In Japan there is a deep appreciation for the iconic cherry blossom (sakura) tree. The prevalence of the tree in the Japanese landscape signifies the commencement of spring, and is worthy of a national celebration. Festivities commonly include parties and picnics under the cherry blossoms. In Australia, it's Sake Restaurant and Bar that's leading the appreciation for the cherry blossom, the spring season and a bit of Japanese feasting. For the month of September, they have organised a special food and drink menu and exclusive events. The festival includes executive chef Shaun Presland's signature spring menu ($88) and spring lunch menu ($38), a $15 sake flight with suggested food matches, and the Harajuku Pop-Up Bar, a fun and casual incarnation for the restaurant. Try the special cocktail, The Kimono Doll ($17), which shows off the tantalising flavours of ichiko shochu, cherries and coco. If you want to go all-out, join the 24-seater Cherry Blossom Dinner (September 17 only, $120pp), which comes with matched sake, shochu and tea and includes courses like cuttlefish and urchin dashi jelly shooter, ocean trout and scallop tartar with truffle ponzu and caviar, and chirashi sushi rice bowl.
If you thought seafood was best suited to sultry days, then Aussie-born chain Kickin' Inn hears you. It started in New South Wales in 2018, then hit up Melbourne when it first branched out interstate last year, and now it's headed Brisbane's way. This town of ours is home to warm weather basically all year round, after all — aka the perfect climate to eat the ocean's finest whenever you feel like it. From Thursday, April 14, you'll find Kickin' Inn at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill — and its signature offering of seafood tossed through punchy house-made 'Kajun' sauces as well. For the uninitiated, Kickin' Inn offers an all-in, bibs-and-gloves experience, where diners do away with cutlery and get their hands messy with bags full of prawns, mud crab, pipis and shellfish using only the tools that Jesus gave you. The Cajun-inspired house sauces — here, dubbed 'Kajun' — are more than mere support acts, with the venue boasting five flavour-charged secret recipes. If feasting is on the agenda, you'll find an abundance of snacks to kick things off including battered squid tentacles, jalapeno cheese bites, freshly-shucked Sydney rock oysters and wings. After that, you've got some big decisions to make. Choose your main event from a slew of ocean-fresh goodies including whole lobster, pounds of peeled prawns, a pile of baby octopus, blue swimmer crab pieces, or a mess of mussels and pipis. Pick a matching sauce, whack in some additions like corn or chorizo, and dial up the heat level as high as you dare — keeping in mind the 'inferno' option is only just over halfway up the scale. Meanwhile, a separate lunch menu features more solo-friendly feeds from a prawn spaghetti to peeled prawns served with rice. Kickin' Inn Spring Hill is launching with a few opening specials this Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15, too — so, for two days only, you can enjoy free signature shrimp martinis when you book a table, and win prizes. Find Kickin' Inn at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, from Thursday, April 14.
When acclaimed actor and musician Michael Tuahine saw the life and songs of Johnny Cash turned into film, he had an idea. He imagined Australian icon Jimmy Little receiving the Walk the Line treatment — and thanks to playwright Reg Cribb and director Wesley Enoch, his dream has become a reality. The result is Country Song, a fictionalised story inspired by Little. In 1973, the entertainer is about to take the stage to perform the national anthem in front of a loving audience. As he ponders the task ahead, he is whisked on a fictional road trip through his past. The show doesn't just tell his tale but explores major social changes; shares accounts of singers Auriel Andrew, Bobby McLeod and Lionel Rose; and pays tribute to both the 1970s era and to the tunes that provided the soundtrack for a generation. It's a celebration of the healing power of music, an ode to a legendary local talent, and the world premiere of a powerful play, all in one. Rehearsal photo by Stephen Henry.
When you've already given Brisbane a wolf to spend time with — East Brisbane's The Wolfe, actually — what can you howl at next? Restaurateur Paul McGivern is keeping the theme going with La Lune Wine Co, which opens on South Brisbane's Fish Lane on March 24. La Lune doesn't just want you to enjoy a wine while the moon shines, though that's certainly on the menu, this newcomer wants to match those tipples with the perfect dishes. Sure, every wine-serving establishment wants to do the same, but here you'll find six menu selections that have been handpicked to match specific drops. This is a wine bar, so charcuterie and cheese will also be available, as will oysters, carpaccio, and house-made salumi, plus baguettes with serrano and cheese for lunch. Trading from midday to midnight, La Lune aims to offer Brisbanites a wine bar for all occasions — complete with what's being called an "interactive dining space", which will encourage patrons to chat with staff to get the skinny on the best vino to sip on. We'd go so far as to call this a regular dining space with good service, but we admire a spot of far-reaching conceptualisation. Design-wise, expect timber aplenty, including 103-year-old reclaimed oak taken from the chateaus and barns of the French countryside, paired with French tiles, small tables and an intimate air will also help bring a taste of Europe to our fair city. If you can't head to Paris, you'll always have South Brisbane. Find La Lune Wine Co at Shop 5, 109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane from March 24. For further details, drop by their website or Facebook page.
Following the release of their fresh film clip for the catchy tune 'Create/Destroy', the favourite trio of Australian quirk pop ,Art Vs Science, have announced a national tour. Their show at The Zoo this Saturday will follow major appearances at the St Kilda Festival and the Channel [V] Open Surf event; they are ready and raring to hit the road, buzzed on the success fronting audiences in the thousands, armed with material to impress any long-time fan. Alongside their back catalogue of party anthems is their reputation for a stellar live show of bombastic proportions. These lads are not afraid to push the limits of sound and space—effects, costumes, audience participation are par for the course of a typical AvS show, being unlike any other. Tickets for this show are bound to sell out, so be sure to not miss out on an opportunity to see the best at their best.
"Getting the chance to design a world-class steakhouse from scratch is a dream come true," says Michael Tassis. "With the original Fatcow, we inherited the old Cha Cha Char space and had to make it our own. This time, we're taking a site that's never been a restaurant before and turning it into the ideal version of Fatcow." Tassis' hospitality portfolio also includes Yamas Greek + Drink, Massimo, Opa Bar + Mezze, Fosh and Longwang (and will gain an overwater restaurant and bar, plus a landing cafe, as part of Kangaroo Point's new green bridge). In West End, Rich & Rare has steaks taken care of, too. But Fatcow was a beef-eating favourite in its original digs at Eagle Street Pier — and the aim is to repeat the feat now that it has moved to Fortitude Valley. It was back in late 2023 that Tassis Group announced that Fatcow on James Street — which was known as Fatcow Steak & Lobster during its CBD days — would return this year. It lost its previous site, where it had operated since December 2020 in the spot that was formerly home to fellow upscale steak joint Cha Cha Char, when the Brisbane CBD precinct was torn down to make way for an upcoming new $2.1-billion waterfront precinct. Now, since Wednesday, May 8, the new Fatcow is welcoming in patrons. The restaurant has relaunched in the Fortitude Valley spot that Space Furniture and David Jones each used to call home. The design led by Allo Creative and Clui Design harks back to steak-slinging eateries in the mid-20th century, complete with a bar made out of solid marble. Patrons can also peer through a window to the chef's grill to see where the culinary magic happens. Two private dining rooms are also on the premises at Fatcow 2.0, but just eating at a booth here means stepping into your own world. Each one comes with a floor-to-ceiling curtain that screens off the rest of the restaurant. That's another luxe touch at the steakhouse's new digs. Also on the list: wagyu tasting boards and a gold-wrapped 400-gram rib fillet on the menu. Neither comes cheap; the first costs $285 for three types of steak and three sides, and the second — aka the Golden Fatcow — is $190 for a 150-plus-day grain-fed black angus cut from the Riverina region that's wrapped in gold leaf. Under Head Chef Garry Newton, a Fatcow alum who also has Herve's and Rich & Rare on his resume, the new Fatcow's signature dishes also span a $199 steak-and-lobster combo and the butcher's choice, which varies in price. If it wasn't already apparant, this is a treat yo'self type of restaurant. All up, the menu features more than 16 steaks. You can also tuck into mains such as wagyu burgers, buckwheat risotto and lamb shoulder. Caviar is among the options, as are oysters fresh from Brisbane's only live oyster tank, raw scallops and beef tenderloin tartare as entrees, and tank-fresh lobster. The restaurant is taking a 24-hour approach to seafood — that's how long, maximum, the journey from the trawler to your plate will be. As for dessert, choices include a chocolate tart, lime sorbet and basque cheesecake, plus ten cheeses that come served in 50-gram pieces. To drink, a 300-strong wine list combines local and international drops, and cocktails are also among the beverages. Find Fatcow on James Street at 10 James Street, Fortitude Valley — open daily from 11.30am–late. Head to the restaurant's website for more details.
Feeling uncertain about your identity isn't unique, but Waiata Telfer's retelling of her troubles and struggles just might be. A Narrunga-Kaurna woman of mixed heritage from South Australia, she grew up in the thick of 1970s social-political issues, then turned her search for her sense of self into a witty and moving piece of original theatre. Accordingly, SONG the story of a girl, a bird and a teapot charts the efforts of Aboriginal girl who feels disconnected from her past and becomes inspired to challenge the notion of tradition and community. With a treasured family relic in her hands and the song of an unseen bird in her ears, she goes looking for a new way forward. A poetic, personal one-woman play is the end result of Telfer's efforts, as conveyed with raw honesty and grit, coupled with ample humour, and accompanied by the sounds of musician Jay Kleinschmidt. SONG doesn't just tap into the need to belong in a different way, but invites audiences to share in the experience. Attendees aren't relegated to just watching — they're also asked to bring a small stone to the performance.
