Pavement Whispers: Volume 546 February 24
From news of a new wellness-driven cafe in West End to a tequila and taco 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 …
Süreyya Kahve
The team behind one of Australia’s leading medispa and nutrition brands is gearing up to open a new wellness-driven concept over in West End, with Turkish-inspired cafe Süreyya Kahve (pronounced kah-vay) taking shape on the ground floor of Function Well’s soon-to-open luxury hub on Mollison Street. Husband-and-wife duo Dr Oz Dedehayir and Kristy Morris of KAILO Group will be blending Oz’s Turkish heritage into the concept, which is looking to redefine cafe culture with an offering centred around intelligent nutrition. While details of the cafe’s menu are being kept under wraps for now, the Süreyya Kahve team has confirmed the venue will serve high-quality nutrient-dense meals, ranging from healthy salads and sandwiches to Instagram-worthy smoothies (infused with KAILO Nutrition supplements) and specialty coffee from ST ALi. Süreyya Kahve is expected to open in late April – stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!
Bar Taco
This Friday February 27, Fortitude Valley revellers will welcome the arrival of a brand-new tequila bar masterminded by a local hospitality legend. Nick Gregorski (former operator of The Alliance Hotel, The Stock Exchange and Port Office Hotel) is opening Bar Taco on Brunswick Street next door to his latest venue, The Magee Pub & Dining. Described as an intimate late-night hangout where margaritas reign supreme, Bar Taco will be the spot for agave aficionados to get a taste of some top-shelf tipples. Upon opening, expect the back bar to be amply stocked with approximately 39 tequilas (many of which are premium pours), seven mezcals and two beers on tap (including Guinness). The drink selection will be backed by a simple taco menu, with a curated hot sauce collection on deck to help punch up the heat level, if desired. As for the venue itself, guests can expect a low-lit haunt with cactus touches, plus vinyl spinning on an old record player near the bar. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Bar Taco soon.
Will Cowper to depart OTTO Brisbane
After a decade at the helm, OTTO Brisbane head chef Will Cowper has announced his departure from the top-tier restaurant in March. Will has been in charge of the kitchen at OTTO Brisbane since its opening, overseeing the menu throughout its initial stint in the city and most recent era in South Bank. Taking over will be OTTO Sydney’s long‑serving head chef Richard Ptacnik, who will be leading the kitchens at both OTTO venues. A new menu is now live, featuring a mix of Richard’s items and Will’s beloved signatures, underpinned as always by a sense of simplicity, seasonality and a deep respect for local produce. Will’s final service at OTTO Brisbane will be Saturday March 28 – head to the OTTO Brisbane website to make a booking.
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Freya
Since opening in October last year, Milton cafe Freya has cultivated a loyal following thanks to its approachable vibe, specialty coffee and menu of tasty bites. In early March, the Freya crew will debut its next phase of operations, launching a wine bar addition on Thursday March 5. That evening, the team will swap Toby’s Estate coffee for vino from Sirromet wines and Spreyton ciders, and exchange bagels for premium local cheeses and small plates perfect for sharing. The offering will also include a rotating wine and cheese pairing experience, for something extra special. Pitched as a dependable place to enjoy quality drinks and service, Freya’s podium-level location overlooking Railway Terrace will effortlessly transition into a haunt for after-work drinks, catch-ups with friends and intimate date nights. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Freya’s after-dark transformation next month.
Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon
In case you missed the news last week, UK hospitality group Inventive Productions in partnership with Fever is bringing two immersive bar experiences on Gotha Street in The Valley in the coming months. Launching first on Friday March 20, Alcotraz is a prison-themed cocktail experience where guests are dressed in orange jumpsuits and immersed in a speakeasy-style cell block brought to life by committed actors as storyline-driven cocktails are served. On Friday April 10, Moonshine Saloon opens next door, transporting guests to an American Prohibition-era outlaw world led by moonshiner Clyde Cassidy, blending bootleg spirits with interactive, choose-your-own-adventure theatre. Described by director Sam Shearman as a fully theatrical, all-enveloping experience inspired in part by the popularity of true-crime and dark tourism, sessions for both venues start at $65 including the performance and four drinks, with tickets on sale now.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].