Hanging out at the old Albion flour mill isn't really something anyone in Brisbane does — yet. Fast forward a few years, and heading to the Albion Mill Village for something to eat, a spot of shopping and a game of table tennis might just be a common occurrence. That's the plan anyway, and one that a just-approved $400-million development is keen to put into action. Two new 20-storey buildings will help transform the Hudson Street site into an urban hub, which is exactly the boost the area needs. Those with good memories might recall that the historic mill was demolished in late 2013 after a devastating fire engulfed the landmark. Architects Elenberg Fraser have been entrusted with the design, so if you like what they're doing with Fortitude Valley's Night Edge development, then you're in luck. Plus, if you happen to have the dosh to buy one of the 633 units that'll be part of the new towers, you'll have access to one of the coolest of perks imaginable: an outdoor cinema that can be enjoyed from the splashy confines of one of the complex's infinity pools. If that's not enough motivation to start saving, then we don't know what is. Via Brisbane Times. Image: Kgbo.
They're the brownies every Brisbanite loves — and rushes to Newstead to devour whenever they get the chance. Soon, these moist, dense, to-die-for morsels won't just be available in one location. Yes, one of the city's favourite dessert makers is bringing their delicious wares to the CBD. We're talking about Dello Mano, of course, and their velvety, chocolatey squares of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Come early June, prepare to get rather well acquainted with Tattersall's Arcade, because you're about to spend a whole lot of time at the new Dello Mano store there. Die-hard brownie devotees — aka everyone who has tried their artisanal efforts — won't need any more convincing than that, but let's try to get your stomach grumbling anyway. Their luxury handmade offerings were inspired by a trip to Rome, gained attention at local markets, and come in classic, honey caramelised macadamia, peanut butter, nut assortment and gluten-free varieties. You'll also find cakes, tarts, truffles, fudge, chocolates and cookies on their menu too, because Dello Mano really do believe in spreading the gourmet bakery love. You'll never be stuck without a sweet inner-city treat ever again. Hanging out in Tatts waiting for the new shop to open is completely acceptable. Find Dello Mano in Tattersall's Arcade, 215 Queen Street, Brisbane, from early June. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
It's not everyday that Peter Gunn and Zach Furst shower Brisbane diners with the gastronomical delights that have made Melbourne's IDES such a hit. In fact, there's only two days when that'll be the case: July 25 and 26 during Good Food Month. That's when the duo will be teaming up with Gauge for an up-close-and-personal evening of dinner and drinks. Over eight courses paired with appropriate beverages, you'll discover the truth behind the rave reviews. Our advice: if you want to make the most of this rare opportunity, you might want to arrive hungry.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is on the verge of a massive expansion, with founder David Walsh announcing his vision for an epic five-star hotel — among other things — on the site of the iconic Hobart gallery. The Hotel at MONA — or HOMO for short — has been described as the next phase of growth for the museum, which, since opening in 2011, has become one of Tasmania's biggest draws. "It's very simple really. We like building stuff," said Walsh. "So far it has gone pretty well for us." Pretty well is a bit of an understatement, with the gallery's citywide winter festival, Dark MOFO, having just wrapped up quite possibly its most successful and most talked about instalment so far. Walsh's HOMO announcement is well-timed — and, it must be noted, these plans are by no means approved, as they haven't yet been submitted to MONA's local city council — but what exactly can visitors (and locals) expect from the proposed addition to the Berridale site? And what other changes do Walsh and co. have up their sleeves? Well, a lot. We've broken in down so you can begin to understand what is going on in Walsh's brain. [caption id="attachment_628671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] A HUGE NEW HOTEL The hotel will be built on the museum's current site in Berridale. With rooms elevated over the Derwent River, the design has been based on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge flipped upside down.HOMO will consist of 172 rooms, including a number of special 'experience' rooms developed by a selection of internationally renowned artists. Rooms facing the northeast will enjoy a view of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, while rooms facing southeast will look up the river towards Claremont and Otago Bay. It looks nuts. [caption id="attachment_628672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects[/caption] AN AMPHITHEATRE The hotel will also house a three-storey library to house Walsh's collection of rare books and manuscripts and an indoor theatre with seating for over 1000 people. Most notably, there will also be an outdoor stage and amphitheatre complete with playground designed by textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam. A restaurant, conference centre and spa will also be on-site. [caption id="attachment_628674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rémi Chauvin.[/caption] A MOVE FOR MONA FOMA In related news, MONA is also planning to move the Festival of Music and Art (FOMA) from Hobart to Launceston. "The festival's original ten-year plan — to change the culture in Hobart — has come to fruition ahead of schedule," said FOMA creative director Brian Richie. "We'd like to embark upon a new creative journey - to relocate to Launceston in search of new challenges, new collaborations, fresh partnerships and novel creative models." MONA has requested funding from the State Government to do this. [caption id="attachment_628675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] AN ART 'ANTI-CASINO' Perhaps the most intriguing element is 'Monaco', a private, high-limit, pokies-free 'anti-casino' that will double as an outlet for art and design. We're really not sure what this means, but that's probably the point. [caption id="attachment_628676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] WHEN WILL IT ALL HAPPEN? Construction is expected to take approximately three years — although the start date could still a while away as the hotel's development plans are yet to be submitted to Glenorchy City Council. A "comprehensive consultation process" with the public will also be held. MONA hopes to start building in 2019 for an opening in early 2022. For what it's worth though, State Premier Will Hodgman seems keen on the project, telling reporters that "I think whatever comes out via Mona and David Walsh is always worth listening to." We'll keep an eye on this one. Top image: Fender Katsalidis Architects.
If you love surrounding yourself completely in Zara, you'll now be able to extend the Zara-love to your bedroom. Zara Home has opened its first Australian store at Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre, with a flagship store set to open in Sydney in just a few months. The home decor arm of the Zara-owning Inditex Group, the Australian stores is home to Zara's gorgeous printed bedding lines, table and bath linens, decorative furniture (we're talking seriously cute lamps and rugs), tablewear worth investing in, cutlery and ornamental items, all based on seasonal fashion trends — so you might be able to match your handbag to your bedspread for an undeniably strong look. The brand new 310-sqm Melbourne store embodies the Zara brand in interior design — think elegant chestnut wood and marble floors, neutral paints and mother-of-pearl details, not to forget that epic gold logo. Coinciding with international Zara Home stores (now operating in 60 countries with 437 stores), the Australian stores will unveil two collections per year, with new items delivered every week. Along with the slick furnishings and oaky utensils you'll be visualising in your rich mahogany-smelling apartments, you can pick up the Zara loungewear/pyjama line and bath and body collection instore. With 13 Zara stores currently operating across Australia, it's safe to say we're pretty dedicated Zarans. The stores mark some of the first international brand openings this year, following hugely hyped openings H&M and Uniqlo last year. Zara Home opens in Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre on February 12, head for 120 - 200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong. Sydney flagship date still to be confirmed.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun and finally — finally — together as one. Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. Now, they're taking the show on the road and launching in Australia this June. In partnership with Wats On Events, Bongo's Bingo Down Under is throwing a massive bingo rave at The Tivoli in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley on June 30, after Sydney's Paddington Town Hall and Melbourne's Collingwood Town Hall. Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. The Brisbane launch event will be presided over by founder and comic ringleader Jonny Bongo who, as one would expect, is a character in the truest sense of the word and even holds the world record for the biggest ever pub quiz. Australia is the second international location for Bongo's Bingo, which recently launched in Dubai as well and, based on popularity, we imagine the event will continue to expand around the globe. Venues, guest lineup and DJ hosts will be announced in coming weeks, and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, May 31 at 6pm. Keep an eye on this space for further updates and brush up on those bingo-break down skills in the meantime. Bongo's Bingo will hit Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in June. For more information and to buy tickets, visit bongosbingodownunder.com.au.
First, the bad news: Brewsvegas, Brisbane's annual celebration of beverages, doesn't take place until March. Now, the good news: once again, they're getting into the early swing of things at the ideal summer event for those who like to cool off with both a beer and a swim. Say hello to the Great Brewsvegas Pool Party, aka the get-together that wants to amp up your excitement not once, but twice. The festival's 2018 lineup has already been revealed, but there's plenty to celebrate — and descending upon Ithaca Pool ready for an evening of splashing about is certain to get you pumped as well. Tickets to the pre-fest shindig cost $10, and include a program and a glass of the official Stone & Wood Brewsvegas beer for the year, with all proceeds going to OzHarvest Brisbane. For added merriment, surf rock band The Wet Fish will crank out the on-theme tunes, there'll be an onsite food truck serving up festive eats and extra brews will be on tap.
