Sichuan Papa
The year 2019 was a big one for Everton Plaza, especially when it came to food. The revitalised hub energised the northern suburb with some top-notch arrivals, including (but not limited to) 5 Boroughs, Comuna Cantina, Corbett & Claude and Tetto Rooftop Bar. The burgeoning precinct managed to sneak in one more opening before year’s end, quietly welcoming neo-Chinese restaurant Sichuan Papa to the development during the festive period. Delivering a convivial atmosphere with a modern edge, Sichuan Papa celebrates Sichuan-style cooking and the quintessential neighbourhood vibe of local Chinese restaurants. Head chef Tiger Zheng has created a menu that mixes new with old and obscure options with crowd favourites. Expect the likes of xiao long bao, mapo tofu, Sichuan dan dan noodles, sweet-and-sour pork, slow-cooked pork belly, deep-fried ice-cream and black-sesame gelato. The 100-seater restaurant boasts indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a 12-seater private-dining room for special occasions. We’ll have a closer look at Sichuan Papa for you later this week!

Pony Dining
Brisbane’s inner-city dining scene has copped a blow to start 2020, with long-running Eagle Street Pier eatery Pony Dining announcing its closure on Friday January 3. In a press release distributed to media on behalf of Pony Dining, the restaurant cited a change in Brisbane’s dining climate as well as a huge infrastructure boom affecting trade in the area as reasons contributing to the decision. The restaurant also thanked its staff, network of local suppliers, wholesalers and growers, and its loyal customer base for their support throughout its period of operation. The restaurant’s owner Dark Horse Hospitality Group has given all of Pony Dining’s team new roles, with many staff joining the group’s newly open Ada Lane restaurant Beaux Rumble. Pony head chef Chris Mann has been appointed kitchen leader at Beaux Rumble, stepping into the role initially held by outgoing Michelin-starred chef Alan Wise. Chris will be debuting his new menu when Beaux Rumble reopens for the year on Wednesday January 8.

Rogue Bistro
The crew behind beloved Newstead restaurant Rogue Bistro has been keeping busy over the festive break, giving the Austin Street venue a new look with some substantial renovations. The venue, which turns seven in March, has been made more intimate – it has been set back further from the street and given a chic black-and-gold aesthetic throughout. In addition to the interior shake-up, Rogue Bistro has also tweaked its dinner service to allow for a more malleable experience. Guests can select from the a la carte menu, opt for an all-at-once banquet (appropriately called The Feast), or savour a progressive six-course dinner highlighting the most popular dishes from the menu. The offering will change monthly and folks can take in the new elements when Rogue Bistro reopens on Thursday January 9.

OTTO’s long lunch
Inner-city restaurant OTTO Ristorante is wasting no time getting into the swing of things this year, announcing the return of its Long Lunch menu for January. Head chef Will Cowper has designed a four-course menu (amuse, entree, pasta and dessert) boasting the likes of Hervey Bay scallops with broccolini and lemon puree, pecorino-filled agnolotti with buffalo ricotta and parmesan, and chocolate and cherry crème caramel ciccolato with hazelnut praline and cherry sorbet. The feast also comes with a wine-pairing option for those after the full experience. You can make a booking now via OTTO’s website.

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].