Wine is a good time. Whether you're cracking a bottle of bubbly to celebrate something big or sipping a glass of red as you cook a midweek dinner, grape juice is a solid booze option. With so many wineries, grape varieties, styles, vintages, terroirs and tannins, the world of wine is both fascinating and exceedingly overwhelming. At the end of the day, though, you just want a tasty wine that'll suit your current scenario, which is where we come in. For the sake of journalism (and our love of wine), we teamed up with Vivino to chat about the wines we've been drinking, sipping and sinking this season. From juicy pink-hued pét-nats and stone fruit-forward skin contact vinos to zippy whites and inky Aussie reds that pair exceptionally well with spag bol, these bottles are the ones we reach for time and time again — and we reckon you will, too. Need to know even more about the drop you're about to drink? Then take a snap of the bottle in your hand — or simply search for it — in the Vivino app. There, you'll find zero-bullshit reviews, ratings, taste characteristics and prices from more regular wine drinkers. And, if you can't be bothered to track down a bottle IRL, you can also purchase some of them from Vivino, too, and get it delivered straight to your door. 2020 UNICO ZELO ESOTERICO SKIN CONTACT BLEND It's extremely rare that I buy the same wine more than once — I am, after all, an attention span-lacking millennial obsessed with the next shiny new thing. So, for a drop to have a permanent spot in my liquor lineup is a big deal. Enter Esoterico, from Adelaide Hills-based winery Unico Zelo. This amber-hued drop, made from a blend of fiano, zibbibo, moscato giallo, gewürztraminer and greco, is a real all-rounder. It carried me through some pivotal 2021 moments; its decent level of texture and funkiness made all those lockdown loungeroom parties a little more fun. It has notes of citrus and stone fruits, particularly mandarin and apricot, so it was the perfect drop during the picnic era. And it's acidic — almost spicy — so it has served me well over summer, too. Want more reviews? Check them out on Vivino, then buy yourself a bottle. Melanie Colwell, Branded Content Editor [caption id="attachment_833746" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Teague[/caption] 2020 BODEGA ALBAMAR ALBARIŃO At an early Sunday dinner at recently opened wine bar La Salut, in Sydney's Redfern, I had a delightful glass of albariño from the Rías Baixas region in Spain (an area famous for that particular grape type). This wine is all bright, vibrant, delicate citrus vibes — extremely non-intimidating — and was the perfect bedfellow to the salty flavour-packed Catalan-inspired bites. It's like the white wine equivalent of running through a sprinkler after an innings of cricket on a hot summer day. But with alcohol! You can read more reviews of Albamar Albariño on Vivino. Suz Tucker, Editorial Director 2021 EXPRESS WINEMAKERS L'ORANGE SKIN CONTACT WHITE Hailing from a single vineyard in the deep south of WA, the amber-hued L'Orange from Express Winemakers brings sunshine straight to my hand. The skin contact white — mostly riesling, with a dash of semillon — is bright, juicy and sends off the same vit C vibes that its namesake fruit does. Ryan O'Meara, the young and fun gung-ho winemaker, kept those precious skins on for six days to deliver a tart, textured drop that's everything you'd expect from a skinsy sip. I'm a pét-nat lover at heart, but this white is the perfect go-between. I've got a bottle sitting tight for my upcoming weekender in western NSW, and I'll be pouring an ice-cold glass for my whole gang before we watch that golden sun set and breathe in the fresh country air. Want to nab yourself a glass too? You can purchase it from Vivino. Grace MacKenzie, Junior Staff Writer 2020 ARFION FEVER SKIN CONTACT BLEND Whenever I feel like drinking wine, I like to leave it to the experts. This includes when I'm at my local bottle-o, where most of my interactions with the staff usually go something like this: they see me staring in the skin contact wine section, they sniff out that I'm clueless, they ask me what I like, then they recommend a drop — and they always get it right. A recent delight was the 2020 Arfion Fever from the Yarra Valley. This bright, refined orange wine is a blend of five varieties — pinot gris, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, pinot noir and savagnin — that are fermented on skins, and the result is criminally delicious. It's one of those wines where, after the first sip, my partner and I gave each other an involuntary and knowing nod to say we'd be buying another bottle of this moreish nectar. And that we did — twice. Check out more reviews of Arfion Fever on Vivino. Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Producer 2021 BRAVE NEW WINE NAT DADDY PÉT-NAT Brave New Wine's Nat Daddy pét-nat became my go-to drop for the wave of picnics that hit during that two-week period last year when al fresco hangs were the only way you could see your mates. The fizzy and fruity blend of shiraz and sauvignon blanc basically begs to be drunk on a warm afternoon in the park. Brave New Wine has been producing vibrant, highly drinkable wines out of Western Australia's Great Southern wine region for the past five years. Each bottle is created with minimal intervention, is naturally fermented, and comes adorned with a fun eye-catching label that sets the tone for the light and breezy pét-nat. While variety is the spice of life, I keep coming back to Nat Daddy — and it's sure to feature heavily in my plans throughout 2022. Want to know more about this bottle of bubbly? You can read more reviews of Brave New Wine Nat Daddy on Vivino. Ben Hansen, Staff Writer 2019 GRANT BURGE BAROSSA INK SHIRAZ As the only New Zealand-based team member, I should absolutely be advocating for any of the world-class Kiwi drops. Instead, I'm risking my citizenship and coming in hot with this big, bold South Australian number, which has received cult-like status in recent years (it actually took home the top gong for wines under $25 in Australia's Vivino Community Awards). This wine has been named Ink Shiraz as it's so rich and full-bodied that it almost has a Ribena-like quality, making it the best accompaniment to a giant steak or a table full of Italian food. I know what you're thinking — a rich red, Sarah? In summer? But hear me out. Book in a night to yourself at home, turn the air-con as low it can go, and enjoy a large glass of this with a giant bowl of spag bol and the latest episode of Succession. Instant happiness. So, buy yourself a bottle of Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz from Vivino, stat. Sarah Templeton, New Zealand Editor 2020 KERRI GREENS PINOTS DE MORNINGTON ROSÉ If you're after a vino primed for catch-ups, this unfiltered drop from the Mornington Peninsula's Kerri Greens will definitely be your groove. When it comes to pink wine, the Pinots de Mornington rosé is my go-to. It's dry and moreish, with good texture and creaminess, and a taste that's reminiscent of fresh strawberries and cream. The blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and pinot gris grapes also delivers some fun forest fruit flavours. It's also the kind of sip that stands up well alongside food — a handy trait if you like to snack your way through a Sunday sesh like me. Hot tip: match it with some fresh prawns and you'll be one happy chappy. All up, this drop is essential summer quaffing, and a primo accompaniment to beach picnics, barbecues and park sessions alike — and that's coming from a diehard beer fiend. Sound good? You can read more reviews of Kerri Greens Pinots de Mornington on Vivino, too. Libby Curran, Staff Writer Download the Vivino app and start discovering more ideal summer sips to stock up on — then buy them straight from the app. For more wine inspo, check out this year's Vivino Community Awards. Top image: Winona, Kitti Gould.
