What's better than one new drinking spot? Two of course. You think so, we think so, and the folks behind the latest additions to the Brunswick Street mall do as well. Not content with livening up Fortitude Valley's bustling centre with a new pub, the folks behind Finn McCools have gone a step further. When the Irish-themed establishment throws open its doors on May 20, it'll also come with a laneway offshoot. That'd be The Causeway. Think of the former as a modern twist on the kind of welcoming watering holes everyone wishes they could spend many an evening in, complete with traditional meals, taps flowing with Guinness and Kilkenny, and live entertainment from Thursday to Sunday. Then, think of the latter as their hip sibling, serving barista-made coffee by day, sweet salted caramel martinis by night, and gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings whenever the mood strikes. As far as one-stop boozing hotspots go, they've got all bases covered. Being spoilt for choice is a pretty good problem to have — as is struggling to pick which bar to hole up in for the night. Find Finn McCools and The Causeway at 295 – 301 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. Check out the Finn McCools and The Causeway Facebook pages for more information.
The folks over at Gelato Messina know how to whip lovers of all things sweet and frozen into a frenzy, and they've done it again, announcing that their Sydney degustation bar will be venturing north to Brisbane. The Messina Creative Department will be setting up shop for the first time at the South Brisbane store for two weeks only, from August 31 until September 9. An offshoot of the famed gelato parlour, the Messina Creative Department offers an epic seven-course degustation, complete with non-alcoholic drink pairing. Since opening next door to their OG Darlinghurst venue last year to rapturous response, the tiny dessert table space has proved to be immensely popular, with places booking out almost as soon as they're released. Their recent sold-out truffle degustations in Sydney and Melbourne have been similarly received. With two to three sittings per night and just 12 seats available per sitting, Brisbanites had best book these $130-per-head spots at the ice cream sorcery table as soon as possible. The menu should have you doing just that. It will be a combo of the best dishes from Sydney and Melbourne (along with a few brand new Brissie creations) — previous dessert dinners have seen the likes of garlic gelato, a sugar egg filled with delights and an amazing matcha and pistachio cake concoction. A recent dish matched a vanilla and black truffle oil with vanilla and parsnip puree, a parsnip crisp and a vanilla 'fern' matched with a chai latte. It's dessert meets art meets one helluva tastebud adventure. The Messina Creative Department will pop-up at the Brisbane store at 109 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane from August 31 till September 9. So get your sticky gelato fingers on a ticket here.
FBI special agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder are returning to find that truth after 13 years off the air. The X-Files is officially returning to your screens, with creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson locked in for the reunion fans have been waiting for. While it's not a full-blown season — just six episodes are planned — it's news to the ears of X-Philes worldwide. "I think of it as a 13-year commercial break,” Carter told TIME. "The good news is the world has only gotten that much stranger, a perfect time to tell these six stories." Here's hoping we don't pick up where we left off in 2008's cinematic casserole The X-Files: I Want to Believe. No cameos of Billy Connolly playing a convicted paedophile thanks. Let's hope Carter throws back to 1993, when The X-Files first kicked off years of killer dolls, literal substitute teachers from hell, creepy skateboard dudes and Texas Chainsaw-like creepo families. And aliens, o'course. According to TIME, the six episodes will indeed head back to the show's original format — we're talking one show, one mystery, all sexual tension. The X-Files is heading into production this winter, with no release date in sight yet. But we want to believe early 2016. Via TIME. Image: Diyah Perah, 20th Century Fox.
Traditional gardening takes time, effort and a propensity for getting your hands dirty. Saving you on every count, a team of art students from the University of Maribor in Slovenia have developed a CNC (computerised numerical control) machine that lets you print your own garden and pot plants, because art. And because environmental awareness. And because seeing grass grow from a mud outline of your own face is peak eerie. Called PrintGREEN, the printer pipes out a mixture of soil, water and grass seed onto a felt-covered sponge surface in sophisticated shapes — think typography, intricate mandala-like designs and yes, even human faces. For extra cool factor, it can also print along the z-axis, forming three-dimensional mud pots that sprout their own grass. [embed]https://vimeo.com/68193572[/embed] The world needs more greenery. Leaving aside the fact that if we don’t have enough of it life on Earth will literally collapse, studies have shown that trees are nature’s valium and an extra ten on every block can actually calm us down. And they're pretty. PrintGREEN is so far just an art piece, but it’s not the first venture 3D printing has made into the horticultural realm. Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can print your own grow box valve, your own urban farm, and your own hanging window garden. (That last one is also designed by a college student, this time from Philadelphia University. Kids these days.) This kind of technology has been touted as the future of manufacturing. See 3D-printed clothes, 3D-printed furniture and this 3D-printed 80s Knight Rider car. Sigh. We get these little glimpses into the future and it’s scary but beautiful. Via Mentalfloss.
First an app, now virtual reality. Icelandic queen of raising the bar Bjork has announced plans to pair her newest video with virtual reality headset, Oculus Rift. Working with longtime collaborator and director Andrew Thomas Huang, Bjork has made her new video for 'Stonemilker' — from latest (and leaked) release Vulnicura — available to view through the headset. If Bjork's bookshelf of previous videos is anything to go by, this is going to be one wild world to explore with the Rift. Bjork is no stranger to harnessing new forms of technology to complement her work. The singer released a special app in conjunction with her 2013 album Biophilia. Bjork's upcoming retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art, opening March 8, is sure to contain some pretty interactive elements with predictably mind-blowing technology. So why Oculus Rift, why now? In a recent interview with Fast Company, Bjork chatted about the OR endeavour, explaining apps are "punk", Oculus Rift takes things next level. "It can’t just be working with the gadget for the sake of the gadget. But also it’s about budgets," Bjork told FC. "You can do apps cheaply. Apps was kind of punk, actually. It was like starting a punk band again. Filming for Oculus Rift is not." So, will you be able to watch Bjork's new video on the Rift? Business Insider predicts Oculus Rifts will be available to consumers in 2015, and Oculus VR CEO, Brendan Iribe, told Dublin's Web Summit 2014 that a consumer-version of the company’s Rift VR headset is "close"; so you could be forking out your salary for one in mere months. Release dates for the 'Stonemilker' video are yet to be announced. Via The Verge.
Staying at home, binge-watching House of Cards and polishing off a few chocolate bunnies solo is one way of spending the Easter long weekend. But when you're trudging back to work on Tuesday, don't you want to feel like you used the time a little more actively? That instead of lounging on the couch you explored sea caves? Instead of going on a YouTube bender you went paddleboarding in crystal-clear water? That you could have finished Fallout 4 but instead you saw the sun set over stunning snowy mountains? Use those glorious four days wisely, you don't get this time off every week. Look, you don't even have to plan anything. These five Instagram-happy globetrotters have put together the perfect itinerary for five different four-day holidays you could taken over the Easter break. Pick your favourite and get going. FIND WATERFALLS, MIDDLE EARTH AND CHEESE FACTORIES IN AUCKLAND by Nicola Easterby @polkadotpassport. Spend a few jam-packed days exploring Auckland and its surrounding countryside, beaches and bubbling restaurant, cafe and bar scene — and make time for an adventure to the stunning Kitekite Falls. Start your trip by enjoying a cup of New Zealand's world-class coffee at Auckland's Fort Lane and a treat from the cafe's European-inspired patisserie cabinet. Head up Mount Eden, the city's highest natural point. Then get ready for a drastic change of pace from the metropolitan buzz as you head out to West Auckland, with rolling green countryside and the boutique wineries of Kumeu, then up to North Auckland with endless stretches of beaches and picturesque regional parks to explore. Make sure you find the Puhoi Cheese Factory. Then head south of Auckland for two hours and you'll end up at the town of Matamata, home to the one and only Lord of the Rings Hobbiton movie set. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. RIDE SCOOTERS AND LEARN TO COOK IN BALI by Laurie Young @theruecollective. Bali is one of those enchanting places that will transport you from ordinary life into a world of spiritual culture, vibrant colours, and beautiful people. Whether you're looking for a calming escape, a new adventure or simply a few blissful days in paradise, Bali has you covered. Watch the Nusa Dua sunrise and spend the afternoon lounging on the beach drinking from fresh coconuts and enjoying a massage in your own beach chair. Hire a scooter and drive to Uluwatu Temple. Climb down into ocean caves and let the waves lap at your feet. Eat dinner at Jimbaran's traditional seafood restaurants lined up along the beach. Find infinity rooftop pools in Seminyak, learn to cook a traditional Indonesian or Pan Asian dish and spend the afternoon on the beach watching the surfers. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. EXPLORE TEMPLES AND SEA CAVES IN PHUKET by Helen Chix @helenchikx. For those who have never been to Phuket and need an itinerary packed with the essentials to get a taste of what this city has to offer, then read on. Be warned though – you may find yourselves booking your return (or perhaps one way?) flights and I take no responsibility for this – or maybe just a little. First-timers should opt for a day tour to check out Phi Phi Island or just arrange transport to be ferried to and from. Visit Monkey Beach, swim at Maya Bay (made famous by the movie The Beach), and explore Phi Phi Island. If you're after a day of pampering, then check out the Darin Massage Spa. Explore the Monkey Cave Temple (Wat Suwannakuha), kayak through the mangroves and sea caves at Talu Island, and visit the Muslim fishing village erected on stilts on Koh Panyee. Head over to Krabi for beachfront restaurants and bars with a view fit to enjoy a sunset dinner. Snorkel just off the beach at Chicken Island – but beware of stepping on sea urchins. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. FIND A FOODIE'S PARADISE IN QUEENSTOWN by Chrizelle Lategan @chrizellelategan. Roam around the little streets of Queenstown over the Easter break — and we mean walking. Visit cute little coffee shops, invest in homemade woollen products, pig out on pork ribs and nibble on delicious seasonal canapés in front of the fire in the beautiful Bordeau Wine Lounge. And that's just the start of your trip. Take a 20-minute scenic drive to gold mining town Arrowtown and visit The Chop Shop, have modern French cuisine in Wanaka, and take the gondola up to Skyline Restaurant. Visit Milford Sound to experience one of the most breathtaking places in the world, wait in line at Ferburger for a feed you won't forget (choose the Codfather if you know what's good for you), and take a stroll alongside the Lake Wakatipu pier. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. FIND SMALL SURF TOWNS ON THE GOLD COAST by Brigette Dyer @BlkWhiteBlog. Start big with wine and theme parks in and around Broadbeach and then take (short) road trip just over the New South Wales border to the one and only Halcyon House located in Cabarita Beach, a small town with a renowned surf break. Once a run-down 1960s' motel, Halcyon House has been beautifully renovated into a European-inspired boutique hotel. Only a short drive from the Gold Coast you have Queensland's capital city, Brisbane (Concrete Playground can help you here). Then, make your way down to Tallebudgera Creek. Find a comfortable spot under the trees, hire a stand-up paddleboard, or join the locals in jumping off the bridge into the crystal clear water below. Only a two-minute drive from Tallebudgera you have Burleigh Heads, where you can visit the Heads' very first rooftop bar — and order the Deep Fried Nutella Ice Cream Sandwich. For the full four-day itinerary. head over here. Haven't clicked with one of these adventures? Check out more #4PricelessDays itineraries on MasterCard's website.
If you're thinking about the Gold Coast, you're likely thinking about theme parks. Most Brisbanies have been to Dreamworld, Movie World and Sea World, and not just once. Anyone visiting from the rest of the country seems to head straight through one of their gates the moment they get to Queensland. Soon, there could be another ride-filled area luring in locals and holidaymakers alike — and we don't mean Dreamworld offshoot White Water World or the similarly splashtacular, slip 'n' slide-centric Wet'n'Wild. You'll have Chinese conglomerate the Wanda Group to thank for this new source of fun and fried foods, given that they're currently in negotiations with the State Government to add to the tourist strip's attractions. The theme the park might adopt is still anyone's guess, even if The Gold Coast Bulletin has dared to throw the D word — yes, that'd be "Disney" — into the mix. Wanda did buy Australian cinema chain Hoyts earlier this year, and do have an entertainment focus as part of their operations in China. You can never have too many rollercoasters based on movies, of course — and who doesn't want to see two competing parks battling it out to be crowned the real 'Hollywood on the Gold Coast'? Whatever the branding, keen thrillseekers can expect something big if Wanda's existing Chinese spaces are anything to go by, including the Wanda Xishuangbanna International Resort and its five lands, 27 recreational facilities, 45-metre high rollercoaster and 1200-seat theatre. Then there's the Wanda Movie Park, which the company claims is the world's first film-oriented indoor space of its type. It seems when it comes to theme parks, they don't do anything by halves — and nor should anyone. Via The Gold Coast Bulletin. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Variety might be the spice of life, as the saying goes, but we’re pretty certain that it’s a necessary seasoning for comedy, too. Being the diverse bunch that we all are, an eclectic array of things can make each and every one of us dissolve into fits of giggles. Like the range of options showcased at an event dedicated to tickling our funny bones, you’re probably thinking. For Brisbanites, that’d be the annual Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse’s yearly showcase of humour and hilarity. In 2016, they’ve selected the best local and international talent for an amusing onslaught of more than 45 performers over 26 days. If you like those stats, we have one to add: expect the resulting laughter to cause thousands of sore stomachs, or so we're guessing. BCF has also had the smarts to put these ten performances on the bill, aka our picks of the entire fest. Because one good turn deserves another, we think you should return the favour by checking them out.
