If there's one thing Good Food Month boasts in abundance, it's degustation dinners. Don't discount Darling & Co's take on the trend, though. Yes, you'll get five small courses — but you won't get anything that could be an entree or a savoury main meal. You did indeed read that correctly — the glorious treat we all wish we could eat all day long is the only thing you'll find on this menu. It's an entire dessert degustation. Pastry pro Nicholas Waring will showcase dishes using fresh, seasonal fruit, Maleny Dairies products and premium chocolate. For $59 (or $89 with matched wines) you'll indulge in the lifelong dream of only having dessert for dinner.
The two-kilometre coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama is always a stunning Sydney sight no matter when you mosey along it — and for locals and tourists alike — but it's especially impressive during Sculpture by the Sea. Once a year since 1997, except during the pandemic's early days, the outdoor art event displays large-scale pieces with the ocean as a backdrop. Understandably, it isn't just one of the annual highlights of Sydney's cultural calendar, but of Australia's. That excuse to soak up the great outdoors in the Harbour City returns again in 2023, from Friday, October 20–Monday, November 6. On the agenda once more: 100-plus artworks by Australian and international sculptors, all along a two-kilometre walk. But this is the 25th Sculpture by the Sea, so it's celebrating notching up that milestone with pieces by artists who displayed at the event back at its beginning. Paul Bacon, Stephen King, Michael Le Grand, John Petrie, James Rogers and Margarita Sampson earn those honours, bookending a quarter-century run. [caption id="attachment_911393" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist: Nigel Washington. Photo: Jack Bett.[/caption] Sculpture by the Sea 2023 also features works by Philip Spelman and Ron Gomboc, who reach double decades displaying at the event; Lucy Barker and Ayako Saito, who hit a decade; and Chinese artist Chen Wenling. Discovering exactly who'll be showing what and where is part of the fun of taking the spring stroll, but this year's event clearly won't be short on talent. Another huge must-see: the return of 2006's famous melting ice cream van, aka Hot with a Chance of a Late Storm by Glue Society + James Dive, which will display at Tamarama Beach. As always, the exhibition is set to draw a crowd. Each year, Sculpture by the Sea attracts approximately 450,000 visitors over 18 days, with the same number of art lovers expected this time around. [caption id="attachment_922730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist: Glue Society + James Dive. Photo: Louise Beaumont.[/caption]
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That’s the feeling of winter slipping away (or maybe you’ve been sitting cross-legged for too long) and with its demise comes the return of the 20th season of Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the coming of the warmer months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition and they always nail the balance between new releases and cult classics. While the film program is yet to be announced, the team have revealed they're bringing back one of their favourite, adorably novelty events. Moonlight Cinema fully understand that while your pooch may not be able to recite Mean Girls the way you want him to, you still want to bring him to the flicks with you. Now you can! The puntastically-named Doggie Nights is a night you can bring pooch along (ideally dressed as Regina George). Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can also chow down on a plethora of US style food trucks — the perfect, messy treat made for reclining on bean beds. Bean beds, doggies and snack trucks, is there anything better? This season includes screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, running through December to March. Get your pens out and jot down these dates. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2016 DATES: Sydney: Dec 3 – Mar 27 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park). Adelaide: Dec 3 – Feb 14 (Botanic Park) Brisbane: Dec 16 – Mar 6 (New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse) Melbourne: Dec 3 –Mar 27 (Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens) Perth: Dec 5 – Mar 27 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on December 3. For more information and bookings here.
Missed The Preatures on their huge sold-out 'Cruel' tour this spring? How'd you like to catch them live this summer, for free? The Sydney fivesome are gearing up for another national escapade, this time joining forces with Corona Extra for a huge free November tour. Locked in for 20 locations across the country, Corona Sunsets will see the Sydneysiders play unplugged shows everywhere from Bondi Beach's Bucket List to the Portsea Hotel. Kicking off in Yallingup, Western Australia on November 6, the tour will wind through some of The Preatures' favourite bars in WA, NSW and Queensland before finishing up in Victoria on the last weekend in November. Isabella Manfredi, Gideon Bensen, Jack Moffitt, Thomas Champion and Luke Davison will be careening through their 2014 debut album Blue Planet Eyes, from crowd favourite singles like 'Cruel', 'Somebody's Talking' and 'Is This How You Feel?' to lesser known album gems like 'Ordinary' and 'Whatever You Want'. Fingers crossed for a raucous pub singalong to The Preatures' go-to cover, The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. All shows are free entry, over-18s only and it's first-in, best-dressed. If Corona Extra's previous free Australian tours, like Cloud Control, are anything to go by, you're going to want to get there pretty damn early. For details head to Corona's website. THE PREATURES' CORONA SUNSETS AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES: WESTERN AUSTRALIA November 6 Caves House Hotel, Yallingup, 7.30pm November 7 The Leftbank, East Fremantle, 2.30pm The Northshore Tavern, Hillarys, 7.30pm November 8 The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Barrack Square, 2.30pm Ocean Beach Hotel, Cottesloe, 7.30pm NEW SOUTH WALES November 13 Towradgi Beach Hotel, Towradgi, 8.30pm November 14 Watson’s Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay, 3.30pm Manly Wharf, Manly, 7.30pm November 15 The Bucket List, Bondi, 2.30pm Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale, 7.30pm November 22 Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads, 8pm QUEENSLAND November 20 Beach House Hotel, Scarness, 8pm November 21 Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, 3pm Noosa Heads S.L.S.C, Noosa Heads, 9pm November 22 Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta, 3pm VICTORIA November 27 Lambys, Geelong, 9pm November 28 The Deck est 2013, Frankston, 3pm Westernport Hotel, San Remo, 9.30pm November 29 The College Lawn, Prahran, 2.30pm Portsea Hotel, Portsea, 7pm
Who doesn't love a roast meal? Whatever kind of meat you prefer, there really is a roast for every taste. There are also plenty of places that consider them a menu staple — and we're not just talking about your mum's kitchen. If you've got the hankering for a tasty Sunday lunch (or feel the need for a hearty hot meal any other day of the week, for that matter), here are ten Brisbane eateries that roast-lovers should flock to. ALFRED AND CONSTANCE You've probably been to Alfred and Constance, grabbed a bite at their cafe, a drink from their tiki bar, and just hung around in their beer garden. And while you've been there, you've probably snacked on their share plates, lined your stomach with their burgers and washed it all down with a pint of Orchard Crush Cider or One Fifty Lashes Pale Ale. But what you might not have realised is that they do a pretty mean roast as well. Lovers of pork can feast on slices of meat carved from the whole hog, while beef eaters are treated to cuts and portions cooked in charcoal. The former comes with crackling and potatoes with the skin still on, and the latter with herb butter and house-made jus. There's simply no bad option. 130 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley; (07) 3251 6500; www.alfredandconstance.com.au IL LOCALE A rustic Italian restaurant might not be where many would expect to find one of the city's best roasts, let alone two. Yes, the Rosalie restaurant has pasta and pizza galore, but once you've sampled their suckling pig feast and slow-roasted lamb shoulder, you'll forget all about the usual meals. The pork option comes at a price, but that $95 per head gets you three courses, including a main comprised of a woodfired baby pig with roasted potatoes. The lamb is a little less expensive, though it is made to share, and delivers the kind of 12-hour-cooked goodness you just won't find elsewhere. 21 Nash Street, Rosalie; (07) 3368 2122; www.illocaleitalian.com.au LA ROTISSERIE A whole place dedicated to organic roasts? No, you don't need to pinch yourself. That's what makes La Rotisserie at Gas Works special, combining a Parisian diner with the meal of the moment, while offering both dine in and take away options. Those sticking around can enjoy plates of free-range pork with crackling or braised lamb with mint yoghurt, as well as crispy potatoes, seasoned vegetables and the famous La Rotisserie gravy. Both are tasty, but it's their rotisserie-cooked organic chicken that stands out above the rest. Yes, here, it really is all in the name. 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead; (07) 3852 1108; www.larotisserie.com.au BRISBANE GERMAN CLUB You may think you've had roast pork before, but until you've had a roast pork knuckle, it doesn't really count. That's how it's done in Germany, and that's how it's done at the Brisbane German Club. It's the kind of offering people actually drive across town for, as proven by the lengthy weekend lines. Every plate comes with potatoes and sauerkraut, although if you can fit either in, your stomach is bigger and better than most. Pork belly is also on the menu, as is sauerbraten (German-style beef pot roast in red wine and vinegar marinade). But it's the wonder of the pork knuckle that has to be tasted to be believed. 416 Vulture Street, East Brisbane; (07) 3391 2091; www.brisbanegermanclub.com THE FOX HOTEL Leave it to the inner-city pub many a Brisbanite has spent all day in to come up with a reason to keep everyone coming back. Tying in nicely with their themed days of the week, Sundays are dedicated to the only dish they could be: yes, it's the humble roast. Just what's on offer might change from week to week, but the deliciousness and value certainly doesn't. All day, for just $19, you'll get a choice cut of meat, gourmet sides and gravy. For that price, you can come for lunch, knock back a few James Squires in the afternoon, and then get stuck in again at dinner. 71-73 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3844 2883; www.thefox.com.au THE SERVERY Not every restaurant has its own roast room. Of course, Pearl Cafe and its upstairs diner, the Servery, isn't every restaurant. Patrons familiar with the Woolloongabba establishment might not have ever wandered up the flight of stairs, but rest assured, it's a trip that's well worth taking. As well as watching the kitchen in full steam, that's where you'll find a supper of the chef's beast of choice — cooked to perfection and shared in an intimate dining nook. Only eight people can fit into the space at a time, and trust us, you want to be one of those eight people. 28 Logan Road; (07) 3392 3301 PONY DINING One of the great things about roasts is just how versatile and adaptable they are. Sure, the basic elements are the same — typically meat and vegetables — but a few different spices and seasonings can turn a standard dish into something completely different. At Pony Dining at Eagle Street Pier, they slow roast whopping 1.2 kilogram lamb shoulders for eight hours, cover them in Moroccan spices, and serve them with chimichurri. It's designed to share, of course; no matter how tasty it is (and it is very, very tasty), no mere mortal could get through it alone. 