Sometimes when you least expect it, you find a hidden treasure where you least expect it.
We had a big day… we had climbed to the top of Mount Warning. We were tired, hungry and sore (ok, it was just me that was sore) – I wasn’t in the frame of mind for anything less than good. So on our way home from our big walk, we passed Mavis’s Kitchen, and I rang and booked there and then.
Mavis’s Kitchen is located on Mount Warning Road, in a beautiful old Queenslander style house, literally, at the base of Mount Warning. Interestingly the old Queenslander was actually relocated from the Gold Coast where it enjoyed a previous life as a local landmark, the Harley Street Brasserie, by the same owners who own it now. This old girl has a bit of history.
She is quite the majestic structure, the backdrop to a magnificent kitchen garden. I was thrilled we had booked early as it gave us the opportunity to have a wander in the garden and appreciate it while there was still some daylight. Vegetables, herbs and edible flowers thrive, and all of them are utilised in their dishes.
On this particular evening, Mavis’s was enjoying the celebration of a wedding, which was in the main building. We were forewarned, which was nice, and while there was a bit of activity when we arrived, once dinner was served everyone was surreally quiet.
We started with a local beer, Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and the little less local Brunswick Heads Brewery Duke Premium Lager. The wine list is always wasted on me, I am such a plebe sometimes. But there is something very thirst quenching about a beer after a very big walk.
Mavis’s has a great menu that takes advantage of their own fresh greenery from the garden, but most of our selection was from the specials of the evening – they all sounded so good.
We both couldn’t go past the oregano and lemon marinated lamb ribs as an entrée. In hindsight, it was probably a big enough serve to share, or even to have as a main. Not that I am complaining… I did not reject a morsel of it. It was melt in your mouth tender and beautifully flavoured.
Thankfully my main was a little lighter; roast duck, roast pear, raspberry and hazelnut salad, another one of the specials.
My cherry babe went with the fresh barramundi – slow cooked with tomato, green olives, orange, fennel, walnuts, Jerusalem artichoke, and crispy fried capers. I was a little lucky here and got to steal the olives from his dish, and he shared a few Jerusalem artichokes pieces. Not sure why I thought I had room for all of the optional extras, but that’s the thing – when it is good, some how you can always find room.
Which brings me to the dessert. I actually did not have room. But then I heard what the special was and well… miracles happen…
Cardamom, rose and pistachio pavlova with poached peaches. Oh #YesPlease #DontMindIfIDo #sensational
Yes, it really was – sensational – loved the cardamom. Must replicate at home sometime soon. My cherry babe found room for tiramisu, but he, like I, faltered towards the end, and then we both sat there like blimps until we ultimately found the energy and willpower to haul ourselves to the car to go home.
Hidden treasure found and devoured, Mavis’s hospitality was a welcome finale to a grand and enjoyable day.
To find out more visit:
http://www.maviseskitchen.com.au
This story was written by Petra Frieser – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