In Nude Tuesday, you can take the unhappy couple out of their daily routine — and slip them out of their clothes in the process — but escaping to a mountainside commune, ditching the dacks, palling around with a goat and gleaning relationship advice from the author a book called The Toothy Vulva just can't solve all woes. What that list of absurd plot points and experiences can do is fill out a film that's gleefully silly, often side-splittingly funny, and also just as perceptive as it is playful. The basic premise behind this New Zealand sex comedy borrows from plenty of fellow movies and TV shows about stuck-in-a-rut folks seeking bliss and renewal, plus solutions to bland marriages, with a gorgeous change of scenery. But helping make Nude Tuesday such a winner is every offbeat choice that's used to tell that tale. Getting naked is only part of it, given that not a lick of any recognisable language is spoken throughout the entire feature — although plenty of words and sounds are audibly uttered. Nude Tuesday understands one key point, as everyone watching it will: that relationships are all about communication. The film is also well aware that so much about life is, too — and storytelling. Here, though, expressing emotions, connections and narrative details all boils down to gibberish and bodies. This amusing movie from writer/director Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) and writer/star Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) does indeed strip down its performers in its last third, living up to its name, but it saddles them with conveying almost everything about their characters via body language before that. Each piece of dialogue spoken echoes in unintelligible nonsense, using completely made-up and wholly improvised terms. Even covers of 'Road to Nowhere' and 'Islands in the Stream' do as well. And while subtitled in English by British comedian Julia Davis (Camping), that text was penned after shooting, in one of the film's other purposefully farcical twists. The result is patently ridiculous, and marvellously so — and hilariously. It's such a clever touch, making a movie about marital disharmony and the communication breakdown baked within that's so reliant upon reading tone and posture, as couples on the prowl for the tiniest of micro-aggressions frequently hone in on. Initially, the feature needs a few scenes to settle into its unfamiliar vernacular, which takes cues from The Muppets' Swedish Chef in its cadence. Via an opening map, which situates the story on the fictional pacific island of Zǿbftąņ, Nude Tuesday's language also resembles an IKEA catalogue. But once Ballantyne, van Beek and the latter's co-stars find their groove — with a literally bloody attempt to make adult nappies sexy, a supermarket tantrum involving tossed cans and a tense anniversary dinner — everything, including the movie's chosen tongue, clicks into place. Van Beek and Australian The Tourist actor Damon Herriman play Nude Tuesday's central pair, Laura and Bruno. In the first but not last example of just how compellingly they use their physicality, the talented lead twosome paints a picture of relatable malaise from their introductory moments together. Laura and Bruno are bogged down in a dull cycle that revolves around working at jobs neither loves — she spruiks those mature-age diapers, he sells bathroom fixtures — then trudging home exhausted and exasperated to deal with their kids, and later crumbling into bed knowing they're going to repeat it all the next day. Sex doesn't factor in, and neither is content with that, but resolving their troubles themselves is out of reach. Then, they're gifted a getaway to ẄØnÐĘULÄ to assist. But this woodland getaway, run by charismatic and lustful sex guru Bjorg Rassmussen (Jemaine Clement, I Used to Go Here), wants its new guests to expose all in multiple ways. Unfurling among gorgeously lensed New Zealand scenery (with Australian Babyteeth and High Ground cinematographer Andrew Commis behind the camera), that starkers setup keeps proving savvy. It also keeps saying plenty beyond the silliness. Nude Tuesday isn't just absurdity for the sake of it, although it'd remain perfectly and thoroughly enjoyable — if slight — if it was simply that. Evoking laughs still comes fast and easily, of course, including getting giggling about coming too fast and too easily. Davis' witty subtitling fires off gags a minute, and the frequent preposterousness of it all — with orgies, drugs, a Twin Peaks-style love of logs and a penchant for ponchos all factoring in — is constantly entertaining. But there's as much heart and smarts throbbing within Nude Tuesday as there was in van Beek's also-great The Breaker Upperers, which similarly found a nifty balance between chuckle-inducing ridiculousness and insight. Here, there are as many observant layers to Nude Tuesday's dance through married misery as there are clothes shed by its cast, too — a list of performers that spans everyone from Black Comedy's Ian Zaro and Down Under's Chris Bunton to Wellington Paranormal's Karen O'Leary and Shortland Street's Yvette Parsons. Accordingly, amid the sight gags, word play, slapstick, jokes about anatomy, plus the other wonderful lashings of ludicrousness, sits a canny undressing of Laura and Bruno's deep-seated struggle to get emotionally bare-assed. At the outset, they're the strait-laced stiffs amid the unburdened and aroused. They're outsiders in this cosy, free-thinking little community of fellow A-frame cabin-dwellers, adding to the film's familiar elements. Unpacking what that means, why, how the couple became that way and what ẄØnÐĘULÄ can gift them is never a by-the-numbers journey, however. It's revelatory several times over, even if the end destination is also hardly surprising. Whether decked out head to toe or disrobing, it'd be tough to find a situation where Van Beek, Herriman and Clement didn't delight, particularly when bouncing off of each other in an anything-goes situation. Nude Tuesday's biggest names are that adaptable, that innately comedic, and that able to smoothly zip between the off-kilter and the astute. Clement doesn't have to plumb many depths, but he always plays Bjorn with the exact right dash of charm and eccentricity. Actually, Ballantyne's film itself achieves that latter feat — while finding ample emotional nooks and crannies to explore. Nude Tuesday mightn't have quite hit the spot if it had played out in English, but not because it relies upon gimmickry; rather, by peeling away the chatter, it's a sharper, savvier and funnier picture of communication struggles, and what it truly means to bare it all.
With summer upon us and Christmas on the horizon, it's the perfect time to treat yourself and sort out your sleep. If you're tossing and turning at night it might not just be because of the state of the world, it could be your mattress and pillow as well. Luckily, premium homewares brand Ecosa wants to help you get a good night's sleep. All items on the Ecosa website are 25 percent off from Monday, November 9 to Wednesday, November 11. If you've been complaining about a crook neck, maybe head off to the physio and get yourself fancy new memory foam pillow. The ergonomic pillow boasts an adjustable height, a curved shape that suits side and back sleepers and a compressible foam that supports the natural shape of your head. Plus, two compression bags so you can pack it up and take it with you everywhere. Yep, it's one helluva pillow. If that's not enough, Ecosa also offers free shipping and returns Australia-wide, plus a 100-day free trial period. And, with everything on sale, get in early with some Christmas shopping. Ecosa is your one-stop sleep shop, with luxe bamboo sheets, silk pillowcases, wooden bed base, memory foam mattress and weighted blanket all available at the discounted price. So, you can treat yourself, your friends and your whole family to a better night's sleep. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Someone somewhere has dressed up as one of IKEA's coveted blue bags for Halloween, or fashioned an outfit out of them for the eerie occasion. This year, in the lead up to spooky day, you can do that too if you like. Or, you can just wear whatever frightening threads you prefer, or even your normal getup, to the Swedish chain's three-course Halloween dining experience. Yes, two faves are joining forces: IKEA and Halloween. No, you won't just be eating those Swedish meatballs (take children along with you, however, and that is indeed what they'll be tucking into). Happening at the brand's Logan and North Lakes stores in Brisbane, the Halloween feast costs $30 for adults and $25 if you're an IKEA Family member. On the menu: mac 'n' cheese, crispy fried chicken and veggie burgers, as well as pancakes with berry compote and vanilla soft serve for dessert. You'll want to book tickets ASAP — IKEA's food events are always popular — for 5.30pm on Friday, October 28 at North Lakes, and the same time on Saturday, October 29 at Logan. The furniture and homewares giant is also hosting kids' activities around the dinner at some locations, complete with trick-or-treat sessions, face painting, treasure hunts, craft workshops and costume contests, if you feel like being a favourite aunt or uncle for the night.
Nestled into the fast-growing Howard Smith Wharves precinct underneath the Story Bridge, Mr Percival's looks out over the Brisbane river — and, if that's not enough, the octagonal bar and restaurant is actually perched right on top of it. Here, you can grab a beverage and a bite to eat while both peering at the snaking central waterway and sitting in a structure elevated above it. It's Brissie's first venue of its type since Oxley's on the River in Milton was destroyed in the 2011 floods, although Mr Percival's is less about sit-down dinners and more focused on chilling out in a scenic and stylish spot. Once the doors open at 8pm on Thursday, November 29, Brisbanites can relax in a watering hole that's been designed with European beach clubs and the Brisbane's own park rotundas equally in mind. Think decking, six arched doorways, outdoor seats with a view underneath salmon-pink umbrellas, plus an indoor colour scheme that takes inspiration from the Mediterranean. Star windows, round lights, eye-catching wallpaper, 70s-style upholstered chairs, terracotta marble and a brass-fronted bar round out the hangout's inside decor, which was overseen by Brisbane interior designer Anna Spiro. With Damien Styles (The Fish House) taking on head chef duties, Mr Percival's menu aims to match its look and feel. And to think locally, too, with everything on offer inspired by produce from Moreton Bay and the general east coast region. Zucchini fritters, lobster rolls, whipped cod roe served with a warm baguette, and anchovies topped with olive oil, lemon and garlic all feature among the range of snacks, light meals and aperitivo-style nibbles. As for the drinks selection, it includes 17 different cocktails — complete with several types of spritz — as well as a 50-strong wine list that heroes rose and aromatic whites from artisanal producers. Beer-wise, Mr Percival's keeps things super local by pouring four brews from fellow HSW spot Felons through its taps. And if you're wondering about the moniker, it's a nod to Australia. Pelicans are a common waterside sight around the country, and the 1976 Aussie classic film Storm Boy features a pelican called Mr Percival. In a case of good timing, a remake of the flick will actually hit local cinemas in January 2019. Find Mr Percival's at Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane, open from 11am until late from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am–1am on Friday and Saturday.
Find us an occasion that isn't improved by pie, and we'll find you a plate full of reasons why the dish should always be on the menu. Pie suits every day, date, theme and celebration, because there's just so many different types of it — and that includes Halloween. Pie Town agrees, clearly, and it's doing more than just pumping out the food it's known for. The West End eatery is cooking up edible delights, of course — and it's also hosting pumpkin-carving sessions. On sessions across Friday, October 28–Sunday, October 31, you'll be given everything you need to make your own jack-o'-lantern, covering a pumpkin, tools and a drink. Tickets cost $30 and you have three options: from 5.30–7.30pm on the Friday, for after-work ghoulishness; from 2–4pm on Saturday; and a morning session from 9.30–11.30am on Sunday. If you're keen on pie as well, that'll cost you extra — but you'll be in the right place to grab some. Go on, learn a new trick, then take home a treat.