A couple of years back, when Disney launched its own streaming platform, fans of its animated classics, beloved hits and many, many super-popular franchises were able to binge their way through the Mouse House's back catalogue from the comfort of their couch. That's still the case, of course; however, movie buffs are also being asked to leave their houses to check out a selection of the company's famed titles — all thanks to the pop-up Disney+ Drive-In that's returning to the Gold Coast. Yes, a streaming service is running a drive-in. Or, to put it another way, a product designed to get everyone watching on small screens at home is endeavouring to lure viewers out to watch its flicks on a big screen from their cars. That's a very pandemic-era situation, with Disney+ first teaming up with Openair Cinemas to make it happen in Brisbane last year, then bringing it to the Goldie earlier year — and now heading back to the latter again between Thursday, November 25–Monday, January 3. The drive-in will set up at the Carrara Sports Parking Precinct near Metricom Stadium, with a lineup that everything from 10 Things I Hate About You, Moulin Rouge! and Love, Simon to Cruella, Raya and the Last Dragon, Free Guy and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Also on the bill: Pretty Woman's 90's rom-com vibes, the animated version of The Lion King, Deadpool's spin on the superhero genre, and the Anne Hathaway-starring The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. The drive-in's dates fall over Christmas, too, so Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Die Hard, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Santa Clause will screen as well. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available onsite — or you can bring your own. It's strictly a no-alcohol affair, though. If you're keen, you'll want to get in quick, as only a limited number of cars will be allowed in each night. And, ticket-wise, you'll be paying $40 per vehicle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7qjQlfoRs
Throwing its support behind bushfire-affected Australians, efforts to combat the ongoing blazes and recovery activities — all worthy causes close to everyone's hearts at present — The Tivoli is putting on a huge benefit gig. The aim: to raise $100,000. And, the inner-city venue has enlisted Megan Washington, Matt Corby and The Kite String Tangle to help. All three will take to the stage at Raise 'Em Up — Raising the Roof for Australian Bushfire Relief, which'll kick off at 5pm on Saturday, January 25. They'll be joined by Asha Jefferies, Ngaiire and The Riot, with more artists to be announced. The concert will also feature a party in the car park outside, food trucks and community raffles to raise more funds. [caption id="attachment_757056" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Megan Washington via Bruce Baker via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] All ticket, bar and merchandise profits from the night will be donated to two organisations, with the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal receiving 70 percent of the funds and WIRES – The NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Emergency Services getting the other 30 percent. Price-wise, this big party a pick-your-figure kind of affair — pay either $50, $75, $100, $150 or $200, depending on what you can afford to give. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, January 9. Top image: The Tivoli.
Welcome to Australia's first sofubi exhibit. You might not immediately think that you know what that is, or that you should be excited — but you probably do, and you really should. Sofubi is the Japanese nickname for soft vinyl toys, as first seen in the form of cute mascot characters in the '60s and monster toys in the '70s. Today, they're made by hand and with care by experienced craftsmen in Japan. They're also regarded as the world’s best grade of vinyl toy as a result. That's why Bad Teeth Comics, Derrr Toys and Laced Brisbane have joined forces to show their love for the modern indie vinyl toy movement for one night only. Work by over 20 artists from Japan, Australia, the US and the UK will be on display, and for sale. There'll even be a few exclusive releases that you won't see elsewhere, for those extra keen on adding to — or starting, perhaps? — their own collection. Image via UAMOU.
If rice wrapped in nori is your idea of a perfect meal, then you might have June 18 permanently circled on your calendar. Each and every year, that's when the world's sushi devotees celebrate their favourite food for International Sushi Day. We're not saying that the Japanese dish will taste better on that date, but if you just can't get enough of it, it's definitely time to celebrate. This year, to mark the occasion, ten restaurants across Australia are offering a tasty special — and one that your bank account will like, too. If you live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide — and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts — you can nab $1 sushi all day long via Deliveroo. Lunch, sorted. Sydneysiders can choose between Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse and Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining, while Melburnians will need to order from SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi and Wabi Sushi. In Brisbane, Sushi Kotobuki and Sushi Lovers Rosalie are doing the honours, and Adelaide's Kintaro Sushi Brickworks and Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park are also joining in. You can check out the full list below. To get your fix, all you need to do is jump on to Deliveroo, search for "$1 deals" and order — only on Saturday, June 18. Exactly which varieties you can score for $1 differ per store, but we see everything from teriyaki chicken, prawn tempura and karaage chicken with lettuce to salmon avocado, spicy tuna and chicken schnitzel rolls in your future. There is a $10 minimum order limit, and you can only get three $1 rolls per order — and while stocks last. INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY RESTAURANTS SYDNEY Sushi Dining DEN Vaucluse Kokoroya Japanese Sushi Dining MELBOURNE SUPERHIRO Japanese Food & Bar by Yoyogi Wabi Sushi BRISBANE Sushi Kotobuki Sushi Lovers Rosalie GOLD COAST Sushi Doori SUNSHINE COAST Flaming Sushi House ADELAIDE Kintaro Sushi Brickworks Kintaro Sushi Kurralta Park
Fancy a trip to the Amalfi Coast but can't get enough time off work? Head to Tetto Rooftop Bar to get your Italian vacation fix without the jet lag. This neighbourhood bar is a favourite for folks who love to be sun-drenched while they sip. And it's the cocktails that take centre stage at this breezy rooftop bar — cocktail tree anyone? Make a date with your mates to hit up 'Sunset Sips' from 4–6pm Monday–Friday and 2–4pm on Sundays to catch the resident DJs play and nab $10 Aperol spritz and $12 margaritas. And while you're there, try the morish bolognese arancini, vodka Napoli bruschetta or mushroom and truffle gnocchi.
The term 'best of both worlds' certainly applies to beer yoga. Exercise, alcohol — what's not to love? And we'll all just happily overlook the fact that one counteracts the other because simultaneously sipping and stretching is just so much fun. This batch of brew-fuelled active sessions boasts a little something extra, however. When you're doing your best downward-facing dog and then pausing to take a drink, you'll be doing all of the above in a brewery. Just join the folks at Ballistic Beer Co fortnightly on Thursdays, with the remaining sessions for 2022 spanning from August 18–December 8. That means that you can head by on August 18; September 1, 15 and 29; October 13 and 27; November 10 and 24; and December 8. You'll want to head to Ballistic's Salisbury digs, and arrive at 5.45pm for a 6pm start. The session will only set you back $15, which includes the class and a Ballistic beer — and it's a BYO yoga mat situation.
The La Boite Indie season comprises six carefully selected theatre pieces of dazzling range, two of which are showcased to the Brisbane public – Joy, Fear and Poetry is one brilliant break-through performance to emerge and grace audiences. Breathing the nostalgic ideas of childhood into viewers, Joy, Fear and Poetry presents an unsettling picture of the modern day child and the life they lead. The protagonists of this story are children aged 8 to 12, who make, create and philosophise, sharing their perspectives of life in live performance. In playful integration of digital projection, video, animation and iPad play, Joy, Fear and Poetry is a startling and complex journey into the psyche of the 21st Century Child. Invite yourself to be unsettled in La Boite Indie’s latest theatrical hit.
What a difference fleshed-out characters and a committed cast can make. This shouldn't really be news, but plenty of movies seem happy to overlook both — especially in the popular sub-genre that is the big night out comedy. "Who needs more than stereotypes when everyone's drinking, partying and acting like a lunatic?" appears to be the usual line of thinking. "And why bother with good performances when the script is a bundle of cliches?" The answer to both questions is on display in Girls Trip, a genuine and largely entertaining film that'll help wipe Rough Night and the recent Hangover sequels from your brain. As certain as it's a fact that no good can come from drinking absinthe, Girls Trip follows a tried-and-tested path involving four friends, a raucous weekend away and a crazy amount of alcohol. It's not hard to predict what will happen as self-help guru Ryan (Regina Hall), gossip columnist Sasha (Queen Latifah), single mother Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith) and wild child Dina (Tiffany Haddish) head to New Orleans for the annual Essence festival. Once close college pals dubbed the Flossy Posse, they've lost touch of late, becoming caught up in their own lives and troubles. A lavish vacation and a let-loose attitude might be just what they need. We're not going to reveal exactly what the gang gets up to, since that would spoil the fun. The point is, the details don't really matter. Viewers have seen most of it before and director Malcolm D. Lee knows it — although to their credit, writers Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver still find a few unique inclusions. Even so, Girls Trip is unmistakably the latest in the recent string of ladies-behaving-badly flick (think Bridesmaids, Bad Moms and Fun Mom Dinner), and it doesn't do much differently, plot-wise. If anything, one of the reasons that the movie stands out is because it isn't pretending to tell a new story. Rather, it's happy evoking laughs while also feeling authentic. And it's that authenticity that's key. Plenty of the gags swing and miss, and some are downright cringeworthy. How much you'll chuckle in certain parts of the film might depend on your threshold for gross-out humour, while other scenes definitely overstay their welcome. Yet there's an energy and intimacy to Girls Trip that's inescapable. As silly, crude and debauched as the antics get, the warmth and joy surrounding the four protagonists continually sets the movie apart from its predecessors. These gals are written and played like real women who are actually friends, instead of bland female figures being humiliated to prove they're just as unruly as men. Kudos, too, to Hall, Latifah, Pinkett Smith and Haddish. Depicting characters who not only seem like they want to hang out with each other, but that audiences want to spend time with, isn't as easy as it sounds. Doing it within a bawdy comedy is all the more difficult still. The quartet repeatedly hit the mark, with Pinkett Smith a particular delight as the tightly wound mum learning to be herself again, and Haddish not only stealing every scene she's in but putting her stamp all over the film. To say that her delivery of bedroom tips will stick with you is definitely an understatement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnqkPpSn94Y
What do Leonard Cohen, Michael Leunig and The Bedroom Philosopher all have in common? They will all be making an appearance or inspiring a session at this year's Queensland Poetry Festival. This unlikely mix is just a taste of the diverse, innovative program on offer at the state's premier event for all things poetic arts. Festival co-directors David Stavanger and Anne-Marie Te Whiu once again bring their discipline-crossing, boundary-pushing vision to showcasing the art form via a plethora of sessions. In their third year at the helm, expect everything from tributes to dearly departed artists to performances of cat songs while wearing cat costumes — and literary cabaret, musos getting into spoken word, cartooning, short films, parties and the first ever QPF Publishers & Zine Fair as well. The 2017 Queensland Poetry Festival takes place from August 24 to 27 at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane Square Library and Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre..
