Recently gone legit, Lost Race Records is a newly established Brisbane label promoting some of the city’s finest anti-pop music. This Saturday, L0st Race is bringing some of Brisbane and Sydney’s best bands together for one big party to celebrate releases from Cobwebbs, Nite Fields, Secret Birds and Dreamtime. Cobwebbs’ All Around sees them move into the darker, more experimental side of hook laden rock 'n' roll with psychedelic guitars, steam-train drums and wash-out vocals. The Nite Fields (Pictured) 7 inch features chiming guitars behind industrial beats, pop-punk vocals and driving bass-lines. Secret Birds’ debut LP shows off their progression from being a wah-weilding jam band into tight synth masters. Dreamtime will also be launching their new album, with heavier riffs and denser melodies. Also on the bill are acts Four Door, Day Ravies, Blank Realm, Greg Boring and more.
Queensland Conservatorium's first year Musical Theatre students have put their heart and soul into a special workshop production, The Wishing Well. This two and a half hour production is directed by Sue Rider and Jim Vilé and promises to engage and inspire. This performance revolves around Edith Middleton, a lady from London who leaves her harsh homeland for the promise of a brighter future to be found in Australia. However, Edith arrives in Sydney during the peak of the Depression and faces a whole new set of obstacles. Her son, Tim, is born with a hole in his heart and the story follows the pair as they struggle for a better life and learn lessons about the blessings and curses that life has to offer. The Wishing Well will be performed for four nights only and is recommended for people aged over 15 years. Grab your tickets now!
Maybe exploring graves on the outskirts of the Brisbane CBD, singing songs adjacent to a cemetery and pretending to be a corpse that's being washed and prepared for burial is your idea fun. Maybe it isn't. Either way, indulging in morbid-leaning pastimes or challenging yourself to face the end that awaits us all is on the agenda at Brisbane's newest festival, Deathfest. Running from November 12 to 20, Metro Arts' latest program of live art, music, film, visual art, discussions and social events wants attendees to confront death, literally. No, the grim reaper won't be there, but you will have to contemplate the weighty subject. We know, we know, it's a topic most of us choose not to think about, other than in a vague, YOLO-like way by reading trashy vampire fiction, or crying when the killer year that is 2016 keeps offing our artistic heroes. The Brissie arts venue knows this too, in fact, increasing death literacy in the community and finding a new way to embrace grief are among its chief aims. No wonder it's the first arts and culture festival of its kind in Queensland. And, no wonder it has compiled an array of out-of-the-box (or coffin) events and activities designed to push attendees out of their comfort zones. Taking place at a number of locations around the city, they include a concert of songs about leaving people and life behind, a theatrical dance piece about love and loss, a Yarn storytelling session focused on the experience of mourning, and a musical performance that uses sounds of endangered and extinct animals. And, plenty of talking: about dying in general over wine and cheese, and in an artist-filled panel session on what it means to die well. Elsewhere, you'll spy divination cards in Fish Lane that draw attention to bigger existential questions, and images of wildflowers in Eagle Lane stressing the importance of thinking about what came before. Plus, tying in with Metro Arts' newly revamped Lumen Room, a feast of appropriately themed films also feature. Griefwalker provides a poetic portrait of dying people talking about their predicament, while Oscar-winning Japanese effort Departures follows a man working at a funeral home. Or, relive what still ranks as Hayley Joel Osment and M. Night Shyamalan's career highlight, aka The Sixth Sense. You know exactly why it's appropriate. Deathfest takes places from November 12 to 20 at Metro Arts and other venues around Brisbane. Visit the festival website for more information.
You know the drill. The weekend rolls around and you and your mates end up doing exactly the same thing as last week — or at the very least, something pretty darn close. Sure, you chums are guaranteed to have a blast no matter what you're doing, but maybe it's time to spice up those group hangs (just a tiny bit, okay?). We've found a few perfect ways to do exactly that, from a spot of puppy patting to floating in a salty tank. Book in a friend date and head out of your usual comfort zone for one of these unexpected activities to do with your mates. BORROW SOMEONE ELSE'S PUP FOR THE DAY Dog-sharing. Yep. Read it again: dog-sharing. Services that allow pooch owners to connect with other pooch owners to help with everyday care, pupsit for holidays, do walks and so on. It's a thing (thanks to Australian service Dogshare) and you and your dogless mates can 'borrow' a pup for a walkie or sleepover from time-poor dog owners in your local area. To become a borrower, you just have to create a profile on Dogshare's website, list your previous experience with dogs and flag any services you're keen to volunteer for — like walks, park playdates, overnight stays or going to the vet. Can you think of a more joyous way to spend a sunny day with your squad? Just remember — you've gotta give them back at the end. Look after dem pooches, people. Do it at: where you live via Dogshare. TEE OFF IN AN OLD CHURCH If you're looking for something truly Brisbane to do, go no further than Holey Moley. There is nothing else like it. Having opened just last month in an old church in Fortitude Valley, the bar, as the name suggests, does mini-golf — but that's just the start of it. You can putt off a turntable, in a bathroom, through a gym, around creepy, creepy clowns, down a tenpin bowling lane and past the Nine Iron Throne, as you can also fit in a table tennis tournament or a go on their video games as well. It's basically an indoor amusement park for adults — and while it's definitely ridiculous, it's also a lot of fun. Grab some mates, a club and tee off. Do it at: Holey Moley, Fortitude Valley. [caption id="attachment_593253" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Jon Roig via Flickr[/caption] FLOAT AROUND IN A POD OF SALTY WATER You might be a few years off being able to float around with your mates in outer space, but you can enjoy the feeling of zero gravity, right here, right now. It seems like sensory deprivation tanks (yes, just like Stranger Things) popped up on just about every shopping strip overnight, offering an out-of-this world experience designed to take your relaxation levels to the max. Each tank is light-proof, sound-proof, and filled with a mix of Epsom salts and water, which takes away the sensation of gravity and leaves you floating in a temperature-controlled bubble of absolute peace. Those cortisol and adrenaline levels dip, as any external stimuli and distractions (read: all that stuff that's currently stressing you out), disappear completely. Do a simultaneous float with a mate and go grab lunch afterwards. Do it at: Sensory Deprivation Brisbane, Wolloongabba. CLIMB A REALLY TALL WALL Sometimes it feels like the only way to catch up with friends is over food. Brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, second dinner, second dessert are all great options (don't get us wrong), but sometimes you feel like doing something active and building muscle rather than building up a bill. Round up the crew and get vertical with a climbing session at your local indoor wall. With most rock climbing centres boasting a wide range of routes and climbs, you can tailor a visit to suit your group's abilities, whether that involves putting Spidey to shame with your ninja skills, or simply squashing that mild fear of heights. Sessions at most indoor rock climbing centres clock in at under $20 (safety demo included) with harness and shoe hire available for a few extra bucks each. You'll need someone to spot you, so take a friend who you trust with your life in their hands. Do it at: Urban Climb, West End. [caption id="attachment_556153" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Visit St. Pete/Clearwater via Flickr[/caption] TAKE TO THE SEAS ON A STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD Make the most of that impending sunshine and those bearable water temps this summer, and gather your mates for a stand-up paddleboard group lesson. Imagine gliding across the water, catching some rays, seeing fishies — or, alternatively, laughing at your mates and belly-flopping into the water as you try to stay standing. Both sound similarly fun. A carry-over from ancient Polynesian times, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years as a brilliant way to sharpen that balance and exercise on the high seas. Plus, the sport's a whole lot easier to master than its gnarlier cousin surfing — one lesson usually enough to have you paddling like a pro. Fish and chips on the beach post-paddle is, of course, a given. Do it at: Bay Island Paddle Boards, Cleveland.
When the Bloodhound Corner Bar and Kitchen opened its doors in May 2015, they only unveiled part of their Fortitude Valley space. Sure you've hung out, grabbed a drink, feasted on Latin American-inspired food and whiled away more than a few afternoons in their cosy downstairs confines over the past ten months or so, but you haven't ventured upstairs. Yet. Renovating the top level of the building was always part of the plan, but these things don't just happen overnight. At the time of writing, the upstairs area is practically complete, and is expected to be open on Sunday March 13. Once patrons are allowed into Bloodhound's upper sanctum, expect more beverages, more Frank & Mimi designs, an outdoor balcony and views down Brunswick and Robertson streets. Basically, expect yet another reason to drop by one of the best beer spots in the Valley. As if you needed one. Visit Bloodhound Corner Bar and Kitchen at 454 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley — or check out their website and Facebook page for more information. Image: Robert Killey Photography.