Cooking with beer: it's a tradition as ancient as the Egyptians. Yet for many modern beer drinkers, beer's potential ends at the bottom of the bottle. It’s no great secret that beer and food go hand-in-hand, whether paired with an arvo barbecue or late-night munchies. But beer can — nay should — be so much more than just an accompaniment to the food you eat; it adds rich flavours, tenderises meat and makes for all-round juicier dishes. And its helping hand can reach all the way down to dessert. Here are five key you'll want to try wielding your beer in the kitchen. GRILLING WITH BEER Aussies are known for their barbecues, which more often than not involve booze. To baste any grill food with beer, simply pour your favourite beer over the top and close the lid. The beer has a caramelising effect and adds to the juiciness of the meat. Possibly the most epic way to cook beer is the beer butt chicken — achieved by sitting a whole chicken on top of a can of beer. (You know when a recipe instructs you to take a swig it’s going to be a winner.) For beer grilling, VB really comes in handy, but if you’re looking to go craft, a James Squire Sundown Australian Lager will also do the trick. Image: Manners. BATTERING WITH BEER Beer-battered food is probably the most widely known form of cooking with beer. For beer battered fish, make sure the beer is cold and freshly opened so it’s still fizzy — the bubbles add body and lightness to the batter. The beer also makes the batter appear thicker while keeping it airy and also imparts aroma and flavour. Most recipes will call for a simple lager, but we like the added flavour of easy drinking ales like Riverside Brewing Company 69 summer ale. Image: Kimchi Chronicles. STEWING WITH BEER The classic beef and Guinness stew is pretty self explanatory; simply add and simmer, burning off the alcohol but not the caramel or nutty flavours. You aren’t limited by beer choice, though, and can use any stout/porter or even dark ale you like. Jamie Oliver's recipe does just that. A few easy pairings for a stew are Mornington English brown ale and Holgate Temptress chocolate porter. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights in. Image: Redbrick. SAUCING WITH BEER Beer doesn’t have to be boiled or heated down to be useful in cooking. It is great for a variety of sauces, from vinaigrettes to barbecued sauced ribs. Beer also works really well as a marinade, since its enzymes help break down tough fibres and really tenderise meat. Beer’s role as a marinade is so versatile, the best rule here is to use a beer you enjoy drinking. If you like the taste, you’ll like it in your food too. Image: Droolworthy Daily. BAKING WITH BEER The parallel history of beer and baking goes back to the Egyptians — a topic dear to beer geek/historianJohnathan Hepner of Batch Brewing. This is true especially in the case of bread, the ingredients of which make it a close cousin to beer. A few Australian bakeries have beer and barley sourdough, but there’s nothing more satisfying than baking your own. The malted syrup used in this recipe mimics the malt in the beer, giving a well-balanced and complex flavour. Beer brownies? Absolutely. Stouts and porters add a richness and nutty sweetness to desserts. Try The Butcher Porter from The Rocks Brewing Co or James Squire Jack of Spades in your next chocolatey dessert. Image: Community Table. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
The One Day crew is hitting the road, bringing their famous daytime block parties to live music venues around Australia. Between the end of October and the week before Christmas, DJs from the beloved Sydney hip hop collective will bounce from coast to coast, stopping by a dozen capital cities and country towns along the way. Taking its cue from the group's massive monthly blowouts in Sydney, the One Day Block Party National Tour will see the One Day crew team up with local DJs and artists as they roll through pub, beer gardens, courtyards and car parks. Expect food and booze, live graffiti and a whole bunch of hip hop. The tour will start on October 29 in Adelaide before rolling through WA, Queensland, NSW and Victoria, finally wrapping up in the nation's capital on December 18. ONE DAY BLOCK PARTY NATIONAL TOUR Saturday 29th October – The Ed Castle, Adelaide Sunday 30th October – The Rosemount, Perth Saturday 12th November – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville Sunday 13th November – Magnum's, Airlie Beach Saturday 19th November – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast Sunday 20th November – Ric's Backyard, Brisbane Saturday 26th November – The Rosemount, Perth Sunday 27th November – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Saturday 10th December – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday 11th December – Beer Deluxe, Albury Saturday 17th December – Proud Mary's, Erina Sunday 18th December – Westside Village, Canberra To book tickets, visit www.onedayblockparty.com.
If you're heading to New Zealand's Christchurch region for a short holiday, you can't leave without going bungy jumping. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline going, so why not live on the wild side of life? Experience breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, beautiful coastal vistas and lush green forest while you get reacquainted with the thrill-seeking side of yourself. If you're into the kind of fun that leaves your stomach in knots, then this guide will not disappoint. The adrenaline-junkie kiwis seem to know a thing or two about going on an adventure. TACKLE THE RAPIDS IN HANMER SPRINGS Drive for 90 minutes to Hanmer Springs and book yourself in for a white water rafting adventure. You'll find yourself situated within a stunning mountain range, with pink marble land formations heading all the way down the Waiau River canyon. The rapids are Grade 2 in Hanmer Springs, so expect medium-size rapids and low drops with waves less than a metre high. After all the twists, turns and drops you can still get your fair share of serenity — Hanmer Springs is known for its beautiful blue water and stunning scenery. Don't forget to pack something to swim in, there's no doubt you're going to want to relax with a swim at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools after a day out on the rapids. Even adrenaline junkies need some time to chill out. GO JET BOATING IN WAIMAKARIRI GORGE The Waimakariri River, translating to 'cold water' in Māori, is the home of jet boating in Christchurch, with canyons, gorges, rock faces and native forest lining an adventure trail through the water. You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute jet boating adventure in the beautiful blue water — expect 360-degree spins, hairpin turns and a high-speed ride that'll get your heart racing. The Waimakariri river is 90 minutes from Christchurch, but Alpine Jet organises transfers that pick you up from the city and drop you back when the day is done. Because there are so many beautiful rivers in the Christchurch region, there are many places to go jet boating. Another option is at Hanmer Springs. Once you've tested the strength of your stomach there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the fresh air in both locations — catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Southern Alps if you're lucky. BUNGY JUMP AMID STUNNING SCENERY You're heading to New Zealand, which means you're going to want to throw yourself from a tall structure connected to an elastic cord — this is the home of bungy jumping after all. Why not let yourself free fall from a bridge for 35 metres towards a surging river to get the blood pumping and the bones jumping? It's an adrenaline rush like no other and one that you're bound to get addicted to. The idyllic Hanmer Springs Bungy, 90 minutes from Christchurch, is the perfect spot for first timers who may need to distract themselves with stunning scenery before taking a leap of faith. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EDGE OF THE CITY The Christchurch region's beautiful scenery and stunning mountains make it an ideal destination for avid mountain bikers. There are many cycling tracks to discover, but the Port Hills is one of Christchurch's best kept secrets and one of our favourites. With its dramatic landscape of tussock grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, it's easy to see why. Ten different trails in this area each have their own unique highlights — and they're perfect for both new and experienced riders. The new Christchurch Adventure Park is another mountain biking option. The huge trails inside range in difficulty — from beginner courses to those designed for experts only. If you're new to mountain biking and want to learn some skills in a safe environment, head here. It's the biggest mountain biking path in the Southern Hemisphere — you won't be short on space. FLY THROUGH THE ADRENALIN FOREST If you consider yourself to be a little bit of a George of the Jungle, here's your chance to prove yourself in the tree tops. A 20-minute drive from Christchurch is the Adrenalin Forest, a two-kilometre aerial obstacle course set in the beautiful Spencer Park. We can't promise you'll have the opportunity to hang from vines, but there's more than enough to keep you challenged with over 100 activities and six courses to sink your teeth into. If you're a real adrenaline junkie, tackle the high-wire course. It's not quite walking between the twin towers Man On Wire-style, but you're sure to get up to 20 metres into the forest canopy — that's at least two or three stories off the ground and more than enough to get you shaking in your boots. 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, nature and relaxation guides.
Getting down to your local for a nice cold beer is now as easy as pushing a button. As part of a new marketing campaign, Czech beer company Kozel has devised the Tap Out button, which when pressed will summon a taxi to ferry you to the nearest pub. Could this be the greatest scientific innovation of the modern age? Until Dominoes rolls out that pizza robot of theirs, we reckon it might just be. The buttons, of which there are three, will be made available via twitter. All beer lovers need to do is mention a mate and use the hashtag #PushforPub, and they could soon be on their way to the closest establishment that serves Kozel. What's more, there'll be two pints waiting for them on arrival. Pretty crafty. The button is good for three uses, at which point it presumably self-destructs, Mission: Impossible-style. Now the bad news: for the time being at least, the Tap Out buttons are only available in the UK, although according to PSFK, there's a chance more will be made available if the initial campaign is successful. And frankly, how could it not be. Rest assured, we'll let you know if they make it down to our part of the world. Until then, it looks like you're stuck with walking. https://vimeo.com/175340774 Via PSFK.
