A Taste of Italy in Brisbane: Establishment 203

So, guess what? There’s a new Italian steakhouse coming to Fortitude Valley, and it’s got everyone talking. It’s called Establishment 203, and it’s not just any old steak joint. This place is the brainchild of Stanbroke, a family-run beef producer from Queensland, and it’s set to open its doors on November 28. But what’s got everyone really excited is the man behind the menu – none other than Ben O’Donoghue, the guy from Surfing the Menu. Yep, he’s the executive chef here, and he’s bringing his A-game to the table.

Now, you might be thinking, “Do we really need another steak restaurant in Brisbane?” I mean, we’ve already got some pretty swanky places like SK Steak & Oyster, The Lex, Rothwell’s Bar & Grill, Walter’s, The Norman Hotel, and Breakfast Creek Hotel. But here’s the thing – Establishment 203 is not your average steakhouse. It’s got the whole farm-to-table thing going on, thanks to its partnership with Stanbroke. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into a juicy steak that’s been raised and served by the same folks?

When it comes to the menu, they’re not messing around. You’ve got 11 cuts of steak to choose from, including some serious heavyweights like a 1.1-kilogram dry-aged tomahawk and a 1.2-kilo bistecca alla fiorentina. And if you’re not into the whole bone-in situation, there’s Angus rib eye, Wagyu flat iron, and pure Wagyu sirloin to satisfy your carnivorous cravings.

But wait, there’s more! The menu also features some mouth-watering entrees like ‘nduja-stuffed olives and marinated woodfired peppers with anchovy alla piemontese. And if pasta is your jam, they’ve got you covered with dishes like Wagyu-sirloin bolognaise with tonnarelli, pici al pomodoro, and spaghetti alle vongole. And let’s not forget about the main courses – from rib-fillet cotoletta to quail saltimbocca with grilled radicchio, and grilled lobster with lemon and garlic butter. I don’t know about you, but my stomach is already growling.

Now, let’s talk about the kitchen. It’s not your average kitchen, that’s for sure. They’ve got a Mibrasa parilla grill from Spain and a fancy-schmancy induction cooking suite all the way from Germany. I mean, they literally built the whole kitchen and restaurant around it. That’s some serious dedication to good food, if you ask me.

And what’s a good meal without some good drinks, right? The wine list is all about Italy, but they’ve also got plenty of Aussie drops to choose from. And if cocktails are more your thing, they’ve got classic ones with a modern twist – like the Pink Americano, Truffle Negroni, and Caprese Martini. Oh, and there’s a unique take on a Bloody Mary called the Bloody Bull, featuring vodka, beef stock, tomato ragu, Tabasco, spices, and a celery cracker. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

Last but not least, let’s talk about the vibe. The interior is the work of Tamsin Johnson, the design guru behind some seriously cool spaces. Think patterned floors, luxe strawberry booth seating, and bright flower arrangements. It’s like a burst of colour in the heart of Fortitude Valley.

So, mark your calendars because Establishment 203 is opening its doors on November 28. And if you’re already drooling over the thought of sinking your teeth into a juicy steak or sipping on a fancy cocktail, you better make your bookings now. This is one dining experience you don’t want to miss!