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.
Botellón's leafy Graceville corner is ripe for a lazy weekend afternoon, especially when it has the feast to match. With that in mind, the team is bringing back its beloved Paella Sunday for a special session from 12–3pm on Sunday, June 8. For $35 per person, Head Chef Matt Woodhouse will cook a massive serve of chicken and chorizo paella before your eyes. Plus, you'll also tuck into fresh seasonal salad from Ramarro Farm, along with charred sourdough and house-made churros. As for the drinks, expect another Spanish classic as sangria jugs — red, white or rosé — are available for $60. Combine this feed with the restaurant's sunny al fresco area and the good times should flow effortlessly. Supported by live music throughout the afternoon, this lively celebration of Spanish cuisine is a great way to make the end of the week an easygoing one. Bookings are available through the website, but walk-ins are welcome.
Travel is a salve to all of life's problems. There's something truly healing about that first dip into a faraway sea, a bite of a food you've never heard of before, or the background hum of a language you can't understand. But sometimes, all it takes is a hotel to have you packing your bags and buckling into your plane seat. There's no better place to find that holiday feeling than in Asia. From the patchwork blue seas of the Komodo Islands to the tranquil jungles of Ubud and into the hawker centres of Singapore, Asia is dotted with spectacular hotels that are worth making the trip for. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can access exclusive rates immediately on stays at participating properties (700 of them in Asia alone). Membership is free, so once you've signed up, book with the app and earn points for future stays worldwide. [caption id="attachment_1045361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TA'AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa[/caption] TA'AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia Depending on who you ask, there are anywhere from 16,000 to 18,000 islands in Indonesia. Flores, Bali's quiet neighbour, may just be the most underrated of them all. The town of Labuan Bajo on Flores is the gateway to the Komodo Islands—a patchwork of sparkling blue water, technicolour coral reefs and sacred Komodo dragons. It's quickly becoming Indonesia's best-kept treasure and is only a one-hour flight from Bali. When in town, TA'AKATANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is the place to stay. The resort's over-water villas draw inspiration from Flores' distinctive spider-web style rice paddies, offering epic views that look out over the Komodo Islands. Here, your villa also includes a luxurious butler service. Inspired by the mystical caves of Rangko and Batu Cermin, Di'a Spa is where hot tubs and cold plunge pools overlook the turquoise Flores Sea, offering not just relaxation but also renewal. It's your chance for a soulful pause in one of Indonesia's most captivating settings. [caption id="attachment_1045362" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel[/caption] The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a direct flight away from most Australian capitals, but the second your feet hit the buzzing streets, you feel a world away. You arrive to tropical warmth, towering, gilded temples, and fragrant, heaped bowls of street food passing by on vendors' carts. Not to mention, Bangkok is quickly earning a reputation as one of South East Asia's creative hotspots with galleries, bars, endless vintage shopping and local fashion labels popping up across the city. When in town, our editors check into The Athenee Hotel. Here, you're staying on the grounds of Kandhavas, the palace of Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the daughter of King Rama V. The five-star, luxury hotel is also located right in the heart of Bangkok—perfect for a trip spent hitting the city's exceptional shopping malls like Siam Paragon. After a day exploring Bangkok, head back to your hotel to de-stress with a holistic treatment at the Athenee Spa. W Singapore - Sentosa Cove, Singapore Sentosa Island is Singapore's island getaway—yet, you're still connected to the mainland. Singapore's hawker centres, futuristic skyline and unrivalled shopping make it one of the best city breaks going. W Singapore - Sentosa Cove is one of the coolest places to stay when you're in town. The hotel's sleek design and freshly-renovated rooms were born from blending city and sanctuary. The result is a space that channels the tropical microcosm that is Singapore: abundant energy, buzzing atmosphere, and an element of surrealism. While on Sentosa Island, check out Universal Studios, laze your day away at Siloso Beach or Palawan Beach (the southernmost point of continental Asia) or simply unwind in W Singapore's free-form outdoor pools. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Indonesia Found deep inside the Balinese jungle, on the shores of the Ayung River, sits Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. Ubud, a green, spiritual enclave in Bali, is often overlooked in favour of beach clubs. But, check into Mandapa — within an Indigenous village — and you'll soon realise that this is the best way to experience Bali. You'll find 35 suites, 25 pool villas and four unique dining concepts dotted across the resort's lush grounds. The best part, though, is their restorative spa and Disconnect to Reconnect Wellness Journey Program. You'll receive a personalised wellbeing and health program tailored just for you. The experience is guided by three pillars: wellness, gastronomy, and sustainability. For those seeking a stay that truly renews, this is your sanctuary. [caption id="attachment_1043648" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Juliana Barquero[/caption] Aloft Osaka Dojima, Japan If you're anything like us, your social feeds are currently filled with friends living it up in Japan. And, with ski season approaching, your jealousy is about to get worse. If you've always wanted to go, let this be your sign to book that trip now. The vibrant, technicoloured streetscapes of Osaka's litter social feeds everywhere — especially with the city's vintage designer shopping. But they're really just the backdrop of Aloft Osaka Dojima. The sleek, design-focused hotel is for the traveller who likes being in the heart of the city. Stay here, and you're never more than a short walk from Osaka's viral food spots and expansive train network. Take a day trip to Kyoto or Nara, stop into Universal Studios or try the world-famous Kobe beef before heading back to base. [caption id="attachment_1051746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Malaysia[/caption] Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Malaysia Think of Malaysia, and chances are your mind rushes to steaming bowls of fragrant laksa, a buzzing Kuala Lumpur and its Petronas Towers at night (or that scene from Entrapment). But, did you know its coastline is dotted with tropical islands and pristine beaches? One of our editors' favourites is the Perhentian Islands on the east coast of Terengganu. It's here, on Perhentian Kecil, that you'll find Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa. Their private villas are perched on the cliffside with panoramic views out onto the azure shores of the Perhentians, and even come complete with a private pool and luxurious baths. Outside the resort grounds, island hop the day away, swim with turtles and snorkel through pristine coral reefs, then watch the sun slip below the horizon on a sunset cruise. Become a Marriott Bonvoy member (for free) for access to the best rates on the website. Then, download the app to discover a world of unparalleled rewards and earn and redeem points for your next trip with Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace. And, to celebrate the end of 2025, you can even earn 2,025 bonus points when you book if you register at Marriott's website.
Over the past few years, Jamie's Italian has taken a rollercoaster ride through Australia's hospitality scene. An offshoot of Jamie Oliver's UK eateries, the local chain of restaurants has changed ownership several times — with Oliver buying them back in 2016, relaunching them in 2017 and then bringing in a new operating partner in 2018. For the last year and a half, Brisbane-based hospitality outfit Hallmark Group has been running the show — and now they're expanding the brand. In the next few weeks, Australia's first Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria will open, setting up shop at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast. While an exact launch date hasn't yet been revealed, Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria will be serving up its doughy slices in a 148-square-metre space at Broadbeach's sprawling Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. The menu hasn't been unveiled either; however, pizzas that feature at the chain's international locations — in India, the Netherlands and Dubai — include pepperoni, four cheese, chicken pesto, Chilli Freak (with jalapeños, chilli sauce and fresh chilli), spicy meatball and a carbonara number. Expect salads, entrees and a pasta or two to make an appearance, too. Diners can also expect to watch their pizzas, salads and desserts get made in the open kitchen. Of course, Oliver himself won't be tossing the dough or removing fresh pizzas from the speciality ovens — although the new Aussie joint is inspired by his experiences in Italy. Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria currently operates in India, Dubai and Hungary. Find Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria at Pacific Fair, Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach in the coming weeks — we'll update you with an opening date when we have one.
Usually, no one is particularly fond of Mondays. The weekend is over and five days of work are ahead of you, after all. But December 14 isn't any old Monday. Yes, it kicks off the last full working week of 2020 — thank goodness — but it's also a day that comes with free burgers. Brooklyn Depot is spreading its Brisbane footprint by opening a new joint on Racecourse Road in Hamilton — and if you head along at 12pm on Monday, December 14, you might score yourself a free cheeseburger. Only 300 are available, and it's a first in, best dressed kind of affair. But, it's also a way to nab a free lunch. Arriving early to hop in the queue is recommended, because the burgs will be available as soon as the doors open. Of course, Brooklyn Depot's new outpost will be serving up menu items other than free cheeseburgers — if you're hankering for something else, and don't mind paying. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brooklyn Depot, Brisbane (@brooklyndepotbrisbane)
Beyond the Pale, opened in the new Coorparoo Square development in 2017, aims to cover all bases. An extensive menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the takeaway coffee kicking off at 6.30am every day. Health aware but tasty is the breakfast vibe, with pumpkin and haloumi on rye, wild rice breakfast bowls and smashed avo with goats cheese. Tuck into some popcorn chicken or mac 'n' cheese nuggets for an after work snack, or go all out with a Wagyu cheese burger for dinner. Drinks wise, there are 12 beer taps of Queensland staples, including brews from Burleigh Brewing, Newstead Brewing and Green Beacon. An expansive cocktail and wine list covers the rest of the alcohol field. And, there's a Dendy Cinema right next door, making it a perfect pick for date night.
