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Songbirds Rainforest Retreat
Lot 10, Tamborine Mountain Road,
Out There magazine - Issue 24
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Songbirds is not a place where you eat and run. Rather, you linger long, soaking up the idyllic setting as you savour every last morsel of the creative food on offer. Nestled in rainforest about 30 minutes drive from the Gold Coast, the restaurant is part under cover, part alfresco, in a modern Asian-style pavilion with red metal chairs, chocolate banquette seating, red silk runners on crisp white tablecloths, red shade umbrellas and a lounge with fireplace. Red roses add a riot of colour to the tables, while Buddha figurines cast a watchful eye. Chef Daran Glasgow, who worked in some of London’s leading restaurants, turns out exciting dishes that are as colourful as the surroundings, with clean, fresh flavours. There’s a local flavour to the dishes, with the salmon dish, for example, featuring lychees and Asian flavours that sit so well in these surrounds. Unexpectedly, although much appreciated, diners are asked how they would like their salmon cooked. The seared Queensland scallops are served with angel hair pasta and smoked tomato beurre blanc, a seamless dish with exquisite flavours. Oyster lovers should try the freshly shucked Pacific’s with pickled ginger, flying fish roe and Vietnamese dressing. Mains range from $28 to $40, desserts are irresistible, and the wine list is well thought out. We sampled the Symphony Hill Reserve Shiraz, recipient of Queensland’s first ever Royal Sydney Wine Show gold medal. If you want to linger longer, there are six luxurious villas on the property, and 20 day spa units being built.
© Christine Salins
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