There are many things that are great on ice. Champagne and caviar are two. The Nutcracker is another. The stage performance of The Nutcracker is already something to behold, but add high-speed leaps, throws and astonishing acrobatics and you’ve got a jaw dropping-ly great show. Described as the world’s best theatrical ice-skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars are making their triumphant return with their brand-new production - The Nutcracker On Ice. Ice may seem a tricky surface to dance upon, however the 25-strong company of world ice-skating champions make it look easy and graceful, never failing to impress their audiences. The production is to be a feast for the senses – especially when it comes to the sets. The world’s best ice-skaters will be leaping and twirling around a set created by renowned scenic designer, Eamon D’Arcy. Add the costumes and Tchaikovsky’s famous music, and you’ve got a pretty cool production...literally…
A boat show for boat owners by boat owners the event has something for everyone, from the owner of the smallest jet ski or rickety sail boat, to luxury yachts or super trawlers. The Brisbane Boat Show isn’t just for the adults either, kids are welcome too. The Kids Marizone offers a variety of activities to keep the youngsters entertained, from plaster mould painting to rod casting and yabbie pumping, all to educate the anglers of the future. There’s something for those with an appetite for great food and scintillating inspiration. Bart Beek of the Essence Food Studio will bring with him a pantry of ingredients to titillate the taste buds, demonstrating the secrets of successful seafood cooking.
Before you start thinking that poetry is a long obsolete art form better suited for Shakespearian era romantics, do yourself a favour and check out the Judith Wright Centre this weekend. Trust us, you might be surprised. The Queensland Poetry Festival is on for its 16th year in a row. This makes it one of the longest running festivals in town, so obviously there is something here that captures the imagination. The QPF is hailed as Australia’s premier festival for poetic endeavour, and I’m inclined to agree, with over 40 artists (including Holly Throsby, pictured) from all parts of the globe on hand to inspire and ignite your passion for poetry. Check out the QPF website for timetables and more information.
The immensely successful Brisbane fashion label, Black Milk was born when designer James Lillis scraped his pennies together to buy a piece of material and a sewing machine. After trying to sell his creative pieces online, he eventually decided to turn Black Milk into an exclusively online boutique. In the past few years, the label has gone from being refused at shops and not receiving much attention at markets, to being an internationally recognised brand. It would be a rare night out in Brisbane when a long legged beauty donning a pair of impossibly cool Black Milk leggings is not seen. Black Milk has recently signed a deal of astronomical proportions and received the rights to produce Star Wars images on their clothing. Black Milk marketing manager, Cameron Parker will be sharing his pearls of wisdom at the QUT Creative Industries precinct. If you're a fashion lover, or wish to start your own business, make sure you catch Cameron this Tuesday.
Although kids of all ages can enjoy the Ekka and its wondrous offerings, the annual carnival also gives us adults a chance to suit up, frock up and gear up for the Exhibition holiday races!]. This year, the races will also feature performances from Ruby Rose, Tenzin and Bombs Away as well as a Silent Disco. A half-pipe has been erected for a BMX and skateboarding exhibition as well as the usual fashion contests. Be sure to but your best foot forward and get amongst the carnival spirit. Maybe you might even be lucky enough to pick a few winners in the horse races themselves.
People all around the world were understandably saddened when the Bourne Trilogy ended. Now, they have reason to rejoice! Although the titular character’s saga has run its course, the action continues with The Bourne Legacy. Jeremy Renner has been cast to play the lead in this new storyline, and although Matt Damon is hard to replace, Jeremy has enough action-star chops to succeed after great performances in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, The Avengers and The Hurt Locker. The film also stars Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz, and is sure to be as thrilling as the original. Get to the cinema, grab some popcorn and strap yourself in for another ride on the Bourne rollercoaster.
Offering a copy of their new EP She’s A Riot at a discounted price atop of the ticket fee Triple J favourites The Jungle Giants bring their lustful, indie-pop rock to The Zoo. Roar. A sound defined by hand claps, stomping backbeats, catchy-as hooks and lyrics about the trials and tribulations of life and love, The Jungle Giants are known for their electrifying, hair raising live performances - a combination that has their fans head over heels. She’s A Riot has seen the band compared to The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club and Last Dinosaurs, and is packed with tongue tingling melodies that’ll set your world on fire, and raise the hairs on the back of your neck to the skies.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most widely known and loved plays. It may have been tainted by terrible high school interpretations, but the story of lovers, fairies and magic set in an enchanting forest appeals to such a wide audience, it’s hard to get past - which is probably why we see the play is reinterpreted time and time again. Baz Luhrmann’s take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of the most highly regarded and loved versions of the play and the production is back in Brisbane once more as part of Opera Australia. Set to Benjamin Britten’s spellbinding score, Luhrmann has added a unique twist to the old favourite by resetting the drama in India in 1923. The colour-drenched set is filled with Indian gods, British colonials and rustic clowns. There is even a three-tiered pagoda on stage, which sees a uniformed orchestra perform on the mid level while the story’s characters weave throughout. With countless glowing reviews and a unique production which defies description, Baz Luhrmann’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a one of a kind of show which will capture your imagination and take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.
Get your running shoes on and break open that piggy bank, it’s time for another Sass and Bide Warehouse Sale! Our favourite Aussie label is giving Brisbane fashionistas a chance to fill their wardrobes with some amazing designs with 50%-70% off everything. Worn by the likes of fashion royalty such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kate Bosworth, Madonna, Beyonce and Kate Moss, designers Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton have come a long way since meeting at high school in Brisbane. The talented duo began their design career selling customised jeans at Portobello Road Markets in London before coming home to launch their debut collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2001. The often quirky but always fabulous label cemented its place in the hearts of ladies around the world with their revolutionary denim and continue to amaze and inspire with their ever evolving aesthetic. Get in quick, it’s sure to be first in best dressed - literally! Cash, eftpos & most major credit cards will be accepted.
There have been rumblings of a brand new Fortitude Valley club-night that promises electro fanatics a safe haven to dance the night away with like-minded ravers. Rumour has it that a group of hard-core party people (going by the collective name of Rumour Has It) have started a new night at Electric Playground that promises good times, DJ’s that can actually mix and free giveaways! The Planet is kicking off on Friday and is bound to have all of these things and more! The inaugural event will feature a performance by Canada’s Autoerotique (pictured). The duo will be on hand to make sure that the first party at The Planet goes off with a bang. Leave your dress shoes at home, break out some comfy kicks and get dancing at The Planet!
The Nikon-Walkley Slide Night series is hitting Brisbane, bringing with it a host of amazing photographs from some of the world’s best photojournalists. The series is a celebration of press imagery and the power these images hold when used in media. This particular series encouraged press photographers to use their imaginations and create memorable photos based on a theme of their own choosing. Hosted at the Powerhouse, the one night only exhibition provides photographers with a chance to exercise their imaginations and turn their passion projects into art without editorial constraints. Any photography buffs, news enthusiasts or lovers of powerful images should head on down and see some of the best photography the world has to offer. Need more of an incentive? It’s completely free. How good!
