Wow - Brisbane and the Gold Coast met and partied hard last night for the opening of Moo Moo at the Port Office.
With Moet flowing like water from a Methuselah (12 litre bottle) providing a constant challenge for the waiters and a crush at the bar that never seemed to ease, we sipped our way through a delightful evening.
The food was delicious with small tastes doing the rounds of the rooms. A highlight was the wagu beef skewers which showcased the rich flavour of this beef perfectly.
It's clear from the moment you step inside the front door of the historic Port Office on Edward Street (outside the Stamford Plaza Hotel) that there's been some changes.
The foyer is now modern and welcoming but still retains it's heritage appeal. Take a few steps up the wide, sweeping wooden staircase and the restaurant starts to reveal itself. The wood and deep green of the old Siggi's is definitely gone, replaced by modern black, chrome and glass.
It's a good look with lots of smaller spaces for private functions, cosy drinks or intimate dining. I particularly like that the verandahs are now included in the areas open for dining and drinking. Brisbane's climate is friendly to outdoor dining and I can see these areas being very popular.
The bar is still on the right but it's had a huge face lift and dining is on the left. The open kitchen gives views of the chefs at work and opposite is a refrigerated cabinet showing some of the aged beef on the menu.
I dined at Moo Moo on the Gold Coast some years ago but remember it as a great experience. They have a specialty beef menu with grass fed beef, grain fed beef and organic beef handpicked from the best breeders in the country.
Since opening it's doors in June 2005, Moo Moo on the Gold Coast has won a myriad of awards including Queensland's Best Steak Restaurant 2008, Queensland Best Informal Dining Restaurant 2007, Gold Coast Restaurant of the Year 2007 and Gold Coast's Best Steak Restaurant 2006 to 2009.
We can expect similar standards in their Brisbane operation and I'm sure the suits in the top end of town will be hanging out for the opening on Friday. It will be interesting to see how many defect from their Riverside favourite.
Bottom line: I'd like to check this out for a quieter dinner and drinks
Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill at The Port Office
(07) 32364500.
**As a special incentive people who book and dine before 30 June, will also go in the draw to win a trip for two to have dinner at Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill Fiji. Prize includes airfares, 3 nights’ accommodation at The Westin, Denarau Island, breakfast daily and dinner at Moo Mo Fiji.