It's 27 years since The Cult's first album went platinum. Electric's impossibly high energy saw the Bedford-born rock band's career explode overnight. Perhaps it was something to do with the crazy circumstances in which it was recorded. "[Electric's] definitely a Polaroid of a certain period in my life," frontman Ian Astbury told Max TV recently. "New York City, 1986, when New York was kind of lawless ... We barely slept making that record ... We'd pretty much get up, go to the studio, work till midnight, maybe 1am, go out, come in at seven in the morning, and go do it again, every day." Now, as part of their Electric 13 World Tour, The Cult are going to play the entire album live for Australian audiences for the first time. It's a kind of sequel to their 2009 Love Live Tour, which Astbury described as "such an incredible experience". The show will include a second set, featuring tracks from the band's eight other studio albums. https://youtube.com/watch?v=k6PgftKbQnQ
In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, from April 3 to 8, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Brisbane. Brisbane Powerhouse is once again hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2017 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike making the festival popular across the world today. Every November, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festival goers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, People's Choice Award and more.
The zero-waste movement started small, with cafes, bars, farmers markets and environmental groups encouraging us to ditch single-use cups, bags and straws. Now, the big guys have finally joined the party. Last month, Maccas pledged to ditch plastic straws by 2020 and Woollies has ditched single-use plastic bags (Coles will hopefully follow suit on August 29). And the latest company to jump on board is 7-Eleven, who has just launched a (surprisingly) great product. The world-first reusable coffee cup, dubbed the rCUP, is made from six recycled takeaway coffee cups. Costing a reasonable $15, the cup is made in collaboration with Simply Cups — a coffee cup recycling company that functions across Australia and the UK. Since launch, Simply Cups has upcycled more than 1.48 million takeaway cups into reusable cups, car park bumpers and hospital trays. The rCUP is 100 percent leak proof (supposedly) and fully insulated, so if you forget about your coffee it'll still be hot half-an-hour later. It's also available at all 7-Eleven stores across the country. To make the rCUPs, 7-Eleven needs single-use takeaway cups — and it's collecting them at over 200 stores across NSW, Vic, Qld and WA, too. The stores are collecting all takeaway coffee cups (not just their own), Slurpee cups and plastic straws to recycle together with Simply Cups. So next time you forget your keep cup, you don't have to feel as guilty. The rCUP is now available at all Australian 7-Eleven stores. You can recycle your takeaway coffee cups, plastic straws and Slurpee cups at select stores in NSW, Vic, Qld and WA.
When The Dead Heart Beats is the latest collaborative show of Alex Gillies and Murdoch Stafford. Murdoch Stafford’s work generally graces people’s t-shirts, the album covers of great bands and sometimes a skateboard or two. His work at When The Dead Heart Beats won’t be on someone’s chest or being shredded beneath their feet, so you’ll be able to look at them properly and for as long as you like without freaking people out. Alex Gillies makes woodblock images and relief prints, all of which he learned how to do from the old dusty books in his library. He did his first woodblock carving on a skateboard in May 2008 and hasn’t stopped making them since. Separately they’ve been hard at work for the past six-to-twelve months on their own projects, over 20 of which will be shown at Nine Lives. However, the crux of When The Dead Heart Beats is a collaborative piece titled When The Demon Knife Weeps, themed around Japanese demonology and the world of the Samurai. Image credit: Alex Gillies via Nine Lives Gallery
Janet Jackson might've told us that the best things in life are free and Jennifer Lopez might've told us that love don't cost a thing, but sometimes, a loved-up, magical evening needs a little cash to make it extra special. That doesn't mean every date needs to be expensive. You can watch your bank account and have plenty of Sia-style cheap thrills, after all. But, if you're celebrating with that someone special, it can be nice to go all out and treat yourselves once in a while. To help you plan, we've pulled together some epic money-can-buy date experiences, while our mates at CommBank have the money tips to help you live money smart when dating or coupled up. Celebrate more big (or little) life moments together. Learn to budget as a couple and save for those special dates with these helpful tips from CommBank. SIP SKY-HIGH DRINKS WITH A KILLER VIEW There are few things more romantic than sipping sparkling while a gorgeous view glitters before your eyes. And, whether you're looking out over Brisbane or enjoying the luxe surroundings at this new rooftop bar, The Terrace at South Bank's Emporium Hotel has everything taken care of. It also doubles as a restaurant, so you can eat, drink and peer over the city simultaneously. What's more, The Terrace is an all-day venue which means breakfast, brunch and lunch dates are also on the menu should you be tempted by that warm daylight. Two retractable roofs ensure you're catered for in all weather conditions, but we'd recommend booking in advance no matter what the forecast is — since this spot only opened in early October and boasts one of the best views in the inner city, it's certain to be popular. GO ON A GAMING CRAWL First, there was Holey Moley, turning mini-golf into a night of club-swinging fun. Then, came Netherworld, the arcade bar which offered a ton of mashing-button fun. And now, B. Lucky & Sons has stepped up as well, with its take on over-the-top arcade antics. And the best part? They're all located within blocks of each other in Fortitude Valley. So, if you're feeling flush, they make for one wild kidulting crawl. There's no wrong way to go about it, but we'd recommend starting with board games at Netherworld, where you can quietly ease into the raucousness. You can also grab a bite in the Hellmouth Diner while you're there to give yourselves some sustenance for the journey ahead. Next, mosey on over to Holey Moley for either nine or 18 holes of pop culture-themed golfing and some good chats between tap, tap, taps. And we're suggesting ending at B. Lucky & Sons purely for one reason: to unleash your prowess at the machines and show off your Dance Dance Revolution skills in order to win yourself a few super-huge stuffed toys from the prize counter. GLAMP IN A WINERY Wine and dinner — a classic date night idea. It's always a good option, but perhaps it's starting to feel a bit stale. Up your dating game and plan a night away that involves this classic date and then some. Look to glamping in a winery; it instantly takes the concept of a romantic getaway up several levels. Enter Sirromet Winery, located at Mount Cotton. Starting at $280 a night, each tent features a king bed, indoor day chairs, outdoor tables and seating, bathrooms with a shower and toilet, plus reverse cycle air-conditioning (a must if you're heading out while the weather is warm). You'll also find a breakfast hamper filled with croissants, bagels, smoked salmon and coffee, as well as plenty of Sirromet wine and, obviously, a whole vineyard to explore. TAKE A ROMANTIC GONDOLA CRUISE Who hasn't dreamed about spending a gorgeous day gliding around in a gondola? Well, don't worry, you won't have to take your date to Venice to tick this off your list — this time. Instead, you simply need to head to Bribie Island, where you can take a cruise through Pumicestone Passage via gondola and admire the Glasshouse Mountains. The experience is available every day of the week — at sunrise, sunset or even under the stars. And the choices keep on coming, just like the eye-catching scenery. You can opt for a 60 or 90-minute session at your chosen time of day and decide whether you'd like to snack on strawberries, cheese and crackers, indulge in some oysters or enjoy a whole seafood feast. Cruises start at $180 for two people and food at $20 for two. GO THROW AN AXE The concept of flinging weaponry mightn't sound particularly romantic, but it does sound like a fine way to release some tension. And the couple that hurls hatchets together, stays together, right? Wander into Brisbane's new Lumber Punks in West End, sign the necessary paperwork and get throwing. You don't need any experience and you'll be in a safe, indoor environment — just you, your person and your axes. The ins and outs are simple: chuck an axe at a target and try to score points — it's basically like playing a bigger, sharper version of darts. Sessions run for 90 minutes and cost $45 per person. If a splashy date just isn't on the cards, not to worry. Enter our comp and let us pick up the bill instead.
