Good times and fresh flavours as Club Mossman welcomes new chef and menu

Leading this culinary transformation is catering manager Nourdin Yacoubi, who brings more than 36 years of experience to the role. 

His impressive career spans England, London, Brisbane, and Port Douglas, adding a rich depth of expertise to the Club Mossman kitchen.

Nourdin’s resume includes time at iconic venues such as Oxley’s on the River in Brisbane and vibrant jazz bars in Covent Garden, along with a long-standing reputation in the Far North Queensland dining scene.

Now, just three months into his role, Nourdin is making his mark with a refined menu that balances classic club favourites with innovative specials.

“We’re keeping things simple, quality club food that people love, like steaks, parmies, and fish and chips,” he said. 

“But the special board is where we get creative. Customers are loving dishes they wouldn’t expect to find in a club setting.”

At the time of speaking, the specials menu features a rich and creamy chicken pesto pasta and a seafood paella packed with prawns, calamari, mussels, bugs, and chorizo, cooked in fragrant saffron-infused paella rice. 

“It’s been a hit,” Nourdin said.  “We sold 20 paellas on the first day.”

The club’s recent renovations have also improved its kitchen operations. A dedicated pizza station has been introduced, allowing for fresh, house-made pizzas, while an all-day café menu is now available. And yes, they also offer takeaway.

“We’re focusing on fresh, in-house preparation,” Nourdin explained. “We make most of our food from scratch and we’re sourcing the best ingredients possible, like seafood from Santiego’s in Port Douglas and fresh produce from Scomazzon’s.”

With a brand-new winter menu set to launch in the coming months, guests can look forward to fresh seasonal dishes alongside their favourite classics. 

“We’re planning a full refresh, keeping what works and adding some exciting new options,” Nourdin said.

Club Mossman is already building a loyal following, with diners even making the trip from Port Douglas just to enjoy a meal. “It’s great seeing familiar faces week after week,” Nourdin said.

Lively and local

Beyond the food, the club has become a local entertainment hub, offering live music and events every weekend. 

From local bands and DJs to karaoke nights and crowd-favourite trivia, there’s always something happening to bring the community together.

Adding to the fun, the club is bringing back its popular Corporate Bowls competition, an easy way for local businesses to sign up a team and enjoy some friendly rivalry on the green.

The upgrades don't stop there.  New furniture has started to arrive and the final delivery is expected around Easter, replacing the current setup, much of which will be donated to the Golf Club. The club has also added a new courtesy bus to its growing list of amenities, offering convenient transport for both members and bowlers to enjoy a night out.

And in August, Club Mossman will celebrate a major milestone: its 80th anniversary. A big celebration is planned, including the official opening of the $6m renovations and a major members’ draw with exciting prizes up for grabs.