Already known for Japanese fine-dining thanks to longterm tenant Sono, Portside Wharf has now added high-end Korean BBQ to its suite of riverside restaurants. At an eatery that's all about levelling up the usual grill experience, patrons still sear their meat themselves, but on a smokeless setup installed in the table. Premium wagyu cuts, wine flights, oysters to start, slow-cooked short ribs if you'd prefer a main to a set menu, a cocktail bar pouring tipples: that's the Marble Korean Steakhouse offering. Add Marble Korean Steakhouse to Portside's recent newcomers as part of its multimillion-dollar revamp, following the likes of Rise Bakery, Mademoiselle, Fosh, Rosé Gelateria, Birds Nest Yakitori, Portside Social, Dumbo and The Ballpark Portside — and more — over the last few years. Husband-and-wife duo Simon Kang and Vanessa Devine — a Korean-trained chef and a hospitality professional, respectively — have launched a venue that pays tribute to its chosen cooking style, but also aims to give it a more-contemporary spin. As Devine puts it: "we've reimagined the Korean BBQ experience for a modern audience". The look of the place: sleek and moody, all in an industrial-inspired space. The vibe: a lively night out. For those fresh to the Korean BBQ experience, or just keen on some expert guidance, Marble Korean Steakhouse's staff are on hand to assist as you get grilling. And to ensure that your vino pairs perfectly with your meat, that's where the wine flights come in. "Rather than the usual thin cuts and DIY cooking, we guide diners through premium selections of high-grade meats, paired with vibrant side dishes and house-made sauces. It's about indulgence, discovery, and confidence at the grill," explains Mr Kang. "You don't need to be a wine expert — we've done the hard work for you. Everything is curated to enhance the flavours and elevate the experience," adds Devine. Two key options await diners: the $89 butcher's fire menu and the $129 marble signature. With the first, you'll work through a range of Tajima wagyu and Australian wagyu cuts, while the second adds full-blood wagyu as well. Both packages also include a choice of two braised stews, savoury egg soufflé, pickled seasonal vegetables, ssam and the chef's pick of desserts. If the grill isn't calling your name, you can go for the $79 hansang set for non-BBQ tables, where Korean fried chicken is a prime part of the nine-dish range. Find Marble Korean Steakhouse at 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — and head to the venue's website for more details.
Trying not to think about Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is about to become impossible in Australia. So will getting Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On' out of your head, where it's dwelled for most people since the Oscar-winning track was released in 1997. The reason: a Titanic exhibition has dropped anchor Down Under and docked at Melbourne Museum until Sunday, April 21. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition has brought 200-plus items from the shipwreck to the Victorian capital in its Aussie trip after selling out its Paris season and also proving a hit in the US. The pieces on display were legitimately recovered from the vessel's wreck site, too, after the RMS Titanic's ill-fated voyage in April 1912 — aka the events that James Cameron (Avatar: The Way of Water) turned into the DiCaprio (Killers of the Flower Moon)- and Winslet (Ammonite)-starring Titanic more than a quarter-century ago. For everyone bound to exclaim, "I'm the king of the world!" while walking through Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition's Australian-exclusive stop, this is the king of all Titanic exhibitions. In fact, it's the most extensive in the world. As well as seeing the genuine objects from the ship, attendees will wander through full-scale recreations of the vessel's interiors, such as the veranda cafe, first-class parlour suite and grand staircase. In addition to the recovered items and recreations of the Titanic's spaces, the exhibition will tell tales about those onboard the ship that launched its maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, only to sink five days later on April 15, after hitting an iceberg. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the fateful events of that night with interactive exhibits like a touchable iceberg chilled to the temperature of the water the night of the sinking. This exploration of a tragic chapter in history will focus on passengers and crew alike while stepping through the vessel's class divisions and pondering the boat's legacy. Beyond the historical learnings, you can enjoy a Titanic-themed high tea designed by a Michelin-star chef to fully immerse yourself in the era in an elegantly designed lounge. Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition must close on Sunday, April 21. Evening sessions are also available. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website. Images: EMG / Alexandre Schoelcher / Eugene Hyland / Museums Victoria.
Sweet news: this spring and summer, your lips can taste like Gelato Messina no matter what you're eating. We can't all devour ice cream all day and night, sadly, but we can all slather our smackers with Messina's Lanolips collaboration — especially now that it comes in a dulce de leche version. Back in 2021, Messina and Lanolips first teamed up on their debut gelato-flavoured balm — a salted coconut and mango sorbet number that, yes, was always going to give you a constant craving for a few scoops. The pair have brought that popular version back in 2022, too, as well as the new dulce de leche balm. We said it a year ago and we'll say it again now: if you start eating more gelato as a result, you'll know why. How do you make a dulce de leche balm? It takes its cues from Messina's signature in-house Argentinean caramelised milk gelato flavour, and was inspired by a gelato-tasting session, naturally. As for the salted coconut and mango sorbet flavour, it still nods to Messina's most popular coconut milk sorbet — a flavour that features Murray River salt and Australian Kensington Pride mango salsa. In balm form, the two Aussie-made products are infused with lanolin from local sheep's wool, as well as coconut oil, vitamin E and natural flavour. You'll find the lip-smacking products in all Messina stores, Messina's online store, at Lanolips' website and at Mecca. And, while they're perfect for that obvious purpose, Messina and and Lanolips also advise that the multi-balms have one hundred other uses. Head to Messina to pick some up today, on Tuesday, September 27 — or buy one from Messina's website — and you'll also nab a free scoop while stocks last. For more information about Gelato Messina's new Lanolips balm — and to buy some — head to the chain's website.
Getta Burger said goodbye to Brisbane in 2023, and so did plant-based joint Grassfed. Ze Pickle shut its Brissie locations in 2024. But the River City's burger scene isn't just seeing closures of late. Come May, it'll welcome in the Burleigh-born Two Yolks for brekkie burgs, bacon and egg burgs, scrambled eggs on burgs, spicy chicken burgs, truffle burgs, old-school burgs, mortadella burgs and more. Eggs are clearly a prime feature of this eatery's burgers — and expect them to ooze when you take a bite. Two Yolks boasts Charles Olalia (ex-The French Laundry, Guy Savoy) as Executive Chef Partner, but it hasn't gone upmarket with its burg offering. The vibe here is retro, as Brisbanites will see on Grey Street in South Bank when it opens its doors. Two Yolks will serve burgers all day, hence the array of breakfast options, which also span halloumi; sausage and cheese; bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato; and mushroom and avocado. The morning menu is where the mortadella burg comes in, too, which is inspired by Anthony Bourdain. And, there's a croissant version of eggs benedict, plus a breakfast burrito. Sides include cheesy truffle fries, chilli cheese tots, hash browns, hand-battered onion rings and bacon on a stick — plus chips paired with eggs, of course. As for drinks, shakes come in the holy trinity of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, as well as a boozy espresso martini version. Mimosas, bloody marys and orange spritzes feature among the cocktail range, and beers are also on offer. What's better than one new South Bank eatery, though? Two, and right next door to each other. Grey Street is also becoming home to Finn Poke, which slings bowls and tacos. This is another case of a hit from out of town making the move to Brisbane, with the brand born in Byron Bay. The focus: an Aussie spin on poke, all while letting you build your own bowls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Two Yolks™️ (@twoyolks__) Find Two Yolks and Finn Poke on Grey Street, South Bank, sometime in May — keep an eye on Two Yolks and Finn Poke's social media in the interim.
Strolls in Breakfast Creek now involve indulging in a Brisbane staple: crossing a bridge. The Queensland capital is a city of bridges, and governments just keep building them. Indeed, the new Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera green bridge is one of two pedestrian- and cyclist-only river crossings that are set to open in 2024. Announced years back, then confirming its 2024 launch in late 2023, the Brekkie Creek structure isn't open to cars because that's the green bridge setup. Rather, the 80-metre stretch is all about moseying or pedalling and soaking in the view. It features dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, at a minimum width of six metres, all while extending the existing Lores Bonney Riverwalk and reaching over to Newstead Park. Officially open since Saturday, February 10, the bridge boasts arches as a prominent part of its appearance. For its colour scheme, it's decked out in hues that match the Moreton Bay Fig trees in the area. At its landing point at Newstead Park, it has been designed to integrate easily with the park's heritage look as well. And, the bridge will also help connect the CBD with Olympics Athletes Village that's planned for Northshore Hamilton during the 2032 Olympics. If you're keen to make the most of the scenery over your short walk, the bridge includes pause points on both approaches, overlooking Newstead House and the Brisbane River. The Newstead Park landing also includes rest areas and drinking fountains, while the whole thing is lit up with feature lighting. As well as lengthening the Lores Bonney Riverwalk by 175 metres, the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera green bridge — which takes the Yowoggera part of its name from the traditional term for "corroboree place" — is part of approximately 700 metres of new and improved paths in the area. "This bridge is really important for residents because it will make it much safer for walkers, bikers and scooter riders to cross over Breakfast Creek into Newstead Park and then on to the CBD," said Hamilton Ward Councillor Julia Dixon, opening the bridge. "Brisbane is the fastest-growing capital city in the country and this bridge is part of our commitment to make it easier for residents and visitors to get around." The other green bridge that's planned for this year: Kangaroo Point's next addition, which will include its own dining spots, complete with a restaurant and bar, plus a cafe. The Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera green bridge opened on Saturday, February 10, 2024. For further details, head to the Brisbane City Council website. Images: Brisbane City Council.
