There are some nights that just sing—literally and figuratively—and Pompette’s new Gin & Jazz Thursdays at The Star Brisbane is one of them. It’s the kind of evening that feels plucked straight from a Parisian postcard: candlelight flickering on glassware, the low hum of conversation, and a jazz quartet threading through it all with that velvety, toe-tapping rhythm that makes you want to linger a little longer.
As soon as we settled into Pompette’s sleek, moody interior—half Paris, half art gallery, all elegance—the first sip of the signature Gin & Jazz cocktail set the tone. A delicate blend of Four Pillars Gin, Aperol, pomegranate, and lemon, it’s equal parts refreshing and sophisticated, like the musical accompaniment itself.
While my friend tucked into her cured salmon with goat’s cheese, I was brought a ratatouille tartlet as a thoughtful seafood-free substitute. It was buttery, warm and bursting with Provençal flavours. It was so good I almost forgot it wasn’t part of the official menu. Then came the entrées, and honestly, this is where I nearly lost my composure.
The soufflé au gruyère arrived puffed to perfection, golden and cloudlike, and when I broke into it with my spoon, the molten centre was pure, savoury heaven. It was my very first soufflé, and I’m not exaggerating when I say my eyes welled up. Actual tears. (Of joy, obviously.) Beside it, the beef tartare was prepared tableside—a little bit of food theatre that had us mesmerised. The chef’s precision, the rhythmic chopping, the final flourish of yolk—it was almost as good to watch as it was to eat. Almost.
For mains, my friend went with the halibut fillet, which she declared perfectly tender, while I stayed classic with the bœuf bourguignon—a deep, rich stew of red wine, slow-cooked beef and silky pomme purée. Every bite tasted like comfort and class had found common ground. These were perfectly offset by sides additional pomme puree (that’s potato mash for the fancy folk) and salade verte (or green salad).
By dessert, the band had eased into a smooth, sultry number that wrapped around the room like silk; low brass, gentle brush drums, and just the right touch of swing. We were exactly where we wanted to be: content, slightly giddy, and halfway through a plate of profiteroles. Light, crisp, filled with cream, and drizzled with glossy chocolate sauce. Magnifique.
After finishing my gin concoction, I couldn’t resist ordering Le Pompette, their namesake cocktail. I’d had it on my last visit and remembered it as one of those dangerously beautiful drinks: pretty in the glass, punchy on the palate. It did not disappoint.
We lingered long after our plates were cleared, swaying subtly in our seats to the music, soaking up the warm buzz of the room. Pompette has managed to bottle that elusive mix of sophistication and fun—somewhere between “night out” and “mini vacation.”
So yes, Thursday nights just got better. Much better. Santé to that.
WHAT: Gin & Jazz Thursdays
WHERE: Pompette, The Star Brisbane
WHEN: Every Thursday night from October 16, two sittings: one at 6:30pm, and one at 8:30pm
TO NOTE: Book ahead—these soirées are going to fill up fast.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
