Whether you’re a romantic or a cynic – it’s always nice to remind your loved one or intended (hoped for?) loved one of how special they are to you!

And you can’t deny, its wonderful to feel loved or admired.

There are romantic happenings around about the time of the 14th Feb (well, precisely the time of 14th Feb) – why not participate in the collective loved-upedness and book a treat for yourself and your special person.  And if you’re a cynic, just focus on the brownie points you’ll score…

I would book in now – it will all get a little frenzied nearer the day and you don’t want to miss out.

Drift Brookwater
1 Tournament Drive, Brookwater, Brisbane, QLD. 4300  (07) 3814 6100
Celebrate love with that special person in your life at Drift
Valentines – Tuesday 14 February

Lunch  – $65pp
Dinner – $85pp

Superb 3-course meal
w select bubbles, wines and beer

Live Entertainment
Limited seating
Bookings and prepayment must be made in advance

Ph: (07) 3814 6100
Click here to see more

Summit Restaurant
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Brisbane Lookout, Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, QLD, 4066 (07)3369 9922
Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal with Brisbane’s best view – we’ll even help you in the romance department with a long stem rose and a box of chocolates!
Click here to see more

Valentine’s Day at Stones on the Main
Stones On The Main
381/387 Main Street, Wellington Point, Brisbane, QLD, 4160, Australia (07) 3822 7688
Bring your sweetheart in on Valentine’s Day 14^th February and we’ll spoil you both!
Choose from a delicious 3 course dinner, or our Seafood Spectacular hot and cold seafood platter – the ladies receive a rose and chocolates to make her night even sweeter.
There are two sittings:
5.45pm – 7.45pm (this seating finishes strictly at 7.45pm)
6.00pm – 8.00pm
$49.95 per person – Book now! Ph: (07) 3822 7688
Click here to see more

Lock ‘n’ Load Bistro
142 Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia (07) 3844 0142
Falling under your spell on Valentine’s Day…
For some, it’s more important than Christmas, for others a day they would happily root out from the calendar…one thing is sure, nobody stays at home when it comes to Valentine’s Day!!!

If you’re thinking of a romantic evening for two, we have something tailor made for you. Lock’n'Load is serving a sumptuous shared tasting platter, with your choice of any 2 main meals, to be followed by one of our delicious desserts, with a drink to start, all for only $95 per couple. Gentlemen, don’t miss out on the chance to make your way to the secret garden on this one night of the year.

Give us a call to reserve you table for this special night or click here to make a booking
Click here to see more

Stones on the Lakes
3 Endeavour Blvd, North Lakes, Qld, 4509, Australia 07 3822 7688
Valentine’s Day at Stones on the Lakes
Bring your sweetheart in on Valentine’s Day 14^th February and we’ll spoil you both!
Choose from a delicious 3 course dinner – the ladies receive a rose and chocolates to make her night even sweeter.
There are two sittings:
5.45pm – 7.45pm (this seating finishes strictly at 7.45pm)
6.00pm – 8.00pm
$49.95 per person – Book now! Ph: (07) 3822 7688
Click here to see more

Gazebo Restaurant – Urban Brisbane
345 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia (07) 3230 7865
Roses are red, Violets are blue…Dinner at Hotel Urban just perfect for two!
Hallmark’s favourite holiday is just around the corner, and if you have been bitten by the love-bug treat your special someone to a night of indulgence at Hotel Urban Brisbane this Valentine’s Day, Tuesday 14^th February.

One of Cupids favourite haunts every year, signature bar and restaurant Gazebo presents the perfect setting for the most romantic day of the year. An urban oasis offset by the lush paradise of the adjacent Roma Street Parklands, Gazebo affords sprawling views of the Brisbane cityscape from atop its vantage point on the crest of Spring Hill.

For $110 per person enjoy a Valentine’s dinner special at Gazebo with a three course meal and a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne. Gazebo will be romantically lit for the occasion and adorned with special tables of two for you and your loved one.

Gazebo’s dinner menu boasts an exciting and eclectic mix of cuisines, certain to tempt everyone’s tastebuds. If you feel like something to get you and your partner in the mood, enjoy an aphrodisiacal entrée of pacific oyster’s nude with lime and palm sugar dressing or enjoy something else from the gourmet selection available on the menu at Gazebo.