It's not just a case of the show needing to go on for the folks at the Moulin Rouge. It must, and it is. 17 years after the big-screen release of Baz Luhrmann's smash-hit movie musical, the story of doomed lovers Christian and Satine has made its way to the stage in an expectedly spectacular fashion. The lavish adaptation premiered at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre on July 10, with its first season running through until August 19 before an expected Broadway bow afterwards. Moulin Rouge! the Musical follows the tale film fans fell in love with, as well as the music — plus new pop tracks that hit the airwaves in the nearly two decades since the movie's original release. It's directed by two-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers — who also has a Golden Globe to his name for co-created TV series Mozart in the Jungle — with music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by his frequent collaborator Justin Levine. Aaron Tveit (TV's Gossip Girl; stage productions of Wicked, Rent and Catch Me If You Can) takes on the role of Christian, as played by Ewan McGregor in the movie, while Tony-winner Karen Olivo (the revival of West Side Story, In the Heights, Hamilton) steps into Nicole Kidman's shoes as Satine. "I first encountered Alex Timbers through the remarkable and inventive production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and the brilliance of Here Lies Love," said Luhrmann in a statement when the state adaptation was first announced in 2016. "I immediately recognised the young director's creative spirit and felt we shared similar sensibilities and instincts." Continuing the show's list of talent, writing duties fell upon acclaimed playwright and screenwriter John Logan, whose resume includes Skyfall, Spectre and Alien: Covenant as well as the Tony Award-winning play Red. "It's immensely gratifying to know that a new wave of artists will be leading Moulin Rouge! into its rightful theatrical realm," said Luhrmann. Image: Moulin Rouge the Musical/Matthew Murphy.
Only a few years ago, virtual reality seemed like a foggy, far distant dream that would probably, like most new technology, take a few decades to become readily accessible and genuinely user-friendly. We've come a long way since the halcyon days of computers the size of a room and, in no time at all, we have the first generation of virtual reality headsets at our fingertips, all vying for our attention. Today, Oculus has officially announced that Rift, arguably the VR headset with the most recognisable name, is available for purchase to anyone with a spare suitcase of cash schmackos lying around — it's retailing for AUD$792.88 plus shipping. It's not cheap as chips, but it's not tens of thousands either. The eager beavers who pre-purchased their headset from the Oculus kickstarter will receive their headsets soon, and the rest are back ordered until July. It's slightly more expensive than the Playstation VR which retails at AUD$549.95 (available in October) but much cheaper than the HTC Vive which will set you back AUD$1226.98 (available in April). As a few savvy bloggers have pointed out, the cost of the Rift itself is a little deceptive as the real VR magic happens in the power PC you'll have to have hooked up to the device to render the graphics. If you already have a high-powered gaming computer with a hefty, dedicated graphics card and a fair whack of RAM, great! You're good to go. If not, a basic make PC is going to set you back another $1000. But we wouldn't be too quick to jump in straight away. Buying first generation technology can be a gamble, as we learned from the great iPhone 6 Plus Bendgate of 2014 and they're definitely still working out the kinks of VR technology (nausea caused by motion sickness is still a biggie). We're still a while away from full immersion but at least it's progressing quickly. Images: Oculus.
The sun is shining, your out of office is set and you've already spent a good amount of time curled up streaming tv shows. Now's the chance to catch up on your reading — so, find a shady spot on a beach, next to a pool or by a waterfall and start making your way through our favourite ten books of 2018. It's a mixed bag this year, we've been turning the pages of the latest brain-contorting Murakami novel, a chilling — real — look inside American prisons, a witty retelling of the Illiad and a homegrown memoir that's both moving and educational. Some of them are immersive, some of them knotty and uncomfortable, which makes them perfect for mulling over during the holidays, and provide flavourful fodder for otherwise bland Christmas dinner conversations. Take your pick. MILKMAN BY ANNA BURNS In search of a cerebral workout? Anna Burns' Milkman is just the ticket. The novel made her this year's Man Booker Laureate and continues the prize's trend of riving audiences into seemingly irreconcilable factions with its dense prose and no-easy-answers-given plot. There is its 18-year-old female protagonist, its undeclared always opaque setting (Belfast, in the 1970s), and its dearth of habitual interpretative signposts including paragraph breaks, dialogue and punctuation. But such a formalist echoing of the narrative's own syncopated and lacerated content (sexual harassment, the IRA, civil unrest and bombings) is meant to confound our ordinary ways of apprehending narratives, since these mechanisms fail or risk misconstruing tales of trauma. To truly enjoy the book, one must simply give oneself up to its paranoid, relentless cadence; its rules (or lack thereof). As Harriet Baker of the Times' Literary Supplement puts it, "Burns doesn't write about fear so much as create the experience of it." NORMAL PEOPLE BY SALLY ROONEY Sally Rooney's writing will make you feel lots of things. First, it will make you feel under-accomplished — she's just 27 and her new novel Normal People is not only her second, but is also so commended that it's been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Then, it will make you feel uncomfortable, empathetic, frustrated, hopeful and heartbroken. The Irish story follows Marianne and Connell's relationship from high school through to their mid-twenties, and, from each of their perspectives, explores the nuances of the power dynamics between them. From a literary point of view, it's easy to get through, but sometimes hard to digest — its relatability for anyone who's ever tried to navigate love and relationships can be, at times, exposing and confronting. Like her first novel Conversations with Friends, the book hinges on its excellent dialogue, which is fluid and effortless, and includes some of the most real and 'millennial' conversations in contemporary literature. Would recommend if you liked Girls but wished it was elevated to the standards of The New Yorker. KILLING COMMENDATORE BY HARUKI MURAKAMI You know you're reading a Murakami when a seemingly mundane situation — say, a recently divorced man painting a portrait — suddenly isn't so mundane anymore, and now you're asking an invisible man to help you save a young girl, probably a mental manifestation of your dead sister, who's lost in another dimension. And Killing Commendatore is a typical Murakami novel: the unnamed protagonist is a lonely young man and the book is filled with scenes that are both routine and brain contorting. While it can feel like a bit of a slog at 704 pages, there's enough Murakami mind-boggling to keep you interested — and a hilariously bad sex scene (which was shortlisted for a Bad Sex in Fiction Award) thrown in for good measure. And what better time to while a way a day with a lengthy novel than during the summer holidays. EGGSHELL SKULL BY BRI LEE The mark of a good book, in my opinion, is that it makes you either learn or feel something. This does both. Eggshell Skull is a memoir from Bri Lee tracking her year spent as a judges associate in the Queensland District Court, working mostly on sexual assault cases. Lee details the legal process and her experience within it, both professionally and personally, with brutal candour. In 370 pages, expect to feel a wide range of emotions — sadness, confusion, rage, shame — at how bafflingly unjust our legal system can be, particularly for women. ENIGMA VARIATIONS BY ANDRE ACIMAN If, like me, you only discovered André Aciman last year with the release of the film adaptation of his first novel Call Me By Your Name, you too may find yourself itching, or indeed aching, to read more of his work. Though its title appropriates the name of Edward Elgar's famed suite, Aciman's latest effort bears a rather 'enigmatic' relationship to those glorious pieces of music (they are never mentioned in the text, but without saying too much, there are a number of textured thematic coalescences). As was assuredly the case with Call Me By Your Name, the estival settings of a number of Enigma Variations' sections make it the perfect companion for a lazy sun-dappled afternoon beneath a tree, cider or other appropriate beverage in hand. CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN BY SAYAKA MURATA Best-selling Japanese author Sayaka Murata's English-language debut is a quietly brilliant critique of late-capitalist culture and society. In particular, it addresses the conformism that this system often demands and perpetuates. Her novel never moralises nor condemns the choices of those who do conform in order to get by, but it certainly penetrates its subject with fluorescent lighting of a convenience store. Told through the eyes of its 36-year-old protagonist Keiko Furukura who, realising at an early age that society has only disdain for figures of alterity, has pursued anonymity by working at the same convenience store for the last 18 years. And so Convenience Store Woman performs that rare literary art of de-familiarisation: what Keiko finds at the store, appositely named Smile Mart, are purpose and a place of belonging. Her boss furnishes her with a manual (more of a script, in the theatrical sense, actually) and a uniform. Keiko's humble hard-working existence then is neither to be transcended nor deified. Instead, it offers her a vantage point from which to call into question the arbitrary rules of society: she is the social misfit who aspires to, and in her perfection thereof, defamiliarises the coordinates of conformity. This de-familiarisation is also achieved through Murata's fabulous characterisation of Keiko as someone to whom society's mores seem impenetrable and amusing ("Good, I pulled off being a 'person,'" she says). At this time of the year, this novel invites us to recognise the ways in which convenience is almost always a chimera of ease made possible by the invisible labour of others. THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS BY PAT BARKER With a title that speaks volumes, Pat Barker's retelling of the Iliad is the summer must-read book for all of us out there who sat through Classical Studies wondering, and what about the women? (Not just the regal Helens, mind you, the other women). Barker (re)narrates The Trojan Wars from the perspective of a female slave, Briseis. (In Homer's original, Briseis is less a character than a plot point; a princess-turned-trophy). This is of course an 'impossible' history, since such a woman as Barker's protagonist would have been deprived of all means of inscribing her voice into history. She acknowledges this, saying: "We need a new song." In this the novel gets right to the heart of the matter that history's structure and shape often exclude women 'before the fact,' since 'feminine' expression is often understood to be subjective, unreliable, and the like. But why do we deem 'masculine' modes more objective? Barker has to imagine — and does so admirably well — what the idiom of a woman whose body is fought over by two Greek soldiers would have looked like. And so from the beginning of her narration, Briseis deconstructs masculinist history: "Great Achilles [...] Brilliant Achilles, shining Achilles, godlike Achilles…How the epithets pile up. We never called him any of those things; we called him 'the butcher.'" AMERICAN PRISON: A REPORTER'S UNDERCOVER JOURNEY INTO THE BUSINESS OF PUNISHMENT BY SHANE BAUER Like the collocation of the words 'business' and 'punishment' in its title, Shane Bauer's fascinating book-length work of investigative journalism should unsettle you. Yes, it's about American prisons, one if we're to be as objective as possible, but in case you should naively believe that we in Australia live in some antipodean paradise, let us remember that private for-profit prisons exist here too and continue to treat inmates appallingly. Bauer's perspective is all the more fascinating when we turn to his biography: he was imprisoned for two years in Iran, and wrote about this elsewhere (A Sliver of Light, 2014). Now, in American Prison, he writes about his four months tenure as a guard in a private prison (he infiltrated Louisiana's Winn Correctional Center). Understaffed, underpaid, with cut-throat budgets for inmates and prison guards alike, such institutions ensure anyone who wasn't a fully fledged criminal when they went in, will almost certainly be one when, or if, they get out (setting a prisoner is free is almost always detrimental to a prison corporation's bottom line). Bauer notes how insidious the late-capitalist mechanisms that wear down bodies are, writing that "to treat everyone as human takes too much energy. More and more I focus on proving I won't back down." This book will likely leave you feeling enraged — I for one believe that's a good thing. SMALL FRY BY LISA BRENNAN-JOBS Steve Jobs has been firmly deified by society, not least of all by predominantly young male techies. It seems we're always willing to excuse behaviours in a 'genius' that would be immediately recognisable elsewhere as rather sociopathic. Sometimes these behaviours even receive the euphemistic title of 'eccentricities'. In her controversial memoir Small Fry, Lisa Brennan-Jobs supplements the public persona of her father with that of the private one she knew (or hardly knew, he denied he only recognised her as his own daughter when sued by the government for failure to pay child support). It would be too forgiving, though, to say that this somehow humanises the godly Jobs. But nor is Small Fry a tell-all work of scandal or revelation. As one reviewer put its, "Brennan-Jobs's book seems more wounded than triumphant; it can feel like artfully sculpted scar tissue." To say more here would be to spoil this enthralling work of autobiography. NO FRIEND BUT THE MOUNTAINS: WRITING FROM MANUS PRISON BY BEHROUZ BOOCHANI Kurdish journalist Behrouz Boochani has been detained on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island, which was, until last year, one of Australia's offshore refugee detention centres — or as Boochani calls it "a prison" — for five years. While he's been there, he's written damning articles for The Saturday Paper and The Guardian, among others, and a book: No Friend But the Mountains. He wrote it, not on paper or a computer, but "thumbed on a phone and smuggled out of Manus Island in the form of thousands of text messages". The book is blistering in its condemnation of Australia's treatment of asylum seekers and, at the same time, poetic. Boochani weaves together, and juxtaposes, lyrical verse describing another time and place with disturbing scenes from the present: attempted suicides, violence, hunger. Boochani gives a voice, and a face, to the refugees that Australia's government tries so hard to silence. Words by Leah Lynch, Lauren Vadnjal, Melanie Colwell and Samantha Teague.
