Sokyo Brisbane
As we inch ever closer to the beginning of Queen’s Wharf’s staggered unveiling in August, news is expected to come thick and fast on the hospitality concepts soon to call the precinct home. Thus far, The Star Brisbane has been extremely forthcoming with the dining-related news – and today the team has another big-time announcement that’ll make the anticipation even more unbearable. Hatted Japanese-inspired restaurant Sokyo will be opening a local location at The Star Brisbane in August, where traditional Japanese culinary techniques and top-notch Queensland produce will be used to create a sense-enlivening menu that blends ritual with art. Overseeing Sokyo at The Star Brisbane will be newly appointed executive head chef Alex Yu, who was previously head chef at Yugen Melbourne and, before that, long-time sous chef at Sokyo Sydney, where he earned the moniker of ‘sashimi florist’. At the helm of Sokyo Brisbane, Alex will be delivering a detail-oriented menu that includes a number of Sokyo’s most sought-after dishes (including Hiramasa kingfish with miso ceviche and crispy potato, and spicy tuna served on a bed of crispy rice) and some new creations (charcoal-grilled truffle-infused lobster and Queensland yellowfin tuna with a sweet aioli twist). On the beverage front, we’ve been told to expect a cracking selection of Japanese sakes and whiskies, tap and bottled beers, shochu cocktails, and a stellar wine list. Design firm Hassell has been recruited to fashion Sokyo’s interior, which will boast a lush setting enveloped in scrolls and timber screens. Sokyo Brisbane will feature seating for 160, with a sushi bar and custom-designed circular private-dining room. Sokyo Brisbane is expected to open in August alongside The Star Brisbane’s previously announced venues, Fat Noodle, Cucina Regina and Sky Deck’s three high-rise concepts.

Toby’s Estate
In big news for Newstead-based caffeine seekers, highly regarded speciality coffee roaster Toby’s Estate is opening a flagship cafe on Longland Street this Wednesday May 1 and to celebrate, it’s giving away free coffee. Between 7:00–9:00 am tomorrow, the Toby’s Estate team will be slinging cup after cup of the good stuff, roasted by Australia’s second-ranked coffee-roasting champion. Coffee fans will be able to enjoy their cuppa while perched at the central coffee bar (which boasts an espresso bar, filter bar and training bar), while also taking in the cafe’s stylish retro-meets-contemporary surrounds, designed by award-winning Melbourne architects Russell & George. Beyond the phenomenal flat whites and killer cappuccinos, Toby’s Estate will also be serving an array of top-notch coffees, encompassing unique processing methods, regions and varietals, including a rotating array of Flavour Savour blends and the Freezus menu (high-end coffee frozen at its peak). Meanwhile, an on-site kitchen will be dispensing a tight menu of cooked meals and sweet treats to enjoy with your beverage choice. Toby’s Estate will also be hosting free monthly tastings, where folks can learn more about coffee origins processes and brewing techniques. The first of these tastings will be taking place on Thursday May 9 between 4:00–6:00 pm – click here to secure a space and keep your eyes peeled for a peek inside Toby’s Estate Newstead later this week!

Fatcow on James St
Get hungry, carnivores – the Tassis Group is getting ready to fire up the grills at Fatcow’s new location over on James Street. On Wednesday May 8, the team will lift the cloche on the custom-designed restaurant space, which we hear will be a more opulent setting than its Eagle Street-based predecessor. Fatcow’s glow-up, envisioned by Clui Design, takes cues from classic mid-century steakhouses, with a solid marble bar, circular booth seating (surrounded by floor-to-ceiling curtains) and mirrored ceilings harking back to a bygone era. Fatcow on James St will boast a menu that will have meat lovers drooling, with 16 steaks from a wide range of producers available alongside trawler-fresh seafood (there will even be a live oyster tank). It’s set to be a big week for the Tassis Group, which will be unveiling its other highly anticipated project – Asian-inspired restaurant Longwang – on Tuesday May 7. We’ll be taking an up-close look at both of these venues soon!

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