When I moved to Brisbane 12 years ago I was instantly struck by the lack of decent coffee, the lack of sidewalk eating, and the generally disappointing food scene.
WOW! How far have we come!
Last year I ate at Esquire a few weeks after it opened. I can safely say it was THE best dining-out experience I have had in Australia. And possibly anywhere in the world. EVER.
Last night Esquire became the first Queensland restaurant to be awarded 3 Hats by the newly established Queensland Good Food Guide, taking its place alongside Sydney and Melbourne restaurant luminaries including Tetsuya’s, Marque, Quay, Attica, Vue de Monde and more.
I was excited to be invited to the Queensland Good Food Guide Awards last night. Not because I work in the industry [I did once. As the world’s worst waitress ever.]. Not because my friends were receiving awards. Not because I wanted to meet celebrity chefs.
I was excited because it gave me the opportunity to applaud the many, many hardworking restauranteurs, cafe owners, wait staff, sommeliers, baristas, chefs, cooks, dishwashers and all those others who have worked tirelessly to give Queensland incredible food experiences.
To all of you I say THANK YOU.
Books like this don’t “just happen” – thanks to all those involved – the lovely Natascha Mirosch who edited this book [and who just tweeted is going out for one last lunch before starting the “mother of all diets” tomorrow!], brisbanetimes.com.au, all the reviewers [how do I get a job doing THAT?], and all the sponsors, including Citibank and Vittoria Coffee.
And to everyone like me, who loves food, loves dining out, loves sitting in a cafe for a sneaky coffee when you’re meant to be working, all I can say is, how lucky we are in Queensland.
Stu. says
Hear, Hear. Well said Mel. Been here a little less time thatn you, but as a casual diner, and gentleman amateur drinker it’s been great to see the scene grow and mature in that short space of time.
Stu
Brisbane Devoured says
Its great that Qld restaurants are being recognised as being just as amazing as those in Sydney and Melbourne! I had an invitation to last nights invite, but came down with a horrendous flu yesterday, so sad to not be able to attend, I am sure the atmosphere was amazing. I will have to have a read of the guide soon.
Deb says
I saw some tweets last night and regretted that I wasn’t able to come.
Great post!
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