Yeah, yeah, so Meghan Trainor spent X weeks at the top of the charts with her multiplatinum mega-single and No 1. album at only 22 years old. Yeah, good. We're pretty set to continue burling 'ROBBED!' for a good few hours after Australia's Courtney Barnett just missed out on her first Grammy award for Best New Artist, with the 'All About That Bass' artist nabbing the gong. But the Melburnian/Hobartian won the live blogging for the event, taking over Tumblr's music page for the day. Apart from Kendrick Lamar rightly dominating errrrthing, Lady Gaga's Bowie tribute and Pharrell's quaint Chanel jacket, Barnett's quiet blogging stole the show for us. Takin' mad selfie GIFs before the show: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139381160531/just-me-and-then-dave-and-then-bones Rockin' the outfit we'd want to wear to the Grammys: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139388982451/me-on-the-red-carpet Waiting for Swifty and Selena to wrap up: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139390159691/taylor-and-selena-in-front-of-me-nbd Before and after-ing on the red carpet. http://music.tumblr.com/post/139390666806/pre-red-carpet-post-red-carpet-we-did-it Scoping out after-Grammy tacos: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139405254176/hanging-with-my-awesome-tour-manager-hook-waiting Go check it out here. What a boss.
Ask a Brisbanite about their favourite ice cream, and they'll likely tell you about a treat that's only available for a brief period every year. That'd be the iconic strawberry sundaes served at the Ekka — or reason enough to brave the flu-riddled crowds if rides and showbags aren't quite your thing. Lick! Ice Cream clearly feel the same end-of-August sundae-less pain as the bulk of the city's population, and while they can't offer up the Ekka exclusive all year round, they can provide the next best thing. Enter an idea as brilliant as it is tasty. After 11 years in operation, the dessert company is opening a flagship store in Graceville and making strawberry ice cream a permanent feature of their menu. Come early November, everyone can head to Honour Avenue for Lick!'s cream of the ice cream crop — and for a two-for-one bonus on opening weekend, too. Other things will be on offer, of course, in a rotating range that will span 18 flavours and also includes sorbet, in case anyone gets sick of all things strawberry. The chances of that are slim, though. For those tempted to try something other than their strawberry flavour, macadamia praline, Oreo cookie and rum and raisin certainly whet the appetite, as do the likes of the less commonly seen salted peanut and Redskin. And then there's a concoction that sounds so delicious that we can't quite think of a name for it. What do you call a housemade doughnut/waffle hybrid? Find Lick! Ice Cream on Honour Avenue, Graceville from November 4, and enjoy the 2-for-1 deal from November 7. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page. Image: The Ekka.
Australia's most sinister festival, Dark Mofo, is back for its seventh year — and it's set to be as boundary-pushing as ever. As always, the festival will take place in the lead up to the winter solstice, exploring connections between old and contemporary mythology through art installations, performance, talks and music — all taking place in the darkness of Tasmanian winter. Hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Dark Mofo will takeover most of Hobart between June 6–23, showcasing a melting pot of artists, creatives and thinkers who dwell in the shadows of mainstream culture. Just-announced musicians include FKA Twigs — who's also bringing her experimental dream pop to Vivid Sydney this year — New York-based composer Nicolás Jaar, American singer John Grant and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno. Other highlights of the music program include an audiovisual 'soundbath' by Sigur Rós; an international metal program, featuring Brazil's Mystifier; and the return of Night Mass, a ritualistic series of multi-venue late-night parties featuring Sampa the Great, FAKA and Empress Of. These musicians and creatives join those announced in the first lineup drop last week, which included boundary-pushing speakers in the Dark + Dangerous Thoughts program, artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, and singer and actor Sharon Van Etten. The festival's dark and quirky arts lineup has grown, too, with the addition of a latex-filled installation and performance by Japan's Saeborg and an immersive group exhibition — of ten international artists, including Canada's Cassils, USA's Paul McCarthy and India's Shilpa Gupta — inside the former Forestry Tasmania Building. The award-winning building — which once housed its own forest — is just one of many new venues to join this year's program. Come June, revellers will also be able to party inside the Old Hobart Blood Bank, the Avalon and Odeon theatres, the Old Davey St Congregational Church and aboard a floating natural wine bar, dubbed Natty Waves. Of course, all the festival favourites are set to make a triumphant return, too. You'll be able to drink and eat amongst inverted crosses and candles at the Winter Feast, try not to freeze during the very cold Nude Solstice Swim and absolve your sins at Night Mass. Images: Rémi Chauvin and Rosie Hastie.
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away (or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long) and with its demise comes the return of Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the coming of the warmer months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition and it always nails the balance between new releases and cult classics. The film program is yet to be announced, but we'll keep you updated as soon as it is. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can also chow down on a plethora of US style food trucks — the perfect, messy treat made for reclining on bean beds. Bean beds and snack trucks, is there anything better? This season includes screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, running from November through to March. Get your pens out and jot down these dates. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2018 DATES: Sydney: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Roma Street Parkland) Perth: Dec 1–Mar 31 (May Drive Parkland, Kings Park & Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 8–Feb 17 (Botanic Park) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 29. For more information and bookings here.
These days it seems like just about anywhere can be a cinema. Rooftop viewing is all the rage, drive-ins are popping up all over the place, and even local bars is getting in on the action. But that's only the beginning. Come April in Brisbane, film buffs will be getting locked up for their movie fix. No, going to the movies isn't being outlawed. Instead, cult film guru Kristian Fletcher has put together yet another must-attend event. This time, he's hosting a brand new movie night at Boggo Road Gaol. With a "when in Rome" attitude, Fletcher's regular program will serve up prison films in a prison setting – because flicks about roaming free in wide open spaces really wouldn't work, would they? First cab off the rank is The Great Escape on April 29, followed by 80's classic Brubaker and the Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing. And if you're wondering why we haven't mentioned The Shawshank Redemption yet, don't worry. Of course it will also grace Boggo Road's big screen. Each movie will start at 7:30pm, although anyone after more than just a film is encouraged to arrive an hour earlier. That way you can take an ex-prisoner tour, browse the markets, and peruse the jail art show. Our tip: BYO Rita Hayworth poster if you think you might want to tunnel out of there during the evening. Prison Movie Nights at Boggo Road Gaol kick off on April 29. Tickets will be $15 per film, or $35 for a film and tour combo. For more information keep your eyes on the Boggo Road Gaol website.
If you like reading, writing, talking or slinging about language in some other form, then you probably already have the 2016 Brisbane Writers Festival scheduled in your diary. Prepare for words, glorious words from September 7 to 11. When it comes to events celebrating the written craft in Brissie, only the annual Lifeline Bookfest comes close to this feast of everything from prose to poetry to penning tell-all novels. Here, the pen is definitely mightier than the sword — and much more interesting too, given the array of topics touched upon at BWF 2016. And given that choosing between dissecting crime fiction, exploring the art of reading, learning how to write your own cookbook and diving into supernatural stories can be difficult, here's our five top picks from the hefty letter-focused fest program.
Sydney foodies, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. New top-notch eateries are cropping up faster than ever before. If you're struggling to keep up — and who isn't? — never fear Taste of Sydney 2016 is the four-day foodie festival to get to up to speed on the cream of the culinary crop. Setting up residence in Centennial Park from March 10 to 13, Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux is all about bringing diners and chefs together. Ticketholders will be treated with nosh from some of Sydney's top restaurants, including treats from beloved man-on-the-move Mike McEnearney (Kitchen by Mike), Biota Dining's sustainable modern Australian dishes, fire-cooked noms fromFiredoor, nel.'s fine dining dishes, plus Middle Eastern street food from the crew at Glebe's Thievery. Also joining the deliciousness will be Porteno, MoVida, Sake, and the newly opened Kensington Street Social, among others. But we can't wait until then. We annoyed Mike McEnearney to give us a recipe, NOW. NOOOOOOW. So Mike relented and told us how make his fresh, crunchy cucumber, mirin and sesame salad. You can make it too! Mike McEnearney's Cucumber, Mirin and Sesame Salad Ingredients: 800g cucumber 1 whole long red chill, thinly sliced 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 pinch good quality salt ½ bunch fresh coriander 2 tsp toasted black sesame seeds 2 tsp toasted Japanese sesame seeds 120 ml Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Method: Slice the cucumber lengthways discarding the seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss and serve. Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Ingredients: 350 ml mirin 250 ml rice wine vinegar 100 ml raw soy sauce 50 g ginger 50 g eshallots, peeled Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and let sit for at least one hour before serving.