If all this social isolation has left you keen to kick start some positive lifestyle changes, helping to save the planet seems like a pretty good place to start. After all, there's nothing like being cooped up indoors to inspire a newfound appreciation for blue skies, clean beaches and big, green open spaces. As a whole, Aussies have been gathering some momentum in the war against plastic waste in recent years, embracing bans on single-use plastic bags, swapping out plastic straws for sustainable alternatives and championing the humble reusable coffee cup. But, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure where to begin your own journey to a waste-free life, we've found a new local read that'll help put you right on track. Penned by ocean-lover and avid enviro-warrior Kate Nelson — aka Plastic Free Mermaid — I Quit Plastics And You Can Too is a practical guide to ditching disposable plastics and living more sustainably. And, given that Nelson broke up with single-use plastics over a decade ago, it's safe to say she's something of a guru on the topic. Whether you're keen to follow her lead completely, or simply want to learn how to live a little lighter, consider this book your new encyclopedia. It's chock full of handy, helpful information, served alongside manageable tips and how-tos aimed at reducing your plastic use, easily. Small, everyday changes can do big things for the environment. You'll discover how to cut down on waste, while shopping, cooking, cleaning and living with a more planet-friendly, plastic-free mindset. And Nelson shares lots of easy-to-implement strategies along the way, with more than 60 recipes to help de-plastic all areas of your life — from bodycare to breakfast. This is one online purchase the oceans will definitely thank you for. You can grab a copy of 'I Quit Plastics And You Can Too' for $26.25 from Booktopia. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Quick show of hands: growing up, how many of us would have loved to commit our lives (and tastebuds) to chocolate? While our Willy Wonka-inspired dreams might have only been just that, for Koko Black chocolatier Remco Brigou, it has been a dream come true. The Belgian native holds the envy-inducing title of head chocolatier and product innovator at the artisan chocolate brand. Brigou's latest creation is an incredibly luxe range of ice creams in collaboration with Connoisseur. It's a surprising first for Koko Black, which has never ventured into ice-cold desserts despite delighting chocolate lovers around the nation for nearly 20 years. While two flavours — a classic vanilla and an indulgent honeycomb — are available at supermarkets around the country, Brigou's three exclusive creations for Koko Black lounges in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are dressed up with ingredients including melted chocolate, pistachio and chocolate pearls. To celebrate the new Koko Black x Connoisseur ice cream range, we sat down with Brigou to talk about the new collaboration and what he loves about chocolate. [caption id="attachment_833239" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Hi Remco! Tell us a little about your journey. How did you become Koko Black's head chocolatier and product innovator? I started in hospitality at the age of 15, working and studying in Belgium, and by the age of 18 I had decided to specialise in chocolate and pastry. My love for chocolate and baking started when I was very little and has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From here, I worked with Marcolini in Brussels as their chocolatier and at 25 I moved to Australia for adventure, travel and a new challenge. I started working with Koko Black as the head chocolatier leading the development of our full retail and lounge menus with new owner Simon Crowe — together we formed a vision to bring an Australian edge to artisanal chocolate and build the Koko Black brand as we know it today. [caption id="attachment_833240" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] What is your favourite thing about what you do? What keeps you inspired? I love chocolate and the possibilities are endless — from flavours within various [types of] chocolate to the flavours you can add and create. The discovery of new things, flavours and tastes is what inspires me. A lot of people might think that making chocolate is a dream job. Are there less glamorous things in the job that people might be surprised to find out? Not really, it truly is a dream job for me. I still love it as much as I did as a young boy. What is your favourite type of chocolate and why? Dark chocolate is definitely my favourite for its variation in flavour, depending on the origin of chocolate. It's versatile and can pair beautifully with so many different flavours. I'm often asked which is my favourite Koko Black chocolate, [but that's] like choosing a favourite child as they all have things to love. However, I think the dark hazelnut cluster might be the frontrunner. [caption id="attachment_833027" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Tell us about the Connoisseur collaboration. How did this come to life and what excited you about it? We are always teaming up with fellow Australian artisans to make, create and have fun together. So when we were thinking of ice cream, Connoisseur [was] the top pick. Like us, they are premium, artisan and Australian-made, and they also love to create new flavours and combinations. It's been really fun to work with them. For the new flavours, we took the best of both brands — their vanilla ice cream and our dark 54-percent dark chocolate — for an elevated classic. The other flavour was created to reflect one of our best-selling items, Tasmanian leatherwood honeycomb. This required a delicate balancing of flavours to capture the true taste of the leatherwood honey, with our dark chocolate and honeycomb coating. [caption id="attachment_833238" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Julia Sansone[/caption] Were there any challenges you had to overcome to create Koko Black's first ice cream? How did you get past these? The balancing of flavours always takes some work, but it's the part I enjoy most. For more information on the luxe new collaboration, head to the Connoisseur and Koko Black websites. Images: Julia Sansone
Damian Griffiths, local Brisbane go-getter and owner of newfangled eateries Alfredo's Pizzeria and Chester Street Bakery and Bar (among a whole list of others) has finally opened the doors on his new hole-in-the-wall, artisan doughnut bar in the Valley — with the apt name Doughnut Time. Taking over a sectioned-off corner of Alfredo's on Alfred Street, and with design by Alex Lotersztain (who's provided interiors and accoutrements for most of Griffiths' other joints), Doughnut Time has started serving up its "hand-dipped artisan doughnuts" today. If Chester Street's doughnut offerings are anything to go by (think blueberry crumble, key lime, and passionfruit meringue varieties), we're only too excited to see (taste) the sure-to-be-mod delicacies that Griffiths' dedicated doughnut shop has come up with. We're crossing our fingers for more desserts converted into doughy, iced-and-garnished circular confections of your dreams, and perhaps a good old-fashioned jam doughnut, oozing with tongue-burning strawberry conserve straight out of the oven. The Doughnut Time Van is also set to hit the road soon, inevitably guaranteed to increase Brisbane's doughnut obsession with every kilometre. The bottom line is: expect to leave Doughnut Time's Valley store sticky-fingered and happily ready to sell your soul to Ned Flanders in a devil's outfit. Find Doughnut Time at 39 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8am until sold out. Via The Courier Mail.
Marina Mirage has scored its own floating beach club, La Luna, which is also Australia's first venue of its kind. But if you'd like to check out the site's same-named eatery for a stint of cider mussels and pineapple margaritas, the waterside spot has good news: that's where La Luna Dining comes in In a space filled with soft, crisp shades — on the walls, and in the linen and curtains — and plenty of natural light from its big windows, diners can tuck into a meal and a few drinks while looking over the marina. Unsurprisingly, plenty of the ocean's finest earns a spot on the menu, including seafood platters, oysters three ways, scallop sashimi, lobster rolls, beer-battered prawns and seafood linguine from across the full lineup. The mezze range also spans goose liver and black truffle pate, wagyu bresaola and dips; the cold bar selection features crispy wonton crackers and spicy beef tartare; and saganaki cheese, four cuts of steak, three types of pizza, and mains such as miso pork belly and confit duck leg will also tempt your tastebuds. From the drinks list, expect sparkling, white and red wines to suit all budgets, plus local and international brews on tap and by the bottle — and several options spirits-wise, no matter whether you're a gin, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum or whisky drinker. If the whole seaside setup screams cocktail to you, the signature offerings include barrel-aged negronis and mai tais, as well as non-boozy spritzes, sours and watermelon highballs.
Located just three kilometres North of Brisbane CBD you will find Wilston Village, a quickly developing trendy lifestyle hub with leafy streets and 18th century architecture fused with contemporary spaces. Wilston is home to the ultimate hair destination, Fruition, a modern salon that promises great results. The large-scale space is fitted with slick interiors that hold fifteen styling stations to accomodate their loyal clientele. Fruition has a team of 18 hair stylists who each strive to craft a precise and personalised experience. The salon offers a bustling yet relaxing environment with award-winning stylists that are committed to working with clients' individual taste and lifestyle choices.
When 2020 hits, one of Brisbane's big music and party venues will cease to operate in its current form. That'd be The Brightside, which is joining forces with Crowbar to create a mega venue at ol' Brighty's current address. It'll be called Crowbar Brisbane, with the adjoining space currently known as The Valley Drive In taking on the Brightside name. Obviously, this big change is something worth celebrating, which we're sure the revamped site will do when it relaunches. For now, The Brightside is throwing a big party to say goodbye to the status quo — and it's calling on DZ Deathrays, Bugs, Jeremy Neale and Sycco to hit the decks to help. All of the above will take on DJing duties and, as always, there'll be plenty of drinks on offer. Head along to Bye Bye Brightside from 7pm on Saturday, December 28 to mark the end of an era — with tickets costing $10.
Ngon means delicious in Vietnamese. And trust us, the neon sign in the window of this Paddo cafe isn't using hyperbole. Traditional Vietnamese flavours with a fresh twist have made this family-owned eatery a favourite with locals. The Nguyen brothers serve up core classics like pho with eight-hour bone broth and bun cha noodle platters alongside innovative dishes such as Vietnamese iced coffee panna cotta and young rice coated prawn with turmeric mayo. It has weekly show-stopping special dishes, too — sometimes cooked by the owners' mum — including xiu mai meatballs, spicy green papaya salad with pork belly or pipis with holy basil, chilli and lemongrass. It's all about celebrating the flavours of Vietnam — fresh herbs, vibrant chilli, sweet nuoc cham — paired with local produce, and a sizeable drinks menu of house cocktails, Australian wines, cold beers and homemade sodas at this family-run venue.
Does your must-see movie list just keep growing, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball — especially after splashing cash around over Christmas, your summer holidays or both? Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. You will need to head down to its Southport venue, however. Every day from Thursday, January 26–Wednesday, February 1, you'll only pay $5 for your movie of choice at the 11-screen complex, which only opened less than a year back. Buy online or buy at the box office — either way, you'll nab a bargain. With everything from newly minted Oscar-nominees Triangle of Sadness, The Fabelmans, Tár, Babylon and The Banshees of Inisherin through to M3GAN, Avatar: The Way of Water, Emily and A Man Called Otto currently screening, there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. A caveat: the offer isn't available for special events, previews, special screenings or Dendy Arts sessions, but remains valid for everything else. Also, there's a booking fee if you do purchase via the internet.