18/45 Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3181 3400; www.ponydining.com.au STATLER AND WALDORF You probably didn't need another reason to adore a gastropub named after a pair of Muppets, did you? Well, we have one — and no, it's not the inviting glow of their fireplace on a wintry evening, although you can certainly sit by it as you consume the Paddington establishment's tasty roast of the day. The meat selection changes a couple of times a week, and is always paired with a rotating array of seasonal vegetables, plus an appropriate sauce, jus or gravy. A delicious, gourmet take on a tried-and-tested classic. 25 Caxton Street, Brisbane; (07) 3368 1932; www.statlerandwaldorf.co PIG 'N' WHISTLE RIVERSIDE Some folks like to enjoy a roast as the weekend ends. Others like to devour one as the weekend begins. It's the latter that the Pig 'N' Whistle Riverside celebrates — and given that the pub is located in the heart of the CBD, it certainly makes sense. Every Friday lunchtime they fire up the spit, stick on a slab of meat and serve up a storm. The venue's British theme means that each meal comes with roast potatoes, steamed vegies, Yorkshire puddings and ample lashings of gravy. That's what an English-style roast is all about. Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane; (07) 3832 9099; www.pignwhistle.com.au/riverside BREWHOUSE When it comes to sticking with tradition and salivating over a large Sunday lunch, the Brewhouse is the place to be. Not only is their weekly special delicious, but it's also that other thing everyone loves: cheap. That relates to the price, by the way, and not the amount of food on offer; in fact, their $16 offering is so sizeable, it's a steal. A drink and dessert are also included, because if you're going to tuck into a real Sabbath feast, you'd best go all out. Sticking around for a few beverages afterwards and making a day of it is highly recommend, because you'll probably need that time to digest your meal. 601 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba; (07) 3891 1011; www.brewhouse.com.au Top Image: Dollar Photo Club
This could either be a truly great idea or the Worst Thing Ever. The 'party game for horrible people' is now playable all day long — on your phone. Usually cushioned by the presence of other terribly dark-humoured friends, Cards Against Humanity is now playable in the silent, silent realms of your solo commutes, bedtime reading moments or sneakily between work tasks. A new site called CardsAgainstOriginality.com allows you to play the politically incorrect party game on your smartphone, tablet or desktop. CardsAgainstOriginality isn't an official app available from stores, but rather a free-to-use mobile site you can save to your home screen. The whole thing sounds iffy (like it's one creepy, terrible person playing a socially inappropriate game for one), but you're not just playing against yourself. After clicking the 'new game' button, you can send the link to your friends and play online together (drag and drop your round submission, judge clicks on the winner) — an attempt at simulating all those whisky-fuelled weekends away on the way to work. Built by developer Dawson Whitfield, the official Cards Against Humanity team have nothing to do with this. The original Cards Against Humanity game has always existed under a Creative Commons licence that allows for the game to be printed out, remixed and used for free (as long as you're not selling copies). According to the website, "It has all the cards you know and hate, plus all five expansions. It’s like having a big black box of cards in your pocket!" We're not completely sold on this probably terrible idea. The beauty of Cards Against Humanity comes from group acceptance of straight-up horribleness; the painstaking, side-splitting and often horrific reading out of every last terrible player card that's "kid tested, mother approved", what "the US has begun airdropping to the children of Afghanistan" or what grandma "would find disturbing, yet oddly charming". Pissing yourself laughing alone on a train about terrible, terrible politically incorrect humour might just make you a terrible, terrible person. But it could be great. We're torn. UPDATE 12/3: Site down. Site down. According to Mashable, the creator of CardsAgainstOriginality.com, Dawson Whitfield, said the site is running slower than a final episode ad-break. After y'all read and clicked, the site experienced staggering traffic. Whitfield is apparently updating servers to cope with the huge influx of traffic, and expects everything to be hunky dory by the weekend. Image credit: Cards Against Humanity via photopin (license). Via TIME.
Located in the heart of the city, and within a stones throw of the river, Tenya can boast that it's Brisbanes largest Japanese restaurant. And we know, big doesn't always mean better, but with Tanya it kind of does. It's so popular it needs to be big. And the menu is so diverse there's no chance you'll be keen on shuffling out after a short seating. The interior features are both modern and traditional with a healthy coating of deluxe finishes, and its ambient lighting gives it a moody edge. This is the place for both a catch up with the extended family (cause it's big, y'know?) and also an intimate dinner date. [caption id="attachment_867353" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudia Baxter[/caption] Drinks-wise, they'll knock up the classic cocktails, in-house inventions and a decent selection of wines both by the glass and the bottle. If you're at Tenya for a special occasion, the sparkling list includes both Aussie and French classics, with the Jansz Premium Cuvee available by the glass. The sake list is long, with premium options including the Ippin Awase Yuzu sake by the bottle. The whiskey list is also mighty impressive, boasting heaps of Japanese bottles you can't find in other bars. Tenya's food menu features sashimi platters and omakase, while entrees include all the classics —think agedashi tofu and edamame beans. Bigger dishes include a 200-gram rib eye with dashi, baby spinach, chives and yakinuki sauce, as well as teriyaki salmon with seasonal vegetables. There are plenty of tempura options too, as well as karaage, rolls and nigiri. The menu here is as long as your arm so be sure to give yourself plenty of time and book again. This place is big (not sure if we've mentioned that), so getting a table won't be too hard, but leaving at the end of the night might be.
In the Southern Hemisphere, we're quick to flock overseas when we hear the word 'holiday'. However if time is scarce and hopping over the equator isn't an option, there are a number of incredible accommodation options in Australia and New Zealand that are serving up some serious competition to the north. Not only are the below accommodation options impeccably designed, but most are encompassed by immaculate landscapes and vivacious cultures. In partnership with boutique hotel curator Mr & Mrs Smith, here are ten incredible hotels worth checking out this long weekend. HUKA LODGE, NEW ZEALAND Huka Lodge is nestled in Taupo, the volcanic heartland of New Zealand. It proudly sits at the forefront of the North Island on the dreamy Waikato River. The lodge complements the natural beauty of its surroundings, with peaceful bedrooms furnished with a blue and white colour palette. Unwind in the main lodge with some New Zealand Pinot Noir beside the fire. Don't leave without visiting the mesmerising Huka Falls, where the water runs at about 220,000 litres per second. It's a place for both adventure and rejuvenation. EAGLES NEST, NEW ZEALAND This luxury getaway has rightly deserved its multiple awards. Eagles Nest is a lodge that sits above New Zealand's Bay of Islands, a cluster of about 140 subtropical islands at the northern tip of the country. Visitors are treated to inspiring views that combine secluded beaches with coastal bushland. The hotel itself is sleekly put together, rich with gentle timbers. Eagles Nest caters to all types of holidays; patrons can have a day at the on-site spa, or have a session with the resident personal trainer. Watching the Pacific peacefully roll from the infinity pool could be the closest thing to feeling like you're at the end of the earth. MATAKAURI LODGE, NEW ZEALAND Overlooking adventure capital Queenstown is Matakauri Lodge—11 rooms blessed with vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the glory of its bordering mountains. We like to think of it as the Lake Como of the Southern Hemisphere. The lodge has a fireside lounge, spa, infinity pool and multiple dining areas. Plus, it's only seven minutes from the main town, where you can sign up for horse riding or helicopter tours, or (if you're game) skydiving or bungee jumping. It helps knowing you'll return to the royal yet homely comforting setting of the lodge, where adrenaline subsides and calmness kicks in. COMO THE TREASURY, AUSTRALIA The award-winning Como the Treasury is the first (and only) Australian hotel in the Singaporean chain of Como Hotels and Resorts. Occupying the old State Buildings, the hotel is one of Perth's most lavish offerings. The hotel is filled with sophisticated spaces, energised with cultural facets that pay homage to Australia's heritage. Diners at the hotel's restaurant Wildflower will find indigenous flavours, and visitors to the spa can treat themselves to Kakadu-plum facials. EMPIRE RETREAT AND SPA, AUSTRALIA Tucked away in one of Australia's most culinary rich settings is Empire Retreat and Spa. Modern meets rustic in the hotel's ten suites, which sit among manicured gardens hiding jacuzzis, a sauna and an outdoor shower for patrons to enjoy. While the hotel doesn't have its own restaurant, there is no shortage of dining options in the region. Plus, staying here is a good excuse to venture through the undisturbed bush of the Yallingup Margaret River region. If it's wine you crave, Empire has it covered with its own winery—Empire Estate. EMIRATES ONE&ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY, AUSTRALIA This Emirates One&Only resort sits among the grandeur of the sandstone Blue Mountains. There's something about the mist, endless green, and sheer volume of the region that gives it an out-of-this-world aura. This resort seizes its naturally setting, with large windows that give way to valley-filled vistas. Pools are aplenty, incorporated into many of the accommodation's 40 villas. Some are three-bedroom retreats, which makes this One&Only a top spot for group holidays. ROYAL MAIIL HOTEL & MT STURGEON, AUSTRALIA Foodies have endlessly celebrated the Royal Mail Hotel's award-winning dining room, where meals are created daily using produce harvested in the monstrous kitchen gardens. The restaurant may have an art deco feel, but the cottages part of the Mount Sturgeon Homestead stylishly go back in time, made of thick bluestone combat the weather extremes of the area. Inside are photos of local wildlife, while the generous backdrop of the Grampians sits just outside the window. THE LOUISE, AUSTRALIA If it's a vineyard retreat you're after, consider The Louise. Situated in South Australia's Barossa Valley, the hillside houses are fitted out with various tones of red and purple—very wine-appropriate. The Louise's award-winning restaurant, Appellation, serves meals with a heavy reliance on locally-sourced food. About 80 percent of the menu's ingredients are sourced within a 50-kilometre radius. The restaurant makes for the perfect setting to look over the hundred of acres of vines. SPICERS PEAK LODGE, AUSTRALIA Spicers Peak Lodge is the highest non-alpine lodge in the country, perched on Queensland's Scenic Rim. Amid 8000 acres of Scottish Highland cattle, kangaroos and wallabies bouncing around are ten suites and two lodges that present the best of modern lodge living. Guests are invited by the high-ceilinged main lodge, where you can sign up for private guided walks on the area's many trails. Sink into a lounge chair beside the deck-fringed infinity pool, or beside the fireplace with a cocktail. BELLS AT KILLCARE, AUSTRALIA Bells is a concoction of seaside modernity and comforting Hamptons-style flair. Blue, white and coral tones fill the rooms alongside revitalising bright white walls that showcase prints of flora and fauna. Rose-filled gardens circle the rooms and the restaurant. Ensure you squeeze in a bush walk through Bouddi National Park—made up of about 3700 acres of spotless beaches, waterfalls and spurts of rainforest. If you decide to take a trip this Easter long weekend, visit Mr & Mrs Smith to book your accommodation.
