SK Steak & Oyster
It only took a few weeks for Hellenika at The Calile to become a certified dining institution, and now, less than a year on from the restaurant’s opening, the trio of Simon Gloftis, Theo Kampolis and Kelvin Andrews have announced another culinary concept for the James Street precinct. SK Steak & Oysters will be opening at The Calile before year’s end, and will deliver a considered take on the classic bar and grill. The idea for a steakhouse has been rattling around Simon’s brain since 2010, roughly the same time Hellenika debuted on the Gold Coast. When a vacant tenancy at The Calile’s Wandoo Street end was offered to Simon, the timing finally seemed right to bring this idea into the world. Richards and Spence has been recruited to help actualise the restaurant’s design, emphasising the high ceilings and phenomenal lighting to create a restaurant imbued with an air of timelessness. SK Steak & Oysters’ layout will incorporate intimate booth seating, an open-plan kitchen, an oyster-shucking station and even a baby grand piano. As for the fare, head chef Kelvin is working with Simon to craft a menu that incorporates top-notch protein and quality seafood. Although meaty at its core, the restaurant’s menu won’t be weighed down with excess options – three cuts (eye fillet, scotch fillet and sirloin) will be available in your choice of grade, weight and doneness, backed by a selection of sides and a seafood section (raw and grilled). Quality produce is key, and SK Steak & Oysters is working with farmers and suppliers to source the best morsels from across Australia. The bar offering also takes a straightforward approach, serving classic cocktails done well. The wine list is still in development, but diners can expect a strong list of champagnes to feature. The build on SK Steak & Oysters is currently underway, with its official opening tentatively slated for late November or early December.

Miss Demeanour
Denizens of Brisbane’s CBD, take note – new multi-faceted haunt Miss Demeanour is set to open in the heart of Brisbane City next week, Wednesday September 18. This cafe, restaurant, bar and late-night hangout is currently undergoing some pre-launch finishing touches, and will soon open doors a stone’s throw from Queens Plaza down secluded alleyway Rowes Lane. Formerly home to Sonny’s House of Blues, the 130-seat venue (located beneath the heritage-listed Rowes Building) is retaining much of the building’s existing heritage elements (think open-faced brick and sandstone walls) while weaving in some tasteful refurbishments. As for the food and drink offering, by the sounds of things Miss Demeanour will have something for every part of the day and night. Early risers will be able to sip on a special coffee blend designed for the venue while savouring breakfast morsels such as a wild-mushroom bagel with whipped tofu, pickled ginger and shiso, eggs benedict, and banana and whey protein pancakes with whipped local honey. Lunch munchers and dinner guests will be treated to the likes of fried-chicken burgers with chilli jam and charred broccolini, almond and coconut salad. At night, punters will be able to select from a range of specialty cocktails and craft beer from Balter Brewing, Sailors Grave Brewing and Stone & Wood.

Comuna Cantina Everton Park
It’s been a big year for residents of Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The Everton Park Plaza has already delivered several fantastic new eateries to the area, but as we move into the latter half of 2019 the booming precinct is gearing up for more. Latin street-food eatery and cocktail dispensary Comuna Cantina will be opening at Everton Park Plaza on Thursday September 19, unveiling its artfully designed interiors and exclusive menu items. The venue will boast an external kiosk bar, dual-sided kitchen and takeaway coffee window, while the interior will reportedly feature a pink-and-white colour scheme accentuated by brass detailing and plenty of greenery. In addition to Comuna Cantina’s established menu of Latin American eats (think grilled sweet corn, quesadillas, burritos and specialty cocktails), the brand’s new location will also serve traditional hard-shell tacos and an exclusive cocktail only available at Everton Park. Comuna Cantina’s opening precedes the arrival of sibling concept Corbett & Claude in November. Also worth noting, artisan sweets, cakes, pastries and bread vendor Sweeties is opening at Everton Park Plaza this Saturday September 14, and will be celebrating by giving away 300 boxed cupcakes to the first wave of customers. We’ll have a closer look at Comuna Cantina and Sweeties for you next week – stay tuned!

Sea to the City
In case the sudden influx of higher temperatures hadn’t clued you in, spring is officially here. Celebrating the seasonal change, several of Brisbane City’s top-flight eateries are teaming up for the second annual alfresco seafood trail Sea to the City on Sunday October 13. The one-day event is returning to herald seafood season, with bugs and oysters taking centre stage in 2019. This year’s event will see 16 of Brisbane’s top riverfront restaurants activate their venues or host pop-up sites, each hawking a range of food options. Wanderers can expect to find mouth-watering delights such as miso-cured and grilled cobia sandwich with Asian tartare from Madame Wu, wood-fired and charcoal-barbecued bugs with lime chilli and salted black bean from Navala Churrascaria, New Orleans-style fried-oyster po’ boys at Riverbar & Kitchen, and Patina’s Moreton Bay bug croissant. Keep your eyes peeled for menu announcements for the trail’s other vendors – be sure to follow the event on Facebook to keep tabs on all the news.

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