He may be young, but Ed Sheeran is turning heads all around the world for all the right reasons. After writing and recording his own EP at the tender age of 14, Ed Sheeran has taken the world by storm and gained legions of supporters, including Grime maestro Example and Jamie Foxx. The talented red-head is a great singer-songwriter known for his compositions containing guitar loops and beat-boxing creating a superbly unique brand of hip-hop. With more than a million likes on Facebook and countless more fans around the world, the 21 year old sensation is bringing his talents to South Bank for an intimate performace at the QPAC Concert Hall.
Vaudeville, as a genre of entertainment, is not quite as prominent as it once was. Every show featured a bill of comedians, dancers, magicians, trained animals, acrobats, and minstrels, to say the least! Though the essence and influence of vaudeville can still be seen today, its original form has faded. Underground Productions’ second mainhouse show of 2012, Goodbye Vaudeville Charlie Mudd, explores the end of an era. Dancing on the edge of wartime, a troupe of vaudevillian performers are suspended in the year 1914. Lead by Charlie Mudd, the haphazard crew gathers together to perform to nobody, save perhaps the odd passer-by who happens to stumble across the eerie ensemble. Newcomer Violet is one such unfortunate, who joins the gang of misfits, only to become trapped in limbo as the performers descend into violent parody. As the fictitious realm of the vaudeville house becomes dangerously intertwined with reality, Violet embarks on a journey to solve the mystery and free the actors from themselves. The play was written by Melbourne-based playwright Lally Katz in collaboration with original director Chris Kohn. They were commissioned by Malthouse Theatre Company to come up with a brilliant idea, and voila! Don’t miss the Brisbane premier of Goodbye Vaudville Charlie Mudd!
In these difficult economic times, it’s definitely getting harder to get much bang for your buck. Instead of rolling our eyes when an oldie gives us a lecture about how times have changed, we have all started spouting our own disgruntled thoughts on the cost of… well pretty much everything. Luckily the fine people from Judith Write Centre of Contemporary Arts are here to look out for us. They want to make sure that we can all have a thrilling night of music, art and hotdogs without breaking the bank. That’s why they have put together the brand spanking new all-ages series CHEAP THRILLS! For a mere $15, this all-ages licensed event will be showcasing some of the most exciting bands to emerge out of the East Coast. They’ve got Melbourne’s King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Newcastle’s Kira Puru & The Bruise as well as locals Gung Ho and The Well Alrights. There will also be free sets in the shopfront from DJ Black Amex and DJ Hot Flush as well as photographic projections by Dane Beesley. Another incredibly important note to make is that the first 100 pre-sale tickets sold will received a free Hellhound Hotdog! Get yourself a night of top-notch entertainment on a shoestring budget.
It seems like laneways are the location du jour of the present. Brisbane may be slightly lacking in artsy laneways when compared to the likes of Melbourne and Sydney, but The Alleyway Project is proving we can step up and show our fellow cities we're ready to challenge their creative laneway titles. Happening this week is not a bar opening, or a suddenly free reservation at the coolest restaurant in town. Let’s just say it’s a little more theatrical. For two nights, Fortitude Valley’s Winn Lane will be transformed into a laneway version of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, well almost. Roll out the milk crates and settle in amongst the raw concrete and ghetto graffiti to hear stories inspired by nights out in, you guessed it, the Valley. Four of Brisbane’s best playwrights, Daniel Evans, Dan Maloney, Eloise Maree and Maxine Mellor have come together under the direction of theatre buff Kat Henry to present four stories that are just as uneasy as they are a little too familiar. Played out by your favourite Brisbane actors, The Alleyway Project is the first performance from The Alleyway Collective as part of this years highly anticipated, Anywhere Theatre Festival. A night sure to bring back memories of previous drunken experiences, you will also receive a complimentary drink with your ticket purchase to help you begin the reminiscing.
Now in its 15th year of operation, the Spanish Film Festival has created many memorable cinematic experiences for cinephiles who flock through theatre doors every year across Australia. With a program always packed to the brim with dramas, comedies and animations from Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America, the 15th iteration of this vibrant celebration of film will be sure to match the revelry of previous years when it launches on July 11. The Spanish Film Festival crew are inviting Brisbanites to the opening night screening of As Luck Would Have It at the Palace Centro Cinemas. Not only will patrons be treated to the film, they are also being invited to stay and party afterwards. Ticket price includes entry to the screening, sangria on arrival and access to the after party, which will be amply supplied with Estrella Damm beer as well as wine courtesy of Torres Wines. Don't forget your dancing shoes either! https://youtube.com/watch?v=ov7PpY-I7Ko
After dominating national radio airwaves and opening for major international acts, Sures seem set on continuing their upward trend of success. Recently signed with Ivy League, Sures are keeping up appearances with a national tour in support of their EP Stars. The Sydney band will be in fine form coming off a strong showing in 2011. The youngsters seem to be reaching for the stars with their new EP which will probably set them on a trajectory for interstellar levels of success. Their Brisbane show is being held at Alhambra Lounge this Thursday and the set is assured to be a wild one. They will be joined by fellow Ivy Leaguers Woe & Flutter and Brisbane’s own Crass Creatures.
The annual Spanish Film Festival is about to flamenco its way into town. From July 11 to 22, Fortitude Valley’s Palace Centro cinemas will be filled with the best of Spanish and Latin American film. Now in its 15th season, this year’s film festival presents an array of films – comedy, drama, animation and thriller – all picked to showcase the best Spanish talent. As Luck Would Have It (La chispa de la vida), starring Salma Hayek, is picked to be a standout film of the festival. The Berlinale and Tribeca Film Festival favourite tells the story of an out-of-work publicist who suffers an accident and plans to sell exclusive interview rights to provide money for his family. The screenings are only part of the Spanish film festival – there are the Opening and Closing night parties. Wear your comfiest dancing shoes, as these Spaniards really do know how to host a fiesta.
The name of this latest Brisbane Powerhouse exhibition does not give much away at all. You can’t build buildings out of liquid, after all. Liquid Architecture is a sense festival, dealing with sound. It is a festival of listening, of engaging the ear. All of the artists performing in the festival were selected for their ability to listen and to produce beautiful sounds for audiences to listen to. Arctic Convergence is the name of this year’s Liquid Architecture exhibition, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Sir Douglas Mawson’s famous Antarctic expedition. Over the course of two nights, Philip Samartzis, Douglas Quin, Werner Dafeldecker, Robin Fox, Scott Morrison and Lawrence English will deliver haunting performances that represent their unique interpretations of the Antarctic continent, its residents, landscapes and environments. Open your ears to the sounds of the icebergs, the sea ice and the glaciers of Antarctica.