Fans of Marcel Duchamp are in for a serious treat, with the Art Gallery of New South Wales named as the sole Australian stop for a huge exhibition celebrating the acclaimed artist's life and work. Kicking off in Tokyo on October 2, to mark the 50th anniversary of the artist's death, it's set to be the most comprehensive Duchamp exhibition to ever hit the Asia-Pacific region. The Essential Duchamp will open in Sydney in April 2019, showcasing an impressive 150 works and related documentary materials from throughout the art legend's 60-year career. It'll offer a rare glimpse at Duchamp's seriously fascinating life and a body of work that's considered one of the 20th century's most artistically influential. Some pieces, like Chocolate Grinder (No 2) from 1914 and 1910's Portrait of Dr. Dumouchel, have never before been seen in this part of the world. The exhibition's on loan from, and organised by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which boasts the definitive collection of Duchamp artwork. Director Dr Michael Brand said the Art Gallery of NSW's excited to be part of this important collaboration. "The Philadelphia Museum of Art is an encyclopedic museum of the highest order with a grand tradition of both research and innovative exhibitions," he explained. "The Gallery is delighted to introduce to Australian audiences for the first time, the full creative accomplishment of this maverick artist who changed the way we look at art." The Essential Duchamp will be on show at the Art Gallery of NSW from April 2019 to August 2019. For more info, visit the AGNSW website. Image: Gary Stevens via Wikimedia Commons.
Melbourne duo Kllo (formerly Klo) are Australia's band of the moment and are touring the east coast to promote their upcoming album, Well Worn. The tour's one of the most anticipated we've seen in 2016 so far, so expect each show to be pretty damn packed. Since releasing their 2014 debut EP Cusp, cousins Simon Lam and Chloe Kaul have played sold-out shows and festivals throughout Australia and internationally, from Dark Mofo to Melbourne Music Week and Barcelona's Primavera Sound Festival. The pair have been clocking up streaming numbers in the millions, popping up on artists-to-watch lists, and they've also recently been announced as part of the huge Splendour in the Grass lineup. 'Bolide', the album's first single, is a dance track inspired by Caribou's Our Love album and is a song about unconditional love (nawwww). The EP takes inspiration from underground dance music and is said to enhance Kllo's high-gloss hooks. The tour will feature special guests and gives fans a sneak peek of the album, which will be released internationally on August 5 across Kllo's now three labels: Good Manners Records, Ghostly International and Different Recordings // PIAS . Image: Charlie Brophy.
Thanks to shopping centres, we're all familiar with the concept of several stores under one roof. In theory, that's what you get at the Paddington Antique Centre, but you also end up with much, much more. On a site that was once a theatre back in the 1920s, the massive antique shop became Australia's biggest space of its kind in 1985. Get ready to scour the joint for vintage threads and finds while soaking in — what else? — plenty of old-world charm. Once you've finished your treasure hunt, take a short stroll down to The Hope & Anchor, which just might be Paddington's cutest little pub. It's just over a year old, but looks like it has been around for much, much longer. Grab a breakfast burger or brioche French toast if you're heading by earlier in the day, or the homemade pie of the day, some roast chicken or a half-pound wagyu burger for lunch.
Brisbanites, grabbing a beer and feasting on British food just got a whole lot easier. Okay, so with five Pig 'n' Whistle pubs around town, it wasn't too difficult to begin with — but now you can do so south of the river. Yep, the city's favourite UK-themed watering holes have set up shop on the corner of Melbourne and Merivale streets. If you've stopped by one of their other bars (and who hasn't?), then you know what to expect. That'd be a jam-packed range of craft brews and hearty meals, with two 16-tap fonts pumping out tasty ales, and a menu featuring the likes of beef and Guinness pie and wagyu burgers. Plus, the new venue also boasts a barista station for all your Mantle & Moon craft coffee needs — aka the perfect thing to accompany your breakfast, because this pub opens at 7am daily. All that and more will be served up from their prime location opposite the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre; while the Pig's latest venture makes its West End affiliation known in its name, it's actually housed smack bang in the middle of the titular area and South Bank. Such close proximity to the home of Supanova, the Good Food and Wine Show and the Lifeline Bookfest sets it up as the perfect place for afterparties. Thankfully, with 550 seats, the venue can cater for a crowd. Of course, that's not the most exciting part of the Pig 'n' Whistle West End, particularly if you like jumping between drinking venues. Five of the chain's locations — West End, King George Square, Queen Street, Riverside and Fortitude Valley — are now little more than a short stroll or a quick taxi trip away from each other. Yes, that means your Pig-centric pub crawl just got even bigger. Find Pig 'n' Whistle West End on the corner of Melbourne and Merivale streets, South Brisbane. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Brisbane's weather is downright balmy, with no outdoor escapade off-limits. There's rooftop bars, open air swimming pools and outdoor cinemas aplenty, and the crisp, blue days mean a uniform of sunnies, thongs and a T-shirt are commonplace, as are icy beers, night markets and seafood feasts. BREAKFAST AT DAVIES PARK MARKETS Start your weekend strong with a wander around the Davies Park markets in West End. While you’re there, grab a langos or two (a traditional Hungarian dish made of deep fried bread dough topped with cheese, garlic and sour cream), a cinnamon-spiced coffee and make your way to the adjacent park to watch the band and do some quality dog spotting. If you can still walk after all that indulgence, wander down the river to Orleigh Park, catch the CityCat to a sunny spot and just take in the morning. GET BACK TO NATURE AT CEDAR CREEK You don’t have to go too far out of Brisbane to be transported to completely new worlds. Cedar Creek Falls is a 45 minute drive north-west of the city and is a favourite day trip location for anyone who doesn’t have a swimming pool. After you’ve had a paddle, head to one of the hiking trails and get lost (though not literally) in the quietness of nature. To get to the creek, turn left onto Cedar Creek Road which is about 5.7km north of Samford if you’re driving along Mt Samson Road. CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF MODERN ART It goes without saying, GOMA's got a solid local and international rep. Every reviewer and local and stranger on the street is constantly banging on about how amazing the gallery is, how balanced the architecture, how resplendent the views. Well we’re sorry to be repetitive but it’s all true and you really must join the cult of people who strongly believe GOMA should be on everyone’s bucket list. And while you’re there, head to the State Library next door and take a quiet time-out in one of the window boxes overlooking the river, grab a CityCycle and take off along the river or head around the corner to the newest entertainment precinct on Montague Road and grab a bite at The Milk Factory. GRAB AN AUTHENTIC MEXICAN DINNER AT PEPE'S Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or not, it’s hard not to love Pepe’s Mexican in Newmarket. Their menu is huge, varied and always fresh, and no matter what night of the week you go, always expect a crowd. The decor is thematic and homely but not tacky (no fake moustaches or sombreros here). You can’t really go past the chicken chipotle empanadas, unless it’s to run with open arms into a steamy chimichanga. And if you really want to indulge (and we know you do), order the chocolate fudge nachos from the desert menu and whisper “Hashtag YOLO” as they’re placed in front of you. BREAKFAST AT A WEST END ICON The Gunshop Cafe is a long-running West End standard who do a mean breakfast (the weekend lines around the block are a testament to this fact). We recommend the potato and feta hash cake with herbed sour cream, baby spinach and truss cherry tomatoes; or for those with a sweet tooth, try the brioche French toast with roasted rhubarbs, pistachio mascarpone, fresh berries and toasted flake almonds (do we even have to explain why? Pistachio mascarpone, that’s why). After you’ve filled up on tasty treats, take a wander around West End, a suburb that shines on the weekend. Stop in at SWOP second hand clothing shop next door to Gunshop Cafe and famed bookshop Avid Reader on Boundary Street. TRY BRISBANE'S BEST SUSHI Words can’t describe the bounty of delight that is Sushi Kotobuki. Words like “tastiest”, “cheapest”, “moreish” and “cream cheese” all float in the aether when you take that first bite of aburi salmon. Until recently, Kotobuki only had one location on Lytton Road in East Brisbane, where lines ran out the door and tables were scarce. Luckily, they’ve recently opened a shiny new venue in the CBD. We urge you to embark on a journey via plane, train, bus or dog sled to get there and order as much fresh sushi as your stomach can handle. Our particular favourites include the cream cheese chicken fusion roll, the tofu agesdashi and their speciality ‘Crunch Chicken’. ABSEIL OFF KANGAROO CLIFFS We know this seems bananas. Why would anyone ruin a relaxing weekend getaway by plunging feet first and backwards off a sheer cliff? But hear us out. Think of the breathtaking view out over the Brisbane river, the rush of adrenalin as you turn your back to it and the feeling of invincibility when you finally get to the bottom. Not to mention that the experience is totally safe, fully harnessed and kids as young as eight can do it. Every day the cliffs are littered with adrenalin junkies chasing adventure, so you know it’s legit. EAT STREET MARKETS The Eat Street Markets are a local commodity that wouldn’t work in any other city in Australia. But they thrive in Brisbane, where the nights are balmy and the food is steaming. The market boasts dishes from around the world: Brazilian steaks alongside Greek honey puffs and Korean BBQ; Japanese Takoyaki alongside Coffin Bay oysters and Filipino street food. It’s multiculturalism at its best. After the smorgasbord has died down, take a wander through the market and check out the ware on sale from local craftsmen, fashion designers and fudge artisans (yeah for real – check out their cute, Instagram-worthy watermelon fudge). LIMES ROOFTOP CINEMA There’s nothing more invigorating than drinking a cocktail at a rooftop bar. Why? We don’t know. Maybe it’s the rush of looking out over the city and yelling “I’m the king of the world!” or pretending that the beautifully decorated Limes bar is actually the deck of your penthouse apartment. But whatever it is, the elation pairs well with a trashy movie, cocktail and reclining in a plush chair. Catch an array of questionable titles, like Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates, which should only be viewed while buzzed and in good company. GO BAR HOPPING THROUGH THE CBD AND FORTITUDE VALLEY A fantastic quirk of the Brisbane nightlife scene is that most of the good bars and clubs are located in the CBD or Fortitude Valley, the most happening and hedonistic quarter of Brisbane. For an appropriately paced night, start with a few classy cocktails at Super Whatnot bar in Burnett Lane in the CBD. Pick at their light and vaguely Spanish bar menu until you’re feeling jolly, then take a quick Uber or bus up the road to the Brunswick Street Mall and prepare to get silly. Start off slowly at Kerbside on Constance Street and eventually make your way over to Cloudland on Ann Street for dancing or Laruche to vibe off the resident soul and funk DJs. And just so you know, there is a New York Slice on Brunswick Street for your post-club, pre-cab midnight snack (no judgement). Top Image: Cloudland