So let Hotel Urban Brisbane pamper you this Valentine’s Day. To make a booking at Gazebo ph 07 3831 6177.
Cost: $110 per person
Click here to see more

Kookaburra River Queens
Eagle Street, Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 4000 (07) 3221 1300
Experience the romantic ambience of our elegant timber paddlewheelers for this special evening for lovers!
Enjoy a delicious seafood and carvery buffet and a complimentary drink on arrival.
Boarding 7.00pm | Departing 7.30pm | Returning 9.30pm
Bookings Essential 07 3221 1300
Dinner Cruise – $99 ad | $49.50 ch
Click here to see more

Sono Japanese Restaurant Portside Wharf
Level 1, Building 7, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, Brisbane, QLD, 4007 (07) 3268 6655

To all Romantics,
Valentine’s day is just around the corner, so why not spoil that someone special with an exquisite river-side dinner at Sono Portside.

Sono Portside will have two set session times for dinner; 6pm – 8pm and 8.15pm – close.
We are offering a tantalising 5-course set menu at $95pp and $145pp with matched wines.  Teppanyaki will also have a set menu at $95pp and $145pp with matched wines available.
Hurry – Limited availability

Bookings essential – Ph: 07 3268 6655 or email us at events@sonorestaurant.com.au

Click here to see more

Valentine’s Day at Stones Coorparoo
Stones Coorparoo
3/433 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo, QLD. 4151 (07) 3822 7688
Bring your sweetheart in on Valentine’s Day 14^th February and we’ll spoil you both!
Choose from a delicious 3 course dinner – the ladies receive a rose and chocolates to make her night even sweeter.
There are two sittings:
5.45pm – 7.45pm (this seating finishes strictly at 7.45pm)
6.00pm – 8.00pm
$49.95 per person – Book now! Ph: (07) 3822 7688
Click here to see more

The Walnut Restaurant and Lounge Bar
Cnr Alice and Albert Sts, Brisbane, 07 3112 1650

Valentine’s Day at The Walnut
ENTREES
Baby beet and marinated goats feta risotto
fig vincotto, micro leaf salad
Raspberry cured ocean trout
Horse radish terrine, frisee, raspberry puree, lime short bread
Braised rabbit
Suet pastry, pickled carrot, endive and verjuice jelly salad

MAINS
Milly hill rack of lamb
Pressed belly, herb salt crumb, warm potato salad, sweet garlic thyme jus
Galantine of Moya Valley chicken
Confit of wing, chorizo bean cassoulet, pommes dauphine
Stew of Northern Territory Barramundi and Queensland prawn,
Vol au vent, confit fennel, baby leek fritter

DESSERTS
Chocolate Heart to share
white and dark, Raspberry coulis

Mango passion fruit Tiramisu
Mango mascarpone cream

Burnt caramel pannacotta
Chilled cherry and port soup

Valentines Day accommodation deals from *$309
$200 OFF* Wedding reception (when held with us)
2 course dinner deals from $79**conditions apply

Book now! Ph (07) 3221 3411 Toll Free 1800 773 337
Click here to see more

Berkley’s on Ann
255 Ann St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia (07) 3220 1022
$59.50 per person

AMUSE-BOUCHE
Creamed parsnip and vanilla veloute

ENTREE
Caramelized scallops floating on a prawn bisque w sesame wafer and asian slaw

PALATE CLEANSER
Rosemary and Lime sorbet

MAIN MEAL
(served on an alternate basis)
250gr slow cooked beef tenderloin w celeriac pumpkin gratin and tempura courgette
Sesame crusted king fish w warm wakame, lemon grass custard and rice chips

DESSERT
Chocolate tasting plate for 2
Choc-dipped nougat and raspberry gel lollipops with lime and pineapple caviar
Biscotti and passionfruit marshmallow w double chocolate dipping sauce

Click here to see more

16^th on Park Bistro and Dessert Cafe
16 Park Road, Milton, Brisbane, QLD. 4064 (07) 3367 0144
3 Course Set Menu (Select one item from each course) inc complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival
$55/per person

*2 seating times:
1st Seating time:  5pm-8:30pm – 3 Course Meal
2nd Seating time: 8:30pm till late full dessert menu running for those after sweet endings!
Bookings are essential and prepayment on booking required to secure seats.
We can also cater for special dietary requirements upon request.
Book now! Phone: (07) 3367 0144 to avoid disappointment
Click here to see the menu and more!

