Stepping into the iconic Cloudland in Fortitude Valley is an experience unlike any other in Brisbane. For 15 years, the venue has cultivated an air of indulgence, weaving it into its aesthetic and the fabric of its events.
That same captivating essence has now found a new home on the venue’s ground floor, reimagined as Cloudland Garden.
This transformation marks a harmonious blend of the familiar and the novel, a fitting tribute to the site’s namesake—the beloved Bowen Hills dance hall that graced the city from the 1940s to 1982. Katarzyna Group, the hospitality mavens behind the upstairs Valley Hops Brewing, and other Valley favourites like Empire Hotel and Press.
The club has masterfully preserved much of the original interior design and artwork. Yet, the space has also been refreshed with new seating, tables, and a renovated kitchen, now fully dedicated to serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu that celebrates the art of cooking with fire.
The atmosphere remains decadent, boasting bespoke hardwood tables with solid marble insets, plush booths, and abundant wrought iron within intimate pods. Guests are also granted a tantalising glimpse into the culinary theatre unfolding in the kitchen. While the setting exudes luxury, the mood is decidedly lively. Cloudland Garden may specialise in share-style dining, but its cocktail programme is equally impressive, offering 15 options ranging from classic concoctions to inventive non-alcoholic creations.
Those who prefer to begin their culinary journey with a drink will be spoiled for choice. The cocktail menu showcases seasonal ingredients, mirroring the establishment’s culinary ethos. Patrons can opt for the Agave Heat Wave, a tantalising blend of tequila, mezcal, lime, jalapeño, coconut water, and a tajin rim, or perhaps the Mango Gin Basil Smash, a refreshing mix of gin, lemon, mango, and basil.
The wine list has also transformed, now encompassing an array of sparkling, champagne, rosé, white, skin contact, red, and dessert wines. As expected, Valley Hops provides most beer on tap and various bottled brews.
With Head Chef Alec Kapitz and Executive Chef Andrew Musk at the helm, diners are treated to a symphony of flavours cooked over an Argentinian parrilla charcoal grill.
Highlights include the wagyu ribeye, woodfired Fremantle octopus with smoked labneh and chickpeas, butterflied spatchcock with chermoula and sorrel, seared wagyu beef skewers, kingfish tartare, pan-seared scallops, and lion’s mane mushroom.
The dessert menu promises to delight those with a sweet tooth. Indulge in malted crème brûlée with orange and pistachio biscotti, Basque cheesecake, charred pineapple with spiced rum and granita, coconut ice cream, or a curated cheese plate.
Musk and Kaptiz emphasised their dedication to showcasing local and regional Australian produce, utilising a ‘less is more’ approach in the kitchen. This philosophy allows the inherent qualities of the ingredients to shine, whether through the simplicity of minimal preparation or the transformative power of the charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, particularly when it comes to seafood.
Cloudland Garden is not merely a restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Fortitude Valley, a place where the past and present intertwine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Published Date 24-July-2024
Photo Credit: Cloudland Garden
