That's right ... Pavement Whispers is back! From news of a top-notch chook shop to a riverside pop-up, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know (while also supporting our local hospitality industry). When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out … more
When it comes to nailing a neighbourhood pub in 2020, one must pay attention to all of the details. It's not enough to have a cracking beer selection – a good bar should also boast a warm atmosphere, outgoing and attentive staff, and a food selection that sits a few notches above what could be considered standard. The crew behind Chapel Hill haunt Suburban Social have been delivering on all counts since opening the bar in 2016, but now the team is looking to elevate their game considerably with their second venue, which opened over the weekend in Holland Park. more
When we heard the disheartening news that Ekka was cancelled due to COVID-19, you could say we were more than just a little bit disappointed. Our dreams of fireworks shows, cutest cat competitions, Ferris wheel trips and licking those deliciously creamy strawberry sundaes were all put on hold. Thankfully, Ekka has revealed its plans to continue its celebrations online, as well as the exciting news that it's bringing its famous mouth-watering strawberry sundaes to the streets of Brisbane. more
Those of you who picked up baking as a lockdown pastime can attest that making sourdough from scratch is something of an art form. Every time our attempts resulted in lumpy inedible bricks, our respect for bakers went up several notches. The team behind Sprout Artisan Bakery have not only nailed the art of bread making, but have the golden touch when it comes to just about any form of baked goods. Fans of Sprout's covetable croissants, divine danishes, tantalising tarts and spot-on sourdough loaves will be stoked to hear that the crew has just opened a new pop-up retail location on James Street – handy for carb-loving folks who feel baking is best left to the professionals. more
After months of lockdowns and takeaway-only feasts, it seems like going out for dinner is finally back on the menu. The first stage of easing the federal and state restrictions has commenced, meaning that restaurants and cafes can slowly start to welcome diners back in groups of ten from Saturday May 16. If you're not up to date on the government's three stage plan to reopen, you can catch up here, but essentially there will be a gradual removal of restrictions until venues are back to serving at full capacity. As great as this news is, it's important to remember that we're not out of the woods yet, so it's crucial that restaurants and diners adhere to safety measures otherwise we'll be back at square one in no time. If you're keen to dine out, make sure you book – nearly all restaurants and cafes will be implementing strict reservation-only policies, so be sure to check in with the… more
Look, we are all craving an escape right now and waiting for this dreamed-up Trans-Tasman bubble is like waiting for rain in a drought – all we can do is cross our fingers and toes. So, entering our lives with perfect timing is this advertisement for a gloriously OTT Wild West-themed town in New Zealand. The best part? It can all be yours for just $11-million dollarydoos. If you're keen to live in your own Westworld (without all of the killer cowboy robots, of course) then read on ... more
When ARC Dining announced its closure at the start of the year we were crestfallen. While Brisbane locals might not have ARC's superstar chef Alanna Sapwell's cooking out our fingertips, the culinary wiz isn't staying idle. On Wednesday July 15 Alanna will be taking over the kitchen at acclaimed Noosa Heads icon Wasabi Restaurant & Bar for a three-month period to run a pop-up restaurant called Esmay. Here's what we know ... more
Periods! Okay, now that we've given the gents who accidentally clicked on this story enough time to backtrack hastily, let's talk. Monthly visits from Aunt Flo are largely unavoidable and up until now, it's meant schlepping to the chemist or supermarket to replenish supplies of pads and/or tampons that are ultimately destined for landfill (because we all know flushing is bad). Here's the thing, according to The Fashion Advocate, the average Australian woman uses up to 12,000 disposable pads, liners and tampons in her lifetime, which is a lot considering there are around 12.6-million females in Australia. Thankfully, there's an eco-friendly alternative. Ladies, say hello to TOM Organic's reusable period cup and underwear. more
We all know the importance of bees and their role of preserving the ecological balance – bees basically run the world, or keep it going at least. To continue its World Bee Day celebrations and to lend a helping hand to these honey-making superheroes, West Village continues to add an exciting selection of activities and information to its Village Bees online hub dedicated to all things bees, butterflies and nature. If you want to help out our pollinating mates and the ecosystem they protect (both especially suffering due to the bushfires that occurred earlier this year), then one way you can do this is to invite them into your garden. It takes a village – or West Village to be specific – to learn how to attract these crazy critters to your backyard and the West End hub has got gardener (and certified green thumb) Amelia Valenti on its side, ready to take you under her wing and teach… more
Over the last few weeks we've shone a light on some beautiful beauty brands and clothing labels that are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated, or in support of local Indigenous communities in Australia (you can check them out here and here if you missed them) as well as some incredible artists, designers and jewellery makers (check them out here). This week, we're turning our attention to literature penned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors (and illustrators) – from novels to non-fiction, poetry to compilations and even a little something for the wee ones. While this list has barely even begun to scratch the surface of Indigenous literary talent in this country, here are seven sensational and powerful page-turners to get you started. more
Coming into the second half of 2020, it's more than justifiable to say that we all deserve a little holiday. Whether it's time spent sun-baking by the pool, sipping on mimosas or just taking a good ol' nap, a relaxing getaway works wonders for your wellbeing. If a small break to boost happiness is what you've been dreaming of then we have got some good news for you. Reopening its doors earlier this week, The Calile Hotel has got your city staycay plans covered with its newly launched A Day With Calile package – eight hours of total luxury spent at the dreamy Fortitude Valley gem. more
Get ready to pull on your stretchy pants – Brisbane's only chocolate festival is back with sweet treats galore. To celebrate World Chocolate Day on Tuesday July 7, Hamilton retail and dining precinct Portside Wharf is hosting its annual week-long decadent dessert extravaganza – ChocWeek – from Monday July 6 to Sunday July 12. The precinct is taking notes from Willy Wonka and is temporarily transforming into a sugary haven, with Portside Wharf's much-loved vendors slinging an assortment of sweet treats. more
If we were to definitively rank our favourite comfort foods, fish and chips would have to slot in somewhere at the top of our lists. The combination of crunchy golden chips and crispy fish is an all-time winning tandem, and when you throw snacks such as potato scallops and calamari into the mix it's hard to refute its status at the top. Those of you that vibe with our fish-and-chip assessment will be stoked to hear that a new source of the battered bounty arrived in Bowen Hills yesterday along with a top-notch coffee spot right next door. Potato Boy and Northside Coffee Brewers is a handy one-two punch for lunch seekers and caffeine sippers – cast a line and see what's good ... more
12 December
12 December
05 December
There are lots of examples of how society can change behaviours and improve livelihoods, so the tools already exist for how we minimise the impact of these issues and improve ocean health ...~ Dr. Chris Gillies more
If you can put a better thought into a child's head during their difficult years, then I think you've done something worthwhile ...~ John Curro AM MBE
SHOOTS: Hellenika, Fortitude Valley
