About: Mariza Bubic
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- http://www.themapvillage.com.au
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Author Archive for Mariza Bubic
Amazingly, for a suburb so close to the CBD, Spring Hill is desperately lacking on the food front. Tasty eats were virtually impossible to find in this suburb until Sisco came along. Owned by sister team Kelly and Vicki Jones, the girls previously ran the popular Mangetout coffee and breakfast stall at the West End Markets for a number of years. Thankfully, they decided to open shop in a more permanent location, and Sisco is the delicious result. Sisco sits, almost hidden, on Boundary Street in a building that once housed a butcher shop back in the 1950s. The duo’s aim was to create a loungeroom-like ambience and they have achieved it. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, casual yet elegant. Open for breakfast and lunch six days, the food here is honest, fresh and wholesome. The coffee served here is Belaroma, which I love, and a definite menu favourite is the French toast served with caramelised banana, vanilla bean yoghurt and maple syrup. Sisco is by far, the culinary highlight of Spring Hill and definitely worth a visit for a gourmet working lunch or relaxed weekend breakfast.
My mum shares her back fence with a boarding house, and I have to admit it scares me. Once, while I was living there, a rather ragged looking man appeared at the front door and was about to walk right on in before I stopped him. He asked me for a glass of water but, being home alone, my adrenalin was running so fast that all I could think to do was close and lock the door. Maybe he was going to rob us? But maybe he was just really thirsty…This happened years ago but I still feel bad about it. There is something about homeless people that absolutely frightens me to the core and yet intrigues me at the same time. I wonder how on earth you could end up with nowhere to live. Surely there must be someone you could call on when you are in trouble - a brother? A sister? A cousin? A friend? And that’s when I realise how lucky I am to have such an amazing support group around me. Tonight at 8pm, the ABC screens the fourth episode of Choir of Hard Knocks. Continue reading ‘choir of hard knocks’
From Toyota.com: In 1800, Alessandro Volta arranged zinc and copper discs in a column and invented the battery. 204 years later, Toyota has electrified automotive history with the first high-performance hybrid, named in his honor. The Giugiaro-designed carbon-fiber body seats three people abreast and features “drive-by-wire” controls, allowing you to position the steering wheel and pedals in front of any one of them. And the Volta’s 408-hp Hybrid Synergy Drive® (a 3.3-litre V6 with an electric motor for each axle) not only delivers 435 miles on a 13.7-gallon tank, but 0-60 (or 95.56 km/hour) acceleration in a mere four seconds. Somewhere, Count Volta is smiling.
To prove that hybrid technology can be used in a high-performance vehicle, the Volta can reach a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/hour). It won’t compete with Lamborghini or Ferrari with that top speed, but it uses a lot less gas. There’s no word yet on how much one of these sleek hybrids will set you back or even when it will be released, but it’s good news that being green is getting sexier..
If you don’t already have plans this weekend, I’d highly recommend getting down to the Brisbane Powerhouse to enjoy one of the many brilliant flicks on offer during The 8th Annual Brisbane Queer Film Festival. Starting this Friday, the festival runs for seven days and offers an eclectic and very unique selection of films from classic cult flicks to more contemporary films such as Fat Girls. As a massive Bowie fan, my pick would definitely be the 80s vampire horror classic The Hunger (pictured). The Hunger is a cult classic that deserves to be seen in all its gory glory on the big screen. Deneuve is Miriam, a beautiful centuries old vampire living in Manhattan. When her lover John (David Bowie), begins the accelerated process of ageing, Miriam turns her attentions to Dr Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon), a scientist who is researching pre-mature ageing. Miriam has chosen Sarah to be her next lover. Enticing Sarah to her house, Miriam plays Delibes Lakmé on the piano and takes Sarah to bed in what is the most famous seduction scene in lesbian film history. Unfortunately for me I will have to try and find this gem at the video store as I wont be around this weekend. So if you happen have some spare time up your sleeve, grab a friend and some popcorn and indulge in Bowie’s brilliance on the big screen, or one of the many other great films on offer.