When we take that first sip of our barista-brewed coffee on a workday morning, a lot of us can't actually imagine living without coffee. But what about living without a roof over your head or a guaranteed meal? Unfortunately, this is what many homeless people around Australia face each day, but on Friday, August 7, you can help your fellow Aussies out simply by buying a coffee as part of CafeSmart. CafeSmart is an annual event from StreetSmart that raises money and awareness for the homeless and is back for its third year running. Last year, 415 cafes and 20 coffee roasters raised $120,000 to fund 91 community projects. Not too shabby. So how does it work? From every coffee purchased on August 7 at a participating cafe around Australia, $1 will be donated towards local projects. So if your go-to local isn't participating, shake things up for a day and head to one that is. Prefer a hot chocolate? You can also donate at the counter. Simply by aiming for a bighearted cafe, you'll be helping some of our country's most in-need humans, so treat yourself to a third or fourth coffee guilt-free. Look for cafés posting this little guy today. @StreetSmartAust gives $1 from your coffee to help the homeless. #CafeSmart #drinkcoffeedogood A photo posted by Concrete Playground Sydney (@concreteplayground) on Aug 7, 2014 at 9:02pm PDT CafeSmart is happening around the country on Friday, August 7. Check the website for participating cafes near you. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Masters of late night snack fuel Ben & Jerry's have been dishing out pop culture-riffing flavours like Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and, of course, Schweddy Balls for years. Then the masters of frozen confection go and create something called 'Free Cone Day', an annual event which defies haters. You can score an ice cream on the house, as part of the company's yearly, worldwide tradition thanking its fanbase for all the gluttonous support. On Tuesday, April 14, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops around Australia are hosting the sixth annual Free Cone Day; scooping out free ice-cream from 1pm until 9pm. This year, Free Cone Day also marks the kick off of Ben & Jerry’s global 'climate justice' campaign, 'Save our Swirled', in Australia. WWF Australia will be hanging out on on Free Cone Day, collecting signatures to help bring attention to the need for Australia to lower carbon pollution. Suss out your nearest Scoop Shop purveyor of frozen dairy heaven here, and rock up on April 14 to claim your cone. Check out Ben & Jerry's Facebook page for updates.
How many movies can you see in 12 days? Or, to put it another way, how many titles from this year's Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival can you fit in between November 23 and December 4? Film fests always offer several challenges: an endurance test for those keen to watch as much as possible, a chance to see just how long you really can sit in a cinema chair, a game of schedule Tetris as you try to come up with the perfect viewing agenda, and an exercise in realising that you just can't see them all (or be in several places at once...well, without a Time-Turner). And that's before you even consider the specific features in this year's BAPFF lineup. Now in its third year, the event that replaced the Brisbane International Film Festival has curated a selection of 82 movies vying for your eyeballs — and they've taken a few cues from their predecessors too. That means you won't just be feasting on the best cinema the Asia-Pacific region has to offer (or an ace retrospective focusing on Japanese actresses) but a few great picks from Europe and the US as well. With 31 Australian and 33 Queensland premieres screening at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro — including 31 of the 39 films competing at this year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards — it's enough to give even the most dedicated cinephile a programming headache. Here's our ten must-sees to help make the job easier. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA Ever found yourself arguing over who is the better Affleck sibling? Next time you're sticking up for team Casey — or need convincing not to side with Batman/Bruce Wayne/Ben — Manchester by the Sea might help. The younger Affleck has been receiving significant awards buzz since his latest film premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, thanks to his performance as a man forced to return to his hometown after a family tragedy (and forced to confront some of his past troubles in the process). Plus, he's not the only reason the feature should top your must-see list. The rest of the cast includes Kyle Chandler and Michelle Williams, and the movie happens to be the latest offering from You Can Count On Me and Margaret director Kenneth Lonergan. I AM NOT MADAME BOVARY In China, one of the worst things a woman can be called is Madame Bovary. That doesn't stem from a hatred of Gustave Flaubert's 1856 French novel, or from a dislike for any of the recent film adaptations of the book (including 2015 releases Gemma Bovery and Madame Bovary), but from the adulterous ways of the classic text's protagonist. So, Li Xuelian (Fan Bingbing) isn't too happy when the label comes her way — particularly given her complicated relationship with her husband. In a clever comic farce that rips apart misogynistic apprehensions about and the limited scope afforded determined women, I Am Not Madame Bovary charts this spurned wife's attempts to get justice, complete with a fake divorce, real estate schemes, his infidelity and her real quest to re-marry for revenge. THE BACCHUS LADY Films that thoughtfully explore the reality of getting older are as common as movies that show the personal toll of sex work — that is, not at all, really — making South Korea's The Bacchus Lady a rare effort indeed. Anchored by a nuanced and resonant performance by veteran leading lady Youn Yuh-jung, E J-yong's feature charts an elderly worker trying to both care for her similarly ageing clients and look after a young boy in need. Neither storyline plays out as you might expect, and nor does the resulting emotional impact. ZOOLOGY If there's one thing you need to know about Zoology, it's this: it tells the tale of a zoo administrator who starts to grow, well, a tail. That means there's more than a little absurdity in this Russian-language film, however more than a few on-point insights are bound to follow. Featuring a standout performance from actress Natalia Pavlenkova, Zoology has been likened to both Kafka and Cronenberg, which should excite fans of the bizarre and body horror, as well as those keen for a combination of both in a humorous but perceptive way. HOUNDS OF LOVE In Hounds of Love, Stephen Curry is worlds away from his famous performance in The Castle — but if any of his films deserve to go straight to the pool room, it's this one. Here, he plays a different kind of suburban dweller in a movie set in Perth in 1987, and loosely based on true crime cases. Believe us, there's a reason that this moody thriller was compared to Snowtown when it premiered at the Venice International Film Festival a few months back — and that debut writer-director Ben Young was hailed as the next Aussie director to watch. THE WOMAN WHO LEFT So, you're a-okay with spending a few hours in a cinema. And, you're even happy to keep sitting in your seat for longer than it takes hobbits to trample across New Zealand. Still, Lav Diaz's movie marathons aren't for everyone — which is why you'll probably be happy to hear that his latest clocks in at just under four hours. The Woman Who Left is actually the Filipino filmmaker's second title in this year's BAPFF program after the eight-hour epic A Lullaby for the Sorrowful Mystery, which already screened in the lead-up to the main event. Winning the Golden Lion at this year's Venice Film Festival, it toys with Tolstoy to tell the tale of Horacia, a woman who gains her freedom after spending 30 years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. MA'ROSA He's the second Filipino filmmaker causing a stir on the international circuit, as well as the second that BAPFF clearly has a soft spot for. That'd be Brillante Mendoza, and while his movies are much, much shorter than Lav Diaz's, he's still prolific. With Ma'Rosa, he dives into the plight of a family battling corruption in Manila, including the memorable matriarch that gives the feature its name. In fact, actress Jaclyn Jose caused such a splash at this year's Cannes Film Festival that she took out the best actress award. Mendoza himself is no stranger to statuettes on the Croisette, after winning the fest's best director prize back in 2009 for the thematically similar Kinatay. RAISE YOUR ARMS AND TWIST — DOCUMENTARY OF NMB48 Think you know all there is to know about boy bands, girl groups, and the fame and fandom that goes with them? If you haven't stepped into the world of Japan's massive female-focused acts, then you still have plenty to learn. Based in Osaka, NMB48's name partly stems from Namba, the area of the city they hail from, and partly from the fact that the group has quite a few members (46 at the time of writing, plus 12 trainees, from a total of 117 since they were formed in 2011). They're one of the sister acts to Tokyo's AKB48, and like their Akihabara-dwelling colleagues, they even have their own theatre. Raise Your Arms and Twist peeks behind the scenes of the idol phenomenon that's really unlike anything else, as directed by Atsushi Funahashi, a documentarian better known for exploring the impact of Fukushima (not your usual pop aficionado). YOURSELF AND YOURS The ever-trusty Hong Sang-soo returns with yet another exploration of life, love and alcohol, but be warned: this time, his characters drink beer rather than soju. It's a minor switch, however it is enough to initially throw viewers off balance — and while it's not quite the same as seeing your girlfriend all over town, only for the woman in question to remain adamant that she doesn't know you, it helps get you into that headspace. Yes, even with the change of booze, Yourself and Yours sees the South Korean favourite in his usual offbeat yet observational territory. Once again playing with and finding humour in the intricacies and intimacies of everyday relationships, he follows the brew-loving Minjung (Lee You-young), her insistence that she's not who every guy she meets thinks she is, and the amusement that eventuates. 76 MINUTES AND 15 SECONDS WITH ABBAS KIAROSTAMI AND TAKE ME HOME Full disclosure: watching a personal effort made by one of Abbas Kiarostami's collaborators as an attempt to cope with his grief over the legendary Iranian filmmaker's death is only one of the drawcards of this session. The 76-minute and 15-second documentary filled with footage of the director at work and play screens alongside his last completed film, a short, which really couldn't be more perfect. Take Me Home features little more than a barely-glimpsed boy, an energetically bouncing ball, and all of the gorgeously shot Italian stairs and alleyways you could ever want to see. And, in the process, it turns something oh-so-simple into as illuminating and moving a piece of cinema as Kiarostami has ever crafted. If you still need a few more, check out our thoughts on Personal Shopper from the Sydney Film Festival and Toni Erdmann from the Melbourne International Film Festival earlier in the year. The 2016 Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival runs from November 23 to December 4 at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro. To view the program and buy tickets, visit the BAPFF website.
