Supernova
In big news for lovers of Japanese-inspired eats, the crew behind bang-on brunch spot Mitch & Antler and superstar croque slinger James & Antler is continuing its barnstorming run with Supernova, a brand-new cafe concept opening in Fortitude Valley next month. Supernova’s owners, brothers Tze-Huei ‘TH’ Choo and Chewie Choo, have always had an affinity with Japanese cuisine, so when a walk-in ready venue became available at the base of The Eminence on McLachlan Street the duo decided now was the perfect time to act. This time around, TH and Chewie are working with acclaimed chef Kim Machin (of Bare Bones Society fame), who will be overseeing a menu anchored by sandos and soba-noodle salads. Supernova will serve a four-strong selection of sandos, with the team offering a contemporary, less-is-more interpretation of the lunchtime favourite comprised of bread, protein (including katsu chicken, katsu pork or pan-fried beef) and a side bowl of tonkatsu sauce for dipping. A short breakfast offering will be headlined by kare pan, or curry bread – a grab-and-go staple of fried bread with a hearty curry filling. On the coffee front, TH and Chewie have once again partnered with Kasa Coffee, but this time the team will be using the roaster’s Illusion blend, which won bronze in the Milk Based category in last year’s Golden Bean awards. Not a coffee fan? No problem – Supernova will also be offering matcha- and hojicha-based beverages. Supernova is targeting a mid-May opening – stay tuned for a close-up look soon!

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy
Superhero fatigue might be setting in at the box office, but not in our cocktail scene. The comic-loving crew behind 1st Edition in The Valley is set to shake up its cosy laneway concepts, giving two of its venues new alter egos inspired by Batman’s extensive rogues’ gallery and transforming California Lane into Brisbane’s own Comic Book Quarter. In mid-May, secretive sipping spot Stir Down will turn into Harley Quinn, a sidekick to 1st Edition serving a cafe menu by day (think ham-off-the-bone toasties, Mumma G’s Pies and cured-meat platters) and hand-crafted cocktails, sweets and desserts at night. A cosmetic twist will see the 20-seater bar take on a new vibrant pink-and-blue colour scheme (a nod to Harley Quinn’s lively attire), with an updated seating configuration set to give the joint a fresh feel while still maintaining the intimate vibes. Harley Quinn’s cocktail list will closely mirror that of 1st Edition, however two new concoctions will be exclusive to Harley’s menu. That’s not all you need to be excited for – the team’s palm-tree-laden, SoCal-inspired hideaway Viva La Cali! is also getting a reboot, with Poison Ivy debuting in late-May. The existing timber feature is being removed and the layout will transition towards smaller casual seating for 40 guests. An eye-catching Poison Ivy mural will be added alongside some planted ivy for an injection of laneway-softening greenery. A rejigged food menu will give guests the chance to design their own snacking platter, with additions including oysters, calamari, chicken ribs and fried cauliflower likely to feature on a ten-strong list of options. Like Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy will serve 1st Edition’s handmade cocktails, but there will be two signatures worth seeking out on the menu. Keep your eyes on The Weekend Edition next month for more info.

Mourning Roast
Greenslopes residents will soon score a new coffee spot pouring brew potent enough to wake the dead. Mourning Roast is set to open on Sunday May 5 in a freshly renovated site at 377 Logan Road, which owners Sam and Nadine hope to turn into a welcoming hub for kindred spirits. Sam (whose hospitality career includes stints with heralded coffee outlets Merlo and Death Before Decaf) and Nadine (another hospo vet with loads of kitchen experience) are looking to elevate the local coffee-drinking experience, making each visit to Mourning Roast akin to daily ritual, where the community can pause and savour the richness of life. They’ll be doing so with a smooth custom coffee blend boasting notes of cacao, caramelised cherry and brown spice, with a lingering richness making it perfect for long blacks and flat whites. Mourning Roast will also be serving cold brew and batch brew alongside a tight menu of takeaway eats – think toasties, croissants, white chocolate and macadamia brownies, cinnamon rolls, Caramilk pavlova rocky road and a carrot cake-inspired shortbread jam drop.

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