http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/KohanaPHPhttp://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/18/ocean-society/social-events/australias-biggest-morning-tea-cancer-council-royal-pines-resort RACV Royal Pines Resort and Cancer Council are getting set to celebrate Australia's Biggest Morning Tea; and RACV Royal Pines Resort will play host to the official Chari-T event for Cancer Council Gold Coast next Thursday 24th May. RACV’s kitchen brigade will be catering to more than 200 guests, with mini pistachio tarts, raspberry cheesecakes and fresh scones just a few of the morning tea goodies on offer. Fashion parades by Frankie & Nicole and KateCarlyle, live music, and mini makeovers by OneSpa will ensure attendee’s are well entertained! Brian UsherFri, 18 May 2012 12:14:18 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/18/lifestyle/travel/gaia-and-olivia-newton-john-loves-the-ocean-road-ma A Big thanks to Gregg Cave and Olivia Newton-John for putting the Ocean Road Magazine feature up on the Gaia web site. Go on line at http://www.gaiaretreat.com.au/ The online feature can be seen at http://www.gaiaretreat.com.au/media/ocean-road-magazine-autumn-edition Try a stay at Gaia, you will not be disappointed....... Brian UsherFri, 18 May 2012 11:43:35 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/16/food-wine/tasting-room/experience-the-irresistible-flavours-of-famed-pastry-chef-pierrick-boyer Le Petit Gateau’s Head Pastry Chef, Pierrick Boyer headlines as the next guest Chef in Craig Napper’s Prive 249 guest Chef program. “The French are known for their sweets, and Pierrick is no exception. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling many of his exciting creations and can’t wait to share his cuisine with our guests,” says Craig Napper, Executive Chef Prive 249. Brian UsherWed, 16 May 2012 18:07:23 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/15/food-wine/ocean-road-culinary-rising-stars/fete-de-la-musique-an-evening-of-french-fare-and-live-music-sofitel-room-81-broadbeach Tuesday 15 May, 2012: To celebrate the largest international music festival originating in France, Room 81 will once again come alive in vibrant cabaret style on Thursday 21 June for Fete de la Musique. Featuring live music by renowned local artist and Francophile, Marissa Burgess, guests will be submersed in the French way of life – of which dining and party ritualsare synonymous. In honour of the occasion, Room 81 Head Chef Michael Crosbie has created a special French inspired three course dinner for just $65 per person. The menu features seared sea scallops with peas a la Francais, pork assiette with crackled belly, roasted neck and trompette crisp rillette and the signature souffle du jour for dessert. This is the perfect excuse to gather with friends for a tres chic evening of traditional French fare and live music at Room 81. Brian UsherTue, 15 May 2012 14:48:13 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/14/competitions/win-an-exclusive-experience-as-part-of-the-sanctuary-cove-international-boat-show Last chance to go in to the draw to WIN an exclusive experience as part of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show   The prize will be drawn this Wednesday at 12pm so get your entries in, its well worth it!!! Prize details as below:   The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is giving away to a lucky Ocean Road Magazine reader an exclusive experience for two to the ‘Women on Water’ Luncheon. The prize includes: · Two tickets to the exclusive ‘Women on Water’ Luncheon featuring special guest speaker Ita Buttrose on Friday 25 May · Two signed copies of the latest book by Ita Buttrose · Return helicopter transfers to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (from Marina Mirage) on Friday 25 May · Two, two-day passes to the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show · $100 shopping voucher to use in The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove Head onto the next page to fill out the entry form ........ Brian UsherWed, 16 May 2012 11:07:36 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/12/ocean-society/o-list-profiles/its-a-feeling-of-déjà-view-for-new-executive-chef-at-outrigger-surfers-paradise Tastebuds are singing at Outrigger Surfers Paradise following the appointment of a new executive chef, introduction of a tantalisingly new menu that showcases an original approach to food, together with a new restaurant name! The indoor and outdoor restaurant formerly known as Sirocco, has been re-named Deja View Restaurant, and the man charged to head up this exciting new addition to Surfers Paradise’s dining scene, is Olivier (Ollie) Maokhamphieu - a 30-year internationally trained veteran - who previously headed up View on Little Hastings Restaurant at Noosa’s Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa. Deja View Restaurant is located at Outrigger Surfers Paradise on the corner of View Avenue and Surfers Paradise Boulevard. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner and reservations can be made online at www.outrigger.com.au/dejaview or calling 5579 1087 Brian UsherSat, 12 May 2012 10:55:25 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/10/lifestyle/boating/experience-the-pure-luxury-of-the-van-dutch-at-the-sanctuary-cove-international-boat-show The powerful luxury day cruiser, the VanDutch 40’ will make its maiden appearance at the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 24th – 27th May 2012. Sure to turn heads, this masterpiece is designed to exceptional standards and brings an exciting new dimension to the Australian boating world. Combining flawless performance with its sleek finish, the VanDutch 40’ includes 2 x 480 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 40+ knots. Importer Dick van Damme says the VanDutch represents a completely new class of luxury for lovers of boats in the Southern Hemisphere. “Australia’s impeccable waterways and harbours are the perfect setting for the VanDutch. The 40’ VanDutch provides an exciting and unique experience never before seen in Australia. It is simply stunning.” The 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be held over four days where an extensive selection of marine products and services will be on show. “Our demonstration boat, the “Coco Noir”, will be showcased for the first time at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Marina D/E2, where it is sure to be the talk of show with its breathtaking achievement in design,” said Mr van Damme. To arrange your exclusive viewing of the VanDutch 40’ at Sanctuary Cove International Boat show or a private trial the Coco Noir, please contact Dennis van Damme on 0419 602 728. Brian UsherThu, 10 May 2012 11:56:29 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/09/lifestyle/leisure/palazzo-versaces-aqua-marine-whale-watching-packages-showcase-the-natural-beauty-of-the-gold-coast Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast is offering guests a luxurious Aqua Marine wildlife encounter and accommodation packages this whale watching season, giving them the chance to get up close and personal with the amazing and gentle migrating whales as they make their way past the Gold Coast. Aqua Marine guests will enjoy overnight accommodation and a buffet breakfast for two in Il Barocco restaurant before heading out to sea to experience the wonder of the whales. Perfectly positioned overlooking the tranquil Gold Coast Broadwater, Palazzo Versace encompasses the feel and beauty of the ocean with its relaxed and serene atmosphere. The exciting day trip takes place onboard the Spirit of Migaloo, which was named in honour of the world’s only white humpback whale, Migaloo. The $3.5 million vessel is Australia’s most advanced whale watching vessel, custom-designed for an environmentally friendly experience. Guests have the option of upgrading their whale watching experience to the Captain’s Lounge Aqua Marine package, receiving VIP treatment in the exclusive Captain’s Lounge including snacks and beverages on-board Spirit of Migloo. The Captain’s Lounge provides an ideal position to view the Humpback Whales and other Gold Coast wildlife including pods of Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, majestic Pelicans, feeding Gannets or estuarine birds of prey such as Brahminy Kites and Ospreys. Brian UsherWed, 09 May 2012 21:37:51 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/07/food-wine/tasting-room/palazzo-versace-and-moss-wood-wines-present-an-intimate-epicurean-encounter QUEENSLAND, 4th MAY 2012 – Palazzo Versace will partner with one of Australia’s finest wine labels, Moss Wood, on Tuesday 22nd May to provide guests with a deliciously decadent dining experience at the haute hotel’s signature restaurant Vanitas. In collaboration with Moss Wood winemakers and owners, Keith and Clare Mugford, Vanitas’ Head Chef Martin Glutz has created a delicious three-course menu exclusively for the event that will be paired with a selection of award-winning wines from Moss Wood’s vineyards, including a tasting of the new 2009 Vintage Cabernet. Direct from Margaret River, Western Australia, the Mugfords will provide guests with a rare insight into the wines selected for the evening and their personal tasting notes. Brian UsherMon, 07 May 