It was hot, very hot, and air conditioning seemed the only answer but I had a yen for prawns and Matt Moran's new Riverbar & Kitchen was calling.
There's been a lot of comment on Riverbar as befits its high profile position and owner, and some has been critical. I attended the opening event and enjoyed it but that often doesn't give a true impression of what it is like to dine at a venue, so I decided to drag K2 down to the river and experience it again.
Sunday parking under Eagle Street Pier is easy and cheap, just $10. Just a short stroll along the boardwalk and you're at Riverbar. There were seats a plenty but we pulled up some stools at a bar height bench which gave a fabulous view over the river.
The air conditioning combined with misting fans certainly kept everything delightfully cool. I suspect it's also just cooler down by the river.
We indulged with seared kingfish with a sharpish ginger, ponzu and miso sauce - a great combo that was perfectly cooked and well presented.($15).
K2 had a slider ($9) which he wolfed down and we shared a salad of tomato, feta, basil and green olives ($18).
The peeled prawns ($18) didn't come in a bucket but the cocktail sauce had a perfect ratio of creamy tomato with kick and there were plenty of prawns. Unfortunately I have tasted better prawns, these ones were a little soft and mushy.
Apart from the prawns, which were little disappointing, I found nothing to fault in the prices and service. The food was, on whole, good quality and the position is very hard to beat.
When you want to show off how great Brisbane is to your visiting friends, this place ticks nearly all the boxes.
Bottom line: Great place for informal dining, a perfect spot for river and people watching.
Best tip: Check the prawns before ordering
Riverbar & Kitchen
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was unannounced and paid for this meal.