Sometimes, getting out of your car to purchase food is just too much effort. For those occasions, humanity invented the drive-thru. It's a fast food staple, and the concept has been getting quite the workout during the pandemic — so obviously a drive-thru dedicated to lasagne and wine was bound to happen. The Lasagne Drive-Thru is the latest venture from Jerome Dalton, owner of Dalton Catering and — since last July – of CJ's Pasta as well. The latter no longer operates as a bricks-and-mortar business, instead focusing on selling pasta to restaurants and wholesalers. But for folks at home who love a bit of layered pasta with bechamel sauce, CJ's Pasta is now letting you roll up to Fortitude Valley's Prospect Street in your car each Friday, remain seated, and take home one of four different lasagnes and multiple varieties of wine. The idea first came about in response to Brisbane's most recent lockdown at the end of March, with the Lasagne Drive-Thru kicking into action while everyone was staying at home for three days. Unsurprisingly, it proved popular, so Dalton is bringing it back every Friday from now on. Brisbanites can choose from beef lasagne in 1.2-kilogram and three-kilogram servings, a three-kilogram sand crab lasagne and a three-kilogram vegetarian lasagne, all of which come with a cheesy garlic focaccia. The small-sized beef costs $50 and serves two or three people, while the larger size costs $100 for beef and vegetarian and $120 for crab, and will keep six stomachs satisfied. Salumi boxes filled with mortadella, salami, bread and pickles are also available ($50, to serve two or three people). On the wine front, prices range from $39–80, with prosecco, champagne, pinot grigio and chianti among the varieties on offer. If you're keen come Friday, you'll need to order in advance via phone, then motor on over to pick up your ready-to-eat meal and vino. You can still try your luck on the day without preordering, but you'll be getting a chilled lasagne that you'll need to heat up at home. Find the CJ's Pasta Lasagne Drive-Thru at 22 Prospect Street, Fortitude Valley every Friday from 1–6pm — or until sold out.
Back in March, when Australia shut down to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Eat Street Northshore was one of the many venues affected. It completely closed down, but thankfully its shuttering was only temporary — with the popular spot first hosting a drive-thru dessert festival in September and October, and now finally reopening. Come Friday, December 4, you'll be able to head to Hamilton for a bite to eat and a few beverages by the river. It'll all be socially distanced, of course, but the timing is perfect — because you now have a great way to spend the first weekend of summer (and plenty of weekends after that, naturally). When it did close down, the riverside spot announced that it'd do so indefinitely, until it had the all-clear to reopen. With Queensland slowly returning to normal — including allowing some sites such as outdoor stadiums and indoor cinemas to operate at full ticketed (and seated) capacity, and increasing both at-home gathering and venue patron limits — the powers-that-be at Eat Street are obviously now comfortable with welcoming patrons back. As it did pre-lockdown, Eat Street Northshore will run between Friday–Sunday weekly, and host an array of food and drink vendors. You'll be able to stop by between 4–10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 4–9pm on Sundays. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EAT STREET NORTHSHORE (@eatstreet) Image: Eat Street Northshore.
After collaborating with The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, nabbing a Coachella spot and spinning her way to international success over the past year, Sydney's Alison Wonderland is embarking on her second tour of industrial warehouse parties. Wonderland Warehouse Project 2.0 is set to hit the road nationwide from late May, the highly anticipated sequel to her wildly successful 2014 tour of the same name. Armed with a fresh set of tracks from debut album RUN, Wonderland will be popping up in secret locations across the country for what's pinned to be some seriously huge shows. Bringing electronica out of the clubs and into a string of mystery warehouses, this powerhouse Sydney DJ is going to run some rather unconventional, mega-scale dancefloors. Set to make her first appearance at Coachella in the States in April, off the back of casually working with Wayne Coyne for her latest record, Wonderland appears to have quite the 2015 in store. After last year's sell-out tour, get in quick to secure your spot at these epic warehouse shindigs. Tickets are only $40-45, so they sell quicker than you can fall down a rabbit hole. WONDERLAND WAREHOUSE PROJECT 2.0 DATES Brisbane — Friday May 22 Melbourne — Saturday May 30 Sydney — Saturday June 6 For tickets and more info, head to wonderlandwarehouseproject.com.
When The Market Folk first brought a heap of stalls to Newstead's old gasometer a couple of years back, it was clearly a smart move. Browsing and buying beneath one of inner-city Brisbane's most striking sights — what's not to love? Because some ideas are too great to stop, this winning combination has kept returning, including with a pre-Mother's Day event in 2024. From 5–9pm on Friday, May 3, you can spend the evening in Newstead shopping for fashion, art, homewares, plants, pots and ceramics for your mum. [caption id="attachment_814294" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] As they always do, the Gasworks Markets will feature plenty of artisanal goodies to tempt your wallet (not that anyone should need any motivation to spoil the woman who brought you into this world). As always, Brisbane creatives will be in the spotlight, so you'll also be showing them some love as well. And, there'll be live music on the lawn, soundtracking your shopping. Plus, bringing your pooch is 100-percent encouraged. Top image: Andrew S via Flickr.
Icons teaming up with icons: when documentary series Pretend It's a City hit Netflix in 2021, that's what it served up. Earning attention: Fran Lebowitz, with Martin Scorsese directing. The focus: the acclaimed writer, humorist and social commentator chatting about her life for the legendary filmmaker, following on from Scorsese's Lebowitz-focused 2010 feature-length doco Public Speaking. Of course, Lebowitz doesn't need to be nattering with Scorsese, or in front of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Irishman helmer's lens, to prove a must-watch figure. Her sharp opinions and deadpan humour have made her famous for more than five decades now, and over a career spanning magazine columns, books, working with Andy Warhol, notable late-night talkshow appearances and public-speaking tours. It's the latter that's bringing her back to Australia in 2024 — getting talking along the east coast. [caption id="attachment_912247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Harrison Dilts[/caption] "Ever since Pretend It's a City exploded on our screens, we have wanted to bring Fran Lebowitz back to the Sydney Opera House. In this special event, we all get to take on the role of Marty Scorsese and ask her what she thinks about absolutely anything in our puzzling, frustrating, sometimes maddening world," said Sydney Opera House Head of Talks & Ideas Chip Rolley, with Lebowitz's Harbour City stop presented in conjunction with the venue's talk-focused programming strand. "It's then our job to sit back, relax and laugh until we can no longer. Sydney should prepare itself for a banner night out with one of the world's great cultural satirists." [caption id="attachment_912248" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lia Clay Miller[/caption] Melbourne and Brisbane should also prepare accordingly, with Lebowitz also taking to the stage at Hamer Hall in the Victorian capital and QPAC in the Sunshine State in February. Will she chat about attending the Succession season four premiere party? Her role as a judge in the Law & Order franchise (and The Wolf of Wall Street)? Saturday Night Live's parody of Pretend It's a City? Being a columnist for Warhol's Interview mag? Growing up in New Jersey? New York in the 70s? Topics such as race, gender, media and politics? Anything that vexes her? Everything? At least some will earn an unfiltered mention — including at the audience Q&As. AN EVENING WITH FRAN LEBOWITZ: Tuesday, February 13 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Thursday, February 15 — QPAC, Brisbane Sunday, February 18 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne An Evening with Fran Lebowitz hits Australia in February 2024. Head to the Sydney Opera House, QPAC and Arts Centre Melbourne websites for tickets — with pre sales from Tuesday, August 8 and general sales from Thursday, August 10 — and further details. Top image: Bill Hayes.
You might have thought King George Square looked pretty fine during the day and maybe a tad finer at night, but it's at twilight City Hall really shows off its colours. And what better backdrop when you're shopping the evening away — especially when the King George is filled with some of Brisbane's best designers and makers. The regular Brisbane Twilight Market shows off a sizeable array of stalls — usually more than 60, in fact — all staffed by some pretty nifty and talented local artists. Returning for 2023, the event will host an eclectic selection of items, so prepare to browse and buy. You'll be perusing everything from handmade clothing, accessories and leather goods to paper goods, homewares, art and ceramics (and more). [caption id="attachment_666947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BrisStyle[/caption] This market is all about sound, smell and sales — so live music will provide a soundtrack to the evening, and expect to be hit with that spring flowerbed smell that always lingers when there's a soap stall around. Food stalls are also on the agenda, with 2023's slate of Friday-night markets held on September 22, October 27, November 10 and December 15. Each event runs from 4–9pm, so take along some cash and stock up on all things crafty. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
It's that time of year again, Brisbanites — and for the first time since 2019. August is here and the Ekka is back with it, after not one but two years of pandemic-related cancellations. Also returning: those famed strawberry sundaes, as well as Stone and Wood's brew inspired by it. For the third year running, the brewery has brought back its Ekka-inspired Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer. Yes, it's a boozy version of iconic dessert, and it tastes like strawberries and cream. Stone and Wood whip it up in the traditional Berliner Weisse style, using 60 kilograms of strawberries, with the brew also featuring lactose and vanilla, This year, the beer will be available in two places around town — at the Ekka itself for the first time, and also at Stone and Wood's Brisbane brewery in Fortitude Valley. Head to the latter, and you can get sipping early, starting from Thursday, August 4. Originally, the brew came about as a way to help support charity The Common Good, which uses the sundaes as a fundraising effort for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation. And, that's exactly where Stone and Wood is directing proceeds from the beer, too — so having a few pints will mean helping a great cause. One note: 2022's batch of Strawberry Sundae Kisses is around for a good time, not a long time, and will only be available at the brewery until sold out. In past years, it has lasted just three weeks, so getting in quickly is recommended.
