Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise

The iconic Kookaburra Queen will be gently gliding down the river on Tuesday night, as the people on board enjoy a V-Day dinner. $99 for adults, $49.50 for the little ones (four years and under are free). Visit the Kookaburra Queen website for booking info.

Three Course Dinner at Gazebo

Hotel Urban’s Gazebo restaurant is serving a three course meal + a bottle of Moet & Chandon for $110 per person. I hear there will be oysters…phone Hotel Urban on  07 3831 6177 to book.

Tasting Menu at Sono Portside

Those maestros of Japanese cuisine, Sono, are offering a five-course set menu for $95 per person ($145 with matched wines). Bookings are limited, so phone  07 3268 6655 or email them at events@sonorestaurant.com.au

Ahmet’s Three Course Set Menu

This yummy Turkish restaurant at South Bank is offering a very affordable three course set menu + wine or beer (just $42 per person!) There will be romantic music, roses, a belly dancer, and candles to set the scene. Phone Ahmet’s on 38466699 to book.

Thyme2 Restaurant in the Sofitel

Valentine’s Day events kick off this Saturday the 11th, with a seafood buffet and live entertainment. The fun continues on Sunday morning, where $79 per person will give you access to another sumptuous buffet, plus a glass of pink Moscato. Finally, it all comes together on Tuesday night, when the seafood buffet is offered once more. For bookings, phone 07 3835 3535 or email h5992@sofitel.com

Photo credit

Australia Day 2012 – Thursday, January 26

I’m crossing my fingers that the floods currently hitting the East coast (yes, again – although so far not as bad as 2011, thank God) will recede so that you all can enjoy a sunshiny Invasion Day ‘Strayla Day. So far, the official celebrations at South Bank have been cancelled, but there’s still a few things happening that celebrate thongs, stubbies, and genocide:

• Try the Liquid Lamington cocktail at the Atrium Bar at Jupiters on the Gold Coast. As if Lamingtons aren’t good enough, some clever bugger has found out a way to combine them with alcohol!
• Dig into the Aussie Buffet, served this Thursday – Sunday at Food Fantasty, also at Jupiters.
• Party over two days at The Vic in downtown Brisbane. This popular uni student hangout will have a strict ‘bikinis and boardshorts’ dress code. Because who doesn’t love drinking with strangers who are half naked?
• Enjoy a free BBQ at The Normanby in inner-city Brisbane.
• Race a cocky or two at The Story Bridge Hotel, also in the inner-city. Yes, cockroach races. The first race starts at midday on the 26th.

March 30 to April 2 will see the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre welcome Enrich, an inaugural food and wine expo. This is no typical foodie event, however – Enrich describes itself as innovative and interactive, stepping outside the boundaries of a typical expo. A ‘lifestyle approach’ will be incorporated, showcasing a variety of exhibitors, speakers, and interative demonstrations. Popular chefs Alastair McLeod and Ben O’Donoghue are already slated in, as well as Lydney Milan.

The good people at Enrich are giving four EatDrinkBrisbane readers the chance to win a free pass to Enrich!

Cool. How do I enter?

There are two ways to enter:

1) Leave a comment here describing the most enriching (ha, get it) thing you’ve ever done. Don’t forget to include your email address!

2) Tweet a link to this page on Twitter.

The comp opens at 6am EST on January 26, and runs until midnight EST on February 2, 2012. I’ll randomly pick four winners after that!

FREE

South Bank  - Once again, the sky will light up with the bursts of the South Bank fireworks. There will be two sessions – 8.30pm and midnight – and there are various vantage points in and around the city. Visit the South Bank website for more information.

$10 – $55

Archive - My favourite pub in Brisbane, and arguably home of the best beer list, is offering a Little Creatures-themed NYE party. Tickets ($56.10) will get you a three hour all-inclusive food and drink package, including brews like Bright Ale, Pale Ale, and Single Batch Big Dipper Double IPA. There will also be live entertainment, and some Little Creatures prizes up for grabs. This would definitely be my pick for NYE; Archive is the ideal location for a chilled out night. Check out Archive’s website for more info.
Zuri - Have you been a good boy this year? Who cares what Santa said – everyone’s welcome at Zuri’s Saints and Sinners NYE party. There’s a two course dinner option for $55, or regular entry to the club is $20. Visit Zuri’s website for more info.

