Top cuts - just the best bits from Brisbane's food news

Hope you all had a fabulous Easter break with some truly delicious food. 

Here’s what is happening food wise.

On the move



Owner Genny Neilson has announced she is moving on from highly awarded Tank Restaurant and Bar. Genny opened Tank just over two years ago with Alastair McLeod as Executive Chef and a new interpretation of Japanese cuisine and Queensland produce.  More recently, chef and cook book author Jane Lawson added another new dimension to Tank’s food.

I dined at Tank on several occasions during Genny’s reign and was always impressed by the quality of the food and standard of service.

“Having built Tank Restaurant and Bar from a concrete shell and to have received not only industry recognition but loyal customer support is very gratifying. The business is well placed for the next phase of its journey. I wish the entire team at Tank continued success.” Genny said.

The co-owner, property developer Ross Nielson and Nielson Properties’ general manager, Darren McCosker, will manage Tank Restaurant and Bar moving forward.



Put put pop up


I put the The Hilton Brisbane new atrium pop-up Put Put Game to the test on Monday. For $22 you get a glass of Verve and the chance to put for a prize. If you sink it, you get a complimentary glass (yum). Alternatively, purchase a bottle and receive 10 puts, sink it and receive a free bottle. There are heaps of other smaller prizes as well for having a go including verve towels and hats. Despite quite a bit of warming up with ‘free’ balls we didn’t manage to score a prize but we had lots of fun. Find it in the foyer during April.






Wake up Yeronga


There’s a new coffee roaster in Yeronga with a blend that’s chocolately with end notes of blueberry with hints of plum and stone fruit. Nessun Dorma  (None shall sleep) is a new venture from Roslyn Gibbons-Munch and Matthew Aplin who have opened the cafe roaster after more than 10 years in the coffee industry. The pair also are serving breakfast, lunch and sweets made fresh daily and strive to use organic free range and local produce where possible. Find them on the corner of Fairfield Road and Kadumba Street, Yeronga. www.nessundormacoffeeroasters.com.au

 

 

Where are you sleeping for Noosa Food & Wine?


There’s no time to waste if you haven’t booked accommodation for the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival from 16 to 19 May.  But if you are still looking, there are some great deals available from the newly rebranded and refurbished Mantra French Quarter (formerly BreakFree).  I’ve stayed here and, refreshed, it’s a great central, hard-to-beat location for the festival with everything at your fingertips. The rates are from $221* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment, $266* per night in a One Bedroom Deluxe Apartment, from $280* per night in a Two Bedroom Apartment or from $325* per night in a Two Bedroom Deluxe Apartment. There’s a two night minimum stay. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au. For festival details and tickets visit www.noosafoodandwine.com.au.




Head for Hampton


It’s a food festival bonanza in May with the Hampton Food and Arts Festival also kicking off on Sunday May 19.  This community-based festival has a big headline talent this year with Poh  Ling Yeow of MasterChef fame taking centre stage.  Hampton is located just a short drive from Toowoomba and is an easy day trip from Brisbane. Check out the festival program www.hamptonfestival.com



Warm up winter Sundays

There’s a very slight autumn chill beginning to creep into the morning air so Byblos bar + restaurant have decided to warm up Sunday afternoons. Cosy up with friends and enjoy $10 cocktails from the soon-to-be-launched Winter cocktail menu as well as $5 tap beers, ciders and selected wines. Acoustic duo Phoenix will be kicking things off on April 7, joined by other Australian acts including Jasper, SoHO, Velvet Star and Blue Steel on the performance calendar. The fun runs from 3-6pm every Sunday. www.byblosbar.com.au



Following food trucks

If you are excited about Brisbane’s fast developing food truck scene you’ll be pleased to know there’s now an app that helps you locate your faves.  Download Where The Truck at the app store and keep up with all the latest locations.



Best way to Bali

Garudu have announced seats are now on sale for the daily flights from Brisbane to Denpasar on Garuda Indonesia's B737-800 Next Generation aircraft. The first flights leave on August 1.

I’ve flown with Garuda from Sydney and loved the in-flight check-in.  There are many things to love about Bali but their immigration procedures and hall are not amongst them.  The in-flight check-in made the whole experience painless.

In fact there was nothing to complain about on my economy flight – there were plenty of movies on the personal LCD screens, the food was good (for airline food) and the service was attentive and polite.  You may pay a little more for these services but my policy is start the holiday the way you intend to proceed. I like to be comfortable, relaxed and arrive at my destination ready to have fun.

Garuda Indonesia's free sporting equipment allowance also means all passengers are able to take up to 23kg extra checked baggage in addition to the carrier's baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy and 40kg in Executive Class. Great for those surf boards.


I also like the daily departure time of 8.30am arriving in Denpasar at 13.10.  It’s a great way to start a holiday.  The flight home is sleep fest leaving at 23.10 and arriving in Brisbane just after 7am. Fares start from $801* return including taxes. www.garuda-indonesia.net.au.