Fresh Flavours at Park & Cove
One of Noosa’s favourite kitchens has a new chef, spring menu and enough weekly offers to make it a habit. Jodie Cameron discovers what’s on and what’s cooking…
There’s some fresh energy at Park & Cove, the farm-to-table dining destination at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas. Perched on the headland above Little Cove, with Noosa National Park on one side and Laguna Bay on the other, it’s long been the spot locals claim as their own – and it’s welcoming new head chef Murray Paterson to its kitchen just in time for some fresh spring energy.
Murray arrives with more than 30 years of experience across some of the country’s best-known kitchens, starting his career with a four-year apprenticeship at the Sydney Opera House before working at Hayman Island Resort and Four Seasons Sydney – that grounding took him from harbour to reef, setting the tone for a career spent moving between some of Australia’s most recognisable dining rooms.
Joining Accor in 1991, Murray has since held senior culinary roles across Australia and Asia, including executive chef positions at Sofitel properties in Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea. Most recently, he was executive chef at Pullman and Ibis Hotels, Brisbane Airport, where he focused on current dining trends, and shaping menus using modern techniques.
His approach has always been guest-led – reading what diners want and letting the produce do the talking. Now, he brings that same instinct to Noosa. Food and Beverage Director, Andrew Wilcox said Murray would bring a level of craft and consistency that lifts what’s already happening in the kitchen.
“He understands produce, he understands guests, and he understands that Noosa diners want food that belongs to this place,” Andrew says.
Murray’s arrival coincides with Park & Cove’s spring menu, which highlights the restaurant’s focus on local produce, where everything on the plate is sourced or foraged from the surrounding region, rather than flown in.
Tasty new additions include local fish served with crushed potatoes, greens and lemon butter, and a Fraser Isle Spanner Crab linguine finished with tomato, chilli and garlic – dishes designed to change as the season shifts. It’s a menu built on relationships as much as recipes, working directly with the same small producers, week to week, rather than sourcing from wherever’s easiest.
“Spring is when our region shows off and we’re spoilt for choice,” Andy says. “Our growers and fishers are bringing in produce that speaks for itself – the crab, the local fish, it’s all about letting those flavours lead.”
And there’s plenty of reason to make Park & Cove a regular fixture, not just a special-occasion booking. Overlooking Laguna Bay and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s an ideal spot for an arvo beer, sunset snacks and watching the whales and dolphins offshore. And, if you’re a local, Park & Cove are making it even more tempting to see you at the table more often.
Weekdays are for slowing down – from midday to 2.30pm with the Love Noosa Lunch for $38pp including sourdough,
a chef’s snack, choice of main meals and a glass of wine or local beer. Show your local ID on Wednesday nights and get 25% off food and beverage between 5.30pm and 8pm – a thank you to the community that supports the restaurant year-round; Thursdays are family night out where one child eats free per paying adult between 5.30pm and 7.30pm; and enjoy Social Hour every day from 4.30pm to 6pm with drink and food specials and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
“We want locals to see Park & Cove as theirs,” Andrew said. “This is so much more than a resort restaurant – it’s a place for the community to gather at any time of the day or week.”
With a new chef, seasonal menu and special offers, the only thing left to do is pick a day and time and grab your people.
WHAT’S ON
Love Noosa Lunch – Monday to Friday, 12 noon-2.30pm. Sourdough, chef’s snack, main meal + drink.
Local’s Night – Wednesdays, 5.30pm-8pm. 25% off food + beverage for locals.
Kids Eat Free – Thursdays, 5.30pm-7.30pm. One child (12 and under) receives a free kid’s meal per adult.
Social Hour – daily, 4.30pm-6pm. Cocktail and food specials with live music Friday and Saturday.
Visit www.parkandcovenoosa.com.au for menus, bookings and more.
