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Art, Music, Food and Fashion Celebration in Plain Sight at Hidden Lanes Festival in Fortitude Valley

A sweeping celebration of art, music, food and fashion will be underway at The Hidden Lanes Festival in Fortitude Valley on Saturday, the 26th of Oct 2019. This free event will feature over 50 artists who will showcase their talents, ideas and creations to bring heaps of experiences for families and groups to enjoy.

Celebrating Food and Wine

Little Valley Lane, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, Lucky Lane and California Lane will each have various establishments participating in the food fare for The Hidden Lanes Festival. Led by The Bowery, visitors may enjoy a sampling of gastronomic delights and satisfying meals from Italian, Korean, Japanese and American cuisines.

Celebrating Music and Art

Whilst savouring different flavours, visitors can sit down and chill amidst an abundance of live music. Each lane will also feature different musical acts at stages set outside The Bowery, Phase 4 Records, Laruche, Tym Guitars, The Zoo, Little Valley and at corners of Winn Lane, California Lane and Bakery Lane.

Among the featured musical acts and DJs for this year’s Hidden Lanes Festival are:

The VANNS*
Tyne-James Organ
Boatkeeper
BONSAI
Budjerah Slabb Music
Catalano
Charlotte Emily
CONCRETE SURFERS*
Cry Club*
Demon Days*
Ella Fence
First Beige
Georgia Dutton
Georgie Neilsen and The Growing Pains
Greta Stanley
Harry and Ami Phillips
Jo Davie*
Julia R. Anderson
Karrie Hayward
Krave
Kurilpa Reach
L. Flora
Liv Heyer Music
Manū Music
Mitch Salisbury
Miranda vs. Arizona*
MOON SALOON
Nelipot

O’ Little Sister
Pacific Avenue
Paris Irwin Music
Pink Matter
Rob Knaggs
S.A.B
SAEM.
Selfish Sons
The Beamish Brothers
The Blockades
The Jensens*
The Lighthearts
The Oogars
Wonderfuls
AIMON CLARK (THE CREASES)
BEN CHIU
Dj Black Amex
Flex Cop*
GREAVES
James Rigby
Jawgoh*
LIMINAL GRACE
Lxxx*
MUMGENES
RA*
THIRSTY PAUL
Tokyo Twilight

Some live entertainment and venues are strictly for *18 years old and above. Be sure to show a valid ID in case it will be checked. Look up the schedule of performances so you may be able to plan your visit carefully.

*Photo Credit: The Hidden Lanes Festival*

Aside from the live music, there will also be 19 masterclasses and activities where visitors may learn cookie decorating, dumpling making, or preparing cocktails, among other workshops. Below are the schedule of the classes. You may book a slot in advance online as spaces are limited.

Celebrating Fashion & Style

When you’re done eating, drinking or joining the activities, you can unwind and do some retail therapy or pampering at the fashion and beauty establishments participating at The Hidden Lanes Festival. So you can cover a lot of ground, check out this map to chart the stores you’d like to visit for discounts and deals.

Celebrating the Laneways

Do you have out-of-town guests you’d like to bring to the festival? Sign them up for the Heritage Tour or put your name on the list if you’d like to learn the interesting origin and development of Fortitude Valley’s Laneways. This guided walk will bring you to the oldest preserved commercial buildings in Brisbane, which were built around the 1800s, including an apothecary and one of Brisbane’s longest-running music venues.

The Hidden Lanes Festival is a FREE event. No need to pay for an entrance or masterclass fee. The events begin at 10:00 a.m. and end late in the night.

Everything Plant or Natural-Based Under One Roof at Brisbane Vegan Expo in Bowen Hills

Are you part of the vegan community in Brisbane? Then don’t miss this special two-day event featuring everything plant and natural-based in Bowen Hills from the 19th to 20th of Oct 2019.

Happening at the Exhibition Building in the corner of Gregory Terrace and Costin Street near the Brisbane Showgrounds, the inaugural Brisbane Vegan Expo will open at 10:00 a.m.

The event will not just showcase vegan food and drinks but also vegan skincare and healthcare products, plant-based clothing, household goods and heaps of other interesting items free of animals and animal by-products.