When a French store slashed the price of Nutella a couple of years ago, customers went wild. Brawling and rioting was reported. So, yes, it's safe to say the chocolate hazelnut spread has more than a few fans. Here in Australia, we've had a Nutella food truck, a Nutella festival and a Nutella dessert bar. And, from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, a dedicated Nutella menu at Salt Meats Cheese as well. Available for delivery from the chain's Drummoyne and Cronulla stores in NSW, and Surfers Paradise and Newstead stores in Queensland, the seven Nutella-filled items are here just in time for the Easter long weekend (which most of us will be spending predominantly indoors eating Nutella, it seems). Fancy a Nutella calzone, in both peanut butter ($14) and Oreo ($18) varieties? Nutella and banana-topped pizza? Nutella panna cotta ($14)? Nutella Toblerone cocktails? A half-litre ($30) of Nutella espresso martini? Of course you do. To order, you'll need to download Salt Meats Cheese's new app and pray you're in the delivery zone. The Nutella menu is available for delivery from Salt Meats Cheese stores in Cronulla and Drummoyne in NSW, and Surfers Paradise and Newstead in Queensland.
MELT may be overflowing with fantastic shows, but the festival isn't just about the performance side of things. Simply take a look at the walls of the Brisbane Powerhouse, and you'll see what we mean. For the duration of the May fest, their foyers will play host to an array of MELT art pieces. In Unique Exotic, the work of artist Hillary Green is once again thrust into the spotlight, capturing Brisbane's queer arts scene alongside her own self portraits. Sophie Reid-Singer's The Cave operates as a single-player game, questioning the functioning of storytelling and identity. Explorations of queer relationships, depictions of men revealing their pain through tears and larger-than-life images of LGBTI+ artists also feature. Yes, this creative showcase lives up to its aims, highlighting not only artistry, but diversity too.
The story of cinema's favourite spy goes back decades, with the seven faces of James Bond spanning a screen saga that started in the 1960s. Daniel Craig's iconic run as the character came to an end in 2021 with No Time to Die, and with Craig's time in the tux now concluded, it seems appropriate to return to where it began with his 2006 character debut in Casino Royale. The widely acclaimed blockbuster is coming back in the form of a special concert screening on Friday, March 15. Better yet, the film's musical score will be performed live by Queensland Symphony Orchestra as the film plays on the big screen. In Casino Royale, Bond is not the super spy we have previously known him to be. This younger MI6 agent has just acquired his famed 00 status and a license to kill. Now he's being dispatched to a high-stakes poker tournament to play for the fortune of criminal banker Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), who will use any winnings to finance terrorists worldwide. Casino Royale was a hit with fans and critics alike, breathing new life to the franchise and setting up four Daniel Craig-starring sequels: Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and the aforementioned No Time to Die. The score, composed by David Arnold, captures the full spirit of the series, sweeping strings and blaring brass with a healthy splash of 2000s rock, and will sound fantastic when QSO takes to the stage of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for this unmissable, one-night-only show. Casino Royale in Concert will be performed live by Queensland Symphony Orchestra at 7.30pm on Friday, March 15. For more information or to book tickets, visit the website.
After cooking up a storm on the Gold Coast, the team behind Burleigh Heads' Rick Shores is bringing its Asian-style fare to Brisbane with opening of neo-Chinese dining hall and beer garden Little Valley. There are no prizes for guessing which suburb the 70-seater seater eatery calls home, but you'll find Little Valley's kitchen pumping until late in Warner Street rather than Chinatown. Still, the menu by ex-Rick Shores head chef Jake Pregnell takes inspiration from Chinese cuisine, drawing upon his recent study tour of the country — and his general love of the area's tastes and flavours. That means that patrons can expect a feast of regionally inspired meals — think twice-cooked duck and roast pork neck with char siu glaze, plus kung pao mushrooms and duck egg noodles with something called 'strange flavour'. From the dim sum range, potato and truffle spring rolls, lobster and chive har gow, and chilli crab xiao long bao sit among a nine-dish selection, while desserts include red bean ice cream with pumpkin curd and a Hong Kong custard tart for dessert. Drinks-wise, a hefty wine, beer and spirits list is complemented by eight signature cocktails; the Waking Panda with vodka, elderflower, mandarin and citrus, and the Silk Palace with rum, orange blossom, coconut cream, vanilla and citrus are just two examples. And if you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a tipple or two, Little Valley also boasts an openair bar and beer garden, as well as an adjacent laneway that'll be home to a new lighting installation. The eatery will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, with bar service commencing at 4pm, meals from 5.30pm and a 2am closing time on Friday and Saturday nights — a welcome addition to Brisbane's late-night dining options. It'll also start offering lunch from Friday, July 6. You can find Little Valley at 6 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley. It's open from 4pm Wednesday to Sunday, and will open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from June 6.
There is indeed a bell in one of The Belvedere Hotel's bars. When most folks at the northside pub say "The Bel", though, they're referring to the watering hole itself. A Woody Point mainstay since 1901, this waterside bar has back open and pouring drinks after a hefty makeover since late 2023. If sips with an ocean view take your fancy — and with shimmering sunsets part of those vistas, too — then this grand old establishment has you sorted in its new guise. Parent company Lewis Land Group has put more than $10 million into revitalising the historic spot, with the results now on display for patrons to enjoy. To make the most of its location, the vibe and setup alike are breezy and open. And all that space? It means being able to cater for 1000 people. Perched on Bramble Bay, The Bel now features revamped dining spaces and terraces, plus a new first-floor bar area with shimmering sunset views. Expect a shady time if you're keen to have a beverage outside. On level one, there's also a new dining spot — and the public bar is also all new. Fans of the venue's outdoor Pavilion bar and bistro will be hanging out in refreshed surroundings, and now sitting in booths. The Bel's all-day food menu now benefits from a pizzeria and gelato bar onsite, serving up everything from squid ink truffle salami slices to mango scoops. Elsewhere, the culinary range includes chilli scrambled eggs and lemon crepes for breakfast, salt and vinegar calamari and sticky chicken wings among the lunch and dinner starters, and hot and cold seafood platters to share as a highlight among the mains range. Or, tuck into lobster three ways — in a pie, with prawns over pasta or as part of a surf 'n' turf special — as well four steak choices and a steak sandwich. There's also three types of oysters, fried chicken burgers, pork knuckles and crispy noodle salads on offer. For dessert, if you're keen for more than gelato, banana split parfait, a chocolate tart, deconstructed blueberry cheesecake and Biscoff crepes await. And for entertainment beyond a meal, a drink, the mood and the view, trivia nights take place on the deck each Wednesday.
Based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary follows the wild adventures of journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) as he takes on a freelance job in Puerto Rico for a local newspaper during the 1950s. Struggling to find a balance between island culture and the expatriates who live there, Kemp forms a passionate yet dangerous attraction to Chenault (Amber Heard), the fiancée of Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), a wealthy entrepreneur. When Kemp is recruited by Sanderson to write favorably about his latest unsavoury scheme, the journalist faces a dilemma: to use his words for the corrupt businessman's financial benefit, or use them to take the bastards down. The Rum Diary is a fast-paced filmic cocktail of comedy, adventure, romance and action. The incredible cinematography and choice of soundtrack in Bruce Robinson's film paints the exotic landscape of Puerto Rico with colours and sounds that exemplify Kemp's experience in the foreign land. With a cast of well-known Hollywood talents, lead by the charismatic Johnny Depp, this movie is sure to take you on one hell of a rum-fuelled ride. Read the full review here. To win one of ten double passes to see The Rum Diary, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=0YUx36yLLug
Some innovative internetters have thrown their support behind tougher laws on firearms in America by photoshopping classic movie moments so that our favourite gun-toting characters serve their enemies a friendly thumbs up instead of a barrage of bullets. The light-hearted approach by photoblog Thumbs & Ammo comes at a time when America is heatedly debating gun control, and its amusing advocacy of stringent gun control provides a refreshing and entertaining new angle as to why Americans do not need guns. "Real tough guys don't need guns, they just need a positive, can-do attitude," the crowdsourced blog's tagline declares. Let us hope that art can imitate life. In the meantime, take a look at some of our favourites below.
Galleries spend a lot of time showcasing art from the past, but until October 11, the Gallery of Modern Art is going to be looking at the present and the future. Assembling new and recent pieces from 31 artists, their latest collection is designed to give audiences a taste of current works being made across Queensland. Vernon Ah Kee, Davida Allen, Chantal Fraser and Anita Holtsclaw all feature, as well as Madeleine Kelly, Liam O'Brien and Grant Stevens, too. If you're familiar with the local art landscape, or have just been to an exhibition in Brisbane lately, you might recognise their names — and if not, you will soon. Their creations help highlight what's going on across the state, but viewing their work is only part of the GOMA Q: Contemporary Queensland Art experience. Free talks and panels are also included the program — featuring author Benjamin Law, Opera Queensland's Lindy Hume, and Brisbane-based artists Michael Zavros and Richard Bell — because chatting about art is just as fun as looking at it. Image: Liam O'Brien, Australia b. 1987 / Domestication 2014 / High definition single channel video, 10 mins 15 sec, ed. of 5 / Courtesy Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney.
