Page 79 - Tropic Magazine Issue 19

TROPIC • LIFESTYLE
PICS: Bridie Jane Egan and Roberto Lay

Laneway Green
What do you get when you combine
a bar guru, a couple of burger experts
and a music and events “engineer”?
Laneway Green at Motel Nomad, of
course. This unique collaboration is
now serving up some of the city’s
best drinks, beats and eats at the
motel’s refurbished side alley space.
Open from 4pm to 10pm Thursday
to Sunday, Laneway Green is led by
Matthew Bonasia, the founder of Far
all the difference that it is made fresh North Queensland’s largest hospitality
in-house. Yankee D’s are easily able to network of its kind, Cairns Bartenders.
transfer their culinary skills from their He’s joined forces with Dallas and Misty
usual comfort-food style, to healthy Grieves of Yankee Ds Bar N Q who
lunch-time favourites for functions. serve up their classic American-style
This event was held over the course of street food in the laneway, alongside
a week, across our large function room Carli Willis of GOAT Productions, who
and smaller conference room. It really brings a national network of music and
showcased what Motel Nomad can offer arts creative events to the space. “Four
event organisers.” years ago, I established the hospitality
network Cairns Bartenders, aimed
DIVERSIFYING at better connecting the local bar
With continual reinvestment in the guests has justified the investment industry,” Matthew told Tropic. “Today,
business, Motel Nomad is diversifying in refurbishment and diversification. it is the largest hospitality network of
its market. “We have an existing market “Referrals from our corporate guests its kind in Far North Queensland. My
of corporate customers who are loyal are coming through,” Carli said. passion is to create a fun and vibing
to us for the comfort, professionalism “They are tired of city parking and venue with drink-focused events. It will
and personal touch they receive,” traffic, and they feel relieved to find be a hub for the hospitality industry.
Carli explained. “But we’re also themselves in a great uptown location Great food, music and arts are a
targeting new audiences - travellers close to all necessary conveniences necessity and connect our industry to
and creatives from within Australia and feel more relaxed in our boutique our community. Our adventurous drinks
and internationally. The renovations accommodation at an affordable price. menu will constantly evolve and will
completed last year, the establishment Our location is a big positive. People are have the flexibility to change as often as
of an on-site restaurant and opening often surprised. Despite facing a main creativity presents itself. I’m excited to
of the laneway bar, Laneway Green, has road, sound proofing in the building experiment and prepare ingredients for
been key to the motel harvesting its makes for a very peaceful stay. We serve flavour-driven cocktails. Of course, your
own culture. We are not only retaining a café-style breakfast in-room, and favourite classics will be made upon
our existing loyal customers but seeing people are delighted to be able to order request. Beer and wine will feature
new customers through the doors. things like waffles and smashed avo on different varietals and styles from
We are experiencing a flow-on effect sourdough at a motel!”. around the world. There are no limits!”.
of guest referrals from guests who
are recommending us, leading to new MORE: motelnomad.com.au MORE: lanewaygreen.com.au
business”. Feedback received from

Waterfront Dining
Sustainable regional produce
Tapas & Cocktails
Award winning wine list
Craft Beer on tap when dining and
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79 • tropicnow.com.au
1 Marlin Parade, Cairns p: 40510100 Lunch and Dinner 7 days ochrerestaurant.com.au for real time reservations