Be transported back in time to eras filled with free love, psychedelic highs and rapid changes. Carol Lloyd and Sue Ray present this knockout show that catapults the music hits of the 60s and 70s on stage. These delicious divas may be from differing musical backgrounds, but together the result is toe-tappingly, head-boppingly good. Carol is one of Australia's toughest rock chicks and her band, The Carol Lloyd Band has a bevy of fans across the country. Sue Ray is a music veteran and has recently released her latest album, Red Roses. Whether those were your golden days or you're just into all things retro you'll enjoy an evening filled with tracks such as the King's Love Me Tender and the Righteous Brothers You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'. Bowie and The Rolling Stone's classics will also be performed (of course). Special guests include Christa Powell and John Babbahe.
End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is bring its market back to Brisbane in November. 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 Saturday, November 30 from 9am–6pm and Saturday, December 1 from 9am–3pm. 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 few killer gifts (including for yourself) is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your shopping sorted. Entry is via gold coin donation.
Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly — this November and December, Fortitude Valley's Bakery, Winn and California lanes are decking out their stretches of pavement with other kinds of festive cheer. At A Very Laneway Christmas, a whole heap of markets — plus plenty of permanent shops to browse through — are on the bill. Located around the stretch of Ann Street near the Brunswick Street Mall, there's no shortage of spots luring people into both locales each and every day, whether you're keen for a bite at Ben's Burgers, a gig at The Zoo, or rifling through the shelves at Tym's Guitars or Phase 4. 'Tis the season to amp things up, however. And that's just what'll be happening between November 24 and December 15 Different speciality markets will be happening across A Very Laneway Christmas' run, so prepare your wallet for a few suitably seasonal shopping trips — and for a soundtrack of tunes to go with them. It all kicks off with plants and homewares on Saturday, November 24, with more to come. As always, buying yourself an Xmas gift is completely acceptable.
Unleash your inner badass by tagging local walls, sans spray paint or legal consequences. Wallit is a new app that allows users to leave their digital mark wherever they may be. This 'graffiti' exists only in the virtual world, but the wall in question is connected with an actual, physical location. It's the self-proclaimed "only geo-social app connecting people to places through one-of-a-kind multimedia messages on augmented reality walls." Equipped with location awareness, Wallit lets you record a 'tag' (including text, or video or audio clips) on the virtual version of the actual place you left it. The tag is only visible to other app users when they arrive at the location themselves. With the upgraded 1.1 "super walls" version of the app, tags may also be visible to other users in a similar area; for instance, if you tag a McDonald's, other users will be able to see it as they munch on their burger at another McDonald's. Other users may choose to respond to your original tag, sparking interaction, or, in true street artist style, leave their own two cents to outdo yours. [via Fast Company]
Some music festivals fill your calendar for a day or two, or perhaps a week or so at once. Popping up midyear each year for multiple months, Open Season has much longer in its sights. The Brisbane event that's all about getting everyone out and about enjoying the River City's live music scene first launched in 2020, and now celebrates its fifth birthday in 2025 in its favourite way: with a hefty lineup that's not only heading to The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre, the venues behind the series from the outset — or to Winn Lane, where it expanded to in 2024 — but also making the Queensland Performing Arts Centre one of its homes. Six venues, 30-plus live gigs, three months: that's 2025's Open Season setup, no matter what kind of tunes that you're into. Bringing QPAC onboard means adding Sigur Rós' already-announced stint at the South Bank location's Concert Hall with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra to the program, for starters. The partnership also sees First Nations fest-within-the-fest Blak Day Out team up with QPAC's Clancestry, even though the former is taking place at The Princess Theatre. On its bill: Christine Anu is joining the party, alongside Thelma Plum, Miss Kaninna and more acts still to be announced. Indeed, this isn't the full Open Season lineup, either, with the talents revealed so far set to score more company. The names already hitting Brisbane would make any other festival jealous, though, including more from Iceland courtesy of Kiasmos, the Afro Cuban sounds of Ezra Collective, Grammy-nominee Kamasi Washington, Soccer Mommy, Killing Heidi playing their debut album Reflector to celebrate its 25th anniversary, DIIV touring on the back of their latest record Frog in Boiling Water, Cloud Control reuniting for the first time in over ten years and Moktar spinning beats. Pale Jay, Jessica Pratt, Mount Kimbie, Ravyn Lenae, Surprise Chef, MonoNeon: they're all on the lineup as well. You'll also find The Preatures, Skegss, Maxwell Byrne (aka Golden Vessel), Sahara Beck, Pruient, SHOUSE and The Gin Club taking to the stage, plus Handsome and Emma Volard at Quivr's Quiet on Set program. This years' Open Season boasts its own brew, Green Beacon's Open Season Lager, which you'll find quenching your thirst at participating venues during the festival. For bites to eat, King Street in Bowen Hills is serving up deals among its eateries, too. Open Season 2025 Lineup 1tbsp Accomplice Collective Christine Anu Cloud Control DIIV Emma Volard Ezra Collective Handsome Jessica Pratt Kamasi Washington Kiasmos Killing Heidi Miss Kaninna Moktar MonoNeon Mount Kimbie Pale Jay Purient Ravyn Lenae Sahara Beck Shouse Sigur Rós with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra Skegss Soccer Mommy Surprise Chef The Gin Club The Preatures Thelma Plum Open Season images: Chris Love, Darcy Goss, Kelsey Doyle and Lachlan Douglas.
Another week, another chance to fill it with as much fun as possible. Thankfully, Brisbane is a place that knows how to deliver. Musical parodies based on top sci-fi TV shows on a Monday, weird and wonderful beers on a Thursday, iconic art on a weekend — that's just life in this busy city of ours. No day is ever the same, and no span of seven days either. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way. Too much to do, too little time? If that's how you're feeling, don't worry, we've got you covered. To help you get the most out of every moment across this particular week, we've teamed up with Australian Red Cross and Uber to cast our eyes over the best events happening around town from Monday to Sunday. The result is a jam-packed agenda that not only takes care of your free time but makes sure you're having a mighty fine time while you're at it, too. If you need a ride to or from your destination, Uber can obviously assist — but the ride-sharing service and Australian Red Cross also have your Sunday sorted. That's when they're holding their annual Uber x Red Cross clothing drive, and will even send a driver to your house to pick up your unwanted threads. As well as helping clear out your wardrobe and helping those in need, it's the perfect way to cap off your busy week. Spend Monday to Saturday at all-you-can-eat taco nights, jazz and beer sessions and twilight markets, then chill at home, donate to a good cause without leaving the house and make a date with your couch.
