Sometimes I find it rather hard to concentrate on my job. If I’m not checking thru our latest restaurant pics, I’m updating menus, reviewing specials, talking to restaurant owners and chefs, and sometimes if I’m lucky, sampling the wares.
This morning has been quite gruelling. I’m uploading delectable seafood pics and playing a little game called “match the pic to the menu item” and I find myself extremely dissatisfied with the cup of green tea in front of me.
Gourmet seafood and chips served on the jetty
The venue which is causing current torture is particularly exciting – it is the new incarnation of the Brisbane classic “Oxleys on the River” – Now I’m not a longtime Brisbane resident, but I know this venue is iconic in Brisbanes dining scene, particularly the corporate scene, and I hear that every business man (and woman I assume) worth their salt, would have dined here.
However now past its heyday, the venue began to look a little tired and saggy around the edges. Was it past it’s use-by date? Could new life be breathed into this old icon?
Well, if there’s anyone up to the task, that would be new owner David Moore. David has a sucessful history in restaurant management and ownership, including the opening of the multi-award winning Joseph Alexanders in Milton, among other iconic Australian restaurants.
I was fortunate enough to take a tour of the venue with David whilst he painted for me a picture of what renovations, now underway, were going to happen. There are three main areas to the restaurant, the first being the Jetty and Cafe, the second being the restaurant itself, and the third being the seperate lounge. I would seriously like to fill you in on that “vision” which looks to be launching around early April 2010 – however, it is not my little secret to give away. I will udpate as soon as I know more. What I can tell you is that the concept for the restaurant is Singaporean Resort style, modern, fresh with a twist of luxe. The lounge plan is glam, think entertainment with dinner – and you will be along the right tracks.
Walk down the ramp to the Jetty Cafe and Bar, or even better, moor your boat or jet-ski!
I can tell you about the Cafe and Bar which sits on the jetty, because it’s open now. Access either via the ramp, OR even better, moor your jetski or boat at the Jetty and step right into the only licensed floating bar in Brisbane. The speciality in the cafe is seafood – be it gourmet/casual fish and chips, or share a decadent seafood platter. I’m personally leaning towards the prawn & coriander dumplings, turmeric calamari, chips, chilli & onion jam – this sounds like a bit of me, and I’m imagining it right in front of me now (instead of cup of green tea …)
This creation is caramelised coconut within a cashew pandan crepe, with pistachio and chocolate ice cream - served with a glass of coconut milk
So keep an eye and an ear out for news of the launch, I for one can’t wait to see the concept in action!
Click here to take a look at the menu, photos and maps for Drift Jetty
