Monday, June 18, 2012

Saturday June 18th 2012

Grab your bogan and your bandana and head to see the cinematic Rock of Ages - Darren’s verdict - wait for the DVD or if you're a 80s soft rock lover, it's a rush!

A treat for everyone, The Muppets - Darren’s verdict: Rush to see it!

And a sweet film about romance and second chances, Beginners, starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer  - Darren’s verdict: Rush to see it!

For the latest trailers, full reviews and news, you can visit Darren's blog http://darrens-world-of-entertainment.blogspot.co.nz/

This Week Allyson features cheap meat cuts and how to make a great tasting casserole! For more tips and the recipe for Tuscan Beef with Grilled Polenta visit Allyson's website www.ecook.co.nz or find her on Facebook www.facebook.com/allysongofton

Feature Destination - Tropical North Queensland - Cairns - The Ultimate Gateway to a Winter Warm Up!

1. Cairns city itself.. a laidback/ provinicial town feel. Very cosmopolitan. Check out the recently revamped Lagoon pool complex.

The Rainforest Boardwalk, a great introduction to Tropical North Queensland's flora.

The Tank Arts Centre - the locals have ingenuously transformed WW2 fuelstorage tanks into a gallery of local arts exhibition space.

2. Kuranda Scenic Railway. A spectacular excursion through Baron Gorge, in vintage carriages, on a railway that was built by goldminers in 1886.

3. Kuranda SkyRail, the award-winning cableway that traverses the tree-tops of the rainforest,

and inspired the opening scenes of James Cameron's Avatar.

4. Great Barrier Reef. Take a half day trip to Green Island, just 45 minutes from Cairns.

5. Palm Cove and Port Douglas are just an hour north of Cairns, magnificent beachfront towns.

6. If you're heading down to Brisbane, take the Sunlander train excursion, which is an overnight trip, taking you through an ever-changing kaleidoscope of scenery, from sugar cane plantations to rainforest, en-route to Brisbane, with splendid sleeper cabins and on-baord cuisine.

Whether you're wanting a quick fire 3 day winter escape or a week-long break, Cairns ticks all the boxes.

Direct flights from Auckland, or easy connections from Brisbane.

 JOHN HAWKESBY: Wine

Warming red's for cold nights:

Tironui Estate Wines Malbec Merlot Cab Sav 2007,2008,2009, $29.90

Mills Reef Syrah 2010 $40-$45

Silver: Return to Treasure Island by Andrew Motion, Jonathan Cape, $36.99 - Paul’s verdict: Cover to cover

Collecting Cooper by Paul Cleave, Penguin, $34.99 - Paul’s verdict: Cover to cover

Bobby Womack "The Bravest Man in the Universe" Andrew's verdict: 4.5 stars out 5