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Coppa Reopens For Waterfront Dining On Eagle Street Pier

After almost a year of closing its CBD location due to the pandemic, Italian restaurant COPPA Spuntino is finally open for both indoor and outdoor dining, this time in a much larger space on Eagle Street Pier.

COPPA Spuntino, or simply COPPA is now occupying the former Il Centro site. Designed to make guests feel like they’re dining on Amalfi Coast in Italy, it has a stunning riverfront location and a menu that focuses on fresh seafood. At COPPA, diners can expect antipasti-style small plates, pastas and mains like roast porchetta with rocket and apple or Pesce del giorno (fresh fish of the day).

COPPA’s meatballs courtesy of Saison Salumi (Photo credit: COPPA/Facebook)

The kitchen is overseen by Chef Vincent Clist, who was the head chef at Abinger Cookery School which specialises in chalet cooking. Like what every chalet chef does, Chef Clist’s job involves serving superior quality meals with an emphasis on fresh produce and at COPPA, he’s going to do that by using the best local catches.

Then for charcuterie, the restaurant commissioned Saison Salumi to serve what they call “Brisbane’s best meatballs.” Saison Salumi is known for its seasonal cured meats, done through traditional slow curing. For drinks, the restaurant boasts an extensive list of wines made in Italy as well as Italian varietal wines made in Australia.

While the place was completely stripped back, The Happy Fat Group, the owners of COPPA, kept the original dining chairs and the parquetry flooring of Il Centro. They removed the old private dining room to come up with an extended bar and new booths. They also got the help of architect Adam Laming to design their new contemporary space.

If you’ve missed dining at COPPA or want to know why they’re such a great hit among CBD diners, visit their new location on Eagle Street Pier, 45 Eagle St, Wednesdays to Sundays. They are now taking bookings for lunch and dinner through their website. You can also check them out on Facebook for the latest updates and special promotions.

Fortitude Valley’s Popular Hellenika Zucchini Chips to be Patented

For nearly 10 years and counting, Hellenika, the Greek restaurant inside The Calile in Fortitude Valley, has been known for its addicting, crunchy and tasty zucchini chips. It’s been on the restaurant’s menu from the beginning and now restaurateur Simon Gloftis plans to patent how it’s made.

Mr Gloftis said that patenting the popular entrée or poolside snack, otherwise also called the Kolokithia, would prevent copycats from developing their version of the Hellenika zucchini chips. He wants to ensure that this product is solely identified with his restaurant because it will never be taken off the menu.

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Every week, Hellenika serves thousands of orders of this thinly-sliced batter-fried goodness and the demand hasn’t slowed after the pandemic lockdown.

“You can never have a bad day when Hellenika zucchini chips are involved, it’s a fact,” the restaurant’s Instagram page stated. “Sprinkled with kefalograviera, because cheese makes everything even better.⁠”

Mr Gloftis hasn’t detailed how he’ll acquire the food patent but he’s not the only one planning to patent a signature dish. Detour in Woolloongabba will also patent its recipe and cooking process for its famous Kentucky Fried Duck (KFD).

Meanwhile, Hellenika is the loveliest place for Sunday dining and lounging by The Calile Hotel’s poolside if you want to indulge in a fancy vibe, impressive and authentic Mediterranean food, as well as fantastic Greek pale ale or cocktails.

Book a spot in advance at this sophisticated venue.

The Mason Baker Brings Australia’s First Cupcake ATM to Fortitude Valley

Ever heard of an ATM dispensing cupcakes instead of cash? See Australia’s very first Cupcake ATM in action as it launches in Fortitude Valley courtesy of The Mason Baker.

In 2012, Sprinkles, an innovative foodie company from Beverly Hills changed how sweet-tooth and dessert lovers got an instant and sweet gratification with the Cupcake ATM. Now with an annual revenue of US$16 million, the idea has exploded around the world and it is finally coming to Brisbane on Friday, 5 Feb 2021.

The Mason Baker, a Tennyson-based company best known for its decadent jar cakes, will be setting up its very own Cupcake ATM at 6 Warner Street, right outside the new Kickons bar, for every weekend of February (Thursday, Friday and Saturday).

It will be easy to spot the vending machine. Just keep your eyes peeled for a bright pink coloured ATM, which will likely have a long line of cupcake lovers by 5:00 p.m. — cos that’s when the vending machine has a fresh batch of spongy delights.

Owner James Willis said that they have been working with Worldwide Vending to bring this innovative idea amidst the surge of a new contactless economy in the food industry.

The Cupcake ATM will have heaps of choices, including classic favourites like Strawberries and Cream, Chocolate Ganache and Salted Caramel. Each order will be packed in The Mason Baker’s familiar container.

Essentially, if the Cupcake ATM becomes a hit, The Mason Baker plans to put more machines across Brisbane for the rest of 2021.

