Next year is set to be a big one for Brisbane’s baked-goods scene, with some notable interstate names making their first forays into the local market. One of Melbourne’s most highly regarded bakeries, Baker D. Chirico, has announced plans to open a production bakery, shopfront and cafe in Newstead next year. Securing a space at the base of Cavcorp’s Long Island development on Longland Street, the bakery (which also boasts locations in Carlton and South Yarra) will feature as part of a forthcoming piazza-style development. Head honcho Daniel Chirico has earned a reputation as one of Melbourne’s best bakers, specialising in loaves and pastries made using traditional bread-making techniques, natural fermentations and biodynamic stone-milled wholegrain flour. His Brisbane expansion will feature a full-scale baking kitchen, which will be utilised to make a range of artisanal products inspired by French, German and Italian baking cultures as well as concise bakery-style breakfast menu (no eggs will feature, sorry pals!). The Baker D. Chirico team will be linking up with local dairy, small goods and fruit and vegetable suppliers to imbue its products with Queensland produce, and will also offer wholesale for restaurants operating in the inner-north catchment. Melbourne-based practice March Studio is spearheading the interior, crafting a next-level design inspired reminiscent of an inverted bread basket. Baker D. Chirico is aiming to open in April or May next year. As always, we’ll share more details as we get them!