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 Mondo Organics opened as Australia’s first organic restaurant and this desire for innovation and the passion for fine food and wine has remained. The menu emphasises high quality Southern Italian-inspired cuisine, but also includes a number of choices for those with specific dietary requirements.
I arrived at Mondo feeling a little stressed after a hectic Friday but I was quickly soothed by the stone water fountain, the timber features and subdued lighting. I was lucky enough to dine-in when sommelier and manager Stuart Sanders was available to share his extensive food and wine expertise with me. I strongly suggest that you take advantage of Stuart’s vast knowledge of top cuisine and his ability to adeptly match that cuisine with wine.
Mondo’s use of wholesome, high quality ingredients and a modern menu are sure to impress the fussiest of dates. I particularly recommend the entrée of the tart of golden shallots, roquefort and hazelnut salad. Cheese-lovers would be aware that roquefort cheese has only been available in Australia since 2005 and it feels indulgent to be able to enjoy one of France’s most acclaimed cheeses in Brisbane. The main of fillet of beef with potato puree, warm beans and baby onion salad with quince jus is a recent special created by chef Emma Baxter and understandably is very popular with diners.
Mondo use only top sourced seasonal ingredients to create their daily specials and I was lucky enough to visit when some delicious Western Australian truffles had arrived. I was unable to resist the mushroom and truffle risotto. This was a truly sublime creation, featuring hearty, earthy flavours, just perfect in this cooler weather. While a general overindulgence in entrees and mains did not leave me with room to enjoy dessert, I am determined to return soon to Mondo to try their much-acclaimed soft-centred chocolate pudding, a gluten-free dish that I saw other diners consume with relish on the night I visited.
Mondo’s emphasis on high-quality produce also extends to their wide range of liquor and wine. A nightcap or expertly prepared cocktail is just the thing to linger over after your meal as you continue to enjoy each other’s company. Certainly, Mondo is an outstanding choice for a romantic date.
Mondo Organics
166 Hardgrave Road, West End
(07) 3844 1132
Open Tues – Sat for dinner, Wed – Sat for lunch
 TOP SHELF - Beck Ceolin
Shirleene Robinson
Beck Ceolin, one of the most popular bartenders at the Beat nightclub, is this month’s choice in Queensland Pride’s continuing series recognising the top bartenders at our GLBT venues. Beck is actually the longest-serving bartender to work at the Beat. Some readers might also remember the popular drag king performances that she gave at the same venue several years back. But today, Beck is concentrating on working behind the bar and it’s obvious that the GLBT community has embraced her. Beck has great people skills and this is something that has unquestionably helped her to make such a success out of her work behind the bar.
During the course of her chat with Queensland Pride, she had something of a procession of regular customers coming over to say hello. It’s clear that she has a genuine interest in the people she serves and that she enjoys building up a rapport with patrons. She told us that it’s very rewarding for her when she sees her regulars bring their friends in for drinks. She makes a real effort to be friendly and interested in the people who frequent her bar. She says, “If I smile at one person, you never know, it could really make their night a bit better.”
It’s certainly a great attitude to have. She told us that she “gets a lot out of her work” and that she doesn’t stress when she has a huge crowd of customers. In fact, she says, “I thrive when I have 50 people at the bar. I love it.” Beck also told us that she really enjoys the diverse crowd who frequent the Beat and “loves being around like-minded people from the community”. Beck told us that the best advice she could offer aspiring bartenders would be to “be yourself and have fun”. Obviously this is working extremely well for her as she has a reputation as one of the most skilled and personable bartenders currently working in our GLBT community.
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Mod Mondo
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