Brisbane CBD Archives - Milton Today

American spirits take center stage in the “Thanksgiving Hour”

‘Happy Hour’ will turn into ‘Thanksgiving Hour’ as The Gresham joins some of Australia’s leading bars to celebrate the end of lockdown with “Cheers! Spirits from the USA.”

As people go out to celebrate the easing of lockdown and restrictions in the final weeks of 2021, bars and restaurants are making the most of the influx of customers eager to celebrate their newfound freedom.

From November 22 to 28, Australians will be treated to a week-long ‘Thanksgiving Hour’ promotion. Sponsoring the “‘Cheers! Spirits from the USA” campaign in Australia is the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S (DISCUS).

Spirits enthusiasts will get to enjoy a range of American spirits in Thanksgiving-themed cocktails at special prices.

Some of Australia’s iconic venues participating in the event include The Gresham in Brisbane; Maybe Sammy, Kittyhawk, Burdekin Hotel, Grain Bar, Nola Smokehouse and Bar, The Swinging Car and Burrow Bar in Sydney; The Everleigh, The Elysian Whisky Bar, The Catfish and Que Club in Melbourne; and Maybe Mae in Adelaide.

During ‘Thanksgiving Hour,’ expect a slew of cocktail offerings that will showcase American spirits, such as Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Bulleit Bourbon, KOVAL, Old Forester, St George Gin, Wild Turkey, Westland, and Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.

“After a difficult year, we’re looking forward to partnering with some of the nation’s leading venues to celebrate Thanksgiving. The country is known for having some of the most knowledgeable and innovative bartenders, so we’re looking forward to Australians being able to experience new and delicious cocktails using some of America’s finest spirits, whilst supporting much loved bars and giving thanks,” Charles McEntee of DISCUS said.

More details will be announced as the event approaches, so be sure to follow these socials to get the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/americanspiritsinaus/ and https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSpiritsinAus.

Please drink responsibly, and always eat food while drinking to ensure safe consumption.

Lockdown Blues? Order In from These Takeaway Options in the Inner City

Having lockdown blues and not in the mood for cooking in the kitchen? Why not treat yourself to a fancy and delicious meal from your favourite inner city restaurant or cafe?

Here are the establishments open for takeaways around Milton, Brisbane CBD, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and Newstead. You’ll need to check their social pages for the individual opening hours, menu and other details. Just click on the links below:

Milton

Milton Common

Porkees

Brisbane City

Spring Hill

Farah Restaurant

South Bank

Coffee Head Co

Little Big House

Zeus Street Greek

Fortitude Valley

Cakes and Shit

Gerard’s Bistro

Hashtag Burgers and Waffles

Jocelyn’s Provision

Les Bubbles

Porkees

Same Same

Superbowl

Reverends

Newstead/Teneriffe

Beccofino

Botanica

Hikari

Malt Pier

These inner city restaurants will re-assess their operations on a day-to-day basis to comply with the guidelines issued by the State Government.

Inner City Deliveroo — Photo Credit: Taylor Herring/Flickr

However, if you prefer to have food delivered, Deliveroo will be waiving the delivery fee for all customers who will order more than $10 worth of food on Friday, 2 July 2021. Almost all venues tied with Deliveroo in Brisbane will honour this free service, so grab the opportunity and enjoy some great food even as the restaurants are restricted.

In the meantime, stay safe and nourished!

Little Scholars: Brisbane CBD Childcare Centre Introduces Valet Service

Little Scholars, a family-owned childcare facility in Brisbane CBD, has introduced a first-of-its-kind valet service to ease the drop-off point in a busy section of George Street.

The school has set up a separate secured “drop and go” meeting area for the educators to fetch the children from their parents or guardians as they arrive at school. Following a consultation with the parents, the move was made to limit the stress the kids experience, especially at the start of the day.

In a survey in early 2021, the families told the campus of their struggles with this daily routine that includes the commute, locating a parking space, and then going up the elevator to bring the kids to Little Scholars. The whole process apparently takes at least 30 minutes every morning.

Little Scholars Founder and Managing Director Jae Fraser said that they had to make the adjustments as parents are slowly returning to work following the lockdowns.

Last year, when the pandemic started, Brisbane CBD was quite deserted and their school’s enrollment dropped to 40 percent. However, as more establishments reopen and resume work, Mr Fraser said they recognise the need to “create a less stressful childcare experience” not just for the kids but also for the parents who have to juggle their home and work life.

Parents love the valet service, which has been maximised since its introduction. The adults said that this initiative has been more enjoyable and they could see their children feeling more positive about going to the childcare centre.

