Urbane’s new executive chef
After six years at the helm of The Urbane Group’s Urbane, The Euro and The Laneway, lauded chef Alejandro Cancino is moving on to pursue his passion for plant-based dining. The departure has been planned for some time, with Alejandro hand-picking his executive chef replacement months ago – Brisbane native Andrew Gunn. Andrew has been working alongside Alejandro for the last six months as head chef, with previous stints at the likes of two Michelin-starred Le Taillevent and three Michelin-starred Le Cinq in Paris. Although Andrew’s experience and training is classically French, Urbane Group co-owner Andrew Buchanan has noted the restaurants won’t become French – Urbane will continue to offer its degustation-only omnivore and herbivore menus, and The Euro will remain as a European-inspired brasserie. Alejandro will continue to work three days a week at Urbane until June 30, after which he plans to return occasionally to host guest-chef dinners.

The Valley Drive In 
Live-music fanatics received good news last week, when the team behind The Brightside announced a new addition to the venue. The Valley Drive In will be taking over the venue’s back lot come the end of April, establishing a permanent outdoor music option right in the heart of The Valley’s entertainment precinct. The space has already been activated on occasion for large festivals and shows from internationally touring bands, but has been upgraded with permanent staging and production equipment, acting as a blank canvas for promoters and bands to bring their live-music vision to life. The Valley Drive In will look to accommodate a large variety of gigs, with its first official show on Saturday April 29 being a huge dance party from the Animals Dancing collective.

Blended Health Bar
Noosa favourite Blended Health Bar is headed south, set to open its second location in Fortitude Valley in early May. While the Hastings Street store is more of a takeaway-only hole in the wall, the Fortitude Valley cafe – situated beneath the Mosaic building – will offer seating and a dine-in menu. Blended Fortitude Valley will be serving up its signature smoothies, juices, Allpress Espresso, blended bowls and nice-creams, as well as adding hot brunch and salad options to the menu. Fit-out is underway and Blended is currently looking for a local artist to create a mural inside the space – message via the Blended Health Bar Instagram if you have a suggestion!

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