE PRINT BOOK SUBSCRIPTION We all know a bookworm and a surefire way to score a special place in their heart is to shout them a book subscription. Revolve Print will ship one quality preowned book to their doorstep each month, so they'll never have a shortage of great literature. What's more, they get to curate their reads and pick what kind of pageturners they receive. This gift is not only super thoughtful, but it's also eco-friendly. To take things up a notch, arrange to meet each month to discuss the books. How much? From $9 per month SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR An excellent accessory for the silly season, the portable Luckies Smartphone Projector 2.0 projects music videos, films and photographs anywhere you please. It's a great gift for the gadget-obsessed as it's both stylish and practical. With up to 8x magnification, the projector is light, compact and works with iOS and Android smartphones. Come Christmas Day, the family can stop crowding around one iPhone to look at Uncle John's travel photos and instead see them on the big screen. How much? $49.95 GROW YOUR OWN TEA Tea is a real crowd pleaser; young or old, most people enjoy a good cuppa. While you could gift a nice loose-leaf blend, why not go one step above and give that special someone a Grow Your Own Tea Kit. Each kit contains a growing pot, some soil, the tea seeds — choose between chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm or echinacea — as well as a mug and tea strainer to taste-test the brew. Not only is this pressie full of antioxidants, but it also gives the grower a sense of satisfaction and achievement, which is priceless. How much? $34.95 BACON MAKING KIT This gift is for that one friend or family member who always hangs by the Christmas ham — the bona fide pork fiend, the bigtime bacon fan. Introducing the Baconsmith Bacon Making Kit, which produces top-notch bacon in just seven days. The kit makes two-kilograms of tasty bacon — sweet or savoury, the choice is theirs. All it requires is a good slab of pork belly. The great thing about this present is that it's also like a gift to you. Give it to a housemate or your partner, and you'll reap the benefits, too, with some tasty homemade bacon to snack on next fry-up. We guarantee they (and you ) will be squealing with delight. How much? $34.95 MEMOBOTTLE A staggering one million single-use plastic bottles are purchased around the world every minute and most end up in landfill. Depressing, right? Do your bit and buy your mate a Memobottle. Remember the book Flat Stanley? This is the water bottle version of that; it's nice and slim and can slide right into compact spaces. Memobottles are great for students as they pack neatly into backpacks, between all those textbooks. The bottle has a 450-millilitre capacity and is BPA free — so the water will stay nice and pure. How much? $44.95 DIY BEESWAX WRAPS If you're friends with a passionate eco-warrior or want to inspire a less socially conscious friend, sling them this beeswax block and get them making their own environmentally friendly version of Cling Wrap. The Wanderlightly DIY Beeswax Wraps are non-toxic, biodegradable and reusable — save on cash and save the planet. Win, win. The step-by-step instructions are super simple, just add cotton fabric and you're ready to go. Since they'll be spending less money on plastic packaging for, well, the rest of their lives, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. How much? From $17.50 AESOP JET SET KIT Ah, the intoxicating aromas of Aesop. We still haven't worked out how they make it smell so darn good, but we're not complaining. Give the globetrotters in your life the gift of sweet smells and smooth skin with this Aesop Jet Set Kit. The assortment features the go-to products — like classic shampoo and conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Rind Concentrate Body Balm — and can be stored in their carry-on for easy access. Aesop products are renowned for their hydrating qualities, exactly what one needs during a long-haul. How much? $41 COFFEE MUG BY INDIGENOUS ARTIST LUKE PENRITH Yes, this is the second cup we've mentioned but its eye-catching design warranted a spot on the list. Created by Aboriginal artist Luke Penrith, the mug depicts the Yilawura Camp Site in soothing green and blue tones. It's a statement piece, which would suit any kitchen or office desk. Since it's only $16, you can order two or three and gift a set. Let's face it, one can never have too many mugs. And if you're a fan of the artwork, you can pick up a range of other wares featuring the same design. How much? From $15.99 SOLAR-POWERED PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER We all have that one friend or family member who is forever searching for a phone charger. Treat them to this solar-powered portable phone charger and never hear "Hey, can I borrow a charger?" again. While the top of the line chargers can set you back around $100, hit up eBay to find a charger on the cheap. With USB connectivity, this compact little nugget will charge everything from an iPhone to a tablet to a digital camera. Just add sun and you're all set. How much? From $22.99 Christmas shopping has never been so simple — order online, ship to a Parcel Locker and avoid the hectic shops with Australia Post.