Little Scholars has been opened since 2017 and caters to children between the ages of six weeks to six years old. The centre is located via a short walk near the train station on Roma Street.

Elizabeth Picture Theatre to Host a 1920s-Style New Year’s Eve Party

Planning a movie escapade for 2020? The Elizabeth Picture Theatre is screening three buzz-worthy films on the 1st of January but before those get underway, the theatre is also hosting a massive 1920s-inspired New Year’s Eve party to welcome 2020 with a bang.

On Tuesday, the 31st of Dec 2019, Elizabeth Picture Theatre will screen “The Great Gatsby” from director Baz Luhrmann. The romantic drama, first released in 2013 and filmed in Australia, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan and Isla Fisher.

“The Great Gatsby” follows the story of Nick Carraway, a war veteran and psychiatric patient. He meets an enthusiastic man named Jay Gatsby, who immerses him in one extravagant party after the next.

*Photo Credit: Elizabeth Picture Theatre/Facebook*

The screening will begin at 9:15 p.m. but there will be cocktails and live entertainment from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come dressed for the occasion to win fabulous prizes and giveaways.

To party Gatsby-style and watch the film, you may book your tickets online.

Then, kick-off your movie-viewing activities for 2020 with the following films opening on the first day of the year:

WHAT	TIME
Bombshell (Advanced Screening) Stars: Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and Charlize Theron \| Directed by Jay Roach The movie is based on a real-life account that exposes Fox CEO Roger Ailes’ sexual harassment cases filed by several women working on Fox News in the U.S.	2:00 p.m.
Little Women (Regular Screening) Stars: Emma Stone, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan \| Directed by Greta Gerwig This film is another adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott.	10:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m. 6:15 p.m. * Schedule is applicable until 8th of January.
The Gentlemen (Regular Screening) Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant, Henry Golding, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan and Michelle Dockery \| Directed by Guy Ritchie A drug lord named Mickey Pearson wants to cash out of business. This movie is filled with blackmail, bribery and treachery.	12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 9:10 p.m. * Schedule is applicable until 8th of January.

Elizabeth Picture Theatre is inside the heritage-listed Tara House with a number of gold class 150-seat cinemas (Royal Rooms) and a grand theatre (Tara Room) for special screenings. As a heritage-listed site, this movie house retains much of its architectural charm but with the addition of a bar and full kitchen for guests to dine and relax before or after watching a movie.

Elizabeth Arcade in Brisbane CBD Transforms as New Asian Foodie Hub FudoDori

Did you know that a new Asian foodie hub has opened in Brisbane CBD? Found within Elizabeth Arcade on Elizabeth Street, FudoDori means “food street” in Japanese and, staying true to its name, it is lined with a buffet of dishes from different establishments.

FudoDori caters to foodies who want a quick bite while still sampling different flavours and options. Here, diners can wander around the arcade to check what stalls offer, buy their meals, and sit down to eat at the communal area.

So far, FudoDori’s first wave of restaurants include:

Yakiniku Hachi	A Japanese grill spot with meats and veggies cooked to perfection.
Lu Cha Kitchen + Bar	A traditional Chinese tea house that serves fusion food to go with their choices of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Lu Cha means “green tea.”
Koto Sanpo	An authentic Japanese restaurant offering cafe dishes like Teriyaki Salmon spaghetti and karaage (chicken) sandwiches, as well as a variety of floats, frappe and latte.
Malee	A Thai eatery serving authentic spicy dishes from South East Asia.
Hoto Dogu	This joint mainly serves hot dogs with Japanese flavours served from a hot dog stand.
Amai Kawaii Dessert Depot	For Japanese sweet treats prepared and served in the cutest (kawaii) way possible.

However, the lineup will soon expand to include Na Bangkok’s spicy dishes, an izakaya (Japanese bar), as well as a still-unnamed Chinese hot pot.

FudoDori opened in late May and since then, the foodie hub has gone full blast. Trading hours starts at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.

Underground Luxury Bar and Modern Chinese Restaurant Bring Life to Heritage-Listed Building in Brisbane CBD

Two new hidden gems await in Brisbane CBD. The Boom Boom Room and Donna Chang at George Street are new additions to the Brisbane foodie scene that offer luxurious dining experience in the heritage listed building.

What used to be a bank vault now serves as a unique underground bar whilst the upper restaurant focuses on serving Modern Chinese cuisine.

The Boom Boom Room

Transforming the former bank into a cocktail lounge, The Boom Boom Room reveals a mix of aviator interiors and luxurious leather at the turn of heavy volt doors.

