Luxury STYLE Feb10

Autumn 2010 $5.50 incl GST

QUEENSLAND

LUXURY

style HOMES, INTERIORS, LIFESTYLE, FOOD, WINE & TRAVEL

Gold Edition

PORT DOUGLAS - NOOSA - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST www.stylemagazines.net

welcome

Welcome to our stunning GOLD edition of LUXURY Queensland Style Magazine...

Now that we are already on the fast track through

contents

PO Box 1003 Paradise Point 4216

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2010 (what did happen to the changeover from 2009 to 2010?), I feel like Rip Van Winkle - I dosed off

Kaylene Murray group editor

around Christmas time and the world just charged ahead without taking a breath.

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RSVP - Style Events A stylish selection of the region's social events, openings, parties and people Miss Nicaragua The stunning Miss Nicaragua, Thelma Guisselle Rodriguez Flores and her Australian husband, Gold Coast bodyguard, Mark Williams.

January disappeared faster than the currency in my wallet; Easter eggs and hot cross buns have been on sale in all the supermarkets since the later stages of the post-Christmas sell offs; and now Valentine's Day is looming - and glamourous

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Fashion, Accessories & Beauty Fashion editor Rachel Syers checks out whats hot in swimwear and accessories

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Ray Martin Rays only Gold Coast interview, a look & insight into his views on the media today

goodies are already on sale for Mother's Day - wow. I'm starting to think that I'd better put the Christmas tree back in the lounge room, in case I miss some other important months or events this year - by blinking.

To start the new year in a decisive and dynamic new way, we decided to showcase a stunning, innovative new wraparound cover this issue. We always like to be trend

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Colin Heaney - Byron Bay’s favourite An interview with Colin on his new collection of swimwear and kaftans

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Dining, Food and Table Talk Whats new, cooking schools, and where to dine and enjoy. Wines to try

setters, and what better way to herald a bright new year than to showcase a new look in covers.

We have chosen innovative designer, Colin Heaney from Byron Bay to be our first wraparound cover. Colin's incredible silk caftans and swimwear are created in precious jewel colours indicative of his long-standing love affair with colour and design, which he previously exhibited in his highly

simply ooze style and desirability.

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Motoring Tom Murray Food/Wine/Travel Kaylene & Tom Murray Production Joshua Murray josh@stylemagazines.net Sales & Marketing Di Baxter di@stylemagazines.net 04377 39916

Design design design...

Latest ideas and whats available in the stores in the interior design world

Kaylene Murray

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Books, Movies & DVDs A day on the track with Maserati

Email: info@stylemagazines.net

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Luxury Getaways Thai adventures... visit this amazing place

Enquiries Ph (07) 5577 2886

Writers Helen Flanagan Rachel Syers

the publishing world with her first book Champagne and Chandeliers. A must-read for the serious wine connoisseur.

Fashion shines in our Gold edition, with local and international designers showcasing their latest styles and

Brisbane Style: Featuring Colin Heaney designs Model: Hannah Fraser Photographer: Stuart Macleod Hair & Makeup: Mandana Hematy Stylists: Kirstie Fisher /Mish McCann

Fashion editor Rachel Syers

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Australian husband, Gold Coast bodyguard, Mark Williams.

We also catch up with Australia's queen of Champagne,

Features editor Helen Flanagan

Luxury property for sale We showcase an amazing $16m+ home on the Sovereign Islands

Nicaragua, Thelma Guisselle Rodriguez Flores and her

Bernadette O'Shea and learn about her fabulous foray into

Group Editor Kaylene Murray kaylene@stylemagazines.net

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discuss his new book and his view of current media directions. We also introduce you to the stunning Miss

Publisher Tom Murray tom@stylemagazines.net

People in Style Bernadette O’Shea the champagne queen

This issue we also talk with media stalwart Ray Martin and

Front covers: Luxury Style: Featuring Colin Heaney designs Model: Hannah Fraser Photographer: Nyree Mckenzie Stylist: Leah Rittenmeyer

P: 07 5577 2886 F: 07 5577 3354

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collected glass art pieces. His passion is now totally focused on textile designs and the beautiful flowing caftans that

Published by Style Living Magazines

accessories. Our food and wine features are full of tantalising

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The Arts - profile on artist, theatre The latest shows on in town

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Luxury Motoring...

Shellby... The fastest production car in the world

options; and our home, design and lifestyle features highlight the latest trends.

There's a selection of prestige vehicles, as well as the latest shows on offer. We've also selected a comprehensive list of current best selling books, movies and DVDs .

Everything you could possibly need this season to keep you entertained.

Please read and enjoy...

Web www.STYLEliving.com.au Luxury Style is published quarterly by Style Living Magazines. Whilst all efforts are made to ensure information and advertising material is correct, no responsibility is accepted for wrong or misleading information contained within.

Copyright: All original material supplied by the publisher is copyright and cannot be used or reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Indemnity: Advertisers and advertising agents warrant to the publisher that any advertising material placed in Luxury Style is in no way an infringement of any copyright or other right and does not breach confidence, is not defamatory, libellous, or unlawful, does not slander title, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statues.

Moreover, advertisers and advertising agents agree to indemnify their publisher or its agents against any claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, including legal costs or expenses properly incurred, penalties or judgements occasioned to the publisher in consequence of any breach of the above warranties.

RSVP

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1.Cartier Entertains in Style...

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Everyone loves a man in uniform!

With champagne flowing and fabulous canapes circling the boutique, many a happy invitee found themselves purchasing a stunning 'me' gift for Christmas.

Never let it be said that Cartier Gold Coast doesn't throw the very best cocktail parties in town.

2.The Boys were back in town...

Gary Mehigan and George Colombaris are showing a true love of our Queensland lifestyle. At every opportunity the boys are hopping on a plane to showcase their cooking talents in the tropics. Both had a fabulous time at the Good Food and Wine Show in Brisbane recently and will be heading north again for the Celebration of Australian Food and Wine in Noosa late April.

4/5. AUSTEREO makes it louder...

Brisbane's GoMa was the perfect venue for the launch of Austereo's 2010

4. campaign to 'make it louder'. With radio stars of 4MMM and B105 on-hand to schmooze with corporate clients, media and trendy young things, some of we 'older' types looked a little out of place.

Thankfully, mainstay's such as Roy & HG, and Ian Skippen were just as grey - and heartthrobs like Hamish and Andy will drink with anyone! And of course - we older types need our radio stations to 'play it louder'!

Kate Miller Heidke was great on stage to entertain as the fabulous finger food and trays of Corona and champers traversed the rooftop.

3.Carmody's Restaurant and Chapel Hill Wines...

Carmody's at Southport Sharks played host to a fabulous winemaker's dinner recently, which definitely changed our perception of 'club' dining. Chefs delivered a meal that would sit happily in any 'five-star' restaurant. Restaurant Manager Soccy Soares and Red and White's Gold Coast wine consultant Leesa Wright chose the perfect Chapel Hill Wines from McLaren Vale region of South Australia to adeptly complement the menu.

Carmody's winemaker's dinners are held regularly and we heartily recommend the experience.

6. Chaine de Rotisseurs embraced the past at Palazzo Versace...

The Great Gatsby Roaring 20s Dinner was a huge success, with guests dressed to the 'nines' in their finest 'old' clothes.

The fully themed dinner commenced with Prohibition Canapes - forest mushroom and truffle soup served in shot glasses. Oysters 'Rockafella' and dainty spoons of goats cheese and pickled beetroot.

Champagne flutes brimmed with Louis Roederer Brut and guests giggled with anticipation of a fine evening of excellent food and wine - and of course, captivating company.

Tom Murray admired Sue Forsythe's 'red' swathed charms.

7. Gold Coast young guns launch Onyx 4

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Property Group...

At a starry night opening on the pool deck of Sofitel Broadbeach, 30 year old Adam Lacy and 28 year old Chris Bolger unveiled their new group which offers a complete development solution with a specialised focus on land and housing developments throughout S E Queensland. With three projects already underway, these entrepreneurial young men will be taking the market by storm this year.

Are you looking for a quality piece of jewellery that reflects your unique style and personality?

Designing for the individual is the specialty of award-winning international jewellery designer SUSAN PEACOCK. Using intuitive creative skills that have been honed by years of experience- combined with careful listening skills- Susan is able to determine a design that will best suit your individual proportions, your taste and your pocket.

Using your stones or hers, Susan would be delighted to create that special piece of jewellery ensuring years of wearing pleasure.

“Susan came highly recommended to me for the unique and exquisite work she creates and for the personal level of care and attention she gives to all her clients. So fortunate am I to have experienced first hand the connection Susan achieves with her clients. She works one on one to create unique and individually tailored designs, for which she is so well renowned...Susan is open, honest and reliable and so warm and caring in her approach. I feel incredibly lucky and proud to wear the jewellery Susan has created for me.” Tracey Carter

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

“I am into creating beauty…it is important to me that each piece I design is both visually and emotionally satisfying to my customer” Susan Peacock De Beers Award-winner

For a no-obligation appointment phone Susan 0414 711559 or (07) 55 380773 THE PEACOCK GALLERY Q1 Resort, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise.

Diamonds Coloured Gemstones Pearls Crystals Engagement & Wedding Rings Re-Designing Insurance Claims

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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whats on

'The Gold Coast… a shining example of all that is glamorous' The past decade of the new millennium has seen the Gold Coast evolve into a multi-faceted luxury destination.

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ith the phenomenal population growth – the Gold Coast is the sixth largest city in Australia and considered the nation's fastest growing large city – the personality of the Gold Coast has expanded as well.

There is certainly the good life to be found here, if you are seeking it.

For both tourists and residents, each day and every evening offers endless experiences, indulgences, opportunities and adventures – depending on what takes your fancy.

The beachside holiday suburb 50 years ago now boasts a Gross Regional Product of more than $15.6 billion, and almost half a million residents share the region's abundant beauty with almost 10 million visitors each year.

And there's a fair bit to cover - an area of 1400 square kilometres, the city's boundaries extend from just south of Beenleigh to Coolangatta, taking in South Stradbroke Island and part of Moreton Bay and

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extending west to the hinterland of Mount Tamborine and the Lamington and Darlington Ranges.

It's difficult to not want more when you see a sample of the 100,000 hectares of nature reserves, 890km of constructed residential waterfront, the 600 kilometres of canals, around 500 restaurants, 57 kilometres of coastline, 40 golf courses and six major theme parks.

These statistics translate into a real life wonderland, which means a sustainable luxury market is prevalent, stretching across all elements of business and pleasure.

Thanks to a diversification in the region's foundation of economic prosperity, there's no need to travel to a capital city for the very best on offer in fashion, fine wining and dining, real estate, the arts, music and entertainment, cultural pursuits, leisure, pampering and relaxation, education, and the list goes on and on.

In fact, choosing to holiday or live within the city limits has untold advantages – just ask anyone soaking up the sunshine on a morning walk - or indeed a moonlitt evening stroll - along the almost-endless stretch of walkways through parks with beachfront views, or sophisticated cityscape stretching out into the suburbs.

Just take a look at Millionaires Row as locals call it, otherwise famously known as Hedges

Avenue at Mermaid Beach, with every few metres dishing out a new mansion creating some of the boldest and most exclusive real estate imagery in the country.

Stunning architecture is found throughout the Gold Coast, where there are choices of beachfront, canal front, valley acreage and spectacular panoramic views … not only from the hinterland ranges and hilltop suburbs, but from the magnificent high rises sprouting up to create the world-famous coastal skyline.

There's the globally famous Q1 – the world's highest residential building at 80 floors - towering over all other buildings that comprise the popular 'glitter strip', bringing with its height a character of superiority in luxury apartment living, and boasting a viewing deck 230 metres into the sky.

Or closer to the ground there are worldclass hotels such as Palazzo Versace, which offers hotel stays and condo living for the rich, famous and successful, or the uber-chic accommodation of the likes of the Sheraton Mirage with absolute beachfront, and the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort with its own tropical fish-filled swimming and snorkelling lagoon.

Such a vibrant infrastructure brings with it all the freedoms of a culture bathed in the notion to enjoy life to its fullest, and soak up the style whilst doing so

Brisbane The key thing to do is relax...

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aze in the lush riverside gardens of South Bank, then browse the markets and swim in its lagoon. Bike ride in the City Botanic Gardens and abseil the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Glide down the river on a majestic paddlesteamer or take a high-speed ferry to vibrant inner-city villages like Bulimba and New Farm. Glide down the river and relax in the gardens Bike ride beneath macadamia trees and mangroves in the City Botanic Gardens or roller blade over a floating walkway. Then cruise down the river in a wooden paddlesteamer, spotting pelicans and eastern water dragons. Laze or picnic under the palms on South Bank’s 17 hectares of

riverside gardens.

Some of the highlights of things to do in Brisbane.....

Soak up culture and architecture See the skeleton of a Queensland dinosaur in the Queensland Museum and the work of famous Australian artists in the Queensland Art Gallery.

Both sit in the sprawling Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank. At night, visit the dress circle of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre or catch a show by the Queensland Ballet, Opera or Orchestra.

Embrace adventure Abseil or rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs at sunrise or at night when the city is dancing with lights.

Climb the Story Bridge for

spectacular 360 degree views. Free fall on a tandem sky dive or float over the city in a hot air balloon.

Eat, drink and enjoy the urban villages Listen to live music, shop along the lively outdoor mall and feast on Chinatown dumplings in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s cultural core. Next door in New Farm, you can people watch from trendy cafes, buy gourmet delights from the famous deli and picnic in the riverside parklands. Dine in warehouse converted restaurants and explore the transformed industrial space of the Powerhouse, now a buzzing centre for the live arts.

Hatsu Hana Sea World Resort

RIOT Swimwear

Manly Boat Harbour - Brisbane

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people in style

At the 2008 Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam, Gold Coast bodyguard Mark Williams was unaware that non-Englishspeaking Miss Nicaragua only had eyes for him.

Love at first sight Writer: Helen Flanagan Photos: Grant Good

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rofessional Muay Thai kick boxer Mark Williams trained all day and after dark worked in security in nightclubs.

For six years at the Palazzo Versace Hotel, he honed his talents in personal protection for VIP guests such as Arab royal families. The hotel’s owner Sunland also engaged his services as security manager of Q1 and Circle on Cavill and it soon became apparent that there was a huge calling for specialized services, so he and business partner Damon Paine started Safar Protection Consultants.

“Safar means travel in Arabic,” explains Newcastle-born, 1.9 metre tall Mark who aged 20, headed to the bright lights of the Gold Coast for a quick look-see. That was 15 years ago.

“Our main international client is the Miss Universe organization, based in New York and so far we have worked on Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam, Miss Universe 2009 in Bahamas and Miss USA 2009 in Las Vegas. I have also worked for many A-listers and celebs in Australia while work on an international level is certainly on the up.”

Meanwhile in Nicaragua, at a theatre in Managua, the exotic beauty queen with the equally exotic name of Thelma Guisselle Rodríguez Flores from the town of Chinandega, was crowned Miss Nicaragua 2008. She represented Nicaragua at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant in Vietnam, however was unplaced in the finals. Later in the year, she

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made a second attempt for the crown at the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines and has represented Nicaragua in the Miss World and Miss Continente Americano 2008 pageants.

During the month lead-up to the Miss Universe pageant, Thelma says there are innumerable wonderful experiences however the contestants were lucky to have four or five hours sleep a night, the locations were often very hot and it was dress to impress to the max at all times.

the brown eyed brunette looked like a princess in her full-length gown with its 20 metre train; and after a brief honeymoon on a volcano island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, work with Beyonce on her tour of Australia and Singapore beckoned.

...

Thelma’s mother knew her daughter would become Miss Nicaragua one day and when her dream came true and the 1.75 metre statuesque 19 year-old won the title, a one year contract, free lifetime use of the top beauty salon in Managua, clothes, make-up and hair classes in Miami plus public speaking and acting classes, she was ecstatic.

When non-English-speaking Thelma met Mark at the Miss Universe pageant her heart strings were tugged. She remarked to

another Latin-country contestant that she would marry him one day. After five months of emails using Google translator, Mark decided to visit Thelma in Nicaragua.

“As soon as I got there it was like we had been in a relationship forever,” says Mark whose communication skills over six weeks were certainly stretched, given Thelma’s parents and two brothers didn’t speak English either. “When you only ‘talk’ via email two to three hours per day, you learn so much about a person. continues next page:

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people in style

“On 15 January last year, which was Thelma's birthday and before returning to Australia, I said I wanted to marry her one day but did do not want to ask her without a ring. This discussion continued over the internet.

“I also wanted Thelma to come to Australia to experience my way of life first but knowing her parents did not want us to live together outside marriage, we decided to get married on my next visit, but she would always say ‘you haven’t asked me yet’. Anyway I surprised her on my first day back in Nicaragua by getting down on one knee in a restaurant in front of family and friends…with a ring.”

Sixty guests were at the nuptials including Mark’s parents; the brown eyed brunette looked like a princess in her full-length gown with its 20 metre train; and after a brief honeymoon on a volcano island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, work with Beyonce on her tour of Australia and Singapore beckoned.

Thelma instantly fell in love with Australia, particularly the Gold Coast although after the hot temperatures of her homeland, winter was a big shock. The Nicaraguan National University tourism and hotel management graduate is currently organising her own fashion label and choosing up-coming Australian designs and designers for her boutique in Nicaragua. It is planned to open in the new year. “We think there’s a great market for Australian-made

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clothes in Central America,” says Mark, who’s eagerly waiting for Thelma’s spouse visa to arrive and anticipates that his wife will be ‘discovered’ by major modelling agents in Australia. In an ideal world they’d like to live between the two countries.

“Here on the coast we’re always on the look-out for a Latin night with good music and Thelma loves the Mexican restaurants and shopping centres,” says a beaming Mark. “Oh and shoes and long dresses in diverse colours too.

“Nicaragua is one of the largest countries in Central America but one of the least populated. It’s heaps safer then most Australians think and is a great place for a cheap holiday. For instance, how about an adventure volcano walk? There’s one volcano you can actually sand board down.

“Eventually we’d like to own a beach resort in Nicaragua with a percentage of profits going towards building better schools, creating jobs and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Thelma also loves poetry and is interested in politics hoping one day she can make a difference to the way the many poor people live.”

Credits: Clothes: Janine Edwards. Jewellery: Calleija Jewellery

Love at first sight...

Eventually we’d like to own a beach resort in Nicaragua with a percentage of profits going towards building better schools Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Living waterfalls EXQUISITE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WATER FEATURES

AS SEEN ON ‘DOMESTIC BLITZ’ BE LIMITED ONLY BY YOUR IMAGINATION! Living Water Designs on the Gold Coast has set a new benchmark in Water Feature Design.

New and exciting materials coupled with experience and modern technologies, Living Water Designs is able to create any type of Water Feature to match your taste, whether it be: classic or modern, indoor or outdoor, subtle or bold.

Ask Living Water Designs about their huge range of water feature options: Waterwalls, Raincurtains, IAquas, Fountains, Water Tables, Bubble Bars, Bubble Panels, Spillways, Sheer Descents, Lamina Jets, and Outdoor Fountains.

Contact Living Water Designs by website, phone or email to start the conceptual design process with one of their qualified designers who will help you determine which best fits your needs.

