FESTITALIA
Evviva! Mark Sunday September 20 in your calendars, amici – FESTITALIA is making its anticipated return to the RNA Showgrounds. The event will transform the precinct into a vibrant Italian piazza for a day of authentic food, music, culture and family fun, with a host of new and returning experiences on the cards for 2026. Festivalgoers can enjoy opera performances, tarantella dancing, pizza acrobatics from world-renowned Youssef Ben Touati, roaming entertainers, live bands and DJs, plus a feast of regional Italian cuisine including handmade pasta, woodfired pizza, gelato and more than 10,000 cannoli. New additions for 2026 include ancient Roman cooking classes with pastry chef Andreas Lachman from Mare Nostrvm and mozzarella-making demonstrations with Alessandro Motta. Family-friendly attractions such as Nonna’s Slipper Throw, Roman military displays, fencing experiences, Italian games and vintage vehicle displays round out a lively celebration of all things Italy – tickets are available now via the FESTITALIA website.
JIAN CHA
Any boba addict will tell you that Brisbane’s tea scene is a hotly contested space, with numerous names jostling for pole position on our hit lists. A new entrant is throwing its hat in the ring, with JIAN CHA making an entry into the local market with its first Brisbane store opening at 187 George Street in early August. Boasting two locations in Melbourne, JIAN CHA is heading north with the promise of a premium Thai tea offering encompassing milk teas, fresh teas, yan hong black teas, fruit teas and slushies. Signature drinks like jasmine salted butter milk tea, jasmine milk tea with taro boba and grape tea slushie with cream cheese will be available. Keep your eyes peeled for more.
A Poisoned Court is taking place on Saturday August 1 at The Lex | Credit: Markus Ravik
A Poisoned Court at W Brisbane
Last month, W Brisbane was announced as the official hotel partner of Queensland Ballet. This long-term collaboration will see the two institutions blend hospitality and performance via a series of immersive guest experiences, commencing with A Poisoned Court on Saturday August 1 at The Lex. This 18+ theatrical dining experience is inspired by Queensland Ballet’s acclaimed production of Hamlet. Executive chef John Kennedy will be plating up a six-course tasting menu showcasing premium Australian produce, with dishes including Albany rock oyster with champagne and caviar mignonette, smoked venison, torched scallops, coral trout and bloodline wagyu, before concluding with a dramatic ‘poisoned apple’ dessert infused with cinnamon and Earl Grey. Each course is paired with Mora Wines and inspired by the play’s themes, while an exclusive pas de deux between Hamlet and Ophelia and behind-the-scenes insights from Queensland Ballet’s creative team will bring Shakespeare’s tragedy to life through an evening of gothic-inspired fine dining. Click here to secure your seats before they are all gone.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is opening in Sandgate this weekend | Credit: render supplied
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
In case you forgot, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is opening its very first Australian location in Sandgate this Saturday July 25. Pairing casual American comfort food with a distinctly Australian twist, the restaurant – located on Rainbow Street near Sandgate Memorial Park – will be souring all of its seafood from Queensland waters, serving up local prawns, bugs and barramundi across dishes like jambalaya, shrimp boils and more. Reservations are now open – tap here to secure a seat.
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Dining and Cooking