RAINFOREST RESTAURANT

AND LOUNGE BAR AT CEDAR CREEK LODGES

IMAGES BY CARIN GARLAND AND WORDS BY LUISA SLACK-SMITH

What makes a good restaurant? Is it singularly the food, or the whole experience that makes us remember and want to re-visit again, and again?

The Rainforest Restaurant and Lounge Bar ticks many of those memorable boxes, providing a cosy culinary experience set amongst the canopy of the rainforest, with the sound of Cedar Creek flowing, and the gentle calls of birdlife in song. Oh, and did we mention the food…

Whether you are looking for an intimate dining experience for a party of two, or a cheerful gathering of friends and family, the new Autumn/Winter menu is sure to bring your tastebuds delight and a fully contented belly. Hearty and fresh produce feature heavily, with local suppliers and producers showcased in exciting flavour combinations, and it's all thanks to the incredible team in the kitchen.

Executive Chef Brent Giddins, Head Chef Rob Taplin, and Sous Chef Nichola Stephens-Barnett have devised a new menu that is on par with the exquisite natural surrounds.

“The new Autumn Winter menu has been a collaborative approach. Our kitchen is all about teamwork with each of us playing a vital role in producing an unforgettable dining experience,” says Brent.

“The inspiration for this new menu is seasonal ingredients, local produce, and global influences to create dishes that are delicious and familiar, and also innovative. Our ultimate goal is to create a menu that showcases the diverse and exciting flavours that are available to us as chefs, particularly from Tamborine Mountain and the wider Scenic Rim”.

Equally as passionate is Head Chef Rob Taplin, who goes on to add, “we each bring something different to the table, both creatively and with our skill set. Together, our team creates a dynamic and collaborative environment where we are constantly pushing ourselves to innovate and create new and exciting dishes. All of us love the creativity and artistry that goes into creating a dish. Experimenting with different flavours, textures, and ingredients to create something truly unique and delicious.”

The youngest to join the team is Sous Chef Nichola StephensBarnett, sharing with us what she loves about the industry. “I think the artistry of cheffing gives a sense of satisfaction and joy that only comes from sharing your creations with others. There is nothing quite like seeing the pleasure on a customer's face when they taste something that we have cooked. It's this sense of connection and community that makes cooking such a rewarding and fulfilling profession.”

The passion of this dynamic team coupled with the natural setting and fresh new refurbishment, makes The Rainforest Restaurant along with their Lounge Bar (complete with a pool table!), top spot on our must dine list.

Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park, Cnr Tamborine Mountain and Cedar Creek Falls Rds, Tamborine Mountain, (07) 5545 7990