Want to run your own cinema? Well, here’s your chance. 346 George Street, the address most recently known as Tribal Theatre, is up for rent. You might have your work cut out for you though, with the state of the venue pretty ambiguous. When it was last operational, it was the type of place you might say 'has character' if you were being nice. Think decades-old chairs, furniture hardly made for comfort, stained carpet and a rather specific smell. It has been more than a year since Tribal Theatre hosted events of any kind, and longer still since it boasted anything resembling normal film sessions. Their website is no longer up and running, and their Facebook page has become an echo chamber of uncertainty about the venue’s outcome. The saga of the site is longer than a horror movie marathon, and comes with more meandering diversions than The Room — and yes, upon hearing it, you’ll want to start throwing spoons at something. Weekly screenings of cult films, alternative programming and retrospectives started winding down towards the end 2011 amid widespread reports of the cinema’s closure. Thankfully, new operators swooped in and saved the day — well, kind of. Tribal's doors remained open, but its focus turned to hired events over film. After a parade of gigs, hypnosis shows, stand-up, burlesque, and even live grindhouse wrestling — yes really — it has sat empty and unused since late 2013. In its most recent versions, Tribal Theatre was always unconventional — and not just because of the ghosts alleged to haunt the place. The name stems from the travel agency that was based in its foyer from 2010 to 2013, spruiking tours to backpackers. Again, we’re not joking — and it was something that needed to be seen to be believed. A coffee cart and a bank of computers also took over parts of the entryway, similarly aimed at travellers. Indeed, despite its beloved program of weird and wonderful movie delights and its use as a base for the now-defunct Brisbane International Film Festival from 2010 to 2012, film increasingly felt like an afterthought. Plans to renovate, add a bar, and revamp the site into a live music venue were rumoured, but didn’t eventuate. It’s a sad state of affairs for a cinema that had been running in one form or another since 1910. The site started as the Lyceum Theatre, before becoming the George from the 1960s. Dendy took over in 1994, adding a second screen and running the place as Brisbane's premier arthouse cinema until 2008. This isn't the first time the building has faced an unknown fate, but just what comes next is anyone’s guess. For now, it remains home to ghosts, stories and memories, unless someone new comes to its rescue. Perhaps you? Just think of what you could do with the place.
If Cards Against Humanity's dark sense of humour appealed to the evil troll that lies dormant inside us all, you're going to flip your wicked lid over their new venture. OK Cookie Co. might sounds wholesome and sweet but the concept is devilish — send your friends (or your enemies) fortune cookies with brutal truths hidden inside. If there's anything more devastating than hopefully cracking a fortune cookie open only to have it tell you it's too late to stop climate change, we've never heard of it. OK Cookie taps into that market of assholes who love cruel jokes (which is frankly all of us). For US$10 plus shipping (or free shipping for two of more boxes), you can send a pack of 15 assorted misfortune cookies to anyone. Fortunes include gems such as "You will probably die of a heart attack or something" and "Your wildest dreams will come true, assuming those dreams are about the extinction of honeybees". It reminds us of the whole 'Send Your Enemies Glitter' win and the send your enemies a bag of gummy dicks thing of 2015 — people are apparently really on board with sending mean, anonymous gifts in the mail and we're delighted by it. May this be the first wave in a long, long line of novelty mail gifts.
This article is part of our series on the diverse highlights of NZ's Canterbury region, from city to snow. To book your Lake Tekapo trip, visit the 100% Pure New Zealand website. If your mental picture of New Zealand is all lush greenery, snow-topped mountains, vast lakes and clear skies, then you'd most likely go nuts over Lake Tekapo. The place is the idealisation of pretty much everything associated with New Zealand by way of landscape: a small town surrounded by the Southern Alps and sitting on the bluest goddamn lake you've ever seen. The water in this lake is not to be understated — it's pure magic. It shimmers like it could clear your head, cure your ails and turn you into a mermaid all at the same time. Mermaids aside, Tekapo is must-see for travellers driving through the South Island (it's less than three hours from Christchurch and Queenstown), and it's an idyllic place to stay too. The lake's obvious potential for water sports and its proximity to the nearby Round Hill ski area makes it a popular destination all year round, but time your stay correctly (that is, outside of school holidays) and you'll find a small, quiet town with enough going on to keep it interesting. You could spend two days in Tekapo just gazing out over the lake, but this small township becomes an oasis in winter with plenty to eat, see, do and take in. Got two days in the area? Here's how you should spend it in Tekapo. DAY ONE Midday: Air Safaris flight Tekapo is halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, so no matter where you're coming from on the South Island, you can make an early start and arrive before noon. If the weather's clear, the first thing you'll want to do is book yourself in for an Air Safaris flight. It's a little bit pricey, but if you can do it, it's amazing as all hell to see the landscape from the vantage point of a light plane. They'll fly you over Tekapo, through the Godley Valley and right over the top of the Southern Alps. Flights depart every hour and last for around 45 minutes. It is totally dependent on the weather, so it's best to book on the day when you know you'll be able to see more than a few feet in front of you. [caption id="attachment_227858" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Afternoon: The Church of the Good Shepherd The best thing about the Mackenzie region is that it has so much salmon swimming through its canal system that it's super fresh pretty much wherever you get it. Grab some salmon sashimi to go from Kohan (unsurprisingly Tekapo's only Japanese restaurant) and head over the canal to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The church is tiny, and — with that backdrop — is highly Instagrammable. It's usually open for prayer and admiration during the day if you want to head inside (just eat your salmon beforehand). [caption id="attachment_227862" align="alignnone" width="1024"] andrewXu via Flickr[/caption] Evening: Stargazing at Mt John Light pollution is one of those things you don't notice until it's gone, and at Tekapo it's practically nonexistent. Due to its isolation and terrain the area has an unusually high number of clear days and, as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the town is restricted in how much light they emit. You know what that means? You can see the stars! They're unusually bright from wherever you are in Tekapo, but the best vantage point is up at the Mt John Observatory. Access to Mt John is restricted at night, so you'll have to book a tour with Earth & Sky to get up there. On a clear night they'll point out what's up there and you'll get to look through their telescopes and pretty much geek out on astronomy. If you're really lucky, there might even be some Aurora Australis action. But, let me emphasise: really, really lucky. Night: Dinner at Rakinui Tekapo is primarily a tourist town, so there are a heap of places to stay. If you're looking for something that's fairly new, comfortable and not a hostel (it is only two nights, after all), Peppers Bluewater Resort ticks all the boxes and has some rooms that face right over the lake. If you're staying here, head to their restaurant, Rakinui, for a late post-stargazing dinner. Their homemade bread is incredible and they also have a regional tasting platter if you're keen to sample tastes of the Mackenzie region. DAY TWO Morning: Walk up Mount John A chilly morning walk might not sound like your idea of a holiday, but it will be once you get up the top of Mt John. So grab your gloves, scarf and beanie (as well as a walking trail map that you'll be able to find at your accommodation) and head outside. You can either drive to the walking track, which starts at Tekapo Springs, or just walk (it'll just add on an extra half an hour or so). From here you head up on a pretty steep track through the larch trees, which flattens out soon enough to take you around Mt John and up to the summit. On a clear morning the views are amazing — the water looks even bluer from up there and you can see all the way over the surrounding lakes and the Mackenzie Basin. This is definitely a spot where you can take an extended breather, contemplate nature, meditate etc. When you're done, you can take the same route back down (around 2 hours all up) or via the lake shore track, which is almost twice as long. Midday: Brunch at Run 77 After every good walk comes a good breakfast, which is precisely why Tekapo has Run 77. Those assuming a place like Lake Tekapo wouldn't be home to a quality cup of coffee will be pleasantly surprised, because Run 77 rocks it. The cafe doubles as a deli and food store, and dishes out a mean brunch by anyone's standards. Choose from things like their homemade muesli, fresh banana bread served with walnut jam and grilled banana and their eggs Benedict with local Aoraki hot smoked salmon. Plus, they have a cabinet full of scones, slices and muffins for your sweet tooth. Afternoon: Tekapo Springs Now you've walked uphill and had a big brunch, it's time to take off all your clothes. This might sound crazy (and it sort of is when there's snow on the ground), but sliding into the hot pools at Tekapo Springs is exactly what you never knew your body needed — you've just got to get from the change rooms and into the water in your bikini first. Sounds difficult, but what's waiting for you is three outdoor pools filled with toasty warm natural spring water at 36-40 degrees. So, don't worry, you won't be freezing your whatever off for very long. You can top this off with a skate on their outdoor ice rink, but we're more inclined to suggest a go in the sauna and possibly even a massage at their day spa. Actually, we insist on that last one. Evening: Dinner at Tin Plate After you emerge from the day spa in a daze at sunset, you probably won't be able to find you way home. Conveniently, Tekapo Springs offer a free shuttle service back into town on request, and they'll drop you wherever you like. For dinner and a glass of wine by the fire, slink into Tin Plate Kitchen & Bar. The newest addition to Tekapo's main drag, Tin Plate has only been open since the start of this year's ski season, doing pizza, pasta and piada — an Italian pita bread served open with toppings like chorizo and prawn or artichoke, capsicum and blue cheese. Wine is available by the carafe, Three Boys Pilsner is on tap and your bed is only a short walk away. That's the beauty of Tekapo.
Seasonal change is finally settling into Melbourne and with it comes one of the NGV's best annual exhibitions: the Winter Masterpieces series. This year, it's no secret they've snagged a true master, Vincent Van Gogh, the poster boy for post-impressionism and dramatic self-mutilation. Set to open on April 28 and running until July 19, blockbuster exhibition Van Gogh and the Seasons has been years in the making, and is expected by NGV to draw one of the gallery's biggest audiences yet. Curator Sjraar Van Heugten has fine tuned a thematic exhibition after Van Gogh's own heart, an exploration of the seasons in over 60 works. "In the seasons, he [Van Gogh] has perceived infinity, something larger than humanity. The seasons represent ongoing life," he says. Inside the exhibition, you'll find a fascinating investigation into Van Gogh's life, alongside some of his best naturalist pieces. The artist's character, and his fluctuating mental health, often receive as much attention as his best works. The story of his life, and his death, are expounded wonderfully (and sensitively, snaps for not stigmatising mental health) through quotes, correspondence and essays. Although the collection itself doesn't feature his most famous works, you'll leave with a window into the artist's true persona and an understanding of the sheer breadth of his talent. Structurally, Van Gogh and the Seasons is broken into (you guessed it) the four seasons, that masterfully weave a narrative through the artist's life. The NGV has produced a short accompanying film, narrated by David Stratton and David Wenham, that's worth a watch before you proceed through the exhibition, as it explains the structure of the exhibition and sets the mood. We'll let you experience the exhibition for yourself, but in case you'd like a little guidance in your visit, here are five works you shouldn't miss. A WHEATFIELD WITH CYPRESSES, 1889 This painting is perhaps one of the exhibition's best known pieces. You'll see it emblazoned on all the NGV's marketing collateral and once you're standing in front of it, you can feel why. The vibrant colours and rolling cloud banks are euphoric. There's nothing more to say except this painting is worth the ticket price alone. TREE TRUNKS IN THE GRASS, 1890 The composition of this painting is a departure from the Van Gogh tradition. It's an awkward close-up of a tree trunk and surrounding vegetation but it stands out for the detail, the peaceful atmosphere, and the perfectly balanced colours. Van Gogh painted this in the spring (April) of 1890, just after a period of severe mental illness and only months before taking his own life. VIEW OF SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER, 1888 Love a good Cezanne town landscape? Don't miss this work. Painstakingly composed and one Van Gogh's more structured pieces, View of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer will catch you off-guard. While his style was overwhelmingly more fluid and impressionist, this scene is clearly defined and an interesting counterpoint to the rest of the spring and summer pieces. ORCHARD IN BLOSSOM, 1889 This is part of a series in the 'spring' section that is collectively stunning. The delicate pastels used in this season represent Van Gogh's time in Paris, living with his doting brother Theo in Montmartre, where his style lightened and evolved into what we know today as his best works. As a lover of nature, the fertile spring inspired some of his most beautiful pieces. SELF PORTRAIT, 1887 And at the very end of the exhibition, we get a final glimpse of the man who had previously remained faceless. A small but articulate self portrait of a weary looking artist, rendered three years before he died. Van Gogh's final words, spoken to his brother Theo, were famously, "The sadness will last forever". There's a lot of sadness in this exhibition. If you can, we recommend you walk through alone and take it all in. Van Gogh and the Seasons runs April 28 to July 19 at NGV. Installation images: Tom Ross.