With a name like Four Sisters on Lang, you'd expect a quartet of siblings to be running Auchenflower's newest eatery. You'd be right — and you'll also find them serving up homemade breakfast and lunch dishes inspired by their Vietnamese heritage. That means five types of goi uon rolls, six banh mi options and six kinds of bun — or rice paper rolls, baguettes and vermicelli noodles. Expect new options to start the day, too, such as a Vietnamese breakfast baguette boasting bacon, egg, pickled, coriander and soy sauce, as well as the Four Sisters Vietnamese big breakfast that will introduce marinated fillet steak to your morning. The titular Four Sisters aren't just paying tribute to the kind of cooking they grew up with in their cosy Lang Parade location, however — they're recognising their Australian influences as well. Usual café options like eggs on toast, eggs benedict, burgers and sandwiches also feature, should you want to mix and match Asian and Western options.
To say that artist, Danie Mellor's, background is interesting would be an understatement. He was born in Mackay, grew up between Scotland, Australia and South Africa before studying his passion for art at North Adelaide School of Art, the Australian National University and Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. Mellor's skills are vast as he produces prints, drawings, paintings and sculptures all with exceptional artistic skill. Mellor also has strong ties to his Indigenous heritage which is expressed in his artwork. His latest exhibition, Exotic Lies Sacred Ties, explores Australia's complex history and Mellor's great contribution to the national body of art. The showcase includes major pieces from public collections such as the Australian Museum, National Gallery of Art and many more. Have a look at the public program for more details. High school students are in luck as Mellor will be holding a masterclass just for you guys.
2022 hasn't started the way that anyone wanted and, if you're like most Brisbanites, you might've spent more time at home over the past month or so than you planned. But if you're now keen to and comfortable about venturing into the city — or anywhere within the Brisbane local council area where you'd usually pay for metered parking — the Brisbane City Council is helping out with free parking. Not everyone wants to spend too much time on public transport at present; however, getting a park in the city isn't usually a cheap option. That's changing between Wednesday, February 9–Monday, February 28, with Brisbane City Council switching off all parking meters across the city. The move applies to Brisbane's 7869 metered parking spaces, which are mostly in inner-city areas. You'll still need to abide by parking time limits; however, you can ignore the meter — and save your change — otherwise. Also part of the February deal: half-price parking at King George Square and Wickham Terrace. They're the council's two major car parks, and that handy discount will also save you some pennies. The free and cheap parking is being provided to help entice Brisbanites back into the city, and to spend their cash at the CBD's businesses instead. "We want to attract people back to our major shopping areas to help businesses survive and continue employing people because this will ensure Brisbane's economy recovers quicker," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. "Hopefully our free and half-priced parking will prompt people to catch up with friends, enjoy a meal out and indulge in a bit of retail therapy, all of which will help businesses that have done it tough." Brisbane City Council's parking meters will be switched off from Wednesday, February 9–Monday, February 28, and its car parks at King George Square and Wickham Terrace will be offering half-price parking over the same period. For more information about parking in Brisbane, head to the council's website. Top image: Kgbo.
