The Independent
From July, the quickest way to get a taste of fare from some of Australia’s best chefs will be at Brisbane Airport. No, you don’t need to board a plane – just seek out The Independent, a new dining concept opening soon at Brisbane Airport’s domestic terminal. The Independent will welcome a rotating roster of nationally renowned chefs and rising local culinary stars to showcase signature dishes and experimental items across a number of seasonal residencies. When the venue launches in July, it will do so with lauded Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan (of Luke’s Kitchen, Luc-San, glass brasserie and Bistrot Bisou) at the helm, who will showcase his iconic French-meets-Asian brasserie-style fare. Luke will be utilising some sublime Queensland seafood for the menu, which will include the likes of classic prawn cocktails, tuna sashimi nachos and tacos, Sydney rock oysters, seafood towers, market fish and stellar steaks. The Independent’s beverage offering will be substantial, with more than 50 local spirits on offer alongside an evolving selection of independent craft beer and vino from City Winery. “This venue is more than a restaurant – it really is about reimagining the dining scene for travellers and that doesn’t just begin when you get to your holiday destination,” says Martin Ryan, Brisbane Airport executive general manager of commercial. “A large part of the travel and culinary experience begins when you arrive at the airport. Having a chef with the international pedigree and reputation of Luke Mangan helming the restaurant’s launch will certainly elevate the airport experience for the thousands of passengers and visitors who pass through each day. And the great feature is you can come back after a few months and it will be an entirely new menu.” The Independent will open in July – keep your eyes peeled for more info closer to the opening date.
Dirty Sultan
One of Fortitude Valley’s beloved rooftop party spots has just unveiled a brand-new look. The team behind Dirty Sultan, perched atop The Constance Hotel on Constance Street, recently underwent an extensive renovation, which has resulted in a brand-new aesthetic and a tasty new menu to boot. After being presented with an opportunity for a reboot, owners Dilan and Courtney Ildes decided to give the space a spicy makeover, adding travertine tiles, sand-coloured walls, beetroot marble bar tops, rattan textures, Indian rosewood and extra greenery, creating what the couple calls a Sultan’s courtyard. The venue also boasts day beds, dining tables, booths and a private shisha lounge – all of which can be booked. The centrepiece of Dirty Sultan’s refurb is the newly installed Palm Booth – an elevated DJ platform at the centre of the rooftop space, which will form Dirty Sultan’s party nexus on Friday and Saturday nights. Dirty Sultan has also unveiled new food and drink menus to coincide with the relaunch, with Stuart McGill of Mr. Vain consulting on a new street food offering featuring the likes of house dips, Turkish and pita bread, Turkish pide, shish and mezze plates. Jhon Gavino has given Dirty Sultan’s cocktail list a Mediterranean-inspired overhaul, adding in new concoctions infused with spices, berries, rose water and citrus. Dirty Sultan is now open to the public from Thursday to Sunday – head to the Stumble Guide for more info.
Azteca
Big news dropped yesterday from Potentia Solutions Leisure, the hospitality group responsible for Soko Rooftop, Lina Rooftop and Carmen Tequileria. The crew revealed the first details surrounding its next concept, Azteca, which is set to open at The Star Brisbane in Queen’s Wharf later this year. Azteca will join Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro and Cucina Regina as residents of The Terrace, with a lush Aztec-inspired interior set to boast large water features, mosaic tiling, custom ceramics, live greenery, custom-made brass tables, semi-private circular pods wih cushy sofa chairs, and a secret 14-seat private-dining room. Overseeing the Azteca kitchen will be Zac Sykes (formerly of The Boom Boom Room), who will be orchestrating an offering inspired by the flavours of Latin America and infused with hints of Asian cuisines. The fare will be bolstered by a sturdy wine list feature more than 100 bottles, as well as a cocktail menu fusing Latin American spirits and Asian spices. Azteca will open in August as part of The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf’s staged opening. We’ll have more details for you soon.
Brewbakers
It’s been a rough week for Brisbane’s bakery scene. BCN Events – the hospitality group operated by Shannon Kellam of Montrachet fame – entered voluntary administration last week, forcing venues King Street Bakery, Mica Brasserie (and Mica express in The City), The Kneadery and Lumiere Culinary Studio to close suddenly. Over the weekend, cherished Albion bakery Brewbakers announced that it would cease operations after 32 years of business, stating in a post to social media that it would close its doors on Saturday June 15. The team expressed gratitude to its loyal customers, with management saying it was “proud and privileged that Brewbakers has held a meaningful place in the local community for a longer time than we could have anticipated.” Brewbakers has been a staple of Brisbane’s baked-goods scene since owners Richard and Caroline Cotton started the business in 1992. As evidenced by the outpouring of support from followers online, Brewbakers – and its signature sourdoughs, bagels and doughnuts – will be sorely missed.
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