Scugnizzi
While Brisbane isn’t short on first-class pizzerias, terrific trattorias and outstanding osterias, options for authentic easy-access Italian street food are limited. Two enterprising individuals are looking to fill the gap in the market and usher in a new era of Italian cuisine with a quick-service concept specialising in quality eats that can be obtained fast and eaten on the move. Scugnizzi will serve a range of Roman-style pizza al trancio (pizza by the slice) and house-made pastas from a casual and convenient dispensary, currently taking shape on Adelaide Street next to Noosa Chocolate Factory. Co-owners Carmine Guarino (currently head chef of Beccofino in Teneriffe) and Simone Presta (one of three co-owners of Doughcraft in Albion) have come together to open the concept, citing Rome’s iconic and influential pizza-by-the-slice specialist Bonci Pizzarium as the inspirational foundation for their own endeavour. Scugnizzi, a word in the Neapolitan dialect used to refer to rebellious streetwise youths and their playful energy, will offer a succinct menu encompassing six kinds of square-cut tray pizzas, eight kinds of pasta (made in store from scratch every day), a clutch of snacks like golden arancini and coffee and fresh Doughcraft pastries in the morning. This style of Italian cuisine could be catching on in Australia – Sydney recently celebrated the opening of Oti’ in the inner city – and Scugnizzi looks to kickstart the culinary craze in Brisbane. The Scugnizzi team is targeting late May and early June for the launch – stay tuned for a look inside in the coming weeks.

Fishbowl and Fruitbowl
It hasn’t taken long for Fishbowl to take a hold of Southeast Queensland’s tastebuds. Since opening its first Sunshine State location at Gasworks Plaza in July last year, the Sydney-born brand has gone on to launch locales in Burleigh Heads, Robina and at Sunshine Plaza. Now with loads of state-wide momentum behind them, the Fishbowl crew – Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi and Casper Ettelson – are returning focus back to Brisbane, opening a brand-new location at Westfield Chermside this Saturday May 20. Located near Event Cinemas, Fishbowl Chermside will pump out the same killer menu of Japanese-inspired salad bowls made using locally sourced ingredients. To celebrate the occasion, the first 100 customers to be served from 12:00 pm will score a free bowl of their choice, while the crew behind Good Happy will be slinging refreshing kombucha as well. That’s not all the Fishbowl crew have planned for this weekend. On Sunday May 21 over at Gasworks Plaza, the team will be launching Fruitbowl – a brand-new concept dedicated to fruit-packed bowls boasting freshly made acai and froyo bases – next door to Fishbowl. Following the same principles and epicurean ethos as Fishbowl (sustainability, transparency and food provenance), Fruitbowl will see chefs mixing up acai and roasting homemade granola in a design-driven space, boasting the same kind of exuberant energy as its neighbour. The first 100 customers who attend the grand opening of Fruitbowl from 11:00 am will be treated to a bowl on the house.

Riverland
On Monday May 22, Eagle Street bar and kitchen Riverland will lift the cloche on its exciting $3.5-m renovation, which has given the waterfront hub a sizeable increase in footprint and amenities. Now boasting a new three-tiered deck, Riverland is making the most of its enviable waterside position. Each level of Riverland’s deck layout offers something different, from Sky Deck’s new container bars and unparalleled views of the Story Bridge, to the Promenade Deck’s new live-music stage and large screen for sporting events. Riverland will also welcome two new unique kitchen concepts. The Queenslander will pump out modern pub fare like cured Tin Can Bay cuttlefish with brioche doughnut and lemon-myrtle salt, and chicken wings with pineapple rum barbecue glaze, while The Traveller will showcase a globe-spanning selection of eats, staring with Mexican-inspired morsels like cured Red Emperor tostadas, jalapeno poppers and a range of soft-shell tacos. Riverland is also taking the opportunity to overhaul its beverage program, revamping its cocktail menu, beer selection and wine list. A weekly entertainment schedule will also see live acoustic music and DJs performing Wednesday to Sunday.

FESTA ITALIANA
European summer is just about to kick off and half of our Instagram feed is filled with photos of Cinque Terre and Positano. Those of us stuck Down Under needn’t feel like they can’t enjoy the spoils of Italy, especially when Howard Smith Wharves is bringing a slice of the country to its riverside precinct. Howard Smith Wharves has just announced its inaugural Italian food market, FESTA ITALIANA, a celebration of all things Italian held over two weekends – May 26–28 and June 2–4. The event will be hosted in collaboration with guest chef, Naples-born Orazio D’Elia of Sydney’s Da Orazio, and will feature stalls serving freshly made pasta, local Casa Motta buffalo mozzarella, woodfired bread, fritto misto, creamy gelato and a bunch of Italian beverages – think classic aperitivo, Aperol spritz and peach bellinis. Chef Orazio will also be serving some of his signature dishes, including vodka rigatoni and cocaccia con porchetta. FESTA ITALIANA will also boast plenty of music and entertainment to keep you in the feasting mood. Head to the Howard Smith Wharves website for more information.

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