Overview
Nearly two decades after it transformed from an unloved patch of Fortitude Valley into the suburb's upmarket precinct, James Street is in makeover mode once again — and it'll soon welcome a Michelin-starred chef to the area.
Chef Alan Wise will return to Australia from New York to open Beaux Rumble, which'll fittingly take its design cues from Grand Central Station. Food-wise, the restaurant will focus on woodfired Australian cuisine — heroing seafood and plant-based dishes — when it opens in Ada Lane beside the newly opened The Calile Hotel this November.
An all-day eatery, Beaux Rumble will sprawl across 400 square metres over two levels in the newest part of James Street. While Wise is keeping quiet on menu specifics for now, diners can expect a full New York-style brunch from the open kitchen, which'll feature a sizeable custom grill. Also on the agenda are cocktails, dinner and everything in-between.
The Calile Hotel by Sean Fennessy
You'll be able to enjoy all this on a dining terrace overlooking Ada Lane, in a ground-floor main dining room or in one of the two private dining room upstairs. If you're wondering just how Beaux Rumble's various spaces will nod to Grand Central Station, they'll take inspiration from the 1913-built transit hub's Beaux-Arts architecture. Think ornate vaulted metal, marble benches and tiles, brass fittings and oak flooring, as well as archways, domed ceilings and intricate Art Deco touches. Designed by s.t.udio's Sally Taylor, the restaurant's fit-out favours materials that won't just stand the test of time, but will also age appropriately.
As for the Victorian-born Wise, his arrival in Brisbane marks the latest stop in a global career that started in London in the 90s, includes stints in regional Victoria, Vancouver and Dublin, and saw him work through top restaurants such as Picholine, Juni, Public and Rouge Tomate Chelsea. It was during his sting as executive chef at the latter in 2017 that Wise earned his Michelin star.
Beaux Rumble is set to open in Ada Lane, James Street, Fortitude Valley from November. We'll keep you updated with an exact opening date once it is announced.
Top image: Alan Wise