Brisbane rock fans will be squeezing into their leather pants and teasing up their hair this Friday to catch British glam rock masters, The Darkness. The British Award winners are dropping Down Under on their second ever Australian tour before they jet off to support the one and only Lady Gaga on her upcoming European tour. After skyrocketing up the charts in 2003 with their hit single ‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’, The Darkness enjoyed short lived stardom before singer Justin Hawkins checked out of the band and into rehab in 2006. Now back with their original line-up and a new album in the pipeline scheduled for later this year, the band are hitting our shores as part of their aptly titled Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us reunion tour. Supported by young Gold Coast up and comers Nine Sons of Dan, The Darkness will be blowing the roof of the sparkling new Eatons Hill Hotel with their (in)famous stage show rep' this Friday night.
On student night, Cobra Kai always puts on a good show. Live music, delicious DJ sets, an inviting dance floor and cheap drinks – what more could we ask for? This week they're dishing up two standouts of Australia's next crop of indie music groups. Brisbane's own Young Men Dead's stage show is high energy and full of fun. Groovy bass lines, tasty tribal beats and their charismatic front man add a bit of cheek to their colourful performances. These guys know how to have a good time. Having shared the stage with the likes of Tim and Jean, Yuksek, The Holidays and Kate Nash, the boys are eager to share their new tracks on Thursday. Melbourne boys, Oscar + Martin, have mastered smiley and sweet music through their unique blend of smooth R&B beats, catchy melodies and sweeping synths. Specialising in magical and minimal electro pop, their tunes are perfect for the dance floor and chilling out. Oscar's soulful falsetto and Martin's impressive percussion skills make this duo a must see. Their songs of lost love and vulnerability make their music refreshingly heartfelt, innocent and stripped back. Revel in their liveliness and enjoy a dance with Young Men Dead, then be wooed by Oscar + Martin's charming music this Thursday night.
It might be nothing fancy, but it will be side-splitting. Finally, Judith Lucy is back in Brisbane. The popular Australian comedian is in our city for five days on her Nothing Fancy tour. It is a stripped back 60 minute show where Judith will comment on everything from party pies to beards. No stranger to the stage, Judith Lucy has had a career in comedy spanning over two decades. The best-selling author has made several appearances on radio, television and film but is best known for her ridiculously funny stand up shows. Receiving countless rave reviews and a bevy of fans, Judith Lucy has cemented her place as one of Australia's finest comedians. Catch her at the Powerhouse where this comedic genius is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!
Flying into Tokyo means wanting to hit the ground running. The moment that you're in the Japanese capital — or even above it — you want to roll out of that plane and into the city's many sights and sounds ASAP. So, the news that Qantas is now soaring into Haneda Airport from Brisbane is a massive deal, saving travellers more than a hour's commute each way once they've landed. First, the other crucial part of this development: Qantas has also just restarted its direct flights between Brisbane and Tokyo for the first time in the pandemic era, effective Thursday, December 1, 2022. The move comes less than two months after Japan fully reopened its borders to international visitors, including without visas and package tours, after the country retained stringent travel restrictions right up until October 2022. In shifting its Brisbane flights to Narita, Qantas is the first carrier with a direct connection between Brisbane and Haneda. Before COVID-19, the Aussie airline already flew direct to Tokyo from the River City; however, those legs went to and from Narita Airport. Any airport that gets you to Tokyo is a good airport, clearly, but Narita is located out of the city itself, hence the lengthy bus ride there and back. "Pre-COVID, Japan was one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers and we're seeing the demand for Tokyo bounce back strongly," said John Simeone, Qantas Regional General Manager for Asia. "The new flight from Brisbane into Haneda Airport gives our customers much easier and faster access to downtown Tokyo and one of the world's most important business markets, saving more than an hour of transit time in getting to the city." Brisbanites keen to book their dream Tokyo trip immediately will fly on Qantas' Airbus A330 aircraft, which includes business suites and lie-flat beds. It's hitting the sky three days per week, offering 1700-plus seats weekly, travelling on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information about Qantas' Brisbane–Tokyo direct flights, head to the airline's website. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Ever wanted to set off kayaking from balmy tropical beaches lined with palm trees? Well, at picturesque Palm Cove, approximately 25 minutes drive north of Cairns, you can. The Kayak Turtle Tour, run by Pacific Water Sports, is an unmissable half-day ocean adventure in Tropical North Queensland. Departing at 7am, you'll kayak across The Coral Sea to nearby Double Island and Haycock Island to spot green and hawksbill turtles basking in the coral reefs below. Then, you'll paddle further afield to sight rays and shovelnosed guitarfish (sometimes called shovelnose sharks) before making your way back to the shore at Palm Cove.
You've turned your recurring morning alarm off. Your work outfits have been pushed to the back of your wardrobe. Your mood: Christmas casual. You've survived the big day itself, including the family shenanigans that go with it, and now the holiday break spans before you. Yes, it's that supremely chilled period between Christmas and New Year's Day. Your agenda is flexible — but you're staying close to home. Thankfully, Brisbane doesn't become a ghost town just because it's that time of year. Yes, there's less hustle and bustle around the place, but there's still plenty to do. To help fill out your post-Christmas, pre-normality period, we've teamed up with Jacob's Creek to suggest five impromptu options, because no one wants to do too much planning at this time of year. PAINT A NEW ARTWORK FOR YOUR APARTMENT Every time a new year hits, we all have big plans to learn new skills, try different things and be more creative. But life usually gets in the way — so the time between Christmas and New Year's Day is perfect for getting a jumpstart on your 2021 resolutions. Always wanted to show off your artistic side, or cultivate it? Cork and Chroma can help. You'll be given everything you need to paint a picture of pancakes, vineyards or a twilight scene. Well, almost everything, because it's a BYO affair. Grab a bottle of Jacob's Creek Classic (sauvignon blanc or shiraz, depending on your preference) to share with mates, pick up a brush and let the magic happen. GET SLURPING AT TARO'S RAMEN No one wants to cook after Christmas. Your mum probably piled you up with leftovers that'll last for days, but it's possible to have too much of a good thing. So, your tastebuds will be hankering for something completely different — and we're betting that you didn't have ramen on December 25. With locations in the CBD, South Brisbane, Stones Corner and Ascot, Taro's is the city's number one go-to ramen joint. In fact, once you've tried its soupy noodles, you'll start dreaming about your next visit. It'll take care of your big brothy bowl, so all you need to do is pick up a bottle of Jacob's Creek Le Petit Rosé to split with some friends. RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT A 1920s-STYLE SPEAKEASY Deciding how to see out one year and start the next isn't the easiest feat. After everything that 2020 has thrown our way, wanting a hassle-free night that'll make you feel like you're escaping in multiple ways is completely understandable. The Tivoli's NYE festivities ticks that box. The Fortitude Valley venue is transforming into a 1920s speakeasy, and it's enlisting Brisbane Immersive Ensemble, the team behind the popular Cluedo: The Interactive Game nights, to make you feel like you've been whisked back a century. Your ticket covers entertainment, drinks and canapes, so you just have to sort out your 20s-style outfit. TREAT YOURSELF TO ONE FINAL DECADENT MEAL THIS YEAR If there's ever a time to treat yourself to a lavish lunch or dinner, it's the last few days of the year. And if there's ever a place to tuck into a 30-day dry-aged New York strip steak, half a dozen oysters topped with maple bacon, and dutch potatoes with paprika and wholegrain mustard, it's Walter's Steakhouse. The CBD restaurant and bar is open on select days between Christmas and NYD in Old Mineral House, opposite the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens. Yes, that means you can add a pre- or post-meal stroll through the greenery and by the inner city stretch of the river to your itinerary as well. VISIT GOMA, THEN HAVE LUNCH AT THE ON-SITE RESTAURANT No one visits Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art just once. Thanks to its ever-changing exhibitions, there's a new reason to stop by every few months. Your current excuses: a ticketed showcase of historic and modern motorbikes that celebrates their artistry and design, a lineup of free movies on the same topic, more than 200 artworks by Gordon Bennett, a selection of Indigenous Australian video art, and a special focus on collages and memes. Wandering GOMA's halls is certain to help you work up an appetite, too, so book yourself in for lunch at the onsite GOMA Restaurant to break up your visit. Reconnect with your friends and family this summer with a bottle of Jacob's Creek. Discover the Jacob's Creek range and purchase a bottle today from all good liquor retailers. Top image: Installation view The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire 28 November 20 – 26 April 21 Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Photograph: Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA Please drink responsibly.