Whenever the craving for a taste of France strikes, C'est Bon has Brisbane covered. Five mornings a week, it functions as a creperie over breakfast and brunch, making spanner crab- and confit duck-topped crepes made with buckwheat flour from Brittany. When lunch hits, and dinner as well, its a la carte menu includes lobster tarts, pigs head terrine, Paris-style gnocchi and blackcurrant gateau. And for drinks with a view (particularly wine and cocktails over Appellation oysters and croque monsieurs), the Woolloongabba favourite also boasts a rooftop bar called Ooh La La. It's no wonder that the Stanley Street eatery remains one of Brisbane's best restaurants. A hospitality hub that's happily several venues, it's also home to Le Bon Bar and the Garden Terasse — patrons enter through the former as they start their C'est Bon experience. At the latter, an elevated area for al fresco dining and functions awaits. [caption id="attachment_837435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe[/caption] Also a highlight: C'est Bon's trolley full of events, whether it's a lobster and caviar flambé cart once a week, an excuse to hero botanicals for World Gin Day, Sunday lunches, visiting interstate French joints taking over and Bastille weekends, or fondue nights, crepes over yoga, festive feasts and bakery pop-ups. Whatever the occasion, seasonal Queensland ingredients take pride of place in French dishes, as paired with the beautifully curated wine list from boutique and family vineyards (and a hefty amount of champagne). The chef's tasting menu is a must-try, spanning seven courses with optional matched wines from either Australia or France. Top image: Mitch Lowe. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Whether you're travelling from Sydney to Canberra or Parramatta, Melbourne to Geelong, or Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, you'll soon be able to get there a whole lot quicker — or that's the plan, at least. Various government bodies have announced various high-speed transport proposals throughout 2018, all focused on journeying relatively short distances in as short a time as possible. But if a potential new transit network comes to fruition, Australians would be able to zip between many capital cities in less than an hour. One of several companies trying to build Elon Musk's Hyperloop vacuum-tube transport system, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies has lodged a submission to the federal government's current parliamentary inquiry into automated mass transit. Its key feature: travelling at a top speed of 1223 kilometres per hour. At speeds that fast, you'd be able to zoom from Brisbane to Sydney in 37 minutes, and from Sydney to Melbourne in the same amount of time. Melbourne to Adelaide would take just 33 minutes, while a jaunt down from Sydney to Canberra would need a mere 14 minutes, and venturing from Canberra to Melbourne would be over in 23 minutes. The timings are just estimates for now; however each potential leg proves considerably quicker than the equivalent plane journey — and the longest outlined route, from Brisbane to Adelaide, would take one hour and 47 minutes. Zipping between the northern and southern ends of the country faster than you can watch a movie sounds incredibly enticing, as does simply popping over to another city for a day trip. Billed as "bringing aeroplane speeds to ground level", Hyperloop sends capsules along low-pressure tubes, with each capsule seating 38 passengers. That said, the system is still well and truly in the testing phase. In October, Hyperloop TT's first full-scale passenger capsule was revealed in Spain, with the company also building a 320-metre system in France. By next year, it intends to construct a one-kilometre system for further pilots. If Hyperloop does become a reality, Hyperloop TT's Aussie submission also suggests incorporating the Gold Coast, the Southern Highlands, Newcastle, Wollongong, Nowra, Port Macquarie and Orange into routes — further broadening the network's reach, reducing road congestion and decentralising the country away from major cities, all while using solar panels to power the system. There's no proposed timeframe in Hyperloop TT's proposal, so don't go dreaming about zooming across the country just yet. Also, this isn't the first time that Hyperloop has been proposed for Australia, with rival outfit Hyperloop One outlining plans for a Sydney to Melbourne route back in 2016. Via news.com.au. Images: Hyperloop TT.
Being an adult Disney fan in southeast Queensland is easy right now. The Mouse House's movies can be watched and rewatched (then rewatched again) thanks to the company's very own streaming service, and there's no shortage of other events — outdoor cinemas, musicals, exhibitions and more — around the place. But if you're looking for something special to celebrate a whole century of the company's wares, and you're particularly fond of all the earworm songs its flicks have gotten stuck in your head over the years, then a big 100th-anniversary Disney concert is just the ticket. Disney 100: The Concert hops on a trend that's been popular for a few years now, pairing beloved movies with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack as you watch. This time, though, you'll be seeing clips of the Mouse House's musical hits rather than watching an entire feature. There's just that much to get through, given the company's massive film catalogue. Making its Queensland stopover at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast over two shows across Friday, March 31–Saturday, April 1, 2023, the concert will bust out tracks from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Moana and Encanto, as well as Pocahontas, Aladdin, Tangled, Hercules and Frozen. At the venue's outdoor stage, an orchestra will be in charge of the tunes, with exact details to be revealed — and a yet-to-be-announced a lineup of Australian musical theatre stars will be lending their voices to the production, which focuses on Disney's animated favourites. Also featuring: performers Genevieve McCarthy (Mythic, Les Misérables) and Amy Manford (The Phantom of the Opera) from MM Creative Productions, which is behind the production. If Disney's music soundtracked your childhood — and still does your adulthood — being this show's guest is a delightfully easy decision. Images: Jarrad Seng.
Life is always a little brighter on the Gold Coast, given the beachside city is home to all that sun, surf and sand, but it'll be positively bursting with colour and art as well when July rolls around. That's when Surface Miami Street Art Festival is returning for 2022, taking over suburb of Miami and connecting its two creative precincts — from Hillcrest Parade through to Lemana Lane — with plenty of paint. For two weeks, between Sunday, July 3–Sunday, July 17, the creative team at Miami Marketta will oversee a fest that spans everything from 12 large-scale outdoor murals to a 2.4-kilometre fence line exhibition — plus skate and painting workshops complete with a pop-up skate park, and paint-by-number community art sessions as well. And, there'll also be laneway concerts, with Meg Mac, Pete Murray, The Beautiful Girls and more taking to the stage. Pre-fest, on Friday, July 1, Jaguar Jonze is hosting a ticketed exhibition at Miami Marketta, while an art fair and tasting Granddad Jack's latest gin is also on the agenda. And, although some events do cost to get in, the overwhelming majority of the fest is free — other than however you make your way down to the Goldie.
It's all in the name. The sheer amount of food on offer at Eat Street Markets is astonishing. Hand over your $2.50 to get in, and then scuttle around the food stalls trying to weigh up the virtue of Pizzeria 4007's spicy salami pizza versus Japanese pizza, all while telling yourself it's totally fine to have churros for dinner because you're an adult and can make decisions for yourself. There are also plenty of retail stores and shops to keep you occupied, but let's be real, you're here for the treats. Come with a group of mates because there are plenty of food options to suit every want and need. Though the market can be crowded, the atmosphere is simply alive and buzzing, and the air filled with tempting aromas wafting from the stalls. The only real issue here is deciding where to begin, and maybe when to stop too.
When the Aunty team confirmed that Golden Plains would return in 2023 and locked in dates, it was huge news, with pilgrimages to the Supernatural Amphitheatre finally back on the calendar. Indeed, that was probably all the push you needed to enter the fest's ticket ballot, and start crossing your fingers that you score passes to the beloved sibling to Meredith Music Festival, no matter who ended up on the bill. That online ballot has been extended, now running until 10.15pm AEDT on Monday, October 24. Also, the Golden Plains lineup is now here, too. Bikini Kill, Carly Rae Jepsen, Soul II Soul and Four Tet lead the charge, in what's shaping up to be a huge comeback fest from Saturday, March 11–Monday, March 13, 2023. [caption id="attachment_874299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Debi Del Grande[/caption] Bikini Kill are playing Mona Foma as well, in what'll be the iconic Kathleen Hanna-fronted, Washington-formed, Riot Grrrl movement-instigating group's first Australian show in more than 25 years. Calling all rebel girls, obviously. If you aren't making the trip to Tasmania in February, you can now see them at Golden Plains in March. Carly Rae Jepsen's inclusion on the bill likely now has 'Call Me Maybe' stuck in your head, but that isn't all that's on the Canadian popstar's discography. And Soul II Soul's spot on the lineup is massive, given the British musical collective have been doing their thing since the late 80s, and also helped change UK club culture. Alongside Four Tet, they're joined by Mdou Moctar, Angel Olsen, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Brian Jackson and more, in what's clearly a gloriously eclectic lineup. Catering to 12,000 punters each year across three days and two nights, Golden Plains has long proven a favourite for its one-stage setup, which skips the need for frantic timetabling. Meredith is also returning, as announced in August, with Caribou, Yothu Yindi and Courtney Barnett leading the lineup from Friday, December 9–Sunday, December 11, 2022. GOLDEN PLAINS 2023 LINEUP: Bikini Kill Four Tet Carly Rae Jepsen Mdou Moctar Soul II Soul Angel Olsen Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Brian Jackson Overmono (live) Earthless Rochelle Jordan Methyl Ethel Kokoroko Andrew Gurruwiwi Band Stiff Richards Armand Hammer Soichi Terada Jennifer Loveless Rick Wilhite Freya Josephine Hollick E Fishpool Mulalo Delivery Golden Plains will return to the Meredith Supernatural Ampitheatre from Saturday, March 11–Monday, March 13, 2023. Head to the festival's website for further details, or to enter the ballot before 10.15pm AEDT on Monday, October 24. Top image: Theresa Harrison.
