Some of us getting put off by a restaurant’s name thinking it will be too ‘hoity toity’ and super expensive, but we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover as I found out.

It was my daughter, Courtney’s official graduation from university recently and as she passed with a distinction we decided to make it a very special time and Courtney requested going to a restaurant that matched the occasion.  Our plan was to finish the ceremony at QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre) and head over to dinner at Aria, a restaurant we wouldn’t normally choose to just go out to dinner.

When Aria called to confirm our booking a couple of days beforehand, I happened to mention that we would definitely all be there as it was my daughter’s graduation that day, hence the dinner. The woman who rang said to make sure my daughter ordered dessert, so when her Black Forrest cake came out on a plate with ‘Congratulations’ written in chocolate was not an unexpected surprise to me, but a delightful addition for her.

What I, or anyone else in our party for that matter, wasn’t expecting was that from the moment we walked in all the staff that we dealt with, from the maitre d’ to the wait staff, congratulated my daughter. After graduating my daughter was on cloud nine, as were we all, and it was an unexpected pleasure to receive these extra accolades.

I expected the magnificent food and everyone raved about their food choices, snapper, lamb and rib fillet. Personally I thought that the pick was my main course of duck - roast breast with duck pastilla, spiced pears and a witlof and raisin salad. The simplicity of the dish emphasised the complexity of flavours superbly. The desserts were divinely sinful; I practically inhaled my delicious Banoffe (banana brûlée with caramel, almond praline and toasted almond milk ice cream) and started eyeing off the remainder of Stuart’s Expresso Soufflé. But it was the service that was extraordinary - especially with all the little touches, including the macaroons handed to us ladies on departure. When I compared the prices to Moo Moo or Jellyfish ( a couple of my favourite restaurants) the cost was about the same.

Not sure if it’s the time of year, but I do know that complaints are much easier to pass on than compliments, so I wanted to take the time to pass on this info in case you’ve thought of going to Aria and been put off for any reason.  Guest blogger Cheryl Menagh (QH production)

Escape to Clear Mountain Lodge for a quintessential Australian Christmas setting!

This Christmas day escape with your family to Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa & Vineyard to enjoy lunch with an awe inspiring Australian bush land view.

Cresting the top of Clear Mountain on Brisbane’s north side just 35 minutes from the CBD, the Lodge will be opening its doors on Christmas day to host a spectacular gourmet buffet lunch.

Enjoy an afternoon of fine food, wine and conviviality at Mandy’s on the Mountain Restaurant which offers panoramic views over Lake Samsonvale, Moreton Bay and the granite spires of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Mandy’s on the Mountain Christmas lunch will include a delicious assortment of seafood, including Mooloolaba prawns, freshly shucked oysters, spiced calamari, whole backed King Snapper, Morton Bay bugs as well as slow roasted pork shoulder, roast turkey, honey and orange leg ham and a selection of roast vegetables, salads and condiments.

For a sweet note to end the day guests will choose from a selection of decadent desserts including iced nougat Christmas puddings, Christmas seasonal fruit salad, Belgium and Scottish chocolate tartlets and a selection of cheeses including Shadows of Blue, Triple-cream Brie and Maffra Cheddar served with homemade compotes and lavoush.

Lunch is served from 12 noon on Christmas Day from just $145 per adult and $70 for children aged five and up, all guests receive aglass of sparkling wine, soft drink or local beer on arrival.

An overnight rate from $209 is available for those wishing to conclude their Christmas day relaxing by the pool, taking in the spectacular Mountain fresh views  in total serenity.

Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge Spa & Vineyard has a range of spa and accommodation packages perfect for last minute Christmas gifts. Packages start from $285 for two up to the ultimate two night Mountain Top Rendezvous from $1,020 per couple.

> You can find Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard at 564 Clear Mountain Road

> Call 07 3298 5100 as bookings are essential!

> For more information, check out their website: www.clearmountainlodge.com.au

I have been to Japan on four separate occasions and have always looked forward to, and enjoyed the cuisine served at traditional Japanese restaurants throughout the country - so it was with great pleasure that I rediscovered the tantalising tastes of this fascinating country when we recently visited SONO Japanese Restaurant at Portside, Hamilton.

The classic decor of timber, bamboo, stone and water gives the restaurant an ambience of quiet elegance and sets the scene for a truly memorable night out.

The main dining room has Japanese style seating (legs under the table but with empty space to accommodate) and western tables and chairs ; there’s also private rooms for larger groups and an area with two Teppanyaki kitchens for close encounters with the chefs!

Before dinner drinks are taken care of in the comfortable bar area which was pretty popular for a Tuesday night - in fact the restaurant was busy all night, a sure sign that local diners have made this restaurant one of their favourites!

