Eat Street... The New One

Last time I went to Eat Street it was at it's old location in June 2014 See post here.

I have walked past the site of the new Eat Street and it actually looks terrifyingly huge. The last time I went it was so busy and difficult to get a seat and I think this is why I hadn't been back in so long.

However, I was well overdue with a catch up with Miss C and we were going to Eat Street.

As we attempt to park the car, my concern creeps in, there are so many cars, how many people would be inside???

However we eventually get a spot, pay the $2.50 entry fee and make our way in.

The first thing I notice as that even though there are alot of people, there is space to move. There is a carnival feel, and everyone seems happy.

The new Eat Street is HUGE. I would suggest 4 or 5 times bigger than the old one and offers a huge array of eating options.

We start off getting a Mango and coconut mocktail ($7) from Mocktail Madness. It comes in a container is both interesting and cylindrical, the contents refreshing and delicious.

photo courtesy of eatstreetmarkets.com

We wander about and end up at the Trawler Deck and stumble on a pasta in cheese wheel stall called I <3 Pizza and Pasta and are hypnotised my the wafting smells of fresh basil and cheese. We decide to share a serve ($14). The pasta is delicious but I'm a little surprised that the cheese flavour isn't as prominent as I would have hoped, the fresh pesto is delicious though.

Next we wander over to pick to Asia Street to try what C calls 'the best satay she has ever tasted" at Yum Tum Thai Street food where we go halves in a share plate ($15)

The prawns, (even though I think they were both done the same?) were fresh and delicious. The chicken satay was indeed very delicious, and exactly what I think of when I think of GOOD satay. Very crisp and tasty spring rolls. I'm not one for soft shell crab, I just don't think they offer much, but it was... okay, I guess.

Unfortunately, by this stage, we were done.

I think this would be a great place to come with a group so you could all share and indulge in many items without getting to full, as most of the items we looked at were entree or small meal size costing between $12 and $18, rather than tasters which I think would be a great option.

So we went looking for a small sweet to finish off with and found Miss Claude's French Crepes and went for the Caramel Ambrosia, which was 2 crepes filled with salted caramel, served with banana, strawberry and vanilla ice cream ($10). These were just perfect, and shared this while overlooking the Brisbane River.

I had a really nice time and I really look forward to going back again.

It seems that meal times are the busiest, so I'd like to try for a mid-afternoon Sunday I think.

Eat Street Markets

Brisbane is changing... and changing quickly.

For as long as I can remember, Brisbane has been the "sleepy backwater" of the larger cities in Australia. Nowhere near cool enough to be Melbourne, and nowhere near the league of Sydney (not a bad thing, in my opinion).

But Brisbane is beginning to come of age. She's coming out of the awkward adolescent gawkiness and is beginning to find herself, to develop into the woman she aspires to be. (Or man, if she's actually male.)

Eat Street Markets is a fantastic example of Brisbane coming into her own.

Occupying a block near Portside, in the currently-changing, ex-industrial area of Hamilton/Eagle Farm by the river. The buzz surrounding the markets in difficult to ignore.

I called up my dad, WG, gave him a quick rundown of what was going down, and within minutes we were en route.

As we got to the end of Nudgee Road, the traffic was unbelievable, so we pulled down a side street and found a carpark to double back on foot.

As you arrive, there really is a buzz... like a festival, fair or circus. With colourful lights on strings, smells of all lovely things cooking, smoking and frying. Families, couples and groups of people milling around. It was the first weekend of winter in Brisbane, but the night was a very agreeable 18 degrees, and folk looked to be happy to be out of the house and surrounded by deliciousness.

There is a $2 per person entry fee into the markets.

As we enter, the sheer number of people about is somewhat overwhelming, and I really underestimated the market's popularity.

WG and I cautiously assessed the situation. I really wanted a steamed pork bun, but everything else would be little surprises. We did not want to leave having overeaten, which is a problem we both have.

Our first stop was the BBQ Kitchen, specialising in dim sum type delicacies. WG and I got a steamed pork bun each ($2.70 ea). It wasn't the best pork bun I had ever had, but pork buns are one of those wonderful foods that even if you get an average one, it's still awesome.

Our next stop we notice a place that does Hungarian and Transylvanian goods. We decide to share one of the Fánk, a Hungarian Star Donut ($4). It is warm and soft and sugary, but has the most wonderful slightly bitter, or acid taste to it- almost like citrus, or yoghurt, which is is a pleasant surprise and makes a change from the sweetness of regular donuts.

The next stall that catches our eyes is gloriously named "Graze" and they do meat! Like an Italian style kebab on a stick. We order 2 sticks of beef with sweet chilli and molassis ($5), we get 4. No complaints.
The meat is cooked perfectly and the flavourings work really well.

Next stop is a South American stall. Their full plate meals look spectacular we we decide to settle on a spicy empenada ($4). This becomes one of my favourites for the day. Like a pastie but with more of a short crust as opposed to flaky pastry, and the filling is spicy and flavoursome and has the most glorious seasoning.

Next door to South America is Tasmania, that is, The Gourmet Tasmanian Food Co.

We hear talk of scallops and truffled fries, but Dad has developed eyes for the Gamekeeper ($7). A venison and wallaby sausage with cranberry and lemon myrtle. It comes served on a bun with onions and cheese, we get no cheese or sauce so we can really taste the sausage. I also get a Gillespie's Ginger Beer ($5.50).

The sausage is fantastic, as good as any sausage I have ever tried, it's flavour is bold and strong but perfectly balanced. The ginger beer is tasty and refreshing.

At this point I start developing concerns about how much more I can eat and consider one more something-or-other (and then a sweetie).

We have done a complete lap by this stage and think we have seen just about all there is, so we start on a re-do.

The first I-failed-to-notice-it-on-the-first-lap stall is called "I LOVE Mushrooms"! Holy Mackeral... I DO love Mushrooms!

I look at their menu, and it's all mushrooms all right, and then I notice on the counter a bain-maree of Lamb Shanks of all things. I LOVE lamb shanks. I opt for a lamb shank with mushrooms ($12).

It comes served with sour cream and mint sauce.

This is the first meal of the night that have involved cutlery so we find a seat, literally glance sidewards at the meat til it falls away from the bone and hook in.

The lamb is incredible (my other favourite meal for the night.) Beautiful young lamb flavour and cooked for ages. The mushrooms are outstanding, the mint sauce and sour cream are the perfect sides.

We continue with our second lap but realise we're probably full, so we pick up my brother a takeaway Currywurst and think we should get a cronut to try, but the lineup is huge and we opt instead for some cupcakes instead.

The cupcakes (sticky date) are very tasty ($3.50 ea).

The vibe at Eat Street is excellent. I love that even though it is very busy, you can find a quiet spot for a seat. The bars also look fun.

Currently I am contemplating moving to Brisbane in a couple of months, thanks in part, to wonderful spots like this opening up around the place.

Brisbane is certainly growing up, and getting... interesting.

EAT STREET MARKETS - Open on Friday and Saturdays from 4.00pm till 10.00pm,  and on Sunday from 11.00am till 7:00pm on the river right next door to Portside.