Seafood by the sea? Brews next to the beach? There's nothing stopping you from enjoying both at 2025's Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. Coming to Apex Park in Woody Point between Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24, this returning food fest serves up plenty to tempt your tastebuds, from oysters and prawns to farm-fresh fare — and beers and cocktails, too. Indeed, if you like the indulgent things in life, you'll find more than a few things that'll suit your cravings on the menu. [caption id="attachment_883183" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] While the program isn't out yet, the event always features a focus on local produce — and other past highlights have included the Moreton Bay BrewsFest (complete with beer pong and giant Jenga); a cocktail haven with a particular interest in gin distilleries; a vino-serving cellar door; and a stage dedicated to health, wellness, and things for your house and garden. Live tunes and DJ-spun tracks are also on the agenda, and so are cooking demonstrations by chefs. And, if you want to counteract all of the eating and drinking, you'll be in the right place for it — just go for a walk along the shoreline. Event images: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Germany might've invented Oktoberfest, but celebrating the occasion has well and truly become a global affair. So, of course you can now head to a Scottish brewery's Brisbane beer bar to listen to Oompah tunes while pairing steins and pork knuckles — plus sausages, sauerkraut and pretzels as well — over two big September days. At BrewDog Fortitude Valley, the boozy German-themed festivities are taking place across Friday, September 29–Saturday, September 30. In Munich, the beer fest arrives in September, too — and BrewDog's Brissie version hits for Queensland's spring long weekend. There'll be beers. There'll be music. There'll be the appropriate bites. And, there'll be all the theming as well, giving the venue's beer hall an Oktoberfest revamp. Tickets cost $20, which gets you your first stein, with BrewDog pouring German-style lagers as well as wheat beer and pilsners (and its usual menu). After that initial drink, you'll pay for what you sip — and also the dishes lining your stomach (with both vegan and vegetarian options available). The fun runs from 4–11pm on each day, with lederhosen-clad, accordion-playing three-piece band Continental Chill providing the soundtrack from 7pm nightly.
Sure, we know of Samoa, but how much do we really know about the peoples' stories? It's easy to forget that many other countries have grown up with similar worries, cares, hopes and dreams as us Australians. One production that will change and open your mind is the beautifully honest and hysterical coming-of-age story of 1970s Samoa, Where We Once Belonged. Life is hard for Alofa, who is privy to violence, religious and colonisation disputes at home. Amidst her personal turmoil, Alofa and her friends Lili and Moa still manage to be typical teenagers, teasing the local boys, acting up at school, and dreaming of their fairytale weddings. Our generation has come to expect not so flattering book adaptations, but this one is a winner on the stage. Watch Sia Figiel's award-winning book come to life when 14 talented young Pasifika performers take to the stage in an unforgettable way. Come and celebrate another world and time you may have never explored before – rest assured there'll be a lot of singing, dancing, laughing and crying out loud at the celebration of the Pacific life.
If Brisbane sounds a little quieter than normal between Thursday, June 1–Friday, June 30 you can thank (or blame) Dine BNE City. The noise you won't be hearing? The roar and grumble of hungry stomachs, with this food program returning for 2023 after successful runs in 2021 and 2022, and serving up everything from cheap lunches and bar specials to winter roasts and cocktails in igloos. When it first arrived two years ago, Dine BNE City sprang from an understandable idea: to get everyone out and about, and eating and drinking in particular, in this fair city of ours after a tough pandemic period. As a result, it's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of affair. You can treat yo'self to a special midday meal (and more than once), or decide that you'd rather hop between watering holes. It's all up to you, and there are plenty of options to choose from. From the Let's Do Lunch program within the broader program, options start at $19, which will get you pizza or pasta at Albert Lane's Vapiano. From there, highlights include three bao and a beer for $25 at Mr Bao, steak and chips at The Walnut Restaurant for $35, and a five-course seafood banquet at Tillerman for $65. Or, there's Luke Nguyen's Vietnamese chicken salad paired with two spring rolls for $25 at Fat Noodle; Patina's Moreton Bay bug, prawn risotto and wine combo for $39; a two-course Cantonese roasted lunch at Brisbane Phoenix Chinese Restaurant for $40; and an Amalfi-style four-dish spread at Guy Grossi's Settimo for $50. Fancy adding drinks and bites to your after-work routine? Dine BNE City's quittin'-time selection, aka Bar Safari, spans oysters and champagne at Rothwell's, buns and beers at Red Hook, skewers over a schooner (and a view from the rooftop) at Sixteen Antlers, and whiskey flights with wagyu at Bar 1603. Boom Boom Room has a bar sets for snacking, and everywhere from The Hibiscus Room to Frog's Hollow Saloon and Birrunga Gallery and Dining have a special on offer. For dinner, there's also a Supper Club lineup. That's where you'll find a three-martini dinner at The Inchcolm, a six-dish banquet at Donna Chang, and tacos and tequila at Comuna Cantina — and a Middle Eastern spread with wine at Babylon, Longtime doing yum cha for two and a range of Japanese set menus at Tena as well. In addition to all of the above excuses to drop into just about every bar and restaurant in Brisbane's inner city on any day you like, Dine BNE City also serves up special events. So, get ready to sip prestigious sparkling drops at Lennons Restaurant and Bar's Champagne Icons Series, stroll the streets for Urban Wine Walk's latest outing, and learn a thing or two at rosé blending workshops at City Winery's Edward Street Cellar Door. Or, you can hit up a fireside food and wine party at the Cathedral of St Stephen, enjoy live Italian opera as you eat at Massimo, and taste the results when Walter's Steakhouse and E'cco team up for a collaborative dinner. Top image: Naga Thai, Darcy Starr.
There's never a bad time to drink gin. If you're a fan of juniper spirits, any day ending in 'y' is a great day for your favourite tipple. But Brisbane's annual Ginuary Festival picks one date on the calendar, pours plenty of the beverage in the spotlight and turns it into a celebration. In 2025, all that gin sipping is happening on Sunday, January 26. We recommend that you arrive thirsty, as always — and that you prepare for plenty of company. This shindig goes gin crazy and attracts a crowd. Covent Garden in West End is behind it, which is where the fest is being held this time around. Prepare to sip your way around eight gin degustation stations, at your choice of two sessions: from 12–3pm and 5–8pm. All samples are included in your ticket price, as are three hours of drinks, gluten-free canapes and live tunes. Also, you have options ticket-wise. A regular pass costs $99 and gets you access to the gin stations and their tastings. Or, go VIP from $119 for early entry (from either 11am or 4pm). While any fest can say cheers to gin just because, Ginuary is also counting down 2024's Hottest 100 Gins, as it does every year. Accordingly, whichever ticket you go for, you'll still get to enjoy the best juniper-fuelled Australian and New Zealand tipples. You can vote online in advance, then revel in the results live on the day.
The confusers of the Brisbane music scene are back to headline Woodland this Saturday. Known for their energetic and visceral live shows, let them lull you into a false sense of security with their soulful ballads before tossing you against the wall with their loud and fast punk, covering all shades of electro-punk-pop in between. Leading up to the global release of their highly anticipated debut album Sport, RE:Enactment get back into the gigging circuit starting at one of Brisbane’s most exciting live venues. Joined by noise-rock favourites The Rational Academy, energetic indie collective The Slow Push and fleshed out by the masterful Subsea DJs, this is a showcase of home grown talent not to be missed. Although the album isn’t officially released until the 1st of March, there is talk of some sneaky copies available on the night. Be one of the first to get your hands on this eclectic release and bring along a wide array of dance moves for this one of a kind line-up.
