New kid on the block



The Crosstown Eating House is newly opened in the end of Logan Road that's just opposite the Gabba. This enclave includes the Pearl Cafe and 1889 Enoteca. There's also the most quirky gift shop, Ab Fab, that's a great place for unusual gifts, several antique shops, and a great little dress shop. I heard a rumour that Ben O'Donoghue, who is newly established in Brisbane and on the prowl for the perfect site, might be opening a restaurant here soon as well.

The Crosstown Eating House is located in a former antique centre which has been cleverly converted into a funky restaurant with lots of tables in spaces that open off each other. It's all light and airy with white walls and plenty of wood. There's also a large bar at the front where you can grab a drink or food on the go.

The concept is shared plates so everyone gets to try each dish. I stopped in for a coffee but the menu includes a ploughman's platter, buttered mushrooms and toast, beetroot manchego and speck, prawns and white anchovy manyonnaise, spatchcock and outside stuffing, whiting fillets and tomato + more.

I like the sound of the strawberry sandwich and the chocolate pear pot on the dessert menu.

Prices range from $12 to $28 for the mains sized dishes with desserts around $9.

It's open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and lunch Thursday to Sunday.

The coffee is Merlo and good.

The Crosstown Eating House, 23 Logan Road, Wooloongabba. p 3162 3839