$55+

South Bank Surf Club – There are a variety of packages to suit all price points at the Club, from a four-hour cocktail party and canapes ($120 per person), to a two course dinner and beverage package ($99 per person, $30 for kids), to the beefier three course dinner ($120 per person). This restaurant overlooks the river and South Bank beach, and was awarded ‘Best Casual Dining’ in the Queensland Food & Wine Guide Awards – so clearly, it would be an ideal venue to ring in 2012! You can book tickets online.

Birdee Num Nums – Be someone else for the night at Birdee’s – they’re throwing a masquerade party. Tickets are $91 and can be bought online. Babey Drew and Ivan Gough will also be DJing. I can’t say I’m cool enough to know who they are, but I’m sure they’re a hit. Time to get crafty with some masks…

Dragonfly – Masquerade seems to be a popular theme this year – Dragonfly in the CBD are also doing a masked party. $79 per head will get you a four-hour beverage package and Asian-inspired snacks. Bookings are essential, so contact Dragonfly at marketing@dragon-fly.com.au

Watt Restaurant & Bar – It’s about to get all exotic up in here. Watt will transform into an Arabian Nights NYE party, complete with belly dancers, fire eaters, and stilt walkers. There are two options available – a five course dinner ($99), or a cocktail  party ($75). To book, or for more information, visit this link.

Normanby – This sprawling pub and restaurant is offering quite a good deal for a New Year’s Eve party: four hours of basic spirits, Coronoas, Bundy Red, Smirnoff Red, other beers, and red wine and sparkling, and food, all for $79. Visit the Normanby’s website to buy tickets.

I’ve always been a big fan of whiskey.  During my younger years, I’m sure I’ve consumed enough scotch whiskey  to pickle most people’s insides twice over.  As I grew older however, I began to appreciate my whiskey for its other attributes, not just its ability to help me lose my inhibitions and act like a complete twit. One whiskey that I have always appreciated, but did not really know a lot about, was Jameson Irish Whiskey.  However, that was about to change…

My brother-in-law and I found ourselves outside The Lark Food & Drink bar in Paddington on a warm Tuesday night, wondering what we had ahead of us.  Neither of us had ever been to a “whiskey tasting” before, and our imaginations were running wild!  My mind was swimming with mental images of stately gentlemen, cigar in one hand and crystal tumbler of fine whiskey in the other, debating the merits of the distillation processes used for 12-year-old and 18-year-old reserves.

Needless to say that this was not the case; we stepped inside The Lark and were greeted by Imogen, one of the organisers of the evening.  She guided us outside to an enclosed courtyard area, that already contained over a dozen people eagerly awaiting  the evening to commence.  Here we were greeted by the Jameson Brand Ambassador, Grace McGlynn.

Grace started the evening sharing some of the history behind Irish whiskey and the Jameson distillery. Interestingly, the Irish were the first to distil whiskey in the sixth century, when missionary monks  returned to Ireland with an apparatus used to distil perfume.  However, the Irish quickly adapted the process to distil liquor, which was the forerunner to today’s whiskey.

As she was recounting this to us, we were each served a whiskey sour, to accompany a bowl of mixed marinated olives (which were quickly disappearing).  The taste of the whiskey sour was amazing, the acidic touch of the lemon juice went marvelously with the olives, and overall it was really refreshing.

It was not long before the real tastings began in earnest. We had before us four glasses of Jameson: Jameson Standard, Special Reserve 12YO, Gold Reserve, and the Limited Reserve 18YO. We stepped through each of these, and compared them to a scotch and a sour mash (American style) whiskey.  As we were enjoying and learning about some fantastic whiskey, there was a steady stream of dishes arriving from the kitchens of The Lark.

The Jameson Standard was complimented by a wonderful Charcuterie Plate, which contained a selection of cured/aged meats, one of which was a smoked duck that was so tender and juicy that it was the first to disappear from the plate. For the vegetarians at our table, the Antipasti Plate was a great collection of grilled vegetables, sun dried tomato, buffalo mozzerella & rocket.

Next, was the Jameson Special Reserve 12 Year Old, which had an increased smoothness (over the Jameson Standard) and mellow flavours which made it the preferred reserve for making cocktails. Everyone at our table agreed that it was a great tasting whiskey, yet there were two more to try!

Wagyu Beef Sliders were the accompanying dish for this tasting (not so good for the vegetarians unfortunately) and Risotto Balls (with roast pumpkin, spinach, and fetta cheese).  The Risotto Balls were absolutely divine, and the Sliders were very tasty, but played havoc with my tastebuds thanks to the jalapenos.