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• DYNAMIC • EXCITING • EYE-CATCHING • ATTRACTIVE • COMFORTING • SOOTHING AND RELAXING • TRANQUIL

2/9 Fremantle Street, Burleigh Heads. Phone: (07) 5593 7070 website www.livingwaterdesigns.com.au

shopping

Sea of shopping When you think of the Gold Coast there are several iconic visions that come to mind.

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urfers riding a wall of turquoise water set against golden sands stretching on forever is one such image, but just as important to the region's identity is it's incredibly alluring shopping options.

It's a dream come true for everyone from retail addicts to window shoppers.

The Gold Coast region truly is a fabulous location to enjoy the indulgence of lapping up the luxury of having never-ending choices for everything from the finest in furniture to hot-off-the-catwalk designer outfits guaranteed to turn heads wherever you may wear them around the globe.

High-end taste is a characteristic to be proud of here, where luxury goods are on offer a mere few metres from the glistening ocean that sparkles under the glorious climate shining down for much of the year.

From the ultra-modern shopping centres that aim to please every desire with a multitude of shopping sensations, to the chic boutique precincts that define their existence by guaranteeing exclusive service and goods combined, the entire city can boast it's spending appeal.

The excitement of choosing between such a high variety of highly respected designer labels, brands and products is abundant, with purchases on the Gold Coast on par with the quality that abounds for buyers in any city in the world.

Such is the pulling power of the local retail economy, that the Gold Coast can lay claim to boasting fashion and beauty choices from the most exquisite brands and labels from around the world.

Whether it's Hermes from Paris or Escada from Munich, the Gold Coast is a giant one-stop shop to arm yourself with the best of the best in terms of craftsmanship, skill, talent and aesthetic perfection.

Wherever you end up on the Coast, there will be shopping nearby, not to mention all the indulgent cafes, restaurants and entertainment complexes that go hand in hand with a dabble in retail therapy.

Popular haunts for a spot of stylish shopping include the newly redeveloped Marina Mirage on The Spit overlooking the stunning Broadwater and serving up a feast of world-renowned brands in everything from homewares to fashion, and Robina Town Centre at Robina with its new Fashion Court, easily accessible in the suburb at the very centre of the Gold Coast nestled between the beautiful Hinterland mountain ranges, and the famous beach scenes.

Towards the north are shopping havens offering unique settings, such as Sanctuary Cove Village, both a holiday haven and home to many who love their leisure pursuits of boating and golfing, and Runaway Bay Shopping Village and Australia Fair at Southport - both shopping centres being home to stores containing everything from the quaint to the

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“Beautifully handcrafted rings in 18ct gold set with coloured gemstones and diamonds by awardwinning designer Susan Peacock.

Available from The Peacock Gallery, Q1 Resort, Surfers Paradise

Toscani The Emp orium Bri sbane

striking in designer apparel and goods.

Main Beach and its inviting Tedder Avenue of fashion, jewellery and accessories boutiques and dining options, is usually a regular mustdrop-in location for both visitors and locals alike.

Other suburbs renowned for their shopping offerings include Chevron Island's main street, Thomas Drive, lined with the bold and beautiful to spice up anyone's wardrobe, and the enormous variety of shopping experiences throughout Broadbeach, from the bustling cafe-lined CBD to The Oasis shopping centre and of course, the bigger-than-Ben-Hur Pacific Fair shopping centre.

There are a multitude of extravagant shopping options through the city's heart of course, in Surfers Paradise, from the exquisite global brands calling Elkhorn and Cavill Avenues home, to the cutting-edge style of Circle on Cavill complex, and the grand range of what DFS Galleria has to offer those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Then there are the multitude of exclusive boutiques scattered throughout the endless glitter strip of hotels and resorts, such as Palazzo Versace and the Q1, adding a whole new level of trend-driven choices for the style-conscious.

The Gold Coast really is one of the most exciting, enjoyable and enviable shopping destinations on offer, making time spent here a delightful, stylish and most memorable experience.

•elegant day-wear •exclusive evening-wear •jewellery •shawls •cashmere knitwear and lifestyle

FRANCOISE ESTERHAZY ART & COUTURE Shop 8, Santa Cruz Village 60 Santa Cruz Blvd, Clear Island Waters Telephone: 07 557 26222 Wholesale Inquiries: 07 5575 3338

www.francoiseesterhazy.com.au Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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swim in style

The Static Foil bikini by Kulu Swimwear, $75.

See www.kulu.com.au for stockist details.

Riot Swimwear's Tropic Sunset strapless one-piece from the Postcards From Paradise Collection, $135.

See www.riotswimwear.com.au for stockist details.

The Starlet one-piece from the Florescence Collection by White Sands, $229. For stockist details see www.whitesandsaustralia.com

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swimwear stunners Our fashion editor Rachel Syers reports on the latest and greatest from coastal swimwear designers set to stun the nation... t's almost an endless summer when it comes to the Queensland climate, so there's no excuse not to shop all year round for the perfect poolside print or beachfront bathing suit.

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That's a particularly pleasant prospect in south-east Queensland, with some of the country's leading swimwear designer labels based on the sunny shores of the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and northern New South Wales.

So it makes perfect sense for Gold Coast City Council to make a splash into the swimwear business by backing an inaugural swimwear industry event on March 2-3 with an aim to promote the appeal and talent behind a hotbed of local labels.

Tagged Business GC Swim 2010 thanks to backing from the

local council's business development arm, the event plans to bring together local swimwear designers to host a business event which will enable them to showcase their labels to national buyers, retailers and agents.

Plus with many a Gold Coast event, there's destined to be a touch of glamour thrown into the mix with an invitation-only cocktail party and catwalk parade at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

So if you don't manage to make the guest list, here is a selection of some of the most stunning labels putting their bikinis on the line – White Sands by Isle of Capri designer Leah Madden, Lisa Blue from Byron Bay, the multi award-winning Riot label by Burleigh Heads designer Gillian Marriage, and based at Currumbin, Kulu, which is already sold and admired in a variety of countries around the globe

Blue Folie cut-out one-piece with string tie, from Lisa Blue's Goddess Collection, $269.95.

See www.lisablue.com.au for stockist details.

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luxuryindulgence

spas, and looking good...

O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa

Let's face it, we all love to look our best.

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nd while we're on the topic, a little bit of indulgence also goes a long way. So if you're yet to take the plunge into the pampering circuit, or like exploring your selfimprovement options, you may want to consider the Gold Coast's range of health, spa, pampering and well-being choices.

While the region is adept at delivering plenty of natural beach beauties, a little help along the way is also a popular option for many a person intent on presenting themselves in the best possible shape, inside and out.

The Gold Coast, boasting the best of both worlds when it comes to the iconic coastal landscapes and beautiful hinterland mountainous silhouettes, has fast become a haven for celebrities from afar, to locals living it up, all seeking some time out for themselves.

There is an abundance of health retreats, day spas, beauty clinics, therapeutic massage services, cosmetic enhancement facilities, fitness centres and places for pampering spread throughout the region, located from the heights of the secluded mountain tops to the ultimate in privacy hidden away in resorts and hotels all hoping to satisfy that yearning for special 'me' time.

The region's residents and visitors can all take pleasure in some of the most qualified and qualitydriven service delivery available, not to mention top-of-line facilities, methods, packages, products

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Gwingana Spa & Retreat

and procedures recognised on a global scale for their impacting and impressive results.

A day or week away may also see you greet new understandings of selfawareness, uncover newfound friendships and deepen your levels of self-respect.

Taking time out for yourself can definitely add that extra element of luxury to your day, enhancing the pleasures of a holiday stay or stealing time away from the everyday routine.

Whether it be a brighter smile, smoother skin, illuminating glow, or toned and trim exterior you're after, there's bound to be a place perfect for you to discover how to reconnect, relax and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit.

Dare to dream about fitting into that glamorous new resort-style swimsuit or sequinned strapless dress, entering a room where everyone notices the newer confidant and comfortable you, purifying your outlook and simply feeling proud of who you are in your own skin.

With a touch of personal attention, from head to toe or heart to mind, the end result will surely be a happier, healthier you ready to take on the challenges of modern-day living, with an outlook set impress.

G2byGeorgeGross Charlie Brown Moss & Spy Nicoleangela

Studibaker Sacha Drake Mr Rose Resort Report

Carlopik The Clothing Company Nat-Sui Shoes Entium Pearls

Shop 19, 24-26 Queensland Ave. Broadbeach QLD 4218 Phone 07 5538 3311 • Fax 07 5538 6611 • info@elegansfashion.com.au

www.elegansfashion.com.au

NEW LOCATION...

NEW SEASON STOCK ARRIVING

shop 7 - 24 tedder avenue main beach phone 5571 1449 cheranshoes@bigpond.com

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Go back to work in true style ...and make your colleagues jealous!

It can be tough heading to work after a wonderful break away from the everyday mayhem of deadlines, meetings and responsibilities.

in 1911, and boasts over 100 years of combined experience and fitting expertise. See www.mchughsshoes.com.au Your time to shine: Even if you didn't really holiday on a tropical island, show your colleagues your sense of summer hasn't left yet. The new Blondme Sun

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Enhancing Spray from Schwarzkopf Professional

packed appointment diary, packing away your beach

warmer months without tackling the beach. It's $27.95

tote and pulling out the laptop carry bag, and

for 100ml at Schwarzkopf Professional salons.

ith the holiday season coming to an end,

holding down a modern career can mean

lightens hair naturally for natural and colour-treated

swapping your holiday novel for your jam-

blondes wanting to go a few shades lighter over the

preparing for another bout of workplace worshipping.

So Style reporter Rachel Syers has sourced a selection of some of the best ways to return to the daily grind

passport wallet, with two window compartments and

with an air of sophistication, a sense of pride and

extra storage pocket, $39, from the extensive range of

purpose, and a giant dose of turning your colleagues

leather goods by Manzoni Accessories at

green with envy.

www.manzoni.com.au

Meet and greet: Be the most organised in your office

Watch this space: Never miss an appointment or

with a new 3G Smartphone, the Blackberry Bold 9700.

meeting, and dazzle your competition at the same time

The high-end multi-media features and performance

with this eye-catching timepiece from Bulgari. From the

will keep you one step ahead in business and meet all

new Serpenti Collection, this watch, at $111,000,

your personal communication needs, plus there's the

features a pink gold case and bracelet with pave-set

appeal of its highly refined design with a dark chrome

diamond scales, black mother of pearl dial and

Designer

frame and leatherette back. Features include a next-

diamond indexes. For details on the collection call

Diva:

generation (624 MHz) processor, 256 MB Flash memory,

Bulgari at David Jones on 03) 3243 9316.

Professional empowerment may be grand, but walking through the door at work in the latest designer label is priceless for the ego.

One stunning new range on the market is by

22

built-in GPS and Wi-FiÂŽ, a 3.2MP camera and a sharp, dazzling display.

For details visit au.blackberry.com

Look the part: Make it your business to portray the perfect palette this season. Renowned make-up brands can come to the party, such as Bobbi Brown and the

Message scent: What better way to make or break

new Chrome Collection. It's a cool and icy way to mix

deals, delegate and meet deadlines than

modern with pretty, to illuminate your skin, fresh from

with the scent of one of the world's most

the holidays. The limited edition

desired brands wafting through your

Chrome Palette celebrates

office? Royal Doulton fine mist spray

all metals, from gold, silver,

dispenser leaves a delicate fragrance.

bronze and platinum to

$24.95 for 100ml, at Myer, David Jones

copper and mercury, as well

Southport designer Taree

and selected stockists, and online at

Birse, whose collection

www.beautifulgifts.com.au

includes this Crystal top in

Professional polish: Seal the deal

grape or saffron, $110, and

with your feet planted firmly in fine

Victoria shorts in black or

footwear, like this pair of Bartalesi

silver; $185. Stockists include

crocodile skin formal lace-ups,

Zazzy Fashion Boutique, The

$1950, from McHugh’s Shoes, an

Tribune and Veux, or online

Australian, family-run business

at www.tareebirse.com

that was established as a brand

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Business or pleasure: If you have a work trip on the cards, travel in style with this brushed croc print leather

as hues of purple and green, for shimmering accents on eyes and lips. The fold-out palette,

$160,

can

create

countless looks with 10 eye shadow shades, 4 lip shades, a mini eye shadow brush and mini lip brush. At Myer and David Jones.

3G Smartphone, the Blackberry Bold 9700

luxuryindulgence brushed croc print leather passport wallet from Manzoni

Bartalesi croc leather shoe from McHugh's Shoes.

Royal Doulton fine mist spray dispenser

Bobbi Brown and the new Chrome Collection

Tiffany & Co. adds the elegance of Tiffany & Co. Charms to their eyewear collection, the must-have in luxury sunglasses.

Oversize round acetate frames are beautifully adorned with Tiffany charms.Three pairs of interchangeable metal charms are available: A Tiffany & Co. blue heart, silver letter “T� and the silver Tiffany &Co. logo with diamond detailing.

RRP$495 Available at Sunglass Hut stores 1800 556 926

Serpenti Collection available from Bulgari

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

23

Japanese GALLERY / BOUTIQUE

Exquisite, Unique & Authentic

ECCENTRIC CHARISMA: JULIANNE MOORE INTERPRETS THE SPIRIT AND VALUES OF BULGARI Bulgari’s “Eccentric Charisma” campaign,conceived as an expression of the spirit and values of the brand and an interpretation of a lifestyle that the maison has created over the years through creativity and innovation.

The star of the campaign is Julianne Moore, an actress with 48 films and 4 Oscar nominations to her credit, chosen to represent the style and personality of the Bulgari woman. A choice inspired by her timeless charisma, which transcends the trends and myths of the moment to earn her a place in the history not only of cinema, but of feminine elegance.

Opulent and richly coloured as an exotic boudoir, furnished with sumptuous pillows, plush brocades, purple satin and peacock feathers, this is the frame that transforms Ms. Moore’s unique beauty into a contemporary odalisque – mysterious, luminous and sophisticated. The utterly unexpected presence of exotic animals underscore her irresistible eccentricity and a temperament that defies all preconceptions.

The featured item in the “Eccentric Charisma” campaign is the Chandra bag, seen here in the nuances of chestnut and Prussian blue. Already an icon of contemporary luxury and style, chosen by numerous divas of the international jet set, its name means ‘moon’ in Sanskrit. And just like that nocturnal orb, its sinuously rounded forms evoke a radiant and magnetic femininity.

Stylist Julia von Boehm selected a splendid timepiece and some of Bulgari’s most iconic jewels for Ms. Moore’s photo shoot, including a spectacular pair of Haute Joaillerie earrings mounted with two large teardrop emeralds of the rarest green in a setting of baguette-cut diamonds. The actress also wears jewels from the new Serpenti collection, among which is a bracelet in yellow gold with white mother-ofpearl inserts alternated with brilliant-cut diamonds, inspired by the magic and mystery of a creature that has always been an emblem of wisdom, vitality and eternity.

The first backstage glimpses can be discovered on www.facebook.com/bulgari

• Home décor

New from Clinique...

• Kimonos (wedding, vintage & new for display or wearing)

Just in time for Valentine's Day

• Silk “Obi” sash (table / bed runners or wall display) • Wall art created from vintage silk Kimonos plus wood-block prints and ink scrolls • Designer clothing and bags fashioned from vintage silk kimonos • Quilts (crafted in Japan from vintage silk kimono’s) • Antique’s including Kutani & Satsuma porcelain • Japanese paper, Fans, Kites, Masks, Dolls, Lanterns, Home wares, Tatami mats, Noren’s (doorway curtain), Geta (wooden shoes), etc.

Wholesale and trade enquiries welcome Shop 7 “Hope Island Central” 340 Hope Island Rd, Hope Island Q4212 Ph: 07 55140230 Mob: 0423809264

E-mail: mulberry-tree@bigpond.com Shop hours: Tues to Fri 1pm – 7pm, Sat 10am – 4pm.

By appointment other times.

www.mulberrytree.spiffystores.com 24 24

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving LuxuryStyleLiving Queensland

For truly kissable lips this Valentine's Day, Clinique has designed a limited edition Best of Clinique Gloss Set, complete with key chain and mini mirror. The Gloss Set includes: Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 mini in Airkiss; Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 Mini in Sunset; and Long Last Glosswear SPF INDAH Surfers Body Balm 15 Mini in Fireberry.

The perfect companion for the Aussie Available for a limited time at select adventurer counters, pre-Valentine's Day RRP The harsh sun and salt waters can take their $40.00 toll on our precious skin. The 100% natural Surfers Body Balm provides a delightful relief and all over protection for wave riders.

Created, blended and packaged, pure and fresh in Bali, Surfers Body Balm provides the perfect tantalising concoction of ingredients, such as virgin coconut oil to moisturise, beeswax to protect, and essential oils of Canaga, Cajeput, mint, nutmeg and patchouli to soothe, calm and energise the skin, and to protect against rubbing, burns and dehydration.

luxuryindulgence Reef House Spa - Palm Cove – Winners again 7th year in a row The Sebel Reef House Spa Palm Cove was again voted Top Spa in Australia & in the Top Best 25 Spas of the world.

For the seventh year in a row the multi award winning Reef House Spa has received global recognition at the Conde’ Nast Traveller UK - Spa Awards.

These awards are recognised as the pen ultimate accolade within the Spa industry globally – last year attracting in excess of 12,000 entries world wide.

Jeff & Carol Fleming, owners had their London representatives for the Reef House Spa, Chard & Robinson attend the glitzy awards night at the legendary Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London to receive the converted plaque. The Reef House was placed at No 2 in the Australasian, South Pacific region, with the Four Seasons Bora Bora Tahiti taking the number 1 spot.

This still means that the Reef House Spa is the top Australian spa.

Carol said “Winning awards has placed the Reef House Spa upon the world stage. When you are up against the Worlds best and are voted No 1 Spa Australia & in the top 25 in the world … it’s surely rubbing shoulders with the big names in the spa industry internationally & something that we a justly proud of” “The award is an endorsement confirming Palm Cove and the Tropical North Queensland region’s international recognition of being the ‘spa capital of Australia” said Jeff, “Our region boasts some of the world’s most awarded Spas & the spa industry is conservatively estimated to be worth $500 million to Australia he said.

On the Gold Coast you can try their award winning spa at Q1 Resort & Spa Hamilton Avenue Surfers Paradise

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

25

face 2 face...

Ray Martin Words: Rachel Syers Photo: Luke Sorensen mbarking on an exhaustive national book tour to promote his autobiography and do what he does best – talk to people - one of the country's most popular and passionate journalists, now 65, took time out to speak exclusively with Rachel Syers, at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, about the future of journalism for all Australians.

E

How do you see yourself placed in the realm of journalism in Australia?

I guess age, when you've been doing it for 45 years, that gives you respectability literally, as it should, and a certain stature. There's no substitute for experience and honesty at the end of the day but I know plenty of blokes and women who've been doing this for a long time and they've lost their passion - I haven't lost that. I'd like to think that I have some journalistic respect amongst my colleagues.

Are you happy how your personal journalistic career has evolved to where you are today?

I can't believe it. I seem to have to pinch myself regularly. I've interviewed every prime minister from Bob Menzies and every president since LBJ ... Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, those sort of people, so those things for a kid from the bush … it all happened so quickly. I was only a journalist at the ABC, barely graded, when they sent me off to New York.

What do you think of the system now where there are university degrees instead of people being thrown in the deep end like you were?

There were cadetships but there were no university courses for journalists - I did Arts and Richard Carlton did Commerce.

Do you believe in journalism needing a university degree?