Expect more than 100 exhibitors at the visitors at the Brisbane Vegan Expo, including some fo these businesses below:

Wholesomeness Health Food

Have little time to shop and prepare healthy food? This store conveniently cooks, packs, chills or freezes healthy, nutrient-dense, low-allergy meals for delivery to your home or workplace.

Vegan Perfection

Featuring a pantry full of vegan biscuits, sauces, spreads, snacks, confectionery, ready-roasted meals, oven and grill dishes, dairy-free cheese, sausages, jerky and a variety of other food, this is the store to visit if you need to start a healthy animal-free diet.

Indira Organics

This shop makes small batches of handcrafted, 100 percent chemical-free, Australian-made skin care products for your healthy skin care and maintenance. If you’ve got sensitive skin or develop skin allergies from other brands, check out this healthier option.

Kohki Therapy

Discover the wonders of a Japanese style treatment therapy to refresh and strengthen your body and mind. Consultants and therapists will be at the stalls to impart tips and advice, as well as to conduct a 15-minute or 30-minute session.

For the full list of exhibitors, visit the official site’s listing.

Meanwhile, Australian animal rights activist James Aspey will be one of the special resource person of the Brisbane Vegan Expo. Known for his advocacy against cruelty to animals, Aspey did not speak for a full year in 2014 as part of his protest.

Since then, however, he has helped raise awareness on his advocacy by conducting various speaking engagements about the significance and impact of going vegan.

“The Brisbane Vegan Expo is intended to demonstrate the simplicity of transitioning towards a vegan lifestyle and support those who want to continue along this journey. The journey for some can take time and we recognise the value of providing assistance along the way. We endeavour to inspire and motivate people to consider and/or continue to increase consuming plant-based options,” the organisers said.

Tickets to the Brisbane Vegan Expo cost $12.64 including the fee. Children under 12 years old may enter for free whilst $2 for every ticket sold will go to a vegan charity.

Now Open: Rico Bar & Dining Brings Fusion of Spanish, Australian and Latin Cuisines to Brisbane Restaurant Scene

Newly opened Rico Bar & Dining on Eagle Street Pier brings an exciting fusion of Spanish, Australian and Latin cuisines to Brisbane’s bustling inner-city dining scene.

Rico Bar and Dining, Eagle Street Pier Brisbane — *Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Facebook*

The man behind Eagle Street Pier’s latest hotspot is Michael Tassis, the culinary mastermind behind Massimo Restaurant & Bar and George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant. Coming from a family that’s been running award-winning restaurants in NSW and Queensland for more than 30 years, Michael has over 25 years of experience as a restaurateur. His most recent venture, Massimo, impresses with its fresh take on Italian culinary arts.

This time around, Michael has drawn inspiration from Spanish and Latin cuisine in conceptualising Rico Bar & Dining’s menu line-up and overall concept. A day before the opening, Rico Bar and Dining gave a sneak preview of the interior, designed by the same team behind Massimo Restaurant.

57 Deliciosa Dishes

Headlining Rico’s 57 deliciosa menu line-up are the not-to-be-missed Paella, their Pintxo (Spanish Brioche Bug Roll), varied selection of tapas, meat raciones, and fresh-from-the-sea dishes.

*Rico’s signature Pintxo (Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Facebook)*

The tapa line-up features a selection of slow-cooked, chargrilled lamb ribs, gambas al ajillo, calamari, chargrilled pork belly, empanadas with braised beef cheek, char-grilled octopus, eggplant fritters, and bone marrow.

*Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Facebook*

Nibbles at the restaurant also include picadas, ceviche cured with lime, chilli and fresh herbs, ensalada, and oysters prepped seven ways at its Oyster Bar.

Rico Bar and Dining menu must-try — *Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Facebook*

*Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Instagram*

The main dishes are sure to whet your appetite with its choices of chargrilled pork cutlet, braised beef cheek, Argentinian style lamb shoulder slow-cooked to perfection, and chargrilled chicken with chimichurri sauce.