How do you start the first-ever WorldPride held in the Southern Hemisphere? With an already-announced opening concert starring none other than Kylie Minogue, of course. How do you farewell the fun when the massive LGBTQIA+ festival is finished taking over Sydney in February and March 2023? The event has just started locking in those plans, too, with MUNA and G Flip headlining closing gig Rainbow Republic. Like the kick-off festivities, this one will take place in The Domain — and indie popsters MUNA will be making their Australian debut when they take to the stage. As for G Flip, the pivotal slot comes after they just played the AFL Grand Final, following one iconic event with another. When it takes place on Sunday, March 5, attendees can expect a seven-hour show filled with live music, DJs and dancing — a queer megamix, if you like. On hosting duties: Keiynan Lonsdale (Love, Simon, The Flash, Eden), who'll also perform. Peach PRC, Alter Boy, BVT and Vetta Borne have also been named on the bill. This is just the first lineup announcement, however, so expect more to follow. Sydney WorldPride has been announcing parts of its lineup since June, including the return of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade to Oxford Street after the 2021 and 2022 events were held at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to the pandemic — and it will drop its full 300-event program in November. As well as the parade, Kylie and Rainbow Republic, Sydney WorldPride will feature pride villages set up in sections of Crown Street and Riley Street, a giant weekend-long street party on Oxford Street, a Bondi beach party that'll turn the iconic sandy stretch into a club for 12,000 people, and a Blak & Deadly First Nations gala concert. Plus, there'll be another huge gig in The Domain — a dance party for 10,000, which is being dubbed as the biggest LGBQTIA+ outdoor dance party in Australia. RAINBOW REPUBLIC SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE CLOSING CONCERT LINEUP: MUNA G Flip Keiynan Lonsdale Peach PRC Alter Boy BVT Vetta Borne Sydney WorldPride will run from Friday, February 17–Sunday, March 5, 2023, with closing concert Rainbow Republic taking place at The Domain on Sunday, March 5. Tickets for Rainbow Republic are on sale now. For more information about Sydney WorldPride, or for general ticket sales, head to the event's website. Thinking about Sydney WorldPride's big opening gig, Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert, too? General admission tickets have sold out, with only Sydney WorldPride's affordability option left — but you can still head along thanks to Concrete Playground Trips. The Sydney WorldPride package includes tickets to the Domain Dance Party and Live and Proud: Opening Concert, plus three nights at the PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney.
La Boite's newest performance, A Tribute of Sorts, delves into the magical world of creative minds and their ability to blur one's image of reality. Centred around the awkward interactions of teenagers Ivan and Juniper, this highly visual and compelling theatre piece follows the duo's recollections of past dark and unfortunate events. Described as a “story about storytelling” A Tribute of Sorts combines old world stage magic, illusion and technical trickery to create an open-ended show with a meaning uniquely pieced together by each audience member. With dark pasts combined with the youthful charms of the characters, the ludicriousy of the show only becomes more outrageous as the night progresses. Like most La Boite performances, this show is a must see theatre piece. It is showing for less than a month with tickets starting from $20. Come lose yourself in the peculiar and often comical recollections of Ivan and Juniper.
Say ‘adios’ to humdrum and ‘hello’ to ten hotels that are so fresh and so cool, they’ll have you reaching for the thermostat. Boutique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have the lowdown on where the trendsetters sleep. La Maison Champs Elysees - Paris What: Classic couture, Haussmann heritage Where: 8 rue Jean Goujon In the heart of the Golden Triangle, where fashion and sophistication reign supreme, La Maison Champs Elysées showcases design icon Martin Margiela’s impeccable aesthetic. A canvas of muted hues and eclectic artworks, the soothing colour palette extends into the monochrome restaurant, elegant White Lounge and darkly seductive Cigar Bar – exclusively for guest use, with staff not permitted inside. The Terrace, a lush green haven in the heart of Paris, is the perfect spot for taking breakfast or reinvigorating exploration-weary muscles. Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa - Bora Bora What: Turquoise tryst Where: Motu Tevairoa, BP 169 Vaitape, Bora Bora, French Polynesia A recipe for tropical perfection, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a stunner — luring in loved-up honeymooners and glamorous jetsetters with its white-sand beaches and idyllic lagoon setting. Take in spectacular views from every angle on this island paradise; they're especially beautiful from the Overwater Bungalows, which have direct access to the water, or the Beach Suites with Jacuzzis that are set directly on the sand. If lazing on the beach or dining on lavish buffets suddenly becomes all too much, make a beeline for Manea Spa, whose menu includes Vichy showers or massages with ‘dancing feet’. For a souvenir with serious style — and that will never collect dust — the in-house tattooist Tuhei, from the Tuamotus islands, can help create a permanent reminder of your stay. Sal Salis - Ningaloo Reef What: Seaside safari Where: Yardie Creek Road, Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia Snugly nestled in the sandy dunes of the Cape Range National Park, Sal Salis flaunts a decidedly luxurious spin on camping. Leave your swags and camp kitchens at home; there’s no need for bush basics when there are heavenly pillows and organic 500-thread cotton sheets waiting at the end of the day. The lapping Indian Ocean is only metres from your doorstop, so while away hours dreamily swinging in your hammock or mingling with whale sharks, manta rays and shoals of fish. And when it comes time for a feast, bush tucker is banished as Sal Salis serves contemporary Australian cuisine under the star-speckled night sky, watched inquisitively by visiting kangaroos and wallaroos. Claska - Tokyo What: Too cool for school Where: 1-3-18, Chuocho, Meguro, Tokyo Sleek and fresh in its contemporary architecture, Claska is at the apex of Tokyo’s cultural hotspot, and in the hub of what is considered to be the coolest suburb in the city. Beautiful in its elegant simplicity, Claska retains the hallmarks of traditional Japanese hospitality. We love the Tatami Rooms, designed by c, with pretty paper lanterns and contemporary furniture. The gallery and boutique, Do, offers innovative designs, creative products and bespoke souvenirs that reflect Claska’s innovative design philosophy. Commandeer one of Claska’s free ‘tokyobikes’ to enjoy a pleasant 10-minute pedal to the attractions featured on the hotel’s ‘Tokyo by Tokyo’ iPhone app. King & Grove - Williamsburg What: Urban jungle retreat Where: 160 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, New York City In the city that never sleeps, King & Grove Williamsburg offers a welcome change of pace – without sacrificing on style and street cred – by seducing guests to venture into Brooklyn. A creative hub, Williamsburg’s collection of eateries, bars and indie boutiques is ripe for exploration (on the hotel’s hipster-approved red bicycles, of course). The open-air rooftop lounge of the Upper Elm overlooks McCarren Park and has snacks, cocktails, music and a view of the city skyline that takes some trumping. Leisure-lovers should snag a prime position in a day-bed by the backyard-style saltwater pool – one of the largest in the city – or spend an afternoon unwinding over a drink with fellow guests. Taveuni Palms - Fiji Islands What: Private paradise Where: Matei, Taveuni Island, Fiji Islands Ever dreamed of retreating to the seclusion of a private island? With only three exclusive-hire villas, understated luxury is the name of the game at Taveuni Palms. Flanked by its own private plunge pool, day-beds and panoramic Pacific views, each villa comes with seven staff including a manager, two chefs, barman, housemaid and nanny. If you can tear yourself away from your villa, Taveuni Palms offers guided snorkelling and kayaking trips, cooking lessons and local excursions. The hardest thing you will have to do is leaving – a burden made lighter by instantly booking your return visit. Das Stue - Berlin What: Animal magnetism Where: 1 Drakestrasse, Berlin, Germany Withdraw from playing tourist into a place so hip, so cutting edge and so darned cool, it could only be in Berlin. Housed in the former lodgings of the Royal Danish Embassy, Das Stue is a heritage heavyweight with a serious dose of style. Everything from the impressive entrance, marble staircase and scattered artworks is impeccable – and enough to make even the most blase of hipsters twiddle their moustache with excitement. Backing onto Berlin Zoo, Das Stue guarantees a room with a view – feathery, furry or otherwise. Catalan chef Paco Pérez is at the helm of the restaurant, Cinco, and with four Michelin stars up the sleeves of his chef’s whites, he delivers outstanding gastronomic creations inspired by the rich produce of his native Spain. Kahanda Kanda - Galle What: Serene Sri Lanka Where: Angulugaha, Galle, Southern Province Monkeys, mongooses and bright-feathered birds are your neighbours at Kahanda Kanda. Surrounded by a 12-acre tea estate, each of the eight villas has been impeccably styled by the villa’s British owner and has its own distinct feel; Peacock, Tamarind and Mango each have a private balcony overlooking the garden, and the only room with a TV, the Dubu Suite, is set into the hillside with large, private lawn and pool — just be prepared to share paradise with any tree-swinging visitors. Classic Sri Lankan curries and contemporary fusion dishes are crafted using fruits, vegetables and herbs exclusively grown on the estate. Cooking classes with Kahanda Kanda’s resident chefs are available for those wishing to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan or Thai cuisine. Kurá - Costa Rica What: Sustainably stylish Where: Uvita de Osa, Calle Bejuco, Osa/Bahia Ballena, Puntarenas, Costa Rica Six teakwood villas blend harmoniously into the lush backdrop at Kurá. Reflecting the hotelier’s passion and vision for eco-friendly accommodation that doesn’t skimp on luxury, the bungalows are minimalist in style but lavish in feel. Each contemporary, open-plan villa includes a floating bed, open-air showers and a balcony that ushers in views of the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Dive into the rectangular, saltwater infinity pool that offers bird’s-eye ocean views, calming underwater music and sun loungers tailor-made for spending an afternoon getting lost in a book or enjoying a cocktail. The Sky Lounge, which has 360-degree vistas of the Costa Rican jungle and ocean, is the prime position to whale-watch and specialises in tamarind margaritas, fruit coladas and inventive mojitos. Soneva Fushi - Maldives What: Desert-island indulgence Where: Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll Shed your shoes and worries the moment you step onto this private island and into Soneva Fushi. Only missing Fabio riding a white stallion, Soneva Fushi has all the makings of a Harlequin romance: white sand, blue seas, an observatory, a wicked chocolate room and ice-cream parlour, a wine cellar and a private butler service. Bordered by imposing walls of untouched jungle and slices of too-turquoise ocean, the island is a playground of hot stone massages and Japanese watsu treatments, liquid thrills and fresher than fresh beachside feasts. As the day dwindles and sun descends, popcorn and tropical cocktails are served in the open-air cinema beneath a twinkling night sky. Ready to leave? We thought so. Scoot over to Mr & Mrs Smith to book your own stylish stay or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627.