Feeling a little frosty? Can't find the motivation to leave your couch? Huddled under every blanket in your house? No, you're not just particularly susceptible to the wintry season — the mercury is plummeting, and Australia's east coast capitals look set to endure their coldest weekend of 2018. In fact, according to Weatherzone, Sydney hit just 6.2 degrees early today — which is the frostiest morning it has had so far this year. Suburbs such as Richmond and Penrith dropped even further, down to -2.2 degrees and 0.4 degrees. In other parts of New South Wales, records that have stood for decades are falling, with Dubbo's low of -5.8 marking the regional town's coldest night for a whopping 78 years. In Queensland, it's a similar situation. Brisbane Times reports that Brisbane has indeed just shivered through its coldest morning of 2018, with temperatures dipping to 6.7 degrees. That's just chillier than the previous coldest morning of the year, with the city hitting 6.9 degrees back on June 16. Elsewhere across the state, areas such as Applethorpe, Amberley and Toowoomba experienced their iciest climes in several years. For Victoria, widespread frost was predicted across the state by the Bureau of Meteorology, with temperatures dropping to 4.4 degrees in Melbourne and 2.4 degrees at the airport. The city didn't reach the low of three degrees that was forecast, however, which would've made it the coldest morning of the year. Alas, the colder temperatures aren't going anywhere for a few days — News.com.au reports that the east coast will be rather chilly until Monday. BOM's forecasts have Sydney hitting lows of five degrees on Sunday morning and then four degrees on Monday (with maximums of 17 and 18 respectively); Melbourne wavering between five and 13 on Sunday; and Brisbane will get down to six degrees again on Sunday as well. Via news.com.au / Brisbane Times / Weatherzone.
While you might feel decades too old to be partying along with the current cast of The Wiggles — even though they're now Hottest 100 winners — anyone who grew up in the 90s will be well familiar with the kids' band's OG gang: Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page and the ever-sleepy Jeff Fatt. And now, you can get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia, when the four entertainers return to the Brisbane stage for a time-tripping reunion show. After doing the same for bushfire relief in Sydney back in 2020, The OG Wiggles hit the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 8pm on Saturday, April 30, inviting you to relive some big childhood memories as you dance up a storm to some favourite old-school tunes. Get grooving to classics like 'Wake Up Jeff!', 'Fruit Salad' and 'Hot Potato', all without a single toddler in sight. Even better: DZ Deathrays are the support act, because this Wiggles concert really is for adults — well, audiences over the age of 15, to be specific. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRqLtxqxmKI Image: WikiCommons
Just a couple of hours drive west of Cobbold Gorge, in the heart of Ewamian Country, you will find the First Nations-owned Talaroo Hot Springs. The hot springs formed over millions of years and the Ewamian people believed in the healing powers of these emerald waters which form the focus of many Dreamtime stories. The underground water is 68 degrees celsius when it enters the pools, cooling as it flows across the rippled travertine terraces. And although you can't enter these natural hot springs, the site features four private soaking pools with water from the springs which can be accessed via a timber boardwalk on a First Nations-led tour. Purpose-built just last year, Talaroo's outback caravan park and campground features powered and unpowered sites, a camp kitchen and a glowing fire pit. Future plans include the addition of five eco-friendly glamping tents for the ultimate in outback luxury. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Here's something you don't see, experience or even hear about everyday: a Shakespeare toga party musical. We'd say that Jukebox Julius Caesar Salad is exactly what it sounds like, but there's more in store. Yes, a staging of the bard's historical epic is the centrepiece of the show, but don't go thinking that you know what you're in for there. This lip-synched jukebox musical-style abridged retelling of William Shakespeare's roman tragedy features music by The Soul Rebels, Gnarls Barkley, Michael Jackson and AC/DC. No, that really doesn't happen often. Then there's the toga aspect of the evening — that is, you'd best dress up in sheets and sandals, and bring swords and shields along with you too. Throw in food and drink, including a caesar salad for dinner, and you just might have the kind of unique night out that old Shakes couldn't have even dreamed of.
In 2014, the ultimate celebration of French cinema in Australia will mark its silver anniversary with one of its most impressive programs yet. Lighting up Palace Cinema locations around the country, the 25th annual Alliance Francaise French Film Festival has film-faring Francophiles covered, with light-hearted comedies to searing dramas, as well as hat-tips to two of France's most legendary filmmakers. The festivities kick off on opening night with a screening of Nils Tavernier's inspiring sports drama The Finishers, followed by a post-film cocktail party. Other big tickets include the bloody Palme d'Or-nominated epic Michael Kohlhaas, Bruno Dumont's lauded biopic Camille Claudel 1915 and the Monaco-set espionage thriller Möbius starring The Artist's Jean Dujardin. Lighter options can be found in the festival's romance and comedy streams. Stylish indie ensemble 2 Autumns, 3 Winters has garnered plenty of positive buzz internationally, while Bright Days Ahead offers something for the older crowd, recounting the tale of a newly retired senior who strikes up an affair with a much younger man. Patrons can also preview the works of France's future filmmaking elite, with a program of short films from renowned Parisian film academy La Fémis. At the other end of the spectrum, fans of the classics might enjoy a retrospective of the works of new-wave pioneer Francois Truffaut, including his medium-shifting masterworks Jules and Jim and The 400 Blows. Closing night serves up another iconic slice of French cinema, in the form of Jacques Tati's wonderful 1958 comedy Mon Oncle. For the full Alliance Française French Film Festival program, visit http://www.affrenchfilmfestival.org/ https://youtube.com/watch?v=_0ENuOOgY2Y
Having risen to fame by the ARIA-award winning success of her adventures with her brother Angus, Julia is taking the world by the horns in her own right, something she cements in the similarly named title of her debut album, with chilling vocals and a heart on her sleeve style of melancholy storytelling that has seen her more than separated from the echoes of her past. With a voice that bears traces of Bjork, Harriet Wheeler, Kristen Hersh, Jesca Hoop and Alison Shaw, Stone has become somewhat of a feminist icon, with her work transporting her into new and alien territory. Playing tracks like 'And The Boys' and 'For You' from Angus & Julia’s back catalogue and 'By The Horns' and 'Memory Machine' from her own, Julia Stone will mesmerize any audience.
To explore Lady Musgrave Island and spend a day snorkelling with turtles, manta rays, tropical fish and other sea life, book a day trip with Lady Musgrave Experience. Your day tour on the 35-metre luxury catamaran, the Reef Empress, takes you on a two-hour journey to an island lagoon while you enjoy morning tea. Upon arrival, you'll be given a 45-minute guided tour around the island and a ride on a glass bottom boat, before jumping in the pristine waters to swim with green turtles and hawksbill turtle — and you may spy a loggerhead turtle or two as well. You have the option to scuba dive, too. [caption id="attachment_749818" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lady Musgrave Island by Melissa Findley/Bundaberg Tourism[/caption]
Cheated Hearts, the queer club night hosted at Alloneword is on for the first time this year, and they have a killer line-up for you this time around. This time, they are going against the grain and are having an anti-Valentine’s day party. If you are unlucky in love, newly single, searching for the one or just keen to get out of the house, this is the best place to be. Sydney’s Cunningpants (Pictured) will be on hand to control the decks, alongside Cheated Hearts residents, Dimesotre Diamonds, DJ Mikey and Dirtcheap. Cheated Hearts are known for putting on some of the best parties in Brisbane. If you doubt me, the only thing you can do is check it out for yourself. This party is straight-friendly as well; put on your dancing shoes and get along to Alloneword.
