Batch Cookie Bar x Lunar Pies
While pregnant with her son, Ginger Mendoza had one particular craving she couldn’t shake – empanadas. Her go-to snack while growing up in the Philippines, empanadas are her comfort food but, sadly, she couldn’t find any takeaway options in Brisbane that could satisfy her cravings. As the founder of Batch Cookie Bar, Ginger certainly knows her way around a kitchen, so she took matters into her own hands and started making her own empanadas. After encouragement from family and friends and months of research and development, Ginger launched Lunar Pies – a similar concept to her beloved Batch Cookie Bar, but taking a savoury approach. The past eight weeks have seen the people of Brisbane devouring these vibrant empanadas at markets around town but, as of June 2, Lunar Pies will be available seven days a week alongside Batch Cookies at a dedicated store in the Myer Centre. The Batch Cookie Bar x Lunar Pies store will be Ginger’s first bake-on-site concept, with all cookies and empanadas prepared fresh daily, served alongside coffee and cold drinks. There will be six cookie and six empanada flavours available each day, made up of classics and rotating specials. Cookie flavours include OG Choc Chip, Ube Velvet Crackle and Peanut Butter Pretzel and Chocolate, while the empanadas take a savoury approach – think classic beef, creamy chicken, mushroom and camembert, buffalo chicken and cream cheese, and a breakfast empanada with chorizo, sofrito and fluffy scrambled eggs. Keep an eye on The Weekend Edition for an inside look soon!

Carmen Tequileria
James Street is soon to welcome a new addition to its array of sipping and snacking spots, Carmen Tequileria. Positioned at 76 James Street, Carmen will take its inspiration from the coastal town of Tulum – expect to find a breezy 80-seat interior featuring curved archways, whitewashed walls and neutral tones. As you might have guessed, Mexican bites and bevs will take centre stage, with a focus on finding the freshest and most sustainably sourced seafood. Poached lobster tacos, kingfish ceviche and woodfired cauliflower are all set to grace the menu, alongside crowd pleasers including guacamole, charred corn rillettes and an irresistible Mexican-inspired dessert topped with Carmen’s secret crumb and ice-cream. On the shelves will be a collection of small-batch artisanal mezcals and a sizeable selection of tequila and agave-based spirits, plus a curated list of premium wines. The team (Potentia Solutions Leisure, which is also behind Soko Rooftop) is committed to sustainability, embracing this mission wholeheartedly at Carmen, from its One Tree Planted initiative right down to its hand-crafted cocktail menu that is as close to zero waste as possible. Carmen is due to open in July – we’ll have full details for you then.

Axil Coffee
Australia is known across the globe for its exceptional coffee and, recently, one cafe in particular has solidified that accolade. Melbourne’s Axil Coffee has taken to the world stage, with the 2022 World Barista Champion Anthony Douglas and the newly crowned Australian Barista Champion Jack Simpson both commanding the group heads at the Melbourne caffeinator. Coffee enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that you don’t need to fly to Melbourne to engage in a world-class coffee experience – Axil Coffee will be heading north to Brisbane for an exclusive five-day pop-up this week. From Wednesday May 24 to Sunday May 28, the team will be setting up shop at Coffee Anthology, located within Inter/Section between Mary and Charlotte Streets. Over the five days, sippers will be served by the world’s best barista himself, Anthony Douglas, who will be serving up the finest speciality coffee, brewed to perfection, with Anthony ensuring that each cup of Axil Coffee is a memorable experiences. For committed coffee lovers, there are a range of extra-shot experiences happening across the week. Axil will be showcasing its new high-end coffee range, the Signature Series, plus Anthony will be hosting a special meet and greet on Thursday May 25. Friday night will see local baristas go head to head in a latte art smackdown, competing for a $1000 cash prize in a knock-out style format, where the vessel they pour from will be randomly selected. For more information, including where to buy tickets, head to our Event Guide.

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