Culinary Corner at Lánai Noosa

Image source: Contributed

When it was revealed that The Ohana Group were behind the magnificent makeover of Thomas Corner’s eatery, the excitement was palpable and the people’s palates were ready. Carlie Wacker sits on the porch of Lánai Noosa with the legends behind our hottest new foodie spot. 

Ryan and Rashi Fitzpatrick of The Ohana Group (ohana meaning ‘family’ in Hawaiian) have been a foodie force in our community for years. 

From catering for intimate events to feeding the masses at major events; these two have established a reputation for superb food, service and styling. 

After establishing The Ohana Group which includes event catering and private dining; Venū (Chef’s Table and event space); and Petrifleur (Rashi’s sustainable floral brand), the entrepreneurial duo were unlikely to rest. 

The lovely Lánai Noosa on the corner of Thomas Street and Gympie Terrace can now be added to their family. 

After a lot of hard work, sanding, painting and redecorating, the restaurant is so Instagrammable – its décor is warm, inviting and oh so luxe. Rashi’s floral fabulousness dots the venue and adds a personal and welcoming element. 

‘Lánai means ‘porch’ in Hawaiian,” says Rashi. “So, the whole concept is for guests to sit and have a good time, enjoy delicious food and drinks and share stories on the porch. We want people to come here and create memories.” 

That menu certainly reflects that with shared style of dining and memory making and the effortlessly chic styling makes it feel even more comfortable. 

Settling in at Lánai is easy with a mouthwatering menu curated by one of the region’s favorite chefs, Executive Chef Ryan Fitzpatrick and Head Chef Elwyn Watkin, who said the direction was about sharing and savouring with a focus on local and sustainable seafood.

“Share plates and snacks are a way of dining that everyone has grown to love. It’s just simple, honest food to enjoy with friends,” Elwyn says. 

While the menu leans towards modern Australian seafood, there is something for everyone. 

For ‘Snacks’ try the Prawn Sanga with Mary rose, pickled onions and crisps; a pair of gluten free Potato hash with smoked tunacream, chives and Salmon Pearls; Taramasalata with chicharron and green tea salt; Chowder with market fish, spanner crab, lemon and dill; or Ryan’s famous Ham hock, pea and Manchego croquettes. 

Small plates include Ora King Salmon with golden beets, radish and burnt onion; Mooloolaba Prawns with garlic chilli butter and charred bread; Crudo of market fish with spring onion, wakame, ginger and ponzu; or Abrohlos Octopus with yoghurt thoum, Noosa Reds, pickled fennel and parsley.

Large plates deliver choices such as a 6+ Black Angus Skirt with agedashi leeks, onion puree and mustard greens; Market Fish with cauliflower, verde, fennel and nori buttter; Eggplant with red miso, nori, sesame and daikon; or Pork Jowl with wild mushroom, black garlic and artichoke.

Delicious desserts like donuts with Davidson plum, cinnamon myrtle custard and macadamia praline; Warm Chocolate & Date Pudding with chantilly, pretzel and butterscotch; Mandarin with yuzu, meringue and buckwheat crumble; or a cheese platter, complete the experience. 

This is just a taste of what’s on offer and will change with the seasons and availability. Why not try the Lánai Set Menu at just $95 per person and with 10 dishes including dessert and sides, it’s a great way to sample the best on offer.

The drinks list is expertly matched to the style of food and includes creative cocktails using local gin. 

Lánai is quite simply a home away from home to catch up with friends and family and build memories on the prettiest porch you ever did see. 

About the Author /

carlie@innoosamagazine.com.au

Carlie Wacker has worked in the media entertainment industry for over 20 years. From television to stage and radio she has been lucky enough to work her way around the whole country. Over the last 10 years she has styled and choreographed innovative fashion parades and talent shows and brings her love for fashion and entertainment as our Fashion Editor and Editor for Hello Sunshine Magazine. She is also an MC, voice-over artist and radio announcer.

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