John’s uncle died a couple of days ago. Ron was Rob’s older brother and he was very unwell and ready to go. When Ron’s daughter called to say her father had passed away, Rob told her that at 94, he really couldn’t travel to the funeral because his knees would just say no. She said Rob should celebrate his brother’s life by having a nice single malt scotch in his memory. Rob wanted me there.
With that in mind, we picked Rob up just after noon today and headed to Harry’s on Buderim. I didn’t bring a camera because it was our celebration of Ron’s life and it was family. BUT, after the food started coming, I knew we were in for a treat. Apologies but all these photos were taken using my phone, something I rarely do. One day soon I’ll go back to Harry’s with my camera for a proper job.
When we arrived, we were met by Tony Lauriston, head chef and co-owner of Harry’s. I can’t remember when I’ve met a more personable chef. He began his working career in a meatworks and one day decided that being a chef was what he wanted to do and in a short time he was TAFE Young Chef of the Year.
Years later, he moved his family to the Sunshine Coast and worked in local restaurants. When Harry’s on Buderim went up for sale, he and an old friend seized the opportunity to be their own boss. I can tell you he has customer service done right. We lacked for nothing, our glasses were never empty, nor did we wait for anything.
The restaurant was originally a homestead built in 1892 and we ate out on the verandah overlooking the Buderim Forest. There’s also a bush walk next door to a waterfall that I am looking forward to see.
When we asked for a glass of his best single malt scotch Tony came back with this bottle of The Singleton from Glen Ord in Scotland that he’d picked up in duty free because it’s not available in Australia.
He brought the bottle to show Rob who insisted that I photograph it so we could look it up and maybe get someone to pick up a bottle for him. It was the best $18 glass of scotch Rob had ever had. (Okay, probably the only $18 glass of scotch he’s had.)
Initially he was going to go with something cheaper but I told him we were there to celebrate Ron’s life. You never want to skimp on a celebration like that and after the first sip, he was glad. “It’s so smooth,” he said with a big smile. He and John clinked glasses and wished Ron well on his journey. Vale Ron!
Our first course was a loaf of crispy sourdough with house made beetroot and feta dip and a capsicum dip. I didn’t take a photo but I should have. I didn’t realise until it was all gone how much we were going to enjoy this food. When our first course came, Rob said, “We’ll wait while you take pictures.” So I snapped these with my phone and it’s not got the best camera.
When our main courses arrived, I was ready to tuck in to some good food and I wasn’t disappointed. I ordered the harissa spiced spatchcock laid over a fruity couscous salad with a swirl of pomegranate and yogurt dressing. The spatchcock was succulent and not too spicy. If I could, I’d still be there eating this couscous. I’m going to do my best to make it at home and I’ll share it with you.
When I looked at John’s sticky Asian style pork belly and grilled fillet alongside a five spiced apple and lemon and garlic tatsoi I thought maybe he chose better. We all thought we got the best of the menu and isn’t that a wonderful meal when everyone can say that?
Rob loves barramundi or duck and I can always guarantee that if either one is on the menu, he closes the menu and he’s decided. When Tony told us the daily specials, there was a pan fried barramundi with croquettes of potato, fennel and chorizo, Rob didn’t need to hear anything else. As he took his first bite he said, “This is so deliciously soft and well cooked; the people at Arcare had shepherd’s pie for lunch.” I had to laugh because he’ll tell them all at dinner what they missed.
As the dishes were cleared we chatted for only a little while before dessert was ready. Rob was really full and I wondered if he could get any of his dessert down at all. Then this arrived.
The soufflé of the day was this raspberry delight served with pistachio crumble, vanilla ice cream and berries. Guess how much this ‘full’ man ate? All of it!
I had the chocolate and hazelnut pudding with a warm, runny and very chocolatey center with crushed hazelnut brittle and malted milk ice cream. Yes, I ate all of mine too.
John’s cheese platter was really good. Along with the store bought crackers there were these paper thin homemade crackers to eat with the American cheddar, triple brie and the most wonderful gorgonzola. Rarely do I find a meal I can’t find fault with but everything was just as we’d want it to be today.
As we waddled out of Harry’s on Buderim, Rob said he’d like to come again for dinner – just to see what was on the menu. I believe we will.
Harry’s On Buderim
11 Harry’s Lane
Buderim Queensland 4556
Telephone: 07 5445 6661
This meal was independently paid for.