I guess I do because I believe in university degrees and I don't want to be old-fashioned. I think a university degree is good for nursing as opposed to shifting bed pans in the wards, and the same goes for journalists. I don't think you actually have to go out and spend four years being someone's dogsbody and sit at the feet of masters as an apprentice. It all happened in the days of cadetships - you basically had to go and get blokes cigarettes and that sort of stuff and I think that's stupid, so we need to rate degrees as important. But I also think there's a danger that you can leave university or the tech colleges and the TAFE colleges and you don't really know – you've got an opinion. I've come across blokes who've got an opinion because their sort of lefty teachers have got an opinion and have never really been a journalist. They've never really seen the sharp end and the blunt end and they've got all these wild ideas of what journalism is and what television is, and it's a bit by the book. I've seen young men and women come out who probably would have been better off working on a country newspaper for a year.

What do you think about the current standard of journalism

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

ethics in the Australian media, particularly current affairs on TV? I don't think the standards have dropped - I think a better educated journalist is probably a good thing for the media and the quality of journalists is as good as I think it ever was - and probably better. But I think the accountants have taken over, not just in television but in newspapers as well and … the end result is you get programs where program managers are deciding what's a good news story and what you should run, because the ratings show if you run such a story …

I tend to think there's a bit of an attitude like that in the newspapers as well.

So I honestly don't think the journalists are the problem, I don't think the editors are the problem, but I think the pressure of the mighty dollar is now so strong.

I don't despair – I think more of the trouble is the internet and what it means to newspapers and magazines.

What do you think the future holds with regards to online readership?

I honestly can't see any alternative. I'm amazed and I think I agree with Rupert Murdoch (that eventually news organisation will have to charge for online readership). I have probably 12 newspapers in my 'favourites' on my computer and every night when I read the New York Times I'm amazed that I can read this for nothing, when it used to cost $35 for the Weekend Edition.

So when did you switch from spreading the papers out on the dining room table to reading them online?

I haven't – I can't imagine not spreading the papers out, but I read the New York Times online for convenience so I don't have to wait like in the old days and I can pick and choose what I want to read because I don't read it from cover to cover, as I would a paper.

So you don't think the internet will be the death of newspapers like the doom sayers predicted years ago?

I did some ads for The Australian, for the new edition, and I did them for nothing. I wasn't given a fee at all and I didn't ask for a fee, and I would have done it for the Sydney Morning Herald as well, or for The Age, because I love newspapers and therefore I think it's important that we keep newspapers in front of the internet, but that doesn't mean we can ignore it – we've got to factor it in.

You can't provide the sort of newspapers we have today, and that quality, for free. It costs you more for a toothbrush than it does for a newspaper. All that work that goes into a newspaper, all that work that goes into television … 60 Minutes was $50,000 or $60,000 a story. That's the average cost of a story and people just sit there and think, 'Oh no, I don't like that' and turn it off. But they need to be reminded this is really special and a newspaper is really special. To have a newspaper, and have breakfast and read what's happening anywhere in the world ... that's great and I love that.

To finish off, can you tell us some of your favourite programs and reads at the moment?

“I think it's important that we keep newspapers in front of the internet, but that doesn't mean we can ignore it”

I guess I'm watching, unfortunately, more of the ABC than I used to because I think we've … commercial is fabricated if it's a possibility to admit. So I love The 7.30 Report, I watch it regularly, and I watch Foreign Correspondent, and I think 60 Minutes and the Sunday Night program on Channel Seven are both excellent programs. I glimpse the glossies because I'm getting a geriatric and I need to stay abreast of what people

are talking about but I'm appalled by headlines and stories, to be honest.

Like those current affairs programs … I'm not appalled by them, but I just don't watch them very much these days anymore, the 6.30pm programs.

But I know people who work on them, who are the best in the business.

* Ray Martin's autobiography, Ray – Stories of My Life, is published by Random House Australia.

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

27

profile

the perfect indulgence...

Champs Elysees Hair & Beauty at Sovereign Islands Salon is our feature new business.

excellence in our services.”

Also available with the expert help of Valerie Whyte, our beauty therapist and medical aesthetician, who has been

ildi Redak - Salon owner

Owner ildi Redak has recently opened a stunning French

working with Plastic Surgeons, Cosmetic Surgeons and

decor inspired salon in the elite Sovereign Islands. The salon

Dermatologists at the Lotus Institute in Southport for the

resplendant with French chaise longues and beautiful gold

last 3 ½ years and is now a vital part of the team working

mirrors on artist easels exudes a warm relaxed indulgent

with us on Sovereign Islands.

atmosphere. ildi Redak began her career eighteen years ago

Also of interest to the ladies of the Gold Coast is Spray

as a professional hair stylist in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Tanning. Sun rays can harm your skin and accelerate the

“Hairdressing and caring for people has always been my

aging process. Spray tanning is a safe alternative. The

passion. With help of my skills, I enjoy making people look

tanning lotion used is fully organic (sugar based), and does

good and feel good about themselves.” says ildi.

not contain any harmful chemicals.

‘Before immigrating to Australia, I was invited to Milan by

The fully automatic spray booth T Champ Elysees will

friends in the fashion industry to work as hair stylist for

apply a nice even coat. The booth is installed in a separate

models. During this time I worked with various fashion

lockable room, which will enable you to have a full body

celebrities, like Georgio Armani.

tan, and still maintain your privacy.

In Australia I have worked for a well known Sydney

The tan will last approx 7 days, but can be extended to

celebrity hair salon. After four years I felt the urge to start my

two weeks when using a special lotion. The session will take

own salon.”

approx 10 minutes. Costs: $45 .

At Champs Elysees the client is a star and they are

Says ildi “We provide an experience that is well worth

listening.“Passion is what it's all about” says ildi .“At Champs

indulging in. We believe that every client should enjoy an

Elysees we devote our time and making sure you leave us

amazing and luxurious experience every time they visit our

happy, with the best possible results, we provide services

hair salon”

that are of the highest calibre,and we offer more than just

...so treat yourself to a Champs Elysees Experience!

Hair & Beauty Salon Sovereign Islands • • • • • •

European Hair Stylist Ammonia Free Hair Colours, Hair Extensions Delux French Facials, Medical grade peels Body Contouring Automatic Spray Tanning Booth

Champs Elysees New Hair & Beauty Salon Sovereign Islands

Hair Salon

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Spray Tan Salon

We are located on the Sovereign Islands, just over the bridge on the left, Village Centre, Sovereign Mile Phone 07 5577 2627 www.champelysees.com.au

Benowa Gardens Ashmore Road Benowa Phone 5597 0000 Open 7 days

BOUTIQUE

Her labels express a unique attitude, modern and casual chic.

The elegant and exquisite style of Liz Clift International attracts customers from all over Australia.

Liz Clift holds exclusivity to all her labels, and her experienced stylists can work with you to create your individual style.

INTERNATIONAL

Liz Clift International boutique situated at Benowa Gardens shopping Centre, along with The International Shoe store next door, are a one-stop shop.

Liz travels overseas constantly sourcing new and exciting designer labels from Europe and U.S.A.

Opening Winter 2010 Collections Basler germany

Anne Lewis exclusive to lisa z

Peer Gynt natural fibre

Casaveen the authentic australian knitwear a new label for the gold coast

Lisa von Zeppelin invites you to join her at the opening of the Winter 2010 Collection on Wednesday 17th March at 10.30am Bangkok Thai Restaurant diagonally opposite LisaZ

For Bookings please phone 5592 4905 bh by 16th March 2010

About’e Jewellery The only ON-SITE jeweller on Chevron!

Jewellery today is forever changing, so let us update and redesign your pieces using your

gold and stones into a stunning unique design to suit you, or you can choose from a range of exquisite and exclusive jewellery pieces in store.

Our services include: •All jewellery repairs and gem settings •Watch repairs and battery replacements •Pearl & bead re-threading •Valuations •Insurance quotes •Mens and women’s gifts, pens and cuff links •A stylish range of handbags & wallets Stockists of: NAJO - Riley Burnett Look forward to seeing you!

shop 1, cosmos building 49 thomas drive, chevron island tel: 07 5592 4905

fax: 07 5592 4905

in stores now...

About’e Jewellery Shop 3 46 Thomas Drive Chevron Island Tele: 07 55920 438

Pandoras Temptation Pandora’s Temptation Exclusive Summer Collection on sale February only.

Tedder Avenue Main Beach

Liz Clift International Importing stunning designs from around the world.

New stock arriving continually.

Available from Liz Clift International - Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre, Benowa Road.

NEW WINTER STYLES FOR NYDJ (The Original Tummy Tuck Jean) NYDJ have released their new winter range of designer jeans.

The feature is the embellished back pockets done in both thread and stones. The palate of colours have been broadened including grey, black wash, the traditional favourite of French navy and chocolate. Of course the standard blue denim and plain black are still available as the core jean in your wardrobe.

Style on Thomas stock one of the largest ranges of Tummy Tuck Jeans on the Gold Coast and will help you get the best fit for your shape. The owner Jose Ievers said that once a lady owns a pair of these jeans they will buy them in various colours available. They love the fit and the comfort, not to mention the flattering shape they give you. Style on Thomas stock a variety of different labels including Gordon Smith, Marilyn Seyb, Banana Blue, Meredith to name but a few.

Available from Style on Thomas - Thomas Drive Chevron Island

NYDJ The Original Tummy Tuck Jean Marilyn Seyb Philosophy Banana Blue Ping Pong Meredith Moshi Moshi Re-launch Gordon Smith 56b Thomas Drive, Chevron Island, Ph 07 55 317688

THE BEST LITTLE SHOE BOUTIQUE IN TOWN

Shoes on Chevron

Just in store now.... available from Sanctuary Resort Shoppe - Sanctuary Cove

“A girl has to have shoes and handbags!”

styles in

Come into our shop and experience the sensation of wearing our Stunning Divine Delightful designs!

“You deserve to be the star at any event whether it’s shopping, lunch, a special dinner or formal occasion”

Shop Eight, 49 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island

Tel: 07 5539 8269

WWW.SHOESONCHEVRON.COM.AU

Beautiful shoes, bags & umbrellas.... available from Shoes on Chevron - Thomas Drive Chevron Island

VERY CHIC FASHION

Pandora Bracelets available at Amore Oasis Designers of exquisite Jewellery Amore Oasis - Level 1 Oasis Shopping Centre Broadbeach

store now

2/49 Thomas Drv. Chevron Island Bella Bella Boutique - Chevron Island

• VERGE Specialist • VSSP

• BOO RADLEY • DIDIER • SHOUQ

07 5538 4641 • DAVID POND • CARLOPIK

in stores

styles in store

Long established authentic Australian knitwear available from Lisa Z, Chevron Island Beautiful designs - from Francoise Esterhรกzy Santa Cruz Blvd, Clear Island Waters

Elegรกns Fashion...

A new fashion boutique offering elegance, taste and grace for ladies, has just opened in the heart of Broadbeach, conveniently located at the Phoenician Resort.

The owners, Roger and Bernadett Frank are proud to present their collections from International and Australian designers in store, and offer a selection of daywear, sportswear, after-five and racewear, as well as a selection of shoes and accessories from well-known labels such as, G2byGeorgeGross, Mr Rose, Charlie Brown, Resort Report, Moss & Spy, The Clothing Company, Nicoleangela, Carlopik, Studibaker, Nat-Sui Shoes, Sacha Drake and Entium pearls.

The boutique exclusively stocks jewelery by Entium Pearls, a range of special Hong Kong pearls locally crafted by Susan Hartwig.

Bernadett and Roger have an eye for fashion and quality clothing and have created a new shopping experience for ladies looking for something special and elegant to wear to a dinner party, going to the races, or other social event, or just to treat yourself with a new outfit.

The theme and stylish surroundings of Elegรกns (Hungarian word pronounced elegansh) offers a refined shopping experience that will make your visit a truly memorable occasion.

34

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

New & Exciting Look for Mela Purdie In Store Now

now

Meegs Boutique - Level 1 Oasis Shopping Centre Broadbeach

• Mela Purdie • Gabriella Fratini • Walking Art • Joseph Ribkoff • Ravel • Marco Polo • Gitane • Sandra Steiner • Sequel • Vers • Philosophy Imported shoes, bags and hats... available from Cheran Shoes - Tedder Avenue Main Beach

Oasis Shopping Centre Shop 35, Level 1, Broadbeach, Gold Coast p 07 5592 3099 f 07 5592 3901

BIJOUX

By Helen Grant TUZZI

PAULA RYAN

PAULA RYAN

Fashion Now in Store Paula Ryan New Zealand / Tuzzi Germany / Bandolera Italy / Isabel D’Pedro Spain N.T.S. Netherlands / Cylk Australia / Kondo Australia / Parcoeur Belts Australia

shop 2, 29 tedder avenue main beach phone 5532 0123

PAULA RYAN

PAULA RYAN

Accessories and Jewellery Helen Grant Australia / Cerri Australia Monica Trevisi France / So French So Chic France / Two Kids Italy

BIJOUX

By Helen Grant

shop 3, 29 tedder avenue main beach phone 5532 5758

TUZZI

Latest swimwear- Gottex, Miraclesuit, Seafolly, Jets, Baku, Moontide, Palazzi, Ada, Jantzen, and Maryan Mehlhorn to name a few.

Teenagers to the more mature figure sizes 6-18 including mastectomy and fuller busted figures. Large brimmed hats, bags, casual shoes and the latest bright maxi dresses.

Open Daily 9.00am-5.30pm

Shop 40, Quay St. Sanctuary Cove Ph: 07 5577 8981

J Baby Nursery Collection...

CREATING CALM, PEACEFUL AMBIENCE FOR MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS When it comes to choosing a gift for a precious newborn, clothes and toys are usually top the list, but more often than not, a new mum will have more clothes and toys than her baby will ever be able to wear or use, especially if the baby is a second, third or fourth child.

So why not give a gift that is truly special and unique - a gift that will give pleasure to both baby and mother.This truly exquisite collection features Aroma Reeds, Scented Candle and Nursery Mist, and has been designed to create a calm, nurturing atmosphere for mothers, newborns and babies.

The scent level has been carefully developed - so as not to overpower the sensitive noses of babies, and be subtle and soothing. The range is saturated with the essential oils of Lavender Mt Blanc, Rose Geranium, and precious Roman Chamomile (long used to help settle newborns), and lifted gently with oils of Bergamot, Mandarin and Orange- and finally drawn together with the ancient oil of Frankincense.

These marvellous oils from nature are used by Aromatherapists worldwide to assist both mother and baby in achieving a state of calm and ease.

There is nothing more beautiful than the J Baby Nursery Collection from Interior Fragrance House, Jaye Niemi.

The J Baby Nursery Collection is a lovely way to ‘finish’ a nursery and to celebrate the life of a new baby.

Nursery Aroma Reeds – rrp $79.95 Nursery Candle – rrp $44.95 Nursery Mist – rrp $39.95

Open Daily 9.00am-5.30pm

Shop 41E, Quay St. Sanctuary Cove Ph: 07 5577 8288

Love Etc… World-renowned perfumer, Dominique Ropion worked with the in-house fragrance team at The Body Shop to create a unique fragrance that captures the irresistible exuberance of love, happiness, fulfilment and goodness.

Dominique says " Love builds connections that last forever, bringing us together and making the world a better place."

Love Etc.. with its Top notes of pear, neroli, bergamot; Middle notes of jasmine, heliotrope, lily of the valley and Base notes of vanilla, sandalwood and musk cream will ‘wow’ your senses with feminine jasmine, combined with delicious and mouthwatering vanilla, that intensifies the jasmine’s sensuous tones. A veil of creamy musk and enveloping sandalwood join them, for a unique and exquisite fragrance.

Love Etc Eau de Parfum 50ml RRP $53.95; Eau de Toilette 50ml RRP $37.95; Body Wash 200ml RRP $18.95; Body Lotion 200ml RRP $23.

•Joseph Ribkoff •MR K •Vers •Philosophy •7 Sisters •Ping Pong •Marco Polo •Charlie Brown and more…

Pandora’s Temptation Exclusive Summer Collection on sale February Main Beach Boutique only all Designer Dresses marked down to $99...

Add Glamour to your Wardrobe Australia be tempted!

I am just introducing my Amazing Fashion Sale Extravaganza to the Gorgeous Gold Coast & Brisbane. All Designer Dresses marked down from $580 & $480 to $99 for February 2010 I have designed an exclusive range of Elegance, the Hidden Beauty of each amazing piece will enhance your hidden secrets from within-The True Mystery of every woman.

The Magnificent Silk Fabrics and Designs of Pandora's Temptation will enhance and illuminate each woman's Radiance,Elegance and Spirit.

My Unique Style and Charisma is transformed in every piece of this Beautiful stunning Summer Collection.

My Dress Designs are stunning, I have concentrated on the Woman of today and to bring back the mystery in every woman. In my design's they enhance today's woman with class and sophistication. My dresses can be playful, alluring and above all they are a Temptation, "Once you wear one of these Dresses, see who you become".

My Gorgeous Dress Designs are ideal for the Festive Season, Summer Nights, Enchanted Evenings, Luxurious Luncheon Celebrations and Electrifying Race Day's, Formals,Weddings, I have taken the passion of the Silver Screen Legends, the Mystery of Women today and have designed the timeless elegance in each beautiful piece of my Collection. My dresses take ladies Breaths away with the touch of the fabric to how it feels on your skin, the Silks, Organza's and Fabrics from around the world illuminate and radiate beauty.

I also have a Sensational Jean Range also marked down to $99 from $325.

Pandora's Silk Pants down to $99 and Designer Silk Pant Suits just $99 the set.

I have 2 Profession's one as an Architectural Consultant and the other as a Fashion Designer. My range of Dresses are well renown in Europe, in Exclusive Fashion Houses in London, Rome, Milan, Paris, New York and I have designed an exclusive Range especially for this Summer 2010.

For the next 3 months Pandora will be holding Gala Evenings at her stunning Boutique at Main Beach- Ladies will have the exclusive pleasure to purchase my Unique Dresses with private Fashion Shows, I will be offering special discounts on the evenings.

Contact Pandora for Details.

Add Style and Glamour to your wardrobe.

Pandora's Temptation.....Designer to the Stars.

WEBSITE: Purchase on line at www.pandorastemptation.com ONLINE ORDERS Retail & Wholesale at: info@pandorastemptation.com Phone/Fax 07 5500 6640 Mobile: 0417 193 383 Head Office: Gold Coast Australia. P.O. Box 1573. Runaway Bay Qld. 4216.

Exclusive Showroom at Runaway Bay and by appointment Mondays.

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Silk ties..

Colin Heaney speaks with us about the sensuality of his kaftans and the satisfaction of creating his new collection ...

D

on't be envious ladies, but Colin Heaney has one in every colour. Such is his passion for the incredible colourful kaftans he designs, Colin admits to having one of every garment in his debut collection … and he's just added another 10 beautiful outfits to his wardrobe with the launch of his second range in February.

Colin stunned the fashion world last year with a debut silk swimwear and kaftan range brandishing his spectacular and eclectic artistry.

Stunning for their originality, their pure beauty, their sophisticated style and the fact that for the past 25 years, their creator had been an internationally renowned glass artist, also delving into textiles, architecture, furniture, sculpture and graphics.

The renowned Byron Bay artist has pieces of his hand-blown and hot glass creations as showpieces in homes across the world, but now it's everyone from stylish mums to super models who are harbouring his decorative designer threads in their wardrobes.

We're talking the likes of Elle Macpherson and Heidi Klum who reportedly own a Colin Heaney kaftan - actress Susie Porter wore her favourite design on the red carpet recently.

“I think that mainly it's the sensuality that women can appreciate when they wear them, because of the incredible way they feel against the skin – as well as how flattering they can be for any figure,” says Colin, who admits to doing everything differently from the 'norm' in fashion circles.

His collection does not have a title, nor does it have a theme.

“Putting my collection together is a bit all over

the place - the way I tend to work is I just don't have an overarching concept or narrative like many designers do.

“I play around with different ideas until I see something I like and consequently the range is similar to the last one in that it is very eclectic.”

The 'something' he likes this time around includes the use of black and white for dramatic effect, a queen of the Mediterranean look, an American Indian influence, rose petals and tropical fish.

But these complex weaves of colours don't just pop into his head – the tropical fish-influenced kaftan comes after 'a few years on the computer being creative, experimenting with different graphics and making up elements'.

Hence, a new collection is always extremely satisfying for Colin, who finally sees a tangible result from what's emerged over time from the depths of his imagination.

He hopes others will be as appreciative and has released the range internationally via a new online sales extension of his website at www.colinheaney.com The website allows viewings of the new collection of satin silk and georgette silk kaftans, in long and short, priced from $550 to $850, as well as the debut collection of kaftans with matching sarongs, scarves and headbands, and his debut swimwear collection shown at Swim Fashion Week 2009.

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table talk

Al fresco dining at Randhawa’s…

Randhawa’s Hope Island

With the warmer months now upon us, it is the perfect time to visit Talwinder and Nina Randhawa's - Randhawa's Indian Cuisine at Hope Island Central, to savour Indian and Asian delights, while enjoying the cooling breezes from the river below.

The large, modern L-shaped restaurant easily seats 150 diners, and has become a favourite dining destination for groups, families and parties. With the restaurant's large glass retractable walls open - diners can choose to either enjoy their meals indoors or on the covered balcony. This is a perfect location for your pre-Christmas parties and post-Christmas holiday gettogethers with family and friends.

The huge menu offers a wide, selection of classic north Indian dishes, as well as many Asian favourites, vegetarian and Halal options. Most diners choose to share their dishes so that they can try an assortment of varied tastes, textures and spices.

All the favourites appear, butter chicken, beef vindaloo, beef Madras, tandoor cooked breads, saffron rice, accompaniments and much, much more. The friendly staff are eager to assist with menu suggestions, and offer diners the choice of mild, medium or hot for curries.

Their home delivery and take away services are also popular in the local upmarket estates for those in a hurry.

Kouzina Restaurant & Meze Bar Robina

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

New Restaurant bringing a little Greek style to Robina Melbourne visitors and locals who venture south in search of new food trends and dining experiences may have already experienced Kouzina, a popular group of restaurants by Australian born, Greek chef Theo Kostoglou.

The Victorian restaurants have attracted flattering reviews for their “finessed Hellenic food” and “Greece chic” from Melbourne food writers.

Theo has refined the classic Greek dishes of his youth, into a menu of predominantly ‘meze’ dishes (the little dishes of Greece). His menu borrows flavours from various Mediterranean countries, resulting in a contemporary and unique selection that perfectly suits the Gold Coast's al fresco dining lifestyle.

Kouzina Robina’s ultra modern image and sweeping interior opens out onto the new Robina lakeside dining precinct. Offering a youthful approach to Greek cuisine and also to a way of dining that is all about socialising, the restaurant is proving popular. The growing trend is to dine out daily, gathering in ‘restaurant precinct’ settings…It’s a far cry from the Isle of Kos, where Theo originally honed his skills, but strangely similar in its purpose.

Theo’s family are from the popular tourist destination Kos, known for its stunning backdrop of golden beaches and balmy weather. Theo trained on Kos and also the Isle of Rhodes, as he gathered the knowledge and confidence to return to Australia to pursue his dream, by opening a succession of refreshingly modern Greek restaurants around Melbourne, over the last 20 years.

Now living on the Gold Coast with his wife Sharelle, Theo and Kouzina are sure to become dining stars in the Sunshine State.

Kouzina Robina Licensed Restaurant & Meze Bar Shop 1009, Robina Promenade Robina Town Centre 07 5578 9800

Raising the bar at Bubbles Bubbles on Cove at Sanctuary Cove, opened

by Meyjitte Bougenought of Absynthe Restaurant fame is a European-style bottle shop and wine bar.

Wine aficionados can purchase bottles at competitive prices and have the added bonus of staying if so desired to enjoy it with friends incurring no additional service charges.

A tapas menu is available plus there’s an extensive range of award winning local Witches Chase Cheeses from Mount Tambourine.

Bubbles on Cove sources stock from a variety of independent and boutique wineries as well as popular labels from Australia and around the globe.

The concept store boats extremely competitive bottle shop prices for a variety of wine and Champagne and has the ability to source a broad range of independent and small production wines not normally available from larger chain stores.

The in-house Enomatic dispenser machine houses 20 different wines - 10 red and 10 white, including exclusive labels, thus providing the option of a 15ml tasting of any the wines before buying a glass or a bottle.

Wines choices will change regularly. Bubbles on Cove is open every day.the bar at Bubbles

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

luxurydining dining precincts

congregate and experience all the now bordered by multi-million The Gold Coast is full of new.

Take the time to visit another fun and excitement our sun and dollar island homes, but still dining possibilities.

T

he Gold Coast is better known for its attractions both natural and manmade - than its varied dining options.

Our many fine restaurants are often overlooked by national food writers, who seem to think that a predominantly tourist based area couldn't possibly offer fine dining commensurate with the southern States.

How wrong they are.

Our award-winning chefs and restaurants are among the best in Australia. It's just that we don't have the time to garner the recognition of others. Our chefs are too busy creating culinary masterpieces.

Make the time to venture out of your comfort zone. Don't just dine in the same area - same restaurant - every time you want to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is wonderful to support your favourite restaurant or cafĂŠ - but you can also be adventurous - try somewhere

Blue Ginger - Evergreen Lifestyle Centre - Noosa

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

suburb. Some of the best restaurants are hidden away in local suburbs. Ask your friends and acquaintances to tell you about their favourite restaurant.

It's all about destination dining.

There are so many wonderful possibilities out there. So many luscious surprises to find. So many new tastes to enjoy and share with friends and relatives.

The Gold Coast is full of exciting dining possibilities tailored to all budgets. Why not be a little more adventurous in 2010.

Marina Mirage With its close proximity to international hotels, apartment buildings, the newly refurbished Marina Mirage shopping centre, in Sea World Drive Main Beach is a perfect shopping and dining precinct as well as several top class restaurants - including Omeros Bros, Ristorante Fellini, Glass, Saks and chocolate heaven - Max Brenner, Marina Mirage is a must visit destination.

Next door you'll find the 6-star Palazzo Versace with its fine dining options; across the road the Sheraton Mirage smorgasbord is known worldwide, and just down the road is the popular Sea World Resort. All three offering fine restaurants and exciting dinning options for the holidaymaker or local.

Tedder Avenue Often referred to as the Hastings Street of the Gold Coast, Tedder Avenue in Main Beach is a mecca for those wishing to dine and be seen. With an impressive range of dining options to suit every budget - from friendly casual cafes, bakery, delicatessen, fruit shop.

Recommended dining, Chill & Bahia for starters then eat your way down the street.

Surfers Paradise The heart of the Gold Coast tourist region, where tourists love to

surf culture. With restaurants and cafes featuring almost every ethnic background, whether you're searching for Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Turkish, Italian, Greek, a good Aussie steak or Thai noodles, Surfers Paradise has the restaurant for you. At night the town comes alive with a myriad of nightclubs beckoning the young and energetic.

Broadbeach In the heart of the prime tourist region of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach boasts an impressive array of dining options and late night entertainment. Popular with families on a budget, many of the cafes and pizza parlours etc offer early-bird dining specials. The Oasis Shopping Centre offers a veritable Aladdin's cave of shopping options for all tastes.

Try Moo Moo for a fantastic steak or Lauxes for a true dining experience.

Sanctuary Cove/Hope Island The marine village atmosphere of Sanctuary Cove beckons those looking for quality food in a picturesque waterfront surrounding. Restaurants such as Georges Paragon draw diners from far afield. The village also offers a vast array of boutiques, jewellery, antiques and art galleries to tantalise those wishing to while away the hours in pursuit of earthly desires. In May the village is home to the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where those with desires a little more nautical can gain their fill of luxury craft.

Paradise Point One of the Gold Coast's most intrinsic areas. Once a sleepy suburb with an older demographic, offering Broadwater views, calm water swimming area and foreshore parks; the area now abounds with busy cafes, varied shopping opportunities and new residents, The once quiet setting is

exudes the perfect feel for lazy day dreams and long, long lunches.

Robina Town Centre In the centre of one of the Gold Coast's largest suburbs sits one of the region's largest shopping complexes, with its lakeside dining precinct featuring restaurants offering wonderful al fresco dining facilities. You will need a day to take in all the shops and decide on which restaurant to choose.

Burleigh Heads An area renowned for its fantastic surf breaks and uninterrupted beach views. Lots of shopping and dining options available for those wishing to picnic in the park beside the exotic breaking waves.

For those looking for a fine dining options well there are plenty, check out Oscars on the Beach for fabulous seafood and the best view in Australia.

Tamborine Mountain Perched high above the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain lures visitors away from the beaches to experience the 'Green behind the Gold'. The tiny townships is home to a myriad of fine art galleries, studios, wineries and cafes. The newly opened Witches Chase at the end of Long Road is a must visit, with award-winning chef Laurence Griffen tantalising diners with his talents in the Liquid Amber restaurant.

International Hotels The Gold Coast is home to a traveller's smorgasbord of prestige hotels and apartment buildings, most offering fine dining choices and signature restaurants. With names that are recognised all over the world, Marriott, Sheraton, Versace, Holiday Inn, not to forget Conrad Jupiters Casino at Broadbeach for a multitude of dining options.

Culinary adventures...

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from 15th Feb 2010

Dine In / Takeaway / Home Delivery* *Selected Areas, Min. order applies

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Showcase your restaurant to our exclusive readers...

With Luxury Style now distributed to even more 4, 5 & 6 star hotels and accommodation outlets, plus all our regular outlets, there will more hungry diners willing to experience your cuisine than ever before.

Give us a call a we can discuss dining reviews and other ways to promote your food.

Sirocco - Gympie Terrace Noosaville

Catering & Cooking Classes Cooking classes consist of a mix of both hands on and demonstration. There are recipe booklets and an opportunity to taste everything that is cooked. Learn which spices and flavors accompany foods, where to buy fresh produce in season and how to make your meals simple and easy. So whether a beginner or experienced cook, come along and enjoy an informal evening that is fun, social and will tantalize those taste buds as you embark on the journey to distant lands rich in exotic tastes.

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RockSalt

a noosa O

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foodie books

Cooking the books of Secrets of the Red Lantern fame, is going home. Travelling on a personal and culinary tour through Vietnam, he visits his family and friends, and is invited into the homes of local Vietnamese food experts and cooks, to learn more about one of the richest, most diverse cuisines in the world. This is a vibrant, visual essay of Luke's journey, the stories and recipes from each region, with stunning photographs bursting with colour and texture, capturing the beauty of Vietnam, her people and their deep connection to food.

Buon Ricordo

by Armando Percuoco & David Dale, Allen & Unwin $65.

For an aspiring cook, wannabe chef, someone with an appetite for entertaining or foodies planning an overseas trip, there’s nothing quite like a book that’s food centric.

Italian food is the most accessible, generous and participatory cooking style in the world and in Buon Ricordo, one of Australia's most awarded Italian restaurants, Armando Percuoco removes the mystique from restaurant food, to make you feel as comfortable in your kitchen, as he feels in the kitchen of Buon Ricordo. He shows you how to cook great Italian food in many different ways, and teaches you how different techniques can

The Songs of Sapa - Stories and Recipes from Vietnam by Luke Nguyen, Murdoch Books, $69.95.

Luke Nguyen,

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Manna from Heaven: Cooking for the People You Love,

by Rachel Grisewood, Allen & Unwin, $59.99.

With over 150 recipes, including the secrets of her most successful (and treasured) cakes, sweet treats and savoury delights, this is a cookbook to use and enjoy again and again. From fabulous lemon polenta cake, decadently rich chocolate and hazelnut praline cake, buttery raspberry brioches with honey, taleggio and walnut tarts, to famous chocolate crunch, and much more. This is more than just a cookbook. Above all, it's a sweet story - about cooking and cakes, warmth and family, nurturing and life, messiness and love.

Thai Street Food

by David Thompson, Lantern, $100.

Thais are obsessed by food, talking and thinking about it, then ordering and eating it.

Streets often seem more like busy restaurant corridors than major thoroughfares for traffic. It's hard to imagine a more knowledgeable and inspiring guide to the vibrant world of Thai street food than internationally renowned chef and Thai food expert David Thompson as he goes on a whirlwind tour of the curry shops and stir-fry stalls of Thailand: afloat on the canals of Bangkok, on the streets and in the markets – then try your hand at cooking the fast, fresh, and irresistible food that sustains a nation.

Vineyard Cookbook, foreword by Tobie Puttock, Viking, $59.95.

Take a journey around the wine-growing regions of Australia, where talented and passionate chefs, vignerons and restaurateurs share their secrets for creating amazing food and wine experiences. From Ten Minutes by Tractor on the Mornington Peninsula to Cullen Wines in the Margaret River region, delve into the history of each vineyard, the winemaker's philosophy and the chef's attitude to food and produce.

Inspiring recipes from every restaurant, including suggested wine pairings range, from a sophisticated white asparagus mousse with mushroom ravioli to a rustic potroasted chicken with lemon and sage potatoes - all luscious and impressive, yet achievable at home.

Malaysia and Bali, each complemented by Rick’s colourful anecdotes in a visually-stunning culinary tribute to cooking that evokes the magic of bustling markets, the sizzling oil and the aromatic steam from the kitchen.

bring out different qualities in them. Buon appetito e buon ricordo.

Far Eastern Odyssey

by Rick Stein, BBC Books, $69.95.

Here is an ambitious journey, avoiding the beaten track and tourist hot-spots, in search of the authentic food of Southeast Asia. In this accompanying book to the major BBC series, Rick shares his favourite recipes inspired by the fragrant ingredients and recipes he sampled from local chefs, family-run restaurants, street vendors and market stalls.

There are over 150 dishes from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,

Stir-Fried Clams with Chilli Jam and Thai Basil

A

lthough small clams are the molluscs most commonly used for this dish, surf clams, scallops, mussels, prawns or even fish can be used in their place. I also rather like the combination of crispy roast pork and squid stir-fried together with chilli jam, but this is hardly street food. Clams usually need to be purged of sand and grit by being left to steep in salted water overnight, although sometimes you can buy clams that have already been cleaned. Most Thais will go to the market to pick up their chilli jam, where they can choose from many varieties: some extra hot, others with or without dried prawns. While commercial chilli jam is generally more acceptable then commercial curry pastes, homemade adds a real depth and quality to the finished dish.

Ingredients: 500 g small clams 1–2 tbs vegetable oil 2–3 tbs chilli jam 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn 1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and bruised – optional good pinch of white sugar

1–2 tbs fish sauce – to taste generous handful of Thai basil leaves 1 long red or green chilli, sliced, deseeded if desired Method: Purge the clams overnight in salted water, if necessary, then rinse and drain well. Heat the oil in a wellseasoned wok then add the chilli jam. Stir in the clams, along with the kaffir lime leaves and the lemongrass, if using. Simmer until the clams have opened, then season with the sugar and fish sauce – but be careful as the clams will be quite salty. You may also need to add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent the chilli jam from catching, especially if the clams are reluctant openers. Finish by stirring in the Thai basil and chilli. It should taste rich, slightly oily, sweet and salty, yet not too spicy. Serve with steamed rice. Serves 3-4.

Recipe featured in

Thai Street Food by David Thompson

Whet your appetite Tightening belts when it comes to dining during the GFC, might not have been very appetising however the up-side is that chefs and restaurateurs are now offering better priced, smaller menus and more simple, yet high quality food.

“The standards are up, there’s better service, better deals and restaurants are not backing away from using quality ingredients,” says Lizzie Loel and Fiona Donnelly co-editors of The Courier-Mail Queensland Food and Wine Guide, who have featured over 500 listings stretching from Northern New South Wales to Far North Queensland, plus an expanded provedore section.

This year, in recognition of the trend towards mid-priced dining and in support of readers’ requests, there are three new categories of restaurant dining options: Gastronomic, Bistronomic and Economic.

Restaurants featuring in the Gastronomic category tend to feature higher end fit-outs, more formal service and better locations. Not all fit the traditional description of ‘fine diner’, but for a restaurant to appear here it means their food is certainly notable within its style category.

Bistronomics are the stalwarts – local heroes, the restaurants and eateries which provide a casually enjoyable experience, value for money and accessibility on a regular basis.

Eateries within the Economic category provide exceptional

value for money, albeit usually dished up in basic surroundings.

Amongst the Brisbane-centric award winners was Wasabi in Noosa which was announced as the Regional Restaurant of the Year.“It has always been consistent but now it’s got the glamour as well,” says Lizzie Loel, referring to the move to Quamby Place.

Best New Restaurant went to high profile chef Matt Moran’s Aria at Brisbane’s Eagle Street Pier; Best Casual Dining was Crosstown Eating House in Woolloongabba; 1889 Enoteca in Woolloongabba scored the Pol Roger Wine List of the Year; Young Chef of the Year was Josue Lopez of Two Small Rooms in Toowong; and the top awards of Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year went to the Buffalo Club in Fortitude Valley and Ryan Squires.

The only regional restaurant to be awarded three stars was Absynthe, while two stars went to Wasabi, Vanitas, Spicers Peak Lodge, Ristorante Fellini, Pacific Dining Room, Nu Nu, berardo’s and Fins.

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stylish recipes

Effervescent duo turns up the heat...

Lyndey Milan and Peter Howard’s griller tactics, saucy comments and spicy repartee were on the menu at the launch of their books.

it. “I had a job at the Ryde Food School,

about

completed my Diploma of Teaching,

charcoaled steaks.”

cremated

sausages

and

made her mark as food director and cohost of Fresh on the Nine Network for

wrote a newspaper column and was a

Favourite recipes include proscuitto-

nine years, after a happy year with BBC

presenter on the Nine Network’s Midday

wrapped lamb cutlets, “a lovely take on

Australian Good Food magazine. She

Show followed by 14 years on the Today

saltimbocca”; semillon sauvignon blanc

not only knows food, she lives,

Show.”

oysters; almond parsley-crusted fish

understands and breathes it, and

He is a food and wine judge, has

fillet with a pumpkin, tofu and

presents it in an entertaining and

written or co-authored 16 books, is a key

grapefruit salad; and bananas, rum and

straightforward manner, as reflected in

member of the G’Day USA festival where

whipped mascarpone.

her fourth book.

Australia is promoted to the US market,

He dedicates the book to Lyndey

Lyndey told lunch guests that she

and has stamped his name on the

Milan: “Gastronomique Goddess of the

began cooking at 16 and her first

international

Australian food and wine scene and a

cookbooks were, The Margaret Fulton

true friend for nearly three decades”.

Cookbook and The Australian Women’s

culinary

map

demonstrating how the Australian barbecue can be used successfully

with

contemporary cuisine.

