Southport’s River House has us hook, line and sinker.
Southport’s River House has us hook, line and sinker.
Summer is coming in hot, and all we want to do is be in and around the water, preferably with a cocktail in hand. River House in Southport is one spot we’ll be spending plenty of time at as we sail into the warmer months.
This new water side restaurant perched on the northside of the Nerang River, offers stunning views and sumptuous food in equal measure.
With more than 40 years in the culinary game, Chef Grant Madgwick knows his way around fine food. From luxury hotels and superyachts to his own award-winning venues, Artichoke at Ephraim Island and Sanctuary Cove, Grant believes good food should be enjoyed anywhere and anytime, especially by the water. We couldn’t agree more.
The River House itself is designed for long, lazy lunches that drift into dinner and maybe (definitely) more cocktails, with three levels of dining to suit your mood. Step out onto the breezy deck and soak in panoramic views that catch the light just right as the sun dips behind the skyline. The outside is brought into the dining room with the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and natural finishes, creating a luxe yet laid-back dining experience. Then, slip into the lounge and wine nooks where you’ll find low light, high charm and a martini with your name on it.
Grant’s menu is seasonal and sensory balanced, using the best Australian produce, weaving Asian and European influences throughout.
When you’re sitting this close to the water, seafood is the natural place to start. Fresh oysters are celebrated and adorned with bold pairings like Wasabi and Wakame Sorbet, Light Soy and Wakame Salad or Aperol, Campari, Limoncello Sorbet and Cucumber Vinaigrette.
Dive right into Strawberry Carpaccio served with Australian prosciutto ribbons, Persian feta, macadamia and pine nuts, pickled spanish onion.
Mains will take you on a world tour. You can’t go wrong with XL BBQ Moreton Bay Bugs with hollandaise, au gratin with duck fat potato bakes. The Duck Confit XO is another standout, with duck Maryland glazed in xo black cherry sauce served with pickled red cabbage, red currants fondant and caulilini.
Dessert is just as decadent, like the Black Cherry and Pear Clafouti with white chocolate shavings, vanilla bean ice cream, black cherry coulis and petite pomme.
If you like your culinary adventures uncharted, take the plunge with the Trust the Chef menu – a tasting journey where Grant steers the ship and you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Of course, no river escape is complete without the right drink in hand. If you’re looking for the perfect bev to sip in the sun, River House is sure to have it, with boutique Australian and international wines, as well as bespoke cocktails like the Deconstructed Lychee Martini. Featuring Novvay Vodka, Paraiso Lychee Liqueur, Cinzano Bianco, lychee juice and a splash of apple juice, it’s made for sipping riverside.
Where: 2 Barney Street, Southport
When: Thurs 5pm-late, Fri–Sun, 11.30am-late
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Belinda Symons
Vikasati introduces social sessions!
Work, rest, play at Queen Street Village.
If you’re not au fait with Southport’s recent moving and shaking – we have some major catching up to do! For starters, a lush little destination known as Queen Street Village would rank highly on the list of reasons to swing by and see how 4215 is stepping. it. up.
Delivering a new super-slick spot to shop, sip and recreate in style, Queen Street Village’s $550 mil re-development surpassed our loftiest expectations for the location, which previously housed the old Southport hospital. Transforming the Queen Street strip into the hip kinda destination where there’s always something cool/fun/delicious happening, the boutique retail precinct boasts a slew of specialty shops, services and top tier sustenance spots.
With major drawcards such as premier grocer, Jones & Co IGA, and high-end film chain, Dendy Cinema, as well as a dedicated watering hole, boutique barber, gym, childcare and a cutting edge dental studio the Queen Street Village is already shaping up to be a jack of all trades. And there’s plenty more to come. #PassThePopcorn – we can hardly wait!
We’re rejoicing over the recent addition of a fresh-faced The Queen’s Arms Hotel (a reincarnation, technically speaking). Courtesy of a pearler of a revamp Southport’s rejuvenated pint-slinging icon is now a sight to behold. In addition to the requisite brews and impressive beer garden, the new-look QA also comes bearing upscale pub bites like Truffle Chips and Blistered tomato and burrata salad.
Joining the likes of Krish Indian and Say Sushi; if you’re a fan of fresh and affordable Asian eats served in a flash (yes, hi) – prime the tastebuds to meet QSV’s newest nosher, Wu Kong, courtesy of Brisbane’s Jackpot Dining crew. Swing by this new themed experience restaurant to enjoy lunch or dinner in a cave. Tuck into a delectable selection of fresh and fast food from traditional stir fries to Chinese roasts and noodles.
A new Terry White Chemist is opening in early May. Who among us isn’t here for swinging by the pharmacy to stock up on essential provisions (a new perfume or lippie) then rewarding ourselves for smashing the ‘ole to-do list with a little treat for the tastebuds for our efforts?
Rounding out QSV’s collection of delectable eateries are options like Barber Bros. Psst yes you can get a quick snip and coffee hit! Or nom your way around the world with everything from Mexican fave Guzman and Gomez, a drive through Oportos or Greek style eats from Yiros Shop.
Whether you’re down to make your next errand run feel a bit spesh, or craving something delish for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, we reckon there’s beaucoup reasons to make Queen Street Village your plush port of call.
Where: 115-157 Queen St, Southport
When: Opening hours vary
Words by Kellie Leader
STORY SPONSORED BY QUEEN STREET VILLAGE
