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Darwins International Airport, unlike many cities, is not situated in a far flung suburb out in the city limits. It is (rather conveniently) nestled in the northern suburbs of Darwin, a short drive from the CBD where the vast majority of the citys residents reside. Residents and locals can often be found in the bright and vibrant Essence restaurant, right at home among the lush tropical landscaped garden and pool area of the Darwin Airport Resort. The setting is a delightful reminder that while the food on your plate may be cosmopolitan, you are unmistakably in Australia's top end.
The menu at Essence is bursting with wild and exotic delights, and has been carefully and expertly assembled by a chef who is in tune with his craft. While the Darwin restaurant scene offers some world class dishes and unique local specialties, classic fine dining is not something readily on offer. Essence goes some of the way to remedying this, offering contemporary cuisine cooked with flair, and drawing on international influences. Fitting then, that the restaurant is located so close to the airport and sees so many travellers and international guests pass through its doors. The food on offer will appeal to everyone from the most experienced of restaurant frequenters, to food novices keen to broaden their gastronomic horizons. A welcome novelty is the glossary at the back of the menu, defining many culinary terms to which diners may be unfamiliar. The standout entree is the king prawn while the rib steak for mains is something really special, roasted for three hours before being flame grilled to your liking. For desert, the banana tart tatin is like nothing else you will find in the city; sweet, perfectly flambeed, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Liam Phillips, February 2008
DETAILS
The Darwin Airport Resort, literally a stroll away from the runway, is a cleverly-designed example of NT-style architecture, combining functional, heat-evading design with contemporary Australian art and a touch of tropical luxury.
The newest addition to the resort is Essence, a restaurant that should prove to be a blessing for foodies seeking fine dining outside the CBD. Sip a Marguerita on the plush pastel lounges at the adjoining Runway Bar before ambling into Essence, a good-looking, modern dining room, full of glass and dark timber, with a tall, tempting wine rack and alfresco seating overlooking the resort's tree-lined pool.
Filipino-born chef Neil Salonga heads the kitchen, his sophisticated, culturally diverse cooking thankfully straying well off the conventional hotel food path. His cooking evokes both the fresh market fare of Asia and the classic cooking styles of Europe, with deftly-selected native Australian ingredients adding colour and character to the dishes.
An exceptional wine list and cheese selection round things off beautifully.
While the primary clientele here is tourists, this is not a "tourist restaurant". Locals who make the journey to Essence will come away proud to call it their own.
About Darwin Airport Resort
Located within 350 metres of the Darwin International Airport, Darwins newest accommodation venue offers guests the unique opportunity of enjoying resort style accommodation set amongst lush tropical gardens with a variety of accommodation styles to suit both the holiday maker and business guest alike.
A range of accommodation options are available including spacious family suites, business suites and deluxe bungalows. Facilities include a beautiful 26 metre long pool, bar, restaurant, conference and meeting facilities, boardroom, gym and courtesy transfers to and from the airport.