They had me at the mention of a charcoal bun, but when I realised it was inspired by one of the Queensland Art Gallery's works on display, the deal was sealed.
So that's how I came to eat a black bun filled with a black angus meat patty, a layer of jamon plus obligatory burger basics such as lettuce and tomato, all brought together with black mayo and Monterey Jack cheese at QAG Cafe. It's called the Wolken Burger and it has been inspired by Michael Sailstorfer Wolken's work Clouds, on show until May 24.
The QAG Cafe is located at the end of the Watercourt and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Outside you can sit next to the water under shady trees, a very pleasant dining location.
The menu is full of intriguing options such as Scenic Rim carrot and West End honey soup with pickles and nasturtium or Brisbane buffalo halloumi with field mushroom orecchiette pasta and Queensland olive oil. Great to see local produce staring.
Our other lunch choice was the tempura short shell crab which came with a salad including shaved fennel and blood orange segments topped with preserved lemon mayo.
The dessert cold cabinet offered plenty of choices but it was the white bavarois topped with red rose petal that I couldn't go past. It tasted as good as it looked with intriguing lemon and biscuit layers inside. I could have matched it with a glass of champagne, but that will have to be next time.
Of course I wasn't there just to try the food - we were checking out the fashion exhibitions - Future Beauty - 30 years of Japanese Fashion at GOMA and Undressed: 350 Years of Underwear in Fashion at Queensland Museum.
Best tip: Save money on both exhibition entry fees by buying a joint ticket. Better still, max your return by walking across the river to Brisbane City Hall to see Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition until May 24.
Best for: Art lovers of all ages.
Bottom line: Mains range in price from $13 to $19, sandwiches are available for $8 to $9.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK paid for her lunch