Arguably one of the most common and long-running artistic traditions, landscape painting serves a purpose beyond simply recreating a scenic vista. The artist’s memories of a place and time are captured in light and colour, with their brushstrokes allowing others to truly experience that place through someone else’s eyes. Land Scope explores this sense of nostalgia and memory through the works of two Brisbane artists. Clare Cowley’s oil paintings bring her connection to the land to life with rich colour and energetic brushwork, while Grace Herrmann uses watercolour to capture scenes with a quiet, dreamlike softness. The exhibition creates a feeling of intimacy and interconnectedness between the artists and viewers alike. Land Scope exhibits at the Woolloongabba Art Gallery from 1 to 12 September, with an opening night event on Friday 4 September.
With regards to every aspect of everything that currently exists, living in the 21st century is pretty crazy. The world is repeatedly shifting and constantly evolving towards being bigger and better with hardly any thought of the past. The obvious “winner” of Most Evolved Industry goes to technology, as whatever they alter effects the majority of others. One such trade that has a love-hate relationship with technology is the media. A large worldwide conversation on the topic has been growing for many years and revolves around whether technology-based media will replace print media. There are many people with varying opinions on what should, and what will happen, so who should you listen to? Bringing together experts of the industry for an intelligent discussion on the subject is the 2011 Walkley Media Conference, entitled What’s the Story? Inventing the Future. Covering far reaching topics that all manage to fall under the new versus old media umbrella, attendees are in for a treat as professionals outline what they think will happen to their beloved industry. The absolutely amazing line up of speakers includes Mark Scott (ABC Managing Director), John Bracken (The Knight Foundation), John Birmingham (author), Richard Fidler (journalist), and many more. As well as talks on future print and digital landscapes, there are sessions on comedy and how it has become commonplace to use humour in journalism, plus there are many real-world seminars offered which teach those in attendance the crucial and eclectic skills needed to survive in the ever-changing media world. If all this excited you as much as it did me, you’ll have to act fast as tickets are strictly limited - email events@walkleys.com for more information.
If your camping vision involves starting your day with a swim and ending it with a three-course feast, then get out your pegs at Coolum Beach Caravan Park. You'll have direct access to patrolled surf, as well as to all the luxuries of bricks-and-mortar living just across the road in Coolum's town centre. Try Canteen or Raw Energy for eats and Gelato Mio for dessert. Stay long enough to check out the local area, especially Noosa National Park. Facilities are top-notch — expect hot showers, toilets, a camp kitchen, laundry and wifi. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Sometimes it can be hard finding a gig with all the crazy-good Australian bands and DJs you love in the same place, especially for a reasonable price. Luckily there are organisers out there who felt that the idea wasn’t unachievable and went about creating Track & Field. The second Track & Field event of the year will be taking place at The Arena this Friday, and comes complete with performances by the Bleeding Knees Club, Deep Sea Arcade, Velociraptor and Gung Ho, as well as a bunch of DJs to ensure that you throw shapes down til the morning hours. Those with sharp memories will notice that location has changed from last time, which was a deliberate choice by the organisers to keep punters on their feet. Created as an antidote to consumers having to choose between either festivals or gigs with only one band, Track & Field fills the middle void nicely. If you think about it, it’s kind of like a house party – if you were friends with lots of amazing musicians. So don’t be that kid who shows up to school/uni/work/etc on Monday and was the only one who didn’t attend the party of the year.
We've passed the winter solstice and the temptation to hibernate is growing ever stronger — so, you probably need a little something extra to tempt you off the couch. Handily, online reservation platform The Fork has a winning idea up its sleeve: it's offering a huge six weeks of dining specials nationwide. Kicking off on Monday, July 1, The Fork Festival will see over 250 top restaurants across the country offering sit-down meals for half the usual price. Yep, 50 percent off your total food bill, folks — think of it as the proverbial carrot luring you out of the house. To snag a half-price meal, you just need to make a reservation through The Fork website or app at one of the participating eateries for any service (breakfast, lunch or dinner) during the six weeks. There are some great venues coming to the party, too. Brisbane folk can score discounts at the likes of Comuna Cantina, River Quay Fish and The French Bistrot. Find the full list here. You might want to revisit an old favourite or you could get a little adventurous and road-test somewhere new. Either way, there's ample time to squeeze in a fair few discount feasts before the festival wraps up on August 11. Image: Comuna Cantina
Once a year, Australia stops to listen to 100 songs. And, in recent years, music lovers have dedicated the next day to hearing the tunes that didn't quite make it — the next 100. No matter what date it's held on, it's the kind of time when kicking back, keeping your ears tuned on the radio, and having a beverage (or several) is well and truly in order, which is what Woolly Mammoth is offering up on January 27 and 28. One venue. 200 tracks. Plenty of drinks. Two huge days. Basically, if you won't be able to tear yourself away from the countdown and you're keen to listen in with an enthusiastic Valley crowd, that's your long weekend covered.
Do you ever find yourself wondering what is inside some of Brisbane’s most iconic buildings? Brisbane Open House is here to illuminate the answer. Held annually to coincide with World Architecture Day, this weekend-long, free event invites you inside some of the city’s prized buildings to allow the architecturally fascinated and generally curious the opportunity to poke around behind some otherwise closed doors. Some of the buildings set to open their doors to the public include Brisbane’s City Hall, Old Government House at QUT, the Queen Elizabeth Courts, QPAC and a host of the stunning churches populating the Brisbane skyline (the impressive list can be viewed here). Get the fully immersive experience by taking part in tours, attending concerts and conferences, taking in the short film competition and all up reacquainting yourself with this city of secret treasures.
This is not a travel guide. This is a local's map of Sydney. These are the five places where Sydney Underground Film Festival co-director Katherine Berger goes to recaffeinate, play, rummage, work and party. SUFF is on Thursday to Sunday this week. Since 2007, the festival has been dedicated to fostering a truly alternative and experimental film culture in Sydney. In the past, it has premiered Oliver Stone's South of the Border, revisited cult classics like Red, White and Blue, and given a platform to emerging filmmakers working out on a limb. Check out our preview or buy tickets online. And keep an eye out for Katherine's upcoming lo-fi mockumentary Zombie Massacre III. 1.BEST URBAN PARKLAND: SUFF OFFICE/CALLAN PARK, ROZELLE SUFF finally moved from working out of a lounge room into a nice big office at Sydney College of the Arts (a wonderful form of sponsorship!). It's complete with retro bar bought on eBay for $30! I also love that that the college sits within Callan Park, Rozelle; where there are so many interesting nooks and crannies to discover – hidden gardens, a bamboo forest, water views, decrepit old buildings and even an informal cat sanctuary! 2. BEST NEPALESE FOOD: EVEREST KITCHEN, MARRICKVILLE Just off Marrickville Road on Victoria Road is Everest Kitchen, one of my favourite restaurants. I love the food here and always kick off with the vego traditional entree set. I could eat the soy bean salad and dumplings with beaten rice all day! 3.BEST OP-SHOPPING ADVENTURES: ANGLICARE, SUMMER HILL My Saturday morning ritual is first coffee then getting to the Anglicare Charity Store Depot on Carlton Crescent in Summer Hill by 9am. It's hilarious watching the eager shoppers inch forward and then basically run when they open the doors! Here you can buy second-hand clothes by the kilo ($8) and all shoes are $5. I strongly believe in op-shopping and rarely ever buy new clothes (could be my lack of budget also!) but I do believe we are a culture of over-consumption. Mind you, I probably over-consume in vintage shopping! 4.BEST COFFEE IN THE VILLAGE:THE DRUGSTORE, SUMMER HILL I live in Summer Hill, which I think is a great little suburb or village as it’s referred to. However, what blows my mind that in an area of basically two streets there is now ten cafes! I just imagine what if one day there was no more coffee beans? But I have to say the latest café to open, The Drugstore, is pretty cool. It's decked out all retro with neon lights, quality coffe and top-notch baristas. (PS. Plus it's right next door to Vinnies!) 5.BEST LOCAL VENUE:THE FACTORY THEATRE, MARRICKVILLE The Factory Theatre has been home of the Sydney Underground Film Festival since its inception 6 years ago. This venue suits the festival for its location in a somewhat of an industrial area (it used to be a printing factory), plus they have always allowed us to show some weird, messed up, crazy, and sometime quite risqué films - so they are pretty cool in our book.
