restaurant Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Southside Team Opens New Hong Kong-Inspired Restaurant ‘Central’ in Brisbane CBD

The team behind Southside Restaurant is set to open ‘Central‘, a new Hong Kong-inspired venue in Brisbane’s CBD this October.

David Flynn, along with his Rick Shores and Southside co-owners Frank Li, Andrew Hohns, and Nick Woodward, are expanding their culinary influence from South Brisbane to the city centre. The new restaurant will be located in the historic Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street.

Benny Lam and Maui Manu, currently the executive chef and restaurant manager at Southside respectively, are joining as partners in the new venture.

The 80-seat subterranean restaurant will offer a menu inspired by Hong Kong’s Central district, featuring dim sum items such as prawn har gao and Peking duck potstickers. The menu will also include larger dishes like drunken chicken, char siu pork, and roasted duck.

Peter Marchant, the group’s wine director, will oversee a wine list with about 30 options available by the glass, half glass, and half bottle. The cocktail menu will include variations on classic drinks.

Flynn described the concept as a more focused take on Southside’s broadly Chinese menu, emphasising Hong Kong flavours and dumplings.

Architect Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE, known for his work on the refurbished Gerard’s Bistro, has been engaged to design the space. The interior will reference both the building’s history as the former Primitif Café and the underground nightlife of Hong Kong.

Central is scheduled to open at 340 Queen Street in October, bringing elements of Hong Kong’s cuisine to Brisbane’s CBD.

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Published 10-September-2024

Justin Lane Breathes New Life into Iconic Valley Corner

From an inspiring start in Burleigh Heads, Justin Lane brings its famous handmade pizzas and pasta to Brisbane, brightening up the corner of Alfred and Constance Streets in Fortitude Valley.

Read: Alfred & Constance Corner Set for Revival with Justin Lane Brisbane in Fortitude Valley

Taking over the space formerly occupied by the beloved A&C (Alfred & Constance), this new venture aims to recapture the vibrant energy that once made this spot the place to be in the early 2010s.

Inspired by its humble Burleigh Heads origins, Justin Lane brings its famous handmade pizzas and pasta to the heart of Brisbane. The sourdough-based pizzas have already become a talking point among locals and visitors alike. But it’s not just about the food – an impressive drinks list featuring cocktails, wine, spirits, beer, and cider complements the culinary offerings.

Justin Lane Brisbane — Photo credit: Justin Lane/Facebook

The heritage-listed building has undergone a dramatic transformation while retaining its exterior charm. Inside, acclaimed Gold Coast design firm Space Cubed has worked its magic, creating a dining area for 200, alongside a high-end underground cocktail bar, rooftop space, cafe, and takeaway area.

Justin Lane Brisbane caters to both spontaneous visitors and those who plan ahead, with a “Walk-Ins Welcome, Bookings Recommended” policy. The main takeaway area is perfect for those on the go, while the various dining spaces offer something for every occasion.

This new chapter in the building’s history comes after a tumultuous period that saw the closure of A&C in late 2017. Now, under the guidance of the local Justin Lane Group hospitality empire, the venue is poised to reclaim its status as a Valley hotspot.

With its blend of casual dining, upscale drinking experiences, and a nod to its predecessor’s legacy, Justin Lane Brisbane is set to become the new go-to destination in Fortitude Valley.

Read: Fatcow on James St: Steak and Seafood Restaurant Makes a Comeback

Whether you’re craving a slice of pizza, a crafted cocktail, or a night out on the town, this revamped corner promises to deliver the good times once again. Visit their website to make a booking.

Published 5-September-2024

New French Restaurant Petite Opens in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Instagram / @petitebris

The Happy Boy team has expanded their East Street culinary empire with the opening of Petite, a French restaurant that promises to bring a touch of Gallic flair to Fortitude Valley.

Located on the corner of East Street and Ann Street, Petite is the latest venture from brothers Cameron and Jordan Votan. The restaurant occupies a prime spot, offering diners views of the bustling Ann Street and the start of James Street through its open-glass windows.

The spacious venue can accommodate approximately 115 guests, with 75 seats on the ground floor and an additional 40 on the mezzanine level, which is available for private functions.

Jordan Votan’s minimalist design features steel and concrete, balanced by leather booths, walnut furniture, and statement chandeliers imported from Como, Italy. The centrepiece is a low-set open kitchen, led by former Mini chef Aubrey Courtel.

Cameron Votan emphasized the kitchen’s design, noting, “We spent a lot of time designing the kitchen. The extraction system, which is like a ventilated ceiling, is a really high-tech piece of equipment. And everything in the kitchen is electric. We’re not trying to char everything, it’s about accuracy and delicacy.”

The menu, though concise, offers a range of French classics. Diners can expect dishes such as steak tartare, onion tarte tartin, and Wagyu bavette with café de Paris butter. A standout feature is the commitment to soufflés, with both savory and sweet options available to bookend meals.

“We’ve actually built the kitchen around that,” Cameron explained. “You can’t open an oven while a soufflé is cooking, so there’s a whole soufflé section. We put in two separate ovens for that purpose, because soufflés are such an amazing part of French cuisine.”

The wine list is equally impressive, featuring 20 French wines available by the glass. The use of Coravin technology allows patrons to sample rare wines from cult French producers without committing to a full bottle. For those with specific preferences, staff can also retrieve bottles from the adjacent Snack Man’s extensive wine wall.

Petite Fortitude Valley is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM, Friday from midday to 10 PM, and Saturday from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. The restaurant does not accept phone reservations, but more information can be found on their website or Instagram page.

book your reservations here!

Published 14-June-2024