Marco Nunes, Co-Owner, Canvas
Listen to live music and indulge in a charcuterie board and glass of wine ...
When Canvas opened its doors a little more than two years ago, it seemed nothing like it had existed before. The street art framing the space was intriguing, the mood lighting and dark wooden tones seductive, and the promise of cleverly crafted cocktails drew crowds of curious night owls. With an unpretentious team wielding majestic liquor-mixing talents, Canvas delivers classic cocktails injected with a modern twist, keeping the menu adventurous and ever-fresh. This mood-lit lair is the creation of co-owners Marco and Emily Nunes, Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston. Alongside rustic charcuterie and mezze boards, this cosy modern-day speakeasy sees cocktail recipes from bartenders the world over sent in for the Brisbane tippler to swill. This week we caught up with part owner Marco Nunes, who, along with wife Emily, is raring with excitement for their new venue Papa Jacks to open within the currently under construction McLachlan & Ann building in Fortitude Valley. An intimate bar-meets-restaurant, Papa Jacks will bring the spirit of old-world New Orleans to Brisbane’s after-dark pocket, pairing a modern Creole menu with smooth live blues tunes.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Wake up early and start the day with a good relaxed breakfast. A good coffee is also essential.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Well … Purely G-rated activities since having kids. Probably going to the markets and eating fresh local food.
How do you like to unwind?
Sipping on Scotch whisky and watching a good documentary.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Spending time with the people I care most about, playing some soccer (ahem, football), enjoying good food and, if I get the chance, sneaking out for a couple of cocktails.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Some DIY.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Listen to live music and indulge in a charcuterie board and glass of wine at Canvas.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Getting my hipster on and hanging out in Byron Bay.
What are you reading at the moment?
Spot Goes to the Park, Where’s Spot? and Each Peach Pear Plum.
What inspires you?
Honest, kind, hard-working people.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a professional football player.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My kids.
What is success to you?
Happiness.
What are your words of wisdom?
It’s pretty simple – treat others how you would like to be treated.
Only a local would know … you can BYO food at The Scratch beer bar in Milton.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Toowong FC
Relax … Byron Bay
Dine … Montrachet, Paddington – got to get my French fix!
Indulge … Canvas, Woolloongabba
Shop … Paddington
Catch-up … The Kettle and Tin, Paddington
Be inspired … GOMA
