ConversationsWithBianca.com readers will know that I love cupcakes and that I also love supporting local independent business! Babington House makes some of my favourite cupcakes on the Gold Coast. They use the finest ingredients, organic and Fairtrade wherever possible, free range eggs, unbleached flours, Lindt Chocolate, Dutch cocoa and will make you any flavour that your heart (and stomach) desires! Flavours include coffee, chilli-chocolate, Shiraz with dark chocolate, wasabi-white choc-lychee, strawberry, lavender, watermelon, red velvet, pumpkin pie, cherry, peanut butter, apple crumble and more, along with traditional staples such as vanilla and chocolate; there are even alcohol-tinged treats: The Mighty Beer cupcake (that actually looks like a beer in a glass) and the Cosmopolitan. Their delectable award-winning creations are made from scratch and are “not for the faint hearted” – folks have also described them as classy, intriguing and elegant. Babington supports great causes (World Wildlife Fund, RSPCA) too!

Today is the grand opening of their first store/kiosk located in Surfers Paradise in the Centro Mall (between Adorn Jewellery & Ice Clothing) be sure to check it out if you’re in the neighbourhood. Opening day flavours include: Rum & Coke, Chilli-choc, Bubblegum, Passionfruit, Mango & Pineapple, White Choc & Coconut, Coffee, Red Velvet, Marble, Caramel-choc, Blueberry & Lemon, Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.

Here’s my chat with the lady behind Babington House, Jenna Chainberlain.

What inspired you to start Babington House? I know that your mum is a big inspiration.
JENNA CHAINBERLAIN: My Mum loves cupcakes! There was a new place opening up that was getting huge reviews so I took her there, they were really disappointing! We tried the “Lemon Meringue”—it had no curd and no meringue! It got me thinking that surely I could do better and create really amazing, different cupcakes that people don’t usually see so, I created the Babington Lemon Meringue cupcake, filled with curd and topped with real meringue!

Tell us about Babington’s beginnings.
JC: It was definitely a lot harder than I thought it would be…it was a cupcake… how hard could it be? Well, it took nine months to perfect our “12 original range” recipes, which Wesley still classes as the best of our cupcakes ever made. It was a lot of early morning starts at markets, handing out flyers & just trying to get our name out there.

What’s your first cupcake related memory?
JC: I was nine years old and creating Edwardian style cupcakes (two cupcakes removed from their cases – one is placed upside down and the other on top to create an hourglass shape), I was trying to decorate them and nothing was working, they looked awful. I got so upset that I threw it out the window and said I never want to do this again… ever! Never say never!

What makes a Babington cupcake special? How do we know it’s a Babington?
JC: Babington cupcakes are special because of the quality ingredients we use. You can tell a Babington cupcake by the taste and texture of the cupcake; we use sour cream in the base, so it has a more dense ‘New York’ style rather than a sponge texture. Also, we put a sprinkling of edible glitter on every cupcake.

Babington’s cupcakes are made from organic and Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible as well as being made from scratch (unfortunately not something everyone does), why was this important?
JC: It was important to use the best ingredients in order to have a superior product. Organic means there has been no manipulation with the product and it is completely natural, you can really taste the difference. Using Fairtrade products helps to provide better working conditions for poverty stricken workers and families, which I think is a great cause.

What are some of Babington’s customer favourites?
JC: Most people still choose the classic flavours Vanilla & Chocolate, but Red velvet has definitely been popular lately.

What is the healthiest cupcake you sell?
JC: The healthiest order we ever had was for a gluten, egg & dairy free cupcake tower. We try to cater for our customer; luckily we don’t get too many of those orders.

What is the strangest cupcake you’ve made?
JC: The strangest ideas usually come from Wes. He made a balsamic vinegar, strawberry and cracked black pepper cupcake—it was named The Wesley. It was absolutely beautiful! If you can get the balance of flavours it just works.

What’s your personal favourite cupcake and why do you love it so much?
JC: My personal favourite is the “Babington Signature” cupcake, caramel is my favourite. I wanted to create a cupcake that was filled with caramel, a little bit fancy and just a really sexy cupcake to look at.