Now that we are living in the email age, the only thing I ever find in my letterbox is bills. This frankly makes me disinclined to even bother checking the mail most weeks. Gone are the days when I would hold out hope for some exciting surprise to appear in the post. But I have recently discovered Postcrossing. The goal of Postcrossing is to allow people to receive postcards from all over the world, for free. Well, almost. If you send a postcard, you’ll receive at least one back, from a random postcrosser somewhere in the world. Why? Because it’s nice to receive stuff by mail! If you add to that, the surprise factor of receiving postcards from different places all over the world, you can turn your mailbox into a little surprise box, instead of a little box of disappointment. I’ve only just signed up and can’t wait to start receiving postcards, but before I can receive a card, I have to send one. I’ve been sent the details of who to send my postcard to, now I just need to figure out what to write. What do I say to a nine year old boy in Finland whose interests include cars and trucks?
As the climate-neutral trend gains more and more momentum, the latest big gun to join industry leaders pressing for climate action is media mogul Rupert Murdoch. As CEO of News Corporation, the media empire that encompasses Fox News, 20th Century Fox, HarperCollins, MySpace.com, and dozens of newspapers in Australia, the U.K., the U.S., and beyond, this is big news. Rupert’s plan to address climate change includes not only a pledge to reduce the company’s emissions but also a vow to weave climate messaging into the content and programming of News Corp.’s many holdings. The hope is that the hundreds of millions of people who watch his TV channels and read his newspapers will be persuaded to join the cause. And if recent trends are anything to go by, he will get his wish. Everything and everyone from music festivals to entire communities are going green. One example of this is The Ecovillage at Currumbin. This inspiring group is doing their bit to promote sustainable living and are paving the way for future residential developments to be eco-friendly too. Having already garnered several awards including Queensland’s Best Small Residential Subdivision and Best Ecologically Sustainable Development, The Ecovillage is a prime example of how we could, and should, be living. So, hats off to the big guns, and the little guns - let’s hope more people are inspired to follow suit.
From the Daily Mail: Psychologists claim that results in English and maths tests are linked to the length of fingers. Pupils with longer ring fingers are said to be more likely to excel in numeracy while those with shorter ring fingers tend to be more adept at literacy. Scientists believe the trends can be explained by the levels of testosterone and oestrogen that children are exposed to in the womb. The sex hormones are thought to govern brain development as well as finger length. Mark Brosnan, who led the study at the University of Bath, said: “Testosterone has been argued to promote development of the areas of the brain which are often associated with spatial and mathematical skills. “Oestrogen is thought to do the same in the areas of the brain which are often associated with verbal ability. “Interestingly, these hormones are also thought to have a say in the relative lengths of our index and ring fingers. We can use measurements of these fingers as a way of gauging the relative exposure to these two hormones in the womb. “And, as we have shown through this study, we can also use them to predict ability in the key areas of numeracy and literacy.”
Continue reading ‘it’s all in your hands’
You know you are getting on in years when suddenly everything that was cool when you were a kid, is becoming cool again, and being made into a Hollywood blockbuster. Case in point - Transformers. For those of you who don’t remember Transformers, well they were ‘Robots in disguise’ and one of the coolest things around in the early 80s. Basically they would appear in the harmless form of a car, animal or aircraft, but when they needed to they would amazingly ‘transform’ into a dangerous fighting machine. Gold. And now I hear that another hero from my childhood is about to come to life. He-man, the most powerful man in the universe. Well you don’t get any cooler than that now do you? I can’t wait for this movie to come out, though it has raised a few questions. How will they manage to get someone to ride Battlecat. And will the actor who plays He-man have a yellow bob?
I love pizza. From the most simple Margherita pizza right through to the more hearty versions piled high with toppings. I even love (shock horror) Eagle Boys, Domino’s, Pizza Hut AND New York Slice. So as a Brisbane girl, born and bred, I give you my four top pizza picks. First on my list is the Siciliana pizza at Arriva Italian Restaurant in New Farm. Its so simple, so fresh and soo good! I love the traditional thin base, the whole fresh basil leaves and the divine olive oil that is drizzled over the top. Next on my list is the Westender pizza from Wild Pepper Pizzeria at West End. Continue reading ‘more pizza please’
The site that once contained Zomba has been taken over by three local lads and converted into the dreamy cocktail emporium, Sling. You could be forgiven for thinking this neatly tucked away venue is tiny in stature but further exploration reveals a large and relaxed outdoor area featuring oversized couches, dark wood tables and plenty of breathing room. Sling’s cocktail list bulges with 250 concoctions, and the owners are introducing Brisbane to Molecular Mixology, best experienced through Sling’s degustation cocktail menu. Tantalise your senses with five awe-inspiring mixes that include burnt lemon, meringue, brulee and palate cleansers. I’m absolutely intrigued by some of the drinks on the menu here, and cannot wait to try the Potato Salad Cocktail and the Spanish Maria Mary with balsamic vinegar and pickled cucumbers. Yum.
