Even if you're a semi-regular tea drinker, you'll find something tempting at The Tea Centre. Behind the counter is a wall full of an amazing array of different types of tea. The staff welcome your interest and have lots of information to offer. They'll let you smell the teas and they usually have a story to tell. You can taste test the tea of the day and buy tea accessories such as tea pots, strainers and generally have a chat. Everything is presented and done with pride.

For the quintessential Brisbane experience, try night kayaking on the Brisbane River.

Riverlife suffered considerably during the 2011 floods but they quickly got back in action and offer a great service for the city. They offer a range of activities including day and night paddles, stand-up paddleboarding, rock climbing, abseiling and hire of rollerblades and bicycles.

Kayaking at night is safe and in groups of up to 50 (I think). Instructors accompany the group and you spend an hour and a half paddling up the river and back. It's an experience not to be missed; I've done it three times now. It's safe and doesn't require above average fitness levels.

They also offer a BBQ or prawns after the paddle depending on which night you go. Highly recommended!!

Approximate cost: $45

We happened to be looking for a late lunch and when we rang at 2pm, we thought they'd say the kitchen was closed. Happily the kitchen is open all day long and we were the only diners in an establishment that seats hundreds.

Garlic bread arrives for free at the table while you check out the meats on display in the refrigerated cabinet. You can choose from huge steaks, eye fillet, lobster, fish and other seafoods.

When your meal arrives, you can't help but feel very special! Every meal is presented like a platter. I had the prawn and avocado salad which was accompanied by crunchy chips and a big salad of fresh vegetables. We also ordered the rump steak and bugs (one and a half whole bugs) which was HUGE.

We ordered a side of mushroom gravy for the chips which was absolutely enormous and DELICIOUS!!! In fact, it could have been the highlight of the meal!

The chef himself served the steak at the table.

The decor is a little tired but who cares? When you get a huge meal like this, presented so well and for such reasonable prices (massive rump with 1.5 MB bugs, chips and salad for $42), no one should complain.

Don't eat before you go!!

Approximate cost: $35

Indulge! If you really want somewhere spectacular to go for a meal, you have to book for lunch or dinner here. We paid $52pp which is a bit steep if you don't eat a whole lot but you can't quibble at the quality.

Firstly, the views are spectacular from the revolving restaurant at the top of Crowne Plaza. The ambience is lovely with white tablecloths and an atmosphere of elegance. While we were there we did three whole revolutions and each takes around 50 minutes. We definitely took our time, enjoyed the views and the food.

There are two buffets, one for starters and salads and the other for mains and desserts. The seafood was fresh and plentiful and we ate our fill of fresh crabs, prawns, oysters and bugs. There are also lovely soups, salads, cheeses, Asian starters and breads.

The mains include various dishes such as tandoori fish, roast, vegetables, Asian dishes and so on. Dessert included ice creams, pavlova, cakes, cheese platters, mousse, creme caramel and fresh fruit. Regular filter coffee is included for the price.

The staff are welcoming and obliging. Drinks prices are a bit expensive but again, you don't do this every day.

Highly recommended for international visitors, seafood lovers and anyone who loves a great buffet.

Approximate cost: $52

For a chocolate fix, Max Brenner is IT. At this store, you can watch two massive vats of chocolate churning around. They supposedly lead - via ceiling-mounted pipes - to the dispenser behind the counter. I'm not sold that that's true but who cares, the chocolate is delicious.

I had the waffles with banana, strawberry and milk chocolate plus chocolate ice cream. Absolutely delicious! Also had the Italian hot chocolate which was too sweet to enjoy. Left most of it.

The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is great. You can browse for chocolate gifts or take-home MB chocolate. I think it's safest just to enjoy it on site and pretend it never happened! lol

Pricing is ok but as an occasional treat it's no big deal.

Approximate cost: $15

If you want a burger but you don't want it to be unhealthy, try Grill'd. The meat is - as the name suggests - grilled and they use excellent cuts of meat plus actual chicken breast. The chips are served with salt and rosemary and you can also have dips with them.

Aside from the usual soft drinks, they also have an obscure range of imported brands plus beers and waters.

They have a kids' range, lamb burgers (which you don't find everywhere) and even vegetarian burgers. I wish they'd offer coffee and also a couple of dessert options. It seems strange to enjoy a good meal there and have to go elsewhere for those things when they could get a bigger spend out of customers.

Approximate cost: $12

Don't judge this book by its cover. It's got an unassuming appearance from the outside but No-No's delivers on flavour, that's for sure! We went there one day just to buy their famous (to my family) baba ghanoush. We ended up sitting at one of the little tables and feasting on a variety of delicious - and healthy - foods. We had beans with fresh tomato sauce and garlic, lamb, flat bread, dips, a chick pea dish and a couple of other items.

The owners are really friendly and very happy for you to enjoy your food. You can also buy a range of Lebanese foods to take home, either pre-prepared or packaged.

If you didn't know it was there, you could easily miss No-No's but now that you've read this review, definitely drop in. With a distinct lack of Lebanese restaurants in Brisbane, you can get your fix here and I promise, you'll be back.

I was initially a bit put off when I saw the location (an old run down house on Milton Road) but I proceeded anyway and got a really great massage.

Mike tends to work in bare feet which I also thought odd at first, and the setting is not exactly relaxing with loud traffic outside on the main road. But he really does excellent work and I would recommend him for anyone looking for remedial massage.

Approximate cost: $50

As I walked around Chermside, my shoe broke so I barely made it into Williams with my right shoe intact. The guy serving was very helpful and in minutes I had a new pair. He even disposed of the old ones for me.

The store has a pretty good range on offer and also a good range of price points. As a Fusion member, I usually get exclusive specials and offers too.

Approximate cost: $40

I've been going to Hairhouse Warehouse for years, with a few diversions over that time. For a chain store, the staff are really good and do a great job on my hair. I usually get my hair coloured and sometimes cut.

You can also buy hair accessories and products and the girls will help to know the right products to buy.

They always do a great scalp massage! Friendly staff and I can always get an appointment when I need one.