The world is still reeling from unexpected the death of the Thin White Duke. Many beers have been raised, many toasts have been spoken and many impromptu karaoke sessions have been belted out in cars, bedrooms and showers around the world all in celebration of The Man Who Fell to Earth and graced us with his magic sance for 69 awesome years. Over the next few weeks, official tribute events are happening around the country in droves. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best. SYDNEY Care?-E?-Okay! Six Decades of Bowie It’s exactly what it… sort of sounds like. A free karaoke event celebrating Bowie’s discography in Newtown, starting at 10pm and running til 6am the next morning. Rock on. Where: Tokyo Sing Song, basement 145 King Street, Newtown. When: Thursday, January 14 Vale to our hero: A tribute to David Bowie A free musical and visual event showcasing Bowie’s life and career in the Gallery Bar, kicking off at 10pm. Where: Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford Street When: Friday, January 15 A Special David Bowie Tribute Event The details of the event are still to be announced but in Bearded Tit tradition the event will be free and feature DJ Sveta and surprise guests. Where: The Bearded Tit, 183 Regent St, Redfern When: Sunday, January 17 MELBOURNE Let’s Dance and celebrate the life of Bowie Blasting Bowie classics from 10pm-1am. Entry is $5 or free if you come in dress-up. Where: Ding Dong Lounge When: Thursday, January 14 The Speed of Life: A night of Bowie at The Curtin An all-Bowie DJ set from 10.30pm til late. Free entry. Where: The Curtin, 29 Lygon Street When: Friday, January 15 David Bowie Tribute Screening A screening of Bowie’s 1986 class Labrinyth. The rooftop session sold out but an extra session has been added so get in quick if the Goblin King is your jam. Where: Lido Cinemas, 675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn When: Thursday, January 28 BRISBANE David Bowie Video Tribute Night From 6.30pm, the New Globe Theatre will be screening a recording of Bowie’s final concert as Ziggy Stardust in 1973 followed by a 90-minute compilation of music vids, performance footage and doco bits and pieces. Free entry. Where: New Globe Theatre, 220 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley When: Thursday, January 14 REBEL REBEL David Bowie Celebration An all-vinyl dance party tribute to the “fallen alien rock god with a red mullet haircut”. The event starts at 8pm and features film and music, with all proceeds from the $10 tickets going to charity. Where: Beetle Bar, 350 Upper Roma Street When: Friday, January 15 Ziggy Played Guitar – David Bowie Tribute Night for Cancer Charity The lineup for this gig hasn’t been announced yet but will be a tribute to the life of David Bowie and feature a solid local crew. Tickets are $12 + booking fee or $15 on the door with proceeds donated to cancer charities. Where: The Foundry, 228 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley When: Sunday, February 21
Off the back of the release of their second album Choose Your Weapon, Melbourne neo-soul quartet Hiatus Kaiyote are killing it this year. After wrapping up a sold-out tour around Europe and the US, they’re back on home turf and setting off around the country for a string of live shows playing their ‘multi-dimensional, polyrhythmic gangster shit’ (their words, but good ones) for local fans. The group’s 2012 debut Tawk Tomahawk earned them props from people like Prince and Pharrell, and a Grammy nod for their collab with Q-Tip ‘Nakamarra’ — a first for an Australian R&B act. Always interesting, their sound is blissful funk with broad appeal — not least for the heady vocals of majestic frontwoman Nai Palm. It’s the kind of music that has seen them on a festival bill alongside Grace Jones and Massive Attack one night, and the next playing a small gig in Paris with a 70-year-old Ethiopian jazz composer. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGlIMaw5vlU[/embed]
Some cocktails go in and out of fashion. Some cocktails never go out of style. When it comes to the Negroni, the latter has proven the case for almost a century. And there are a few reasons that this drink remains a classic. Its beautifully bitter mix of gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth always hits the spot. Its origins, harking back to 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked a Florence bartender to switch the soda in his Americano to gin, are both simple and ingenious. And it's delicious, whether served according to the recipe or given a signature twist. It's also the deserving recipient of a whole week of celebrations: Negroni Week, obviously. Since 2013, seven days each June are dedicated to wetting your whistle with this tasty tipple. So, just where should Brisbanites flock for one of the world's greatest drinks? Here's our pick of the ten best bars to get your Negroni fix from. Participating venues will even donate $1 from every Negroni ordered from June 6–12 to a charity of their choice. DARLING & CO Paddington's new hotspot is an absolute darling. Not just taking over, but completely remodelling the space that Suncorp Stadium patrons probably knew as Iceworks, Darling & Co has classed up its corner of the inner west (twice, they just revamped). Owner-operator Jacqueline Madden brings her wealth of experience (Cloudland, Press Club, the Empire Hotel, Peasant, Cabiria, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall and The Fox) to the multi-faceted space. For Negroni Week, you'll find specials during the week raising money for Destiny Rescue. GERARD'S BAR Tucked behind Gerard's Bistro is its super sleek and charismatic little brother, Gerard's Bar. This hidden bar adds another feather to the cap for the Moubment Group as their collection of restaurants and bars — including Hatch & Co, Laruche and Lychee Lounge — grows. It's been an interesting addition to the James Street precinct, managing to add something a little different to the existing bustling bar scene — and damn fine Negronis at that. COPPA SPUNTINO A pizzeria and a bar all in one, Coppa Spuntino in the CBD has earned an enviable reputation for its small plate options. If Negronis are your thing, it should also earn a spot at the top of your must-visit list, because that's the drink they're renowned for. In fact, they have nine types to choose from on their Il Viaggio del Negroni menu, stepping through the cocktail's journey from its creation through to modern interpretations. If you want to try one with whiskey, bourbon or tequila, you can — plus, you can also tailor your own concoction, taking your pick from types of vermouth and gin. DUTCH COURAGE OFFICERS' MESS Since it opened in mid-2014, this Alfred Street cocktail bar has fast become the place to be. Dutch Courage Officers' Mess's theming and decor might conjure images of 19th-century colonial British outposts, buts its mood brings everything firmly into the 21st century. That includes a food selection filled with delicacies, and a drinks list to match. Given that gin is the bar's preferred spirit, with more than 80 varieties on offer from around the world, its Negroni-making skills are never in doubt. Their version adds caffeine to the mix for those looking for some extra pep, in a scrumptious swill of Tanqueray, Mr Black coffee liqueur, Antica Formula and Campari. RIVERBAR AND KITCHEN Eating and drinking on Eagle Street, while looking out over a scenic river view, is never a bad thing. That's why the ever-popular Riverbar and Kitchen is always busy. Well, that and their impressive house-made cocktail lineup, with their fresh take on the Negroni a definite hit. That'd be the Champagne Negroni, which adds a dash of Prosecco to the usual recipe to add fizz. It also makes for a drink that suits any time of day or night, and just generally goes down a treat. During Negroni Week, the Classic, Champagne and Sloe Negronis will all raise funds for Oz Harvest. LARUCHE A Saturday night in Fortitude Valley, particularly on or around Brunswick Street Mall, can risk getting a bit same ol' same ol' at times. Laruche is just different enough to set itself apart, without being too fancy. Fans of Lychee Lounge in West End will recognise the eclecticism and opulence that is fun rather than stifling — almost gaudy, but in an acceptable way. Order yourself one of Laruche's crisp Negronis and absorb the shiny, shiny opulence. PUBLIC BAR & RESTAURANT It really wasn't all that long ago that trying to find a classy hangout spot in the vicinity of George and Roma Streets was a fruitless task. Thankfully, that side of the city is changing swiftly, with Public Bar & Restaurant one of the first beacons of hope to shine on the area. It's a great place to try out a few out-there dishes (brains, figs and grains, anyone?), if you're feeling experimental. For Negroni Week though, they're going traditional with classic Negronis — $4 from each Negroni goes to Black Dog Institute. MISTER PAGANINI South Bank's fun Italian eatery Mister Paganini caters to long lunchers, on-the-go coffee lovers and pizza diehards in one. The multi-faceted venue features a restaurant serving up classic cuisine, as well as a deli for take-home bites and snacks. But they also do a mean Negroni. During Negroni Week, they'll be doing a Classico, a Barrel-Aged Classico (aged for one month), a Menta and a coffee-infused Caffe version of the cocktail — all raising money for Make a Wish Australia. LEFTY'S OLD TIME MUSIC HALL Like a cross between Deadwood and True Blood, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall will have whiskey and Americana running through your veins by the time you leave. Inside the cavernous building that used to belong to gentleman's club The Velvet Cigar, you can now find a portal to an entirely different place and time. During Negroni Week, Lefty's will be doing a few specials to raise funds for Beyond Blue. THE END Never has the saying 'good things come in small packages' rung truer than at West End's latest boutique bar, The End. Although accommodating 60 people at capacity and being a tiny bit squeezy, The End is cosy rather than claustrophobic. For Negroni Week, they're putting on a barrel-aged grapefruit and mezcal Negroni for $15, raising funds for Micah Projects Inc. Want to learn more about Negronis? Brush up on your history. By the Concrete Playground team.
Think Brisbane's accommodation scene isn't arty enough? Think again. From mid-2016, the city will boast a brand spanking new Art Series Hotel, marking the group's first foray into Queensland. Springing up on the spot that previously housed the headquarters of the state government's transport department, the five-star, 83-suite, dual penthouse property on Boundary Street in Spring Hill won't just look the part. Following the precedent set by venues in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide, The Johnson will also pay tribute to a famous Australian artist. Yes, the name gives it away, with Sydney-born abstract artist Michael Johnson in the spotlight. His luxury namesake will fill its walls with his original paintings and prints, including the trademark horizontal bars that have hypnotized art lovers in Australia and abroad for more than four decades. Other than an amazing array of Johnson's work, views across the city are sure to attract visitors seeking somewhere to stay when they come up north, and may even lure in locals looking for a stylish staycation spot in their own hometown. Guests at The Johnson will enjoy a resort-style 50-metre pool and state of the art gym. If you're not planning on spending the night there, don't despair – you can still make use of the public spaces including the deck bar, restaurant and two cafes. Located at 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, The Johnson is due to open in June 2016. For more information about Art Series Hotels, visit their website.
Hold our calls, feed our fish, tell our mums we love 'em. There's a brand new, purpose-built pop-up hotel travelling around Australia called 'The Spontaneity Suite', and it's just landed in Victoria's Yarra Valley. Hotel booking app HotelTonight (which just launched in Australia in June) and Ovolo Hotels (Sydney's 1888 and Blue Hotel and Melbourne's Laneways Hotel) are behind this, teaming up for one jaw-dropper of an activation. This stunning little moveable hotel room, valued at $32,000, is built from — what else — two shipping containers, and will be travelling around Australia. It's a fully-stocked suite with all the trimmings, with interiors designed by Coco Republic. We're talking rooftop hot tub, cocktail station, rain shower, stone bathtub, Egyptian cotton robes, lambskin recliners, terrace and straight-up insane panoramas of the nearby vineyards, framed by a floor-to-ceiling glass window wall. Sick of that horrible, horrible view? The suite's equipped with Apple TV. Available to book exclusively through the HotelTonight app, lucky adventurers can book a stay in The Spontaneity Suite for a one-night stay for just $99, with limousine transfers from Melbourne, a personal concierge, a TarraWarra Estate wine-tasting tour, all your meals and everything from the minibar included. Yep, what the actual. The catch? It's only available between August 27 and 31. There's another night you could aim for on September 1, but the price starts at $32,000, dropping by $1000 every ten minutes until someone snaps it up. All dosh raised from this night and all other nights booked will go straight to OzHarvest, top marks. Sydneysiders, if you can't make it to the Yarra Valley, keep your hat on. The Spontaneity Suite will pack up and move to a secret location somewhere in Sydney next, then head on to other pretty Australian sites. Want to try your luck at booking a night? Download the HotelTonight app via Google Play or iTunes. Via Traveller.
Need to do refresh your spring or summer wardrobe? Online vintage treasure trove Hawkeye Vintage will let you into its covetable virtual closet with a huge sale on bags, clothing and accessories. Held over on its Instagram on September 11–12 and 18–19, it'll feature 1000s of items from the 70s to the 90s, including the likes of Chanel bags and Gucci scarves. The pieces on offer will run from the affordable right up to the super expensive, but all will be going at a reduced price. Given some of the brands on offer — including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, YSL, Celine and Fendi — you'll be able to pick up some bargains, or opt for a few investment pieces. As the sale will be help on Instagram instead of in-store (unlike the brand's previous sales), the rules are a little different. There'll be no jostling over bags and boots at this one. You'll find all the nitty-gritty over on one of Hawkeye's Instagram Story highlights, but the short of it is this: when you see an item you like, DM sold with the item number and description, wait for a confirmation message and then you'll need to make a payment within 30 mins. There are a few different payment options available, too, including layby, and shipping is free across Australia. Hawkeye Vintage Marathon Live Designer Sale runs from 9am–5pm.