Already home to Vietnamese food hall Fat Noodle and upmarket steakhouse Black Hide by Gambaro, the Treasury Brisbane is expanding its food range — with potstickers, dim sum, barbecued meats and other Cantonese-style food. As first announced last month, the Brisbane CBD spot has welcomed Mei Wei Dumplings, with the new hawker-style eatery setting up shop on the basement level. Head underground every day of the week to eat your way through plenty of Mei Wei's titular dish — at the chain's second location, with its first restaurant already a favourite at The Star Gold Coast. Plus, in good news for Brisbanites hankering for some dumplings long after dinner time, the eatery is open until 11pm weekends and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you like your dumplings fried or steamed — and whether you're dropping by for lunch, an after-work meal of a late-night bite, you'll find a variety of flavours on offer. Prawn dumplings, vegetable dumplings and three varieties of potstickers (beef, chicken and pork) are all on the menu, as are other dim sum staples such as spring rolls, barbecue pork buns and xiao long bao. Also on the lineup: char siu pork, crispy pork belly and Cantonese crispy duck, as part of an extended Brisbane-only selection filled with new signature dishes. If you can't choose between barbecued options, there's also a combination platter. And just like Mei Wei's Gold Coast site, there's a range of wok-cooked options, including sichuan beef, kung pao chicken and Singapore-style curry rice noodle. The restaurant also boasts a separate congee menu, with the rice porridge coming topped with the likes of pork and preserved egg, seafood, or chicken and mushroom. Design-wise, Mei Wei's Brisbane eatery includes elements of Chinese design while also taking into consideration the Treasury's 134-year history. And, in terms of places to sit, you can choose between booths, benches and tables. If you're already thinking about gathering the gang for dumplings next time you're in the vicinity of the casino, Mei Wei also features a 14-person private dining room. And, patrons can enter via a separate George Street entrance, rather than through the Treasury. Find Mei Wei Dumplings at Treasury Brisbane, corner of Queen and George streets, Brisbane — open Sunday–Thursday 11am–11pm and Friday–Saturday 11am–1am.
The new additions to King Street just keep coming in 2023, with the Bowen Hills stretch welcoming in crab shack Claw in August, then arcade bar Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq to kick off September. Launching next is Italian Riviera-loving restaurant Bar Gusto, the latest addition to Rydges Fortitude Valley. The 190-seater will join the precinct on Friday, September 15, giving pizza and pasta pride of place on the menu, and putting one of the area's fig trees at the heart of its outdoor space. Dine outdoors on the terrace here — or drop in for an al fresco drink — and being surrounded by greenery is part of the package. Bar Gusto's deck has been built around the century-old tree, in fact. Indoors, the fitout heroes walnut panelling with antique brass. The vibe that the joint is aiming for: laidback but timeless. In a place that seats 150 in its main areas, plus 40 in its private dining room, executive Chef Francesco Trucco leads the kitchen — whipping up a menu that goes big on tradition, with family recipes steering his dishes. "Gusto in my home country means taste, and we know it also means enthusiasm, which is perfect for the venue we've created here. Where I'm from we have an incredible culture around food, everybody can cook — your friends, your mum, your grandma — and at Bar Gusto with each dish, I'm sharing the love from my family with families here in Australia," said Trucco. Cooked in a Valoriani Vesuvio Igloo pizza oven, the restaurant's slices come in eight varieties, including sausage and taleggio; pancetta atop carbonara paste; a mushroom and ham number made with truffle paste; and a combination of Mooloolaba tiger prawns, caviar and crab meat. If you prefer pasta, black squid linguine is the signature dish, the ravioli comes filled with carbonara sauce and tucking into nonna's meatballs in napoli sauce is an option. Among the smaller bites, pumpkin and basil arancini, potatoes crocchette with crab and bruschetta sit alongside rosemary olives, fries and those Mooloolaba tiger prawns again, this time in chilli garlic butter. Gusto does grazing boards, too, while panna cotta and tiramisu are the dessert choices. Whether you're just after a sip or you're pairing your beverage with a meal, the wine list favours Italian and local vino. Prefer a cocktail? They're a big feature. Think: the Gusto Aperitivo (made with Campari, Regal Rogue wild rose, lime juice, grapefruit soda and orange slices), Dolce Colada (Sailor Jerry, banana liqueur, coconut, lemon, pineapple and coconut foam), Bond, Rosemary Bond (Tanqueray, Cinzano Bianco, rosemary syrup, lemon and peach bitters) and Razzmatazz (vodka and Chambord with citrus, vanilla syrup, seat salt and egg whites). In total, seven types are available for just one person, two more for sharing (including the summery watermelon punch), plus two mocktails as well. And, if you prefer a classic other than Bar Gusto's specials, just ask. Find Bar Gusto at 601 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills from Friday, September 15 — open 11am–9pm Monday–Saturday.
If you're a fan of 90s horror getting a new lease on life, we know what you're doing this winter Down Under: watching the latest instalment in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise. Although a TV series ran for one season in 2021, it's been almost 20 years since the last film in the series hit screens — and, as both the initial trailer and the just-dropped fresh look at the newest movie shows, familiar faces are back, and spouting familiar lines of dialogue as well. A slasher premise. A script by Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson. A cast member of Party of Five being terrorised. That setup worked well twice three decades back, first with Scream and then with I Know What You Did Last Summer. Indeed, when they each initially released, sequels followed in both instances. Here's the latest part of the trend: both franchises have made or are making 2020s-era returns after jumps to the small screen, in flicks sharing the same name as the original movies in each saga and featuring OG cast members. First came 2022's Scream. Next arrives 2025's I Know What You Did Last Summer. Once again, Jennifer Love Hewitt (9-1-1) follows in Neve Campbell's (The Lincoln Lawyer) footsteps — and as Scream did, I Know What You Did Last Summer picks up with a mix of recognisable and new talents. As the sneak peeks for cinema's return to Southport illustrate, Freddie Prinze Jr (The Girl in the Pool) is also present again. Being stalked for their past misdeeds this time: Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio), Jonah Hauer-King (The Tattooist of Auschwitz), Tyriq Withers (Me) and Sarah Pidgeon (The Friend). On the big screen on Thursday, July 17, 2025 Down Under, the results will play out — aka a group of friends getting involved in a car accident where someone dies, they cover it up and vow not to tell anyone, but that secret and a vengeance-seeking killer haunts them a year later. The new film layers in the fact that this has all happened in the past, with the quintet in focus needing help from two survivors of the Southport Massacre of 1997. Enter Hewitt and Prinze Jr, as part of a cast that also includes Billy Campbell (Mr & Mrs Smith), Gabbriette Bechtel (Idiotka) and Austin Nichols (The Six Triple Eight). Starting as a 1973 novel, which Williamson adapted into the first 1997 film, I Know What You Did Last Summer initially spawned two sequels: 1998's I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and 2006's I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer. Then came that shortlived television effort. On the franchise's return to the big screen, Do Revenge filmmaker Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directs — and continues her connection with the OG I Know What You Did Last Summer cast, given that Sarah Michelle Gellar (Dexter: Original Sin) featured in that 2022 movie. Check out the trailer for I Know What You Did Last Summer below: I Know What You Did Last Summer releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
So, you think you know all there is to know about craft beer. Are you willing to put your money where your mouth is? And perhaps a few drinks in your gob, too? If so, Mr Edwards has just the thing for you. That'd be Mr Edwards Craft Beer Game Show, an interactive event based on the beverage that you know, love and probably consume quite a bit of. Rounds include a 20-question quiz, blind tastings to determine beer styles and brands, and voting for your favourite brews. Plus, for your $100 entry fee — which covers a five-person team — you'll get nine beers to sample, as well as a food platter to feast on. This event is part of Brewsvegas 2016.
Whether it's for a staycation, quick getaway or lengthy vacation, spending a night or several away from your own house isn't just about getting cosy inside any old different four walls. There's an art to providing a memorable stay away from home, including when you're slumbering in someone else's abode. Given that Airbnb is all about folks opening up their spaces to travellers wanting to spend the evening, of course it realises this — and rewards the platform's hosts with the most. For the three years running, Airbnb's Host Awards have recognised the people making booking at their listings something special — and the memorable stays themselves. 2023's winners have just been announced, showing some love across both Australia and New Zealand. Whether you're after a romantic Sunshine Coast retreat, hanging out in a 1920s steam train carriage and or a Hamurana cabin with an outdoor bath, these applauded options have you covered. In Australia, Host of the Year went to Veronica and Colin Eastmure for their Down at The Dale farm stay at Conondale, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Among the often-personalised touches that earned them the coveted prize: robes and slippers, handwritten welcome notes, roasting marshmallows on the fire pit, an outdoor spot to bathe and even making a birthday cake for a guest. From the newcomers to the platform, Fremantle's Sarah Abbott won Best New Host for a light-filled loft in the city's West End district, which earned plaudits for its design focus. There's also a Best Design Stay, which went to a restored Victorian terrace called Mister Munro, as hosted by Elise Croker in Crookwell in New South Wales. Rounding out the Aussie awards: that steam carriage in Forrest in Victoria, which got host Fleur Leslie the nod for Most Unique Stay (unsurprisingly); Bec and Angus McDougall's The Cottage at Dunmore Farm, also in Victoria, for Best Nature Stay; and Skye Lanser's boho-style room in NSW's Forest Lodge, which won for Best Room Host. If you're wondering how Airbnb's Host Award winners are chosen, a heap of Airbnb data goes into picking the recipients, plus guest scores and reviews — and then a judging panel oversees the process. In Aotearoa, The Cabin in Rotorua took pride of place — aka Host of the Year — for David and Christina Chemis. Again, personalisation for guests was a hit with the judges (this time including homemade treats), as was an outside bath. Soaking in the air, scenic surroundings and being made to feel like you really are at a home away from home: that's the formula that's resonated at the 2023 awards across both countries Down Under. NZ's Best New Host went to Viv Madsen-Ries for The Loft on Flynn Host, which gives Arrowtown visitors mountain views. Also, Chanel Griffiths' off-the-grid two-person Kawakawa Hut on a Taupō farm won Best Nature Stay. If it's just a room you're after, that's where Joanna Bell's Freemans Bay villa comes in, including a daily homemade breakfast. In the Best Design Stay field, glamping with a hot tub — and four bedrooms — is at the top of the agenda in Waitomo thanks to host Emily Scott. And New Zealand's Most Unique Stay? A house bus on a 35-acre field will do it, with hosts Tara and Guillaume Wrigley Gignoux dubbing it the Raglan LoveBus. For more information about Airbnb's Host Award winners in Australia and New Zealand, had to the platform's website.
