Iconic Brisbane restaurant e’cco Bistro welcomes back former Head Chef Simon Palmer with a stunning set of new menus.
Owned by celebrated Chef Philip Johnson, together Simon and Philip have developed a slew of exciting new menus to further elevate the restaurant’s contemporary offering.
e’cco Bistro has been a Brisbane institution since opening its doors in 1995, yet despite its longevity the restaurant manages to feel thoroughly modern, thanks to a move to the city-fringe suburb of Newstead. Inside, the restaurant beckons you in with its clean lines and minimalist interiors of blonde timber, concrete and leather banquettes.
Currently changing monthly, this month’s menu features e’cco classics, which are sure to feel nostalgic for regulars and tempting for newcomers. Ocean Trout Tartare topped with a refreshing quenelle of buttermilk sorbet makes the perfect starter for the 5-course chef’s tasting menu experience. Diners can opt to match the menu with either Australian or World wine pairings and the Maison Darragon ‘Les Tuffes’ is a spectacular start to a wonderful wine odyssey.
Next up, it’s easy to see why the potato gnocchi with gorgonzola, spinach, pine nuts with a parmesan crisp is regarded as an e’cco classic, with its rich and comforting flavours proving to be the highlight of the evening. The main event is a perfectly portioned wagyu rump on bbq cos lettuce with bearnaise, followed by the cheese course of brillat-savarin and hazelnut and chocolate torte to finish.
While the food is much lauded, the unpretentious, warm, welcoming service is what elevates the dining experience to a truly memorable one. Blair our waiter was an engaging storyteller of wine, which meant we left not just sated but also educated in all things wine.
No matter what month you dine at e’cco you’re sure to find a memorable experience and perhaps you’ll discover an instant classic.
e'cco Bistro
63 Skyring Tce, Newstead, Qld
Hours
Dinner Wed-Sat 6.00pm-10.30pm
Lunch Fri-Sat 12pm-2.30pm
Prices
A La Carte (Wed-Fri)
Three Course Lunch (Fri & Sat) $75
Four Course Chef’s Tasting Menu (Wed-Sat) $95
Five Course Chef’s Tasting Menu (Wed-Sat) $110
Make a night of it and stay at one of alluxia’s handpicked Fortitude Valley Hotels or Brisbane accommodation.
The writer was a guest of e’cco bistro