Two years after announcing its first Queensland digs, Munich Brauhaus is finally setting up shop in Brisbane with the opening of its huge two-level beer hall at South Bank. Welcoming patrons from this Friday, May 3 — and throwing a hefty launch celebration the day after — the 900-seat Stanley Street spot brings Bavarian festivities to Brissie, complete with all of the expected flourishes. Think wooden logs lining the walls, a chandelier made out of steins, and timber, brick and beer barrels aplenty throughout the heritage-listed site. Decked out with long communal tables and bench seating, plus stages for bands and performances, the space also features two bars and 250-person outdoor beer garden. ItUnsurprisingly, the venue's aim is to provide "an Oktoberfest experience 365 days of the year", according to Rockpool Dining Group CEO Thomas Pash, with Munich Brauhaus one of the many chains in Rockpool's growing stable. To hammer that idea home, the South Bank spot will feature Oktoberfest flags and regalia for its first month of operation — and, at the opening shindig, will showcase traditional slap dancers, acrobats and an oompah band. Of course, looking and feeling the part is important, but really, there are two things that'll get Brisbanites flocking through Munich Brauhaus' doors: a pork-heavy food offering and a flowing supply of beer. The former comes via the crackling pork belly and the crispy pork knuckle, as well as pork selections among the many various styles of schnitzel and sausages. The latter spans 36 taps and 17 draught beers, including pure Bavarian beers and an extensive list of craft brews from the Rockpool-owned Urban Craft Brewing Co. Visitors will also find other German favourites on offer, such as pretzels, strudels, pickles and sauerkraut, alongside more general favourites like wings, build-your-own salads and wraps, plus various styles of platters and specials. On Monday nights, Munich Brauhaus will serve up an all-you-can-eat meat platter for $39, while a schnitzel and beer will set you back $15 at lunchtime from Monday to Thursdays. As well as Munich Brauhaus, the Rockpool Dining Group plans to open a similar concept called The Bavarian in both Fortitude Valley and Toowoomba next month. In fact, the group's signed 15 new leases across Australia in the last three months alone, so we expect that there's more announcements to come. Find Munich Brauhaus at 153 Stanley Street, South Brisbane. It's open from 11am until midnight seven days a week. Visit the venue's website for more info.
Every last trilby-wearing tween celebrity, President’s daughter and your smug, smug US-based friends will be rubbing their paws together after this morning’s Coachella festival lineup. Running over three weekends from April 10 - 19, the Californian festival has delivered their usual jaw-dropper of a lineup. Big gun headliners AC/DC, Jack White and Drake mark the top of the weekend bills, with a bonafide metric fucktonne of squealworthy buds filling out the rest — Interpol, Belle and Sebastian, Florence and the Machine, alt-J, St. Vincent, Ratatat, Jenny Lewis, FKA Twigs, Drive Like Jehu and Ol’Davey Guett-Guett to name a few. Homegrown legends are heading on over and representing with gusto, with Tame Impala, Chet Faker, Angus and Julia Stone, Vance Joy, What So Not and Alison Wonderland on the bill. Anyway, let’s be honest, you haven’t truly read any of those words — you’ll be wanting this:
Melbourne's purveyors of fine stadium-ready electropop Client Liaison, have finally dropped their long-awaited video for newest single 'Off White Limousine' and it stars a pretty damn slick-looking Melbourne CBD. Directed by Zachary Bradtke (BANALARAMA) and Tobias Willis (KEWL), this little piece of storytelling gold is more akin to a short film, brimming with excess as it follows your favourite pair of pastel-loving hotshots through the streets of Melbourne. Expect six and a half lush minutes of sweeping Melbourne skyline shots, Collins Street motorcades, Flinders Street Station glimmers, St Kilda trams, extravagant suits, free-flowing Champagne labelled as Fosters, and assassination attempts, with none other than Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones' Hodor) acting as limo driver. Have a watch: Not shy of dabbling in a few different projects (Client Liaison followed the success of their debut record Diplomatic Immunity with the launch of a fashion range, Designer Line), the duo's also announced a foray into the limo biz. Yep, you'll soon be able to hire that soon-to-be-iconic, off-white chariot for affordably stylish jaunts in Victoria. They're taking expressions for A Limousine Service Courtesy of Client Liaison here. Client Liaison's Diplomatic Immunity Australian tour is selling fast. See the Client Liaison website for dates and venues.
Dodge laser trip wires. Hack computers. Crack the safe and go home with the gold. Pop Up Playground's newest immersive game, Small Time Criminals, takes you into every old school cops and robbers movie ever made. With the slogan "one last job before going straight", the game will be a dream come true for fans of Ocean's Eleven, The Pink Panther, Heat and The Score. The newly opened immersive simulation gives guests the run of a two-story building in Preston where they will find themselves in the throes of a 'real live' bank heist. You'll have the option to play as a team of master thieves or as detectives hot on their trail, though we find it hard to believe anyone will choose the latter. How often do you get to rob a bank without the inevitable consequence of Al Pacino hunting you down? Australian-based live games company Pop-Up Playground has been knocking out these types of genius concepts since 2011, with clients across Melbourne, New York, the UK and Copenhagen. They've worked with the likes of the Freeplay independent games festival and NY's Come Out and Play, so you can bet this one will be worth the pretty penny. Immersive theatre has continued to become increasingly popular across Australia — from The Hungry Ghost Walk app to Sydney's The Age of Entitlement, last year's Blackmarket performance around Kings Cross to an immersive Halloween Feast, we can't seem to get enough of the action. As far as Small Time Criminals goes, the day will combine live performers, digital puzzles and environmental challenges to keep players thoroughly in the game. From embezzlement to love affairs and murder, this immersion will make you feel as dangerous as it gets — as long as you don't get caught. Small Time Criminals will run at The Bank Immersive Theatre located at 641 Plenty Rd, Preston. Bookings are available from Thursdays to Sundays.
Western Australia is famous for its exports: gold, iron-ore, wheat and, of course, ‘I heart WA’ fridge magnets. Basically, what they've got we’ve gotta get it, and there’s no better example of that than West Australian wine. Because, let’s be honest: Australians love a good drop. Quite a few, actually, given the average consumer enjoys around 30 litres of wine each year. In all, that's 530 million litres the nation over, and while it’s an impressive number, it’s nothing compared to the 750 million litres we send off to the rest of the world. In fact, Australia is now the fourth largest exporter of wine globally, and while just 5% of that comes from West Australia, what those vineyards lack in volume they more than account for in quality, boasting 20% of the ultra-premium market. So how much do you know about WA wine? Here are all the facts you need to start 'researching' your new passion. WHERE IS WESTERN AUSTRALIA? West of the rest of Australia. This is called ‘easing you in’. HOW MANY WINERIES? WA is home to more than 150 wineries broken up into nine separate regions, almost all of which sit on the south-western tip due to its cooler climate and favourable growing conditions. The best known of these regions comprise: The Margaret River Perth Hills Swan Valley Coastal Pemberton and The Great Southern HOW OLD? One-hundred-and-eighty-six years. The oldest established winery in West Australia, the Olive Farm Winery, was established back in 1829 by Thomas Waters, an English botanist who kicked things off with an olive grove (hence the name) and then quickly moved to vines, because seriously, who drinks olive juice? WA’s PRETTY WARM, RIGHT? Damn you’re good. West Australia is indeed a ‘warm wine-growing region’, which in the simplest terms means the grapes are able to ripen more fully, allowing for a higher build up of sugars. The result is threefold: Lower acidity — the wines are sweeter, meaning less tongue tingling or the pulling of that ’sucked in / duckface selfie’ expression Heavier body — the sweeter the wine, the more viscous it’s likely to be Higher alcohol - you’re probably across this one, but just in case, the higher the alcohol, the warmer that feeling it enkindles all over the palate. ALL THIS KNOWLEDGE IS MAKING ME THIRSTY Okay okay, we’ll get into it now. We just didn’t want to jump right to the wine chat in case your emergence as a wine buff occurred a little too early, not unlike some early budding varieties of grape such as Chardonnay that can break bud prematurely during WA's warm winters on account of temperatures exceeding 10°C. SEE WHAT WE DID THERE? Your bluffing game just got stronger. But now, to the wines. MARGARET RIVER (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) Where else but ‘Margarets’ to begin any discussion of West Australian wines? Located about three hours drive south of Perth, the first of these now 100 or so vineyards were established in 1967, although it’s really only in the last 20 years that the region has come into its own and forged a reputation as home to some of the finest wines in the world. The Margaret River’s climate places it in a vinicultural bracket not unlike Bordeaux, only more attractive courtesy of a drier ripening period and low risk of frost. No surprise, then, that it’s best known for its prize winning cabernets, and you won’t do much better than the 2012 Cape Mentelle Trinders Cab Merlot. As you sip away, why not show off some of your newly acquired knowledge with: “Mmm, well obviously because of the warmer climate this cab merlot is well rounded and richly textured, and given its ability to ripen more fully, it’s punctuated with... I want to say... blackcurrant, cherry and hints of sweet vanilla". Fun Wine Fact: knowing about good wine is impressive, but knowing about good wine when other people haven’t even heard of it is even better. To that end, why not get a little more adventurous and try the 2013 Miles from Nowhere Margaret River Shiraz, a solidly built, handsome wine distinguished by red berries and spicy highlights that — unlike the Cape Mentelle Trinders — is designed to be consumed in its youth rather than cellaring. But there’s more to Margarets than just reds. This region offers some of the best conditions in the world for Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, and right now it’s hard to go past the dry, crisp and fruity 2013 Evans & Tate Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, or — if you’re again keen to sample one of the newcomers, the almost-tropical 2014 Catching Thieves Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Another icon of this region is Leeuwin Estate with its famous 'Art Series Chardonnay'. Regarded by some as the best chardonnay in Australia, each Leeuwin Estate vintage comes complete with new paintings on the label from an Australian artist. The winery boasts a fantastic gallery to enjoy alongside the wine tastings, but if you can’t get there in person, then picking up a bottle and admiring the small-scale version is the next best thing. THE SWAN VALLEY (Fortified Wines, Verdelho and Chardonnay) The Swan Valley is a favourite of the locals, given its proximity to Perth (just a 25 minute drive, or 10 from the airport if you’re really in a rush). It's also the hottest and driest of all the Australian wine growing regions, making it an ideal location for fortified wines, Verdelho and Chardonnay. Last year the Swan Valley celebrated 180 years of winemaking, with many of the vineyards still owned by the same families that arrived as early European settlers (including the Olive Farm Winery from above). GREAT SOUTHERN REGION The Great Southern Wine region is the largest in Australia, and accordingly boasts the widest range of varietals from its 48 wineries, although the Rieslings are its most celebrated. This is also the coolest of WA’s wine regions, making it ideal for Chardonnays like the 2012 Byron & Harold Tandem WA Chardonnay. James Halliday just named Bryon & Harold one of his top ten wineries for 2015, and given the deliciously crisp lemon and peach flavours that burst from this particular drop, it’s not hard to see why. SO WHERE TO FROM HERE? Dive in, buy some WA wine and see what tickles your fancy. If you already have an inkling as to your preferred varietals, then keep an eye out for the regions from where they’re produced. Fancy a Merlot? Look for something from Perth Hills. Prefer a Pinot Noir? Hard to beat the ones coming out of Pemberton. You’ll also often see ‘best of’ bundles like this one around the traps, which can give you an excellent sampling across the board before you start to commit to the pricier individual bottles. If you’re lucky, they may even throw in an ‘I heart WA’ fridge magnet.
Who doesn't love a good dining hall? Done right, they offer a distinctive restaurant experience: a big room, a menu to match, and a busy, buzzing atmosphere. You don't need to take our word for it, given that cafeteria-like establishments are popping up all over town. Metropole Bar Eatery is the latest — and if you're dining out in the CBD, the new haunt from the folks behind Bar Pacino just might become one of your favourites. It's not just the 180 Ann Street location that'll lure inner-city types in, though Metropole's shiny modern digs on the first floor of the just-opened Daisho Brisbane building is certainly part of its appeal. Alongside a choice of booth, communal and outdoor terrace seating (the latter with views of the heritage-listed former School of Arts next door), there's also the hefty selection of meals. If you're after a whole host of food choices, served buffet-style, you'll find it here. Think East meets West with all the international cuisine that comes with it: sushi, banh mi, satay chicken and Caesar salads among them. There'll be a number of different types of beverages at various drinks stations, from the caffeine fix you need with lunch to the beers, ciders and cocktails that'll make your night. Metropole isn't just a dining hall — it's a bar as well, after all. Find Metropole Bar Eatery at 180 Ann Street, Brisbane, or check out their Facebook page for further information.