Finding somewhere to eat and/or drink along James Street is as easy as looking in any direction you like, but only one spot brings a fashion brand's aesthetic out of its clothing range and into a bar and restaurant. That venue: The Lodge Bar & Dining, the just-launched bricks-and-mortar outpost of New Zealand's Rodd & Gunn, which has thrown open its doors in a heritage Queenslander on the popular Fortitude Valley roadway. Expanding from helping stock wardrobes to tempting tastebuds isn't new for Rodd & Gunn, which originally opened its first Lodge Bar & Dining in Queenstown in 2016, then expanded to Auckland in 2020, and also made the leap to Melbourne in 2021. Brisbane's addition to the list was announced earlier in 2022, and sports the brand's rustic-meets-sophisticated vibe in venue form — plus an impressive food and drink menu. Book in for a meal here, and you'll be tucking into a menu conjured up by The Lodge Bar Group's Executive Chef Matt Lambert, which goes heavy on seasonal produce and local ingredients. Seafood features prominently, including in entrees such as sea trout tartare; via oysters from Batemans Bay, Tasmania and Moreton Bay; and from a spread that also spans eucalyptus grilled tiger prawns, open fire grilled rock lobster and mud crab royale. Blue crab spaghetti, buttered bug rolls and grilled rock lobster are big highlights, too. And, if you feel like forking out $250 for a 100-gram serving of caviar, you'll get whatever's the best at the time. Also standouts: pork terrine, muscovy duck breast, coal-roasted sun choke gnocchi and the wagyu of the moment. The Lodge Bar Group's Master Sommelier and Group Beverage Manager Cameron Douglas has come up with a wide-ranging drinks list to match — think oh-so-many wines from Italy, France, Spain, Argentina and Australia, with 36 percent of the vino offering hailing from New Zealand; and a range of creative libations that includes a rose gold negroni. There's even a dedicated cocktail room, should they be your tipples of choice. The 749-square-metre, 150-seat space also features oak wood flooring, wool rugs, and plenty of leather and brass decor, channelling an alpine mood. But the two-storey spot also makes the most of its classic Queenslander-style wraparound balcony, giving patrons a taste of NZ and the Sunshine State at once. Peering out over both James and Robertson streets come with the territory as well, naturally. While dropping in for a bite to eat and a beverage or several is the main attraction, the ground floor has been designed to let you mosey easily from its corner bar with banquette seating through to the retail space; as a Rodd & Gunn venue, being able to shop the brand's clothing was always going to be on the cards. Upstairs, there's another bar, a private dining area and that aforementioned balcony. And although this is The Lodge Bar & Dining's fourth outing, it holds pride of place for Rodd & Gunn, which has dubbed it its global flagship venue. Find Rodd & Gunn x The Lodge Bar & Dining at 49 James Street, Fortitude Valley.
The huge dose of nostalgia that Milan Ring's latest release 'Are Your Friends Alright?' generates is only partially intentional. The Sydney-based artist and producer explains that she drew inspiration from parties she had been to throughout her teens and twenties where gatecrashers or uninvited people brought negative energy. "I was playing with the idea of not allowing that to make your night with your friends a bad vibe." It's an idea that most people could relate to. But, with the very notion of socialising and partying with mates seeming quaint and far away right now, the song strikes an even deeper chord. It's about focusing on the good things and channelling positive energy. Produced in collaboration with Sydney-based artist Blessed, 'Are Your Friends Alright?' is a charged track, packed with sensual vocals, soulful harmonies and a funky bassline. It's a prime example of why Ring was chosen as one of the visionary artists to collaborate with Miller Design Lab, the home of creativity and self-expression built by Australia's leading minds in design, art, technology and fashion. The platform is a celebration of our nightlife and its impact on culture to deliver exceptional moments to you and your home. To that end, we spoke with the Sydney-based talent to talk about life as an artist — from having a flexible process to seeking inspiration from her city and collaborating with some of the best in the biz. Artist is a broad term, but it's an important distinction when referring to someone like Milan Ring — she can't be pigeon-holed into one category. Throughout her teens, she spent time jamming on guitar and experimenting on an analogue drum machine, before getting a diploma in sound engineering and technical production. She started performing professionally in her twenties, first as a guitarist in bands and then progressively as a backup vocalist. Now, not only does she write and compose all of her music, but she also produces and mixes it all — and masters some of it, too. And most of that magic happens in her studio, which she built in a Marrickville warehouse with her best friend two years ago. This loaded skillset affords Ring a lot of flexibility in her creative process. "There are times when I just want to create, do something fresh and improvise. And then there are times I just want to fix things and do all the technical stuff. I listen to myself. Sometimes I go in with the intent to create a new song. I start and I'm like 'I'm not really feeling it', so then I'll pull up a song to finish the mix." Though Ring admits that she mostly works alone, she also places enormous value in teaming up with other artists and producers, including Blessed and American band The Social Experiment (who in turn have worked with Chance the Rapper). "It's down to finding the right collaborators, but you don't know until you try. Every collaboration, even if it doesn't end up with a song that's released — there's something to take away from that and something to learn." And, for Ring, there's a direct relationship between collaborating and customisation. "The way I interpret customisation would be drawing inspiration from something and making it your own. Someone like BLESSED might send me some beats and then I'll use this, change this sound, delete that, move that over here and then record it. Therefore, I've customised, added to and changed his initial concept into something else". The idea of customisation is also evident in the stitching together of Ring's various sources of inspiration. Her music is known for sampling from various genres — she specifically mentions Latin, Afro-Cuban and American-style jazz and soul music, which she spent a lot of time listening to growing up. But when it comes to lyrical content, Ring looks to her community in Sydney's inner west. "I'm definitely inspired by the area I grew up in and different people I know or have met and their stories. Things I've observed or had people tell me their story, I've written about it and taken the essence of the story and then gone off on a tangent." Ring specifically mentions a number of places around her studio in Marrickville that she frequents for inspiration, including cafes like Matinee, West Juliett and Two Chaps, the cluster of craft breweries and a handful of pubs like The Henson, The Vic on the Park and The Marrickville Hotel. And even just going and sitting Enmore Park. "It is nice being surrounded by people even if you're not talking to them. That's one of the things that I've been missing in this time [during lockdown] is just being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyone's lives." Speaking to this hiatus period due to COVID-19, which resulted in Ring cancelling her national tour Switch Off, Milan explains, "I haven't been as inspired to go into the studio and hustle. With everything that's going on, I'm not particularly pushing myself — it's a bit of a respite." Instead, she is spending quality time with her dog, cooking and collaborating with a friend on a kids' play-along book. And she's been working her way through a Stevie Wonder songbook on the guitar. "I'm trying to get back into my jazz theory, which I put on the back foot as I've been working on being the best producer and mixer I can be. It's been quite therapeutic for me." But there's no doubt that once lockdown is over, she'll be back out there making the most of Sydney's nightlife. "Being out with friends, going to restaurants, then going to bars and then going to a show — it about being part of culture and the community and feeling connected to all these people. Even though you don't know who they are, you're all there for the same reason." For more, check out Milan Ring's collaboration with Miller Genuine Draft here. For more ways to celebrate your city's nightlife and recreate its energy in your own space, head this way. Images: Reuben Gibbes
This article is sponsored by our partners, lastminute.com.au. The Barossa Valley may produce a wide selection of mighty fine drops, but it's also one of the world's friendliest wine regions in the world. Wine makers will happily stop for a chat to let you in on a few of their techniques; cellar door staff don't mind helping you to distinguish your chocolate tones from your blackberry ones; and there's every chance your bed and breakfast hosts will feel like a homely aunt and uncle. What's more, the area is really accessible. Though it seems a world away, it's less than an hour's drive from Adelaide. And, to make it even easier, many of its 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries are grouped in clusters. So, in the absence of a designated driver, you can walk or cycle from one to the other without too much effort. The wine, of course, is the main attraction of the area. But the Barossa also has a range of other events and festivals. Here are five that are well worth the road trip. Barossa Film Festival For three days each spring, the Valley's wine cellars, brewery lawns and bars are transformed into mini cinemas. But don't expect your everyday blockbusters and rom coms. The Barossa Film Festival focuses on unconventional flicks: the too-often ignored yet totally brilliant creations of independent, underground and emerging filmmakers. And they're all screened free of charge. If you haven't booked your flight/train/camel yet, you'd better do so quick smart. November 28-30, Various venues in the Barossa Valley, FREE. Barossa Gourmet Weekend Held smack-bang in the middle of winter, the Barossa Gourmet Weekend is one sure-fire way to get through the colder months. Every third weekend in August, the valley is overtaken with all manner of food and wine adventures: from cooking lessons and wine masterclasses to long lunches and even longer dinners. As the weather's still nice and sunny, you'll have a while to wait for the program. Details are to be announced in mid-June. August 14-16, Various locations in the Barossa Valley, TBA. Barossa Vintage Festival Of all the wine festivals in Australia, Barossa Vintage is the biggest and longest-running. The event was first held in 1947 to celebrate the end of the grape harvest as well as the end of WWII. Since then it's become tradition; it's been around for nearly six decades. The next incarnation is promising all kinds of surprises, following the appointment of new festival manager Andrew Dundon. Adelaide Fringe-goers should know him well: he's been taking care of artists and venues there since 2011. Look out for the program announcement on December 9. April 15-19, Tanunda, FREE. Shakespeare in the Vines Quirky Melbourne theatre company Essential Theatre takes the bard on the road every year. Their tour of Australia's most beautiful gardens and wineries includes the Barossa Valley's Seppeltsfield Road, where Shakespeare in the Vines occurs on the Saturday of the Australia Day long weekend. Macbeth will be the next work to get the outdoor treatment in 2015, on January 24, 2015. Tickets are always limited to 400, so it's a good idea to book well in advance. January 24, Seppeltsfield Road, TBA. SALA Festival Even though SALA (South Australian Living Artists) Festival is a state-wide event, it takes on an especially vibrant presence in the Barossa. Sculptures, paintings, mosaics and installations are scattered around the area's rolling hills and vineyards; and there's plenty of opportunities to kick back at a gig with a nice drop of wine. SALA runs throughout August every year, so if you make it along to Barossa Gourmet Weekend, be sure to leave yourself a day or two to take in the culture. August 1-24, Various locations across South Australia, TBA. Now you've got your itinerary, book your getaway to the Barossa Valley now with lastminute.com.au.
