Thursday, August 11, 2011

E'cco Bistro - One of Brisbane's Best







There's no shortage of great restaurants in Brisbane but if you're visiting our fair city or live here and want to enjoy a really exceptional meal, then get along to Philip Johnson's multi- award winning E'cco Bistro at 100 Boundary Street, on the periphery of Brisbane’s central business district, for modern bistro dining at its best.


The restaurant itself is unpretentious with tables set side by side and most overlooking the spotless stainless steel kitchen. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed with diners who seemed to be right at home - doubtless multi- return visitors who obviously enjoyed the casual atmosphere and great food.

The menu is so easy and straight forward it makes you wonder why more restaurants don't do it the same way with one price for entrees, one for mains and one for sides. Owner Philip Johnson, one of Australia's most celebrated chefs works creatively with head chef, Mathias Andersson to present a menu that is honest, entirely wholesome and full of flavour. The wine list is superb with a wide and diverse selection of wine and sparkling wine from many regions of the world with quite a few available by the glass at extremely reasonable prices. The service was friendly and informative with our waiter quite happy to suggest the best wine to accompany each course.

For starters we shared the field mushrooms served on olive toast with rocket, parmesan, 
truffle oil & lemon, and the duck liver parfait with beetroot jam, duck prosciutto, frisée 
& candied walnuts. The entrees were substantial and the combination of tastes was divine, with each ingredient's flavour being allowed to shine without compromising the whole. The tender Moroccan-inspired lamb rump accompanied by a glass of medium bodied cabernet had me sighing with contentment while my partner's grilled white fish, pommes écrasée, green beans with spiced almonds & sauce bois boudrin accompanied by a glass of crisp riesling was so good he immediately started working out when we could come back for another meal!


To try it yourself phone 07 3831 8344 or go to their website for a full run-down of the menu.

Guest Blogger: Rhonda Bannister - Editor-in-Chief of Holidays for Couples magazine.


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