Como Restaurant
In case you missed the news last week, a glamorous Italian-inspired eatery is opening in South Bank this week – and it could be one of the best looking venues we’ve seen open this year. Como Restaurant will officially open to the public on Melbourne Street tomorrow, Wednesday December 13, showing off a striking chic interior and a menu of elevated fare. The brainchild of Enzo Esposito, Gianni Greghini and Tony D’Alessandro, Como is promising a high-end epicurean experience and a party-centric approachability. Head chef Isaia Dal Fiume (formerly chef de cuisine at Bacchus) has crafted a menu loaded with delectable eats – we’re talking pan brioche with raw kangaroo loin, marinated swordfish with yuzu, coconut and capers, pappardelle with wild boar ragu, Imperial Blossom wagyu scotch fillets with a marble score of 8–9, and a range of red- and white-base pizzas cooked in an impressive Marana Forni rotary oven. Como’s wine list will feature a deep selection of Australian and international wines, while a cocktail menu offers up a selection of signature aperitifs (including a dedicated spritz selection) and riffs on modern classics. Bookings are now live, but check in soon for a full rundown of Como Restaurant this week!
The Belvedere Hotel
A historic bayside establishment has just reopened after a multimillion-dollar redevelopment. Lewis Land Group lifted the cloche on the new-look The Belvedere Hotel at Woody Point in late November, giving long-time fans of ‘The Bel’ a look at the venue’s revitalised amenities. Now equipped to seat more than 1000 guests, The Belvedere’s upgraded fixtures include its shaded outdoor terraces, level one dining room and bar (which boasts sweeping views of Bramble Bay), a brand-new public bar, and refreshed outdoor pavilion bar and bistro. Now open from 8:00 am daily, The Belvedere kicks off the fun with breakfast eats before a retooled lunch menu comes into play. Classics like steaks, burgers and salads are available alongside sizeable seafood platters, piping-hot pizzas and sweets from an Italian-style gelato bar. Head to the Stumble Guide for current opening hours and other important details.
Kenilworth Bakery
The year isn’t slowing down any as we approach the finish line. In fact, Brisbane might be busier than it has ever been. A number of previously announced venues have locked in the official opening dates, which means you’ve got some exploring to do. Kenilworth Bakery is opening its new Bribie Island store this Friday December 15, with some fun launch-day festivities planned. The beachfront site near the jetty at 3 First Avenue, Bongaree will be abuzz with activity from 8:00 am, with the team giving away loads of free sourdough doughnuts until the bakery’s display cases are empty. Other fan-favourite items, such as Kenilworth Bakery’s pies and sausage rolls (made using meat prepped by an in-house butcher) will also be available. Get in quick, as stocks aren’t expected to last.
Goodtime
Another anticipated opening has tapped Friday December 15 for its grand-opening celebrations. Over at West Village, Goodtime – the new yum-cha eatery and craft-beer bar from the owners of glam inner-city restaurant Longtime Dining – will be opening its doors. Expect a menu filled with aromatic pan-Asian eats, including all-you-can-eat yum cha and Instagram-worthy serves of Flying Noodles, as well as ice-cold craft beers from a number of Queensland breweries. We’ll have an up-close look at Goodtime for you later this week.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].