There are plenty of ways you could experience Sydney Harbour's world famous New Years Eve fireworks show, but here's one that'll really make all those haters jealous. The Sydney Opera House has teamed up with the crew at Airbnb to offer the ultimate bucket list New Year's Eve situation, involving exclusive VIP front-row seats, dinner by an acclaimed Aussie chef, an intimate concert and a private Opera House balcony. And all that could be yours for an easy $10. This high-flying experience will be enjoyed by just ten lucky people, with the Opera House releasing one double pass each Wednesday at midday for five weeks, starting from tomorrow, November 13. The Opera House x Airbnb New Year's Eve Experience will see those ten winning punters wrapping up 2019 in serious style, partying in their own VIP area overlooking the fireworks extravaganza. Hatted chef Karen Martini will be dropping by to whip up a fitting last supper of 2019, an Opera House expert will guide guests on an educational tour and a surprise act has a special, intimate concert planned. Then, it's off to a private balcony to celebrate the turn of the decade with possibly the best view in Sydney. Each pair of tickets will cost $20, though, as you can imagine, it'll be a challenge to beat out the competition and actually snap one up. But, for 20 bucks, it's worth a shot. Elsewhere, you have to pay a pretty, pretty penny to get a view of the fireworks. For example, the Sydney Opera House's official party costs a bomb ($795 per person), a ticket to Shark Island's festivities is $245 and even a spot on the lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden will set you back $360. To be in it, you'll need to head over to the website, and be ready and raring to go when the NYE experience appears on the page at noon. If you've been conflicted about your NYE plans, this could be an easy solution — and, even if you don't live in Sydney, it's a good reason to make the trip. Double passes to the New Year's Eve Experience will be released at midday on November 13, 20 and 27, and on December 4 and 11. Images: Ken Leanfore. Fireworks image: City of Sydney
One of Brisbane's go-to live music joints for more than a quarter-century, The Zoo is usually a hive of activity on any given Friday or Saturday night. That's obviously changed over the past few months, with the Ann Street venue temporarily closing due to COVID-19 restrictions — but, should Queensland's next stage of eased lockdown conditions allow it, it's planning to turn the tunes back on from mid-July. Dubbed The Zoo Goes Anti-Social, the series of gigs will take place from Saturday, July 11–Saturday, September 12, featuring 30 acts across 15 shows. Butterfingers and Resin Dogs' DJ Katch will kick the whole thing off, in what just might be the most old-school Brissie lineup there is, before the likes of Bugs, Perve Endings, The Steel Syndicate, Beddy Rays, The Dreggs, Concrete Surfers, Asha Jeffries and Fat Picnic all hit the stage. And, yes, the list goes on. In line with the anticipated rules from July 10, only 100 people will be allowed at each gig. If the series proves popular, more shows could be put on — either on the same nights or on others. It's worth noting that, while The Zoo Goes Anti-Social tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, June 11, the Queensland Government is still yet to publicly confirm that the state's third stage of loosened COVID-19 restrictions will definitely come into effect by then. It's expected that they will, as per the government's already-outlined plan, but just keep in mind that venues and the public haven't been given the official go-ahead for 100-person gigs from mid-July as yet. Ticket pricing is also adapting to the times, with costs varying per show — and punters required to purchase a ticket (all money from which will go to the artists) and commit to a $40 minimum spend at The Zoo at the same time. Regarding the latter, you'll pay in advance, then receive $40 in credits when you get to the venue, which you can spend on booze, other drinks and The Zoo merchandise on the night.
If listening to "Last Christmas" by Wham and watching Love Actually for the 100th time doesn't sound appealing, Australian streaming service Stan is providing viewers with an alternative. If you know you'll have festive fatigue by the time Boxing Day rolls around, the streamer is releasing all eight episodes of the new Australian dark comedy Sunny Nights on December 26. While some streamers have taken to releasing TV series weekly or even splitting seasons into two parts, you won't be held hostage by any cliffhangers while waiting for the next episode with this new show. Dreamt up by Nick Keetch and Ty Freer, the Stan Original series is directed by Trent O'Donnell (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, New Girl, Hacks) and stars Hollywood comedians Will Forte (Four Seasons, Bodkin, Saturday Night Live) and D'Arcy Carden (The Good Place, Nobody Wants This, Barry). For fans of crime shows, Sunny Nights offers a twist on the genre. Forte and Carden play siblings Martin and Vicki Marvin, who move to Australia to start a new spray-tanning business. Additionally, Martin is determined to win back his estranged wife, Joyce (Ra Chapman), who just happens to reside in Sydney. After the Marvins get mixed up in an extortion scam, they get sucked into the city's criminal underworld with their lives on the line. While the two main characters are from the USA, this show is undoubtedly Australian. From crocodiles to the chokehold footy has on our country, there are inside jokes littered throughout the series that Aussies can appreciate. Plus the ensemble cast is made up of some established and emerging local talent, including Rachel House (Heartbreak High, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Kangaroo), Jessica De Gouw (Dracula, Kath & Kimderella, Arrow), George Mason (Home and Away, My Life Is Murder, The Survivors) and Ra Chapman (Five Bedrooms, Wentworth, Neighbours). The former NFL player Willie Mason also makes his acting debut as Terry Torres, a tough member of Sydney's criminal underworld. It all begs the question: Why aren't we embracing more local content? In an era where we have been constantly fed reboots, sequels and remakes, Sunny Nights is proudly local. Major scenes take place in and around Sydney, dry conversations are had with mortgage brokers, and there's even a Chemist Warehouse-esque pharmacy. So, if you're already dreading the holiday season, Stan Original Sunny Nights is something you keep an eye on. With the absence of cheesy Christmas storylines, this is an antidote to all of the festive films that have likely been clogging up your streaming services. So, grab yourself a plate of Christmas Day leftovers and tune in on Boxing Day to see the Sydney skyline and some Aussie talent instead. It's time to get sucked into the dark world of Sunny Nights. Stream the Stan Original 'Sunny Nights' Boxing Day, only on Stan. Image credit: Supplied
Good things come in small packages, right? Well, Little Corner Cafe has raised the stakes as they aren't just a good thing, they are a wonderful thing. When driving along Dickson St in Wooloowin, it's hard to miss the bright yellow chairs outside of the appropriately named, Little Corner Cafe. The outdoor dining area is sun-drenched and is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee catchup in the cooler weather. Inside the Little Corner Cafe is a small yet smart space. It allows seating for a reasonable number of people and the artwork pays homage to the history behind the suburb. On any given morning the modest cafe plays host to a large amount of guests enjoying great coffee and simple food. The specials board is filled with well priced meals such as the chicken quesadilla with fresh shredded chicken, cream cheese, avocado and sliced sundried tomatoes between tortillas toasted, served with a side of salsa. The quesadilla was filling yet a light choice. The Texan spicy slow cooked beans, herb sour cream and parmesan on sourdough is another delicious option. However, a standout menu item is the espresso smoothie with honey and yoghurt. It makes its poor cousin, the classic iced coffee, look dismal in comparison. Although there was a little wait for food, Little Corner Cafe nailed friendly service. This cute cafe bursting with character and history is in prime position for northsiders making their commute into the city or to nearby train stations. The bright atmosphere, splash of colour and good coffee will make your mornings a little easier.
Perched by the river between George Street and North Quay, Brisbane Quarter is already home to Chinese, Italian and Thai restaurants, coffee and bubble tea joints, W Brisbane and its bars, and fine diner Three Blue Ducks. But the growing CBD precinct still has room for a new addition: Japanese eatery Tenya, which'll open its doors in early September. The new restaurant comes courtesy of hospitality veteran Tony Cheng, who already has Sunnybank's Hana Zushi Japanese Restaurant to his name. This time, he's pairing modern-style dishes with a lengthy drinks list, with more than 85 types of sake and Japanese whisky on Tenya's menu. Obviously, the riverside views over to South Bank will also be a big feature. When it welcomes in patrons, Tenya will usher Japanese food fans into a space that seats 240 in total, complete with an eye-catching curved bar. The inside dining room caters to 120, the outside area seats 80, a VIP room and function area holds 20, and ten seats are available in the Kaiseki and Omakase room — which is where diners can watch the chefs prepare their dishes. Opt for the latter, and you'll also be eating a bespoke meal created using whichever seasonal ingredients are available that day. On the regular menu, Head Chef Yang Zhao's kitchen will cook up everything from sushi, sashimi, tempura and udon noodles to $45 three-course set lunches — and an array of rolls that'll include ocean king prawn, soft shell crab and flamed grilled beef. For dinner, Kagoshima wagyu, salmon tartare and char grilled cuttlefish are a highlight. And, drinks-wise, all that sake and whisky will be joined by Japanese-inspired cocktails, more than 250 wines from around the world, and a range of spirits, beers, soft drinks and tea. Tenya will open at Brisbane Quarter, 300 Queen Street, Brisbane in early September — we'll update you with an exact date when once is announced.