A delicious sandwich is a lunchtime classic for a lot of us — and when it provides you with that cosy sense of nostalgia, it somehow tastes even better. We're talking about the old-school familiarity of an egg and lettuce sanga stuffed into your lunchbox, or a steaming cheese toastie made as an after-school snack. To relive the golden years when the humble sanga was your daily midday go-to — before we moved to salads and last night's stir-fry — we've hunted down five delicious sandwiches that tick all the boxes for comfort food. Plus, as well as being delicious, all of these sambos are stuffed with an egg for extra flavour and nutrients. Australian Eggs recommends opting for whole eggs (each one has 11 different vitamins in 300 kilojoules), which is what you'll get here — but with honey-roasted bacon, kimchi and multiple types of cheese.
Anything can be gelato, at least the way that Gelato Messina makes it. Well, any other dessert can get the the ice cream treatment, it seems. The chain has whipped up a lot of of tasty specials in its time, with plenty taking cues from other sweet treats: think red velvet cookie pies, caramel scrolls with cheesecake gelato, Golden Gaytime-inspired Viennetta and even Iced VoVo gelato. The next beloved dish getting the Messina treatment: lemon meringue pies. You can taste the tang just thinking about this gelato version, can't you? The limited-edition dessert is being dished up for the brand's Mother's Day special, but that doesn't mean that it's just for mum. If you can't spend the day with her eating this dessert, she'd want you to treat yo'self. Wondering what exactly a lemon meringue pie gelato hot tub entails? Served in an octagonal tub, this dish comes with burnt vanilla gelato, pie crust and lemon curd mousse, all topped with an intricately piped and torched Italian meringue. Obviously, it sounds delicious. If you're keen to get yourself a piece — which'll cost you $40 — they're available to preorder online on Tuesday, April 26. And, because Messina's specials always prove popular, the brand is now staggering the on-sale times. Accordingly, folks in Queensland and the ACT are able to purchase at 9am, Victorians at 9.30am, and New South Wales customers split across three times depending on the store (with pies from Circular Quay, Surry Hills, Bondi, Randwick and Miranda on sale at 10am; Brighton Le Sands, Tramsheds, Parramatta and Darlinghurst at 10.30am; and Darling Square, Newtown, Rosebery and Penrith at 11am). Gelato Messina's lemon meringue pie gelato hot tubs will be available to order on Tuesday, April 26 for pick up between Friday, May 6–Sunday, May 8. Head to the Messina website for further details.
Back in 2020, Melbourne received one of the city's — and Australia's — rare pieces of good news for that far-from-fun year, all thanks to the opening of Cannoleria's huge dedicated cannoli factory. If you love Sicilian sweet treats but you live elsewhere around the country, the dessert joint started sending its DIY cannoli kits around the nation the same year, too, when at-home packs were a big part of lockdown life. Whipping up Cannoleria's treats at home has been the only way for Queenslanders to get their fix, however — until now. Fans of crunchy pastry tubes piped full of fresh ricotta, rejoice, because the Victorian favourite will hit up the 2023 Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival from Friday, August 4–Sunday, August 6. On offer: the brand's desserts featuring crunchy shells filled with ricotta thanks to That's Amore Cheese — and usually crushed pistachio and icing sugar as a garnish. Cannoli fans will want to head to Apex Park in Woody Point from 10am–8pm on the Friday and Saturday, plus 10am–6pm on the Sunday. And, while Cannoleria's debut trip to the Sunshine State is huge — and tasty — news, that's not all that the fest has to offer. Seafood by the sea? Brews next to the beach? There's nothing stopping you from enjoying both here. The returning food event is serving 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. The festival will also feature a focus on local produce, the Moreton Bay BrewsFest (complete with beer pong and giant Jenga), a cocktail haven with a particular interest in gin distilleries, and a vino-slinging cellar door — plus 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 such as Miguel Maestre, Poh Ling Yeow and Alastair McLeod. 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. [caption id="attachment_883183" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] The 2023 Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival runs from Friday, August 4–Sunday, August 6 at Apex Park in Woody Point — head to the festival's website for tickets and further details.
Brisbanites, your autumn plans just got bigger, because the Queensland Government is easing a heap of pandemic restrictions. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced today, Tuesday, February 22, that caps on the number of folks you can have over to your house will lift, density limits will be scrapped in a number of public places, and masks will no longer be required in a heap of indoor settings from 6pm on Friday, March 4. The rules will relax more than two months after restrictions were tightened around Christmas in response to the Omicron wave. But now, thanks to decreasing community transmission and hospital admission numbers, Queenslanders can get ready to do more things in more places with more people again. BREAKING: Masks will no longer be required workplaces, schools and shops from 6pm on Friday 4 March. Hospitality staff and patrons won't be required to wear them at cafés, pubs or restaurants. pic.twitter.com/gdWrSA8BTc — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) February 21, 2022 If you're most excited about having friends and family over, you'll be able to have as many people at your house as you like. And yes, the new rule kicks in just as a weekend starts. For those eager to spend more time out and about, density limits will be ditched in food courts, hairdressers, gyms, private venues and universities — and at weddings and funerals. Regarding masks, they'll no longer be required in workplaces, schools and shops. Hospitality staff and patrons won't be required to wear them at cafés, pubs or restaurants, either. That said, you will still have to mask up on public transport, in airports and on planes, as well as in hospitals, disability care, prisons and aged care. Queensland's COVID-19 case numbers for today, Tuesday, February 22, hadn't been announced at the time of writing, but the state recorded 4114 new cases yesterday, Monday, February 21. Queensland's density, gathering and mask rules will ease at 6pm on Friday, March 4. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website. Top image: Kiff and Culture.
