FISHBOWL
Here’s some good news for salad lovers – the team behind fast-expanding salad-slinging concept FISHBOWL will finally make its Queensland debut this month. The beloved health-conscious quick-service concept, founded in 2016 by Nathan Dalah, Nic Pestalozzi and Casper Ettelson, will open its first Brisbane location at Gasworks Plaza in Newstead on Saturday July 16. Those familiar with Sydney and Melbourne’s dining scene may be familiar with the FISHBOWL name (it boasts a dozen locations across the two southern capitals) and its range of customisable Japanese-inspired salad bowls, which spotlights farm-grown vegetables and sustainably and ethically sourced seafood and meat. FISHBOWL’s 28-sqm Newstead space will boast a vividly colourful aesthetic (a hallmark of the brand), with an open kitchen giving folks a glimpse into the salad-creation process. As for the menu itself, highlight option The O.G. (FISHBOWL’s biggest seller, boasting salmon sashimi, kale, savoy, beets, shallots, edamame, red onion, roasted sesame dressing, seaweed salad and more), will be available alongside bowls topped with the likes of tom yum chicken, tofu, 12-hour beef brisket, shiitake mushroom and miso eggplant. To celebrate the Newstead launch, FISHBOWL will offer free bowls to the first 100 customers to arrive on its opening day, with live music, free FELLR seltzer and merch giveaways also planned. The good news doesn’t stop there – in August the FISHBOWL team will open another Queensland location, this time on James Street in Burleigh Heads! We reckon it’s time to put the notion that ‘you don’t make friends with salad’ to rest, once and for all.

BrewDog Fortitude Valley
If you happened to spend most of last week living under a rock, you might have missed some big news. Allow us to fill you in – craft-beer powerhouse BrewDog has announced that it will be opening a brand-new bar in Fortitude Valley later this year. Yep, in September Brunswick Street will be blessed with its own three-level BrewDog tipple temple, which will occupy the Tranberg House building near the Valley Metro. BrewDog Fortitude Valley will house a 100-seat bar on the ground-floor, a 200-seat beer hall space on the lower ground (boasting access to Esther Street at the rear), and a 100-person capacity function space on the top level – each equipped with a 20-tap bar showcasing BrewDog beers and ales from other Australian breweries. Australian wines curated by Cork & Co will also be available alongside a clutch of spirits from independent distilleries, while a kitchen will punch out a similar menu to DogTap’s pub-style menu of burgers, pizzas, wings, tacos and big-bowl salads. BrewDog Fortitude Valley is estimated to open in mid-to-late September – check in soon for updates and a look inside at the finished product!

nodo West Village
West Village is quickly blossoming into one of Brisbane’s best precincts for dining and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Last week the crew behind gluten-free doughnut specialist nodo revealed that it would be opening a kiosk in Peters Lane next month – just a short hop from Harris Farm Markets. The corner site, designed by Cameron & Co Architecture and built by Unita, will serve a range of nodo’s signature baked goodies as well as grab-and-go items like classic egg toast, house-made pumpkin loaf and nourish bowls – and that’s not to mention cold and hot coffee, cold-pressed juices and nodo’s supernatural shakes. Check back in August for a full rundown on nodo’s newest location!

Winter Reloaded at WET Deck
Winter currently has Brisbane clutched firmly within its icy grasp, but just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we can’t party poolside. WET Deck, W Brisbane’s elevated pool bar is heating up the cooler months with Winter Reloaded, an apres-ski-inspired pop-up running until Wednesday August 31. WET Deck has been given a weather-appropriate makeover, complete with cosy furnishings in winter colours, plus plenty of chunky knit blankets, cushions, rugs, and warmth-giving fire pits. A limited-edition menu features bone-warming dishes like prawn and chorizo paella, lamb shepherd’s pie, slow-cooked brisket cheeseburgers, baked Woombye brie with caramelised onions and pistachios, pickled figs and baguette crisps, and a luxurious lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. A clutch of winter-themed cocktails – inspired by famous ski destinations – are also available, including the marshmallow-topped Pumpkin Spice (Woodford Reserve rye whiskey, pumpkin, pineapple, five spice and egg whites) and the Miso Old Fashioned (Glenmorangie Tales of Winter whisky, sake, miso, shitake mushroom, soy milk, seaweed and narutomaki). What’s more, a W-style ski gondola is also available for hire, with groups of four able to book the cosy cubby for some VIP action, which includes gruyere cheese fondue to share and Veuve Clicquot brut with spoons of yuzu and orange caviar.

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FISHBOWL image credit: Nikki To