Brisbane blossoms with new eateries

Brisbane, host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, is booming with the recent opening of several new eateries.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Visit Brisbane have provided as list of what is hot and happening:

SAN TELMO

Brisbane City

Bringing its celebrated Argentine steakhouse style to Brisbane, San Telmo (above) has opened in the CBD with a space inspired by the dining rooms of 1960s Buenos Aires. Think plush booths, vintage chandeliers and low lighting. The menu is built around premium Argentine-style steaks cooked over fire, with larger cuts made for sharing. The menu features ceviche, empanadas and grilled king prawns before the meaty main event. he drinks list leans into Argentina, too, with wines, cocktails, craft beers and aperitivos.

DON GINO

West End

Bringing a taste of Sicily to West End, Don Gino has transformed the former Bar Hugo site on Hardgrave Road into a neighbourhood trattoria and wine bar. Sicilian chef and owner, Marco La Perna draws on generations of family recipes and hospitality, with a menu centred on simple southern Italian cooking and premium imported produce.Expect Sicilian favourites including panelle, arancini, fried calamari and mussels Siciliana, alongside hearty pasta dishes. The drinks list keeps the Italian spirit going, with more than 30 Italian and Sicilian wines, along with classic cocktails and imported soft drinks.

EON

Brisbane City

Japanese dining gets a late-night edge at Eon, a new addition in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. The menu honours traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The food is matched with cocktails with the experience designed to stretch well beyond dinner. It's a sleek new spot for lingering late into the night.

ELOISE & LOU PATISSERIE

Fortitude Valley

Classic French baking has landed in Fortitude Valley with Eloise & Lou, a new patisserie from pastry chef Adrien Marcinowski, formerly of Rise Bakery. The Wickham Street bakery takes a 'back to basics' approach, with Adrien returning to the traditional French techniques that shaped his career. Expect handcrafted patisserie and viennoiserie; buttery pastries and French classics. Coffee, too. 

BISTRO TINO

Fortitude Valley

The team behind Mosconi has opened Bistro Tino in a restored World War II era hangar in Newstead, aiming to bring the feel of a European neighbourhood bar to Brisbane. Designed as an all day eatery, the space draws inspiration from Italy's local corner bars. The menu keeps things simple, moving from breakfast into lunch with dishes including pan con tomate with yellowfin tuna, Italian sausage with silverbeet and butter beans, bifana rolls and market fish. Pastries and $2 standing espressos are a drawcard. 

INTERMISSION

West End

The team behind West End Electric has launched Intermission, a new bar and dining room on Boundary Street inspired by the glamour of London's West End. Cocktails take cues from classic candy bar treats with the Choc Top Martini, Popcorn Sour and Malt-Pleaser. Pair them with burrata, peach and prosciutto loaded crisps or loaded toasties. There's a secret door connecting Intermission directly to West End Electric for ticket holders.

PARKLANDS SOCIAL

Spring Hill

Spring Hill's newest opening aims to bring a slice of New York to Brisbane with a neighbourhood bar and grill inspired by the delis and dining institutions of the Big Apple. Located near Roma Street Parkland, it offers everything from morning coffee to long dinners. Think dishes like matzo ball soup and a Reuben stacked with house-made pastrami. The drinks list keeps the New York theme going with classic cocktails and signatures like the Spicy Vodgarita. 

ILO BAKEHOUSE

Wynumm

Wynnum's waterfront has a new addition with Ilo Bakehouse the latest concept from the team behind Sister, Butter and Alby's. The Scandinavian-inspired bakehouse sits opposite the foreshore in a design-led space. The pastry offering is kept deliberately tight with 12 items at a time, including sourdough croissants, orange and cardamom buns, miso butterscotch almond croissants and seasonal specials.

Sounds like BrisVegas might be worth a gourmet trip. 

Treat Dad to a Tassie wine and whisky dinner

Looking for a special Father's Day treat?

How about a trip to northern Tasmania for a culinary collaboration between Josef Chromy Wines and McHenry Distillery?

Chromy's delightful cellar door restaurant will host a wine and whisky north meets south degustation dinner on Friday, September 4.

Executive chef Nick Raitt is promising a bespoke menu that infuses Bill McHenry’s handcrafted spirits from the Tasman Peninsula with fine local produce augmented by vineyard views.