Just past the southern end of the Story Bridge, and, conveniently, just across the road from where I live, lies one of Brisbane’s undiscovered culinary gems, the Cou Cou Lounge. Located at East Brisbane, owners Ben and Mia have created a calm and welcoming oasis on the edge of one of the City’s busiest strips, Lytton Road. Ben’s background in architectural design has allowed the venue to remain open and breezy whilst still providing just the right amount of seclusion. The spacious courtyard combines stainless steel with dark wood for a sophisticated outdoor experience, while inside the plush red couches, warm red interior and candlelight create a cosy, romantic feel. Cou Cou Lounge is open for drinks, tapas, dinner and weekend breakfasts and I highly recommend the Riisi Balls, served with fresh herbs and fetta, and chilli tomato jam. Delicious.
A large glass bowl of choux pastry puffs covered in sugar granules greets you on arrival at this very chic French Patisserie. These little puffs of heaven are chouquettes and the namesake of Brisbane’s newest Parisian bakery and cafe. Appropriately located next door to the French inspired Continental Cafe on Baxter Street, New Farm; deciding which little treasure to indulge in first at Chouquette is difficult. The counter overflows with croissants, eclairs, mille feuille, pain au chocolat and tarte citron just to name a few. Behind the counter, discover baguettes and boule, ciabatta and figloaf. To add to the authenticity, everything here is baked on site by French pastry chefs and bakers, and owner Lara Sample serves up fantastic, fresh espresso. Magnifique!
heaven in a box
If you are a lover of chocolate and have a spare fifty dollars to spend then I have some good news for you. Dello Mano Brownies. Available at the Powerhouse Farmers Markets or by phone order, these are THE brownies of the brownie world. These gorgeous treats are hand-made locally by owners Deborah and Bien Peralta to a personally created recipe using the finest Belgian chocolate, ensuring they quite literally melt in your mouth. Each hand-cut brownie is then placed into an elegantly presented box, sealed with a chocolate brown ribbon and hand delivered. It doesn’t get much better than this. I recently had the pleasure of having a box of these brownies personally delivered to me, and let me tell you it took A LOT of convincing to get me to share with the rest of the map team. Not that I’m selfish, it’s just an opportunity like that doesn’t come across my desk very often. Don’t tell the map team, but I just might have one or two of these beautiful little delights still hidden under my desk…
First there was Harvey’s and now there is White Rabbit (film buffs will note the connection here). Matt and Kate Harvey sold their James Street institution and headed across town to Yeronga where they have created an elegant and spacious French bistro. White Rabbit provides a family venue for the local area as well as a destination for foodies from surrounding suburbs. The interior in rich chocolate tones and dark wood is beautifully offset by ochre coloured carpet and creamy tiles. The menu has classic French roots with a contemporary Australian flavour and the set-menu option for lunch provides extraordinary value with two courses for $25 or three courses for $30. Set menu items include hot, smoked ocean trout with crispy potatoes, poached egg and chive vinaigrette; chicken hunter stew with potato mash, and mushroom risotto with truffle oil. White Rabbit is also open for brunch on weekends with enticing options such as duck sausages with bubble and squeak and onion gravy. So if, like me, you don’t often venture out to the suburbs, follow the white rabbit and do some exploring, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Brisbane’s CBD is often lacking when it comes to tasty, simple, fresh food so the recent opening of Brother Espresso on Margaret Street is cause for celebration. Brothers Luke and Sam have converted this space in the heritage listed Watson Brothers Building into a haven of cool simplicity, complete with a wall dedicated to stencil art. Located next door to Victor Cycles, Brother Espresso is proving popular with the city’s cyclists due to its bike friendly attitude and healthy, tasty food. Luke and Sam are as passionate about food as they are about coffee and lunch here is based around fresh ingredients which can either be mixed together to create an exciting salad or put inside a turkish pocket for a fantastic toasted sandwich option. Make-your-own salad ingredients include wild rocket, baby spinach, penne pasta, thyme, roasted pumpkin, kalamata olives, twice smoked bacon, hungarian salami, tasmanian smoked salmon, lemon peppered tiger prawns, chili tofu, fetta and avocado to name but a few. Delicious Turkish pockets or toasties can be made from these options as well, and all for under $10! All we need now is a Brother Espresso on James Street so the map team can indulge everyday!
