What was once an old cow paddock is now a tropical garden. The first time I remember being so envious. How come some people are so clever I thought? A pond, waterfalls...a delight to the senses. This venue being away from the maddening crowd...no parking problems and is popular for weddings and special functions.
Most of the dining is "al fresco"
And they run a cooking school and there is a shop...just peek at the website for all that.
You might even find some frozen food on sale...from "The Spirit House"
Favorite Dish: Food tends to be Asian with a leaning towards Thai.
One of the latest ideas here is "shared dining" so you can sample more than one of the dishes on offer. "Plates are designed to share". Chinese places do this of course but not with this elegance.
I do find price per person below a bit tricky...is this for a main course or "all inclusive" or what?.
For a sharing plate entrees , a couple glasses wine and a main you need to allow about $A80 but of course tthat does not include sweets or the most expensive fare.
From the Shared Dining menu:
Steamed ***ake(you have to be joking this is a genuine dish) Mushroom Dumplings & Cashews with Sweet Ginger Lime Sauce.
$14 So tasty.
Photo from website
Updated Feb 24, 2012
Address: 20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina, Qld, 4561
Phone: +61 7 5446 8994
Website: www.spirithouse.com.au/
Sorry for a double up but you might miss these two fine Buderim Restaurants if you do not see my Buderim Mountain restaurant tips. Now be honest did you know to look at Buderim? So now you will won't you? Look at my reviews by clicking here.
One is restaurant is local serves fresh "wild" fish that's Harrys, and the other, Le Baroque, is authentic French cuisine..
I am going to Le Baroque for lunch very soon.
Been to lunch at Le Baroque about 1,000 times and still counting since writing this tip. Took a number of different friends all of whom enjoyed it immensely...well they would it was my "shout". Michael (MICK HALE) was immensely pleased too. Even the young waiter today spoke French..."un peu" he said..well it was more than "un peu" I can tell you.
Updated Feb 12, 2012
Address: Buderim Mountain for both
Phone: +61 7 54453388 Le B.
Well I just love heritage buildings and this restaurant situated on the first level of the Treasury Casino is in one of the best in our young country.
Soft music was playing, the waiters moved around with quiet elegance, and the tables glistened in soft white elegant settings with marvelous decorated plates to add to the interest during our recent visit.
I have chosen to write this up under Queensland as Marco Polo certainly deserves to represent our state as well as the capital, Brisbane.
Favorite Dish: Stuffed zuccini flowers as an entree .Our host recommended this dish and it was just divine.
Crispy skin squab pigeon, red dates, daikon, wood ear mushrooms, water chesnuts and five spice consomme. This was something different for me as I usually order fish. I really enjoyed the unusual flavour.
All of the guests at our table were more than happy with the beautifully presented food. Cooked to perfection.
None of us wanted anything from the "sweet fixation" menu and the chef was happy to serve a simple "strawberries and icecream" choice...which was enjoyed by all.
There is an extensive wine list and the waiters advised us well. Just the" right drop" to suit the occasion.
Marco Polo is open for dinner every night . Usually you need to book especially week ends.
Updated Aug 21, 2011
Address: Top end Queen Street Mall
Phone: +61 7 3306 8744
local products and international flair goes hand in hand at the Emerald.
but don't take my word for it, drop in when in Emerald or Rockhampton.
right at the Gregory Highway.
Favorite Dish: the local lamb is delishes
Updated Apr 4, 2011
During our trip throughout Brisbane and then down to the Gold Coast, we took a trip throughout the Southern Moreton Bay Scenic Drive. Halfway through the trip, we came across the small town of Wellington Point, which was a quaint little town with a lot to offer the casual traveller. As Sarah and I were both hungry, we stopped in at Tonja's.
The food was good, and the flat white coffee was the best I had on the weekend in QLD.
Favorite Dish: Breakfast Panini was very good.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Main Road, Wellington Point
Phone: 07 3342 1580
First this delightful spot is really Sunshine Coast Hinterland but we do not have an appropriate section yet!
Well we passed by a number of times but today we stopped and enjoyed coffee and delicious home made treats.
There was a coach tour in ...enjoying scones, jam and cream. The coach driver put on a "Mad Hat" and did a bit of entertaining.
Live Music is to be heard on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
Favorite Dish: Well I did not try all of these but just look at the names:
Alice Breakfast
Doormouse (Vegetarian)B'fast
White Rabbit
and even an Elvis offering.
And you can prebook a High Tea...I love High Teas.
Breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday 7.30am to 11am...but they offered b'fast to us today.
Written Feb 23, 2010
Address: 19 Caloundra Street, Landsborough, Sunshine Coast
Phone: 07 5439 9555
Website: www.madhattersteahouse.com.au
An intimate venue, in inner-city bohemian West End. Excellent friendly service and a menu which is creative and delicious using fresh and mostly native tuckka suitable for vegetarians and meat lovers.
Favorite Dish: Crocodile, emu, possum(New Zealand) were on our dishes with beautiful sauces and herbs and vegetables. Especially paired Austalian wines, and taste the locally produced liqueurs made with native fruits and berries.
Desserts exquisite
Updated Dec 21, 2009
Address: 145 Boundary St. West End, Brisbane
Website: http://www.tukkarestaurant.com.au
Had a G&T at the bar whilst waiting for friends, then all seated at a window table. Settled into the cosy atmosphere and experienced artistic, gourmet triumphs. Friendly service and a great night out.
Favorite Dish: Reading the Menu one wanted to taste everything!
All at our table made appreciative noises as they ate and offered others to share the experience.
Written Dec 20, 2009
Address: Brisbane CBD fringe
Website: www.eccobistro.com
PJ's Secret Garden Is not a restaurant as such and I put the tip in under "things to do" but I must tell you it is so gorgeous you must find it hidden away on Chevron Island.
The menu is breakfast, lunch ,and morning and afternoon tea.
Closed Monday
So please look under my Queensland "Things to Do "and get all the info.
By the way I am in trouble for this photo. David loves the secret garden and says that in the photo he looks unhappy!
Favorite Dish: Oh we love "mince on toast" You do not find that much anymore especially the home cooked variety.
Updated Jul 30, 2009
Soft Italian music playing as we open the door of Emilia's. And such intriguing decor . Really it was a "bit of a find". And right in the middle of Gympie town. Around the shop are hotels from the beginning of Gympie in the gold rush era and up the road the local RSL.
One of the locals told my daughter about Emilia's so here we were for lunch.
This is a cafe only and open Monday to Friday :8am to 5pm.
It would be a nice day trip from Sunshine Coast and you could call in to the Historical and Gold Museum as well. Or head on to Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach.
Favorite Dish: Giovanni and Jodi Giorno advertise as "Purveyors of Fine Delicacies, Cakes,Coffee,& Cheese.
My choice for lunch was Kilkivan ham with roast vegetables dukhkah $11.90
There were some unique desserts too :Ysha's kisses , and Vanilla Rose Petal (well if they are not unique please let me know)
Written Jul 8, 2009
Address: 201 Mary St Gympie
Phone: +61 7 5482 8885
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Soft Italian music playing as we open the door of Emilia's. And such intriguing decor . Really it was a "bit of a find". And right in the middle of Gympie town....
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Q: Hi there, my friend and I are thinking of hiring a car and exploring a bit of north queensland for about 7 or 8 days or so in mid...

A: Hi Lucy. Yes, fly into Cairns. Your plan sounds good to me, just add Kuranda to the list. I like to have a general plan of the areas to visit and then drive around...
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