Bakery Lane
Brisbane locals have been waiting patiently for our newest laneway development, Bakery Lane, to welcome us into its hidden quarters and at long last the day is near. Snaking off from Ann Street, the development will bring innovative new cafes, restaurants and bars to the Fortitude Valley scene. The folks behind favourites like Gerard’s Bistro and Lychee Lounge will be opening alfresco cafe and takeaway nook kiosk. behind their existing venue Laruche and next to their forthcoming bar and eatery The Apo, which is due to open later in the year. If you’re after a health hit, vegan and gluten-free haven Skull It will be serving smoothies, cold-pressed juices, ice blocks and guilt-free treats with no added sugar. Saturday May 2 will see the launch of the monthly Bakery Lane Providore Markets, which will offer small-batch produce from local artisans like Bee One Third Honey and Crust & Co. Artisan Baking, as well as live music and cupping demonstrations from Reverends Fine Coffee. Keep watch on Bakery Lane’s Facebook page for updates.

Little Loco
Those feeling a little empty after Raw Pawpaw closed its doors on Merthyr Road can begin to breathe easy again. Little Loco has taken its place, opening its doors last Friday. The cafe still has a healthy focus, with an array of vegan, vegetarian and paleo-inspired options, but will move away from raw food – that means there is bacon on the menu. Expect to find menu items such as lemon ricotta hotcakes with cinnamon honey mascarpone, maple and seasonal fruit, and avocado on house-made cornbread with pistachio dukkah, lime and coriander, washed down with coffee from Fonzie Abbott Espresso. Look out for full details on The Weekend Edition in the coming weeks.

Papa Jack’s
M&A’s buzzing bar and restaurant Papa Jack’s has entered an exciting new chapter this week with the arrival of head chef Jason Norris. After a move north from Sydney and a stint at Watt Restaurant + Bar, Jason will now lead the kitchen crew in a new direction with a shift towards New Southern and American Trail food. Creole flavours and Papa Jack’s favourites will still play an important role in the new menu, alongside dishes like chicken with waffles, sweet potato doughnuts and smoked wagyu brisket with pepper jelly and spliced dumplings.

Max Watt’s
Live-music fans across Australia were dealt a heavy blow when it was revealed that music-venue chain The Hi-Fi had entered administration. With venues in Sydney, Melbourne and in Brisbane’s West End, The Hi-Fi has become a significant part of the live-music scene along the east coast. Thankfully, there is hope for the venue chain, as Max Watt’s Operating Pty Ltd has bought the venues and engaged the services of The Venue Collective to take over booking duties. The Hi-Fi will operate under the name Max Watt’s, with renovations and sound and lighting upgrades to take place throughout April. Ashlea O’Loughlin has been named as the direct booker for all three venues. All of The Hi-Fi’s previously booked concerts will be taking place as scheduled.

Degani Cafe
There is some exciting news for southside residents, as the Calamvale Shopping Centre welcomes a brand-new eatery to its dining scene. Degani Cafe will be opening its doors in mid April, bringing a new 160-seat venue that will serve up a delicious mix of Mediterranean-influenced menu options and coffee. Degani is a Melbourne-based cafe franchise that boasts 70 stores across Australia. The Calamvale location will be Degani’s first Brisbane cafe and will feature a rustic interior with a large outdoor dining area.

Fiesta Olé
At the beginning of the year, Fiesta Olé sadly announced it would close its Spring Hill doors, but last Saturday marked the opening of its new home on Milton Road in Auchenflower. The restaurant is still serving up its delicious Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is now taking bookings as well. Dig in to Mexican delights such as sizzling fajitas, mole poblano and traditional tacos, and finish off with traditional rice pudding, flan or homemade cake.

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected]