For those of you in Brisbane this blog on Cloudland is a little late as most of you have wandered through the doors and into the perfectly detailed club on many occasions. For those from out of town however, this post may be of service if you’re in town for the weekend and want a place where you can sit and drink in crazy decadence whilst grazing on a light meal that won’t make you feel greasy and gross or make you want to power chuck at the end of the night once you’ve had a few too many drinks and too many pizza slices.

 
Cloudland makes me happy as they serve Rockfords Alicante by the bottle – and they don’t even try to mark it up too much like some restaurants (even some audacious ones down South where everyone knows the real price)!

The Butterfly Garden tasting menu has a fabulous selection of starters ranging from Bruschetta, Oysters, pan seared Chorizo, Piri Piri Prawns, roasted Kiplfer potatoes, salads as well as Arancini balls and olives. The starters range from $8-$18.00 with oysters  being $36 for a dozen.

Cloudland also has a small mains menu that is quite reasonably priced. I had one sit down meal here about one year ago and was a little put off by two people at our table receiving two completely different sizes of fish for the same meal… we left wishing there was as much detail in the food side of the business as there was in the walls. That was a one off some time ago however, so for now all I will say is – go there for pre drinks and a small bite to eat, it is worth it. Cloudland isn’t over priced like you may assume it to be and you probably won’t have to wait in line to sit down and get a bite to eat before you get your drinking on.

Where?

Cloudland

http://www.cloudland.tv/

641 Ann Street  Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Harajuku Gyoza is quite literally crazy happy town! We visited on opening night and the place was rocking –  with people even lining up outside wanting to be a part of the action.  The crazy happy bandanna wearing waitresses were always on the run – yelling out a greeting for everyone that entered and then yelling even louder when an order of Sake was made. If you’re not up for a noisy, fun time then this place is not for you however, if you have had a rough day at work then Harajuku Gyoza will transform your day and make you walk away smiling - not just because of the infectious happiness but also because the meal was so damn cheap.

We tried all the grilled gyoza on the menu except the Veg one, shared perfect bite sized Chicken Karage and a few beers and we spent just over $60.

All serves of gyoza are $8.00 for 5 pieces and you can choose between poached or grilled.

Chicken Karage $8.00

Kirin $8.00

Harajuku Gyoza is a refreshing change from sushi bars or even dining with too many options! People who just want a casual meal of  gyoza and beer now have a awesome new hang out and it is such a simple but fabulous concept it’s almost surprising it has not been mastered until now.

Where?

394 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

http://www.harajukugyoza.com/