Blissfully kayaking down a crystal-clear mountain stream between Queensland's two highest peaks and stopping along the way to swim and snorkel sounds pretty idyllic to us. Thankfully, the team at Babinda Kayaking can make this dream your reality. Choose between a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour that'll weave along the beautiful Babinda Creek. Then, look out for fish, turtles and the elusive platypus as the current gently encourages you downstream toward secluded beaches that you can stop at along the way. The trip is self-guided so you can take your time exploring the creek. We recommend packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the picturesque sandy patches you'll discover along the way. Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Spring has arrived in southeast Queensland, thawing out 2022's surprisingly frosty winter chill and heralding sunny days aplenty for the next nine months. Fond of all things floral as far as the eye can see? This is your time to shine, obviously — and a trip west of Brisbane to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers should be on your September itinerary. Every year when winter says farewell, Toowoomba becomes the brightest place in the region — and the state. Blooms blossom, greenery sprouts and flora reaches towards the sun, with the colourful floral fiesta taking over every space it can in the Darling Downs city. In 2022, as it did in 2021, the Carnival of Flowers is also sticking around for an entire month. That means that from Thursday, September 1–Friday, September 30, colourful petals and Toowoomba go hand in hand, with the program taking over a variety of locations — including Laurel Bank Park and the Botanic Gardens of Queens Park — to showcase all of the gorgeous florets, growths and gardens around town. This year marks the fest's 73rd year, and it has a big attraction to celebrate: more than 190,000 blossoming bulbs. Clearly this huge (and free) carnival won't be short on natural splendour. If simply wandering around to take in the bright sights is your idea of an ace spring outing, kaleidoscopic arrays of tulips, petunias and poppies included, you won't be disappointed. But the festivities range further, covering everything from park tours to food trucks slinging bites to eat, a series of talks in local pubs, both guided and non-guided walking tours, pinot and painting sessions, and a floral parade. Key highlights include the #trEATS regional food trail which showcases local eateries, and this year sees participating cafes, restaurants and bars serve up floral-inspired dishes priced between $10–20. In total, there are 43 bites to tuck into, such as tiramisu with Persian rose fairy floss, coconut cherry bloom gelato with edible flowers and flower petal lollipops. [caption id="attachment_867569" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Marsden[/caption] Still on the culinary side, the three-day Festival of Food and Wine returns from Friday, September 9–Saturday, September 11 — and alongside celebrating regional produce, it'll feature The Whitlams playing their entire Eternal Nightcap album, as well as further live tunes from Vera Blue, Ash Grunwald and more. Elsewhere on the lineup, dog lovers can also take their pup to the pooch-friendly program, which covers more than 20 dog-friendly activities and 27 off-leash parks. Or, film fans can scope out cinema under the stars sessions on Saturday, September 24, courtesy of a double featuring FernGully: The Last Rainforest and 10 Things I Hate About You. The illuminated night garden is back as well from 6–8.30pm nightly, and so is the ferris wheel with a blooming great view in Queens Park from Friday, September 16–Sunday, September 25. Basically, there's no bad time to visit throughout September — and you might want to make the trek more than once. Indeed, when it comes to scenic spring sights, there's no prettier place to be. And, given it takes less than two hours to head up the mountain from Brisbane, it's perfect for a weekend day trip. The 2022 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers runs from Thursday, September 1–Friday, September 30 across Toowoomba. For further information, head to the event's website.
Cinema lovers of Brisbane, if you've been hanging out to see some of the past year's most significant international, art and experimental movies, your wait is about to come to an end. While the latest iteration of the city's annual major film festival, the Brisbane International Film Festival, won't return until October and and November, a new Brisbane film society is about to start screening flicks that've wowed overseas fests every fortnight. Meet Container, which'll welcome in cinephiles every second Tuesday from July 12. Generally screening at the CBD's Elizabeth Picture Theatre — with potential jaunts elsewhere to screen 3D, 35-millimetre and other film formats — it's a curated program delivered in single-screening servings. As well as offering an alternative to the usual festival rush, where cramming in as many movies as your eyes and body can handle is always the name of the game, it's giving Brisbane a fortnightly substitute for the standard multiplex and arthouse programming. On the bill: primarily movies that aren't likely to screen in Brisbane cinemas otherwise, spanning everything from acclaimed titles from festivals such Cannes, Venice and Berlin through to experimental showcases and live expanded cinema performances. The program kicks off with Peter Strickland's Flux Gourmet, the latest from the inimitable Berberian Sound Studio, The Duke of Burgundy and In Fabric filmmaker, and will also include Joana Pimenta and Adirley Queirós' Dry Ground Burning, Rhayne Vermette's Ste. Anne, Lucile Hadžihalilović's Earwig, João Pedro Rodrigues' Will o the Wisp and Gasper Noé's Lux Æterna before the end of September. If you're a Brisbane-based movie buff, you'll know the type of flicks that Container will be showcasing — aka the kinds of festival fare that, if BIFF doesn't screen them, don't enjoy a local big-screen showing. If that idea sounds familiar, that's because Container has taken a few cues from Victoria's long-running Melbourne Cinematheque. Also, it's guided by the same idea behind Queensland Film Festival, albeit via an annual film fest rather than a year-round lineup. Brissie film fans with decent memories will recall that when Brisbane's film festival scene found itself lacking a place for such movies back when BIFF was temporarily replaced by the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival in 2014, QFF arrived to fill that gap. Now, the latter has spawned Container, which has been dubbed QFF's cousin. Behind both is curator and programmer John Edmond, Container's director. "We are delighted to reveal our plans for Container and its initial lineup," said Edmond. "Strong support, particularly from The Elizabeth Picture House, New Farm Cinemas, as well as conversations and feedback from our city's cinephiles, art and movie lovers, have helped make this society happen." "What we heard from people was a desire to see amazing and important films that they would otherwise not be able to see, and in a way that would help create a community through regular catchups," Edmond continued. "It also allows people to see new festival-circuit films without the crush and mad rush of watching innumerous films at a festival. Container also has Michelangelo Frammartino's Il Buco, Qiu Jiongjiong's A New Old Play, Albert Serra's Pacifiction and Ben Rivers' Urthworks on its upcoming list, plus Thai Memoria director Apichatpong Weerasethakul as well. "With our programming and curation, we wanted to do three things. We wanted to show the breadth of film happening now. We wanted to present striking and singular films that let you know why they stand out. And we wanted to respect Brisbane and our audience's intelligence; to not be cynical or second guess the public but use our knowledge and research to present important films being talked about," Edmond advised. Entry is via membership, either paying for six- ($60 full/$30 concession) or 12-month ($100/$50) access in advance. Plus, there's also a $250 solidarity membership, which includes three single-use guest passes as well, and helps Container make its screenings more available to the rest of the community. Container: Brisbane Film Society kicks off its monthly screenings at 7pm on Tuesday, July 12 at The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, and will run fortnightly afterwards. For more information or to join, head to the Container website.
