Che K.
Yelp
My favourite place to eat on the Sunshine Coast.
It's very hard to fault the place.
The food is superb, Mediterranean tapas is probably the best description for the food, many regional cuisines have been incorporated making for a very tasty menu. Be prepared to get 3-4 plates for two people depending on hunger level and the dishes chosen. For example my friend and I have eaten here on a fair few occasions and have been satisfied after two shared plates when very hungry - the dishes were duck liver parfait and gnocchi in gorgonzola cream. These dishes are very tasty and very rich so the two small plates are enough to sate our hunger, although we often can't help ourselves and get another plate or two just for the flavour experience. Food for two people will usually be ~$60 which I feel is very reasonable for the high quality food served and the tasting experience provided. The Chefs know what they are doing and take great pride in the food they serve, every dish is perfect before it leaves the pass, even when it's very busy. Seasonal menu changes show the Chefs have a good knowledge of the cuisine and use of quality local ingredients.
The drinks are a perfect match for the food, many different tipples and of very good quality. The bar staff know what they are doing and make superb cocktails from a list that has the classics as well some very tasty in house concoctions. I've never found the wine list lacking, although I mainly only drink Shiraz so I haven't tried too many wines off the list. A good mix of quality domestic and imported beers and often special beers. Had the pleasure of having an Ivan the Terrible stout from Big Sky Brewing one visit which is very hard to get here. Broad range of spirits from standard to top shelf served anyway you want have always satisfied whatever I was wanting.
I'm usually too full for dessert but when I have indulged it has been superb, if maybe a little too rich for me after the richness of the food.
Now this is a jazz bar so music is a big part of the experience, including the eponymous piano fitting perfectly well into the classy décor. I'm not really a fan of Jazz but have had the music for me range from not offensive to something I actually liked. Live musicians will often be performing and they really give the place some atmosphere and improve my dining experience. The establishment is situated next to a main road so traffic noise is unavoidable but everything else is so good it hardly factors in. Outdoor seating is available and well sheltered while offering all the benefits of the open air. There are also some lounge settings with cushions and blankets that are comfortable and perfect for a few relaxed drinks in any season.
The staff really round out the quality of this place. Professional, yet friendly and casual as required, and always impeccably dressed and presented. One staff member above all else really keeps us coming back. I'm terrible and cannot remember his name or his job title, my bad. He is either Maître d', Head Barman, whatever the job he does it very well. He remembers us every time we come, even if it's been a long absence, what drinks we like, how they're served and can almost read our moods as to what we'd like on that day. Workers like this are rare these days, at least around this area, and this quality service makes the experience so much more enjoyable.
In case you haven't noticed, this is seriously my favourite place to eat, drink or relax anywhere in Australia.