// EAT BEAT

The floods have receded and the doors are open its time to rediscover Brisbanes excellent riverside dining scene
WORDS TIANA TEMPLEMAN

A Taste for the River

the show on the Bavarian-inspired menu, but the flammenbrot, a crisp pastry base with soft cheese, caramelised onions and a choice of fillings, is equally impressive. Youll need to get here early on Friday afternoon to score a table its standing room only after 4pm. Chefs recommendation: Tuesdays Schnitzel Challenge finish it and the schnapps is on the house.

Sono Restaurant Portside CLOCKWISE: Moo Moo; Groove Train; Bavarian Bier Cafe; Aria Brisbane; Bretts Wharf; Sak Restaurant & Bar; Jellyfish Restaurant; Stamford Plaza Brisbane

SONO RESTAURANT PORTSIDE

The elegant dining room at this traditional Japanese restaurant is filled with tranquil water features and well-informed staff, who delight in explaining the cuisines intricacies. Novice diners can take a journey through Japan with a six-course tasting menu, or enjoy the chefs showmanship at the teppanyaki grill. Remember to book Sono is packed every night of the week or come for lunch, when there are some great specials to be had. Chefs recommendation: Sashimi. Its flown in daily and chauffeured to the restaurant in a purpose-built truck.

SAK RESTAURANT & BAR

Shaun Preslands fabulous Sak (of Sydney fame) has arrived in Brisbane, and its modern Japanese offerings make it ideal for diners after something different. Cute miniature tacos filled with sashimi arrive with a Kozaemon Junmai sake shot; bite-sized prawn tempura pieces are listed as popcorn shrimp on the menu. Each dish is fun but far from frivolous, thanks to the deft touch of head chef Shinichi Maeda. Solo diners will appreciate the single seats overlooking a bustling kitchen filled with smiling chefs. Chefs recommendation: Seared medium-rare yellow fin tuna belly served with fig tempura and roasted pickled peach.

MOO MOO
With an impressive menu that runs to more than five pages, plus a wine list with more than 50 offerings by the glass, there are loads of reasons for diners to corral themselves at this dedicated steak restaurant. Owner Steven Adams is looking ahead post-flood after losing among other things a white-wine collection valued at more than AU$150,000. Were so glad to have our doors back open and to put this experience behind us. Chefs recommendation: Something beefy from the dry-ageing cabinet.

The ornate beer stein chandelier suspended over the main bar sums this place up perfectly a classy watering hole that doesnt take itself too seriously. Except when it comes to bier each one is brewed in accordance with strict purity laws dating back to the early 1500s. Schnitzel is the star of
036

BRETTS WHARF
Sparkling river views only add to the appeal of Bretts Wharf, a local favourite with an enviable reputation for excellent seafood. The dining room has a distinct Queensland vibe courtesy of its

SONO AND GROOVE TRAIN PHOTOS: HELEN CATHCART

BAVARIAN BIER CAFE

EAT BEAT //

corrugated iron roof and louvered windows. Children are more than welcome with a AU$1 per year of age dining deal that makes eating here an affordable family treat. At lunchtime, pelicans line up in an orderly fashion for a fish snack from the kitchen. Chefs recommendation: Locally caught prawns with a glass of local wine.

JELLYFISH RESTAURANT
Floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors open out to make the most of the river view, while chef Rhett Willis cooks up a storm in his brandnew kitchen, making the most of Queenslands great seafood. Dishes featuring the likes of giant black pomfret, Fraser Island prawns, Moreton Bay bugs and Mooloolaba spanner crab are worth returning for. The painted flood line decorating the windows is the only visible reminder of what happened in January. Chefs recommendation: King George whiting from Port Lincoln, served with salsa verde.

TAKE ME THERE
SONO RESTAURANT PORTSIDE 1/F, 39 Hercules St, tel: +61 (7) 3268 6655 JELLYFISH RESTAURANT 123 Eagle St, tel: +61 (7) 3220 2202

ARIA BRISBANE
Now more than ever its a time to support local providores by showcasing Queensland producers on our menu, says celebrity chef Matt Moran. His new autumn menu does exactly that, with dishes such as ballotine of quail and jamon with pear pure and salted radicchio vying for attention with the stunning view. Prices are expensive by Brisbane standards, but they do a three-course lunch at AU$70.
Chefs recommendation: Seared loin and tartare of tuna complemented with pear and daikon salad and ponzu dressing.

BAVARIAN BIER CAF ARIA BRISBANE 1 Eagle St, Lvl 1, 45 Eagle St, tel: +61 (7) 3339 0900 tel: +61 (7) 3233 2555 STAMFORD PLAZA MOO MOO BRISBANE 39 Edward St, tel: +61 (7) 3236 4500 Cnr Edward & Margaret Sts, SAK RESTAURANT tel: +61 (7) 3221 1999 & BAR GROOVE TRAIN Lvl 1, 45 Eagle St, tel: +61 (7) 3339 0999 123 Eagle St, tel: +61 (7) 3220 0420 BRETTS WHARF 449 Kingsford Smith Drv, Hamilton, tel: +61 (7) 3868 1717
039

MAIN PHOTO: HELEN CATHCART

TOP/BOTTOM: Enjoy excellent seafood with your views at Jellyfish Restaurant; a delicate dish by Aria Brisbane

// EAT BEAT

LEFT/RIGHT: Tempting treats from Stamford Plaza Brisbane; the relaxed vibe of Groove Train is perfect for couples

6 1500 5 50 1 3

STAMFORD PLAZA BRISBANE

After being out of action for months, this much-loved Brisbane hotel has finally re-opened, and chocoholics are rejoicing as the legendary Chocolate High Tea (AU$42) is back. The Brasserie is the place to be each weekend, when for just two hours, the tables groan under the weight of a chocolate-infused buffet glorious gateaux, luscious chocolate slices and a myriad of other dainty goodies ensuring this popular groundfloor restaurant is packed with chocolate lovers young to old. Air-conditioned indoor seating is a must during summer, but otherwise having an outdoor table overlooking the river is an unbeatable experience. We cant stress enough that bookings are absolutely essential!
Chefs recommendation: Arrive right on the dot at 3pm for two hours of chocolate heaven. Pure bliss. 040

GROOVE TRAIN
Groove Train has old-school video consoles in the corner think Pac-Man and Galaga and cool tunes wafting out towards the Story Bridge. The laid-back vibe and extensive choice of pizzas from the wood-fired oven hold universal appeal. Order sparingly if youre planning on dessert, as the servings are generous. This popular dining spot in one of Brisbanes commercial districts fast getting a reputation as a dining precinct, is a snap to find hop off the Citycat at the Riverside Centre and youre there.
Chefs recommendation: Wood-fired Nutella and strawberry-filled calzone pizza served with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

FROM ONLY AU$69

Jetstar flies direct to Brisbane from Christchurch, and from all across Australia. Book online at

MAIN PHOTO: HELEN CATHCART