Tropical dining delight opens under the stars

NEW OPENING

Rosie Wang

Guest Columnist

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General Manager Steve Molnar and John Morris enjoying drinks with guests during the grand opening of the Lagoon House Restaurant. Picture: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

On a Port Douglas tropical evening Newsport guest columnist Rosie Wang had the pleasure to indulge in a culinary experience like no other at the grand opening of the Sheraton Lagoon House Restaurant.

Join Rosie on a journey where food meets nature and creates an unforgettable dining experience in one of Australia's most stunning destinations.

As I entered the restaurant area, I was struck how well this new culinary experience so perfectly complements the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Set under swaying palms, with gentle cooling sea breezes and only steps from the iconic shores of Four Mile Beach, all lit by twinkling stars. The whole vibe embodies the nature of the region and the natural beauty of its surroundings from food to nature.

A Paiste Gong with Tai Loi symbol signals “that happiness has arrived” and was sounded to start the proceedings. This is usually sounded on the arrival of each plate before a guest and its gentle hum lends a powerful transformational note as it echoes feelings of connectedness between all present and involved in the dining experience.

During the opening evening guests mingled, some sipping Margarita cocktails out of freshly hewn coconut husk. Picture: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

From vision to reality

The Sheraton Lagoon House Restaurant started as a vision.

Taking an under-used building and tastefully re-imagining it into a stunning outdoor kitchen with surrounding dining area, to create one of the most unique and memorable culinary experiences in Port Douglas.

Guests can enjoy the tropical ambiance and stunning surroundings while savouring delicious food cooked right in front of them.

Highly skilled chefs

Lagoon House takes pride in its culinary expertise, with the menu curated by a team of highly skilled chefs.

Led by Belinda Tuckwell, who has 11 years of experience as a chef in Asia and a total of 25 years of expertise, and Spencer Patrick, the most decorated chef in Port Douglas with 30 years of experience, including working as a head chef with Marco Pierre White. At the age of 26, Patrick became the youngest chef in the UK to gain a Michelin star.

Joining them is Eden Lee, a Japanese and Korean chef who adds his own unique twist to the menu. Together, this talented team brings their wealth of knowledge and expertise to create a truly unforgettable dining experience at Lagoon House.

The result is a fusion of influences that embody the ingredients and flavours of the Far North Queensland region.

Guests were served a taste bud tingling array of food and flavours - Daintree Barramundi, Oysters katsu with pickled seaweed, Reef fish sashimi with smoked ponzu and pork ribs with local Davidson plum sauce and pak choy. For a special sizzling surprise the servers circulated amongst the guests with clay hibachi charcoal grills serving yakitori (chicken skewers) and local tiger prawns with green masala lime sauce.

Sharing and celebrating

During the opening evening guests mingled, some sipping Margarita cocktails out of freshly hewn coconut husks. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the music, which was provided by a DJ with a live saxophonist.

The philosophy behind the Lagoon Restaurant is one of sharing and celebration and the 140 guests that attended were embracing this theme throughout the night. Happiness had definitely arrived.

Overall, the grand opening of the Sheraton Lagoon House Restaurant was a fantastic event, showcasing this unique dining experience and adding to the other culinary offerings offered at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

The restaurant is open to both locals and travellers (just look for the gold coconut when you are on the beach).

At present the restaurant is open during mornings from 7.00am to 11.00am and in the evening between 5.00pm and 9.00pm. For bookings call 0740995888.

Lagoon House takes pride in its culinary expertise, with the menu curated by a team of highly skilled chefs. Picture: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

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