A few years ago Peter quipped that about the

Lyndey Milan, one of the most

only thing you can’t do on

influential people in the Australian food

a barbecue is cook a

industry and Noosa’s last and therefore

soufflé.

as she maintains, the reigning Hot &

barbecue even allows you

Spicy Food Festival Chilli Queen, teamed

to cook it with passionfruit.

up recently with respected long-time

How times have changed.

Perfect for entertaining

Howard, at Noosa’s Ma Mensa

and filled with great recipe

Restaurant, to celebrate the launch of

ideas, his latest book brings

their latest books: Lyndey’s The Best

together the very best

Collection and Peter’s BBQ Collection,

barbecue dishes that Peter

both published by New Holland.

has

championed

Peter, who lives in the Sunshine Coast

throughout his career. As

hinterland on ten acres with partner

he says: “The worldwide

Gregor and two dogs, was brought up

renaissance of barbecuing

with five brothers and sisters in Kerry, a

is in full swing. Over the

hamlet outside Beaudesert. He trained

decade that I have been

as an accountant, drove a truck, was a

writing

model and during his colourful career,

barbecuing, the barbeques

spent two years in Vietnam on National

themselves have changed

Service.

so much and given the dedicated

books

man

on

(or

his mother and father and followed

woman) with the tongs a whole lot

with a successful career in food and

more scope to entertain.

Lyndey, a multi award-winning communicator,

author,

Weekly Cookbook. She went into a

teacher,

catering business via art teaching and

“Apart from the fact that I adore

presenter and consultant on all things

as an advertising executive in London

“The media came quite by accident,

barbecuing, the weather where we live,

gastronomic, is seen every Friday on the

and met Peter when they were on a

“recalls Peter who was given a two

the laid back way we now entertain and

Nine Network’s Mornings with Kerri-

radio show with Mike Carlton. Their

minute segment on radio 2GB talking to

the move from the formal dining room

Anne. She has been enticed back as

common love of food cemented a

Mike Gibson and then Mike Carlton

to more casual eating, means I had to

contributing food director to The

friendship and a short-term business

about seasonal produce and how to use

write the book. And it was not to be

Australian Women’s Weekly where she

relationship.

wine.

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

modern

friend and consummate foodie Peter

He inherited a love of cooking from

52

The

“This book is full of my favourite

Place in a saucepan with the sugar

recipes, some tweaked, and new

and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes,

material. Short cuts to entertaining, yet

stirring occasionally, until the fruit

stylish and elegant recipes feature

softens, releasing their juice.

wine complements and dishes are

Remove the crusts from the bread. If

broken down into how they are

you are making one large pudding, cut

plated, from finger food to small,

one slice into a circular shape to fit the

large and even sweet plates,” the

bottom of a 1 ½ litre pudding basin. Line

gregarious gal says, adding some of

the basin

the recipes and personal photos

or individual ramekins with bread,

evoke fond memories such as

trimming it so that it fits snugly. There

cooking with Rick Stein, John

should be some slices left to cover the

Mangos and of course Peter

fruit. Ladle the fruit and enough juice to

Howard.

moisten the bread into the moulds,

Lyndey Milan’s Summer Pudding This recipe can either be made as one large pudding or individual ones in small ramekins. Frozen berries work well too.

Ingredients: 1 kg mixed berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, youngberries, cranberries, mulberries 1/2 cup caster sugar 1-2 tbs water 12-14 slices day-old white bread

Method: Pick over the berries and rinse with water. Cut any large berries, such as strawberries, into smaller pieces.

reserving a little of the juice. Cover with bread and weight the top with a plate plus something heavy on top. Leave at least overnight, or even for a couple of days.

Shortly before serving, unmould the puddings and baste any white patches of bread with the reserved juice. I have even frozen this pudding successfully.

Serves: 6

Peter Howard’s Duck Breasts with Bok Choy & Celeriac Salad Ingredients: 4 x 120g duck breast, Muscovy is the best

200g celeriac, peeled and roughly grated 2 medium eschallots, peeled and finely diced 1 tbs Japanese pickle ginger, finely sliced ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tbs pickled ginger juice 4 medium bok choy, trimmed, washed and halved Method: Trim the duck breasts if necessary and cut two slashes into the skin. Combine the celeriac, eschallots, ginger, mayonnaise and ginger juice. Stir well and cover to refrigerate for 1 hour before use.

Take the duck from the refrigerator 10 minutes before use; place it onto a hot grill, skinside down and cook for 2 minutes. Do not move the duck as you are looking for really good crisp marks on the skin. Turn the duck breast onto where it has already been cooking so that the natural fat that is on the grill will be used for the bare flesh and stop sticking. Cook for 4 minutes, remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes before slicing.

Place the bok choy on a medium hot plate and cook for 1–1½ minutes, turning only the once; the time will vary depending on the thickness of the white part of the bok choy as

it must be crunchy. Place two halves of the bok choy in the centre of the plate, spoon over equal amounts of the salad.

Slice the duck breast into rounds and place on top of the celeriac salad.

Serves 4 Note: Cooking the duck breast is dependent entirely upon the depth of flesh. If you are unable to get Muscovy duck breasts, you will more than likely end up with quite thin flesh.

Muscovy duck breasts have an excellent depth of flesh, generally around 2-3cm thick and sometimes larger. The cooking time that I have recommended will bring the duck breasts out to medium to rare so you will need to cook them longer if you prefer well done—which I would heartily discourage.

Gastronomique Goddess of the Australian food and wine scene and a true friend for nearly three decades Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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food events

TastingAustralia South Australia to Host the Tastiest Celebrities at Tasting Australia 2010...

UK Ready Steady Cook fame, as well as actor Neil Morrissey, who starred in the UK sitcom Men Behaving Badly, and can now be seen on TV with food and beer aficionado Richard Fox, in their series Risky Business. Fox has been a previous visitor to Tasting Australia and will be creating food and beer magic for all to enjoy.

Ian Parmenter, Tasting Australia’s Festival Director

Antony Worrall Thompson

Antonio Carluccio

he Tasting Australia 2010 event program

T

Paul Rankin will also be back again, Paul has

promises a stunning selection of main

been credited as the pioneer of the restaurant

courses, with plenty of tasty side dishes,

revolution in Northern Ireland.

as well as a scintillating selection of fine

Another return visitor is the 'Godfather of

beverages to accompany and excite lovers of

Italian Cooking' Antonio Carluccio, who will be

fine food, wine and beer. With a startling array of

making his third visit to the event when he

top international and national chefs, food and

arrives this year. In 1998, Antonio was awarded

drink professionals, food producers and

the Commendatore OMRI by the President of

winemakers on hand to entertain, illuminate

Italy for his services to Italian gastronomy, the

and educate, there is no better place to be from

equivalent of a British Knighthood. This was

29th April - 6th March - than in beautiful South

followed by an honorary OBE in 2007 for his

Australia.

services to gastronomy in Britain.

This year's event promises to be one of the

The international names will be joined by

best yet, with the announcement of an all-star

many of Australia’s top chefs, writers and TV

culinary line-up for Australia's favourite bi-

presenters, including Joanna Savill, Maeve

annual international food and wine festival.

O’Meara, Shannon Bennett, Manu Feildel, Frank

Ian Parmenter, Tasting Australia’s Festival

Camorra, Ben O’Donoghue, Pete Evans, Maggie

Director, has a long history with food. As a

Beer, Anna Gare, Stephanie Alexander, Lyndey

former journalist and TV producer/director, Ian

Milan, 'diva of the delicious' Dorinda Hafner, and

was the driving force of ABC TVs Consuming

Simon Bryant.

Passions, which screened in Australia and 15

Food, wine and beer lovers will be able to

other countries for 12 years. Ian was also a

revel in all things culinary at a creatively

founder member of the Margaret River Food

designed program of

Group, which established the first farmers

including a series of celebrity lunches being

market in W As south west.

held throughout South Australia; lively

40 public events,

Ian was eager to tell us that the 2010 event is

discussions and debates at the Word of Mouth,;

prepped, primed - and ready to burst - with a

and have the opportunity to sample the best

whole new set of flavours!

that Australia has to offer at the BankSA Feast

“Tasting Australia offers anyone who simply loves good food and wine - the opportunity to

for the Senses presented by LifeStyle FOOD Channel.

enjoy the very best in South Australia, while

Now is the time to book your flights,

mixing with some of the world’s culinary icons,”

accommodation - and choose the culinary

said Parmenter.

events that best suit your interests. Everyone

“The move of the event from Spring until Autumn has given us greater scope to attract a

will be heading to South Australia for the best Tasting Austraiia ever!!

more diverse range of chefs, and allows Tasting Australia’s visiting media to experience a South Australian vintage for the first time.”

Among first time international visitors are Britain's favourite cookery teacher Rosemary Shrager, presenter of

British Television’s hit

series Ladette to Lady and Rosemary Shrager’s Rosemary Shrager

School for Cooks; organic farming and produce

For full details of Tasting Australia’s exciting program visit www.tastingaustralia.com.au For information on where to stay how to get there - and other regions to see while in South Australia visit www.southaustralia.com

advocate and chef Antony Worrall Thompson of

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

cooking classes

There's a professional chef in my kitchen‌ No it's not a new reality television show although it could be. It's the latest trend in home entertaining.

location to maintain high quality and excellent

hether you are looking for the ultimate dining

W

enhance your culinary repertoire and impress your family

experience for that special occasion, or you're a

and friends with your new expertise in the kitchen. These

busy corporate couple wanting to host a

personalised cooking classes are designed to be

private business dinner in your home or office; perhaps

uncomplicated, so that anyone can learn. They have

you should consider finding a qualified, private in-house

proved to be extremely popular with men, who once shied

chef to create the perfect dining experience for you.

away from the territory of the kitchen.

At Design 'n' Dine, Chef Hussein el Weshahy works with

Hussein's innate knowledge of Mediterranean and Middle

you to create the perfect menu for your special occasion.

Eastern cuisine, combined with a lifetime of cooking

By offering a unique personalised home catering and

experiences garnered from around the world, means that

corporate catering service, designed to suit the needs of all

his classes feature many different mouth-watering styles.

food lovers, he is able to assess your particular needs and

There are recipe booklets and an opportunity to taste

design the perfect menu for you.

everything that is cooked. Learn which spices and flavours

Servicing the Far North Coast of NSW and the Gold Coast

accompany which foods, and where to buy fresh produce

region, Hussein searches for local top quality, fresh produce

in season.

and uses authentic spices to enhance flavours and provide

If you prefer, Hussein will even conduct a private cooking

the best quality food available. Hussein prepares the food

lesson for you and your friends in your own home.

off-site and applies the finishing touches at your chosen

For further details check www.designndine.com.au

presentation.

His catering business has proved so popular, that Hussein has also started conducting informal cooking classes for those wishing to upgrade their skills, or improve their technique. Using authentic recipes and chef’s insider tips, in a mix of both hands-on and demonstration - you will

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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people in style

Saluted byFrance’s FINEST...

According to Frédéric Heidsieck of the House of Roederer, if Champagne is le Vin des Rois and le Roi des Vins, then Bernadette O’Shea must be la Reine des Vins or, more accurately, the Queen of Champagne.

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“Bernadette speaks of champagne with such poetry and sensitivity that when you listen to her you hear the bubbles.”

B

ernadette ‘Bubbles’ O’Shea’s life revolves around champagne. Exalted by esteemed members of champagne’s great dynasties is not uncommon for the much-loved champagne consultant and educator. In 1984 she won the coveted Vin du Champagne award, a competition she now co-judges, and in 1992 she received a knighthood, the Chevalier de l’ordre du Merite Agricole, which to confer the honour, the French government diverted a battleship to Brisbane.

It’s a remarkable journey given Bernadette grew up in a large Catholic family of non-drinkers. “When I was about 17, people offered wine, but I didn’t like it until I tasted a Wynn’s Coonawarra red then a glass of Moet & Chandon which I loved,” says Bernadette who decided to buy a book on wine by Len Evans and every month splurged on a bottle from a different champagne house, teaching herself the differences, making copious notes and eventually forgoing a career as a florist to teach others. “Champagne changed my life,” sighs self-confessed dreamer Bernadette who has retained her unwavering faith and developed an extraordinary sensory ability which transcends taste and smell.

“Champagne is well known as an aperitif and a drink of celebration, but it is much more than that. First and foremost it is a wine and as such is perfect for matching with food. Bringing champagne to the table provides unrivalled matching potential for almost all types of food and cuisine styles.

Over and above still wines, champagne brings texture and mouth aroma to a match. Its high acidity tones down saltiness, cuts through fat and reduces excessive sweetness. Its effervescence ‘degreases the tastebuds’, while adding elegance and ‘height’ to ‘heavy’ foods.”

Throughout her career, Bernadette has been collecting valuable and interesting information, has created many special occasions, travelled annually to her spiritual home of Champagne to visit champenois friends and has conducted an incredible amount of research which, after five years has now evolved into the very luxe tome Champagne and Chandeliers Grand Dining Celebrations. With a foreword penned by Christian Pol Roger, there are decadently different occasions to highlight champagne’s ubiquitous presence in some of the most significant moments in modern history, between kings, presidents and emperors, fairytale royal weddings, the last dinner on the Titanic, the launch of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the ultimate fashion event staged by Karl Lagerfeld on the Great Wall of China in 2007.

Armed with her collection of little black books of tasting notes, Bernadette takes the menus from these grand occasions and matches each course with a specific champagne. “Each champagne match I propose either complements or contrasts with the character of the food – qualities such as creaminess, crunch, crispness and of course taste, that in combination with other sensations, create flavour,” writes Bernadette, who lives in Wilston and ‘converses’ in French with cattle dog Meunier, named after the three grapes used to make champagne.

Bernadette’s days as a florist are an asset when it comes to tasting. She has the ability to stand blindfolded in a flower-filled room and identify the differences between red and yellow roses, pink, white and cream tulips or blue, white

and yellow iris. Similarly the grape composition of champagne can be identified with the percentage of each of the grapes used - chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. She uses descriptive phrases such as: “The palate had a concentrated imperious mix of hazelnuts, honey, brambly fern and earthy characters…alluring characters of waterlilies, leaf undergrowth from a rainforest, dried figs and tinned syrup…candied berries and white almonds soaked in rosewater…stewed fruits, toast, bubble gum. Orange rind tossed in burnt butter, wedged with fine Turkish delight and ruby grapefruit…”

Recollections include Bernadette creating a syndicate of champagne lovers in 2000 to purchase a magnum of Moët et Chandon’s Esprit du Siecle – a blend of 11 of the most significant and extraordinary vintages from each decade of the century, commencing with the 1900 and finishing with the 1995. One of only two magnums to enter the country and only 323 in the world, this $24,000 magnum is the most expensive champagne ever sold in Australia. While Bernadette knew what vintages had been used in the blend, she recalled the joy of delving into the champagne to find “the character of each year”.

Other stand-out stories include the Baltic Sea Champagne, a Heidsieck Gout American 1907 salvaged in 1997 from a Swedish schooner that had rested on the bed of the Baltic Sea, since its sinking in 1916. A bottle of the 1907 recently sold in the US for $390,000. More recently, Bernadette savoured a magnum of Pol Roger 1892, a champagne she says “moved her to tears” and “touched my heart and soul”.

Thirty-five stories, 220 champagnes and 30 champagne house profiles are accompanied by rare and privileged photographs of royal menus, salons within private châteaux and palaces, crown jewels, aged cellar treasures still resting on the lees, priceless artifacts, and fine art.

“Exquisite images of chandeliers throughout the book are a visual expression of what we find so inexpressibly tantalising about masses of fine bubbles leaping gaily out of a crystal glass,” says Bernadette who drinks only champagne and water and needless to say is surrounded at home by champagne memorabilia, from an empty bottle of 1892 Pol Roger to posters from the champagne houses on her walls - champagne-coloured of course.

“Champagne is my life. From my first sip, I was overwhelmed by how a wine could display so many exquisite nuances. It has filled my world with beauty.”

And what do the masters say about Bernadette, Rémi Krug, Champagne Krug: “Bernadette is energy, passion, taste, flair, smiles, conviction, elegance …”

Béatrice Cointreau, Champagne Gosset.

“Bernadette ‘Bubbles’ O’Shea is able to add sparkle to your dullest day.”

Frédéric Heidsieck, Champagne Louis Roederer: “Bernadette speaks of champagne with such poetry and sensitivity that when you listen to her you hear the bubbles.”

Book available at selected booksellers and on line at: http://www.champagneconsultant.com

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Cheers...

Catalina Sounds 2009 Sauvignon Blanc

Shiraz and Italy's Sangiovese, varietal winemaker Joe

discerning drinker.

Grilli aims to combine everything he loves about

Designed uniquely

Australian wine in an Italian style blend. This wine

for

shows ripe plum, pepper and spice characters,

summer, the charm is

Another luscious 10% Marlborough,

combined with good balance, depth and texture.

in the contrast of the

The 15% Sangiovese was added to

drink, as it offers an

home about. Winemaker Nina Stocker has

give a burst of cherry fruit and a

elegant balance of

created a masterpiece.

savoury finish. RRP $25.00

bitter and sweet that is

and fresh pineapple, good acid balance and great length, here is a wine to

at once intense and

Wyndham Estate BIN 555 Shiraz

gentle, warming and refreshing.

savour.

Perfect

The palate is textural and complex and

The

2005

vintage

of

the finish is long and pleasant. The perfect

Wyndham Estate BIN 555

accompaniment to Japanese Gyoza dumplings

Shiraz currently ranks as the

that burst with ginger, pork and garlic chives.

world’s

best

The Killer 2007 Italian Pinot Grigio...

received at more than 150 national and international wine shows over the past 12

The 2007 Tulum Pinot Noir marks the next

months. It became the world’s highest ranked Shiraz after

Vineyard.

It has a powerful nose, dominated by

shows, including a Trophy of Excellence

aromas. Fruit slowly matured under near

Citadelles du Vin 2008, double

at

the

Les

perfect conditions has resulted in a

gold at the Concours Mondial

weighty and generous mouth feel and a

de Bruxelles 2008 and gold at the Los Angeles

palate

International Wine Spirits 2008.

of

blackberry

and

cherry

characters. Notable savoury earth and

A true Australian shiraz, rich, and full bodied

spice flavours add complexity and

showing powerful berry fruit flavours; plums, dark

dimension and are offset by fine tannins.

cherries with lifted spice characters. The wine is soft

RRP $40

and generous on the mid palate, with fine tannins

One of my personal favourites!!

2009 Primo Estate La Biondina Colombard At Primo Estate they've always known that blondes have more fun! That's why their classy little blonde, La Biondina has sashayed through 28 vintages, winning compliments and

and balanced with subtle oak nuances, all of which contribute to a finish of good persistence. RRP $16.99

Cointreau Seduces This Summer

Laughter in a Glass..

Christmas time may be over, New Year's Eve parties a distant

Cointreau, the iconic spirit for

bringing fun wherever she goes. This

charismatic

women

has

lovely wine offers an exuberant palate of

launched Cointreau Blush, a

juicy passionfruit, melon and citrus - the

perfect summertime recipe to

tastes of summer. Perfect for our long

mix up at home or order at any

summer months. RRP $15.00

stylish bar.

The Cointreau Blush is a

cheers!

The first of the Chaffey Bros.

Killer wines, this 2007 Pinot Grigio from Veneto, Italy, is a killer in every sense of the word.