2012 17:22:40 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/07/ocean-society/o-list-profiles/espressogrow-to-be-released-in-australia "It's About Our Environment" Espressogrow was founded in Australia in 2011. ​The opportunity to develop a fertiliser product was by luck, by chance, via a simple conversation with a barista. This conversation led the founders to build the Espressogrow business, based on extensive research and the following key points ​​In Australia, approximately 300 tonnes of coffee ground waste, every week, find it's way to landfill. ​​There is no coordinated program of waste recycling in the Australian coffee industry, nor the world. ​Anecdotally and through scientific analysis, coffee waste is a great fertiliser, high in nitrogen with slow-release qualities. ​​No company in the world was extracting waste and turning it into a fertiliser ​​In business we wanted to help the environment....Espressogrow was born! Brian UsherMon, 07 May 2012 16:46:42 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/04/culture/literature/a-bribie-island-mystery-mirandas-tempest Miranda’s Tempest is the second crime novel with a musical setting from author Juliet Hoey. Following on from her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Sixth Partita, this recent work of crime/mystery is structured along the lines of Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. Brian UsherFri, 04 May 2012 07:41:10 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/03/looking-feeling-good/accomodation/surfing-legend-layne-beachley-proud-to-stay-ambassador-for-gold-coasts-wyndham Gold Coast vacation ownership company, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has announced surfing legend Layne Beachley as its brand ambassador for the sixth consecutive year. Beachley is the most successful women’s surfer in the history of the sport, having won seven ASP world championships and the 2011 ISA World Masters. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific (a division of global timeshare giant Wyndham Vacation Ownership) is one of the largest private employers on the Gold Coast with over 630 staff employed at the Wyndham Corporate Centre in Bundall, Wyndham Hotel Surfers Paradise, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Kirra Beach and across its Gold Coast sales site locations. The Bundall Wyndham Corporate Centre is also headquarters for Wyndham Hotel Group – South Pacific. Brian UsherThu, 03 May 2012 14:54:09 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/03/food-wine/tasting-room/palazzo-versace-launches-fashionista-high-tea-at-le-jardin-for-the-ultimate-culinary-catwalk-experience QUEENSLAND, 19th APRIL 2012 – Palazzo Versace’s Executive Chef, Geoff Haviland has introduced a deliciously stylish ‘Fashionista High Tea’ menu at the hotel’s Le Jardin lobby lounge. Inspired by the themes and colours of the House of Versace and beautifully crafted to reflect the confident sophistication of the designer hotel. The debut Autumn /Winter 2012 High Tea ‘Culinary Catwalk’ collection sees a tasteful combination of hot pinks, lavender, molten chocolate, lemon and pistachio. Providing a chic new addition to Le Jardin’s dining offerings, the Fashionista High Tea menu pays homage to the tradition and artisanship of high tea, featuring an appetizing array of sweet and savoury items on an elegant three-tiered stand. For those seeking a little extra indulgence or celebrating a special occasion, guests also have the option of upgrading to a ‘Sparkling’, ‘Champagne’ or ‘Couture Champagne High Tea’ – the new Fashionista menu served with a glass of either Domain Chandon Sparkling wine, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut or Dom Perignon Champagne. Brian UsherThu, 03 May 2012 11:11:41 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/03/looking-feeling-good/fashion/mercedes-benz-fashion-festival-brisbane-returns-for-2012 Fashion calendars are about to burst, with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane, hosted by Treasury Casino & Hotel setting the style agenda once again from Saturday 25 – Friday 31 August 2012. Queensland’s premier fashion event will light up the River City spellbinding audiences with the very best from local, national and international designers and fashion retailers. The Fashion Festival has evolved into a powerhouse on the state’s events calendar and 2012 promises more mesmerising shows, sell-out and stylish events, workshops, discussion forums and of course, more spectacular fashion. Melissa UsherThu, 03 May 2012 02:16:21 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/03/food-wine/tasting-room/pure-bier-fest-launches-at-bavarian-bier-café-broadbeach