Our next whiskey was the Jameson Gold Reserve, which we all found very smoky, especially so after the Slider’s jalapenos. However, it had a sweetness that came through, which apparently makes it popular with the ladies.

As we discussed amongst ourselves the merits of our latest tasting, Grace was regaling us of an American chaser called the “Pickleback”.  Basically, it’s a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey followed by a “back” of pickle juice, which people have gone nuts for over in the US.  However, a bar in Sydney has taken an alternative approach to the idea and created the “Chilliback” – a shot of Jameson followed by a back of cloudy apple juice, that has been dosed with 3-5 dashes of Tabasco sauce.

Before we could get too excited over shots though, we needed to finish our tastings with the Jameson Limited Reserve 18 Year Old.  The 18YO had a completely different nose/taste/finish to each of the previous tastings, with each appealing differently to the people at our table. However, inspite of the mellow and smooth flavours of fudge & toffee spice coming through in the 18YO, I was surprised to find myself being drawn back to the Special Reserve 12YO.  For me, that was the drop of the evening.

So, to finish off our night, a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey and a shot of cloudy apple juice, liberally dosed with Tabasco, was placed before each of us. As a group, we tossed down our shots in succession…yum! This is a definite must-try for anyone who loves a bit of spice to their shots. It was very similar to one of my all time favourites, a Bloody Mary Oyster shot!

It was a great night of tasting fine Irish whiskey, beautiful food, and talking to some great people.  My compliments to The Lark for having such a great setting for the evening and serving some great dishes.  If you get a chance, visit them and enjoy a glass of Jameson Irish Whiskey at the bar… the 12 Year Old Special Reserve, of course!

- Simon 

Jameson Irish Whiskey

http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com

The Lark Food & Drink bar

1/267 Given Terrace

Paddington QLD 4064

(07) 3369 1299

http://www.thelark.com.au/

Many thanks to Cav Con, who invited Eat Drink Brisbane to the tasting. All opinions expressed are our own. This was an un-paid review.

I just realized Christmas is like, next weekend. Do you think I’ve bought any presents? Do you suppose I’ve planned a menu? Do you reckon I’ve got any idea what on earth my plans will entail? Heck no. If you’re like me, consider dining out on the big day – here’s a few of my picks:

Cloudland

Part of me is posting Cloudland a bit begrudgingly (my mom’s boyfriend – a 60-year-old-dude – once got turned away because he wasn’t wearing whatever fashionable shoes the Valley was deeming cool that week. Ridiculous) but the other part of me sees what an awesome menu they have. Think lobster, pork belly, turkey, salmon, and other seafood, and dessert, and some beverages! Understandably, it’s $220 a head (children under 13 are $60). Just make sure you’ve got the right socks on. Visit the Cloudland website for more info.

Brisbane Sofitel

While we’re at it, let’s throw another high-flyer onto the list: the Ballroom Le Grand in the CBD’s Sofitel. The Christmas buffet lunch will set you back $210 ($105 for kids under 12), but this includes basically everything you could think of: sushi, sashimi, salads, roast meats, seafood, tandoori chicken, and desserts, to name a few dishes. I hear Santa will also be making a visit…check out the Sofitel’s website for more details.

Breakfast Creek Wharf

There is a phrase that strikes both fear and delight in me: seafood buffet. If you think you can control yourself around a table full of seafood, roast meat, and inclusive drinks, then get yourself to the Brekkie Creek Wharf. The Christmas buffet lunch is $160 per head ($75 under 12, under three is free), and I’m hoping that includes a non-judgmental environment. Visit their website for more info.

Palettes 

Here’s a well-priced option from Palettes Restaurant on Charlotte Street: $89 per adult will get you a traditional three-course lunch or dinner, as well as a glass of Chandon NV Brut. Kids 13-17 are $59, kids four-12 are $39, and the little guys three and under are free!

Wasabi Warriors Opening – Now OPEN!

This funky little sushi/Japanese eatery just opened at 289 Queen St in the CBD. What sets the Warriors apart from other similar restaurants? Well, they call themselves a brand with a heart – fighting only to “eat good, do good, feel good”. Hey, as long as they serve up tasty sushi, I’m down. Check out the Wasabi Warriors website for more info.

Christmas Cooking at Black Pearl – December 6

Black Pearl Epicure, known for their in-depth cooking school and comprehensive gourmet food store, is offering a class just in time for Christmas. Learn how to make holiday dishes with a Turkish twist, like pastry-wrapped king prawns and lamb tenderloin kebabs. Classes are $130 per person; visit the Black Pearl Epicure’s website to find out how to book.