McMahon’s Restaurant
132 Alice Street, Brisbane City, 4000 (07) 3853 6038

Delight in a decadent 3-course candlelit dinner in the secluded surroundings of McMahon’s private dining room and secret garden this Valentine’s Day.
Feast on Executive Chef Alan Jane’s tantalising entree and main selection then share in the sweet seduction of our hand-made petits four for dessert.

And it wouldn’t be true romance without a sparkle … classically French, of course – enjoy a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival to set the tone for a unique evening with magic and wonder …
$74.50 per person

Please note, to guarantee your preferred dining time please contact McMahons Restaurant on 07 3853 6038 or email events@qwsb.mirvac.com
See our delicious menu here

BONUS! Make it a night to never forget – pop the question in McMahons Restaurant on the night (and get a yes, of course!) and Quay West Suites Brisbane will provide your wedding night accommodation with our compliments!

Bistro Allure
Corner  Ann & Roma Streets, Brisbane City, Brisbane (07) 3222 1128
Will you be my Valentine…?
Wine, dine and impress your loved one with a romantic 3-course candellit dinner for 2 in the private surrounds of Bistro Allure.
Set the tone with a glass of sparkling Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival as you savour the culinary delights of Executive Chef, Andrew McCrea’s tantilising entrée, main course and dessert selection.
PLUS share an extra sweet treat with your true love, as you indulge in a gift box of decadent chocolate truffles!
$80.00* per person
See our menu here
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.
To guarantee your preferred dining time, contact Bistro Allure on 07 3222 1128 or tsckgsb_bistroallure@mirvac.com.au
*Subject to availability. Some conditions may apply. Available February 11 – February 14, 2012.

Palettes Restaurant & Bar
95 Charlotte Street, Brisbane City, Brisbane. QLD 4000 (07) 3224 3549
It has been a summer of love and cupid is waiting…Sweep your Valentine off their feet with a luxurious night at The Sebel Suites Brisbane.
Nothing says be mine like a luxury apartment overlooking the Brisbane city skyline, sparkling wine, choc dipped strawberries and dinner for two in Palettes Restaurant.

Your unforgettable package includes…….

Overnight accommodation for two in a stunning one bedroom apartment suite

A chilled bottle of Chandon sparkling upon arrival
Strawberries dipped in chocolate to share with your Valentine

Dinner for two up to the value of $100.00* in Palettes Restaurant

12pm midday late check out

Rates from $349* per night
BOOK NOW for Valentine’s day deals in Brisbane
* Rates are per room per night twin share. Subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid for stays from 10/02/12 to 14/02/12, inclusive.
Note: Palettes Restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings, however dining in your suite is available via Room Service.

For singles!

Hot Dates Hot Plates at Soul Vapiano

Vapiano Soul
Soul Retail, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, QLD, 4217 (07) 5538 8967
Love is in the air at Soul Vapiano on the Gold Coast. This Valentine’s Day we are having a speed dating night, complete with pizza, pasta, drinks and plenty of charming singles looking to meet, eat, and greet! 25 places are open for guys and girls**, so if you’re looking to find a bit of a bello this Valentine’s Day, there’s no better place to look than Vapiano!

When: 6:30pm, Tuesday 14th February 2012
Where: Soul Vapiano
Cost: $50, including food and drink
Register yourself (or a friend) here or call 0411 577 505
**Men aged between 23 – 33 and women aged between 20 – 30

Singles Valentines Dinner – Friday 17th Feb 7pm at 16^th on Park
16^th on Park Bistro and Dessert Cafe
No Valentine? Cupid’s still at work after Valentine’s Day…..
If you didn’t have a date for Valentine’s Day, and you wished you had…..you need to read this!!
Rotating Singles Dinner Ages 35-55

The cost is $65 and includes a 3 course meal – but get in quick numbers are limited! To book or register your interest for events, phone 0408 692 046.
http://www.humidevents.com.au/events/rotating-dinner-for-singles for more information.
Humid Events has been holding dinners for singles for eleven years, and can boast four weddings, three engagements, and a baby!!

The concept is the brainstorm of Peta Stanley, who hosts the dinners, which have attracted guests such as Gavin, from season four of “Farmer wants a Wife”, and Greg, “Qld’s Hottest Tradie”.

The dinners are aimed at singles aged 35 years and over and have an equal number of men to women attending each function.

“These functions are obviously a great way to expand your social circle or to meet someone special,” says Peta.

When asked why she thinks the events are so successful, she says that it is a very relaxed environment and people are there for the same reason – firstly to meet new people, and secondly because they can attend alone, without waiting for friends to be available for a night out!!

