Bars
Pavement Whispers: Eleven Rooftop Bar to transform into open-air Mexican restaurant MAYA
Food & Drink

Pavement Whispers: Eleven Rooftop Bar to transform into open-air Mexican restaurant MAYA

02 Jun 2020

While the recent easing of lockdown restrictions has been a big win for small-scale restaurants and cafes, our bar and pub scene likely won't see relief for another month. Until locals can gather at our watering holes once more, Brisbane bars are being forced to adapt. One notable pivot comes from hospitality crew The Coats Group, which is implementing some massive changes at its crown jewel venue Eleven Rooftop Bar. Come July, the Fortitude Valley hotspot will be reborn as MAYA – a pop-up Mexican restaurant and bar not only offering incredible views, but elevated street eats and margaritas all night long. more

Kulcha'd brings a taste of northern-Indian street food to West End
Food & Drink

Kulcha’d brings a taste of northern-Indian street food to West End

01 Jun 2020

Roti, chapati, naan, paratha and dosa – when it comes to flatbread, Indian cuisine is king. The culinary staple is prevalent in some shape and form in every corner of the country, though over here in Australia we are largely unaware of dozens of regional varieties that are cornerstones of local culinary practice. When Zach Dexter visited the northern-Indian city of Mohali in 2019, he encountered kulcha – a form of leavened and crispy tandoor-baked flatbread filled with chilli, spices and a variety of mouth-watering ingredients. It was love at first bite and since then Zach, his brother Calvin and their family have worked towards raising the profile of kulcha in Brisbane. After a few months of gradual work hindered by lockdown, Zach and Calvin's north-Indian street-food concept Kulcha'd quietly opened for takeaway, delivery and limited dine-in in West End last week – serving a… more

Food News
Go nuts for Krispy Kreme's new limited-edition Snickers doughnut collab
Food & Drink

Go nuts for Krispy Kreme’s new limited-edition Snickers doughnut collab

29 May 2020

Krispy Kreme is on a roll this year. After the massive success of its Maltesers collab in March, the mad scientists (or should we say creative geniuses) over at Krispy Kreme decided to team up with another iconic chocolate to create not just one, but two moreish confectionary concoctions. Say hello to Snickers doughnuts – sweet rings of nutty, nougat-filled goodness that are sure to really satisfy. more

Cafes
Byron-born caffeine crew Moonshine Coffee opens its first Brisbane joint in Kangaroo Point
Food & Drink

Byron-born caffeine crew Moonshine Coffee opens its first Brisbane joint in Kangaroo Point

28 May 2020

As the restrictions on restaurants, bars and cafes started to ease over the past couple of weeks, Kangaroo Point residents emerged from their iso-bubbles to the smell of coffee. While we were in lockdown, the brains from Byron Bay's Moonshine Coffee Roasters had been biding their time, waiting for strict restrictions to be lifted before properly unveiling their first Brisbane cafe. Moonshine Coffee softly opened in early May, and it has added a tasty slice of the Northern Rivers to our local caffeine scene. more

Events
Become a pasta master with Dario Manca's Italy-spanning workshops at Joedy's Cafe
Food & Drink

Become a pasta master with Dario Manca’s Italy-spanning workshops at Joedy’s Cafe

28 May 2020

As much as we love inhaling serves of spaghetti, tonnes of tortellini and copious amounts of cannelloni, we can’t even begin to classify ourselves as pasta experts until we’ve actually learned the basics of pasta making. Let’s be honest, homemade pasta is infinitely better than packet portions, but relying on YouTube tutorials and convoluted recipes isn’t the way to master the art. If you’re going to learn, you might as well learn from the best. Joedy Kyle of Joedy’s Cafe is teaming up with good pal and world-class pasta meastro Dario Manca to host 20 weeks of intimate, hands-on specialty pasta-making classes at Joedy’s New Farm eatery starting from Sunday June 7. Here’s what you can expect … more

Best of Brisbane
The round-up: Brisbane’s best markets
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best markets

28 May 2020

For us, the perfect weekend always starts with a visit to our local farmers market. Sometimes we go for the fresh produce, other times we simply go to catch up with friends and snack on some tasty market grub. Thankfully our local farmers markets have stayed open throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, with a greater focus on social distancing implemented to keep us safe while we support our independent farmers. If you're keen to avoid the grocery stores and get some fresh air at the same time, consider having a browse of this list of some of Brisbane’s best markets, with each packed with fresh food, sublime coffee, and some great community atmosphere. more

