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. 

Croissants - but not as you know them

If you think croissants are simple buttery, flaky pastries in the shape of a crescent then you are so yesterday.

While you were not looking, the croissant has gone from humble to haute.

That's why one of Sydney's leading hotels is putting the spotlight on gourmet croissants to coincide with Mother's Day next month. .

Featuring flowers from across the world, Sofitel is launching a limited-edition haute croissant collection as part of its La Haute Croissanterie program. 

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour’s signature Citrus Fleur croissant will feature lemon myrtle and lavender.

Inspired by his mother, who lives near a lavender farm, executive chef Ian Burch has created "a buttery, zesty, flavourful croissant" that features native lemon myrtle for an Australian accent.

One wonders what traditional French pastry chefs, who call on centuries of technique, terroir, and a deep respect for history, think about these fancy faux croissants; these culinary imposters.

You can buy special haute croissants year-around at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, with new flavours available throughout the year, depending on the season.

The Citrus Fleur will blossom from May 5-11 at Esprit Noir Lobby Bar, while other styles are available year-round.

“I’m proud to bring the Citrus Fleur to Sydney for guests to gift to one-another this Mother’s Day," says Burch (below).

 "Creating the Citrus Fleur was about capturing my memories of the lavender farm my mother lives near in the UK, and inspired by a visit to Bridestowe Lavender Farm in Tasmania.

"My mother has always cherished the calming scent of lavender and I wanted to pair it with a burst of Lemon Myrtle, to bring a fresh, bright flavour profile that is both refined and refreshing.

"It’s a loving tribute to my mother that has resulted in a croissant that feels like a getaway in every bite.”

Travellers and locals alike can indulge in croissants at other Sofitel locations including: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera (The Verbena Breeze), Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial (The Zesty Orange Blossom), Sofitel Ambassador Seoul (The Seoul Bom Blush), Sofitel Dubai The Palm (The Floral Saffron), Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (The Dalia Rouge), and Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel and Spa (The Wild Hibiscus).

See sofitel.com, all.com or group.accor.com