Working from home certainly has its advantages, including the lack of commute, the expanded wardrobe choices and, if you have a pet, the fact that your favourite furry friend can curl by your side. Don't have your own four-legged bestie? Always eager for more doggos in your life? Add a lunchtime date with Guide Dogs Australia to your schedule, and enjoy the overwhelming cuteness of the organisation's first puppy zoom meeting. With Wednesday, April 29 marking International Guide Dog Day, Guide Dogs Australia is giving the country what it wants: adorable dogs, virtually. The puppy zoom meeting will run for half an hour from midday, and feature gorgeous little labrador guide dog puppies — as well as experienced guide dogs, too. One of the pups, a three-week-old cutie, is even called Zoom — so you can bet it'll get plenty of attention. And yes, the whole event is taking place via Zoom, the platform, as most things in life seem to be at the moment. As well as gawking at endearing dogs, you'll also learn more about the guide dog journey — and how they assist people with blindness or low vision. Guide Dogs Australia's Puppy Zoom Meeting runs for free via Zoom from 12–12.30pm on Wednesday, April 29.
If there was ever a time to see Hot Chip in action, this would be it. The UK quintet are back for a premier East Coast tour, and are sure to still be reeling from their appearances at the Falls and Southbound festivals. Since 2004, Hot Chip have released a string of ambitious and creatively bold albums of soulful, lyrical and melodic electronic pop. Their stellar catalogue now boasts five albums and several standout singles, not to mention nominations at the Mercury Prize and Grammy Awards. To keep fans at bay, Hot Chip have recently released an expanded edition of “In Our Heads” and comes with an extra disc/digital bundle featuring remixes from Major Lazer, Optimo, Daphni and Moretime, rare tracks and previously unheard demos. In other words, the optimum way to get ready for the floor when you catch them in person.
Summertime comes with a whole heap of perks and benefits befitting hot weather, and pool parties come in pretty high on that long list. If you sadly don't have the pleasure of taking a dip whenever you wish, you might like to read on as Limes Hotel have planned your perfect pool party afternoon. Starting at 1pm, the chilled afternoon will include sets from Limes Hotel regular DJs. Stick around to catch Kolombo weave his magic and conjure up the very best in summer vibes. His successful singles, 'Get So Hot' and 'What Could Make Me Think' have helped earn his place in the house music spotlight. Keep cool this Saturday afternoon while you combine the very best things in life – drinks, a pool and great music. Grab your swimsuit, order an Espresso martini and let Kolombo provide the soundtrack to your balmy Saturday night. Tickets are available via Auditree.
However you can manage to help, assisting flood-affected fellow Brisbanites — and folks impacted by the wild weather conditions in New South Wales, too — is its own reward. Still, some options are tastier than others. Case in point: C'est Bon's Four Chefs, One Cause dinner, which sports a self-explanatory name and will have you eating an ace meal for a great cause. Taking place from 6pm on Tuesday, March 15, this one-night-only affair will feature four starters and four main meals — all by different culinary talents. C'est Bon's own Andy Ashby is involved, obviously, and so is Kyle Bradley from The Arsonist and Ben McShane from Clarence Restaurant. As for the fourth chef, that's yet to be revealed, so prepare your tastebuds for a surprise. Tickets cost $150, all of which will be donated to the Red Cross Flood appeal. And, on the night, you can also bid at an auction — with all proceeds there going to the same cause. Up for grabs: a dinner, bed and brekkie package at Spicers Hidden Vale; a dinner for two, with a five-course tasting menu, prepared at your own home; a selection of Black Pearl Epicure caviar; and two magnum bottles. [caption id="attachment_837435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption]
Burger lovers of Brisbane, rejoice — yet another (yes, another) place selling your favourite food is posed to join the culinary lineup. If you've ever grabbed a burg on the Gold or Sunshine Coasts, then you might be familiar with our newest resident: Betty's Burgers. After announcing they'd be opening new stores in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane last year, their shiny new burger joint opens today — Thursday, June 22 — inside Westfield Chermside's brand new dining precinct, their first in Brisbane. This new pastel-coloured store will have custom Italian wall tiles and room for 100 diners. It joins Bin 931 Bar and Dining from Gold Coast Little Truffle restaurateur and chef Daniel Ridgeway, and Bootlegger from Sydney's Tom Chidiac of Sourdough and The Naked Duck fame, along with Zeus Street Greek and 4Fingers Crispy Chicken in the new food precinct. So what's Betty's all about? Well, they do a range of burgs that have been pretty well received on the coast. If you haven't tried one yet, you can except their classic, crispy chicken, pork belly and mushroom signature burgers to make their way to Sydney, as well as their insane Shake Shack-esque frozen custard concoctions. These are called 'concretes', and you can choose to get things like peanut brittle, pecan pudding, doughnuts and lemon cheesecake mixed through them. A photo posted by Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co. (@bettys_burgers) on Dec 2, 2016 at 12:22am PST Betty's was first opened in Noosa by David Hales in 2014. He has since opened more stores across the country — three on the Gold Coast, one in Toowoomba, one in Melbourne and, just yesterday, one in Sydney. Another Brisbane store is already slated to open in Newstead this year. Betty's Burgers is now open from 10.30am till late seven days a week at Westfield Chermside, Corner Gympie and Hamilton Roads, Chermside. For more info, visit bettysburgers.com.au. Words by Lauren Vadnjal and Sarah Ward.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. Yes, DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market — which is sprawling over two days in 2021 for the first time ever. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it) among the more stalls. The annual market always compiles a bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department — and taking the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art is always recommended, as is checking out the edible delights to keep you going. The QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5 on the GOMA forecourt. Merry shopping!
Throw a stone in any Australian city, and it's likely to land near a burger joint. We're a country of meat-and-bread lovers, and we have the eateries upon eateries to prove it. When you're a burg-slinging place among many, and you've already expanded from your Gold Coast beginnings to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offshoots in just two years, what comes next? In Brooklyn Depot's case, they've given their American-themed menu a non-burger makeover. Known for their stacked towers of beef and cheese, alcohol-infused shakes and hefty list of wings, rings, strings and things, Brooklyn Depot has upped their game when it comes to other types of US-style food, thinking beyond the tried-and-tested burgs that have served them so well. Hungry customers can now munch their way through plates of lobster mac and cheese, homemade cheeseburger empanadas, shrimp and grits tacos, loaded pastrami on rye sandwiches and more. Other new inclusions range from French toast grilled cheese to corn beef hash egg rolls to chilli cheddar biscuits with chorizo sausage gravy, giving your use of American food terms a workout as well as your tastebuds. There's also the strange and wonderful combo that is chicken and waffles, made bubble-style with red velvet batter, plus French dip sandwiches (if you've ever wanted one of 30 Rock's sandwich day sangas with dipping sauce, this is the next best thing). The new menu came about after a number of research trips to the US, aka the job we'd all like to have. "We visited over 100 venues including rooftop bars, food trucks, fine dining restaurants and old classic diners," explains Brooklyn Depot co-owner Michael Rose. "It was the ultimate research mission to explore the best of Brooklyn and bring it home." With a fresh range also comes a fresh name, although it's a case of tweaking rather than changing their full moniker — from Brooklyn Depot Burgers & Brew to Brooklyn Depot Kitchen & Brew. Find Brooklyn Depot Sydney store at 65 Holt Street, Surry Hills; Melbourne digs at 399 Lonsdale Street; and Brisbane eatery at 168 Grey Street, South Bank. For more information, head to their website.