A sophisticated wine, bright with citrus aromas and a crisp finish, The Killer Pinot Grigio is true reflection of the Veneto region from which it hails and a wicked introduction to The Killer range. .

receiving awards at 10 major

dark berries but balanced by savoury oak

2008 Primo Estate Il Briccone Shiraz Sangiovese

long

evenings

performing

step in the evolution of Willow Creek

for

afternoons and balmy

Shiraz, based on awards

Willow Creek 2007 Tulum Pinot Noir

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Australian

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to write

With a palate full of intense lemon zest

60

the

heavenly blend of bitter sweet Cointreau, fresh lime, pink

memory - but never fear - there is always a perfect excuse to savour fine Champagne.

If you can't think of one - you're not really trying hard enough.

Give me a call and I'll be happy to oblige with the perfect excuse.

NV G.H. MUMM Rosé Champagne

grapefruit juice and a dash of soda, all served over ice in a

Valentine’s Day should always be about romance,

Il Briccone means 'The Rogue' and with

long chilled glass - a delicious,

and while roses and chocolates make for fine gifts,

this roguish blend of great Australian

citrus masterpiece for the

surely nothing surpasses the elegance and finesse

fine French Champagne. And, don't think that Valentine's Day

The perfect cocktail without the hassle...

is the only time to enjoy fine Champagne - anytime is perfect - any occasion - any reason!

G.H. Mumm Rosé Champagne

sophisticated cocktail anywhere you please, whether

is fresh and fruity, yet balanced

it’s pre-dinner drinks at home, a friend’s cocktail party

and intense, G.H. Mumm Rosé,

or a casual picnic. Available in three delicious, classic

with more than 50 years of

flavours so you can now turn a simple gathering into

heritage, gains its exquisite pink

a special occasion.

colour from the red wines of the

Vodka Mojito:

Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyards

A perfectly balanced blend of crisp clean Smirnoff

of Bouzy that are added to the

Vodka, Kaffir lime liquor and natural mint flavour. Serve

blend.

topped with soda water, garnished with a wedge of

Luscious

aromas

are

dominated by fresh summer fruits, such as strawberry and gooseberry

with

hints

of

caramel and vanilla.

Available at all good liquor stores. RRP $85.00

French Champagne is always a girl’s best friend (diamonds come second in my book), so look no further than a bottle of PerrierJouët Belle Epoque Vintage 2002 as the ultimate gift to give your loved one at every opportunity.

This cuvée is fullbodied substance

and

and

has

depth

to

accompany food, yet still displays freshness. It has a clear and bright colour with a few hints of gold and offers a powerful bouquet starting with fresh white fruit, moving into floral notes and rounded off by citrus aromas. The wine, in typical Belle Epoque style, is the perfect harmony of charm, freshness, and delicacy.

Available at all leading liquor stores. RRP $260.00

fresh lime and a handful of fresh mint.

Grand Cosmopolitan: A professional shake of crisp clean Smirnoff Vodka,

David Hobson

Mesmerizing magic of opera

Triple Sec and a splash of cranberry juice. Enjoy chilled, poured straight into a tall glass over ice, or shaken with ice first. Garnish with lemon or lime Pomegranate Martini;

2002 PerrierJouët Belle Epoque Vintage

enough

Smirnoff have taken the fuss and mess of out preparing cocktails. Now you can enjoy a

A delicious blend of Smirnoff Vodka, pomegranate juice, Meyer lemon flavoured liqueur, and natural lemon flavour. Serve chilled, or with the juice of 1/2 an orange and a 1/3 lemon squeezed into a Martini glass.

Your favourite Smirnoff cocktail will be a welcome addition to your refrigerator this season. Sip slowly and enjoy. RRP $22.99 per bottle.

T

enor and composer David Hobson, one of Australia’s best known operatic performers, takes centre stage at the18th annual Opera in the Vineyard at Ballandean Estate Wines in the Granite Belt on 2 May, 2009.

David has sung many roles for Opera Australia including his award winning performances of Rodolfo (La Boheme) and the title role in Orphee. He has appeared with most of the state opera companies in Australia and special engagements include the title role in Candide at the 2006 Perth International Festival, a performance in the Great Hall, Canberra for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and singing the National Anthem at the AFL Grand Final.

And let’s not forget television’s It Takes Two and Dancing with the Stars. His most recent solo album, A Little Closer is a collection of pop classics and original material.

Appearing with David will be popular Jaqueline Porter who has appeared at Opera in the Vineyard previously.

“The Opera is always fabulous, gets better each year and we were absolutely delighted when David accepted our invitation,” says Angelo Puglisi, the third generation owner of Ballandean Estate and a Stanthorpe Rotarian.

As always, the Puglisi family and Rotary Club of Stanthorpe will be raising funds for The Wesley Hospital and Carramar Home for Senior Citizens as well as other Queensland-based charities.

Tickets for this outstanding event are: opera only $85; opera and lunch - $140; opera and dinner tickets - $160; and all day tickets are $200. Book online at: www.ballandeanestate.com or call Ballandean on (07) 46841226 for details including where to stay.

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property

contemporary clas

feature property... for sale

4 levels of absolute unrivaled palatial living...

“Baltimore” is a remarkable residence which sets a new standard in modern opulence and excellence.

Situated in the exclusive Sovereign Islands, this truly unique mansion is incomparable in quality, architecture and locale. rchitecturally designed & decorated, by the renowned award winning ‘Stott Structure’, in association with the exclusive International Interiors, ‘Baltimore’ guarantees to mesmerise and truly impress.

A

Uncompromised in design, spaciousness and lavish inclusions, Baltimore tiers across four storeys, 2 blocks and offers more than 2200 square meters of palatial living. Be prepared to be captivated the moment you enter the 9m high elegant glass entry foyer featuring an imported red Murano glass chandelier. Stunning black granite floors, stone feature walls, floor to ceiling glass overlooking the unrestricted Broadwater set the tone for this remainder of this magnificent home.

Baltimore is mesmerising from the moment you set foot in the huge 15 car basement featuring a boat ramp, power generator & ample storage. The luxury continues on the ground floor with an ideal layout casual & party entertaining inclusive of an executive office, temperature controlled large pool & spa, fully equipped gym, 6000L tropical aquarium, gourmet Miele including built-in BBQ, fully equipped maid/caretaker apartment inclusive of sleek kitchen, lounged, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, private garden balcony & separate entrance, spacious sheltered outdoor entertaining capturing the stunning views of the Broadwater, and South Stradbroke. continues over...

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continues next page...

LuxuryStyleliving

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

63

property

contemporary class 4 levels of absolute unrivaled palatial living... continued from previous page...

T

he fabulous & practical layout & inclusions continue as your enter the second floor "Formal entertaining" of Baltimore. Boasting a grand gourmet Miele kitchen & fully equipped scullery, executive office, powder room, laundry, formal & informal internal dining & living areas (featuring panoramic glass windows), in addition to the spacious sheltered outdoor living & dining precinct, all of which capture the stunning unrestricted Broadwater & South Stradbroke views, 1500 bottle temperature controlled wine cellar & fully equipped bar, outdoor BBQ area & guest ensuited bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe.

The third and final floor of Baltimore comprises 5 king-sized bedrooms, all privately ensuited with walkin-wardrobes (completed with sun-blocking automatic blinds). A private large lounge retreat and additional study.

feature property... for sale

It is the Master retreat which signals true luxury inclusive of spectacular unrestricted Broadwater & South Stradbroke views, ensuite with double basins & shower, extravagant spa and very generous walk-inwardrobe.

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

A 12-personal commercial glass lift allows for easy access across all four levels of Baltimore. Alpolic & marble Sheen exterior, full concrete construction, absolute privacy & security, near new (hardly ever resided in),3 gourmet kitchen featuring a total of 6 dishwashers, three ovens, four combi ovens, three deep fryers, steamer oven, cappuccino machine, & 2 nine-burner bbq’s, fully furnished & situated on 1148m2 double allotment.

Baltimore is not only a true visual experience; it is also a technological marvel with world-class building management system AMX (10 individual touch screens through the home), fully deducted airconditioning & recessed LED feature lighting.

Enviably positioned with 60 meters of private and exclusive water frontage, incomparable & irreplaceable easterly Broadwater, South Stradbroke & Surfers Skyline views, & a sheltered mooring (18m pontoon suitable to fit a 100ft boat) for all your boating requirements.

LuxuryStyleliving

“Baltimore� sets a new benchmark offering the sophistication, absolute luxury & opulence beyond imagination.

Available for sale - Baltimore is now listed at $16,500,000 Baltimore is being exclusively marketed by Amir Mian of Ray White Sovereign Islands. Amir is the leading sales agent on the Sovereign Islands, and an Elite Performer for the Ray White Group.

Amir Mian 0401 470 499 Ray White Sovereign Islands Phone 5564 2408

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

65

inspired design...

Stylefiles

Are you ready for another long, hot Summer?

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Leading Australian bedding accessories manufacturer, Tontine has developed the perfect range of quilts specifically designed for those hot Australian summer nights. Their Summer Cool range of quilts are lightweight, cool and breathable, helping you have a comfortable and relaxing nights sleep in the summer heat.

Summer Cool Waffle Lightweight Quilt...

This distinctive and luxurious Summer Cool quilt is contemporary and on trend with coastal living palettes and materials. Great attention has been paid to the product finishings with unique waffle square design fabric and trimming detail. The quilt is light, airy and perfect for warm summer nights.

Available: Myer and David Jones. RRP: $199.95 (Queen size)

Floored with personality When it comes to vogue tiles there are none quite up-to-theminute as the Déchirer porcelain collection from Italy.

The highly innovative collection of not only four patterns and textures but also four production systems, consists of large slabs of the latest generation unglazed homogenous porcelain stoneware.

Academy Tiles’ Anthony Zeaiter, who has been importing tiles ranging from miniscule glass mosaic to giant slabs of porcelain for 30 years says: “Patricia Urquiola has certainly captured ancient memories with her sculptured looking surface as though it’s been made by chipping away to make a picture that stands out. Over the ages this has become known as bas-relief or low-raised sculpture.”

The Déchirer collection is press finished; 12mm thick; available in natural matt finish and a subtle bas-relief finish; and colours are bianco, ecru, grigio, nero and piombo.

Furniture that dreams are made of…

A range of innovative beds and sofa beds designed for supreme comfort and refined practicality are now available in Australia through Scoop Furniture.

Featuring a fresh style integrated with state-of-the-art technology for high performance beds, adjustable to suit your needs - day and night.

All beds feature a spacious storage compartment and a double adjustable system via a smart remote control function. These statement pieces offer elegance, practicality, style and comfort.

Made by veterans of the mattress industry, Aminach (translated as My People Rest). who started making mattresses in 1948 in Jaffa, Israel and have since become one of the most popular, stylish and trusted sleep furniture makers in the world.

Their beds and sofa beds can be seen in some of the best and most luxurious hotels in the world, including Club Hotel Lutraki (Greece), Zara, Forum, Gelrt, Meridian, Andereshi, Honor (Budapest, Hungary), Varlen (Paris, France), Mokasa, Bukaresti, Opera, Vnice, Central (Romania), Vit, Kob, Tulip inn (The Czech Republic), Terminos, Quentin (Holland). Ustel (Belgium), Meridian, Hilton, Intercontinental, Crown Plaza, Sheraton, Marriott (Israel).

Now they are available here in Australia. Price Range: From $499 - $2990 Sofa beds From $1990.00 - $2899.00 Hydraulic beds From $2190.00 - $9990.00 Electric beds For more information and to order online - www.scoopfurniture.com.au

Illuminating objects of desire “Slinky, sensual and surreal - mischievous humour at play” are some of the apt descriptions applied to Marc Pascal’s lights, chairs, dining accessories and elegant vases in smooth, white, porcelain-like stoneware with an egg shell-like surface.

Versace – a name carved in Stone...

Inspiring local design trends, Artistic Stone is Australia’s largest supplier of natural stone mosaics, borders, glass, metal tiles, medallions and liners for your home. Founded in 1993 by Peter Maniscalco, they have already carved their place as a true industry leader. www.artisticstone.com.au

Are they urban accessories or sculpted artworks? His imagination has certainly extended beyond form and has demonstrated an ability to draw on an evolving palette of materials, techniques and processes to design objects that add a dynamic element to interiors, public installations, and limited edition commissions.

His fertile imagination also extends to the names for his creations. Imagine sitting on a chair called Mimi, having Worvo the lamp or Xploff the pendant light.

“Each light is a unique gesture of light and shade, movement and colour,” explains Marc. Long-life polycarbonate is die-cut then dyed in his Melbourne studio and although it seems unbelievable, cleaning is simple. Remove the shade from the stem, agitate in a hot soapy bath and drip dry.

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Stylefiles

Japanese by design My most cherished childhood memories include the sounds of weaving and the smell of raw silk from happy days spent in my father’s small kimono-silk factory in Kyoto. My undiminished love for the traditional Japanese silk Kimono has led to the development of the “Mulberry Tree” product range and the opening of our beautiful new store at Hope Island.

“Mulberry Tree” has endeavored to capture the essence and timeless beauty of Japan in all items selected for our range.

From table-runners and bed quilts lovingly produced from the most beautiful hand-picked, vintage silk Kimonos and Obis to exquisite antique porcelain, we are sure you will find the inspiration and items to create a stunning Japanese theme. Our designer range of clothing produced from vintage silk kimonos will add a unique and exclusive edge to any wardrobe. My hope is to share my passion for “the beauty of my Japan”.

Hikari Tanabe Visit Mulberry Tree Japanese Gallery Shop 7 “Hope Island Central” 340 Hope Island Rd, Hope Island www.mulberrytree.spiffystores.com

An eastern experience...

Samsara Bundall is ever changing & evolving with different, distinctive & many exclusive Samsara products. It is the perfect blend of the elements – Water, air, fire, earth, & wood. Offering, stylish designer solid hand-crafted furniture from India, Java, & China that can blend into any style of home! A massive array of trinkets & treasures await you as you wonder & enjoy the stunning ambience of the store.

Sculpture Comfort...

This ergonomically sculptured art form is in fact a chair! Brenden works with artisans across the globe creating unique character pieces, like this one - The Scoop Chair. Delicately hand-made using natural rattan, the Scoop Chair priced at $499 will make a spectacular feature piece for your home, balcony or outdoor haven.

Available at Village - Live Inspired, 1/54 Bundall Rd, Bundall - Ph: 07 5588 8223

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DESIGN

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Stylefiles

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Bholu Wallpaper Collection for Porters Paints...

Designer, Jodie Fried from Bholu is collaborating with one of Australia’s leading brands, Porter’s Paints, in a gorgeous and vibrant new range of wallpaper designs.The Bholu Collection of wallpapers is inspired by the drawings of children in underprivileged communities in India. The range embraces the textural qualities of the traditionally,

Signature style

hand embroidered textiles, which Bholu is known for.

Porter’s Paints will be donating a percentage of the sales of the Bholu collection to the ‘Bholu Anganwadi Project’, which rebuilds “Anganwadi’s” (preschools) for slum children in under-privileged communities in India. Bholu has now built 8 schools with more than

Signature Interior Design currently stocks this bold, red lacquered bamboo setting. Red Macau Table & Folding chairs.

Enquiries for this setting & other red bamboo pieces Ph: 07 5538 8755 Oasis Shopping Centre Broadbeach

280 children attending and daily receiving education, nutrition and love. (www.anganwadiproject.com)

The ‘Hamptons’ Look This timeless look favoured by the wealthy on the east coast of USA is available at Rococo Design Bundall.

Beautifully styled the look combines a coastal casual with sophisticated elegance no matter if it’s in a hi-rise apartment or a country cottage or beachfront property.

Available from Rococo Design Ashmore Road Bundall

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

‘the hamptons look’

ROCOCO Design

93 ashmore road bundall tel: 07 5538 0830 www.rococodesign.com.au Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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Striking beauty in the bathroom At the 2009 Australian International Design Awards, which set a global benchmark for quality in manufactured goods, Methven’s Tahi Shower System was the winner in the housing and building sector.

Tahi’s thermostatic shower mixers ensure total temperature control to maximise showering enjoyment from top to toe. Available in dual and single flow form and featuring a 38 degree safety lock, the luxurious overhead drencher changes easily to a hand shower. A soft touch lever functionality delivers ease of use and aesthetic reward with its sleek and stylish profile.

The Satinjet technology is a totally new way of using much less water in the shower and enjoying it more. It performs and feels very differently to all other showers, plus you can see the difference. Twin jets of water are

Stylefiles

propelled to collide, fracturing the surface tension and creating 3,000 droplets per second of Satinjet spray. Tahi

Furniture Packages

hand showers also feature a rejuvenating massage spray which provides the ultimate shower experience. It saves 50 per cent + water and energy consumption, making extraordinary advances in the bathroom. For example a family of four can save over 100,000 litres of water and $100+ off energy bills per year.

Judges at the awards described the Satinjet technology, which was developed by Methven as: “Striking beauty in a water saving bathroom product…twin-jet technology enhances an already very attractive product.”

“We understand that using design well and utilising our world first ‘Human Factors’ research in this area, enables us to produce products that not only look great and provide a great showering experience, but more importantly use less resources, especially water and the energy used to heat water,” says Methven Australia’s CEO Matthew Crichton. “Essentially, most of us want a guilt-free luxury shower experience. At Methven, we call this sustainable luxury.”

Every Tahi shower features a double shelving unit. Easily adjusted, it glides along the spine at the touch of a button and is designed to carry razors, loofahs and other showering accoutrements.

The Tahi Shower System is available from Reece stores nationally.

Soft Furnishings

Giftware

Custom Furniture

Upholstery

Window Treatments

Shop 29, level 1 (beach end) The Oasis Shopping Centre Broadbeach QLD

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Accessories

P: 07 5538 8755 F: 07 5538 8433 E: Jen@signatureinteriors.com.au W: www.signatureinteriors.com.au

Brickworks Centre (Ferry Rd Markets) 107 Ferry Road Southport 07 5503 1991 www.armadillohomedecor.com.au

books

Art of Nature Three Centuries of Natural History Art from Around the World, by Judith Magee, Hardie Grant $55.

This astonishing visual record of the exploration of parts of the natural world that had never previously been documented, features many of the greatest natural history artists from the last 300 years – Merian, Bartram, Ehret, the Bauer brothers, Audubon and Gould. Some were seeking fame as scientists or artists, others sought financial gain or at least the prospect of earning a living in what they loved doing. For some it also provided them with the opportunity to present their view of nature to a wider community. Continent by continent Judith Magee draws on the unrivalled collections of the library of the Natural History Museum to illustrate the development of natural history art through the centuries and its crucial role in furthering people’s appreciation of nature all around the world.

The Crafty Minx

by Kelly Doust, Murdoch Books, $39.95 Making gorgeous things from pre-loved, remnant and vintage items, even for a non-crafter who’s desperate to be more creative but doesn’t know how is easy. Kelly Doust shares her practical tips for how to make delectable crafts with over 75 projects which give traditional crafts a modern makeover – from brightly patterned summer each bags and cotton apron tops to cosy lambs’ wool throws and cashmere-covered hot water bottles, or a soft toy for a friend’s new baby – this book is broken down into the four seasons of the year for easy inspiration.

Bringing you stories about great vintage finds and new ways of looking at the treasures within our own homes, and at thrift stores and local flea markets, it reflects the huge cultural shift towards recycling and buying locally. No matter where you live or what your circumstances, discover just how easy it is to be a crafty minx.

