David Rayner, ex River House Restaurant, opened his latest venture, Thomas Corner Eatery, just two weeks ago and it's definitely found a market.
We visited for a late breakfast/early lunch on Saturday and the place was busy. Granted it was the start of school holidays but my efforts at boosting the local retail economy with purchases in shops adjacent to the eatery revealed they were very pleased with increased patronage at the centre.
If you missed the opportunity to experience David's cuisine at River House you'll be pleased to catch up with him at Thomas Corner. Not only is the food spot on here, but the decor is a delight as well.
“After selling River House Restaurant I took some time to formulate my concept for a new eatery, I want it to be relaxed and to reflect the roots of Noosa," David says.
I think he and wife Belinda, have done well. You can sit on the terrace and look at the river and all the happenings out there or you can relax at comfortable banquettes designed for lounging on and eating long lunches and dinners.
One of the features I particularly liked was the wall of ferns with bench seating. We only discovered this after completing our meal, otherwise I would have loved to dine surrounded by the ferns.
The food is quite simple. Brunch, served until midday, includes Sugar crusted raspberry muffin with Gympie butter, cinnamon sugared apple fritters with maple syrup and a toasted leg ham, Dijon, shallot and Gruyere sandwich. Prices range from $4 to $14.
The lunch menu includes plenty of local favourites including Mooloolaba fresh shellfish, spanner crab, prawns and cuttlefish quiche $25 and a big selection of starters, several in small or larger sizes, that would be wonderful to share or combine - roast organic duck and caramelised apples with apple balsamic dressing $18/27, Venison scotch egg, curry mayonnaise and cress with celeriac $15.
But it was the sandwiches, on grain sourdough, organic white sourdough or ciabatta roll, all with rosemary salted hand cut chips or salad. that won the day. I went for spanner crab with lime mayo and cress $18 while K2 unleashed his inner bloke with a Thomas Corner chilli steak sandwich $17. They were truly delicious and the crab sandwich was even better than the ones I used to enjoy with my Dad, although we did indulgently stack the crab more.
Although sorely tempted, I resisted the dessert menu until David offered me a 'sliver' of the chocolate, golden raising and caramel tart with local double cream $15. It was more than a sliver but soooo good. A rich, deep chocolate/caramel flavour with hints of raisin and short buttery pastry.
The dinner and Sunday lunch menu includes a wide selection of grills - lemon and organic chicken $23; Darling Downs rump fillet 4+ $24; White River milk fed veal chop $29 and Yellowtail kingfish $25, with a selection of accompaniments.
On the side for $5 are more of those delicious chips; garlic and chive mash, nutmeg buttered spinach and more.
Bottom line: Casual eating, exceptional ingredients and reasonable prices for a quality product. I'm going back.
201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. +61 7 5470 2224
Disclaimer - Ed+bK paid for the mean but the dessert was complimentary