"I had to believe that people wanted to watch a pilgrim horror movie set in early New England, but I didn't think that it would be like this," says Robert Eggers. Indeed, the first-time filmmaker couldn't have predicted the reaction to his debut effort, a labour of love that took four years to research and finance, plus another year to make, shoot and edit. Since The Witch premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and won the dramatic directing award in the process, audiences and critics alike have been buzzing. Given that the film paints a nightmarish vision of a family haunted by loss and overcome with fear, complete with a creepy presence in the woods and some sinister livestock, there's certainly plenty to talk about. There's the feature's approach, for example, with Eggers taking pains to faithfully recreate the movie's setting, period and language. The writer/director laughingly describes himself as "an annoying bearded hipster, but instead of making pickles, I'm going into the past", after all. Then there's the many interpretations of the tense and atmospheric effort, with The Witch hailed by feminists and Satanists alike over the past year. With the film releasing in Australia, Eggers spoke with Concrete Playground about his inspirations, his commitment to authenticity, the responses to the movie and its place in the horror genre. ON DRAWING UPON THE CREEPY NEW ENGLAND WOODS FROM HIS PAST "I grew up in New England and you know, these rural New England towns are sort of full of the past. It can't be ignored — there's all these dilapidated colonial farmhouses and graveyards in the middle of the woods. And like many New England kids that had a house in the woods, I felt like the woods was also haunted by the past. "I was always very interested in witches. The earliest dreams of mine that I can remember are about witches. So I wanted to make an archetypal New England horror story, something that would feel like a nightmare from the past. Like an inherited nightmare, an inherited puritan nightmare that would sort of awaken ancient half-forgotten fears, and articulate the idea of New England's mythic past that I had as a kid." ON PLUNGING THE FILM BACK TO PURITAN TIMES (AUTHENTICALLY) "I love the past, and I love antiques, and I love learning about how people lived and the history of how things were made. When I went to the Globe Theatre reconstruction in London, to their museum, they had a doublet that was made out of a kind of silk that is so insanely perfect. And no one knows how to make silk like that any more — the people who made that have all died and it can't be done "Things like that are very interesting to me. So, I can fetishiSe objects and that makes me happy personally. But authenticity doesn't mean good design or good filmmaking at all. Some films that I love aren't authentic in any way, they're just good. "With this film, I really felt that if the witch was going to be real, if the evil witch was going to be real for an audience and she was going to come across as a given the way she did for these New England Calvinist puritans, we needed to go back to the 17th century and really be immersed — and really believe and be in their mindset. And without the attention to detail across the board, we wouldn't have been able to invest as an audience." ON GETTING SIMULTANEOUS SNAPS FROM SATANISTS AND FEMINISTS "I was just trying to tell a story about how this kind of family from this period would actually have believed witchcraft to be. In doing that, I discovered a lot of different things. Feminism was bursting out of the pages of history, and while I didn't intend to make a film about female empowerment, it seems that if you're telling a witchcraft story, that's kind of what you're doing — and I'm pleased with that, very pleased with it. "I aimed for archetypal storytelling. And if they work at all, then archetypes are always reconstituting again. I mean, lots of people are talking about lots of different kind of feminist issues. There are Satanists who like the film. I got an email from a Calvinist pastor who loved the film. I've had people ask me if I was thinking about Syrian religious refugees. Whatever you want to read into it, I'm happy with it." ON THE WITCH'S PLACE IN THE HORROR LANDSCAPE "I think that most horror films aren't this boring, you know? We tend to like to romanticise the past and say, 'Well Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist and The Shining, well you know those are those great films.'. And we remember them, but we don't remember the trillions and zillions of horrible movies that sucked. "As a first time filmmaker, I think some of my influences are maybe too clear. I think this film smells like The Shining in a strong way, but I think that some of the effectiveness of certain parts might not exist without that. That's a film that I watched a ton in my mid-twenties when I was trying to really to make something which sustained tension." The Witch is now showing in Australian cinemas.
For Catalina Fuentes, junior sous chef at Manly's Papi Chulo, getting a career in cooking off the ground comes down to three things: passion, practice and perseverance. At age 22, Catalina has already reached one of the more senior positions in an established professional kitchen, so, is somewhat of an authority when it comes to kick-starting this particular career. Catalina graduated from William Blue College of Hospitality Management, and has also already nabbed the nationwide Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award, the longest running culinary competition in Australia. "I've never thought I could compete," she says. "So, when I won, it was pretty rewarding." Unrelenting enthusiasts in exactly what makes a kitchen tick, we met up with Catalina to get a few tips on how young cooks can become good chefs. DIVE IN AND MAKE AN ACTUAL GAME PLAN Every culinary dream has to start somewhere, so it's important to nail down that passion for food, and figure out a game plan. For Catalina, following her occupational instincts meant relocating from her native Colombia after high school. "One of my best friends, we both really liked baking, and I really liked doing desserts when I was in high school, so I just thought… I want to be a pastry chef, and I want to study cooking." She enrolled at William Blue at Torrens University, where she studied Culinary Management. The course, while teaching the basics needed to get into the kitchen, also teaches students how to run a kitchen — one of the benefits of the course, Catalina says. "I'll be able to manage my own business in the future." So how does one know if cooking is the right direction for them? What passion already has to be there? "It should be something fun," Catalina says, "it should be something tasty, and it something that you should enjoy and makes you happy." STICK TO YOUR APPRENTICESHIP (HOT TIP: IT WILL BE HARD) Getting into the food business is one thing, but learning the craft and becoming an established chef is a completely different beast. Most newbies take the usual route, through apprenticeship schemes, and for Catalina, it meant half a year on the job after completing her studies. "I had to do it for six months, just as a commis chef," she says. "But for me, it was really good. I was lucky, because the places I worked, everyone was really nice to me — I worked with good chefs." It's not for everyone, however, with the long hours causing a huge number of aspiring chefs to drop out. "It actually shows you how the industry is," Catalina says, "Cooking is pretty tough." The payoff, though, is worthwhile in the end for those who want it badly enough. Once you're in the game, it's essential to keep cracking on, despite how difficult it can become — the big guns did. "If you really like cooking, and that's what you want to do, you will stick to the apprenticeship." REPETITION (AND INCESSANT CHOPPING) WILL MAKE YOU A MASTER Just like with any trade, repetition of an exercise creates a neural shortcut that allows that exercise to be completed to a high standard with minimal conscious brain effort. The same rules apply to cooking, and they apply to everyone. "When I first started, I was really bad with chopping skills," Catalina says, but spending her early days doing the same thing over and over, ad infinitum, helped her to improve. "Even if you're in a job where you're just chopping stuff everyday, you'll see that it's helpful, because at the end, you'll get so much better at it." For Catalina, the practice doesn't seem like such a burden. "Cooking for me is not only a job. It's not something that I wake up and go, 'I don't want to go to work.' It's something that makes me happy." Hot tip? Follow the old 'do what you love and love what you do' mantra and hitting snooze on that alarm will be a thing of the past. ABSORB KNOWLEDGE, THEN CRAFT YOUR OWN SIGNATURE STYLE It might seem intimidating to add your own flavour to the long, long tradition of cooking, but experimentation in the kitchen is just as much part of keeping the drive alive as practice or perseverance. Expose yourself to new foods, new techniques, and especially, new people. "Through cooking, you can learn so much about other people," Catalina says. "Everyone cooks differently and it just shows something about them." Not only is cooking about getting the little things right, it's also about experimenting, and improving. "You have to keep going places, trying and travelling." It's also essential to push yourself, professionally. It's easy to get lulled into the same old same old, so getting amongst new techniques, new styles, and new cuisines in the kitchen is important, too. For Catalina, that might involve a leap into fine dining in the future. "Everything is precise and perfect," she says, "and I think I need to learn some of that." So if you think you might want to dabble professionally in the culinary arts, take advice from someone who has run that gauntlet. "Don't give up," Catalina says. "Keep going, keep practising, keep inspired, keep going out and trying food." Go out and try food? You're really twisting my arm, here. Images: Kimberley Low. William Blue at Torrens University offers courses in Culinary Management, Event Management, Tourism and Hospitality. Find out more about the diverse career options in hospitality, and kick-start your career via the website.
A 30-year retrospective of one of the most dazzling pioneers of multimedia installations and experimental video art opens at the MCA this month with Pipilotti Rist: Sip my Ocean. In what's being heralded as the most comprehensive exhibition of the Swiss artist's work ever held in an Australian gallery, you'll get to see pieces right from the start of her practice (including her early single-channel videos created during the 1980s) up to her most recent immersive environments and large-scale audio-visual installations. A truly unique artist whose practice explores the connection between the human body, nature and technology, Rist creates colourful, enchantingly sensual worlds for viewers to lose themselves in – such as 4th Floor to Mildness, where you'll get comfy on one of 18 beds and gaze upwards at a hypnotic underwater world projected onto massive abstract panels. It's not often you lie down on a gallery floor amongst strangers to soak up some art — and its this particular atmosphere of community and togetherness within the way you experience Rist's work that cements its charm. Taking place as part of the Sydney International Art Series, Sip My Ocean runs until February 18. Images: Courtesy of Pipilotti Rist / Ken Leanfore for the MCA.
Whatever dinner plans you had for Thursday, December 21, you'd better cancel them. Instead, we'd suggest heading to Newmarket 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 400 Newmarket Road between 5pm and 8pm to brighten your evening 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, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, CBD or Capalaba 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 Night might be the main attraction, and rightfully so, but don't forget desserts such as baklava and galaktoboureko (semolina custard in filo pastry) are also on the menu. Plus, if you can't change your plans for a free feed, then you can mosey along and fork out some cash any time from December 19. Free Yiros Night takes place between 5pm and 8pm at The Yiros Shop at Newmarket Village, 400 Newmarket Road, Newmarket. For more information, visit their website.
Located in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region just past Gympie (about three hours' drive from Brisbane), Rainbow Beach takes its name from the multi-coloured dunes that line its shores and stem from deposits of minerals such as rutile, ilmenite, zircon and monazite. The former sand-mining site turned Sunshine Coast holiday town might be big on different shades of the granular stuff that gets between your toes, but it's tiny in terms of population. Just over 1000 people call it home, in fact — so when we say it's small, we really do mean it. It's gorgeous, and just the right kind of quiet, and as Rainbow Beach is perched on the edge of the Great Sandy National Park it overflows with outdoorsy activities. Whatever type of experience you're after, here's our guide to the ultimate Rainbow Beach weekend. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Queensland are now permitted, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_580490" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Arcobaleno on the Beach[/caption] EAT AND DRINK Whether you're hungry or thirsty, your first point of call really should be the Rainbow Beach Hotel. And probably your second and third, too. It's the number one watering hole in town, with a typical seasonal bistro menu of pizzas, pastas and pub food to satisfy the stomach. You'll also find more Italian offerings at Arcobaleno on the Beach at the same address, as well as a hearty breakfast selection. Next, because every beach spot has a pub and a surf club, you owe it to yourself to grab a meal at the latter. Rainbow Beach Surf Life Saving Club is open for brekkie on Sundays with bacon and egg rolls, pancake stacks or eggs benedict. Go for lunch or dinner and you'll find family favourites like fish and chips, burgers, seafood platters and schnitzels. [caption id="attachment_773286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Great Sandy National Park via Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] DO The main reason anyone would want to visit Rainbow Beach is so obvious that it's right there in the town's name, and it really doesn't disappoint. Spying as many as 72 different colours of sands in the cliffs two kilometres from the main township is a bucket list moment (make sure your phone is charged so you can take plenty of pics), but it's not the only thing to do. Visit the Carlo Sand Blow to witness 15 hectares of sandy land that has been compared to a moonscape, and looks particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise. It was actually named after one of Captain Cook's deckhands, and shares its historical links with Double Island Point, a popular dive spot to the south that's accessible via 4WD, and is also home to a 132-year-old operating lighthouse. Alrighty, so you've seen some absolutely stunning natural sights — now it's time to get active in the elements. Want to ride a horse along the beach (or swim with one in the ocean — yes, really)? Or grab a rod, throw a line in and fish from the shore? Great, because you can do all of that here, plus kayak, hang glide, paraglide and skydive. If you're not feeling that adventurous, make a beeline to Rainbow Beach Sports and Recreation Club instead. That's where you can enjoy a game of barefoot bowls or a spot of tennis. Hey, everyone needs a rest now and then. [caption id="attachment_773285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] And, don't forget that Rainbow Beach is just a ten-minute barge ride away from Fraser Island via the nearby Inskip Point, which is just seven kilometres north of the main drag. Booking onto a tour is your best bet given that 4WDs are the only appropriate form of transport on the biggest sand island in the world. Boom, that's a whole day's itinerary sorted. Thankfully, you really can't get enough of the great outdoors out here. [caption id="attachment_580483" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Plantation Resort[/caption] STAY In a town this cosy, accommodation options aren't what you'd call abundant. Here, it's all about quality over quantity, but there's still something available for every budget. If it's luxury you're after, then you'll want to check into either Plantation Resort at Rainbow or Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort. Both feature the type of furniture, fixtures and facilities you'd expect of resort-style hotels, plus beach-adjacent locations and panoramic views. Or, venture a few streets away from the shore to find peaceful, more modest homes-away-from-home that are the Rainbow Getaway Apartments. Rainbow Sea Resort is also a bit further away from the water, but offers ocean views from its more modern digs. And don't overlook Debbie's Place, a motel perfect for one-night stays run by someone who just might be the friendliest of hosts. A handful of hostels can also be found in Rainbow Beach for those really looking to save their pennies (and are up for sharing their holiday experience with strangers). Whether you choose Dingo's Rainbow Beach Hostel or Pippie's Beachhouse, they're located on the same block, so they're rather easy to find. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Great Beach Drive, Tourism and Events Queensland.
