Absynthe Restaurant Blog

Our Absynthe Restaurant Blog provides insights and updates from the world of hospitality. We will highlight and share our activity in the kitchen, the bar and the restaurant as well as delving deep into our extensive cellar.

16.6.09

New Developments

We are excited to annouce some new developments.








  • Meyjitte is opening a new Wine Bar at Sactuary Cove called, "Bubbles on Cove". Our lips are currently sealed, but we will provide you with more information shortly.

  • We will also be launching a new pizzeria at Paradise Point, called "Godmothers Pizza", which will be opened to the public in September!






Absynthe at the EKKA


This year the Absynthe patisserie will be at the EKKA! For five star quality sweets, head over to the Woolworths pavillion, next to Merlo Coffee for Absynthe's patisserie goods, during the 6-15 August. Don't miss out!

Favourite French Bakeries

The French are some of the best bakery chefs in the world.
I am listing some of my favourite French bakeries, so if you are ever in France make sure you pop in and try some of their gourmet breads and treats.

Pain d'Epis is just around the corner from the Eiffel Tower. They have developed a name for their top-class baguettes and loaves.

Au 140 have countless awards to their name. They were the offical supplier to the presidential palace in 2001 and its baguette was named the best in Paris the same year. Au 140 is in Northeast Paris and features a large selection of organic breads.

Le Notre's window displays feature exquisite desserts such as opera (a dense chocolate cake) and fraisier (sponge cake with strawberries). This bakery is definitely a must see!

Serene

I just wanted to introduce Serene, which is owned by a friend of mine.
Serene has recently opened up at Sanctuary Cove. They have some fabulous imported designer shoes, from high quality brands such as, Versace, Oliver Sweeney, We R Replay, Just Cavalli, Class by Roberto Cavalli, Roberta Scarpa and Dolce & Gabbana.
Address - Shop 6, 7 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove, QLD
Phone - (07) 55 779 747

Wine Knowledge and Tasting Tips

It is important appreciate wine with food as much as it is to appreciate wine on its own.
I must warn you though that my suggestions may be a bit controversial and out of the norm, but this is the way I appreciate food.

For an entree of soup I would suggest accompanying it with a nutty wine, like a Sherry or Spanish wine. A good example is Cauliflower and Scallop soup served with a Spanish wine. If for some reason Sherry or Spanish wine are not an option, then it is best to have no wine at all with your soup dish.

Duck dishes are commonly matched with Pinot Noir, but for me, I think that match is overused and ridiculous. I would recommend a heavier wine, either red or white.

When enjoying cheese, red wine is normally the recommended option. I prefer white wine personally as I see it very complimentary and it will always be my preference and recommendation to my diners.

For any 'cheesy' dishes on the menu, my number one match is a great Chardonnay. It blends well with everything cheesy, for example a cheese risotto is perfectly paired with a rich Chardonnay.

Again, quite the contrary, when it comes to Fish dishes white wine is not always the answer. I would suggest you drink whatever wine you prefer with your Fish and you should also take into consideration how the Fish is cooked i.e in an Asian sauce, rich creamy Italian sauce, freshly grilled with salad or cold with other seafood. All of these things would determine what wine you drink with the fish dish. Fish and wine matches vary so much, it is difficult to make any one suggestion.

Vegetarian food is perfectly matched with a great Champagne, because of the lightness of the wine and the airy-ness of the bubbles. Vegetarian food is a perfect match for a light, fresh, zesty Champagne. Both are clean tasting and light, vegetarian dishes which include tofu, egg and fresh vegetables in particular are best serves with bubbles.

Lastly, the perfect dessert drink in my opinion is indeed a beer! Dessert wines have their place indeed however, I love serving beer with a dessert such as a carrot and lemon ravioli . And by beer I mean a small glass of beer - not a pint!