cocktail

I’m sharing some of the bars I’ve visited recently so you know where they are and can seem like you’re ‘in the know’. I was invited* to the opening of Tomcat along with the bright and beautiful of Brisbane. A few days in, and it already appears to be a roaring success. Name: Tomcat Location: Fortitude Valley Vibe: Fun & Lively… Read more

It’s been a while so here’s a round up of the what’s happening in TIFFIN’s wider world and a head’s up on things that would have other got away. The Art of Skins Exhibition The State Library of Qld has opened a new exhibition, The Art Of Skins, tracing the traditional practice of possum skin… Read more

And still the blood orange recipes keep coming. This is the last one, for this year anyway. Some time ago I was gifted a whole case of blood oranges by Redbelly Citrus, purveyors of fine Australian Blood Oranges. Over the ensuing weeks, I made a variety of recipes as well as just enjoying them in… Read more

I returned from a holiday in the US to sniffer dogs, soaring temperatures and a city in lockdown. The G20 is on this weekend in Brisbane, which means lots of fences and checkpoints, a massive police presence, disrupted public transport and an opportunity for the British PM to show up Australia’s Prime Minister by Acknowledging Country in… Read more

There’s a bit of a revolution happening in Newstead and Tenneriffe. After years of promised development, failed development and stalled development, there are new apartments and businesses popping up all over the place. One very welcome development is The Gasworks. Welcome because after working at the wrong end of town for two years, there is now… Read more

This week it’s about all things Vintage.  Once upon a time we talked about antiques, about things being old fashioned or retro.  Shabby Chic is out and Vintage is in.  Here’s a week in the life of TIFFIN’s Vintage Brisbane.In this last Vintage Week post we visit a drink that many have heard of but… Read more

The first thing you need to know about Hartsyard is that it does not specialise in Harts/hearts or offal, though they may be on the menu at some time.  I’m telling you this up front as when I told a few people I was going, for some reason that thought I’d be sampling some choice… Read more

There’s a new kid on the block every week isn’t there? The newest kid on our block is Shady Palms Cafe & Bar in Stones Corner.  Not quite on the block but not far away at all.  Stones Corner is going through its umpteenth urban renewal.  As a Southside stalwart, I’ve seen it as a… Read more

Happy New Year!  Hasn’t the stone fruit been great this Summer? An excellent growing season has meant bumper crops and low prices. The cherries have been the best I’ve had in at least half a dozen years and my favourite, nectarines, have been great. Although I also enjoy peaches, they can be a bit hit… Read more

A few months ago we were having drinks at a bar in Teneriffe, Brisbane and decided to order a Pisco Sour in preparation for our South American adventures. In a Fawlty Towers-esque moment the waiter advised ‘Sorry, we’re all out of Piscos (sic)’.  So the Pisco remained elusive, despite my very good attempt to recreate… Read more

Time for an Op Shop update.  So many great goodies out there and so little space to fit it in my cupboards.To start with, these cute espresso cups. Originally a set of 8, sadly there were only 4 pairs plus the leftover saucers, that stayed behind.  With a hint of 70’s and a whiff of… Read more

Well, I drank it of course! With the help of Anthony and my brother Sean whilst we were staying in Bremgarten bei Bern in Switzerland.  I adapted a cocktail I tried in Chester and re-christened it. Swiss Gin Blush Use 1 part sloe gin* and top up with lemon squash. Lime wedge optional.  Delicious! *Do… Read more

What do you do when the days start to shorten and there are many long winter nights ahead of you? Brew your own booze of course! Some may recall from earlier posts that in visiting a variety of National Trust properties, I was able to try locally grown farm shop produce as well as collect… Read more