Sunny one day, perfect the next. Most of the time. Brisbanites will all agree that summer here, despite all its advantages can be a biatch. On days where the humidity is so stifling you feel as though you could cut the air with a knife and you have sweat dripping down you neck, chest and backs of the knees, all you crave is immediate relief. And this comes best served frozen. Whether you're looking for something healthy and nourishing, or are prepared to go the whole hog for sweet, icy, cooling deliciousness, here's our round-up of Brisbane's best. HEALTHY FROZEN TREATS PAWPAW CAFE: COCOWHIP If you haven't already heard that the Venzin Group have brought the famed BSKT Cocowhip from Nobbys Beach to the 'burbs of Brisbane, you've been living under a rock. This uber-healthy soft-serve treat takes coconut water, probiotic and maqui berry and whips it into oblivion to make a delicious, light and refreshing anytime-snack. Enjoy it with frozen mixed berries or add some granola and have it for breakfast. 898 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba KISS THE BERRY: KTB ORIGINAL BOWL Kiss the Berry really is the queen bee when it comes to who reigns supreme over Brisbane's acai bowl. No matter what flavour or toppings you choose (the Snickers Delight Bowl with cacao and almond butter; the Green Machine Bowl with spinach, kale and coconut water; or the Aloha Tropicana Bowl with mango and passionfruit), it's an option that explodes with flavour and crunch. The ultimate? The KTB Original Bowl is supercharged with superfood — just pure acai, frozen banana, strawberries and apple juice. 1/99 Creek Street, Brisbane City & 114 Grey Street, South Brisbane SKINNY SCOOP: ANTIOXIDANT BERRY BOWL Similar to an acai bowl only minus the acai, Skinny Scoop (of Jan Powers Farmers Markets) blitzes up frozen berry goodness and serves it with your choice of fresh seasonal fruit, shredded coconut or granola and goji berries. Less intense in flavour than an acai bowl, the Berry Antioxidant is cool, refreshing and exactly what your sweltering self needs after a humid morning picking out your week's worth of fruit and veg. Jan Powers Farmers Markets PRESS: PINK PATAYA BOWL You’ll be tickled pink by Press on James Street’s Pink Pitaya Bowl. The key ingredient being dragonfruit, Press blends it with other frozen fruits and ice. They fan fresh seasonal fruit out on top with shredded coconut, gojis and vegan granola. It’s very mild in flavour and perfect for a quick fix to quench your thirst or keep the wolf from the door. 18/65 James Street, Fortitude Valley COULD-PASS-AS-HEALTHY FROZEN TREATS YOFLOW: FROYO Supposedly with the same amount of sugar content as your supermarket Ski yoghurt, Yoflow self-serve froyo in Gasworks adopts the weigh-and-pay method for their regularly rotating flavours of froyo. It’s like a good old-fashioned soft-serve, with the toppings you choose dictating the level of indulgence. Pick from the likes of lime and rosewater, coconut or mango, or opt for the fail-safe natural falvour, then be as liberal as you like with what goes on top. From fresh fruit and tapioca bubbles to crumbled brownie and chocolate chips, it’s ranking on the health scale is in your court. Gasworks Plaza, Newstead BOOST JUICE: BANANA BUZZ A Banana Buzz on a hot day can usually turn your heat stress to happiness. Banana, milk, ice and 'TD4' ("to die 4") frozen yoghurt, plus honey if that’s your jam, are whizzed up into a ridiculously thick smoothie that sometimes means you almost need to resort to a spoon rather than struggle with the straw. It's the epitome of hitting the mall on a hot day. Equally thirst-quenching are the Mango Magic or Strawberry Squeeze, which can also be requested 'lite' with 30% less kilojoules. Various locations PASSIONTREE: BINGSOO Bingsoo, or shaved ice with toppings, is a popular Korean summer snack that Passiontree is bringing to Brisbane dessert lovers. Served in a giant parfait glass with toppings ranging from jelly cubes to cornflakes, it’s a quirky Asian dessert that surprises the tastebuds. For a limited time over summer, they’re also serving giant melon bingsoo: half a hulled-out melon (currently it’s watermelon), with melon juice-infused shaved ice, topped with perfectly sculpted balls of melon and creamy ice-cream. It’ll set you back $20 and is definitely an icy treat best shared between two or three. 103 Elizabeth street, Brisbane INDULGENT FROZEN TREATS LA MACELLERIA: GELATO We may not have a Gelato Messina, but with La Macelleria in Teneriffe serving authentic, artisanal Italian gelato using traditional machinery and techniques and sourcing the freshest of ingredients for their craft, who much cares? With flavours like caramello salato (salted caramel), Crema Bologna (best described as lemony-vanilla) and Castiglione (fresh ricotta with caramelised figs) there is a great mix of contemporary and conventional to suit any taste. Otherwise, a suite of sorbets, shakes and artful gelato cakes are proffered for sale. Made fresh everyday, these cups of creamy spoils are guaranteed to quash any heat-induced craving. 29 Florence St, Teneriffe COWCH DESSERT COCKTAIL BAR: NAKED POPS Cowch has stolen Brisbane’s heart with their range of indulgent desserts, wicked cocktails and up-late hours. The best treat to beat the heat? A deconstructed Naked Pop. Simply choose your flavour of ice cream (essentially a 'naked' Magnum) then DIY with the toppings. Dip it in white, milk or dark chocolate and sprinkle it with your choice of chocolate balls, nuts, honeycomb and dried berries. It’s an eyeball-roll-inducing cool-down. 2/179 Grey Street, South Bank COWCH DESSERT COCKTAIL BAR: BACON ICE CREAM At the beginning of this post, we said you could easily have the Cocowhip for breakfast. If that's too 'healthy' for you, then we suggest pigging out on Cowch's Canadienne Breakfast Waffle Bowl with Bacon Ice Cream and Maple Syrup. The salty-sweet ice cream dotted with crunchy bacon bits comes topped with a paper-thin crisp of air-dried pancetta and is served in a waffle cone bowl. Literally the whole dish is edible. And on a hot day, eat it you will. 2/179 Grey Street, South Bank
'The mormons are coming', posters popping up all around Brisbane started promising last year. Come March, they'll officially be here. If you didn't make it to Melbourne or Sydney to catch The Book of Mormon, 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, the multi-award-winning production will settle in for a Brisbane season from March 16 until May 31. 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'. UPDATE, MARCH 13: The Book of Mormon has announced a $30 ticket lottery throughout its Brisbane season, with a select number of cut-price seats available by ballot for each performance from Saturday, March 16, subject to availability. To nab a ticket, you'll need to enter in person two-and-a-half hours before your chosen show, using the form available that's only available at the box office. Names will be drawn at random two hours prior to curtain, only one entry is allowed per person, and you can only score two tickets. For further details, visit the musical's website. Image: Ryan Bondy, Zahra Newman, Nyk Bielak and company in The Book of Mormon, AUS 1411. (c) Jeff Busby.
Sculpture by the Sea turns 21 in 2017 and 104 artists — from both Australia and overseas — have come to the party. Until November 5, the two-kilometre stretch of coast between Sydney's Bondi and Tamarama beaches will be dotted with works — overtaking beaches, peeking out of rock platforms, emerging from the sea and towering over cliffs. Since starting up in 1997, the event hasn't changed much. It's still free. It's still all about plugging public art and boosting artists' careers. And it still brings in the crowds, with about 500,000 people visiting each year. Every Saturday and Sunday will also see artist talks give you the chance to kick back on a bean bag and find out what goes on inside a sculptor's head. Here are five sculptures to look out for while you're wandering the Sculpture by the Sea trail during the next couple of weeks. [caption id="attachment_642057" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] JAMES DIVE: WHAT A TASTY LOOKING BURGER A giant hamburger, attached to a rope at one end and a fish hook at the other, lies on a rock platform. This, folks, is what artist James Dive imagined as the ultimate human bait. Dive last exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea 11 years ago with the now world-famous melting ice cream truck work Hot With a Chance of a Storm. [caption id="attachment_642056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] STEPHEN MARR: UNDER ONE SKY Two figures, dressed in suits covered in sky, against a backdrop of real-life sky, stand in an embrace, one another's limbs melting into one another's bodies. It's a beautiful moment of embrace and connection. [caption id="attachment_642110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] G Carr[/caption] KATHY ALLAM: PLASTIC PARADISE Kathy Allam creates art with items usually discarded. For Plastic Paradise, she collected 1000 green and blue bottles over three years to create this abstract plastic landscape that both glitters in the sunlight and makes a statement on single-use plastics. [caption id="attachment_642058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] HARRIE FASHER: THE LAST CHARGE Standing before this mini herd of mighty horses, it's not hard to imagine the terror of a stampede. Oberon-based artist Harrie Fasher built the sculpture as a centenary memorial to the charge of the Australian Light Horse in the Battle of Beersheba in Palestine on October 31, 1917. [caption id="attachment_642059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jessica Wyld[/caption] DAVID BALL: ORB Needless to say, you have to check out the winner of the $60,000 Aqualand Award, which is the wealthiest annual sculpture prize in Australia. Orb is the creation of Mittagong-based sculptor David Ball and, inspired by his experience exploring the outdoors of Sydney's bushland, puts a striking frame around a familiar view. "Orb is a visual metaphor for a break in unity but also conveys humour as such a small force cause's disconnection," Ball said in a statement after winning the prize. Sculpture by the Sea is on display between Bondi and Tamarama beaches in Sydney until November 5. For more info, visit sculpturebythesea.com.
Move over, Dark Mofo. Victoria's Apollo Bay is getting an after dark arts festival of its very own. Creeping into the coastal shire on the eastern side of Cape Otway, WinterWild will take place on select Saturday nights in July and early August. Each evening will begin with a ceremonial bonfire on the beach, before branching out to the Mechanics Hall and beyond. Standout events on the program include a performance of Tosca by local opera company Cut Opera, a screening of the '90s cult surf film Litmus, sets by Sand Pebbles and Dirty Three's Mick Turner, and talks by Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford and Arnold Zable. Local cafes and restaurants will also get involved with the festival. Steve Earl's acclaimed La Bimba will devise a special festival menu, and provide a place for revellers to recover as the sun rises on Sunday morning. "This festival won't be for the faint-hearted," said festival director Roderick Poole. "It is very much aimed at adventurous spirits ready to take on a challenge; to embrace the harsh environment and celebrate the beauty of the elements at their extremes. WINTERWILD 2017 DATES: Water (July 1-2): Mick Turner (Dirty Three), Sand Pebbles, screening of Litmus with soundtrack performance by director Andrew Kidman. Earth (July 15-16): Butoh performer Yumi Umiumare, Tek Tek Ensemble, Tosca by Cut Opera. Air (July 29-30): Programmed by the Apollo Bay Writer's Festival, including Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford, Arnold Zable and Emilie Zoey Baker. Fire (Aug 12-13): Massed choir of 100 singers, ritual burning of festival sculpture, live music. WinterWild information and tickets at www.winterwild.com.au.
Australia's love affair with the meat pie has reached extravagantly unfathomable new heights, with today's unveiling of a pie worth a whopping $12,000. Billed as the world's most expensive pie, the gold-encrusted pastry is the result of a partnership between the Lord Dudley Hotel in Paddington and Groupon Australia; celebrating the sale of the website's two-millionth food and drink voucher. Baked by Lord Dudley's executive chef Paul Medcalf, the so-called posh pie is made with David Blackmore's Wagyu beef eye fillet, rock lobster from Western Australia, Italian porcini mushrooms, 500g of black truffles and a selection of organically-grown vegetables, as well as two bottles of Penfolds Grange Reserve. The top of the pie consists of puff pastry covered in shaved truffles and — wait for it — 23 carat gold leaf from Germany. Yes, it sounds delicious and opulent and outrageous. But $12,000? To put that price into perspective, this pie costs roughly the same amount as 2500 Four 'N' Twenty Pies from 7-Eleven, or fifty-two thousand frozen party pies from Coles. But their gravy ain't made of the Grange. Groupon have released a video of the baking process, complete with inspiring MasterChef-style music, viewable below. Drooling is permitted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnjpc_9auDA Anyone with a casual 12K lying around can make a purchase offer here. The rest of us plebs can also win a free taste, through a competition on the Groupon website.