There's no need to sugarcoat Brisbane's newest event — you'll find plenty of sweetness on offer regardless. After all, that's what you'd expect at the city's first-ever dedicated dessert festival. It's called Sweet Street for a good reason. Taking over the Alden Street laneway behind The Wickham in Fortitude Valley from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, October 29, Sweet Street promises the kind of wonderland Homer Simpson couldn't even dream of. Specific details are still being kept under wraps, but The Wickham and Lucid Sweets are involved, with the event currently seeking expressions of interest from other dessert masters. Regardless of the final lineup of vendors, sweet treats will be available for brekkie, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert and every excuse in-between. The festival explicitly promises "more brownies, cupcakes, macarons, meringues and doughnuts than you ever thought could fit in once space". That sound you can hear? It's your stomach grumbling. If you've spent some time indulging your sweet tooth in Sydney, the name might sound familiar, thanks to the Shangri-La's annual dessert extravaganza. Whether the two events are related, or just share a mouth-watering moniker, Brissie's sugar lovers are in for quite the sweet occasion. Sweet Street takes place on Saturday, October 29 in Alden Street, Fortitude Valley. For more details, keep an eye on the event's Facebook page.
Think there's only one place in Brisbane that serves Mac Daddy burgers filled with mac 'n' cheese and Millie Vanilli milkshakes topped with white chocolate flakes? Think again. Come September 21, Miss Kay's is giving lovers of pop culture-themed, American-style food twice as many opportunities to devour their flavoursome fare. That's right — the CBD burger joint is spreading its wings and setting up a second store in Brisbane's north. Anyone on that side of town will want to mosey on up to Mitchelton — and to 40 Blackwood Street to be specific. That's where you'll find a brand new greasy spoon playing Space Jam on TV, blasting old school tracks and serving the kind of food that's a whole lotta tasty, even if it's probably not that all that good for you. With a few fresh additions, their stacked menu will jump jump on over with them, including the old fave that is chicken and waffles, as well as more fantastically named offerings (Austin Flowers veggie burger or Puff Daddy salted caramel shake with popcorn, anyone?). Plus, the new site also has an outdoor beer garden. Looks like this diner really is expanding in more ways than one. Find Miss Kay's at40 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton from September 21. Visit their CBD store at 185 George Street, Brisbane , and keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Every city has at least one: a place everyone has been more times than they can count, walks past more often than they realise, and always thought would be there forever. In Brisbane, Jo-Jo's well and truly meets that criteria. Indeed, the Queen Street Mall restaurant has been serving up food and drinks for 37 years. It even pre-dates the mall itself. Come March 5, however, change is a-coming to Stefan Ackerie's eatery — yes, the rainbow logo that Jo-Jo's sports provides a reminder of its ties to the hairdressing chain head and former Skyneedle owner. It's goodbye level one berth near the Albert Street section of the mall, and hello West End premises that the original Jo-Jo's called home in the late '70s. The latter part, incorporating the food court-like establishment into Stefan's towering headquarters, won't happen until May 31. While it has probably been quite some time since you've chosen from the restaurant's array of eating options, it's still an end-of-an-era moment for anyone who was repeatedly taken there by their parents when they were a kid (aka all of us). Of course, anyone feeling nostalgic has a couple of weeks to drop by the current digs for a trip down memory lane. And for those wondering what the new place has in store, Stefan told Brisbane Times that the site on Melbourne Street "will be a game changer" — although, that could just be another way of saying "same place, different location". Via Brisbane Times.
They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and come in more colours than you can think of. They're a hit at markets around the city, spreading sugary joy in varieties as delicious and diverse as espresso, rosewater and pistachio, honeycomb and bubblegum. Yes, we're talking about Lucid Sweets' luscious meringue kisses, aka those bright egg white creations Brisbanites can't seem to gobble up fast enough. And now, in the news we've all been waiting for, they're going to be available more readily, more often. Prepare to spend more time in Geebung from March, because that's where and when Lucid will be setting up their permanent store. The store will see them serving up their beloved fluffy treats over the counter as well as their existing market appearances and online orders. There must be something about the northside suburb, with Nutri Hitt also settling into the area in recent months (although their desserts are on the healthier side of things). Lucid isn't just about meringues of the rainbow-hued and bite-sized kind though — so if your sweet tooth hankers for something else, you won't be disappointed. As anyone who has spent far too long drooling over their Instagram feed will know, the artisan baking wizards are also renowned for their Mexican chilli chocolate, Cookie Monster, Cherry Ripe and Bubble O' Bill mini pavlovas, plus the occasional cake and biscuit. Find Lucid Sweets in Geebung from March, and keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for the final address and opening details.
Do you live in a dog-friendly house? Do you have some spare time on your hands? Do you fantasise about hanging around at dog parks with an actual dog? The good folk at Guide Dogs Queensland need you. They're expecting lots more puppies to be born between now and Christmas and they're in desperate need of carers to raise them. In other words, they're giving away puppies. If you put up your hand, you'll get a puppy for about a year — from its eight-week birthday to when it turns 14 months. During that time, you'll be responsible for introducing the sights, sounds and smells it'll meet when it starts working as a guide dog (and giving your new friend heaps of cuddles). Of course, it's not all just fun, games and cuteness. You'll have to be responsible enough to take care of regular grooming, house training and exercise, and be available to attend local training days, along with vet checks and Puppy Pre-School. A car and a fenced-in property are mandatory, too. In return, the organisation provides a strong support network, food, vet care and prevention of fleas and ticks. Guide Dogs Queensland are looking for people who are home most of the time, and are able to put effort into training and socialising the pup. Every day, 28 people in Australia get diagnosed with vision impairment, nine of whom can expect to go blind. Guide dogs are provided free to those in need, but each costs $35,000 to raise. Keen? Apply here. And send pics please.
Oh, school. They told us it'd be the best time of our lives. And they weren't necessarily wrong — late starts, early finishes and two designated breaks to eat throughout the day. Sure, the joys of months-long summer holidays and the back-to-school Officeworks trip are behind us, but that doesn't mean the fun has to be. Plus, now that you're a proper grown up, you can do all sorts of fun and exciting excursions without needing any handholding (if you don't want it) and you can bring all the snacks you want. Brisbane has got the goods when it comes to the ultimate kidult activities. Think all the fun of those halcyon days, without having to make it back for roll call. And if you really want to, you can run full speed from one fun time to the next until you realise you've gotten old and need to sit down for a bit. So, grab your legionnaires hat and shot gun your bus partner, because we've teamed up with RACQ to track down five of the best excursions you can take around town (and to let you in on some of the sweet discounts their members can access). Read on, fellow kidults. AUSTRALIA ZOO For all the time we spend riling up foreigners over the fabled kangaroo school bus and those sneaky drop bears, we still get a kick out of seeing our national icons in the fur, flesh and scales. Don your khaki and take a trip up Steve Irwin Way to his beloved Australia Zoo to check out some awesome wildlife. The zoo boasts over 1200 native and exotic animals from across the planet. You can spot giraffes, zebras, rhinos and cheetahs at the African Savannah, as well as a range of beloved tree-dwellers like lemurs, red pandas, exotic birds and, of course, koalas. The live shows at the Crocoseum are non-negotiable, plus there's the option to hold a live snake if you're into that sort of thing. And for those who read Esiotrot as a kid, there's also Aldabra giant tortoises wandering around. [caption id="attachment_634874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tangalooma Island Resort.[/caption] MORETON ISLAND Who needs the sparkling waters of the Amalfi Coast when you've got glistening blue bays at Brisbane's doorstep? Okay, it's not exactly the same, but it's pretty damn beautiful. It's time to shake off those winter blues and embrace the coming warm weather with a day trip to the world's third largest sand island, Moreton Island. Begin your tour in style with a cruise from Brissie to Moreton on a luxury catamaran — but make sure to spend your 75 minutes at sea relaxing because once you arrive on Moreton's pristine shores, the island adventure begins. RACQ members get full use of the Tangalooma Island Resort facilities and can partake in three or four of the resort's ten adventure activities. Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, snorkel through crystal clear blue waters at the Tangalooma Wrecks and hire a kayak to explore the waters even more. [caption id="attachment_631336" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Facebook/La Macelleria.[/caption] ICE CREAM MAKING AT LA MACELLERIA Like science class but better, La Macelleria is widely credited as Brisbane's premier gelato destination and runs two ace classes to help you learn the ins and outs of the cold stuff. Run by two charmers — both called Matteo, and both hail from Italy's home of gelato, Bologna — the gelato shop is an ideal spot to learn the tricks of the trade. Their Gelato Workshop, teaches the theoretical principles and age-old process behind making the tasty treats, then puts you to work producing a couple of flavours yourself before taking away your new-found knowledge and a litre of creamy gelato goodness. Otherwise, if fun-size is more your thing, the Matteos have recently added Gelato Mignon Classes, where you'll get to learn the magic of the Italian meringue (very important) in order to master the art of making tiny treats like the homemade Magnums and gelato sandwiches in La Macelleria's display fridge. SCIENCENTRE If you're of the mindset that, now that you're an adult, your school-like excursion should end with an adult beverage, then this one's for you. Let's take it back to where all good Brissie school excursions started: the Sciencentre. Spend your day wandering this labyrinth of learning, tackling giant puzzles, handling a stick insect and generally learning and re-learning how stuff works. Of course no trip to the Queensland Museum (which houses the Sciencentre) is complete without visiting the dinosaurs, so get your Ross Gellar on, and say hi to the T-rex and Triceratops overlooking Grey Street. Once all that learning has worked up a thirst, it's time to head across the road to Fish Lane and settle in for a cocktail or three at Maker, an unassuming boutique bar that you might just miss if you don't have your wits about you. Once that thirst has been quenched, head next door to Julius Pizzeria for some of the best Italian in Brisneyland. Dinosaurs, drinks and a duck ragu — what could be better? KINGSTON PARK KARTS There's no denying it; no matter how many grey hairs you've collected over the years, you're still always a kid at heart. And what better way to treat your inner child than to take them go-karting — especially if the closest thing you got to go-karting as a kid was at dogems. Unleash your speed demon at Kingston Park Raceway, the largest and most technically advanced go-karting and amusement venue in the country. With four levels of go karts and three tracks to tear up, it's the perfect way to bring those racecar driver dreams of yesteryear to life. Place some friendly wagers with your mates on who'll be the Schumacher of the group and put pedal to the metal. Channel your inner school kid, and find more activities you no longer need a permission slip for with RACQ's mighty selection of kidult things to do with discounts for members. Check out their full offering here.