If you want to get properly warmed up before jumping into fresh rainforest water this summer, take the track through Behana Gorge to discover the impressive swimming spot that is Clamshell Falls. Situated 30 minutes drive south of Cairns, the track winds its way alongside a babbling creek for 3.5 kilometres before opening up to a dreamy dip destination. The waterfall itself acts as an active backdrop to the gentler swimming hole that sits below. The incline of the walk can be challenging in parts which means it's likely there won't be too many people around. Just make sure you take all your essential items with you as there are no amenities when you're this deep into the jungle.
What's better than one place where you can blow off steam by slinging sharp blades at a target? Two such establishments, obviously. Not that long ago, Brisbane didn't have any axe-throwing joints — and now it's welcoming its second thanks to Maniax. Three months after Lumber Punks expanded from the Gold Coast to Brissie, fellow weapon-flinging outfit Maniax has added a Queensland venture to its existing Sydney and Melbourne empire. Maniaxmight be playing catch-up in Brisbane; however it was actually in the Australian axe-throwing game first, launching its original Sydney venue back in 2014. Finally making its way up north, it brings its range of blade-hurtling activities along with it — think solo or small group sessions, axe-throwing events for larger parties, date night options (because the couple that hurls hatchets together stays together, clearly) and even an eight-week competitive league. The different events all run for at least two hours, but take place on different nights. Every second Friday evening is all about couples, Monday to Wednesday will be dedicated to league comps, while solo and small group sessions are held on the last Saturday of every month. Bookings are essential — in fact, you can't just walk in and take part without a reservation — and as for how it all works, it's comparable to darts. Basically, you chuck axes at a board and try to hit a bullseye. Don't even know the first thing about picking up a hatchet? That's completely to be expected, with lessons included in every session, as well as in the league competition. Axe-throwing experts will also be on hand to help even when you think you've mastered the basics. The venue also features safety barriers to protect everyone — and, to the surprise of no one, is a completely alcohol-free affair at all times other than Maniax's opening party. You can buy soft drinks, water and some snacks onsite, and you're welcome to bring your own too. And if you suddenly become an axe-throwing fanatic, Maniax also has its own line of merchandise.
Summertime at Given Terrace staple Darling & Co is all about hangs in the venue's breezy space, and every Aussie knows that a weekend party isn't complete without a little (or a lot of) bubbly. Happy to oblige, the Paddington spot has launched bottomless prosecco and spritz picnics, which are now on offer every Sunday. And the restaurant isn't simply offering the standard two hours of bottomless booze, either. Instead of table service, patrons have unlimited access to a fountain, which comes complete with a carved lion that has a prosecco tap for a mouth. You'll be able to pour your own bubbly from that tap throughout the two hours, while enjoying an extensive spread. Find a comfy spot while enjoying the grazing menu — it includes brisket and smoked cheddar croquettes, freshly shucked oysters and buttermilk crocodile, along with fried baby squid and chicken caramel glaze with blue cheese sauce. Sides include garlic and herb crostini and breads, plus a selection of charcuterie and cheese. Sparkling Springs costs $60 per person, with sittings at 2pm every Sunday until December 22. Bookings are essential and can be made through the website.
Good news, Trainspotting fans — aka anyone who spent their teenage years watching and rewatching the first film, pored over the book and its sequels, and enjoyed a dose of nostalgia when T2: Trainspotting reached cinemas last year — Irvine Welsh, the author who first came up with the tale of four Scottish addicts and their substance-fuelled antics, is coming to Brisbane for this year's Brisbane Writers Festival. Choose life, and to go along, naturally. In town to chat about Dead Men's Trousers, his latest novel set in the Trainspotting universe, Welsh leads the festival's busy 2018 lineup — and he's not the only high-profile writer headed our way between September 6 and 9. If bleak young adult novels were more your thing circa 2011 to 2013, then you'll want to hear Divergent series author Veronica Roth discuss dystopian futures (what else?). Or, if you're keen on books and films about the fashion magazine industry, then pencil dinner with The Devil Wears Prada's Lauren Weisberger into your diary. Across a program that spans 155 events and features more than 200 writers, other highlights include human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson delving into his career and life story, South African writer Sisonke Msimang exploring tales of hope and home, English scribe Philip Hoare diving into his sea-themed works and The Woman in the Window's A.J. Finn chatting about his best-seller. On the local front, Tim Rogers will discuss his new memoir with fellow music great Robert Forster, and Dr Karl will be on hand to jump into all things science — of course — as well as give the closing address. Plus, everyone from Miles Franklin Award winner Sophie Laguna and prolific author Nikki Gemmell to childhood favourites Alison Lester and Morris Gleitzman are also on the bill. If you're the type of reader who grabs a book based on its subject rather than its scribe, then the four-day lineup has plenty of other topics to pique your interest — think sessions on matters as varied as Expo '88, getting ecological in your own backyard, the history of Fortitude Valley's McWhirters Building, and how the world talks about women in the public eye, to name a few. Events-wise, the program also boasts a live-action role-play session, should you need something to do when you're not reading, listening or generally nattering about books. The 2018 Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 6 to 9. To check out the full program and purchase tickets, check out the festival's website.
It's slime time on the big screen in Brisbane this spring. Expect toxic ooze, plenty of goo and even ectoplasm to feature at New Farm Cinemas, too. Continuing to prove that there's a film festival dedicated to everything, the River City's own BORLFF is back, but with a difference for its second year. In 2022, that acronym referred to the Brisbane Only Rotoscoped Lightning Film Festival. In 2023, it means the Brisbane Only Repulsive Liquids Film Festival. So, movie lovers hitting Brunswick Street from Friday, September 22–Sunday, October 1 won't be seeing flicks with hand-drawn lightning effects this time around. Instead, sludge and its fellow liquids are in the spotlight, as is viscera as well. And yes, there are enough features to flesh out a film fest that solely focuses on repulsive liquids — starting with not only an ooze-filled classic, but a film that comes with its own smells. BORLFF is opening its 2023 season with the world's most fearsome fighting team — or so the catchy theme tune goes — and their live-action 1990 film. At this session of the OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, the audience will catch Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael (and Sam Rockwell in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it part) in stink-o-vision. Everyone will receive scratch 'n' sniff cards, which they'll then use to emit appropriate scents as they watch. From there, the 11-film lineup is presenting themed double features on five nights. Most evenings will let you come along to just one session, other than the Troma lineup of The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke 'Em High — or you can get comfortable for the full oozy 80s, green gunk, sickly science and putrid pink experience. On the lineup: David Cronenberg's The Fly paired with John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness, complete with a Q&A with veteran special effects artist Chad Atkinson (The X-Files, Alien Resurrection, Starship Troopers) — and also experiments gone awry in Australia's own Body Melt (with director Philip Brophy in attendance) and the Frankenstein spin that is Re-Animator. Or, see plenty Kermit's hue in a new light in Japanese American co-production The Green Slime and fantasy-horror effort Troll 2, then go pink with 1988's The Blob remake and Ghostbusters II. BORLFF stems from Netherworld, Two Bit Movie Club — aka the regular cult and classic movie event that often screens at the arcade bar — and will also feature an art show via Feature Presentation that showcases new interpretations of movie posters for the fest's films. They're on display at the bar throughout September, and you can buy prints of them, too. The Brisbane Only Repulsive Liquids Film Festival runs from Friday, September 22–Sunday, October 1 at New Farm Cinemas. For more information, head to the festival's website.
