Name: Bamboo
Location:Santai Resort, Casuarina Beach near Kingscliff, NSW
Website: http://www.domainresorts.com/catering_events/bamboo_restaurant.php
Date visited: Jan 08
Cost: Two weeks of groceries
Our Rating: 5 cracked peppers
Ms OE says:
Some people say save the best til last but we’re going to review the best first. Bamboo restaurant at the Santai Resort is without a doubt the best restaurant I have ever had the privilege of dining in. We holidayed at Kingscliff over New Years 08 – admittedly unfortunate timing given the several metres of rain dumped on that part of the world in those five days. While we were driving around the new housing developments on the beach front, trying to keep our dampened spirits up, we noticed the Santai resort and restaurant. Having exhausted the considerable options of the Salt Village we perused the menu and decided to try Bamboo for something different.
Bamboo offer an Australian/Asian fusion degustation menu but we decided not to go the whole hog and instead selected three sample size meals each. The meals were delicious – small servings befitting a five star menu – but very filling and beautifully presented. Between courses we were offered small sample tastes. If we were rating this restaurant on food alone it would have received a ‘must go back’ however the service was also superb – staff were attentive and the service polished. The ambiance was also extremely pleasant. The restaurant overlooks the resort pool – Balinese in style and with the rain and candlelight it made a cosy yet stylish setting. To top it off, Bamboo serve Dom Perignon by the glass! Deciding that we would never purchase a $400 bottle of plonk I took the opportunity to try it out – very noice I must say and definitely a cut above your $28 bottle of bubbly.
Mr OE says:
One has certain expectations with a restaurant associated with a good resort – that the food and service will be also be good, (but pricey) but not, perhaps, great. After all, there is always a degree of mass production, or buffet style necessity, that seems to creep in. However, Bamboo is perhaps the exception, and long may it be so. Looking unashamedly to the best of Sydney fine dining for its inspiration (yet with Tweed Coast prices), it is a true ’experience’, food, drink (hot buttered rum!) ambiance, service. Recommended.