Music, as with any art form, can serve as a means to escape; therapeutic and magical, infectious and addictive. For Adit Gauchan of Horrorshow, making music is a labour of love — actually, it's his every waking moment. "I love and breathe music so heavily that it's all I can do," he says. Horrorshow is an Australian hip hop duo from Sydney's inner west. The band is made up of producer, Adit Gauchan, and Nick Bryant-Smith (or MC Solo) on vocals. The two met at high school and released their first album in 2008 through Sydney label, Elefant Traks. Adit explains, "we started out making music in our dad's houses. We'd write and record in our bedrooms and I guess that way of working has never really stopped for us". In partnership with Sonos, we've been delving into some of our favourite artist's home studios – here is where the Horrorshow magic happens. THE MAGIC HAPPENS IN A CONVERTED BEDROOM Three years ago, Adit moved in with Sarah Corry, his partner in life, love and music (she's one half of Sydney electronica duo, Left). They soon converted the second bedroom of their Newtown house into a studio space. "One of the best things about having a home studio is the creative people that come through regularly", he says. "Every couple of months we'll have a party, and what happens when you get a bunch of musicians in the same room, dancing and drinking? They want to record some demos in the studio". His second-bedroom home studio serves as a safe, creative space for many of the other musicians the pair work with (Left and the One Day project, to name just two). "This is where we write a lot of the music". 'Sleep', a song by Hau (the solo project of Hau Latukefu, formerly of Koolism) was worked out at one of Adit's parties. "Capturing that kind of energy, it's a real positive for me". Of course, music is played at parties and music gets heard at parties. If you create the right environment, music can be created at parties. He continues, "Luckily we have some very lovely neighbours who support us and don't mind the noise". THEIR HOUSE IS NEVER, EVER SILENT I ask him what's it's like living with another creative - after all, Sarah is a successful vocalist and musician herself. "It brings an interesting dynamic. Creatively, there's an understanding", he says. Music pulsates through their house almost constantly, through his Sonos speakers. Good sound is important to him. Especially, Adit says, when the pair (or anyone that happens to visit their house) are recording. Our conversation continues and he voices a well-humoured frustration with Bluetooth. "Like most people, I don't have the best relationship with Bluetooth. It's just so unreliable, which is why I'm so pumped that Sonos speakers connect with Wi-Fi". FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND RUN WITH IT After almost a decade, Horrorshow's method of writing and recording hasn't really changed. Adit's home studio functions as a writing space where he crafts and layers beats, usually on his own. Once he feels he's onto something good, Solo will come over and the two will jam out the direction the song will take. "We'll work on songs together, but Solo might go and chill in the back yard and work on raps and melodies for beats I've already laid down". Like many musicians, Horrorshow started out with home recording and stresses how important it is to figure out what works for you. "I would love to have a studio at my place of residence, but not necessarily inside the house. If one day, I had a bigger back yard and there was a bit more space, I'd love to house a recording space in a different building", he says. Everyone works differently and there are certainly challenges to working from home - concentration, motivation, loneliness. WORK EVERY DAY, UNTIL YOU LOSE YOUR FLOW. THEN GO TO THE BEACH There are few things more frustrating than a creative block, when the pace slows and your fingers are giving you nothing. For Adit, his creativity suffers when he loses momentum. "When I've been writing a lot, the ideas will flow. Shooting videos, going on tour - these things get in the way. I really find routine is the most important thing when it comes to creativity", he says. "Create a space that you want to spend time in and work on something everyday. That's how you'll make great stuff and get better". What about when the dreaded creative block hits? "Just stop. Go outside, have a meal, go to the beach, enjoy the sunshine". Yes, sir. SWITCH OFF, AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO When it comes to switching off, Adit doesn't struggle too much. "Being in the studio is never work to me. Sure, there is work relating to what I do — meetings, tour rehearsals, that sort of stuff — but when I'm in the studio, that's a whole different thing. It's important to have a space that encourages your creativity, that you're happy to use regularly". Naturally, when you spend every waking minute practicing your art, it can be difficult to switch off. "Even when I'm doing my tax, it's related to music in some way. Switching off can definitely be a problem, but it's not insurmountable. It doesn't make me want to change the way I do things, it's something I'm happy to put up with", Adit continues. "With music, it's fun and all that, but if you want to make a living out of it, you have to live and breathe it. But, if you love what you do, it's worth it right?" Get studio-level sound in your home with Sonos. Walk from one room to another and hear the same song in perfect quality – speakers are powered by wifi and tune automatically. Horrowshow are pumped for their thirteen date national tour. It's their first time on the road in nearly a year, and they're promising new tracks alongside old favourites.
When Australian audiences embrace our own films, we tend to do it in a very big way. Last year, Lion had viewers everywhere in tears. In the years prior, we were turning out in droves for The Dressmaker and Mad Max: Fury Road. And, even when local efforts aren't setting the box office alight, our homegrown flicks are still tearing up cinema screens with a showcase of Aussie talent. The Babadook, Snowtown, Mystery Road, Goldstone, Tracks, These Final Hours, 52 Tuesdays, Holding the Man, Sherpa, Hounds of Love, Jasper Jones, Ali's Wedding — they're just some of the ace Australian films that've reached theatres in recent years. In 2018, they'll be joined by these ten movies you need to put on your viewing list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKBG1znk4A SWEET COUNTRY An Australian western set during the late 1920s in the Northern Territory, Sweet Country boasts plenty of well-known talent, including Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Matt Day and Ewen Leslie. It's the director behind the movie that should grab your attention, however, with his long-awaited second fictional feature absolutely essential viewing. In an impassioned race-relations drama that finds the struggles of the past painfully still relevant to Australia in the present, Samson & Delilah's Warwick Thornton crafts a searing piece of cinema about an Aboriginal stockman, a cruel station owner and the fallout when they cross paths. Make no mistake, it'll be gathering a heap of shiny trophies when Aussie awards season rolls around at the end of 2018. In cinemas January 25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMrhANU1-X4 CARGO He's already played Tim from The Office, Bilbo Baggins and John Watson — and now, Martin Freeman takes on the guise of a father trying to save his baby during the apocalypse. Based on Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke's Tropfest short of the same name, the South Australian-made film plunges into dystopian sci-fi territory amidst Australia's sparse landscape, and takes locals such as Susie Porter, Anthony Hayes and David Gulpilil along for the ride. Oh, and for added thrills in what proves an involving, gorgeously shot, environmentally and Indigenously-minded addition to a well-worn genre, there's zombies as well. A hit at last year's Adelaide Film Festival, it's destined for Aussie cinemas and Netflix. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNndmppBgwM HAVE YOU SEEN THE LISTERS? There's only one way to respond to the question posed by the title of Aussie documentary Have You Seen the Listers? The answer, of course, is yes. If you've walked along a city street in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, you've seen Anthony Lister's work at least once, even if you didn't realise it. Directed by All This Mayhem's Eddie Martin — with the same flair for an engaging story told with insight and authenticity — the film charts his graffiti and art career, and the about-face he faced in Brissie when the council that once paid him to paint decided to take him to court for vandalism. Compelling and moving in equal measure, and candidly personal too, it's a portrait of chasing a dream, finding success and then coming down the other side. In cinemas April 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY8KFlOm7qo BREATH Returning to Australia's film industry after nearly two decades, Simon Baker doesn't just feature in Breath, the adaptation of Tim Winton's best-seller of the same name. He also ventures behind the camera, making his directorial debut. In both guises, he impresses — particularly, as the feature's guiding force, in coaxing illuminating performances out of standout young stars Samson Coulter and Ben Spence. In a visually, emotionally and tonally assured effort, the pair play surf-obsessed teens who come to idolise Baker's ageing ex-professional wave-rider, and grow close to his retired skier wife (Elizabeth Debicki). In cinemas May 3. [caption id="attachment_653802" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Jennifer Kent's The Babadook[/caption] THE NIGHTINGALE Don't worry, Jennifer Kent's second feature won't have you peering under beds, being scared to look in cupboards and thinking twice about pop-up books. Instead, The Babadook director is trading one kind of thrills for another, this time telling the tale of a young woman in Tasmania in the early 19th century. A quest for revenge drives the narrative, with Game of Thrones actress Aisling Franciosi, Their Finest's Sam Claflin, and Aussies Ewen Leslie and Damon Herriman helping to bring it to life. When Franciosi's 21-year-old convict witnesses the death of her family by soldiers, her vengeance begins, as does her journey through the wilderness with an Aboriginal tracker. Release date TBC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u4P4Isv6Zk 1% If Sons of Anarchy was made in Perth, it might look like 1%. Diving into the depths of warring motorcycle gangs, and exploring both internal and external turf wars, it has all of the familiar elements: gritty aesthetics, violent altercations, power struggles, a clash of generations and the club's second-in-charge facing off against his veteran leader all included. And yet, with Ryan Corr and Matt Nable both putting in memorable performances, and Abbey Lee and Aaron Pedersen also among the cast, the debut feature from Stephen McCallum rides its own trail through the brutal bikie genre. Nable also wrote the script, while the film itself started doing the rounds of international festivals late last year. In cinemas August 30. HOTEL MUMBAI In 2008, Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was attacked by terrorists. At least 167 people killed. Making his first feature, Australian writer/director Anthony Maras recreates the horrific incident, which understandably proved harrowing for locals and tourists alike. And, he's doing so with a familiar face to Aussie cinemagoers, with Dev Patel helping lead a noteworthy international cast after doing such a stellar job in 2017 hit Lion. Also on screen: Red Dog: True Blue's Jason Isaacs, 52 Tuesdays' Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Call Me By Your Name's Armie Hammer. In cinemas November 22. [caption id="attachment_585206" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Filmmaker Abe Forsythe[/caption] LITTLE MONSTERS After attacking the Cronulla riots with a sense of humour that made clear the stupidity of racist thinking and hateful actions, Abe Forsythe has a zombie comedy in his sights for his next film. Yes, Aussie filmmakers really are loving the undead this year. Called Little Monsters, it follows a musician who agrees to chaperone his nephew's school excursion, the kindergarten teacher he falls for in the process, a kid's TV entertainer who forms the third part of their love triangle, and the shuffling, brain-eating masses trying to munch on the children. Down Under's Alexander England stars opposite 12 Years a Slave Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and Beauty and the Beast's Josh Gad. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653812" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Undertow[/caption] UNDERTOW Slated to debut at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival as part of the fest's Premiere Fund, Undertow tussles with grief and obsession as a mourning woman begins to stress about her husband's connection with a pregnant teenager. Namechecking Black Swan and Wish You Were Here as influences on its crowdfunding page, the film is clearly stepping into the psychological thriller realm. Actress-turned-debut feature filmmaker Miranda Nation both writes and directs, and Laura Gordon (Joe Cinque's Consolation), Josh Helman (Wayward Pines) and Olivia de Jonge (Better Watch Out) star. Release date TBC. [caption id="attachment_653809" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Slam[/caption] SLAM An Australian-made and -set effort by Indian-born filmmaker Partho Sen-Gupta (Sunrise), Slam wades into complex — and all-too-topical — territory. When Ameena (Danielle Horvat), a young hijab-wearing Aussie of Palestinian origin, disappears after attending a slam poetry night, the media is quick to paint her as something more than a missing person. For her brother Ricky (Adam Bakri) and mother Rana (Darina Al Joundi), it's an expectedly tense time filled with easy labels and suspicions. Complicating matters is the personal struggle of the police inspector assigned to the case (Rachel Blake), who has just returned to work after losing her soldier son. Release date TBC.
Sydney, get ready for winter — and to be ensconced in projections once again. Vivid, Sydney's annual festival of light, music and ideas, is returning for 23 days and nights from May 24 to June 15. The most overt (and unavoidable) aspect of the program is the lights, and for the second year running their glow will head across the bridge to light up Luna Park. It will extend the reach of the CBD's Light Walk from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo with a collection of 50 large-scale projections stretching along the walk's three kilometres. Should make good viewing from the ferry. Some of the immersive light installations you'll encounter throughout the precincts include a pop-up 'winter camp' in Barangaroo, a 'robot spaceland' in Darling Harbour, 300 large-scale animal sculptures in Taronga Zoo, a playable cascading harp in Chatswood and an immersive field of 500 fireflies in the Royal Botanic Garden. Pixar is also jumping on board this year, and will be projecting characters from its classic animated flicks onto the façade of the Argyle Cut in the Rocks. The Sydney Opera House's sails will this year be lit up with hypnotic images of Australian flora from LA artist and video maker Andrew Thomas Huang (who has previously created music videos for Björk), and Customs House will be transformed into an underwater wonderland — covered in neon projections of creatures found under the Harbour it overlooks. Vivid Music is once again in fine form. As was previously announced, The Cure will do four shows at the Sydney Opera House from May 24–28 — their only Australian shows this time round. Tickets have already been allocated via ballot, so we hope you jumped on that already. Joining them for the Vivid Live component of the program at the Opera House will be folk rock singer Sharon Van Etten, performing hits of her poignant new album Remind Me Tomorrow, American singer Maggie Rogers and Perth up-and-comer Stella Donnelly, who's heading to the harbour city fresh off the back of the release of her new album Beware of the Dogs. Jónsi, from Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós, and Alex Summers (known as Jónsi & Alex) will be performing an ethereal show complete with a 21-piece orchestra and 12-member choir in the Concert Hall. The Opera House's super popular Studio Parties will also make their return. Last year's music lineup throwback came in the form of 90s hits Ice Cube and Cat Power. This year, British electronic group Underworld, best known for the house and techno hits they released in the 90s, will be flying the nostalgia flag. If the name is a little unfamiliar to you, you'll definitely recognise their single 'Born Slippy (Nuxx)'. Famed jazz musician Herbie Hancock, who started his career in the Miles David Quintet back in the 60s, will also be taking to the stage, performing hits from across his five-decade career. Another big one is a performance from FKA Twigs who's bringing her experimental dream pop to Carriageworks, and Rüfüs Du Soul will take over the arts precinct for three nights of electro bangers on June 13, 14 and 15. The City Recital Hall has a solid program this year, including a performance by Paul Kelly and James Ledger. Live music gigs will also be held across the city as part of the program, including at the Lansdowne, Ziggy's hairdresser and 107 Redfern. Vivid Ideas is, of course, back for those keen to delve into creativity, science and technology — and this year it's scored Spike Lee as its big-ticket speaker. Lee will be in town to chat about his personal political views as well as his award-winning 2018 flick BlackKklansman. There's plenty more where that came from, check the Vivid Sydney website for more details. Images: DNSW and Hamilton Lund.
