Brisbane Racing Club will make everyone experience the thrill of live racing at Doomben Racecourse on Australia Day on the 26th of January. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. and everyone is welcome to dress comfortably as they enjoy exquisite food and drinks and live entertainment. General admission is free but different packages corresponding to one’s proximity to the track are available.
Credit: Brisbane Racing Club Facebook
Those who will purchase the Great Aussie Group Package for $15 per person will enjoy the race on the trackside with reserved seating positions at the Champions Bar Courtyard.
For $45 per person, on the other hand, BRC Members have closer access to the Winning Post as they take up seats at the Falvelon Bar. The same seats are available for non-BRC Members for $52.50 per person. The location allows anyone to both view the horses before the race as they make their way to the track and get a closer look of the winning horses after the race. Those who will opt for this package will have the opportunity to enjoy tapas-style lunch delivered straight to their reserved tables.
Couples, meanwhile, are given the option to have a picnic at the track for $45 per couple. The package includes a delicious picnic hamper for two. Menu options are available here. The hamper already includes disposable crockery, cutlery, and napkins.
Couples are advised to bring a picnic blanket. In any case that they suddenly decided to have seats at the bar, they would have to additionally pay the tickets for whichever locations they choose.
Lastly, starting at $75 per person, one can enjoy a prime spot at the Private Suites where there are premiere facilities as well as self-service terminals for that optimum racing day experience. The package already includes the Private Suite Deal Menu which consists of welcome meal, lunch, and afternoon snack. There are different options to upgrade these meals and other beverages, with additional charges. The complete menu options can be viewed here.
For complete information on packages and bookings, please click here.
The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen at 1/121 Racecourse Road, Ascot will serve beer from known Salisbury brewer, the Ballistic Beer Co, on the 16th of January from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event promises a night of good beer and good times to jumpstart 2018 with just the right note.
Ballistic Beer meet the Brewer/Tap takeover Credit: The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen Facebook
Ascot’s The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen has thought about serving Ballistic Beer over their taps on that particular night to give the local neighbourhood a taste of the topnotch Queensland’s brewery. The people behind Ballistic Beer will also be talking about their passion for crafting their own beer instead of serving up commercially produced ones. At the end of the night, The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen hopes that everyone will develop a taste for locally brewed Australian beer.
Credit: Ballistic Beer Facebook
Ballistic Beer is the brainchild of David Kitchen and a friend who formerly played in a Hong Kong Rugby team with him. The two friends have built a shiny new brewery in an old WW2 shed on the outskirts of Brisbane. In two years’ time, David found himself alone in managing the place and realised the need of hiring someone who really knew about beer brewing. This is when he has come to know Lachy Crothers, a passionate young brewer from London. Lachy immediately moved to Brisbane for the job as he could not wait to share his passion about high-quality craft beer.
“When you try a Ballistic beer, you’ll notice something familiar but also something different, a meeting of old and new. So enjoy a Ballistic beer, but don’t expect it to taste like any other craft beer– it really depends on who won the latest ‘discussion’ [between David and Lachy]”
As all Ascot residents know, The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen is the place to go when thirsty for beer, old whiskey, and craft beers from local breweries around Australia and even from as far away as Sierra Nevada, USA. On any given day or night, the bar serves seven types of beer and one cider, Willie Smith’s Organic Cider from Tasmania. There are also varieties of options for someone who prefers bottled beers. Among the options are Moon Bay Bjorn Again, Fortitude Toasted Lager, and Feral Hop Hog IGA. All beers can be paired with light meals, such as Rosemary and Chorizo, Rustic Fries, Croquettes with Mustard Creme Fraiche, Steak Wrap, Raw Veges, and Nut Salad with lime dressing or Salami.
“One Fifty provides a modern take on an old classic, designed to be a stylish yet casual relaxed eatery making use of natural light, timber and glass to bring the outdoors in to create a garden atrium atmosphere”.
One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery is inviting everyone to celebrate their Christmas and New Year’s Eve with them. The place has created a specialised set of menu to make the celebration stress-free.
Formerly known as Baguette, One Fifty Ascot at Racecourse Road underwent a transformation in 2016 and has since became a relaxed bar, offering fresh and light dishes. It also has added more variety to its cocktail list.
Renovations to the place includes maximising natural lighting during daytime, and a magical lighting set-up in the magnificent fig tree in its garden to give the place a romantic, homey feel in the evening.
A White Christmas Eve Dinner on 24th of December from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
White Christmas Eve Dinner Credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery Facebook
A Christmas style menu awaits those who will spend the Christmas Eve at One Fifty Ascot. They can choose a two course menu for $45 or a 3 course menu for $60. Booking is essential, please click here.
New Year’s Eve Dinner on 31st of December at 5:30 p.m. to 1st of January 2018 at 12:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery Facebook
One Fifty Ascot welcomes families, peers, co-workers, even little tots, to ring in 2018 at the place. Appetisers will be served under the eatery’s fig tree while the rest of the meal will be served inside. The two-course meal is available for $55 whilst the three-course meal is available for $75. Children’s menu is available for $12. Live entertainment takes place from 7:00 p.m. onwards.
