Gazing over the sun filled blue water of the mouth of the Maroochy River to Mt Coolum and beyond from the comfort of The Boat Shed restaurant is what the Sunshine Coast is all about.
Next to us two men are fly fishing and catching the occasional fish. On the other bank families and children are playing in the sand. More than the odd, good-sized fish is being reeled in while pelicans settle on the sand banks waiting for their chance.
Under deep shade of the Cotton Trees, from which the area takes its name, it's cool but the seats are comfy - a place enjoy some pre lunch drinks or linger over dessert.
Inside the restaurant we are warm, almost too warm as we are dressed for winter, basking in the afternoon sun on a winter's day. It certainly feels warmer on the Sunshine Coast.
My dad, gone more than 10 years now, used to like fishing off the bank here and so a lunch with the family at this location brings us all together a little.
The restaurant has a seafood focus but caters to all tastes. Here's what we ate - Tempura whiting, avocado and bell pepper tian, lime aioili, Coconut and chilli battered prawns, roasted banana, rum syrup, Pan fried Barramundi with fresh fish, chips, garden salad, lemon butter sauce, Crisp skinned salmon, grilled prawns, Asian slaw on, roasted peanuts, Battered fish and chips, garden salad salad, tartare sauce and lamb shanks two ways. Everything we ate was well balanced, well prepared and served efficiently by delightful wait staff.
The servings were generous.
Dessert was a special orange and almond birthday cake ordered by my wonderful partner, K2, from Pamela's Pantry in Caxton Street Brisbane. This Brisbane institution has been churning out high quality take away food for at least 20 years. The cake was absolutely superb with a wonderful contrast in the texture of the almonds. Well done Pam!
Bottom line: The Boat Shed combos are not breaking edge but they are artfully and professionally executed. The setting alone would make this restaurant one to return to but the food does not disappoint. Definitely worth the calories. Do make sure you book early. Recommended.
The Boat Shed Restaurant
www.theboatshed.com.au (Behind the pool)
The Esplanade, Cotton Tree
(07) 5443 3808 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
