Mongrel
When they are consensual in nature, we really dig a good takeover. If you share this belief, take heed – new pop-up Mongrel is coming to town. The self-described flavour pimps will be setting up shop at different venues around Brisbane, starting with Paddington favourite Naïm this Saturday April 29. Mongrel’s offering is focused on good food and good booze with a twist, inviting diners to take culinary risks. Head chef Gabriel Escalante-Gafau uses his Peruvian roots as a menu influence, while drinks commander Henry Wu is all about craft spirits, beer and wine. Saturday’s menu will feature such delights as octopus and piquillo pepper tequenos, sardine tempura sandwiches and smoked mussel pate – this gives you a taste of what it’s all about. These unique pop-ups are the precursor to Mongrel eventually opening a bricks-and-mortar location, hopefully in Paddington around March next year. We’ll keep you posted on the coming events!
Black Ox Cellars
You might think Melbourne gets to have all the fun when it comes to premium pop-up dining, but that’s not the case anymore. Launching with a sell-out event in March, Black Ox Cellars is a pop-up project from chef and Brisbane native Chris Siktars. The idea was born from Chris’s desire for more freedom within the fine-dining scene, and has taken shape in the form of exclusive multiple-course dinners showcasing native, local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. There are plans for Black Ox Cellars to open up a bricks-and-mortar location within the next 18 months, as well as partnerships with local producers, chocolatiers and wineries in the works. The second Black Ox Cellars event is a collaboration with Ravens Craft Wines, taking up residency at Paddington Substation on Wednesday May 24 – keep an eye on The Weekend Edition for future events and updates.
OTTO’s BYO share menu
We know that you, our dear readers, tend to go a bit crazy for all things BYO, so we have some news that will no doubt tickle you – the purveyors of delicious Italian fare at OTTO Brisbane have just launched a group menu with BYO available to groups of 13 or more. Grab your favourite bottle(s) and assemble your familia to take part in a three-course group feast with the likes of baked buffalo ricotta, fried baby calamari, and fresh house-made gnocchi with braised duck and gremolata all on offer. The dishes are served family-style in the centre of the table, creating the perfect atmosphere to pop a cork or two and make like you’re at home (but with way better food).
Suki Bulimba
If you haven’t heard, the poke bowl and sushi burrito craze is sweeping the city since last week’s opening of Suki in South Bank. Good news for those on the east side – the Japanese-inspired eatery will be opening in Bulimba in the coming months. Expect a very similar set up to its South Bank sibling, with your choice to bowl or roll a huge selection of deliciousness at Suki Bulimba. We’ll have more details for you soon!
Image credit: Nikki To
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