Treetops at Mirranbeena Resort
ADDRESS: 64 Cavenagh St, Darwin PHONE: 8946 0111 SUPERVISOR: Roxanne Pilat CHEF: Martin Fernando ENTREES: $10 to $18 MAINS: $25 to $35 OPEN: 7 days for Breakfast and Dinner STAR QUALITY: 3.9/5
This place brings back memories. Dined here many moons ago had had a pleasant time.
It is tucked away in a larger resort, but smack bang in the middle of town. So let me remind you. Hidden inside the Mirrenbeena Resort on Cavenagh St, Treetops sits above the resort pool overlooking palms on either side.
This was one of the first open view kitchens in town and its good to see it still functions. I like a view of the action. High vaulted ceilings are timber lined and somehow the acoustics are perfect for polite conversation.
The menu is small and has a bit of something for everyone.
The prices were fair, as too the selection and prices on the wine list.
The room was fairly busy but there was no fuss or bother. A well-oiled machine.
We chose an entree to share.
Salt and pepper squid is simply sensational when its done right.
Chef Martin did this proud, not opting for the frozen wholesale version, but preparing them in-house.
Served with a slaw salad and mild wasabi mayonnaise, I thoroughly enjoyed the taste and gentle texture.
My dinner guest chose the baked chicken Kiev cut breast stuffed with mushrooms walnuts and cheese.
This was served on a small hillside of mashed sweet potato, steamed broccolini, drizzled with a lemon mango sauce.
Balanced flavours were very nice, perfect seasoning and a very generous serve.
Then there was the pork belly for the pork belly himself (me).
Twice cooked and twice as big as expected. Described as crispy, not all of the top was crackled but none the less tasty. Two generous portions of tender belly. This came with steamed broccolini on a bed of spiced garlic mash, slices of grilled fresh apple, and a delicious apple balsamic sauce. These elements of the dish were great. I had to ask for assistance to finish all of the pork. My friend obliged.
Dessert was a pleasant blueberry cheesecake but I was a little bit too full to really enjoy.
What I did enjoy was watching the interaction with supervisor Roxanne and an elderly patron.
Roxanne works full time, but provides relief here when needed.
An experienced hospitality professional who returns to the sector because of the enjoyment of working with people. The sweet lady patron was dining alone. Roxanne engaged with her and brought a relaxed smile to the visitors face.
That is the mark of a great employee, who truly cares for her customers. Brava!
If you want a quiet hideaway with nice food and pleasant staff, sneak in.