This time last year, Salt Meats Cheese didn't have any Brisbane stores. Come early 2019, it'll boast three. The Italian eatery has set its sights on a new spot, with plans to bring its pizza and pasta-heavy spread to Woolloongabba's South City Square in the new year. An official opening date has yet to be revealed; however, we do know that the restaurant will join the growing precinct at 148 Logan Road — with Tuckshop Time and Kivahan already open, and an eight-screen Reading Cinema also in the works. Still under construction, South City Square will eventually feature a luxury hotel, market hall, more restaurants and cafes, and 5000 square metres of green space. Giving locals a taste of things to come, SMC will first pop up in Woolloongabba on Saturday, October 13, as part of an Italian-inspired spring fling party, alongside La Macelleria. Running from 12–6pm, attendees can expect pizza stretching, tossing and cooking, as well as the eatery's famous cheese wheel pasta. For those that arrive at 12pm, 100 free pizzas will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. There'll also be plenty of spritzes and negronis, a cushion-filled hangout zone, plus bocce demonstrations and food trucks, all accompanied by a live music soundtrack. If it seems like SMC is carving out a ring of stores on the outskirts of Brisbane's CBD, that appears to be the plan. In addition to its original Brisbane location in Newstead, the chain has also been popping up in West End's West Village recently, an arrangement it'll make permanent this month. Find Salt Meats Cheese at South City Square, 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba from early 2019. We'll keep you updated regarding an opening date.
With a glass of wine in hand, and an appetite for art, Friday nights at Metro Arts are a tasty treat for even the pickiest of connossieurs. For a couple of weeks now, this continusouly surprising art space has been shutting artists – with full, express consent – in the gallery for an intense week of creative work and polishing. Friday nights are your chance to see their creative developments capped off with a showing and discussion. This week, there's no exception in terms of creativity, style and artistic innovation. Rebecca Maston brings to the table a darkly comic story of broken-down Ebony Starling, and her fall down the rabbit whole with Deenie, her suddenly animate childhood doll; all in a most peculiar partnership of art forms – puppetry and dance. Don't rashly partner puppetry with Oscar the Grouch, Being John Malkovich and Happy Meal toys, Maston's production is one that utilises this rare artform in flawless and graceful manner. Throw away your current Friday night plans, and meet the dark characters of Maston's unique production.
He lived there. He spent his last moments there. In between, he recorded music, played small gigs, and based his studio and record label there, too. We're talking about Paisley Park, the house formerly known as Prince's private and creative sanctuary. Now, the compound that shares its name with one of his songs is opening to the public. Four months after his tragic passing, the multi-talented musician's siblings have announced their plans for the massive mansion 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota — and, given that the site will celebrate his life, musical output and legacy, Prince fans are going to want to schedule a trip to America's midwest from October 6. That's when the 65,000-square-foot complex will start offering daily tours of a place that, until now, only a few hundred people have had the privilege of entering. We know what you're thinking, and you're right; yes, Paisley Park is about to become the Prince-focused equivalent of Elvis Presley's Graceland. Visitors to the abode-turned-museum will be able to wander through the main floor of site, which was built in the mid '80s. There, they'll see the recording and mixing studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of the iconic tracks we all know and love. Plus, they'll step inside his private NPG Music Club, and get a glimpse the massive soundstage and concert hall where he not only rehearsed for tours, but also held exclusive private events and concerts. Along the way, thousands of artifacts from Prince's personal archives will be on display. If you've ever wanted to feast your eyes on his concert outfits, awards, musical instruments and artwork — or rare music and video recordings, concert memorabilia, automobiles and motorcycles — you'll find them here. According to Prince's sister Tyka Nelson, "opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on." While the lyrics of his 1985 song advised that "admission is easy, just say U believe and come 2 this place in your heart", early-bird ticketing — which is on sale now — costs either US$38.50 for a 70-minute self-guided tour, or US$100 for a longer, more extensive VIP experience within what we're hoping are purple-coloured walls.
If you spend your free time binging on true crime, then you're probably familiar with the Golden State Killer. Between 1974–1986, the serial killer, rapist and burglar terrorised California, committing at least 12 murders, over 50 home-invasion rapes and more than 100 burglaries. Until 2018, however, the culprit hadn't been caught. Accordingly, it's the type of case that has kept more than a few folks wondering over the years and decades — including writer Michelle McNamara. HBO's new true-crime docuseries I'll Be Gone in the Dark chronicles McNamara's obsession with the case, as well as her hunt to find the perpetrator. Her tale is filled with intrigue, too, with her nights spent sleuthing through unsolved crimes and penning the blog True Crime Diaries while her family slept. Fixating on the Golden State Killer led McNamara to an article for Los Angeles Magazine, plus a book deal. But before she could finish her manuscript, McNamara — who was also married to comedian Patton Oswalt — died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in her sleep. Based on McNamara's book I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer, which was published two years after her death (and before an arrest was made in the case), the six-part series steps through this whole scenario. When the series hits HBO in the US at the end of June — with dates Down Under yet to be revealed, but Australian airings likely to happen via Foxtel — viewers can obviously expect quite the detective story. On offer, as both the initial teaser and just-dropped full trailer show: archival footage and details from police files; interviews with detectives, survivors and family members of the killer; and McNamara's own words, via original recordings as well as excerpts from her book read by actor Amy Ryan (Late Night, Beautiful Boy, The Office). The series also doubles as an exploration of the handling of sexual crimes in the 70s and 80s by law enforcement, as well as an examination of true-crime obsession and pursuit of justice. Check out the full trailer the below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_EVR1fI68o I'll Be Gone in the Dark starts screening on HBO in the US on June 28. An air date Down Under is yet to be announced — we'll update you when further details come to hand. Top images: Robyn Van Swank/HBO.
If you're a vegetarian, keen home cook or worshipper of eggplant, chances are Yotam Ottolenghi has had some impact on your life. Now, it's time to meet him in the flesh. On January 29, the influential Israeli chef will appear at the Brisbane Powerhouse for a long chat about food. Happening as part of the Powerhouse's Writers + Ideas programme, the date marks the release of Ottolenghi's latest book Simple filled with 130 easy-to-make yet super-tasty dishes. But, he'll be talking to journalist Annabel Crabb about much more than that. Firstly, there are all his other books, like the Middle Eastern-inspired Jerusalem, the vegetarian-friendly Plenty and the dessert bible Sweet, a collaboration with Melbourne pastry chef Helen Goh. Then, there are his documentaries and his regular writing gigs: a weekly column in Feastmagazine and a monthly column in The New York Times. Before becoming a world-famous chef, Ottolenghi worked as a journo in Amsterdam. On deciding to delve into food, he trained at the Cordon Bleu, as well as a bunch of Michelin-starred restaurants in London, before taking on the role of Head Pastry Chef at Baker and Spice, where he befriended Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi. The two teamed up to found the Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill — the first of many, many projects. Image: Prudence Upton, courtesy of the Sydney Opera House.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills opened its doors earlier this year, it promised Brisbanites a rotating array of food trucks, and that's exactly what it has delivered. That said, its newest addition is sticking around. Launching on Friday, October 12, Harry's Pizza is setting up shop for the long haul — and slinging $5 pizzas five afternoons a week. From the simple deliciousness of cheese-and-tomato heavy margherita, to the joint's stacked take on the supreme, to a four-cheese delight covered in ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan and bocconcini, Harry's will serve up eight different varieties of 12-inch pizza, plus garlic bread, chips and loaded fries as sides. Even better — every pizza is available for $5 between 4-6pm, as long as you also buy either a boozy or non-alcoholic beverage. With Harry's operating hours mimicking WtBH's, that means you'll be able to snag a highly affordable early dinner between Wednesday and Sunday. The special is also available all day on Fridays. Run by the folks behind the food truck park as a way to offer something beyond their rotating meals-on-wheels lineup, the pizza joint will only be open for dining onsite at present, but takeaway options are coming down the track. Plus, to celebrate, Harry's is launching in a manner that's getting pretty familiar to Brisbanites — albeit no less tasty. Drop by from 12pm on Friday, October 12 to nab one of 100 free pizzas. There's a limit of one per customer and it's first-come, first-served, so there's your lunch plans sorted. Find Harry's Pizza at Welcome to Bowen Hills, 631 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills from Friday, October 12. It'll be open from 4–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11am–11pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11am–10pm on Sunday.