Every $5 from the adult meal is being donated to a local school chosen by the guest.
Bookings are essential and seating is limited, so please click here.
One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery also has a private dining room which can be rented for events and intimate gatherings. It can accommodate 135 seated guests or 250 guests for standing cocktail or party events.
The annual free movie series at the Big Screen on the Green Trackside Open-air Cinema returns on the 18th until 22nd of December. The screenings will be held at the Brisbane Racing Club’s heritage-listed Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to arrive earlier to set up picnic blankets and to claim their free frozen Coke, an offer that only happens this year. Coming before the movie starts will also allow children to enjoy the Christmas carols, free face painting, and a surprise visit from Santa. They can also have a meet-and-greet with Giddy Up Club’s mascot, Lucky George.
Heads up, though. Bringing one’s own food is not allowed. The Brisbane Racing Club Food Truck will sell snack and drinks at the site. Another option is to pre-purchase a Christmas Hamper at $40 per couple.
What’s included inside the Christmas Hamper:
1 x baked ham and seeded mustard w dried tomato, cress in a crusty baguette (cut in half)
1 x oven roasted chicken w oak leaf, shaved radish, cucumber and red onion, mild roasted garlic aioli in a crusty baguette (cut in half)
Vegetarian quiche
Side salad to share
Christmas pavlova with berries and passionfruit
Farmhouse cheese and cherries
Movie List, Information and Schedule:
“Elf” on 18th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Credit: Movie Clips Trailer Vault YouTube
“Home Alone” on 19th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.
Credit: John Erler YouTube
“Santa Clause” on 20th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he’s dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn’t a dream after all – and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
Credit: Sky TV YouTube
“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” on 21st December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).
Credit: YouTube Movies YouTube
“Polar Express” on 22nd December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
An inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Credit: TVJ41262 YouTube
Eagle Farm Racecourse is at 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot
Mirvac, the real estate group behind Ascot House, announced that the construction of Ascot Green’s pioneer residential tower is on track for completion by mid-2018. Various fixtures in both interiors and exteriors had been successfully in place.
The firm had just finished the rooftop slab and had been in the process of installing high level services, which includes fire protection, hydraulics/plumbing, and electrical. The ceilings and partitions on Level 4 had commenced. Cladding has started on Level 3, including columns which extend down to the ground floor.
Meanwhile, laying of asphalt to the internal road had been completed in the first weeks of October. The roadway that would link Lancaster Road with Nudgee Road is supposed open by the time that Ascot House opens. The widening of Nudgee Road is expected to be finished before Christmas.
Credit: Mirvac YouTube
The $950-million worth Ascot House will be the first Ascot Green project that will benefit from Mirvac’s pioneering sustainability initiative developed under Hatch. Solar panels and batteries were installed on the rooftop of the residential building. With this, future residents would reduce their electricity bills by up to 70 per cent.
Hatch had been Mirvac’s award-winning internal innovation program, which uses customer insights to drive innovative ideas in the property space for development.
Credit: Mirvac YouTube
Future residents of Ascot House will also enjoy the view of the Eagle Farm, along with the nearby parks and recreational places. The riverfront in Hamilton is just a short walk down the Racecourse Road. Clayfield and Hendra is also just within walking distance.
Completion of the Racecourse Village, a two-storey shopping centre just next to the Eagle Farm Racecourse, was also set to be completed by mid-2018, just in time for the first residents to be moving in to Ascot House. The complex would have Woolworths store and other eleven retail stores at ground level, including an open car park with 297 parking spaces.
Credit: Brisbane Racing Club YouTube
For those who wished to express their interest, please click here.
A class of Year 9 students in St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot designed, built, and programmed a 3D printed prosthetic hand. The said project is conducted as part of the school’s commitment to hands-on approach towards STEM learning for students.
The students involved in the project have performed biological dissection of the anatomy of the arm and hand, designed it using 3D software, and learnt about circuit design and computer coding. By the end of the year, they look forward to have the hand programmed to grasp and pick up an object.
Meanwhile, year 11 boarder Rhiannon Revell-Blair has been named City North New’s Junior Individual Sports Start at the recent Quest Local Sports Stars awards night held in Queensland Cricketer’s Club, The Gabba. She is currently awaiting the official decision on whether she will be included in the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens squad that will be undergoing training in New Zealand. She will be the co-captain of the St Margaret’s touch football team in 2018.
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot is an independent boarding school. It welcomes students from pre-preparatory level to Year 12. The school only accepts boys in pre-prep and prep.
Students listening to a lecture Credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School Facebook
Early this month, the school has introduced the basic of computer coding for its prep students as part of its focus on STEM education. Prep students use basic animation software in computer activities which are included in a weekly in-class programme on coding.
The school currently has 879 students of which 260 are primary students and 610 are girls in the secondary school. The boarding house has 170 boarders from Years 5 to 12.
Aside from its pastoral environment, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School has always been known for its focus on academic excellence, quality learning, and teaching. The school also takes pride in providing their students with a well-rounded exposure to experiences in and out of school that will help them gain a broad perspective of the world outside the school walls.