Different people are scared by different things. Different folks can handle different levels of heat in their food, too. Do you get spooked by spice — but in a good way? If so, the Halloween Briz Chilli Fest is clearly for you. Obviously, things will be getting hot in Rocklea at this returning fest — which is taking place around the most frightening day of the year in 2022. From 12–8pm on Saturday, October 29, everything will be tongue-tinglingly hot. Face-meltingly hot. Homer Simpson running, screaming and waving his hands around hot. That's what happens when you spice up your weekend with a chilli festival, after all. Adding some zest to the Rocklea Showgrounds, there'll be plenty of stalls offering plenty of chilli — and not just in food form. Of course, there'll be enough edible hot hot heat to help you turn several different shades, but that's just part of the chilli fun. Chilli beer and chilli cocktails will all be on offer, and there's usually a chilli fancy dress competition. Basically, you'll be saying the word chilli so much that it no longer means anything. Tickets are on sale now for $12, and the full lineup of activities also includes chilli-eating contests for those with cast-iron stomachs. This year, there'll be chilli pod, chilli-covered wings, chilli meatballs and ice cream laced with chilli, all ready for you to devour as much of as possible. Also on the bill: a cooking demonstration by chef Matt Golinski, plus live music and other performances — with the event boasting spice on multiple fronts. Our tip, and one we think you'll need: remember that milk is a chilli-lover's best friend.
When is a Friday night market more than just a market? When it includes all the food, drinks and stalls you'd expect, and live music as well, but also pairs them with fire twirlers, stilt walkers and fortune tellers — and a neon forest and a jumping castle. That's all on the bill at Brisbane's latest way to farewell the working week, Westoria. As the name makes plain, not to mention the list of highlights, it's about to become West End's new after-work go-to. The vibe: weird, wild and wonderful, plus night market-meets-playground as well. Well, that's the mood and attitude that organisers are pushing before the first weekly event on Friday, October 7, which will run from 4–10pm on Jane Street next to the regular West End Markets site. For Westoria, the idea is for different sights, sounds and smells to await at every turn, whether you're keen for a bite to eat, something to sip or to take in the roving performances — or, ideally, all of the above. If it's the culinary side of the markets that has you excited, the food lineup will include Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Wagyu Blacks, Roll It Ice Cream Co and others. Drinks-wise, beer and wine will be on offer, alongside a signature cocktail called Stardust. Entry costs $4, and the event hails from Goodwill Projects, which has a hefty list of other markets around town to its name, including West End's aforementioned usual markets. If you've ever hit up the weekly Reddacliffe Place Markets in the CBD, too, or the Milton Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets, then you've been to its events.
While everybody is pretty damn exited about the announcements made this morning for the musical and lighting parts of this year's Vivid Live festival, there were also some amazing announcements made regarding what's in store for Vivid Ideas. Vivid Ideas is the third integral part of the entire Vivid ethos, hosting a program of public and industry events focused on discussion and creative collaboration. Over the 18-day program the newly made-over Museum of Contemporary Arts will become home to the creative hub of Vivid, connecting industry with emerging talent and global leaders in over 100 events, double the creative industry events of the previous three years. This year's program will see the CEOs of Etsy, Threadless and VICE giving keynote talks, as well as appearances from Cory Doctorow, author and co-founder of weblog Boing Boing, and Henry Holland, from the UK fashion label House of Holland. The talks will run alongside major industry events such as Song Summit, X Media Lab, Mumbrella 360 and SPARC Design. Other highlights include a partnership with the Sydney Film Festival, an Etsy microbusiness conference and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of ABC's Rage at CarriageWorks. The public program includes free and ticketed events and goes on sale on Thursday, March 22. Vivid is unique amongst Australia's festivals, and a major celebration of creative industries. This year's instalment of Vivid Ideas looks to reinforce just how vibrant and innovative this city is becoming. Check out the full program here.
Ever since Freddie Mercury teamed up with Brian May and company back in the 70s, Queen has never been out of fashion. Thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody, however, the band has been roaring up the charts again. You could call it a kind of magic. You could say that their songs must go on. Either way, if you're happy to let the British group keep rocking you — and you need something to fill the void until the remaining band members tour Australia next year — then head along to Black Bear Lodge on Wednesday, August 14. Been feeling a crazy little thing called love for Freddie and his bandmates? Then you'll be in the right spot this Ekka public holiday. And if your approach to the group's music is "I want it all!", that's what you'll hear. The one-night event will break free from 8pm, so get ready to dance with your fellow champions. Basically, prepare to step back in time — and if you miss out, you'll feel a little under pressure.
When a trend spreads its wings everywhere from Coles to KFC — and above Australian beaches, too — you mightn't expect it to zip into theatres as well. But humanity's love of drones just can't be stopped, whether they're helping shoot sky-high aerial footage for cinema and television, taking to the heavens to put on a dazzling light show or, at Australasian Dance Collective's new world-premiering production Lucie in the Sky, providing almost half the cast for a new choreographed stage show. Performing at Brisbane's Queensland Performing Arts Centre, in the South Bank venue's Playhouse, this production pairs six dancers with five drones, with the latter mimicking the former's movements. The robotic part of the piece definitely isn't just about hovering around. The drones are named, given personalities and — in a big change to the usual drone shows — treated like individual players rather than a swarm. From Friday, May 5–Saturday, May 13, audiences will meet the friendly Lucie, the show's namesake with the Beatles-inspired moniker; M, the leader of the group; jester Skip; Rue, the wise drone; and the rebellious Red. As well as their own vibe, which could be anything from joyful to melancholic, each has their own light colour to match. The flesh-and-blood component of the show sees the five drones create relationships with ADC's dancers, all in a performance that's about exactly what you think it is: how people interact with technology, what that says about both us and the gadgets that we use in our lives, and also what it means to be human. Images: David Kelly.
No one likes receiving the same Christmas gift twice, but when it comes to festive-themed films and their sequels, that's typically what you get. Unfortunately, Bad Santa 2 doesn't escape that trap. Back in 2003, the original film prove a rude, crude blast of fresh air that flouted and took the piss out of yuletide clichés. By comparison, the long-awaited follow-up plays like a half-arsed version of the exact same thing. For Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton), that means drinking, brawling, swearing, screwing, stealing, scamming, cracking safes and soaking in his own urine, usually while dressed up as Father Christmas. He's reluctant to return to the red coat and wig, but he's also eager to pilfer whatever cash he can when Christmas rolls around — 'tis the season to be burgling, and all that. That's why he agrees to re-team with his duplicitous, diminutive former partner-in-crime Marcus (Tony Cox), trading an unsuccessful suicide attempt for a scheme to fleece a Chicago charity. That the third person in their thieving plans is his estranged ex-con mother (Kathy Bates) complicates matters considerably. Add a lustful love interest (Christina Hendricks), plus a well-meaning but dim-witted hanger-on (Brett Kelly), and the Bad Santa formula everybody knows and once loved is back in action. Alas, with original director Terry Zwigoff (Ghost World) and writers Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love) nowhere in sight — replaced by Mean Girls' helmer Mark Waters, first-time feature screenwriter Johnny Rosenthal and What to Expect When You're Expecting scribe Shauna Cross — Bad Santa 2 rides its sleigh straight into tired territory. If there's a cinematic equivalent of asking for a pony and getting a photo of one instead, Bad Santa 2 is it. Everything looks the part, but this follow-up is no substitute for the real thing. Instead of humour steeped in the dark side of the season — be it the rampant consumerism, the gnawing loneliness or the manufactured cheer — this sloppy second effort just dials up the obscenity and anti-social behaviour, then tops the tree with familial drama. Indeed, in trying to coast by with little more than a predictable premise, easy gags, outrageous situations, unlikeable characters and a late splash of sentimentality, Bad Santa 2 could be mistaken for one of the poor imitators that the first movie inspired. At least Thornton is on hand to do what he does best. If nothing else, the been there, done that air and apparent lack of effort suits his bad protagonist to the wearied, wise-cracking bone. Accordingly, when a handful of the script's grossly inappropriate jokes land, Thornton is usually the reason.