*Rico’s signature saffron-infused paella can be seafood, live marron, or vegetarian.*
(*Photo credit: Rico Bar & Dining / Facebook*)

For the seafood enthusiast, Rico has equally delectable creations, including ocean trout with saffron beurre blanc, chargrilled barramundi, whole baby South Australian squid with chimichurri, chargrilled live marron, and marinated snapper tail with chimichurri.

All the deliciousness ends with specially concocted desserts, which include Rico’s signature catalana. Check out their complete menu here.

To celebrate their Oct 11 opening, Rico Bar & Dining is giving complimentary cava to all diners upon arrival. Four lucky winners announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page will also be enjoying a $250 dining voucher on the day.

Sea to the City on Opening Weekend

Rico Bar & Dining will cap its Opening Weekend as the first stop on the Brisbane Bug & Oyster Trail, with special dishes prepared for the Sea to the City event on Sunday, 13 October 2019. Now in its second year, the alfresco food trail will feature 17 of the best Brisbane riverside restaurants. The highlights of the trail also include Georges Paragon and Massimo Restaurant, among others.

Rico Bar & Dining’s special Sea to the City menu includes Mixed Dozen Oyster Plate with Four Sauces – mignonette, gazpacho, pink pepper and finger lime, along with Spanish Tempura Moreton Bay Bug on Brioche with Cos Lettuce, Chilli & Lime, Aioli. Diners will have a choice of red or white sangria to perfectly complement their meal.

The Sea to the City trail covers the stretch from Eagle Street Pier to Riparian Plaza, Riverside Centre, Riverland and ending at Customs House. Download the map or find out more about Sea to the City here.

Rico Bar & Dining promises to bring the best in fusion cuisine, blending different cultures through its exciting culinary creations. With stunning views of the city’s river and Story Bridge, this new Brisbane restaurant would be the ideal place for a romantic dinner, a solo dining experience or a simple catch-up with friends.

Make a reservation here

Address: Eagle Street Pier, 45 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Council Approves the Refurbishment Proposal for Fortitude Valley Metro

A new and improved Valley Metro Shopping Centre at Fortitude Valley is on its way soon as Brisbane City Council has approved its refurbishment proposal.

Last July 2019, an announcement was given by the Brisbane City Council with regards to the proposed refurbishment project of the Valley Metro Shopping Centre. The Council has approved the design made by Architectus, lodged by the project’s developer, LaSalle Investment Management.

Apart from the Valley Metro being fully refurbished, the approved proposal also involves the addition of a new cinema, a supermarket tenancy, expanded retail offerings, upgraded central urban common space, and a number of public realm improvements.

Here are the following public realm improvements as stated in the proposal:

Refurbished Brunswick Street Entrance canopy to provide a welcoming, legible gateway to Valley Metro precinct.
New flexible Urban Common to facilitate a community-driven public space, that’s surrounded by natural light and landscape.
Providing new & refurbished pedestrian linkage to allow access from all direction to Fortitude Valley Train Station.
Potential Public Artwork installation to be further developed in future stage.

Metro Shopping Centre — Valley Metro by Architectus
Photo credit: https://architectureau.com/

According to Architectus, the design principle for this project is to create new links and connect them with the refurbished existing links that would result into a revitalised central retail space right at the center of the site.

The designers reiterated that the main goal for this project is to have “a revitalised and accessible public space that complements the busy transport hub of the Fortitude Valley rail station and speaks to the principles of the Urban Common as a piece of social infrastructure, within a functioning retail precinct.”

Apart from the plans for onsite refurbishment of the Valley Metro, the application also indicates future linkages to Alfred and Alden Streets; however, these linkages are still subject to BCC approval.

To know more about Valley Metro’s refurbishment project, you may refer to its development application here.

An Inside Look at Altitude, Fortitude Valley’s Newest Rooftop Bar

Photo Credit: forestersfv.com.au

On the sixth floor of the new Foresters Restaurant and Bar in Fortitude Valley, the Altitude Bar offers 180-degree views of Brisbane CBD including a panoramic vista of iconic landmarks, such as the Story Bridge and Walton’s building.