Throughout the evening guests will discover the Chromy winery kitchen’s farm-to-plate philosophy and hear directly from Bill McHenry as he shares the story behind one of Tasmania’s favourite distilleries.

This evening is designed as a showcase of the whole island, from the rugged Tasman Peninsula to the rolling hills of Relbia, 10 minutes south of Launceston.

What is being promised is "a night of exceptional food, fine spirits, great wine, and captivating stories".

I'd make a weekend of it, following up with some Tamar Valley tastings and a night or two in Launceston.

The event runs from 6pm and costs $180 per person (including the degustation, matched wines and cocktails). BOOK YOUR TABLE HERE

Peppina and Hellyers Road combine for a taste of Tasmania

One of Hobart's leading restaurants has teamed with one of Tasmania's top whisky distilleries for a one-off dinner to showcase the best of the Apple Isle. 

The Tasman Hotel’s Peppina Restaurant and chef Massimo Mele will combine with Hellyers Road Distillery to host Off the Press: Orchard & Oak, a celebration of single malt whisky and Tasmanian produce.

Mark in next Friday, March 27, at 7pm. 

At a cost of $160, guests will gather in the atmospheric Printing Room at Peppina (below) for a three-course menu by celebrity chef Massimo Mele, showcasing the Tasmanian launch of Hellyers Road's Peaches 20-year single cask release.

Menu highlights will include heirloom tomato crostinis, grilled prawns, potato gnocchi, dry-aged Angus sirloin steak, and a peach tart and amaretto crumble to finish. 

Along with the launch of the Peaches, whisky tastings paired with the food include a 12-year American Oak Single Malt Whisky and a Double Cask American & French Oak Single Malt Whisky.

Established in 1997, Hellyers Road Distillery is based in Burnie in north-west Tasmania. 

Should you be tempted, bookings are available here: 

https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/peppinahbalc/off-the-press-orchard-oak-4807792460873728

Superstar British chef to pop up on the Gold Coast

Rock star chef Marco Pierre White is heading to the Gold Coast for a three-day pop up at cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts.

The three-day culinary residency, which follows a,2023 appearance, will run from June 5-7 and will feature talks, dinners, collabs at Palette restaurant. and immersion experiences.

White, who was the youngest-ever recipient of three Michelin stars and has been a star for over four decades, is apparently a big fan of Australia's glitter strip. 

“I'm thrilled to be returning to HOTA for this exclusive Australian residency," said the British chef. 

"There's something truly special about the Gold Coast - the energy, the people, the passion for food. 

"Palette is a restaurant that understands the artistry of cuisine and experience. These events are about more than just cooking, they're about sharing stories, experiences, and creating unforgettable moments together.” 

The visit is being promoted as featuring "an array of extraordinary events that promise to thrill food lovers, aspiring chefs, and anyone who appreciates the theatre of great cuisine".

“We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Marco Pierre White back to HOTA for not just one, but three incredible days of culinary experiences," says Yarmila Alfonzetti, Heads of Arts and Culture, Experience Gold Coast. 

"Bringing together some of the Gold Coast's most exciting chefs alongside one of the world's most legendary culinary figures is a special moment for our city which speaks to HOTA's well-earned position in the culinary arts space.” 

Think intimate dining to outdoor masterclasses and an after-dark experience on the HOTA Outdoor Stage Lawn.

An exclusive five-course dinner will bring together some of the region's highly acclaimed chefs - Tim Stewart (The North Room), Koki Anekawa (Anekawa), pastry maestro Melanie Day, HOTA's own Dayan Hartill-Law, and White. 

For more info and to book tickets, visit the HOTA website: https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/festivals-and-series/a-series-of-pop-ups-with-marco-pierre-white

A super fresh sushi experience

If I lived in Ginza then Sushi Marui would probably be my local. 

Recommended by the front desk at the Mercure Hotel Ginza Tokyo, it is a classic sushi joint offering a choice between sitting at a counter overlooking the chefs at work, or seated dining upstairs. 

Two veteran chefs are manning the sharp knives, cutting up various types of fresh seafood; from three types of tuna to sea urchin and eel.  

Think some whelks, shawanmushi, miso soup, freshly prepared sushi platter and dessert. All tasty and delicious. 

Dinner for two costs around $125 including drinks. And this being Japan you don’t need to worry about tipping - which must be discombobulating for American tourists. 

I have no doubt there are better/cheaper places to be found in Tokyo. But the food here was good and they made us non-Japanese speakers very welcome. 

Sushi Marui, 3 Chome 8-15, Ginza, Chuo City. Http://ginza-maruisushi.com/index.html 

Kiwis to get a special Penfolds wine experience

New Zealand wine lovers have a treat in store if they can snare a spot at the Penfolds Winter Wine Weekend at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs from August 23-25.

The event will be hosted by Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago, fresh from his global tour to launch the 2020 vintage of Penfolds Grange.

The Northlands resort will showcase a selection of iconic and rare Penfolds wines.

Penfolds is this year celebrating 180 years of winemaking and the event will include a Penfolds Special Bin-themed Masterclass and a five-course “tasting menu” dinner.

A 35-year Penfolds veteran, Gago is a fun and enthusiastic host with a host of fascinating tales to share.

The weekend at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs will begin with a Friday evening cocktail reception and “meet and greet" with Gago, before guests enjoy a relaxed dinner in the lodge.

Saturday morning will see a tutored wine tasting, taking wine lovers through a line-up of Special Bin Penfolds wines, from the 1990 Bin 920 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz to the special release 2021 Bin 180 Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz.

Free afternoon time allows lodge guests time for a round of golf, a spa experience, or a tour, followed by the five-course tasting menu prepared by Rosewood Kauri Cliffs chef Jonathan Brandao, matched to such iconic wines as Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay, and not one, but two, vintages of Grange.

If you need to ask how much then, like me, you probably can't afford it.

The tariff for two nights is NZ $5800 (inclusive of tax + GST) for two people based on double occupancy.

For reservations at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs phone +64 9 407 0010 or email kauricliffs.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

Image: Hilary Walker   

New eatery on Lake Macquarie unveiled

Looking for a day trip destination from Sydney?

How about heading for Belmont on Lake Macquarie and a meal at Martha, a new eatery at Belmont 16s Sailing Club.

The new 120-seat venue has just opened its doors officially and features a restaurant, bar area, and outdoor terrace with views across the lake.

The facilities have undergone a $20 million transformation.

Newly appointed Martha chef Tyler Rolfe says he is serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu that is centred around the restaurant’s state-of-the-art European Mibrasa ovens that impart smoky flavours from cooking over high temperatures and hot coals.

Entree highlights include; cast iron cooked halloumi with pickled cumquat and honey drizzle; char-grilled split prawns with Pukara Estate lemon and dill olive oil; and coal-roast cooled beet carpaccio with pistachio tarator, goat feta, cranberry and toasted buckwheat.

Among the mains are market fish with charred asparagus, heirloom tomato and piccata; La Brasa marinated chicken with freekeh and pomegranate salad; charcoal-roast Riverina lamb rack with heirloom tomatoes, mint,quinoa, tabouleh and labneh; and a Great Southern Pinnacle Black Angus pasture-fed Scotch steak

.

The drinks list showcases a mix of classic and playful signature cocktails named 'Martha & Friends.' with distinctive names like Mabel, Josephine, Madge, Elanor and Gloria.

The wine list heroes producers from the Hunter Valley alongside a selection of Australian and European producers. Some the older white vintages - like 2020 and 2021 sauvignon blancs - are, however, a bit of a worry

“Martha is set to be an incredible new dining destination on Lake Macquarie for locals and visitors to the region," says food and beverage manager Joel Simmons. "Our front and back of house team are a bunch of seasoned hospitality professionals that are passionate about great service, food, and drinks, and we are all very excited to welcome our first guests to the venue.”

Martha is open for lunch and dinner Thursday to Sunday 12pm-3pm & 5pm-10pm. See www.marthadrinkanddine.com.au

Images: David Li 

Two top eateries are talking Turkiye

A unique taste of Turkiye? 

For one night only, Efendy Group’s executive chef Arman Uz and owner and head chef Coskun Uysal from Melbourne’s Tulum are to join forces for what is billed as "the ultimate Turkish dinner". 

With a share-style menu created by the Tulum team, the collaborative dinner will be held at Maydanoz, in Sydney’s CBD, on October 26.

