“Hey Siri, where should I go for a luxe long lunch—not too far from home, but where I can feel a million miles away?”
After experiencing an unforgettable day across two of Spicers’ iconic venues for their ‘Chefs on the Range’ experience, I’ve got the answer Siri wishes she had. This annual chef’s collaboration event involves the talented chefs from each of Spicers Retreat’s Queensland properties coming together for one incredible lunch—and it’s one to save the date for next year.
This year was a multi-venue affair—we started the day with smoky canapés paired with vibrant modern Asian entrées at The Tamarind in Maleny, followed by an indulgent French-inspired mains and fireside smores at The Long Apron in Montville. It was just the afternoon I needed to get away without going too far, I’d highly recommend it. If you don’t want to wait until next year’s event, here’s where you’ll find each of the five chefs at home in the kitchen for a destination dining experience that we guarantee will make you feel like you’re a world away.
The Tamarind At Spicers Tamarind Retreat
88 Obi Ln S, Maleny
Image credit: The Tamarind | Supplied
The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat is a restaurant that delivers. Nestled in the Sunny Coast Hinterland, this gem pairs Modern Asian with the region’s best local produce. Led by Executive Chef Daniel Jarrett, the menu is a love letter to regional Thailand, with a touch of French je ne sais quoi. Whether you choose the five-course tasting menu or à la carte, every bite is made for the ‘gram. Add stunning surrounds and top-notch wine pairings, and you’ve got yourself a dining experience worth the drive.
“I love coming to work at The Tamarind,” says Jarrett. “Every day is different, and it’s such a beautiful location. What we source from the local area is already amazing, and my job is to show it respect—to complement what’s already there, not convert it. While I was originally French-trained, my favourite cooking techniques are heat and fire from charcoal or wood, and I’d love to cook that way all the time.”
Homage At Spicers Hidden Vale
617 Grandchester Mount Mort Road, Grandchester
Located at Spicers Hidden Vale, a gorgeous spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip, you can head to Homage for a proper degustation of delicious bites from the region. The retreat’s own market garden supplies an abundance of interesting fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits, while the duck supplier is just minutes down the road, as is the fish supplier. With two firepits, a wood oven and a smokehouse, you can only imagine the delicacies being whipped up here by Head Chef Luke Wakefield and his team.
The Long Apron At Spicers Clovelly Estate
68 Balmoral Road, Montville
Image credit: The Long Apron | Supplied
Bringing French provincial vibes to South East Queensland, this two-hatted restaurant brings European-inspired luxury to our doorstep. The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate is an experience every self confessed foodie within a 100km radius must visit. Head Chef Geoff Abel and his team source only the freshest local and sustainable produce. Set amidst 22 acres of lush gardens, The Long Apron offers incredible food, a serious wine list and complimentary teleportation to a French provincial bistro.
“At The Long Apron, we embrace the essence of French bistro dining with a modern twist,” says Abel. “Surrounded by the beauty of the hinterland, our dishes showcase local ingredients and classic techniques, creating a destination worth discovering.”
The Peak At Spicers Peak Lodge
1 Wilkinson Road, Maryvale
If you can swing it, I highly recommend booking yourself in for a romantic getaway to Spicers Peak Lodge, an all-inclusive luxe country escape atop a mountain in the Scenic Rim, so that you can experience the entire package. However, for those just after a taster, you can also book into The Peak for lunch, and feast your way through a four-course chef’s tasting menu of the best of the region put together by Executive Chef Gareth Newburn.
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
Scenic Rim
Image credit: Spicers Scenic Rim Trail | Facebook
Alright this one isn’t quite as simple as booking in for lunch, but it is so worth the extra effort. Head out on one of the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail’s two-six day walks and not only will you hike through stunning landscapes to reach luxe eco-accommodations each night, but you’ll also get fed gourmet meals along the way, with Head Chef Jake Knauth creating nourishing menus that uses local produce and market gardens dotted along the trails as well as house made pickles, preserves, relishes and condiments. You’ll eat better out here in the bush than you probably do at home.
Looking for more delicious adventures outside of Brisbane? Head here:
- Tamborine Mountain's Best Restaurants And Cafes
- Maleny And Montville's Best Restaurants
- Toowoomba's Best Restaurants
Image credit: Spicers Clovelly Estate | Supplied