Blackbird is turning 10!
You’ve wined and dined with them, danced and vibed with them, enjoyed indulgent business lunches, and celebrated momentous personal occasions—from birthdays to weddings and anniversaries. Now Blackbird is inviting you to celebrate their biggest milestone yet: their 10th Birthday!
The luxe venue is bringing back the classics—your favourite dishes, drinks, and soundtracks from the past decade—and inviting you to relive the delightful long lunches, decadent sundowner sessions, date nights, late nights, and weekend parties that have drawn guests to Blackbird repeatedly over the past ten years.
The team have organised a bevy of events to celebrate the occasion—you can go to one, or many! Events include Dinner of the Decade (September 10), where for one night only you can savour ten courses celebrating Blackbird’s award-winning suppliers and favourite dishes from menus past.
Or you could take a spin around the dancefloor, with DJs spinning the best hits from 2014 to 2024. To properly mark the occasion, there’s also a new spirit cocktail menu brimming with unique combinations and offerings. Plus many more fun events and opportunities. See Blackbird’s website for the full list of offerings.
WHERE: Blackbird, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
WHEN: Now until September 10, 2024
TICKETS: Book here.
Pullman Brisbane venues serving up Ekka delights
The Ekka is in town at the start of August and some Brissie restaurants have put on a menu to match the fun. First up, Goldfinch in Brisbane CBD will be adding an modern twist on the iconic strawberry sundae to their offerings, featuring vanilla and strawberry gelato, raspberry puree, waffle and profeterole with hazelnuts, oreos and raspberries. Don’t fancy a whole sundae? Then there’s a classic strawberry ice cream with vanilla cream chantilly, strawberries and fairy floss in a waffle cone. There’s also an elevated pumpkin scone and a show staple, the dagwood dog.
Upstairs, Sixteen Antlers have a lineup of colourful drinks inspired by the show, paired with sunset views. Drinks include: Pavilion Punch—Tanqueray Gin, Amaro Montengro, pineapple and lime juice, Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Hot Toddy Hot Sauce. Or why not try a Clarified Strawberry Sundae, featuring Bacardi Carta Blanca, Bols Strawberry, apple and lime juice, Monin Strawberry Syrup and milk to clarify. Check the menu to see other drinks on offer.
And if you wanna gift yourself a cheeky grown up show bag, you can spoil yourself rotten with a Pullman Showbag. For $630, you get overnight accommodation in Pullman Mercure King Georges Square, 2 x $100 food and beverage credit for Sixteen Antlers, 2 x guests for Goldfinch’s High Tea Soiree, 10 x hot beverage vouchers for Goldfinch and a Frank Green/Pullman drink bottle.
Bistro and brewery Little Miss Sunshine lights up the CBD
With sunny vibes, house beers and Queensland cuisine, Little Miss Sunshine is the city’s newest bistro with its own brewery, serving up good times on tap and by the plateful. The newcomer, affectionately referred to as LMS, will be opening inside the ground floor of 80 Ann St, Brisbane, tucked away towards the back of the building.
So just who is Little Miss Sunshine? She’s adventurous, she’s spirited, she’s quintessential Queensland. Envisioned by a group of passionate locals, LMS embodies sun-kissed days, golden beaches, and untamed wilderness, right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. She’s ready to welcome the community to unwind, connect, and catch up, as the new perfect stop for people to dine, drink and socialise at the top end of town.
The bistro reflects the timeless charm of life in the Sunshine State, bringing together delectable cuisine inspired by travels, a connection to local producers, and a chef’s creative journey. Expect Aussie classics such as beer battered barramundi with chunky chips or Moreton Bay bug spaghetti, plus a Mediterranean influence with beef and chicken shawarma, lamb kofta and flatbread from the grill, and fresh tabbouleh salad.
The ambience is carefully curated, offering a fusion of cosy interior spaces and a spacious outside area that emanates warm hospitality. LMS captures the inclusivity and sense of community that’ll bring people back time after time.
