1.MUST VISIT: It’s warm and frisky outside and everyone has a bounce in their step. It’s Ekka time. Ekka is Brisbane’s Royal Show. I’m here amongst the rides, showbags, and cowboy boots to talk about small space gardening on the Garden Platform of the Horticultural Pavilion. A little time before my session for a quick trip down memory lane…
2.MUST SHOP Just down the road is the Northey Street City Farm which is a wonderful permaculture model for city folk.
Hundreds come here on the weekend to enjoy the green space, to stock up on gardening supplies and get some ideas about how to grow fresh produce at home.
The farm has been ravaged by two floods in the past few years and is slowly being rehabilitated by dedicated volunteers |
3. MUST EAT- The Euro
This is what I’ve been looking forward to. So much praise has been heaped on this Brisbane restaurant. Can the hype match the expectation? The Euro shares the kitchen with its upmarket sister Urbane.
……. with the Laneway bar upstairs spinning cool tunes and serving beers, wines and cocktails with global influences.
The wine list takes you round the world and back with an eclectic selection of mid-range and high end options. We selected a pinot gris from Alsace which was fruity and complex. Very drinkable.
onion and goats cheese souffle with black garlic powder. The souffle was a puff of cheesy air perfectly balanced with the sharpness of the sweet onions and the extraordinary texture and earthy allure of the garlic dust. A destination dish for sure.
4. MUST STAY- The Emporium
The Emporium is in Fortitude Valley just around the corner from Ekka so very convenient for show-goers. Don’t misread it’s sparklyexterior – there’s a high level of service and an eye for detail behind those glossy good looks.
The rooms come close to being my perfect hotel room. And I’ve stayed in a few during my time. A bed you want to take home, a rich warm decor of creams and chocolates, a sensational shower with strong pressure and a tempting breakfast menu.
5. MUST DRIVE
It’s time to head to the airport. Luckily I’ve booked my Prius hybrid taxi. It doesn’t negate the carbon emissions from my flight but a girl has to start somewhere.