Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Two) is an elegant choice, located near the City Botanic Gardens. Delectable fare - most
of it largely locally sourced - includes the likes of roast duck breast with caramelised
pear, turnips, shallots, broccoli and mandarin jus, plus magical desserts and cheese boards.
Service is first-rate, and the wine list is superb.
Cha Cha Char
MAP
STEAKHOUSE
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-3211 9944;
www.chachachar.com.au
;
Shop 5, 1 Eagle St Pier; mains $38-95; noon-11pm Mon-Fri, 6-11pm
Sat & Sun)
Wallowing in awards, this long-running favourite serves Brisbane's best steaks,
along with first-rate seafood and roast game meats. The classy semicircular dining room
in the Eagle St Pier complex has floor-to-ceiling windows and river views.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
PHILIP JOHNSON: HEAD CHEF AT E'CCO
Kitchens are great: there's always a melting pot of ideas. You work with different chefs, and things evolve over
the years.
Claim to Fame?
Winning
Gourmet Traveller's
Restaurant of the Year award in 1997. Some people say that's what helped put
Brisbane's restaurant scene on the map. I hate to look at it like that but I think the rest of the country took notice:
'There must be some decent places to eat up there in Brisbane'. A well-known food critic said you couldn't eat
north of Paddington - as in Paddington, Sydney. That changed a bit that year.
Cooking Style?
Modern Australian, it has Italian influences, and there's always a bit of Asian in it owing to our proximity, plus a
bit of Mediterranean.
Dining Scene in Brisbane?
It's amazing. Brisbane is a city that has grown up in the last 15 years. I think for years we were considered play-
ing second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne. Now I think we have great restaurants with top quality and service.
Other Favourite Restaurant?
Something casual I love is Bar Alto (
Click here
) at the Powerhouse.
South Bank
Open-walled cafes and mainstream restaurants are scattered along the South Bank Park-
lands. On the edge of the greenery, Grey St is also packed with eating and snacking op-
tions.
Piaf
MAP
FRENCH
$$
GOOGLE MAP