Gone are the days when Australians were left to wonder about the precise genealogy of their toast. Following the trend set by the boutique coffee and chocolate industries, artisan bakers Brasserie Bread are upping their foodie street rep with the launch of their new single origin bread. Touted by the bakery as an Australian first, Brasserie's Single Origin Sourdough and Single Origin Sprouted Wheat will be made exclusively from wheat grown in the Southern Flinders Ranges in South Australia, allowing consumers to track the journey of their bread from field to mill to sandwich. Brasserie co-founder Michael Klausen apparently spent five years searching for the perfect wheat, before finally forming a partnership with Flinders Ranges Premium Grain. "I wanted to buy flour straight from the farmer," says Klausen. "It took five years, but I finally found them and being part of the harvest this year was like a dream come true... This flour is an expression of the soil and climate it was grown in." Whether or not consumers can actually taste the difference, you've got to give Klausen credit for tapping into the zeitgeist. It's certainly not hard to imagine single source bread popping up on brunch menus around Sydney and Melbourne, probably with a little single source smashed avo on the side. Brasserie Bread is available in various restaurants around Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the Brasserie Bakery Cafe in Banksmeadow and the T2 Cafe in Sydney Airport. And if you're not yet sold on single origin bread, check out Brasserie's promotional video below. It’s inspiring stuff.
It's a problem anyone with a Netflix, Stan or Presto subscription can relate to: scrolling through a lengthy list of titles but still having trouble finding something to watch. It's a problem that gets worse if you're looking for homegrown content; however a new Aussie-focused streaming option is trying to fix that. Meet Ozflix, the first video-on-demand service dedicated to Australian films. It wants to become a one-stop-shop when it comes to local movies, with everything available to audiences on a pay-per-view basis. Packages grouped by themes and directors will also feature. The service is aiming to get things started with a catalogue spanning 250–400 titles, but that's just the beginning of Ozflix's plans. Eventually, it wants to house every Australian movie ever made, including the first works crafted in the 1900s, the newest releases, and everything from Newsfront to Strictly Ballroom, The Castle, Ten Canoes, Wolf Creek and The Dressmaker. Given that cinemagoers have been flocking to Aussie films en masse in 2015, giving the industry its most successful year at the local box office ever thanks to the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road, The Water Diviner and Paper Planes, the timing is right. The high-profile roster of talent who has voiced their support already — actresses Deborah Mailman and Claudia Karvan, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert director Stephan Elliott, and Animal Kingdom producer Liz Watts among them — certainly agree. Now all Australian movie fans need to do is wait until Ozflix launches in 2016. For more information on Ozflix, visit their website.
For the next twelve months, visitors to Uluru will get the chance to see the sacred rock in a whole new light, thanks to a massive installation transforming the surrounding desert into a spectacular ocean of colour. Incorporating 50,000 glass lights across an area of 49,000 square metres, it is the latest (and largest) incarnation of artist Bruce Munro's Field of Light, which has previously illuminated the grounds at the likes of London's Victoria & Albert Museum and the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Run on solar power, the installation took 40 people six weeks to set up. The British-born Munro first came up with the idea for Field of Light while visiting Uluru back in 1992. "Field of Light was one idea that landed in my sketchbook and kept on nagging at me to be done," the artist told the ABC. "I now have the honour and privilege of returning to create an iteration of this artwork for the place that inspired it." The new incarnation is named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku, which translates to 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara. It will remain in place until March 31, 2017. Via Traveller and ABC Online. Images: Bruce Munro.
The pod bay doors have opened on Sydney's space-themed cat cafe. Named Catmosphere, this new food 'n' feline venture is home to fifteen cats in total, all of whom reside in style and comfort on the second story of a refurbished terrace on Fouveaux Street in Surry Hills. There's Deckard (named after Harrison Ford in Blade Runner) and Leeloo (Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element) and Fuzz Aldrin (you get it) and a particularly striking black cat named Darth Beauty. Personally, we're smitten with Ewok. The cat's room is separated from the food service area by special airlock doors — a council requirement, although it does fit quite nicely with the space age vibes. The cats, for the most part, seem unperturbed by our presence, although one or two of them eventually saunter over in the hopes of getting a pat. Still, it's safe to say, it's us fawning over them, and not the other way around. Catmosphere Sydney is owned by Thomas Derricott and his partner Wenee Yap, who were inspired after they visited the original Catmosphere in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After returning to Australia they set up a Facebook page to gauge community interest — and the community didn't disappoint. Local cat-lovers were soon falling over themselves to volunteer their time, while their IndieGoGo campaign raised more than $40,000. Derricott and Yap also struck up a partnership with the World League Protection of Animals. As a result, the cats at Catmosphere are all rescues — and while they themselves aren’t up for adoption, Derricott does hope visitors to the cafe might be inspired to foster a furry friend of their own. So now that they're open, how does it all work? Visitors to Catmosphere Sydney can pay $20 to spend an hour with the cats, a deal that also comes with a complimentary coffee and cat shaped cookie. A maximum of 15 people are allowed in the cat room at a time, ensuring the feline-to-human ratio is never more than 1:1. Downstairs, the cafe is run by Yun Xia, who previously managed the cafe in Kinokuniya. According to Derricot, the plan is for Catmosphere to provide a quality food and beverage experience independent of the cat theme, to ensure longevity once the novelty starts to wear off. Hence the menu, which features smoothies, teas, juices and barista-made Karmee coffee alongside handmade cakes and a wide selection of gourmet sandwiches. Even if you're strictly a dog person, it's hard to go past roast pork and sesame mayo on brioche. Catmosphere is located at 66 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. For more information, opening hours and to book your very own cat cuddle session, visit www.catmospherecafe.com. Images: Andy Fraser.
Think juice is just for cooling your body temperature on those stinking humid days that Queensland prides itself on? Think again. A good blend of citrus and ginger of can be quite useful to shoo away sniffles (yep, you can even get 'em in spring time). Presenting Brisbane's top five delicious, flu-fighting, body-rejuvenating juices, freshly squeezed at market stalls, juice bars and cafes around our health-kickin' city. THIRST BUSTER: QUEEN STREET MARKETS For those that drink with their eyes, feast on this bad boy blend of watermelon, pineapple and orange. But really, can you go past that elaborate display of fruit on top of your drink? We think not. This is an instant teleport to your favourite summer spot. Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (every Wednesday 10am-6pm). THE QUEENSLANDER: RAW JUICERY While the above green juice will help you detox, we're after something a little more adventurous: The Queenslander. For those that 'ick' at the though of beetroot, the pineapple and orange complement it so well, you won't be able to taste it (the bright red colour of the aftermath might be a dead giveaway though!). 4/280 Adelaide Street, Brisbane. THE CLASSIC FRESH OJ: JAMIE'S ESPRESSO If you feel a bit fancypants trying out all these liquid fruit salads, you can't go wrong with a classic OJ. Watching Jamie do his thing with that old school juicer is totally worth the trip out to New Farm. 49 James Street, New Farm. FLU BREAKER: QUENCH JUICE BAR Orange, pineapple and ginger. Goes without saying that this one is great for a sore throat. You can find Quench at the Valley's James Street Markets, the Ferry Road Markets in Southport and Gasworks. James Street Markets, 22 James Street, Fortitude Valley. THE TIGER BALM: FAT CARROT A West End institution. If you feel the flu coming on, give this one a try. Nothing like the pungent ointment you used to smother on toilet seats at school muck-up day, this cold-fighting juice is packed with papaya, orange, lemon, pineapple and mint. Yum! 179 Boundary Street, West End. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Sydney's CBD is getting a major dose of the Tokyo-esque practical and compact, with plans to renovate Bar Century, rebrand it as The Century, and fit it out as a three-storey, luxury capsule hotel being announced last week. The George Street institution, which closed earlier this year, has been taken over by developer Walter Guo, who is investing a massive $5 million on a full interior refurb, which will be carried out by interior design consultants Giant Design. The heritage building will retain its vintage fit-out and have a "Soho House vibe", with the bar and hotel running as separate entities. The first two levels will act as The Century's cocktail bar and nightclub, while the top three floors of the building will be dedicated to the Century Capsules. These capsules are certainly more luxe than most you'll find in Asia. Each of the 72 capsules will contain a large LED screen and entertainment system, Wi-Fi, and even 'mood lighting' (whatever that means). Guests can choose from single or deluxe beds with entry from either the side or the end of the capsule. The communal facilities include a kitchen space, breakfast bar, lounge area, rooftop terrace and individual bathrooms. If you're worried about security, don't be — each capsule is fitted with a secure lock and the security desk runs 24-hours. But let's set the record straight — The Century is not going to be a hostel, and it's not aimed at overindulgent locals that can't seem to make it back home. And while the CBD haunt may have closed because of the lockout laws — and been a central part of a huge lockout protest as a result — these new digs are not meant as a lockout solution either. "The accommodation, which is not quite hotel nor hostel, is aimed at solo travellers looking for something more private than a typical backpackers and those who want the designer hotel experience on a budget," says Christopher Wilks, an associate at Giant Design. It's set to sit well within your budget, with prices ranging from 40-60 bucks a night. Which, depending on how far from the CBD you live, could be a lot cheaper than a cab home at 1am. Sounds futuristic (for Sydney, at least), but these aren't some plans for the distant future — The Century is coming soon. Giant Design is looking at a mid to late November opening.
People in New Zealand's South Island are generally an active bunch. There is so much adventuring to do that your visit to the Christchurch region will most likely be packed with hikes, fishing trips, seal swims and mountain biking trips. After all of that, you're going to want to wind down, soothe your nerves and relax a little. Luckily the Christchurch region has just as much to offer to those who want to take life a little slower, and enjoy the creature comforts. Whether you're soaking in the warmth of the region's natural hot springs, glamping in luxurious nature at Lavericks Bay or sampling a couple of cheeky vinos at Black Estate, it's easy to kick back and relax in Christchurch. We've shouldered the heavy burden and picked five of the region's most relaxing activities — so you can take it easy. RIDE THE SCENIC TRANZALPINE TRAIN If you're looking to relax and explore at the same time, board the TranzAlpine train at Christchurch and wind your way through towering beech forests, over the Southern Alps and across the sweeping Canterbury Plains. You'll feel at ease in the comfort of the on-board cafe and cabins which are fitted with wide wall and ceiling windows, through which you can enjoy the views of majestic snow-capped mountains. Take the day trip returning from picturesque Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, or ride the whole way and several hours later you'll arrive at unspoiled Greymouth on New Zealand's West Coast, the ideal base from which to explore the world-renowned Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, or perhaps hide away and relax somewhere beautiful and isolated. TASTE TEST LOCAL WINE AT BLACK ESTATE Black Estate has rustic, locally-sourced food, wine made on-site and good times guaranteed, all in a picturesque vineyard setting. Less than an hour drive from Christchurch's city centre, you'll know you've arrived when you see Black Estate's minimalist, black barn cellar door. It's set at the foot of a burnt orange hill covered in dry grass and bordered by acres of lush vines. All wine is made on-site by a fella named Nicholas, who believes in simple winemaking using organic locally sourced ingredients free of unnecessary additives. Nicholas's wife Penelope takes care of the business and restaurant, where they serve rustic country cuisine like Canter Valley duck and organic greens, or Akaroa salmon caught just down the road. Pop in, stay a while and indulge in the best cuisine, wine and hospitality that the Canterbury region has to offer. WARM UP AT THE HANMER SPRINGS THERMAL POOLS A quick 90-minute drive from Christchurch you'll find Hanmer, a small alpine town rich with character. This little region is like the setting of an adventure film, with old Victorian cottages set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and towering pine trees. The town's main attraction is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa — the ultimate in slow paced, remote relaxation. Dip your tired body into naturally heated water and soothing rock pools, or perhaps treat yourself to a day of pampering at the premium on-site spa. SPEND THE NIGHT IN A PRIVATE GLASSHOUSE If you fancy spending a night stargazing and surrounded by nature in your own private glasshouse, then the completely isolated, sustainable PurePods that are scattered around New Zealand are perfect for you. Each PurePod has walls, a floor and ceiling made of heavy-duty glass, so you can see everything from the stars above you to the nature beneath your feet. The PurePod in Little River (just over an hour out of Christchurch) is a ten to 15 minute bush walk away from reception, so you're sure to get some peace and quiet for a night. Food packages can be ordered when you book, so you won't need to leave for a whole 24 hours — you'll only need to sit back and immerse yourself in the 360-degree views of the beautiful New Zealand landscape. CANOPY CAMP IN LAVERICKS BAY Under the clean white folds of a spacious tent, look out over the lush farmland and rolling waves of Lavericks Bay. This is glamping how it should be, with your own private black sand cove to relax in that's only an hour and 40 minute drive from Christchurch. Bathe and sunbathe at the same time in the outdoor bath on the campsite, or relax with a book on your own private deck. There are exposed rockpools at low tide and the appearance of Hector's dolphins and seals is not uncommon around your 'campsite'. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our food, adventure and nature guides. Top image: Black Estate.