No, this isn’t grandma’s place, it’s Ground Espresso, located at the James Street end of Ann Street in the Valley. This is my favourite spot to grab a morning coffee, and just like grandma’s place, you will find superb home-made comfort food, undivided attention, lots of chit chat and, of course, the best cups of tea. Peter Clarke opened Ground Espresso in 2005 and much like his Paddington establishment, Sassafras, it has acquired a very loyal following amongst the locals (myself and the rest of the map team included). This delightful cafe and lounge also doubles as a retail front for the Grinders Coffee head office, which virtually guarantees the best and freshest coffee experience each time you visit. Ground Espresso’s all day menu includes delicious and fresh options such as avocado, lemon and sea salt on sourdough, ham, semi-dried tomatoes and Gruyere on Turkish, and Peri-Peri chicken salad alongside a variety of daily specials which often includes gourmet lasagnes, savoury tarts, wraps and more. Continue reading ‘vintage coffee experience’
Tuesdays in Brisbane bring all manner of deals and delicious delights to tempt us. There’s the much-loved $2 Taco night at New Farm’s Alibi Room, a definite favourite of mine due to its refried bean options and $4 Coronas. Then there is the $15 ‘All You Can Eat’ Rodizio de Pizza night at Brazilian Touch where the waiters move from table to table to bring you a delicious choice of pizzas made on the premises by their own Brazilian chef. The Vue Lounge at Merthyr Village, New Farm offers up a night of pizza and pasta, with the majority of pizzas and pastas on its menu available for only $12. And you can wash down your $12 feast with a $4 glass of house wine or $4 local beer. Continue reading ‘tasty tuesdays’
chip kidd in brisbane this wednesday
From AGDA: Described as ‘the closest thing to a rock star’ in graphic design (USA Today), Chip Kidd, writer and designer from New York City, is universally recognized as an American master of contemporary book design. At the forefront of a revolution in publishing, Kidd’s iconic covers, with their inventive marriage of type and found images, have influenced an entire generation of design practitioners in many fields and in 1998 he was made a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale. As an editor of comic books for Pantheon (a subsidiary of Knopf), Kidd has worked extensively with some of the most brilliant talents practicing today, including: Chris Ware, Art Spiegelman, Dan Clowes, Kim Deitch, Charles Burns, Mark Beyer, Ben Katchor and Alex Ross. AGDA is delighted to present Chip Kidd this Wed 21 March at 6.30pm for 7pm at Southbank Institute of Technology. Find out more at www.agda.com.au
I don’t know a lot about music, but I do know that the recent winners of the Brisbane heat of the MTV Kickstart Your Rockstar Career band competition absolutely rock. They are called Yves Klien Blue and they sound a little like the famed Franz Ferdinand. These indie rockers are local boys and their song Fall Asleep makes me feel all warm inside; a sure sign that they are headed for greatness. Citing their influences as The Velvet Underground and Queens of the Stoneage, Yves Klein Blue are named after the famous artist of the same name, who is celebrated for inventing a particular shade of blue. In 1960, Klein created and patented the ultramarine color known as International Klein Blue or IKB. So have a listen to these Brisbane rockstars, and if you like what you hear you can show your support by voting for them in the MTV Kickstart Your Rockstar Career competition or by checking out one of their live shows.
We are all familiar with Spam. Spam is the annoying, time consuming electronic junk mail that we all recieve. These types of emails typically contain get-rich-quick cons, bogus lottery wins, Nigerian scams, miracle cures, pornography, offers of Viagra, loans and fake watches. Or is it? Personally I have never made the connection between the junk email ’spam’ and the pressed pork product ‘SPAM’, but apparently the two are being confused. Hormel, the makers of this iconic canned-meat, have filed two legal challenges with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to try to stop SpamArrest, a spam filtering company, from using the decades-old name Spam, for which it holds the trademark. The questions being raised are, can a brand be “diluted” and can spam e-mail be confused with SPAM the meat product? But I think the real question is, which ’spam’ do we prefer? I’m going with the junk email kind. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is just something about meat in a can that has always bothered me.