Some places have all the luck, and when it comes to combining brews with a view, Felons Brewing Co has plenty. Nestled into the CBD's revitalised Howard Smith Wharves area, it shares that luck with Brisbanites keen for a frosty beverage by the river — but on Wednesday afternoons, it's also giving you some boozy motivation to exercise. Felons' beer yoga classes take place from 5pm each week under the Story Bridge — and, while you're there, you'll want to put one of the outfit's tipples in your hands. Pick your favourite beer, then both work up and take care of your thirst. You'll also be immersed in the city's newest precinct with one of the city's best vantage points. Nina Lee from Sukhino will run you through your moves across 45 minutes, and attendance is free. BYO mat and just show up — although arriving early is recommended, because these sessions are certain to be popular. Felons Brewing Co's beer yoga sessions take place from 5–5.45pm each Wednesday.
What can a bunny police officer and fox con artist teach humans about equality, diversity, fairness and keeping an open mind? In Zootopia, quite a lot. Yes, audiences are supposed to get a few giggles out of a cute, fluffy rabbit trying to enforce law and order, and nod knowingly when they see a sly predator pulling street-wise scams. But they're supposed to interrogate their initial reactions to these animal stereotypes as well. Breaking down preconceptions and teaching viewers not to form opinions based on appearances is the animated effort's main intention — quite complex material for young viewers to process. Thankfully, the feature's main message comes wrapped in a cop and crime caper that's as smart and weighty as it is colourful and amusing. When a movie combines anthropomorphic critters, bright imagery, references to Chinatown and The Godfather, and a first-rate Breaking Bad gag, the phrase "fun for all ages" really does apply. Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) are the respective big-eared and quick-witted creatures riding Zootopia's wave of thoughtful, frenetic entertainment, with the two crossing paths on Judy's first day on the force. When Nick pulls the wool over the newbie cop's eyes, it just adds to her woes (instead of catching bad guys, she's writing parking tickets). Of course, you can't keep an eager bunny down, particularly when the city is overrun with missing person cases. Quicker than you can say "odd couple", Judy and Nick have reluctantly teamed up to locate an absent otter, prove Judy's police prowess, and help Nick find his true calling. From there we go zipping around Zootopia's imaginative setting, segueing between observational jokes and sight gags, and listening to a stellar voice cast that includes Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, JK Simmons and Octavia Spencer. Directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore and co-director Jared Bush handle the balance of laughs and drama with the energy and emotion needed — but given that the trio boasts the likes of Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph and Big Hero 6 on their resumes, that's hardly a surprise. Indeed, when Zootopia is firing on all cylinders, it hits the majority of the targets it aims for. In the same way that animated films about people can get to the core of common issues and emotions in a way that live-action efforts can't always manage, there's something both perceptive and powerful about seeing common prejudices and problems played out by animals. The movie may tread a fine line between calling out stereotypes and reinforcing them in some parts — such as a scene set in a sloth-filled car registration department — but it mostly falls on the right side of the equation. And crucially, while Zootopia doesn't shy away from its important underlying statement, the upbeat, insightful offering doesn't overplay its hand or overstay its welcome, either.
If you've ever sat in front of the television and watched NCIS, Criminal Minds and the like thinking, "hey, I could do that," then here's your chance to prove it. Brisbane Street Reads is hosting their next real-life choose your own adventure hunt through Dutton Park this Friday and absolutely everyone is welcome to come along and give it a shot. The day begins with a free guided tour with author of The Escape of Bloggo: Creature of the Maiwar, Jason Theodosis, as well as illustrator Clare Neal. The monster hunt kicks off at 10.50am sharp through the streets of Dutton Park. You'll need the free Story City app (which you can download from the Apple or Android App store), headphones or speaker to listen to where you need to go, and of course water, a hat, sunscreen and all those things your mum would tell you to pack. This is a great, adventurous and fun way to learn about the history of one of Brisbane's most interesting suburbs, as well as having a great day in the sun. Bring your friends, family, and even your dog, and be prepared to be seriously challenged.
Fan of hop hop? Love poetry? Well Black Bear Lodge have a treat for you. Head along on Wednesday night for some hump-day fun provided by the incredibly talented Omar Musa. Omar will be celebrating the release of his debut novel, Here Come the Dogs and has a killer set prepared. Here Come the Dogs is a tale of three troubled and violent young men navigating their way through contemporary Australia. Omar uses clever prose and interesting rhythms to capture the audiences imagination and take them on a journey. Omar has more than just street cred for his poetry and hip hop performances as he has entertained audiences on Q&A and TEDx. Omar's novel is available from Riverbend Books as are tickets to the event. Joining Omar will be fellow slam poet, DJ Butch Daddy.
Summer is about to get a whole lot better for those in the CBD with Aria co-owners Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan opening their latest creation this Friday. Located on the promenade level of Riparian Plaza, Riverbar & Kitchen aims to represent the Queensland lifestyle with a laid back, outdoor restaurant that turns into a hot nightspot with prime river and Story Bridge views. Open seven days a week, Riverbar & Kitchen will appeal to the many local lunchtime diners, but also tourists looking for a picturesque eating spot, and for revelers looking to celebrate. “The aim is for Riverbar & Kitchen to be the ultimate casual one-stop-shop for people to eat, drink, and socialise along the river,” Sullivan said. “Our menus offer options to take people through the week and into the weekend, from morning coffees to after-five drinks and cocktails, and light breakfasts to evening bites of shared plates, grills, and pizzas.” The cocktail menu can be enjoyed individually or in shared punch jugs. For those looking to share a fresh summer drink in this hot weather, Riverbar & Kitchen will be serving jugs of Pimms and white sangria ($25). Food you can expect to enjoy includes the snow crab slider with pickled cornichons and buttermilk bun ($9), as well as a bucket of prawns with lemon and cocktail sauce ($20). A 20-metre-long bar extends from indoors out to the boardwalk beer garden, which features several big screen televisions and a tropical garden setting. The venue’s interior is inspired by quintessential Queensland elements, such as VJ weatherboards, bleached wood, and an eclectic mix of nautical vintage pieces. Riverbar & Kitchen sounds like the Queensland dream, we cannot wait to try it.
Hungry? Thirsty? Hankering for a gin high tea, some bubbles and brie, a tasty tipple or an array of craft beverages? Of course you are — and between Thursday, May 31 and Sunday, June 3, the Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival has your cravings covered. Now in its third year, the event will once again bring gastronomical delights to the glitter strip. Like any good menu, it boasts plenty of variety — from visiting an oyster farm and catching your own crabs, to devouring a five-course dinner at a winery, to enjoying the flavours at the South American food fest within the main festival. More than 30 events comprise the 2018 program, and more than 15,000 people are expected to attend. Whether taking food and wine tours, enjoying a creekside picnic, shopping at an organic market or pairing desserts with coffee gets your tastebuds tingling, you'll find it here. Really, the whole thing is a giant foodie treasure hunt.
Prepare to be creeped out all over again by the man behind one of last year's huge horror hits. Hereditary writer/director Ari Aster is back with his unsettling new movie, Midsommar — and as anyone who saw his last movie will know, this flick is certain to put everyone on edge. Story-wise, the film follows Dani (Florence Pugh) and her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor). Their relationship isn't so stable, but tragedy keeps them together. Then she follows him to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village; however this isn't just a carefree summer holiday in a close-knit community. Instead, it's a nightmare in daylight. Expect a whole heap of people wearing white, nothing proving quite what it seems, and The Good Place's William Jackson Harper and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch's Will Poulter also among the cast. Expect idyllic natural surroundings and flower crowns — as corrupted by chilling rituals and unnerving antics — as well. While plenty about the film is still being kept a mystery, a new trailer has dropped, following on from the first teaser earlier this year. Remember, if you're expecting another visibly dark and sinister flick from Aster, think again. Instead, Midsommar is light, bright and filled with bohemian-looking folks — even when it steps firmly into creepy cult territory Check out the latest trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I9ZeUWXI2s&feature=youtu.be Midsommar opens in Australian cinemas on August 8.