Remember when buying music meant venturing to a specialty store and chatting at length with the well-informed folks behind the counter? Thanks to the vinyl revival, those days are well and truly back. Take Brisbane's newest record store, for example. At Sonic Sherpa on Logan Road at Stones Corner, you'll find music knowledge in abundance — and a strong local focus too. The store is latest venture from two industry veterans, after all. Simon Homer used to own Skinny's Music, the beloved Elizabeth Street shop that closed down in 2007 after 30 years of trading, and Steve Bell has a sizeable street press background as the former editor of The Music and Time Off. You might not find them ringing up your latest purchase, but you will find their labour of love buzzing with their passion and experience. That includes shelves overflowing with a wide variety of old and new records, a hefty collection of music books, DVDs and CDS, plus a crate dedicated to Brisbane artists. Sonic Sherpa will also be shilling their wares outside of their poster-clad walls, courtesy of pop-up shops at markets and music festivals. And, the grand old tradition of in-store appearances, signings and performances is also on the agenda. Anyone who can remember the bustling bill of bands Skinny's saw through its doors — The Dandy Warhols, System of a Down, You Am I and Regurgitator among them — now has even more reason to stop by. Find Sonic Sherpa at 12/360 Logan Road, Stones Corner, or visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
It's the news lovers of Japanese cuisine have been waiting for, particularly those who don't live in the vicinity of Runcorn. One of the southside's favourite ramen places is now slinging their wares in the inner west. Welcome to Genkotsu Ramen Toowong. Noodles, broth and slurping them all up as quickly as possible are all on the menu here. Well, actually, you'll find four original, four special and two premium combos of those first two elements officially on offer — including your choice of salt, soy, fish and miso flavours, plus karaage, black garlic, soft shell crab and prawn. We're just know there'll be plenty of the latter, too. Ramen might be the main attraction within Genkotsu's 1960s Tokyo-styled confines, designed to evoke a traditional rather than modern feel; however you'll want to order something from the list of sides as well. A mix of pork and spicy gyoza always goes down well, though we're quite fond of the cheese takoyaki. Who doesn't like their Japanese snacks small, round and oozing with creamy goodness?
Since setting up shop just two short years ago, Balter Brewing has been making waves. You'd expect that from a brewery that boasts surfers Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Bede Durbidge and Josh Kerr among its owners, of course, but the outfit's beers speak for themselves. Indeed, in last year's Hottest 100 Craft Beers, the Gold Coast-based establishment took out top spot. More than that, they nabbed five places in the entire list. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Already tried Balter's XPA and have never looked back? Either way, Fritzenberger is the place to be from 3pm on Saturday, June 30. The Petrie Terrace bar will be showcasing the brewery's bevs, and they'll have help in the form of Fanning himself. Six Balter beers will be flowing through the taps, with Fanning behind the bar serving up a few. Whether you're a surfing fan, a beer lover or both, it might be the only time you can say that the Aussie surfing champ has poured you a schooner.
Sometimes, a katsu curry hits the spot. Sometimes, nothing other than bulgogi beef will do. At Seoul Bistro, you'll find both. Why go to two separate eateries to indulge your hankering for Japanese and Korean cuisines, when the Sunnybank spot does it all? That means kimchi fries, work-fried pork or chicken in smokey soy sauce, gyozas and soju all on the same menu, plus five flavours of Japa-burgers too. No, you won't struggle to find something to order here. And, that's not even the main attraction. Every place in Brisbane seems to whip up their own chicken wings these days; however Seoul Bistro has been frying pieces of poultry with the best of them since opening back in 2013. Seven varieties of chook are available, including crispy fried, honey wasabi, peri peri, buffalo and yang nyum (aka sweet and spicy) — either as an unlimited buffet with chips, garlic bread, lemon iced tea and chocolate mousse, or small, medium or large a la carte servings. That's all the encouragement you need to drop by, but the likes of blue lemonade, peanut butter and strawberry milkshakes, and both Japanese and Korean beers on the drinks list should also help.