We reckon you're never too old for Easter. Let's be honest — when an occasion involves copious amounts of chocolate, that's something that you never outgrow (and if you claim you have, we call fibs). Sure, egg hunts and bunny ears seem better suited for kids; however, there's still plenty of tasty concoctions that'll make even the most mature among us start salivating. You just need to know what to look for — from OTT chocolate treats and hot cross cruffins through to cocktails served in Easter eggs and other edible orbs with puzzles inside. HOT CROSS CRUFFINS AT LUNE CROISSANTERIE When Lune Croissanterie opened its first interstate store in Brisbane in 2021, pastry lovers across the city understandably got excited. And, when it launched its second Brissie spot in the CBD, our tastebuds were doubly happy. The baked goods haven serves up delicious bites that'll tempt your tastebuds all year round, of course — but a Lune Easter is particularly delicious. On the menu: hot cross cruffins. Yes, they're exactly what they sound like, and they're only available for a super-limited time. The croissant-muffin-hot cross bun mashups come filled with a spiced custard and traditional hot cross bun fruit mix, which includes sultanas and candied citrus peel. They're then topped with a cross (obviously) and brushed in a sweet glaze. And, they're both vegetarian- and Halal-friendly. You'll find them in-store until Monday, April 10. CHOCOLATE COCKTAILS AND TREATS AT COWCH DESSERT COCKTAIL BAR Trust Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar to serve up a month-long special menu just for Easter, running until Monday, April 10 at its Morningside, Chermside, South Bank and Broadbeach venues. On the lineup: five decadent bites to eat, two OTT dessert cocktails and a shake, with prices from $12.99. Whichever you choose, they'll get into the Easter spirit — sometimes with spirits. The chocolate-only dessert offering has been fittingly dubbed House of Chocolate, and the golden ticket chocolate bar (aka a chocolate mousse cake made with a crunchy wafer base, then layered with milk chocolate ganache, passionfruit gel, milk chocolate mousse and vanilla cream — and coated in chocolate) is a clear highlight. Drinks-wise, the white chocolate margarita is made with white chocolate gelato, tequila, crème de cacao and white chocolate ganache, while the fudge nut fantasy includes chocolate sorbet, Frangelico, vanilla vodka and fudge sauce, then topped with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts. HONEYCOMB AND ROCKY ROAD EGGS AT NEW FARM CONFECTIONERY Not content with handcrafting some of the best chocolate Brisbane gets to eat all year round, New Farm Confectionery dials the deliciousness up at Easter. More than a few delicacies grace its menu, so prepare to be spoiled for choice. The honeycomb and rocky road eggs ($40 each) take treatin' yo'self to the next level, as do the sprinkle eggs ($35). Available in milk, dark and white Belgian couverture chocolate varieties, and worlds away from the kind of choccies you'll find wrapped in foil, they're equal parts yum and fun. Similarly on offer: caramel-filled eggs ($32 each), including both salted caramel and coconut caramel varieties. You'd best get in quick though — these melt-in-your-mouth beauties usually sell out. EASTER BUNNY COOKIES AND EDIBLE GARDENS AT BELLE EPOQUE There's never a bad time to treat yo'self to high tea, but Easter is one of the best. Plenty of spots around town celebrate the occasion with exactly that kind of spread — and this list includes more than one. So, what makes Belle Epoque's high tea stand out? Being dished up daily until Wednesday, April 12, this feast spans chocolate chip scones, a chocolate egg nest, bunny cookies and an edible garden. It also comes just with tea or coffee ($80), or you can add sparkling or champagne on top. Don't forget the savoury range, either, as included in the price. You'l also enjoy roasted baby carrot frittata, marinated prawn on rye, caramelised onion and potato cheese tart, and pork and pistachio terrine with beetroot relish. CHEESECAKE-FILLED EASTER EGGS AT ONE FISH TWO FISH If your Easter routine usually involves a seafood feast, then you might want to make a date with a certain Kangaroo Point fish 'n' chippery this year. From Friday, April 7–Sunday, April 9, One Fish Two Fish is serving up plenty of the ocean's finest for the occasion, all as part of a $95 four-course meal that starts with seafood platters and remains just as indulgent from there. Those platters are made to share, and come stacked with pacific oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, cooked Mooloolaba prawns, blue swimmer crab and green-lip mussels — as paired with bread, black sea-salt butter, sriracha mayo, chardonnay mignonette and lemons. Next comes pineapple and mint granita as a palette cleanser, followed by grilled goldband snapper with Amalfi salad. To wrap things up, you'll be tucking into a milk chocolate Easter egg filled with white chocolate cheesecake. BOOZY HIGH TEA AT MOTION DINING No one grows out of Easter, but there are definitely adults-only ways to celebrate the occasion, including over high tea. At Motion Dining at Marriott Brisbane, for instance, getting a huge choc fix from 12.30–3.30pm on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9 also involves three hours of drinks for $149 per person. The Queen Street spot is serving up chocolate hazelnut tarts, passionfruit dark chocolate sandwiches, and jasmine tea mousse and strawberry cream groove tarts — and chocolate scones with rose, lychee and strawberry reserve, plus spiked Baileys cream tarts as well. You'll sip a Toblerone cocktail served in a chocolate bunny, too, as part of a drinks package that'll flow for the duration of your sitting. Also on offer: Moet & Chandon rosé champagne among other boozy beverages. CHOCOLATE PUZZLES AND PINK COTTONTAIL MARTINIS AT W BRISBANE W Brisbane's Living Room is dishing up High Tea in Bloom, a spin on its current Sunshine State high tea with an Easter twist, from 11am–3pm from Thursday, March 30–Sunday, March 2 and Thursday, April 6–Sunday, April 9. On the menu: gold easter eggs that you'll crack open to find a puzzle made out of white chocolate inside, as well as Queensland rum and banana cake topped with edible moss and a mini egg nest, plus hot cross buns with cream and spiced plum jam. But you'll probably get most excited about the booze — including pink cottontail martinis that blend Absolut vanilla vodka, white chocolate cream liqueur and strawberry syrup. If you're keen for the whole spread, you have three price options. Pay $70, and you'll feast your way through the food, accompanied as much tea and coffee as you can drink. Opt for the $90 option, however, you can add that aforementioned cocktail — or $99 gets you a glass of glass of Veuve Clicquot NV Brut. DIY COCKTAILS IN EASTER EGGS FROM COCKTAIL PORTER Like Gelato Messina? Love Easter eggs? Then Cocktail Porter's DIY kit is your kind of treat. The make-at-home pack lets you whip up your own boozy beverages — an Messina dulce de leche salted caramel and coffee cocktails, no less. There's no gelato, but there is Messina's popular topping, Baileys, cold-drip coffee and Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, plus chocolate Easter eggs to pour your mixed liquids into (and drink them out of) — and pieces of salted caramel popcorn to pop on top. Go small and you'll pay $80 to make five drinks. The large costs $145, and makes 12.
Low on cash but still craving a night on the town? We've all been there, so here's what we suggest. First, grab a cheap, hearty bowl of pho at AJ Vietnamese Noodle House on Charlotte Street in the city. These legends dish up the good stuff, nailing the perfect combo of freshness and spice. Plus, a bowl will only set you back $10.90. Total win. After dinner, mosey on over to Brooklyn Standard for a gig, where you could see anything from a mariachi band to a funk and soul group. The bands are fabulous, dancing is encouraged and to top it all off, entry is free.
Every year in May, the biggest names in cinema descend upon the French Riviera for the Festival de Cannes. The glitziest and most prestigious film festival on the face of the planet, the 12-day event is a maddening mix of art, commerce and fantasy, where auteurs rub shoulders with A-list celebrities and masterworks light up the screen. This year's Cannes Film Festival featured a number of notable titles, including new efforts by some of the most fascinating filmmakers working in the medium today. Below, we've assembled a list of five exciting features we hope to see in Australian cinemas before too long. It's an eclectic mix, ranging from social realist dramas to violent thrillers set in the world of high fashion. And no, there's not a single superhero in sight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLEPQ9FYU0U I, DANIEL BLAKE When making a list of must see movies out of Cannes, the winner of the Palm d'Or seems like a pretty good place to start. The award for the best film in competition this year went to I, Daniel Blake, an unaffected drama about working class people caught in the dysfunctional British welfare system that reportedly reduced much of Cannes to tears. Of course, even if it hadn't won, the fact that was directed by master filmmaker Ken Loach would be enough to earn it a spot on this list. The 79-year-old's movies are notoriously depressing, so consider yourself forewarned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH-srjX2H1c THE NEON DEMON Nobody shoots violence with quite the same lurid style as Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn. The man behind Drive and Only God Forgives, his latest film is being sold as a similarly bloody thriller about an aspiring model caught up in the cutthroat world of LA fashion. The cast is absolutely stupendous, with Elle Fanning supported by Jena Malone, Christina Hendricks, Bella Heathcote and Keanu Reeves. The trailers and promotional images, meanwhile, make the whole thing look utterly insane. Basically we're expecting either a work of genius or a hot mess. Either way, we can pretty much guarantee it won't be dull. IT'S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD Anyone who saw Mommy knows that a new movie from Xavier Dolan is definitely worth getting excited about. It's Only the End of the World follows a terminally ill young writer as attempts to reconnect his family before he dies. The reviews out of Cannes have not been particularly strong. Actually, they've been kind savage. Still, after a run of great films that also includes Laurence Anyways and Tom at the Farm, we're willing to give the 27-year-old director the benefit of the doubt. Plus with a cast that includes Vincent Cassel, Lea Seydoux and Marion Cotillard, how bad could it possibly be? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Rxj9-RfRs THE HANDMAIDEN The Handmaiden is the new film from South Korea's Park Chan-wook, the genre-bending genius behind Oldboy, Joint Security Area and Thirst. After making his English-language debut with Stoker, Park returns to his native tongue with this stylish sapphic thriller set in 1930s Korea, about a pickpocket posing as an heiress' maid in order to steal her fortune. As with Neon Demon, the film's trailer is both gorgeous and nuts, which of course just makes us want to see it more. Here's hoping we'll get the chance before too long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-o5I5UWBh0 THE SALESMAN The final film on our list shapes up as rather more subdued, but that doesn't mean we're looking forward to it any less. The Salesman is the latest effort from Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, who won an Oscar for A Separation before travelling to Paris to shoot the similarly exquisite The Past. His new film sees him return to Tehran, and follows a couple whose lives are thrown into chaos after a seemingly random assault. Capable of weaving unbearable suspense from the simplest and most relatable of domestic situations – while at the same time shining a critical eye on issues of social inequality in modern day Iran – Farhadi is for our money one of the most gifted directors alive. Keep your eyes peeled for an Australian release date.
This spring, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia will host an extensive retrospective by renowned South African photographer David Goldblatt, as part of the Sydney International Series. Running from October 19 until March 2019, David Goldblatt: Photographs 1948–2018 will dive deep into the life and work of one of recent history's most legendary photographers, covering a career of more than sixty years. Goldblatt is best known for his portrayal of South Africa's tumultuous history, especially surrounding apartheid. As the photographer's first major retrospective in the southern hemisphere, the exhibition will feature Goldblatt's most famous photo series, along with early vintage prints, never-before-seen footage from his personal collection and a new feature-length documentary. As MCA Director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE explained, "visitors will discover an extraordinary artist whose documentary eye has not strayed from the complexities of his country of birth, but resonates with other global histories (including Australia's own) through narratives of race and racism, and industry and the land." The Sydney-exclusive exhibition is the first major retrospective of Goldblatt's work in the southern hemisphere. The exhibition was also the Goldblatt's final project before his death earlier this year. Images: David Goldblatt, A plot-holder, his wife and their eldest son at lunch, Wheatlands, Randfontein. September 1962 (3_4907), 1962. Image courtesy the artist and Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg © the artist; David Goldblatt, Shop assistant, Orlando West, 1972. Image courtesy Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg and Cape Town © The David Goldblatt Legacy Trust.
If you're a sugar-lovin' Brisbanite, we've got good news for you. Next time you’re in the vicinity of New Farm — specifically, New Farm Cinemas — you might want to treat yo'self. After working markets here, there and everywhere around Brisbane, New Farm Confectionery now has a permanent home. Tucked around the side of the cinemas on Barker Street just off Brunswick Street, the new confectionery shop is a cute little haven dedicated to the kinds of handmade, high quality goodies that you can't find just anywhere. These aren't mass-produced, supermarket-variety lollies filled with additives — everything's free of artificial colours and flavours, and made in store in small batches. Think couverture chocolate honeycomb, marshmallows flavoured with real fruit and oil, and individually-wrapped salted caramels. We'd keep listing things, but there’s too much goodness to choose from — including six different milkshake flavours. Is your mouth watering yet? New Farm Confectionery was originally inspired by a trip to Paris by owner Jodie Neilson, who saw sweet bites to eat everywhere throughout the French city and wanted to offer the same luxury to Australian adults. That's excellent news for those in Brisbane with a sweet tooth, but for those outside the city, the store will ship their products anywhere in Australia. You can still find them at Eat Street on weekends; this just means there's more deliciousness on offer more often. Find New Farm Confectionery permanently housed at Unit A, 701 Brunswick Street, New Farm, as well as at Eat Street Markets at Hamilton Wharf every Friday and Saturday evening, or visit their website.
