Pompette
For the second time in as many weeks, the Tassis Group is announcing the forthcoming opening of a brand-new restaurant at The Star Brisbane. Following hot on the heels of the group’s recent news blast regarding the launch of soon-to-open Mediterranean-inspired eatery Dark Shepherd, the hospitality group has revealed the first details of Pompette – a youthful, fun and flirty French champagne bar and restaurant, set to open as part of The Terrace’s dining precinct later this year. Snagging a prime position at the end of the Neville Bonner pedestrian bridge, Pompette will boast views of the Brisbane River and South Bank Parklands, with Tassis Group teaming up with regular collaborator Clui Design to shape the restaurant’s Parisian-inspired interior aesthetic. Beyond the chic main dining floor, the venue will boast its own champagne and oyster bar, as well as a leafy alfresco area and three private-dining rooms. Helming Pompette’s kitchen will be head chef Jean-Luc Morcellet, a culinary veteran with a wealth of international experience who will be looking to redefine French fare to suit modern tastes. Traditional and haute cuisine will be reimagined on Pompette’s all-day dining offering, with creative interpretations of escargot and steak au poivre expected to feature alongside a stacked beverage program. Pompette will be joining Dark Shepherd, Azteca, Lúc Lắc, Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro and Cucina Regina as The Terrace’s residents. Keep your eyes peeled for an up-close look at Pompette soon.

Arcade Wine 2.0
In great news for Moreton Bay-based oenophiles, cherished resource of Italian vino and cicchetti bar, Arcade Wine, is relocating to Redcliffe in mid-to-late September. Described by owner and operator Danilo Duseli as Arcade Wine 2.0, the new venue (which Danilo is opening in the old What’s in the Pot? Osteria space alongside business partner Matthieu Rabiet – formerly general manager of Montrachet) will not only include a wine bar and wine store, but also an exciting culinary addition that will appeal to gourmands. Much like it did in Ashgrove, Arcade Wine’s wine bar will serve homemade tapas to enjoy with its large range of Italian wines, but the drinks selection will be bolstered further with the addition of some French and Australian-made drops, available alongside a small selection of beers and cocktails. Though Arcade Wine’s departure from Ashgrove is sad tidings for locals of Brisbane’s western suburbs, Danilo confirms that the venue’s Waterworks Road abode will continue as the headquarters for the brand’s online shop, opening once a week for pick-up orders. On Sunday August 11, Arcade Wine will be hosting a farewell party from 12:00 pm, with Ashgrove locals encouraged to visit for one final round of drinks and tapas. We’ll have more on Arcade Wine’s new venue closer to opening.

Doughcraft does nights
Since opening its new bakery and deli on Mary Street in February, Doughcraft has blossomed into a go-to spot for inner-city denizens to get their fix of French-style pastries and Italian-inspired paninis. From Tuesday August 20, folks can pop in at night for Doughcraft’s soon-to-launch evening dining experience. When the sun sets, Doughcraft will transform into an enchanting restaurant – one serving a flavour-packed and produce-forward take on Italian cuisine. Traversing entrees, pastas and mains, Doughcraft’s after-dark menu will include the likes of squid ink and baccala ravioli, carbonara tartufata with black truffle, and a succulent beef tagliata. Accompanying the new offering will be a beverage list featuring a curated selection of wines and a clutch of bespoke cocktails. Rest assured we’ll be taking a peek at Doughcraft’s evening offering soon – stay tuned!

Bellissimo Coffee
Catching an early flight has become a bit more bearable with the recent launch of Bellissimo Coffee’s brand-new cafe at Brisbane Airport’s domestic terminal. One of several new culinary concepts to open at Brisbane Airport in recent months, Bellissimo Coffee’s new caffeination station – located near the Virgin gates – is dispensing everything from flat whites and lattes to cold drip, filter, single-origin batch brews, as well as a rotating weekly coffee menu and a selection of coffee cocktails. Those after a pre-flight snack can also nab a bite at Bellissimo Coffee, with a food menu featuring grab-and-go options and artisanal cafe favourites (think classic breakfasts, freshly baked pies, sandwiches and house-made sweet baked goods) available.

And, in case you missed it …

The Eucalyptus Room
Andrew McCrea – the boundary-pushing chef behind creative Fortitude Valley fine diner Perspective Dining – will soon be applying his unique culinary mindset to the realm of dessert with new sweet-centric offshoot, The Eucalyptus Room. This ten-seat degustation-only concept is set to open in early October, with Andrew and his team fashioning a cosy dining room in the tenancy next door to Perspective’s Duncan Street digs. Here, guests will sit down to a seven-course experience, with Andrew looking to melt brains by playing with textures and tastes (including sweet, savoury and sour). Bookings commencing Friday October 4 have launched – be sure to read all about Andrew’s plans for The Eucalyptus Room here.

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