If you love Brisbane as much as the Museum of Brisbane does — and let's face it, their affection is right there in their name — then 2016 might just offer your chance to show it. As part of their calendar of events for next year, the City Hall-based showcase of the Queensland capital's living history is staging a semi-permanent interactive exhibition that uses the people of Brisbane as its basis. Running for three years from July 2016, 100% Brisbane won't just turn the spotlight on the city — it'll deconstruct the population and reflect the real face of the community. Using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it will find 100 everyday folks to represent the entirety of Brisbane. It all begins with one chosen local, who'll then spark a search that spans over 100 days. That resident will then have 24 hours to recruit the next Brisbanite, who will then select the another person and so on, until 100 people are connected. Fans of globally renowned theatre company Rimini Protokoll might recognise the concept, given that the Berlin-based group has rolled out the project all around the world, including in London, San Diego, Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Their Brisbane stint marks the first time they've ever collaborated with a museum, as well as being one of the biggest undertakings to date by the Museum of Brisbane. As acting director Christopher Salter puts it, 100% Brisbane will "present the story of Brisbane today in an authentic way, through 100 of our city locals. The heart of the experience is real people with real stories and their experiences in our city today.” Those who don't make the final 100 will also have their chance to participate once the exhibition opens, of course. Attendees will be able to share their information and opinions to compare themselves with the participants. In fact, beyond the performance aspect, the project aims to map how attitudes and perceptions change within the city over its three-year run. 100% Brisbane will also feature a documentary covering the history of the city’s population, as written and narrated by author and actor William McInnes, plus Brisbane-focused contemporary art commissions from Australian artists. 100% Brisbane opens at the Museum of Brisbane in July 2016. For more information, keep an eye on their website. Image: Hamish Snow, Laneway Festival, Brisbane 2015 and 100% Berlin
Life in 2015 might not mean flying cars or anything else movies have promised us, but it does mean that we're all busy people. There's just so much to do and see and look at and choose from. But hardworking folks still like to relax with a drink in their hand, even if they don't have time to visit a bottle-o, and even if they are spoiled for choice. That's where life in 2015 does deliver, several times over: in online shops that offer a stellar range of craft beers, and then bring them to your door. Check out these five servicing Brisbane, and never complain about being too busy to stock the fridge — or not knowing what you want to drink — again. HOPS & CRAFT If you love craft beer, you're going to love Hops & Craft. They describe themselves as a home for craft lovers, and browsing their website, it's hard not to agree. Their online service and deliveries cover over 45 Australian brewers, ensuring that there's always something new and different to choose from, including bottles you won't find in most stores. Those in need of a little more surprise in their lives can sign up for the Love of Craft mystery dozen and reap the unknown rewards, or commit to a monthly subscription to sample the latest and greatest craft finds all year round. BEER BUD Sometimes you're feeling adventurous and want to taste a tipple you've never heard of before. Sometimes you're leaning more in the direction of an old favourite. Living up to the adage that variety is the spice of life, Beer Bud offers both, catering for the exploratory and comfortable palates alike. Their Critics' Choice mixed case is a particularly great starting point for anyone wanting to bridge both worlds, but be warned — once you start diving into their lengthy list of ales — including Feral Brewing Co, Kaiju! and Noisy Minor — you might not want to stop. We won't say we told you so, we promise. BACCHUS BREWING CO Looking for something local? And for something a little bit different? Well, look no further, thanks to Bacchus Brewing Co, a microbrewery operating out of Capalaba. Their physical operation is set up in the middle of a home brew store, as is their online shop, which gives you an indication of the product on offer: experimental, creative beers made with passion and flowing through one of their 27 in-house taps. At the time of writing, that includes such appetising sounding brews such as Sex Drugs & Rocky Road and Snickers Amber Ale, the more festive Pumpkin Pie Porter and Holy Moly Christmas Ale, plus the award-winning White Chocolate & Raspberry Pilsner. Yum. THE WINE EMPORIUM Don't be fooled by the name, as easy as that may prove. The Wine Emporium may shout its specialty in its title, but that doesn't mean it doesn't perform in other areas, too. The range of beer available to order online is nothing to sneeze at, offering more than 100 different options at the click of the button — and not just the usual suspects. The imported range is really something; however, the store's access to the tasty concoctions from local Brisbane microbreweries such as Green Beacon and Newstead is what'll keep you coming back to their website. LIQUORUN Okay, okay, it isn't strictly a shop — but it does allow you to browse from a decent selection of booze, and then delivers it to your door within 30 to 60 minutes. When you're after something in a hurry, Liquorun is a service that can't be beaten, with a lineup comparable to what you'd see at your local store. The trade-off comes in depth of range, courtesy of a focus on the bigger names in the industry; however, that's a price we'll willingly pay for such speedy turnaround times. Where else can you get your favourite brewski promptly transported from the shelf to your hand without leaving home? Now, that's what we call convenience.
What's better than a city with one Donut Boyz store? A city with two, obviously. Queensland's very own bakers of glazed and jam-filled goodness clearly think so. Barely more than a month after setting up shop in West End — and inspiring lines snaking down Mollison Street on a daily basis — they've decided to share the donuty love with Paddington residents as well. That means lemon meringue pie, salted caramel popcorn, chocolate and peanut butter, and mocha flavoured treats available for those who don't want to journey over the river, plus another place to get your donut fix if you're out and about in the inner-city suburbs. If "we were just in the neighbourhood" is your go-to pig-out excuse, now you have twice as many opportunities to use it. All the other handmade parcels of delicious pastry the Boyz are known for are also on the menu, including the trusty, ever-tasty cronut. Their latest concoction combines roasted fig-infused cream cheese, dark chocolate and walnuts, in case your taste buds needed any more tempting. The new Latrobe Terrace set-up is actually Donut Boyz's fourth Queensland digs, with the chain getting their start up at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, then branching out to nearby Mooloolaba before heading to Brisbane. Next stop: the rest of the city. With artisan donuts retaining their position as the state's current favourite food trend, you can assume more will be popping up soon. Find Donut Boyz Paddington at 78 Latrobe Terrace, or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Time to brush the cobwebs off your novelty gumboots and gear up for some serious footstomping, Red Deer Music and Arts festival have announced their 2015 lineup. The annual overnight BYO (couches and booze) and camping festival is set to return to the Ed Hope and Mucho Bravado Ampitheatre stages for another solid marathon of national, emerging and local bands — and legendary festival favourites Frenzal Rhomb are at the top. Locked in for October 3 beneath the pretty, pretty D’agular ranges of Mt Samson, Red Deer has invited Australia's punk ratbags Frenzal to headline one humdinger of a lineup, from synth-pop goalkicker Andy Bull to NZ dub legends Salmonella Dub Soundsystem. Queensland's best local bands have pride of place on the bill too, with the likes of Hey Geronimo, Ayla, Mosman Alder, WAAX and Cheap Fakes set burst a few eardrums. True to BYO form, Red Deer allows you to BYO booze (no glass), couches and camping gear. And of course, the festival's not just about music. They'll be selling jungle-themed cocktails at the Stolen Rum Jungle Bar, Northside arts company Party Artworks will be hosting art workshops, there'll be food and market stalls, and there's going to be a Flight or Flop frisbee tournament, because FUN. RED DEER FESTIVAL 2015 LINEUP: FRENZAL RHOMB ANDY BULL SALMONELLA DUB SOUNDSYSTEM HEY GERONIMO AYLA MOSMAN ALDER WAAX CHEAP FAKES WE ALL WANT TO ROLLS BAYCE DJS BAD PONY ISAAC CAVALLARO MACHINE AGE SUNDOWN JURY ERIN JANE + RESIDENT ACTS THE LYRICAL THE DASHOUNDS BLAKE THOMPSON [DJ SET] Red Deer Festival 2015 is happening on October 3 beneath the D’agular ranges of Mt Samson, northwest of Brisbane, approximately 35 kms from the CBD. Tickets on sale now. For more info and tickets, head to the website.
For years, going to Bulimba for a meal, drink or just to hang with your mates has meant heading to Oxford Street, however the inner-eastern suburb is about to get another must-visit destination. That'd be Apollo Road, current home of the Bulimba Barracks, and future riverfront community hub. Revamping the 23-hectare space (the one most people just drive past and barely give a second glance to) has been mooted for some time, but now locals can have a sneak peek of what's to come. Alongside homes and apartments, draft plans include 2.1 hectares of parkland along the river's edge, complete with a riverwalk with pedestrian and cycle connectivity. A strip of shops and restaurants, plus approximately three hectares dedicated to sport and recreation facilities, are also mooted. Nothing is yet set in stone, with the community consultation period open until November 1. If you have a great idea, now's your chance to have your say. The blueprint for the space is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. In addition, in keeping with the area's rich history, heritage buildings already in the area's vicinity will be repurposed — including turning a military fabrications shed into a neighbourhood centre with a plaza for special events. It might stay the same from the outside, but once the transformation from army land to bustling precinct has been completed, that's the only part of this patch of Bulimba inhabitants will likely recognise. For more information about the Bulimba Barracks Master Plan, visit the Brisbane City Council website.
In the most mathematical news since boffins discovered a pattern in prime numbers, the cast and crew behind of Adventure Time, the show that straddles generational gaps like it ain't no thing, are coming to town next March. It's going to be live, it's going to be loud and it's gonna be so flippin' awesome. Making quick trips to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, Adventure Time Live will be an interactive, audio-visual festival that includes Q&As with cast and crew, cosplay competitions, live reads of classic episodes and much more to be announced. It's not a show, it's an experience, man. The event hits Australia between March 10 and March 12 next year, which will probably coincide with the largest gathering of adults pretending to be children pretending to be adults that this country has ever seen. Tickets go on sale on December 12, with more deets available here.
Grab a cake, whack ten candles on it, and rush on over to the Gallery of Modern Art. Okay, okay, you don't have to actually bring some baked goods with you to mark GOMA's birthday; however you do have to be in the mood for a party. Across December 3 and 4, the city's major hub for modern art is showcasing everything that makes it great, and offering a reminder of just why it has become a Brisbane icon. Want to watch a panel chat about that very topic? Well, that's the first event on the itinerary. At GOMA Turns 10's opening shenanigans, you can also watch Nick Cave's (no, not that one) brightly coloured sculptural horse costumes come to life, take a walking tour of the building's architecture, attend artist workshops and play with LEGO. Want more? How about a new performance film by Aussie filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson; a screening of his earlier effort, Ruin, with a live score; or a food-focused doco followed by a special dining experience? It's going to be a busy, bustling, creative, celebratory weekend.