We've all heard tales of scaling Mount Everest – of the resilience and fortitude it takes to reach the highest point on Earth. But like so many other epic stories of man versus nature, it turns out the truth is a little bit more complicated. For every climber to make it to the summit, a team of Sherpa guides haul gear, food and oxygen up and down the treacherous terrain, risking their lives to help foreign visitors tick an item off their bucket list. Australian documentarian Jennifer Peedom is no stranger to the mountain or the Sherpa community, having worked as a camera operator on numerous Everest documentaries including the Discovery Channel's critically acclaimed Everest: Beyond the Limit. But in 2014 she returned to make a different kind of Everest movie, one that explored the growing tensions between the Sherpas, their employers and their wealthy Western patrons. Of course, Peedom couldn't have foreseen was what took place that year on April 14. An avalanche in the Khumbu Icefall claimed the lives of 16 guides in a single day — and suddenly all that resentment boiled over. The footage Peedom captured makes for some of the most incredible and uncomfortable viewing you'll experience in cinemas this year: a tense, troubling doco about industrial action at more than 17,000 feet. After considerable attention on the international festival circuit, including a win for Best Documentary at the BFI London Film Festival, Sherpa is now screening in select cinemas around Australia. In the lead up to the release, we spoke to Peedom about her intentions in making the film, delved into the uncomfortable whitewashing of Everest narratives, and discussed what needs to change on the mountain going forward. SHERPA ISN'T A FILM ABOUT CLIMBING EVEREST "I had access to the Sherpa community, and when you're a filmmaker, access is everything," explains Peedom. "When you're looking at what stories you want to tell, you often look in your own backyard, and I was looking right under my nose at a story that I knew pretty well, and felt needed to be told. It wasn't about going back to Everest — that was the last thing I felt like doing. But I felt really motivated to tell this story." "Ultimately it's an industrial dispute film. I never set out to make a climbing film. It was always a film about a people, and a culture, and an inherent conflict within a relationship. Everest was the backdrop. The ascent of Everest formed the spine of the story through which we could explore those tensions. And then when the avalanche happened, that became a different vehicle to explore those tensions." DISRUPTING THE HERO NARRATIVE For all the movies made about Everest, it's rare to see the Sherpa depicted as anything other than bit players. "It doesn't suit our ego," says Peedom. "It doesn't suit that hero narrative to say that someone carried all my stuff through the icefall, my oxygen was carried all the way to camp three, and I only had to carry the one bottle I was using, and blah blah blah. So much of the work, and so many of the risks, are taken by somebody else." "I spoke to this American guy who said that on average, five or six people are employed to get one person to the summit. That's kind of embarrassing to admit. People don't want other people to know that. And maybe it's a female perspective, but I just got sick of all these men taking credit for what other people had done." WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE? "David Michôd — the guy who directed Animal Kingdom, who is a really good friend of mine — said that what he loved about the film is how morally complex it is, and that was something that we worked really hard to achieve," says Peedom. "It would have been much easier to make goodies and baddies, but it just didn't feel honest. It would be wrong for me to say that everyone who goes to climb Everest is an idiot, because it's not the truth. Not only that, but it would be irresponsible, because the Sherpa community rely on that income." "One of the Sherpas says at the beginning of the film that everyone used to do the work together, the foreigners and the Sherpas. But now the Sherpas do all the work, and I guess that's what needs to change. Foreigners need to go with their eyes open. Don't bury your head in the sand about the fact that you're asking other people to take risks on your behalf. Be cognisant of that, and put pressure on your expedition leader to make sure they have proper insurance, and to make sure they're not carrying triple loads. And if the worst does happen and a Sherpa is killed, you probably do have a responsibility for his children's future and his family." https://vimeo.com/139654857 Sherpa is in cinemas now. Read our full review here.
When a business mentions a particular place in its name, that's where you'd expect to find them. And for the past three years, that's proven true for New Farm Confectionery. To the surprise of no one who has tried one of their chocolates, however, the sweet treat purveyors have outgrown their cosy hole-in-the-wall space behind New Farm Cinemas — so they've moved one suburb over. If you're looking for handmade, high-quality goodies such as honeycomb-laced chocolate bark, dark chocolate rocky road, lime and coconut brittle, fruit-flavoured caramels and decadent hot chocolates, just to name a few of the store's indulgent and delicious creations, you'll now need to head to Waterloo Street in Newstead. Yes, we know what you're thinking. A bigger space shop does indeed mean more tastiness, and more room for you to hang around and enjoy it all in. For those unacquainted with the confectionery shop, it was originally inspired by a trip to Paris by owner Jodie Neilson, who saw sweet bites to eat everywhere throughout the French city and wanted to offer the same luxury to Australian adults. Forget mass-produced, supermarket-variety lollies filled with additives — everything's free of artificial colours and flavours, and made in store in small batches. Think couverture chocolate honeycomb, marshmallows flavoured with real fruit and oil, and individually-wrapped salted caramels, to list some more of their wares. New Farm Confectionery still delivers, in great news for anyone hankering for a choc fix on the other side of town. Plus, in the lead up to Easter, it's also popping up at three shopping centres around the city. From March 19, you'll find them at Chermside, Carindale and Indooroopilly, tempting your tastebuds with the likes of salted caramel-filled dark chocolate bunnies, eggs filled with rocky road and vegan chocolate offerings. Find New Farm Confectionery at 16 Waterloo Street, Newstead, or visit their website.
If you've been gorging yourself silly on American-style beef, ribs and pulled pork over the last year or so, then you've firmly jumped on the bandwagon of the latest food trend — and you might not even know it. We're not talking about US-themed eateries, though they're endlessly en vogue at the moment. We're talking about meats cooked over long periods of time at a low temperature. Without anyone really realising it, low and slow barbecuing has become Brisbane's favourite style of food preparation, and now there's a festival to prove it. Come July, South Brisbane will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. At Brisbane's first Low and Slow BBQ Festival, as supported by the Australasian Barbecue Alliance (it's a thing), a convoy of food trucks will converge on Wandering Cooks to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of Joe's Texan BBQ, Bella BBQ and Char Baby, sipping frosty bevs at pop-up bars and learning up at masterclasses and workshops, you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions — while scoring free samples of their creations. Look what happened in Port Macquarie: If your own gastronomic itches need scratching, you can then browse the boutique marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home. The sounds of DJ Cutloose will provide your ultimate barbecue soundtrack, including his inventive ‘Cut and Cook’ project — which hopefully tastes as good as it sounds. If that seems like too much fun for just one day, it just might be. Though the festival is currently slated for July 19, plans are afoot to kick things off on Friday and keep things cooking on Saturday and Sunday. Now that's a party that's low and slow by name and by nature. The Low & Slow BBQ Festival takes place from 12pm-9pm on July 19 at Wandering Cooks, 1 Fish Lane, South Brisbane. Visit their website for more information, including details of the festival's expansion across July 17 – 18. Image: Brent Hofacker. View all Brisbane Events.
Renowned Melbourne street artist Rone is no stranger to the intersection of beauty and decay, and you'll find this theme tying together much of what he puts his hands to. But his latest work really slaps you in the face with it — part exhibition, part installation, the artist's newest large-scale works are located inside an abandoned weatherboard house in the Melbourne suburb of Alphington. Dubbed The Omega Project, Rone has transformed each room in the house — including the kitchen, dining room and bedroom — into haunting mini installations. He spent weeks working his magic within an actual demolition zone, given free reign by developers to transform the last remaining house on the former Amcor paper mill site from an early-1900s weatherboard cottage into what he describes as 'a fantasy film set'. In striking contrast with the surrounding destruction, the space features the artist's signature Jane Doe portraits adorning the walls, while interior stylist Carly Spooner has gone all out with the chenille bedspreads and wood-grain telly sets to recreate the look of a classic, mid-century suburban Aussie pad. This isn't Rone's first time at the demolition zone rodeo, either — last year he held a solo exhibition Empty in Fitzroy's about-to-be-demolished Star Lyric Theatre. And, adopting the transience of the street art you spy splashed across the urban landscape, this exhibition isn't sticking around for long at all — catch it from Saturday, July 22 until Sunday, July 30 before it, too, meets the demo crew. The Omega Project by Rone will open to the public from July 22–30. RSVP to have the exhibition's exact location revealed to you via email. Find more info here.
One of those people who doesn’t care what your food looks like, as long as it tastes good and there’s plenty of it? Turns out you might be psychologically abnormal. If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to 'plating' (i.e. how chefs in fancy pants restaurants arrange the food on your plate), new research has some answers for you. Chef and scientist Charles Michel has led a brand new study at the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, which shows that we react best to food when it's shaped in a triangle. Not just any old triangle, mind you, but one that points away from us (just like the image above). When this optimised arrangement turns up on our table, we’re willing to pay for more for it and we feel safer. Safer? Well, apparently a triangle that points towards us is perceived as threatening. Conducted in conjunction with The Science Museum, London, and published in Food Quality and Preference, the study drew its conclusions from the responses of 16,667 participants. "(Plating is) such a small detail of the dining experience — something people rarely think about — but it does matter," Michel told Vice. "It seems that many principles of visual aesthetics and art perception apply when it comes to food. "I guess my aim is to make people have more thought when it comes to placing the food on their plate, heightening awareness. At the same time, using modern tech and the internet to give tools to chefs and people serving a lot of food a way to enhance the enjoyment." Via Vice.
Indulging in some high-altitude hijinks — aka locating a vantage point to peer over the city from while consuming cocktails— isn't difficult in Brisbane, but doing so from the Sofitel's rooftop is. For most of the year, the hotel's highest space is only available for private functions and to folks of the VIP variety. Until December 18, that's changing as part of Pop Up Soiree. As a spring and summer treat, the Sofitel is throwing open their doors (and stairs and elevators) to the rest of the city. Of course, they're making an event out of it — why wouldn't they? Every Friday evening from 3.30pm, anyone fond of some panoramic fun can converge on the outdoor terrace on the edge of the building. You'll enjoy sweeping sights over the CBD, plus live music to set a festive mood, in case the 180-degree city vista hasn't done that already. If you think champagne and cocktails are the perfect drinks for the occasion, you'd be right, which is why you'll find both in abundance here. There'll also be share plates for snacking on and lounges for relaxing on. Given how chilled out you're likely to be thanks to ending your week on such a high, we think you'll need them. Pop Up Soiree runs every Friday afternoon until December 18. For more information, visit the Sofitel website.
Art has prevailed in the battle to fill a Melbourne rooftop with naked people. Spencer Tunick has staged his latest mass nude photography work on the top of a car park in Melbourne's inner southeast. Seventeen years after assembling 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival and eight years after he photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, the polarising artist amassed another contingent of naked (and pretty brave — it was less than ten degrees in Melbourne this morning) folk for a new work titled Return of the Nude. The shoot saw a few hundred Melburnians grace the rooftop covered in nothing by sheer red sheets — from a distance, the participants looked like a little like hooded handmaids. Footage from the shoots shows the subject standing underneath the sheet and lying naked on top of it. This is what it looked like: A post shared by Will Pristel (@wpristel) on Jul 8, 2018 at 3:43pm PDT A post shared by C A R L (@car.carrr) on Jul 8, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT A post shared by Chapel Street (@chapelprecinct) on Jul 8, 2018 at 8:10pm PDT A separate shoot over the weekend saw people painted blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink and purple. Tunick's newest work has had quite the tumultuous journey — first the New York artist was given permission to hold a mass nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. But then the store said that it wouldn't like to participate. The supermarket then reversed its decision a week later after a petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, gained some momentum in the community. The official photographs of the shoot is yet to surface, but are expected to be be released by Tunick soon. Images: Munich by Spencer Tunick; Melbourne by Provocaré Festival.
Inventive Philadelphia-based company La Colombe Coffee Roasters has developed coffee on tap, pulling cold draught lattes from nitro kegs. They're claiming their new device as the world's first tap coffee, although it goes without saying this isn't your regular, purely extracted, traditional espresso. More "naturally sweet milkshake" than actual latte, La Colombe's draught is apparently like cold-press with frothed cold milk, according to Daily Coffee News. Company founder Todd Carmichael is pretty proud of the new taps, which took six months to invent with his rum distillery engineer buddy in his underground Philly coffee lab. Carmichael assures consumers that this is the first time tap coffee has made its way into your mouth. "The draught latte combines the simplest coffee beverage ingredients and creates a revolutionary drink," he said in a media announcement. "It’s the process we use to pull the drink from the keg that creates a textured milk that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” Wielding his iced invention, seems Carmichael has a pretty hardcore plan to destroy Starbucks, and he's not keeping it to tap coffee. The Philly coffee fiend also just announced the launch of La Colombe's low-calorie canned coffees — a product Starbucks has been doing pretty well with in American supermarkets for some horrific, god-forsaken reason. If you're keen to try draught coffee, you'll have to pop over to the US. La Colombe is planning to roll out the taps to its 12 venues in Philly, NYC, Chicago and Washington D.C. in July. Via Daily Coffee News.
