The Catbird Seat Bistro

THE CATBIRD SEAT BISTRO HAS CLOSED IN 2018 AND BEEN REPLACED BY KIMCHI CHEESE SMILE.

Sitting pretty on Stanley Street, The Catbird Seat Bistro brings a touch of Paris to the border of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba.

The casual, chic decor echoes a French cafe with striped awning, bentwood chairs and chalkboard menu; while the fare is modern Australian with a European and Scandinavian twist; created by owner/chef James Guldberg.

The perfect place for brunch, the bistro's impressive breakfast menu includes honey roasted oats and seeds with rhubarb and vanilla milk, warm crepes with banana caramel and crème fraiche and caramelised baby onion and feta frittatas with dried olives and chimichurri. The highlight though would have to be the breakfast cocktails - bellinis, bloody mary janes and buttered espresso martinis.  Alternatively, patrons can sip champagne, fresh juice, loose leaf tea or locally roasted Cup coffee.

Lunch can be ordered a la carte or off the blackboard with lunch specials such as classic Reuben sandwiches with house made sauerkraut and dill pickles, wagyu minute steak with fries and green goddess dressing or three cheese risotto with salt dried tomatoes and herbs.

Located near the Gabba, punters can drop in after the game for a drink and snacks or charcuterie including house bread with churned green pepper butter, warm marinated olives and share plates of house cured meats, spreads, pickles, condiments and breads.

Entrees range from watercress soup, organic free-range chicken terrine and Cloudy Bay clams; while mains include fish of the day, house gnocchi with roasted pumpkin puree, slow braised goat or roasted duck for two with duck fat potatoes and orange and fennel salad with currant sauce.

If you can still find room, rave desserts include Sunshine Coast strawberries and cream, dark chocolate pudding with winter berries and mascarpone and apple and rhubarb strudel with caramel brandy sauce and crème fraiche. Or choose from a selection of Australian and imported cheeses served with house preserved fruits and assorted breads.

Drink wise, there's an extensive wine list including Australian and imported red, white, sparkling, dessert and fortified wines, boutique bottled beers and spirits including La Fee Parisian absinthe.

Stone & Wood and Fortitude Brewing beer is on tap and cocktails to die for include the Catbird Flip and Raspberry Cheesecake - Limoncello, Chambord, Calvados, raspberries, mascarpone and crushed biscuits.

by Deb Lidster