The state of Colorado is a land of mind-blowing extremes. In one visit, you can climb rugged mountains, wander through arid desert landscapes, canoe down wild rivers and camp by serene lakes. Meanwhile, in the capital city of Denver, which rests a mile above sea level, you'll find gallons of craft beer, creative chefs, loads of indie artists and a buzzing music scene. Colorado-based singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov, who's currently in Australia, embodies the state's spirit: whenever he's not on the road, he's at home on his farm, growing produce and recording in his custom-built studio. To mark his tour around our homeland, we've come up with a tour for you around his homeland. Here, we take you through all the eats, drinks, sights and sounds for you to discover on a trip to Denver, CO. EAT BREKKIE AT SNOOZE Snooze is all about helping you start your day on a high and fully fuelled. Prepare for upbeat vibes, lots of energy and happy, happy people. Nearly every dish on the menu is made from scratch, according to what local farmers have on the go. So, you never know what to expect. That said, if the pineapple upside-down pancakes are on offer, look no further. Or, if sweet in the AM isn't your thing, opt for the Chili Verde Benedict — a spicy feast of tortillas with green chilli sauce, melted cheese, slow-cooked pulled pork, barbacoa-style beef, poached eggs, green chilli hollandaise, pico de gallo and cotija cheese. EAT FRENCH ONION SOUP DUMPLINGS AT CHOLON At ChoLon, a much-adored restaurant in Denver, two of the world's greatest comfort foods — french onion soup and dumplings — collide. Foodies travel far and wide to sample these delights, which are loaded with gruyere and sweet onion, then steamed to perfection. Their creator is head chef and owner Lon Symensma, who opened ChoLon after working at Buddakan in New York City. If you're still hungry post-dumplings, move onto an array of modern Asian flavours — from crunchy Thai shrimp rolls with umami mayo to diver scallops with fennel puree, wok hay grapes and candied pistachios. EAT POUTINE AT EUCLID HALL Have yourself a classic American tavern experience at Euclid Hall, set in a 19th-century building that formerly housed a bar by an infamous Wild West gangster, Soapy Smith. You'll find it in Denver's Larimer Square historical district. Get started with poutine — fries loaded with all kinds of deliciousness, like duck confit, cheddar curds and black pepper duck gravy or green chilli-braised pork with cheddar curds, cilantro, radish and crema. The house-made sausages are hard to pass by, too. Match your pick with a craft beer or signature cocktail, like the Salty Oboe (whiskey, lemon-ginger shrub, orange bitters and lemon). [caption id="attachment_711888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] RiNo Art District, Nick and Marissa Napoletano[/caption] B-CYCLE YOUR WAY AROUND DENVER'S CREATIVE NEIGHBOURHOODS With all the inspiring natural wonder surrounding the city, Denver is a magnet for artists, designers, makers, writers and musicians. To see their creations at a leisurely pace, grab yourself a Bcycle and go exploring beyond the city centre. Be sure to check out the Art District on Santa Fe, the Golden Triangle creative district near uptown and the Highlands neighbourhood. Meanwhile, in RiNo (River North), you'll find plenty of street art sharing the neighbourhood with independent boutiques, craft breweries and unique eateries. Plan for a full day of wandering and window shopping. DRINK LOCAL BREWS AT WYNKOOP BREWING COMPANY Since a man by the name of Governor Hickenlooper brewed the first pint here in 1988, this downtown pub has been a local favourite. It's also the first brewpub to have opened in Denver since Prohibition wound up way, way back in 1933. Set in a 100-year-old former bank with several bars, including one that used to be a vault,Wynkoop has 30 brews on tap — all of which have been made in Colorado. There's a drop for pretty much everyone here — from those who enjoy a lush, hop-heavy ale (opt for the Mile High pale ale) to those after something creamy and semi-sweet (look to the Cowtown milk stout). If you're keen to get behind the scenes, you can also join a tour Tuesday–Saturday at 3pm and 4pm. DRINK AN AVOCADO DAIQUIRI AT THE FAMILY JONES Opened in 2017, The Family Jones puts a bunch of Denver's best distillers, chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs under one (vaulted) roof. It's a paean to craft spirits, creative cocktails and small plates — splashed with copper, blue velvet and greenery. Watch a master distiller in action, while sipping an avocado daiquiri: a decadent concoction of the distillery's Mo Jones Rum, passionfruit, lime, arbor chilli and avocado. And if you're after even more, tours and tastings, which include a seven-strong flight of house-made spirits, take place every Saturday at midday and 1.30pm. Meanwhile, happy hour is 4pm–6pm daily. DRINK SOUR BEER AT CROOKED STAVE ARTISAN BEER PROJECT After sipping brews at the historic Wynkoop Brewing Company, head over to Crooked Stave a 'modern artisan brewery' that's been on the scene since 2010. Crafting a wide range of wild and sour drops, head brewer Chad Yakobson is all about combining art with science to create complex, boundary-pushing beers bursting with flavours. Two of his secrets are the use of brettanomyces yeast (which gives beers — and some wines — that funky textural taste) and barrel ageing. Visit the taproom in Denver to sample the results — from the American-style IPA, which contains five types of hops (Azacca, Galaxy, Amarillo, Motueka, and Citra) to the Nightmare on Brett Raspberry, a dark sour ale aged in Leopold Brothers whiskey barrels brewed with Washington raspberries. [caption id="attachment_708869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Denver.[/caption] SEE A CONCERT UNDER THE STARS AT RED ROCKS If you're a live music junkie, chances are Red Rocks Amphitheatre is already on your bucket list. This extraordinary concert venue, which lies around 15 kilometres outside of Denver, is a naturally formed amphitheatre, framed by stunning rock formations. Some say you'll find no better acoustics anywhere in the world. Just a few of the acts to have played legendary concerts here under the stars include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Depeche Mode and Dave Matthews. If you're not able to see a show, consider taking a guided tour or stopping by for a snack at Ship Rock Grille. HIKE, BIKE OR RIDE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS Just a two hours' drive north of Denver lies the Rocky Mountain National Park. Its spectacular slopes have attracted hikers, mountaineers, adventurers and horse riders for hundreds of years. There are countless walking trails to conquer — from the short but steep and incredibly scenic Alpine Ridge Trail to the 12-kilometre long Timberline Falls Trial, which takes in Alberta Falls and several pristine mountain lakes. Alternatively, jump on horseback for a guided tour and see the scenery like you're from the Wild West. STROLL THROUGH THE GARDEN OF THE GODS Also within a two hours' drive from Denver is the magical Garden of the Gods. As the name suggests, this rather awe-inspiring place, dotted with 100-metre-high rock formations, looks like it was created by giants. If you're not keen to get too adventurous, soak up the views from the glass-walled cafe or, if the weather's warm, the outdoor terrace. Alternatively, take a hike or join a guided tour — be it by Segway, bike or jeep. Ready to go? Start planning your trip to Denver and wider adventures in the state of Colorado.
Sometimes you need to wait for the things you love. In Hacks, that's true off- and on-screen. It's been two years since the HBO comedy last dropped new episodes, after its first season was one of the best new shows of 2021 and its second one of the best returning series of 2022 — a delay first sparked by star Jean Smart (Babylon) requiring heart surgery, and then by 2023's Hollywood strikes. But this Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner returns better than ever in season three as it charts Smart's Deborah Vance finally getting a shot at a job that she's been waiting her entire career for. After scoring a huge hit with her recent comedy special, which was a product of hiring twentysomething writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, Julia), the Las Vegas mainstay has a new chance at nabbing a late-night hosting gig. Fictional takes on after-dark talk shows are having a moment, thanks to Late Night with the Devil and now Hacks' third season. At times, some in Deborah's orbit might be tempted to borrow the Australian horror movie's title to describe to assisting her pitch for a post-primetime chair. That'd be a harsh comment, but savage humour has always been part of this showbiz comedy about people who tell jokes for a living, which returns via Stan in Australia and TVNZ+ in Aotearoa from Friday, May 3. While Deborah gets roasted in this season, spikiness is Hacks' long-established baseline — and also the armour with which its behind-the-mic lead protects herself from life's and the industry's pain, disappointments and unfairness. Barbs can also be Deborah's love language, as seen in her banter with Ava. When season two ended, their tumultuous professional relationship had come to an end again via Deborah, who let her writer go to find bigger opportunities. A year has now passed when season three kicks off. Ava is a staff writer on a Last Week Tonight with John Oliver-type series in Los Angeles and thriving, but she's also not over being fired. Deborah still sees it as a necessary move, and a push for her protégée to chase her own dreams. Ava feels scorned and betrayed, particularly since she was the catalyst for her mentor ditching the act that she'd been performing at a casino residency for decades, then getting raw and real by sharing stories about being a woman in comedy over that period, reinventing her image in the process. Back in Vanceland (our term, not the show's; Deborah's mansion is sprawling enough to warrant such a name), everything is gleaming without Ava — but Deborah isn't prepared for being a phenomenon. She wants it. She's worked for years for it. It's taken until her 70s to get it. But her presence alone being cause for frenzy, rather than the scrapping she's done to stay in the spotlight, isn't an easy adjustment. She's hardly fond of her new writers (Dream Scenario's Dylan Gelula and Orphan Black: Echoes' Jordan Gavaris), and crowds feeding off her merely standing onstage means that none of her material actually matters. Deborah's life is now unfettered praise and no challenges; as her Estate Manager Josefina (Rose Abdoo, Leo) remarks to her Chief Operating Officer Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins, The Beanie Bubble), the comedian staying up all night rearranging her salt-and-pepper shakers isn't a great sign. Hacks creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs and Jen Statsky — all Broad City alumni, all co-writers, with Aniello also directing and Downs co-starring — were never going to keep Deborah and Ava apart in season three. The reunifying developments: first crossing paths at Just for Laughs in Montreal, then tucking into Tom Cruise's famous coconut cake, then attempting to win Deborah a hosting job that she once almost had and hasn't recovered from losing. With Ava's show on hiatus for three months over summer, she agrees to head back to Vegas to help do whatever it takes. If it sounds like a reversal of season two's finale, that's because it is — instead of Ava being free to pursue her own passions, she's parking them for Deborah's — but codependency has also long been at the heart of this always-astute gem. Although Deborah can't stomach being seen to rely upon someone, Ava has changed her. As for the latter, she can't divorce her own career from the comedy legend. But time away, and also the success of the special that neither could've made without the other, puts them on more-even footing when they reteam. Hacks season three again also explores the other pairings in Deborah's life, including her daughter DJ's (Kaitlin Olson, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) festering hurt over her mother's absence in her childhood, and Marcus feeling undervalued and stagnant while running her business empire. Now out on their own, Deborah and Ava's manager Jimmy (Downs, How It Ends) and his assistant Kayla (Megan Stalter, Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain) have their own codependency to grapple with, especially as they work their way through the industry (which is where guest stars such as Blindspotting's Helen Hunt and Knuckles' Christopher Lloyd come in) on Deborah's behalf. Hacks' third season has a comedy roast, where DJ revels in the catharsis of slinging mean words at her mum; a dress from Deborah's treasure trove that Ava describes as "giving Big Bird"; and Mad Men great Christina Hendricks as fellow big-name guest. Its main duo get lost on a hike, navigate a golf trip and weather a chaotic Christmas party. Deborah also admits to feeling the passage of time, as well as the urgency to achieve everything that she's ever wanted ASAP that snowballs with it. The season surveys humour today from high-profile ridicule sessions to cancel culture. It's unsparing about the glass ceiling in late-night TV, as it should be. Along the way, Aniello, Downs and Statsky keep improving their series — and keep proving some of the smartest and funniest writers in the business. Crucially, the pursuit of Deborah's all-time coveted gig takes Hacks into new terrain, ambitiously for the show and the character alike. A sitcom built around an odd couple, the show could've coasted by on its mismatched intergenerational lead twosome. It could've remained a must-see thanks to the excellent performances that the never-better Smart and equally engaging Einbinder bring to their parts, because they're both that magnificent. But while Deborah might've clung to a routine for much of her life, the series hasn't, and it's all the greater for it. If longevity is about taking risks, Hacks makes its latest confident and hilarious claim for a long-haul run. Check out the trailer for Hacks season three below: Hacks season three streams via Stan in Australia and TVNZ+ in New Zealand from Friday, May 3. Read our reviews of season one and season two.
If jungle vibes inside a Coorparoo warehouse sounds like your perfect outing, head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29. It's the latest greenery-filled Brissie market from The Jungle Collective, a Melbourne nursery that stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Yes, it is trucking its way up north again for another Queensland venture — and, after hosting plenty of online-only events this year, this sale is a 100-percent in-person affair. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Get inspired by greenery aplenty and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Jungle Collective is turning this event into a bit of a maze, too, so you'll enter in one spot, wander along a designated path and leave in a completely different area. Best get in quick though — these markets are always popular, with more than 170 different species usually on offer. Due to expected demand, the sale will be held in 30-minute sessions across both days, and attendees will need to register for free tickets in advance. Plus, if you wear 80s gym attire — and spend at least $10 — you'll get $5 off your purchase. Singing along to the Olivia Newton-John track that gives this sale its name is optional, though.
