Ivory Tusk
A brand-new watering hole will be opening up in Fortitude Valley towards the end of August, bringing with it a pastel Palm Springs aesthetic, bulk cocktails and a menu of seasonal Mexican-inspired fare. Ivory Tusk is the name of the venue, and it will be launching on Thursday August 22 within Woolly Mammoth, which has been undergoing some mysterious renovations over the past couple of months. Luis Nheu of BSPN Architects has overseen the design of the space, including three bar areas and some updates to the Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage, band room and garden terrace. Executive chef Graeme McKinnon (formerly of Covent Garden) is working with head chef Jack Thompson (The Line & Label) to craft a menu of share-style eats, paying attention to locality, seasonality and freshness. The menu is likely to include dishes such as gazpacho tequila shooters, lamb barbacoa and roast pork, as well as plenty of gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. The bar will be pouring a variety of colourful drinks to match the decor, including eight tap cocktails, craft beers and more. Entertainment will also be key to Ivory Tusk’s offering, with live bands and DJs popping in for shows, while wannabe rock stars can live out their dream with Ivory Tusk’s own ‘Rockaoke’ nights. Keep your eyes peeled for a closer look inside Ivory Tusk in the coming weeks.
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank
The opening of Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers’ first cosy gnoccheria in Paddington caused a bit of a stir back in 2016. Brisbane diners flocked in droves to get a serve of the famously pillowy piles of potato, lathered in rich Italian sauces, and we predict they’ll do it all over again when Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers opens a new permanent spot in South Bank later this year. Located in the heart of the Little Stanley Street precinct, the gnoccheria will boast plenty of seating – with spaces available for large groups, couples and even a long social table for those keen to mingle with other eaters. If you like the idea of eating your gnocchi in full view of the city skyline, a take-away window will be open for extra-fast pick ups. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers South Bank will stay true to its roots, serving the same bone-warming gnocchi alongside a range of Italian wines, beers, cocktails and top-shelf after-dinner liquors. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is hoping to open in South Bank in late September or early October.
nodo’s boozy brunches
From gluten-free goodies to boozy brunches, nodo in Newstead continues to evolve. The acclaimed breakfast and baked-goods hotspot has recently introduced alcoholic libations to its brunch menu, which means that your weekend meet-up with pals just got a heck of a lot more lively. The team has introduced an assortment of cocktails to sip, not to mention an extensive range of boutique beers and ciders. Guests can order the likes of one-of-a-kind nodo donut martinis, acai spritzes, mandarin mimosas and native G&Ts. In true nodo style, each cocktail will be made from all-natural ingredients, while all spirits, boutique beers and ciders are completely gluten free, organic, and fair trade. If your weekend brunch has been lacking some punch, maybe nodo’s new offering will give you the perfect kick!
Austrian Wine Dinner at Donna Chang
When it comes to Europe’s wine-growing countries, France, Italy and Spain typically steal all the spotlight. A forthcoming culinary event presented by Enoteca Sydney will be giving some shine to three of the most iconic wine producers in Austria – Rudi Pichler, Hiedler and Nittnause. On Thursday August 15, Donna Chang will be hosting a four-course feast curated by head chef Jason Margaritis, with ten paired wines on hand for tasting. The dinner guests will be able to sample Riesling Gruener Veltliners and Blaufraenkisch wines, and will be taken on a journey from the World Heritage Wachau Valley to the Hungarian border in Austria’s east. Tickets are available here.
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