The Gold Coast has Cucina Vivo. Sydney is home to Cucina Porto. Now, Brisbane boasts Cucina Regina. The chain of authentic-style Italian restaurants sits inside The Star's various locations, serving up classic dishes and drinks in old school-leaning surroundings. In the River City, the new riverside Queen's Wharf precinct is now your destination when the hankering hits for hand-stretched pizzas, homemade pasta, panna cotta from the dessert trolley, and negronis and limoncello sours. Brisbanites have been looking forward to Cucina Regina since October 2023, when it was initially revealed that it'd join the $3.6-billion CBD spot that took almost a decade to come to fruition. Several of The Star's eateries in other cities have made the jump to the Queensland capital, including cocktail bar Cherry and Japanese fine-diner Sokyo — adding to a precinct that also features Luke Nguyen's reimagined Fat Noodle, the new LiveWire and Black Hide's latest guise, all three of which have moved over from the old Treasury. At the 160-seat Cucina Regina — which is part of The Terrace, the riverfront space at the end of the Neville Bonner Bridge before visitors get to The Star Brisbane — the menu isn't just about Italian food; it's about comforting Italian fare. Trattorias are a big influence on the restaurant's look, feel and menu, with Australian design studio Tom Mark Henry in charge of the neutral-heavy fitout (which covers an 18-person private-dining space as well) and Italian-born Chef Davide Incardona overseeing the kitchen as Executive Chef. Whether you're tucking into puffed pizza bread as a starter, stone-baked prosciutto- or garlic prawn-laden slices, a 40-day dry-aged scotch rib fillet or the Brisbane menu must-have that is Moreton Bay bugs, you'll likely be enjoying something from the woodfired grill. Other options include calamari, burrata, bruschetta and arancini among the smaller bites; rigatoni carbonara, spiced Italian sausage ragu, and salted ricotta and roasted pumpkin agnolotti from the pasta picks; veal scallopini, the house speciality; and a 1.1-kilogram t-bone steak in the bistecca alla fiorentina. And for dessert? Tiramisu, Nutella pizza, a choice of lemon or chocolate cannoli, lemon sorbet and affogatos are among the choices. A banquet menu for four people, costing $89 and featuring ten dishes, is on offer if you're known to have trouble deciding on what to eat. For just a bite with a drink, there's also the snack range. Among the beverages, Italian wine gets its time to shine, naturally, while spritzes both boozy and alcohol-free equally tempt tastebuds — and classic cocktails are available upon request. "It is an honour to call Cucina Regina my culinary home and create wonderful occasions that are reminiscent of my childhood," said Incardona. "To be able to offer a place of warmth and wonder where locals and visitors can make memories surrounded by Italian flavour, loved ones and friends is truly unique." Among Queen's Wharf's dining and drinking destinations, Cucina Regina also joins the Vietnamese- and Thai-leaning Lúc Lắc, the Latin American-inspired Azteca, plus Cicada Blu, Babblers and Aloria up on the 100-metre-high Sky Deck. Find Cucina Regina at Queen's Wharf, level four, 33 William Street, Brisbane City, from Friday, November 15, 2024 — open for lunch from 11am–3pm Wednesday–Sunday and dinner from 5pm–late daily. Head to the venue's website for more details.
The top end of town in Brisbane's CBD has ever-so-gradually been undergoing a transformation. It started with Queens Plaza, continued with the reinvigoration of King George Square, and has been spreading ever-outwards, imbuing the city streets with flashes and splashes of glamour and colour. The recent opening of upmarket pizza and burger joint Santa Monica has only added to the fever, and we're glad they did. Loud and proud in prime position on Ann and Edward Streets (and conveniently opposite Central Station), you really can't miss it. Nor should you. The hardest decisions to make will ultimately be whether to get a cocktail now, or after your perfectly crispy pizza. Do you sit at a booth, or stand at one of the tables in the middle of the venue? Do you hang out at the courtyard bar and grab a beer, or queue for drinks inside to watch the action in the kitchen? Santa Monica is perfect for after work drinks just as much as it is for a fun work lunch. Images: Grace Smith.