Setting the challenge to all Mitmenschen, Bavarian Bier Cafe’s annual bier festival, Pure Bier Fest, will return this May, with a range of tempting deals on offer and the chance for true bier lovers to become the ultimate Bavarian Bier Cafe ‘Man’ or ‘Woman’. Pure Bier Fest is a month-long celebration of the German Bier Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot). Arguably the best consumer law ever made, the 1516 legislation declares that pure German bier can only contain four ingredients; hops, malt, yeast and water – the Bavarian Bier Cafe’s secret to great tasting pure bier. The Pure Bier Fest will officially launch on Tuesday 1 May at Bavarian Bier Cafe Broadbeach. Brian UsherThu, 03 May 2012 01:36:05 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/05/01/looking-feeling-good/accomodation/urban-meets-country-at-beautiful-farm-retreat-permitting-affordable-indulgence Stunning 1850’s farmhouse, Trelawney Farm, has been transformed to provide the ultimate city escape Located just 4km from the heart of Mudgee, this farmhouse retreat is set amongst 25 acres of breathtaking countryside that executes tranquillity and charm. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, or you simply want to immerse yourself amongst the luscious scenery of the Mudgee countryside, this vintage country house offers something for everyone. With the local wineries, mouth-watering restaurants, golf courses, day spas and glorious gardens at your fingertips – Trelawney Farm is undoubtedly your next getaway. Brian UsherTue, 01 May 2012 13:37:55 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/04/24/food-wine/tasting-room/mothers-day-afternoon-delight-hyatt-regency-sanctuary-cove Show your mother just how much she means to you with a decadent high tea at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove this Mother’s Day, Sunday, 13 May 2012. Presenting a classic high tea setting in the relaxed surrounds of Cove Café, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove invites guests to enjoy an elegant affair for the whole family to gather and celebrate Mum. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet offering an assortment of gourmet sandwiches and savouries, as well as a selection of tantalising sweet treats, whilst sipping on tea or coffee. For those looking for a celebratory glass of bubbles, the extensive wine list at Cove Café is available. Brian UsherWed, 25 Apr 2012 06:39:14 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/04/24/food-wine/ocean-road-culinary-rising-stars/make-mums-day-at-stokehouse Mother’s Day calls for a truly special and memorable celebration. Make a good impression and take her to Brisbane’s stylish new restaurant of choice, Stokehouse. On Sunday, May 13, treat her to a leisurely long lunch in elegantly relaxed surrounds. Nothing says “happy Mother’s Day” like a delicious three-course lunch accompanied by a good bottle (or two) of wine. She’ll be stoked with the uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and CBD and the stylish yet laidback atmosphere. The Stokehouse Mother’s Day lunch costs $95 per person, or $55 for children, and includes an entrée, main and dessert (beverages not included). Head Chef Tony Kelly has devised a special menu for the day which is sure to please. Brian UsherTue, 24 Apr 2012 16:23:27 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/04/24/food-wine/tasting-room/david-franz-winemakers-dinner-the-fireplace-hyatt-regency-sanctuary-cove Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove’s signature restaurant, The Fireplace, will team its tantalising fare with the fine wines of David Franz for the next in their series of Winemaker’s Dinners, on Thursday, 10 May 2012. David Franz will host the event, sharing with guests his expertise on the finer points of wine making and appreciation. As the son of industry legend Peter Lehmann, Franz’s natural instinct and skill stems from a strong heritage and career in estates across Australia and internationally. He started his own vineyard in 2003 and is now regarded as a highly talented and innovative winemaker. Brian UsherTue, 24 Apr 2012 16:06:36 +1000http://www.oceanroadmagazine.com.au/ocean/2012/04/20/looking-feeling-good/sport/circus Ocean Road Magazine photo shoot for March 2012 was at Circus Arts, Byron Bay, NSW Australia. Photographer was Brian Usher, Circus Coach Ted, crew were Craig McGarry and son Ethan, Damian and Lolita Sillars, and their daughters Majenta and Savanna (Casurina Rec Club Vitality Test Team). Videography and production by David Smouha, design2.tv, media@design2.tv" Brian UsherSat, 21 Apr 2012 10:36:21 +1000