I’ve never been one for big birthday celebrations. So, it's no surprise that this milestone quietly passed amidst the demands of my day job and daily life. Nevertheless, I wanted to take a moment to gather my thoughts and reflect on the past year. In the 12 short months since starting this project, there have been countless pivots, significant investments of both time and money, and even more lessons learned. I'll dive deeper into these points in a follow up post. For now, here is a brief snapshot of the last couple of months.

Collection of stacked ceramic plates in black, white and neutral tones on metal shelving.

DINE

Multiple dishes featuring pastries and appetizers arranged on black plates against dark background.
Tattooed hands using liquid nitrogen to create a culinary dish with orange powder.
Chef preparing a plated dessert with red berries and various ingredients on a stainless steel counter.
Elegant plated dessert with smoke effect on a white scalloped dish.
Artisanal dessert topped with speckled cream dollops on a rustic ceramic plate.
Two elegant dessert slices topped with whipped cream and macarons on a white plate.
Tattooed hands plating a fine dining dish with red meat and microgreens on a white ceramic plate.
Close-up of red meat skewer with green garnish and brown sauce dots on white surface.
Elegantly plated red meat appetizers with garnish on white plates against a dark background.
Overhead view of steaming white rice in a dark bowl against black background.
A sophisticated dining scene with a white wine glass and fresh oyster on a decorative blue plate.
Scallop dish served in shell with cream sauce and garnish on blue patterned plate.
Crispy topped fish dish served on a dark plate with lemon wedge and garnish.
Close-up of golden latticed pastry strips with herbs and seasonings.
Roasted brussels sprouts with shaved parmesan cheese on dark ceramic plate.
Grilled peach dish with radicchio, sauce drizzle, and fresh herbs on white plate.
Elegant plated dish served with white wine in stemware on dark table.
Tuna tartare with garnish served on crispy rice paper against dark background.
Layered dessert with white cream and red topping garnished with lace cookie and mint.
Close-up of delicate lace cookie and mint garnish on layered dessert.
Top view of breakfast setup with various pastries and coffee on beige round table.
Espresso machine brewing fresh coffee into a white ceramic cup on metal grate.
Barista pouring steamed milk into coffee cup creating latte art pattern.
Artisanal toast topped with mashed avocado, cheese and a drizzle of Alma Liu's sauce on a white plate.
Hands holding fresh produce including a ripe orange tomato, dark purple tomato, and halved avocado against black background.
Illuminated bar shelf displaying a vast collection of liquor bottles and spirits in warm ambient lighting.

DRINK

Hand spraying garnish over whiskey glass next to dark bottle in dramatic lighting.
A classic whiskey cocktail with ice cube sits dramatically lit against a dark background.
A bartender pours a dark liquid into a frosted glass on a wooden bar top.
A mixologist stirs a cocktail with a long bar spoon in a tall glass filled with ice.
A bartender in denim pours a white liquid in a dramatic stream at a wooden bar counter.
A frosty white cocktail garnished with a lime wheel sits on a metal draining mat.
Bartender pouring orange liquid into mixing glass at bar.
Bartender spraying mist over orange cocktail on golden bar top.
Amber colored cocktail with ice cube in lowball glass on wooden table.
Cream colored cocktail in ceramic cup garnished with mint leaves.
Barista examining espresso drink through magnifying glass in cocktail glass.
Bartender adding cream topping to an espresso cocktail in stemmed glass.
A black bottle of Mr Black liqueur next to an espresso martini on a marble counter.
Elegant cocktail glass with Mr Black coffee liqueur bottle on dark bar counter.
Overhead view of frothy coffee drink with cocoa powder dusting on top.
An open menu or book on a wooden bar counter with wine glasses in the background.
A layered cocktail with foam top garnished with rosemary served in a tall glass against an orange background.
Hands preparing a cocktail on a wooden bar surface with strainer and mixing glass.
Bartender pouring bitters into a silver cocktail shaker on a wooden bar counter.
A layered coffee drink with whipped cream served in a glass on a wooden table corner.
Extensive collection of liquor bottles illuminated on shelves behind dark wooden bar counter.
Bartender pouring a cocktail with precise technique using professional bar tools.
A glowing amber cocktail in a ribbed glass sits on a wooden bar rail with brass foot rail.
Cocktail being poured into decorative tiki mug at dimly lit bar.
White ceramic tiki statue displayed against warm backlit bar shelving.
A 'Drinking Australia' menu or document displayed on a wooden table with bottles and glassware in the background.

Enjoy

Dimly lit bar entrance with people gathering in casual attire.
Crowded bar scene with pendant lights and tropical decor showing customers and staff interacting.
Assorted craft cocktails displayed on a wooden surface featuring different garnishes and glassware.
Black and white photo of a busy bar with patrons and bartenders mixing drinks in a dimly lit space.
Group of bar staff posing together in black and white photo.
Bottle of Cocchi aperitif wine displayed on wooden bar surface.
Server in blazer carrying crystal glasses on serving tray in dark venue.
Two people in formal wear checking mobile device against brick wall near wine display.
Close-up shot of hands pouring amber liquor into a glass against dark background.
Hands pouring spirits into glassware with tattoos visible in moody lighting.
Close up detail of a pink suit jacket with green polka dot tie and red flower lapel pin.
Bartender in pink blazer and red boutonniere mixing drinks at wooden bar counter.
A disco ball style mosaic object next to a menu on a dark table.
Empty champagne flutes arranged on bar mat with black branded coasters displaying interlocking circles.
Artistic portrait with orange lighting effects and dramatic shadows.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has trusted me to bring their vision, menu, and story to life. It is true pleasure for me and I am continually grateful to work with the people who are shaping Brisbane's dynamic dining and drinking scene.