CR Christmas Pudding[6][1]

Not your traditional Christmas pudding | Cold Rock

There’s less than 10 days until Christmas, and if you haven’t already planned out your festive culinary spread, let’s face it, the next few days are going to be an absolute rat race for you. Take the fuss out of your menu by ordering a not so traditional Christmas Pudding that your family and friends will love.

I will admit, I am not  huge fan of the traditional pudding. For me, it is far too sweet and decadent of our warm Queensland Summer. Never fear, Cold Rock has got our backs! A dessert that will help you cool down after a scorcher of a day. Ideal for Christmas next to the pool.

The best part is that you can choose your own flavours and add in delicious toppings to this marvel! Yes, you read that correctly. Your own custom ice-cream pudding. What more could one ask for? Wait for it….. These babies will only set you back between $25 (small) and $35 (regular). If you ask me, that is a small price to pay for a fuss free Christmas.

CR XMS PUD 2

Written By: Aliyah Ravat

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Brisbane’s Hidden Gems | South Brisbane Precinct

With the chaos of the city on the outskirts, South Brisbane Precinct is a city dwellers perfect escape. Aria Property Group has assisted in created a hub of dining that is unlike any other in the city.

Habitat Restaurant & Bar

Good beats, great food and cocktails that are out of this world, Habitat is your ultimate down town destination. Australian rugby player, Scott Higginnbotham and business partner Malcom Watts have created a venture that has given life to the area. I was lucky enough to sample some of their marvels as pictured below. Their espresso martini’s are some of the best I have ever had.

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Duck & Plum Spring Rolls | Grilled Parmesan Crusted S emolina Gnocchi

Billy Kart Kitchen

If you haven’t already paid Billy Kart a visit, the best way to describe it would be a ‘home away from home’. It is the sister venue to the popular Billy Kart Kitchen in Annerley, showcasing dishes from Celebrity Chef, Ben O’Donoghue. The venue is hard to miss, located under the big, green Botanica wall. Some of my favourite options include the Truffled white bean puree with black olive crumb and the succulent oysters.

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Saccharomyces Beer Cafe 

It’s the bar which I cannot pronounce even when sober. But I will tell you this much, I love the vibe of the place. Hidden away in  Fish Lane, the venue is a treasury one stumbles upon rather than plans to head to. It is a destination where memories are made. So how do you pronounce it? Sac-ar-o-my-sees, or so I am told. How about I just refer to it as that cool bar.

Julius Pizzeria

Not too sure how these guys did it, but however they did it, it worked. Julius is a little taste of Italy. The restaurant is buzzing, the street is packed with laughter and the food…oh the food. It is amazing. It would have to be one of my top 10 date venues. The beginning of something great. What else does one order at a pizzeria? Pizza of course.

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Maker Bar

Officially my favourite destination. If you haven’t already been there, then you probably don’t know about it. This is a gem, a hidden gem. A pop-up lane way bar that will impress! It almost reminded me of the streets of Paris,very mystical.

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xx Aliyah Ravat

 

Brisbane’s best pub grub | The Pineapple Hotel

Location: Kangaroo Point

Meal: Dinner

Price: $7.50 – $36.90

Overall Experience: 10/10

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Let me start off by saying that a 10/10 is not the best way to describe my experience at the Pineapple Hotel; they deserve a 20/10, that is how amazing it was. I would drive past the hotel everyday after work, for over a year and was quite put off by the exterior. I had no idea, that a hidden gem lay within. They have recently undergone renovations, and I must say, the place looks amazing.

Former Alfred & Constance chef Dave Lindsey has now taken over the reins in the kitchen, with a menu that is sure to impress. This is no ordinary pub grub, it is ‘the’ pub grub. A must have to add to your lists.

Here are some of the options we tried out:

Seared Duck Breast with Caramelized Compressed Watermelon, Toasted Hazelnuts & Confit Rillette

I have never heard of duck being paired with watermelon, but I am so glad that the Pineapple Hotel chose to combine the two. An absolute match made in heaven. Also, not a dish that one would usually see on a pub menu, but once again, glad that it was on there. The duck was perfect, and worked a treat with the watermelon. The hazelnuts gave in an element of texture to the dish. And now for the price; this baby was reasonably priced at $30.90.