Newsflash: fashion isn't just about looking good. Sustainability is playing an ever-increasing role for many designers, and there's a new Australian magazine trying to to support and highlight their noble pursuits. With their first edition launching only a matter of months ago, Hessian is your new go-to publication for feel-good fashion. For those a little out of the loop, we spoke to editor-in-chief Siggi McCarthy to get the inside scoop. How are people embracing this new trend? Where can you get your hands on the good stuff? What does it all mean? So, what is Hessian? "Hessian was founded simply out of necessity," McCarthy says. "Violette Snow (founder) felt there needed to be a magazine that packaged sustainable fashion in a way that was accessible, exciting and fresh. Without sounding like a crazy hippy, the earth and the people living here are in trouble and we need to step up and do something about it." McCarthy first met Snow when she was working for Ethical Clothing Australia, manning their stall at the Sustainable Living Festival. The two got chatting and soon realised they were very much on the same page. "I was immediately drawn to the idea of Hessian and knew I wanted to be a part of it. Violette was putting onto paper what I'd been thinking about for a long time: Why can't sustainable fashion be aesthetically pleasing? Why don't we expect more from fashion labels? Can someone please stop using the word 'green'?" "There needs to be a greater dialogue when it comes to ethical issues in the fashion industry but we can't create real change if we alienate young consumers. This is why Hessian uses a concept called subtle sustainability." Sustainability is a bunch of small choices "Subtle sustainability is a stripped back easygoing concept that encourages us to think about leading a more conscious lifestyle," McCarthy says. Instead of shoving it in people's faces, Hessian focusses on making realistic and achievable lifestyle changes — people want to feel as though they're making a difference, but they also don't want to read about doom and gloom. "Put simply, we just want young people to make informed choices and realise that mindful living can actually be fucking cool." Focussing on the bigger picture, Hessian prefers to think of itself as a style magazine rather than a fashion rag. "We encourage people to embrace quality local production, independent design, good craftsmanship, and style that transcends seasonal fads." You don't have to look bad to feel good Good news do-gooders! These days you can buy sustainable products without compromising on quality or style. "While some brands unfortunately reinforce the stigma attached to sustainable fashion — that it's heinous — there are labels out there that are encouraging people to buy ethically through beautiful clothing," McCarthy says. "I think that's the key to a more sustainable fashion industry — blending ethics with aesthetics so seamlessly that sustainable clothing becomes the more desirable option." Bottom line: people want to buy clothing because they look good and that's never going to change. "They’re not going to settle for something that looks like crap just because it has a nice story behind it." There are lots of brands doing great things "I think us young folk get a bit of a kick out of knowing who is behind the clothing and wearing something that comes from a small run," McCarthy says. And, luckily for us, there are a bunch of local independent designers doing us proud in the sustainability stakes. In particular, Siggi recommends Kuwaii, Celeste Tesoriero, PER-TIM, Julie White, Thursday Sunday, YEVU, Kester Black, Nobody Denim and The Social Studio. Working at Ethical Clothing Australia, McCarthy also tries to support accredited labels. "R.M. Williams, for example, is ECA accredited and make the best boots locally in South Australia," she says. "I also dig NICO Underwear, which is made in Queensland using organic cotton and bamboo." Overseas favourites include Honest by, Everlane, Kowtow and Study. The good stuff can be hard to find The difficult thing about small independent labels is that they can be tricky to hunt down. In lack of an outlet store, McCarthy recommends hitting up Monk House Design, Dagmar Rousset, and trusty old op shops. But her hot tip is social media — there a bunch of great Facebook groups selling good quality, secondhand clothing. "When I meet girls to pick up items bought in these groups, it always feels like a drug deal," she says. "You generally don't know what the seller looks like, so you stand awkwardly on a corner hoping to make eye contact. When you suspect it's the right person, you walk up to them hesitantly, exchange pleasantries, inspect the garment, give them the money and then go about your day. Sometimes I think I buy clothing off these groups more for the experience than the clothing!" You can do it for cheap Of course, doing things right doesn't always come with a huge price tag — this isn't like the organic section at Coles. If you're doing this on a budget McCarthy suggests you stick to Facebook or Instagram and hit up online swaps like The Clothing Exchange. She also suggests you invest in quality over quantity. Buying one great item that lasts you saves you a bunch of money in the long term. You should also shoot for a well-curated wardrobe. This means thinking about what you already own and how your clothing can be worn with the garment you're considering buying. There's not much point having a wardrobe filled with pieces that don't work together. Last but not least, don't worry about wearing the same clothes often. If you look good — work it. For more on sustainable fashion pick up Hessian from their online store or Happy Valley, Brunswick Street Bookstore, Save Yourself Boutique, Dagmar Rousset, Greenhorse Boutique, Limedrop in Victoria. In NSW you can pick up a copy at Darley Collective. Images via Hessian Magazine, Dagmar Rousset, Kuwaii, Monk House Design.
It's great that rum is no longer only associated with pirates and over the top tiki bars. In the past few years we've seen a resurgence of this spirit that's born from sugarcane — it now doesn't just appear in the mojito, but is a staple of the bar menu. Bartenders regularly use rum to spice up classic cocktails and create over the top drinks. Sydney has many specialty rum bars in which knowledgeable bartenders (who know the difference between light and dark rum) perfectly mix up rum cocktails and know exactly what to mix with each type. In partnership with Baron Samedi Spiced, we asked our friends at The Lobo Plantation in Sydney for a few ways to use rum — so we can reignite our love for this tropical spirit and shake up our at-home cocktail routine. TASTE THE FLAVOURS IN AN OLD FASHIONED An old fashioned is a classic cocktail, often enjoyed with whisky, but best enjoyed with rum. It's a simple combination of rum, bitters and orange peel — easy to make, and a great way to take time to taste the flavours in your rum (rather than having it mixed into a tropical cocktail where the other flavours will overwhelm it). To make the The Lobo Plantation old fashioned, simply fill an old fashioned glass (the same size as a Negroni glass) with ice, add a shot of Baron Samedi Spiced (4oml), a splash of bitters and sugar syrup and stir it all together gently for 30 seconds. Top with an orange peel for a little citrus twist. TRY SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE TROPICAL Another classic way to enjoy rum is to mix it into a tropical, colourful cocktail and pretend you're on holiday. This type of drink should preferably be served in an extravagant glass, or served with a creative garnish (The Lobo Plantation serve theirs with a mini pineapple on top). To make The Lobo Plantation's Carribean-inspired Bajan Julep, build crushed ice into a tall glass and add a shot (40ml) of Baron Samedi Spiced. Mix in a dash of blackberry liqueur and a dash of fresh lemon juice, then add a teaspoon of passionfruit, a teaspoon of sugar and top it all off with ginger beer. ENJOY ON ITS OWN If you've decided that you really like rum, an easy, delicious way to enjoy it is to drink it on its own, stirred with a little ice. Rum was manufactured, distilled and made long before any other spirit was, and each brand has developed its own particular flavours and methods of distillation. Baron Samedi Spiced is infused with vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon that give off rich flavours of butterscotch, coffee and vanilla. Like whisky, when you sip rum the flavours are much more apparent. Although rum is made by distilling the byproducts of sugarcane — that long grass that's prevalent in countries like the Carribean and the Philippines, it tastes much more complex than that. It's delicious. Images: Kimberley Low at The Lobo Plantation.
Two professional Aussie cricketers sporting an insatiable love of coffee start their own coffee pod company. Boom. It's true, meet Tripod Coffee. Cricketers Steve Cazzulino and Ed Cowan were perpetually on the road playing state cricket, and brought along a Nespresso machine with them for much-needed cups of coffee in the morning before matches. Seeking a local, sustainable alternative to the George Clooney-fronted pod giant proved difficult, so the pair saw a glimmering niche in the coffee-obsessed Aussie market. Steve and Ed decided to create their own small company making pods filled with high-quality coffee that fit perfectly in the Nespresso machine. "On a rainy day we thought, why don't we have a crack and take on the big boys?" says Ed. "We could fill the capsules with coffee that we really enjoy drinking". With Steve and Ed touting a pretty gutsy attitude to take on the pod monopoly, they cooked up a bit of clever naming ('tri' for their three foundation coffee blends and 'pod') and Tripod Coffee was born. You'll find a lot of Central and South American and African (namely Ethiopian and Kenyan) coffees in their store because "the coffees from those areas really suit the [capsule] extraction process." After their coffee has been ethically sourced, it's given the special treatment by a local award-winning roaster, packed and shipped. During the process, all oxygen is vacuumed from the pod so when you pop it in your machine, it'll be like it was freshly ground. The best bit? The capsules are recyclable. Sustainable, local coffee — yep, that's music to our ears. Ed and Steve started the business in order to provide a green alternative to the aluminium pods of Nespresso. Ed and Steve's sense of humour comes through the product names, using of different hats for different blends and strengths — Grey Gaucho, Red Fedora, Blue Beret, Black Panama, Gold Sombrero. The reason is pretty damn simple. "When you turn the capsule upside down, they look a little bit like hats." Aside from their mainstays, like the Red Fedora which works as a great citrus-y espresso, they're keen to run special edition capsules and expand their single origin series. Yes, with Tripod Coffee, single origin Panamanian might be coming to your Nespresso machine soon. So where can you find Tripod? As well as being stocked in every single QT Hotel across Australia, Tripod Coffee is available online or Harris Farm, IGA, and independent grocers across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Learn more about Tripod Coffee on their website.
"Joey, there's no living with...with a killing" explains Alan Ladd's character in the 1953 cowboy epic Shane. "There's no going back from it. Right or wrong, it's a brand, a brand that sticks. There's no going back. Now you run on home to your mother and tell her...tell her everything's alright, and there aren't any more guns in the valley". Twice in Logan we hear this same passage, and it sets the theme for the entire film. Hugh Jackman's Logan, aka Wolverine, is one of modern cinema's greatest tortured souls: a near-invincible soldier of fortune forever seeking memories of better days lost to amnesia, whilst drinking to forget the ones even amnesia refuses to ensnare. Time has been no friend to the man unburdened by it, with lovers long since dead and buried, friends gone the same way, and no new mutants, we learn, born for the past twenty five years. Even his own body is at last breaking down, like an old turbine with grinding parts and blunt, malfunctioning blades. The immortal man is somehow dying, and he can't welcome it quickly enough. If it's not already obvious, Logan represents something of a seismic shift for the X-Men franchise – a billion dollar film series that has, until now, consisted largely of family-friendly crowd-pleasers. Ultra-violent and with Scorsese level foul language, Logan at long last unleashes the true, brutal fury of the eponymous beast whose gruesome deeds have, for the past seventeen years, only ever been teased out or implied. Limbs are severed and skulls are skewered with bloody repetition, yet neither the frequency nor the intensity of the violence ever feels gratuitous. This is a dark, gritty and yet soulful production that finally honours the character behind so much of the X-Men saga's enduring popularity. In the lead roll, Jackman imbues Logan with all the rage, self-loathing and pain befitting a man who's literally seen it all. With greying hair and a weathered face hidden beneath a wild, bushy beard, the actor limps and heaves his way through every scene with palpable discomfort. Alongside him, Patrick Stewart returns as the wheelchair-bound Professor Charles Xavier, now a prisoner to his own failing (yet terrifyingly powerful) mind, the implications of which are brilliantly woven into the script. Stephen Merchant, too, joins the franchise in a wonderfully soulful turn, whilst the film's villains are this time embodied by Narcos' Boyd Holbrook and the ever-reliable Richard E Grant. Then, finally, there's newcomer Dafne Keen as a young mutant named Laura, and if you've seen the film's trailer you'll likely have already guessed her connection to both this story and its key characters. In the interest of preserving what surprises we can, the less said about Keen the better, except to note that her performance is outstanding and her scenes with Jackman ground the film in a deeply personal way. This is a bold offering from director James Mangold and an extraordinary conclusion to an otherwise ho-hum trilogy of Wolverine-centric spinoffs (see also: X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine). In an age of unending sequels and computer-generated chaos, Logan is a timely reminder that for all of their spectacle, the best superhero films can begin and end with human-driven stories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH3OxVFvTeg
A great meal or classic dish isn't just the sum of its ingredients. How it's cooked can make all the difference — take a piece of poultry coated in flour, salt, herbs and spices, for instance. Yes, we're talking about fried chicken, the ultimate Southern food, a mighty fine companion to an ice cold beer, and something they call finger lickin' good for a reason. So where can you find Brisbane's best? Check out these local fried chicken joints, but be warned — you won't find a certain fast food brand on this list. LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL Without a souped-up Delorean at your disposal, you're unlikely to experience 19th century American life. Lefty's Old Time Music Hall is the next best thing, and it's had two years to show Brisbane why. As its name suggests, the music is a major drawcard (think bluegrass and toe-tapping country-style tunes), as is the honky-tonk vibe. The drinks list is a beer and whiskey lover's dream, and there's plenty of Southern-style bites to line the stomach with. Our pick: deep-fried chicken wings, of course. Just don't fill up on the free popcorn on the way in, because that crispy chook is going to need some room. 15 Caxton Street, Brisbane; www.leftysmusichall.com SHADY PALMS Good things really can come out of reality television, and Shady Palms is proof. Owners Mal and Bec went from braving the competitive restaurant TV scene to running two off-screen cafes. Shady Palms is the kind of place people head to Stones Corner especially for. Their Southern fried chicken is more than partly responsible, served with equally delicious smoked chipotle gravy and apple currant slaw. After taking a look at that thick coat crusted over sizeable servings, you won't be able to resist. And don't forget the James Squire to wash it down with. 427 Logan Road, Stones Corner; (07) 3324 2917; www.shadypalmscafe.com SOUTHERN ATTITUDE Another Brisbane eatery, and another place on the American-style bandwagon, but don't overlook Southern Attitude for staying on trend. They love all things from the US south — including a dish that combines fried goodness with succulent chicken breast. Pick your choice of honey and hickory barbecue or mushroom sauce to slather it in, and two sides (including bourbon glazed carrots and pale ale onion rings) to go with it. And the best part? It's also available on their takeaway menu, so you can enjoy fry fry chicky chick at home without going down the fast food route. Shop 2, 189 Oxford Street, Bulimba; (07) 3217 9600; www.southernattitude.net.au KING OF THE WINGS What's better than going to a fried chicken place? Finding a fried chicken place that roams all over town. That'd be King of the Wings, one of Brisbane's favourite food trucks, and the home to quite the range of tasty poultry. Non-fried morsels are also on their menu, but who can resist the spicy Southern stuff? Not us. Their sweet potato fries are also a treat for those wanting to rock the old school chicken and chips combo — but the wings really are a satisfying and scrumptious meal all by themselves. Around Brisbane; 0433 177 478; www.facebook.com/kingofthewingsbrisbane GREASER This Fortitude Valley dive bar might be greasy by name, but thankfully it's not by nature. When it comes to food — and chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk in particular — the place is downright delectable. Note the pieces part of the menu listing — you're getting much more than wings here, much to your stomach's delight. The bird comes with red eye gravy and smoked chipotle mayo too, all served in a basket. Wednesdays have become their default chicken evening, but of course this yummy fried dish is available on other nights as well. 259 Brunswick Street, The Valley; (07) 3648 9036; www.greaser.com.au BIRD'S NEST YAKITORI & BAR Want your fried chicken Japanese style? You're not alone. West End's Bird's Nest is a yakitori (which means grilled bird), so that kind of poultry is their bread and butter. Don't worry though — they've still left room for some karaage (deep fried) morsels as well. You'll find them among their side dishes, made from free-range thigh meat, turned crispy and golden with the restaurant's traditional seasoning, and complemented by wasabi mayonnaise. They're worth dropping in for all by themselves — and if you don't want to pair them with a full dinner, smaller set menu or some of their famed skewers, the tori karaage are cheap enough to order several servings. Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane; (07) 3844 4306; www.birdsnestrestaurant.com.au THE FLYING COCK Trust a bar with a cheeky reference to chicken in its name (yes, that's how we're choosing to take it) to boast plenty of tasty fried dishes. Wings are their thing, both of the crumbed and wet variety, and they sell them by the kilo to let you know that they're serious. Burgers also rank as one of The Flying Cock's go-to meals, including the CBC — that's chicken, bacon and coleslaw — made with fried chicken breast crusted in Doritos. Yeah. Doritos. Run, don't walk, and enjoy a James Squire Nine Tales Amber Ale fresh off the tap with it. 388 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley; (07) 3172 6109; www.facebook.com/theflyingcock HOT STAR Okay, okay, so we said that we weren't going to include one particular chain of chicken joints that everyone's been to. We didn't say we wouldn't include a Taiwanese chain that everyone should go to, though, because we just couldn't keep that promise. Head out to Sunnybank for a place that promises 'large fried chicken' in its tagline. And with face-sized pieces of both original and crispy style chicken breast fried to order, they really do mean large. Smaller chicken bites are also on the menu, but we say go big or go home. 19D Market Square, Sunnybank; (07) 3423 8008; www.hotstarchicken.com.au LUCKY EGG They're the new kids on the chicken block, but they're fast becoming a Brisbane favourite. They're also another reason to visit the Brightside — in addition to the venue's packed roster of events, that is. Whether you prefer yours on a bun or in a basket, you'll find crispy fried chicken in various guises, including Dorito popcorn chicken and a cup of karaage. Those on the very hungry side (or with friends to share with) won't want to go past the Waxman's whole bird, which comes with 12 pieces of buttermilk-coated deliciousness, plus a large slaw and fries. 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley; www.luckyeggfc.com
Finding yourself smooshed between a shove-happy tween and a dirty ponytail-touting brick wall at the front of the mosh could be a thing of the past — virtual reality concerts are here, from Coldplay's Ghost Stories concert to Paul McCartney's VR concert app and a brand new Opera House VR experience, released today. If you didn't nab tickets to Future Classic's 10th anniversary concert at the Sydney Opera House this past May, you can now experience part of the sold-out Vivid concert through a cheeky new virtual reality experience. Samsung, principal partner of the Opera House, put their tech to work on the day, recording sets for virtual reality, specifically made for YouTube’s new 360° video service. The recently unveiled YouTube app allows you to watch VR videos, including Future Classic and Samsung's brand new recorded Opera House performance of Flight Facilities’ ‘Heart Attack’ performed with Melbourne’s Owl Eyes and Julian Hamilton of The Presets. Samsung created the video from more than 20 remote-controlled cameras, shot from three vantage points to capture this 360° x 180° immersive view — in Ultra High Definition, of course. The team-up was an experiment by the Opera House to let more than ticketholders experience Future Classic's sold-out show long after the date. This isn't the first time an Australian organisation has used virtual reality to create a new audience experience, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra put 3D goggles on audience members this July and let them watch an entire concert from the perspective of the musicians. The technology has also been used by the Sydney Opera House before, also at this year's Vivid, by UK drum and bass artist Squarepusher. Dubbed the Stor Eiglass Virtual Reality Experience, Squarepusher worked with artists, artistic studio Marshallow Laser Feast, BAFTA-winning animators Blue Zoo and illustrator Rob Pybus to create a a fully immersive 2D and 3D virtual reality experience in the Main Box Office Foyer. But this new Flight Facilities video, shot from three different vantage points, is the first time we've seen a virtual reality concert experience like this. Watch the video here (if you've got a VR viewer like Google Cardboard, it's even better): Then watch the behind the scenes making of here: Image: Daniel Boud.
Goodbye Three Blue Ducks, hello bagel bars and cocktail trolleys — and tableside caesar service and octopus hot dogs, too. When the former revealed that it was closing its first-ever River City outpost, which sat inside the W Brisbane hotel since 2018, the inner-city space that the acclaimed restaurant called home for five years was never going to stay empty for long. And it hasn't, with the site's original tenant shutting up shop at the end of May and newcomer The Lex opening its doors on Thursday, June 15. First announced last month, The Lex takes inspiration from New York City, but it also celebrates being in Queensland. That means pairing the spectacular water views that come with the eatery's location with nods to both the Big Apple and the Sunshine State, aka the W Hotels chain's starting point and its Brisbane berth. Keeping things in-house staff-wise, it also means enlisting the venue's Chef de Cuisine Pawel Klodowski to oversee the menu. "We are lucky to have such an abundance of seasonal produce at our doorstep here in Queensland, from North Queensland champagne lobster to native citrus. We work closely with our producers to ensure that our ingredients are fresh and sourced locally," says Klodowski. "We work with the best local suppliers as it benefits the environment, supports the local economy and individual farmers, grocers and communities. And, of course, it reflects on the quality of our dishes which have a fuller and more distinct taste as a result." The NYC vibes flow through in a grill-heavy eatery, and in the style of dishes served; however, southeast Queensland produce is the star of almost every plate. From a seasonal menu, think: oyster brine martinis, dry-aged beef using local cuts and those tableside caesar salads, as well as charcoal éclairs with grilled Mooloolaba prawns — and the aforementioned Fremantle octopus hot dogs with gochujang, spring onion and apple. The bagel bar is a breakfast highlight, letting guests personalise their meal with toppings such as smoked salmon, chicken, grilled halloumi, cream cheese, baby spinach, capers and salsa verde. Across the rest of the day, anyone after a caesar salad will get it tossed on demand at their table on a roving trolley. Other standout options include smoked maple and bourbon pork belly, the grilled champagne lobster with ayruga and lemon beurre blanc, plus the dry-aged MB3 tomahawk steak with a mac 'n' cheese snack plate. As for the drinks, The Powerhouse cocktail isn't the kind of sip you'd find anywhere else, making the utmost of an entire avocado by infusing and straining the husk and fruit, popping the liquid left into the drink, making an avo cracker for a garnish and using the pit for bitters. It sits on a boozy lineup that'll change twice a year alongside tipples from Queensland spirits and craft breweries, plus Aussie wine labels. Also, for groups, tableside cocktail service is available, with a focus on champagne concoctions. The Lex firmly has gathering the gang in mind, too, boasting two semi-private dining spaces for groups of between 25–70 people. If you're in soirée mode, you'll be able to feast on curated two-, three- or four-course menus, focusing on a chef's selection. The whole restaurant can also be booked as a private space, which is when live chef stations doing grilled meats and dedicated desserts stations will be busted out. While tucking in, The Lex's patrons will enjoy an airy terrace-style layout that's all about bringing the outside in, complete with that vantage over the river. Nic Graham, who also designed W Brisbane, has taken cues from Queenslanders in the restaurant's panelled walls, while the use of burgundy and olive hues reflects the eatery's favourite ingredients and fondness for the open fire. Fancy watching your meal get made? The large open kitchen allows exactly that, including at separate entrée, dessert and cooking setups. Find The Lex at W Brisbane, 81 North Quay, Brisbane — open from 6.30am–10.30am Monday–Friday and 7am–10.30am Saturday–Sunday for breakfast, from 12–3pm Friday–Saturday for lunch, and from 5.30–9pm Tuesday–Thursday and 5.30–10pm Friday–Saturday for dinner. Images: Markus Ravik.
The world is a very strange place. While you might think your love of fried chicken reigns supreme or that you can scoff M&Ms like no one else, there are people out there who take this food obsession to the next level and erect shrines to honour the One True Foodstuff. Recently, New York opened the sensory-focused Museum of Food and Drink, where you can taste the exhibits. But there are more specific foodie shrines for you to sample. Whether you worship at the altar of the noodle or at the temple of ice cream, there is a motherland somewhere for you to pilgrimage. Come with us now on a bizarre journey to the best and strangest food museums from around the world. IDAHO POTATO MUSEUM The potato may be the subject of much internet derision and meme-ification, but it is a staple in some of the tastiest foods of all time, including — but certainly not limited to — fries, potato chips, mash, rosti, wedges, potato skins, potato gratin, poutine and baked spuds. All hail the mighty potato. And where better to celebrate the potato than the potato state? Idaho is home to a very Napoleon Dynamite-esque potato museum, which features a potato hall of fame and a giant potato statue that would even leave Australia, the land of big things, suitably impressed. The gift shop sells potato sack dresses among some of the dorkiest merchandise we've ever seen, which actually seems befitting of the potato aesthetic. Idaho Potato Museum, 130 Northwest Main Street, Blackfoot, Idaho, USA. RAMEN MUSEUM Ramen is a universal divider, no matter where you're from. In Japan, people pledge allegiance to their regional ramen the way we pledge allegiance to our sports teams. While history thinks that ramen may have originated in China, Japan has adopted the dish so completely, it doesn't even know it's adopted. So it makes sense that Tokyo hosts the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum, which they describe as the world's first food-themed amusement park. The park is made to look like a '50s Japanese street straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, and goes into the extensive history of ramen — that is, the breakdown of ingredients, toppings and broths, and the regional variations. And you'll be pleased to know that once you've nailed the theory of ramen, you can try steamy taster bowls from eight different regional stalls. Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum, 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-City, Japan. INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM And of course, because Japan has a ramen museum, it must also have an instant ramen museum. Instant ramen is, after all, the lifeblood behind historically important struggling artists and students. Momofuku Ando is the genius behind our favourite just-add-water lunch option, which he invented in 1958 after spending a solitary year spent working on just four hours sleep a night. While the ramen museum is traditional in every way, the instant ramen museum is contemporary and clean. It features a CUPNOODLES park for children, a chicken ramen factory where you can invent and make your own instant noodles by hand, and an Instant Noodles History Cube (we could not say exactly what a history cube is, but that's all part of the fun). Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan. ICE CREAM CITY After you've checked out all the ramen museums, head to Ice Cream City, also in Japan. Ice Cream City and its Cup Ice Museum can be found in 'Namja Town', a theme park housed inside the Sunshine City shopping complex in Tokyo's Toshima area. Yes, it's all very confusing, but a 500 yen ticket will grant you access to all the bizarre food areas of Namja Town. Ice Cream Town has a smorgasbord of bizarre ice cream flavours to sample — some you would never have imagined in your wildest dreams. Think corn, chicken wing, powered pearl, squid, cheese risotto, sake, silk, charcoal, salt and soybean. You know it's worth a visit. Namja Town, Sunshine City World Import Mart, Toshima, Ikebukuro, Japan. Image: istolethetv via Flickr. CURRYWURST MUSEUM It should shock no-one that Germany has a currywurst museum in Berlin — or that the mascot is a terrifying, anthropomorphic sausage man with a maniacal smile. This kind of lunacy is completely expected of the sausage-lovin' European country, along with sausage-shaped couches and currywurst-themed dress up competitions. The currywurst is a delicious fast food treat that's not easy to get your hands on outside of Germany, unless you head to speciality restaurant. Simply, it's a fried pork sausage served with curry ketchup and topped with curry powder. And obviously, it's delicious. Plus, it pairs well with German beer and is totally worthy of having an entire museum (with merchandising) dedicated to it. Currywurst Museum, Schützenstraße 70, 10117, Berlin, Germany. MCDONALD'S #1 STORE MUSEUM Unfortunately, the first McDonald's restaurant was demolished because short-sighted Americans didn't appreciate the longevity of the Big Mac. But if your love for the golden arches goes beyond McLovin' a greasy wad of 'food' after a bender, there are many famous installations in America for worshipping Ronald the terrifying clown. There's the oldest operating McDonald's in Downey, California (it's been running since 1953), the rock and roll McDonald's in Chicago, or the McDonald's #1 Store Museum in Des Plaines, Illinois. The latter chronicles the history of Mickey Dee's through its early days — and yes, don't worry, there is a fully operational McDonald's across the road to complete the experience. McDonald's #1 Store Museum, 400 N. Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. JELL-O MUSEUM Jell-O is so much more than the worst dessert served on an airplane, or an erotic lubricant for wrestling. You might not know or care, but Jello-O has a long history as America's most famous dessert. The Jell-O Gallery in New York (the state, not the city) has chronicled this rich history in their museum. They also share some questionable Jell-O based wartime recipes such as olive relish: a lime Jell-O, olives, pickles, celery and vinegar concoction to fortify gallant American infantrymen against the Axis Powers. The Jell-O Gallery is quaint and also offers some of the most legitimately post-ironic cool Jell-O themed merchandise we've ever seen. Jell-O Gallery, 23 E Main St, Le Roy, New York, USA. KIMCHI FIELD MUSEUM The Kimchi Field Museum first opened in Seoul 1986 as South Korea's only food museum at the time — a testament to the nation's love of the fermented vegetable dish. The museum offers up valuable insight into not only the history of kimchi, but also its significance to South Korean culture. There's also kimchi-making courses that vary in complexity and cost (between $18-$65), and you get to take the kimchi home. Score. Kimchi Field Museum, 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Image: ecodallaluna via Flickr. FRIETMUSEUM Frites is the OG name for the most universally successful of all the deep fried delights: the french fry (or, as we say in the Antipodes, hot chips). But did you know that frites are the national food of Belgium? Or that they originated in Peru ten thousand years ago? These facts, life-sized serves of chippies and many fry-related puns (including the 'eye on the fries' gift shop) await you at the Frietmuseum in Bruges, as well as actual, edible fries. So, until you head to Bruges and try the originals, you can't claim that Maccas make the best chips. At least, not with a clear conscience. Frietmuseum, Vlamingstraat 33, 8000, Bruges, Belgium. Top image: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr.