Little Miss Sunshine’s focus remains on her food with her superpower being the ability to heighten the experience with a vast and plentiful array of 28 taps, with house-brewed sips and the team’s favourites in the mix. A visit to LMS means sipping on a small-batch beer, indulging in a carefully paired dish, or simply enjoying the tunes from guest musicians. With her rebellious spirit at play, Little Miss Sunshine breaks the mould of a traditional brewery and bistro, sharing a love for life’s simple pleasures.
Little Miss Sunshine, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane City, Queensland
Dazzling new restaurant and bar Lúc Lắc to sparkle at The Star
The Star is now weeks away from opening, and the Ghanem Group has announced that one of the glittering new restaurants will be one of their own: Lúc Lắc.
The 159-seat, tropical-chic Indochine-inspired restaurant and bar is expected to open in September 2024. Lúc Lắc will feature lush, indoor-outdoor, tropical setting at a premier location at The Star, on The Terrace, Level 4. Exciting flavours inspired by Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore permeate the menus, while a central bar and late-night DJ entertainment enable guests to soak up the after-dinner ambience and spirited vibes.
Open from lunch to late night, Lúc Lắc’s A La Carte and Banquet menus are designed to share, alongside an extensive beverage offering, all of which are abundantly colourful, aromatic and herbaceous, and brimful of Queensland produce and unique ingredients.
Guests can select from an array of delicious snacks, fragrant salads, wok-tossed dishes, slow-braised clay-pot curries, grilled meats and seafood, and playful desserts. Executive Chef Jake Nicolson’s interpretation of the traditional Lúc Lắc dish makes a memorable appearance as Kampot Peppered Beef Tossed with Betel Leaf and Lemongrass. Other signature dishes include Crispy Snail and Pork Spring Rolls; Whole Crispy Spotted Blue Grouper with Native Tamarind and Three Taste Sauce; and Vietnamese-Style Baby Goat Yellow Curry with Sweet Potato, Coriander and Thai Basil. The very best of Australian produce features across the menus, including Fraser Isle Spanner Crab, King River Wagyu, and Moreton Bay Bugs from Queensland; periwinkles and abalone from Victoria; Skull Island Prawns from the Northern Territory; and Wild Blue Scampi Caviar from Western Australia.
WHAT: Lúc Lắc restaurant
WHEN: Opens September (expected in line with the opening of The Star)
WHERE: The Star, The Terrace, Level 4, 33 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Froyo faves Yo-Chi are giving away $10k
Not only does Yo-Chi give us delicious froyo and acai, but now they’re also giving away $10,000 to one lucky customer. As part of a commitment to sustainability and responsibility, Yo-Chi has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to give away this prize. Keep Australia Beautiful is the nation’s leading organisation for litter reduction and environmental sustainability and this partnership represents a mission to educate Yo-Chi customers on the importance of proper waste disposal.
To kick off the partnership, Yo-Chi will launch a national colouring competition, aiming to continue to raise awareness for the importance of anti-littering as well as give one lucky Chi-lover the chance to win $10k for the best cup design.
The competition kicks off on August 5 and runs through to September 1 with all Yo-Chi venues nationwide participating. Customers are encouraged to get involved by colouring in the provided sheet in-venue and letting their creativity flow to go in the running to win the major $10k prize, along with nine runners-up receiving $100 worth of Chi Club points. The winning design will also go into production this year and feature on a limited-edition Yo-Chi cup!
In line with its core value of environmental honesty, Yo-Chi is taking genuine steps to minimise its impact on everyday operations with creative sustainability initiatives. Last year, the brand transitioned to compostable packaging, eliminated the sale of plastic bottles, and installed free still and sparkling water stations across its venues. More recently, Yo-Chi introduced a Commercial Composting Initiative in South Australia and Western Australia, which turns all its packaging into compost*. In addition to this, customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable Yo-Chi bowls to receive a 10% discount.
