Goldfinch
While most of the city shuts down over the holiday period, Brisbane City will be welcoming a lush new eatery right in the thick of it on Boxing Day. Goldfinch is set to open its doors next Wednesday December 26, residing on the ground floor of Pullman Brisbane King George Square. The venue will pay homage to its iconic 1970s predecessor Goldfish Bar, which was frequented by visiting celebrities and global dignitaries, and held sordid Fitzgerald-inquiry secrets – there was even an underground tunnel that once linked the Goldfish Bar to council chambers. The space (most recently occupied by Bistro Allure) has been given a significant makeover, with a new Hamptons-inspired fit-out split with a cafe on one side and eatery on the other. Once open, Goldfinch will offer around-the-clock dining, with the menu showcasing local seasonal produce through Mediterranean-inspired dishes, alongside Elixir coffee, wine and cocktails. Look out for our Boxing Day round-up this Thursday for Goldfinch’s opening day hours.
Ben Williamson
After six incredible years at the helm of Gerard’s Bistro’s kitchen, lauded chef Ben Williamson is bidding the Middle Eastern-inspired eatery farewell. Under Ben’s guidance, Gerard’s has gained numerous accolades, most recently awarded one hat in The Good Food Guide Awards 2019 and runner-up in The Weekend Edition’s own EAT/drink Awards 2018. The Moubarak family and Gerard’s Bistro team bid Ben a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram yesterday, and are excited for the new chapter ahead for the restaurant. No news yet of Ben’s next project or his replacement at Gerard’s – we’ll keep you posted. Ben’s last service at Gerard’s Bistro will be this Friday December 21 – book online to get one last taste!
Hellenika breakfast
Just in time for balmy summer mornings, The Calile Hotel’s resident Greek restaurant Hellenika has just added a Mediterranean-style breakfast service to its offering. This is Hellenika’s first foray into morning eats, with the classic and simple menu echoing owner Simon Gloftis’ produce-driven ethos. You can dine poolside from 6:30–10:00 am daily, enjoying the likes of caramelised fresh grapefruit with sweet Greek yoghurt, spanakopita, the Eggs with Eggs with Eggs (boiled eggs, taramasalata, salmon peals and toast), or The Onassis, with streaky bacon, loukanika (Greek sausages), olive-oil fried eggs, fresh tomato, a lamb cutlet and toast. You can forget your regular porridge – Hellenika is serving rizogalo for breakfast, a sweet Greek rice pudding with blueberries and cinnamon. The Hellenic influence carries through to the beverage menu too, which features the likes of traditional Greek coffee, Greek mountain tea with Attiki honey, and sour cherry juice.
La Macelleria King Street
King Street has truly established itself as Bowen Hills’ signature food precinct but one key thing has been missing – gelato. All will be right as of February next year, when La Macelleria Gelateria brings its much-loved artisan gelato to the strip. The King Street gelateria will be similar to the recently opened Coorparoo Square store, offering a smaller menu but with the addition of gelato shakes. Owner Matteo Zini promises a special flavour and offers will be available to celebrate the opening, and La Macelleria will cater to the growing number of offices in the precinct with afternoon coffee specials. We’ll have more details on the opening next year!
Motto Motto
Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley locals hankering for a new lunch and dinner option – listen up. Popular Japanese kitchen Motto Motto launched its first virtual kitchen yesterday, Monday December 17, delivering via Uber Eats and Deliveroo to Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley. Both lunch and dinner will be available from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, with Motto Motto offering its full menu (available at Chermside and Garden City) via the apps, including its selection of rice bowls, Japanese curry, ramen, udon noodles, Japanese rolls and sides. Motto Motto promises the high-standard and freshness of its dishes will not waver with the virtual kitchen, with every order cooked to order. Keep an eye on the Motto Motto website in the coming months – the eatery will be implementing an online ordering system for pick up.
We hope you enjoyed another exciting year of Pavement Whispers! We’re taking a little break and will be back on Tuesday January 8. Don’t forget – if you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].