Brisbanites have spent plenty of time in their own castles over the past 18 months. Now, with the city currently out of lockdown, it's time to mosey through a giant inflatable version instead. From Friday, September 3–Saturday, September 25, the city will welcome a luminous installation comprised of a cluster of colourful arches — as created by multidisciplinary studio ENESS. Called Sky Castle and part of this year's Brisbane Festival program, the towering pop-up will span Northshore Hamilton until Tuesday, September 14, filling it with colour. Then, from Wednesday, September 15, it'll be on the move. It isn't just shifting locations, however, but it'll float along the river nightly as part of a watery art experience called Brisbane's Art Boat. The arches are designed to reflect a rainbow — and to bring a spot of brightness to the city after its tough experiences during the pandemic, just like rainbows do after storms. Yes, that's what everyone could use right about now. And, they're interactive, too, changing their hues as you move through them. As well as vivd tones, plenty light and sky-high arches, Sky Castle also includes a xylophone soundscape, which changes while you're wandering as well. And, it's one of two ENESS installations that form part of the Bris Fest lineup. So, when it isn't at Northshore Hamilton, its sibling event Airship Orchestra will be — and vice versa. The same applies to its berth on Brisbane's Art Boat as well. Images: Zhu Rui.
Brisbanites, you'd best kick off your Friday and Saturday shoes — it's time to get footloose on the dance floor. As part of the 2018 Valley Fiesta, the Brunswick Street Mall is hosting free hour-long dance classes on August 31 and September 1. If you've always wanted to boogie your way through a public space, this is your chance. Held between 8–9pm each evening, the sessions are all about being comfortable and not feeling self-conscious. It's exactly what it sounds like: an inclusive class for everyone, with all skill levels welcome. Throw on whatever helps you move freely and unleash your best steps. It's free, bookings aren't required, and it's all going down in the middle of the mall — to a fitting retro soundtrack.
‘There was me, that is Alex, and my three droogs, that is Pete, Georgie, and Dim, and we sat in the Korova Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening’, reads the opening line of Anthony Burgess’s scandalous novel, A Clockwork Orange. How ringleader Alex and his band of teenage delinquents do eventually spend their night — on a rampage of brutal assault and rape which ends in the murder of an elderly lady — propels the audience of Action to the Word theatre’s contemporary reimagining of Burgess’s seminal text, directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones, into an exploration of testosterone fuelled boredom gone awry. Those who may have attempted the novel but baulked at its unfamiliar, somewhat jarring ‘Nadsat’ dialect (an English and Russian hybrid language invented entirely by Burgess and later, in a case of life imitating art, employed by real life gangs following the success of the text) will be grateful for the physicality of the dynamic, all male cast. Where it may be easy to verbally miss what it means to ‘tolchock a chelloveck in the kishkas’, the actualisation of Alex (Martin McCreadie) senselessly brutalising those unfortunate enough to fall under his malicious gaze when he’s looking to break up the monotony of it all cannot be lost in translation. Although a fascination with violence is inherent to the performance, a stylistic emphasis on dynamic dance sequences, accompanied by a modern, high-energy soundtrack, allows some of the more shocking portrayals to remain implied, rather than descend into self-serving vulgarity. This is no coincidence — unlikely Stanley Kubrick’s highly graphic film adaptation, Action to the Word’s stage performance has auctorial integrity, having been developed in association with Burgess, who sought to rectify misconceptions of the text as being designed as an invitation to the disillusioned youth of the world to mirror the rage of his fictional droogs. Unlike the originally published and widely circulated American version of the novel, Spencer-Jones’s stage adaptation remains true to Burgess’s original ending. By privileging the author’s intended sequence of closure, a protagonist whose behavior is undeniably animalistic and barbaric throughout the performance is ultimately humanised — it turns out it was all a case of ‘boys will be boys’ and what Alex really wants is the wife, kid and white picket fence, just like the rest of us. Where Burgess may have intended this to suggest an innate potential for goodness in even the most seemingly depraved members of society, it simultaneously highlights the audience's ability to feel empathy for, and identify with, a violent murderer. When played by the achingly charismatic McCreadie, despite his propensity for kicking heads in and pillaging innocent women, Alex is strangely mesmerising and even appealing — what might be most interesting is what that implies about our own attitude towards aggression, manhood and ‘that old ultra violence’. Just what that wider societal attitude might be remains unclear, although just shy of two years on from the London riots, audiences of A Clockwork Orange will feel that its depictions of the human propensity for violence, aggression and brutality remain as scandalously relevant today they were when first published as a text 50 years ago. While it may leave you unsure of whether whether to take up adult dance classes, attempt (probably feebly) to kick down a street sign or run for cover from the mad, bad world outside, A Clockwork Orange is an immersive triumph of modern theatre that will confront, then refuse to neatly providing answers to all of the terror it raises — real horror show, in all senses of the term.
Calling all Jurassic Park and Jurassic World fans — for more than six months at Queensland Museum in 2023, life is finding a way to bring you face to face with the largest-known land animal ever. The South Bank site is hosting Dinosaurs of Patagonia, which is filled with fossils from South America spanning 13 dino species. If you're a lover of David Attenborough's Prehistoric Planet, too, you'll be in your element. Even better — within this giant blast from the past, it's time for a night at the museum. It's time for several, actually. You won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here; however, QM is pairing its dinosaur exhibition with drinks. Clearly, these after-hours evenings will still feel rather adventurous — and, if you're interested in dinos, as we all are, dazzling as well. Queensland Museum has held these types of events before for past exhibitions, and just in general, with Dinosaurs of Patagonia After Dark taking place from 5.30pm on Saturday, March 18, Friday, May 5, Friday, July 28 and Friday, September 29. At this completely adults-only affair, you'll walk, talk, drink take a tour of the exhibition and party while surrounded by all those prehistoric beasts. There'll be live tunes, too, a palaeontologist answering questions and dinosaur origami to make. Plus, the rest of QM will be open as well, so expect to check out SparkLab and Sciencentre's wonders, and even meet native wombats, crocodiles and birds. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out, so, you'll want to nab a $40 ticket quickly (and note that that price doesn't include food and drinks).