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A post shared by The Boom Boom Room (@the_boomboomroom) on Sep 2, 2018 at 7:24pm PDT

The Boom Boom Room provides a one-of-a-kind drinking experience with its combination of sophisticated art, design, and entertainment. The bar also features private dining rooms and by nightfall, patrons can enjoy live Jazz and Mo-Town performances in comfortable luxe booths.

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This will put a spring in your step 🌱 What a Wonderful World’ – a twist on a classic daiquiri that imparts modern flavours and techniques. Bacardi, Carta Blanca, lime, river mint, sugar snap pea & scented hay. #boomboombrisbane #friday #cocktail #cocktailporn

A post shared by The Boom Boom Room (@the_boomboomroom) on Oct 11, 2018 at 4:02pm PDT

The bar’s unique beverage menu includes a cocktail menu divided into three playlists, drawing inspiration from musical eras and great artists. Coming from the Jazz + Soul list is Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ which comes with Bacardi, Carta Blanca, fresh lime, river mint, sugar snap pea, scented hay.

More drinks inspired by classic songs under the Rhythm + Blues and Uptempo playlist are also on the menu.

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A post shared by The Boom Boom Room (@the_boomboomroom) on Dec 4, 2018 at 11:11pm PST

The bar food menu which includes dumplings and larger Chinese inspired bites will be ready to fill customers well into the late night.

An extensive wine list from the best international and local vineyards is also on offer.

Donna Chang

Right above the underground bar is a Modern Chinese restaurant serving a fusion of authentic Cantonese cuisine and Sichuan flavours.

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A post shared by Donna Chang Brisbane (@_donnachang) on Oct 4, 2018 at 7:17pm PDT

Donna Chang boasts a respected team of industry leaders from both international and interstate origins. Their kitchen is spearheaded by Executive chef Jake Nicolson with Head chef Jason Margaritis. Their Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine inspired menu features premium quality, unique, and hard-to-find ingredients.

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A post shared by Donna Chang Brisbane (@_donnachang) on Oct 12, 2018 at 2:12am PDT

The menu also comes with a dessert, wine, and cocktail list.

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A post shared by Donna Chang Brisbane (@_donnachang) on Oct 8, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT

Furthermore, Donna Chang also has private dining at the Mezzanine level for a more intimate dining experience. The restaurant is open from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily.

Both the newcomers bring the historic building back to life with their well-thought-out interiors and finishing as well as their luxurious bar and dining offers.

Visit The Boom Boom Room and Donna Chang websites for further information and reservations.

University of Queensland Provides Better Access to Students as it Opens Its New City Site

At the centre of Brisbane’s financial district, the University of Queensland opens their city site, ensuring better access to executive education and postgraduate study for its students.

The new city site is located at 293 Queen Street and will be the University’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. This month, it opens to students from postgraduate business programs, UQ’s Master of Business Administration and executive education courses.

Three floors of the building (ground floor and levels 6 & 7) were leased and refurbished for students, alumni, staff and partners as their chance to connect with influencers and key decision makers. This is part of their multimillion project.

The ground floor and the sixth level houses the facilities for business, economics and law postgraduate programmes and executive education. The seventh level is dedicated to business interaction.

There is an Executive Lounge for staff and alumni with corporate meeting spaces available for rent.

There is a coffee shop downstairs, The Daily Coffee Co., which is also open to the public.

Brisbane’s Heritage-Listed Theatre to Add New Laneway, Outdoor Dining Space

Metro Arts Theatre in Brisbane CBD is up for exciting developments that will enliven lifestyle and dining experience at the heritage-listed building.

The theatre building on Edward Street is set to have refurbishments that will include an enhanced laneway. The project is intended to revitalise the existing laneway, which is practically underutilised.

Also part of the project is the partial demolition of structures at the back of the theatre. This is to make way for a courtyard café and al fresco dining space in the area.

The courtyard design is done by Jasper Brown Architects, while the laneway, foyer and bar at the front are designed by Blight Rayner.

Revitalised Lifestyle Laneway

Currently, the pathway is dark, dreary and barely used. Under the plans, the laneway will be partially demolished and developed into a welcoming path to the lifestyle spaces around the theatre.

New ceiling and pavement will be installed to give the laneway some interesting texture and contrast. The new laneway will have an opening to the proposed theatre bar at the front side of the theatre. It will also lead straight to the courtyard café and restaurant at the back.

The approved plans involve adding a theatre bar and foyer area to the cultural building. The project will also see upgrades to the elevator to enhance building accessibility.

The plans have been done in a way that it will not negatively impact the heritage value of Metro Arts Theatre.

Find out more about the project’s Development Application (A004635558) at the Brisbane City Council website.