It's difficult to find a place that is classy and not pretentious, where the food is consistent and not pompous yet still oozes Italian pride. While they do offer dishes such as seafood and pasta, coming to Beccofino and not ordering one of their famous wood-fired pizzas would be like going to the Ekka and not indulging in a strawberry ice-cream. Criminal. The décor is simple, and the verandah set-up makes excellent use of Teneriffe's tree-lined Vernon Terrace. The bar walls are lined with nothing but Campari bottles, which urges one to salivate at the thought of a Negroni. Ordered. Done. Delicious. While devouring a Stracchino pizza featuring lonza (cured pork loin), you would be entirely forgiven if you mistook your current location to a pizza bar somewhere in Rome. The suave staff are efficient and speedy, but good luck trying to keep your bib on waiting for your pizza with the smoky scent of the wood-fired oven firing up. Beccofino is best suited for a perfect lazy Sunday lunch, however their dinner menu is certain to impress as well.
It's been four years since Gambaros, the group that's long been synonymous with Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace, brought Black Hide to the Treasury Brisbane in the CBD. Over those four years, that Queen Street spot has served up steaks and lots of them, just as the OG venue has. Don't eat meat? Then it probably hasn't been the place for you — but the newly launched vegan menu might change that. A first for Black Hide at the Treasury, the new meat-free range spans three dishes: smoked beetroot with white bean hummus, paprika, edamame, black garlic and gremolata for an entree; blackened capellini with mushroom, lemon and basil as a main; and coconut parfait with pineapple salsa and Vietnamese mint granita for dessert. It isn't the biggest menu, but it's also a dedicated vegan lineup in a restaurant that's extremely well-known for its marbled wagyu and angus cuts, and for not shying away from animal products. The vegan offering is the work of new Head Chef Simon Palmer, who comes to Black Hide at the Treasury from Urbane, Gerard's Bistro and e'cco bistro, as well as Beach Byron Bay. "Taking the venue to the next level means implementing ways to accommodate all palates and dining preferences by way of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free offerings which have been elegantly considered across all our Black Hide Steakhouses menus," said Palmer. "The focus on produce-driven dishes significantly refines the menu. Our focus has shifted to procuring additional local partnerships with the intention to serve more locally grown and sourced ingredients. In Queensland, we are so fortunate to have incredible suppliers on our doorstep," Palmer continues. Accordingly, the chef's new culinary lineup goes heavy on Queensland produce, and also sees the meat-heavy selections get a makeover. So, if you do tuck into animal products, you'll now also be able to choose from wagyu tartare with pomme pave, crème fraîche and cured egg yolk, as well as grilled scallops sourced from Hervey Bay. And, for dessert, The Black Hide Sundae – which features cherry puree, cherry granita, chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream — also joins the menu. As has been the case since 2018, patrons can still expect river views, a bar overlooking Reddacliff Place, plus a six-room setup that makes the most of the heritage building's features — including a ten-person private dining space filled with timber, brass and marble. Also forming part of the decor at the 154-seat eatery: a library-style knife collection featuring 126 pieces of silverware. Find Black Hide by Gambaro in the Treasury Brisbane, top of the Queen Street Mall, Level 1, Treasury Casino Building — open for lunch from 11.30am Tuesday–Friday and dinner from 5.30pm Tuesday–Saturday. For more information, visit the Treasury website.
Forget burgers, Brisbanites — there's a new meat and bread combination in town. If The Yiros Shop has its way, soon everyone in the city will be feasting on their fluffy pitas, stuffed with everything from haloumi and hot chips to pork, chicken and lamb. And we really do mean the city, given that the chain of stores has set up their next shop right in the heart of the CBD. As of earlier this week, they're serving up traditional Greek fare from the corner of Edward and Charlotte streets. That doesn't only include yiros, as tasty as they are. You'll also find Greek salads on offer, plus Greek-topped chips (their take on loaded fries) and a range of home-style desserts. Baklava and loukoumades, anyone? With their number of outlets now totalling four thanks to their existing setups in Cannon Hill, Fortitude Valley and South Bank, The Yiros Shop are well on their way to spreading their Mediterranean delights all around south-east Queensland. For the moment, you can probably remember a time before yiros. At this rate, that won't be the case for much longer. Find The Yiros Shop at 2/120 Edward Street, Brisbane City. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
'The mormons are coming', posters popping up all around Brisbane started promising last year. Come March, they'll officially be here. If you didn't make it to Melbourne or Sydney to catch The Book of Mormon, don't worry — Trey Parker and Matt Stone's hit musical is bringing its hilariously irreverent self to QPAC's Lyric Theatre. After playing most of the last two years down south, the multi-award-winning production will settle in for a Brisbane season from March 16 until May 31. Given that both Melbourne and Sydney experienced sell-outs, it's certain to prove a hot ticket. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". If you've been envious of the throngs seeing the musical in New York, Chicago, London or elsewhere in Australia, then you'll be plenty excited that you'll now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. UPDATE, MARCH 13: The Book of Mormon has announced a $30 ticket lottery throughout its Brisbane season, with a select number of cut-price seats available by ballot for each performance from Saturday, March 16, subject to availability. To nab a ticket, you'll need to enter in person two-and-a-half hours before your chosen show, using the form available that's only available at the box office. Names will be drawn at random two hours prior to curtain, only one entry is allowed per person, and you can only score two tickets. For further details, visit the musical's website. Image: Ryan Bondy, Zahra Newman, Nyk Bielak and company in The Book of Mormon, AUS 1411. (c) Jeff Busby.
Many a place promises a classic-meets-contemporary experience, but when Nickel Kitchen & Bar throws open its doors on April 29, it looks set to actually deliver on that description. Predominantly offering up meals that will take many diners back to their childhoods, the brand new Fortitude Valley restaurant also plans to shake things up with boozy brunches, late-night meals and something they call a 'DIY degustation'. A menu filled with homestyle dishes takes care of the first part of the equation for the new Ann Street addition — think Barossa Valley chicken Kiev with garlic butter, heirloom vegetables and herb crumb (seriously, when was the last time you ate chicken Kiev?), and honey-roasted chicken paired with bacon and chive waffles. As for the latter, the details are still being finalised, but we're interested to see how a 'DIY degustation' differs from 'ordering off the menu'. Nickel is the latest venture from Nantucket Kitchen & Bar and NKB Express owners TJ and Kim Peabody, and endeavours to embody a blend of old and new across the board. Drinks-wise, that means a 250-drop wine library behind the bar boasting all the best tipples from today and times gone by, plus a hefty spirits list and a bespoke cocktail selection. Style-wise, that means anyone from the after work crowd to those keen on a boozy brunch are welcome in Nickel's art deco surroundings. Indeed, when it comes to décor, the cosy spot decks its halls with old-school fixtures, including leather booths, pressed metal and dark timber galore, and a chandelier made entirely of wine glasses. So, we're calling it: nostalgic places always try to hark back to yesteryear while giving things a forward-thinking twist, but Nickel might be the place to nail that combination. Nickel Kitchen & Bar will open on Friday, April 29 on the ground floor of 757 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more details.
Vivid Sydney is really cranking it up this year. With a kaleidoscopic festival program of light, music and ideas, Vivid's 2016 will be taking over building facades, creative spaces and music venues throughout the city from May 27 through to June 18. Obviously, the lights are the main event here, the drawcard millions of visitors descend upon Sydney for. This year, Sydney Opera House features the absolutely stunning Songlines, with new and iconic contemporary Indigenous works from Karla Dickens, Djon Mundine, Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi, Reko Rennie, Donny Woolagoodja, and the late Gulumbu Yunupingu. The Light Walk is back, with Sydney's building facades lighting up with spectacular artistry — including Selena Griffith, Edison Chen, Nila Rezaei, Nathan Adler's I LOVE YOU, a giant heart that changes colour when you scream those exact words at it. Taronga Zoo is playing host to an illuminated animal trail, and The Royal Botanic Gardens is celebrating 200 years with its own highly Instagrammable installations — including Mandylights' Cathedral of Light. The Chatswood precinct lights up with WildLight, inspired by the animals of Gondwana, and Martin Place sees the technical debut from NIDA in Martin Place called Fountain, a giant installation of human birth rate data as 'water jets', and Simon Aitken's unmissable Geometrics. Have a flick through our gorgeous gallery from Concrete Playground's Bodhi Liggett, then rug up and get amongst the lights, music, parties and ideas. Want to have a bite while you're watching the lights? Here's ten spots with panoramic Vivid views.
Earlier this year, some of Australia's best bar teams went head-to-head to nab mad bragging rights, an epic photo shoot and a huge trip to Glasgow for Auchentoshan Whisky's national Distilled Different competition. Bar teams across Australia created an Auchentoshan American Oak cocktail for the competition, and twelve were then paired with an up-and-coming Australian photographer who worked with them to create a photographic masterpiece to reflect the team's personality. On Tuesday October 18, the winner of the cocktail competition was crowned. Sydney bar team Eau De Vie won for the originality of their cocktail and portrait, which was snapped by Brendan Fitzpatrick in a fully-styled photo shoot that judges agreed captured the essence of their bar. Eau De Vie and Fitzpatrick were chosen as the winning team by a panel of industry professionals, including our very own managing editor Shannon Connellan. The team from Eau De Vie will be jet-setting off to Glasgow as part of their prize. Glasgow is the home of Auchentoshan — the only triple distilled Scottish single malt whisky in the world. Triple distilled, people. The winners will of course get to visit the Auchentoshan distillery while they're there. The team at Ramblin' Rascal Tavern were also chosen on the night as the winners of the People's Choice Award. Take a look at what went down on the night.
Brisbane's movie buffs have had quite the eventful few years — festivals have come, gone and been resurrected; cinemas have opened up in New Farm, Elizabeth Street in the CBD, Coorparoo and Newmarket; the Schonell stopped running screenings; and more new theatres have been announced for Red Hill and Woolloongabba. Plus, just last month, the city welcomed its newest seasonal outdoor cinema in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens — and if you like seeing flicks under the stars, there's more news where that came from. Brisbane City Council is spearheading a plan to build Brisbane's first permanent outdoor cinema, which would form part of the existing McCaskie Park in Kelvin Grove. Unlike Moonlight Cinema in New Farm Park, Openair Cinemas at South Bank and the aforementioned Sunset Cinema in Mt Coot-tha, it'll be a fixed rather than a seasonal pop-up facility. A development application has been lodged, which outlines a proposed space between Kelvin Grove Road and QUT's Creative Industries precinct, featuring a permanent shelter with a drop-down 2.7-metre by 5.4-metre screen, a stage and a speaker set-up. According to the documents submitted, BCC intends for an external party to manage the cinema, which will be operational on weeknights and weekends. Even better — given that it is located in a Council-owned public park, which dates back to 1891 and is freely accessible to everyone, the application notes that the cinema will be free to attend as well. The cinema forms part of BCC's very Leslie Knope-like aim to "enhance Brisbane's public open spaces and encourage and improve user experience", as stated in the submission — that is, to get us all out in the city's parks more often. Speaking with Brisbane Times, the Council's field services chairman Peter Matic advised that it could be used for "family movie events, short film screenings, or as part of twilight community festivals", as well as "for emerging theatre and musical artists, providing a low-cost venue for public performances". As the development application has just been lodged, we can assume that the cinema is still a little way off. But we'll keep you updated on an opening date or any new details.
Recognised as one of the most exciting film industries in Asia, the Korean cinema scene has been knocking it out of the park for years now — without it, we wouldn't have Bong Joon-ho's Okja and Snowpiercer, or Park Chan-wook's Stoker and The Handmaiden, for example. And the fact that neither directors have made the bill at the 2017 Korean Film Festival in Australia shows just how much talent the country has to choose from. Basically, there's plenty of other filmmaking greats where they came from. This year's KOFFIA, the festival's eighth, features straight-from-Cannes flicks, cinematic masters delivering their newest hits and many a movie in between. Boasting 24 films on its national lineup and bringing seven to Brisbane, the festival will kick off on September 8 with The World of Us, a thoughtful drama about bullying and friendship, before coming to a close on September 10 with crime-thriller The Queen of Crime. Other highlights include animated zombie onslaught Seoul Station, the companion piece to last year's kinetic live-action effort Train to Busan, plus historical crime drama The Age of Shadows. Also on the program is a dose of suspense with murder-mystery The Tooth and the Nail, and some fast-paced action in The Merciless.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. On October 21, the Newstead music venue is joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up Brisbane's most delayed trend festival: the Brisbane Burger Fest. That's a big call in a year that has seen ice cream, mussels, Japanese culture, espresso martinis and specialty coffee all get their own shindigs. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Ze Pickle, Miss Kay's, Ben's Burgers, Mr Burger, 5 Boroughs, Red Hook, Lucky Egg and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a free burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews. Image: Lucky Egg.
"How was trivia tonight? Oh, pretty good. We answered a lot of questions and the team won a lot of prizes." Come March 30, you could be saying these exact words — and channelling your inner Tommy Wiseau after emerging victorious at a night dedicated to his greatest creation. Giving The Room fans the event we didn't know we needed, Southside Tea Room are clearly thinking "anything for my Brisbanites". Anything for their favourite customers, too. At The Room trivia, Man vs Bear will be doing the asking, and everyone else will be throwing the trivia equivalent of spoons — when they're not saying "oh hi, doggy" and asking how your sex life is, naturally. Leaving your stupid comments in your pocket is highly recommended, and if your name is Mark or Lisa, you basically have to go. Expect not only questions about the best worst movie ever made, but some about The Disaster Artist as well. And if you don't win, it'll tear you apart. UPDATE, MARCH 12: Due to March 30 falling on Good Friday, this event will now take place on March 16.
Spring produce and paired craft beers made Concrete Playground readers particularly happy this month, as James Squire and Concrete Playground teamed up to put on a special Spring Banquet at The Charming Squire — and we gave a group of lucky CP readers a seat at the table. Competition winners sat down to a five-course meal custom-made by executive chef Deniz Coskun, each dish paired with a specific James Squire tipple, and guests heard from Deniz and James Squire brand ambassadors on the night. Have a peruse through the gallery to see what went down (and here's an idea of the deliciousness that was served up). SPRING BANQUET MENU Green pea soup, Noosa spanner crab and fennel pollen with The Swindler Summer Ale Mooloolaba king prawns, scampi caviar, avocado mousse, Pullenvale citrus and nasturtium with 150 Lashes Pale Ale Free range pork belly, Jerusalem artichoke, spiced stone fruit and morcilla crumble with Golden Ale Slow cooked spring lamb shoulder, burnt eggplant, mixed asparagus, broad beans and pickles with Hop Thief American Pale Ale Dark chocolate fondant, new season mango, crumble, Jack of Spades porter ice cream with Jack of Spades Porter To stay up to date with future events at The Charming Squire, sign up to James Squire or head to The Charming Squire's website. Photography: Emily Jane Davies.
In 2015, the Queensland Film Festival brightened up Brisbane's movie scene with a specially curated array of international cinema. It wasn't just another feast of films, it was a showcase of the kind of shorts, features and documentaries unlikely to make their way to the city's big screens otherwise. That was then — and, now, after a successful first year, QFF returns for their sophomore run with a program that's even bigger and better than ever. Doubling in size to screen 20 features and 20 shorts from July 15 to 24, the festival kicks off with Pedro Almodovar's 20th feature Julieta — however that's not the only must-see flick in the lineup. Here's seven others we think you won't want to miss. THE LOVE WITCH Films steeped in the supernatural are rarely as vibrant and dynamic as The Love Witch — and we don't just mean that in the eye-popping sense. Bright colours abound in the second feature by multi-talented writer, director, producer, editor and production designer Anna Biller, and so does a playful, comic take on what initially seems an all-too-common storyline. The feature's central witch might be looking for love, but she's also sashaying through a subversive, feminist-infused ode to '60s and '70s camp exploitation horror. THE RED TURTLE The Red Turtle is latest effort from acclaimed Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli, however, it's also much more than that. Telling an island-based tale of a marooned man who crosses paths with the titular creature, it's a wordless exploration of the connection between humanity and the natural world, as well as an examination of humanity's need to connect. Gorgeously brought to life by first-time feature director Michael Dudok de Wit, the end result is as visually delightful and emotionally insightful as lovers of Ghibli's films have come to expect. HEART OF A DOG If you've ever bonded with a beloved pet, reflected upon your childhood or just pondered your place in the world, then expect Laurie Anderson's Heart of a Dog to speak to you. The artist and filmmaker's first feature in three decades combines hand-drawn animation, home movies, visuals filmed from a pooch's perspective and more to pay tribute to her dearly departed rat terrier Lolabelle while still contemplating broader issues of life and loss. Fans of Anderson's husband, the legendary Lou Reed, will also find the knowledge of his passing in 2013 hard to shake in this personal and poignant cine-essay. KAILI BLUES Bi Gan's Kaili Blues is an act of transformation on several levels. Within the film, a doctor embarks upon a journey that takes him to a town where the past, present and future combine. Off screen, the Chinese poet turns acclaimed filmmaker with his debut feature, evoking the likes of Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky and Cemetery of Splendour's Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and even earning the praise of Guillermo del Toro. CHEVALIER The usual male posturing, ego-driven arguing and appendage measuring — both literal and metaphorical — takes to the sea in the latest feature to spring from Greece's new weird wave of filmmaking, Chevalier. Athina Rachel Tsangari's follow-up to Attenberg serves up yet another deadpan, offbeat delight, with its yacht-bound setting heightening the tension between its competing characters as well as the absurdity that results from their actions. And even with all that in mind, don't be surprised when the movie veers into unexpected territory. EVOLUTION The term 'dream-like' gets thrown around quite frequently when it comes to films that try to evoke a certain mood, however with Evolution, it's a description that definitely fits. Cult French filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilovic creates a mysterious on-screen world solely populated by women and young boys, then charts the bristling dynamic that springs when secrets spring up between a mother and son. Favouring visual storytelling over dialogue, and emphasising a distinctive soundtrack, really is just the beginning. NAKED LUNCH When body horror master David Cronenberg takes on subversive postmodernist novelist William Burroughs, the results can only be both hallucinatory and unsettling. Seething with bugs and secret government plots, Naked Lunch was a mind-trip of an adaptation upon its initial release in 1991, and still proves so today. Plus, attending QFF's session of the film acts as a tribute to the now-lost and much-loved Brisbane International Film Festival, which would've celebrated its 25th fest this year. Queensland Film Festival runs from July 15 to 24 at New Farm Cinemas. To view the full program or buy tickets, head to the festival website.
You know that drinking coffee is addictive, right? Well, in Amber and Cynamon Norris' case, so is selling it. After making sure that Mount Gravatt's residents can get their caffeine fix since 2011, the Hallowed Grounds Espresso owners are about to bring their favourite hot brews to Daisy Hill. Don't expect the duo's latest coffee spot to simply replicate their past successes, though, with St Coco Cafe a brand new venture. Here, they'll be shining a spotlight on specialty beans, blends and more, including nitrogen-infused cold brews from Cold Wolff on tap. The full coffee range is yet to be revealed, but that's not all customers will find on Cupania Street come August, with St Coco offering up two types of food that are certain to excite anyone who's not so fond of a hot cuppa. For anyone after a sweet treat that's also wholesome, nutritious and vegan-friendly, Cloverly Cupcakes' baked delights will take pride of place on the menu. And, so will all-day brekkie options, much to the delight of those who like eating bacon and eggs whenever they feel like it (yeah, everyone). Find St Coco Cafe at 3 Cupania Street, Daisy Hill from August. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details. Image: Hallowed Grounds.