Food News
W Brisbane’s penthouse suite opens for a one-of-a-kind sky-high dining experience
Food & Drink

W Brisbane’s penthouse suite opens for a one-of-a-kind sky-high dining experience

28 May 2020

With restaurants reopening across the city, a lot of us are wanting to make our first dine-in experience a special one. Although W Brisbane's five-star accomodation is currently only open for stays for people meeting the requirements of essential accommodation, the W team have decided to swing open the doors to its lavish penthouse, so you and nine of your closest mates can experience top-level wining and dining with some pretty good views to boot. If you're keen to experience a boozy lunch like a VIP, then read on ... more

Recipes
No mess, no fuss – easy but delicious one-pan, one-tray or one-pot meal recipes
Food & Drink

No mess, no fuss – easy but delicious one-pan, one-tray or one-pot meal recipes

28 May 2020

Being confined to our homes for the last couple of months has lead to a lot more cooking and, for a while there, we really embraced our extra time to expand our recipe repertoire. We're starting to get to the point, however, we're pretty tired and craving something delicious, but super easy. Not just when it comes to prep, either – we also don't want much to clean up. To help you maximise on flavour and your free time, we've found five one-pan, one-tray or one-pot meal recipes so you can skip the washing up and get back to your Netflix binge. more

The Locals Next week: A BRISBANE LOCAL

Michael Tassis
Brisbane is now becoming famous for its variety of food, which is amazing for our industry ... ~ Michael Tassis more
Food News
A night at the theatre – treat yourself to a personal concert and world-class fare at The Tivoli's new intimate restaurant
Food & Drink

A night at the theatre – treat yourself to a personal concert and world-class fare at The Tivoli’s new intimate restaurant

28 May 2020

A much-loved Brisbane institution favourited by avid concert-goers, The Tivoli has welcomed musicians of all genres since its doors first opened to the public in 1917. Since the theatre's temporary closure in March due to COVID19, a large number of The Tivoli's devotees have been left feeling a little lost without their regular trips to the venue. Thankfully, The Tivoli is reopening its gates once more, revealing a new intimate in-venue takeover experience that will blow the socks off both lovers of terrific music and mouth-watering eats. more

Food News
Sink your teeth into a handful of happiness from Doughluxe Doughnuts
Food & Drink

Sink your teeth into a handful of happiness from Doughluxe Doughnuts

28 May 2020

No-one could possibly have predicted the widespread upheaval COVID19 would cause around the globe, but one of the unexpected outcomes is that during these strange and challenging times people have been forced to find innovative ways to keep busy and get by. When Jacqueline Madden-Manu and Giuliano Melluso (formerly of Darling and Co) found themselves at a loose end as a result of the virus, the pair decided to turn to the kitchen and channel their creativity into something they knew people needed – luxurious, fresh, comforting doughnuts made with love and passion. Brisbane, say hello to Doughluxe Doughnuts. more

Restaurants
Fast five – our takeaway picks for the weekend ahead
Food & Drink

Fast five – our takeaway picks for the weekend ahead

28 May 2020

We're almost two-and-a-half months into the pandemic lockdown and the days of going out to eat seem like a fond, but distant, memory. Although restrictions are relaxing and allowing small groups to dine in, takeaway is still the safest and most convenient option for those looking to support cafes, bars and restaurants. While we are doing our best to keep you informed of all of the spots that are making the transition to click-and-collect, we figured we'd put together a quick hit-list of venues to help make your decision-making process easier. Here are our splurge-worthy suggestions ... more

Food News
Gird your loins – cult-favourite US hard seltzer White Claw is coming to Aus
Food & Drink

Gird your loins – cult-favourite US hard seltzer White Claw is coming to Aus

28 May 2020

In a time when pubs remain closed across the country and shindigs are limited to a small amount of mates, a boozy beacon of light has shone down upon us in the form of some exciting news – cult-favourite tipple White Claw is making its way to our shores. To make matters even more exciting, we're set to get our first taste of the spiked seltzer in just a few months, right in time for summer. more

Food News
Mongrel puts the deli in deliciousness with new culinary pivot
Food & Drink

