Already the mercury’s been rising and the winds of winter are running out of bite. Soon it’ll be magpie season and then we’ll be plunged back into the relentless furnace of sub-tropical summer. While there are certainly some perks to the warmer months (outdoor dining, poolside cocktails, eating ice cream without developing hypothermia) August is your last chance to jump headlong into winter’s carb-loading extravaganza.
It’s now or next year, and I’m sure as hell not living out the next 10 months without a big ole bowl of ragu to keep me going. There’ll be plenty of time for sit-ups in spring, winter is for indulging. Here are all the decadent dishes you’ve got to try before winter ends:
- A three-cheese mushroom and truffle toastie from Reverends Fine Coffee.
- Slow-roasted lamb shoulder at Public (with a slew of sides, naturally).
- Thursday night lasagne from Jessie's Girl.
- Slow-cooked brisket quesadilla from Spring Hill Deli.
- Beccofino’s pappardelle with duck and tomato ragu.
- Baked beans from King Arthur, made from scratch and served on house cornbread with smoked mozzarella, pecorino and pickled jalapeño.
- The crazy decadent Texas Tray from Special Rub, with brisket, short rib, pulled pork, fried chicken, cornbread and your choice of four sides.
- Slow-braised Toowoomba beef cheek, kumara, cavalo nero, red wine glaze and confit garlic from Pearl Café.
- A big ole bowl of award-winning ramen from Taro's Ramen.
- 1889 enoteca's mushroom and truffle pecorino risotto.
- Roast porchetta from Short Order with sage and sourdough stuffing.
- Hong Kong-style wonton soup from Little Valley.
- A table-bending curry feast from Morningside's Curryville.
- Warm fudge brownie with matcha sponge, hazelnut soil and raspberry ice cream at Drum Dining.
- The traditional cassoulet from Boucher Bistro.
- Spaghetti carbonara from Salt Meats Cheese, with guanciale, egg, pecorino and black pepper.
- Slow-cooked bolognese gnocchi from Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers.
- Twice-baked spinach and basil souffle from Wild Canary, with Persian feta, heritage tomatoes and leafy greens.
- Jocelyn's braised lamb pie, made with the flakiest, most buttery pastry.
- Atticus Finch's mixed grain porridge with poached pear, berry compote and honey-sweetened yoghurt.
- A porterhouse with fixings from Walter's Steakhouse, and a couple of their pierogi: fried dumplings with cheese and potato served with brown butter.
- Rogue Bistro’s sticky date doughnuts with salted butterscotch, wattleseed, figs, and macadamia gelato.
- A bowl of phō from Tan Thanh in Inala.
- Penny Coffee Co's masterstock braised pork belly with miso pumpkin, fresh cucumber salad, chilli caramel, broccolini, peanuts, and crackling.
- The spaghetti and meatballs with olives and capers from Luigi's Italian.
For even more seasonal goodness, check out Brisbane's best restaurants on The Directory.
Public | Image credit: Yaseera Moosa