Tassis Group Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Wandoo Street’s Next Big Dining Room: What to Expect at Aunty

Fortitude Valley’s Wandoo Street is about to welcome a new regular, with Aunty — the latest venue from Brisbane’s Tassis Group. Locals first heard whispers about the modern Asian newcomer back in mid-2025, when plans to transform the former City Winery site at 11 Wandoo Street were revealed. Now, the countdown is properly on — bookings are live, trading hours are published, and the menu’s broad direction is now clear.

Aunty will open on 5 February 2026 as a roughly 400-square-metre dining destination built for both intimate catch-ups and bigger, celebratory outings, with capacity for around 100 guests. Design-wise, the venue will lean into a moody, polished look — deep greens, timbers and marble — with subtle nods to Cantonese culture, including references that evoke mahjong.

More importantly for Valley diners: Aunty is expected to trade 11:30 a.m. ’til late, seven days a week.

What’s on the menu?

While full menus tend to land closer to opening day, multiple sources have flagged the broad direction: modern Asian, anchored by Cantonese flavours and technique, plus a dedicated dim sum offering.

A few dishes are already being positioned as signatures, including:

Whole chilli mudcrab
Half duck two ways
Char siu pork neck

The menu is described as share-friendly, pairing dim sum with larger signature dishes designed for the centre of the table.

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Drinks, lunch-to-late hours and a reason to arrive early

Aunty is also leaning heavily into its beverage program. The wine list spans around 250 labels, alongside cocktails drawing on Asian flavours.

The venue’s lunch-to-late trading hours suggest it’s aiming to suit both daytime diners and late-night crowds — and with interest building ahead of opening day, expect more detail (including the full menu and banquet options) to land closer to launch.

How to book (and what to watch for next)

Bookings are already live via Aunty’s official site. For Wandoo Street, the opening adds another high-profile dining room to the strip — one built to run from lunch through late, every day of the week.

Book a TABLE

Published 27-Jan-2026

Aunty Set to Reimagine Wandoo Street’s Restaurant Scene

Fortitude Valley is set for a fresh addition to its bustling food scene as one of the city’s fastest-growing hospitality groups transforms the former City Winery site on Wandoo Street into a modern Asian restaurant called Aunty.

The project, spearheaded by local restaurateur Michael Tassis and the Tassis Group, brings together new energy and familiar faces to one of the Valley’s most recognisable addresses, with an emphasis on community, quality, and creative Asian-inspired flavours.

A New Chapter for Wandoo Street

The space at 11 Wandoo Street, which most locals know from its days as City Winery and, before that, Campos café, is undergoing a complete makeover. Work is underway to convert the 450-square-metre warehouse into a sophisticated yet welcoming venue, reflecting both the Tassis Group’s trademark style and a respect for Cantonese traditions. The restaurant will feature an indoor and outdoor bar, a wine cellar, and several different dining areas including an open kitchen, private dining room and booth seating.

Chef Salvatore de Ponte, who previously worked at Fatcow, will lead the kitchen. His approach will combine traditional Cantonese techniques with fresh Australian produce and some Italian influences, bringing something new to the area while honouring the rich cultural history of Asian cuisine in Brisbane.

Diners can expect favourites such as Peking duck, handmade dim sum, and a selection of wood-fired dishes, with weekend yum cha planned for those long, relaxed catch-ups that Brisbane locals love.

Aunty on 11 Wandoo St Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: DA-A006822067*

Community at the Heart of the Concept

Michael Tassis, known for finding unique locations and turning them into community favourites, has stated that the idea for Aunty came naturally after he saw the space. He recognised a gap in the market for a modern yet approachable Asian restaurant in the James Street and Wandoo precinct.

The vision for Aunty is to offer a dining experience that sits comfortably between casual eateries and high-end options already found in the area, while bringing a fresh sense of hospitality and warmth.

The design is being handled by local firm Clui Designs, who have been tasked with creating a “moody, minimalistic, elevated” environment. Inspiration is drawn from the welcoming feeling of a Cantonese teahouse, but with an edge that reflects the changing face of Fortitude Valley.

Aunty is expected to launch in the latter part of 2025, aiming to build on the evolving reputation of Fortitude Valley as one of Brisbane’s leading food destinations.

Published 31-July-2025

Charity Fundraiser to Support Terminally Ill Chef in Brisbane CBD

Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram

The Tassis Group is hosting a charity dinner and auction in Brisbane CBD to raise support for their head chef recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Support for Long-Time Industry Chef

A charity dinner and silent auction will be held in Brisbane CBD to assist Jean-Luc Morcellet, the head chef at Pompette, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The Tassis Group, which operates Pompette, announced the initiative to support their colleague as he faces a terminal prognosis.

Charity Event at Pompette

The event will be hosted at Pompette, located within The Star Brisbane on William Street. Scheduled for 12 May at 6:30 p.m., the night will feature a four-course French banquet, a drinks package, and a silent auction. Tickets are priced at $250, with all funds raised going directly to Mr Morcellet’s ongoing care and treatment.

*Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

BUY TICKET

Items Donated for Auction

The auction will feature experiences and items donated by Tangalooma, Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Reds, and The Emporium Hotel. The Tassis Group will also contribute to the auction, including an exclusive yacht cruise titled “Bugs on the Bay” with founder Michael Tassis.

Role of Allo Creative

The event was organised with the support of Allo Creative, the agency managing the Tassis Group’s marketing efforts. The agency said the group had consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community and family, values that shaped the decision to support Mr Morcellet in this way.

Charity event Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Pompette Brisbane/Instagram*

Living with MND

Mr Morcellet, who has worked in kitchens for over 40 years, has led the culinary team at Pompette since joining the group nearly two years ago. He now requires access to equipment such as a bi-pap machine and electric wheelchair. His wife will become his full-time carer as the disease progresses.

Returning to France

Mr Morcellet plans to return to France to be with his family in his final stage of life. Funds raised will assist with medical equipment, therapy, palliative care, and travel-related needs. Organisers described the fundraiser as an opportunity to honour his contribution to Brisbane’s hospitality industry.

Published 9-May-2025