People I’ve Met – Places I’ve Been by Kerri-Anne Kennerley, New Holland, $35.

Kerri-Anne was born and raised in the Brisbane suburb of Sandgate.

She first appeared on television at the age of 13 in the children's shows The Channel Niners and Everybody's In. At the age of 19 she ventured on to the cabaret circuit as a singer and spent five successful years in the US. She met her husband John when she returned to Australia and they were the first couple to marry at the Sydney Opera House.

Kerri-Anne's career has spanned soapies such as The Restless Years, Good Morning Australia, The Midday Show and since 2003 she has been the host of Mornings with KerriAnne on the Nine Network.

In Kerri-Anne's new book she shares the fascinating behind the scenes story of her current television program, with photos and personal reminiscences.

RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design: Planning, Building and Planting Your Perfect Outdoor Space by Royal Horticultural Society, Doorling Kindersley $69.95 Learn to plan, build and plant your perfect garden with the experts.

From how to draw a layout to explaining the best places to use lighting effects, discover how to create the garden you've always wanted with the RHS. Guiding you through the whole creative and gardening process, learn to visualise your ideas, choose a style, develop plans, plot, build, landscape, select the right plants, and apply the finishing touches to make your garden the ideal reflection of your tastes and creativity. A look at inspirational gardens will give you lots of ideas for things to create.

Whether you want to plan a major project or focus on a particular area, this is the complete guide: don't design without it.

movies ALICE IN WONDERLAND Starring Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, Anne Hathaway, Alan Rickman and directed by Tim Burton.

From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 2D & 3D fantasy adventure Alice In Wonderland, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. In cinemas early March.

CIRQUE DU FREAK: The Vampire's Assistant Starring John C. Reilly, Ken Watanabe, Ray Stevenson with Willem Dafoe and Salma Hayek and directed by Paul Weitz.

THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT, based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan, is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two

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warring factions of vampires. Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night. 16-year-old Darren (Chris Massoglia) was like most kids. He hung out with his best friend, got decent grades and usually stayed out of trouble. But when he and his buddy stumble upon a travelling freak show, things begin to change inside Darren. That’s the exact moment when a vampire named Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly) turns him into something, well, bloodthirsty.

Newly undead, he joins the Cirque Du Freak, a touring sideshow filled with monstrous creatures from a snakeboy and a wolfman to a bearded lady (Salma Hayek) and a gigantic barker (Ken Watanabe). As Darren flexes his newfound powers in this dark world, he becomes a treasured pawn between the vampires and their deadlier counterparts.

In cinemas mid March.

movies/ dvds

Heston’s Feasts, a cooking show with a difference

H

eston Blumenthal, the chef and owner of The Fat Duck, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the UK village of Bray is known for his mind-bending menus where food and science collide with delicious consequences. Now he's cooking his way through history and raising recipes from the dead on a surreal and spectacular gastronomic journey.

His mission is to surprise jaded 21st century palates by scientifically reconstructing an inventive back-to-the-future banquet consisting of forgotten flavours, textures and taste sensations. His culinary quest takes him through Victorian Britain and Tudor England to the Medieval era and Ancient Rome and includes a special Christmas episode. Through each program, he will create a spectacular mouthwatering historical feast complete with all the

sumptuous, orgasmic, excessive mayhem our ancestors took for granted.

Chomping his way through key moments in culinary history our gastronaut recreates feasts including Henry VIII’s Feast of Beasts, the Roman shaggingfood orgy of Caligula and Alice’s Banquet in Wonderland for a room stuffed full of demanding celebrities, hard-nosed critics and hungry revelers, all bracing themselves for the feast of their lives. Sharing dishes on the menu include an entirely edible garden with insects, 24 blackbirds baked in a pie, a Trojan Hog with edible intestines and an unusual ‘ejaculating’ cake.

This isn’t cooking for amateurs, so throw away your cookbooks and definitely don't try this at home. Go to www.sbs.com.au

LET THE FUR FLY...

billionaire Leonard Saber (Bill Nichy) and Saberling Industries to control the entire population through household appliances, the specialised taskforce is Get ready for a new breed of hero in this hilarious and unexpectedly shutdown by the FBI. These highly-trained heart-warming tale of teamwork, courage and determination. guinea pigs quickly find themselves in their worst In his first big-screen 3D film Jerry Bruckheimer, creator of nightmare – as regular household pets up for sale in a pet the Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure series of shop. films, teams up with two-time Academy Award winning visual With global security at stake, the G-FORCE escape to effects artist Hoyt H. Yeatman Jnr, in his directorial debut to complete their mission as rogue agents, determined to stop create G-FORCE, a team of crime fighters like you’ve never Saberling Industries before the ‘Saber Sense’ chips detonate seen before! and begin wreaking worldwide havoc!

An elite group of animal spies, G-FORCE is a clandestine Armed with all of the latest in miniature spy espionage team of highly trained guinea pigs - locked and technologies, the G-FORCE encounter new characters loaded for their first big sting operation. Lead by Darwin along the way including civilian guinea pig Hurley (voiced (voiced by Sam Rockwell), G-FORCE members also include

by Jon Favreau), and Bucky, the overly territorial hamster Blaster, the adrenaline-loving demolition expert (voiced by (voiced by Steve Buscemi). What’s more, the crime fighting Tracy Morgan), Juarez, the sassy counter-intelligence officer team discover startling and heart-warming details about and martial arts specialist (voiced by Penelope Cruz), a their past, and that the true enemy of the G-FORCE is not computer and operations specialist mole called Speckles quite who or what they expected. (voiced by Nicolas Cage) and a literal fly-on-the wall reconnaissance expert Be a part of all the G-FORCE action when you bring it home on Disney DVD known as Mooch. and the 2-Disc Blu-ray™ Hi-Def Combo Pack from 27th January 2010.

On the verge of saving the world and foiling the suspected evil plans of

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travel

Thai’d with a French twist Sawasdee and welcome to Thailand, the epitome of contradictions as Helen Flanagan discovered.

ingredients including sweet pomelo, kaffir lime, green mango and toasted coconut, had a zesty umph; Montha’s Thai cooking class featuring tom yam goong was a lesson in harmony and balance; and Jean-Georges had more culinary surprises in store.

O

utrageously contemporary glass towers and super chic hotel transitional

Becoming a royal for a day in Bangkok at the Plaza Athenee was a cinch for a

portals vie for space with traditional Thai temples and teak houses. Swank

princess and prince in the making, especially luxuriating in the 180 square metre

boutiques and shopping malls somehow meld with hub-bubbing local

Vimarn Siam suite, and ogling the sights on a tour of Krung Thep or the ‘city of angels’,

markets. Roller coaster rides vary from tuk tuks to river boats to gliding Skytrains and

before heading to the walled Grand Palace complex, which dates from 1782 and

cool limousines. The wildest paradox of all however has to be ordering a noodle dish

houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most revered statue in Thailand.

and som tam or spicy green papaya salad from a roadside

In Reflexions’ restaurant, salivating over an exemplary

vendor one day and learning how to roll out dumpling pastry

degustation including roasted pigeon breast and leg in duck

into perfect rounds and stuff with lobster and foie gras the next.

Wondering what the genesis of the much anticipated, supposedly Thai food only experience was?

It all began at a beachside restaurant in Phuket scoffing softshelled crab and rock lobster, warding off dehydration with Chang beer and patting the bristly-haired ears of young ChokDee, who passed by with his mahout and after swallowing a banana, grunted and waved his trunk in appreciation. So far, so Thai.

The next day however, the tables turned with a palate tingling, albeit at times confusing French twist. Alsace-born Jean-Georges Vongerichten

had

When you’re quackers about duck and foie gras, surely it’s a case of live today for tomorrow we may diet.

deconstructed, yes

Gosset Champagne and riesling from Alsace, was a pre cursor to more paradoxical magic, the hotel’s Laurent Perrier Sunday brunch. Imagine stunning produce and creations from around the globe: Thai-style tapas in cones, Peking duck pancakes, wagyu beef, noodles, dim sum, duck parfait, French cheeses, Alaskan king crab, salmon from gravlax to roasted, plump oysters natural, with fancy toppings or as vodka shooters, Valhrona Belgian chocolate, strawberry soufflés, crepes Suzette, Movenpick ice-cream - mere morsels of the 200 plus worldclass offerings.

If you thought the bar on French Thai’d fare was high enough, wait until Matthew Woolford says “g’day”. The Sydney-

deconstructed breakfast dishes at all Le Meridien hotels. An Illy

born food and beverage maestro of Le Meridian Chiang Rai,

coffee and an “eye opening” juice combo of mango, chilli and lime or cherry, lemon

knows how to make guests swoon, even at a cooking class.

and black pepper, was the passport needed to face tempters such as espresso

Pleating pastry around minced lobster, coriander root, soy sauce and foie gras,

steamed eggs, a sort-of fluffy soufflé served in a cup; smoked salmon with silken tofu,

without oozy leaks is an art. Steaming, dipping and eating the har gow or dim sum

fresh raspberry vinegar and pickled Asian chillies; or a warm goat cheese custard, a

however is easy. Making a curry using coconut cream, adding braised duck legs, pan

new take on quiche. Interesting.

fried foie gras and noodles, also had its trying moments however the certificate said

Nirvana was found at Le Meridien Khao Lak. The villa exuded a stay-forever

“completed with honours”. Such wickedly indulgent dishes and don’t even think

ambience; the flower-bejewelled water gardens and extra sensory spa treatments

cholesterol! When you’re quackers about duck and foie gras, surely it’s a case of live

were equally splendiferous; Baan Thai restaurant’s southern rice salad with eleven

today for tomorrow we may diet. C’est la vie.

Southern Thai Khau Yam or rice salad.

Credit: Le Meridien Khao Lak

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liver pastille with black truffles, accompanied by a glass each of

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Le Meriden Chiang Rai

Young Chok-Dee grunted when Helen Flanagan scratched his bristly-haired ears

Vimarn Siam living room

Fine dining at Le Meriden

Gilded statue at the Grand Palace

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travel

FALL INTO BED at LIMES in Brisbane 99 Reasons To Stay...

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A

bandoning convention for spontaneity and frivolity, the Limes Hotel’s Play and Stay special remains the talk of the town with its $99 overnight price tag on offer to guests of its roof top bar.

Sparking intrigue amongst locals and visitors alike, guests remaining on the roof top bar until closing time at midnight are welcome to stay the night at the five star hotel for only $99* – the price of a nice bottle of wine or a CBD parking fine.

Guests and Cinderellas must visit the front desk in person at midnight to make their booking, which is dependent on room availability.

Owner of the Limes Hotel, Damian Griffiths, said the Play and Stay offer was another example of the hotel’s eccentricities. “We have built a reputation on leaving the mainstream expectations of accommodation behind to offer guests an experience, always with a twist.

In these slowing economic times, it is of little surprise the special is so popular. “The amount of interest the Play and Stay special attracts is phenomenal – it is a Brisbane ‘must do’,” Mr Griffiths said.

Overseas, interstate and local visitors from the Gold Coast and Noosa - can on a whim, enjoy the excitement and random act of ending an evening on the rooftop bar with a plush sleepover at Limes - well within

the travel budget.

Similarly, Brisbane locals also take advantage of the inexpensive urban retreat to wake up in plush ‘Ploh’ beds and breakfast under blue skies on the rooftop – all inclusive.

“I think it is the perfect way to bring together the two fundamental experiences at Limes – the roof top bar and the hotel,” Mr Griffiths said.

Claiming many firsts, such as being the first member of the prestigious and style focussed Design Hotel group in Australia, and Brisbane’s only roof top cinema, the hotel and its offerings have proven to be a welcomed and refreshing change to the long-standing five star hotel norms.

The answer to Brisbane’s taxi shortage and Cinderella’s pumpkin problem, the Play and Stay special is one to remember when next in town. *This super special offer is only available in person to patrons at the roof top bar and is offered subject to room availability. Rooms for the special cannot be pre-booked over the phone or internet.

The Limes Hotel 142 Constance St Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Ph: +61 (0)7 3852 9000

Need to Escape Burns the Floor...

N

eed

to

Escape

is

Available exclusively through Need to Escape, the BURN THE FLOOR

bringing its

accommodation and show packages are priced from $346* per person twin

customers a dance

share, and consist of two night’s accommodation at either the four and a half star

experience with show

Crown Promenade Hotel or the five star Crown Towers and B and C reserve show

and accommodation packages for the Broadway Ballroom dancing sensation

tickets. With only twenty shows in Australia, tickets are sure to sell out fast, for

BURN THE FLOOR, which is showcasing a limited season at The Palms at Crown in

bookings visit www.needtoescape.com.au or phone 1300 666 787.

Melbourne in February and March 2010.

Choreographed by the highly acclaimed Jason Gilkison of American So You

Crown Promenade Hotel, Melbourne Stay two nights in a standard room at the 4.5 star Crown Promenade Hotel

dancers, BURN THE FLOOR is a ballroom dancing sensation- which has received

Melbourne and receive two tickets to the BURN THE FLOOR stage show. Two night

international acclaim from London to Tokyo with its Broadway stint.

packages priced from $346* per person, twin share. Valid for travel 20 February

run at The Palms at Crown in Melbourne and Need to Escape is offering exclusive accommodation packages staying at either the Crown Promenade Hotel or Crown Towers, with reserve show tickets included.

2010 to 7 March 2010. For bookings visit www.needtoescape.com.au or phone 1300 666 787.

Crown Towers, Melbourne Stay two nights in a deluxe room at the five star Crown Towers and receive two

Need to Escape Marketing Director Emma Croston said that this was a chance

tickets to the BURN THE FLOOR stage show. Two night packages priced from

for their customers to experience the world’s best in ballroom with the

$462* per person, twin share. Valid for travel 20 February 2010 to 7 March 2010. For

convenience of a show and accommodation package. “This show is an

bookings visit www.needtoescape.com.au or phone 1300 666 787.

international hit and with Need to Escape’s exclusive packages, we are able to give

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Need to Escape BURN THE FLOOR Show and Accommodation packages

Think You Can Dance fame, and featuring the world’s best competitive ballroom

This thrilling show is starting its 2010 World Tour with a limited, 20 performance

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our customers a truly breathtaking experience,” Ms Croston said.

*price differs depending on day of show.

theatre

Circus of the Senses... MOTHER AFRICA 100% AFRICAN - 100% JOY - 100% PARTY

Direct from Africa comes the phenomenon known as "CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA" - a breathtaking dance, music and acrobatic musical sensation that is set to turn theatre going into an all new experience. One never seen in Australia before. his show of high-class, sheer entertainment will debut at Conrad Jupiter’s on the Gold Coast from 24th March.

Retfar Entertainment is proud to present a new simply exhilarating, high energy production. This exciting show, exclusively being staged at Conrad Jupiter’s on the Gold Coast from 24th March to 8th May, has been described by critics as "enthralling", "a theatrical treasure", "a feel good spectacular par excellence", "solid entertainment", "fun, fun, fun" and so much more. The production has been touring for eight years worldwide, with over 2-million people seeing this spectacle. Featuring 40 artists from many different countries in Africa - Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Egypt and South Africa - all presenting skillful acrobatics, traditional music and

T

dances, as well as athleticism and charisma - at its best, also displaying outstanding circus techniques, such as juggling, contortionists, adagio and highwire feats - all complemented by fabulous, colourful costumery.

The show not only presents a full scope of African culture, but also entertains the audience with outstanding acrobatics, traditional dance and music.

Cirque Mother Africa offers the audience more than the usual. Show highlights include contortionists Lazaro and Hasani from Kenya; the hand-in-hand artistry of the Ramadani Brothers from Tanzania; the Hoola-Hoop act with a thousand hoops; the juggling duo act that juggles their colleagues in the air using their feet; the 'Diabolo' that flies from one rope to the other - and the "In Africa" Band playing stomping sounds from Africa. Traditional sounds of the 'Kora', the African West Coast 20-string instrument that sounds like a mixture between a guitar and harp, complimented by three beautiful lead female singers from South Africa and Zimbabwe creating a warm and powerful sound.

The Premiere performance of "CIRCUS MOTHER AFRICA" will be staged at Conrad Jupiter’s, Gold Coast Performances from 24th March until 8th May, 2010 at 7.30pm Bookings: Ticketmaster "http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/"www.ticketm aster.com.au or 1300 888 086, HYPERLINK "http://www.circus-mother-africa.com" www.circus-mother-africa.com

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theatre/ art

What’s on in the theatres

They started in Hamburg in 1960 and by 1965 they were the biggest music phenomenon the world had known.

Beatlemania swept the world for the next 14 years. Now, half a century later, you can relive this amazing journey.

The Beatles phenomenon is live on stage again in Brisbane, with Beatlemania On Tour at The Concert Hall – QPAC on Friday 12th March, 2010.

Performed by The Beatles Experience, four young impersonators, Beatlemania On Tour recreates the spirit and energy of the Fab Four.

In Authentic costumes, with trademark Beatles instruments, amplifiers, choreography and performing every song in its original key, the four accomplished musicians have audience around the world jumping “eight days a week.”

It's time to relive the 60s, so dig out the old bell bottoms, fitted shirts, love beads and put a few flowers in your hair.

Venue: The Concert Hall – QPAC Prices: $68.00 / Conc $58.00 Contact: QTIX www.qtix.com.au 136 246

The Sydney Theatre Company presents…

The Wharf Revue

Pennies from Kevin arewell

Not-so

Roman Holiday – La Dolce Big-Eater, Penny “K.D.” Wong sings Constant CaveIn, Michelle sings why her guy Obama is the new black.

Written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott, and rave reviews from The Australian and The Daily Telegraph, this is one

behind you and cross to the

politically incorrect show not to be missed.

road to recovery with a stimulus

“Thank goodness for the cheeky, witty

package of song and satire in The

goofiness of the Wharf Revue which,

Wharf Revue, performing in the Arts

after years of unapologetic silliness and

Theatre Saturday 6 March, 8pm.

political satire, shows no sign of slowing

One beautiful girl and three lucky fellows back in work - have pooled their one-off payments and put on a show.

Celebrating its tenth year, through bad times and worse, Sydney Theatre Company’s outrageous Wharf Revue once again bravely goes to the pointy end of the comic schtick.

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

Heaven, Amanda Vanstone on her

Great

funny side of the street . Dance down the

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Canberra’s Got Talent, The Democrats in

Depression. Put your troubles

F

the

Highlights include Kevin Potter and the Lower Chamber of Secrets,

down.” – The Daily Telegraph.

GOLD COAST ARTS CENTRE Saturday 6 March, 8pm Bookings: Ph Box Office on 5588 4000

galleries / gold coast The Gold Coast nurtures a vibrant artistic community accounting for 20% of the total cultural and recreational services workforce in Queensland.

Lose yourself in 84 art galleries, 22 drama and theatrical organisations and 300 cultural groups.

Gold Coast City Art Gallery is home to

city streets – view Burleigh street scapes.

Each September, Currumbin Sculpture Festival Swell attracts 30,000 to view 50 world renowned outdoor sculpture artists.

Gold Coast City Art Gallery 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise

Anthea Polson Art

Australia’s largest regional arts and

Shop 19-20 Mariners Cove Seaworld Drive Main Beach (next to Marina Mirage) Tel 07 5561 1166

entertainment complexes with a gallery,

Watling Galleries

Australia’s richest photography prize.

