One of if not the longest standing restaurant in Toowoomba and for good reason. This is the closest thing you'll get to fancy in this weird city/country hybrid town. Venue is elegant. Nice view of the lawn outside (let's not undervalue a nice lawn). A grand piano sits in the foyer - how very fancy. I wonder if it gets played much? It must question it's purpose - what good is a piano if not played? Not once have I ever seen this piano played - nor any other foyer-piano for that matter. Weird.
Lighting is on point - just bright enough that you can read easily, but just dim enough to be a little moody, like the smooth jazz that plays in the background.
As for the food, it's always nice but sometimes it's a bit predictable. They seem to have lifted the bar a bit recently since on my most recent visit I was pleasantly surprised by how refined everything was. Don't get me wrong - it's always of high standard, but this time was particularly nice.
The truffle in the lamb entree was conspicuous by its absence but otherwise the lamb delightfully tender and balanced.
Soup entree was like a warm fire on a Winter's evening - comforting and wholesome. Too many people don't appreciate a bangin' soup. This particular one was superb. Absolutely superb.
The croquet with the steak special was incredible. A pillow of texture and flavour. The steak was rare as requested and as much as I hate cliches, totally melt-in-your-mouth.
As for dessert, all the options looked great for people who like sweets but me, I'm a cheeseboard guy. Accompanied by a Cognac that was loving and warm like a hug from your grandma, the cheeseboard was a winner.
Staff are some of the most professional you'll come across and always read the table perfectly.
I gotta admit, the chairs got uncomfortable after a while, which did no favours for my lower back (mid-20s problems right?) but perhaps I just love to complain. We all do though right, I'm not alone here? It's a societal problem frankly, we all expect a certain unattainable level of comfort from restaurants that is so unrealistic.
Anyway overall experience is always 10/10. If you're looking for fine dining in Toowoomba, go here. See less
... See all
5