And now to the food …

We started with the Sashimi platter and I have to admit I have never been a big fan of eating raw fish - until now. The combination of swordfish, salmon, tuna and a couple of other varieties of fish served with soy and wasabi was exquisite and I will be trying it again now that I have savoured and can understand the complex flavours of the freshest seafood which is so finely carved .

Next was a Tempura of vegetables and seafood served with soy and fish stock, ginger and radish and three different sorts of salt - the lightest tempura I have had outside of Japan. Then came the Black Cod Saikyo Yaki which just flaked when the fork was placed near it as it had been marinated for two days in traditional saikyo miso sauce - I swear I have never tasted fish like it!

I know we will appear greedy when I tell you we next tried assorted seafood including Alaska King Crab sauteed with ginger, garlic and spicy red miso soup (Kaiser A Kamiso) but trust me when I say that the food is so light and so delicious it doesn’t overfill or overload the system at all!

Accompanied by some delectable saki, this was indeed a memorable meal and now that we’ve been introduced to SONO will be making a return visit - we’re also going to try out their city venue - I sincerely suggest you do the same!

> Visit the website at sonorestaurant.com.au or call 3268 6655 for reservations.

- Rhonda Bannister, QH Editor in Chief

In addition to the Fashion Stills exhibition (find out more…check out our blog post!), Sofitel is hosting Polka inspired High Tea and a fashionable cocktail list of Polkatini creations to celebrate this exciting exhibition.

To celebrate the arrival of Fashion Stills, Sofitel has launched a signature Polkatini cocktail, Polka inspired wine flights at Cuvee Lounge Bar and a Polka inspired cocktail list. The Nouvelle Mode Française (Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry, Fresh Raspberries) and the Haute Couture (Hennessy, Vanilla liquor 43, Passion Fruit, Rose petal, Moet Chandon Rose) are tipped to be favourites amongst cocktail connoisseurs.

Sofitel’s famous High Tea has also taken on a fashionable twist, which will see chocoholics and sweet-toothed souls salivating with delight over the Parisian themed case of delicious treats. The High Tea is presented in a miniature French trunk and features a collection of gastronomic creations, with dark, light and white chocolate a common theme.

Following the High Tea, guests receive a complimentary glass of sparkling - how can you not resist!

> Polka inspired High Tea from $38 per person, from 2pm daily at Club Sofitel Level 30.

> The exclusive Polka High Tea menu is available until Monday 26 December.

> Bookings are essential. Call Sofitel Brisbane Central direct 07 3835 3535 or visit www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

It’s a well known fact that shopping for ‘gorgeous little things’ makes a woman hungry … and thirsty.

So it’s good news to hear that Lily G has opened a coffee shop in the midst of the home of said gorgeous little things in downtown Norman Park.

Well known as a place to go for inspiration for the home with a real feel for sub tropical living, Lily G offers a delectable range of homewares and furniture, accessories and even fashion - what’s not to love?

> You can find Lily G on 172 Bennetts Road, Norman Park
> Click for more Lily G on the Queensland Homes website!

- QH Editor, Margaret McGuire

There’s no shortage of great restaurants in Brisbane but if you’re visiting our fair city or live here and want to enjoy a really exceptional meal, then get along to Philip Johnson’s multi- award winning E’cco Bistro at 100 Boundary Street, on the periphery of Brisbane’s central business district, for modern bistro dining at its best.

The restaurant itself is unpretentious with tables set side by side and most overlooking the spotless stainless steel kitchen. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed with diners who seemed to be right at home - doubtless multi- return visitors who obviously enjoyed the casual atmosphere and great food.

The menu is so easy and straight forward it makes you wonder why more restaurants don’t do it the same way with one price for entrees, one for mains and one for sides. Owner Philip Johnson, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs works creatively with head chef, Mathias Andersson to present a menu that is honest, entirely wholesome and full of flavour. The wine list is superb with a wide and diverse selection of wine and sparkling wine from many regions of the world with quite a few available by the glass at extremely reasonable prices. The service was friendly and informative with our waiter quite happy to suggest the best wine to accompany each course.

For starters we shared the field mushrooms served on olive toast with rocket, parmesan, truffle oil & lemon, and the duck liver parfait with beetroot jam, duck prosciutto, frisée & candied walnuts. The entrees were substantial and the combination of tastes was divine, with each ingredient’s flavour being allowed to shine without compromising the whole. The tender Moroccan-inspired lamb rump accompanied by a glass of medium bodied cabernet had me sighing with contentment while my partner’s grilled white fish, pommes écrasée, green beans with spiced almonds & sauce bois boudrin accompanied by a glass of crisp riesling was so good he immediately started working out when we could come back for another meal!

To try it yourself phone 07 3831 8344 or go to www.eccobistro.com for a full run-down of the menu!