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250g Eye Fillet (70 Day Grain Fed, Dalby QLD)

Served with a side of chips, salad and Dianne Sauce (my choice), this is the kind of dish that has left me restless all night. It must be love. The Eye Fillet was cooked just the way I like it, medium rare, melted in my mouth. Every bite left me wanting more. In fact, I think I am going to go back for another fairly soon. The quality of meats they used in both dishes were exceptional. Steak options are priced between $29 and $36.90.

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Baileys Charlotte

My favourite part of the menu, desserts. Baileys Charlotte with Baileys Cream Cigar & Maple Walnut Ice Cream. This is a dessert I would expect to find in a fine dining restaurant, not a pub. But I am so glad they have it on the menu. Every bite was pure bliss. The Baileys flavouring was not over powering and worked well with the maple walnut ice cream. Pure, creamy goodness. All desserts are $10, what a bargain.

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Caramel Praline

Caramel Praline with Salted Caramel Ice Cream with Praline Tuile. Once again, every bite was perfect. All the elements on the dish worked well together, without overpowering each other.

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View the menu here

View the dessert menu here 

Nutri Hitt opens new store Geebung

Location: 8/328 Newman Road, Geebung

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 5pm / Friday – Saturday 9am – 12pm

Website: http://nutrihitt.com.au/

Instagram: @nutri.hitt

Facebook: /nutrihitt

Who said sweet treats can’t be healthy? Nutri Hitt cake shop offers a delectable range of raw desserts, including gluten free, vegan and refined sugar free options. They are best described as the healthy alternative to the Cheesecake Shop. The wholesaler has quite an established name across Brisbane, with some of their treats stocked in cafes, including Lorna Jane Nourish Cafe. They have since chosen to open their flagship store in Geebung.

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Lick! Ice Cream to open flagship store in Graceville

Location: Graceville

Everyone’s favorite dessert from the Ekka is finally opening their flagship store in Graceville at the end of the month.

There will be featuring a total of 18 ice-cream and sorbet flavours, including Macadamia Praline, Oreo Cookie and Salted Peanut to name a few.

The family run business has chosen Graceville as their next location as the area is well supported by the community.

For further information or media enquiries, please contact Amelia Oberhardt.

For more information please contact:

Amelia Oberhardt

Liquidity Marketing & Communications

(P): 0405 990 808

(E): amelia.o@liquiditymarketing.com.au

The best brownies you will ever have | I Heart Brownies

Location: My Bakery Lane, Fortitude Valley; Jan Powers Farmers Markets; Merlo Coffee

Price : $4.50

Taste: 10/10

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If you live in Brisbane and love food, you have probably tried out these little gems at least once. If you haven’t, well then you need to. I was first introduced to I Heart Brownies a few years ago at The Jan Powers Farmers Markets. With only 2 flavours on offer at the time, the gluten free option was one I could not pass up.

Since then, the humble brownie has made its’ name around Brisbane and can now be found at the I Heart Brownies new store at Bakery Lane as well as Merlo Coffee. They are now also available in a range of flavours including: Raspberry, Jaffa, Salted Caramel & Turkish Delight to name a few.

So why do we believe that these are the best brownies? Well it is simple really. These delicious treats are crispy on the outside, but soft in the inside; they remain fresh for a long period of time (I know this cos I have taken them inter-state, yes, they are that good); they are simple but full in flavour; and they are probably the only brownie that I can eat a whole box of without feeling sick to my stomach.

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Dairy Free <3

Gluten Free <3

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The best Yiros in town | The Yiros Shop

Location: James St, Fortitude Valley

Meal: Lunch/Dinner

Pricing: $5-$20

Food: 10/10

Service: 10/10

Formerly known as Gyradiko, The Yiros Shop is one of our favourite Greek food places. With all meals under $15, we could not pass up on ordering both a chicken and pork yiros. To add into the mix, we also ordered the fries with feta and seasoning. One word, heaven. Truly a dish of the Greek Gods. The Yiros themselves, were full of flavour and the extra chips really packed a punch.

I must say, this is one of the few meals in Brisbane that would be happy to eat every single day; it is the kind of food I dream off. Thankfully they have now opened up their second store in Cannon Hill.

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Vegetarian Options <3