Brisbanites, that sense of superiority we've had recently about our later bar closing times is about to come to an end. When New South Wales implemented its last round of lockout laws and curfews, partying in the sunshine state seemed like the better alternative. Alas, it wasn't meant to last. The new Labor Government is forging ahead with one of their election promises: amending the legislation surrounding the service of alcohol. Brisbane Times is reporting that it is now a matter of when, not if, a host of new rules will change Queensland's nightlife scene for the foreseeable future. The bad news: expect calls for last drinks to come earlier, and for everyone to huddle in their one bar of choice if they're staying out late. 1am lockout cut-offs will introduced into pubs and clubs, shots will be banned after midnight, and 3am will be when everyone has to call it a night. That's a whole two hours two hours earlier than current cutoff and closing times, and the most significant change since 3am lockouts were introduced to Queensland in 2005. The good news, for now, is that a date has yet to be set for when the new scheme to come into effect. The government's plan is an attempt to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence, an ambition that no one can really argue with. But the question is: will making everyone pack more fun into fewer hours achieve that aim? Via Brisbane Times. Image: Flying Cock, Fortitude Valley.
Happy damn Friday. Friend to the high note and monarch of mindfuck music videos FKA twigs has chucked a Beyonce and dropped a surprise EP this morning, along with a trippy 16-minute film. Titled M3LL155X, the five-song EP is available from today through Young Turks, after twigs shared new tracks 'Figure 8' and 'Glass & Patron' earlier this month. Produced by the mysterious BOOTS (producer of Beyonce's surprise album), it's a pretty highly anticipated release, following the hoo-ha around her 2014 album LP1, and subsequent sold-out international touring — including her recent Australian/Laneway tour. We're pretty stoked on artist Matthew Stone's EP cover art: Let's get to that 16-minute movie huh? Fusing tracks from the new EP into one freaky, mesmerising short film, twigs has created "an aggressive statement conceptualising the process of feeling pregnant with pain, birthing creativity and liberation," according to Pitchfork. From twigs as a live sex doll to a cameo from fashion icon Michele Lamy, this is one strange escapade. Watch below, with headphones up loud. M3LL155X is available through Young Turks. Via Pitchfork. Image: Andy Fraser, Laneway Festival.
The trouble with going to the opera in Sydney is, once you're there, you can no longer see the Sydney Opera House. No stawlwart sails, no gleaming cream tiles, no spiky little silhouette. And what's the fun in that? But for one month of the year Sydney has their theatrical cake and eats it too, when Handa Opera on the Harbour sets up at Mrs Macquarie's Point. The floating outdoor opera comes with an eye-popping view of Sydney's natural and artificial bounties, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge beyond. This year Handa Opera on the Harbour is going Egyptian for Verdi's Aida, a love triangle of epic, war-starting proportions. With Gale Edwards directing, the set by Mark Thompson includes the giant rotating head of Queen Nefertiti, live camels and plenty of fireworks. The 30m x 28m stage, 2.5 times larger than any you'll find indoors in Australia, is partially built at White Bay then trucked to Fleet Steps in the Royal Botanic Gardens, where it's lifted onto pylons and completed. The cranes actually form part of the mise en scene in this instance, with the production set in a period where ancient Egypt is decaying and a new world being built (with some more surreal and Devo-esque touches adding to the spectacle of the thing). The orchestra is housed directly beneath the stage, in an area apparently dubbed 'The Underworld'. Made possible by the continued funding of philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa, the previous three years' shows — La Traviata, Carmen and Madama Butterfly — have proved monumentally successful. At a time when opera is struggling to attract audiences, Opera on the Harbour not only sells tickets but lures in thousands of opera newbies. You don't need to understand opera to understand what makes the occasion great. Aida is on from March 27 to April 26 at Mrs Macquarie's Point. For more information and to book, visit the Opera Australia website. Images: Prudence Upton and Hamilton Lund.
Last summer, the Gallery of Modern Art’s Australian Cinematheque dwelled in the realm of film fairy tales and fantasies. Now, they prepare for the sequel. The focus? This time, Myths and Legends take their fancy, in movies about heroic deeds, epic journeys and sacred realms. Screening 54 films released between 1920 and 2014, the program opens with a diverse double, starting with 1928 silent The Passion of Joan of Arc — presented with a new live musical score by Brisbane band Hazards of Swimming Naked — and followed by James Cameron's Aliens. Elsewhere, expect classics and epics old and new, including Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, the historical-leaning Spartacus and Cleopatra, '80s fantasies The Dark Crystal and E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, and all three movies in Peter Jackson's original Lord of the Rings trilogy. Yes, this lineup both includes and is bigger than Ben-Hur, and offers multiple interpretations of its theme in a schedule that features Mad Max, The Terminator, Pretty Woman, Pulp Fiction and Fight Club, too. As a special treat for those who missed it last year, you can also catch Aussie horror effort The Babadook — one of the best films of 2014 you probably didn't see.
You don't normally need to get dressed up to go to the movies, but you might want to wear your best threads to Griffith Film School's latest cinema showcase. As part of Brisbane Fashion Month, they're adorning their screen with the most fashionable docos they can for a two-day Fashion Film Festival. It all kicks off with the Australian premiere of tailoring doco Men of the Cloth, which we're assuming is cut to fit sartorial savvy viewers. Audiences can also get a refresher about ageing with individuality thanks to Advanced Style, explore a couture-focused life with Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, and pay tribute to an inimitable social photographer with a tribute screening of Bill Cunningham New York.
Brisbanites, put a hold on stuffing your face with burgers and doughnuts, because there's a new food trend in town. If you've checked out any of your social media feeds over the last week, you've probably heard the term 'raindrop cake'. But what is it? And why is everyone in the city suddenly desperate to try this seeming culinary marvel? The answer to the second question is easy: Harajuku Gyoza in South Brisbane was the first place in Australia to start selling the new dessert craze, though it's also now available at their Potts Point store in Sydney too. The answer to the first question is a bit more complicated, particularly when the clear, jiggly meal everyone is craving tastes like water-flavoured jelly and looks like a giant eyeball, a breast implant or ball of goo. Raindrop cakes were invented by New York chef Darren Wong, who wanted to try his hand at making the traditional Japanese summer dish Mizu Shingen Mocha. Sparking lengthy lines at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg outdoor food markets when they were unveiled at the beginning of April, they consist of a mixture of spring water and a vegan gelatin derived from seaweed. That explains their appearance and texture, but not why everyone is raving about them. Perhaps the fact that raindrop cakes melt if they're not eaten within 30 minutes has something to do with it. Maybe their kilojoule-free status (if you don't count the accompanying powder and syrup) has everyone excited? Or, the way they're served on cute little bamboo boats? It could be Wong's revelation that he was inspired by the raindrops in A Bug's Life — because who doesn't want to eat something that looks like it comes straight from an animated movie? Whatever the reason, raindrop cakes are certain to keep food-loving Brisbane residents talking — and flocking to Harajuku Gyoza — for the foreseeable future. The dumpling house's take on the trend comes in two versions: a twist on Wong's recipe made with sesame powder and brown sugar syrup; and their own concoction complete with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries inside the raindrop, and condensed milk, kinako and crushed peanuts on the side. Yes, we recommend trying both of them. Jump on board the raindrop cake bandwagon by visiting Harajuku Gyoza's South Brisbane store at 184 Grey Street or their Sydney store at 9-15 Bayswater Road, Potts Point. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information. Image: Tim Ireland for Darren Wong.