Moonlight Cinema at Roma Street Parkland: ‘Shadow in the Clouds,’ ‘I Am Greta’ Screening in January

Do you enjoy summer movie viewing under the stars? Moonlight Cinema in Roma Street Parkland resumes its summer season presentations with a number of exciting films for screening in January 2021.

The outdoor movie venue at the Parkland Boulevard has been a Brisbane summer staple for the last two decades. Despite the necessary COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures, the fun will continue every day this summer, weather permitting.

Showcases for the month include the advance screening of Shadow in the Clouds, a fantasy action film featuring Chloë Grace Moretz and Taylor John Smith, and the special presentation of the award-winning documentary I Am Greta, featuring climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

Below are the rest of the movies to watch for the month of January 2021:

Moonlight Cinema in Brisbane is not a BYO alcohol event but guests may still indulge and spoil themselves because there will be heaps of food and drink trucks all around the venue.

For an upgraded experience, moviegoers may book for Connoisseur Lounge tickets, Gold Grass tickets or the Platinum Experience tickets. These extra-special deals offer the following:

Connoisseur Lounge tickets	– 1x Tickets to your selected session – 1x Reserved bean bed situated in an exclusive area with a great view of the screen – 1x Connoisseur ice-cream stick
Gold Grass tickets	– 1x ticket to your selected session – 1x Deluxe bean bed situated in an exclusive area with prime viewing – Waiter service
Platinum Experience tickets	– 2x tickets to your selected session – 1x Premium double bean bed situated in an exclusive area with prime viewing – Waiter service – A Food & Drinks package for two including 1x Parlour Lane Popcorn, 2x Mt Franklin Still Water, 1x Malteasers sharing bag, an exclusive box of delicious canapes and two selected signature beverages from the Tia Maria bar – 2x Tia Maria Blankets to take home

Before going to the Roma Street Parkland Ampitheatre, make sure to review Moonlight Cinema’s COVID-19 safety guidelines and ticketing rescheduling concerns, in case of inclement weather cancellations.

Since this is an outdoor venue, families may bring their dogs during the film screening.

Photo Credit: Roma Street Parkland/Facebook

Gates to the cinema usually opens at 5:30 p.m. whilst the screening starts at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Cielo Rooftop Bar: World-Class Bar Operator Opens Brisbane’s New Bolthole

Tired of going to your usual burrow? Cielo Rooftop Bar is a new drinking spot worth checking out at Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley and it’s managed by the group behind a world-class bar in Sydney and the folks from the family eatery Salt Meats Cheese.

Opened since the second week of Dec 2020, Ciele Rooftop Bar takes over the former home of Altitude Rooftop Bar at the heritage-listed Foresters Hall.

Sydney’s Maybe Sammy owner Stefano Catino, whose bar was named the 11th among 50 best bars in the world, partnered with his old pals, Salt Meats Cheese owners Stefano di Blasi and Edoardo Perlo, to deliver this Italian-inspired leisure space.

The new rooftop bar elevates nightcaps as guests embrace the Italian Riviera vibe, knocking down the former dark somber New York-inspired ambience of the old drinking venue.

Settle into one of those bright yellow booths and order up from the bar’s extensive drink list. Enjoy the view of the gorgeous skyline whilst sipping highly-recommended concoctions like the St Tropez Colada (Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, white rum, pineapple and coconut), Harry’s Dream (Bacardi rum, peach wine, lemon, strawberry and pear) and the Azzurro (Tanqueray gin, grappa moscato, citrus, Marionette blue curacao and orgeat syrup). Pair up the drinks with a plate of fresh oysters, a combo of baked focaccia and hummus, or a serving of sashimi.

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But for really famished guests, head one floor down to the La Costa Bar, which also comes from the same owners of the rooftop bar.

La Costa, with its aesthetically-pleasant coastal shoreline vibe, serves a variety of tapas or cheese and charcuterie boards, Spanish eggs with chorizo, and crispy devilled whitebait. The eatery also has a great selection of Italian wine, craft beer and champagne.

Cielo Rooftop Bar and La Costa are actually two of three new restaurant collaborations from Catino, di Blasi and Perlo during this pandemic. In August, the old friends opened Eterna, the Italian fine dining restaurant, on Ann Street and they still have two new sites to debut by early 2021.

For trading hours, bookings and great deals, follow the bars’ Facebook pages: Cielo | La Costa

Instagrammable Pink-Themed Rose Room Cafe Opens in Fortitude Valley

A stunning new function room, aptly named the Rose Room for its splash of pink and blush-coloured hues, has opened this December in Fortitude Valley.

Located on the ground floor of The Constance Hotel, the Rose Room is just as gorgeous as its sister venue, the Dirty Sultan bar and restaurant found on the building’s rooftop.

You’ll gawk at the sight of this space the moment you’ll see the row of rose gold champagne bottles by the entryway. Once you step into the room, the vision before you could take your breath away.

