Last night was literally my food dream, in reality (except the part where I wore my tight jeans instead of my fat pants – but more on that later)! I was lucky enough to be invited to a private tasting experience at Eagle Street Pier restaurant, Pony Dining with the new Head Chef, Tom Swapp and a small group of Brisbane flood bloggers.
For those of you who aren’t in the know, Chef Swapp has led some of Queensland’s best restaurants, including E’cco Bistro and Spirit House; as well as working in Michelin-starred Bangkok restaurant Bo.Lan and Gordon Ramsey’s London based, Maze Grill. Ummm now who’s jealous!?
The night started with warm olives accompanied by sourdough and caramelised, smoked butter (it was divine, with an almost popcorn flavour); followed soon by beetroot cured kingfish; pickled zucchini with goats curd (my favourite meal of the night); king prawns with saltbush; lamb rump with anchovy cream (I don’t do lamb, but this was delicious); angus flank with muntrie berries (yum) and finally pink peppercorn meringue with strawberries (you have to order this dessert, it’s perfect) and yuzu granita with smoked yogurt (not sure where I sit on this dish).
Each course was matched with a wine which complimented and extended the flavours of the meal perfectly. I mentioned that I wore the wrong pants right? Perhaps now you may see why that could pose a bit of an issue? (the pain!).
This tasting experience was exactly that; an experience, dedicated to flavour, texture and food combinations that worked so well that you weren’t sure why you had never tried them at home (peppercorn meringue!).
Chef Swapp is definitely worth the visit to Eagle Street Piers, Pony Dining and it’s spectacular views! Whether it be for a business lunch during the week, or at night with a table of friends, Pony Dining needs to be added to every Queenslanders “must do” list!
To read more about Brisbane based restaurants, check out The Great Day Out!
Written by Sarah Robertson
