They say you should save the best till last and I think that’s exactly what I did. Gerard’s Bistro is definitely on the list of places to visit in Brisbane, so you can imagine how excited I was when my daughter surprised me with reservations for my last night in Brisbane.

Even on Wednesday Gerard’s was full so booking is essential. We had a lovely table outside, the evening was warm so it really  suited us. We got excellent advice from our server who recommended several middle east inspired dishes for us to try as well as complimenting wines.

The background music though easy listening, still allowed us to chat without being distracted. The furniture and décor are modern and light with grey tones complimenting the natural wood, glass, marble and copper and the bespoke accessories reinforce the middle eastern theme.

We had 2 starters to share , Lahem  nayyeh , harissa  with pickled cucumber and egg yolk and coal roasted beets with pickled floretto and pine nuts, both dishes were amazing and a great awakening of the palet.

We had 4 dishes from the main course menu  and we shared those too. Fried cauliflower ras el hanout, flamed grapes and garlic oil accompanied some tender suckling pig , black pudding puree, roasted plum and smoked almond. Each course was served at perfect intervals allowing us to talk about the flavours and presentation..

When our glasses had been refilled the second part of the mains were served, this time we were treated to coal grilled broccolini  and kale with shallot oil, lemon and roasted yeast  with fantastic slow roasted wagyu brisket and that came with pickled vegetables, garlic yoghurt and flat bread.

The only  disappointing thing was we were too full to have dessert  but we did hear of two desserts that will be a definite on our next visit ……Pistachio, rose and barberry nougat and the second one is  Lemon myrtle and white chocolate ganache, blackberry sorbet biscuit and pickle.

The  food was to die for, the atmosphere, ambience , service was perfect making this a one-of-a-kind dining experience and one I will never forget.