When cheese is placed between two slices of bread, and then warmed to its edible oozing point, it becomes a gooey force that cannot be contained. That's exactly what's happened at dedicated cheese toastie joint Melt Brothers. Their love of the best thing you can do with sliced bread knows no bounds, and so it's spreading, with a second store coming to Mt Gravatt. Less than a year after setting up their first CBD outlet, Melt Brothers will be slinging their cheesy concoctions at Garden City from late September. Bringing their dairy-filled delights to the shopping centre's first-level food precinct, they'll be serving up the same delicious menu in a whole new spot — because, let's face it, who wants to be more than a 20-minute drive away from melted cheese? That means fans in the city's south can grab all-day fare like the three-cheese Mouse Trap and the bacon and egg-filled Morning Glory, or stop by for a M.C. Cheesy (with macaroni and cheese) or BFC (with buttermilk fried chicken) for lunch. Melt Brothers is also licensed, making beer and cheese toastie combos a reality. And, while their dessert offering doesn't actually feature cheese, smashing some vanilla ice cream, Nutella, and hundreds and thousands between a toasted sweet bun makes for a great after-cheese cap-off. Melt Brothers' second store will open at Westfield Garden City from late September. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details.
There's brownies, and then there's Dello Mano brownies. If dense squares of chocolately goodness are your weakness, then you've probably rushed to their Teneriffe and Brisbane CBD stores to get your fix. After serving their wares on Doggett Street for the past five years, however, you might've noticed the dessert makers have moved on — heading just down the road to New Farm. Merthyr Village is now one of Brisbane's two go-to spots for Dello Mano's velvety squares of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, so prepare to spend a whole lot of time there. First operating out of a temporary cart and then a permanent new store, that's where you'll find luxury handmade offerings that also include cakes, tarts, truffles, fudge, chocolates and cookies, plus coffees to wash it all down with. If you're a die-hard devotee, you won't need any more convincing than that, but let's try to get your stomach grumbling anyway. Their luxury handmade offerings were inspired by a trip to Rome, gained attention at local markets, and come in classic, honey caramelised macadamia, peanut butter, nut assortment and gluten-free varieties. If you still need to work up an appetite, feast your eyes on their Instagram feed. Find Dello Mano at Merthyr Village, 85 Merthyr Road, New Farm. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information. Image: Dello Mano.
UPDATE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7: To celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, June 10, Little Miss Kay's in Woolloongabba will be doing half-price 'grab and go' cheeseburgers from 10.30am till 9.30pm. If you want one, you'll have to fill out this form in advance and present it to staff on the day. Visit their Facebook page for more details. Not content with giving the Brisbane CBD and Mitchelton a taste of American diner-style fare, Miss Kay's is expanding their burger empire. Southside residents, it's your turn, with the joint headed to Woolloongabba. The new Logan Road location will be called Little Miss Kay's, and is due to open its doors on Saturday, June 10. As the name gives away, it won't be quite the same Miss Kay's regulars know and love. Forget hanging around in pop culture-themed digs, watching Space Jam on TV and hearing old school tunes blast throughout the store — in a departure from its other greasy spoons, their new venture is a takeaway and delivery only establishment. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, it'll still boast the exact same burger menu, but grabbing and going — or ordering from home and waiting for UberEATS to get to your door — is on offer. Yes, that means eating Mac Daddy burgers filled with mac 'n' cheese at home; however their shake selection won't be on offer at this food-focused outlet. Expect the rest of their burgs, sides and other delicious bites to make the jump though, including the Austin Flowers spiced tempura cauliflower burger, the Ludakrisp crispy fried chicken concoction, and those tasty fried wings. Find Little Miss Kay's 159 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba from June 10. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Mosey along Fish Lane, and you'll find everything everything from rib shacks to Vietnamese cuisine-slinging shipping containers. Wander around the corner, and you'll soon find fish and chips. While Ol' School mightn't have scored the ultimate South Brisbane street frontage for selling seafood, they're pretty close — and their old-meets-new menu, digs and approach promises to impress. The latest venture from Hello Please's Daniel Ward and Maris Cook, plus design studio Standing By and ex-Pier (Rose Bay) chef Jesse Stevens, Ol' School wants to hark back to retro-style fish and chipperies from days gone by, but add some modern touches as well. "We're just some guys that want to cook you some really good fish and chips, served up with nice drinks," explains Stevens. Opening in late November, that means a menu filled with the ocean's finest, as freshly prepared with old-school flair and served on greaseproof paper, all in a place that offers table service from Tuesday to Thursday. While you'll never just take a number here, takeaway is also available from Tuesday to Sunday. Food-wise, patrons can tuck into fish, obviously, as well as thick-cut fries served with salt, malt vinegar or lemon; potato scallops; and crusty bread for making-your-own chip butties. Or, they can opt for prawn cocktail rolls, fish tacos and the old favourite that is the fisherman's basket. A selection of salads will be available as sides, while desserts include ice cream sandwiches and lemon tarts. As for beverages, prepare to sip on wine, beer and a range of cocktails. Find Ol' School at 58 Hope Street, South Brisbane from late November, or check out their Facebook page for further details.
Why did the fried chicken fan cross Hawken Drive? To eat all the greasy chook they could handle, of course. What might sound like a groan-worthy joke is actually happening in St Lucia thanks to KaiKai Chicken, who is bringing another fried chicken buffet to Brisbane. The shop is helping locals solve the eternal question faced by hungry chook fiends everywhere — aka whether to have one finger lickin' good piece, several, or more than anyone should actually admit to. Opening its doors on July 24, it'll serve up an endless array of poultry in 12 different flavours, plus all-you-can-eat pizza, fries, salads, other sides and desserts to round out the meal. A la carte orders are also available, but who wants that when there's fried chicken and pizza at arms reach? The affordable — albeit hardly healthy — package will set diners back $24.95, with bottomless homemade lemon iced tea available for an extra $1.50. A rib buffet is also in the works for an additional $18, but won't be ready when the store launches. If it sounds too good to be true, we're here to tell you that it's about to become a clucking reality; however, each visit does have a time limit. Flocking customers are asked to get their chicken fix within 90 minutes due to the anticipated demand — and, let's be honest, after an hour and a half of seeing how much chook you can gorge upon, you'll probably be ready to fly the coop anyway. Find KaiKai Chicken at 1/225 Hawken Drive, St Lucia from July 24. Head to their Facebook page for further information.
