First look – the La Costa and Cielo crew open Fortitude Valley wine bar La Valle

By James Frostick 15 Jan 2021

December 2020's blockbuster double-header arrival of La Costa Bar and Cielo Rooftop Bar finished a tough year on a resounding high note. A collaborative effort of Eterna and Salt Meats Cheese head honchos Stefano di Blasi and Edoardo Perlo, and Stefano Catino, Vince Lombardo and Andrea Gualdi of lauded Sydney bar Maybe Sammy, the transformation of Foresters Hall was touted from the outset as a multi-stage overhaul. Today, Friday January 15, marks the completion of the group's next phase. La Valle is La Costa and Cielo's wine bar and bottle-shop sibling – a corking and colourful homage to Italian apertivo bars boasting an impeccable selection of wines, pre-made cocktails and bar snacks. more

Food & Drink

Devour picture-perfect pastries and dreamy doughnuts at Bulimba’s Darvella Patisserie

14 Jan 2021

If we had enough pull to influence the writing of the history books, we'd emphasise the role sweet treats and baked goods had on getting us through 2020. When lockdowns made us crazy, croissants helped. When restrictions had us down in the dumps, we turned to doughnuts. Even though a new year has started, we're not expecting our dependence on carbs to lessen, which is good, because newly opened Bulimba bakery and patisserie Darvella has some treats that are too irresistible to ignore. This European-inspired dispensary is slinging gooey Nutella-filled doughnuts, Swiss-chocolate infused croissants and heavenly cakes by the score. Read on to see why this arrival is the perfect sweet start to 2021 ... more

Event News

Get moving and groovin’ with free fitness classes at West Village’s Wellness Week

14 Jan 2021

"New year, new me" is a mantra we usually tell ourselves to help us hop on the health bandwagon come January 1. The beginning of the year is typically filled with plenty of exercise classes, green juices and trying to avoid anything that contains too much sugar. Though, usually by mid-January, our will power starts to slip (and so do our hands into a bag of chips). To help you keep the momentum going, West Village has partnered with Goodlife Health Clubs Australia for a Wellness Week filled with fun workouts and nutritional workshops – from bootcamp and yoga to informational sessions and beyond. The bonus? It's all free! more

Food & Drink

Chomp into some crispy goodness at West End’s FryDays Bar & Kitchen

14 Jan 2021

Apologies to any of you that have sworn off deep-fried foods as part of your New Year's resolutions – this next feature might be testing for your resolve. In mid December, West End's dining scene grew by one with the arrival of FryDays Bar & Kitchen. Occupying a street-front bar space on Boundary Street, this casual eatery and drinking spot is bringing together two of our favourite things – fried chicken and beer. That's not all, though – the FryDays menu bridges eastern and western hemispheres for a varied and malleable offering that's all about evoking that Friday feeling every day of the week. more

Looking forward – our most anticipated restaurant, bar and cafe openings for 2021

Look, we know it's not going to be particularly hard for this year to be better than 2020, but 2021 is already shaping up to be a benchmark year for Brisbane's food and drink scene. Over the past few months, we've heard whispers of several noteworthy arrivals that will ensure 2021 is a year to remember. From world-renowned croissanteries to new concepts from established local powerhouses, here are some of the restaurant, bar and cafe openings to get excited about this year. more

Food & Drink

Multifaceted coffee and art hub Lonely’s Bar opens in West End

14 Jan 2021

Much like how every cup of coffee boasts its own complexity and uniqueness, so too does every cafe. As last year came to a close, a brand-new one-of-one coffee joint sprouted up off Montague Road in West End. Lonely's Bar is a singular concept that looks to bring together caffeine and creativity under one roof, with a slick industrial interior comprised of skilfully repurposed materials, an ever-changing selection of specialty filter coffee and DJs spinning tunes on Sunday mornings. Curious? You should be. Here's the lowdown ... more

Destination

Those boots are made for walking – the best trails to hike in and around Brisbane