Family-owned and -run Junction Yoga is a haven for yogis on Brisbane's southside. The Sullivan family has been running businesses and supporting their community here since 1952 and this studio has been in the works for them since 2008. Here, you can zen out or challenge yourself with a range of classes to suit your experience and skill levels. Primarily focussing on vinyasa, yin and meditation, this studio is excellent for those who want to dip their toes in for the first time or perfect their flow in a calm and supportive environment. BYO mat and props to class or hire and buy from the studio when you arrive. Junction Yoga is located on Cavendish Road (just off Old Cleveland Road), making it an easy stop on the way home for locals to pop in for a class.
There's a pretty decent chance that you've spent a hefty chunk of time indoors over the past few months. So, with vitamin D levels plummeting, and laptops getting showered with crumbs, there's no better time to move your lunch plans from al desko to al fresco. But, there's a little hiccup. You don't own a fancy picnic set, do you? Unless you're planning on staging an impromptu photoshoot, you really don't need an extravagant set of outdoor accessories to enjoy your leisurely meal. Just toddle off to your nearest park with a blanket (even a beach towel will do), and let DoorDash do the rest. All of these meal options are designed to be super portable, so that you have a free hand to pat any dogs that might cross your path. See? Innovation at its absolute finest.
Almost a week after reimplementing at-home and public gathering caps in the Greater Brisbane area in response to a cluster of cases linked to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre in Wacol, the Queensland Government has today, Friday, August 28, announced that the new rules will be extended down to the Gold Coast. While folks living in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay and Redlands local government areas are already only allowed to have ten people inside their homes and at meetups outside of the house, that'll expand to everywhere between Brisbane and the Goldie — including all of the Gold Coast — from 8am on Saturday, August 29. Yes, that means that house parties and mass hangouts both indoors and outside are off the cards on the coast, and your weekend plans might now change. For gatherings at home, you can have a maximum of ten people in your house — which includes people who don't normally live with you and residents. For gatherings in public, the maximum number of people that can be in one group is ten, including you and other members of your household. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1299137064122773504 Restrictions currently in place in hospitals, aged care facilities and disability accommodation facilities in Greater Brisbane — restricting visitors, and requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks and gloves to treat all patients and residents — will also extend to the Gold Coast. Like the Greater Brisbane area, however, venues and events that have put in place COVID-Safe Industry Plans can keep operating as they presently are — which spans cafes, restaurants, clubs, pubs, weddings and funerals. Revealing the latest Goldie developments, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also announced a related piece of news: that this year's Schoolies celebrations have been cancelled. In a Twitter statement, the Premier explained that "the Chief Health Officer has designated mass gatherings over several days of Schoolies a high risk event. That means organised events like concerts won't proceed". Because Schoolies doesn't just take place on the Goldie, Queensland will also specifically implement a statewide ten-person in-residence gathering cap throughout the event's usual period. So, between Saturday, November 21–Friday, December 11, no matter where in the Sunshine State you live — and even if you're staying at a holiday unit — you won't be able to have more than ten people in one residence. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1299125461553872897 Across the rest of Queensland — everywhere outside of the Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay and Redlands local government areas at present, and the Gold Coast from 8am tomorrow — residents are also subject to limits. As introduced last week, folks in these areas can only have 30 visitors over to their homes, and can only gather in groups of 30 in public areas. The latest changes come as Queensland announced three new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. As always, even with increased restrictions on gatherings, the usual advice applies. Queenslanders should maintain social distancing and hygiene measures, stay home where possible, and get tested at the first sign of even the most minor of coronavirus symptoms. For more information about southeast Queensland's COVID-19 gathering restrictions — including on the Gold Coast from 8am on Saturday, August 29 — or about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, visit the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Everyone knows the rule: when you go to someone's house for dinner, you bring something (even when they insist you shouldn't). After all, they've just spent hours slaving away in the kitchen — or ordering takeaway and putting it on nice plates to pretend they cooked it. No need to panic purchase a lame box of choccies or spend hours staring dumbly at the bottle-o shelves to end up picking something based on how nice the label is. In partnership with BWS, we've got you covered for top-notch drops to take along. Whether it's refreshing summertime favourites, easy-drinking Aussie brews or lesser-known wine varieties, this crowd-pleasing list ensures success — and we'll even let you take all the credit. XPA — BALTER Balter's XPA is one of the most popular beers in Australia. It's remained in the top five of the GABS Hottest 100 list since launching in 2016 (including two consecutive years in top billing). Chances are your mates have had it, they love it, and they'll love you for bringing a six-pack along to dinner. On the off chance they haven't tried this brew, we can guarantee everyone at the party will enjoy it because, well, everyone does. Easy-drinking with tropical and floral notes, this hopped beer won't take over your taste buds and will accompany pretty much any cuisine. PASH THE MAGIC DRAGON — BATCH BREWING CO Never seen dragon fruit in a beer before? Well, Sydney's Batch Brewing Co is more than happy to oblige. The brewers here are always thinking up something unusual to throw in the tank — former oddball concoctions include a polarising pickle beer and another inspired by the legendary Marrickville Pork Roll. But Pash the Magic Dragon is hands down one of the brewery's tastiest creations yet. This fruity sour ale contains heaps of fresh dragon fruit and passionfruit, and the combination is just delightful. It's perfectly balanced between sour and sweet, and the peachy colour makes it just a little more fun to drink, too. It can easily be paired with fruit-based desserts like pavlova, or alongside the main course, especially if it's a spicy dish. CÔTE DES ROSES ROSÉ — GÉRARD BERTRAND Showing up at your mate's house with a bottle of rosé is a no-brainer during the warm weather months. If you want to set your summertime favourite apart from the pack, go for Gerard Bertrand's Côte des Roses Rosé. It blends floral notes with summer fruits and is full-bodied yet balanced with a dry finish. And it's just oh-so-refreshing. This French wine also looks fancy in its pretty glass bottle with a rose-shaped bottom. Plus, it won't break the bank. PHENOMENAL FIANO — ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM If you want to impress your friends with your wine knowledge, bring along a lesser-known variety that they'll absolutely love. We suggest this fiano by Elephant in the Room. This South Australian winery is known for its full-bodied drops, and the fiano doesn't disappoint. The white wine expresses notes of citrus, apple and spice, with a crisp minerality that offers the perfect finish. It's undoubtedly a bold wine and is best shared with those who want something a little different. PINOT NOIR — RAMBLING ROSES As the nights start to cool, it's just about time to get back on those reds. A decent pinot noir is a good place to start — it's lighter, it isn't too heavy for autumn evenings. If you're looking for something that'll impress, but is accessible, Rambling Roses' version is the way to go. It presents as a typical pinot noir, but, for a discerning palate, is much more than that. Expect notes of red and black currants with juicy strawberries on the nose and an overall depth of flavour. That being said, it's also exceptionally sessionable and works well paired with dinner. On warmer nights, be sure to give it a quick chill to ensure it's thoroughly enjoyed. Update: Due to the current situation, we understand that throwing or attending parties may not be a possibility right now. But there's a silver lining — you can still order all of these drinks online to enjoy at home. Head to the BWS website to browse the full range.
