Mum makes the best roast. In the world. Always. And the secret to mum’s roast comes from meat’s unique mixture of fat and that fascinating fifth taste umami, which all comes from the Maillard Reaction – the browning of cooking meat. That marriage between carbs and amino acids coming from a moist, hot environment can only produce the one result: an aroma that makes every carnivore weak at the knees. A medley of more than 1,000 chemical compounds unite for the enticing scent of cooking meat. So when it comes to enjoying roasts, there’s no better comfort food – especially in winter. Roasts at home are wonderful, but roasts without the washing up is even better. Inspired by the dropping temperatures and our love of comfort and meats, MyCityLife tracks down The Best Roasts In Brisbane.
KEEP IT TRADITIONAL
ARIA Brisbane
Get into divine sweet pork belly with the best crackling, served with pear and currant chutney. But if lamb gets you salivating then Aria has a delicious roast rack of lamb with pumpkin, mustard fruits, nettle and a crisp sweetbread to satiate any carnivorous cravings.
The Charming Squire, South Bank
Pair your roast made with the freshest local produce and the best of James Squire’s craft beer range. Slow-cooked meaty goodness from the iron bark coal pit include Garrison’s Farm Dorper Lamb with a mint jelly and jus, Berkshire Pork with apple sauce and jus, and Kimberley Red Beef with horseradish cream and jus – all served with seasonal vegetables.
The Fox Hotel, South Brisbane
A two-course roast and jugs of Brunswick Bitter hits every Sunday at The Fox, delightfully.
Hop & Pickle, South Bank
H&P have long recognised that Sunday roast is best with family and friends. A different family favourite is served up each week for the ultimate in browned meaty goodness.
Brewhouse Brisbane, Woolloongabba
Brewhouse are the masters of the nostalgic Sunday roast. Every Sunday, enjoy a beef, lamb, chicken or pork roast – depending on the week – to bring the comforts of home to Woolloongabba.
Statler & Waldorf Gastronomy Pub, Petrie Terrace
Roast Of The Day each week means catch as catch can. Sometimes it might be slow cooked Milly Hill lamb shoulder with Tallegio polenta and charred broccolini, or Holgate braised Beef ribs with brioche crusted pumpkin, organic ruby chard Kampot pepper sauce, or blackened pork neck with hierloom carrots, parsnip mash and jus. Whatever S&W decides, it will be the ultimate in roast meat happiness.
CARVE IT UP
Summit Restaurant & Bar, Mount Coot-thaFrom Sunday June 14, Summit has an interchanging roast menu with each week presenting lamb, pork, chicken or beef and delicious accompaniments to satiate all roast lovers. Carve up your own roast meal at the table, replete with traditional sides including ‘taters and corn on the cob, and the best views in the city as the ultimate accompaniment.
Alfred & Constance, Fortitude Valley
The traditional roast becomes a spectacle at A&C. Suckle on roast pork carved from the whole pig, including crunchy crackling, sold by weight: 250gr 500gr or 1kg. Or enjoy organic roasted chicken with an old fashion lemon and garlic stuffing and a variety of delicious sides also on offer – from skin-on roast potatoes to a zesty green bean and asparagus salad with a lemon and mint dressing. Meat Feasts are available for pre-booked parties of fifteen or more where roast pork will be carved straight from the pig alongside a wood-oven roasted rosemary lamb on a shared table full of vegetables, salad and warm crusty bread.
Moo Moo The Wine Bar & Grill, Brisbane City
The Moo Moo Signature of spiced rubbed 1kg Wagyu Rump Cap is sealed with a smokey char-grill, then oven roasted to your liking comes carved at the table and served with oven wagyu fat-fried Nicola potatoes, black garlic aioli with sage, wild rocket and parmesan salad with fig vincotto and a trio of the Chef’s sauce selections.
Pearl Café & The Servery, Woolloongabba
Every Wednesday, the Pearl Cafe offers tender, juicy pork in its whole suckling glory with free range Byron Bay Berkshire Pigs from upstairs in The Servery. This is simply porky hump day gladness.
SHARE THE GOOD TIMES
Gordita Bar & Restaurant, Fortitude Valley
Try small plates of roasted goodness: roasted bone marrow served with a confit garlic, bortaga and white anchovie or roasted cauliflower, smoked yogurt and salted makeral. Or try it all on the bone and served up before your eyes: slow roasted lamb shoulder spiced with paprika, honey, cumin and chickpea dip.
Claret House Wine Bar, Teneriffe
Wednesday night is Roast Night at Claret House Wine Bar. Enjoy a choice of the ‘roasts of the week’ or share a platter with friends.
Popolo Italian Kitchen & Bar, South Bank
Roast pork and crackling was made for winter, and Popolo’s infamous free-range suckling pig is at the top of the list for comfort foods. Served up with a spiced apple and peach compote and an anchovy sauce, this dish is perfect for sharing.
SPIT ROAST
Lennons Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane City
Three-courses of gourmet comfort foods in the heart of Queen Street Mall beats with the love of roast from Lennons. Build it up with shared entrees, organic local produce and your choice of Berkshire pork, Bendele Farm chicken, coal-grilled Murray cod or slow-cooked rib of beef off the spit.
Pig N Whistle Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Spit Roast Sunday starts Sunday June 14 to indulge the carnivorous palate with meat galore. There’s plenty of opportunity for meaty goodness with Kimberley Red Beef straight from the butcher’s block any night – or day – of the week.
GET OUT OF THE BOX
Bavarian Bier Café, Brisbane City
Haus Butcher Shop Signatures means crackling pork belly served with braised red cabbage, roasted potatoes, onion bier jus and a granny smith apple jus. For a true German twist on the classic roast, The Bavarian’s famous crispy pork knuckle with a creamy mash, sauerkraut, bier jus and granny smith apple compote will hit the spot.
Navala Churrascaria, Brisbane City
South America’s version of the roast is meat served on swords followed by some serious meat sweats. But there is nothing better. At Navala Churrascaria, traditional techniques meet modern flavours where The Navala Degustation is the ultimate roast meal presenting pork, chicken and beef set ablaze over great trenches of wood and charcoal and served from the skewer. Accompanied with a choice of sauces – chimichurri, malagueta, chipotle BBQ or habanero mustard – and served with roast potato, tomato salsa and mixed leaf salad, there’s no grander presentation of meat reaching your plate.
Bazaar, QT Hotel, Gold Coast
This interactive foodie marketplace transcends five star dining destinations with the roast station a stand out for meat-lovers. Made to order or take your choice, every option of roasted meats are there for the choosing.
The Long Apron, Montville, Sunshine Coast
Escape up the Bruce Highway for the ultimate in relaxed luxury with the finesse of a two-hatted restaurant. Long Apron offers slow roasted lamb belly, beetroot, fennel, blueberry and roses or part of a whole confit suckling pig with whey onions, cheese broth and roasted kale oil. As part of the Spicers Clovelly Estate, the relaxed luxury also extends to the accommodation – and after such a banquet, the sleepover will be richly deserved.
Photographer: Epicure Photography
