James St’s Open-Air Market Returns This July With Yuzu Slushies, Sprinkle Lamingtons And Bug Rolls

 

Top-notch dining is synonymous with James St all year long, but no day is quite as delicious as the much-loved James St Food + Wine Trail.

Returning on Sunday 26 July, the precinct will transform into an open-air market with 35+ market stalls from James St’s resident venues who often double as some of the hottest bookings in town. During the Trail however, you can feast on their cult-fave dishes and exclusive menu items within a lively atmosphere that makes this one of the best street parties in the Brisbane social calendar. 

Image credit: James Street Food + Wine Trail | Taylor Kezia Photography

So, what’s cooking? Hellenika’s chargrilled octopus and lamb on the spit is sure to sell-out for another year. ESSA’s always-popular Jerusalem artichoke skewer with peanut miso will return, as well as Jocelyn’s Provisions’ famous 100’s & 1000’s lamington. SK Steak & Oyster will be plating up their coveted strawberry cake, the Lobby Bar has Moreton Bay bug rolls with finger lime mayo, and Sushi Room will be mixing yuzu slushies that pair like a dream with their spicy tuna crispy rice. LOS Bar is also making its debut with a dedicated dessert stall and mango jalapeno cocktails, while Gelato Messina’s limited-edition dessert of the day will be the S’more Please: milk chocolate gelato with brownie cheesecake swirl, a graham cracker crumb base and dark chocolate fudge with a toasted vanilla marshmallow on top.

In between bites, swing by the Live Chef Stage which will be making its return at the heart of the event with legends from the James St Culinary community showcasing their craft. Master fishmonger and sashimi specialist Mitsu Sakurai will be repping Sushi Room with a whole tuna carving, before Anyday Co-Owner and Culinary Director Ben Williamson, ESSA Owner and Executive Chef Phil Marchant, and Hellenika Head Chef Bryan Kelly take the stage. Each demonstration will begin on the hour, every hour from 11am with a second whole tuna carving to wrap up. 

Image credit: James Street Food + Wine Trail | Taylor Kezia Photography

If you have the little ones in tow, book a spot at Kids Cake Haus: a collab between The Australian Women’s Weekly and Jocelyn’s Provisions based around the iconic Children’s Birthday Cake Book. There will be hands-on guided cupcake decorating sessions, with participants receiving ingredients to make and decorate a cupcake at home as well as a copy of the book. Tickets are $20 per person with limited availability so grab yours before they’re gone here. Alternatively, you can swing by the free drop-in colouring sessions and face painting with no registration required.

For those who prefer dining with the whole she-bang, there will also be in-venue specials and exclusive Trail experiences. Think a French-inspired degustation with paired wines at Harveys, a seven-dish express lunch at Hellenika, and wine tastings at Cru. 

Image credit: James Street Food + Wine Trail | Taylor Kezia Photography

You can check out the full program here.

The Details

Where: James Street, Fortitude Valley
When: 10am to 4pm Sunday 26 July
Find out more here.

For more of what’s on in Brisbane, head here.