Last year Babington won 50% of the awards given out for cupcakes at the Royal Sydney Fine Food Show and won awards in Tastes of Gold Coast’s inaugural cupcake competition; what did that mean to you?
JC: To win awards at the Sydney Food Show was amazing! You have people from all over showcasing their goods, to win 4 out of 8 was awesome and then, to find out that you were the first cupcakes from QLD to ever win there was just the cherry on the cupcake. Tastes of Gold Coast was good, it was just a bit of fun.

Clients have included the likes of Hard Rock Café and Swarovski; what is your favourite custom order you’ve created so far?
JC: The best custom order would have to be the Spongebob cupcakes! I remember watching cooking shows and reading cake books and just thinking, I wish I could do that. Making them really showed me what I was capable of. The casino cupcakes are a really close second.

What’s been the most exciting event you’ve provided cupcakes for?
JC: I think it would have to be the Hard Rock Café. The team there are really great and I can’t wait to see the finished product! It’s going to look hot!

You’re a qualified chef that has been creating excellence in food for almost a decade at places such as Vanita’s at Palazzo Versace, cooking for the likes of AC/DC, Michael Schumacher and Lupe Fiasco; what’s the greatest compliment you’ve ever received about your work?
JC: It would have to be when I just started as Head Chef at a ski resort in New Zealand. All of a sudden the restaurant was fully booked; it was just me and my new Sous Chef. It was the most fast paced service I have ever had, but it ran smoothly. After it was all over I had this guy walk up to the pass and say it was the best meal he and his family have ever had, they had been coming to the mountain for 10 years! It was an awesome feeling, knowing that we were so under the pump with just the two of us and that we served great food. Also, we just recently received a comment on Facebook saying: Your cupcakes are the best I have ever tasted, even better than Magnolia Bakery (the New York bakery credited with starting the ‘cupcake craze’ in the 90s and that featured in Sex & the City and Devil Wears Prada)—that was pretty cool.

Marco Pierre White is one of your role models as a chef; what do you admire most about him and his work?
JC: He has worked so extremely hard to get where he is today and his quest for perfection is incredible. He just has this strong, intimidating presence about him that I love.

Why was it important to Babington to support organisations such as the RSPCA, World Wildlife Fund and FishFight.net?
JC: My Mum (again) is a Vet and loves animals, which has rubbed off on me. Our house was always a sanctuary/retirement home for any animal that nobody wanted or that just walked in. Also, it saddens me to think that I may live to see a beautiful animal become extinct because of our own doing. I think it’s disgusting how their environment/homes are destroyed or how they are killed for sport so, I like to try and help wherever I can to try and prevent this.

What plans are in Babington’s future?
JC: To open a few stores across states. Eventually I would like to have a Babington fine food range… watch this space!

For more Babington House. Join Babington House on facebook.

I heart Babington!

I have a lot of friends that come through Brisbane (my hometown) on tour with their band throughout the year. I get the question ‘what is there for us to do on our off day Bianca?’ a lot.

I decided to put together a little guide of my beautiful city of birth for those of you who find yourself Down Under and in my neck of the woods. It’s for those of you that may live here but may have missed something and are unaware of some of the awesomeness that is right on your door step and it’s for those that are just plan curious to explore somewhere else other than where you’re currently at.

If you have anything else noteworthy or worthwhile to add, please comment and leave a link. I find that whatever city you find yourself in it’s always nice to have some insider local knowledge. The most interesting things are usually found a little off the beaten track. I hope this is helpful!

Brisbane by Cyron

Brisbane by Burning Image All other photos by David Jackmanson

Here goes:

Brisbane we go hard, we go hard / Brisbane we go hard, we go hard / We on the lookout for the advantage, we work hard / And if we seem to rough it up a bit / We broke but we’re rich at heart / Pull ourselves up now we won’t choke / It’s our time, put the lights on us -*Santigold lyrics with a slight adjustment ‘Brisbane’ instead of the original lyric ‘Brooklyn’

Eat, drink, be merry at…

Kuan Yin Tea-House – (I think) this is pretty much one of the greatest vegan/vegetarian places in the entire Universe! Kuan Yin’s owner Michael is one of the loveliest human beings I’ve ever met. The veggie treats are prepared with the upmost care and love plus its super crazy cheap. If dumplings (boiled & fried), noodle & rice dishes, veggie calamari, tofu salad, set meals (with veggie chicken, fish, pork etc), soups, bubble tea and crazy desserts with shaved ice, and hidden jelly treats (thanks for splitting one with me Greg) are your thang this is the place for you. You can pretty much spend under $10 and walk (or roll from all your food consumption) away content and full. Tip: If you bring your own containers for take-away you get a 10% discount.

