Table for Two and maybe you blog post - Tucked away in a laneway off James Street in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley foodie precinct, Gerard's Bistro is where Middle East meets West ... and the result is tantalising to the tastebuds.
Head chef and co-owner Ben Williamson has brought the experience of five years cooking for Gulf Air in Bahrain to the menu, which offers a mind-blowing selection of small and large plates, designed to share.
Vicki opted for the suckling pig with fermented pumpkin, raisins, barberry, macadamia, burnt butter and mint ($42), while I settled for the charred lamb collar with burnt eggplant and black cardamom, smoked dates and black cabbage ($42).
We also ordered a bowl of morasa polow - perhaps better known as Iranian jewelled rice, which comes with fruit, nuts, saffron, orange and rose petals ($19).
We attacked the suckling pig first, and it was simply mouth watering.
Combined with the pumpkin, nuts and fruits, not to mention the spectacular rice, this was a truly memorable dish.
The charred lamb collar was also delicious, although the combination of burnt eggplant and black cardamom, as well as the smoked dates, was "almost" too smoky for me - although Vicki loved it.
The black cabbage - which is actually green cavolo nero - was an excellent accompaniment.
The wine list offered something for everybody, and it would be remiss not to mention the service which was exceptional.
All in all, the visit to Gerard's was a memorable experience, and unlikely to be our last.
Had a wonderful lunch with a few girlfriends, the cauliflower dish was amazing, the smoked potatoes delicious, the pumpkin with pepitas oh my gosh ! Really great food , a little noisy inside, the music was a bit loud to allow a good chat, but we moved outside under a heater, with blankets which our waitress offered. It was fabulous, will be back and recommend to anyone.
Outstanding dinner last night, we asked for a corner seat and it was perfect. The menu was extensive and bursting with flavours we love. (The squid toast out of this world).Our wine choice was a winner also. Thank you so much for making our anniversary special. Service was second to none by our waitress. We even witnessed a Proposal which was something so unique and beautiful.
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