Alfred & Constance - Part I

So the hotly anticipated opening of Alfred and Constance (Limes' Damien Griffith's new baby so to speak) has finally arrived. I've been on the case of this venture from the beginning part of this year, and it's been a long wait. I must say I was starting to grow impatient over the very long drawn out process of the opening being pushed back. Seeing it fleshed out though totally cancels out any of that because it's just so damn amazing. Even far too amazing for anything my mind could precipitate.

There isn't a desire that couldn't be satisfied in this multi levelled and faceted venue. Pretty much every corner you turn you are being visually engulfed by some pretty hardcore design work by Alexander Lotersztain. I was told he actually spent a year and a half scouring ebay for all the hundreds upon hundreds of trinkets and treasures to adorn a gem like Alfred and Constance. It also most certainly shines like one of the brightest jewels to grace the Brisbane streets, especially with it's magnificent and well thought out lighting plans. 

It was just so much to take in that another trip is surely on the cards to discover more about this wonderland. I mused that it was much like listening to a complex musical piece. You could listen to it a hundred times over and still pick up something new that you hadn't first noticed. I really can't gush any more about this place so I'll stop with the dribble and let the photos speak for themselves. 

And seeing as this was such a mammoth opening I will be following this post up with part II about the equally as impressive menu.

 

White Lightning Tiki Pop up at Limes Hotel

A couple of Saturdays ago I was at Limes Hotel, checking out the Alfred & Constance pop up for their new Tiki bar 'White Lightning'. I got a chance to talk to Richard Boccato, who had been overseeing the cocktail menu and staff training for the new bar.

As soon as I spoke to Richard I could hear his Brooklyn accent. Despite the fact he is somewhat of authority on tiki cocktails, with two successful New York bars (Dutch Kills and PKNY) under his belt. he's a pretty down to earth kind of guy. Before Brooklyn kind of became a bit like Portland, he told me it was a really uncool place to live. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he still lives in one of the 'uncool' neighbourhoods there - and that's the way he likes it.

I've heard some say tiki  is incredibly tacky, but I think it's the tackiness of tiki that's the draw card for many enthusiasts. Like Richard said it's light hearted and it's fun. It's just something that you don't have to take to seriously. I know there are some niche groups like the rockabilly community, who would really love this place and appreciate how well thought out and planned this is. Plus this is pretty much the only O.G. tiki bar you are going to find in Brisbane.

Originally tiki cocktails were known for being huge sugar bombs. However Richard has worked super hard to get a balance between the original and also being lighter on the sugary side. These recipes see the sugar reduced so you can appreciate the distinct flavours rather than be over powered by only sweetness.

 All the juices and flavours added in with the alcohol in these cocktails are natural and have been made on site. I usually have a huge problem with sugar being hypoglycaemic and normally  get this weird taste in my mouth after eating sugary things. This was not something I at all noticed with the cocktails I drank that night.

That weekend they showcased 3 cocktails as a preview to White Lightning.

The Pina Colada was not like others I had in the past. I didn't feel over powered by sugar when I had my first sip. In fact I could really taste the non offensive natural pineapple juice against the alcohol in the cocktail.

From what I gathered from those around me the Missionary Downfall was a big favourite of the night. Made with lots of fresh mint it had a really light refreshing flavour without being too strong on the mint side.

My favourite however was the Blue Hawaii. It was a little sweeter than the others but I just liked it for the fact it looked so cute. It literally looked like a little blue Hawaiian ocean in a cup.

As far as previews go I was pretty impressed. Definitely looking forward to the opening of this place later this week.

http://www.alfredandconstance.com.au/