Overview
One of Brisbane's, if not Australia's, most dynamic drinking, dining and shopping precincts, James Street, has welcomed a new family member, Aunty. Taking over the sprawling space at 11 Wandoo Street, which previously housed City Winery and Campos Coffee, the 400-square-metre space can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Aunty is the next venture from Brisbane hospitality stalwart The Tassis Group, marking their 12th venue. "Aunty is elegant, but she's not precious. This is a venue that's polished and considered, but still warm. It's about confidence…knowing exactly who you are and doing it well," says Michael Tassis, founder of Tassis Group.
The menu showcases modern Asian cuisine rooted in traditional techniques. The woodfire grill is at the heart of the kitchen, bringing an intensity and smokiness to dishes such as pressed wagyu skewers, charred lamb ribs, char siu pork neck an fermented chilli chicken. "The grill gives the food a sense of gravitas. It's not showy. It's purposeful," says Tassis.
The generous menu lends itself to sharing amongst the table. Signature dishes include a whole chilli mud crab, cooked to order and served live from the tank, and duck served two ways with spiced fig jus. There are also plenty of fresh and light entrees, including Sichuan cucumber salad and raw kingfish with charred citrus soy, as well as a range of moreish dim sum, such as chicken xiao long bao, Moreton Bay Bug siu mai, and cauliflower and mushroom spring rolls.
Aunty is keeping everyone happy with a special lunch menu priced at $24 and a daily happy hour from 3 to 5pm, featuring $8 wines, $12 spritzes, and $12 lobster rolls. If you're settling in for the evening, make your way through the extensive wine list, featuring approximately 250 labels, carefully curated to complement the menu's flavours.
Images: Markus Ravik.
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