Visiting Sydney's rugged Blue Mountains region is always worth the two-hour drive from the city. There are hundreds of things to do — from bushwalks, to abseils, to waterfalls, to standing around and generally admiring the view. There's also the option to do all of that in one go — with a Blue Mountains canyoning adventure. The description on this RedBalloon adventure says you don't have to be a professional adventurer (no abseiling or canyoning experience is required). But requirements are being able to walk up steep steps for 20 minutes and swim for 25 metres, which we discovered makes it a full on adventure that even the more experienced in the group will enjoy. Dedicate one day out of your weekend to abseiling off cliffs over massive valleys, jumping over rocks in freezing water, canyoning, and swimming in waterfalls. The day starts with some beginner abseiling over the Megalong Valley (see below). Later, you'll go rock jumping through caves, and eventually abseil a 30 metre waterfall. Read this and find out what you're really in for. THE MORNING Arrive at The School of Mountaineering at 8:45am. There are two instructors per group of ten, so you're sure to get individual attention throughout the day. In the Megalong Valley you'll start off with a couple of practice runs abseiling off a cliff. The shortest is five metres, and the longest is thirty metres — they vary in difficulty and overlook the massive valley below, so if you're not too terrified you should look down and enjoy the view. You're only abseiling a minuscule portion of the distance to the ground, but you'll feel the height in your gut. These smaller trips are 'practices' because they're intended to get you ready for the tough abseil of the 30 metre Empress Falls at the end of the day. THE AFTERNOON The next part of the adventure is a twenty-minute hike down a mountain. Enjoy this trip down, because soon you'll be going the other way and you'll feel every step. Once you reach the creek at the base, change into a wet-suit and pop your clothes into a dry bag – make sure you close it properly, the water you're about to jump into is cold. Very cold. Your instructors will mention how cold the water is several times, but there is no way to properly oversell this point. You'll get used to the temperature pretty quickly, but you'll definitely want your clothes nice and warm when you're out. Your group will be instructed how to trek through the canyon you're in, which can be a dangerous activity if your head isn't screwed on straight. There are four water jumps through the canyon, at varying difficulty and at a maximum height of 5 metres. The safest option is the 'Grandma' jump, but once you get confident you can go for the more extreme 'Keanu Reeves' and 'Mission Impossible' styles. Take a breather and look up among the oasis of the temperate rainforest within this sandstone gorge. The peaceful air is unparalleled and makes it easier to forget the cold. The only way out the canyon is to abseil the Empress Waterfall. This is why the adventure is not for onlookers or the faint of heart – once you commit to the canyon, you're in it. THE WATERFALL Harnessed in, you go over the ledge of the waterfall and immediately duck into its cave. This rope is heavy duty and it's the most important time to remember your abseiling training because the waterfall crashing over your head is a major distraction (even though it's beautiful). At the end of the rock, take a final leap and land in the waters of Jamison Valley. Savour your success – a few minutes later you'll be heading back up those steep steps. Change out of your wet-suit and get going while the adrenaline is still kicking in. Book your Blue Mountains canyoning adventure (or gift it to someone else) at RedBalloon. Images: Marissa Ciampi and RedBalloon.
What does Islam have to do with Baywatch? ABC's Sami Shah can probably answer that. An ex-Muslim and Pakistani comedian, Shah has been crafting his unique experience of Islam in Australia into a multi-award winning show, as heard on ABC's Radio National. How many types of Muslims can Shah identify? Grab a ticket. In the current global climate, this show honestly couldn't be more timely for Brisbane Comedy Festival. This is one of our top picks for this year's Brisbane Comedy Festival. Read the whole list.
Hendrick's, the Scottish gin distillers who would have you believe their product is harvested fresh from a Monty Python animation, are embarking on a 'horticultural quest' to make Australia their new veg patch. No longer content to raid Mr. McGregor's garden, the liquidologists and drinkticians at Hendrick's are teaming up with the University of Sydney to create the first truly Australian-grown species of cucumber. Despite the presence of a horticulture professor in their fellowship, Hendrick's are asking the public to head to Facebook and vote on soil ingredients that will produce the most distinctly Australian crop. Day One is a choice between kangaroo and emu poop. There's every reason to believe Day Ten will see Barnesy or Farnesy forced to stand waist-deep in fertiliser for six weeks. Planting begins on October 4 and the harvest will take place in mid-November, with a subsequent soiree for attendees to sample the cucumber from down under. To further celebrate the efforts of their botanical pioneers, Hendrick's are giving a Concrete Playgrounder and ten friends the chance to win a sumptuously provisioned cocktail masterclass valued at $3000. Enter below, and remember, you need to vote for your chosen ingredient on the Hendrick's Gin Facebook page to be eligible to win. [competition]589976[/competition]
If you, like us, plan your holidays entirely around food, you're in luck. We've teamed up with Zantac and we're giving away three mini holidays in Melbourne, Hobart and the Barossa Valley in South Australia. You'll wine, dine, sleep and adventure in luxe surroundings until you simply no longer can — how does that sound? Choose Melbourne and you and a guest will spend two nights at QT Melbourne in the CBD, have lunch and attend a coffee cupping course at Collingwood's famous specialty coffee house Proud Mary, and have dinner (and dessert) at Andrew McConnell's pan-Asian restaurant Supernormal on Flinders Lane. In the Barossa, you'll stay at The Louise (an incredible hotel that's side-by-side with a vineyard), head to St Hugo for a wine tasting and delicious winery lunch, then wind up at Fino at Seppeltsfield for dinner. Head to Hobart, and you'll stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, visit Bruny Island for a day of food, sightseeing and lighthouses thanks to Experience Oz and then feast on a South American-style dinner at Frank. Each prize includes return flights from any Australian capital city, two nights of accommodation and two foodie experiences (lunch and dinner). All you need to do is tell us your details and where you want to go — Hobart, Melbourne or the Barossa. It breaks our heart to tell you that you can only pick one destination, and you can only enter this competition once, so think long and hard about where you really want to go. If you're available to go on your adventure between Friday, July 28 and Sunday, September 10, head here to enter. To find out more about Zantac and how it tames heartburn fast, head to the website.
Queenslanders, there's some unfathomably good cheesery coming your way. Sydney's renowned food emporium Salt Meats Cheese is set to open their first interstate store in Surfers Paradise in early July. Modelled on the Sydney warehouse store, the new food emporium will take over 200 square metres within urban village precinct, The 4217 — with a dedicated cheese and meat room, imported and local artisan cheeses, fresh salads, wood-fired pizza, charcuterie delights and even artisan salt at the ready. Yep, artisan salt. So why the northern venture? Salt Meats Cheese co-director Stefano de Blasi saw plenty of potential for an unconventional deli in the beachside city, bringing a little something different (and familiar) to both visitors and locals alike. "This new hub is all about enhancing the lifestyle of locals and offering tourists a taste of home," he says. "It's not just an Italian deli. We pull together local artisan ingredients with hard-to-find products from Spain, Italy and South America." Salt Meats Cheese will be run by de Blasi's friend Alessandro Vicinanza, who'd managed the Meat Room within the Sydney store for over a year, and his partner Korine Skinner. Importantly, Salt Meats Cheese isn't a passive Italian eatery. De Blasi sees a strong need for customers to enjoy some traditional Italian food at the store, then feel empowered to become MasterChefs in their own kitchens. "The store in Surfers Paradise is a place to grab a quick panino or wood-fired pizza and then buy everything you need — the flour, the Mutti tomatoes, the hand-stretched mozzarella — to make that pizza at home," he says. To make things even easier, you'll be able to sign up for cooking classes instore — learn how to make pasta, butcher meat properly and perfect your homemade pizzas. Find Salt Meats Cheese within The 4217, Surfers Paradise from early July. More details to come.
John Cleese and Eric Idle are silly walking their way to Australia, for a brand new live show premiering early next year. The Monty Python co-founders will visit major cities around the country for a series of one night only performances, combining scripted comedy, improvisation, musical numbers, aquatic juggling and audience Q&As. John Cleese & Eric Idle: Together Again At Last... For The Very First Time will begin on the Gold Coast on February 25, before travelling to the Brisbane Convention Centre on February 27, Adelaide's AEC Theatre on March 1, Canberra's Royal Theatre on March 5, Perth's Riverside Theatre on March 9 Sydney's State Theatre on March 14, and Melbourne's Hamer Hall on March 18. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10am on Monday, December 21. "Eric and I had huge fun touring the States in October and now we can bring our show to the friendliest people in the world," said Cleese. "No one show will be the same and all of them will annoy the Politically Correct." "Having enjoyed the World Tour of Florida, we were looking for somewhere else large aquatic reptiles of the sub family Crocodylinae also thrived," added Idle. "The Nile was booked, so we are coming to Australia. Having once married a Sheila and as the father of a half Australian son I look forward to touring one of my all-time favourite places." JOHN CLEESE AND ERIC IDLE: TOGETHER AGAIN AT LAST... FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME February 25 — Jupiters Theatre, Gold Coast February 27 — Brisbane Convention Centre March 1 — AEC Theatre, Adelaide March 5 — Royal Theatre, Canberra March 9 — Riverside Theatre, Perth March 14 — State Theatre, Sydney March 18 — Hamer Hall, Melbourne Tickets on sale Monday, December 21 at 10am. Book at venue websites, Ticketek or Ticketmaster.
