Take a tasty bite of Brisbane on a fun, enlightening food & history tour

 

Brisbane is a mecca of fun ethnic food from family places to elegant dining options, romantic
couples' favorites, live music haunts and a range of other enticing Queensland eateries and bars.
Here Doodee Boran diners enjoy a first-class variety of noodles, soups, curries and more.

Bruce Keller, Jamie-Lee Howard and Christene "Cookie"
Meyers sample hidden gems of Brisbane's extraordinary
food offerings in a delightful history-food walking tour.

FOOD TOUR THINKS OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH A RANGE OF 'HIDDEN HAUNTS,'  LIVELY EATERIES & HISTORY LESSONS

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THERE ARE FOOD TOURS and then there's Delectable Tours. As an outing, it's a prime cut, pure gourmet all the way. 

Before and After bar features the erudite
Riley, who takes tourists through a
tangy tasting of Amaro, that distinctive
and flavorful Italian aperitif.

It combines local offerings with history and a delightful sampling of the city's best food and drink.

The owner of this small, creative business in Brisbane, Australia, thinks outside the box. Jamie-Lee Howard loves her job -- giving visitors a memorable time while showing off Queensland's best culinary offerings. A fascinating  history lesson is served along the way by this animated   entrepreneur who knows and loves Brisbane. You can't go wrong in her company, for she serves an easily digestible mix of history and her city's past, choosing stops at some of the best of Brisbane's contemporary food scene.  

WHAT'S YOUR PLEASURE? Coffee, gin, seafood, fresh produce, Asian fare, gourmet, family style? Name your field of interest and she'll arrange a tailored tour. Or you can choose from an appealing variety of existing tours all designed with charm in mind, plus a nod to the local food ecosystem and its workers.

WE BEGAN in Before and After, a gem of a cocktail bar where host Riley greeted us to chat about the various specialty Amari, those tawny brown spicy infusions perfected by Italy. We nibbled on a delectable grilled cheese sandwich complemented by samplings of that flavorful, herbaceous Italian liqueur.

The Queen Victoria monument was
placed in Brisbane in 1906, a few
 years after her death. It is part of the
city's history and our tour began here.  

The sandwich oozed with warm,  tasty Shropshire Blue cheese, the ambiance was exquisite with muted lighting, comfy seats and soft jazz music as Riley introduced us to various samplings. Delicious marinated olives rounded out the stop-- an enticing blend of fragrance, sights and tastes.

MISS DEMEANOR beckoned  for adventure's next chapter. This happening spot in Brisbane's colorful Laneway offers an appealing range of sharing options and main courses including what many consider the town's best loaded burger, succulent fresh fish and more.   

The homemade chickpea falafels are gorgeous -- cooked to perfection and so satisfying we wanted to linger while the band tuned up with a jazzy guitar riff.

Keller sipped a tangy IPA, one of dozens of beers offered, while I enjoyed an agreeable Te Mata Estate sauvignon blanc as we nibbled. The falafels are legendary here, the best we've had outside the Middle East, with perfectly spiced puree and dukkha -- nuts, and seeds seasoned and blended into a paste. 

A mix of young and older folk visited and noshed. 

Howard grew up on a farm and her respect for those who toil to produce homegrown fare shines. "We want to give visitors more than simply a tasting of great food. We are about connecting with local producers, uncovering stories behind the dishes, exploring our culture through food, drink, fine cuisine," she says.

You might walk by this unusual
landmark, marking Brisbane's oldest
lane, Burnett with plenty of street
art and fun bars and eateries.

A unique spin on the yummy
Italian dessert, tiramisu, is
made with matcha in one of
Howard's fun food tours.

 

Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane favorite, a popular spot
for delicious brunch and burgers, great beer, live music.

Brisbane at night is a sight to behold, a city of
four million with a wealth of colorful eateries.

 THEN LIVELY Doodee Boran eatery was next. It's a happy place, abuzz with families and small groups tucking in to the signature spiced raw salmon and succulent chicken pad Thai.

A young family shared steaming prawns and fish balls while waiting to share main courses of artfully presented street fare. An older couple enjoyed a handsome whole barramundi, that delicious firm Asian sea bass. The place is fragrant and friendly. Servers are delightful -- their smiles and graciousness complement the scents of ginger, soy and garlic, all accented by happy chatter. Customer service is a crucial component to Howard's enterprise.

LONGWANG Restaurant was the perfect capper of a delightful afternoon. It's an upscale place with an eye-popping cocktail list to complement unique Asian cuisine. We tried a matcha spin on the classic tiramisu -- soothing, pretty and flavorful. We were stuffed and desired only mint tea, but Howard enticed us to share this classic Italian offering while other enthusiastic diners enjoyed late suppers and snacks. We saw an array of seared sea scallops, pork, prawns, wontons and dumplings. A smooth, fragrant black bean sauce  accented several dishes.

 We admired Howard's effortless bits of history of this Edward Street landmark eatery, which served Queensland's first Asian offerings and consistently wins awards. We learned that Longwang has roots in Chinese mythology, and the name pays homage to the revered Dragon King.

SERVICE IN all four places was expertly offered, not pretentious or fussy but genuine, helpful, friendly and relaxed. Eateries are carefully screened for personality and customer service because Howard wants customers to return and tell their friends.

As a small, independent business drawing support from both locals and tourists, word of mouth means everything. She aims for repeat customers and relies on social media endorsements. People like thoughtful commentary and succulent foods served in colorful and historic venues. Keller calls it "the best blend of ambiance, culinary art, history and tastes of the city's best offerings."
Says Howard, "We get a lot of traffic from people who have been with us before, then come back and recommend us to friends, colleagues and family from all over the world. That makes me happy."