Every design element has a “sharable” character to it — from the rose mural on one part of the walls to the tables and seats, the curtains, and the Turkish-style lighting fixtures.

The restaurant’s food selection even matches the decor with choices like the pink-coloured smoothie bowl, signature thick shake and the Baklava berry pancakes.

The Rose Room is a cafe by the day and a party venue for cocktail parties and intimate gatherings at night, if you’re looking for a venue for a hen’s party or a themed-birthday celebration.

The cafe opens from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast until noontime. On the other hand, function packages are detailed at the Dirty Sultan official site.

Eagle Street Pier: Make Way for COPPA and Cha Cha Char this December

Exciting changes are coming to the Eagle Street Pier this December as the iconic riverfront dining destination welcomes the return of two of Brisbane’s most favoured restaurants: COPPA and Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster.

COPPA, which temporarily closed in March, will move into the Il Centro site at the Eagle Street Pier and provide casual indoor and alfresco dining. Diners who missed the rich Italian cuisine the restaurant is known for may now start counting the days till COPPA’s re-opening.

“Myself and The Happy Fat Group could not be more excited to relocate COPPA to such an iconic dining destination and offer the COPPA experience with river views at Eagle Street Pier,” COPPA’s Tom Sanceau, Australia’s premier restaurateur, said.

Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster, on the other hand, will say goodbye to John Kilroy after his two decades of service in the hospitality industry. He will leave Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster in good hands with Michael Tassis and Ciao Rossetto.

The new owners of Cha Cha Char will introduce a new concept by mid-December with the freshest lobsters from the waters of Tasmania and Western Australia. Guests may also unwind at the new Whisky and Wine Bar, which has over 150 wine selections.

“We’re looking forward to what is to come with Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster and particularly excited for what this new concept will bring, and we’re sure Brisbane will love it,” Mr Tassis said.

Christmas summers at The Pier will also feature live music and family entertainment as guests enjoy these two new dining venues.

Kid Curry Online Restaurant to Open a Venue in Fortitude Valley

Kid Curry launched at the height of the pandemic lockdown in April as an online restaurant serving only flavourful packed meals for a limited pick up window at its sister site, Happy Boy. Six months since its launch and the eatery will soon open its very own brick and mortar venue in Fortitude Valley.

Cameron and Jordie Votan opened Kid Curry as a way to keep their Happy Boy (Chinese cuisine) and Snack Man (Asian fusion) workers employed during a global health crisis. Now, they have an opportunity to expand and create a mini-dining precinct under the fairylit trees in East Street.

Kid Curry will take over the former site of Project Store, next door to Happy Boy and Snack Man. The pair plans to revitalise this section by setting up an outdoor area where their regulars can comfortably dine al fresco.

With the debut of the permanent eatery, targeted for January 2021, Kid Curry will bring new dishes featuring the flavours of Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as curated by chef Tom Swapp.

If you haven’t tried Kid Curry’s selection, their pick up system is still in place for dine-in orders from Wednesday to Sunday between 4:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Phone 0421981882 for enquiries or check out the menu and orders via its online site.

“Every Friday to Sunday the chef is dishing up new menu items, testing out for Kid Curry in a new space 2021! Come check out what’s coming for our full launch next year.”

Newly-Opened Eatery Lloyd’s General Store in Fortitude Valley Serves Just One Dish a Night

Do you struggle with deciding what to order from a menu? A newly-opened restaurant in Fortitude Valley is doing away with such a task by serving just one dish every night. Lloyd’s General Store came up with this quirky idea to take the farm-to-plate concept up a notch.

Lloyd’s General Store owners Elizabeth and James Lloyd also limit the number of plates they prepare each night. Taking on a more organic approach, Liz said that she wants the diners to know where the food comes from. Most of the ingredients used in the kitchen are from the farm of Liz’s parents in Ipswich.

Everything is cooked and prepared in front of the customers, within the eatery’s 40-square metre space. Liz said that dining at Lloyd’s General Store feels like you’re just in your mum’s kitchen and waiting for her to finish cooking.

The ambience is as cosy as a home kitchen with brick walls and large glass windows, wooden ceiling beams, vintage and recycled furniture and hand-painted decorations.

Photo Credit: Lloyd’s General Store/Instagram

But the eatery is also a providore with deli items, artisanal food items, pre-packaged terrines and pate, tinned sardines, as well as oil and vinegar for cooking.

Salads, croissants and coffee from Allpress are available during the daytime. At night, the restaurant serves wine and charcuterie, craft beers and hops.

Whilst there’s one main meal on the menu, guests coming in may either construct their own meals from the assorted pantry stuff or have Lloyd’s crew prepare the food. The Lloyds are also considering vegan options and a special dessert available for just one night.

Lloyd’s General Store, at 1 Brunswick Street and the corner of Gregory Terrace, used to be a hairdresser studio, a graphic design office and a florist shop.

For the store’s trading hours, follow @lloydsgeneralstore on Instagram.