EAT BEAT
EAT BEAT
Brisbane
Brisbane
WORDS KERRY HEANEY photography naz mulla
Dining flies d b a n i re c t t o e Au s f ro m a c ro s t ra l Chr i s aa is w w t c h u rc n d w.J h, v e ts i tar. sit co m
budget bites Bris
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We search the streets of Brisbane to bring you the best bargain restaurants, where less really is more
out doesn’t have to cost a fortune and cheap doesn’t have to mean bad food. Brisbane’s burgeoning food scene has plenty of low-cost alternatives that are hard to beat — you just have to know where to find the right eateries. We ask four top Brisbane foodies where they go to enjoy cheap yet tasty tucker.
Alastair McLeod
Executive chef, Bretts Wharf Alastair McLeod says life’s too short to eat badly, even on a cook’s wage. “As the years pass, I am increasingly conscious of what I, and especially what my children, eat.”
Fishmonger’s Wife
McLeod never serves imported fish at Bretts Wharf and never eats it when out for a casual seafood dinner with his family — a choice that’s not as easy as it sounds. “The Fishmonger’s Wife offers a wide selection of fresh local seafood at excellent prices. My favourite is the lemongrass king snapper with beer-battered fries and a bottle of Symphony Hill Pinot Gris. Remember to book as it’s always packed! Shop 6, 83-93 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane, tel: +61 (7) 3891 6464.
Vanilla Pod
Ascot might sound like an unlikely suburb to find a bargain, but Vanilla Pod’s caramel slice is an inexpensive indulgence and it’s the size of a brick. “While they have a myriad of choices, I simply can’t go past it. I hope my personal trainer, Darren, isn’t reading this!” 119b Lancaster Rd, Ascot, tel: +61 (7) 3268 7285.
Kiss Fine Food
Find generous, tasty fare in modest, relaxed surroundings at Kiss Fine Food, a suburban bistro in Coorparoo. McLeod says: “Each main course comes with a complimentary side order, they allow BYO and have the same kids policy as Brett’s Wharf — a dollar for each year of their age… bargain! Order the duck when it’s on the frequently changing menu.” Shop 4, 380 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo, tel: +61 (7) 3324 0999.
David Pugh
Chef and joint owner, Restaurant II An award-winning chef, David Pugh says good cheap eateries should still show quality and consistency in their food.
INSETS FROM TOP: Vanilla Pod’s caramel slice is a slab of heaven; savour the roast meats of Golden Barbecue
Beastie Burgers
South Bank is a cultural and entertainment hub with a range of restaurants, but Pugh’s favourite dish is the old-school hamburger with all the trimmings at Beastie Burgers at South Bank.“Give me meat, meat and more beetroot on my burger, and definitely no pineapple!” he laughs. Shop 60D, Little Stanley St, South Bank, tel: +61 (7) 3844 4070.
Thynne Road Deli and Café
Made-to-order sandwiches with excellent bread and great, fresh fillings are the reason Pugh likes Thynne Road Deli in suburban Morningside. The café sources the very best organic and free-range ingredients for its delicious deli fare. “It’s corn meat and pickles for me every time.” 18 Thynne Rd, Morningside, tel: +61 (7) 3899 2122.
Golden Barbecue
Kiss Fine Food makes delicious meals affordable 64
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Fortitude Valley is home to Brisbane’s Chinatown, but the duck at Golden Barbecue is a standout. “A traditional cooking process combined with quality ducks is the secret. Also try the quail, barbecue pork and rice. It’s a good, cheap lunch spot.” 157A Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, tel: +61 (7) 3852 5222.
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EAT BEAT Brisbane
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: From traditional flavours to interesting innovations, Vespa leaves your taste buds buzzing; Cirque serves up fab food in a funky fashion; there’s no shortage of fans of Vespa’s woodfired pizzas
Martin Duncan
Restaurateur, Freestyle tout Heavily involved in the hospitality industry, Martin Duncan sticks close to home around New Farm for his cheap eats.
Vespa
Open for dine-in, delivery or takeaway every night until late, Vespa has a good vibe and great wood-fired pizza. “Try the streaky bacon and red currant pizza with camembert or the three little piggies — salami, bacon, pepperoni with mushroom, tomato and mozzarella. For dessert, share
the Nutella and marshmallow calzone with ricotta gelato,” says Duncan. 148 Merthyr Rd, New Farm, tel: +61 (7) 3358 4100.
Quench
The James Street Markets in Fortitude Valley are in the centre of a shopping mecca. For a fast food fix on the run, Quench has it quick and fresh. “They have the best smoothies — try the Summer Bling with watermelon, coconut and pineapple with a turkey and salad wrap.” Shop 6a/22 James St, Fortitude Valley, tel: +61 (7) 3252 9922.
Cirque Café
Located on busy Brunswick Street, just a block or two out of the Valley proper,
Try the streaky bacon and red currant pizza with camembert or the three little piggies — salami, bacon, pepperoni with mushroom, tomato and mozzarella Cirque has a reputation for serving one of Brisbane’s best brekkies. This is a casual café with plenty of buzz. Duncan says: “Cirque is a place that attracts lots of different people who enjoy the great coffee and food. Field mushrooms with spinach and Persian feta is always my breakfast choice.” 618 Brunswick St, New Farm, tel: +61 (7) 3254 0479. MARCH 2009
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Muscle in on the flavours of France at C’est Bon
Andrew Mirosch
Executive chef, Lurleen’s Restaurant, Sirromet Andrew Mirosch is a champion of local produce, especially seafood, and with his background as a commercial fisherman, he certainly knows value when he sees it. When it comes to cheap eats, Mirosch looks for tasty, filling food that’s true to its promise.
C’est Bon
C’est Bon is a charming restaurant offering classic regional French food complemented by a good selection of top local wines. “Cheap and cheerful, this is food cooked by a traditional French chef with a little of the flavour of Paris. I like the escargots de Bourgogne as an entrée, followed by the canard (duck) à l’orange.” 609 Stanley St, Woolloongabba, tel: +61 (7) 3891 2008.
Bayside Seafood
Enjoy a day at Moreton Bay and make up your own seafood lunch from Bayside Seafoods at Wellington Point. “This is one of the few places still selling seafood sourced from Moreton Bay — and prices are reasonable. Start with a kilo of prawns, some freshly shucked oysters and sand or spanner crabs, throw in a tub of seafood sauce and head for the beach.” 360 Main Rd, Wellington Point, tel: +61 (7) 3207 2530.
Cam Ranh
Darra is the Brisbane suburb where you’ll find a wide selection of Vietnamese restaurants. “You can dine at the restaurants in this area for less than AU$15 per person. Be prepared to line up at peak times and expect a fast turnover. I like the rice paper rolls, hot and sour prawn soup, combo hot pots and salads.” Look for restaurants such as Cam Ranh around the Darra Railway Station. 23 Railway Pde, Darra, tel: +61 (7) 3375 4348. For all your travel choices, visit Jetstar.com 68
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