The lunchtime crowd seems oblivious to the rain and thunder causing a commotion just beyond the restaurant’s timber deck. They’re too consumed, it seems, by chef-owner Spencer Patrick’s food. In particular, his 14-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder cooked with Madras spices and topped with crisp curry leaves. The meat, which falls from the bone, is enhanced by a raita with cucumber and a carrot, cardamom and chickpea salad that provide a balance apt in the tropics. The Hervey Bay scallops with spanner crab, miso butter and radish might be underwhelming, but the prawn toast, a favourite that often fails the childhood-memory test, is excitingly plump and spicy on bread blackened on the grill. Order a glass of King Valley arneis from the extensive wine list, and finish with the passionfruit meringue with marshmallow, finger lime, blueberries and white chocolate – it’s Far North Queensland on a plate.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Food: ★
Wine: ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
