Pavement Whispers: Volume 519 August 5
From news of Scugnizzi’s new northside location to a soon-to-open sando spot in The Valley, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …
Scugnizzi Chermside
Two years after its by-the-slice pizzas, primo pastas and salivation-inducing street eats snagged the taste buds of Brisbane’s inner city, Italian-inspired sensation Scugnizzi is opening a brand-new location at Westfield Chermside on Monday August 11. After constant badgering from northside locals clamouring for a more conveniently situated slice slinger, owners Simone Presta and Carmine Guarino decided to give the people want they want. “From day one, the public embraced our concept of fast, authentic Italian food made with quality ingredients and soul,” says Simone. “The Scugnizzi concept was born to be replicated and hopefully one day we will get Scugnizzi everywhere around Australia.” The new Scugnizzi location will be a kiosk-style dispensary, slightly smaller in footprint than its Adelaide Street sibling. Though the layout is designed for speedy service, the team has kept Scugnizzi’s bold, street-style identity and punchy flavours. Most of the menu will remain the same, with Scugnizzi’s famous pizza al taglio (square-cut tray pizzas), arancini and desserts available, but fans can expect a new line of pasta al forno dishes – oven-baked pastas that are reminiscent of family-style Sunday lunches. “Think lasagna vibes, but with different shapes and toppings,” Simone tells us. “It’s a new comfort-food twist we’re excited to bring to Chermy.” Keep your eyes peeled for more on Scugnizzi’s new location soon.
LOVEMENOT
Later this month, Chinatown Mall will welcome a brand-new dispensary of stacked sandwiches, ingredient-packed bowls and sublime specialty coffee. LOVEMENOT is taking shape on the Duncan Street side of the TC Beirne & Co building in the heart of Fortitude Valley, with a fit-out underway that leans into the site’s urban surroundings – think a modern design scheme of concrete feature walls, stainless-steel countertops and some (literally) cheeky branding that will elicit a few chuckles. The menu will encompass approximately three bowls and seven types of focaccia-based sandwiches (plus an egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich that can be upgraded with tasty extras), with dietary friendly and build-your-own options available. LOVEMENOT will be incorporating global flavours into its menu, with Italian, Spanish and Mexican inflections found across the offering to start. Caffeine lovers will be stoked to hear that lauded Melbourne roaster Commonfolk Coffee has selected LOVEMENOT for its first Brisbane account. While the LOVEMENOT team hasn’t finalised its grand-opening date just yet, we’ve been told that the sando spot will open before the end of the month – stay tuned for more.
FAVE Specialty Coffee
A top-notch barista is stepping out on her own this week, with Yoomin Park – previously a top shot puller at The Hideout Specialty Coffee in The City – funnelling her extensive expertise into her own cafe, FAVE Specialty Coffee in Fortitude Valley. The concept – ten years in the making – officially opens to the public tomorrow Wednesday August 6 in the McLachlan Street space previously home to Supernova. Described as a full-service cafe, Yoomin tells us that FAVE will combine a modern, elevated atmosphere with a distinct and punchy brand identity, giving guests a hip space to enjoy a wide range of coffees, signature drinks and approachable fare. FAVE will be collaborating with Axil Coffee Roasters from Melbourne (an operation known for backing barista champions) serving two core blends, a rotating single origin that will change weekly and filtered coffee from different roasters. The cafe will also pump out a menu of dine-in eats alongside more casual options like toasties and sandwiches. We’ll be popping in for a peek soon, so check back for more!
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Madame Wu
A long-time staple of The City’s riverside dining scene is reopening tonight after a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Madame Wu is embarking on a bold new chapter with a refreshed interior design scheme, a brand-new cocktail bar, retooled private dining spaces and a punchy menu of Asian-inspired eats. “We wanted to honour the soul of Madame Wu while creating something that feels fresh, refined and bold,” said Venu Plus director Nick Rosato in a statement. “This isn’t just a reopening – it’s a reinvention.” Madame Wu’s reimagined bar area looks to offer guests a sense of luxury, regardless if they’re visiting for a pre-dinner libation or a post-work sip – expect signature cocktails with Asian influences, a nod-worthy wine list and a selection of top-shelf spirits. Meanwhile, executive chef Brendon Barker’s new menu mixes Madame Wu’s crowd-favourite dishes with a host of enticing new options. Reservations are now open – head to the Madame Wu website to secure a spot.
Brewed Awakenings: Breakfast, Coffee & Stout
Kangaroo Point craft-beer maker Sea Legs Brewing Co. is teaming up with the crew at Fox Coffee for a breakfast event you’ll not want to miss. Taking place between 9:30 am and midday this Saturday August 9, Sea Legs’ taproom will be pouring samples of the new Brewed Awakening Breakfast Stout – a collaborative beverage using freshly roasted Fox Coffee beans. Ticket holders will also score their choice of chorizo or mushroom breakfast burritos, unlimited Moccamaster fresh-brewed coffee, a branded mug, and a 250-g bag of Sea Legs x Fox Coffee collab coffee beans to take home. The Catalog Music crew will be spinning tunes and hosting a pop-up vinyl store from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, while food specials, coffee cocktails and event merch will be available to the public from midday onwards. Sound like your kind of Saturday morning? Get your tickets here.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].