Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Bahia Restaurant


Our last meal at the Gold Coast, and after a lot of deliberation, we made our way back to the classy Tedder Ave for an early dinner, before going to Conrads Jupiter to watch Tempo Rouge.

Food

Things got off to a great start with the complimentary amuse-bouche of seared beef fillet with beetroot and couscous salad. The beef was lightly seared, the beetroot and couscous taking a Morrocan slant and complimented the beef nicely.

As a reward for being the first people to dine there that night, we were given a pick of appetizers on the menu, and we chose the Toasted Turkish bread with a selection of Mediterranean dips ($12.90). We were surprised by the quality of the dips. The sundried tomato was sweet, the walnut & basil a little bitter, and cream cheese & mustard excellent. They were all home-made. There was plenty of fresh toasted Turkish bread available to wipe up the last of the dips, a great start.

Our mains were Twice cooked crispy duck served on chive and potato rosti, tempura bok choy with sweet chilli plum sauce ($32.90) - ok, everything on the plate was fried, which suited the potato and the duck beautifully. The meat was tender and tasty. I'm not a fan of fried bok choy though. The vegetable has too much water content to be able to handle tempura batter anyway. The pan seared snapper fillet on spring onion mash with brandied scallop sauce ($33.90) was cooked perfectly, the meat succulent and tender, and importantly, NOT OVERCOOKED. The skin was lightly fried and crispy. The spring onion added a little extra to the mash and matched nicely with a subtle scallop sauce.

Rating - 9

Atmosphere

Like most other restaurants on the strip, there is a large al-fresco section. In winter though, they are covered over, so it's like you're dining in a tent, with heaters interdispersed throughout. The restaurant is actually quite small, with a bar running along one side. One thing I have to comment on though, this place is REALLY DARK! We could hardly read the menu, let alone take any good pics. There are interesting looking oil burners with open flames on all the tables, which was an interesting touch, but I could see it as an occupational hazard as the tables are pretty close to each other.

Rating - 2

Service

Absolutely first rate. From the waiter who invited us in with her generous offer, to the prompt service and the automatic delivery of water. I have to mention time and time again, about how great service is on the Gold Coast. Friendliness and efficiency, Sydney could really learn a thing or two.

Rating - 4.5

C-factor

They really made us feel special, and the topping on the cake? Other than free entree, we also used the e-card, meaning our meal only cost us $34. We made sure we gave them a healthy tip to thank them for giving us such a great way to end our holidays.

Rating - 2

Brownie Points - 17.5

Info

Shop 3,
17 Tedder Avenue
Main Beach
QLD 4217
Phone (07) 5528 1444
Website

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