When is a music festival more than just a music festival? When it's a fest, conference and all-round showcase of everything that makes the Australian — and the Brisbane — music industry great, all in one. You know we're talking about BIGSOUND, the three-day event that makes our little patch of the planet feel like the centre of all things sound-related each and every year. So, that's the stuff you already know about the extravaganza that takes place around the city from September 5 to 8. Here's some things you mightn't already be aware of, starting with the fact that everyone from Aussie icons Archie Roach and Tina Arena to Quentin Tarantino's regular music supervisor, Mary Ramos, will be chatting up a storm. And, as far as hearing people play rather than natter on, the absolutely jam-packed festival bill features more than 150 artists, including Polaris, Total Giovanni, The Cactus Channel, WAAX and Oh Mercy. Yes, the list goes on — as does the feast of unofficial parties, which really will turn every nook and cranny in Brissie into a music lover's haven. If you're in for the long haul, we've also put together a guide to spending the week immersed in ace sounds, chats and shindigs.
A burger, frites and beer feast is landing on Little Stanley Street, with Fritzenberger launching its fourth Brisbane venue on the popular South Bank strip. Joining fellow burg-slinging sites in Petrie Terrace, Wilston and Albany Creek, the newcomer opens its doors at 4pm on Friday, July 24 — and plenty of the growing chain's favourite dishes will be on the menu. That means burgers, obviously, including the fritzen burger — which is made with grass-fed beef, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion and Fritzensauce. You can also tuck into a buttermilk chicken burger (as made with a southern fried chicken thigh fillet), or go vegan with the mushroom schnitzel burger (which heroes a panko-crumbed, swiss cheese-filled portobello mushroom). Cheeseburgers and bacon burgers are also on offer, and this new location will also boast some fresh additions to its burg lineup. Fritzenberger makes just as big a deal about frites, which you can season as you like from the sizeable range of in-house salts. Go for the loaded frites, and they'll come covered in Twisties salt — plus cheese sauce, candied bacon, green onions and Fritzensauce. You can also eat your way through a serving of sugar frites, aka cinnamon sugared churro-style frites paired with hot Nutella sauce. Yes, that's dessert sorted. The chain's mac 'n' cheese balls will be available, too, as will an expanded variety of wings — and so will Fritzenberger's core range of beers. This isn't just a burger and frites joint, after all, but a company that brews its own hoppy beverages. Its own pale ale, lager, IPA and cider will pump through four taps, while another four will rotate through small-batch and other local brews. Open daily from 12–8pm, Fritzenberger South Bank can seat 110 people — indoors or, if you prefer a stint of people-watching, outdoors as well.
There's something for everyone to get around when it comes to Halloween, whether it's eating nauseating amounts of lollies, flexing your arts and crafts skills and fashioning yourself a costume, or pulling that five-piece (mask included) Batman get-up out of storage and donning it to feel like the superhero you really are. Trick or treating isn't as big here as it is in the US, but we'll be damned if we won't use the occasion as an excuse for a spooky time. And, thankfully, there are plenty of eerie events and horror-themed nights happening around town for you to dive into. Here's a list of some of the best things going on in and around Brisbane for Halloween this year, ranging from the not-so scary (night markets and a spooky-themed game of mini golf) to the truly unsettling (an old favourite: eerie movies) — and including the wild (rave bingo) and wonderful (Halloween music gigs), too.
Alongside its collection of Margaret Olley's works, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art is giving another exceptional Australian artist some attention until Sunday, October 13: Ben Quilty. Across a free exhibition simply entitled Quilty, more than 70 pieces will showcase his work from the early 2000s onwards — including his intimate looks at his own reflection, his time spent as an official war artist in Afghanistan, and his response to other topical events, including the last American election. Quilty's expressive portraits, both of himself and of others — such as executed Bali 9 drug smuggler Myuran Sukumaran — are quite a striking sight. His Rorschach paintings are too, unsurprisingly. And, they're designed not just to catch the eye, but to explore the dark undercurrent of violence and displacement that lurks in the Australian psyche. Including paintings inspired by his visits to Lebanon, Syria and Greece, the exhibition marks the first major survey of Quilty's artistic output in a decade. For the QAGOMA Children's Art Centre, it also features the interactive Ben Quilty: Family Portrait. Image: Ben Quilty. Australia, born 1973. Rorschach after von Guérard. 2009. Oil and synthetic polymer paint on linen (12 panels) / 230.0 x 804.0 cm (overall). Acquired 2009, TarraWarra Museum of Art. Courtesy the artist. Photograph: Jeremy Dillon.
Hit the Paddo Tavern for a side-splitting sit-down standup event. The Sit Down Comedy Club is a world-class venue for laughs, attracting the very best and brightest — and we're not just talking about the audience. This is a space for industry pros and newcomers alike to try out new jokes and showcase their sharpest material. It's had top-notch comics and big names from Australia and abroad take to the stage, including Judith Lucy, Trevor Noah and Stephen K. Amos. Friday and Saturday nights are usually a double feature, and you can even expect the occasional improv or musical comedy act. You can purchase a dinner-and-show package, with a bar menu from 7-9pm featuring share-friendly eats such as cheesy garlic bread, 'secret spiced' chicken wings, nachos and pizza, and solo pub feed classics like a steak, parmy and burgers, too. If you're taking a group of ten or more, you can opt for the function menu, either the multi-course dinner or the Chef's Platter, featuring gourmet versions of party pies and sausage rolls. Head along with your mates and see if you can refrain laughing with your mouth full.
Father's Day is a holiday that tends to really sneak up on you. One minute you think you have weeks to plan something, the next it's tomorrow and you've completely spaced on getting dad a gift. Dad might be happy with another barbecue set, apron, bottle of whiskey or a voucher for BCF, but if you really want to impress him, we have an idea. There's a good chance your dad isn't a "stuff" guy, he might want some quality time. You could settle for a bike ride or get dinner, but how about something more special? How about a helicopter flight, a rally driving race or a scuba diving session? An adrenaline-packed experience is the kind of quality time dad deserves. That's why we've teamed up with Adrenaline this Father's Day to make it happen with an exclusive giveaway. Fill out the form below, and you'll officially enter the running to win a $500 Adrenaline voucher, plus a GoPro Hero 13 and accessory bundle, so you can take dad on an adventure and capture every minute of it on camera. If all else fails, get dad an Adrenaline gift voucher, it's delivered instantly and valid for up to five years. To put your name into the running, fill out the form below before Sunday, August 31. [competition]1011630[/competition]
No matter what our television screens told us about the 21st century, it looks like we probably won't gain access to hoverboards, robot maids or teleporting stargates any time soon. Sorry guys. However, recent news from the US may offset every other sci-fi-based hope that has been dashed by the underwhelming reality of 2013. NASA has just announced that it is dropping US$125,000 on the development of a 3D food printer. Yes, you heard right, a sort of inkjet for pizza. And they're actually starting with pizza. The 'universal food synthesiser' will be designed by mechanical engineer Anjan Contractor (who has already constructed a chocolate printer, the likes of which you can play with at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum event Eat the Collection) and turn powder into a three-tiered space-age Italian snack. While it may not exactly rival your local woodfired joint, the advantages of this technology could have galactic consequences. First, because powder has a longer shelf-life than organic food (it can last for decades), astronauts will be able to survive epic interplanetary voyages. The 15-year journey to Mars, for example, would be much more bearable with some powder and a printer than it would be with stale Weet-Bix and rock-hard peanut butter. But the designer of the universal food synthesiser has even higher hopes for his machine that could have an impact right here on Earth. Contractor imagines a world where every kitchen contains a 3D food printer stocked with nutritious meals bought cheaply from the local grocery store. A future where powder enables the full flourishing of human life. Indeed, he believes that the synthesiser could end world hunger. It's crazy that TV never told us about that. Via Quartz.
While last week saw Valentine's Day take hold of Brisbane hearts, this week's Valentine's night will see those hearts seized again by the power of music. My Bloody Valentine is touring Australia for the first time in 21 years. While that fact alone might warrant frenzied behaviour, the band is also visiting mere weeks after the release of their latest album, m b v — their third full-length album and first since 1991. Safe to say, this show is a big deal for many. After disappearing at the height of their popularity in the mid-'90s, My Bloody Valentine re-emerged in 2008 and have been touring ever since. Labelled as noise-pop, shoegaze, and dream-pop, My Bloody Valentine are a bittersweet, melancholic, and emotive powerhouse. The classics from their first two albums (Isn't Anything and Loveless) ignited the imaginations of millions and inspired countless other musicians. Get your tickets for the show at The Tivoli immediately, or face the reality of possibly missing out in a once-in-a-generation show.
When a big occasion is on its way, timely markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute. While Etsy usually arrives towards the end of the year to lend a hand with your Christmas shopping, it's also bringing its market back to Brisbane this May for Mother's Day. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. The market will take place in the Exhibition Building at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, May 10 from 4.30–9.30pm and Saturday, May 11 from 9am–4pm. Because it focuses on the best local talent, every market is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer gift for mum is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry is via gold coin donation.
