The Valley’s new steak hangout, easy Lune croissant hack, you can leave your cape on in this bar, Noosa’s new spit, how to Christmas like a pollie, Brisbane 70s icon makes a comeback and more bakery treats – all in this week’s Feast on Brisbane #44.
Enjoy this taste of Brisbane while I research the ultimate seafood safari down the east coast of Tasmania. It’s shucking good fun! Follow Eat drink and be Kerry on Facebook and Instagram for the highlights.
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1st Edition
Feast on Brisbane #44
Argentinian flavours liven up the Valley
Step into the old-world South American charm of Evita, another new addition to the Fortitude Valley dining scene located in a former heritage-listed building on St Pauls Terrace. Argentinian inspired, it features the flavours of Latin America accompanied by a perfectly curated drinks list.
Steak from premium Black-Angus cattle, bred at hand-selected farms cooked over wood, oak, and ash from a fully 110 –year old restored heritage oven is the menu hero. The focus is heavily on a selection of small plates served family dining style, with a sommelier on-hand to pair a selection of over 250 wines with each dish.
The Coterie Heritage was built around 1930 for pastry cooks Aldolphus and George Frederick McDonald and operated until 1985. The former patisserie building retains the company name on its front facade as well as on an oven in its interior.
Evita comes from the leading hospitality groups Icatha Hospitality & Salt Meats Cheese
Group. Evita is open Wednesday to Saturday at 365 St Pauls Terrace. More at evitafv.com.au
Noosa’s new spit
Have you spied The Spit Van the funky new vintage Viscount van that is serving freshly brewed barista coffees, ice-creams and their infamous toasties at the Noosa River Mouth? It’s a new venture by long term Noosa family Andrew and Leesa Watson, along with some weekend help from their teenage son Charlie. The Watsons are passionate about supporting local suppliers, and use Noosa coffee beans by Padre, mouth-watering gelato and ice cream from Noosa Gelato Company. They have already gained a cult following for their famous toasties prepared by local café, Larder and Baked!
Local artist Mitchell English’s aptly titled ‘Golden Summer,’ artwork wraps the van. The Spit Van is open Thursday to – Monday (Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and rainy days). You can also follow The Spit Van on Instagram @thespitvannoosa for their daily posts of the weather conditions at the mouth of the gorgeous Noosa River.
Bar for superheroes
Those who love getting lost in a sea of vintage comic books in underground literary speakeasies or get a thrill from being slammed back into their movie seats by the mega sound system of Iron Man’s jet repulsors, should head to Brisbane’s newest bar and restaurant.
Hidden down in a clandestine position in the Valley’s California Lane, 1st Editionis a theatrical dining experience dripping in comic book material. Self-confessed comic nerd Marc Grey (Destino Sanctuary Cove) and Chef Steve Maiden (Baja Fortitude Valley, Bam Bam Hayman Island) have created one of Brisbane’s most Instagram-worthy settings with a drool-worthy menu to boot.
The bar seats 22 and offers three 90-minute seatings each evening, making it an exclusive experience that will need to be nabbed quickly (online bookings accepted only)! Lucky diners will feast on dishes that are a cultural fusion inspired by every global postcode a comic book villain houses a lair. Expect Cheeseburger Gyoza with Kimchi Tomato, Dill and Chilli Cheese or Beef Tartare, Miso Aioli, Pickled Mushroom, Cured Egg and Jalapeño salt. Other standout dishes include Spanner Crab with Burnt Butter Emulsion, Cucumber and Artichoke or MB 7 Wagyu with Bacon Bordelaise and Burnt Cream.
Find it at 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley and book online via 1steditionbar.com
Celebrate Christmas like a pollie
Enjoy Christmas like a Queensland pollie with one of the city’s best rooftop views from the River Deck at Parliament House with a slap-up seafood buffet created by Executive Chef Andrew McCrea. The menus include dishes such as Mooloolaba whole prawns, local cheeses and a decadent house-made summer fruit pavlova.
“Being State Parliament, we are completely focused on sourcing the best Queensland produce and supporting those local suppliers, Mr McCrea said.