In 2023, for the 11th time, the wondrous cinematic world of Wes Anderson will expand. The beloved filmmaker's latest release Asteroid City is set to zoom into Brisbane picture palaces midyear, complete with all of the writer/director's trademarks — a star-studded cast, a quirky setup, symmetry aplenty and pastel hues all accounted for. And, it arrives just two years after The French Dispatch finally made it to screens in 2021. So, that's Anderson's new movie, plus his most recent one before now — aka what you're next eager to see from him, and likely what you last watched from his filmography. Because you can never have too much of a good thing from this filmmaker, 2023 is also delivering a retrospective of his work at Palace James Street: In Focus: Wes Anderson. On Thursday nights from Thursday, May 4–Thursday, June 22, cinema lovers can enjoy Anderson's distinctive visual stylings, compelling soundtracks and roster of familiar faces, with the venue playing seven of his flicks across the program's run. First up, catch the Jason Schwartzman-led hit Rushmore, then dive into the family dramas of The Royal Tenenbaums and wear matching tracksuits to The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. There's also the stop-motion animation delights that are both Fantastic Mr Fox and Isle of Dogs, because no one does animated cute critters like Anderson. And, The Darjeeling Limited is here with its chaotic train trip, too, plus the exceptionally cast The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch as well. Each session starts at 8pm, with tickets costing $10 for Palace Movie Club members and $15 otherwise.
New festival alert: adding to Brisbane's always-busy cultural calendar, the River City will soon be home to Melt OPEN. From spring 2024, this fringe-style event will celebrate LGBTQIA+ art and performance everywhere from Fortitude Valley to Woolloongabba, showcasing queer work, talents, legends and allies. Brisbanites should already know that Brisbane Powerhouse has hosted Melt Festival for seven years and counting, with that event considered a predecessor to this newcomer. As its name makes plain, Melt OPEN is broadening its scope by building upon Melt's success — spreading beyond the Powerhouse, featuring more artists and venues, and operating as an open access-style shindig. Basically, Melt fans, rejoice: the OG festival is still occurring, but Melt OPEN will also expand upon it from 2024. That means more excuses to revel in LGBTQIA+-led lineups as Brisbane ramps up to hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While exactly what'll be on the bill is yet to be revealed, "prepare to be enthralled by captivating events that engage the city and boundary-pushing art that challenges norms," advises Brisbane Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Kate Gould. "Expect mass community participation events that celebrate the rich diversity of Queensland's LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies." When Melt OPEN takes over Newstead, New Farm, the Brisbane CBD and West End, too, Powerhouse, the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council all expect it to be a tourist drawcard, attracting more than 4000 people to Brissie each year. "Anticipated to generate more than $8 million for the visitor economy, Melt OPEN is terrific news for the city's accommodation, hospitality, transport and tourism operators and Queensland jobs," said Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe. [caption id="attachment_716453" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Evans[/caption] "We're proud to support homegrown Brisbane events like this that celebrate our diverse community and culture, while supporting the city's world-class creative industry," noted Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. "Melt OPEN is an incredible addition to the city's jam-packed major events calendar, that will not only attract thousands of visitors to Brisbane but showcase and support our thriving cultural precincts." Melt OPEN will debut across October–November 2024 at various venues around Brisbane, with specific dates, locations and other further details yet to be announced. Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website for additional information in the interim — and to submit expressions of interest to be a part of the fest. Top image: Laura Lewis.
Oxymorons are great. Wouldn't you automatically be a leader if you were a cheetah? Well, unless you were part of a pack of cheetahs and had won a race? Redundant band names aside, Adelaide's chief export Leader Cheetah are back in Brisbane after a short rest following their second Splendour in the Grass gig. They sound a little bit indie, a little bit Americana, and a little bit country. If you haven't heard them, you may have heard their stunning rendition of REM's Losing My Religion on Triple J's Like A Version back in July. Their sophomore album Lotus Skies has been a long time coming, and the Radelaide foursome are completely ready to show it off to keen audiences. They are joined by Belles Will Ring, who will also be playing off their second LP, Crystal Theatre, and according to Rolling Stone, are a band to watch. Best be stretching those legs and race down to Alhambra Lounge this Friday - you'll feel cheetah'd if you don't.
Having opened in mid-2010, The Junk Bar in Ashgrove is a little suburban oasis where patrons can enjoy exotic beverages in a darkly lit and ambient corner bar. One of the bar's owners, Jamie Trevaskis, is the man behind Brisbane's dearly missed music venue The Troubadour, and while there is no live music at The Junk Bar, the lounge room-sized watering hole encompasses the same chilled, sprawling-couches vibe and retro taste in leafy wallpaper that the Troub was loved for. Much like the name suggests, Junk Bar is filled with a mish-mash of prize-worthy junk store finds including leather and velour couches, old yet loveable lampshades and mounted deer heads. It's cosy and eclectic with a strong seventies tiki, influence. The kind of place where a paisley shirted gentleman with a Magnum PI moustache would blend in nicely. Den-style décor aside, Junk Bar's main focus is on your drink, offering intimate table service and fresh cocktail concoctions. The beer selection is good, if a little limited, and the mixed drinks are stiff and made with love. Prices are reasonable considering the level of service and ambience on offer. Those known to get the munchies during cocktail hour can rest easy. There's no need to stoop to greasy kebab lows when at Junk. The bar conveniently offers a simple selection of snacks from the neighbouring eateries such as the local fish and chip store and Chinese restaurant.
A dimly light basement with walls covered in skate boards may look a little grungy for an Italian restaurant, but in the case of Verve Cafe, looks can be deceiving. Playing vertical neighbour to the Metro Arts, Verve Cafe is an ideal hideaway to grab a coffee, enjoy a boozy lunch, or settle in for a hearty dinner. I say hearty because the meals here are rich, particularly the pasta, and the surrounds are just as warm and cosy. Though it may not be noticeable from the street, most locals and city workers are well aware of Verve and the cafe is usually packed out during the weekends. Booking is a must if you're wanting to get a table on a Friday or Saturday night, and be prepared for the place to be buzzing too. The enclosed space can get a bit rowdy during the busy hours, but the noise just helps create a friendly, down to earth and infectious atmosphere. Considering the location and noise levels of Verve, its little wonder the cafe's food is the main draw card for patrons. The food is wonderfully fresh and simple – the way Italian food should be. Of particular praise is the pasta. The Brandy Tortellini and the Goats Cheese & Chicken Gnocchi are a stand out. Also on the menu are a selection of risottos and traditional Italian pizzas, which are all very well priced. Verve offers plenty of options for vegetarians and run Happy Hour drink specials from 5pm – 7pm at the bar every night, making Verve an ideal venue for a birthday or celebration dinner. Probably another reason why the venue can get a little rowdy.
After serving up broth-filled bowls of soupy noodles in Carindale for the past few years, Shinobi Ramen is finally bringing its dishes to the CBD, all thanks to the opening of its second store. And, to celebrate, it's doling out free tastes, ready for ramen-loving Brisbanites to slurp up. On offer: free bowls of Shinobi's tonkotsu ramen, which features house-made noodles made with high-grade Japanese flour, broth simmered down from pork bones over 12 hours and eggs that've been marinated for more than a day. [caption id="attachment_752882" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: Shinobi Ramen.[/caption] Head along to Shinobi Ramen's new digs in Queen's Plaza in the Queen Street Mall from 11am–1pm on Saturday, November 30 — and yes, caveats do apply. To grab a bowl, you'll need to both follow and like the chain on either Facebook or Instagram. And, unsurprisingly, there's only one bowl available per person. Image: Shinobi Ramen.
