To help a friend celebrate his birthday, we wined and dined at Libertine bar and restaurant in the new Barracks development on Petrie Terrace. The al fresco dining area is welcoming with fairy lights in the trees and timber slatted seating.
There was some initial confusion as to whether drinks were table service or bar service. After my friend attempted to buy drinks at the bar, due to the delay in table service, he was informed by the waitress in no uncertain terms, that it was table service. So we were able to finally order our drinks.
As we were initially a group of 20, reduced to 14, a set menu had been organised. For entree we were served Sticky Saigon chicken wings, Libertine fresh rice paper rolls, Wild Pepper Leaf roll-up and Vietnamese chicken coleslaw. Not being a fan of mint and coriander you can imagine my concern…however, it was misplaced. The Wild Pepper Leaf roll-up was the only item to contain coriander and it was quite strong. The coleslaw was served with a ?rice and sesame wafer cum cracker, which worked really well together. The crunch of the cracker was really pleasing. The remaining dishes were lovely, and plentiful.
My companions were drinking red wine, Bulmer’s cider, classic LL&B and I was drinking the Paul de Costa french champagne, served in a retro wide -mouthed champgne glass. The wine list was divided into by the glass and by the bottle. A good range of each was available. The drink’s menu was extensive with a few options of each spirit of your choice. Again, a wide selection of both local and foreign beers, commercial and boutique.
For our mains, we were served Byron Bay Pork Belly, Baked Atlantic Salmon, Oven-roasted Hanoi Chicken and Jungle Curry Chay, and plenty of it. These were accompanied by garlic and chilli green beans as well as a green papaya salad. I LOVE pork belly and this was lovely!! Tender, moist pork portions with a salty, crispy rind. The beans were to die for, couldn’t get enough…though had to try as there was cake to come. Before the mains were served a companion and I both ordered fresh drinks. It must have been half to 3/4 hour and we STILL had not recieved our order. We called the waitress over and got an inadequate explanation that the bar was busy and they did all the drinks for the restaurant and inside was fully booked. In my opinion this is ludicrous. If you can’t cope with your patronage, get more staff, or downsize. 2 glasses of wine should NOT take this long, the sauv blanc was served and I had to remind her AGAIN of my drink order. I was distracted then by the delivery of our mains which is probably what saved her from some constructive criticism from me.
As we had brought our own cake, I can’t speak to the quality of their desserts. I ordered a skinny flat white to accompany my slab of cake. These coffees were delivered promptly and were just what the doctor ordered. I would advise suggesting how you would like your cake served, as they just divided ours by the number of people in our party and consequently we were all served SLABS of chocolate cake.
Loads of parking on site in the Barracks complex, however, Friday and Saturday nights do get busy in the area. Being just a short walk from Roma St Transit Centre, catching public transport would afford everyone a drink or two. I can’t not suggest dining at Libertine because the food was sooooooo tasty, but maybe…order your drinks when you make your reservation
Lunch: from noon, Wednesday to Sunday
Dnner: from 5pm, Monday to Sunday
No. 5, The Barracks. 61 Petrie Terrace
Paddington, QLD 4064 T 07 3367 3353 E brisbane@libertine.net.au
http://www.libertine.net.au/brisbane-home.htm
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