I think I have a new favourite… Altitude on Montville recently opened its doors and we dropped in for an awesome lunch visit.
Located on the edge of Montville – on the way out, or on the way, depending from where you are coming – it sits proudly overlooking the magnificent Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The dining space is spacious and fresh, with an upstairs, downstairs and outdoor dining area. We started inside, but moved outside to enjoy our meals.
Pimms ordered, I didn’t waste much time getting into to it. Staff are fun, friendly and informed, and the only difficulty was trying to narrow it down to actually make a definitive choice.
The menu is created by chef and local food ambassador, Matt Golinski. That means that focus is placed on fresh, wherever possible, local ingredients. The menu has a bit of a Mediterranean feel to it, and it was actually quite refreshing to see a few unique options to chose from.
I have decided that I loooove taro chips, and with the chilli lime salt and coconut and turmeric yoghurt it was extremely more-ish. I will drop in again for those alone…
But my ULTIMATE favourite was the lemon myrtle prawns and especially the combination of avocado, sea succulents, macadamias and finger limes.
I have to draw your attention to the sea succulents. I am definitely a fan. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but these little morsels are wild foraged by a Sunshine Coast producer and they are sensational! Hopefully this is a dish that is going to stay on the menu permanently, as it really is delicious.
My hubby, chose the house smoked ocean trout, which was part of a beautiful salad of kipfler potatoes, asparagus, celery heart, capers and crème fraiche.
For mains, I went with another entrée dish… it was lunch… I needed room for dessert… so I went with the beautifully crispy crackled Spanish style pork belly that came with escabeche eggplant, some funky roasted chickpeas, chilli and mint.
I think I noticed my husband enjoying the lamb rump, pancetta, sautéed brussel sprouts, cavalo nero and parsnip puree, but I was so caught up in my own dish, I forgot to ask for a sample taste. He assured me it was without fault.
Due to my careful planning, there was room for dessert and the espresso profiteroles did not disappoint. Filled with a decadent gianduja ganache and served with an equally sublime hazelnut praline ice cream it spelt the end of a dining experience very well enjoyed.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with the accompanied luxury accommodation, you might even want to make a weekend of it! I hear Matt has just created a new menu, so looks like we will have to visit again soon.
To find out more information visit:
www.altitudeonmontville.com.au
This story was written by Petra Hughes – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds. Petra’s visit was paid for and unannounced
