Locale’s cannoli pop-up bar
If the sight of freshly made cannoli makes you go “holy moly”, then we suggest you strap yourselves in for this tasty titbit. Pastry chef and vocal proponent of Italian cuisine Mario Cali is hosting the second edition of his cannoli pop-up bar this weekend at Newstead’s Locale. From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, Mario will be serving up some gourmet variations of the mouth-watering treat, including cannolis stuffed with Sicilian ricotta and chocolate chips, tiramisu, pistachio, and passionfruit curd. These cannolis will be dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis, so there’ll be no time for dawdling. Make sure you get in early to ensure you get a sample of all the flavours.

Ulster Lane
Brisbane’s laneway scene is moving from strength to strength, with several inner-city nooks turning into thriving cultural hubs. A recently lodged development application submitted by Aria Property Group could result in a brand-new laneway addition for The City. The proposed plan is looking to revitalise Ulster Lane, an under-utilised alleyway adjoining Elizabeth Street, with the addition of a bar or restaurant at the rear of the lane, a ground-floor cafe, retail tenancies on level one, as well as some aesthetic improvements to the laneway at large. Think updated paving, lighting installations, art murals, greenery plantings and seating – the works. Cameron and Co Architecture has taken the lead on Ulster Lane’s design, with visualisations showcasing a modern overhaul of the lane. We’ll keep you posted on any updates, but curious eyes can look over the application here.

DFO Jindalee’s redevelopment confirmed
Speaking of anticipated developments, earlier in January we reported that a development application had been submitted for a comprehensive $15-million overhaul of DFO Jindalee’s retail precinct. Well, last week the centre officially confirmed the approval of said application, meaning that the go-ahead has been given for the construction of several exciting new additions. From now until June 2020, construction work will take place to build a new six-screen Reading Cinema complex as well as an external dining precinct, the latter of which will add several new restaurants, cafes and more green spaces to the popular shopping destination.

Mongrel’s vegan degustation dinner
Here is some cool news for fans of elevated plant-based dining – the flavour pimps at grungy Milton hotspot Mongrel have announced the first of its series of themed degustation dinners. On Monday May 13, Mongrel will host Plants, a six-course vegan degustation dinner that spotlights and profiles produce sourced from local and sustainable growers. Now eight months on since the opening of its permanent Milton home, the Mongrel crew have enough breathing space to get back into the creative dabbling that made their pop-up dinners so popular. The degustation dinners will give the kitchen team a chance to get creative, with potential future themes including the likes of offal and other offbeat ingredients. Tickets for Plants will go on sale in two weeks, but only 50 tickets will be available. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ticket announcement on Mongrel’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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