Thanks to social distancing restrictions, we're having to take a break from some of our favourite food experiences right now, from mimosa-matched bottomless brunches, to sit-down dinners at actual restaurants. But at least in the meantime, you can get your culinary fix delivered via soundwave, by tuning into one of the many podcasts dedicated to life's tastiest of pleasures — food. Whether you're hungry for some fun food history facts, or fancy tucking into an interview with one of Australia's hospitality legends, we've pulled together a menu of food podcasts to satisfy all your culinary cravings. And, unlike a visit to your favourite fine diner, these won't require you to change out of your trackies. Get downloading and whet your appetite with a few of these audio gems. DEEP IN THE WEEDS For an especially timely, locally focused food fix, try this new podcast headed up by restaurant critic and food journalist Anthony Huckstep. A real no-holds-barred look at the impact COVID-19's had on the Australian hospitality industry, Deep In The Weeds is dishing up honest conversations with a range of chefs, restaurateurs, producers and other hospo folk who are riding the storm. You'll get insight into the many issues currently facing our venues and their staff, and learn about the creative plays being made in an effort to help keep things afloat, sitting down with names like Jacqui Challinor (Nomad), Rockpool's Neil Perry, Attila Yilmaz (Pazar Food Collective) and Colin Fassnidge (4Fourteen, Banksia). HOME COOKING WITH SAMIN NOSRAT Born in response to the world's newfound passion for kitchen projects — thanks, COVID-19 — Home Cooking is the new podcast from chef Samin Nosrat (star of Netflix's Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat) and producer Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder). As the name suggests, it's designed to be the ultimate companion to your home cooking adventures, no matter where your skill levels are (or aren't) at. These affable hosts will help you whip up culinary success with whatever random ingredients you've got lying in the pantry, turning the everyday basics into inspired food creations. You might learn how to transform those tinned beans into something fab, or find an unexpected use for that less-than-fresh loaf. Best of all, Nosrat and Hirway are even taking audience requests for upcoming episode topics. THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING HUNGRY Aussie food journalist Lee Tran Lam hosts this largely Sydney-centric podcast, where each episode features a sit-down with a different local food legend, the program ranging from star chefs to renowned restaurateurs. You'll hear tales from the industry frontline, behind-the-scenes goss and plenty of colourful personal back stories, interspersed with hot tips on all the city's (and Melbourne's) best spots for eating and drinking. Seafood maestro Josh Niland (Saint Peter), celebrated chef Monty Koludrovic (Icebergs Dining Room, The Dolphin) and croissant queen Kate Reid of Lune are just some of the high-profile names to be found among this rich back catalogue. A worthy antidote for anyone who's missing dining out. RADIO CHERRY BOMBE A big ol' celebration of the boss ladies that have helped make our food scene what it is. Radio Cherry Bombe is an audio spin-off of the US magazine of the same name, now with over 270 episodes under its belt. That juicy back catalogue is brimming with inspiring stories about the industry's clever, creative female talent, starring guests ranging from chefs and cookbook authors, to food stylists and gutsy entrepreneurs. Get up close and personal with the likes of best-selling writer and activist Yasmin Khan, Canadian cake queen Lyndsay Sung (Coko Cake Land), cereal artist Jessica Siskin (aka Misterkrisp) and loads more. And if you tune in to recent episodes, you'll get the low-down on how some of our female hospo heroes are handling the global pandemic. GASTROPOD What kind of food crops might we one day be able to grow in outer space? How did liquorice become England's first branded candy? What the heck are blue raspberries and where did they come from? They're the kind of quirky questions you'll find answers to over at long-running podcast Gastropod, which aims to sate your inner foodie, history buff and science nerd, all at once. Co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley take listeners on a series of fun, investigative journeys, with each of the fortnightly episodes diving into the often surprising science and history behind a different food-related topic. Listen in for a treasure trove of cool facts you can throw around at your next dinner party. THE SPLENDID TABLE A spin-off of the acclaimed debut book from food writer and cooking teacher Lynne Rossetto Kasper, The Splendid Table began life as a public radio show way back in the 90s. These days, it's a weekly podcast hosted by renowned food writer Francis Lam, continuing the same mission of celebrating the countless ideas and stories of our global food culture. Sharpen your skills with expert cooking tips, catch sit-downs with top international food heroes, explore the history of your favourite ingredients and dishes, and get acquainted with a smorgasbord of cuisines from all across the globe. One week, you might find yourself hearing René Redzepi chat all things fermentation, while the next, you're reigniting your passion for dairy with tales from a team of international cheese experts. RACIST SANDWICH A food podcast served up within a slightly different context, Racist Sandwich dives into the politics behind what you're eating, and why. It's hosted by a pair of American writers, with (mostly) fortnightly episodes that explore the various ways in which concepts like race, gender and class intersect with the big wide world of food. Prepare to catch a diverse spread of insightful investigations and guests, from one food justice advocate's mission to preserve Salvadoran culture through its recipes, to an interview with a French prisoner and Instagram food star who's whipping up culinary magic behind bars. Make yourself a cuppa and settle in to score some fresh perspectives. EATER'S DIGEST Famed food publication Eater backs up its online feed with this weekly podcast serving up all the tastiest news morsels from the culinary world, both across the USA and further abroad. Join Amanda Kludt and Daniel Geneen as they dissect food trends, unearth new hot-ticket dining destinations, celebrate favourite cuisines and touch base with a swag of big-name hospitality heroes. You could tune in to a discussion about the world's new obsession with food TV, learn some unexpected secrets from a top restaurant critic, or get taken through a definitive list of all the very worst dining-out habits, as revealed by New York hospo staff. Right now, Eater's Digest is also dishing up plenty of honest insight into how COVID-19 is affecting the restaurant game as we know it.
In his creative exploration of sleep and lightness, David Nemcsik has placed his friends in sleeping positions in the location of their most recent dreams...levitating in mid-air. His ingenious levitation photography is unlike the many of this sort we've seen before. Not only do his pictures appear as a wonder of unfathomable manipulation, but they are also meaningful and attempt to do much more than just confuse and amaze. Nemcsik travelled around his home country, Hungary, asking his friends where they were in their last dream and then proceeded to depict them in each particular location. He wanted to "show that people can levitate. It's magical and mysterious. They are levitating in a lying position just as if you'd be if you were lying in your bed while you were sleeping." The project was conducted as an entrance exam to art university and aimed to demonstrate to his friends that magic does really exist out there in the world. He's certainly convinced us so take a look at Nemsciks magnificent levitation photographs and renew your faith in magic.