UPDATE, MARCH 2, 2022: Due to flooding in Brisbane, Ocean Film Festival World Tour's 2022 stop at Brisbane Powerhouse has been postponed until Thursday, June 16–Saturday, June 18, 2022. This article has been updated to reflect that change. There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea, even if you're feasting your eyes on the water via the big screen. That's the concept behind the Ocean Film Festival Australia. You can't always spend all your time at the beach, by the river or in a pool — but you can spend an evening peering at the next best thing in a cinema. From Thursday, June 16–Saturday, June 18, the festival will unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the silver screen at Brisbane Powerhouse. Sessions screen at 7pm each night, and there's a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday as well. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. Expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet. [caption id="attachment_840734" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Kowitz[/caption]
Why would you want to celebrate a brutal day of 18th-century European history, you ask? Well, because there is cheese at stake here. French National Day, or Bastille Day, represents freedom, equality, fraternity, and now President Francois Hollande and his first ladies. It is a festive date celebrated by francophiles worldwide, and one we recommend getting behind. Below is a snapshot of all things French that you can get amongst in Brisbane around July 14. Festival Time This weekend the Brisbane French Festival is rolling into South Bank for two whole days of wining, dining, speaking, hearing and seeing all things French and French-inspired. The festival will be your one-stop shop to music, cuisine, culture, entertainment, products, services and information to celebrate La Fete Nationale. Don your beret and your best eyeliner moustache and clink your glasses to the sweet sweet sound of French culture. Eating Now, we could probably have filled this whole article with food, but we’ve managed to condense it to just half. Pre-prepared for your reading pleasure, check out our Top Ten French Eateries feature for the best of the best in French food, or head along to these culinary Bastille Day events. French-Vietnamese restaurant Libertine is doing a three-course shared set plus drink for $45 per person, and Emporium will pop the cork on a revolutionary five-course Canard-Duchene Champagne Dinner. Cheers! Cinema If you’re yet to experience the delightful quirks of a French rom-com, or just French cinema, Bastille is the best excuse yet. Well-known French funny-man Dany Boone stars in his latest rom-com hit, The Volcano, while Belle & Sebastian — once a book, then a TV series and now a movie — is a timeless tale of a boy and his dog. Both are playing on the big screen at Palace cinemas right now. Or if subtitles seem like too much effort, the new Yves Saint Laurent film will give you a French culture hit in your native tongue. Cheese Did someone say cheese? What would a French celebration be without a little fromage. Make like a French man, grab a baguette from Banneton in Woolloongabba, head next door to Pennisi Deli for your cheese and have an impromptu picnic atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. If you don’t like to venture south of the river, Rosalie Gourmet Market, Tognini’s, Black Pearl Epicure and Standard Market Co can help fill your wildest cheese dreams too. Cooking Duck l’orange, boeuf bourguignon, gratin dauphinois, ratatouille, crème brûlée, souffle, tarte tatin… salivating yet? Brisbane is home to a number of great cooking schools with a few running French cuisine classes to help get your culinary skills up to scratch. Take part in the modern French class at Vanilla Zulu on July 11, in French Classics at Spring on August 9, or gather some friends and organise a private French Country Cooking class with Giovanna. If you’d rather watch and drink than take part, The Golden Pig is hosting a Wine Tasting Workshop and cooking demonstration on July 16. Language Bonjour! Croissant! Fromage! Menage a trois? Je ne parle pas francais… Need a little help getting your French off the ground? It’s never too late to start learning a language and we say your best bets are Alliance Francais, French Lessons Brisbane or French Speak. If you’re already a master in the language of love, Alliance Francais also has a French language library, runs a book club and does a monthly French film night. Oui!
Probably the toughest event on the planet — and people are lining up to give it a shot. What do you call a gruelling, 20km obstacle course designed by British Special Forces that involves mud, fire, ice and a little bit of electricity? Some say suicide, but for many people it's just a good time. What began as a challenge for the only the most mentally strong minds and physically fit bodies, Tough Mudder has expanded and now boasts a following of more than half a million die-hard participants worldwide. Based on the ethos that it is not a race, it is a challenge, Tough Mudder unites participants on the core principle of teamwork and support. As each challenge gets tougher, the more you need to rely upon your teammates to help you. Although it is an event that probably makes you want to vomit from fatigue just reading about it, participants from all walks of life say Tough Mudder is the most rewarding fitness challenge on the planet. So if you want to push yourself and conquer your fear of physical exertion, give Tough Mudder a shot.
Founder of McSweeney's and novelist of high-fivable acclaim, Dave Eggers, is heading to Australia. The 44-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winner is set to appear at a series of talks as part of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane Writers Festivals — notably providing the closing address for MWF, opening for BWF and meeting up with organisations his own models have inspired like Sydney Story Factory. The poster boy for self-made journalists and novelists, the San Francisco-based writer and editor has cranked out no less than ten books including most recent releases Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, The Circle and A Hologram for the King and his Pulitzer Prize-winning first novel and memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Eggers also famously founded independent publishing company McSweeneys in the '90s out of SF, an endeavour that now counts a slam dunk of a website, books, a quarterly journal and a monthly magazine, The Believer, in its bag of tricks. But McSweeney's doesn't just publish personified accounts from the font Comic Sans, the team have also released the nonprofit book series Voice of Witness, which illuminates global human rights crises using oral history. Legends. But then there's Eggers' other, closer-to-home initiative, 826 National, the sweet network of eight tutoring centres across the States. It was the 826 model that inspired Australian organisations like 100 Story Building in Melbourne's inner west and Sydney Story Factory in Redfern. In Sydney, Eggers is set to appear in conversation with Sydney Story Factory director, Cath Keenan — whose Redfern organisation is based around Eggers' 826 National tutoring centre model. The pair will be having mad chats at Carriageworks on Wednesday, September 3 as an extension of SWF. In Melbourne, Eggers will apear in a series of Meet McSweeney's-type panels alongside managing editor Jordan Bass with former guest editor Chris Flynn at The Wheeler Centre, before delivering the closing night address for the MWF on Sunday, August 31 at Deakin Edge, Fed Square. In Brisbane, he'll kick things off with the BWF opening address on Thursday, September 4 before a one-off literary cabaret vaudeville show at Brisbane Powerhouse on the Friday. For more informaation, dates and events for Dave Eggers' Australian tour, head to Penguin over here.
With Australia's COVID-19 curve flattening, exactly how and when restrictions will be relaxed has dominated conversation of late. Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that some social distancing and public gathering rules could be loosened in mid-May. Today, Thursday, April 23, Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy shed some light on when international travel could restart. But don't go packing your suitcase just yet. At a senate inquiry meeting into Australia's response to COVID-19, Murphy said that opening borders would be one of the last stages of easing restrictions. "At the moment, any relaxation of border measures would be very risky," Murphy said. "I wouldn't be envisaging any material changes [to border measures] in that three to four months." One exception to that, Murphy hinted to, could be allowing travel between Australia and New Zealand. The Prime Minister echoed this sentiment in a press conference in the middle of the senate inquiry meeting (yes, a busy day), saying that he'd already been in discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about potentially reopening borders. "If there is any country in the world with whom we can reconnect with first," Morrison said. "Undoubtedly that's New Zealand." [caption id="attachment_596427" align="alignnone" width="1280"] A PurePod in New Zealand[/caption] Some of the restrictions that could be eased before then, and possibly as soon as in three weeks, are those in small groups. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland at present, public gatherings are restricted to a maximum of two people or the members of your household. While Murphy said they "would not be contemplating large-scale gatherings" just yet, "some relaxation of the size of small groups is possible". Other restrictions Murphy says the government is currently looking into loosening include "things like community sport and some retail measures". But, as has been the message repeated in the past week, "we have to weigh up the public health risk versus the benefit to society and the economy". If you're wondering why we're hearing a lot from Murphy during COVID-19, and why his opinions hold weight, Murphy is not only the principal medical adviser to the Federal Health Minister, but also he's the chair of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), which makes big decisions in health emergencies — such as global pandemics. There's no exact date on when we'll be able to travel just yet — locally or internationally — but if you want to start dreaming, here are some of our favourite spots to visit in New Zealand. Top image: Mueller Hut Track in New Zealand by Corey Parsons.
If your end-of-month plans included a trip to the Gold Coast to see Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen, then we have bad news: Sandtunes, the new festival with all three leading the lineup, has been cancelled. The event has endured a tumultuous run since it was first announced in July, when it was billed as a two-day seaside music fest at Coolangatta Beach. In September, "after listening to responses from the local community", organisers moved the festival to the definitely not-by-the-shore Metricon Stadium. But it seems that patrons weren't impressed with the change of venue, even when ticket prices were slashed to help reignite interest. As the event notes, "without sand between our punters' toes, the very notion of the beachside festival in a stadium meant low sales". As a result, the debut fest won't be going ahead — on its scheduled dates of Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, or at all. https://www.facebook.com/SandTunesFestival/photos/a.352133325459956/410100329663255/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARApmpGdy5jXx8Xi-9m6RCcZxSnRhY1fQxz9d-ZUZpM7EGPBFrtO1wf-gOYL8tJ0qZ-nxEwmhqno3z-rlZM-1sSPnoKyC5l7CHaq6J3pSmrLQJIrBQeGrziAYhbHJ5qYUVDLaE9HMU8sR6BvffsvLOyKj-cqCrTvjyqnZ0tgaCJJGEe_A9cL_17b23XlTQ3vUg5ZYjn2tqg7MInBAQmSmgVc84QzoHWNgXd7QloG2ER7vWs4JS7GH35iCwI9kS34Fj6jcSGwONORmWpmiUJbF3zmmzzTifplLQWUUoq4rAk-chmpA1emaWuC3FsBe-MsT0GUvOHyEE1oq0wZH3r3dGU&__tn__=-R That also means that the fest's plans not just to run this year, but to become an annual part of southeast Queensland's event calendar, have fallen by the wayside. "This whole concept started with bringing a great music festival to the beach which we see happening the world over in major locations like Spain (Barcelona Beach Festival) and Alabama (Hangout Music Festival). I'm disappointed because I believed this could have grown year-on-year into something really big but unfortunately, we weren't even able to get it off the ground here," said Paul Dainty, president and CEO of promoters TEG Dainty. While it's hardly surprising that the change of location away from the beach dampened music fans' enthusiasm, Sandtunes' timing in general wasn't fantastic, with the fest's dates overlapping with part of Schoolies. The rest of event's lineup was also slated to feature Juice WRLD, Dean Lewis, Sampa the Great, Tkay Maidza, Cub Sport, Kait, Kwame, WAAX, Kian, Alice Ivy, Genesis Owusu and Saint Lane. For folks keen to see Scott, it's especially unwelcome news — Sandtunes would've been the Texas-born rapper's only Australian performance this year. It seems that Carly Rae Jepsen's Aussie tour will still go head, just not in Queensland, with tickets for her Sydney and Melbourne shows still on sale at the time of writing. As for Logic, Sydney and Melbourne ticket sales have "been postponed while we work through some tour logistics", although co-presenter Triple J reports that his visit won't be going head. Sandtunes ticketholders who purchased by credit or debit card will receive refunds automatically within ten working days, while those who purchased in an agency will be contacted by phone with a fortnight to make refund arrangements. For more information about Sandtunes' cancellation, visit the festival website.
