The Balfour Kitchen, located at Spicers Balfour Hotel in Brisbane’s New Farm, has launched its new Vietnamese-inspired menu this month, with award winning Executive Chef Dan Jarrett at the helm of the revitalised restaurant offering.
Jarrett, who has worked with Spicers Retreats since 2010, has been integral in the growth of the Group’s culinary story, having been involved in the launch of The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly and, currently, operating as Head Chef at multi award winning The Tamarind, at Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny.
“The Balfour Kitchen is set in such a beautiful location, and the style of food we are offering on our new menu has been carefully curated to align with this environment – it is so unique to the area, and we are beyond excited to welcome people in for a meal,” Jarrett said.
Following his success with the cross-border Asian dining experience at The Tamarind, Jarrett said there was a natural inclination to adapt The Balfour Kitchen’s menu when the opportunity presented itself.
“There have been several discussions over the years about the opportunity of having a second Asian-style restaurant under the Spicers umbrella, but we didn’t want a carbon copy of The Tamarind,” he said.
“The Balfour Kitchen offers a Vietnamese twist with a hint of French, and I’m confident it will be a hit with locals and visitors.”
Vietnamese flavours are found throughout the menu including Vietnamese beef tartare, fermented tofu and preserved Chinese olive, yolk, puffed rice paper. The French hint can be seen in dishes such as the Vietnamese coffee brulee, lotus tea meringue, fried cacao truffles with chilli chocolate.
Working alongside Jarrett to create the menu was a team of talented in-house Chefs, who provided their insights into sourcing local ingredients and fresh thinking for the Queensland climate.
“We’ve put so much thought into each dish on the menu and have made a conscious effort to make use of lots of fresh vegetables and herbs, with almost half of our menu including vegan and vegetarian options,” he added.
Brisbane locals and in-house guests are tipped to be frequent visitors at the new and improved restaurant offering, which will open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and high tea, with dinner open Tuesday to Friday from 5:30pm till late.
“The Balfour Kitchen is ideal for people living in the area wanting a mid-week meal, and for our in-house guests that have the luxury of enjoying a drink at our rooftop bar before going downstairs for an Asian-inspired dish,” Jarrett said.
“It’s a simple formula… the food has to taste great, have a real wow factor and the service in which we pride ourselves on has to be genuine and real,” Spicers Retreats Managing Director David Assef said.
“Yes the music, lighting and setting play a part but ultimately the food has to speak for itself matched with knowledgeable, suggestive and sincere service.”
For more information or to make a reservation at Spicers Retreats’ The Balfour Kitchen, please call 1300 597 540 or visit https://spicersretreats.com/dining/all-restaurants/the-balfour-kitchen/ today.