Get ready to feel your age. After the definition of a runaway debut album, a couple of Grammys, a world tour, a collaboration with Disclosure and worldwide fame, Lorde is returning to Australia for a handful of shows — and she's still only 20 years old. The New Zealand artist — also known as Ella Yelich-O'Connor — has this morning announced she will tack on four Australian shows to her Melodrama world tour in November. All outdoor venues, she will play in Sydney's iconic Opera House Forecourt, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Kings Park in Perth and Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens. It will be Lorde's first visit back to Australia since 2014, when she toured Pure Heroine as a wee 16-year-old. This time around, she will showcase her new album Melodrama, which is set to be released next week. General tickets go on sale at noon on Monday, June 19, but if you're a Frontier member or signed up to the Sydney Opera House's newsletter, you can access pre-sales ahead of time. Find more info on the tour here. LORDE MELODRAMA AUSTRALIAN TOUR Saturday, November 18 — Kings Park, Perth Tuesday, November 21 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Thursday, November 23 — Riverstage, City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Saturday, November 26 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
With a host of restaurants and eateries making a beeline for Bowen Hills, King Street has fast become Brisbane's biggest new foodie precincts. Until summer hits, it'll boast another reason to stop by: an outdoor garden dedicated to end-of-week banquets. Celebrating the warmer weather with al fresco dining in greenery-filled surroundings, King Street's Spring Garden will start blossoming on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from October 5, right through until November 25. Amidst the flora, visitors will find private booths that can seat two to 12 people, plus a menu that'll take your outdoor eating experience to the next level. Three King Street residents — Il Verde, Fat Dumpling, and The George Bar & Bistro — have whipped up three different banquet packages, each spanning multiple courses and including a cocktail on arrival. Go Italian with an antipasto platter, pizza and Nutella-filled cannoli for $69, or opt for a dumpling taster pack, crispy chicken curry or sweet soy pork belly, and peach spring rolls for $45. A charcuterie board, followed by a pick of lemon and rosemary slow-roasted lamb shoulder or fennel and citrus-roasted salmon fillet is also on offer for $55. Two sessions will be run each evening in two-hour blocks starting at 5.30pm and 8pm. Bookings are required in advance, as is payment for your chosen banquet, but additional drinks can be purchased to suit your thirst on the night. King Street's Spring Garden pops up at King Street, Bowen Hills from October 5 to November 25. For more information, visit the King Street website. Image: Fat Dumping / Linglin Zhu Photography.
There's a reason why Concrete Playground is Brisbane's down-to-earth, all-seeing guide who can be trusted with your precious weekend plans. We're here collecting and compiling the latest on festivals, events and restaurant and bar openings around our dynamic city and we pass this news right onto you. Brisbane's had so many glorious restaurants open up this year and it can really take some time (and money) to get through them all. But we don't want you to miss out altogether. So here's the deal: we'll alleviate this time/money tension and give you the chance to win a great night out at La Lune Wine Co, one of Brisbane's newest (and finest) restaurants. But we'd love your input to help us remain the trusted city guide that we are. Take our quick survey and you'll go in the running to win a $150 voucher to La Lune Wine Co. Just nine little questions stand between you and South Brisbane's latest Fish Lane addition.
When Gelato Messina finally set up shop in Brisbane, the city's ice cream lovers sighed with relief and stocked up on stretchy outfits. Eating your way through Messina's regular rotating sweet treat menu is all well and good — and highly recommended — but the gelato gods' Brissie presence comes bearing more gifts. Every time the city has a food-focused fest, you can bet that they're going to whip up something special. Messina scooped up a few Christmas delights before they opened their doors, and joined the Fish Lane Festival fun last month; however, now it's Good Food Month time. Just as they do down south, they're jumping in on the action, bringing a four-item custom menu to their first ever Brisbane Night Noodle Markets stall from July 19 to 30. If it sounds like a good reason to celebrate, it is. In fact, It's Sher-Berth Day. That's the name of Messina's brand new white chocolate-lined cone, which is filled with mango sherbet, vanilla cream and mango jellies, and then dipped in white chocolate. Also in the never-tasted-before camp is the Dragonfruit Banana, aka miso gelato with lychee tapioca, dragonfruit jellies and sweetened coconut Thai milk tea. Two best-sellers from Sydney and Melbourne will also make their Brissie debut, such as the Great Balls of Fryer (deep-fried coconut and palm sugar gelato with passionfruit caramel and mango pudding), which happens to be the most popular thing from Messina's southern Night Noodle Markets stints. It's joined by Pavin' it L'arge, because everyone should get the chance to eat coconut and pandan sorbet with lychee meringue, yuzu puree and kaya (pandan custard) and raspberry marshmallow. And in case you were wondering, simple maths tells us that 12 nights and four desserts means you can cycle through each three times. It's going to be a sweet July. The Night Noodle Markets run from July 19 to 30 at South Bank Cultural Forecourt as part of Good Food Month. Check out our six tastiest events from this year's food-filled program.
For one month each year, Brisbane becomes a giant picnic blanket. No matter where you head, look or choose to hang out, there's food to be devoured, beverages to be sipped, and people thoroughly indulging their appetite for a good time. Welcome to Good Food Month. From street parties to chefs cooking up a storm, if it's a culinary-centric event, it's happening across the city from July 1 to July 31. In a smaller but still food-stuffed 2017 program, prepare to visit a heap of eateries, consume as many cuisines as you can, and feel like life is one big buffet. And if that sounds like too much to choose from, perhaps our top six picks of the festival can help you out.
Since the beginning of time, humans have always matched food with wine. Jesus broke bread with vino, the Vikings had their salted fish and mead, the French have cheese and champagne and the Italians cicchetti and aperitivo — a pairing we've all enjoyed more than a few times this summer. If you've spent the last few months like we did, cured meats, olives, vegetables in oil, cheese and the like have become a diet staple, especially when paired with a spritz or even simpler, a crisp glass of prosecco. As we move into autumn, there's no need to lose this little evening, pre-going out ritual — even if that summer sun starts to slip away. To help you take the magic of this molto buono pairing from the bar terrace and into your home, we've partnered with the wine aficionados at Dal Zotto and crafted five cicchetti to serve with the new Dal Zotto prosecco. Before your next night out, grab a few friends, a bottle of bubbles and kick back at your own at-home aperitivo hour. Red and white gingham tablecloths are entirely optional. CURED MEAT AND CHEESE TOASTS The zesty flavour of the prosecco cuts through the rich flavours of the meats and cheese. Plus, making it DIY limits prep time so you can easily plate, serve, eat and go. — preferred cured meats (spicy salami, salumi, prosciutto, bresaola, etc.) — preferred cheeses (provolone, parmesan, mozzarella, gorgonzola, etc.) — baguette, sliced about 2 centimetres wide and toasted Plate the meats, cheeses and bread together for everyone to construct themselves to their preference. Just make sure to keep the bubbles flowing. PANCETTA WRAPPED PRAWNS This upscale version of shrimp on the barbie is crunchy and rich and contrasts beautifully with the ripe fruit flavours and crisp acidity of prosecco. — 16 raw prawns, deveined — 8 pancetta rashers — aioli (serves four) Preheat the oven to 200°C and cut the rashers in half lengthwise. Wrap each prawn in a pancetta slice and place on a baking tray and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until fully cooked. Serve with aioli and well-chilled prosecco. BRUSCHETTA This classic is an oldy but a goody — and requires minimal effort. All you'll need is a toaster, chopping board and well-sharpened knife. Oh, and a glass of prosecco for while you're constructing. — 4 large slices of ciabatta — 4 tomatoes, roughly chopped — 2 garlic cloves, crushed — 2 red onions, diced — 3 cloves garlic, minced — 1/2 cup of basil, chopped — pepper and salt, to taste — balsamic and olive oil, to drizzle (serves four) Toast the ciabatta until almost burnt, then oil the bread. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl, then divide the mixture evenly onto each piece toasted slice. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and garnish with basil leaves. Serve alongside a glass of prosecco immediately. PESTO ESCARGOT No, we're not eating snails. It's just a tasty pastry which has a cute snail-like (spiral) appearance, and the bitey parmesan and pesto counter the bubbly prosecco perfectly. — 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted — 3 tablespoons basil pesto — 1 cups parmesan cheese, grated (makes about 12 pieces) Preheat the oven to 180°C, then line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside. Roll out the dough and spread the pesto and cheese evenly over the pastry. Then, roll the sheet tightly into a long scroll and slice evenly into 12 pieces. Lay each piece on the tray leaving 2 centimetres between each roll, and bake for 10–15 minutes. Enjoy at a snail's pace over the afternoon with a bottle of bubbly, of course. ANTIPASTI SKEWERS Prosecco and antipasto are like old-timey best mates; they're always better together. The acidity of the prosecco counterbalances the saltiness of the olives and the creaminess of the mozzarella. — prosciutto — bocconcini — pitted olives — grape tomatoes — marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved — basil leaves — skewers Add each ingredient onto a skewer, alternating colour and taste as you go. Arrange all the skewers on a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil and serve with a glass of prosecco. Keen for more fizz? Plan a mini city break up north and visit Noosa Boathouse, Noosa Surf Club or Black Bird for a glass of bubbly perfection — or head to Sofitel in Noosa between April 16–28, where Dal Zotto has an Easter activation planned. Exact details are still TBC, so keep an eye on the Dal Zotto Instagram account for announcements.