Date and Time: Friday, 17^th February at 16^th on Park in Milton at 7pm.

The Eritrean Australian Women’s and Family Support Network invites you to celebrate Australia Day Eve Wednesday 25th Jan 2012 at Mu’ooz Restaurant and Catering 6.00pm

Come join us for a unique multicultural blend of Eritrean Spiced Australian Buffet

Live music performed by local artists “Haramby Live African Band”

Coffee Ceremony

Cultural Dancers and Cultural Experience

African Beer and Wine available

$35 Adult  $20 Children

Bookings essential

Mu’ooz Restaurant
Located DOWNSTAIRS Ranchhod arcade
197-201 Beaudesert Rd Moorooka 4101 (07) 3255 8992 or email us here

Date and Time: Australia Day Eve Wednesday 25th Jan 2012 6.00pm

Cost: $35 Adult $20 Children

Chinese New Year falls on 23rd of January 2012 and on this day begins the Year of the Dragon!

Chinese New Year celebrations are traditionally very symbolic, a time to welcome in longevity, prosperity and wealth and elminate any past negativity

Chinese Astrology says that people born under the Dragon are passionate, brave and self-assured. At their best they are pioneering spirits; at their worst, they epitomize the old adage: Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Sounds like the basis for fun celebrations!

The Golden Palace in Fortitude Valleys Chinatown is celebrating the 3 days leading up to Chinese New Year as well as the 23rd itself.  Expect entertainment nightly with traditional Chinese Lion Dancing  and Lucky Draws

The delicious banquet includes:

Entrée Platter:
Spring Rolls, Steamed Dim Sims,
Honey Glazed Barbequed Pork & Chicken

Main Courses:
Cuttlefish & Vegetable Salad in Sesame Chilli Oil
King Prawns Cooked with Garlic & Sherry Wine
Chicken Fillets with Cashew Nuts
Beef & Vegetables in Mongolian Sauce
Pork Sirloin with Lemongrass
Four Treasures Fried Rice

Dessert:
Chinese Petite Fours

Dates:
Friday, 20^th January 2012
Saturday, 21^st January 2012
Sunday, 22^nd January 2012 (New Year Eve)
Monday, 23^rd January 2012 (New Year Day)

Cost:
$39.80 per person (GST inclusive)
Children between 5 and 12 years old, $28.00 per child.
Minimum 4 people per booking.

Early Dinner:
We provide the above banquet for early diners between 5pm and 7pm on Friday 20^th
January & Saturday 21^st January at $29.80/person.
Children (5-12 years) at $22.00/child.  This is for banquet only, no entertainment.  Diners must be out by 7.00 pm.
Other exotic Chinese dishes, live seafood and vegetarian meals are available.  Please inquire with our Manager when making bookings.

Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant
Level 1 Cnr Ann and Duncan Streets, Chinatown Mall, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD, 4006
Book now! Ph : (07) 3252 8872 or email here

If you’ve not organised your New Years Eve plans, you’ll want to get organised soon!  Spots are running out fast, but there are still some good options around.

New Years Eve

Nagomi Restaurant

Shop 7, Eagle Street Pier, 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 4000, (07) 3268 6655
Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with a night of Japanese canapés and premium beverages including Kirin beer, Premium Wines and Japanese Cocktails from 8pm – 12.30am. All contained in a stunning waterfront venue in the heart of Eagle Street Pier.
Live DJ and Entertainment
Bookings essential – email events@nagomibento.com.au
Or ph: 0432 908 081

Summit Restaurant

1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Brisbane Lookout, Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, QLD, 4066 (07)3369 9922
Celebrate this New Years Eve at the Summit Restaurant and Bar with our delicious special menu and New Years Eve Band*
Date and Time: Saturday 31^st December 2011 – Early sitting from 5.00pm to be vacated by 7.30p,m | Late Sitting from 8.00pm
Cost: Early Sitting – Adults $57.50 Children under 12 years $17.50
Late Sitting Adults $145.00
Add to your night with our Premium Drink Package (optional)
$38.00 pp based on 3 hours
Please contact 3369 9922 to secure your table
*Band kicks off from 8.00pm

New Years Eve on the River

Kookaburra River Queens

Eagle Street, Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 4000 (07) 3221 1300
Be the envy of all your friends and get the best seat in the house for the New Year’s Eve fireworks!  Party the night away from the best vantage spot on the river – aboard the biggest and best vessels in Brisbane!