They're round, they're doughy and they're delicious — and the entirety of the city thinks so. We're talking about doughnuts, of course. There's a reason every second store in Brisbane seems to sell them, whether they prefer the English or American spelling. In fact, fondness for the typically fried pastry treats has reached such a frenzied state that new shops dedicated to their lip-smacking, waistline-expanding ways are popping up almost every week. With so many to choose from, we run through the nine you owe it to yourself to try. Just remember: if you eat your way through this list, you'll also owe yourself some exercise, too. DOUGHNUT TIME Time flies when you're eating doughnuts. It wasn't that long ago that, Brisbanites were just beginning to hear rumours about Doughnut Time; now, no one who has tried their iced wonders can get enough of them. Perhaps that's why they've quickly branched beyond their flagship hole-in-the-wall store in Fortitude Valley, opening locations in Clayfield, East Brisbane, Everton Park, South Bank, Carindale, Boondall, Browns Plains, Chermside and multiple CBD spots; powering up a van for mobile pastry offerings; and branching out to the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. Perhaps their doughnut domination is just a testament to their ever-changing, delightfully named array of tasty creations, including perennial favourites such as the Nutella-filled Love at First Bite and the crispy-topped Ya Bacon Me Crazy. Yes, your mouth should be watering. NODODONUTS Who said doughnuts had to be bad for you? And who said you had to feel crushed by remorse every time you ate one — or a few, or a dozen? Not the folks behind NodoDonuts, who make theirs with gluten-free and organic ingredients, then bake them. So say goodbye to sugar, grease and guilt, and hello to the happiness-inducing likes of banana bread, blueberry cheesecake and passionfruit doughnuts. After gracing a smattering of Brisbane cafes on selected days, Nodo's take on Brisbane's beloved treat has proven so popular that they opened their own stores in Newstead and the CBD to sell more of them, more often. THE DOUGHNUT BAR Satisfy your doughnut cravings by the truckload at The Doughnut Bar, whether you're heading to their weekly Eat Street spot or their permanent CBD digs. Well, by the van-full to be accurate, but either way, after taking a glimpse at their circular slices of heaven, you just know you're going to want to eat a vehicle's worth of them. Condensed milk, Hershey half melt, Oreo, Mars Bar, Gaytime and Nutella cheesecake varieties will tempt your tastebuds, as will anything that comes with an injectable sauce. There's also a doughnut-topped milkshake range. When you're devouring something like the Paddle & Pop, which includes two banana Paddle Pops and a sprinkling of Cocoa Pops, you're getting a drink and your favourite snack. DIVINE DOUGHNUTS Take this place's name at face value and you won't be sorry for it. Handcrafted cinnamon doughnuts are their food of choice, and while the market stall seen weekly at Davies Park and Eagle Farm keeps things simple in their selection, the taste they serve up is anything but. Custard, cream, jams sourced from the Southern Highlands in NSW and Belgian chocolate adds flavour, as do strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, though lovers of the unadorned won't regret their decision. If you prefer your deliciousness in bite-sized form, opt for a plate of doughnut holes instead, but really, there are no bad choices on Divine Doughnuts' menu. FLOUR & CHOCOLATE PATISSERIE Love cronuts, that ingenious combination of croissant and doughnut that has taken the world by storm? In Brisbane, you probably love gonuts too. That's what the city's premier purveyor of such treats, Flour & Chocolate Patisserie, calls them — but whatever the name, we're branding them so good they should be their own food group. Thursday is gonut central at the Morningside bakery, with rocky road, white chocolate pistachio, cinnamon sugar and toffee among the flavours available. European doughnuts, including salted caramel, apple crumble and lemon curd, fill the racks on Wednesdays, should you visit earlier. And with the regular bakery lineup of cakes, tarts, brownies and savoury bites served up every other day of the week, you'll never go home disappointed. LE BON CHOIX Doughnuts might not be the first thing on your mind when you walk into a Parisian-style patisserie, but after chowing down on Le Bon Choix's filled delights, that might change. That's not a judgment on their range of other baked goods, including excellent cakes, croissants and danishes, plus the macaroons many flock through their doors for; it's merely a reflection of how delectable their doughy bites are. The good news: they're available in chocolate, custard, caramel and jam, which is just the right combination of flavours to try in one visit, should you feel so inclined. The better news: with stores in Ascot, Paddington, Garden City, Chermside, Carindale and two in the CBD, you're never far away from a mid-morning French doughnut indulgence session. BREWBAKERS Yes, you can find whatever bread and pastry-based item takes your fancy at Brewbakers. Yes, that includes things of both the sweet and savoury varieties. Yes, it all tastes great; however, we really don't think that heading to Albion just for their sourdough doughnuts is over the top. Whether you like your mini morsels simply cinnamon or bursting with jam (or chocolate or butterscotch), they won't last long in your mouth. Plus, sourdough is meant to be good for you — or so you can tell yourself. CHESTER STREET BAKERY The doughnut lovers of Brisbane owe Chester Street Bakery an enormous debt of gratitude. If it wasn't for their winning ways with such a scrumptious sweet, and the feverish following that developed as a result, restaurateur Damien Griffiths might not have branched out and opened Doughnut Time. And while that's now the place to head to for a super-sized serving of the real thing, Chester Street still carries the flame in the form of their milkshake menu. If you're in the Newstead, South Bank or CBD area, why not treat yourself to one of four doughnut-topped flavours, including the iconic Tim Tam Slam? You know you want to.
If you haven’t already headed towards the western suburbs to check out Indooroopilly Shopping Centre's recent $450 million redevelopment, you might be a bit more motivated come March 5. H&M has opened their first Brisbane store, and their third in Australia after setting up shop at Melbourne’s GPO and Sydney’s Macquarie Centre in 2014. For those unacquainted with the Swedish retail giant also known as Hennes & Mauritz, affordable, up-to-date style is their thing. Favouring the latest trends straight from international catwalks, the brand stocks clothing and accessories for women, men, and children, with its shelves replenished with new items daily. That’s not what gets shoppers excited, though, despite the ever-changing array of goodies. H&M’s collaborations with guest designers and celebrities — including Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo, Versace and even Madonna — are what make fashionistas salivate. Alexander Wang contributed a collection late last year, and David Beckham selects items for the Modern Essentials range, which will feature in the Indooroopilly store. H&M fits nicely into the revamped shopping centre's focus on fashion, particularly designer labels, flagship stores, and exclusive brands. Located between David Jones and Target, the new shop will connect the southern end of the Level 2 fashion malls. Inner city shoppers, don’t dismay — your time is coming. A second Brisbane location will open later in 2015, at 170 Queen Street — previously known as Broadway on the Mall — in the CBD. From March 5, find H&M at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly. Visit their website for more information. Image: H&M.
For many a traveller, Singapore means three things: shopping centres, strict rules and stopovers. But, break out of the predictable itinerary, and you'll discover a more exotic side to this five million-strong island state. Beyond the CBD, tree-lined streets lead to diverse neighbourhoods, and each home to a distinctive culture. From beachside Katong, where Peranakan chefs serve up fiery laksa among heritage-listed architecture, to Little India, which is infused with incense, strung with flower garlands and draped with hand-woven silks, there's plenty more to be discovered beyond the aforementioned three S's. Here's Concrete Playground's less obvious guide to exploring Singapore. [caption id="attachment_571546" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Village Hotel Katong[/caption] STAY There's no better recovery from a long flight than a long soak. And with an oversized bathtub next to your bed (and within full view of a 46-inch LED TV) in a Peranakan Club room at the 229-room Village Hotel Katong (a 15 minute drive west of Changi Airport) you can do just that. When you're done, prowl about in 41 square metres of cool, white and blue space, splashed with Peranakan-patterned furnishings, including feature tiles and an enormous floor rug. There's also a roomy outdoor pool, a gym and a restaurant, serving up marathon multicultural buffet breakfasts and dinners. (Peranakan, by the way, refers to the descendants of Chinese people who moved to the Malay archipelago between the 1400s and 1600s and developed a famously rich culture, combining Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arabic and European influences.) [caption id="attachment_573954" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Village Hotel Albert Court[/caption] For a stay full of character on the edge of Little India (about 30 minutes west of Changi), check into Village Hotel Albert Court. The airy, marble-lined lobby is a step back into the colonial era. Order a martini and take a seat on a plush red lounge in the front bar, and you'll feel like you're in a James Bond film. The pre-war feel continues in the greenery-filled, sculpture-dotted courtyards and the classic rooms, furnished with dark wood and fitted with shutters. Some are arranged around a spectacular sunny atrium, and if you're staying above ground level, you'll be travelling via an external, glass-walled, Willy Wonka-style lift. Need to reenergise after a long, steamy day? Smash out some kilometres in the gym and relax in the twin jacuzzis — one warm and one cool. Ask about the 'Far More Perks' package for a bunch of extras, like free cocktails and canapes, private lounges, late checkout, city tours, laundry and access to a Changi Airport lounge. DO A stay at either hotel lets you in on some pretty special cultural experiences, which allow you to see Singapore through a local's eyes. If you're in Katong, it's well worth getting on the Village Hotel's heritage walking tour — if not just to get your bearings. A fun, friendly guide will lead you through nearby Joo Chiat neighbourhood. Once a coconut palm-filled seaside retreat, Joo Chiat is now full of colourful, ornate shophouses and, as of 2011, is protected as Singapore's first Heritage Town. A hawker food court, an eatery advertising 'sexy desserts', a dog-friendly cafe and an eatery dedicated to chocolate are all en route, with your journey finishing with a visit to a Peranakan heritage home and a dumpling-making workshop. Alternatively (or in addition), the Little India walking tour covers little-known Hindu temples, hidden-away street art and secretive alleyways. [caption id="attachment_574235" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Southern Ridges Walk by Kimon Berlin via Flickr[/caption] Once you've dosed up on heritage, get your art fix at the new Singapore National Gallery, which became Asia's biggest visual arts institution when it opened on November 24, 2015. It occupies a whopping 64,000 square metres across two monumental buildings — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — joined by a 'canopy' of fine metal mesh, supported by giant columns resembling tree trunks. Eight thousand Singaporean and Southeast Asian artworks are shared between two permanent galleries, and there's oodles of space left over for international travelling shows. Check out the fire truck-red grand piano in the atrium. For an island that has a reputation for being built-up, Singapore has a heck of a lot of parks. The 156-year-old, 182-acre Singapore Botanic Gardens stay open until midnight and are home to the largest orchid collection in the world. There's even one particularly delicate species named after Margaret Thatcher. At HortPark, in the southwest, you'll wander through 21 themed gardens, including one filled with butterflies. For a longer walk, take on the ten-kilometre Southern Ridges hike, an adventure through coastal panoramas, lush rainforest canopy, a 36-metre high undulating bridge called Henderson Waves and Singapore's second highest peak, Mount Faber. EAT AND DRINK At the 2013 Hawker Heroes Challenge, no amount of swearing could change the results when chef Gordon Ramsay lost to 328 Katong Laksa, a tiny joint decked with plastic seats just a stumble away from the Village Hotel Katong. Yet, while Ramsay sells at Michelin-starred prices, a few bucks will still buy you a huge bowl of steaming deliciousness here. After all, laksa was created by the Peranakans, as a fusion of their Chinese and Malay cooking. To get the low-down on where else locals queue for food, jump on the hotel's Makan Bus Culinary Tour. At a diverse array of tucked-away eateries, you'll sample numerous tasty and eye-opening morsels; try everything from fried chicken and frogs' legs to soup at the rather charmingly and perhaps too-honestly named Pig Organ. Surprisingly, vegetarians can be catered for at every stop. Back in Little India, the island's most flavoursome curries are served beneath Banana Leaf Apollo's chandeliers. Headliners include fish head, butter chicken and mango prawn, all of which wash down tidily with an icy cold beer — or a mango lassi. For the finest chilli crab in the land, grab a table at Wing Seong Fatty's. Founded in 1936, it's been a favourite with international pilots since World War II and, these days, is run by father-son team, Fatty and Skinny. Fatty's been trying to retire for years, but just can't leave the wok alone. Finally, head to Indochine's rooftop bar for a relaxed pre- or post-dinner bev. Despite being in the touristy Marina Bay area, it's worth a visit — firstly, because it's on top of one of Singapore's chronically Instagrammed Supertrees and, secondly, because the epic views across the city are like a scene out of Blade Runner. [caption id="attachment_574226" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Kai Lehmann via Flickr[/caption] LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS Singapore is around an eight to eight-and-a-half hour flight from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. A number of airlines fly to Changi Airport, with return fares with QANTAS starting at $800. Jasmine travelled to Singapore as a guest of Far East Hospitality. Top image: JUJUlianar via Flickr.