Woolloongabba's South City Square precinct keeps getting bigger. Meet Los Felix Taco Stand, its latest addition, which heroes Southern Californian-style Mexican dishes as paired with mezcal, tequila and margaritas. Now open and trading from lunch through to dinner five days a week — from Wednesday–Sunday — Los Felix is The Talisman Group's latest venture, too. The hospitality company is mighty fond of this patch of Logan Road, with the aforementioned The Wright House set to become part of its stable, alongside already-existing Italian bar and eatery Sasso, Chinese Peruvian joint Casa Chow, Palm Springs-inspired gin-pouring garden bar Purple Palm, and European-influenced wine bar and wine shop South City Wine — and now this. Taco fans can stop by for an openair bite, choosing from a menu overseen by Talisman's Head Chef Gabriele Di Landri, who has teamed up with San Miguel de Allende-born chef Aldo Lara. The latter is currently Head Chef at Sydney's hatted The Dolphin Hotel, and is known for consulting for Australian Mexican restaurants (see also: Carbón, Sonora and Santa Catarina). Here, he's also taking inspiration from Tijuana. Those tacos come served in soft corn tortillas with six varieties of fillings, starting with carne asada with guacamole and red onion, Baja-style beer battered snapper with chipotle mayonnaise, and orange confit pork carnitas with jalapeños. There's also lamb shoulder barbacoa, chipotle-style chicken tinga with shaved cabbage and pickled onion, and portobello mushroom with smoked mayo and then more mushrooms — wild and pickled — as well. Tuna aguachile tostadas, guacamole and chips, and Tijuana loaded fries — which includes chipotle mayo, pickled jalapeños and bacon — are similarly on offer. And for dessert, there's churros dusted with cinnamon sugar, then paired with ancho-infused chocolate sauce. To wash all of the above down, diners can pick from those aforementioned spirits and margs — which come in classic, Tommy's and frozen varieties — plus beers from Mexico and soft drinks.
Once you've given Woolloongabba a stylish neighbourhood-style Italian trattoria, what comes next? If you're Vincent Lombino and Jared Thibault, you branch out with a new Chinese Peruvian restaurant and bar in the same precinct. Come Wednesday, July 27, Casa Chow will follow in Sasso Italiano's footsteps, joining the inner-east suburb's South City Square. The former Ovolo and QT Food and Beverage Directors are heroing Chino Latino cuisine, aka Chifa, in their latest 100-seat venture — a culinary style that matches Cantonese flavours with Peruvian staples. On the menu: dishes such as lomo saltado, a stir fry made with marinated wagyu, onions and aji amarillo chilli, and served over fries, as well as anticucho marinated skewers, plus a blend of dim sum and ceviche. The full food range hasn't yet been revealed, but Executive Chef Gabriele Di Landri will focus on Chifa dishes that are designed to share. Patrons will tuck in while listening to Latin tunes spun at the venue's DJ booth, and sitting within a pastel-hued space with blue and pink walls, flowing curtains, booth seating and an open-style bar. To wash Casa Chow's bites down with, Thibault and Bar Manager Shawn Brown are going big on pisco, the brandy made in Peru and Chile's winemaking regions. You'll also be able to sip Scorpion bowl cocktails, pick from a hefty rum list and enjoy the best vinos that South America has to offer. In collaboration with Aether Brewing, there'll also be a bespoke rice lager, which'll feature hints of Peruvian purple corn. "Casa Chow brings a sense of escapism, and we can't wait to open our doors to bring Peru's most inspirational cuisine, Chifa, to Australia. We've poured our hearts into this place and space, to bring an energetic new dining experience to town," said Lombino. Lombino and Thibault aren't done adding to South City Square yet, either, with more venues in the works — joining a precinct that's also set to score a cinema, beer hall, martini bar, and market filled with its own butcher, baker, deli and florist. Find Casa Chow at South City Square, 148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, from Wednesday, July 27 — open from 5–10.30pm Wednesday–Sunday.