Buffet Dinner Party Cruise $165pp
3 course Seafood and Carvery Buffet
Complimentary drink on arrival
DJ entertainer

Top Deck Party Cruise $195pp
Commodores Finger Food Menu
4 Hour Beverage Package*
DJ entertainer
*Beverage Package inc. house wines, local beers and soft drinks

50% Deposit required on booking.  Balance paid in full by 30/11/10
Booking essential 07 3221 1300

Date and Time: Saturday 31^st December 2011
Boarding 8.00pm | Departing 8.30pm | Disembarking 12.45am

Sono Japanese Restaurant Portside Wharf
Level 1, Building 7, Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, Brisbane, QLD, 4007 (07) 3268 6655
From 6pm on Saturday the 31^st December 2011
Normal a la carte menu – Fireworks on the river at 9pm and again at 12 midnight

New Years Eve at Sono Queen Street
Level 1, Tattersall’s Building, 202 Edward Street, Brisbane City, QLD, 4001 (07) 3220 1888
From 6pm on Saturday the 31^st of December 2011
Traditional Japanese menu to celebrate the year of the Dragon

Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant in South Bank will be holding in November the third edition of event Istanbul Nights, celebrating the Turkish culture through its music, dance and cuisine.

In addition to the regular live music, Turkish coffee reading and belly dancing performances, the highlight of this edition is the performance by male belly dancer Shiva brought from Sydney especially for the occasion.

Istanbul Nights is on the 22^nd of November, from 6pm to 9pm and bookings are a must.

To make a reservation, call 3846 6699 or send an e-mail to bookings@ahmets.com.

Istanbul Nights 22 November

Shiva

Shiva

Ahmets Turkish Restaurant
Shop 10/164 Grey Street, South Bank
Brisbane, QLD. 4101
(07) 3846 6699

Either you, or someone you know, is sprouting a ’stache for Movember, yeh? It’s all in aid of raising funds for Mens Health – specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.  Good cause, of course, but also an excuse to be Moustachio Joe for a month, you know you wanna.

From the 8th – 17th Nobember, Grill’d restaurants will be offering free burgers to registered Mo Bros and Mo Sistas who have raised more then $40 for Movember

Last year, Grill’d gave away 27,000 burgers to fundraisers, nice work!

In the six years of supporting Movember, Grill’d has given away 70,000 burgers to the growers of the facial hair.

To qualify:

1. Register at www.movember.com.au

2. Raise $40 or more

3. Receive your special Movember email instructing them how to get your hands on free burgers.

The offer is available at any Grill’d restaurant between 2.00pm and 3.30pm or 8.00pm and 9.30pm each day between 8-17 November.

I was fortunate enough to get a preview of newly opened South Bank restaurant – Stokehouse yesterday, situated in the exciting new riverside dining precinct located at the former Boardwalk site in South Bank.

Owners Frank and Sharon Van Haandel add this to their stable of sucessful restaurants, which include The Prince of Wales Hotel and the original Stokehouse in St Kilda, Melbourne.

In the kitchen at the helm you’ll find Head Chef Tony Kelly, previously owner and Head Chef at Il Secondo and The Wine Bar on the Sunshine Coast, and Sous Chef Todd Adams, former Head Chef at Euro and Urbane in Brisbane.  Sommelier Ben McNair, formerly of Cutler & Co in Fitzroy, and Bistro Guillaume in Melbourne is looking after the wine list.

The building design is bold and striking, but surprisingly immediately comfortable and welcoming.  The building makes the most of the view of the river and owner Frank Van Haandel tells us long, leisurely lunches are encouraged and I can’t see this being hard to pull off.

Design by award-winning architecture and interior design firm Arkhefield

Im pretty confident you’ll enjoy your time at Stokehouse, based on view alone it’s got it all going on, but you’ll be so pleased, like I was, to find out how good the food is. I’d happily take out of towners here, as an “Experience Brisbane” type experience, and not have to hold my breath that the food will be reasonable.
Price range:
Entree: $18 – $25
Mains: $32 – $52
Desserts: $14 – $18

Here’s what I had:

How cute, my own menu!

Beef Carpaccio, horseradish cream, tiny capers, black truffle. Melt in the mouth tender

Crayfish & local reef fish tortelloni, fresh tomato, white wine, parsley. A larger version of tortellini - perfectly balanced flavors and textures

And the signature dessert, The Bombe - strawberry sorbet, white chocolate parfait, toasted meringue. Tangy sorbet perfectly partnered with rich creamy parfait and light meringue

Planning my next visit already!

