Musings of a Hedonist: March 2013

Friday, March 8, 2013

A Trufflin' Good Time

On my aforementioned coastal escape, a friend and I decided to venture away from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise and enjoy an evening more relaxed at the Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar in Mermaid Beach.

From start to end, it was a truly charming evening. Our waiter (presumably also either the owner or maitre d'), was the perfect host, providing charming, speedy service and an impeccable knowledge of the menu.

Which brings me to the food. I honestly couldn't fault the fare we were presented with. Warranting special mention was the beef fillet and croquette, sautéed spinach, mushrooms and red wine jus. It may be my Dutch heritage talking, but croquettes hold a special place in my heart. This particular variation didn't disappoint, providing the perfect compliment for the fillet and serving as an interesting, flavourful substitute to the usual mashed potato (or similar).

That is not to say we didn't order mashed potato...we did. And it was delightful. The truffled creamed potatoes came creamy, light and infused with the woody decadence of truffles.

The final stand-out of the night was, fittingly, dessert. I ordered the berry soufflé with warm white chocolate sauce and was pleasantly surprised (actually, that's a lie, I was floored) when it appeared on the table less than fifteen minutes after ordering. I don't know quite what black magic was involved, but I like it! The soufflé itself was light, fluffy and flavoursome, while the accompanying white chocolate sauce was delightfully decadent.

Rustic sign outside the restaurant

Sourdough with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Free range chicken with truffle, baby vegetables,

garlic cream and jus de Provence

Beef fillet and croquette, sautéed spinach,

mushrooms and red wine jus

Truffled creamed potatoes

White and dark chocolate mousse with variations of strawberries and raspberries

Berry soufflé with warm white chocolate sauce

My sole criticism of this delightful venue relates to the décor. While the upper level is cloaked in dark colours and dim lighting, the lower floor was, by comparison, harshly lit and festooned in far brighter colours, creating a visual dissonance.

All in all, a wonderful restaurant...I will certainly be seeking out a reason to visit again soon!

Bon appétit! Xx

Monday, March 4, 2013

On the QT

I recently had the privilege of spending a relaxing weekend sojourn at Hotel QT on the glorious Gold Coast. I have to confess, this was far from my first visit to this delightful abode, which has fast become my favourite hotel on the GC (in my opinion, better than the classic Sheraton Mirage, the opulent Palazzo Versace or the space-age Hilton).

For me, it's the delightful kitch-factor which sets this place apart. Upon arriving at the hotel, you are greeted curbside by dashing gents in lurid bordshorts and vintage blazers, and girls sporting capri pants, plimsoles and twillies. Upon proceeding to reception, you are instantly transported back to the 1970s as you are checked in by girls and boys in vintage Pan Am-like attire, looking more like extras from the film 'View from the Top' than hospitality employees (dreadful movie, but stunning visual).

Then, to the service. I've stayed at myriad typically 'good' hotels in my time, but the customer service at QT trumps them all. On my recent stay, I visited the concierge to enquire about a jet boating for myself and my friend.Within moments, we had been given a list of companies to choose from, were booked in and it was charged to our room, for convenient payment upon checkout. Speaking of checkout, I fell in love with the blowdryer in our room during our stay (see below picture and you'll find out why). Conveniently, it was for sale in the gift shop (thoughtfully known as the QTique)...unfortunately, the QTique was closed for the day. Before you could say 'beautiful blowdry' the lovely lady who was serving us had unlocked the boutique and returned with my pink new toy.

My fabulous new blowdryer

And finally, to the food. I don't usually set much store by hotel food (particulary buffets), by the Bazaar Marketplace at QT always leaves me delighted. While the breakfasts are nice enough, with the requisite fry up, fruits, muffins, croissants and pancakes, in addition to delightful fresh smoothies and flavoured milks, dinner is a true standout. How many buffets offer steak cooked to order, tasting plates of stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh Chinese dim sum AND a sundae bar, in addition to all manner of usual buffet fare?

What more can I say? This place is truly a delight. If you still don't believe me, check out some of my happy snaps, below: