Welcome to Noosa! It’s been a while since I’ve written a travel-related post (there’s food porn below folks – don’t panic!), almost six months in fact. After leaving home in January 2014, I finally laid myself to rest last October in the city of Melbourne, Australia. I’ve had an absolute ball exploring the city’s incredible food scene and establishing myself as a “food blogger” like I did in London. In the six months that followed I’ve met some amazing people and have been lucky enough to attend some awesome events, including a flight-themed dinner at The Grand in Richmond and Melbourne International Coffee Expedition. This is not the end though, merely a brief break with my parents who came for a holiday from England.
After spending four days in Melbourne and two in the Yarra Valley where we ate, drank and cycled, we headed north to Queenland’s Sunshine Coast, to Noosaville to be precise. The Sunshine Coast took my breath away on a previous visit to Australia during my first backpacking trip in 2009. It was after returning to Queensland – after travelling it’s length two months previously – that I developed the ‘itch’ to travel the world. I blame Queensland. But how can I curse such a beautiful state, with it’s laid back attitude and bright blue skies?
Noosaville is one of those places where you can relax, so what better place to spend four days with my Ma and Pa. Mum was here with me in 2009 after I ended up in Nambour hospital, but Dad hadn’t had a chance to check it out when they visited Queensland in 2011. We spent four nights at the very nice and perfectly located Montpellier Boutique Resort on James St, just a stones throw from the beach.
I’m lucky that my parents share my love of food and we spent most of our time eating and drinking our way through the large selection of eateries in the area. We embarked on extensive research to find the best places to eat as we do enjoy fine dining and being food bloggers, our standards are unusually high. We had some fantastic food during our stay in Noosaville and some not so good, despite all we had researched. Therefore, I’m going to give you the low-down where we ate in the area so you can enjoy fine food too. I’ve saved the best ’til last so you HAVE to read on!
The disappointments
River Cottage 7/10
After reading about one of the “best fine-dining restaurant” in Noosaville, we were sadly disappointed. Both the food and service were good, but not great. Portion-size larger than most fine dining establishments and the lack of aircon made it uncomfortably hot. We had a pleasant meal but it was nothing to write home about.
Flux – 7/10
Considering Flux has recently been awarded a Chef’s Hat, we expected a lot more. There was just one member of staff front of house which made service slow. Food was tasty but certainly not worth a hat. Come here for relaxed drinks and nibbles but don’t expect to be wowed.
Gusto Riverfront – 7/10
We only came here for dessert after Flux only had one dessert option on their menu. All three desserts were ok but sponge pudding’s a little hard. Service was so-so, we much preferred Sirocco next door!
The pick of the bunch
Ricky’s – 9/10
We drool at the thought of another meal at Ricky’s. This is fine-dining at it’s best, without even a hint of pretentiousness. Each and every dish impressed and the waterfront setting is pretty stunning too. It’s totes worth the money – I think dad felt the same 😉
Sirocco – 8/10
We returned to Sirocco daily for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Consistency is key and Sirocco delivered time and time again. The staff were superb and the food decent too. What a friendly place to visit, a must if staying nearby.
Bistro C – 8/10
We enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Bistro C which was close to Melbourne standards. Order the beautifully presented granola which seems to be their signature dish. Well organised and a great setting to top. Grab some friends for weekend brunch.
In between eating and drinking, we managed to squeeze in a visit to our friend’s in Gympie, about an hours drive inland. We met up with Klara and typical outback Aussie Alf who we met when I was in hospital in 2009. These two are some of the most kindest people I’ve ever met and it was great to finally see where they live. Alf took great pleasure showing us around his 20 acre farm where he recently picked 3000 mangos by hand and gave his decking a spruce-up using just a small paint brush – not bad for an 85 year old!
Before heading to Brisbane for dinner at Thomson’s Reserve we stopped off at cycling cafe The Velo Project in Mooloolaba, another favourite place of mine. Revisiting the Sunshine Coast after six years on had only just rekindled my love for the lush greenery, blue skies and kind people of Queensland. One day I’d like to call this state home.
Living life, loving food and travel,
H x
Ps: my travel or food? Which do you prefer to read about?! I’d love to hear your comments below 🙂