Something delightful is happening in cinemas across the country. After months spent empty, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, Australian picture palaces are starting to reopen — spanning both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney and Brisbane (and, until the newly reinstated stay-at-home orders, Melbourne as well). During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made over the past three months, including new releases, comedies, music documentaries, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNXHJB5Mto BABYTEETH Usually, cancer movies aren't just terrible and generic — they're insulting. Too often focusing on pretty young things succumbing slowly to the insidious disease, they generally tug at the heartstrings with shameless abandon, treating their protagonists and their plights as a mechanism to wring weepy tears out of the audience. The Fault in Our Stars did it. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl did too, and even won awards at Sundance for its efforts. So when a film also hones in on a cancer-afflicted teenager yet refuses to trot out the same old tropes and cliches, it firmly stands out. Based on the play of the same name, Babyteeth is that movie, and it could never be mistaken for the usual illness drama. As directed by feature first-timer Shannon Murphy, this lively, vibrant, insightful and genuinely moving Australian film truly sees its main character, Milla (Little Women's Eliza Scanlen), as a person first and foremost. She's not a mere tool used to evoke easy emotion. She isn't a secondary figure primarily deployed to explain someone else's troubles, either. Rather, she's a passionate Sydney high schooler who unexpectedly falls for drug dealer Moses (Acute Misfortune's Toby Wallace) as her already-struggling parents watch on. Also starring Essie Davis and Ben Mendelsohn as Milla's mother and father, this is a raw, sensitive, astute and arresting addition to a genre that rarely (if ever) earns any of those terms. It's also visually striking and, unsurprisingly given the cast, boasts fantastic performances — and it's one of the best Aussie movies that'll hit cinemas in 2020. Read our full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wplr6eN2ajQ THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY In The Burnt Orange Heresy, Mick Jagger plays a rich, ruthless art collector who visibly enjoys toying with everyone in his orbit. This isn't the Rolling Stone's first acting role, with the superstar musician famously playing Ned Kelly in the 1970 film of the same name, and popping up in the likes of Freejack and The Man from Elysian Fields over the years — but in this Italy-set art-centric thriller, he's worth the price of admission. He's clearly having fun with his wily character and Cockney drawl, even though he's just a supporting player. As a reclusive artist who lives on the collector's sprawling Lake Como property, Donald Sutherland falls into the same category, too. Alas, thanks to a by-the-numbers narrative, the slow-burning, handsomely shot film itself can't quite match them. When Jagger's shrewd Joseph Cassidy invites art critic James Figueras (Claes Bang) to his estate, the latter isn't sure why — so he takes American tourist Berenice (Elizabeth Debicki) along for the trip. Upon their arrival, the new lovers become immersed in a plot to unearth the latest paintings by Sutherland's art legend, although that's just the tip of the subterfuge and duplicity surrounding Figueras. The second feature by Italian director Giuseppe Capotondi, The Burnt Orange Heresy doesn't lack in plot, themes or attempts to ape Patricia Highsmith's best tales, but its twists prove as routine as its insights into authenticity and forgery on multiple levels. And, while excellent when he last dallied with art in The Square, and in this year's Dracula as well, Bang is never commanding as his co-stars — including Widows' Debicki, who overcomes an underwritten role in her tender scenes with Sutherland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4MRcUzmFv8 CALM WITH HORSES Living in a sleepy rural Irish town, Douglas (Cosmo Jarvis) has tied his fortunes to the region's crime heavies, working as an enforcer for the Devers family. The former boxer largely pals around with young up-and-comer Dympna (Barry Keoghan), but when the latter is instructed to jump by his menacing uncles (Ned Dennehy and David Wilmot) — and, specifically, to rough up an old man who has committed a heinous act against one of their own — Douglas must also do what he's told. But this is a task that tests his loyalty, even with his violent history. Complicating matters are Douglas' ex Ursula (Niamh Algar) and their autistic five-year-old son Jack (Kiljan Moroney), who want to move to Cork — and away from Douglas and his brutal cronies — so that Jack can attend a better school. Best known until now for Lady Macbeth, Farming and Peaky Blinders, Jarvis is exceptional in Calm with Horses, a downbeat crime film that doubles as a tense and probing character study. This is a social realist-leaning (and sometimes blackly comic) look at life on the margins, a sharp exploration of toxic masculinity and a potent quest for redemption, too, and Jarvis' quiet, internalised but powerful performance couldn't be more pivotal. In fact, it's a career-best portrayal amongst a top-notch ensemble cast (including Dunkirk's Keoghan). Also crucial: the emotive, immersive stylistic approach favoured by filmmaker Nick Rowland, who makes his feature helming debut. As the movie charts Douglas' gradual awakening to the consequences of his chosen path, the first-time director conveys the character's inner conflict through juxtaposed colours, the noticeable jumping between closed-in interiors and wide-open landscapes, and a pulsating soundtrack by Benjamin John Power — and, yes, with tender scenes involving Douglas, Jack, Ursula and gentle equines as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mrkt44f83k THE VIGIL If something goes bump in the night, it causes jumps or both, then it's in Blumhouse Productions' wheelhouse. A hefty list of recent films have demonstrated that fact — including the Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Sinister, Ouija and Happy Death Day franchises, as well as the relaunched Halloween series — and, in case audiences needed another reminder, now The Vigil is here to do the same. The differentiating factor here is the focus on the Orthodox Jewish faith, including one of its rituals. Fresh from stepping out of a support-group meeting for Hasidic New Yorkers who are slowly encroaching upon a more secular worldview, Yakov Ronen (Dave Davis) is enlisted to spend a night working as a 'shomer' in a crumbling Borough Park home. His task: to watch over the body of recently deceased holocaust-survivor Mr Litvak (Ronald Cohen) until dawn. From the moment that Yakov steps inside the Litvaks' townhouse at his friend Reb Shulem's (Menashe Lustig) urging — and the moment he meets the eerie Mrs Litvak (Lynn Cohen), spies her husband's corpse under a sheet and notices the unmistakably moody lighting — The Vigil is content to lurk in standard jump-scare territory. It feigns at delving deeper, including into Orthodox culture and the weight left by the atrocities of the Second World War, but this is primarily an exercise in evoking dread and suspense in the usual haunted house-focused horror movie mould. First-time feature writer/director Keith Thomas still conjures up a creepy atmosphere and crafts a number of spine-tingling, anxiety-inducing visuals. As the increasingly perturbed protagonist, Davis (Greyhound, Logan) deftly navigates all of the above, too. But, even with its tense score always going for broke, the film always feels like it is simply dressing up well-worn genre elements in different packaging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4aM_3JJ_Us HOUSE OF CARDIN He trained as a tailor before the Second World War, then worked for the Red Cross during the conflict. Afterwards, he made costumes for the 1946 big-screen version of Beauty and the Beast, became the head of Christian Dior's atelier, then launched his own fashion house in 1950. From there, he pioneered an avant-garde, boundary-breaking style that's marked by its constant evolution as much as its love for geometric designs. The man in question: Italian-born, French-raised and -based designer Pierre Cardin, the subject of P. David Ebersole and Todd Hughes' (Mansfield 66/67) energetic, affectionate and informative — albeit slickly formulaic — documentary House of Cardin. Unlike its eponymous figure or recent fellow fashion doco Halston, this film doesn't aim to push any limits or stand out — in its form or function, that is. Instead, it sticks to the oft-used template (think: talking-head interviews with other famous faces, enticing shots of eye-catching designs, archival footage aplenty and an overt score) to celebrate the now 98-year-old Cardin. The movie's straightforward approach and structure is always obvious; however it also helps push Cardin, his work and his jam-packed life story front and centre. And in a documentary that benefits from its subject's sometimes-abrupt recollections about his experiences and career, as well as ample examples of the designer's dazzling pieces — both of which sprawl in a plethora of directions — that ultimately proves a savvy and engaging choice. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in cinemas, check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on July 2, July 9 and July 16 — and our full reviews of The Personal History of David Copperfield, Waves and The King of Staten Island. Top images: The Burnt Orange Heresy © joseharo.
Last month, Ian Strange turned a Richmond house into an artwork, to explore urban isolation, vulnerability and the universal need for shelter. Now, a bunch of teachers from Swinburne Uni have similarly treated the home as canvas. But, this time, they've plastered it with mirrors. Every square centimetre of wall surface on the dwelling at 27 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully is covered with mirrored bricks. There are over 1800 altogether. Called Untitled House, the project is part of Knox City Council Immerse Arts Festival, which runs 11 November to 11 December. "The Great Australian Dream of home ownership is being challenged in contemporary Australian life," artists Roh Singh, Larry Parkinson and Morganna Magee explain on the festival website. "[It's] becoming an ephemeral idea, one that many are watching slip from the horizon. The concept of the tangible disappearing out of sight and out of reach is one of the central intentions." The mirrors represent this ephemerality. As the house occupies a high position, they mainly reflect the sky and distant views of the Dandenong Ranges. "This clad structure reflects and absorbs the changing ambience of its surroundings," the artists write. "We hope to echo a sense of disappearing, bringing a symbolic impression of the house being lost to the environment." Meanwhile, the interior has been transformed into a gallery. A series of artworks draw on installation, sound art, photography and architectural interventions to explore notions of home and place, compelling viewers to reflect on their memories and ideas. The house is open on Wednesdays (10am – 1pm) and Saturdays (10am – 4.30pm) between November 15 and December 9. Admission is free but you should book a spot through the website in advance. Images: Rhiannon Slatter.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. Yes, DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it) among the more stalls across Saturday, December 7–Sunday, December 8. The annual market always compiles a bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department — and taking the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art is always recommended, as is checking out the edible delights to keep you going. The 2024 QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, December 7–Sunday, December 8 on the GOMA forecourt. Expect more than 80 stalls — so, also expect to be spoiled for choice. Merry shopping!
Damian Griffiths has done it again. The entrepreneur and restaurateur responsible for Doughnut Time and many a Brisbane hotspot has just added another delicious offering to his busy, ever-blossoming portfolio. Think cold, creamy and perfect for summer. Yes, Mister Fitz is his foray into the ice cream world — and it's just the venture this sweltering city has been waiting for. Having opened last night, chilled, refreshing desserts will now be served up daily from 10am in the brand new shop behind Les Bubbles on Little Street, Fortitude Valley. Of course, in classic Griffiths style, his frosty parlour won't be like anywhere else. Mister Fitz won't be boasting 31 different flavours, but will feature handcrafted ice cream, made with fresh milk, cream and free-range eggs, whipped up from an original recipe, and produced in small batches in-house. You'll also find ice cream sandwiches made with cookies, brownies and more — because if there's one thing Griffths' Doughnut Time taught us, it's that ice cream always makes something tasty even tastier. And, if you're not going to be in the vicinity of the Valley often enough to satisfy your creamy cravings, don't despair — a second store is already under construction, and is due to open at South Bank within a matter of weeks. Given that Mister Fitz comes from the man who made the Limes Hotel, Alfred and Constance and Les Bubbles the city's favourite hangouts — and catapulted Chester Street Bakery and Kwan Brothers to everyone's must-eat lists — ice cream lovers are allowed to be excited. As is everyone else. Brisbane didn't go bonkers for doughnuts until Griffiths started selling them, after all. Find Mister Fitz behind Les Bubbles on Little Street, Fortitude Valley from 8.30pm on Thursday, December 17. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
Perched way up north in the state's far reaches, Cairns is known for many things, such as its beaches, sultry weather, close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the nearby Daintree National Park. Among fans of spirits, at least, it should also be known for Wolf Lane and its Tropical Gin. The former was only founded in 2019, but it has been making a splash in the past year thanks to the latter. Like botanicals? If you like gin, then of course you do — and this one features 13, including coriander seed, cardamom, finger lime, lavender and mint. It's recommended for summer, but every Queenslander knows that the weather is always sunny and summery (and perfect for gin) in this neck of the woods. For anyone making the trip north, Wolf Lane's Abbott Street distillery also doubles as a bar and cellar door. Contact them in advance to arrange a tour, which are available daily. You can also just drop by for a few drinks on Friday and Saturday afternoons from 4pm — the bar doesn't take bookings.