The stunning, 250-sqm rooftop bar welcomed the public for the first time in August 2019, taking over the heritage-listed Foresters Hall along Brunswick and Alfred Street.

One of the function areas in Altitude Bar (Photo Credit: forestersfv.com.au)

Altitude Bar is the product of an almost three-year journey for the Signature Hospitality Group, who are also behind the boutique South Melbourne eatery WJ Wills and the renowned sports bar brand, The Sporting Globe. The group lodged a development application and received an approval in 2016, they finally got to open the restaurant and bar this year.

Intricate detailing is found throughout the bar, with monochromatic palettes, timber tables, sleek black seating, and incorporated indoor planting, designed by Melbourne-based design firm Hot Black.

This rooftop bar serves a lively cocktail menu, with popular picks like the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and Amaretto Brulee as well as craft and standard beers. When hunger strikes, just order off a tasty bar menu featuring calamari, jalapeno poppers, club sandwich, cold meats, sweet potato crisps or various flavours of stone-baked pizza.

Altitude Bar also welcomes events in the function areas and you may choose to have your drinks served in bar carts. Party under the stars or simply unwind on the rooftop for the best views in town.

Altitude Bar is located at 209-211 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley and opens four days a week, Wednesday to Sunday from noon until late. For more information about their menus and functions, visit the Foresters restaurant and bar website.

David Jones Weathers Speculations About Fortitude Valley Operations

Australian upscale department store David Jones signed a long-term lease to deliver a unique shopping experience in one of the Fortitude Valley’s best shopping strips. However, as Australia is under a retail recession, David Jones has reportedly struggled to grow its revenue two years since opening on 10 James Street.

David Jones has gone through its second writedown since 2018, as South African owner Woolworths Holdings Limited witnessed its value shrink from its $2.1-B acquisition in 2014 to just $965 million. The writedown does not bode well for the beleaguered retail giant, particularly in light of Australia’s retail recession.

Speculations are rife that the company is “recalibrating operations” at its Fortitude Valley store, although the company has not made any comments on such reports.

David Jones opened its Fortitude Valley store with high hopes of delivering a very different shopping experience in a vital precinct.

A spokesperson from Woolworths said that operationally, their strategic initiative is to position the store as the “retail environment of the future.”

Here’s a Closer Look at Victoria Park Vision, the Next Biggest Park in Brisbane

Photo Credit: BCC Virtual Tours

After Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced Brisbane City Council’s plan to rejuvenate the Victoria Park precinct, ideas have been pouring in on how to best transform the area into a 45-hectare public parkland. Now, we can get a closer look into five visionary ideas released by the Council.

Brisbane’s leading design professionals have developed independent creative ideas for Victoria Park to spark interest and encourage more ideas to come in for what the new parkland could look like.

These designs are not necessarily what will be built, but they are intended to capture the public’s attention about different opportunities for the park in the future.

Explore the visionary ideas Victoria Park below and have your say online.

“Active Forest” by Urbis

Planners at Urbis suggest an active forest for everyone. They want to do it by making the park an unparalleled destination in the city’s subtropical park network.

Urbis wants to create outdoor and well-being spaces which will maximise the sense of natural refuge within the inner city.

The goal is to reforest the park, which involves dramatically increasing the density of trees in key locations. This will create deep shade and lush canopies, to become a new forest for everyone.

“Barrambin – Reconnection and Restoration” by Lat 27

Barrambin is all about creating a place that will respectfully celebrate the connection between culture and nature. It aims to celebrate Brisbane’s unique interwoven landscape and ecosystems as well as make transformational connections that will stitch parkland back into the city.

Lat 27 aims to celebrate Brisbane’s over 65,000 years of culture by creating a link to the city, a place to tell water stories, a place for morning walks, and a centre for indigenous culture.

“Brisbane Rock Pools” by Place Design Group

The idea is to create a new setting for play, exploration and relaxation by including features like waterfalls, reflection pond, water rock pool slide, children’s pond, and cascades swimming pond.

Place Design Group drew inspiration from the many rocky creeks and rock pools that are one of the characterising features of Southeast Queensland’s diverse landscape. Our vision is to re-imagine these natural settings within the park as a dynamic play.