“We are looking forward to bringing our friends at Tulum to Sydney for a special night at Maydanoz," says Uz. 

"If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Tulum in Melbourne, you’ll have an idea of what is to come. If you’re yet to make it, let this be your incredible introduction."

So he's keen. 

Known for his extensive hospitality experience at restaurants including Jaime Oliver’s Fifteen, Uysal’s culinary expertise is demonstrated at his hatted Turkish restaurant, Tulum, located in the Melbourne suburb of Balaclava. 

Uz, meanwhile, has worked under some of Turkiye’s top chefs, including Efendy Group owner Somer Sivrioglu. Uz oversees the food programmes at Efendy Group restaurants Maydanoz, Anason and the recently-opened Baharat.

The event will kick off with cocktails and canapes before guests are seated and treated to a menu split into three main sections; small plates, larger plates and desserts. 

Highlights from the small plates include: whipped Tulum cheese and Turkish chilli jam, simit with smoked taramasalata, white anchovy and candied orange zest, smoked date butter and cumin and lentil kofta with pickled turnip. This selection of dishes will be accompanied by grilled Turkish pide bread.

Star turns among the larger plates will be raw yellowfin tuna with fried green pepper borani and smoked cherry tomatoes; Icli kofte with lamb and walnut kibbeh and buttermilk and salgam; and kuzu lamb shoulder served with eggplant puree, prune jam and bulgur pilaf.

Wrapping up the evening, dessert will be a spin on a Turkish dish traditionally served to Ottoman sultans in the Topkapı Palace; chicken and milk pudding with lemon thyme ice cream and a sweet caramel mousse.

The collab event follows Maydanoz and Tulum’s long Sunday lunch at Lezzet, Elwood.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.opentable.com.au/r/maydanoz-sydney for $165 a head. An optional wine pairing will also be available on the night.

See https://www.maydanoz.com.au/

Lost Captain leads the way for dinner

The Huon Valley in the deep south of Tasmania has many attractions, but had been short on restaurants that serve dinner - until the Lost Captain opened in the dying days of 2022.

A few months on, the Huonville eatery is in full swing, offering a menu that appeals equally to locals and interstate visitors.

Whether you are looking for a cosy booth with a few friends, or a spot in the garden where the kids can run around, this restaurant can be recommended.

The Lost Captain sits just across from the banks of the Huon River, a 30-minute drive south of Hobart.

The menu features an excellent selection of small plates ($15 each or three for $40). 

We found three small plates each more than enough to quell our hungers, although we were tempted by the desserts ($15).

We tried the traditional Tassei dish of mini scallop pies (three per serve, below) excellent; along with duck ham, cheese and aioli croquettes, torched thinly sliced Robbins Island wagyu with sourdough and dripping, Cygnet mushroom XO (in a rice paper roll) and tuna and wagyu tataki.

My standout was the crispy and tender fried chicken with purple kimchi that has more than a hint of heat. Crunchy and delicious.

The good news is that three small plates are quite enough for a meal - although there are some enticing looking mains, including the Pelverata-raised - just down the road - crispy lamb with chevre, olives and tomatoes ($34) and Lucaston-farmed - a bit further down the road - beef short rib ($40).

There are also several dishes designed for sharing by large groups, including a lamb shoulder and a suckling pig (book in advance).

The dessert choices include the hyper-local apple dumplings with salted caramel ice cream and golden syrup, and chocolate, fondant vanilla ice cream, tuile and chestnut crumb (above). My wife preferred the former, I enjoyed the latter.

The wine list has a Tasmanian focus with drinks from the likes of Hughes & Hughes, Stoney Rise, Ghost Rock and Wellington & Wolfe featuring on the "by the glass" list and several more Tasmanians, along with some tasty imports, on the list of bottles.

One major highlight was the bright, professional and attentive staff, many of whom have previously worked at Hobart's New Sydney Hotel.

In a time when good staff are hard to find, the Captain has managed to find a very good crew - including several familiar local faces. We'll be back.

The Lost Captain is at 2-4 Short St, Huonville. Open seven days. Monday-Friday: noon to late; Saturday: 8.30am-late; Sunday noon-6pm.

See https://www.lostcaptain.com.au/