Having said au revoir to the French Film Festival, it's now time to slip over the border into Spain. Returning to Palace Cinemas around the country, this year's Spanish Film Festival will once again showcase some of the biggest and most critically acclaimed Spanish and Latin American films from the past 12 months. How's that for a cinematic siesta? The festival — which will feature at the CBD's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro in Fortitude Valley — begins with the highest grossing film at last year's Spanish box office: rom-com sequel Spanish Affair 2. Other comic standouts include espionage spoof Spy Time, madcap ensemble My Big Night, and dark domestic comedy Happy 140. Of course, not everything on the program is quite so light and breezy. Critically acclaimed drama Much Ado About Nothing confronts legal and political corruption in modern day Chile, while Ma Ma stars Penelope Cruz in one of her most nuanced roles to date, as a put-upon single mother diagnosed with breast cancer. Below, we've put together a list of the five films on the lineup that have caught our eye. For the full program, go here. https://youtu.be/K_NMyRjL8dM THE THIN YELLOW LINE This comedy-drama hybrid, directed by first time writer-director Celso Garcia, is a road movie, but not in the way you'd expect. The Thin Yellow Line follows a misfit group of five cash-strapped men tasked with painting the dashed yellow line along more than 200 kilometres of Mexican highway. You only need to take a brief look at the trailer to appreciate the film's gorgeous cinematography and bittersweet tone. If that's not enough to convince you, consider the fact that it's executive produced by Pan's Labyrinth, Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak director Guillermo del Toro. https://vimeo.com/131531005 THE CLAN Based on a chilling true story, this Argentinean thriller tells the story of the Puccios, a seemingly normal family living in Buenos Aires in the 1980s who made their living kidnapping people and holding them to ransom. The film broke box office records in Argentina, screened in competition at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, and has scored plenty of positive critical buzz, with Variety comparing it to the movies of John Carpenter, Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese. Consider our expectations set very, very high. https://vimeo.com/153227513 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Another true story from Latin America, Much Ado About Nothing is a far cry from the light-hearted Shakespearean comedy with which it shares a title. Instead, Alejandro Fernandez Almendras' film takes place in present day Chile, and follows a young man who finds himself framed for a fatal hit-and-run committed by the son of a powerful politician. A grim indictment of corruption in the upper echelon of Chilean society, the film received strong reviews and a Grand Jury Prize nomination at Sundance earlier this year. https://youtu.be/I8TiFAdvqLM EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT This year's closing night film floored audiences at Cannes and scored a 2016 Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Inspired by the journals of two separate Western explorers who travelled to the Amazon decades apart, Embrace of the Serpent is described in the festival program as "a breathtaking cinematic odyssey". With startling, unsettling imagery shot in hypnotic black and white, and dialogue spoken in over ten different languages, the film promises to be like nothing else you'll see at the festival — or indeed, the movies — this year. https://youtu.be/XIwPPoWPlmo NOTHING IN RETURN In Daniel Guzmán's Nothing in Return, 16-year-old Dario finds himself on the search for a surrogate family in the wake of his parents' divorce. Enter his best friend Luismi, a car mechanic named Caralimpia and a sweet little old lady named Antonia. At first glance the film looks like a fairly standard coming-of-age tale, but the fact that it scored a pair of gongs — for Best New Actor and Best New Director at Spain's most recent Goya Awards — has us curious to check it out. And as an added bonus, Guzmán is a guest of the festival this year, and will be on hand at screenings in Sydney and Melbourne for a post-film Q&A. The Spanish Film Festival will run from April 19 until May 8. For more information, visit the festival website.
Ever wanted to see your favourite bands kick a few goals, and help support a good cause at the same time? Since 1993, the Reclink Community Cup has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity Aussie rules match, with the Melbourne game drawing more than 10,000 people and raising over $100,000 each year. Sydney's been going strong for years too, and now, it's coming to Brisbane for the first time ever. Come September 25, the city's music community will descend upon Pine Rivers Showground to put their sporting prowess to the test. Two teams will take to the field: The Rocking Horses, featuring players from an array of Brissie acts, and the Brisbane Lines, filled with a crew of 4ZZZ veterans, other industry insiders, street press staff and general music-related folks. Full lineups are yet to be announced, however the likes of Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett, Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins have strapped on boots in previous interstate events. A couple of pollies normally join in, with Queensland upper house members Senator Murray Watt and Senator Anthony Chisholm slated to do the honours, the former with the musos and the latter playing with the media. Plus, the Community Cup isn't just about getting a dose of the live AFL action fans have been missing since the state's two teams failed to make the finals, as ace as the prospect of more footy is. Given that rock stars are involved, of course live music is part of the proceedings as well, with the Reclink Choir (featuring Robbie James from GANGgajang), Screaming Steven & The Heathens, 2Dogs and Sydney's Scabz taking care of the tunes. And, food-wise, expect stalls ready to fill your ravenous stomachs. Watching bands play — both music and footy — is hungry work, after all. Tickets cost $10, with every dollar raised going towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. The Reclink Community Cup takes place on September 25 at Pine Rivers Showgrounds, Gympie Road, Lawnton. Tickets cost $10, and are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.communitycup.com.au/brisbane. Image: Rod Hunt.
There aren't a whole bunch of things that can beat a day in the sun with a drink in your hand. Recognising the need to slake that thirst, Canadian Club is bringing their Racquet Club back for the summer, dosing out refreshing Canadian Club, dry and lime beverages by the water with a screen showing the tennis. The Racquet Club celebrates Australia's biggest annual summer sporting fixture, the Australian Open. After keeping punters hydrated in Melbourne last year, the pop-up will this year extend to Sydney and Brisbane as well. The club will set up at Brisbane's waterside Sandstone Point Hotel from December 27 - January 30. The pop-up bar will carry Canadian Club on tap, as well as a whole slew of Canadian Club cocktails (the grapefruit Summer Spritz is our pick), and will be decked out in all the tennis memorabilia that they can find. Plus, when the Open starts on January 16, there'll be a big screen showing every game, loud and live. We're giving away 25 bar tabs worth $100 for the opening night of Racquet Club at Sandstone Point Hotel. Tell us which location you'd like to head to and enter your details below for your chance to enjoy the summer vibes. [competition]603069[/competition]
Can you believe it's that time of the year again? It seems like only last week that we were prowling the South Bank Forecourt for the best eats, then angling for the best vantage point of the river at the Night Noodle Markets. And yet, here we are again. Poised at the precipice of all things delicious, Good Food Month's Night Noodle Markets are back for 12 glorious days, where you can taste your way around the best Asian treats Brisbane has to offer. Going cashless this year, the markets let you PayPass your way to a full belly. Plus, puppers are welcome — as long as they're on a leash — which means that in addition to amazing food, there's also some great dogspotting in store. Win. The markets are open every weekday evening from 5pm and weekends from 4pm, and just in case you're starting to get palpitations remembering the huge array of choice from last year, fear not. We're serving up our pick of the top eats — in addition to suggested drink pairings from Beer The Beautiful Truth — to make your Night Noodle Markets trip simply spectacular. BAO STOP'S BAO TRIFECTA WITH XXXX SUMMER BRIGHT LAGER Bao comes in pretty high at the top of our list of the best things that can be eaten with one hand. This fluffy, sticky bun is the perfect steamed companion for whatever savoury filling happens to be tucked inside. In Bao Stop's case, they've gone all out and provided not one but three flavours — a veritable bao trifecta, if you will. You can nom on a veggie version with their triad of tofu bao, or sample the carnivore's trinity with chicken, pork and duck. Grab a seat and watch the night unfold as you drink a Summer Bright Lager from XXXX, a crisp match for those tasty baos. POKE BEAR'S ALPINE KING SALMON WITH KIRIN MEGUMI Poké bowls have been sitting for a long, well-deserved while in the spotlight recently, so it's no surprise they've turned up at the markets. With roots in Hawaiian cuisine, the culinary trend involves taking bite-sized bits of quality fish, marinating them and mixing them into a salad of sorts — think of it as a cross between sashimi and ceviche. You can put whatever you want with the fish really, so Poké Bear have opted to pair their alpine king salmon with yuzu miso, sesame dressing, wakami, sesame seeds, daikon, radish, wasabi and diced avocado. Enjoy the delicate, toothsome flavours of your poké bowl without overwhelming them, and pair it with a light, smooth Kirin Megumi. POKLOL'S KOREAN BBQ TACOS WITH LITTLE CREATURES ORIGINAL PILSNER Life is good when you have a warm taco clamped in your little hand and a refreshing brew in the other. Poklol has got this figured out to a T, serving up a Korean-influenced trio of the palm-sized Mexican treats, paired with a cold one. Enjoy bulgogi beef, chilli chicken and chilli pork tacos all served with pickled carrots, kimchi slaw, cucumber, shallots, and finished off with a slathering of Poklol's secret pokky sauce. Dig into the big flavours, and grab yourself an Original Pilsner from Little Creatures for maximum deliciousness. LET'S DO YUM CHA'S HANDMADE YUM CHA WITH LITTLE CREATURES ORIGINAL PILSNER It's rare the person who can walk past a yum cha stand and not stop for at least a look at what delights are on offer. Yum cha is ideal if you just want to try a little bit of everything, and with Let's Do Yum Cha's handmade yum cha offering, you get a delectable sample of all the goodies. Up for grabs is everyone's favourite, the BBQ pork bun, along with a chicken dim sim, vegetarian dumpling and vegetarian spring roll. It's the perfect platter if you want to dip a toe into the world of yum cha, or if you're a seasoned pro and just want to revisit your old favourites. Pair it with a Little Creatures Original Pilsner for out of this world tastiness. JUNK'S CRISPY PORK BELLY WITH XXXX GOLD If you haven't been drooling over Junk's Instagram or been down to visit them at their store in South Bank, Maroochydore or Toowoomba, be prepared to join the obsession at the markets. While Junk has a couple of dishes on offer, we can't go past the pork belly, especially when it's drenched in kaffir lime and dark palm sugar caramel, and paired with creamy laksa and crunchy green papaya and cashew nut salad. Beer-wise, you'll want something to balance these rich, intense flavours. Look to a light, crisp, mid-strength beer like XXXX GOLD to give you a nice refresh between bites. NOM NOM KOREAN EATERY'S KIMCHI FRIES WITH JAMES SQUIRE ORCHARD CRUSH APPLE CIDER If you're looking for some eats you can easily stroll around with, Nom Nom Korean Eatery's kimchi fries are it (and let's be honest, they should have called them kimchips). This simple combination of hot chips laced with cream cheese and the piquant kick of kimchi are just what you need to keep warm and fueled as you wander around and pick what you'll snack on next. If you're looking for another reason to order kimchi fries (as if you need one), then saddle up your high horse, because kimchi is fermented, and as you may or may not know, fermented foods are really good for you. So this dish is pretty much a wholesome snack, and when you pair it with a James Squire Orchard Crush Apple Cider, you're only compounding the goodness. LITTLE KYOTO'S PHORRITO WITH HAHN PREMIUM LIGHT The time for innovative food portmanteaus is now, and we are all things excited to wrap our eager little paws around a phorrito from Little Kyoto. You can tell your grandchildren that you were alive to see the glorious union of Vietnamese pho and the beloved burrito come to be. There's not much we need to tell you about the mashup, short of the fact that it's bound to be slightly messy to eat and entirely delicious. If you're looking for the right kind of beverage to enjoy with it, we recommend going for a Hahn Premium Light. It's crisp, light and won't overpower that phorrito flavour. VINTAGED BAR & GRILL'S ROAST PUMPKIN NOODLES WITH ONE FIFTY LASHES If you're a flat noodle fan, you're going to love the soft and tender chewiness of Vintaged Bar & Grill's roast pumpkin version. Partnered with Korean-style braised beef with pear and ginger, the dish has an earthy kick from mixed mushrooms, along with the oh-so-excellent combination of green olives and toasted pepitas for a kick of crunch. Pair the dish with a James Squire One Fifty Lashes; the fruity, cloudy pale ale is the perfect buddy for the warmth of the noodles. SAMBAL KAMPUNG'S ROTI CANAI WITH HAHN SUPERDRY Malaysia is known for many wonderful things, especially its incredible food, like the ever-popular roti canai. An Indian-influenced flaky, fried flatbread, roti canai is served crunchy yet chewy, hot and ready to tear apart to mop up a tasty curry. At the markets, Sambal Kampung is pairing their delectable roti canai with a chicken curry — you'll be keen to find a proper seat so you can pay full attention to eating this delicious combination. Make sure you also get your hands on a Hahn SuperDry to sip as you eat, the richness of the curry and the freshness of the beer are a match made in gustatory heaven. HARAJUKU GYOZA'S DESSERT RAMEN WITH WHITE RABBIT DARK ALE If you're one of those clever people who saves room for dessert, we salute you. And if you're like us and merely assume that your stomach will always have room for dessert no matter how full you are, we salute you too. Either way, you must give Harajuku Gyoza's dessert ramen a spin. We aren't going to give the game away, suffice to say your dessert ramen will be creamy, delicious and most certainly worthy of your Instagram. If you're looking for the right brew to match with your dessert ramen, you really can't go past the delicious flavours of White Rabbit Dark Ale. With a wash of malt driven ale and a backbone of toffee and chocolate, the beer is a great accompaniment for sweeter eats. Hungry for more? Feed all your cravings at the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets with expert beer pairings presented by Beer The Beautiful Truth from July 19 to 30. See the full menu here. Images: Bec Taylor.