In an attempt to contain COVID-19, the Australian government has announced the mass closure of indoor venues — a move that comes after stacks of events across the country have been axed, restrictions have been placed on non-essential outdoor and indoor events, international travel has effectively been suspended, domestic travel is strongly recommended against and large cultural institutions are temporarily shutting. It's all part of the government's efforts to encourage social distancing and, unsurprisingly, there's been a spike in the number of people now spending more time at home. As a result, bars, cafes and restaurants are now required to shut their doors to dine-in customers — so they're adapting by beefing up their takeaway options, launching new delivery meals and even creating boozy care packages. That means that you can put down that fifth can of Aldi tuna and pick up the phone, knowing you'll be doing a local business a solid while also getting to eating a tasty, fancy, succulent meal. Here, we'll keep you updated on all the restaurant-quality eats you can order takeaway, or have delivered to your doorstep. PICK UP AND DELIVERY [caption id="attachment_756558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] BrewDog DogTap[/caption] Alchemy (CBD) Eagle Street's Alchemy has implemented an 'Alchemy to You' takeaway and office delivery service, with menu items that include jumbo quail with Asian salad ($15), lemon pepper chicken ($20), and the restaurant's lasagne with pork and veal mince sauce ($26). It's also selling grocery items via 'Alchemy Gourmet Grocery' — check out the full list of available supplies online, place your order and then pick it up in-store 24 hours later. Ballistic Beer Co (Salisbury, West End and Springfield) For folks who live within five kilometres of Ballistic Beer Co's Salisbury and Springfield breweries, the booze-loving outfit will deliver its beverages to your home for orders over $70. At all three of its venues, takeaway options are also available. Billykart (West End) Billykart's West End restaurant is doing takeaway orders, with its full menu available by calling the eatery. It has also launched a reduced 'Billykart at Home' range via UberEats. BrewDog DogTap Brisbane (Murarrie) Perched next to the Brisbane river, BrewDog's first Australian base is scrapping all person-to-person contact — but still selling takeaway brews, wine and food via drive-through. On the menu: burgers and fries (from $19.50), pizzas (from $18) and craft beers (from $4), with orders taken via BrewDog's BrewDog HopDrop app for iOS and Android. Fancy dropping by in your boat? You can even pull up at the jetty and get your order brought to your vessel. Beer is currently available for delivery, too, and food delivery via Deliveroo and UberEats will start on Thursday, March 26. E'cco Bistro (Newstead) E'cco Bistro has launched a new takeaway menu, allowing customers to enjoy its a la carte dishes — such as parmesan and fior di latte arancini ($10 for four), gorgonzola potato gnocchi ($25) and 12-hour braised beef cheek with sautéed mushrooms and truffled mashed potatoes ($25) — at home. Call the restaurant to order, with meals available Wednesday–Saturday from 12–3pm and 5.30–8.30pm. You can either opt to collect it yourself — and call E'cco again when you get there so they can bring it out to your car — or make a delivery order via Deliveroo, with UberEats orders launching soon. Florence Cafe (Camp Hill) and Felix for Goodness (CBD) The folks at these two cafes are adapting their menu, offering takeaways and deliveries with a 'build your own menu' approach. Order via 11am, and it'll be available the same day — to pick up between 12–2pm and for delivery between 4–6pm. Gusto da Gianni (Hamilton) You can't enjoy the riverside view, but you can still tuck into Gusto da Gianni's Italian eats. The Portside restaurant has made its entire menu available for takeaway, and for delivery via UberEats and Deliveroo. Jumbo Thai (CBD) Edward Street's Jumbo Thai has started a new delivery and takeaway offering, spanning bao, curries, stir fries, noodles and rice. Paw Paw Asian Kitchen (Balmoral) Expanding its existing takeaway option, Balmoral's Paw Paw Asian Kitchen is now providing patrons with a drive-through service as well. Place your order in advance as usual, then pull up outside the Riding Road restaurant, give them a call and a staff member will bring your food out to your car. You can also order Paw Paw's dishes for delivery, too. Phat Boy (CBD) Brisbane Quarter's resident Thai joint is doing takeaways as well as deliveries — via UberEats and Deliveroo — for lunch Monday–Friday and dinner Monday –Saturday. Proof BBQ & Booze (Windsor) Get barbecued meats delivered to direct your door thanks to Proof BBQ & Booze's takeaway menu — or head by to pick up beef brisket, southern fried chicken, pulled pork, whole blackened fish and smoked hot links by the pound or half-pound. Semi-Pro Brewing Co (East Brisbane) With its taproom closed, Semi-Pro Brewing Co is doing takeaways and deliveries instead. From Wednesday–Sunday, you can stop by to pick up brews. And, if you'd like beer brought to your home without leaving your house, it's offering same-day delivery for full and half cartons. PICK UP [caption id="attachment_624544" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Il Molo[/caption] Belle Epoque (South Bank) Emporium's Belle Epoque has launched a pre-packaged 'grab and go' range, which spans both sweet and savoury goodies — including beef lasagne, Thai red chicken curry, cream of pumpkin soup, beef cheek ragu and Moroccan lamb tagine for $9.90 each; and its usual array of coffee, birthday cakes, tarts and other patisserie items. You can also order via phone, then pull up in the Emporium Hotel South Bank driveway and have your order brought to your car. Burleigh Pavilion (Burleigh Heads) For Brisbanites who find themselves a little further south, Burleigh Pavilion has launched a new takeaway menu. You can't order drinks, but you can nab items from its usual seafood, grills, burger and pizza range, as well as from its selection of sides, share plates and salads. Gerard's Bistro (Fortitude Valley) Significant changes are in effect over at Gerard's Bistro, with the Fortitude Valley restaurant merging with sibling venue Gerard's Bar for the time being. Together in their combined site, they're also offering a takeaway menu — including whole and half charcoal chickens ($25/15), cheese manoushe ($13) and fattoush salad ($10). Il Molo (Bulimba) Eastsiders can check out Il Molo's new takeaway menu, with offers a range of Italian-style fare — including arancini with pumpkin, sage and goats cheese ($15 for three), classic carbonara ($26) and five types of pizza ($20–27). Montrachet (Bowen Hills) From Monday, March 23, King Street's French fine diner is offering a selection of dishes in semi-prepared takeaway packs that can be collected from its Bowen Hills digs. Tuck into duck and cognac parfait ($15), French onion soup ($12), pressed pork belly ($30), opera cake with sauce anglaise ($10.50) and more. Orders must be made before 7pm for collection the next day. Naim (Paddington) Paddington's go-to for Middle Eastern cuisine has opened its whole menu up for takeaway orders, which can be booked by phone or via Facebook and Instagram DM, then picked up in-store. It is also doing 'Family Meal Kits', with options for two or four people ranging from $35–75. Newstead Brewing Co (Newstead and Milton) No matter which Newstead Brewing Co you're closest to — its original Newstead digs or its second site at Milton — you can take advantage of its new click and collect option. It applies across both brews and food, pairing four-packs from the brewery's core range with one of its pizzas. Just order online, include your beer and pizza preference in the notes, then pick it up 30 minutes later — with orders available from 12–8pm daily. Perch'd (Coorparoo) Nestled inside a cute old Queenslander in a leafy Coorparoo street, Perch'd has made its whole menu available for takeaway — with orders available from 4pm Wednesday–Friday and from 12pm on weekends. Ristorante Tartufo (Fortitude Valley) If your tastebuds are hankering for a hearty Italian meal, Fortitude Valley's Tartufo is now offering full takeaway service. Its classic-style pastas, risottos and pizzas are all available to order, as are its entrees, mains and desserts. Same Same (Fortitude Valley) Contact-free takeaway is now available at Same Same, available from 5.30pm Monday–Sunday and 12–3pm Friday–Sunday. Favourites such as the Longtime chicken burger ($5.50), red curry of Angus beef cheek ($30) and banana flower salad with grilled chicken and coconut ($23) are on the Fortitude Valley eatery's menu. Sono (Hamilton) Portside's Sono is known for its luxe Japanese spread — think sashimi platters, soft shell crab with shiso salsa and black cod saiko yaki — which you can now order for takeaway by calling the venue. Tetto Rooftop Bar, Comuna Cantina and Corbett & Claude (Everton Park) This Everton Park trio are offering drive-through takeaway orders. Order online or via phone, then have your meal brought to your car when you arrive to pick it up. Three Blue Ducks (CBD) W Brisbane's resident restaurant is now doing takeaway lunch and dinner, with its full menu available for pick up — for lunch on weekends, and for dinner from seven days a week. Have you come across one we've missed? Let us know at hello@concreteplayground.com Top image: Burleigh Pavilion