Everyone has their own Australia Day traditions. In the country town of Coriole, theirs includes eskies filled with beer, many a snag on many a barbecue, and the biggest party they can possibly throw — and they'll do anything to make sure that it all comes to fruition. Well, they will if the planning committee can first work through a few issues. Their topics of disagreement: what it means to be a true blue Aussie, and what a celebration of that fact should look like. Of course, everyone has a different opinion. Both writing and directing, playwright Jonathan Biggins tackles the country's annual day of days, but he's doing more than slinging a heap of slang-fuelled sayings and inspiring a few love-filled laughs about a beloved public holiday. Both reflecting and dissecting the Australian psyche, he crafts a comedy that channels the continuing debate about our national identity in contemporary times.
Most of the time, when bands take a break, they disappear into the land of never-to-be-heard-of-again. It's a kind of ex-rockers' purgatory, where would-have-, could-have- and should-have-beens sit around listening to early demo tapes, bemoaning the halcyon days when a record deal was forever just around the corner, and growing bitter about the fact that such-and-such became too egotistical or whatshisname retreated to the countryside to clean up his act. Not so The Basics. In their three-year hiatus, they've managed to win three Grammys (via Wally de Backer's transformation into Gotye), write a film score (Tim Heath's contribution to The Rise and Rise of Richard Latt) and catch malaria while checking out Kenya's local music scene (just one chapter in Kris Schroeder's excellent adventures). With all of that out of (or should that be in?) their system, they're ready for a reunion. So they've released new single 'So Hard For You' and will be touring nationally throughout September and October. "It's been a great challenge nutting out how to bring a large band, visuals and studio compositions together for the Gotye live shows over the last two years," Wally says. "But right now I'm looking forward to getting sweaty behind the drums and playing rock 'n' roll in these fab clubs with my brothers Kris and Tim." https://youtube.com/watch?v=bnDf9zLiUII
This spring, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is hosting a sales event of most peculiar stock. Strange things they are, full of pages, rampant with words and with covers of the most beautiful colours. You can't charge them, they don't run out of battery, their brightness is unalterable and they won't smash when you drop them. If you're a Lifeline Bookfest fan — and therefore you've spent plenty of summer and winter days trawling through table after table of secondhand books — then you've probably started to guess where this is going. But it's currently October, so it isn't quite Bookfest time just yet. Instead, Lifeline is hosting its first ever Book and Gift Fair. Obviously, there'll be vintage reading bargains. Yes, you'll probably find everything from Australian Women's Weekly cookbooks to a bit of cheeky erotica, as well as games, DVDs and puzzles. If you've been to Bookfest before, you'll know there are warehouse quantities of books for sale – your grade five diary is probably hidden under a copy of Shantaram, and you'll come across at least three copies of Cooking with Days of Our Lives. In total, there'll be more than 500,000 books on offer, with prices starting from $2.50. Wondering about the gifts? Given that Christmas really will be here before we know it (again, it's already October), there'll be a range of brand-new items up for sale. That includes homewares, lanterns, plant pots, garden gnomes, photo frames, clocks and candles, plus soaps, diffusers, jewellery boxes and toys. You'll still want to bring a trolley and your glasses, obviously, and to clear some space on your shelves at home. And, you'll want to bring your cards, because this fair is cashless. Also, you'll need your own bags; however, if you're buying a gift, you can get it wrapped for a donation. Head along from 7.30am–6pm on Saturday, October 23, or from 8.30am–6pm across the rest of the fair. Images: Bookfest.
Delfina's Bistro might've only opened back in May 2015, but it didn’t take them long to cement their reputation as one of Brisbane's tastiest restaurants. If you've been there and tried their roasted beetroot salad, duck breast or herb-crusted wagyu brisket — or anything else on their menu, really — then you know what we're talking about. And now they're making a good thing even better by extending their range beyond their delicious lunch and dinner fare. Yep, it's the news early birds (or, earlier birds) have been waiting for: on weekends they'll be serving brunch. Let us whet your appetite for their brunch creations, which will be available 8am till 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and on Fridays from 11.30am too. How does what we're choosing to believe is Dr. Seuss-inspired green eggs and ham sound? Or pumpkin fritters with bacon, and bruschetta topped with mushrooms and goats' cheese? And, because even Delfina's can't resist the city's current sweet treat obsession, they're also serving up a bowl of jam doughnuts with ice cream and cinnamon sugar. With a boozy spiced rum iced coffee cocktail also part of the new offerings — and everything from pulled pork pot pie to sweet 'eggs' made from mango and coconut as well — it's a something-for-everyone kind of deal. Well, we know what we're doing on Saturday morning. How about you? Find Delfina's at 50/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, or visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Many discovered it through its gigs. A few by suggestion, and some out of sheer chance, a drunken stumble and good luck. The reality is, most of us were lured there after a tireless, soul-crushing wait in a Rics line, where only 10 meters away, faint dance beats drifted down a Lodge stairwell, beckoning us into a pair or warm, fuzzy Black Bear arms. In two year’s, Black Bear Lodge has added more than a bit of spice to the Brunswick Street ‘party scene’. They’ve hand picked and hosted bands dreams are made of, set up a dance floor that would have Kevin Bacon weeping, and drowned lodge-goers in the finest of drinks – and for that they're celebrating with Black Bear Radio. Leading the night will be garage-psych heroes The Frowning Clouds, with all girl super-group The Madisons, and homegrown, under-aged rock geniuses The Kramers working stage. It wouldn’t be a Black Bear bash without some of our best local DJs in the mix - Black Amex, Soul Train and Bris Springsteen, as well as London’s DJ Philistine giving a hearty hip-hip-hooray on the turntable. Admit it – in the two years of Black Bear Lodge we’ve all been just that little bit more cultured and educated at their hands. Now it’s your turn to say thanks, cheers and happy birthday in one huge night of jamboree.
It has been 65 years since Godzilla first rampaged across through Tokyo, and the super-sized creature isn't done wreaking havoc just yet. Like comic book characters and Star Wars, the king of the monsters is a cinema mainstay. The scaly critter is also asserting its place atop the kaiju food chain in the latest trailer for Godzilla: King of the Monsters. If you haven't kept track of the Japanese figure's many, many screen appearances, this is its 35th. It's also the sequel to the last American-made Godzilla film, which hit screens back in 2014 — and this time, the giant critter isn't the only behemoth rampaging through cinemas. In what promises to be quite the hefty creature feature, Godzilla: King of the Monsters sees the eponymous figure enlisted to help the planet against a heap of the beast's own enemies, including Mothra, Rodan and the three-headed King Ghidorah. At one point in the new trailer, it's mentioned that there are at least 17 monsters, which will be sure to keep Godzilla and the film's human cast — including Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Thomas Middleditch, Charles Dance and O'Shea Jackson Jr — rather busy. Yes, plenty of oversized creature mayhem is in movie-goers' futures come May 30 — and more next year as well. Godzilla: King of the Monsters will be followed by another monster mashup in 2020's Godzilla vs. Kong, pitting Godzilla against a certain giant ape in a film that also acts as a sequel to 2017's Kong: Skull Island. Partially shot in Queensland, it stars Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Julian Dennison, Kyle Chandler and Demián Bichir. Check out the latest Godzilla: King of the Monsters trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW3xYYJ6NoE&feature=youtu.be Image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Being abducted by a giant psychedelic bird and falling through a tripped-out realm of giant saxophones is all in a day's work for Wagons. To celebrate the announcement of a pair of Victorian shows following Wagons' recent Acid Rain and Sugar Cane album tour, the Melbourne outfit's latest single 'Chase the Eclipse' comes with a trippy new video. Featuring the super '70s claymation work of Wagons band member Si the Philanthropist, the clip is just the ticket for a boring ol' weekday afternoon. "Inspired by Gumby and the movie Jason and the Argonauts, the story is like Greek mythology meets acid trip wonderland," says Si the Philanthropist "A strange creature kidnaps Henry, then the band are transformed by its powers while trying to rescue him, until the eclipse destroys the magic and releases them. I wanted to make a strange, and colourful video to match the technicolour nature of the song. "One month, 6500 shots, all made in a home studio with a skateboard for a dolly, ten packets of modelling clay, one jumbo packet of smarties, 180 coloured paper circles, some fern trees, two guitars, a keyboard, a saxophone and Henry." Here's the clip, see you on the other side of the rabbit hole: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hlqf43YSP1g WAGONS EXTRA AUS TOUR DATES: Fri Aug 8 at Caravan Music Club. tickets here. Sat Aug 9 at The Substation, Newport, tickets here.