12 Jan 2021

In these uncertain times where we keep yo-yo-ing back and forth between freedom and confinement, the opportunity to get outside for some precious nature time is one that we should grab with both hands. To celebrate some of our state’s best natural resources (and to encourage everyone to embrace being allowed outside), we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes around Brisbane and the Gold Coast so that you can get your state-sanctioned dose of fresh air. Are you ready, boots? Start walking! more

Event News

What’s on in Brisbane this weekend

14 Jan 2021

Considering last weekend was a complete write-off, we think you should make the most of your freedom and our great city by getting out and about this weekend. Support your local cafe, head to a museum or art gallery or check out one of the many exciting events listed below. Whatever you do, remember to mask up and stay safe! more

Food & Drink

Bottoms up – 20 20 Distillery opens its tasting room in Cooroy

14 Jan 2021

There's no doubt that the Sunshine Coast is blessed when it comes to drinking destinations – from craft-beer breweries to lively gin distilleries and everything boozy in between. Adding a bit of flavour into the mix is 20 20 Distillery, Cooroy's boutique spirits haven that has just swung open the doors of its tasting room for lovers of libation – whether that be gin, whisky or cold ones. more

Food & Drink

The Northern Rivers must-visit venues for your southern summer adventures

14 Jan 2021

There ain't nothin' like a roadtrip, especially when the destinations are this delicious. Now that the silly season is over, we're buckling up and heading south – join us on a journey through the Northern Rivers' must-visit venues for your eating and drinking pleasure. more

Event Highlights

16 - 17 Jan 2021

FRESH BLOOD Brisbane

Until 26 Apr 2021

The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire

Until 21 Feb 2021

Moonlight Cinema

Until 21 Feb 2021

Australian Venue Co Summer Staycations

Until 31 Jan 2021

Celebrate Summer at Eagle Street Pier

Every Friday and Saturday from 4:00–10:00 pm

BITE Markets

Events: What's on in Brisbane this week. Start planning your weekend

Sun 17 Jan See all events today

SparkLab

SUNDAZE at Will and Flow

NightQuarter Sunshine Coast

Disney Pixar Putt

Summer Holiday Fun at the State Library of Queensland

Next 07 Days See all events this week

Brisbane Vegan Markets

Hillsong Church

Sunday Sessions at The Bavarian

City Hall tours

The Storytellers

Mr Chester Wine Bar | Brisbane's best wine bars — Bars

Food & Drink

The round-up: savour the finest drops at the best wine bars in Brisbane

14 Jan 2021

Brisbane is fast becoming an oenophile's paradise, with a strong wine-bar scene growing year on year. If you're searching for natural and biodynamic newcomers, tried and true old-world wines, or are simply looking to expand your rolodex of juice for your home cellar, then look no further than the following list of Brisbane's best wine bars. more

Food & Drink

Gelatissimo has unleashed a limited-edition Cadbury Caramilk Hokey Pokey flavour and that’s what it’s all about

14 Jan 2021

Folks, there is some seriously spicy weather in store this summer – and one of the best ways to beat the heat when the mercury rises is with icy treats. The creamy wizards over at Gelatissimo have been busy in their lab (I assume) creating the ultimate gelato flavour that will save the season – Cadbury Caramilk Hokey Pokey! Yep, the cult-favourite New Zealand-centric sweet staple has been given the royal treatment and you can get your hot little hands on it right now. more

Food & Drink

Put it on the tab – Mr Yum is making dining out easy (and safe) with QR-code ordering

14 Jan 2021

If you're a fan of dining in, you've probably noticed that a lot of your favourite eateries have adapted to the new climate using innovate methods. One of these new processes is the use of QR technology, which has now become the norm when checking in before you dine in. Taking the technology to new lengths is Mr Yum, a QR-code system that not only lets you order from your phone, but start a digital tab too. Here's to never having to worry about that awkward split bill moment after you've finished up your last cocktail. more

The Locals Next week: A BRISBANE LOCAL

Growing up in an environment where music and performance were celebrated meant I had the freedom and support to explore my wild creative urges from a young age. ~ Emma Dean more

Weekly Inspire… Theme of the Week: words of wisdom

My doctor told me I had to stop throwing intimate dinners for four unless there are three other people ~ Orson Welles