Plenty to like at Alfred & Constance

Eat! says the illuminated red sign on the wall of Alfred & Constance, but there's no need for a hint here. Above the buzz of happy voices and pumping music there's the aroma of food demanding attention, setting those mouth juices running and stomachs growling in anticipation.

And it all got just that bit more interesting with the launch of their Summer 2014 menu, a farm-to-table combo with an honest, yet sophisticated ethos.

Take a look at the Banoffee pie pictured above - one of the best around in my books with a 9/10 Ed+bK rating. It's a great example of the A&C style of simple food done exceptionally well.

You'll love the new menu's fresh local seafood including Harvey Bay scallops and Queensland Blue Swimmer crabs and salads with fennel, kale, zucchini and cauliflower. As A&C patron chef Jocelyn Hancock says, cauliflower is going to be big this season.

Amongst the new dishes are Josper grilled lamb backstrap with freekah (that's one of the new/old grains that's wildly popular), huge round balls of Israeli cous cous, slow roasted pork belly with a nice crisp crackling top with star anise, sautéed Stanthorpe apples and fennel.

I didn't try the Memphis-style pork ribs with pumpkin and pepita wedges, but I imagine they will be wildly popular.

Your old favourites, including the A&C Burger and pulled-pork roll are still there so regulars won't be disappointed.

My picks from the dessert menu ($14.50 each) are the Banoffee Pie (banana, caramel, chocolate and whipped cream - how can you go wrong), the light and refreshing Coconut and Lime Sorbet which has a lovely contrast of textures, a layered Chocolate Panna Cotta & Caramel Pot with an intriguing hint of orange,and the Lemon and Almond Tart which is a nice twist on an old fave.

Best tip: Start with a passionfruit and vanilla mojito which arrives with the deliciously heady aroma of fresh mint.

Bottom line: Starters range around $15 salads are around $9 for a side serve, and mains between $20 to $30.