July: Brisbane’s Good Food & Wine Month

Wednesday July 1st, 2015

Were there ever four more enticing words to appear in a single sentence than ‘Brisbane’, ‘food’, ‘wine’, and ‘month’? The only thing better would be ‘Brisbane’, ‘food’, ‘wine’ and ‘year’! What better way to make the most of this wonderful city than by sampling the best its chefs, restaurateurs and producers have to offer in this season highlighting its culinary excellence? So whether you are a resident, a committed foodie, or just thinking of somewhere to take a city break, here’s why Brisbane is the place to be in July.

Shouk Café

Are the kids complaining about how boring their breakfasts are? Maybe you’re fed up with them too? Why not test other options from Turkey, Yemen, Eastern Europe and Israel. So much better than the hotel buffet breakfast! WHERE: 14 Collingwood Street, Paddington WHEN: Jul 9-31, Aug 1-9; 07:30am – 02:30am COST: $20

Wild Canary

The wonderful restaurant Wild Canary offers of the best of the winter season’s local produce at an intimate lunch. WHERE: 2371 Moggill Road, Brookfield WHEN: Jul 9, 23, 30, Aug 6; 11:30am – 02:30pm COST: $50

The ‘Water of Life’ Whisky Masterclasses

All evenings should start with a shot (or two) of whisky. Right? ‘Nant’ connoisseurs invite you to test out five very different types, from ultra smooth to raw and smoky. WHERE: Nant Whisky Cellar and Bar: Emporium, Shop 10, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley WHEN: Jul 9-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31, Aug 1, 4-8; 04:00pm – 11:30pm COST: $70

Madame Wu

This Asian favourite has a two-course lunch banquet that includes pork dumplings, chicken ribs and steamed duck buns to start, followed by roasted pork belly and wagyu beef. WHERE: 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane City WHEN: Jul 9-31, Aug 1-9; 12:00pm – 03:00pm COST: $38

Pooltino

Pooltino offers a funky Latin-inspired pool party at its stunning roof top venue. There’s a menu to match the theme including spanner crab tostada. What’s not to love? WHERE: Lennon’s Pool Terrace & Bar, Level 4, 72 Queen Street, Brisbane WHEN: Jul 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug 9; 04:00pm – 11:00pm COST: $45 for 2

Food Writing 101

Ever read recipes or restaurant reviews and thought ‘ I could do better than that’? Here’s a chance to find out what ‘food writing’ really entails. Join Barbara Sweeney from Food & Words and Talking Cookbook, and Roger Haden from Le Cordon Bleu for a master class on how to get ahead in the world of print WHERE: Sofitel Brisbane Central, Ann Street, Brisbane WHEN: July 11, 11am–2pm COST: $149 – includes morning refreshments, buffet lunch, and tasting plates from Privé 249 restaurant. Also includes a goodie bag and free copy of the 2016 Brisbane Times Good Food Guide

Sunday Gourmet Markets

Weekends are for relaxing and spending time with the family. Every second and fourth Sunday at Westfield Chermside, you will have the opportunity to wander and sample a diverse range of cured meats, fine cheeses, and lots more. WHERE: Westfield Chermside, Corner Gympie & Hamilton Roads, Chermside WHEN: Jul 12, 26, Aug 9; 08:00am – 01:00pm COST: Free (but definitely take the opportunity to stock up on the fantastic produce available).

Up On Constance

Take a culinary road trip around Europe with ‘Up On Constance’, where you can sample delights from Italy (week 1), Spain (week 2), France (week 3). WHERE: 20 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley WHEN: Jul 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9; 06:00pm – 07:00pm COST: $55

QLD on a Plate: Local Tastes Better

When in Queensland, why not celebrate all it has to offer, including a commitment to sustainability. Expect healthy, Asian inspired dishes including soft-shell crab with coriander, chilli, wakame, and snowpea snaps. WHERE: Tedder Dining & Wine Bar, Shop 10, 26 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach WHEN: Jul 13-18, 20-25, 27-31, Aug 1, 3-8; 06:00pm – 09:30pm COST: $89

Young Chefs’ Dinner

If you want to get an insight into the next ‘hottest’ chef, this is the place to be. This one off event, hosted by one of Brisbane’s premier restaurants Aria, sees six of the state’s most talented young chefs, including the Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year 2016, display their talents. WHERE: Aria Restaurant, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane WHEN: Tuesday, July 14 at 6.30pm COST: $150 including matched wine, tea and coffee

Marque

Talking of ‘hot, young chefs’ – when most chefs were just starting out in the kitchen, Mark Best was working as an electrician in the gold mines of Western Australia. He left that job to follow his passion for cooking, and from that point it’s been an upward trajectory. He’s collected many awards, including the San Pellegrino’s ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list several times. You can expect five of the best of Mark’s best dishes, each matched with a glass of ‘Yalumba’ wine. A complimentary drink on arrival is also included in the price. WHERE: Esquire, Eagle Street, Brisbane WHEN: Thursday, July 16 seatings at 6.30pm/6.45pm/7pm (preference to be specified on booking) COST: $189 – including appropriately matched ‘Yalumba’ wines

Night Noodle Markets

Everyone loves noodles. Or if they don’t, they should. This is an opportunity to experience the ultimate hawker-style market, with over 30 stalls representing some of Brisbane’s favourite Asian eateries. Try everything from gyoza to steaming Vietnamese pho. WHERE: Cultural Forecourt, South Bank WHEN: Wednesday July 22 – Sunday August 2, Monday–Thursday 5pm til late, Friday 4pm til late, Weekends noon til late COST: Free entry

Essential Chow

Continuing the Asian theme, this master class will show you how one marinade can be used on many, many dishes, from satay to steak. WHERE: Chow House, 39 James Street, Fortitude Valley WHEN: Jul 30; 06:00pm – 07:00pm COST: $75

Coastal Seafood Dining

Indulge in a four-course seafood dinner featuring high quality, regional produce, including Hervey Bay scallops. WHERE: Thomas Corner Eatery, 1/201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville WHEN: Jul 31; 06:30pm – 10:30pm COST: $85

Urban Rooftop Sunset Session – The Loft

Chill out with food, drinks and music in the Loft’s epic penthouse location. WHERE: 345 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane WHEN: Aug 2; 04:00pm – 08:00pm COST: $85 With so much on offer, Brisbane Food & Wine month is bound to have something to suit your tastes. We’re feeling hungry already!