A Bridgerton-style high tea is coming to the Gold Coast
Distinguished gentry of the Gold Coast can now secure their tickets to the Pomp and Parlour High Tea, a perfect occasion for attendees to promenade like they own the Ton, enjoying an afternoon of fun and frivolity with a touch of contemporary luxury. Guests will be transported to an era of sophistication and refinement with a sumptuous high tea, engaging parlour games, and an array of prizes for the best-dressed attendees.
The Pomp and Parlour High Tea promises a charming and immersive experience perfect for those who adore historical elegance, enjoy gourmet delicacies, and relish engaging social activities. This is an unmissable event for fans of the Regency era and those looking to indulge in a unique afternoon of elegance and entertainment.
Be greeted with a daytime tipple including A Society Sparkler or a Quip and Sip to set the tone for an afternoon of Regency-era indulgence. Delight in a luxurious spread that would make Lady Whistledown herself swoon: buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream, a selection of delicate patisseries, organic sandwiches, and savoury bites, all complemented by a pot of tea or coffee.
Engage in delightful parlour games, including Bridgerton Trivia and a roaming tea leaf reader, promising intermittent giggles and genteel competition throughout the afternoon.
Guests are encouraged to don their finest Regency attire or simply their most elegant outfit for a chance to win coveted prizes such as a High Tea Voucher from Bonappetea, Event Cinema Gold Class tickets, a Bridgerton-themed tote bag, and movie tickets to the new release It Ends With Us starring Blake Lively
WHAT: Pomp and Parlour High Tea
WHEN: Saturday, August 17, 2024, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
WHERE: Bonappetea, 7 Johns Rd, Mudgeeraba, Qld
TICKETS: $95 per person, see the website here or email email [email protected].
Fireworks, feasts and fizz for Riverfire!
Brisbane Festival means Riverfire, and Riverfire is Brisbane-speak for party. There are loads of places to view the big firework show that lights up our skies but Rydges South Bank has front-row seats.
With three feasting and cocktail options over three different levels of the famed South Bank hotel, as well as Sip and Stay packages, Rydges has you sorted. But you have to book fast as these will not last.
Front row views Rydges South Bank
SO close you can almost hear the whizz of the sky high fireworks—this is the ultimate vantage point. Stay in a luxurious balcony room for front-row seats to the spectacle as Brisbane Festival sets the river alight in a kaleidoscope of colour. Dine at Bacchus or sip at Soleil Pool Bar downstairs before and after, or order room service and live like royalty for the night! Sparkle, Sip and Stay!
To book call 07 3364 0822 or email [email protected]
A Fireworks Feast at Bacchus Restaurant
The chefs at Bacchus have curated a seasonal feasting style menu inspired by Riverfire—think house-made focaccia, soy cured kingfish, black angus rib eye and the famous Bacchus’ spring-inspired Apple dessert (it has to been seen and tasted to be believed). Added of course is the brilliant Bacchus service, the award-winning wine list and fantastic views just outside.
From $139pp, reservations at www.bacchussouthbank.com.au or 07 3364 0870
Sparkle Sips at Soleil Pool Bar
Under the stars, beside the pool, Soleil Pool Bar is one of Brisbane’s best cocktail spots, and on August 31, it’s all about the sparkle, in the air and everywhere! Gather a squad for live music, signature cocktails and grazing platters and great views of Riverfire, before dancing up a storm late into the night!
Here’s a tip: start your sparkle soiree relaxing poolside in the afternoon before the big show takes over the night sky. And another tip: book one of Soleil’s poolside booths for the VIP treatment.
All information and bookings HERE or call 07 3364 0870
Mouthwatering stuffed pitas come to Kazba
Brisbane’s buzzing cocktail bar, KAZBA, has elevated their humble and wholesome offering with a new menu of signature stuffed pitas, refreshing iced teas and mezze!