In 2015, Brisbane Powerhouse ushered a new festival onto Brisbane's events calendar. MELT showered the city with the best in queer arts and culture, and became Queensland's rival to the Sydney's Mardi Gras and Melbourne's Midsumma in the process. Of course it received a rather warm welcome, so it's no surprise that it's back this year with another bustling lineup of shows and performances to flock to. Brimming with variety, the 2016 program includes a missing appendage, a southern songstress, a queen of the Cross and a portrait prize — plus these ten things we think you really won't want to miss.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun and finally — finally — together as one. Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. Now, they're taking the show on the road and launching in Australia this June. In partnership with Wats On Events, Bongo's Bingo Down Under is throwing a massive bingo rave at The Tivoli in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley on June 30, after Sydney's Paddington Town Hall and Melbourne's Collingwood Town Hall. Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. The Brisbane launch event will be presided over by founder and comic ringleader Jonny Bongo who, as one would expect, is a character in the truest sense of the word and even holds the world record for the biggest ever pub quiz. Australia is the second international location for Bongo's Bingo, which recently launched in Dubai as well and, based on popularity, we imagine the event will continue to expand around the globe.bongosbingodownunder.com.au Venues, guest lineup and DJ hosts will be announced in coming weeks, and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, May 31 at 6pm. Keep an eye on this space for further updates and brush up on those bingo-break down skills in the meantime.
When it comes to creating and nurturing a family, all you need is love. That's the main message Gayby Baby pushes, as encompassing the perspective of those too often told that affection, commitment and forging a life together aren't enough for their unions to be legally recognised. Yes, we're talking about same-sex couples and their children — i.e. those at the centre of many a political and newspaper debate about sexual orientation and lifestyle preferences. Maya Newell's observational documentary, as inspired by her own upbringing by two lesbian mothers, gently works to refute perceptions about societal structures other than the stereotypical, so-called nuclear unit of a mum, dad and two kids that the suburbs are supposedly founded upon. In a broader sense, that's what the first-time feature filmmaker achieves in her follow-up to TV doco Growing Up Gayby, showing episodic slices of domestic and school life. However, honing in on the details, Newell also crafts a moving look at the experience of adolescence as told from the rarely seen vantage of the young hearts and minds at the centre of it all. Accordingly, an engaging group of 10- to 12-year-olds monopolise the movie, each united in their age range and stage of maturity, as well as in belonging to families with same-sex parents. Of course, they're brimming with diversity in other ways, namely their hopes, dreams, circumstances and personalities. Gus loves wrestling, much to one of his mothers' dismay, while Ebony is endeavouring to gain acceptance into a prestigious performing arts school. Matt is overcome with difficulties reconciling the teachings of his church with his home life, and Graham is learning to read as he relocates from Sydney to Fiji with his fathers. The tales their experiences touch upon could tie into many a kid in many a home across Australia, and that's Gayby Baby's strongest element. Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham aren't different because their parents are gay, though they're needlessly forced to worry that they are. Interweaving political content — including Matt and his mothers meeting then Prime Minister Julia Gillard — helps emphasise the point, albeit with subtlety. The film doesn't focus on shouting an agenda, but rather lets the reality that these families face on a daily basis do the talking. So skips along a sensitive documentary made with the intimacy and authenticity its topic deserves. That the project was largely crowdfunded demonstrates the desire for on-screen explorations of the subject. That it bubbles over with earnest affection rather than overt statements shows how heartfelt and personal the end product feels. And while there's little that's revolutionary about the filmmaking at play in Gayby Baby, comprised of footage that flits between fly-on-the-wall and chats to camera as it is, the overall result proves as effectively constructed as its content.
How many movies can you see in 12 days? Or, to put it another way, how many titles from this year's Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival can you fit in between November 23 and December 4? Well, you're about to find out. Now in its third year, the event that replaced the Brisbane International Film Festival has curated a selection of 82 movies vying for your eyeballs — and they've taken a few cues from their predecessors too. That means you won't just be feasting on the best cinema the Asia-Pacific region has to offer (or an ace retrospective focusing on Japanese actresses) but a few great picks from Europe and the US as well. With 31 Australian and 33 Queensland premieres screening at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro — including 31 of the 39 films competing at this year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards — there's a lot to see this year. To make it easier, check out our top ten picks over here.
With the sun usually shining and frozen, creamy treats available on almost every corner, it's never a bad time to be an ice cream lover in Brisbane. This March, however, dedicated fiends will find a concentrated dose waiting, thanks to the city's first day-long, dedicated ice cream extravaganza: the Brisbane Ice Cream Festival. On March 11, the festival will bring together more iced confections than you've probably ever seen in one spot. And, it has found the perfect location for such sweet, sweet shenanigans. When you're about to unleash an entire city's worth of ice cream upon the eager masses, you head to a place with a history of doing just that — the old Peters Ice Cream Factory in West End. Whatever kind of ice cream or gelato takes your fancy, you can bet that you'll find it here. That means coffee-flavoured popsicles from Queen of Pops, ice cream sandwiches courtesy of Boss Bites, fruity icy poles from Frozen Sunshine, and something new and mysteriously TBC from the Red Hook gang. Because Brisbanites like doughnuts just as much as they like ice cream, Minus 32 will be on hand to serve a fantasy-level combo of the two. And, while their very own store mightn't be up and running just yet (the current ETA is April), it wouldn't be an ice cream event without Gelato Messina stopping by — their menu is to be revealed. The Doughnut Bar's scrolled deliciousness, Cowch's decadent desserts, IcePhile's deep-fried morsels and J'adore Les Crepes bon batches of batter will be on the menu too, alongside offerings from Ice Cream Curls, Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van, Hett's n Ice Shaved Ice and more from the yet-to-be-revealed full lineup of stalls. Live music and boozy frozen beverages will also be on available, because it's a festival after all. Wear something stretchy, because it's going to be an over-indulging kind of day. Brisbane Ice Cream Festival takes place on March 11 at Peters Ice Cream Factory, 97 Boundary Road, West End. For more information, head to the festival website and Facebook page.
Behold, the event that'll separate the pinball wizards from the pinball muggles, and those talented as mashing buttons from the folks that are happy when they get flipping lucky. That's what happens when Netherworld closes its doors to everyone except the devoted few — those eager to play pinball for 24 hours straight. No wonder they've called the arcade marathon Death by Pinball. No sleep till pinball also would've worked. Those brave enough to attend will battle it out in matches over many rounds, fit in a few fun games from the bar's array of machines in between, and get a prize if they survive the night. Taking place from 9am March 31 until 9am April 1, tickets cost $100, which includes all the pinball fun you can handle, a limited edition pin and t-shirt, three meals and two drinks. The bar will also be serving booze until 3am, and you can BYO snacks.
It's the news Brisbane music lovers have been hoping for — and something that a couple of them have even helped bring about. After being placed up for sale and promoted as a potential development site, the iconic Tivoli Theatre is staying put. Cue a collective sigh of relief. According to Brisbane Times, Brisbanites have former Brisbane Powerhouse producer Dave Sleswick, his brother Steven and Jerome Dalton from Dalton Catering to thank for the last-minute reprieve. They clearly feel as strongly about the inner-city live performance space — which dates back 99 years, was once a bakery, and has seen a who's who of local, national and international entertainers gracing its stage over the last decade or so — as celebrated by the almost 10,000 folks who signed a petition asking the government to protect the venue. Just what the trio's plans entail is yet to be confirmed, given that the ink on the sale isn't due to dry until the end of the month, but one thing is certain: the Tiv will continue to host gigs and shows well into the future. You don't swoop in and save a beloved hangout like this from being knocked down and replaced by 180 units without pledging to keep the music playing, after all. People of Brissie, we all owe these three guys a drink. Via Brisbane Times. Image: Sherwin Huang.
Melbourne boasts a George Costanza-themed hangout, Ipswich recently welcomed a German restaurant with a Breaking Bad twist, and now Brisbane has a bar and eatery inspired by a '70s television sitcom. That'd be Ginger's Diner — and don't be concerned if you haven't picked the reference yet. The new addition to Petrie Terrace is more than a little fond of M*A*S*H, but it is being rather subtle about it. Think of Caxton Street's latest hotspot as the kind of place the classic TV show's characters would frequent if they were on a break from their mobile army surgical army hospital. Yes, Ginger's has styled itself after a Korean hole-in-the wall joint — and yes, if you can't remember from stumbling countless reruns, M*A*S*H is set during the Korean War. Cocktails such as Klinger's Closet and Seoul Sojourn keep the theme going, while the snack-heavy menu surveys the best of the country's cuisine. If wasabi peas and nuts, kimchi pancakes with sesame and soy dressing, fried chicken with hot-sweet sauce and and bibimbap get your tastebuds tingling, then you're going to love Ginger's food lineup. And, it's available until midnight daily. Other than its TV ties and Asian dishes, there's another reason that Brisbanites should get excited about the 65-seat venue: its pedigree. There's a reason Ginger's is located right next door to Lefty's Old Time Music Hall, after all. They're both owned by Jamie Webb, the man behind Sonny's House of Blues, Gordita, Peasant and Los Villanos — aka some of the city's favourite restaurants and hangouts. For more information on Ginger's Diner, keep an eye on their website. Via Good Food.