It's been more than three years since Brisbanites first heard about South City Square, the huge new $700 million precinct that's set to change Woolloongabba in a significant way. Still largely under construction, the space has been opening in stages — which is what you'd expect from a locale that'll eventually feature multiple buildings, plenty of restaurants and cafes, an eight-screen cinema and a whopping 5000 square metres of greenery. In addition to this, come 2023, it'll also boast the city's first Hyatt hotel. A luxury place to stay was always part of South City Square's plans, but now locals and tourists alike know exactly where they'll be kipping. Called Hyatt Place, it'll include 170 rooms, a food market that never closes, a cafe and a fitness centre. Oh, and a rooftop pool and bar as well. That means splashing around, sipping cocktails and enjoying a hefty vantage over the neighbouring inner city suburbs. And, doing so just one bridge away from the CBD. If you've been in the area lately, you've probably noticed that towering buildings are popping up with frequency in Woolloongabba, so expect a few in Hyatt Place's sky-high view. Over next to the Brisbane Cricket Ground, aka the Gabba, one 20-storey apartment development will even feature a 'skystand' that'll let residents peer down on Brisbane Lions games, cricket matches and concerts. While Woolloongabba is levelling up at a swift pace, there are currently no luxury hotels in the suburb — although Brissie has welcomed plenty in the last couple of years. From Howard Smith Wharves' Art Series newcomer The Fantauzzo to The Westin in the city, indulgent staycation spots have been opening quickly of late. Also joining Brisbane's accommodation scene since 2017: The Calile, W Hotel Brisbane, the Ovolo Inchcolm Hotel in Spring Hill, the Novotel, and new Emporium in South Bank, and the revamped Ovolo in Fortitude Valley. At South City Square specifically, Hyatt Place will add to a growing precinct — with Tuckshop Time and Kivahan already open, and Brissie's fourth Salt Meats Cheese set to join them soon. A Woolworths supermarket, 850 architecturally designed apartments, and health and wellness facilities are also in the works, as are offices, more eateries, shops and boutique retailers. Hyatt Place is set to open at South City Square, 148 Logan Road, Woolloongabba from early 2023. We'll keep you updated regarding an opening date.
You've worked all week. You've earned your thirst. And this Sunday you will be rewarded with a big cold beer. Make tracks to your local pub this weekend because Victoria Bitter is shouting a round all across Australia. The free beer giveaway will go down at over 280 venues around the country this Sunday, May 26 from 2–4pm, including 50 venues across New South Wales, over 80 venues across Victoria and a whopping 120 Queensland venues. A few things you should know: the free brews will be limited to one per person and only while supplies last, so you can't count on a completely free afternoon out. The pub will decide the size of the beer, so it could be a pint, pot or schooey — you'll just have to rock up and see. If you're in Sydney, you can head to the New Brighton in Manly, Pyrmont's Harlequin Inn, and the Crows Nest, Kirribilli and Greenacre hotels — and a heap more locations up north and out west. In Melbourne, punters can go along to Young and Jacksons in the CBD, Elsternwick Hotel, Brunswick's Moreland Hotel, the Royal Oak in Richmond and Essendon's Royal Hotel. Up in Brisbane, the CBD's Victory Hotel is slinging the freebies, as is the Valley's Brunswick Hotel, and the Newmarket, the Breakfast Creek, the Stones Corner and Sunnybank hotels. VB's Our Shout giveaway will run from 2–4pm on Sunday, May 26 at venues across the country. Check NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, SA and ACT venues here, and Queensland and WA venues here.
Cake sadly can't fix all the world's troubles, but it can provide a mighty fine temporary dose of sweetness. And if you like your baked treats by the jarful, for free, and part of a city-wide art installation and scavenger hunt — as inspired by Banksy, too — then The Mason Baker has just the thing for you across the rest of October. The Brisbane-based company is known for its mason jars filled with cakes, including salted caramel, strawberries and cream, blueberry and lemons, chocolate ganache and sticky date pudding varieties. For the rest of the month, though, it isn't just selling them and delivering them to your door — it's popping emergency cake boxes around the city, all filled with free desserts. The boxes are bright red, stuck to walls around town and look just like normal emergency points. But, in great news for your tastebuds, they come with jars of cake instead of fire extinguishers. Hunting them down is part of the fun, with the boxes placed in different spots around Brisbane, ready to be broken open. For hints about their whereabouts, you'll need to keep an eye on The Mason Baker's Instagram each day. Explaining the cake-fueled activation — not that anyone really needs an excuse to give away cake — The Mason Baker owner and founder James Willis said that he's aiming to brighten up this chaotic year. "Our gourmet jarcakes were designed to be the perfect gift to send to someone whether they have had a bad day, are celebrating something exciting, as an 'I love you' or as a 'just because'," Willis said in a statement. "I think the people of Brisbane definitely deserve a pick-me-up after the year we've all been through." For more details about The Mason Baker's emergency cake boxes, keep an eye on its Instagram feed.
Seven new hotels. Two new food precincts. A new European-style market (complete with personal shoppers). Two permanent large-scale light installations. Dozens of new bars, restaurants, cafes. Brisbane has had a big year, and it's the most fun and animated it has ever been. And we have, in part, these eight venues to thank. The following restaurants, bars, cafes, spaces and events have gone above and beyond. They combine originality, innovation, creativity and sustainability to bring something a little different to our city. Something that pushes us to keep being better and braver. Something that we love — and so do you. That's why they're the winners of Concrete Playground's Best of 2018 Awards. This year, we have awarded both a reader voted People's Choice and Overall award in each of the following six categories: Best New Restaurant Best New Bar Best New Cafe Best New Space Best New Event So, with no further ado, the winners for 2018 are... BEST NEW EVENT OVERALL WINNER: ARBORIA In April, Broadbeach on the Gold Coast played host to a fun new addition in Arboria — a huge, blow-up sculpture that featured a walk-through labyrinth of winding tunnels and lofty domes. On exhibition at Kurrawa Park as part of southeast Queensland's arts festival running alongside the Commonwealth Games, the inflatable structure took its inspiration from the forest. Incorporating tree-like spaces, stylised leaf patterns and a soundscape from Ecuador's Mindo cloud forest, it created an immersive, multi-sensory experience for visitors young and old. A maze of pods and domes lead to a stunning central space, where massive columns and soaring Gothic-style windows mirrored those of Chapter House at the UK's York Minster cathedral. It was the work of world-renowned group Architects of Air, who've created and exhibited a whole series of these 'luminaria' structures across the globe. [caption id="attachment_674088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rachel Devine[/caption] PEOPLE'S CHOICE: SUGAR REPUBLIC A giant gumball machine that you could climb inside. An adult-sized ballpit in bubblegum-pink hues. A dedicated fairy floss room with its own swing. Throw in ice cream, sweet and snack tastings, plus the ability to jump out of a giant birthday cake — and Brisbane's pop-up dessert museum sounds like the kind of place that Willy Wonka might own. The Sugar Republic pop-up brought sugary delights to folks with a sweet tooth, boasting an array of spaces filled with all things chocolate, confectionery and dessert-oriented. If you weren't making yourself a soft serve and showering it in sprinkles, you were spinning a wheel o' treats. Other highlights included a sherbet-filled rainbow bridge, a 'press for confetti' button, an interactive sprinkles wall, a neon art wall and other dessert-centric art. BEST NEW SPACE OVERALL WINNER: NIGHT LIFE AT GOMA It has been 11 art-filled years since Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art first opened its doors, and the creative riverside hub just keeps going from strength to strength. As unveiled in July, GOMA is now home to an illuminating new permanent work: Night Life, a brand light installation by artist James Turrell. Brisbane's Turrell piece isn't a standalone structure like his other two Australian works. Instead, Night Life lights up GOMA's eastern and southern white façades from within the building, using an 88-minute-long shifting pattern of vibrant coloured light developed by Turrell especially for the location. When illuminated — which it will be from sunset to midnight each and every night from this point onwards — the gallery is visible from across the river and around South Bank's cultural precinct. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: WEST VILLAGE West End's massive West Village precinct continues to get bigger and bigger. While the project is still in development, it has held everything from ice cream festivals to weekend providore markets since it was approved in 2016. And, as of October, the $800 million project had some hefty new additions. The former Peters Ice Cream Factory site is now home to The Garden Pantry and The Common. The former is a casual dining precinct featuring multiple eateries, plus indoor and outdoor seating, while the latter is a 24-hour public space brimming with grass, trees, plants, a water installation and a field of light. In short, the inner-city development has gained a heap of new dining options and a lush place to hang out. Unsurprisingly, in terms of decor, the new spaces play up the garden theme — both in The Garden Pantry space, which is decked out tropical-style, and in The Commons' greenery-filled garden area. Later this year, West Village will open Factory Lane, and add a new arts and events studio called The Bromley Room #2. BEST NEW CAFE [caption id="attachment_697357" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dane Beesley[/caption] OVERALL WINNER: DICKI'S Vegan eats can't be hit and miss. You want a kitchen that sources fresh, high-quality ingredients and isn't afraid to experiment with taste combinations. In this, Dicki's certainly delivers. From an understated New Farm nook of sleek white wood with indoor and footpath seating, it offers plant-based meals bursting with flavour. Once you've had smashed avo with macadamia 'feta', you'll never look back. Bad memories of buckwheat? Try them as waffles with stewed apples, cinnamon crumble and salted caramel. Bright and fresh dishes like the Nurture Bowl and maple-roasted granola with seasonal fruit and coconut yoghurt are picture perfect, as is the decadent cake selection. Then, on Friday and Saturday nights, dinner and drinks are available till 5pm. Prosecco, local beers and refreshing cocktails are paired with tasty plates like tofu scramble, as well as the big house-made mushroom burger with fries. Trust us: you won't even miss the meat. [caption id="attachment_661621" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grace Smith[/caption] PEOPLE'S CHOICE: FREJA'S Owning her own café had been a dream since childhood for Freja Rasmussen, but it took a move across the equator for this Danish pastry chef's dream to finally be realised. Together with her partner Nathan Dunnell (formerly of Stokehouse Q), Rasmussan created the Scandi-styled Freja's Café. After nine months spent looking for the perfect site, a former Indian restaurant in the heart of Wilston was secured, and lovingly transformed into a bright and spacious, 35-seat cafe. Rasmussan's meticulous handmade sweet treats can be seen on the front counter, alongside perfectly flaky croissants (flown in from France). The Strada coffee machine is one of only ten in Australia and is stamped with a stylised leaf pattern to match the dove grey takeaway cups. The summer menu is a deftly curated combination of decadent (pulled beef cheek croissant) and saintly (matcha pancakes with macadamia), with a sweet nod to Freja's Danish heritage also snuck in (smoked salmon and sous vide egg on light rye). With representation from some of our local liquid faves (Seven Miles Coffee Roasters and Mayde Tea), this inner-north brunch spot has had a very bright year. BEST NEW BAR [caption id="attachment_666258" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grace Smith[/caption] OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: THE MALECON BAR Milton might be the unofficial beer capital of Brisbane, but in the shadow of the giant XXXX factory and just up the road from Newstead Brewing Co, another type of tipple is fermenting. That'd be rum, courtesy of Castlemaine Street watering hole The Malecón. As well as serving up plenty of it thanks to the 100-plus bottles lining its walls, the craft spirit and cocktail bar also turns sugarcane byproducts into booze onsite. As well as the bar's own tipples — including an aperitif made from organic waste — patrons are greeted by 105 different types of rum on the bar's shelves. Rum cocktails are also on offer, think daiquiris, piña coladas, the Malecón Treacle (with rum, some more rum and apple) and the Malecón Zombie (a house rum-blend with citrus, passionfruit, pineapple, orgeat spice and grenadine). And, a small selection of beer and wine is available as well. That relaxed atmosphere is by design, with The Malecón aiming to give Brisbane a cruisy, boozy hangout dedicated to a spirit that doesn't always get its time to shine. OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: DONNA CHANG The sandstone building on the corner of George and Elizabeth streets has been home to many things over the years, including Queensland's first radio station, government departments, offices, cafes and a bank. It's now the site of Brisbane's two newest places to eat, drink and hang out — a luxe underground bar and a new Chinese restaurant. Called the Boom Boom Room and Donna Chang, the duo are the latest ventures from the Ghanem Group, the folks behind Blackbird Bar & Grill on Eagle Street, Byblos Bar & Restaurant at Portside and chicken chain Lord of the Wings. Head upstairs to find Donna. Spread across both the ground floor and the mezzanine level, the Chinese fine diner fills its open space with pink, green and neutral-toned furniture, while group executive chef Jake Nicholson, head chef Jason Margaritis and head dim sum chef Sam Lie all endeavour to fill your stomach. Their focus: Chinese dishes with Sichuan and Cantonese flavours and influences, as they aim for that highly sought-after blend of the old and the new. As you're picking from the menu, you can stare at the live grouper and shellfish tank — and yes, you can order fish, crab and crayfish. Other food options range from crispy pork bao and roast duck dumplings in goose broth, to barbecue Peking duck, suckling pig and char sui pork. The list goes on for both lunch and dinner, as does the wine selection. Congratulations to all the winners. Our city is a better place with you in them. Top image: Donna Chang.
Brisbanites, if catching a train is on your agenda this Christmas period, then you might want to rethink your travel plans. TransLink has announced that signal work will be undertaken on the Ipswich, Springfield and Inner City lines between Saturday, December 22 and Saturday, December 29, with a long list of stations closing as a result. Buses will replace rail services in the affected areas. Specifically, trains won't run between Darra and Roma Street for the entire eight-day period, with the ten stations between the two spots completely closed while the works are in progress. And, for three specific days — on Tuesday, December 25 and Wednesday, December 26, and again on Saturday, December 29 — trains won't run in the inner city either, shutting down the Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills stations. Stations at South Brisbane, South Bank and Park Road will also close on December 25, 26 and 29, while Albion will be closed to trains on the Ipswich, Springfield, Caboolture, Cleveland, Doomben and Shorncliffe and lines on the same dates. For those in the city's west, trains will still run from Darra towards Ipswich and Springfield during the shutdown. The same applies from Park Road and Albion — that is, services heading away from the city will still be operational. The closures are part of Queensland Rail's Roma Street to Corinda Signals Upgrade Project, which, as the name makes plain, involves upgrading signals along that stretch of track. Sixteen signalling gantries will be replaced with signal portals, signal huts and equipment, as well as trackside cabling and equipment, while two new track crossovers will be constructed near Milton station. The crossovers will let trains turn back, and then be stored along the corridor between Milton and Sherwood stations, which QR says will help during the morning peak period. If you're thinking that this'll add some time to your journey, you're absolutely right. Travellers have been advised to factor an extra hour into their trip each way. For more information, and to check train and bus timetables between Saturday, December 22 and Saturday, December 29, visit the TransLink website. Image: Denisbin via Flickr.
When mid-May hits, Brisbanites will be able to head to Breakfast Creek and hop on an eco-friendly picnic boat, all thanks to Denmark-born outfit GoBoat. But if you're keen to enjoy a meal, a few drinks and the general experience of floating on the river with your mates before then, you can — because the company is popping up in Kangaroo Point first. You can still make a booking for GoBoat's official launch a bit further north of the CBD, or you can jump the gun and jump aboard in the city from Thursday, April 22. Yes, it's time to start getting excited about cruising along the river in a different way, with the vessels setting sail from Dockside Marina for a limited time. Aimed at making the whole boating caper more accessible for everyday folk, the Scandinavian-designed vessels are slow-moving, a breeze to operate and don't require a boating licence, making for some fun, fuss-free sailing sessions. In a win for the planet, they also run on silent, pollution-free, electric engines, and are crafted from a mix of reclaimed timber and recycled PET bottles. Each of the contemporary GoBoats clocks in at 18-feet long, and boasts a central picnic table with room for eight people (and for all the necessary snacks and booze). And despite what you might be thinking, they're even affordable enough to fit your budget — simply BYO food and drinks, find enough eager sailors to jump aboard and a GoBoat session will start at around $14 per person, per hour. That's $109 hourly for the first hour, but the longer you book, the cheaper it gets. "We have seen incredible uptake across GoBoat's three Australian locations (in Canberra, Melbourne and the Gold Coast), and we're launching this pop-up because of overwhelming demand from the community in Brisbane since they found out we were going to launch at Breakfast Creek," said GoBoat Australia Managing Director Mr Tyrrell. GoBoat will only be sailing from the Ferry Street spot for a few weeks, so you'll need to get in quickly if you're keen. And, in great news for your pooch, the company's vessels are pet-friendly — surely you've got a very good boy who deserves a river jaunt. GoBoat will pop up at Dockside Marina, Ferry Street, Kangaroo Point, from Thursday, April 22. For further details and to book, head to the company's website. Images: Lean Timms
When Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) heads from Cleveland to Los Angeles for his job, he discovers a previously unknown passion for acting after he stumbles into a class held by veteran thespian Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler). The catch? Barry is a hitman, and that isn't a line of work that you can leave easily, especially when you become caught in the Chechen mafia's violent and deadly dramas. As Saturday Night Live fans will already know, Hader is an on-screen treasure, but he's never been better than he is in this part-comedy, part-tragedy series. Barry's struggle mightn't seem that relatable on paper, but it proves just that with Hader in the role. Also excellent is Winkler, expectedly, as well as Bill & Ted Face the Music's Anthony Carrigan as a Chechen gangster who befriends Barry, isn't that great at the whole crime business and quickly becomes one of the most memorable characters to ever grace a TV series.
