A June Trip to Brisbane

 A chance to escape Tassie winter for the warmer sub-tropical climes of Brisbane. Yes Please!

One of my best friends was getting married and there was no way in the world I wouldn't be there for it.

It's difficult for Gudge and I to travel interstate together, we have our cat son who needs care and love and we don't have a huge network of friends down here. We thought we'd reach out to our friends back in Queensland to see if anyone would like to come down for a holiday and house and cat-sit and we found a taker! Percy cat was nervous at first but settled in well, we received photo and video updates and we could relax, and enjoy a trip to our old home and spend time with our nearest and dearest.

We were incredibly blessed in that Gudgies' sister was abroad and kindly allowed us to stay at her house for our 5 days in Brisbane. This was perfect for us. We had our own space, didn't feel like we were imposing on anyone, it was fab.

We arrived on the Thursday on a fantastic flight with Virgin (Economy X, worth ever cent). We got to the house, picked up some groceries and settled in.

The next day I had promised the bride to be that I would assist with the bridal bouquets. I have never created a bouquet before, but I love plants and flowers. How did I do?

Inspo pic | Bouquet I made

That night, the supper club of old was reunited. Carly, Anna and I used to love catching up for wonderful meals in Brisbane when I lived there and were absolutely generous in their offer to take me out for a special birthday dinner.

Carly, with her finger on the pulse chose the restaurant Central for our dinner. Modern Chinese in Brisbane's CBD.

Straight away the entrance is dramatic.

Drapes, hanging Peking Duck, concrete and a staircase down...

photo courtesy of broadsheet.com.au

Inside felt like being transported to the trendiest restaurant in New York, like we would be seated next to the cast of Sex and the City, but not intimidatingly so. It just felt fresh and cool and very, very 'the place to be'... but not in a wanky way.

We hadn't seen each other in years so the three of us were so keen to catch up, voiding all responsibilities of, you know opening the drinks menu to select a wine. The waiters and service was absolutely incredible, possibly the best I've had. From being asked 'still or sparkling water?' and having it poured from the other side the moment we told them. It was like that all night. The girls had subtly wished me a happy birthday and I was brought a gratis birthday cocktail. The service was 11 out of 10 all night.

It was suggested that rather than the banquet menu which we were leaning toward that we select the share plates we were drawn to, so we went that way.

menu shot courtesy of Central Restaurant and Bar

It was a beautiful looking menu. We started with the scallops. Fresh, perfectly cooked with wonderful flavours. To drink, following my Lychee and Champagne cocktail, we shared a bottle of French Beaujolais wine.

We followed this with the Peking Duck Potsticker. Gosh they were just so pretty. Also very tasty.

I was very much looking forward to the prawn and crab spring roll. I love spring rolls in general, and I can happily say this was one of the best spring rolls I have ever tried.

two pics because it was my favourite

Following this, the XO Chicken San Choi Bao

Another item I was particularly looking forward to was the Crispy Eggplant. It was texturally wonderful but I thought the vinegar dressing to be a little much. I had a piece with no dressing and it was wonderful.

To round out our savoury dishes, we had the Black Angus Stirfry and Fried Rice which was also excellent, but the potato addition to this was a real unexpected highlight.

We were recommended the mango pudding for a light dessert to share and it rounded out the meal perfectly.

This was one of the loveliest and enjoyable dining experiences I've had in some time. I have no doubt my company was a big part of that (thank you Anna and Carly), but to our wonderful, funny servers, thank you, you really made it for us. To Central Restaurant, you absolutely nailed it.

Thank you also to Brisbane for your 50c train fares. Amazing!

The following day was the wedding.

We had some running around to do in the a.m. and treated ourselves to our favourite fast food.

The wedding of my glorious friend Hailey, to her partner Rob was just lovely. Warm, small, very romantic. We were treated to grazing tables, pizza, and as much prosecco as I could handle (which isn't all that much these days). We both had a wonderful time and I feel so lucky to have Hailey in my life and that she wanted us there on such a special day.

Sunday we had planned a little, casual get together in the afternoon and a walk around Roma Street parklands in the morning. I've always loved Roma Street parklands. The parklands turn 25 this year and I remember the opening and always enjoyed visiting when I lived in Brisbane and spent quite a lot of time there when I lived in Spring Hill.

It has matured beautifully and I loved being there and eyeing off plants that I can't grow back in our cool-temperate garden back home.

We enjoyed our afternoon at Sea Legs Brewery and caught up with a wonderful group of people. Also- great Frickles, Perogis and Loaded Fries!

Monday we went to DFO (Outlet shopping) before a final catch up with Hails where she treated me to a fantastic steak at Bracken Ridge Tavern. Steak 9.5/10, chips 10/10. Thank you so much for the birthday meal, Hails!