They're taking to hobbits to Isengard at the Elizabeth Picture Theatre this autumn, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for one sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations on Sunday, May 26. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King, this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at 558 minutes, starting the journey at 10am and including short breaks between each (for breakfast and second breakfast, if you will). If you make it to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest CBD resident on your way home (note: do not actually screech at the residents). Without a ticket, expect at least one overenthusiastic cinema staff member to make an example of you, thundering "You shall not pass!" to raucous applause. So buy a ticket, precious. Actually, you'll need three — one for each film, at $12 each.
Celebrate the rebirth of Brisbane art-hub Boxcopy, as they launch their Petrie Terrace gallery space with fitting exhibition, New Dawn. The pop-culture driven art scene has long found heart in the energetic pursuit of working from the extraterrestrial and new age. No artist though, has pursued it in more divergent a medium than Chris Howlett in his latest exhibit, New Dawn. As exemplary multi-tasker, skilled in everything from installation, performance, sound art and digital modding, Howlett has a express willingness to engage with big themes and issues other artists would find to daunting – New Dawn shows he is indeed a man with no fear. This stage of New Daw will consist of a three channel machinima projection which conflates popular myths surrounding near death experiences, extraterrestrial encounters, UFO sightings and new age spirituality, all entwined with the conspiracy theories, then neatly mapped onto the medieval, magical video game Skyrim. The exhibit will be showcased from the 24th of August to the 14th of September – don’t miss the opportunity to witness, question and be mildly confronted by the daring work of Chris Howell.
Burger joint 5 Boroughs might take its name from New York's five divisions, but it could also be giving Brisbanites a sneak peek of things to come. With a new eatery set to open in Balmoral on June 23, that'll bring the chain's footprint to three stores across the city. It's not quite up to five yet, but it's getting close. Coming to the corner of Riding and Barton roads, the new burger outpost will keep slinging its American-style street food, just in a new eastside location. That means more burgers of the classic, cheese, bacon-filled and vegan variety, as well as baby back ribs in Bulldog Bourbon sauce, cheese fries, fish tacos and reuben sandwiches. The chain has also just launched five new burgs, featuring mac 'n' cheese, brisket, and both fried and grilled chicken — as well as a Manhattan Royale with Cheese, which comes with a pickle on top. Joining existing restaurants in Stones Corner and Ascot, the Balmoral space will also be getting things started in the usual 5 Boroughs fashion — that is, with a two-for-one deal. Head on down on opening day to nab an extra burger with your order, although, because the special is designed to encourage you to bring a friend, you are required to purchase two drinks. Find 5 Boroughs Balmoral at 216 Riding Road, Balmoral from June 23. For more information, visit the chain's website or Facebook page.
From clowns to furry critters to dolls, 80s and 90s pop culture drew plenty of scares from childhood staples. Decades later, Hollywood is conjuring up plenty more by bringing it all back again. With the IT remake not only working a charm back in 2017, but releasing a star-studded sequel later this year, the folks behind it are reviving another old favourite: Child's Play. While the horror franchise released its last instalment, Cult of Chucky, as recently as 2017, the new Child's Play is starting all over again. Remaking the original 1989 movie, it'll re-introduce the world to the psychopathic flame-haired plaything with a lust for murder. This time, the toy will terrorise Aubrey Plaza, who plays a young mother to a son who comes into possession of the knife-wielding doll. And Chucky will be voiced by none other than Mark Hamill, who's swapping lightsabers for killer dolls. Whether you've seen any of the seven other Chucky flicks or are too creeped out by the idea to watch, you can probably guess where the story goes. This time, however, the murderous plastic moppet has been updated for today's surveillance- and technology-heavy times. Indeed, there are more than a few recognisable internet-enabled gadgets in the film's new trailer — the second sneak peek, after releasing a first glimpse earlier this year. If you're particularly excited about the character's comeback, then you'll be just as excited to know that even more is in store, with a Child's Play TV series also in the works. Check out the unsettling latest trailer for the new Child's Play movie below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeHNLikDiVw Child's Play releases in Australian cinemas on June 20, 2019.
There are all sorts of bad movies. Some, like Palo Alto, smack of pretention and self-indulgence. Others, like Grace of Monaco, are poorly written and incompetently made. Yet others, like The Rover, fail on a level that is more difficult to quantify, unable to deliver a satisfying experience in spite the qualities they possess. Then there are movies like Yves Saint Laurent. For them, the word 'bad' seems inappropriate, because it suggests that they are in any way noteworthy. A French-language biopic on the eponymous fashion icon — a man whose name and designs altered the world of luxury clothing forever — Yves Saint Laurent is so bland, conventional and boring that it barely registers as a movie at all. Actor-turned-director Jalil Lespert follows the biopic playbook to the inoffensive letter. Guillaume Gallienne plays Laurent's long-time lover and business partner, whose wistful voiceover gives a rose-coloured tint to the already obsequious treatment. YSL himself is played by the gangly Pierre Niney; the competent enough actor saddled with a totally uninteresting role. And therein lies the film's biggest problem: Laurent's arc — from youthful prodigy to cocksure rebel to lonely, introverted genius — is one that we've seen played out literally hundreds of times before. So we watch, with utter indifference, as he alienates his friends and turns an industry on its head. Or so we're told, anyway. Thinly drawn side characters flit in and out as the years go by, each there to remind us that Laurent is changing the game. At a certain point, you just have to take their word for it. To be fair, even a layman can recognise the beauty of his designs, which Lespert trots out in montage after golden-hued montage. For fashionistas, at least, the film gives you plenty nice to look at. But clothes, despite what the old adage says, do not make the man. Laurent's work was remarkable, but his life, unfortunately, was not. So we're left with a film that is purely surface level, and that fades from your memory the second the end credits role. In some ways, you actually wish it were worse, because at least then there'd be something more to say about it. If nothing else, Grace of Monaco was fun to make fun of. Yves Saint Laurent doesn't even give you that. https://youtube.com/watch?v=-ec-DQ_7EUM
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and, after announcing back in May last year that Burger Project will be coming to Brisbane, Perry has finally confirmed an opening date: this Friday, February 17. The new store will open up at 11am on ground level at the new Southport precinct in South Bank. The venue, which will boast big floor-to-ceiling windows, will have room for 60 burger fiends inside and another 30 outside. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Brisbane Burger Project will also be the first outlet to offer breakfast, from Monday, February 20. They'll switch out their regular menu for bacon and egg (and mushroom and egg) burgers, BLTs, potato gems and coffee from Melbourne's Market Lane from 8–11am daily. The South Bank store is the eighth Burger Project to open around the country, and the first in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group, they plan to open more stores here this year. Burger Project is set to open on the ground floor of the Southport precinct at 271 Grey Street, South Bank at 11am on Friday, February 17. For more information, visit burgerproject.com. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
Think size is a reflection of quality? Think again. One of Brisbane's quaintest little bars is striving to prove otherwise by showing off some of the nation's emerging talent. Just head down to Ashgrove's Junk Bar this Saturday to catch some of Australia's best acts in the World's Smallest Festival. Playing on two incy wincy stages will be Arbuckle, Scraps, plus Louis Forster and James Harrison from newly signed Brisbane band The Goon Sax. The evening kicks of at 7.30pm, with all of Junk's signature cocktails and drinks guaranteed to be flowing. It's only $8, which probably makes it also one of the world's cheapest festivals, too — and tickets can be purchased at the door. If you've never been to Junk Bar before, this is as good an excuse as any to jump on the Maroon Glider as it heads in the Ashgrove direction and check these humble little digs out. And hey, you might even discover a new favourite band while you're at it.
