The August 10 Edition
In my version of utopia, the little guy often wins. You know, the one who leaves his well-paid job to start up something of his own, something more creative, fun and fulfilling than working for da man. He intuits what the populace want before the populace even know they want it, and delivers it to them. David triumphs over Goliath, the end. Of course, in real life it’s never that simple. Goliath often sees what David is doing and, with all his resources and market power, jumps ahead of – or on top of – David. Governments also want a slice of David’s brilliance, adding to his red-tape headache and cost base. And, well, sh*t just happens, too (hello, pandemic). The rise and fall of craft brewing reflects this trajectory, and in today’s cover story, Konrad Marshall assesses why it’s all suddenly become so difficult. It’s a reality check, particularly if, like me, you are rather fond of Gordon, the microbrewer from the superb home-grown TV series Colin from Accounts, and his ilk. Come to think of it, that was another indie-done-good story, a TV show created by two little people with a big idea that became a hit around the world. Maybe there’s still hope for David, after all. – Editor, Katrina Strickland.
More than 20 craft brewers have fizzed out in the past year. What’s happening?
It’s been described as “far more brutal than anyone imagined”. What’s behind the great boutique brewery bust?
- by Konrad Marshall
When Ollie took a pill, he didn’t realise it would be a ‘never-ending trip’
From medical trials to magic mushrooms, psychedelics are back in the spotlight. But for those with the little-known condition HPPD, the side effects never end.
- by Tim Elliott
She helped Cambodians confront Khmer Rouge killers. Now, Helen’s on a new mission
Decades on from Pol Pot’s murderous regime, renowned Australian researcher Helen Jarvis is seeking World Heritage listing for the “killing fields”.
- by Chris Ray
‘I hate to generalise, but ...’ What Uber driving has taught me about humanity
Lawyers always know a “faster” route. Kids hate talking to strangers. Women are scared. And sometimes, talkative 20-somethings just nail it.
- by Wallace Noble
Two of Us
For subscribers
Only our sister has ‘a real job’: Pollies Cameron and Milton Dick on family life
Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and brother Milton, Speaker of the House of Representatives, on their early years – and their dad’s take on their work.
- by Jane Cadzow
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘It took me decades to realise’: An Australian of the Year’s advice to teen girls
Professor Georgina Long, 2024’s Australian of the Year with fellow melanoma researcher Richard Scolyer, on life, death – and what young women need to know.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
My husband was given a beautiful muscat. Perfect for my sore throat … right?
Make the prospect of cracking open this precious bottle a little easier to swallow, says our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
Comet
They didn’t see much of Sophie these days. She rarely went to coffee, she’d quit book club, she’d ghosted their WhatsApp group. They were old enough not to take it personally. They knew, too, that she’d resurface when the time was right. Tonight, for instance, when Sophie arrived at the party like a blazing comet, drawing looks and delighted exclamations. Working the floor, she kissed cheeks, dispensed hugs, plunged into conversations. Later, she drank hard, laughed harder, danced hardest – then disappeared as suddenly as she’d arrived. They could see her still when they closed their eyes. It’d do until next time. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Niku udon (Japanese beef noodle soup)
The shiitake dashi base can be made from scratch, or use my shortcut if you’re tight on time.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
French onion loaf
Helen Goh transforms the classic French soup into a soft and tasty loaf.
- by Helen Goh
Not just here to grill steaks: This ‘proper restaurant’ offers bells-and-whistles dining
With a new winter menu and head chef fresh from Oncore by Clare Smyth and Newtown’s Cafe Paci, Shell House has plenty of compelling reasons to visit.
- by Callan Boys
Review
Good Weekend
Daffodils, olive oil, custard cake: This tiny restaurant in a corner store is a pot of gold
Lovely, light and almost ethereal, Carnation Canteen glows like a beacon in Fitzroy’s backstreets.
- by Dani Valent