When choosing a Greek restaurant (or, frankly, any restaurant) to visit, the crowd it pulls can be the deciding factor. So you know you're getting the real deal at Lefkas Taverna, which still manages to pack out daily after three generations of operation. While the longstanding West End spot has had some facelifts in its time, the home-style Greek cuisine that comes out of the kitchen has remained much the same since the day it opened. When you find something that works, right? Start with a selection of traditional dips with pita, triple cheese croquettes and grilled halloumi. Next, move on to bigger plates of souvla, yiros and stifado, which is braised for five hours with red wine and white onions. With low prices, big portion sizes and a lively atmosphere, this spot is perfect for big group celebrations. Lefkas Taverna offers BYO wine and beer. Image: Hennessytrill
Step inside the heritage-listed Rothwell's building on Edward Street and, thanks to the new bar and grill that now shares its name, you can be forgiven for feeling like you're on the other side of the world. There's a firmly classic look and vibe to the space that previously housed Jamie's Italian — think: gleaming chandeliers that'd make Sia sing, white marble aplenty, leather booths decked out with vintage table lamps, and silver trays and carafes. The latest venue from 1889 Enoteca's Dan Clark, Rothwell's Bar and Grill might call a 136-year-old Brisbane building home, but it takes its cues from hospitality institutions much further afield. London's The Savoy Grill and The Wolseley are two of them. Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles is another — as well as New York's entire dining scene. For Brisbanites, the result is the kind of venue that aims to make you forget you're in the busiest part of the city — even if you've just made the dash from the Queen Street Mall or Central Station. Joining Clark is chef Ben Russell (ex-Aria, Est Est Est) and, together, they've shaped the newcomer after their favourite eateries from around the globe, following a quarter-century of scoping out the best dining rooms and bars the international scene has to offer. The Rothwell's sit-down experience takes patrons to the 90-seat Marble Bar area, where all that Italian marble — and those aforementioned leather banquettes — provide a light yet intimate atmosphere. If you're just stopping by for a drink, however, the 40-seater Foyer Bar will be your destination. And, for bigger dinners and events, the private dinning room caters to 50 seated guests, or 100 folks standing. It's found in the building's cellar, so you'll be surrounded by 2000-plus bottles of wine, plus eye-catching sandstone walls. Menu-wise, Russell has opted for "classic cooking techniques and European sensibilities — all the things I learned early in my career that I've returned to," he advises. That shines through in a produce-centric lineup that also goes heavy on local seafood, Aussie beef and handmade pasta. Standout dishes include prawn cocktails and steak tartare among the starters; Moreton Bay bugs with café de Paris butter, tagliarini with sea urchin and caviar, and beef wellington from the mains; and chocolate trifle, pistachio brûlée with chocolate gelato, and berry salad with brown-butter ice cream from the dessert offerings. Drinks options span martinis, old fashioned, negronis and Hemingway daquiri — again, the feel here is classic — which, at the bar, are paired with food choices such as oysters, niçoise salad and a club sandwich. Wine lovers can also take advantage of that stacked cellar — which you can visit, and which also houses and sells wines bought from all around the world from Clark's own collection. If your bank balance doesn't quite let you afford a cognac from the 1890s (understandably so), you'll find tipples from all the usual producers, as well as from smaller names from regions such as Burgundy, Chablis, Bordeaux, Champagne and Barolo. And, for digestifs, there's a dedicated armagnac cart, complete with bottles collected from Europe and dating back to the 1920s. Find Rothwell's Bar and Grill at 235 Edward Street, Brisbane — open 12–2.30pm and 5.30pm–late Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Dean Swindell.
If there's anything more nerve-racking than a first date, it's meeting the parents. Picking the perfect place to do it is a balancing act — you need somewhere that isn't too loud or crowded but is busy enough to combat any awkward silences. Also essential is a spot that's trendy enough to impress the future in-laws, but not so upmarket that they're concerned. And, of course, you want somewhere that takes bookings. Everyone knows that parents don't love being waitlisted. Thankfully, Brisbane's bustling dining scene just keeps getting bigger and better. But, as anyone who's ever been in charge of the restaurant selection knows, narrowing the River City's culinary choices down to that one perfect spot isn't always easy. That's why we have American Express on our side to help sift through our directory and pick the best casual dining spots across the city. We've narrowed them down and found a few excellent destinations to help you nail that first meeting — and increase that stock of Amex points you've been collecting. Read on and impress the parents with more than just your dazzling smile. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
Making a cup of tea can be simple. Grab a teabag, pour in some boiling water, let it steep and voila, you've got yourself one of the world's favourite hot beverages. Enjoying a cuppa can be much more creative, too — whether you're keen on pure green tea leaves, some chai or matcha, high tea, a sip of kombucha, frosty iced tea, bubble teas or a tea latte. Expect tea in a variety of different forms at Brisbane's 2024 BrisAsia ParTEA, which takes over the Chinatown Mall from 3–6pm on Saturday, February 10 as part of 2024's BrisAsia Festival. Someone will be putting the kettle on for an afternoon of tea tastings, tea classes and just tea in general. Whatever kind of tea you fancy, you'll likely find it here — or discover yourself a new favourite. There'll also be a tea market, as well as live tunes, all to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. While general entry is free, bring your wallet for all those cuppas you'll be sipping.
Clocking in at a whopping 170 hectares, Whites Hill Reserve is a bushland park and conservation area. The massive public space located in Camp Hill has amazing views of the city through native trees, plus long bush walks and heaps of native wildlife to discover. With playgrounds, a dog park, sporting fields, picnic areas and a lookout from the top of the reserve's hill, there is heaps of room for activities in this natural outdoor hub. Hang out in The Common area, take a walk up to the summit or check out the eucalypt forest and the Sankey's Scrub rainforest, which is home to some rare plant species. Images: Brisbane City Council, Flickr
There's a big, white container coming to South Bank. But, like most shipping containers in the city, it's not being used to transport furniture. And the word 'séance' will be written on the side in black. It's kind of ominous. Séance is actually a new installation where participants take a seat inside the tiny space, put on a headset and place their hands flat on the table in front of them. The lights go out and the container enters complete darkness. For the next 20 minutes, participants are fed 'suggestible information' through their headsets. You're probably thinking that there's something dark or supernatural about the whole thing — and going by the name, we don't blame you. But the installation's organiser assures us that 'séance' is simply a French word meaning 'session' or 'sitting'. And so Séance is a sensory experience that looks at the psychology of a group sitting together. Despite not being a horror or supernatural-themed piece, it's a scary indicator of how easy it is for confusion, information overload and the people siting right next to us to affect our judgment. Artists David Rosenberg and Glen Neath (who have collaborated in other sensory deprivation projects before) are the creative masterminds behind the project, which has been described as 'disorienting' and 'deeply unsettling'. It's not recommended for the claustrophobic or the easily frightened. The spooky installation visited Sydney and Melbourne late last year, and is now descending on the Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank, from September 8–29 this year as part of the 2018 Brisbane Festival. Séance is open daily, and runs three times an hour. Tickets cost $20 each and you can purchase them through the website.
