Enzo & Sons
The hole left by Statler and Waldorf on Caxton Street is about to be filled, when Enzo & Sons opens its door this week. The Italian bar and eatery comes from a brilliant Webb mind, but not the one you are thinking of – it’s Siarah Webb, wife of Jamie (who owns neighbouring Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall and Seymour’s Cocktails and Oysters). Enzo & Sons takes inspiration from Trattoria da Enzo in Rome, a favourite of Siarah and Jamie’s, with executive chef Jonathan Bryant (who also oversees Jamie’s group) creating a menu of wholesome regional Italian eats. The existing woodfired oven will be back in action for pizzas, served alongside small bar snacks, pasta and share dishes. Eight beers will be available on tap, as well as a wine list of Italian varietals and plenty of spritzes – perfect for afternoons in the rejuvenated courtyard. Enzo & Sons is due to open this Friday – look out for full details in Thursday’s issue of The Weekend Edition.

Banter
Nothing says summer in Queensland quite like an ice-cold beer and fresh seafood in the breeze on the back deck, which is exactly what you’ll get when you visit soon-to-open Kangaroo Point venue Banter. The seafood-focused restaurant and bar is the latest project from the Singleton family, who have owned iconic pub The Pineapple Hotel for more than 30 years. Banter, which sits opposite the pub on the corner of Main and Baines Streets, will be housed inside a charming old Queenslander, currently being given a fresh makeover and new back deck ahead of its opening in mid-November. Daniel Miletic (ex-Coppa, Red Hook and The Fish House) has come on board as chef, creating a menu that ranges from fish and chips to cold fresh seafood, salads, steaks, burgers and sandwiches – think classic prawn sandwiches with cos lettuce and aioli, and the Posh Fish Finger Sandwich with crumbed cod, mixed greens and tartare sauce. Craft beers and a concise boutique wine list will be on offer to wash it all down.

Dane’s Inferno
Burn, baby, burn … Dane’s Inferno is the newest delivery-only food service about to hit our streets. Launching this Wednesday November 1, Dane’s will bring finger-lickin’ fried chicken directly to your door, available exclusively through Deliveroo. Three different flavours of fried chicken will be available – classic seasoned, honey butter and hot – which you can choose to come as drumsticks, wings or boneless pieces. Fried chicken burgers, curly fries, mac’n’cheese, coleslaw and mashed potato will also feature on the Dane’s Inferno lunchtime-only menu, which delivers out of Paddington to surrounding suburbs from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday. Plans are also in the works for a bricks-and-mortar eatery – we’ll keep you posted.

Special Rub
Yet another eatery has been officially announced for the almost-complete Coorparoo Square precinct. Special Rub is due to open in early December, specialising in Southern smoked barbecue-style dishes. Meat will be the hero here – think brisket cooked low and slow, saucy ribs, juicy burgers and a selection of delectable sides. Special Rub will also have a strong bar offering, encouraging hungry and thirsty patrons to settle in and stay a while. If you prefer your meaty goodness to be consumed in the comfort of your own home, Special Rub will also offer takeaway.

Taro’s South Brisbane
If, like us, you can’t get enough of Taro’s Ramen, you’re going to be pretty darn pleased to hear he is bringing his noodles south of the river. Taro Akimoto has just announced a fourth ramen shop is coming to South Brisbane, due to open in late November at 154 Melbourne Street. Much like his Ascot, 480 Queen and Edward Street locations, Taro’s Ramen South Brisbane will have a simple but delicious menu, built around his famous Bangalow pork-based broth.

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