This American Brisbane institution makes the best chilli buffalo wings in Queensland and what better a night to feast than on US election night 2008. I hoped to attempt their infamous 3rd Degree. Fortunately on this historic night, I was not disappointed.

Wild Chilli Chocolate, obtained a few months ago at the Portside Wharf Coffee and Chocolate Affair. The following is an unveiling in stages.

And to think it took this long for a chocolate and chilli related post…

Yum Yum Peking Duck creates the best Asian food in Brisbane. Within this tiny Darra restaurant is a fantastic array of Hong Kong / Chinese dishes, so ludicrously delicious, it is a crime that this place is still relatively unknown.

Belle Époque, located in the Emporium complex, Fortitude Valley, is a large and often busy bistro-bar-restaurant that excels in feeling French – from the décor, food, wine, to even the menus, it is unmistakable and highly commendable.

Elizabeth St. Arcade, Brisbane CBD’s Chinatown is home to many casual Asian food dispensaries. Kadoya, a snug little Japanese sushi/hot food combo is one such establishment but they do something a little special. They respect chilli… and oh how I love chilli.

A visit to the Off The Wall Diner was a long time coming. Home of the “World’s Hottest Chilli Burger”, this gourmet burger joint located at Wellington Point is an infamous battleground for lovers of searing hot chilli.

United, six of us were hungry for battle but when we arrived we found the enemy’s armoury heavily depleted – enough only for a couple of rounds. As a show of respect we sent forth two of our finest warriors. Little did we know our arrogance would be our undoing.

Little Singapore has finally brought their signature Singaporean and Malaysian dishes to Brisbane’s CBD. Due to the inexplicable lack of half decent Singaporean and Malaysian restaurants in Brisbane (YAHOO is still number 1), this “Little” set of restaurants (there’s even a Little Hong Kong) have become the place to go for those of us starved of food from the motherland. Well… perhaps for some.

Dining by the Brisbane River, a full view of the city lights, Winter by gas heaters on the deck of a Queenslander, a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, excellent service, fantastic food… the River Canteen was an exceptional experience. Hidden at the lesser known end of South Bank near the Goodwill Bridge, follow The Boardwalk and you’ll find yourself there.

Cha Cha Char is a pinnacle of STEAK. This popular and well-loved bar and grill located at Eagle Street Pier can do no wrong. In fact the only wrong done on its premises is when patrons do not order STEAK. I have heard about this practise, it is very distressing.

Global Burgers is a gourmet burger joint opposite the Treasury Hotel on George Street. They talk big, indulging in Global Burger Love and encouraging us to “eat the world”. Indoor tables, bar and pavement seating, modern, clean, but fairly tiny. Hopefully they have an ingenious system for takeaway and navigating the George Street foot traffic.

Piaf is a charming small French bistro at South Bank, easily missed, but totally memorable. An open venue with inside, outside and bench seating, it seems very well patronised and attracted a young crowd. Why? Good food at a great price. $8 entrees, $14-$18 mains, $9 desserts! Yes this is Grey St.

Siana is a swanky Asian themed bar/restaurant near Riparian Plaza situated by the Brisbane River. Frequented by lawyers and business types, this fondly known acronym of an experience is immediately impressive. The venue is spectacular – open flowing inside and outside areas, long warm glowing dining benches, high river views, tall triptychs on tall walls – one is surrounded by sharp and polished style. The service was decent and booking painless. We dined on a Thursday evening so it was comfortably patronised.

$$$: $8.90

The Scene:
I don’t eat out much. Not as much as some, anyway. So when I’m taking a friend out for dinner, for example, I often find myself in the uncomfortable position of having to “recommend” a place with, presumably, some level of assured quality, or at the very least, the draw of some amusing gimmickry.

$$$: $9.00

The Scene:
Last year, a friend of mine from overseas was staying at a house here in Brisbane owned by a Korean and Japanese couple. Seeing this friend on a regular basis meant that I got to know the couple who owned the house quite well.

$$$: $29 for a full rack; $10 for a plate of 20 Buffalo Chicken Wings (2-for-1 Wednesday special)

The Scene:
Birthday boys must love ribs. Not long after my previous excursion to Ribbetts for a friend’s birthday did I find myself tonight at Blue Smoke BBQ for yet another birthday celebration.

$$$: $13.90 (+ $5.50 for Small Coconut Rice)

The Scene:
There are few things in this world that have the incredible power of making food taste better than it ordinarily would without actually being part of the recipe. One is good company. Another, and this is my personal favourite, is eating on the company dime.

The Gospel must spread…

It’s quite simple. You queue for 15 to 30 minutes with other devotees for the right to gorge on their delectable treats. While you wait they offer you brief moments of soft, warm pleasure. By the time the experience is over, you have consumed two days worth of fat and in-hand another dozen days of sugary bliss.

$$$: $22.00

The Scene:
40 seats. 38 Asians. 1 birthday boy. All-you-can-eat.

$$$: $8.80

The Scene:
Last night a number of us gathered at Top “Sssop” Noodle for dinner to welcome home our prodigal daughter Maggie, one of the increasing number of friends we have lost to the bright lights and (apparently) crime-riddled streets of London.

There is steak, and then there is STEAK. E’cco Bistro’s variety is something else. Sure the servings are smaller and it’s more expensive but it’s reflected in the taste, the texture, the smell, but there’s more to it than that. For love exceeds just the product… true love is an experience. * cue romantic dramatic music *