It’s hard not to talk about Brisbane without mentioning the development of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Among the slew of new restaurants and hotels in the capital city to open recently, the new riverside drinking and dining development is one of the most impressive and anticipated additions to Brisbane in years. And with each new announcement, those from Sydney and Melbourne are left asking why something similar hasn’t been done south of the border.

The latest is ARC Dining and Wine Bar, the Anna Spiro-designed drinking den set to open across December and early 2019. Not only is this 140-seat space set to be styled by one of Brisbane’s most beloved interior designers, but manning the kitchen will be Saint Peter’s Alanna Sapwell in the position of head chef.

Brisbane native Sapwell will be returning to the city with her penchant for local ingredients and sustainable cooking in tow. “We’ll be getting in whole carcasses, selecting the cuts that I want to use in the restaurant and then utilising what’s left to make small plates and charcuterie in-house for the wine bar,” she explains.

“We will be supporting pasture-raised, and chemical, hormone and additive-free produce. We’ll be using animals that have served one or two purposes already in their life like mutton and hogget. And trialling dry ageing with local beeswax. The process breaks down the proteins and leaving a cleaner yet more distinct flavour.”

‘Unusual but approachable’ has been used to describe Sapwell’s expected dishes. Think along the lines of creative charcuterie plates, including goose rillette served with sour cherry, and a kangaroo and candied melon. A wine list of more than 500 drops curated by sommelier Ian Trinkle will accompany, focussing on light, European-style wine and artisanal producers.

“We’re really excited to have Alanna on board as Head Chef of ARC,” says  Howard Smith Wharves Director Adam Flaskas of the latest addition to the precinct. “To have one of the hottest chefs in Australia as part of our amazing culinary team is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what Alanna achieves in this new role.”

ARC Dining and Wine Bar is set to open in two parts; the 140-seat wine bar will land on December 17 (allowing a few Christmas drinks to be had) while the 100-seat ARC Dining will launch in February of next year.

ARC Dining and Wine Bar
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane
howardsmithwharves.com