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.
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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.
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.
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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