Growing up in Brisbane, Bracken Ridge was on the outskirts, Brisbane is growing and changing so much and the renovation here is testament of how much the boondock suburbs are now desirable places to live. Crazy to me that hasn't lived in Brisbane for 8 years now.

photo courtesy of urbanlist.com.au

As if she hadn't done enough for me. the new bride drove us to the airport at 5.45am. Brisbane Airport decided fire alarms would be a soothing soundtrack for our morning, but that aside, we aced our exit-row-to-ourselves hack again and loved getting home.

Our favourite Cheese and Chocolate Makers, Coal River Farm have opened a second Cafe in the upgraded Hobart airport, and for the price of a couple of microwaved Jetstar toasties we decided to have some Poached Free-range Eggs with Halloumi, and Mixed Berry and Chocolate Waffles. We were very happy with our choice.

A great 'Welcome Home'!

Finally, some birthday treats on arrival home.

NKB Express

I can't remember how I first stumbled across NKB. I was working at Indooroopilly and I may have walked past it, or possibly had been recommended it, in either case, it has become a real special place for me for years now.

Located on the corner, across from the train station, in a building with a Bunnings Hardware is the most perfect little 1950's diner. It has the 1950's tunes, it has booths, its just exactly how I imagine it would be back then.

picture courtesy of theweekendedition.com.au

In my visits over the years, the one thing I can really stand by is the consistency of the food. I have had some so-so interactions with the staff in the past (they've been just lovely lately), but the burgers, sides and drinks are always exceptional.

This Saturday morning, B and I needed to carbo-load before a big day and night of bands and beers at Dead of Winter festival.

As we head in, we order 2 iced lattes and peruse the menu. Every time I come in, I need to reassess the menu because it is actually quite diverse, with burgers, dogs, bagels waffles and sides, as well as weekly specials.

At first I think I want a burger, then waffles, but B and I decide to share one of the weekly specials of the Rockefeller Burger as well as one of the Soho bagels, a vegetarian option with slow roasted mushroom, sun-dried tomato tepenade, grilled zucchini, and wilted spinach, to this we add Swiss cheese. We decide that we MIGHT like to have a dessert waffles after, so we hold off on getting a side.

The burger and bagel come out and both look so amazing. We cut each in half and share between ourselves.

The first bite into the bagel is amazing, beautifully sof,t fresh bagel, with the rich but fresh flavours of the mushroom and zucchini. The addition of the Swiss was a great choice. It was a really, really great bagel.

The Rockefeller looks amazing, and it IS amazing, beef pattie, cheese, bacon, pickles and slaw. To bite into this burger is just amazing, it had everything I love about a Hungry Jacks (Burger King) Whopper with Cheese. It was meaty, and cheesy and creamy but crunchy with the slaw and the bacon. This burger, in my opinion should be a standard menu item.

Rockefeller dissection

Soho dissection

We were right, we did want a dessert waffle, and after having it once previously, I suggest the Harlem waffle, with salted caramel sauce and home made vanilla ice cream.

This is one of my favouite things in this, or ANY menu. Going halvsies proves to be the perfect amount. Freshly made waffles with the creamiest ice cream you'll ever try. If for no other reason, come to NKB for the waffles. But, in seriousness, you should probably also try the burgers, the shakes, the onion rings, the bagels, the fries, oh the loaded fries, the sodas... I could go on.

Address: 100 Coonan St, Indooroopilly QLD 4068

Phone: (07) 3720 0330

Menu: nkbexpress.com.au

Blackbird Bar and Grill

My new gentleman friend B wanted to take me out for my birthday in early July and suggested Blackbird Bar and Grill on Eagle Street Pier. I had eaten there before and loved it. It also has the most beautiful outlook so it seemed like a perfect birthday date place.

B is also who suggested I should start blogging again, so thank you B for the inspiration.

It was State of Origin decider night in Brisbane, and it was a home game, (Rugby League to those not in the know. Me, I just don't really care), so hair curled, dressed up, fur on, and I make my way to Eagle Street Pier on Brisbane river to meet up with my beau.

We begin the night with a drink overlooking the river, in this case a dry, dirty vodka martini... very dirty. One of the loveliest outlooks from a bar in Brisbane.

Photo courtesy of timeoff.com.au

We make our way inside and are shown to a gorgeous table by the window.

Photo courtesy of blackbirdbrisbane.com.au

A peruse of the menu left us in awe. The first time I dined here, myself and guest shared a selection of entrees and starters. The second time was a work do with a set menu. But blackbird is renowned for is meat selection as well as excellent seafood.

My partner does not eat seafood, but was very happy for me to indulge, so I started with oysters, one of each available. Served with a red wine vinaigrette and lemon, all three were fresh and divine, the smallest being the sweetest and most delicious.

For starter I choose the kingfish carparccio with toasted pinenuts and blood orange, B selects the beetroot and goats cheese royale with crushed broad beans and ash lavosh.