“Connect and Celebrate” by Tract

Known for their landscape architecture and urban design, Tract wanted to make Brisbane a place where people meet to celebrate. Think of places for smaller events and community gatherings, an ampitheater, and Brisbane’s “largest major outdoor events space.”

The planners at Tract are also suggesting to create a connection to Spring Hill and City, to Herston and Bowen Hills as well as a new connection to Busway and Kelvin Grove.

“Nature that Nurtures” by Conrad Gargett

As the name implies, Conrad Gargett’s idea is to design the park with nature for health and wellbeing in mind. They drew inspiration from English broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough, who once said spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

Just like Attenborough, Conrad Gargett believes spending time with nature enables us to experience joy and wonder, to slow down and appreciate the wildlife that lives side-by-side with us.

About Victoria Park Vision

Touted as Brisbane’s biggest new park, Victoria Park Vision will be more than double the size of the City Botanic Gardens. BCC has set aside $1 million towards the beginning of this project.

It is located in Herston and bounded by Gregory Terrace, Victoria Park Road, Queensland University of Technology – Kelvin Grove, Herston Road and Bowen Bridge Road. There is a golf course, driving range, putt-putt and function centre.

Presently, BCC is encouraging the local community to have their say in helping create the draft vision. The community engagement runs from 4 August to 29 September 2019. Construction of the park is scheduled to start 2021.

Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley Brings the Merry Vibe for Chinese Moon Festival

Colours, bright lights and upbeat music will fill Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley this Saturday, the 7th of Sept 2019, as it is time once again to celebrate the annual Chinese Moon Festival.

Some 3,000 years ago, the Chinese Moon Festival was a community gathering during the brightest night of the season to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. It was also a time to celebrate harmonious relationships, good health and new births.

These traditions have changed over the years as the harvest festival evolved with the times. Nevertheless, modern Chinese and their friends continue to observe the Moon Festival by mounting an all-day celebration that locals in Brisbane will also have the chance to experience.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook*

So, this Saturday weekend, Chinatown Mall will be packed with activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For this year, the Chinese Moon Festival will also include Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino cultural performances:

4:00 p.m.	Dragon dance
4:20 p.m.	Opening and welcome
4:30 p.m.	Crafty up-cycle earring making workshop (one hour)
4:35 p.m.	The Story of Chang’e – Goddess of the Moon
4:55 p.m.	Traditional Japanese dance
5:15 p.m.	Grandma Yen the Chinese clown
5:30 p.m.	Konhou – traditional Chinese harp
5:45 p.m.	V-Pop performance
6:05 p.m.	Lion dance
6:25 p.m.	Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration
6:45 p.m.	Judy Chan Chinese and cultural dance
7:15 p.m.	PanGoot – Traditional Korean performance
7:35 p.m.	Filipino dance
7:55 p.m.	SamulNori – Korean percussion
8:15 p.m.	K-pop performance
8:35 p.m.	Japanese Taiko performance

An amusing roving entertainment featuring the Three Brothers Parade and Grandma Anna Yen, the Chinese Clown, will also be featured at this event whilst visitors check out the market and food stalls to score unique finds and treasures or taste Asian treats.

Don’t miss out on the moon-shaped structure at the centre of the mall. Guests may write down the names of their beloved on this installation to strengthen their bond.

This is a free event sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.

State Government, Silverstone to Revamp PCYC Fortitude Valley Facility

Artist’s impression of new Fortitude Valley PCYC (Photo credit: Queensland Government)

Queensland Government has entered into an agreement with Silverstone Developments Pty Ltd. to redevelop the Fortitude Valley facility of Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) Queensland.

According to Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, two parties have agreed to develop a new facility on a portion of the existing site at 458 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley.

“Recognising an opportunity to renew the ageing infrastructure, Government in consultation with PCYC Queensland ran a competitive bid process, seeking private sector participants to deliver the new PCYC Fortitude Valley facility,” Mr Dick said.

Mr Dick added that the development will create around 162 jobs during construction and will be fully funded by Silverstone Developments.