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Actor Avery Johnson shares playbills for
the 53rd season of Montana Shakespeare
in the Parks, touring a five-state region.

Shakeaspear's educational wing, click here

ON TAP:  Montana's beloved Shakespeare in the Parks is touring again this summer, visiting an impressive 60 towns in a five-state area with two classics from the Bard. We visit two of the venues, talk with the actors about the rigors of their schedule, and enjoy their offerings. Then we interview the owners of Big Timber's Grand Hotel, where a major facelift is underway in this historic 1890 property, beloved by locals and tourists alike.  Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance family and more:

www.whereiscookie.com

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Happy Fourth: Let's kick our holiday up a notch, learn something new

San Diego's Patriot Jet Boat is a fun red, white and blue adventure. We suggest doing something a bit
new this Fourth of July week, perhaps mixing the traditional with a new event to promote thinking.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

  

A family hike included talk about the Constitution. L-R: Bruce
Keller, Christene Meyers, Rick Cosgriffe, Connor Brocious.

I'M AS PATRIOTIC as the next guy or gal, but with the political tensions, shootings, riots, demonstrations and general unrest in our imperfect but glorious country, I'm up for something new this Fourth of July week.

Talking with young people this summer, I realized how little they know about American history, the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, the background of the founding of the United States. They're ready to jump in to the "No Kings" protests, as I did years ago to protest the war in Vietnam.  But what do they really know? Let's get some dialogue going. Let's learn something.

It can be a refresher course for adults, too.

From left: Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton
and our first president, George Washington.

What to know about "No Kings" click here

IS IT POSSIBLE, I wondered, to make learning fun, to take the "Gen Z" kids back to school without them knowing it?  To get them thinking, going to the library, looking at books again, offering an alternative to a life with strictly the internet and social media for company and resource? Sure, we all need modern technology, but let's use it to enrich not replace, and to broaden our understanding.

First, have everyone agree to put down  devices for a few hours to explore a new outdoor activity with conversation and dialogue, a 

San Diego put on a fine
 

history lesson in disguise. Why not combine the usual barbecue with a hike, biking, boating or raft outing, or a camping day or two, to get away from technology? During a quiet moment or stop for a meal or snacks, have a few questions jotted down and get conversation going on the country's founding. No dissertations, just highlights and questions to promote thought and dialogue:

*What did we not like about the tyranny of the monarchy?

* What is a democracy?

A protest against the War in Vietnam from the
writer's archives. Mingle fun with learning by
generating a discussion about our sacred rights:
freedom of religion, to assemble, to speak out.
 

What amendment allows protests, free speech

* What is the Bill of Rights?  The Constitution? The Amendments and how they were instituted? The Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation and how they shaped Civil Rights. 

* Why is the Civil War essential to understanding American history?

Don't preach. It's a turn-off. Make this fun. The idea is to get dialogue going, to pique interest and appreciation of our freedoms.

A scene from "Gettysburg," one of a host of excellent films
to give young and old background of U.S. history. 

Our founding fathers challenges, click here

HOW ABOUT a family/friends game in someone's back yard? I grew up with miniature golf and it was so much fun -- cousins, neighbors, several generations. Baseball, pickleball, basketball, badminton, volleyball. Then when everyone is unwinding, let the discussion begin.

Macy's Fireworks Display is one of the nation's largest.
Fireworks remain a staple part of our celebrations.

Why we separated from Britain, click here
In writing this article, I'm learning more about our history. The Declaration of Independence is a wonderful document to re-read. It can easily be printed out and used to begin a dialogue.

Civil War series by Ken Burns, click here

Then there's nothing wrong with barbecues, parades, block parties, fireworks displays, outdoor concerts. All part of Americana. Watching a film with historic background or political overtones is a great capper to the day. Ken Burns' brilliant, award winning Civil War Series is tops. Many more:
 Suggestions for Fourth of July movies

FIREWORKS ARE beloved by me and my clan.  They still come into play: Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks light up New York City from the East River. The Montreal festival -- the world's largest fireworks competition -- is on now,  featuring pyrotechnic companies from around the world: L'International des Feux Loto-Québec overlaps our Fourth. It began June 26 and continues to July 31.

Democracy in action
is this classic about
politics, corruption
and ethics, 1939.

Macy's fireworks details, TV time

Washington, D.C. continues the U.S. Capitol's patriotic tradition of a stunning fireworks extravaganza on the National Mall.
Other much anticipated Fourth Fireworks shows are planned in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland and our home base of San Diego. We've  seen thrilling Fourth of July fireworks displays. Parades and fireworks in Honolulu and Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Reno thrilled us. Many cities around the world sponsor Fourth of July festivities, often staged by expats. Paris, London and Sydney host free fireworks shows to entertain hotel guests and other visitors.

Wherever you are -- U.S. or elsewhere -- whatever your citizenship, make it a fun, learning week. Then continue the knowledge buzz into the year.

Miss Demeanour's is a Brisbane treasure, with delicious
brunches, burgers and live music. A fun haunt on a food tour. 

UP NEXT:  Take a bite of Brisbane.  This exciting, historic Australian city has a wonderful enterprise, Delectable Tours, which features unique eateries and a delightful walking tour with flair and appeal. You'll walk the streets where Australia's first penal colony was settled, tasting delicious fare prisoners might only have dreamed of:  marinated olives, family made pad Thai,  grilled cheese with fragrant aperitifs, chickpea falafel, tasty raw salmon and gorgeous tiramisu with soothing mint tea. Enterprising owner Jamie-Lee Howard shows off her city with pride. You'll stop at hidden haunts, combining her lively history lesson with delectable bites. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh slant on travel, food, family, performance, nature, the arts and more. Please share the links:      

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