Don’t miss the final Pink’d Up BBQ for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month on October 27!
Everyone is invited to attend the event happening in 111 Racecourse Rd, Ascot. The Bank of Queensland will be selling cupcakes and proceeds will go to Chicks in Pink, a foundation that supports women living with breast cancer.
Pink’d Up 2017 is extra special for the community as they aim to raise $100,000, which could be their highest donation to date. They have always been proud to support women with breast cancer. This year’s efforts promises to contribute more for the women’s needs.
Pink’d Up BBQ Event in Ascot Credit: Racecourse RD Facebook
As always, the 72 olden Poinciana trees from the River to the Racetrack on Racecourse Road are decorated with pink ornaments. The community works together to adorn the trees with ribbons and artworks as they participate as one in the annual Pink’d Up Racecourse Rd event.
Credit: Racecourse Rd Facebook
Elsewhere in the state and across Australia, a massive concerted effort is in place to raise awareness about the disease. Concerned groups gather all means of support for affected women, including survivors of breast cancer. In Queensland for example, researchers are now utilizing 3D printers to develop biodegradable implants for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy.
According to the University of Queensland, there are one in eight Queensland women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer prior the age of 85. Younger women afflicted with the disease have less chance of surviving than their older counterparts. The university highlights that more funding is required for more relevant research and clinical trials to take place.
Credit: ARC ITTC in Additive Biomanufacturing YouTube
In Brisbane, breast cancer survivors find support with Dragons Abreast. These are women who fought the disease and maintain active lifestyle by engaging in Dragon Boat Racing. The group continues to promote breast cancer awareness as they pursue a fun and healthy lifestyle. They train every Saturday morning and meet up at the BRD container, behind the State Hockey Centre, 400 Lytton Road at Colmslie.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Racing Club is behind the 2017 Spring Racing Carnival, Australia’s most prestigious 2400 metre handicap race and the second biggest Cup race of the spring behind the Melbourne Cup. The activities are done for a good cause as $5 from every General Admission ticket sold is to be given to Breast Cancer Network Australia.
2017 Spring Racing Carnival Credit: Brisbane Racing Club Facebook
These and other similar activities, usually happening to celebrate October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, are held yearly. If you couldn’t come to Ascot Pink’d Up barbeque this year, you still have your chance next year.
Click here to be updated about the scheduled events in Ascot.
Taro’s Ramen, with a shop at 145 Racecourse Rd Ascot, is set to open another restaurant in South Brisbane in mid-November.
Restaurant owner, Taro Akimoto, said that the new restaurant will be located on the ground floor of 154 Melbourne in South Brisbane. It will seat 80 people and will retain the fitments of the building owned by the Centurion Property Group. Akimoto shared that the South Brisbane shop will be somewhat similar to Wagaya in Fortitude Valley, where partitions go all the way up to above eye height. Elsewhere, the new Taro’s Ramen will be akin to how the Ascot restaurant is being operated.
Taro’s Ramen is popular for its menu that features a delectable combination of authentic Japanese shochu, sake, and side dishes which complement their ramen. Ascot and Hamilton reviewers have given the restaurant a 5-star rating on Eat Now, and a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.
Ramen Credit: Taro’s Ramen Facebook
“Given that I eat Japanese food on a weekly basis, It’s a tragedy that I haven’t eaten at Taro’s Ramen until today! Fast forward: there’s an empty bowl and a happy, full tummy, it was as if I had been transported back to Japan for an hour or so… I can’t wait to get back to Taro’s and work my way through the menu.” – Elizabeth, Yelp
“Love Taro’s. Their food is so good! Always delicious.” – Maree, Eat Now
“Great as always, attention to detail, amazing customer service, quality ingredients, nice variety, great flavours. A must in Brisbane.” – David, Eat Now
“Awesome meal. We didn’t have to wait long to pick up our order. The staff are always so friendly and helpful. Best ramen in Brisbane.” – Jessica, Eat Now
Akimoto, a former resource industry investment analyst, was born and raised in Japan. His mother was from Saga, Kyushu where he also spent much of his childhood and adolescence. The place greatly influenced his passion for ramen. He subsequently brought the different ramen flavours of his childhood into his own cooking.
Taro Akimoto Credit: Taro’s Ramen Facebook
While travelling around Japan during his university years, Akimoto saw to it that he experienced all kinds of ramen there is. It was in Tenkaippin where he learnt that oily and thick soup adds up to the flavour of ramen. It was in Kitakata where he learnt that ramen is best when served with handmade noodles. By the new millennium, he already knew about fusion ramen and that it can be as good without MSG. A few years after, he was in Australia, bringing along his exquisite knowledge about the cuisine.
Ramen Credit: Taro’s Ramen Facebook
Because of this rich background of Japanese culture, Taro’s Ramen has consistently served patrons with the most authentic ramen in Australia. Their natural ingredients were shipped directly from selected suppliers in Japan. All restaurants promised that they do not serve dishes with MSG or other preservatives. For more information about Taro’s Ramen or for placing order, click here.
Looking for a short running course or a challenging weekend stride? Check out these running routes created and recommended by locals in the Ascot area.