Black Star Coffee – West End’s home of fair trade single-origin coffee! Coffee is definitely an art form and the folks at Black Star have it down pat. You can even put your order in online and pick it up, no more waiting! I find that a lot of my US buddies are obsessed with Starbucks coffee, let me tell ya this is so much better, it’s a no contest—very worth your while. The staff are super friendly and smilely plus they have the most amazing iced coffee (on both regular & soy) that they make fresh on the premises and bottle to keep in the fridge… it’s a taste sensation! Black Star also has acoustic live acts play.

Happy High Herbs, West End.

Pearl Cafe – French Country is the theme, amazing breakfasts are their specialty. There food is often described as ‘cheeky classic’. The menu changes with the seasons but I can highly recommend their toasted muesli with berries and their ‘eggs your way’ with sides of mushrooms, spinach & roasted tomatoes put my tastebuds into full swing. Say ‘hi’ to their barista Miss Kelly she rules & brews a damn fine coffee. The cakes are without equal as are the Brownies and Blondies. There’s also lots of fun shops to look at nearby if you’re in the market for antiques or quirky interesting pieces check out Pearl’s neighbours such as Miss Mouse.

Cupcakes from…
The Cup Cake Parlour – cupcakes! Do I need to say more? Decadent, hand iced, made daily for your pleasure. They make incredible vegan cupcakes too! Passionfruit Power, Fluffy Bunny, Mocha Motion, Mango Frangipanni the list of treats goes on and on… so yum!

The Forest – is your place for organic vegan wholefood meals. Kick ass veggie burgers, curries, lasagne and salads.

Govinda’s & Krishna’s Cafe – Hare Krishna eats! They hold a all-you-can-eat buffet daily for lunch and in the evening for dinner. At $10 it’s a bargain. I can rarely get through my first helping! I always manage to have room for halva. On Sunday they also hold a feast with chanting and a whole lotta Krishna love.

Tibetan Kitchen – eats from the roof of the world. Specialising in Tibetan, Nepalese and Sherpa cuisine. I highly recommend the vegetarian platter! When my best friend lived around the corner from this place we ate there like every week!

El Torito – what kind of eats list would it be without a killer Mexican restaurant. The chef is from South America and totally on it when it comes to preparing traditional Mexican eats (I included this one for you Brooks, I know you love your Mexican! Actually most So-Cal dwellers do ha, ha!)

Shop & consume at…

Butterbeats – it’s the home of hard to find records & CDs. The Butterbeats crew are purveyors of the finest urban literature, collectables and clothing. For all your graff to hip-hop to trance to reggae to rock to funk needs, Butter Beats got yo’ back. They have three stores: Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley and the Gold Coast. Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions while in store the friendly staff are there to help, educate and facilitate!

Trash Video – Australia’a largest cult video store.Over 12,000 handpicked rare movies.

It’s Vintage Darling – owned by the lovely Holly and Emily this is a cute little store that has great vintage clothing and decor finds. It’s a treasure trove of goodness. They serve great coffee and soy chai while you browse the racks and listen to retro tunes.

Comics Etc – if you’re a comic nerd like me this place is your mecca. I always seem to find hard to get things here. These guys have helped me expand my ever-evolving Marvel comic collection. If you’re also in Brisbane at the right time of year there’s the Supernova Comic Convention (Lou you may want to plan SOIA’s next Australian tour around convention time… lol! We can go comic trawling!)

Kill the Music – Brisbane’s only punk and hardcore music specialist. The only place in Brisbane worth going for punk & hc. It’s co-owned by one of the raddest people ever Paul Voge he also plays in The Paper & The Plane and has a blog here.

Rocking Horse Records – is Queensland’s largest and oldest independent record store. They also have a rad collection of music related books and zines that I love to browse and geek out over.

Bent Books – for quality rare and 2nd-hand books. These guys stocked my fanzine years ago!

Bare Bones Barbershop – is the place for the closest shave in town. Rockers, Greasers, Punkers you’ll love this place. They have a blog.