Brisbane's suburbs are being treated to live music gigs this September. Brisbane Festival 2024 is bringing outdoor concerts to five parts of town — all for free. When it first joined the fest lineup back in 2020, this live music showcase was inspired by the community responses to the global pandemic — in which Italians sang on their balconies and Americans choreographed TikTok dances. Back then, it was meant to be the Brissie version. Over the years, Brisbane Serenades has evolved, leading to its current quintet of shindigs. On Saturday, September 7, Moorooka is the place to be for a block party featuring First Nations and world music talents such as Bustamento and Jungaji. Next, on Sunday, September 8, Victoria Park will echo with the sounds of The Crunchy Chickpea Salad, Angel Strings, Brisbane Excelsior Band, Katie Stenzel, Alex Raineri and more. Across the weekend of Saturday, September 14–Sunday, September 15, Jaguar Jonze, Kristal West and Deline Briscoe will take to the stage at the UQ Lakes Amphitheatre at St Lucia — and a carnival-style celebration will take over Portside. Then, come Saturday, September 21, Pasifika Made at Wally Tate Park in Kuraby is all about Polynesian, Melanesian, Micronesian, Māori and Indigenous performers.
Sydney’s Mere Women are an emotive and powerful musical force. Their recent album, Your Town, has earned rave reviews Australia wide and rightly so. Your Town is saturated with taught and wiry guitars, layered vocal work and impressive lyricism. Keep your eye on the 'Best Of' lists at the end of the year; this album is sure to feature on many of them. The trio are finally making their way up to Brisbane to play at local haunt, Trainspotters. Expect a whirlwind of noise, an emotive and passionate performance that will stick in your memory for ages. Be sure to get in early to see the local supports also on the bill. Industrial electro-punks, Multiple Man, irreverent and eccentric Cured Pink and ethereal and delicate Perfume Garden will also be playing. Prepare yourself for a night of amazing and diverse sounds.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve might not be all that cool, but wearing your love of ramen proudly emblazoned on your chest? Well, that's completely acceptable. In fact, the designers at Japanese casual-wear retailer Uniqlo wholly encourage the idea, who've just released a line of covetable ramen-print t-shirts. The fresh designs are part of the label's latest spring/summer t-shirt drop, working the theme 'wear your world' with authentic pop culture images from around the globe. The ramen collection is a nod to Japan's most iconic ramen joints, including Ippudo, Menya Musashi, Setagaya and Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Some, like the t-shirt for Ebisoba Ichigen, feature bright bowls of noodle soup, while others are printed with recognisable restaurant logos. Other Uniqlo pop culture collections to hit Aussie stores include one called 'The Brands', one devoted to 80s American movies and an art-meets-fashion tribute, SPRZ (Surprise New York + Eames). The t-shirts are retailing for $19.90, but if you're in Brisbane or Sydney, you can try and nab a free one at the collection launches. Brisbane's Queen Street Mall store will be running giveaways tomorrow — Saturday, October 6 — from 11am–3pm, while Sydney's Pitt Street location will do the same the following weekend, at Saturday, October 13. Uniqlo's Wear Your World ramen t-shirts are available now for $19.90 each. You can purchase them from all Australian stores or online here.
And boom, just like that, we're a brief nine weeks out from Christmas. We don't quite know where the time went or what happened, but present-buying season is upon us. What better time to kick into gear and avoid the dreaded last-minute shopping scramble, by hitting the Virtual Ethical Christmas Market this weekend. This annual event is normally an IRL situation, but it's headed online this year, now open to shop at your leisure, right up until the big day. Once again, organisers have curated a bumper selection of goodies from a range of small, ethically minded local businesses. If you're after gifts that are fair-trade, eco-friendly, socially-conscious, vegan or all of the above, consider this marketplace your one-stop-shop. Catch homewares from the likes of Plant Lab, Food Wraps 101, The Karma Collective and The Other Straw, or deck out that wardrobe with finds from labels like Colour Coded, Frske and Remuse. There are skincare and beauty products courtesy of The Essentials Lab and Nur Organics, alongside a diverse range of accessories, stationary, kids' gear and food products. Tick off your entire gift list at once and make this Christmas one with a conscience.
When the conversation turns to acquired tastes, the oyster is a natural example; our first oyster is typically offered up by an uncle-type (who probably introduced you to beer a few years later) getting his Christmas kicks from watching the next generation squirm, and then we hit 25 and suddenly we're knocking them back. But whether mum's reassurance that you'll like them you're older came true or not, many of us are still in the dark when it comes to this most lauded of mollusks. So we sat down with The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room's chef Sean Connolly to take the guesswork out of oyster culture. Oyster basics Let's start with some introductions: there are three different types of oysters grown in Australia: Sydney rock (or estuary), Pacific and Angasi. The last one, a rare goliath, is an Australian native that is attracting a lot of attention for its fleshy consistency — so oyster beginners should work up to this one. It can also command some pretty steep price tags, but according to Sean that isn't putting off the punters. "When you have Angasis [on the menu] they fly out the door." These days most restaurants will at least offer you a choice between Sydney rock or Pacific oysters. Now the simplest way to think of these two is tastier versus creamier. That doesn’t quite cover the full spectrum of differences between them, but it’s a nice launching pad for developing your pallet. If you can, split your order between the two—it gives you an edge of sophistication, and will help you learn the differences. Do you count as an oyster lover if you like toppings? No. Just kidding, the oyster community welcomes one and all, but maybe whisper your Kilpatrick (that's with cheese, Worcester sauce and bacon) requests. In Sean's mind it is simply about respecting the oyster, although he does seem pretty perturbed by oyster mornay (basically grilled cheese oysters). "That is the worst — haven't cooked one in years." What should you be embarrassed to order? Oyster lovers are undoubtedly a touch purist, but Sean insists "to a certain degree it's all good". If you are not quite ready to talk about the taste of the sea and how fresh shucking is paramount to good eating, just have a bit of fun. Order some of them deep-fried, use the juice for a dirty martini or pop an oyster in your shot glass. But remember, never the mornay. For the beer lovers amongst you, it could be time to head over to Young Henry’s Brewery in Newtown and check out their limited release oyster stout — Mother Shucka. The do's and don'ts of oyster shucking Nothing says host with the most like some freshly shucked oysters, so if you are ready to take home entertaining to the next level, buy yourself an oyster knife and get ready for a few cuts along the way. First off, make sure you have a good base (read bread board) and do not attempt doing this in the air, in your hand, or anywhere else that momentarily seems logical. Make sure that the curved side is on the bottom, and hold it down with a tea towel-clad hand. Now, edge your oyster knife into the side of the oyster, then prize it open by running the knife along the join. Once you have traced the entire edge simply flex the knife sideways to move the shells apart. "There is sort of like a 75 percent chance that you will hurt yourself," warns Sean. "Even I hurt myself shucking oysters at Christmas." I would probably add buy some protective gloves and download a how-to-guide. How to eat an oyster Discounting my childhood trauma theory, Sean doesn't see there being any real reason why people wouldn't like oysters — unless you're not eating them properly. So, here is his final word on how to eat an oyster: swirl it around your mouth, chew it twice and swallow. It sounds like something Lauren Bacall would purr in To Have and Have Not ("You know how to eat an oyster, don't you Steve?"), so it is a handy piece of trivia for your next dinner date, and it means you are getting all of the flavour you can out of your oyster. What to wash