If you're a pet owner, you'll know if can be difficult getting your dog/cat/iguana/parrot/rat from A to B — especially if you don't own a car. Example A: your friend has given you and Fido a ride to the beach, then bailed and left you and the fluffy boy stranded. Trains are out (in NSW or Queensland), Fido's too big for a box on a bus, you're nowhere near a ferry or CityCat, so you book a taxi, but the drive takes one look at sandy Fido and says no. Thankfully, this type of scenario will be left in the past when Uber Pet launches in Sydney and Brisbane tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10. Launching as a trial, Uber Pet will be available in your Uber app as a separate option — alongside UberX, Comfort and Pool — and will match you with a driver who's happy to pick up pets. It'll cost an extra $6–7 per ride, with some of that passed onto the drivers, too. While the cat below may not agree, it's really a win-win scenario. If the trial is a success, it'll be rolled out nationally as a permanent option on the app. So, you can plan more trips to dog-friendly pubs, beaches and parks. And get to the vet a little easier (don't tell your cat). While Uber expects cats and dogs will be the most common passengers, it allows any kind of domesticated animal use the service — at the driver's discretion. Assistance and service animals are still allowed in regular Ubers, as they are on all forms of public transport. You can read more about travel for assistance animals in NSW and Queensland here. Uber Pet is available in Sydney and Brisbane from Tuesday, March 10.
It has played host to everyone from the Beastie Boys to The Chemical Brothers — plus plenty of festivals, too — and is one of the city's main live music venues. And, on Saturday, September 7, it'll be exactly 30 years old, with the Brisbane Riverstage launching on the same date in 1989. Brisbane Festival is celebrating the occasion, naturally, with help from Hot Dub Time Machine, Cub Sport, Confidence Man, Last Dinosaurs and Clea. They'll all take to the stage as part of a huge birthday bash that also doubles as a one-day festival — and, thanks to the headline act (aka Tom Loud), you can expect plenty of retro tunes. We're guessing that more than a few late 80s bangers will feature as he hits the decks, because this shindig is all about nostalgia.
Student theatre is an untapped resource for thrilling, vibrant and diverse theatrical entertainment. You would be surprised how much effort goes into such productions — the end result is often something immensely impressive. All around the country, Australian universities are playing host to incredible theatre, and now, The Festival of Australian Student Theatre (FAST) is celebrating the best and brightest over a weekend of performance and discussion. Participating institutions have included some of the best universities in the country, and some of FAST's participants have gone on to take part in international events as well. FAST is being run in association with La Boite and QUT Creative Industries, seeking to "bring together the nation's student theatre companies and showcase the incredible talent emerging through these companies". Be sure to check out the festival program for a list of shows and times.
The What We Do in the Shadows franchise shows no signs of dying, with the American TV comedy spinoff from Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's hilarious movie still going strong. But one part of this saga did say goodbye, with fellow television sitcom Wellington Paranormal running for four seasons between 2018–2022. Been missing its comic take on Cops? It's now living on with a companion podcast. Back before Wellington Paranormal initially arrived, Waititi described it as "Mulder and Scully but in a country where nothing happens". With the brand-new podcast — which is called The Wellington Paranormal Podcast — the actors behind those fictional New Zealand police officers are chatting through the show. So, get ready to spend time with Karen O'Leary (Red, White & Brass) and Mike Minogue (My Life Is Murder), who played officers Karen O'Leary and Mike Minogue, as they dive into the making of the hit series. On TV, O'Leary and Minogue were Wellington's trusty paranormal investigators, with help from the always-eager Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu, Our Flag Means Death) and Officer Parker (Tom Sainsbury, Loop Track). That meant not only trying to keep the city safe from not only vampires and werewolves, but also from ghosts, aliens and more, in a show that was equally funny and silly — and never afraid to enlist familiar faces. As podcast hosts, O'Leary and Minogue will also be bringing in guests, including Pohatu and Sainsbury. Other actors will also feature, plus writers and directors, with exactly who else will be popping up left as a surprise. Listeners can tune into the end results from Thursday, November 23, with new episodes available weekly, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps. Definitely present from the get-go: O'Leary and Minogue's familiar banter. "Karen and I are excited to be bringing this podcast to our fans all around the world. They'll both be thrilled," said Minogue about The Wellington Paranormal Podcast. "We're looking forward to dissecting each episode as well as talking to both the people who created the show, and celebrity fans who, correctly, think Wellington Paranormal is the greatest thing to ever appear on screen." The Wellington Paranormal Podcast starts streaming from Thursday, November 23, with new episodes available weekly, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps.
The great drive-thru trend of 2020 and 2021, when everything from lasagne and wine to mac 'n' cheese, dagwood dogs, Ekka showbags and strawberry sundae-inspired beers were available without getting out of your car, is behind us. But not having to leave your vehicle to nab whatever your tastebuds are hankering for was never just an early-pandemic trend. So, cue a handy way to pick up ramen in a hurry right now: Ramen Danbo's new Pimpama drive-thru. Sitting halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the chain's sixth southeast Queensland location is only convenient if you'll be in the vicinity; however, if that applies, it's mighty practical. Ramen to go doesn't get much easier than this, with the brand calling its new store Australia's first drive-thru ramen joint. The Pimpama location on Pimpama Jacobs Well Road does dine-in, takeaway and pick-up orders as normal, should you not be in such a rush or be keen on stepping inside. On the menu either way: eight types of ramen, from Ramen Danbo's classic to its miso tonkotsu (and shoyu and vegetarian as well), all of which can be customised with spice, extra pork slices and other toppings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ramen Danbo Australia (@ramendanboau) If you're now craving ramen but won't be anywhere near Pimpama anytime soon, Ramen Danbo's drive-thru-free existing stores are located at Sunnybank Hills, South Brisbane and the Brisbane CBD in Brissie, as well as at Southport and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. The brand began in Japan in 2000, before making the leap to Australia. Next time that you're in North America, you'll also find offshoots in Vancouver, Seattle and New York. [caption id="attachment_776492" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ramen Danbo Sunnybank Hills[/caption] Find Ramen Danbo's drive-thru at Shop 3, 62–68 Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Pimpama — open from 11am–10pm daily. Head to the chain's website for further details. Images: Andrew HZ / Karen Boshoff.
Writing a prescient tale is the science-fiction holy grail, and a feat that Philip K Dick firmly achieved. Making a movie that becomes the prevailing vision of what the future might look like in the entire world's minds? That's a stunning filmmaking feat, and one that Ridley Scott notched up as well. The reason for both? On the page, 1968's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. In cinemas, 1982's Blade Runner. And if you need reminding of how stunning a story that the iconic sci-fi author penned, or how spectacular a film that the legendary director then turned it into, look no further than Blade Runner's return to the big screen — with a live score. When Dick pondered the difference between humans and artificial intelligence more than half a century back, he peered forward with revelatory foresight. When Scott followed fresh from Alien, he did the same. Now, with the clash between the organic and the digital a daily part of our lives in this ChatGPT-heavy reality, of course it's time for Blade Runner to flicker again. Film lovers, get ready for another dream movie-and-music pairing. Get ready for synths, too. Vangelis' stunning score will echo as Scott's feature screens in at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, February 10, 2024 for Blade Runner Live — an event that premiered in London in 2019, made its way around the UK, then hit Japan earlier in 2023. This session will screen the Final Cut version of the movie. Wondering how it differs from the OG release, and also the House of Gucci, The Last Duel and Napoleon filmmaker's Director's Cut? First unveiled in 2007 for the feature's 25th anniversary, it's the only version that Scott truly had full artistic control over. Blade Runner's narrative, if you're new to the franchise — which also includes exceptional 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049 and recent animated series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, with a new Blade Runner TV series also on the way — focuses on the one and only Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) as cop Rick Deckard. His task: finding replicants, aka androids, which turns into quite the existential journey. It's almost impossible to name a movie or TV series in sci-fi that's popped up over the four decades since Blade Runner first arrived that hasn't owed Scott's film a massive debt — and any synthesiser-fuelled score that hasn't done the same with Vangelis.
How does a stage production recreate Charles Darwin's famous voyage on the HMS Beagle, and do justice not only to the real-life tale of discovery, but the creatures the scientist came across? Dead Puppet Society's involvement in The Wider Earth might just give away the answer to that question. And we're not just talking about using shadows and felt to recreate everyday animals, either. From Saturday, February 5–Saturday, February 19 at The Princess Theatre, expect the delicate flutters of longhorn beetles and the slow lumbering of ancient tortoises to come alive on stage — and the naturalist's journey from the Andes through the Amazon to the Galapagos Islands as well. On the human side of things, expect a cast led by Tom Conroy as Charles Darwin to bring a piece of history back to life in a lively coming-of-age narrative. Plus, not only does The Wider Earth let a real-life quest play out with 30 custom-created puppets and eight actors — it also boasts a collaboration between two of Australia's leading musical creators, too. Singer-songwriter Lior and producer Tony Buchen have joined forces to ensure that the sounds of this adventure are as magical as the underlying story. And, this is the first time that The Wider Earth has played Brisbane since its world-premiere season back in 2016. Images: Guy Bell / Prudence Upton.
