This article was first published on our original site MyCityLife way back on the 25th February 2014
Artist, DJ, producer, the Lebanese half of the #Silversneakerz, #bass savant in dirty house, electro, deep, trance and tech, and the Sunshine State’s grandest wit: local celebrity DJ Habebe has delivered the goods across the last decade. Be it headlining with dancefloor #bombs from Family Nightclub in Brisbane, a resident at Famous Nightclub on Patong Beach, or a warm-up set for internationals like Derrick Carter, our very own #Habebe knows how to dish it out. And while Habebe has his residency at Famous in Phuket, Thailand, he returns home this week to Brisbane to warm the #turntables for the opening of Ghanem Group’s latest venture Blackbird Bar & Grill.
While we know how much of a wizard he is behind the turntables and CDJs, his foodie talents are right up there – for #DJs have to eat too. Both as a performer and a patron, Habebe haunts Brisbane’s best restaurants, cafes and bars. And as a renowned #connoisseur of all things tasty, be them beats or treats, we #grill Habebe for his Top 5 Eats in Brisbane.
Even though I’m heading back from my temporary home in Thailand this week for the launch of the new Blackbird Bar & Grill, I’ve also spent the last few months curating the music for this amazing new venue – which means I’ve been given a few insights into the food and beverages. I’m predicting Blackbird be a game-changer with Brisbane’s dining options. You can expect plenty of #foodp0rn from my Instagram as I work my way through the menu this weekend. I’ll be there providing the soundtrack in the riverfront bar beside some of Brisbane’s best DJ’s.
Now down to the chow:
#5 Brother Espresso Windsor
My favourite place for coffee and breakfast. I could be biased ‘cos it’s a two-minute walk from my house, but honestly, they have nailed a simple selection of breakfast options that are not only well priced but also extremely delicious. They are super generous with their servings. Their coffee is my fave, and if it wasn’t so bad for my waistline, I would live off their banana bread. Holy moly it’s good!
Habebe Recommends Avocado on 12-grain toast with goats feta, a double espresso and a big piece of banana bread with butter. Deeeelish!
#4 Botanica, Red Hill
There are only so many places in Brisbane where you can find amazing vegetarian options that actually taste delicious, and for me, this place wins hands down. Their selection of salads are amazing when I’m lazy and want something on the go. They are super generous with their servings – I always leave with a box that is bursting at the seams. They also have some amazing gluten-free options for those with a sweet tooth. The cinnamon donuts are outrageously good
Habebe Recommends: ALL OF IT
#3 Byblos Bar + Restaurant, Portside
I have Lebanese heritage, so getting my regular intake of Lebanese food is essential for me on a weekly (sometimes daily) basis. I’m still yet to perfect my skills at home cooking Lebanese food, so Byblos is my go-to place for getting my fix. Being the resident DJ on their Sunday Sessions helps because I get to finish my weekend with a delicious feast! Everything on the menu is worth trying – I’ve tried it all. The atmosphere is 10/10 and they have an amazing bar menu perfect for that post-dinner cocktail.
Habebe’s Top Tip: Cutlery is completely overrated when dining Middle Eastern style.
Habebe Recommends: I like to eat Mezza style so I order at least 4 – 6 plates to share. The vegetarian kibbi, hummus, fatouche, haloumi & lemon potatoes are my go-to dishes. And lots of bread too. For the meat-eaters, I would get involved in EVERYTHING ELSE on the menu.
#2 The Welsh Lady, Rosalie
So I was a fat kid. A really fat kid. Why? ‘cos I grew up with a mum who is regarded as one of Brisbane’s (if not Australia’s) best Gourmet cake makers. She’s a genius! Her choice of using organic ingredients for her cooking really shows in the flavours she creates. I could honestly go on and on about it but I’ll just let you head over to Rosalie and find out for yourself.
Habebe Recommends: I might be biased but I love everything. Today, the banoffee pie is my absolute fave – with a couple of cheeky lemon butter tarts to eat on the way home.
#1 Gerard’s Bistro, New Farm
This place is on another level. They have nailed every aspect of the restaurant experience, from the location, decor, service and of course the food. It’s an adventure for the taste buds like nothing I’ve had in Brisbane before. Their modern take on middle eastern delights sold me before I even stepped inside the venue and I am impressed each time I dine there. My favourite time to head down there for a bite is late on a Sunday – but only when I’m not doing Sunday Sessions duties at Byblos). It’s extremely well priced and I find myself needing to stop from ordering one of each of the dessert options.
Habebe Recommends: EVERYTHING. Plan ahead to be hungry ‘cos you’ll want to try as much as you can. But save room for dessert; it’s a crime to not finish your experience there with one of their sweet options. The bar team make a damn good old fashioned as well.
