Popular Brisbane chef Marc Maric has popped up again in the inner-city food haven of Teneriffe, a suburban precinct that seems to have more restaurants and eateries than bus tops.
Although he hasn’t abandoned his beloved seafood, this time the theme is Argentinian at London Porterhouse tucked in under the London Woolstore Apartments at 36 Vernon Terrace, Newstead.
Marc has delved into Argentinian cuisine marrying the restaurant’s flash new parrilla grill with a modern Australian/Argentinian cuisine ethos.
London Porterhouse is owned by Mercedes McVeigh whose love affair with Argentina started with childhood stories of her father’s travels and dining in the country.
The menu is centered around locally grown and sourced produce cooked in a traditional South American way, starring simple Argentinean classics like empanadas, cerviche, grilled meats and seafood and Spanish-style desserts.
As you’d expect, steak is a strong focus, including a number of pasture-fed porterhouse cuts and wagyu sirloin sourced from high quality Australian suppliers. I sampled several items off the grill menu, including rib eye fillet, chorizo, spitchcock, quail, pork and lamb ribs and lamb cutlets. The meat was exceptionally tender and full of a rich smokey grill flavour which made for excellent eating.
Mark uses traditional recipes for all of the sauces, salads and spices. Expect whole grilled fresh fish and twice-cooked duck with fig and red onion chutney with grilled Asparagus and Pedro Ximenex jus.
The Argentinian-themed desserts were a pleasure and included a Spanish style crème brulee with a citrus salad and biscotti, everyone’s favourite churros but this time with both chocolate and caramel sauces and a hazelnut meringue with berries and caramel cream.
Highlight of London Portherhouse’s wine list is a large selection of Argentinean wines not easily found at other Brisbane venues.
Seating is mainly on the large covered deck outside the restaurant with long tables and tall stools for groups and smaller tables for couples.
While you are there, ask Marc about his tour to Croatia planned for next year. He’s got some exciting food experiences lined up.
London Porterhouse
Best tip: Look out for London Porthouse’s Sunday sessions once a month into summer featuring South American BBQ’s ‘al fonda’ and free BYO nights on Tuesdays.
Bottom line: Great for meat lovers although vegetarians are not forgotten.
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of London Porterhouse
