Puttin’ on the Spritz at Noosa Boathouse
When it comes to screaming ‘summer’ in a glass or on a plate, Helen Flanagan says that quintessential favourite, Noosa Boathouse, has it all and more – in spades.
Boasting epic scenery of pleasure craft on the glittering expanses of the Noosa River, the only reason to look away from the view from your Noosa Boathouse perch is to appreciate a bright menu of modern and new-wave classic dishes, which star some of the freshest finest local seafood and meat, and just-picked produce. Savoured of course by an excellent drop from the curated list of cocktails, wines and craft beers.
Bursting onto the summer stage with a bang on Sunday 8 December is not just a 4-course Long Lunch, more a celebratory Italian Summer Feast, matched with Dal Zotto wines starting with its ever-popular Pucino Prosecco, and the latest sensational creation, the Pucino Spritz, served with canapés. It’ll be one of the first showcases of the brand-new and sparkling spritz combining the zesty freshness of limoncello with prosecco, which is sure to become THE coolest drink for a long, hot summer.
Director and winemaker Michael Dal Zotto and his brother Christian wanted to create something playful, undeniably Italian, like their Nonna’s lasagna or a perfectly poured Prosecco.
“We wanted to create not just any spritz, it needed to capture the zest of an Italian summer,” said Michael who seriously loves Noosa Boathouse, acknowledging it is in the top three of customers, state-wide.
“The Pucino Spritz has the sparkle of our Pucino Prosecco, and a refreshing lemon flavour that will make you shout ‘Salute!’ before your first sip.
“Enter Limoncello, with its vibrant, citrusy punch, paired with crisp Prosecco was indeed the perfect match. Add a splash of soda, and the Pucino Spritz was born: bright, refreshing, and effortlessly fun, yet steeped in Italian tradition.”
Canapés of local Spanner Crab, semidried tomato pesto crostini; and Summer pumpkin, lemon and sage arancini will set the scene before entrées of Mooloolaba prawn salad, baby cos, fennel, dill, citrus, macadamia aioli; and Vanella bocconcini, compressed melon, new season figs, olive dust and vincotto will pair perfectly with Dal Zotto’s Pinot Grigio and Rosato. It’s Sangiovese and Barbera with the main courses of Grilled sirloin, roasted potatoes, pork and fennel sausage, salsa verde; and Herb and lime marinated local fish with Noosa reds, olives and asparagus.
Rocket, pear, and shaved parmesan salad is the accompaniment and the dessert of Kensington Pride mango and vanilla panna cotta with mango sorbet and pistachio biscotti, will no doubt be served with something equally de-vine! Salivating and disappointed you’re unable to attend the 8 December event?
Executive chef Shane Bailey says “no worries!” “You can recreate your version of an Italian Summer Feast any day of the week, with many dishes on the new summer menu bearing a close similarity to those chosen for the event, and of course all the wines are available,” he said.
Other irresistible temptations will include a Boaty prawn cocktail with Mooloolaba prawns, Kensington Pride mango, avocado, baby cos, macadamia and lime aioli; Grilled local swordfish, shaved fennel, citrus and green herb sauce; Pan seared gnocchi, basil pesto, asparagus, zucchini, marinated fetta; Beef cheeks with tamarind; Salad of stone fruit, pepitas, buffalo mozzarella; Coconut and kaffir lime crème brulee; or how about a Celebratory chocolate mousse trifle with summer raspberries? Look out for specials such as short rib springs rolls and fish cakes, both extremely popular.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, so the last word from Michael Dal Zotto: “My favourite wines for summer are the Vintage Prosecco which is like the big brother of the NV Prosecco with characters of wisteria and jasmine along with lemon sherbet and fresh apples on the palate. I also love our Sangiovese as it is the quintessential food wine.”
Being Italian, food and wine are critical. Hope to see you at the Italian Summer Feast – or feasting over summer. Salute!
Sizzling Summer Events at Noosa Boathouse:
CELEBRATORY ITALIAN SUMMER FEAST
Sunday 8th December 12pm, Price: $129pp
4 courses + matching Dal Zotto wines, including Pucino Spritz
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
Option 1: 4 Course Choice Lunch – in the restaurant
Adults $329pp, Kids 2 – 17yrs $199pp
Includes 4 course choice menu lunch + 3hr premium beverages
Option 2: Seafood Experience – upstairs in the River Room
Adults $329pp, Kids 2 – 17yrs $259pp
Includes unlimited cold fresh seafood starters, hot feast style mains, dessert & cheeses + 3hr premium beverage package
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Option 1: Early Bird 3 Course Dinner
Bookings from 5pm 2hr sitting, Adults $134pp,
Kids menu 12 & under $59pp
3 course choice menu + glass of Moët Champagne on arrival
Option 2: 4 Course Dinner + Fireworks
Bookings from 7.15pm, Adults $199pp
4 course choice menu + 2hr premium beverage package
9pm Boathouse Fireworks
9pm Family Fireworks on the River
Grab fish & chips from the takeaway window and pick a spot along the river for the 9pm Noosa Boathouse Fireworks
All enquiries and bookings go to www.noosaboathouse.com.au
194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
Note: open every day (except Boxing Day) from 6am over the Summer Holidays for Coffee, Lunch, Dinner, Fish & Chips or Sunset Bar Drinks.