When Longtime closed up its Ann Street restaurant, it left a hole in Fortitude Valley's dining scene — but, post-pandemic lockdowns, something new has sprouted in its old digs. That'd be Eterna, a fresh venture from Salt Meats Cheese's Stefano de Blasi. And yes, just like SMC's eateries in Newstead and South Bank, it has a big Italian focus. Fans of pasta and cocktails will find two differences, however. Firstly, as its name suggests, Eterna kicks on well into the evening — so, for those hankering for a late-night dish over a few drinks, the kitchen is open until 11pm. And, the Valley newcomer also focuses on bites and beverages inspired by Rome, while trying to bring a bit of New York-style energy to the place as well. Think simple recipes, seasonal produce, house-made pasta and an after-hours vibe, which have all been on offer since Eterna opened its doors at the end of July. On the menu: classic Roman dishes such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, as well as the likes of suppli (arancini, but street-food style), the chicken-heavy pollo alla romana and seasoned pork in the form of porchetta di ariccia. The latter two are designed for sharing and, if you're still hungry afterwards, a crostata ricotta e visciole (ricotta and sour cherry cheesecake) feature on the dessert menu. Drinks-wise, expect to sip local and Italian wines, a range of spirits, and cocktails that include gin martinis and cardinales — aka a Roman-style negroni. Eterna is open for dinner and drinks from Tuesday–Saturday to begin with, and plans to add lunch service down the track. Find Eterna at 610 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, from Thursday, July 30 — open from 5pm–12am Tuesdays–Thursdays, and 5pm–1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Images: Lewis Lotherington
You've read the books, you've watched the flicks, you've sat through both parts of the theatre production and you've devoured your fair share of pop-up potion bars and themed experiences. But if you're yet to get your fill of Harry Potter-related goodness (I mean, not possible, right?), then you're in luck. This spring, a series of immersive, HP-themed high tea events is coming your way, popping up in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. The Harry Potter High Tea will grace all three cities with a run of multiple sessions each, held at top-secret locations. It all kicks off in Sydney from September 23–26, before visiting Brisbane from October 15–17 and heading down to Melbourne from October 21–24. So what sort of magical shenanigans are guests in for, you ask? Well, each session will host between 200 to 300 people (COVID depending), with daytime sessions open to all ages (11am–12.30pm, 2.30–4pm) and the night events reserved for adults only (7–9pm). There'll be butterbeer, polyjuice cocktails and appearances from some of the franchise's hit characters, as well as immersive activities including potion-making classes. Of course, the high tea spread will have a distinct HP lean to it, though exactly what's on the menu is being kept under wraps for now. Ticket-holders will be sent clues to the location of their high tea 30 days before the event, with the exact address revealed one week out. Tickets to the 'daybreak' sessions are $60, with 'twilight' passes coming in at $85. You can also nab a family ticket to any day session for $220 (two adults and two kids). The Harry Potter High Tea will hit Sydney (September 23–26), Brisbane (October 15–17) and Melbourne (October 21–24) this spring. Tickets are on sale now.
Hearing about a new venue opening is becoming a regular occurrence in Brisbane, however this one might receive a warmer welcome than most. Every addition to the thriving local music scene is cause for celebration, but not every new spot that pops up offers more than a monster sound system and a place for beers and hangouts. In the case of The Foundry, we mean much, much more. Slated to throw open its doors on March 6, and taking over the space at 228 Wickham Street that previously housed a backpacker hostel, the new Fortitude Valley establishment promises a one-of-a-kind creative music hub unlike anything in Australia. That's a claim the managers of the venue make themselves on The Foundry’s website, and from the description that follows, it's one they can back up. In the two-level complex, a 300-person live room playing host to a roster of local and touring acts will certainly get people in the door. As will the adjacent rock ’n’ roll bar and beer garden, packed among the ever-growing maze of venues, bars and clubs along Wickham and nearby Brunswick Street. So far, so good, as far as the punters are concerned. What makes The Foundry extra special is its commitment to the industry beyond a stage to play on and an audience to listen. "Supporting Brisbane's creative community takes precedence over profits," the site states. Taking over the entire top level, a collaborative space, and 20 creative studios and offices will also dwell within its walls. 4ZZZ, Jeremy Neale, Smackface Records, Mitzi, Lost Movements and Mucho Bravado are among the first confirmed tenants, with "Brisbane's brightest artists, booking agents, publicists, street press [and] blogs" also expected to move in. For bands, amazingly there's still more good news, including a green room to die for, dedicated rehearsal rooms, another space where touring artists can crash after a show — free of charge, seriously — and very favourable financial terms such as free venue hire. When it opens, we think more than a few people are going to want to call The Foundry home, musicians and music fans alike. Find The Foundry at 228 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, from March 6. Visit their website for more information.
The perfect outfit could be out there, waiting for you. For the last few months, years or longer, it could've just been hanging in someone else's wardrobe. Isn't that the thrill that gets everyone heading to a secondhand market? We're all thinking the same thing: what if someone else's trash really is our very own treasure? Excess Baggage operates on that idea, filled with stalls and tables of pre-loved wares looking for a new home. If you have your own bits and pieces that you no longer need, keep an eye out for future events — but if you're keen to pick up a bargain while browsing through fashion, homewares, books and more, then make a beeline to Paddington's BrisWest Centre. The secondhand sale runs from 9am–3pm on Saturday, July 21, with music setting the mood. And if all of that perusing makes you work up an appetite, there'll be homemade spring rolls and everyone's favourite market snack — a sausage sizzle.
Come Friday, July 20 and Friday, August 17, it's time for a night at the museum — but you won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here. Given what's currently on display at Queensland Museum, here's hoping the revelry doesn't actually awaken the exhibits either. Walking, talking, drinking and partying like an Egyptian, QM's latest After Dark shindig is all about mummies as part of the museum's Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives exhibition. There'll be music, drinks and demonstrations — plus attendees will get free reign of the space, peering not only at the six real-life mummies dating back to 900BC, or at the almost 200 objects on show with them, but also the rest of the joint's displays. You'll be knocking back beverages, examining pieces that have seen thousands of new years go by, and trying to unlock ancient mysteries like you're Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz or Tom Cruise — but a word of warning, they often sell out so you'll want to nab a ticket quickly. Also a highlight: a talk called Brew like an Egyptian: Ancient Egyptian Beer Making by Dr Serena Love, should you want to learn a new skill too. Plus, the August 17 event coincides with National Science Week. Image: Queensland Museum via Facebook.
Your green thumb is itching. You know where to buy plants. You know that you need to place them in the sun, and that you also need to water them. Alas, whatever you do, you just can't turn your house into a thriving inside garden. Basically, you need help becoming an indoor plant master — or tips on how not to kill your patch of greenery with kindness, at the very least. Enter the Institute of Modern Art, landscape designer and plant expert Pete Shields, and two hours of your Saturday that'll get you on the path to parenting green babies aplenty. The one-off session on June 14 will teach you all the things you need to know, like which types of plants are best, how their various parts — roots, stems, leaves and flowers, for example — function, and how to help them thrive. You'll also make cuttings and get a start on your own garden, with plants and materials supplied. Kicking off at 2pm, tickets cost $40 for non-IMA members — and if you're wondering about Shields' skills, you might've already seen them in action. He chose the plants for IMA's own garden, and has also worked on other spaces around the place, including Cloudland.