First, Brisbane was set to get a Harry Potter-themed brunch. Now, we're getting a wizarding dinner. If the boy who lived's flicks were still gracing cinemas, exploring his adult life, we're certain he'd be keen on this magical meal. Whether you're still not over Harry or you just wish you'd had the chance to attend Hogwarts because you know you're destined to be in Gryffindor (and to be seeker on the quidditch team, obviously), you'll want to make a date with this event. You'll dine in the Great Hall-like space that is St John's Cathedral, matching your meal (Pixie Puffs, please) with 'magic' potions (aka beer and wine). And you can bet the menu will include every Potter pun you can think of. Tickets are available now for dinners on both Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19 — and as for how many galleons you'll have to spend, it doesn't come cheap. Adult tickets cost $205 + booking fee, and are available for both evenings. If you're taking someone under-18 along, they're welcome to attend on the Friday for $185 + booking fee. From the Sydney event held earlier this year, you can expect long tables topped with candles, goblets filled with wine and Harry Potter characters mingling with attendees. This video should get the vibe across: Folks in costumes pretending to be Hermione, Dumbledore and others isn't really our idea of a magical HP experience, but perhaps a few firewhiskys will get you in the right mood. And if not, you can just talk about the next Fantastic Beasts film that'll release this November, or sit tight for the Cursed Child stage show to hit Australia.
Burger-loving Brisbanites no longer need feel pangs of hunger and envy whenever Huxtaburger comes up in conversation. Well, for one day, that is. Melbourne's American-style hamburger haven is venturing up north, but it's for a limited time only. Huxtaburger head honcho Daniel Wilson will actually be in town to share his culinary style as part of the annual James St Food & Wine Trail, but he couldn't leave without sharing his famed meat-and-bread combination as well. At 12.30pm on Saturday August 1, he'll be signing copies of his new cookbook — aptly called The Huxtaburger Book, of course — at Scrumptious Reads, with the first twenty patrons receiving a free, freshly-made burger. Arriving early is advised, obviously, but if you do miss out, don't despair. Remember, you can also glean his burger secrets in printed form, and then go home and try to make your own. Those interested in Wilson's other Food Trail stopover will want to head to the Huxtable dinner at Harveys Bar and Bistro on July 31 for an evening of sit-down deliciousness. Thanks to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Wilson will be collaborating with Harveys' chef PJ McMillan to serve up a five-course-menu that showcases Victorian's finest produce and plonk. It's a bit fancier than a burger, and a bit more expensive at $140, but sounds just as likely to make your mouth water. The James St Food & Wine Trail runs from July 31 to August 2. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page.
Since late in 2019, when Disney launched its own streaming platform, fans of its animated classics, beloved hits and many, many super-popular franchises have been able to binge their way through the Mouse House's back catalogue from the comfort of their couch. Later this year, however, movie buffs will be asked to leave their houses to check out a selection of the company's famed titles — all thanks to the new pop-up Disney+ Drive-In that's coming to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 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 now endeavouring to lure viewers out to watch its flicks on a big screen from their cars. That's a very 2020 situation, with Disney+ teaming up with Openair Cinemas to make it happen. The drive-in will kick off in Brisbane, at Northshore Hamilton — in the event space next to the Brisbane Cruise Terminal, to be specific — on Thursday, September 17, screening films every night (except Tuesdays) until Sunday, October 18. Brisbanites with a long memory might remember that the stretch along the river has been used as a drive-in before, with the Brisbane International Film Festival doing so back in 2011 and Eat Street Northshore also screening movies. As for what'll be screening, the Disney+ Drive-In is theming its various evenings, with double features on offer on most nights. That means on 'Star Wars Wednesday' you'll catch The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker and Rogue One; and on 'Throwback Thursday' there'll be a focus on nostalgic movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, Mrs Doubtfire, Mighty Ducks and Edward Scissorhands. Then there's 'Disney Super Fan Friday', serving up both live-action and animated versions of Aladdin, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast; and 'Sing Along Saturday', where Moana, The Greatest Showman, The Little Mermaid and both Frozen films will screen. Next comes 'Pixar Sunday', including everything from Cars and Ratatouille to Inside Out and Wall-E — and, finally, 'Marvel Monday' will feature the likes of Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok and Captain Marvel. The pop-up will then head to Sydney from Thursday, October 22–Sunday, November 15, with both its program and its location yet to be revealed. Lastly, it'll hit up Melbourne, too, with both dates and the venue still under wraps. Folks interested in either season can sign up for updates via the drive-in's website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue80QwXMRHg Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available onsite — or you can bring your own. It's strictly a no-alcohol affair, though. And, ticket-wise, you'll be paying per car; however, prices vary depending on a number of factors. For a single film, you'll pay $42.53 if there's one or two people in your car, and $52.75 if there is three or more. For a double feature, that changes to $73.74 and $84.51. Disney+ Drive-In presented by Openair Cinemas kicks off in Brisbane, at Northshore Hamilton, on Thursday, September 17 — with its season running until Sunday, October 18. It'll then head to Sydney, at a yet-to-be-disclosed location, from Thursday, October 22–Sunday, November 15. Lastly, it'll hit up Melbourne, with both dates and the venue still under wraps.
As we come to the beginning of a new month, this means many things. A pinch and a punch, a slap and a kick, but also, the Young Designers Markets are on again at South Bank. On the first Sunday of each month, the markets feature some of Queensland’s up and coming talented designers in areas such as fashion, home wares, furniture, artwork and jewellery. The bright and happy stalls prepared by the young, brimming-with-talent designers, are truly a delight for your eyes. If you need to buy a gift for someone, or even to treat yourself, then head to the markets on Sunday 5 August, from 10am – 4pm for an original and exciting new piece. If you are a young designer, then be sure to register and make your start.
Last night was the official launch of new place in town, Next Door Kitchen and Bar. Built with the aim of having a 1920's speakeasy feel, Next Door is going to be a unique new addition to the South Bank family. Harun Gencerler known for Ahmet's and Olé (both in South Bank) is the brains behind this new establishment. “Our goal is to create a cocktail bar with an emphasis on shared dining.” He said. Things you can expect on the menus include oysters with gin and cracked pepper, Gangster chicken wings, flash fried shrimp to start; and whiskey beef cheeks, pulled duck leg and slow-cooked lamb neck to share. Venue manager David Yates said the cocktail list had been designed to tell the story about the advancement of the modern cocktail. “The cocktail menu has been divided into three prohibition-inspired categories,” Mr Yates said. "Moonshine and Marketplace, Bootleggers and Baptists and Housemade Hooch (shared cocktails)." The decor has the 1920s classic style including smooth timber, vintage decor and mirror detailing. To make the most of your New Year Eve you should book in for a night of burlesque, dinner and undoubtedly prohibition-era debauchery. Shop B11 Little Stanley Street; 07 3846 6678; www.nextdoorkitchenbar.com.au
Winter puts most of us in a slump but that doesn't mean your sense of style also has to fall behind. Rather than go out and buy a new wardrobe, give new life to your existing clothing with Philips' range of garment-care tools. Philips is giving away five prize packs (worth $164.85 each) that include a Philips Handheld Garment Steamer, Rechargeable Fabric Shaver and Sneaker Cleaner. The 3000 Series Steamer not only removes wrinkles on almost all iron-safe fabrics, including delicates but also reduces odours and bacteria so that you can prolong your wear between washes. The handy gadget is compact and foldable, meaning you can throw it in your bag on your way to the office or even bring it with you on any upcoming travels. If you've been living in your knitwear all winter, it's time to revive your sweaters. The 1000 Series Fabric Shaver removes unsightly pills on all garments and is conveniently rechargeable by USB. Don't overlook your footwear — your shabby sneakers can still be saved with the electric sneaker cleaner, which features three types of rotating brush heads to bring your shoes back to their original spotless glory. Enter below to be 'fit check-ready year-round. [competition]968206[/competition]
If you’re the type of person who thinks of Sir Walter at the mention of grass, you might find it difficult to relate to Liam Pieper’s life. Born to bohemian parents who saw little harm in the occasional puff, Liam spent his early teen years with a fledging drug habit and as the local mule with aid of a trusty pushbike. Through his life he had highs – financial, chemical and otherwise – and dangerous lows, but now he’s managed to pen it all on paper, and ipso facto we have his Feel-Good Hit of The Year. To show off this bound memoir - as anyone who writes a whole entire book deserves to – Liam will be trotting over to Avid Reader this Tuesday for a reading and chat. He’ll even be doing a signing after, so bring a copy of the book or buy one there. For now though, do yourself a favour and get a taste for his work if you haven’t already. He has some stellar stuff in The Saturday Paper, Lifted Brow and Meanjin that will have your heart breaking, lips laughing, and literary intellect falling a little in love.
Feeling a little chilly, Brisbanites? There's a reason for that. But it's not just the usual wintry temperatures that's making the city shiver — rather, it's Brissie's coldest morning of the year so far. While the mercury will hit the 23-degree maximum mark today, the morning started with a frosty 6.9 degrees. The dip comes as part of a cold front across the east coast. In some areas in New South Wales and Victoria, temperatures are predicted to hit their coldest point in two years. To put the dip in context, 23.4 degrees is the month's average maximum temperature to date, while 12.5 degrees is the minimum. In fact, 11.8 degrees is the usual June average historically, according to data spanning from 2000 to 2016. It's the second time the temp has dropped into single digits this month, following a 9.3-degree low on Tuesday, June 12. If you're not too keen on the extra dose of chilliness each morning, we're sorry to advise that minimums of nine degrees and under are forecast until Thursdays, although maximums will reach between 19 and 23. Still, we can stop saying that 'winter is coming' — yep, winter is definitely here. Via The Courier-Mail.