QH guest blogger > QH’s very own Editor in Chief Rhonda Bannister.

Wine and food ‘Culture Vultures’ rejoice as June Long Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is announced!

If you’re being dragged into winter kicking and screaming in fear of hibernation and nothing to do, this upcoming event in the Hunter Valley will warm your heart with excitement.

The fifth annual Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month this June is promising an even bigger and better line up of over 70 events ranging from small intimate experiential affairs to large celebrity laden festivals, letting you get a taste of simple sophistication!

A Tourism NSW Regional Flagship event, the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association will proudly present a series of themed activities that includes mouth watering dinners with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs, an array of fun and interactive classes to fine tune those culinary skills, a showcase of local premium wines and fresh produce matched to perfection, and delectable tasting experiences by a roaring fireplace.

This year, the festival has introduced self guided tours unveiling the excellence of Hunter Valley Trophy, Gold winning and Heritage Vineyard wines.  And if that’s not enough… roll out the barrel…as you’ll get an exclusive chance to blend the 2011 reds with the wine masters themselves.

Hunter Valley winter lifestyle would not be the same without a weekend cheering on the Pokolbin Reds, join the locals and cheer on our winemakers in the local Rugby Union competition.

All these activities provide a chance for visitors to meet and become a part of the local community and share their Hunter Valley wine and food culture along with all the other wonderful things the region has to offer. Get in quick and make this June one to remember!

For a full month’s program, individual event details, and information on how to book tickets and accommodation visit www.hunterwineandfood.com.au

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Brisbane’s biggest Easter Chocolate Buffet!

Treat yourself this Easter by indulging in a chocolate sensation of cakes, gateux’s, slices, tarts, cheesecakes, puddings and mouth-watering sauces… YUM! Your chocolate cravings are sure to be satisfied!

This very popular Easter Chocolate Buffet is held at Bistro Allure, located on the corner of Ann & Roma Streets, Brisbane City.

Running from April 18 - May 2, the buffet costs $20 per person and is available for:

Lunch 11.30am - 3.00pm

OR

Dinner 5.30pm - 9.30pm

Keep in mind that bookings are essential - be quick to secure your spot!

Phone Bistro Allure on 07 3222 1128, or email tsckgsb_bistroallure@mirvac.com.

To take a look at the full menu and further information, visit www.mirvachotels.com

Tognini’s have had an express delivery from the Easter bunny of a great range of treats sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!

Colourful rainbow eggs, hazelnut praline hidden inside a real egg exterior and choc bunnies are ready and waiting for their Easter Sunday release – hope you can wait that long!

In addition to these Easter additions, the Trattoria menu has moved into autumn, starting early April, with new additions to the menu that will keep your taste buds guessing.

Find out more about Tognini’s Easter specials online.

Can anyone think of a better way to spend an afternoon than by kicking back in the delight that is Noosa on an autumn day with sensational food and wine? Doesn’t it just epitomize the high life?

This year’s Audi Noosa Food & Wine Festival is offering the chance to in fact do exactly this, through its series of lifestyle lunches on Friday May 13th proudly  supported by the Courier Mail and the Queensland Government.

Choose from ‘The Top Tastes of Queensland’, where you will get to sample the best Queensland produce with award-winning Queensland wines in the company of six of the state’s best chefs. Join Queensland food doyenne Jan Power, and chefs Philip Johnson, Ben O’Donoghue, Tony Percuoco, Ryan Squires, Pablo Tordesillas and Lizzie Loel for the most sensational lunch, featuring six courses matched by 9 of Queensland’s best wines presented by Tony Harper.

Alternatively, you could opt for ‘Lunch with James Halliday and Friends’ and learn the art of food and wine pairing, whilst enjoying 6  top-quality Victorian wines personally selected by the legendary James Halliday. For this vibrant Mediterranean lunch, chefs Javier Codina, Brad Jolly and Giovanni Pilu will each showcase authentic Spanish, French and Italian flavours.

Or finally you could escape to the Barossa Valley with Maggie and Saskia Beer for lunch, who will demonstrate three of their favourite dishes using the finest produce from the region whilst sharing the secrets behind their success, as Darren Cosgrove from Yalumba Wines presents the drop to each course.

So why not start your weekend off with a bang at the Audi Noosa Food & Wine Festival (as well as having a sublime experience to recount to your envious friends for the rest of the year …)

At $135 per person for lunch and wine, plus free admission to the Opening Concert and Welcome Party of the Audi Noosa Food & Wine Festival, each lunch really is a bargain. So book now – tickets are selling fast!

Tickets can be booked by calling 07 5455 4455 or online bookings and full program details are available at www.noosafoodandwine.com.au

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 13th May, Saturday 14th May, Sunday 15th May 2011