Calile Hotel Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Hollywood Star Vince Vaughn Samples Finest of Fortitude Valley

Actor Vince Vaughn has been making waves in Fortitude Valley, sampling the suburb’s culinary delights following his appearance at a local conference.

The “Wedding Crashers” star, in town for the Power of Success conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, has been spotted at several high-profile eateries in the Valley.

Vaughn’s gastronomic tour of Fortitude Valley began Thursday evening when he dined at SK Steak and Oyster, where he was seen chatting with owner Simon Gloftis. The actor continued his culinary exploration on Friday, starting with breakfast at Hellenika and later enjoying lunch at Sushi Room, where he was photographed with head chef Shimpei Raikuni.

**Vince Vaughn with Chef Shimpei Raikuni at Sushi Room**
Photo Credit: Instagram

Eyewitnesses at Sushi Room reported seeing Vaughn indulge in a variety of dishes, from sushi to sashimi.

All three restaurants — SK Steak and Oyster, Hellenika, and Sushi Room — are located within the Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, where Vaughn is reportedly staying during his Brisbane visit.

The actor’s choice of accommodations and dining spots highlights Fortitude Valley’s growing reputation as a hub for luxury hospitality and fine dining in Brisbane. Vaughn’s visit has brought additional attention to the area’s thriving food scene.

As of now, it’s unclear how long Vaughn plans to stay in Brisbane or if he has any other activities scheduled in Fortitude Valley or elsewhere in the city.

Vaughn was in Brisbane to speak at the Power of Success conference about business, branding, marketing, and personal development.

Published 7-June-2024

The Calile Hotel Brings France to Brisbane with New Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar at The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley has recently opened its doors, offering guests a taste of France without having to leave Brisbane.

Read: The GPO Hotel to Unveil Its Stunning Transformation

The seasonal, French-inspired menu was curated by Head Chef Andy Gunn and includes light and refreshing dishes. The latest menu includes Kingfish Carpaccio, battered Zucchini Flowers, and Flambé Prawns.

Comfort food makes an appearance as well, with options like House Made Gnocchi, Braised Brisket, and Steak Frites available for heartier appetites.

Fondant Chocolat (Photo credit: Lobby Bar/Facebook)

And no French-style menu would be complete without dessert. The Lobby Bar offers canelés, rum-flavoured pastries with a soft custard interior and a deliciously crispy shell. Other sweet endings include Fondant Chocolat and crepes. Those who are into pastries can also enjoy the house-made treats made by Pastry Chef Amélie Gunn.

To offer guests both boutique bottles and renowned labels, sommelier Thibaud Cregut has put together a wine list that strikes a balance between small producers and famous wineries. The lobby bar also recently introduced the Coravin system, which allows premium wines to be served by the glass rather than limiting guests to full bottle purchases.

What makes this new bar unique is its rooftop garden, which provides hyper-local produce for the kitchen. Eight wooden planter boxes line the roof and are filled with lettuce, tomatoes, peas, herbs, and more.

The garden follows principles of crop rotation and composting to naturally enrich the soil. This allows Chef Gunn to highlight fresh, in-season ingredients that haven’t travelled far at all.

Read: New Entertainment Spaces, Revitalised Vibe as The Wickham Reopens

The laid back yet sophisticated setting at The Calile Hotel’s Lobby Bar makes it perfect for unwinding after work or enjoying a weekend brunch. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations through their website are recommended to secure a table. Business hours are available here.

Published 12-July-2023

Sushi Room Opens At The Calile Hotel On James St

Did you know that Sushi Room, a Japanese fine-dining restaurant, is now part of the thriving dining scene at James Street in Fortitude Valley?

Read: Rodd & Gunn Opens New Flagship Restaurant in Fortitude Valley

Located on the ground floor of The Calile Hotel, Sushi Room focuses on traditional ways of preparing Japanese dishes, using simple ingredients yet sophisticated ideas.

Simon Gloftis and co-owners Theo Kampolis and Kelvin Andrews, who’s also behind Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster, enlisted Head Chef Shimpei Raikuni to execute their idea of presenting dishes using ‘fresh and high-quality ingredients.’

Sushi Room, which positioned itself as ‘nuanced, harmonious, considered’ serves sushi and sashimi sets, tempura, sushi roll, and wanmono/sainomono (soup-based dishes).

Fans of nigiri can find a lot of options here, with selections like caviar (France), sake king salmon (New Zealand), and Japan’s very own uni sea urchin and Kagoshima wagyu sirloin.

Photo credit: Ricardo Russon/Google Maps

The 60-seater minimalist dining room, featuring retro-inspired decor was designed by Richards & Spence, who is known for their works at The Calile on Ada Lane and Fish Lane.

Guests who come for the booze can find some Japanese-inspired cocktails, carefully curated selection of Sake, wines, and whiskies to go with their sashimi and sushi.

Learn more about Sushi Room’s offering by visit them at The Calilie Hotel along James St. Guests are encouraged to book through their website.