The Scandinavian crime fixation currently sweeping non-Nordic nations shows no signs of abating. Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series provides the latest instance, a four-instalment-to-date police procedural setting a duo of detectives in search of answers to dead cases. The Keeper of Lost Causes is the first feature to result. All the elements exist in director Mikkel Nørgaard and writer Nikolaj Arcel's version of the novel. (They're both veterans of the burgeoning genre with resumes that encompass television's Borgen and the Swedish-language The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as evidence.) An odd couple, an against-the-odds task, brooding backstories, a pretty prey and a cat-and-mouse game with the perpetrator furnish a feature that stays within the confines of the expected — except for one significant deviation. As well as tracking the law enforcement quest to uncover the truth, the film gifts viewers with the victim's perspective: her tale told as a parallel to the investigation. The Keeper of Lost Causes is in cinemas on July 31, and thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have ten double in-season passes to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Read our full review here. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=68sO1s9Hy70
With its riverside location, sprawling pools and all-round laidback feel, South Bank and summer already go hand-in-hand. Just as the weather starts to warm up in Brisbane, the inner-city precinct has welcomed a new attraction — the first Brisbane outpost for Noosa's beloved Happy Pops. If you're new to the Happy Pops experience, it's all about artisanal gelato on a stick, using all-natural, preservative-free Australian ingredients. Think Maleny milk, real vanilla, Belgian chocolate and actual fruit pieces. It also serves up vegan options, using soy, rice and coconut milk, which is good news for folks who don't consume animal products but still love a frosty treat. Customers can opt for a pre-made pop for $7, licking their way through the popular Hokey Pokey (with honeycomb made from Aussie honey, chocolate and caramel sauce), or the dessert mashup that is the Fruit Pavlova (which combines actual pavlova, vanilla gelato, white chocolate, freeze-dried raspberries and passionfruit) — among other flavours. Or, you can design your own for $8.50. You'll just need to choose your base (gelato, sorbet or yoghurt), style of chocolate (full-dip, half-dip or drizzle) and three toppings (including hazelnuts, sprinkles, macadamia nuts, marshmallows, Oreos, M&Ms and Nerds). If you'd prefer a waffle or brownie on a stick, covered in chocolate and then doused in your chosen toppings, that's also on the menu. Waffles are only on offer after 5pm, or all day if it's raining. Happy Pops serves milkshakes ($8), too, plus three kinds of mini-pops for kids ($4.50).
Italian food is useful for a variety of reasons. One is to comfort – there is nothing like tucking into a big bowl of pasta to make all of your cares disappear; the next is to share – antipasti platters and pizza are perfect for a communal dining experience; and finally, for romance – the richly flavoured sauces, the beautiful wine, and the possibility of a Lady and the Tramp moment makes Italian food one of the most sensual meals (never mind the garlic breath). Thanks to our culturally diverse city, Brisbane has many wonderful Italian restaurants to choose from. Here are Concrete Playground’s top picks. Mario Sarti Located in Toowong, Mario Sarti is a Brisbane institution. Around since 1995, this restaurant has been providing Brisbane's western suburb residents with the hearty and delicious Italian food that they deserve. With an extensive menu including Italian specialties such as a mouth-watering carpaccio, and a smoky mozzarella salad, it is their pasta dishes that will truly soothe your soul. Try the Gnocchi Al Forno - house baked ricotta gnocchi, grilled with truffle & fennel sausage, smoked mozzarella, chilli, garlic & Napoli sauce - mama mia, we have a winner! 41 Sherwood Rd, Toowong; 07 3870 4933; www.mariosarti.com.au Bucci Fresh to James Street in 2012, Bucci Restaurant provides a diverse menu with some light yet impressive salads, a large range of pastas on offer, and some exciting mains. The staff are enthusiasts who are keen to help you pick out the perfect matching wine to your dish. For those after a light dish, the salads are unique and full of delicious flavours - try the Il Polpo Arristito - chargrilled octopus with fennel, avocado and tomato. For the meat lovers you must try the Bistecca Di Manzo - rib fillet on the bone with rosemary and anchovy butter sauce - perfectly complementary to a juicy piece of beef. 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3852 3323; www.buccirestaurant.com.au Popolo Popolo in South Bank is the ideal Italian sharing restaurant. With entrees and mains designed to be shared, this is the perfect place for a great get together with family and friends to connect over delicious food. Using locally sourced produce, Popolo have created a menu full of mouth-watering options, the only arguments you will have at dinner is over what to choose. White bait, sardines or anchovies? Beef or pork? In this instance we recommend the Lattonzolo E Pesche - suckling pig with peaches and anchovy sauce. To die for. 3 Sidon Street, Southbank; 07 3846 7746; www.popolodining.com Beccofino If your mind is set on pizza perfection, then Beccofino in Teneriffe is the place for you. Their pizza menu is so extensive that it is split into 'rosse' and 'bianche' - pizzas with or without a tomato sauce base. Cooked in their wood-fired oven the smell and flavour of these pizzas have the power to teleport you to a small Italian city of your choice, with their authenticity. We highly recommend the Pizzaiolo - tomato, pancetta, ricotta, zucchini and chilli. 10 Vernon Tce, Teneriffe; 07 3666 0207; www.beccofino.com.au Tartufo Located at the Emporium in Fortitude Valley, Tartufo offers a dining experience of the finest quality. For a romantic night out of eating until you practically burst, you must try one of the two degustation options at Tartufo. But really, the degustation is a wonderful option for foodies or for those wanting to have an Italian food awakening. The seven or nine course degustations offer incredible samples of Italian food from carpaccio to risotto to incredible desserts. They also have a regular menu for those who like to steer their own course. 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 3852 1500; www.tartufo.com.au View all Brisbane Restaurants.
It's time to get festive beneath one of Newstead's most striking features: the Gasometer. For one night in December, The Market Folk is taking over the eye-catching Gasworks space, bring a heap of stalls with it and helping you finish your Christmas shopping — because, let's face it, no one ever gets 100-percent of their gift buying done too far in advance. From 5–9pm on Friday, December 10, the Gasworks Plaza precinct will be home to plenty of market stalls as the sun goes down, all brimming with items that'd make perfect presents (for your loved ones, and for yourself). If you're wondering just what kinds of things you can expect to pick up, think fashion, art, homewares, ceramics and vintage goods — and plants as well. There'll be a particular focus on Brisbane creatives, too. So, you'll also be gifting them some Christmas cheer by supporting their hard work. [caption id="attachment_758933" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Market Folk[/caption] Top image: Andrew S via Flickr.
It's Halloween, 1968, in the fictional town of Mill Valley. With an opening montage reminiscent of many a movie, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark shows viewers just what that means. Locals prepare to celebrate the spookiest day of the year, with decorations littering the town. Pumpkins are a common sight, naturally. Horror-obsessed aspiring writer Stella (Zoe Margaret Colletti) and her fellow teen outcast pals, Auggie (Gabriel Rush) and Chuck (Austin Zajur) are getting ready to go trick-or-treating, too; however it's the bully they're afraid of that initially proves pivotal. At his family farm, Tommy (Austin Abrams) and his offsiders attack a scarecrow. Under the autumn sky, surrounded by towering crops stretching far and wide, they smash and bash the figure mercilessly. Each blow knocks the straw man around, but it doesn't fight back. It can't — it's inanimate. But that doesn't mean that there won't be repercussions. Based on the 80s and 90s children's book series of the same name, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark doesn't trade in a 'what goes around, comes around' mentality — although Tommy isn't destined for a hero's journey. Rather, director André Øvredal (The Autopsy of Jane Doe) and his screenwriters (The Lego Ninjago Movie's Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, plus Oscar-winning The Shape of Water filmmaker Guillermo del Toro) explore the idea that pain is part of a cycle. Whether you're inflicting, receiving or helping to relieve it, trauma isn't a one-way event or a one-off occurrence. In the film's intermittent narration, Stella explains this in a different way, more befitting the movie's literary origins: "Stories hurt. Stories heal". After a trip to a supposedly haunted local house leaves Stella in possession of a spooky collection of stories, her words start ringing true. Decades earlier, the book belonged to Sarah Bellows, who was brutalised by her wealthy family, locked in the basement and — as the legend goes — lured in kids with eerie tales, then killed them. Stella doesn't necessarily believe the myths, until fresh tales begin writing themselves into the dusty tome in a bloody scrawl. Each new story mentions someone that Stella knows, such as Tommy, Auggie, Chuck and the mysterious drifter, Ramon (Michael Garza), that she meets at a drive-in screening of Night of the Living Dead. As foretold on the page, scarecrows soon seek revenge, monsters shuffle through creepy asylums and stews come seasoned with body parts, among other unnerving incidents. Tasked with adapting short stories, the filmmakers find an effective solution to what could've been the movie's big struggle: moulding standalone tales into a cohesive whole. Working through a selection of the printed collection's chapters, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark still feels episodic. Indeed, each segment could work on its own as a short film. That said, this isn't a cobbled-together anthology linked by loose connective tissue (or, if they've sprung to mind, a Stranger Things or IT rip-off). Delving deep into what each spooky tale means to Stella and her friends, Øvredal gives his framing narrative as much weight as the movie's individual parts. These stories reflect events, emotions, fears and worries in the characters' lives, and tie into the picture's setting and time period. The Vietnam War rages on, Richard Nixon is about to be elected to America's highest office and racism makes its presence known — and, via all of the above, a generation just coming of age begins to realise that horror really exists. When it comes to the tangible frights — the bumps, jumps, creaks and the like — Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark also finds an apt approach. As he demonstrated in both The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Troll Hunter, Øvredal knows that less is often more. When needed, though, he's not afraid to throw severed heads around, unleash a stream of spiders or watch dissembled limbs combine into a demon. He's not averse to pushing his fresh-faced cast to their limits, either, or deploying Breaking Bad's Dean Norris (as Stella's dad) as the fount of all gravitas. But, whether in subtle or overt mode, the film always sticks to its point, showing how frightful sights, and the underlying forces and troubles they represent, can manifest in many forms. Still, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark does tussle with one tricky spot. While vastly darker than Goosebumps, this is an adolescent-friendly affair, sparking an all-too-generic ending and sequel setup. When it takes the easy route in wrapping things up, the movie is at its worst. Thankfully for horror buffs of all ages, that's doesn't spoil the preceding fun. For most of its running time, this is a suitably creepy and thoughtful film, taking familiar parts, twisting them in unnerving ways, and layering its stories with both scares and meaning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYPRyBN3Kz8
Over the past few years, the Victoria Park Putt Putt Course has given itself a themed revamp on several occasions: Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day and Easter all included. Whatever the excuse to get tap, tap, tapping, this Herston spot'll find it — and mini golf-loving Brisbanites are thankful. Fancy getting into the Easter spirit by hitting a few balls around a candy-themed course? That's on offer again now that it's almost that time of year, all thanks to Victoria Park's returning Candyland putt putt setup. From Friday, April 1–Sunday, May 8, the site will sport greens with names like 'Fairy Floss Fairway', 'Ice Cream Court', 'Sugar Shack' and 'Bunny's Hop'. Yes, we're expecting rabbits to feature heavily — plus giant ice creams, Easter eggs, lollipops and other sweet treats. Bookings are essential, with the course open from 6am–10pm daily. Fancy a few holes before work? Want to add some fun to your lunch break? Need something to look forward to come quitting time? They're all options. It's a family-friendly affair, so you'll likely have plenty of company. Tickets cost $22 per adult. Images: Pandora Photography.