Places to get inked…

All Star Tattoo – Get in quick All Star will be (unfortunately) closing its doors 28 February 2010. All Star’s owner Link (Bossman!) is responsible for the art work that takes up a large portion of my back, he also did one of my hip tattoos. As of 12 March 2010 my pal Link will be tattooing at Preachers & Fools in Hollywood. Link is the man, go get inked by him and tell him Bianca sent you!

Black Throne Tattoo – members of the All Star family branching off and doing their own thing. Rachi Brains and Clint Steele are the artists in residence. Rachi’s the lady responsible for my beautiful side pieces, mi familia dedication.

True Love Tattoo – my homegirl Pip works here.

Mimsy’s Trailer Trash Tattoo – this lady has laid ink in the skin of a large percentage of my friends. I’m yet to get a piece from her but I’ve seen her in action inking one of my dearest friends. She’s a dream come true for all lovers of 50′s kitsch, operating out of a trailer decked out in theme. With over 10 years experience in the industry this lady rocks it!

Westside Tattoo – has seen a roster of great artists through its doors in its time. You can check out the work of one of the Westside crew Loz here.

Music…

Joe Malone Audio – this place is a muso’s dream! Joe has some of the rockin’ custom pre amps and monitors. His creations have been used by the likes of Wolfmother and Silverchair.

Tym Guitars – is an independent guitar shop like no other in Australia. They offer the best range of vintage to affordable second hand guitars, amps and effects pedals, and ship all over the world. They make a very limited number of hand crafted custom guitars, basses, amps and effects pedals (the way they should be made – completely by hand). They also do guitar repairs, restoration and refinishing. If it’s broken or not playing like it should, they’ll fix it. Clients have included J Mascis, The Hellacopters, My Chemical Romance, Backyard Babies, The Streets, Trail of Dead, as well as local legends Magic Dirt, The Nation Blue, Butterfly Effect, Powderfinger, Grinspoon, Screamfeeder and many more.

The Drum Cartel – customers have included everyone from The Mars Volta to Unwritten Law, Bullet For My Valentine, Fishbone, Suicidal Tendencies and The Dillinger Escape Plan. If you need drum equipment and a drum tech that knows there stuff look no further.

Hobo Obituaries, 4ZZZfm car park before a live to air performance

4ZZZfm – with a motto of AGITATE, EDUCATE, ORGANISE you just have to love Brisbane’s community radio station. They are a music formatted station with no playlists! Their presenters are genuinely interested in what they play. Have a listen to the live stream and find some new (Australian) bands.

The Troubadour – is a good hole-in-the-wall venue ran by good people. The decor makes me feel like I’m sitting in my eccentric grandma’s pad. I saw one of my favourite local acts, Jackie Marshall & the Black Elles Band here live towards the end of the year.

Jackie Marshall by Pete Wild.

Ahimsa House – The Evens featuring Ian MacKaye & Amy Farina have played there, its a little d.i.y. ran operation, grassroots, good intentions.

The Zoo – live music since 1992. I’ve seen Dresden Dolls, the BellRays, Bouncing Souls, The Real McKenzies, The Herd & more.

Rhythm Collision Sound System – Feeling Ire? Wanting to lively up yourself? I love conscious roots, reggae, dub, and dancehall! Basmati & Co deliver the goods here.

The Ark – is a studio and recording community based in Brisbane. It has a colourful range of friends and contributors in the form of Musicians, Producers, Photographers, the odd net nerd and whoever is around at the time. The Ark began when a group of like minded friends decided to pool their gear to make great recordings without the pressure and time restraints of a commercial studio. They have amazing vintage instruments and there’s (pretty much) two of everything, hence the name ‘the ark’.

Tip: Check out Brisbane Street press Rave Magazine (I’ve been writing for them for 13+ years) for live gig guides, info on local music and culture. Plus there is Gossip for cheap drinks & great music on Saturday nights. Tell resident DJ Polar Bear ‘hi’ for me.

You all know I love music a whole bunch here’s a short list of some Brisbane bands that have rocked my world over the years or that continue to rock my world today.

