Tastes of the Terraces
From its character-filled Queenslanders to its bevy of incredible bars, cafes and restaurants, there’s a lot to love about Paddington. While most locals living in Brisbane’s inner west will likely already be familiar with the storied suburb’s magic, those that haven’t savoured the neighbourhood’s bounty will have the perfect opportunity to do so from May 20–22 when Tastes of the Terraces take over Paddington’s historical terrace precinct. Over three days, the strip encompassing Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace (all the way up to the Collingwood Street intersection) will come to life for a weekend of wining and dining, with more than 35 locales uniting to offer a host of special offers and exclusive deals. The Tastes of the Terraces roster will include restaurants such as NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar, Grappino, Elementi, Ngon, Emily Yeoh Restaurant, more casual eateries like Naïm, MAO Latin Dining, King Tea and Hai Hai Ramen, bars such as Noir, Hope & Anchor and Reuben’s Deli & Bar, and coffee and brunch spots like Blackout, Anouk, Chapter IV, and Paddington Social. Exact details on the weekend’s offerings will be revealed soon. In the meantime, bookmark the Tastes of the Terraces event page and keep and eye out for more info.

The Fugitive Ferret
Attention all North Lakes nosh lovers – in a couple of month’s time you’ll have a new eatery in your midst, one seeking to add a dynamic offering to the local dining scene. The Fugitive Ferret is the brainchild of a trio of northside foodies who frequently enjoy injecting a bit of variety in their dining outings. After noticing the culinary options in their immediate radius lacked the diversity they crave, the trio decided to rectify it themselves by opening their own eatery and bar – one that looks to reduce the travel distance between North Lakes locals and good food and drink. Currently taking shape on College Street in a site previously occupied by a Thai restaurant, The Fugitive Ferret’s 60-seat home will boast a modern-yet-relaxed aesthetic across its interior and exterior spaces. This environment will be the perfect setting for The Fugitive Ferret’s style of cuisine, which we’ve been told will blend share plates and bistro dishes to create a tasty mid-point between casual and formal dining. Tipple lovers will be thrilled to know that The Fugitive Ferret team are placing a strong focus on building a broad bar offering, with something on hand to cater to every taste. A range of craft beer will be available on tap and in tins alongside a good variety of artisanal spirits, and a wine selection that encompasses uncommon and unsung varietals in addition to the trusted favourites. The Fugitive Ferret is targeting an opening in June or July – check in soon for a closer look once it opens to the public!

Brendan Fong x Benny Lam collab dinner at Southside
We love a tasty tandem. On Wednesday May 18, two skilled chefs will link up to create a sensational collaborative five-course dinner at Fish Lane institution Southside. The two maestros manning the pans on the night will be Brendan Fong, current executive chef at Sydney pan-Asian restaurant Lilymu and former head chef at Mr. Wong, and Southside head chef Benny Lam. Together, the chefs will craft a series of dishes showcasing show-stopping flavour combos and technique-driven cooking. The menu will feature the likes of kingfish and coconut ceviche with sea grapes and taro, beef rendang and mozzarella spring rolls, grilled Mooloolaba king prawns with sea urchin butter, char siu beef rib, black garlic mie goreng, and milk tea tres leches cake with brown-sugar pearls. The feast is $98 per person, with the option to add matched beverages for an additional $78 per person. Check out the full menu details and make a booking here.

Southern Smoke & Co at Welcome to Bowen Hills
King Street bar and chow spot Welcome to Bowen Hills is back! The venue formerly known as Space & Co. has reverted back to its original identity and recruited a brand-new vendor to oversee its on-site kitchen. Southern Smoke & Co started officially operating at the Bowen Hills joint last month, with the family-owned business employing low-and-slow cooking methods to produce some of the most succulent smoked meats you’re likely to find. Mouth-watering beef brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken wings, birria tacos and Carolina pork shoulder sandwiches feature on the Southern Smoke menu, which is available to the public from Wednesday to Saturday between midday and 9:00 pm.

Ardbeg Dinner at Savile Row
Love a whisky? If the answer is yes, you’ll love what the team at Savile Row is doing to celebrate Ardbeg Week. On Wednesday June 1 the Fortitude Valley boozer will be linking up with the Islay whisky producer to host a special five-course dinner, with each course paired with a different Ardbeg nip. Chef Teague Shepherd will be crafting an assortment of dishes for the night, each of which will be married with a selection of whisky including Ardbeg’s Wee Beastie five-year-old, Ardbeg ten-year-old, Ardbeg Furmutation, Ardbeg An Oa, Ardbeg For Discussion eight-year-old. Tickets are $160 and also include a highball on arrival. Seats are strictly limited – click here to secure your spot.

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