KAZBA’s signature stuffed pitas are served full to the brim or open on a plate with fresh baked pita bread on the side. Delight in your choice including tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickled onion, tabouli, and green chilli sauce on the side. Coming in hot off the charcoal grill opt for Lamb Kofta, Chicken, Beef, Falafel and Cauliflower Shawarma.
Also new to KAZBA’s menu is a delicious lineup of refreshing Iced Teas from new Aussie Iced Tea icon Blak Brews which bring a refreshing twist to traditional tea. Crafted with natural ingredients, these iced teas showcase the vibrant flavours of native botanicals .
$49 banquets at Casa Chow
Casa Chow, the dynamic Chino Latino bar and restaurant nestled in premier lifestyle precinct South City Square in Woolloongabba has launched its new weekly Saturday Latin themed lunch Mi Casa Saturdays.
Experience the vibrant sounds and flavours of Latin culture at Casa Chow, Woolloongabba’s neon hued venue known for its good vibes, good food and tunes. From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be intoxicated by Casa Chow high-energy ambiance, accentuated by cool beats, impressive sips, and a visually striking interior.
For just $49 per person, indulge in an exciting shared fiesta featuring a tasty selection of Casa Chow favourites. Start with freshly shucked Oysters served with Cucumber and Lime Granita topped with chow dressing alongside kingfish ceviche with leche de tigre and crispy wonton. Revel in the flavours of their salted Cucumber with Sesame and Garlic and Chicken Wings coated in a La Brasa sauce paired with Chipotle Lime Mayo. Next up, enjoy stir-fried Beef Tallarin with Egg Noodles, fragrant vegetables, oyster sauce, and cilantro before finishing off with a delightful guava cheesecake bite.
To complement the menu, guests can enjoy Casa Classic cocktails at a special price of $15 each when dining on the Mi Casa Saturday menu. Available from 12pm to 5pm, these refreshing cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Highlights include their Blue Hawaiian made with Pampero Blanco, Blue Curacao, Fresh Pineapple, Coco Lopez, Fresh Lime, Maraschino Cherries and Pineapple Wedge and their Pisco Punch made with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, Fresh Lime, Pineapple Gomme Syrup, Distilled Water and Pineapple Slice.
Bookings are now available at casachowbrisbane.com.au for this weekly Latin party!
WHAT: Mi Casa Saturdays
WHEN: Weekly 12pm-5pm every Saturday
WHAT: $49 Shared Menu + $15 Casa Classic Cocktails, DJ from 1pm
WHERE: Casa Chow, 4b/148 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102
BOOKINGS: www.casachowbrisbane.com.au
King St is hosting a fun-filled street party
King St is hosting another one of their legendary street parties under the stars on Saturday, August 24! From 3pm to 9:30pm, the precinct will be transformed into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and culture, featuring street food stalls, pop-up bars, a silent disco, live art installations, and market stalls showcasing unique creations from local Indigenous retailers. This free, all-ages event—presented in collaboration with The Tivoli as part of their Open Season program and Blak Social — celebrates First Nations excellence with performances from some of Australia’s most acclaimed Indigenous artists, including ARIA-nominated Emma Donovan. The event promises an exhilarating evening filled with community spirit, artistic brilliance, and cultural celebration, as it marks the grand finale of Open Season.
No King St celebration is complete without exceptional food, and Last Night: Blak Day Out will deliver just that. After hitting the dance floor, treat yourself to a range of delectable market bites at the pop-up stalls from some of King St’s top eateries. Savour a variety of scrumptious offerings from Xin Chao, Claw BBQ, Fat Dumpling, and Bar Gusto each bringing their unique flavours to ensure you stay satisfied throughout the festivities.
WHAT: King St x Open Season Street Party (free entry, family friendly)
WHEN: Saturday, August 24
WHERE: King St, Bowen Hills.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
