LOCATION
Absynthe – Queensland’s Best Regional Restaurant 2007 – is on Surfers Paradise Boulevard in front of QI (the world’s tallest residential tower) in the heart of Surfers Paradise, a short stroll from the Gold Coast’s famous beaches.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Surfers Paradise is not generally noted for quality cuisine but it seems Absynthe, with its stylish blend of fine dining in a relaxed setting, is leading the charge for a rethink. Some of the world’s most luxurious brands agree; recent style-savvy events hosted by Absynthe include a Vogue Entertainment + Travel readers’ dinner (the first outside Sydney and Melbourne) and a Gosset Champagne dinner, an Australian first for the world’s oldest champagne house. The 50 seat restaurant serves dinner from Monday to Saturday and lunch on Friday only, with Saturday night reserved for degustation dining. The degustation menu showcases a series of exquisite dishes from the sea, the coast, and the farm, finishing on a high with a divine dessert.
The a la carte menu changes frequently but the lightly-cured ocean trout with parmesan crisps and salmon pearls is a fine example of the entree selection. Main courses feature beef, duck, fish, and a wonderful modern take on the traditional French deboned oxtail. Try the steamed chicken breast in pancetta with goats cheese polenta and asparagus – it’s an explosion of flavours and tender textures. Absynthe arguably has one of the best wine lists in Australia. Connoisseurs will find rare vintages and exceptional labels as well as affordable quality wines from around the world. Slick decor, Absynthe cocktails, fantastic food, world-class wine and elegantly relaxed service has made this restaurant the Queensland Regional Restaurant of the Year. Dine there yourself and you’ll be sure to see why.
Catherine Taylor, April 2008
DETAILS
Chef Meyjitte Boughenout earned two Michelin Stars as executive chef at Restaurant Scholteshos in Belgium. French-born Meyjitte created Absynthe for people who appreciate beautiful food and wine. Absynthe has won numerous awards since opening two years ago and was recently voted Queensland’s Best Regional Restaurant.
The intimate 50-seat restaurant serves lunch on Friday only and dinner every night except Sunday.
There are two menus, an a la carte menu and Meyjitte’s special degustation menu. The a la carte menu is available at lunch on Friday and at dinner from Monday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday evenings are reserved for degustation dining.
Degustation means to savour, the Journey into Taste menu features six or seven small courses. This culinary experience may be ordered with diners’ choice of wine from a list of more 1000 internationally recognised labels or with the sommelier’s selection of wine with each course. Dishes change to take advantage of the best seasonal produce. Vegetarian and other special diets can be catered for with prior notice.
CHEF PROFILE
Meyjitte Boughenout honed his exceptional skills by working with Michelin Star chefs in France. At 25, he earned two Michelin stars at Belgium’s Restaurant Scholteshos. Meyjitte uses the best local produce to create an exquisite variation of modern French-Australian cuisine.
FUNCTIONS
Absynthe is available for functions and catering may be arranged. Meyjitte caterers for a number of international fashion labels including Gucci, Prada and Hermes. Family celebrations, corporate functions and events may be held in the main restaurant or the small private dining room.
Personal Statement
“I have introduced a variation of modern French cuisine based on Australian ingredients.
My restaurant is relaxed but sophisticated. It is less formal than some overseas or interstate fine dining establishments, Queensland is designed for relaxation.
Although we are less formal we take enormous pride in serving the best food and wine available anywhere. I look forward to sharing the Absynthe experience with people who savour the difference,” Meyjitte Boughenout.