Gold Coast Arts Centre is one of

theatre, cinema, restaurant, café, function and community rooms. www.gcac.com.au Tweed River Art Gallery’s Doug Moran

16/19 Warehouse Road "The Brickworks" Southport Phone: (07) 5531 4781

Tokonoma Gallery

$100,000. The winning paintings become

442 Gold Coast Springbrook Road, Mudgeeraba, Queensland.

Phone 07 5530 2378

part of the collection.

The Peacock Gallery

www.tweed.nsw.gov.au

Ground floor Q1 Resort 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise Phone (07) 55 380773

National Portrait Prize snares the artist

Art isn’t confined indoors. Sculpture Walkway is one of Australia’s few public sculpture parks. Public sculptures adorn

Pictured: Hand-blown glass jellyfish sculpture, just one of the amazing & original pieces of art that you will find at The Peacock Gallery.

“Yellow Hibiscus” - One of the unique pieces of hand-blown glass available. BELOW: “The Shell” - Bronze sculpture, limited edition and “Nautilus” - hand-blown glass vase.

Available exclusively from The Peacock Gallery, Q1 Resort, Surfers Paradise Ph (07) 55 380773”

Ground floor Q1 Resort 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise Free underground parking (07) 55 380773 Handcrafted Designer Jewellery by Susan Peacock Amber, Silver, Gold, Crystal & Venetian Glass Jewellery Hand-blown Glass: Paperweights, Sculptures, Perfume bottles, Vases, Tea-light holders, Hearts, Marbles, Orbs, Sea creatures Bronze Sculptures Hand-painted Lights Paintings... & more!

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artist profile

white canvas art gallery ...her passion is to be surrounded by art and to eventually exhibit selected art to the Brisbane public.

artist profile

B

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

risbane artist Robyn Kirk has opened a gallery in Fortitude Valley.Her passion is to be surrounded by art and to eventually exhibit selected art to the Brisbane public. She is expressing her excitement in learning more about the art world every day.

“We have already had art work exhibited by award winning and finalists artists (Blake Prize, Portia Geach, Archibald, Sculptures on the Sea, Sky Garden Art Prize and the Norville Art Prize). The latter part of the year will see some exciting emerging and accomplished artists, Jonathon Crowther, Sarah Hickey Sylvia Watt, Marcie McLeod, Margaret Fredrickson and others”.

Robyn’s success and personal experience in the world of interior design is grounded in her melding of fine art and applied art. She see’s interiors as a walk-in still life, not unlike a painter who gathers objects on a table to paint, but more precisely chosen and arranged. ‘Everything you see or imagine, you put into focus through the lens of experience’ Robyn says. Creating this new gallery space is an experiment in collaboration with artist of all disciplines. “Variety in art give’s one’s culture a greater richness.’ Says Robyn. ‘I’m looking forward to fostering and encouraging the artistic camaraderie and cross-influence of Brisbane’s finest established and emerging artists.’

Robyn is working on everything from portraits to abstract - painting predominantly with acrylic and oils and pastels on canvas and board. At present her main focus is colour, which has instigated some larger abstract works. This seems to be an extension of her strong portrait capability, but the urge to express more on a broader more relaxed scale.

The questions of eternity and infinity have an influence on her work at present. The wonder of thoughts provoked and the realization that we do not know.

The White Canvas Gallery or Space, as it is sometimes referred to, is being leased to artists until it has the capacity to become a regular gallery. It has been extremely popular and is booking very quickly, as it is one of the most enticing art spaces in Brisbane. It has a beautiful feel and just happens to be in the art precinct of Fortitude Valley - the perfect spot for a gallery.

WHITE CANVAS ART GALLERY 26 Church Street Fortitude Valley Ph: 0412 641487 email : info@whitecanvas.tv

Artist Profile is sponsored by

THE AUSTRALIAN ARTIST & TALENT REGISTER

Email info@atalent.com.au or Phone 07 38684066 www.atalent.com.au

live theatre We've all heard it at some time in our life ... It’s not you darl, it’s me... Sweetie, let’s see other people ... you deserve better hon...

I’m setting you free ...it’s the kids.

AVENUE Q… Brisbane

Avenue Q is an hilarious, feel-good musical performed by a wonderful mix of puppets and humans

C

Dumped!

ross Sesame Street with The Muppet Show, give it an R

rating, slap on a health warning that 'too much laughter can make your sides ache' and you've got Avenue Q.

The show caused a sensation at the 2004 Tony Awards by beating blockbuster 'Wicked' to win the three most coveted awards – Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. And, the production is still playing on Broadway to packed houses six years later, as well as enjoying continued success on London’s West End, where it has been playing for the past three years.

Brisbane audiences now have the opportunity to see what all the Fuzz is about, when this cult hit comes to QPAC. Directed by Jonathan Biggins, and featuring a stellar cast including Mitchell Butel, Natalie Alexopoulos, David James, Luke Joslin, Christina O’Neill, Cherine Peck, Frank Hansen, Leah Howard, Josie Lane and Gus Murray, Avenue Q

finishes its Australian tour in Brisbane after

delighting audiences in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide. Avenue Q is not the most upmarket of New York streets, and is about as far away from Park Avenue as you can get, but it is home to some lively and off the wall characters performed by an unholy comedic alliance of humans and puppets.

Princeton, a bright?eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever?elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of selfdiscovery.

Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno…and that’s just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show. For those weaned on Sesame Street, the AVENUE Q puppets may look familiar, but with musical numbers like "Everyone's A Little Bit Racist" and "If You Were Gay," this send--?up of political correctness isn't for the kiddies.

Avenue Q plays in Brisbane at The Playhouse QPAC. Season runs 20th Feb - 7th Mar. Bookings: QTIX 136 246 or qtix.com.au

N

o matter how you dress it up - there’s no way around it - the excuses and the reasoning all mean the same thing: YOU’RE DUMPED! This year in Brisbane, this most gutwrenching of all fates will be commiserated, substantiated, cultivated, dissected and in the end, celebrated, in the world premiere season of DUMPED The Musical We’ve all been through.

Witten and directed by Australia’s incredibly talented *Emma Powell, the brains and boobs behind the hit 2008/09 musical BUSTING OUT!, DUMPED The Musical will star four incredible actresses, showcase 22 great songs, and channel the pain and humiliation of a million bust-ups, putting humour right back into affairs of the heart.

You remember being dumped don’t you?

They come out with some lame excuse ... then the breathing stops; the brain switches off; vision goes; you can’t feel your legs; the ability to speak departs; the faculty of reason deserts you ... and then slowly you realise: these are the symptoms of your heart breaking. Bastards!

You reach for the TimTams, the white wine bottle, the doona and the telephone. Some stay in this parallel universe for a day, some for a week, some for a year or two. It depends on the pre-dump love level. What makes DUMPED The Musical special (and a dead certainty to sell out)? It’s the fact that everyone has been through the experience.

“In writing DUMPED The Musical, I called on memories of some of my darkest and most heartbreaking hours, and the days and weeks that followed. This show is a chance to laugh at relationship memories or miseries, be uplifted and at the same time, be part of a hilarious and heart-warming story of friendship and learning to love again. Most importantly, to realise that you are not alone,” said Powell.

“Life is too short to mourn over morons – male or female – and DUMPED discovers and celebrates this. Because, as we all know, it’s better to have loved and lost than to live with a psycho for the rest of your life. This show is for

anyone whose ever been dumped, dumped someone, think they might get dumped, is planning on dumping someone, or who just loves watching other people getting dumped.

And, for everyone who loves a fun night out with tonnes of crazy stuff and ridiculous musical numbers to boot.”

Emma has promised to put it all out there for everyone to rake over, cry over, and laugh over – every single (oops, sorry) fragile second!

Welcome to Dumpees’ Anonymous – where life’s relationship “tragedies” are hilariously and hysterically dealt with. DUMPED! is the mustsee, tear jerkingly funny comedy of 2010.

“If finding your prince has hit the skids; if it seems that cupid has done a runner; and if changing your Facebook relationship status from “In a relationship” to “Single” felt like someone was ripping your beating heart from your chest; then get ready to laugh it all away in this side-splitting comedy about life’s lost loves,” said producer Simon Bryce, the powerhouse producer behind BUSTING OUT! “Emma Powell has managed to turn your blackest hour into an outrageously funny Musical Comedy. You'd be hard pressed to assemble more broken hearts in one place but I promise you, all those hearts will leave uplifted, empowered and laughing for days to come,” he said.

DUMPED The Musical will romance its way into Brisbane’s iconic Twelfth Night Theatre for a strictly limited season.Great discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Guys welcome too – the bastards!

Show: When:

DUMPED! The Musical From 28th April for a strictly limited season Venue: Twelfth Night Theatre Tickets: Phone 1300 364 001 or www.ticketek.com.au or at the Twelfth Night Theatre (4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills, opposite the Bowen Hills Train Station) Tickets start at just $49.90 each.

Great discounts for groups of ten or more.

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

83

a brave new world of motoring...

The Audi e-tron

I

n Frankfurt recently, Audi presented the highlight of the IAA 2009: the etron, a high-performance sports car

with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro.

Producing 230 kW and 4,500 Nm of torque, the two-seater accelerates from

package takes

0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The

into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle.

lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt

The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin, for an optimal centre of

hours, to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometres.

gravity and axle load distribution.

The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the

The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric

consistent

motors to the wheels as required. This so-called torque vectoring allows for

and holistic

dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when

strategy.

cornering.

The design

Audi has taken a new - and in some cases, revolutionary approach to many

makes

it

of the technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and

that

heat the interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery, are

the e-tron

controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial

belongs in

component for achieving the car’s range - without compromising its high

the

major

level of interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the

leagues of

surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new

sports cars,

dimensions for the optimisation of efficiency, safety and convenience.

clear

and

the

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the power of women... …WRITING TWELVE HOURS A DAY, SIX DAYS A WEEK, EIGHT MONTHS A YEAR TO COMPLETE A BOOK USING WHAT HE CALLS “BUMGLUE YOU GLUE YOUR BUM TO A CHAIR AND JUST PERSIST”, HE GOES ON A WALKING TRAIL

Whether in books or life Bryce Courtenay is besotted by women, writes Helen Flanagan. lthough born illegitimately to a single mother in the deep north of South

A

spoken Bryce who has been with his partner Christine Gee for the last five years,

Africa, placed in an orphanage at three months and “walloped by a big six-

lives on a one-hectare property near Bowral in the NSW’s Southern Highland and

foot-three

loves gardening, cooking and his cats. “I still like the person after slitting up and

teacher Miss Bornstein taught the seven-year-old to read. The only English-

sexually.”

Boer”, Bryce Courtenay finally found a soft spot for women when temporary

maintain them as friends. I don’t understand loving a woman sexually and non-

speaking kid in the Afrikaan’s orphanage was constantly beaten up, so he said if

His tally of marathons is 39 and ultra marathons is 12, but today due to a

they stopped hitting, he would tell them stories, but he always withheld the

chronically crippled back, the 76 year-old grandfather of three, can only manage an

endings.

hour’s walk at 4.30am, an hour in the home gym and writing twelve hours a day,

Even after leaving the school, Miss Bornstein wrote to him, sent books and aged

six days a week, eight months a year to complete a book using what he calls

11 she encouraged him to sit for a scholarship. “She met me at the railway station

“bumglue - you glue your bum to a chair and just persist”, he goes on a walking

in Johannesburg when I started at the school, took me in her arms and kissed me,

trail. After The Story of Danny Dunn, (Viking), he walked for three weeks in New

“recalls Bryce. “It was the first time I had been kissed and it was wonderful. She

Zealand.

changed everything for me.”

“I was dying to write a book about the aftermath of the Great Depression, which

After completing a journalism diploma in London, he married his late Australian-

talks about who we are as nation and what is unique about us,” he says. “Danny

born wife Benita with whom they had three sons, Brett, Adam and Damon. During

Dunn is the book’s protagonist – a natural leader who returns from the Japanese

a lucrative 30-year advertising career in Sydney, he was the ‘father’ of the Caxton

prisoner of war camps a broken man. But it is his mother Brenda and his spirited

Awards, won a string of local and international awards and created historical

wife Helen who are the true heroines.

characters such as Louis the Fly, the concept and jingle of which was scrawled out

“I love writing female characters; I love strong females,” admits Bryce, who with

in a taxi on the way to a meeting with the Mortein company’s MD. At 45 he left the

19 books in 20 years to his credit and more on the agenda, is considering a second

hard-drinking, hard-smoking, hard-living life behind.“I'm an 'A' personality; I overdo

spinal operation, plus with only two fingers unaffected by arthritis he’s long given

everything. So I became a fitness fanatic. Advertising was only meant to be a very

up book signings and is worried about typing, so has called on advanced technical

small part of my life and I wanted to be a writer.”

gizmos to assist. “My books always have strong female characters and are named

At 55, he fell out of love with Benita after 42 years of marriage, in love with someone else and his first book, The Power of One, was published.

after strong women I know like you Helen, [referring to writer Helen Flanagan]. The males fall about and are hopeless. It’s the females who save us all in the end.”

“Benita died in my arms in 2007 from acute myeloid leukaemia,” says softly-

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

85

motoring

0 - 100kph in 2.78 seconds S

motoring

helby SuperCars (SSC), an American supercar company and the creator of the 'Ultimate Aero', launched the US$740,000 '2010 Ultimate Aero' at the 'Dubai International Motor Show 2009',

86

Acclaimed as the fastest production car in the world and holding a Guiness World Record certificate to prove it, the new supercar model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.78 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 413 km/h (257 mph).

Customised and road-tested to suit the harsh weather conditions in the Middle East the '2010 Ultimate Aero' runs on an exclusive SSC-designed, one-piece billet aluminum twin turbo V8 engine block designed to improve structural integrity and oiling capabilities while improving durability. Now armed with the more powerful new engine, the 2010 model produces 946kw, 15% more horsepower than the 2007 model, and 1507nm of torque. SSC also commissioned American company 'Aeromotive' to develop a flawless system to accommodate the unique fuel system requirements of the '2010 Ultimate Aero', which features upgrades including carbon ceramic brakes and power steering.

Riding on the world's first one-piece carbon fibre wheels, the '2010 Ultimate Aero' is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive supercar with twin turbo chargers, dualwater to air intercoolers and custom Recaro seats.

Further, the car features the trademarked AeroBrake system that deploys under braking situations, and which can be disabled at the push of a button for city driving or situations where sharp braking and downforce assistance are not necessary. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8" when the brake pedal is depressed with the speed of the spoiler actuation determined by the amount of brake pedal pressure.

"The '2010 Ultimate Aero' is the culmination of our dedication and heavy investment into the development of a new breed of supercar, and we are very proud to introduce our 2010 model to the Middle East," said Jerod Shelby, President and CEO of Shelby SuperCars. "The 2010 model is a testament to our unrivalled pursuit for excellence, which continuously fuels us to make pioneering breakthroughs in automotive development and we are confident that this new supercar will further raise the benchmark for supercars while pushing the limits of current production car technology."

Combining the power plant of an engine with a lightweight, aerodynamic body and the best handling systems available, the '2010 Ultimate Aero' has an increased engine displacement of 387.2 cu. in.,

Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

bore and stroke of 4.125 x 3.620 inch, and electronic sequential port fuel injection. Packed with a revamped front fascia design and an array of important upgrades - including a navigation system, 10-speaker premium audio/CD/DVD system, 7.5 inch video/DVD screen and automatic rear view camera SSC delivers a vehicle that eclipses all other cars in performance and aesthetics. In addition, the center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor.

Shelby SuperCars is an American supercar company founded in 1999 by automotive enthusiast Jerod Shelby. Headquartered in Tri-Cities, Washington, SSC is driven by its founder's strong passion for racing and automotive culture. Competing with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Koenigsegg, SSC has and continues to exponentially accelerate in its development and production of world-class supercars. At present, the company is working on developing and implementing a revolutionary green technology for its supercars in the near future.

The FAST FACTS: Engine Type: Displacement: Bore x Stroke: Compression Ratio: Horsepower: Torque: Redline: Fuel Injection: Induction System:

Layout: Body/Frame: Brakes: Rear: Wheels: Tyres: Front: Rear:

SSC Designed Billet Aluminum V8 Block 387.2 cu.in.

4.125 x 3.620" 8.975:1 946 kw (1287 bhp) @ 6075 rpm 1507nm @ 6150 rpm 7200 rpm Electronic Sequential Port Sequential, multi-port fuel injection, Twin Turbo Chargers.

Dual-Water to Air Intercoolers.

Mid-Engine/Rear Drive Carbon Fibre/Composite/Steel Space Frame Front: 14.0" Vented Slotted Discs/8-Piston Caliper.

14.0" Vented Slotted Discs/6Piston Caliper.

Forged 3-Piece Alloy 19x91/2" Front, 20x13" Rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 235 35 (YR)19.

335 30 (YR)20.

Record-Breaking Times 0-100 kph: 400m (1/4 mile) Top Speed: 0-160 - 0 kph

2.78 seconds 9.9 sec @ 230 kph 257.41 mph - 415 kph 11.66 seconds

www.shelbysupercars.com

Official - Guinness World Records holder of “Fastest production car in the world� 2007.

LuxuryStyleliving

that’s .... faaast!!

Worlds fastest production car… no it’s not Italian… it’s American!

946kw - 1507nm torque V8 Twin turbo

As quoted “Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.”

Barbara Johnson (American best-selling writer) Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

87

whats on 5th-7th March 2010

Apple and Grape Harvest Festival 2010 - Stanthorpe A fistful of fruity fun! This three-day event celebrates the Granite Belt’s booming horticultural and tourism industry with fine food and winning wines.

But it’s not only for grape and apple aficionados – there’s also plenty of music, and the grand parade, which is bound to please the crowds. Events include Apple Day, sports activities, a Grand Ball, Fun Run, Grand Parade, Queensland Grape Crushing Competition, street and market stalls, wine and multicultural food fiesta, fireworks and a variety of entertainment for all ages.

More info www.appleandgrape.org 3rd-4th April 2010

Champion of Champions Championship of Australia - Caloundra Easter 2010 brings the skirl of the bagpipes and the swing of the kilt to Golden Beach Caloundra, with the "Tartan Spectacular Festival" and the "Australian Champion of Champions Highland Dancing Championship of Australia," set to take place at Caloundra Sports

Stadium and nearby football grounds.Spectators are very welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to see Champion Pipe Bands in action and over 500 dancers (age Four to 40) from all over the world competing for honours on the eight dancing boards. More info 07 3300 1045 30th April to 2nd May 2010

Audi Noosa Food and Wine Festival - Noosa Heads Welcome to the Audi Noosa Food and Wine Festival, Australia's leading regional food and wine festival and a three day tribute to Australian Food and Wine.

An influential line-up of leading chefs, iconic winemakers, leading food and wine media, restaurateurs and serious foodies converge on the magical setting of Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to taste, talk, debate, dine and indulge - Noosa Style! The 2010 Festival

will include over 150 contributors made up of Australia's leading chefs, winemakers, food producers, restaurateurs, restaurant critics and media. This is simply the best fun you will have over three days of food, wine, lifestyle events and entertainment.

More info www.noosafoodandwine.com.au 20th-23rd May 2010

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show - Gold Coast The annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a leading marine event in Australasia. It attracts more than 400 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. View super yachts, sail and power boats, trailerable boats, marine engines, electronics and services with onwater, pavilion and hardstand displays.

More info 07 5577 6011 / www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

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Queensland LuxuryStyleLiving

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