A week after new COVID-19 cases were identified, new exposure sites were named and new restrictions came into effect, Brisbane's COVID-19 rules are changing. Yes, again. Following a run of days with low case numbers, including zero new cases today, Friday, October 8 — and after completely avoiding a lockdown in response to the latest outbreak — Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has just announced that Brisbane's restrictions will ease again effective at 4pm this afternoon. As tends to happen every time that the rules either tighten or relax, the new settings will be familiar. We've been cycling back and forth between different sets of rules for a few months now, in fact. Indeed, the restrictions coming into effect today are the same conditions that were in place before last Thursday. And, these eased restrictions will apply not only in the Brisbane Local Government Area, but also in the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan, Townsville and Palm Island LGAs. BREAKING: Some restrictions will ease in parts of Queensland following another day with no cases detected in the community. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully to keep Queenslanders safe.#covid19 pic.twitter.com/EfELiDqj5X — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 8, 2021 Accordingly, there'll no longer be any limits on how many people can gather outdoors in public spaces. And, at home, the 100-person cap will be back. For indoor premises — including hospitality businesses such as clubs, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as galleries, museums, convention centres and places of worship — the one person per two-square-metres density limit is in effect once more. Where these types of venues are ticketed and have allocated seating, they can fill those areas to 100 percent, too, as can cinemas, theatres and live music venues. Also, eating and drinking standing is allowed — hello, vertical consumption — so there's something else to say cheers to. And, you always know things are getting loose when dancing is allowed (goodbye, Footloose), as it is under the new rules. Stadiums are back to 100-percent capacity for ticketed events with allocated seating. Indoor events can also either fill to 100-percent if seated and ticketed, or stick to the one person per two-square-metres rule if not. Here's the latest roadmap to easing restrictions in Queensland👇 pic.twitter.com/SX7u8KVqOh — Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 8, 2021 Masks are still staying for now, but the rules are easing there, too. So, you can now take off your mask while sitting down indoors in public, reverting back to the status quo before the rules tightened last week. At hospitality venues, you'll actually only need to mask up when you're entering and exiting, in another relaxation of the restrictions. You will still need to always carry a mask with you, of course. Queensland's standing mask mandate for flights, airports and stadiums remains in place as well, so you'll always need to mask up there. And, they remain mandatory on public transport, in ride shares and while waiting for both; outdoors if you can't remain 1.5 metres away from people who aren't part of your household; and indoors in public if you're not sitting or you're not inside a hospo venue. As always, Queenslanders are asked to keep social distancing, maintaining the hygiene practices that have been in place since March 2020, and checking the state's list of exposure sites — and to get tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms. Exactly how long the new relaxed restrictions will remain in place hasn't been announced, but when case numbers are low or at zero, the state reviews the rules every fortnight. Southeast Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions will ease again at 4pm on Friday, October 8. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
Almost a year after settling into South Bank, Brisbane's new Emporium Hotel has finally launched its culinary centrepiece — the aptly named Signature restaurant. With the kitchen overseen by the husband and wife duo of executive chef Chris Norman and executive sous chef Alex Liddle, the 60-seater venue joins the hotel's other luxe eating and drinking options, including rooftop spot The Terrace, just-opened lobby bar Piano Bar and relocated French patisserie Belle Epoque. Three features stand out at Signature: its eye-catching decor, its hefty wine collection and, of course, its food. Design-wise, it's impossible to miss the restaurant's bespoke lighting fixture, which includes 1000 hand-blown glass baubles. Elsewhere, pale pink and burnt orange tones, coloured marble surfaces, a backlit white onyx bar and a 150-year-old Parisian stained-glass window all stand out — the window is part of a 12-person private dining room. Signature's sizeable vino list also has its own space, called The Library. More than 6000 bottles are housed inside on floating racks, as are 200 magnums — with the range spanning drops from Australia and around the world, including limited editions and rare vintages. Order a particularly special tipple and it'll come in one of the bar's bespoke decanters. To eat, Signature has a menu championing modern Australian cuisine across a variety of options. Start with oysters and caviar at the bar, order your meal a la carte — including from a separate vegan menu — or go for a five- or seven-course tasting menu. Meaty highlights include kangaroo tartare, blueberry-cured ocean trout, Brisbane Valley quail paired with corn, hazelnut and wattle seed granola, plus Flinders Island lamb with artichokes and shallots, while the animal-free lineup includes tomato and saffron consommé, chargrilled cauliflower with gnocchi, and black fig and guava cheesecake. Signature also shakes and stirs its own range of cocktails (yes, they're Signature's signature cocktails), including a martini with kahlua and creme de cacao, as well as a spicy blend of pepper bourbon, mint and jalapeños. Find Signature on Level 1, Emporium Hotel, 267 Grey Street, South Bank, open from 5.30pm Tuesday–Saturday.
'The mormons are coming', posters popping up all around Brisbane started promising this week. Come March 2019, they'll officially be here. If you didn't make it to Melbourne to catch The Book of Mormon, and haven't headed down to Sydney yet either, don't worry — Trey Parker and Matt Stone's hit musical is bringing its hilariously irreverent self to QPAC's Lyric Theatre. After playing most of the last two years down south, with the show's Sydney run due to end in October, the multi-award-winning production will settle in for a Brisbane season from March 16, 2019. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, August 7 for its third Australian stint, and given that both Melbourne and Sydney experienced sell-outs, it's certain to prove a hot ticket. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". If you've been envious of the throngs seeing the musical in New York, Chicago, London or elsewhere in Australia, then you'll be plenty excited that you'll now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. The Book of Mormon plays QPAC's Lyric Theatre from March 16, 2019. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, August 7, with the waitlist now open at BookOfMormonMusical.com.au. Image: Ryan Bondy, Zahra Newman, Nyk Bielak and company in The Book of Mormon, AUS 1411. (c) Jeff Busby.