As far as boozy beverages go, nothing beats the espresso martini. It gives you a buzz, it's a crowd-pleaser and most venues have one on their menu. In fact, they're so beloved, Brisbane scored a whole festival dedicated to them last year — and it's back for 2018. A separate event from Melbourne and Sydney's own fests, the Espresso Martini Festival will take over Fish Lane between 5.30pm and 10pm on Tuesday, August 14 — and, because that date sold out quicker than the jolt from your favourite beverage, between 2–6pm on Wednesday, August 15 as well. In a stroke of savvy planning, it's all happening before and on the Ekka public holiday, meaning that you can either get your caffeinated cocktail fix without worrying about the alarm going off the next morning, or spend your day off feeling mighty energetic. Of course, there's no prizes for guessing what's on offer — but don't just expect the usual 'tinis combos of coffee and alcohol. There'll be a condensed milk ice cream cold-drip vanilla martini, a rum salted golden syrup espresso martini; a tequila, agave and coffee liqueur tipple; plus versions made with Irish whiskey and cinnamon whisky. If that sounds like enough to make you bounce off of South Brisbane's walls, then that's the point; however spicy fish cake bao, potato scallop szechuan curry, prawn crackers and fish dim sims from Fish Lane eateries Hello Please and Ol' School will help bring you back to street level. Tickets cost $45, and include a free espresso martini and a selection of food on entry — and a lack of sleep that night, obviously. Updated August 6.
It mightn't be the season for trimming trees, singing carols and exchanging gifts just yet, but it is the season to pretend. And New Farm Cinemas has an event that's tailor-made for getting jolly in July — even if you usually avoid or ignore mid-year Christmas shenanigans. At 7pm on Friday, July 27, the venue is giving seasonal classic Love Actually a whirl. That means there'll be plenty of jovial tales of romance starring seemingly every actor who was famous in Britain in 2003. Colin Firth broods, Hugh Grant dances, Alan Rickman charms and Liam Neeson shows his softer side. Keira Knightley is wooed and Emma Thompson proves a calm force to be reckoned with. To accompany the session, the cinema is also serving up some very fitting refreshments. There'll be apple pie, which'll keep your stomach warm, plus mulled wine, which will warm your insides thoroughly. Given the movie will warm your heart — because if you're going along, you're definitely already a fan — prepare to feel mighty toasty as you revisit Richard Curtis' rom-com classic.
Do you remember a time before a certain frozen alcoholic beverage no one can get enough of? Well, before there was was frose, there was rosé. It's pink, sweet and everything that's great your drink of choice, just without the slushiness. It's also the main attraction at Jellyfish Restaurant on the first and third Sundays of each month. Kicking off at 11.30am, it's a boozy lunch rather than a boozy brunch, all for $110 per person. You'll be treated to a glass on arrival; however, you'd best settle in and cancel your plans for the rest of the day. Yes, there's more sipping and some eating to be done at the Eagle Street eatery's communal table, as you share a Mediterranean-inspired meal while drinking free-flowing rosé. Tickets include everything you'll be eating and drinking, with the lunch running through until 2pm. Rosé Sundays runs from August to October, with bookings essential — by contacting the venue.
Not content with showing their love for strawberries once a year, Sandstone Point Hotel has another tasty trick up its sleeves: its annual Oyster Festival. Seafood lovers, prepare to be in your element. The fact that you'll be slurping down molluscs while you're on Bribie Island adds to the fun, of course. Taking over the venue on Saturday, October 20, the day-long celebration of salty, slimy deliciousness will treat your tastebuds to oysters from all around the country, asking whether you can discern the difference. They'll be freshly shucked at the fest's oyster bars — and if you need something to snack on in-between, you can feast on the rest of the ocean's finest (and sip a few beverages) at an array of seafood and wine stalls. Anyone that really, truly loves their oysters can also take part in the competitive portion of the day, because it wouldn't be a food festival without a contest. Chef demonstrations and live music are on the bill as well, alongside a cruisy day hanging out off the Brisbane mainland, with entry costing $5.
Waffles for brunch? Cake for lunch? Ice cream for dinner? There's nothing stopping you from enjoying all of the above at Moreton Bay's two-day dessert festival. Coming to Redcliffe Parade across the weekend of September 8 and 9, it forms part of this year's Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. If you like the sweeter things in life, this section of the broader extravaganza will be first on your own menu. Running from 10am on both days, the event will feature a range of eateries serving up a range of treats, spanning everything from ice blocks in 60 artisanal flavours to crunchy balls of ice cream of the deep-fried variety. Fancy something slightly more healthy? Start things off with a frozen yoghurt, although maybe go easy on the sprinkles. And if you really want to counteract all of the sweetness, you'll be in the right place for it — just go for a walk along the Redcliffe shoreline.
Splendour in the Grass might be over for another year and festival season still a blip on the horizon, but in the meantime here's a great opportunity to invest in some home-grown talent and have a killer evening out while you're at it. After launching in 2018, Against the Grain returns for another year. Organised by local indie publication Grain, it's bringing its showcase of ace live music to The Foundry, The Brightside and The Valley Drive-In on Saturday, November 3 Rather than spreading out the action across three days as in previous years, this year's lineup ramps up the music mayhem across one huge night. Twenty interstate and local artists will take to three stages, so prepare for a hefty stint of hopping between venues. Here's the full lineup: City Calm Down Tiny Little Houses Good Boy Maddy Jane Totally Mild Moaning Lisa Sweater Curse Vacations Eliza and The Delusionals Fritz First Beige Candy Pool Shop Grace Turner Concrete Surfers Sleepclub Blonde Tongues Skivvy Season Bloom Parade Start Together
Mindfulness practice — achieving the mental state of focusing on the present moment — is gaining popularity as people attempt to regulate their stressful lives. People have turned to everything from meditation to colouring books to achieve mindfulness, but perhaps few people would think of doing a triathlon to achieve inner peace. Take three activities that promote mindfulness — specifically running, yoga and meditation — and you've got yourself a 'mindful triathlon'. Wanderlust 108 has been running these triathlon festivals since 2014, and the standard day has a few main components. First, there's the five kilometre run, although the site reassures you that you can walk instead of running — or even "prance, skip, stroll or strut" — as long as you reach the finish line. After that, theres 75 minutes of yoga accompanied by a DJ set, and finally 30 minutes of meditation to round out the whole-group activities. Once the structured section of the day has wrapped up, participants can also head to activities such as aerial yoga, acroyoga and hooping, or to lunch. It's part exercise, part dance party, part fest — and 100% focused on helping attendees feel great inside and out. Also on the agenda: walking meditation, essential oil classes and the Mindful Marketplace, which will help you take your new blissed-out state home with you. Returning to Brisbane on Saturday, October 20, this year's Wanderlust 108 will take place in West End's Orleigh Park. By Siobhan Ryan and Sarah Ward.
Ólafur Arnalds, the BAFTA Award-winning Icelandic composer and pianist, is returning Australia. But, this time he is bringing two self-playing pianos along with him. Arnalds, who has collaborated with the likes of Nils Frahm, performed at the Brisbane Festival in 2013. And this November, he'll be descending on the Queensland Performing Arts Centre for the very first time. His new performance will feature eerie, atmospheric and electronic works from his yet-to-be released fourth album re:member. The album, which will be released on August 24, was produced in collaboration with hip-hop producer BNGERBOY and features Arnalds' ground-breaking new piano software. A two-year project by Arnalds and audio developer Halldór Eldjârn, the software uses an algorithmic device to control two self-playing pianos. A central piano is also played by Arnalds. While Arnalds used the software to create the album, he'll be performing with it for the very first time during his Australian tour. You can delve deeper into Arnalds' new software, too, as he has posted two videos (here and here) that explain it all in great depth. If you haven't listened to much of Arnalds' music before, his melancholic musical project Islands (2016), which features seven songs recorded across seven locations in Iceland, is a good place to start. Alternatively, you could watch the television series Broadchurch, which Arnalds composed the award-winning soundtrack for, snagging him a 2014 BAFTA for Best Original Music. Ólafur Arnalds tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, August 3.
It doesn't take much to turn a day at the Regatta into a party — but when the iconic Brissie pub really wants to throw a shindig, it knows how to go about it. Enter Regatta Fair, the fourth annual occasion dedicated to three days of riverside food, booze and hanging out. Basically, it's an excuse to eat, drink and be merry at one of the city's favourite haunts, not that you'll hear us complaining about that. Who doesn't want to wander beneath the fairy lights in the venue's laneway, peruse stalls selling all your favourite stomach fillers and thirst quenchers, and listen to DJ sets and live music in the process? Anyone keen on cheesy loaded cobb loaves, heaped potatoes, charcoal chicken and apple berry crumble won't be disappointed, so arrive hungry. And neither will those after an a range of wines, beers, ciders and sparkling, so arrive with a hankering for a beverage or several — and for a fun afternoon.