It doesn't take a fool to figure we in Australia have a nasty habit of throwing out perfectly fine food for petty reasons. You can blame it on Pete and Manu for making us believe the flower is the only edible part of the zucchini, or the natural and overpowering fear of eating the brown bit of a banana. But in reality, we put more edible food in the trash than we do our tum and it's a something that needs to change. As part of the Human Rights Film Festival, the Brisbane Powerhouse will be screening Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story. In a Super Size Me-type gonzo documentary, Just Eat It follows Canadian food lovers Jen and Grant as they dive head first into the issues surrounding overconsumption and food wastage. By surviving solely on food waste for six months, they provide an entertaining and shocking look into how much food we throw away and how it effects our earth.
Whisked from her idyllic farm with the promise of a job cooking for a high-level government official, it is only when Hortense Laborie (Catherine Frot) gets to Paris that she learns the position will actually involve being the private chef for French president Francois Mitterand. She has a moment of faint surprise, but only a moment. The job offer is a bolt from the blue, but she knows she's up for it. Based on the true story of the first woman to be the president's chef, Haute Cuisine alternates between Hortense's time in the palace and a later spell as the inscrutable but beloved head chef on an Antarctic research station. In a clunky plot device at odds with the rest of the film's unhurried feel, an Australian journalist (Arly Jover, doing a deplorable accent) is making a documentary about the station and tries to unravel the enigma of Hortense, including why she left her high-profile role for such an unlikely and isolated outpost. Not unlike last year's similarly foodie-friendly Step Up to the Plate, Haute Cuisine is almost defiantly low-key, offering little in the way of revelation but instead opting for a detailed, quiet character study and a wealth of lovingly filmed food preparation scenes. Initially feeling isolated in her position, Hortense finds herself ill at ease in the rarified surrounds of the Elysse palace, all cavernous rooms and chilly stylishness. She is unsure of the tastes of who she is cooking for, is eyed suspiciously from the chefs in the much larger public kitchen and has running battles with bean-counting bureaucrats who can't understand the time and money she pours into sourcing the finest truffles and foie gras. Eventually she does meet Mitterand (played with sparkly eyed verve by Jean d'Ormesson, making his film debut at age 86) and the pair bond over the heartfelt, rustic food of his childhood. Working with the timid but capable sous chef Nicholas (Arthur Dupont) she becomes a favourite of the ageing president, only increasing the jealousy of her male counterparts. Haute Cuisine is a small story but it is an interesting historical vignette, and it is to the film's credit that it does not overstay its welcome a minute.
Whether you like it or not, summer's balmy weather is hanging around a little longer this year. Most of Australia is forecast to score a hotter-than-average autumn, and although that doesn't sound all that unusual in Queensland, Brisbanites are about to endure a second successive week of 30 degree-plus temperatures. Tipping a maximum temperature of 36 degrees on Monday, March 11, the Bureau of Meteorology expects the mercury to rise up to eight degrees above average. That's verging into record-breaking territory. Indeed, the organisation is calling the temperature spike a heatwave, with the city also predicted to reach 33 degrees on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then hover between 31–33 until Saturday. https://twitter.com/BOM_Qld/status/1104224028066283520 The early autumn warmth will spread across southeast Queensland, affecting Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine coasts — and if 36 degrees sounds hot, spare a thought for Ipswich residents, who'll swelter through a 39-degree max on Monday. Of course, it hasn't exactly been cool in Brissie for the past week, exceeding 30 degrees every day since Monday, March 4. Showers and storms are possible from Tuesday onwards; however they won't bring a cool change, but an increase in humidity. The hot spell comes off the back of a record-breaking summer, with January was the hottest month ever recorded in Australia, and the entire season marked the warmest the country has ever experienced. Historically, Brisbane's March average is 29.1 degrees, while the month's hottest temperature came in 2007, courtesy of a 37.9-degree maximum. When BOM released its climate outlook for the March to May period back in mid-February, it revealed that most of the country is in for warmer days and stickier nights than we usually see at this time of year — so yes, the soupy weather is set to continue. In fact, there's an 80 percent chance that mainland Australian will experience autumn temperatures that are a whole lot warmer than the median. Don't go putting away your pedestal fans or losing your air-con remote just yet. Image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
Get ready rock fans, for the Arctic Monkeys will be returning to Australia and New Zealand next year. The British band will embark on their biggest down under tour to date this autumn for their latest album, AM. The album, which was released this past September, is the band's fifth consecutive number 1 in the UK and also debuted at the top spot in the ARIA Albums Chart. So, Aussie and Kiwi fans, get stoked because you'll soon have the chance to hear their awesome collection of new jams, including chart toppers such as 'R U Mine?' and 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?' Original fans needn't worry, because the Monkeys never forget to pay tribute to their old school favourites. You'll probably still get your chance to belt out 'Fluorescent Adolescent's, "Oh the boy's a slag / The best you ever had / The best you ever had." Arctic Monkeys 2014 Tour Dates: Auckland: May 2, Vector Arena Wellington: TSB Arena Sydney: May 6, Entertainment Centre Brisbane: May, Entertainment Centre Melbourne: May 9, Rod Laver Arena Adelaide: May 10, AEC Theatre Perth: May 13, Perth Arena Tickets go on sale December 11 https://youtube.com/watch?v=6366dxFf-Os
The human brain has been studied inside and out, and its complexities never cease to amaze us. We can make a fist, take a step or turn the wheel all because our thoughts are connected to our actions, but perhaps the new EPOC Neuroheadset will do away with the need for actions altogether. The neuroheadset is a brain-scanning device that allows you to control your computer with your mind. The headset detects brain signals to determine users' emotions and also contains gyroscope technology that reads your position, body movements and facial expressions to accurately communicate commands. Combined with the EmoLens application, the device can detect the emotions you feel as you browse through photos on Flickr and tag the photos accordingly - you don't even touch your mouse or keyboard. If you're bored of that trick, the headset can also use concentration, number of eye blinks or head shakes to determine how you're feeling. Among other applications that can be purchased include Mind Mouse, which allows the user to perform standard computer commands like clicking or double clicking a mouse or even sending an email, and Master Mind, with which users can play their favourite computer games with their minds. The applications and uses are quite limited at this stage, but along with other superhero-inspired technology coming to market, perhaps it won't be long before we can control things with our minds alone. Like a car.
The charming Black Bear Lodge is celebrating its third birthday in style this Saturday. Over the years it has become one of Brisbane's most-loved live music venues having hosted acts such as The Preatures, The Kite String Tangle, The Trouble with Templeton, Vance Joy and so many more. While live music is most definitely their forte, the team are also known for drawing a crowd on the weekend with their funky DJ sets and oh so groovy atmosphere. Playing on this special occasion are The John Steel Singers, Babaganouj and Tempura Nights. Like any good birthday party there is a theme and quite fittingly the evening will be lodge-themed. So dust off your finest flannelette, and make like a lumberjack by navigating the steep mountain of stairs leading to the lodge. Be sure to whet your whistle with maple and bacon shots and pine needle vodka. Happy birthday Black Bear!
After closing its doors two years ago, Woolloongabba's popular Chalk Hotel is set to spring back into business. Don't go queueing for a drink on the corner of Stanley and Reid streets or planning your post-cricket or -footy brews just yet, however. The watering hole's revamp will form part of the surrounding site's redevelopment, meaning that it's likely to be a couple more years in the making. Still, the resurrection of the pub on the city's outskirts will come as welcome news for locals, or anyone who headed to the inner east for a pint and a pizza during the ten years it was in operation. Since shutting up shop when the company behind the hotspot went into receivership, the building has lain dormant, with nothing else popping up inside to replace it. The Courier-Mail reports that the Barakat Group and Dyldam Group will spend $3 million on the venue, including a new beer garden and an interior refurbishment, aiming to bring the site into line with the commercial, hotel and residential buildings that are in the works at adjacent properties. The Chalk's reopening is planned once the rest of development is finished, with construction slated to start within the next year, and to take up to 18 months. Via The Courier-Mail.
This summer, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is hosting a sales event of most peculiar stock. Strange things they are, full of pages, rampant with words and with covers of the most beautiful colours. You can't charge them, they don't run out of battery, their brightness is unalterable, and they won't smash when you drop them. After being forced to shake up its usual schedule over the past few years due to the pandemic, Lifeline Bookfest is coming back for another round of vintage bargains between Saturday, January 14–Sunday, January 22, 2023. It's where you'll find everything from Australian Women's Weekly cookbooks to a bit of cheeky erotica, as well as games, DVDs and puzzles. If you've been before, you'll know there are warehouse quantities of books for sale – your grade five diary is probably hidden under a copy of Shantaram, and you'll come across at least three copies of Cooking with Days of Our Lives. In fact, over this year's nine-day summer run, more than one million items will be up for grabs. Prices range from $2.50 to the big bucks, and you'll have plenty to choose from. Whenever Bookfest hits Brisbane, it always brings hundreds of crates of reading materials with it. You'll still want to bring a trolley and your glasses, obviously, and to clear some space on your shelves at home. And, you'll want to bring your cards, because this Bookfest is cashless. Also, you'll need your own bags, as books won't be wrapped for you this time around. Head along from 7.30am–6pm on Saturday, January 14; 8.30am–6pm between Sunday, January 15–Thursday, January 19; 8.30am–9pm on Friday, January 20; and 8.30am–6pm between Saturday, January 21–Sunday, January 22. Images: Bookfest.