In the early 90s, British artist Cornelia Parker decided to blow up a garden shed. She approached the British Army (who were more than happy to oblige), and together they detonated an explosion that saw 2000 household items fly across several fields in the countryside. Fragments of wood, broken bicycle wheels and a shattered violin — along with thousands of other objects — were collected by the officers, and Parker reconfigured the shed, suspending objects from the ceiling around one central lightbulb. That artwork, Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991), is now considered Parker's most famous work, and it's currently casting haunting shadows across the gallery walls at the MCA this summer. The major exhibition, which spans three decades of the artist's career, has four large-scale artworks that transform the gallery's rooms. War Room (2015) is like walking into the Twin Peaks red room, except the blood-red walls are crafted from discarded strips of paper sourced from a Remembrance Poppy factory in London. Parker has created a tent-like structure with 'absent poppies' that's as much about honouring those who've died in conflict, as it is about the duality of war and peace. Showing both sides of the story is something Parker plays with a lot in her work. Another large-scale piece, Magna Carta (An Embroidery) (2015), is a 12-metre-long hand-stitched version of the Magna Carta Wikipedia page. Parker created the work to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Britain's earliest democratic document, and she invited 200 people from both sides of the law to embroider a panel — including notable whistleblowers Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker (why not?) and current prison inmates. When you look closely you'll see coffee stains from those who worked from prison — and underneath you'll see a mirrored reflection of the back of the work. There's also a satisfying violence to Cornelia Parker's practice. She's shot dice through a dictionary, precipitated a handgun and chopped a toy Oliver Twist in half using the guillotine that beheaded Marie Antoinette. She also steamrolled a collection of silver (sourced from car boot sales) to create another full-room installation, Thirty Pieces of Silver (1988–89). The 30 suspended circles of silverware represent a Bible story of betrayal — and there's a palpable sense of dread when the pools of brass and silver glisten and move with passing air. Though the larger works in this exhibition, part of the tenth Sydney International Art Series, are the ones you'll Instagram, there's a lot of joy — and foreboding — to be found in Cornelia Parker's smaller artworks. One of our favourites is News at Five (Terror-ble Joke), News at Seven (Chilling), and News at Ten (Bathtub Terror) (all 2017) — three blackboards covered with chalk writing from a five-year-old, a seven-year-old and a ten-year-old. Each child has captured the essence of televised news reports and you can make out words like 'monster', 'nukes' and 'Trump in a grump'. All terrifying and amusing at the same time. Cornelia Parker is the first major presentation of the her works in Australia, and the exhibition runs until February 16. But don't leave it until 2020 before you visit, as you'll want to return to delve deeper into the playful violence behind one of Britain's most important female artists working today. Images: Installation views of Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991); War Room (2015); Subconscious of a Monument (2001-05); Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991); and Thirty Pieces of Silver (1988–89). All images courtesy of the artist, the MCA and Frith Street Gallery, London. Photos by Anna Kucera.
Ah vino. Best paired with a fine cheese or a hearty meal, or enjoyed around the fireplace with your oh-so-classy friends. Or at least, that's how it works in your mind. In reality, we're more likely to be inhaling a $6 vintage straight from the goon sack, or using the discarded bottle as a microphone in our solo rendition of 'All By Myself' – all before stumbling woozily off to bed. Hopefully your experience lies somewhere in the middle of those two scenarios. But the reality is that, for every bona fide sommelier out there, a large portion of the rest of us are more likely to pick our poison based on the price and how nice the label looks, as opposed to things like acidity, provenance or bouquet. And something about tannins. Those are a thing, right? Embracing this fact, VinePair co-founder Adam Teeter (which is an excellent surname for a wine buff, by the way) has teamed up with illustrator Jeff Licciardo to produce 26 hypothetical wine labels that better reflect the average wine drinker's true experience. Forget about drinking to forget: these vintages know you better than you know yourself, offering everything from handy pairing suggestions ("drink me with post-break-up anger and takeaway") to positive affirmations ("yes, you're definitely on key") to nuggets of brutal honesty ("you're turning into your mother"). Look, somebody needed to tell you. At least this way you can get drunk immediately after hearing it. For more honest wine labels, visit VinePair. Via BuzzFeed.
With polished concrete walls, soft ambient lighting and elegantly minimal furniture, Brisbane's Snack Man gives off the kind of vibe you might hope to find in a retro-fitted New York warehouse — with someone playing sax in the corner and room full of movers and shakers. The atmosphere is slick, very slick, and with an enormous back bar with hundreds of bottles of wine staring at you, you know you're going to get a good drop. The wine list focuses on bottles from small producers across relatively unknown regions of Europe, while all the big names also get a look at. Snack Man changes it up daily if you're after a glass, so be sure to ask the staff what they're pouring that particular day. Beyond wine, it's got a good range of beer, and the bartenders can whip up all our classic cocktails. For food, the menu takes its inspiration from China, with dishes showcasing all the major regions. Think pork and chive pan-fried dumplings from Hong Kong, prawn wontons with soy and chilli oil from Shanghai or pan-fried pie with pork floss and green onion from Beijing. There are chicken ribs from Taiwan and a mint and tofu salad from Yunnan, while larger dishes include a delicious crispy chicken with Sichuan sauce — prepare for a big hit of spice with this one. If you're after a dessert, try the custard tart with flaky pastry from Macau, while Australia gets a look in on the menu with deep-fried vanilla ice cream with salted caramel sauce. The helpful staff will pair whatever you order with the perfect glass or bottle of wine, so don't worry if you don't know what you're doing on that front. Give yourself the whole night if visiting Snack Man in Brisbane —there's too much good stuff on the cards not to try it all.
Located in Brisbane's Paddington, Noir is the quintessential neighbourhood wine bar. On the ground floor, you'll find an intimate bar with enough stools for you and a couple of mates, while a few extra high tops flesh out the room. Upstairs, you'll find a small but comfortable loft with some leather lounge furniture and a view of the scene below. The place is cosy and dimly lit, with fresh sounds and artwork on the wall and staff who'll make you feel right at home. It has a rotating wine list, so you'll never know what you'll find at Noir. But the team does focus on local producers, minimal intervention wines and harder-to-find varietals. Trust them to know what they're doing and follow their advice. Noir is run by the crew behind Blackout Paddington, so you know you can trust them when it comes to world-class snacks, too. The focus here is charcuterie — think locally sourced cheese, premium grade salamis from Saison Salumi, and all the fresh pickles and condiments you could poke a breadstick at. It's open Wednesday to Friday, from 4pm until 10pm or 11pm, and from 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. This isn't the kind of joint to rock up close to midnight with six of your boozed-up mates — rather it's the place to come in the early afternoon and catch up with someone over a bottle of wine and a charcuterie board, who you're actually interested in talking to. It could be an old friend, could be a first date, could be the old folks. The music here is chill so you'll be able to hear one another over the top of it, and the service is intimate and friendly. If Noir is your local neighbourhood wine bar, we're more than a little bit jealous.
Once is never enough. For fans of ARIA-winning musician Megan Washington, this is certainly the case. Back by popular demand after a huge 2014 national tour, Washington's marching her There There album tour into the New Year — with a string of 2015 dates to satisfy bigtime Washo fans. Backed by rave reviews, Washington's #5 ARIA album There There will be amplified through venues nationwide by the beloved singer/songwriter. And the Melburnian's newest offering doesn't disappoint; There There teams with tracks so personal and raw you'll feel like you've snuck a glimpse at Washington's post break-up journal. But these aren't any old love-lost ballads. Washington's buttery vocals share some of her most candid experiences, paired with haunting harmonies that are hard to forget. And she doesn’t hold back, throwing in high energy, bare-all pop hits like 'Limitless' and 'My Heart is a Wheel' alongside stripped-back piano melodies. If you missed Washo last year, you're in serious luck. But get in quick, tickets to these shows are set to be tough to get your hands on.
Australia Day isn't just about the beers and beats at Southside Tea Room — though there will be plenty of those. In a huge celebration, kicking off at 10am, they'll be firing up their famous Red Robbin Supper Club food truck and feeding people with some good ol' Aussie grub. In the words of van chef Rory Doyle, "The plan is to fire up the rotisserie and roast some chickens over hot coals, then smash that sweet meat onto white rolls with some rich gravy to complete an Aussie classic, Roast Chicken Roll. You can't have a chicken roll without hot chips and we'll be serving them with our version of "chicken salt"!" Cue uncontrollable salivation.
Word nerds, you'd best put aside September 2 to 6 and prepare to indulge your love of letters. For five days, the annual Brisbane Writers Festival will turn the city — and the State Library, specifically — into a literary wonderland. Headlining the event is Jon Ronson, Welsh journalist, humourist and documentary maker. If you haven't already devoured his examination of abhorrent social media behaviour, So, You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, you've probably seen the two films based on his earlier work, The Men Who Stare at Goats and Frank. Elsewhere, expect your penchant for prose to be well and truly pampered, no matter what type of text or breed of book you fancy. Whodunnit fans can revel in all things monocles, moustaches and Agatha Christie in the grand manor that is Newstead House, while YA aficionados can talk about life, love and literature with some of the genre's top authors — including Tomorrow When the War Began's John Marsden — at a seven-hour celebration-slash-cosplay party. Walkley Award-winning cartoonist First Dog on the Moon is also set to get in on the BWF, whether theatre or whiskey tasting is your thing. In the former event, he scampers through an apocalyptic scenario offering advice on how not to be terrible. In the latter, he recounts the joys of Tasmania's finest blends. That's just a glimpse of the incredibly long and eclectic list of events, talks, panels, Q&As and other sessions on offer, touching upon everything from thrillers and supernatural storytelling to the biology of desire and our right to offend. With such a diverse array of content on offer, it feels fitting that the festival is pushing a "minds wide open" theme this year. They're not only encouraging audiences to abandon their addiction to screens and take the time to immerse themselves in writing in all its forms — they're also warning of you to make plenty of mental space for such a stimulating program. The Brisbane Writers Festival runs from September 2 to 6. To check out the full program — and to purchase tickets — visit the festival's website.
Whatever lunch plans you had for Saturday, March 12, you'd better cancel them. Instead, we'd suggest heading to South Brisbane to welcome The Yiros Shop to the neighbourhood. If you do, they'll return the favour. Not only will you get to tuck in to one of the new store's grilled pita and meat combinations — think fresh, fluffy and filled with pork, chicken or lamb, then topped with tomato, onion, parsley and tzatziki — but you'll get to do so without opening your wallet. Just drop by 189 Grey Street between 12pm and 4pm to brighten your day with a free yiros. Now that's something to say "opa!" to. Anyone who has already checked out The Yiros Shop's existing Cannon Hill or James Street outlets will know the tasty meal that they're in for — and for everyone else, there's never been a better time to get acquainted with their gourmet Greek fare. Free Yiros Day might be the main attraction this weekend, and rightfully so, but don't forget desserts such as sweet rice pudding, baklava, galaktoboureko (semolina custard in filo pastry) and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) are also on the menu. If you can't change your plans for a free feed, then you can mosey along and fork out some cash any time from March 10, with the new addition to South Bank open from 10.30am seven days a week. Yes, that means that you can't get your brekkie yiros fix there as yet; however keep an eye on their Facebook page, because early morning deliciousness will launch in the coming months. Free Yiros Day takes place between 12pm and 4pm at The Yiros Shop at 189 Grey Street, South Brisbane. For more information, visit their website.
Feel a hankering for some chortles but don't have the funds to fork out for international tours? Check the Powerhouse website for the night's Knockoff Comedy lineup. This free Friday night comedy show runs from 6pm, and plays host to some of the biggest up-and-comers in Brisbane comedy. Plus, at the end of each month, Knockoff is home to Brisbane's premier impro night thanks to the comedy stylings of ImproMafia.