Stokehouse
Sidon Street, South Bank QLD 4101
Phone: 07 3013 0333
Email: info@stokehousebrisbane.com.au

Spring is in the air at Gazebo – the signature bar and restaurant at Hotel Urban Brisbane.

Beef carpaccio, Mushroom Arancini Parmesan Crisps, Garlic and Balsamic

Recently appointed Executive Chef, Darren Clements has just launched his new Spring menu for the restaurant – which fuses international cuisine with a modern Australian twist, and an injection of Asian flavours.

The new lunch menu features lite options like baked goats cheese, beluga lentils, olive cornichon caper cream and wild rocket or salt and pepper squid, Asian slaw, pickled cucumber and toasted sesame. Or if you have more of an appetite after a morning’s hard work, try the linguine with seared local tiger prawns, chorizo, cherry tomatoes and pesto mascarpone or the free range chicken cashew nut curry, turmeric rice, coriander chutney and papads.

The Dinner menu features entrees such as the seared beef carpaccio, mushroom arancini, parmesan crisps, and garlic and balsamic and mains like the twice cooked Kurabota pork belly with sweet potato, spiced apple and brocollinni with a soya glaze.

The new evening menu also features a Queensland premium beef selection from the grill.

The new bar menu offers appetisers such as pacific oysters, nude with lime and palm sugar dressing or the urban wagyu burger sourdough bun with beetroot relish, cheddar & beer battered fries.

Brisbane local Darren has almost 20 years of experience in the food industry, beginning his career in some of Australia’s best international restaurants and hotels, including the Sheraton Brisbane, and Melbourne’s Oberoi Windsor Hotel, the Sofitel and Matteo’s restaurant.

He also spent several years overseas, working in various locations such as Turkey, Doha, Romania and the United Arab Emirates.

“I would describe my food as eclectic and ever-evolving,” Darren described. “Classically based yet drawing on a passion for Asiaisine and my culinary experiences abroad.”

Gazebo Restaurant – Urban Brisbane
345 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia (07) 3230 7865
See the new menus here

Mu’ooz Eritrean restaurant launches their African Cooking Workshops this Saturday 15th Oct – with the aim of introducing you to the spices and core ingredients of African cooking while teaching cooking processes and customs.

The weekly two hour classes will begin with Eritrean Cuisine where you will learn how to make Enjera (sour-like bread) and create a delicious beef curry called Zighni and a lentil dish called Brusn.

The class concludes with a group lunch, enjoying the dishes you have created and getting to know your cook and new friends.

The following months will take you on another journey of Africa to the beautiful tastes of Ethiopia, Sudan and Central Africa.

The classes are a hands-on experience, allowing you full involvement in the cooking process. The lessons run for 2 hours, with between 6 – 8 people participating. Everyone cooks as part of a team (so don’t worry about coming along by yourself).

As a not for profit organisation Mu’ooz aims to employ African women from refugee backgrounds.

Where: Mu’ooz Restaurant downstairs of the Ranchhod Arcade 21-23/197-201 Beaudesert Rd Moorooka 4105

Ph: 3255 8992 E: eat@muooz.com.au www.muooz.com.au

Date and Time: :Every Saturday starting Sat 15^th October  –  10.00am – 12pm

Cost: $80 per class

Fruit and vegetable prices went bananas after Queensland producers took a battering from the wild weather served up at the beginning of the year,  but it looks like we’ve turned a corner with bumper crops of quality produce beginning to fill our local shop shelves.

I, for one, am looking forward to reinstalling my daily banana and mango smoothie summer regime!

To celebrate the recovery of the local food industry, and to showcase what fantastic produce QLD has to offer, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is partnering with Queensland food and beverage businesses at the 2011 Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show.

This year will see the highest number of local exhibitors taking part in the Show, making it a good opportunity to meet local producers and give their products a go.

Of course, there’s always lots of yummy tasty treats from all over Australia on show at The Brisbane Good Food and Wine – which is why I never miss it, but supporting our recovering industry makes it even more of an event for QLD food lovers.  Maybe I’ll see you there!

The details:

The Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 4 November (10am – 6pm),Saturday 5 November (10am – 6pm) and Sunday 6 November (10am – 5pm). For more information, event schedules and to buy tickets visit www.goodfoodshow.com.au.