Pavement Whispers: Volume 522 August 26
From news of one of the Gold Coast’s most beloved bars heading north and a quaint French restaurant relocating to The City, 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 …
Bar Monte is heading north to open a Brisbane venue
Arcade Agency – the hospitality group behind Byron Bay favourites Light Years, Pixie Italian, Moonlight and The Smoking Camel – is bringing its much-loved Bar Monte brand to Brisbane. Led by James Sutherland, Kim Stephen and Italian-born hospitality identity Lorenzo Toscani, the team will transform the former Allonda space on Longland Street, Newstead, into their latest venture. Set to open in September, the new bar will deliver the same neighbourhood Italian vibe that’s captured hearts on the Gold Coast, paired with a menu of greatest hits from Bar Monte Miami and Byron Bay’s Pixie Italian. The fit-out, designed by long-time collaborators Studio Plenty, will echo the laidback elegance of its Miami sibling while introducing a softer palette of brown and pale blue in place of the original mango tones, setting the stage for evenings of spritzes, wine and Italian snacks that roll effortlessly into the night. Stay tuned for a first look when doors officially open.
Playa Mexican set to open at Bokarina Beach
Think tacos at noon, margaritas at sunset and long lunches that fuse into dinner … and it’s all happening on the glorious Sunshine Coast. That’s exactly what the vision is as the Tony Kelly Restaurant Group known for Bocca Italian, Market Bistro, Rice Boi, Spero, Giddy Geisha and Piggyback gears up for the launch of Playa Mexican at Bokarina Beach. Opening mid-September inside the Seanna Residences, Playa Mexican will bring a fresh and fiery take on traditional Mexican eats such as house-made tortillas and seafood-forward share plates. The drinks list pay homage to tradition with tequila and mezcal served with a savoury-sweet chaser known as sangrita, while the cocktail offering allows the iconic margarita time to shine. The venue is designed by Kristen Calle of Cab Roto and will feature textured layers of timber, stone and woven finishes with a colour palette inspired by the ocean and desert. “We wanted Playa to feel like a restaurant you might stumble across in Tulum or Baja,” says co-owner Luke Stringer. Say no more, we’re there! Opening date to be revealed soon.
Newstead Social says farewell
Brisbane is set to say goodbye to Newstead Social, with the venue hosting its final hurrah this Saturday August 30. Guests are invited to soak up one last weekend of live music, cocktails and those much-loved arancini balls as the team celebrates the good times shared over the years. While this chapter closes for Newstead, it’s not goodbye altogether – sister venue Portside Social in Hamilton is buzzing with themed trivia nights and bottomless brunch drag bingo. As for the Newstead space, the site is set for a new lease on life under fresh ownership – so watch this space for what’s next. To book your table for the send-off, click here.
Say bonjour to Little Provence, opening today in Brisbane City
Little Provence is bringing a slice of provincial France to George Street in The City. Recently relocated from Eatons Hill, the new space is designed for a quick bite between meetings, a relaxed long lunch or elegant dinners that stretch into the evening. Inside, rustic French charm sets the scene with exposed brick, warm terracotta, Marseille-blue accents, olive trees and the unmissable signature yellow door. As for the menu, it’s all French favourites done right. Think bouillabaisse, savoury souffle, a silky creme brulee and an all-French wine list spotlighting Provence, Corsica and beyond. Little Provence opens its doors today, Tuesday August 26 and stay tuned for a closer look in the coming weeks.
Milquetoast x With Grace long lunch
Gather at Milquetoast for an intimate long lunch on Friday September 12 to celebrate the launch of brand-new Australian small-batch single-malt whisky With Grace, distilled by co-founder of Full Circle Spirits, Rose Kentish. For $165, guests will enjoy a bespoke three-course menu including snacks, oysters, dry-aged Peking duck, abalone and Bay of Fires cheddar. Hosted by Rose, the evening will feature With Grace whisky and cocktails, with guests also enjoying an exclusive 10 percent discount on all pre-orders. Rose will share the story behind the spirit and take questions throughout the afternoon. This is a rare opportunity to taste, learn and connect over one of Australia’s most exciting new releases. To secure your seat at the table, click here.
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Grey Goose Tiny Tini flights at SK Steak & Oyster
Brisbane’s own SK Steak & Oyster is raising a glass – or rather, three miniature ones – this spring with the launch of Grey Goose Tiny Tini flights. From Wednesday September 3 to Sunday October 5, The Calile Hotel favourite will serve up a trio of perfectly petite martinis, including its signature SK Martini fat-washed with Kiwami beef fat and caviar for an umami-laced twist. The flights ($45) are served alongside creations from two interstate heavyweights – Sydney’s Maybe Sammy and Melbourne’s Apollo Inn – bringing together some of the country’s most awarded bars in one neat pour. And if small isn’t your style, SK is also offering a full-sized version of its martini complete with a freshly shucked Gazander oyster and a bump of caviar for the full luxe effect. Whether you’re gathering with friends or settling into one of SK’s famously long lunches, this month-long martini celebration is the ultimate excuse to sip one of Brisbane’s most refined cocktails, in miniature form.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].