them down with There is good reason that people are known to enjoy the finer things in life, not the finer thing; well-paired delicacies have a habit of making evenings memorable and this brings us to the wine match. Take your time with the wine list, you do not want to lose all that freshly shucked deliciousness in the depths of a juicy shiraz. When matching wine to oysters some key words are minerality, acidity and flinty. I wouldn’t look further than something white and from Burgundy, but Sean points to a good savvy-b or dry riesling. Remember, if this is all new to you, grabbing the attention of your sommelier is always a good move and chucking in the word 'flinty' is sure to earn you bonus points. The best places in Brisbane to enjoy oysters Last weekend the South Bank Surf Club launched their oyster season with an all-you-can-eat event. We heard two girls managed to consume 13 dozen between them. That’s 78 oysters each! While all-you-can-eat might just be for the mad-keen oyster lover, those with a taste for classic seafood needn’t look far to find the good stuff. Pop in for half or full dozens on menus at The Jetty, Cabiria or Jellyfish. For variety, Bar Barossa in the city offer them natural, Kilpatrick, with grapefruit pearls, pedro Xienez jelly, spicy nahm jim or spanner mornay crab. Or visit the oyster man at West End markets every Saturday. Bring your gold coins, at $1 a pop these freshly shucked bad boys go down a treat for breakfast. Do they really have an aphrodisiac effect? The standard response to this question is a smirk and some nod to personal experience — the more erudite might even referenceCasanova’s breakfast — but a little research shows this theory has real legs. First of all the high zinc content keeps all of us generally strong and virile, plus it staves off herpes (pop that in the good-to-know basket). But, the science really heats up when you start talking amino acids. These little critters actually house two pretty unusual ones (D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate) that have been shown to boost testosterone in men and women's oestrogen levels. Who knew? The Italians were right all along. Do I need to know where they come from? Waters are to oysters as soil is to wine, so regions can say a lot about what an oyster is going to look and taste like before it gets to the table. It's all a little too involved for this article, but oyster masterclasses are held regularly all around Sydney if you are keen to learn more. But we can give you a few cheats: names to look out for include Coffin Bay (SA), Clyde River (NSW) and St Helens (TAS). Don’t be alarmed if your favourite restaurant starts offering you oysters from different regions; like most produce, the best oyster-producing region depends on the season. Ultimately, as Sean notes, it is about having "trust in the chef, trust in the establishment and then the proof is in the eating". How do Aussie oyster lovers rate internationally? We've had Europe lording it over us for years with their tails of natural sophistication, but Sean disagrees. "It's part of our culture," he insists in a broad Yorkshire accent — stopping to note that after 20 years in the country he has earned the right to say 'our'. It's marginally more than my years of life so I don’t fight him. Plus, he has a point; we have got some of the cleanest waters in the world for growing the things. “When I opened Astra [his first restaurant], about 17 years ago," Sean goes on, "we were shucking oysters to order and the clientele were sending them back because they were salty … But now everyone recognises a good oyster and everyone is look for that taste of the sea." By Ruby Lennon with Daniela Sunde-Brown.
When The Fast and the Furious took Point Break's premise and swapped surfing for street racing, it seemed like one of those easy Hollywood knockoffs that would speed into cinemas and then race right out of viewers' memories. Eighteen years, seven sequels, plenty of Coronas and a whole lot of talk about family later, we all now know that wasn't the case. It's the high-octane franchise that just keeps tearing up tyres and tearing across silver screen, and it has yet another new addition. The first Fast and Furious spinoff, Hobbs & Shaw reunites two of the series' newer players: Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs, the government agent who has been a F&F staple since 2011's Fast Five, and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw, the villain from Furious 7 who starts buddying around the gang in 2017's The Fate of the Furious. Directed by John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch, it's basically an excuse to put the two action heroes in the same movie again, watch as they bicker and banter like a muscular odd couple, and throw in the usual world-saving, car-racing antics. It also sounds like box office catnip —complete with the ridiculous stunts that the franchise has become known for, this time featuring a helicopter, a long chain and a truck in one of them. After releasing a first sneak peek earlier this year, the film has now revealed an extended three-and-a-half minute trailer. Check out the new clip below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7PAyCDwEg Because two of today's biggest stars isn't enough for this initial foray outside of the main F&F stable, Hobbs & Shaw also features Idris Elba as the flick's villain — plus Helen Mirren reprising her role as Shaw's mother, and The Crown's Vanessa Kirby joining the fold as his sister. Johnson reportedly wanted Hobbs to not only have some family as well, but to have an incredibly high-profile family member; however bringing Aquaman's Jason Momoa on board didn't work out due to scheduling conflicts. Fans of Vin Diesel and the original gang, don't worry. Ninth and tenth F&F films are due in 2020 and 2021 respectively, so Dominic Toretto and company will be back to live their lives a quarter mile at a time once more. Also on the agenda is a female-focused spinoff focused on the ladies of the franchise, because this series remains furious about stretching out its run for as long as possible. Hobbs & Shaw opens in Australian cinemas on August 1. Image: Universal Pictures
Roll up, roll up, hungry masses — it's food truck time. Brisbane has been batty for meals on wheels for years now, with Windsor's free, regular gathering one of the city's favourites. Now, its back for 2017. If you've been to Downey Park Food Trucks before, you'll know what you're in for: a relaxed chance to enjoy some street food, chill out on a picnic blanket and while away your Sunday afternoon. And if you haven't been before... why not? This is how you end your weekend with delicious bliss, after all. Of course, there's two important things you need to know if you're heading along — one practical, one sure to whet your appetite. Firstly, BYO rug to sit on, unless you're fine with getting grassy. Secondly, while DPFT has plenty of regular vans pulling into a berth and cooking up a storm, waiting to see what's available on the day is all part of the food truck fun.
Already home to Gelato Messina's original Brisbane store and Lune's only local croissanterie so far, South Brisbane just welcomed another tastebud-tempting spot: Lisboa Caffe, purveyors of flaky, tasty, widely beloved Portuguese custard tarts. Setting up shop on Hope Street, the bakery's new bricks-and-mortar home is now serving up pasteis de nata — those coveted egg custard pastries — and pairing them with Padre coffee, all at a cute, white-tiled, hole-in-the-wall joint. On the menu: custard tarts, obviously, as well as Nutella, goat's cheese, chicken and herb, and walnut and honey tart varieties. So, you can go for both sweet and savoury options. And, if you're keen for a bite-sized snack, the custard tarts also come in miniature versions — and Portuguese almond tarts are also on offer. The tiny venue has been in the works since 2021, but everyone in Brisbane knows how the last year turned out. Now, it has finally become a reality. Lisboa Caffe's permanent shopfront comes after its signature treats proved big hits at markets around southeast Queensland, and among the pastry range at plenty of local cafes. In other words, if you're a fan of custard tarts, you've probably already tried them. 2022 marks seven years since owner Joe Rocha first started Lisboa Caffe back in 2015 to share his Portuguese culture with Brisbane, focusing on custard tarts as an anchor. And as the name makes plain, Rocha always had dreams of setting up a cafe. Joining South Brisbane's growing lineup of sweet treats is clearly just a welcome bonus. Find Lisboa Caffe at 58 Hope Street, South Brisbane — open from 7am–3pm Wednesday–Saturday. Images: Markus Ravik.
