Earlier this month, we stopped by Portside Wharf, one of our favourite areas in Brisbane.  After a stroll around, we dropped in on Cruisers for a meal.    This venue never disappoints.

As it was somewhat quieter today, we enjoyed a brief chat here and there with on duty staff.

During the course of conversation, we discovered the owners have a big hand in the operation of this business.   Whilst one is busy in the kitchen creating and experimenting with dishes, the other, is creating fresh desserts.   Nice to learn those tempting morsels behind the glass cabinet are freshly made on premises, not generic buy in’s.

Duck fat potatoes.   One of our starting entrees, which can only be described as full of flavour.   Certainly a nice take on potatoes if you are having them as a small side.

Pork cracking, one of Hubbys favourites.  Nothing soft or juicy here, definitely very crispy crackling.   Again, nice as a small side, but not too much.

Today, Chefs special was a coffee glazed duck.   Not a coffee fan, I didn’t partake, however, Hubby did.   It is a rare occasion for Hubby to enjoy vegetables.   This time, he devoured the veges, as apparently they were really good with the coffee glaze.   Now who would have thought of that.   Perhaps I should serve every meal at home with a coffee glaze….

Certainly presentation was crisply eye catching.   Hubby did say that the combination sounded out there but worked superbly.

Looking for something a little different, I chose the porcini & field mushroom risotto.  There was nothing soggy or overdone about this dish.   A nice combination with the two mushrooms, boosted with the garlic and baby spinach.   Most enjoyable.

A dish I would definitely recommend trying.   For me, the portion size was more than adequate.   Yes it took a while, but I did enjoy each mouthful until I reached the point when I could have no more.   It is nice when you can enjoy the meal but not feel like you have wasted it as there is far too much to eat.  It doesn’t seem nearly so bad when you have to leave a only small amount behind.

The need to finish with a sweet had Hubby leave the dessert choice to the friendly staff as he just couldn’t make up his mind.    Before long, a lemon cheesecake appeared.   Knowing this was their own dessert, I sampled a piece and can tell you the delightful tang of lemon was simply superb.   

Drop into Cruisers if you’re in the area, its a nice place to sit and watch the world go by.   Even amongst the apartments sprouting in the area, you might still catch a pretty sunset.

Keep in mind with Portside, parking at peak times is a nightmare, so go early or during those times when there is likely to be less people around.  Dont forget to have the friendly staff validate your parking ticket before you leave.