The Sunset Series Seafood BBQ Buffet on December 15 comes with a four-hour beverage package that boasts a selection of Queensland wines and craft beers. It starts at 4.30 pm and costs $130 per person. Bookings via www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Events-and-functions/Special-
Woolloongabba bakery pop up
Brisbane’s addiction to delicious baked treats has prompted the launch of Le Bon Bakery Pop Up at Woolloongabba in C’est Bon Restaurant. Here for a good time, not a long time, the house-baked items include crisp buttery croissants, piping hot Croque Monsieurs (yes with all the bechamel!), Rum Baba, Brioche Treats, Loaves, Baguettes, Toulouse Sausage Rolls and more! There are over 30 items on the menu, rotating weekly. Must-try items include the Cheese and Herb Gougeres, Gateau Basque and Cinnamon Brioche. Whilst you’re there, order a takeaway coffee with Roast by Yili beans and also prepackaged granola.
Continuing through to Christmas Eve, Le Bon Bakery will add festive items to their menu in the lead up to Christmas. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm.
Hibiscus Room makes a comeback!
Do you remember the Hibiscus Room? Located on levels 25 and 26 of Lennons Hotel it was a very popular 80s bar, dining and dancing venue. Well, it’s back in the Hyatt Regency Brisbane as the city’s new go-to for cocktails, classic Aussie fare and a grand old time, opening on December 8. The new Hibiscus Room is a 90-seat restaurant and bar that surrounds the hotel’s infinity pool overlooking Queen Street Mall.
“The design delivers the best of the Queensland lifestyle with a fun nostalgic twist. We have taken the time to listen to the special stories of the Lennons past from locals,” says Hyatt Regency Brisbane general manager, Saraid Carey.
You won’t find 70s shag carpets and vinyl, but the refresh by award-winning Brisbane architects Cameron & Co does include laid-back patterns, a vibrant colour palette of corals and greens, and custom and sustainable Australian-made furniture by Tait.
Signature dishes on the menu include entrées like the chilled Moreton Bay bug cocktail and free-range pork and cage-free Scotch egg, while mains offer a BBQ grill of local king prawns with chilli and mango salsa, Rockhampton beef rump cap and Southern Queensland lamb loin chops. Desserts showcase an iconic Black Forest trifle, crêpes Suzette, and rice pudding with butterscotch. Find out more at hibiscusroom.com
Food legend comes to Brisbane
After several COVID inspired cancellations, Yotam Ottolenghi will tour Australia to share the tastes, ingredients, and flavours that excite him, and how he has created a career from cooking. He lands in Brisbane on January 20 at QPAC.
His Flavour of Life tour shares his experience as a chef, restaurateur and food writer. Yotam offers unique insights into how flavour is dialled up and why it works. He talks about basic pairings that are fundamental to taste and cooking methods that elevate ingredients to great heights. He will also talk about his life in food.
Where can you find a Christmas High Tea?
W Brisbane has a festive high tea with a curated selection of seasonal faves. You can even decorate your own festive pastry with edible paint. Enjoy hot and cold items crafted with locally sourced produce, cocktails, champagne and bottomless tea and barista coffee. Available until January 7 at the Living Room Bar.
Easy Lune croissant hack
Forget queuing up at Lune for a croissant! Head to QAGOMA for The Rose Lychee Twice Baked Lune x QAGOMA special collaboration for ‘The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT10). Inspired by flavours and ingredients from Asia and the Pacific, it’s a traditional croissant filled with rosewater syrup, coconut frangipane, Tahitian vanilla cream, Japanese cheesecake, and lychee jelly; topped with fresh lychee, lychee jelly, candied rose petals and white chocolate shards. Try saying that without a breath! The croissant is available at Lune Brisbane for pre-order online and over the counter, plus at QAG Cafe and GOMA Bistro.
Feast on Brisbane #44 Recipe of the week- Catalan Pyjamas
Much loved Ekka Strawberry Ice Cream is back in tubs with a simple strawberry ice cream dessert for Catalan Pyjamas. You’ll enjoy making this easy strawberry meringue dessert at home.
What happened last week in Brisbane? Check Feast on Brisbane #43