Mongrel puts the deli in deliciousness with new culinary pivot

21 May 2020

Throughout the ongoing pandemic, the state of Australia's hospitality scene has been defined by its ability to innovate in order to survive. While restrictions are easing, our bars, cafes and restaurants aren't out of the woods, and the next few months will be the true test for much of the industry as it further evolves to cater for fewer covers. The flavour pimps at Mongrel are no strangers to innovation, having grown from a fledgling pop-up concept to one of Brisbane's most beloved bars. The Milton hotspot is using this opportunity to trial something new, an on-site deli hawking a selection of house-made goodies that could not only overhaul your picnic or pantry selection, but could help Mongrel survive the challenging months ahead. more

Food News
What's your flavour? Messina is bringing back 40 of its most indulgent gelato hits for one week only
Food & Drink

What’s your flavour? Messina is bringing back 40 of its most indulgent gelato hits for one week only

21 May 2020

In the 18 years that Gelato Messina has been slinging scoops, over 4000 decadent flavours have been licked by loyal customers. To celebrate this glorious achievement, the creative flavour-makers at Messina are letting us taste-test a truly mouth-watering back catalogue of its top 40 greatest hits. Best of all, you’ll be able to pre-order and lock down your favourite Messina specials from the comforts of home. more

The Grocer
Sip organic and minimal-intervention grape juice from LOC Bottle Shop online
Food & Drink

Sip organic and minimal-intervention grape juice from LOC Bottle Shop online

21 May 2020

One of the (many) great joys of eating out at a fancy restaurant is perusing the venue's thoughtfully curated wine list for unique and interesting tipples. You know the kind – the ones that you definitely won't remember the name of and aren't readily available at your local bottle shop. With all of the current restrictions on dining in place, we've been missing the thrill of unearthing that perfect, elusive drop that makes our tastebuds tingle. If you've been staring vacantly at the same old varietals on the shelf, say hello to LOC Bottle Shop online and sip better. more

Bakeries
Superthing | Brisbane's best bakeries
Food & Drink

The round-up: Brisbane’s best bakeries

21 May 2020

Let's be real for a spell – is there anything as pure and good as a freshly baked loaf of bread? We think not. If we are being completely honest with ourselves, a simple artisan-baked sourdough or baguette is enough to put a smile on our face, but place us in front of a cabinet filled with flaky croissants, picture-perfect pastries, tantalising tarts and dreamy doughnuts, and we're overcome with joy. Brisbane boasts a bevy of fantastic bakeries – each stocked with a salivation-worthy selection of goodies. Want to know who we consider to be some of the city's best? Read on ... more

The Grocer
Enjoy healthy household staples delivered to your door thanks to Part&Parcel
Food & Drink

Enjoy healthy household staples delivered to your door thanks to Part&Parcel

20 May 2020

If you're the kind of person who gives a damn what's in the food you eat and often find yourself lost in a vortex of reading and cross-referencing food labels and ingredients, you need Part&Parcel in your life. Part&Parcel is an online health food store that exists to free you from the burden of having to decipher misleading and complex labels and deliver a tightly curated selection of healthy household staples to your door. more

Recipes
Celebrate the Paniyiri Greek Festival at home with this sweet honey puffs recipe
Food & Drink

Celebrate the Paniyiri Greek Festival at home with this sweet honey puffs recipe

20 May 2020

In 1976 a group of passionate Greek Australians sought to share their storied cultural traditions with the people of Brisbane. Four decades later and Paniyiri Greek Festival has grown to become Queensland’s signature celebration of all things Greek and the state’s largest cultural festival. As far as success stories go, this one is pretty amazing. Following the cancellation of this year's festival due to strict social-distancing restrictions, the fine folks behind Paniyiri Greek Festival decided to move their celebrations online this Sunday May 24. To help you experience one of the most colourful and flavoursome cultures at home, the've also shared their mouth-watering honey puffs (loukoumades) recipe. These sweet balls of goodness are a traditional Greek dessert that somewhat resembles the golden crispy-meets-fluffy texture of a doughnut. Once fried to perfection, the puffs are… more

Recipes
Five hearty pasta recipes to warm your bones and soothe your soul
Food & Drink

Five hearty pasta recipes to warm your bones and soothe your soul

20 May 2020

Sure, having a fit rig to strut the sand with post-iso is great and all, but what good will abs do when the mercury plummets? This year we’re advocating for the quarantine bod – that extra bit of cushion that keeps you warm when conditions outside become abominable. Pasta is comfort food – through and through – and there’s no dish we’d rather eat for dinner when rugged up and cosy at home. If you’re keen to jump on the quarantine bod movement, try these five warming recipes that will make your iso experience like the food equivalent of a big, warm hug. more