My kingfish was outstanding, fresh and delicious, and the blood orange contrasted beautifully with the earthy savoury of the pinenuts and the sweetness of the fish.

B's royale was not only aesthetically beautiful but a subtle, earthy delight. The royale was almost a savoury panacotta, and when paired with each different element on the plate provided a different flavour pattern. B's only complaint was that he wished he had two of the lavosh.

For mains I really wanted to try the steak, but I couldn't resist the suckling pig roast with black pudding, golden sultanas, caramelized onion and chickpea puree. B opts or the Pan fried potato gnocchi with roasted zucchini, squash, fresh curd, caper and raisin dressing

To drink with our mains, I have another martini and B orders another beer. I love martinis.

My pork is to DIE FOR! Moist and rich and flavourful. The black pudding was incredible and worked so well with the pork, the sultanas and sultana puree provided a beautiful sweetness against all the rich meat. The chickpea puree was quite full on, but the little chickpea "popcorns" atop the puree were excellent and provided a beautiful crunch. We decided against ordering sides, and I don't think we needed them at all.

B loved every bite of his gnocchi. I was very jealous of the tempura zucchini flower!

We decided against dessert, and instead decided to retire back to the balcony bar for a Balvenie 21 y.o. whisky as a digestif.

Once again, Blackbird exceeded expectations. Many thanks to B and to Blackbird.

Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street,
Brisbane, Queensland 400

Phone (07) 3229 1200

Email info@blackbirdbrisbane.com.au

Christmas at Treasury Hotel

My brother, mother and I have made a tradition of lunching out for Christmas.

It's lovely to get dressed up, feel festive and especially not have to purchase, prepare or clean up anything.

Also, it's very hard to feel festive in Brisbane summer.

Last year while researching, we stumbled across the sumptuous menu of the Treasury Hotel, but missed out on tickets. This year we got in early.

What initially drew us to this luncheon was the absolute variety of food available. Of course a plethora of seafood, but for not-so-seafoody brother there was a wealth of options for him too. Traditional Christmas roasts, Middle Eastern, Asian, Aussie BBQ, as well as bubbles, wine and beer.

C and I got ready and wandered down to the Treasury. In typical Brisbane Christmas style, it rained, then it was hot then it was muggy. We thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the air-conditioning and we lead to our beautiful table for the with a window view looking out over the park.

On our table was breads, butter, olives, dips, Christmas crackers and decorations.

On entry we weren't quite sure where the food actually was. We sat and nibbled on the antipasto, ordered a beer and a bubbles for myself. Just after our drinks arrived we went for an explore and made our way to the huge courtyard buffet selections.

King Crab and Lobster

Middle eastern and Mediterranean options

Add caption

Pizza Oven

Traditional Roasts

Mussels, Scallops, Prawns, Bugs, King Crab, Lobster

Aussie BBQ

For my first course, I started with ceviche scallops, fresh king prawns, pacific oysters, salmon and prawn nigiri and crocodile ceviche. The oysters and scallops were excellent, and the nigiri was outstanding quality. The prawns were okay, but I've eaten enough prawns in my time to be very particular with prawns and the crocodile I didn't really care for at all.

Round two was Char sui pork belly, Peking duck, eye fillet, bourbon glazed pork ribs and wood fired pizza.
Both the duck and the pork belly were to die for, the pork was really delicious, but the eye fillet was just incredible. So tender and soft as butter.

I really couldn't believe how well it had been cooked. And the pizza- what an awesome addition to any plate.

My next course involved beautiful baked ham, Yorkshire pudding, Buirre noisette sage gnocchi, Waldorf salad, Hollandaise gratenated oysters with cavier, king crab claw and lobster claw.

How good is baked ham? I'll tell you- it's the best! And Yorkshire puds should be an everyday food. The oysters graten were simply divine. If anything the only disappointments were the lobster and crab.They were lacking any real flavout and had a watery texture.

By this stage the fullness was starting to set in. So lets looks at what C got in to...

A giant plate of meat and potatos

Damper, pizza, char sui pork, baked ham, pasta salad and beetroot salad.

C was really happy with the selections, and as previously stated, this was really important to mum and I. His favourite, as mine, was the perfectly cooked fillet.

Dessert was to follow

Fruit selection

I decided on the passionfruit slice, a creme caramel, a blueberry mousse cake, and a massive piece of pecan pie.

We left feeling very full and very happy with ourselves.

To date, I believe I can speak on behalf of the group, and say that this was our favourite Chritmas luncheon. It's not cheap at $285 a head. But it is such a wondeful Christmassy experience that really does feel festive. Mum especially really loves it and had already decided well be back at the Tereasury next year for Christmas lunch.

Treasury Hotel and Casino
William Street Brisbane City