It was one of Brisbane's best 2016 events, as well as the kind of shindig someone really should've thought of earlier. Now, after a killer kick off in its first year, the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl returns for 2017. Once again, it's the stuff live music fans' dreams of made of, and it's getting even bigger. Five gigs will happen at five of Brisbane's best hangouts, all within two blocks of each other, and all on the same day. Oh, and did we mention that they're all free? No, we're not making this up. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place on February 11, and other than upping the number of places you'll have to sprint between — and the number of bands belting out tunes, of course — it's business as usual. Music and beer-loving Brisbanites are invited to trek between The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry, Black Bear Lodge and Woolly Mammoth, take in a jam-packed lineup of local bands (and a couple of Sydneysiders and Melburnians too), plus devour plenty of frosty, refreshing beverages. The epic day of entertainment is sponsored by a brewery, after all. Details of the who plays at which venue variety are available from the event's Facebook page, with the whole shindig will kick off at 5pm. Given we know the what, where and when of it all, the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Oh, and to get excited about the below lineup: Alice Ivy Angharad Drake Average Art Club BUTTERFINGERS Clea Dreamtime Evan Klar Future Haunts GILL BATES I Know Leopard Luke Daniel Peacock Mallrat Max Chillen + the Kerbside Collective Miss Blanks Moses Gunn Collective Pearls Polish Club San Mei Stevie sweater curse The Ocean Party These New South Whales Top Dollar WAAX WHALEHOUSE
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. That was then. Now, the same idea and aim remain; however everyone's favourite multi-venue mini music and beer festival is even bigger and better in its third year. After expanding from four venues in its initial outing to five the second time around, 2018's event will see attendees jump between seven spots to see 35 interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place on February 17, at returning spaces The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry and Black Bear Lodge, plus new additions Barbara, The Flying Cock and Crowbar. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. Details of the who plays at which venue variety are yet to be announced; however the whole shindig will kick off at 5pm. Given that we know the what, where and when of it all in a general sense, the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Oh, and to get excited about the below lineup: Philadelphia Grand Jury Gooch Palms Hatchie Hollow Coves Carmouflage Rose Midas.Gold Ninajirachi Jess Locke Bugs BOAT SHOW Nice Biscuit Emerson Snowe Holiday Party Ayla King IV Austen Jesswar Fritz Jouk Mistrow The Gametes Orlando Furious FeelsClub Port Royal First Beige Eat Your Heart Out Chakra Efendi Stranger Land JEFFE Hey Baby Pink Matter Keelan Mak Earthlings Twinfolds Hope D Zapéd
If you don't have a spare couple of hours in your schedule on Wednesday afternoon, we recommend doing whatever you can to finangle some free time. It's for a good reason, trust us. Who doesn't want to spend their arvo watching their favourite bands battle it out — but not on stage. The Bigsound Ping Pong Smackdown will lure Tiny Little Houses, Dorsal Fins, Totally Mild, Terrible Truths, Mere Women, Flowertruck, Good Boy and Loose Tooth to show their skills not with a guitar or mic, but with a ball and paddle. Talk more than just your usual festival or conference session — as well guaranteed entertainment. Image: Dustin Gaffke.
Think Bigsound is just about the big end of the business? Think again. Showcasing the smaller side of the industry, Barbara's unofficial side event will focus on indie labels and the bands that make them great. The numbers are simple: 15 artists, nine labels, and two busy, busy afternoons. Head by September 7 and 8 for a few cosy hours of awesome songs in an intimate setting, with Fazerdaze, Loose Tooth, The Laurels and Flowertruck among those on Wednesday's bill, and The Goon Sax, Shining Bird, Terrible Truths and Teeth & Tongue just some of the talent on Thursday's lineup.
First, the bad news: Brewsvegas, Brisbane's annual celebration of beverages, doesn't take place until March. Now, the good news: once again, they're unveiling their lineup this week at the ideal summer event for those who like to cool off with both a beer and a swim. Say hello to the Great Brewsvegas Pool Party, Beer and Program Launch, aka the get-together that wants to amp up your excitement not once, but twice. We're not sure what we're more pumped about — descending upon Ithaca Pool ready for an evening of splashing about, or getting a glimpse of all the awesome 2017 fun to come. The correct answer is both, of course. And with surf rock band The Wet Fish cranking out the on-theme tunes, Ze Pickle serving up their festive foods and Newstead Brewing Co unleashing this year's official Brewsvegas Beer at the launch, expect those excitement levels to keep on growing.
Brisbane's Young Franco should be on your one-to-watch list. Seriously. He's heading around Australia on his very first run of national headline shows to plug his brand new single 'Don't U Want Me', out via new Australian label Of Leisure. This young whippersnapper has been garnering interest from the likes of triple j and THUMP with his sophisticated, super catchy beats, hitting it out of the ballpark on his recent UK tour, Alison Wonderland tour support and huge Splendour set. 'Don't U Want Me' featuring Blair De Milo, will be sitting pretty on our playlists all spring and summer long. Heading around Australia this October and November, Young Franco will undoubtedly show off his latest EP Franco & Friends, a feature frenzy with the likes of KLP, Set Mo, Feki and De$ignated, his recent collab with Brisbane pal UV boi, and his Motez, Alison Wonderland and Peking Duk-approved debut EP Futurefunk.
If you'd like to pair your next afternoon tipple with a stunning ocean vista, then you'd best make Manly's new harbourside hangout your latest watering hole. You won't just be surrounded by the sea as far as the eye can... uh... see thanks to Tide Wine Bar and Casual Dining's marina-adjacent location. You'll also be enjoying a few wines in a cute little shack built over the water. Tide isn't just about its ace William Gunn Jetty digs and fresh seaside breezes, thanks to a simple but substantial food and drink menu. The former includes breakfast, lunch or dinner options such as pancakes, burgers and tapas, while the latter comes complete with ale and cider on tap, plus a hefty list of bottled brews, spirits and wines. To answer the question that anyone heading to a waterside venue has to ask, yes fish and chips are on offer. So are relaxed Sunday cocktail sessions with live music — perfect with that killer view. Trying not to wish you were on holidays is impossible, but if this isn't the next best thing to actually going on a summery getaway, then we don't know what is. Find Tide Wine Bar at William Gunn Jetty, 1 Wyvernleigh Close, Manly. For further information, head to their website or Facebook page.
Before long every area of Brisbane will boast its own Chinese eatery and pizzeria combo. That might sound like wishful thinking, but at the rate Sichuan Bang Bang and Pizza Violetta are expanding, we reckon it could soon become a reality. First, a little background information for those who are yet to experience the culinary delights of these two sibling restaurants. After attracting hungry diners to their initial Kenmore stores, the two set up a second base in Paddington. That, it seems, was only the beginning. Wilston is the next location in owner Renata Roberts' sights. And inner-northsiders won't have long to wait, with June the mooted kick-off date. The rest of the details about the duo's new digs fall into the "to be confirmed" category, though we're sure that the likes of shredded crispy beef and Kung Pao chicken, plus eleven different types of pizzas, will feature on their respective menus. All that's left is for eastern and southside additions to join the mix. Surely it's only a matter of time. For more information, check out the Sichuan Bang Bang and Pizza Violetta websites.
In just one short year, Bella BBQ has gone from a backyard hobby to a bustling market stall to one of Brisbane's favourite food trucks. That's quite the feat, even for purveyors of tasty meats, so they're doing something to celebrate it. That something involves introducing a new component — or a new kind of flexibility, to be exact — to their popular menu. All the staples you know and love remain, such as low- and slow-cooked brisket, pork, ribs and wings, plus their new lamb offering. Now, though, you can have more of a say in what goes into your burger. Welcome to Bella BBQ's build-a-burger experience, or the taste sensation that you didn't know that you were missing. It all starts with a bun and a $10 price tag, and then you choose and pay for everything else that goes on top of it. The usual salads are your next point of call, including Bella BBQ's scrumptious southern slaw. Then, pick your preferred meat, sauce and extras, and prepare for your mouth to water. When it comes to adding something special, options include candy bacon-infused mac and cheese, in case you need a little more tempting. Yes, folks, that's how you make an already great burger place — and their delicious burgers — even better. To stay up-to-date with Bella BBQ, download their app or visit their Facebook page.
Live in Greenslopes and like strolling around market stalls, but don't want to venture too far on a Sunday morning? If so, you're in luck. Because every area of Brisbane needs its own outdoor space to stock up on farm-fresh produce and browse for handmade trinkets, Markets on the Lawn is bringing everyone's favourite weekend shopping activity to the inner eastern suburb. Come July 31, you'll find all of the above at Greenslopes State School every week from 8am — and a place to enjoy a picnic and listen to live music as well. Here, you can pick up your groceries, grab a meal from a food truck, listen to a heap of tunes, take part in a workshop, and simply hangout and relax. Think of Markets on the Lawn as a combination of the usual food and craft-focused affairs and a more lifestyle-oriented event. If you've been to the Stones Corner Street Market, then you should know what to expect. In fact, it's their success that has given rise to Brisbane's latest outdoor shopping gathering. At the rate new markets keep popping up around town, locals will soon be able to dedicate their entire weekends to hopping between different venues. Sounds tasty. Markets on the Lawn kicks off at 8am on July 31 at Greenslopes State School. Check out the event's Facebook page for more information. Image: Erol Ahmed.
You can never have too many beers, wings, burgers or pizzas. That's obviously the motto of the team at Yard Bird Ale House, who after bringing all of the above to Fortitude Valley and Paddington are spreading their wings and flying straight to Stones Corner. The exact location of Yard Bird's third nest is yet to be announced, but expect to start flocking there around August. If you've experienced their combo of Tex-Mex-style food and craft brews before, then you're already excited. And if you haven't, checking out their new digs should be all the motivation you need to drop by. Patrons will find the usual Yard Bird offerings: beer and cider taps a-plenty, plus a dining menu stacked with poultry pieces, meat and bread, and slices of pizza, plus tacos, nachos, wraps and hot sandwiches too. Full details are still to be confirmed, so watch this space — or head to the Valley or Paddo in the interim to get your Yard Bird fix. To keep up to date with Yard Bird Ale House's Stones Corner venture, check out their website and Facebook page.
Feel a hankering for some chortles at the end of the weekend? Trying to squeeze in as many laughs as possible into your life in general? Keen to jump into the working week with some giggles? All of the above situations are catered for at Livewired Comedy — aka Brisbane Powerhouse's regular free Sunday afternoon comedy gigs, which kick off for 2019 on July 14. This free comedy show runs from 5pm each week, and will play host to some of the biggest up-and-comers in comedy, including both local and interstate comedians. Just head on down to Powerhouse's Turbine Platform (the big space in the middle of the building, which you can't miss once you walk in the door) and prepare to get your funny bone tickled.
When it comes to the carnivorous amongst us, everyone loves a good steak sandwich, with the juicy slabs of beef, the crusty bread, the tasty salad, the tantalising sauces and all the other fillings combining to make mouths water. That’s what Just Steak It has discovered from their stall at Eat Street. In fact, their popularity has inspired them to set up their own permanent shop. Soon, Post Office Square will be the place to head to for a meaty sanga fix within business hours. That means all Just Steak It's delicious creations will be available more often. That can only be a good thing. Anyone who has sampled their rib-eye-based offerings — such as the Philly cheesesteak, the Texan wrap and the Argentinan, for starters — will certainly be celebrating. Yes, vegetarians probably best look elsewhere. Foodies of Brisbane will no doubt spot the trend Just Steak It is adhering to in making the leap from the markets to a permanent store, with plenty of others doing the same in the last year. While they might not be do the first to do so, they might just be the one that all meat-lovers have been waiting for. Find Just Steak It in Post Office Square in the coming months. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest information.
If you've lived in Brisbane long enough, you've probably become accustomed to seeing parts of the city torn down and turned into shops, apartments and offices. Don't go thinking that the latest Hamilton development is just doing the same thing, though. In fact, it's turning that trend on its head. Brisbane residents should say goodbye to the old Caltex service station on Kingsford Smith Drive, and prepare to welcome to a brand new park instead. The transformation is part of the next stage of the Northshore masterplan, which has already brought plenty of greenery to that part of the city — plus the wonder that is the Eat Street Markets, too — and just generally made what was once an industrial area look a whole lot different. [caption id="attachment_581792" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Hercules Street Park, Northshore.[/caption] As announced by the State Government, the new Hercules Street Park will span two hectares, and include a central multi-use open space with amphitheatre seating that could be used for events and sporting matches. The space will also feature a tree-lined 250-metre jogging path, picnic shelters, barbecues and a small dog off-leash area. It all forms part of what's shaping up to be Queensland's largest waterfront urban renewal project, with 15,000 people expected to live at Northshore — and another 15,000 expected to work there as well — once construction is finished. That's not bad for a section of town that used to boast Brissie's main wharves, and even once housed a prison. In fact, the now-bustling Kingsford Smith Drive was initially built as an access road to the jail. For more information, keep an eye on the Northshore website.
Whether you call them chips, fries or frites, there's something irresistible about warm, golden slivers of potato. We all know it's true. That's probably why Caxton Street's next addition is about to dedicate a big portion of their menu to them. You don't open a pub dedicated to frites and burgers without offering up plenty of everyone's favourite side dish, after all. Revamping the space on the corner of Caxton Street that Casablanca's called home for 23 years, Fritzenberger Frites and Burger Brew Pub will serve up exactly what its name suggests — and in several varieties. Rest assured, you won't find their selection at any old greasy spoon. Yes, it's another take on one of Brissie's most enduring trends (burgers, duh) — but hey, you don't hear the city's collective stomachs complaining. With its own microbrewery on-site, the drinks side of the equation will also be a huge drawcard (because every burger and fries combo tastes better when it's washed down with a beverage). Expect to enjoy plenty of house brews, and just a great vibe all round. Fritzenberger is the latest project from the bright minds behind Harajuku Gyoza, so they know a thing or two about mixing tasty food with brews. Find Fritzenberger Frites and Burger Brew Pub at 52 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane City from early September. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details. Image: Stephanie McCabe.