Gelato Messina have finally made their way to Brisbane, and are attempting to solidify their place in the hearts of the city's ice cream-loving residents. To sweeten their Brisbane arrival, they've created a new limited-edition dessert to celebrate — and they're delivering it for free on June 5. Do you like Piña Bananas? You do now. Behold this suitably tropical-themed creation — a chocolate and passionfruit Italian meringue, filled with banana and miso gelato, with passionfruit mousse and sitting on a bed of chocolate sponge. Oh, and it looks like a pineapple, of course. You don't have to get caught in the rain to grab one, but you do have to rustle up some Messina goodness through Deliveroo. The first 50 customers to place an order on Monday will get this sweet treat as a complimentary gift. And, making great news even better, all Messina orders between June 5 and 11 come with free delivery.
Ever had a hankering for a burger, but couldn't decide which joint to visit? Thanks to Brisbane's hefty array of burg-slinging places, we've been there, and often. Trust The Triffid to come up with a solution, courtesy of a day-long dedicated celebration. From 11am on Saturday, August 25, the Newstead music venue is once again joining forces with Stone & Wood, shutting down Stratton Street and serving up the Brisbane festival we had to have. Plenty of food festivals have come and gone, but Brisbane Burger Fest was always going to be back for another helping — behaviour that you'll likely copy on the day. For those wondering about the festival's burger credentials, Miss Kay's, 5 Boroughs, Lucky Egg, Burger Project, Greaser, MooFree Burgers and The Triffid's own burgers will all be on offer, with each eatery whipping up their usual favourites and coming up with a special Burger Fest creation as well. There'll also be an official burger-eating competition as part of the festivities (of course there will be). If you don't think you can handle taking part, that's okay — everyone at Burger Fest will be seeing how many burgs they can eat in their own way, after all. Making a burger street party even better, The Triffid's beer garden will be showcasing live music all day, and Stone & Wood will be taking care of the brews. Tickets cost $5 plus booking fee — and they're expected to get snapped up quickly. Image: Lucky Egg.
In concurrence with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, The National Gallery of Australia hosted its 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial last year. This major exhibition, titled Defying Empire, now makes the jump to Brisbane's UQ Art Museum from July 28 to November 11 — bringing together both established and emerging Indigenous artists from across Australia in a showcase that focuses on themes of identity, racism, displacement and country. Among the 30 participating artists are Brenda L. Croft, whose art looks at themes of home; Fiona Foley, who focuses on race relations; Tony Albert, who examines war and its aftermath; and Brook Andrew, who explores themes of ancestry. Other artists delve into heavy issues of nuclear testing, sovereignty and the stolen generations, using a mix of media from canvas painting, video and photography to weaving, sculpture, metalwork and glasswork. The exhibition reinforces the significance of Indigenous art in Australia's cultural identity and the ongoing struggle for equality. Image: Daniel Boyd by Nikki To, Megan Cope by Pat Scala/Fairfax Media.
Stay classy, Brisbanites. At the city's newest mini film festival, you won't have a choice. Across four Friday nights in August, Event Cinemas Myer Centre is paying tribute to the funny flicks of Will Ferrell — and, obviously, it all starts with Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. That's the first movie on the bill at Ferrell Fest, and like the scotchy scotchy scotch favoured by San Diego's top newsman, there's more where that came form. After kicking things off with the comedy classic on August 10, you'll want to race into Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on August 17, then get your skates on for Blades of Glory on August 24. Lastly, on August 31, Step Brothers rounds out the season to celebrate ten years of manchild siblings. Each session kicks off at 7pm, and tickets cost $8 for members and $10 otherwise. The only other thing this festival needs? More cowbell.
Called it. When more and more breweries started popping up in Milton, we were pretty sure that a brewery crawl was going to be in order. Trust Brewsvegas to make the idea a reality — and to keep it coming back year after year. There's no prizes for guessing what happens on The Milton Good Beer Trail, but there is plenty of beer. Yes indeed. Take a 1.4 kilometre stroll between The Scratch, Milton Common, Newstead Brewing, Brewski and Mongrel, snaffle a different Brewsvegas schooner at each venue, and just generally be merry. Who's thirsty? Even better — your $30 ticket also gets you a stubby cooler to commemorate your trek. And, you can make the stroll whenever you feel like between Friday, March 13 and Sunday, March 22 from 12–11pm. Top image: Newstead Brewing Co.
You don't need to be Liza Minnelli to think that life is a cabaret, particularly if you're in Brisbane this June. Yes, it's Queensland Cabaret Festival time again, which means that spending your nights watching talented singers tell stories through song is well and truly on the menu. For its third year running, the Brisbane Powerhouse-based festival is back with another jam-packed program of music-fuelled fun, spanning new takes on old classics, repeat tributes to lost icons, and everything from ukuleles to comedic musical therapy in between. In fact, if one of the fest's 13 shows doesn't inspire a prolonged bout of humming, clapping and toe tapping, then you're not looking hard enough. We've picked our five favourites to get you started.
Step back in time to 1965, and attend the Delamere family's annual dinner party. Two years earlier, the event was terrorised by an antiquities salesman experimenting with a set of dolls — and, as an urban legend tells, no one was ever the same again. If you have your wits about you, you can join twelve others to recreate the fateful evening; however, a word of warning: this isn't an experience for those easily spooked. Take your cues from the interactive show's setting, because there's no better space to see a ghost story take place than West End's Ecclectica: Esoteric Books & Curiosities.
When it comes to being male, middle-class, and white, there are few names bigger than pop icon Ben Folds. Since going on hiatus from his not-so-aptly named trio, Ben Folds Five, the eponymous figure is venturing beyond his traditional classic-pop fusion. He still sings and plays piano, but he's upgrading slightly from his three-man ensemble (bass, drums), to a legitimate New York-style instrumental group in the form yMusic (string trio, flute, clarinet, trumpet). This new ensemble has naturally influenced Fold's sound, one only needs to listen to his solo project released last year So There, heavily featuring the chamber ensemble to hear this. Folds himself testifies to his fraternal connection with the ensemble, and it will be on display all through Australia in the month to come. Starting at QPAC in Brisbane on August 18, Folds and his new band will be playing the Opera House on August 20 and 21, the Perth Concert Hall on August 23, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on August 25, the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on August 26 and 27, and finally the Canberra Theatre on August 28. If you want to see truly canonical pop, bridging the last few decades, you might want to catch these shows.
The Spiegeltent is a Brisbane Festival favourite for a reason. Inside its doors, all manner of performers take to the stage — and whether you're discovering new talent or witnessing an icon in action, no night is ever the same. Where else can you see Kim Gordon one evening, Kilo Kish the next, and everyone from Montaigne to Rhys Nicholson on others? And, this year Bris Fest is doubling the Spiegeltent fun with a second structure. Add the rest of the entertaining antics in the surrounding Arcadia area to the mix, and you've got yourself a festival hub, hangout, haven and all-round highlight. Image: Meow Meow's Little Mermaid.
Burger Force sounds like the kind of place you'd find on any corner in Brisbane, slinging everyone's favourite combos of meat and bread. Actually, it's somewhere that could lurk beneath any one of the city's many greasy spoons — or it could in the independent comic written, directed, photographed, and designed by Jackie Ryan. To be specific, Burger Force is the name of a fictional spy squad underneath a fast food restaurant, the comic that tells its tale, and the Brisbane Powerhouse exhibition dedicated to its artwork. Each image features real people and locations that have been 'comified' via a blend of software and hand retouching, with many of the series' stars hailing from theatre, film, circus, dance, and burlesque. In fact, you might recognise some of them. Intrigued? Of course you are. Hungry? That'd be understandable, too. Why not check out the free showcase until December 11, and grab a burger before or after? Who knows, you might just stumble upon a real pop culture detective agency while you're having your meal.
Sadly, we can't all be royalty from an unspecified country seeing the sights of Rome with Gregory Peck; however, as far as eating like you're in Roman Holiday (or on one) is concerned, Brisbanites can do the next best thing. For one day and night, Newstead's Locale is bringing more than their usual taste of Italy to the city outskirts courtesy of their Roman Holiday 'Maritozzi' Pop-up Bar. Whether you're an Audrey Hepburn fan, or fond of sweet brioche, November 10 is about to become your favourite day. Locale's theming will whisk you away to the European jaunt you've always wanted to take, or at least make you feel like you're in the movie. And their menu will introduce the traditional Roman cream bun that is maritozzi to your stomach. The latter will be available in seven flavours: strawberries and cream, Italian bacio, passionfruit chantilly cream, pistachio, ricotta and orange, Galliano, and Amarena and coconut. Pre-ordering is recommended; who doesn't want to try one of these sweet treats, after all?