On the…

…punk rock tip we have: The Saints, The BlackMarket, Bad Day Down, The Disables, Mouthguard, Plan Of Attack, The Quickening, Knaw, Steve Towson, Lookout Mountain…

The BlackMarket

…hc bands: Against, Just Say Go!, Wish For Wings, B.A. Baracus & more…

…hip hop-wise it’s all about: Mad Occupants, Impossible Odds, Resin Dogs, MC DNO, MC Lazy Grey, Brothers Stoney…

Mad Occupants

…then there’s the undefinables (Brisbane has a looong history of producing bands that are super diverse) : Pangaea, Felinedown, Regurgitator, Jackie Marshall, Afro Dizzi Act, Golden Sounds, Sunflower (I love these guys!), Pink Bullet, Green Thief, Laneous & the Family Yeah, Butterfingers…

Felinedown

Sunflower

If you’re in Brisbane in the first half of the year it’s festival time! Check out: Big Day Out, Splendour In The Grass, East Coast Blues & Roots, Good Vibrations, Future Music Festival, Soundwave, Woodford Folk Festival and more…

Also there’s the Big Sound Music conference in Brisbane every year. There’s three days of panels, workshops and artist showcases for local, national and international music industry peeps. The forums and workshops are usually quite interesting it’s definitely worth checking out.

Things to do…

Roller Derby with Sunstate Roller Girls – SSRG are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing and promoting the sport of women’s Flat Track Roller Derby. They facilitate the development of athletic ability, sportswomanship and goodwill among league members. SSRG aspire to create a community of skaters that advances the sport of women’s Roller Derby and expands opportunities for all women to participate. They promote the empowerment of women in a safe and organised environment that fosters the health, well-being and personal growth of the ladies. They honour diversity and encourage self-expression and are committed to building a network of friendship and support. Very punk rock indeed! Bottom line is it’s all about fun!

Mana Bar – a new ‘gaming’ bar were you & your friends can get your Wii on and be Rock Star Guitar Heroes! It’s opening in February. It’s the first place of its kind in Oz.

Strike Bowling Bar – (this one’s for you Ahmir! he he) Ten Pin Bowling & Karaoke! Go get your bowl on under the neon lights while sipping your cocktails or cola.

Zen Hot Yoga – my favourite place in Brisbane for yoga. It’s the 1st FIR studio in Australia. This place transformed my life. Renae, Will and Louie’s classes are best!

Southbank Cinemas – As far as catching a flick in Brisbane these cinemas are best. They cost between $6.50 and $8.50 for a ticket depending on the day of the week. They also have a large curved floating screen in one theatre.

As in most major cities around the world we have our Museum and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Artfor your exploration, historical fix.

Bleeding Heart Gallery – use their powers for good not evil, showcasing the works of upcoming artists. At the end of last year my manfriend was featured in one of their art showcases.

Nine Lives – is a gallery space in the heart of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. They feature local, interstate and the odd international artist – all of whom have provided an assorted array of visual pleasures. Nice space.

New Farm Park – a nice place to get away from it all. There’s a delightful rose garden, picnic tables & chairs, the Brisbane river snakes around a majority of the park. You can find all types of group meeting there: laughing clubs, meditation groups, tai chi and more. It also home to…

The Brisbane Powerhouse – a contemporary multi-arts, dining venue. There’s also a farmer’s markets there on the weekends plus travelling art exhibits and performances.

Once a year I go there to see the Gyuto monks of Tibet. They do workshops over the course of the week, chanting and the creation of a sand mandala. At the week’s end there’s a ceremony and the sand mandala is cut, scooped up and taken out to the river—it’s to remind us that everything is impermanent. I remember one year I asked one of the monks why their robes are always orange? He told me it was because back in the day orange was an unfashionable colour and the monks usually went against the grain so embraced orange.

Fortitude Valley Markets – 2nd hand and vintage clothes, locally made fashion, crystals, homewares, quirky bits & pieces. Worth a look in.

For all your skateboard/skatepark locating needs try here. If you really wanna skate some awesome secret spots email me and I’ll put you in contact with those in the know.

Lone Pine Kola Sanctuary – a favourite with my o/seas friends. This is where you get to pat koalas and have your photo taken cuddling one. There’s a wall of photos of various artists that have toured and their furry new friends.

Oh, and another link that may be of use to some, if you’re in need of a little support on the road ;).

And if you still want more of what my ‘hood has to offer another great source of information about Brisbane is Four Thousand billed as the definite cultural guide to Brisbane it doesn’t disappoint!

So, welcome to my fair city! Can’t wait for you to visit! Brizzy represent! Boom!

Wishing you safe travels & rad days my friends…

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