Tassis Group to open modern Asian restaurant Aunty in Fortitude Valley

One of Brisbane’s most rapidly expanding hospitality groups is set to gain another venue.

Michael Tassis is taking over the old City Winery venue to launch as his 12th restaurant in Brisbane. Picture: Annette Dew

A local hospitality powerhouse has revealed he will be adding another notch to his ever expanding belt of venues, as his new concept takes over the former City Winery site.

Michael Tassis of the Tassis Group, known for venues like Fatcow, Longwang and Stilts Dining, will open his latest Brisbane city venue, Aunty, in the coming months.

The Cantonese-leaning modern Asian concept is set to reinvigorate the impressive 450 sqm site at 11 Wandoo Street in Fortitude Valley, with Tassis revealing they have completely demolished the interior of the building, and are in the process of creating a more ‘modern, minimalistic, elevated’ vibe, one that the group is known for.

Michael Tassis is taking over the old City Winery venue to launch as his 12th restaurant in Brisbane. Picture: Annette Dew

Aunty will be a ‘very different venue’ for the team according to Tassis, who said the idea for the new venue came to him very organically.

“When I got approached and was brought into it, I didn’t have a concept … you know, that depends on the area and the space,” Tassis said.

“But then I saw it and came up with the concept for Aunty straight away … I think it is what is missing in that James Street and Wandoo area.”

Aunty is expected to slot perfectly into the existing Asian dining scene in the up-market James Street precinct, breaking the perfect middle ground between approachable, casual venues like Happy Boy and the more exclusive options like Sushi Room and Same Same.

Renders of the new Tassis Group restaurant Aunty at 11 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley.

Tassis said the interior will feature an indoor/outdoor bar, a wine cellar and multiple dining areas, including a multi-level space with booth seating, a private dining room and back dining room with an open kitchen and wood-fired grill.

Taking the helm in the kitchen will be Salvatore de Ponte, former sous chef at Fatcow, and together they are set to curate a menu that Tassis describes as “not overkill, simple”, offering a good variety of options using all fresh products, seafood and meat and a range of more exciting spices and flavour combinations.

Renders of the new Tassis Group restaurant Aunty at 11 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley.

“Brisbane’s palate has really developed, so you can now be a bit more exciting with what you have on offer,” Tassis said.

As with all previous Tassis Group venues, the team have worked with local Clui Designs to bring their vision to life with the hopes to open Aunty to the public in late September or early October.

Originally published as Tassis Group to open modern Asian restaurant Aunty in Fortitude Valley