The announcement comes after Rick Shores sent (now ex) Head Chef Jake Pregnell to regional China to study and expand his knowledge of his favourite cuisine. The new restaurant takes its name from the historic Happy Valley Racecourse and surrounding precinct in Hong Kong. It is also a nod to the informally named Happy Valley Building, which previously housed the Chinese Club, just metres from the venue’s Warner Street home.
Happy Valley aims to become a melting pot of culture and influences. It will echo what Hong Kong is to greater Asia, and what Fortitude Valley represents to Brisbane, carrying on the rich Chinese cultural heritage of the Fortitude Valley area.
The restaurant will feature new takes on traditional dishes from many of the great and varied regional cuisines of China. From Guangdong to Shandong, Hunan to Yunnan, influences are drawn from all over, however the focus will be dishes that suit the South East Queensland lifestyle.
The restaurant will feature a Trans-Tasman focused wine and wspirit list and cocktails will feature local produce and far flung flavours from regional China.
Alongside the 70 seater dining hall there is an extensive open aired bar and píji (beer) garden and a private dining/function space. A laneway with a creative lighting installation adjoins.
With a late night license, Happy Valley will aim to add a new dimension to the already vibrant nightlife culture of Fortitude Valley.
Readers may also be interested in this story about Rick Shores.