Ordering a scotch at your local is your one way ticket to mad steeze with your mates, right? But what do we know about Scottish whisky, really? Every good whisky bar has an arsenal of scotch, but do you really know what you're ordering? In order to dispel the air of mystery surrounding scotch (and just so we can stop pretending we know what we're talking about), we've called upon Auchentoshan's head distiller Rachel Barrie to set us straight about this long-loved spirit. Rachel became the first female Master Blender 13 years ago (after 12 years working in the industry), making a few waves in the industry as a result. Suffice to say, she's the perfect person to answer all our Scotch questions. Learn up. [caption id="attachment_576038" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lindores Abbey, Nathan Baker.[/caption] Where and when did Scotch whisky originate? The earliest recorded evidence of distilling in Scotland goes back to 1494 at Lindores Abbey in the Lowlands, where Father John Cor distilled 800 gallons of aqua vitae ('water of life') from eight bolls of barley (48 Scottish bushels), on the order of King James IV of Scotland. What were the original techniques used to distil Scotch whisky? How have things changed? Prior to the Industrial Revolution, distilling was conducted on a much smaller scale (and was often illicit) using small copper pot stills. During the Industrial Revolution, sometime between 1760 and 1840, malt distilleries were granted a license to distil by government, and industrial grain distilleries were set up primarily in the Lowlands, based on the steel continuous still design using grain (wheat or maize) to provide alcohol rather than malted barley. The grain distillation process was disputed at the time, and took decades to be accepted as Scotch whisky. Around 1860, blending grain and malt whisky commenced, creating blended Scotch whisky, which heralded the growth of the spirit in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Scotch Whisky Order of 1990 defines how Scotch whisky is made. Over the years, the law has been more tightly defined, and now every distillery in Scotland must be verified for Geographical Indication (GI) to ensure the highest standards of production quality and integrity. How does Scotch whisky differ to other whiskies like Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky or American whiskey? Scotch whisky has evolved over many centuries to create the greatest diversity of style of any whisky. Scotland grows high quality barley in the east, has peat in the north and west, and a year round supply of water in deep lochs, flowing rivers, and natural springs. Microclimate shapes maturation in oak casks (mainly ex-bourbon American oak and ex-sherry Spanish oak), and seasonal weather and local microflora help unlock balanced complexity, enriching the spirit with vitality and depth from youth to a ripe old age. Scotch whisky is unique in the rich complexity of flavours unlocked from the 115+ malt distilleries. Single malts are united by malt sweetness that harmonises fruit, floral, salt and smoke flavours from each distillery. AMERICAN WHISKEY American whiskeys are mainly distilled from corn and rye, and matured in American oak for a relatively short time (mostly five years or less). Grain produces a spicy/oily spirit combining with intense vanilla and caramel sweetness from the oak. IRISH WHISKEY Irish whiskeys are distilled mostly from unmalted barley and corn (with a small amount of malt), and pot and continuous stills are employed. Most Irish whiskeys are blends that are light, sweet, smooth and grassy. There are a small number of single pot still Irish whiskeys (made primarily from unmalted barley), and even fewer (for example Connemara) made from peated malt. JAPANESE WHISKY The handful of Japanese distilleries in existence were built less than a century ago, based on Scotch whisky production methods. In this short time, Japanese whisky has moved to design different styles, from light, clean and precise through to smoky and oily. [caption id="attachment_576044" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Gary Crawford.[/caption] How does taste differ between regions within Scotland? Each distillery's character is highly individual, however similarities in style can be found between regions. The Highland region is the largest, with Speyside having the most distinct style united by malt and fruit, much of which is blended with grain to make the heart of high volume blends. Islay malts have the dominant taste of smoke (from peat) and salt, with all other tastes woven in. Although very few distilleries exist in the Lowlands, the style is vibrant and refined with predominantly grassy, sweet and floral characters. What does it mean when you define a Scottish whisky as 'single malt' and 'single grain'? Both single malt and single grain whiskies are the product of only one distillery. Single malt whisky is made 100 percent from malted barley and distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery. Single grain whisky is made from grain (wheat or maize), distilled in a continuous still (Coffey still) distillery. Feel like you've got a handle on scotch now? If you're a bartender, bar owner or know someone in the bar industry, listen up. Auchentoshan is looking for talented bar teams to come up with a brand new scotch-based cocktail for their 'Distilled Different' competition across Australia. More details on Auchentoshan's website.
This April, Broadbeach on the Gold Coast will play host to a fun new addition in Arboria — a huge, blow-up sculpture featuring a walk-through labyrinth of winding tunnels and lofty domes. On exhibition at Kurrawa Park from April 5 to 15 as part of southeast Queensland's new arts festival running alongside the Commonwealth Games, the inflatable structure takes its inspiration from the forest. Incorporating tree-like spaces, stylised leaf patterns and a soundscape from Ecuador's Mindo cloud forest, it creates an immersive, multi-sensory experience for visitors young and old. A maze of pods and domes leads to a stunning central space, where massive columns and soaring Gothic-style windows mirror those of Chapter House at the UK's York Minster cathedral. It's the work of world-renowned group Architects of Air, who've created and exhibited a whole series of these 'luminaria' structures across the globe. Arboria took over Melbourne's Federation Square in January, even delaying its opening due to the city's heatwave. When it comes to the Gold Coast, it won't just bring a wondrous maze to the beachside — it'll do so for free.
Electronica megastar Omar Souleyman is on his way to engulf you in Arabic techno beats with a national tour this January. Souleyman has reached cult status internationally for his patented sound of insanely fast synths adapted to Syrian folk music and his "epitome-of-cool" persona, with Bjork herself labelling him as one of her favourites. Never seen without a pair of aviators and his red and white kaffiyeh, Souleyman has long been famous in his homeland of Syria, with, believe it or not, a rumoured 500 separate bootleg cassette releases recorded straight from his many performances at weddings around the country. His 2013 album, Wenu Wenu, was his first recorded outside Syria, and its blending of Western electronica beats and traditional dabke music (an Arabic form of folk dancing) promises live performances filled with electric sax solos, super high-tempo synths and vocals given alternatively in the tone of commanding pronouncements and trance-inducing chants.
Oyster lovers are in for a shucking good time at Manly's latest seafood spot, a shucked-to-order oyster bar that overlooks the seaside suburb's marina. Quietly opening in December 2017 and launching its new winter menu this week, Shucks joins The Esplanade's considerable array of eateries cooking up the ocean's finest. Here, however, diners can expect oyster shooter flights, plates of natural oysters, and grilled oysters served with bourbon and chipotle, kimchi and shallots, or herb and garlic, rather than the usual selection of fish and chips on offer elsewhere along the waterfront. Other seafood mains, such as grilled octopus tentacle with kale crisps, mackerel steak in an escabeche sauce and Creole-spiced prawns with creamy polenta, are also available, with owner Belinda Ho sourcing everything locally where possible. Oysters come from local farmers in Moreton Bay when in season — and it's Ho's own experience in the bay that inspired her to open the restaurant. During a day at North Stradbroke Island she was eating oysters in a small tinny looking back to the mainland and knew she "needed to set up an oyster bar nearby". With head chef Michelle Pickworth (ex-Lighthouse Cleveland, Seven Seas Yeronga) overseeing the kitchen, Shucks also serves up desserts of brandy flambéed pears, coconut creme caramel and chocolate beetroot cake — all without anything fishy, of course. Drinks-wise, the beverage selection highlights small batch and minimal intervention techniques across both its wine and beer range, with Aperol spritz, vodka soda and the good ol' G&T comprising the cocktail offering. The restaurant is open from midday from Thursday to Saturday — however, stopping by on Sundays is particularly recommended. Welcoming patrons from 10.30am, Shucks rolls out its weekly oyster brunch until 3.30pm with all of the usual oyster options, a 'Hail Mary' oyster shooter (with an oyster, vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, and Tabasco), a Taiwanese oyster omelette, house-cured salmon gravlax and bug tacos. Shucks is now open at 457 Esplanade, Manly. Visit the bar's website and Facebook page for further details.
If you're looking to add some magic to your Sunday, then there's only once place to head to. And, once you're at Zillmere's O'Callaghan Park, prepare to get stupefied — this event not only boasts Harry Potter markets, but the Queensland's quidditch finals. First you'll stock up on HP-themed merch, handmade trinkets, some Felix Felicis (if you're lucky) and other presumably niche-referenced items. Then, you'll watch a heap of folks take to the field to throw quaffles, hit bludgers and chase snitches (in case you haven't seen muggle quidditch, the snitch is an actual human wearing gold you have to chase). A lineup of food trucks will also enchant your stomach (fingers crossed for cauldron cakes) — and, while dressing up in costume isn't mentioned on the event's Facebook page, you already know that you're going to.
