I found 33 Squares in the back blocks of Newstead yesterday, yet another cool little cafe discovered in downtown BrisVegas. Taking up 33 squares of the Limestore foyer, I also loved the large artwork that celebrates the buildimg's original usage (tanning hides that were shipped to Italy to be made into shoes and accessories). 33 Squares / Limstore, 33 Longland Street Newstead Brisbane.
Limestore’s square
Go straight to the Source
Jerome Battern and Louis Joseph have added to Brisbane's gourmet grocery landscape with their laid-back look and range of 'love-it' produce. Seasonal and local is supplemented by staples from a little further afield if a local producer can't be found. Reclaimed boards in a pastel palette and potted plants soften the entry to a warehouse shell that is tucked into a side street in Teneriffe. Talented baker, Terry Wilson's Levain breads, Bangalow Pork, Eumundi Smokehouse Meats, Mirrool Creek Lamb, Murrumbooee Sauces & Preserves from the Gold Coast hinterland, Farmer Jo muesli, Yatta Pasta, a chilled cheese room full of fab finds and fresh produce at competitive prices makes this a destination for fresh food with flavour. You can also kick back with a coffee, stop by for brekkie or lob in for lunch. It looked like the locals were loving it when I popped in yesterday. If you live in Brissy, and haven't been, then I'd suggest you go straight to the source. Sourced Grocer, 11 Florence Street Tennerife, Brisbane. Oh and BTW the gorgeous graphics were done by friends and local lads, Dave and Tom, at one iota (think I need to pop in and meet them too - love their work).
Take a trip to Woolies – it’s worth it!
BFF has been "complaining" that I haven't been blogging for the past few weeks ... with family in Brisbane I have been totally distracted by the devastating floods. Today I popped into Woolworths to make my donation. Woolies is supporting The Salvation Army Flood Appeal, which will provide direct aid to flood affected communities and will match, dollar for dollar, donations made at any Woolworths supermarket, BIG W or Dick Smith store until next Thursday, 20 January. Today my donation effectively doubled (I like that). My other BFF and her family (hubby, 3 kids, dog, nanna, 2 brothers) live in Charlton, Victoria - they are submerged, stranded and in shock. Dig deep POD bods.
Unlikely find
Brisbane's cafe scene continues to channel the cool factor. A couple of lads with a passion for coffee and fixie bikes found a hole-in-the-wall garage space in Milton that once served as a bomb shelter (we're talking WW2 here). Convinced it would be the perfect location for a coffee machine and caffeine hit, after a lot of 'red tape', Bunker arrived back in August. Serving a Fair Trade organic blend from local roaster, Blackstar, I can't wait to get back to Brissy for the festive season and see what else is worth a snoop on the bean scene. Pics via Studio Sixty. Bunker, 21 Railway Terrace, Milton, Brisbane.
Saucy & stylish
I spotted a small exhibition of jewelry from the Pacific Islands at Brissy's Museum of Modern Art on my way out from the Valentino retrospective. Who would have thought those little soy sauce bottles that come with your sushi could look so good?
You’re so vein
Hands up who knew competitively priced handmade shoes were available in this country? (nothing short of a miracle!) If you're looking for a limited edition boot or ballet flat, or a bespoke little number made to fit your cinderella sized foot, then visit Vein. I discovered their groov-ay looking little store, fitted out with found objects and reclaimed materials, at 117 Adelaide St Brisbane. The very personable Adam Grant is the shoe guru standing by the counter. Aside from fitting, he can arrange for your shoes to be fixed or measure you for a custom made pair. That feels like customer service to me. As my 5yr old niece says about chocolate .. I like it.
Beatles inspired beans
I'm blogging from Brisbane this morning. Now this is a town that has definitely lifted its game in the coffee stakes over the past few years. Lots of indie roasters and cool little places are popping up all over the place. I had a damn fine flat white (a Genovese blend) to kick start the day at the retro feel Desmond & Molly Jones. Find them at 615 Stanley St Woolloongabba.