Airport Village Christmas Feast Masterclass Weekend – 10-11 December

Alistair McLeod, James St Cooking School, and an Executive Chef from the Novotel will all be on hand to show Brisbane food lovers how to cook an awesome Christmas feast. Audience members will be able to sample dishes, try matching wines, and learn cooking secrets and recipes. The Christmas Feast Masterclass Weekend will run from 11am to 1:30pm next Saturday and Sunday, near the entrance to Woolworths at The Village Markets (opposite DFO). No bookings necessary – just show up! Visit the website for more info.

In my opinion, when you are invited to an “Evening of wine and lamb”, there really is only two things that you can do… the first is to say “Yes please!”, and the second is to work out as to how you are going to handle the way your mouth is watering with anticipation for an event that is still a couple of weeks away!

Many bibs and disturbed looks from workmates later, I finally walked into Moda Restaurant (the successful evolution of the original Gianni’s Restaurant) with my beautiful wife. We ascended the stairs to the Wine Room where we were greeted by Maree King, one of the directors of Silverwood Organics. Maree and her husband Andrew run the “Silverwood” and “Westfield” stations (about 65km south east of Longreach) as pastures for Dorper lambs, which are bred specifically for their quality meat. These animals are raised organically on the open mitchell grass plains of Western Queensland, and no chemicals are used in their production system.

Annually, Silverwood Organics holds evenings like this as a “thank you” to their valued customers. It also provides a great opportunity for Maree and Andrew to meet their customers face-to-face, and to share their passion for organic produce.

The first of our tasty lamb morsels was Loin of Lamb Montadito with Chimi Churri and Smoked Vegetables served on toasted ciabatta, which was quickly followed by skewers of Lamb Tenderloin with a dollop of Burnt Eggplant puree, resting on a smear of Hummus. Both dishes showcased the tenderness and flavour of the lamb, and were immediate hits with the guests.

The next dish brought around was Lamb Cutlets with curry and Moroccan flavours. This was complemented with a side dish of Israeli Couscous with candied orange, tomato and fresh coriander. The meat was succulent and well-highlighted by the gentle Moroccan flavours, and the couscous provided a welcome pause between the servings of lamb.

As the wine and beer flowed, and the tasty morsels were consumed, it was inevitable that the guests would start to mingle more. We met a number of people who were incredibly enthusiastic in their support of Silverwood Organics produce. None more so than Javier Codina, Chef de Cuisine of Moda Restaurant, and the creator of the evening’s dishes. Javier determined the various cuts he would require for the evening, and Silverwood Organics were happy to let him have complete freedom with creating the dishes. It was faith well placed, as he brought out a series of clay pots, which he broke open to reveal whole racks of lamb that had been immersed in Adobo, them wrapped in baking paper. As the racks were sliced into individual cutlets, the onlooking crowd was entranced at the sight and smell of perfectly cooked lamb. We were rewarded with an incredibly tender taste of lamb, its natural flavours delicately highlighted by the Adobo (a Spanish marinade).

Our final dish was a slice of Catalan Pie, filled with braised lamb and cannellini beans. The meat dissolved in your mouth, with the spices conjuring thoughts of what family dinners would be like in northern Spain. While it was definitely a home-style dish, it presented the great flavours of the organic lamb magnificently .

If you ever get the opportunity to try lamb from Silverwood Organics, grab it with both hands and enjoy it. If you are a fan of organic produce and like supporting a family business, take the time to visit their website.

- Simon

Silverwood Organics

“Westfield” Longreach QLD 4730

(07) 4658 9120

http://silverwoodorganics.com.au

Moda Restaurant

12 Edward Street Brisbane QLD 4000

(07) 3221 7655

http://modarestaurant.com.au

Simon was a guest of Silverwood Organics. Many thanks, Silverwood!

DiscoverVin French Dinner at C’est Bon – November 17

Take a journey through Southern France at the DiscoverVin dinner in Brisbane later this week. A five course dinner from C’est Bon and Bistro Felix will be matched with wines – some which are new varieties. Tickets are $110 and spaces are limited; phone 02 6020 6016 for reservations, or check out the DiscoverVin website for more information.