This new standalone building would allow the organisation to expand their service offerings to the broader Fortitude Valley community. PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer Phil Schultz said it will also ensure their facility in Fortitude Valley will continue to be an iconic part of the local landscape.

“It is a very exciting announcement not only for PCYC Queensland but for our members and the local community we serve as a trusted and respected charity,” Mr Schultz said.

Meanwhile, Member for McConnel Grace Grace recognized the facility’s contribution to the whole community, adding that the support of many stakeholders including PCYC Queensland has been integral in reaching this important milestone.

Construction on the new PCYC Fortitude Valley facility is expected to begin late 2019. For more details about this new facility, visit the Queensland Government’s website.

Next-Gen Volvo Models Feature Drink Driving Sensors

In the decades since its inception, Swedish carmaker Volvo has built its reputation on safety and low-key luxury. Its latest campaign, Vision 2020, aims for a lofty goal — no more deaths or serious injuries in its new cars. In line with this, Volvo is introducing new technology to prevent drink driving, believing that the way to its goal lies in the modification of driver behaviour coupled with leading-edge safety technology. This is a development that should benefit Brisbane car owners greatly, particularly given the prevalence of drink driving incidents in Fortitude Valley and other Brisbane suburbs.

Recently, the Swedish automaker announced that sensor cameras will be installed in the next-generation models for the XC40, XC60 and XC90, which are designed to detect the reaction and behaviour of the Volvo driver. The car will slow down or completely stop and not respond if the sensor determines that the driver is intoxicated.

“Volvo Cars believes intoxication and distraction should be addressed by installing in-car cameras and other sensors that monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if a clearly intoxicated or distracted driver does not respond to warning signals and is risking an accident involving serious injury or death,” Volvo said in a statement.

Learn more about how Volvo’s drink driving safety feature works in this video:

Volvo’s Outstanding Safety Record

“We want to attract people who think it’s important to drive safely,” Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said following the announcement of Vision 2020.

Early on, safety has been the cornerstone of its vehicle design as Volvo is the inventor of the three-point seatbelt in 1959. Volvo is also a pioneer of the rearward-facing child safety seat and booster seat in the ’70s. It is the first automaker to introduce side-impact airbags.

In 2008, Volvo was way ahead of other car manufacturers when it launched the City Safety system that allowed its vehicles to slow down and prevent a car crash upon detection of an obstruction. To better understand why Volvo is regarded as the safest car in the world, watch this:

Australia to Require New Car Drink Driving Safety Features

Volvo’s big news comes as Australia could mandate similar safety features among new vehicles for sale by 2025 in line with the guidelines of the United Nations.

“Unfortunately, alcohol remains a major problem [of the road toll] with between 15 and 25 percent of our driver fatalities each year from drivers being under the influence of alcohol,” Transport Road Commission road safety director Samantha Cockfield said.

Crime statistics in Australia also show that Fortitude Valley ranks high for violence and accidents due to alcohol. Since 2014, law enforcers, as well as club and pub owners, are proactively implementing strategies to promote a drink safe precinct. Now, even automakers like Volvo are in on the objective to keep the public safer.

“The first technologies we’ll see are passive systems like passive alcohol and drug interlock systems so they will be within the car and they will be able to test if you’ve got any alcohol on your breath,” Ms Cockfield added.

Expectedly, automakers may still improve on the technology by introducing sensor pads on the steering wheel or infrared light detection at the ignition button. This way, the driver under influence won’t be able to bypass the safety features.

*Photo Credit: Volvo Cars Australia/Facebook*

“Yes, definitely we will see a day when that technology will be standard in vehicles and I think if you look at Volvo internationally, I think they’ve talked about those kinds of technologies being integrated quite soon,” Ms Cockfield said.

Buying Volvo in Fortitude Valley

As of press time, Volvo Australia has not yet announced the availability for the next generation models with the drink driving safety features. However, if you’re interested in owning the safest car for your family, you may phone Volvo Cars North Brisbane at 07 3177 3181 or visit their showroom in at 773 Ann Street Fortitude Valley for a test drive.