HOT OPENINGS

Surf’s up

The chefs (and surfers, pictured) behind THREE BLUE DUCKS will open their fifth restaurant – and first in Melbourne – at URBNSURF Melbourne, Australia’s first surf park, and the first of its kind in the world, located minutes from Tullamarine Airport.Three Blue Ducks’ fresh, honest food and focus on sustainable and ethically farmed ingredients will perfectly complement the venue; the restaurant will boast inside/outside dining and be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. threeblueducks.com

Za za zing

Brisbane’s FortitudeValley has welcomed ZA ZA TA, a Middle Easterninspired bar and kitchen, located at The Emporium precinct, part of Ovolo hotel. Utilising the zingy spice blend za’atar, the menu, by Israeli-born executive chef Roy Ner (ex Nour) and head chef Dario Manca (ex Attica), will showcase dishes from across the region, while the 200-seat venue’s design is inspired by Victorianera conservatories. ovolohotels.com.au

All-star cast

With award-winning chef Stephen Nairn overseeing the kitchen cast, which includes sous chef Sam Homan (Iki-Jime) and pastry chef John Demetrios (formerly of Vue de monde), OMNIA in South Yarra blends classic European bistro fare with a relaxed Aussie energy.The menu includes the likes of steak tartare with smoked egg yolk and pommes gaufrettes, stuffed quail or a pine mushroom tartlet, followed by a Valrhona chocolate mousse for dessert. omniabistro.com.au

Gold class

Dining precincts are all the rage and now the Gold Coast has its own with the opening of a new multi-venue space under the Avani tower in Broadbeach.The new dining spot will include an outlet of the ever-popular Noosa bar/restaurant brand MISS MONEYPENNY’S, as well as American-style sports bar FAT FREDDY’S BEACH BAR & DINER and a private dining space,The Rimini Room.