Festive Feast at E’cco Bistro Brings Christmas in July to Newstead
Philip Johnson and Cauã Melo are serving a festive three-course feast at Newstead’s E’cco Bistro on Saturday, 18 July. The Urban List reports the menu costs $110 per person and features a shared-style dining experience.
The event is part of Brisbane’s wider Christmas in July celebrations, offering a chance to embrace the festive spirit without the December heat. The menu kicks off with artisanal bread, house-smoked butter, char-grilled Mooloolaba prawns, and creamy burrata.
Guests will then enjoy slow-roasted pork belly and roasted turkey breast with all the trimmings. The main course includes twice-cooked kipfler potatoes and a fruit-laden goat’s cheese salad.
Menu Details and Chef Lineup
According to the Urban List, the renowned chefs are serving up a festive menu that concludes with a classic Christmas trifle. The dessert arrives topped with berry compote, toasted hazelnuts, and Frangelico cream.
The article highlights that the event takes place across 18 and 25 July. However, a separate listing on the restaurant’s own website confirms a specific lunch session on Saturday, 18 July.
That specific listing details the menu as a three-course share style option. It includes sourdough baguette with house-smoked butter and sea salt as an entree.
The main course features slow-roasted pork belly with apple and cider glaze, or roasted turkey breast with sage brown butter and cranberry glaze. The trifle to finish is described as a Christmas berry trifle with vanilla custard and Frangelico cream.
While the Urban List attributes the menu to Philip Johnson and Cauã Melo, the restaurant’s own event page mentions head chef Simon Palmer alongside Philip Johnson.
Other Festive Dining Options in Brisbane
For those looking to celebrate beyond Newstead, Stamford Plaza is hosting a Christmas in July buffet on 11 July. The Urban List notes the spread includes Pacific Rock oysters, green lip mussels, and a slow-roasted carvery.
Reservations at Stamford Plaza start at $188 per adult. The event also features an impressive lineup of Christmas-themed desserts like raspberry chocolate mousse yule logs and passionfruit and coconut pavlova.
Gilhooley’s Irish Pub in the CBD is bringing holiday cheer to the city every Sunday throughout July. The pub is serving roast turkey and honey-glazed ham for $29.
Guests can enjoy seasonal favourites such as mulled wine and a $12 Christmas pudding and trifle with brandy cream. The venue will also host live music and prizes for the best ugly Christmas sweaters.
The Crown Hotel in Lutwyche is offering a festive two-course feast for lunch and dinner throughout July. The menu includes a traditional roast with ham and turkey, followed by pudding with brandy custard.
Fitzy’s in Loganholme is also serving a traditional spread all month long. Their two-course menu costs $35 per person and features roast turkey and honey-glazed ham with roast potato and pumpkin.
Residents can upgrade to a three-course option for $45, which includes a classic prawn cocktail to start. The venue encourages groups to wear their silliest festive knits for the Ugly Sweater Competition.
