It's that time of year again – the GABS Hottest 100 has been announced and Queensland breweries are, once again, well represented. A host of brewers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have scored positions at the pointy end of the countdown, meaning the Sunshine State's cadre of suds makers are among the nation's best. more
Australians, on the whole, can be a thirsty bunch. When it comes to alcohol, however, the tide may be turning with many Australians opting to cut back on the booze or kick it to the curb, for good. Once upon a time, non-drinkers were left with a choice between soft drinks, juice or mocktails. Thankfully, the shift in consumer behaviour has inspired some really excellent craft breweries and distilleries to pursue low- and no-alcohol options that can go head-to-head with its full-strength peers in terms of taste and flavour profiles. One such player that has made some serious waves on the scene is Heaps Normal, which just this week unveiled its second non-alcoholic brew, Another Lager. more
It's pretty safe to assume that by now you're well aware of the situation at your local supermarket, so let's not rehash the details. The good news is that there is an alternative. If you're keen to spare yourself from the chaos (or disgruntlement at empty shelves) while also supporting local farmers in the process, we've rounded up a few places that are delivering fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and more to your door. more
Smoked fare is having a resurgence in the culinary scene as of late – recent additions in Brisbane's culinary scene prove this point – and for good reason, as smoked bites pack a sensational flavour punch! Not all of us are so lucky to have a smoker at home (if you do, haven't you done well ) but do not worry friends, as that's where Toowoomba-based business Darling Fresh Smoke Haus comes in. Boasting a bevy of smoked meats and plant-based deliciousness, these vacuum-sealed packets are ready to go in mere minutes. more
When it comes to gifting this Christmas, we are taking it upon ourselves to kill two birds with one stone – put some killer presents from Queensland-born businesses under the tree and support local. One homegrown business that is worth putting on your radar is 20 20 Distillery, Cooroy's boutique spirits haven that swung open its doors in December 2020. This year, the distillery is helping clueless gift-givers get their pressies in order with a few spirited picks ... more
When Friday rolls around and we're waiting for the sun to set, there's no better drink (in our humble opinion) to welcome in the weekend than a classic margarita. The folks behind Australia's only mobile marg bar, Margarita Margarita, wholeheartedly agree with us and have whipped up a classic marg mix to make our at-home cocktail shaking a little easier – and a whole lot tastier. more
As much as we love carving out some weekend time to meander from stall to stall at the local farmer's market, it doesn't always align with life's other plans. Plus, there's also the added task of still having to get to the grocery store for pantry staples that you can't readily source at the markets. In news that will thrill local-produce procurers, gourmands and turophiles (fanciers of cheese), the family-owned-and-operated Harris Farm Markets is opening its first store on the Gold Coast this Thursday November 18 and will be a one stop shop for all of your produce and pantry needs. Here are all of the juicy details ... more
In a sign that summer is just around the corner, two homegrown icons – Bundaberg Distilling Company and Bundaberg Ginger Beer – have teamed up to launch a thirst-quenching sip that has us licking our lips in anticipation. Say hello to Bundaberg Alcoholic Ginger Beer. more
Into gin? Love yourself some Christmas pud? Then boy, have we got some good news for you! Four Pillars is bringing back its annual limited-edition Australian Christmas Gin just in time for the silly season. We know what we'll be asking Santa to leave under the tree this Christmas Eve. more
As much as we love a good cocktail, sometimes our passion for a 5:00 pm Friday tipple can leave a hole in our wallet. That's where Twisted Shaker Cocktails comes in. This fresh-faced boozy brand now stocks all of your favourite cocktail flavours in a decidedly budget-friendly form, so you can level up your next office drinks, girls gatho or cheeky picnic. more
RTDs, or ready-to-drink beverages, generally get a pretty bad wrap. Mostly sickly sweet or too basic, they rarely taste anything like the analogue version they are supposed to. Until now. After three (long) years of research and development, the legendary Mr Black Espresso Martini team has unveiled a 200-ml can to shake up and enjoy anywhere. Made using top-grade arabica coffee, pure Australian vodka, and a generous splash of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur (obviously), the new ready-to-drink offering means you never have to endure a mediocre espresso martini ever again. We'll cheers to that. more
Whether it's a hot summer's day or we're just craving a sweet treat, nothing hits the spot quite like a Golden Gaytime ice-cream. Now, the frozen national treasure and its signature crumb is set to be transformed into something only a gaggle of culinary geniuses could have concocted. Hold on to your spatulas, friends, as Green's has released Golden Gaytime cake mix and somewhere out there a certain baking matriarch that rhymes with Fetty Rocker is shaking. more
One of our favourite choccies to grace the confectionery aisle is no doubt M&M’s. These rainbow-hued morsels taste as sweet as they look and have been a beloved snack staple since childhood. Now, this darling treat has been smashed, swirled and jarred to create something so delicious, so ingenious that we just have to get our hands on it ASAP. Introducing Crispy M&M’s Choc Spread. more
When it comes to perfecting a dish, condiments are crucially important. Be it a simple sandwich or salad, fiery spices, fruit-infused relishes and zesty dressings can take an ordinary meal to extraordinary levels. West End condiment company Sidepiece knows this to be true, and its small-batch fermented hot sauces, relishes and other condiments made from local produce and native bush foods are living proof that we all need to spice up our lives a little. more
There’s a reason folks say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it’s where you set the tone for the day to come, so it’s best to ensure you hit the ground running. Granola has become one of the most versatile and dependable day starters going, and Currumbin Valley relaxation destination Eden Health Retreat is entering the market with a nutrient-rich take that’ll have folks setting an early alarm to have breakfast sooner. Oh, and its also celebrating the launch with a special giveaway … more
Everyone needs a wine friend. You know, that person who is infectiously passionate about what's currently 'trending' in the world of wine (chardonnay is back, baby!), must-try varieties from emerging and established winemakers and which bottles offer the best value for money. Joe and Natalie Caruso are those friends. You may not know them personally (yet) but if you're fond of a drop, you will soon enough as the husband-and-wife duo has just opened SOMM Wine Store along the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach. The sommelier-owned space is devoted to showcasing small-scale producers that focus on sustainable farming and low-intervention winemaking from Australia and abroad. more
Known as the souped-up green tea, matcha is made by taking young tea leaves and grinding them into a bright green powder. This powder – which can be enjoyed with milk or in smoothies – is widely celebrated for its many health benefits, which include boosting metabolism and energy enhancement, making it an admirable alternate to coffee. Now, you can try the Hulk-coloured sip on the go as Australia’s first ready-to-drink sparkling matcha, Motive Matcha, has just hit the market. more
A person's cheese platter (or decked-out charcuterie board, if you're fancy) can speak words to their character. On-sale hummus? Economical. Chips? Practical. A cheese fondue? Aspirational. If you're looking to up your snack-making game a notch, then we have a new cracker that will send you and your guests cuckoo – RITZ's Cracker Bites. more
The chocolate-making legends at KitKat have been on a roll lately and now they have invented something so perfect that we're in their debt forevermore – KitKat with Lotus Biscoff. Oh, how we love thee. more
If you consider yourself a gin enthusiast, then you're probably well acquainted with – and have maybe even paid a visit to – Cape Byron Distillery, the home of much-loved libation Brookie’s Gin. Known for its banger botanical sips, the Byron Bay-based company has launched a new product that's a little out of left field. Get ready to spread the love to its newest creation Byron Slow GinJam, a bougie condiment that we can't wait to add to our pantry. more
