September holds a special place in my heart here in Brisbane. It’s the month when we all awaken from our winter slumber, although it’s hard to call it that with our sun-drenched winters. September brings with it footy finals, warm beach days, and, of course, the annual Brisbane Festival, which breathes life into the city with its vibrant events, installations, and an undeniable creative pulse.
Brisbane Quarter is set to burst into full bloom, hosting a splendid celebration of art, culture, and, naturally, a curated festival menu to match the festivities.
Throughout the entire month of September, Podium 1 undergoes a mesmerising transformation, all thanks to the globally renowned artist, Hiromi Tango. Her enchanting creation of golden-hued peony blossoms sets the stage for an utterly captivating experience.
Watch my video as I capture the moment I step into Brisbane Quarter and find myself indulging in cocktails and dishes meticulously crafted to enhance the festival experience.
First, Persone’s “Taste of Spring” cocktail is a fusion of vodka, tropical and citrus juices, and passionfruit pulp, resulting in a light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced concoction. Sipping this cocktail while taking in the Brisbane River views is nothing short of delightful.
Then, there’s the “Citrus Smile” at Living Room Bar, W Brisbane, crowned with a rainbow edible peony. Mandarin gin, lemon juice, egg white, vanilla syrup, and sumac are shaken to perfection in this expertly crafted creation.
And for those on a cocktail tour, why not try them all? Brisbane Phoenix offers a festival celebration with both a cocktail and dish pairing. The “Drink of Flower” and “Food of Flower” infuse a floral twist into a classic G&T, complemented by crispy Chinese donuts stuffed with prawns, perfect for dipping into their house-made spicy sauces. It’s a duo you simply can’t miss.
Finally, there’s Tenya, where a fun and colourful, rainbow-hued, coconut-flavoured rum cocktail awaits. It’s delightfully fresh, slightly sweet, and exudes a hint of retro charm, making it right on trend.
So, be sure to mark Brisbane Quarter on your Brisbane Festival calendar as it transforms into a vibrant theatre, celebrating all aspects of creativity and the culinary arts!