2012 Brisbane’s Budget Bites – Out Now!

The 2012 edition of the book that leaves wallets and bellies full is out! Editor Mei Yen Chua has once again compiled a plethora of reviews that explore Brisbane’s best low-priced meals. A few Gold Coast budget reviews sneak in there, too. Brisbane’s Budget Bites 2012 is from Swallow Books and has a RRP for $19.95. Check out the website for information on where you can get your hands on a copy.

French High Tea at the Sofitel – Now

The Fashion Still exhibition from Paris’ Polka Galerie is showing at Sofitel Brisbane until December 26, and it’s proved to be so inspirational it’s spilled over to the High Tea menu! After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous portraits of Fashion’s most influential figures, head to Club Sofitel for a French-inspired menu including macarons, finger sandwiches, and bite-sized treats, all served in a miniature French travelling trunk. High tea is $38 per person – book your spot online.

There are even more perks to joining up and spreading the word, too: as the COlunching community in Brisbane gets bigger, some Brisbane-based lunch deals will become available, exclusive to COlunchers. Networking + food + saving money? Sign me up!

Simon visits the new deli-style shop inside the Hilton at Surfers Paradise.

To be honest with you, I initially wasn’t to sure about the idea of a deli placed within a hotel… but the more I thought about it, the greater my curiosity became about the delivery of the concept.  Over the years, I have frequented a number of “delis” around Brisbane and the Gold Coast, but those that have remained true to the ideal of a delicatessen have become fewer. Many of them have slipped into becoming coffee shops that happen to serve a selection of fancy condiments and imported goods, usually at overly inflated prices.
The concept of a “European Deli” has always been one of quality produce and products, sourced both from afar and, much more importantly, from local producers.  This however is something that is seen less and less now in Queensland, sadly enough.
So, I ventured to the relatively new (opened in Sept 2010) Hilton Surfers Paradise and was greeted by the lovely Chelsea.  After giving me a quick tour of Luke Mangan’s signature restaurant Salt Grill, and the mixologist Grant Collins’ stylish Fix Cocktail Bar, we returned to The Food Store.

The Food Store stretches the length of the lobby walkway, from the Hilton’s Orchid Avenue entrance through to reception, providing easy access to both curious public and hotel guests alike. Featuring rich dark wood paneling, stainless steel floor-to-ceiling chilling cabinets, and shelves of delicacies from around the world, ones’ eye is immediately drawn to it.  Whether you find yourself perusing the multitude of gourmet delights or taking a seat to savour a selection from the cabinets with a glass of wine, you easily slip into a little moment of indulgence.
I sat down with The Food Stores’ executive chef, Thomas Pirker.

As he stepped me through a beautiful selection of sliced meats, cheeses and antipasti, he went into great detail about each item on the board and how it had been sourced. Many of the products are produced by local farmers and suppliers established around  the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Byron Bay regions.  Thomas strongly believes that we have some truly incredible produce here in Australia, which he has gathered from as far north as the tablelands, west of Cairns, and as far south as Tasmania. All of these quality Australian delectables share pride of place with cheeses from France, ham from Spain, and sausages from Italy.
As my taste buds were seduced by the rich marbling of dried Wagyu beef, the gentle aniseed flavour of the fennel seed encrusted salami, and the smooth creaminess of Fromager Des Clarines (a french cheese), I was impressed not only by the quality of the food before me but also by Thomas’ passion for what he has brought to life.  The concept was to provide a place where people could select quality produce from an extensive array that is not readily available anywhere else on the Gold Coast.  The expert staff of The Food Store are enthusiastic about what they are serving and are incredibly helpful  when choices are to be made from the vast selection on hand.
Customers have the option of building a tasting board of cheeses, antipasti, meats and patisserie items to dine upon at the long communal table or to take away for a quiet night at home. For guests of the hotel, they can choose to have their selection delivered to their room with a chilled bottle of wine.  In addition to this, there is also a cafe-style menu of temptations – if you find selecting from the towering cabinets of charcuterie and cheeses a bit overwhelming.
Whether you want a late afternoon meeting over a cheeseboard with a glass of wine, a light meal complemented by some great coffee, or you need to collect some beautiful ingredients for a gathering of friends at home, The Food Store lends itself to all of these situations and many more.  It is this combination of fine food, passionate staff, and comfortable ambiance makes it a desirable destination for anyone who truly loves food.  I doubt it will be long before I find myself there again.

The Food Store
Hilton Surfers Paradise
6 Orchid Avenue
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
(07) 5680 8000
http://www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au/restaurant-the-food-store.html

Simon was a guest of The Food Store. Many thanks!