It’s not often we get to discuss the stunning oceanside suburb of Main Beach but here we are with some absolutely next-level news. It comes in the form of a somewhat hidden gem, tucked inside Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, known as Oyster Bar. Until today that is.

The stunning space, complete with water views and some of the most exceptional eats on the Coast have given themselves a little makeover and will, from now on, be known as Oyster Bar & Grill.

The change comes with the decision to not only pay homage to the fresh, five-star oysters on offer there but the remainder of the menu, which boasts equally flavour-filled, extremely high quality dishes, straight off the grill.

Oyster Bar & Grill is an intimate space (30 pax) overlooking a section of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort’s incredible water feature with the sparkling ocean and a perfectly placed lifeguard tower in the background. A fountain flows soothingly in the background and, all in all, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

To start your experience off on the right foot, you should absolutely treat yourself to an oyster shot complete with housemade bacon-infused vodka and tomato juice, Bloody Mary style. Trust us, it’s life-changing.

As you would expect, the oyster selection is perhaps the best on the Coast with five varieties that will leave you with one of the most difficult decisions of your dining life.

We recommend the Fresh Oysters with Lemon Pearls, which are straight from France and pop in your mouth leaving a fresh, citrusy taste perfectly paired with the succulent, mouthwatering sea morsels. You may also choose Prosecco Granita to top your freshies.

If cooked oysters are more your style, there are three choices including Mornay, Kilpatrick and Battered with Sriracha Mayonnaise and all of them are absolute flavour sensations.

From the grill, we suggest sampling the Cape Grim New York Strip for two because it’s served with a bottle of Stonehouse Cabernet Sauvignon and is the perhaps the most melt-in-your-mouth steak we’ve ever enjoyed.

From the sea, the Grilled NT Barramundi is simply stunning as are the Split North Queensland BBQ’d Prawns. Both cooked to perfection and with perfectly complimentary flavours.

Sides-wise (because one must always order sides), the Potato Puree with Confit Garlic, Heirloom Tomato Salad with Vincotta and Garlic Chips and Seasonal Greens with House Roasted Sesame dressing are your new favourite accompaniments.

If you have room for dessert, the Snickers Cheesecake with caramel fudge, Kingaroy peanut brittle and coffee gelato is a taste sensation and the Warm Callebaut White Chocolate Brownie with blood orange gel, caramel popcorn and Connoisseur ice cream are a delight.

A Sommelier was also brought in to choose new wines to accompany the standout menu and there is a Wines of Europe section that will have you planning your next wine tasting tour of Italy quick smart.

As you can see, Oyster Bar & Grill is a new favourite dining destination and, with Valentine’s Day coming up soon, the perfect spot for a date night with your beloved. Don’t miss it friends.

LOCATION: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 5pm to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday 12:00pm to 10:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm

STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

It’s not often we have the pleasure of chatting about our northern neighbours but there is certainly a lot to discuss when it comes to Brisbane’s dining scene. The most important aspect of which is the city’s adoption of one of our favourite restauranteurs and one extremely talented head chef.

Yes, it’s Simon Gloftis (founder of Hellenika, The Fish House and nineteen at The Star) and Kelvin Andrews (former Head Chef at The Fish House and nineteen at The Star), two of the Coast’s most impressive foodies and now, owners at SK Steak & Oyster.

As you’ve no doubt heard, the pair opened the venue within The Calile Hotel in Brisbane and it is exceptional in every sense of the word.

Before we begin, some context. In late 2019, the pair embarked on an eating tour of the US to ‘gather intel’ (which roughly translates to tasting all of the things) on the style of venue they were planning. They wanted a sophisticated space with white tablecloths, a piano and of course, the highest quality produce they could source.

Which is exactly what they’ve created.

SK Steak & Oyster greets you with a beautifully stocked circular wall of spirits including a stunning array of single malt whiskey’s that we would very much appreciate sampling.

Inside you’ll find an air of unpretentious sophistication with fresh flowers dotted throughout, plants tucked in overhead, a completely open kitchen and a window showcasing some of the finest cuts of meat there are.

The team are dressed in crisp white dinner jackets and are both very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable and the entire experience is one that will stay with you always.

Now to the food and although words may not do it justice, let’s see how we go.

The premise is of course, steak and seafood and as mentioned, it’s of the highest possible quality.

To begin, oysters of course. SK’s are sourced daily and served with a champagne mignonette that takes champagne and oysters to a whole new level.

The seafood platter is a must with oysters, prawns, bugs, mussels and lobster and it is unlike any seafood platter we’ve ever laid eyes on. Fresh, flavorsome perfection.

Next the raw seafood is an absolute taste sensation and we sampled the Raw Yellowtail Kingfish with smoked dashi, white soy and jalapeno and The Petuna Ocean Trout Tartare with shallots, cornichons and capers. Melt in your mouth and beautifully balanced, the both of them.

Now there are a few ways to go and if you’re a risotto lover, Kelvin’s Lobster Risotto is the best you’ll ever have with southern Tasmanian Rock Lobster and crustacean bisque. The flavours guys, too good.

Of course, you’ll want to sample a steak and there are many to choose from depending on your preference. We went for the eye fillet and it was life changing. Crisp on the outside and pink in the middle, soft and just exceptional honestly. No sauce required… but available if you can’t do without.

Sides-wise there is an entire potato menu and we love that a lot. The Moreton Bay Bug Mash Potato is the greatest mash in the world (actually), do yourself a favour. If you’d like a salad too (because at this point, why not?), the SK Signature Wedge Salad has blue cheese dressing (!) and bacon on iceberg lettuce. YUM.

For dessert, you must try the signature Strawberry Cake that Kelvin has absolutely perfected, is sweet and smooth and we’re in love with it to be frank.

To drink, cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, all able to be matched with your dishes and all absolutely sensational.

Quite obviously, it’s worth a trip to Brisbane just to sample the goodness that is SK Steak & Oyster, not to mention you’ll be supporting two former Gold Coasters who have firmly made their mark on the Brisbane dining scene and have zero signs of stopping there.

World takeover? We’re here for it.

LOCATION: Ground floor at The Calile Hotel, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley
HOURS: 12pm to 3pm and 5.30pm to midnight daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith