TURNING UP HEAT
ISLAND’S NEW TOP CHEF:
THE man behind two of Brisbane’s most talked about highend restaurants is set to host a glamorous soiree on one of Far North Queensland’s most exclusive islands.
Ryan Squires closed Esquire and Esq in March last year after seven years at the top of the capital city’s culinary scene and has taken up the role of executive chef at Lizard Island.
The resort is set to formally announce his appointment later this week but in the meantime, the chef, who honed his craft at the world’s top restaurants including El Bulli in Spain and The French Laundry in California, has been put to work preparing a customised menu for a special event in November to celebrate South Australian winemaker Penfolds’ 2019 collection.
Including a tipple of Penfolds’ 2015 Grange, the first winemakers weekend at the luxury lodge will feature tastings, sunset champagne drinks, degustation dinners and wine masterclasses.
It coincides with Penfolds’ 175th anniversary of winemaking and the 65th release of its world-renowned flagship wine, Penfolds Grange.
Hosted by Penfolds winemaker Andrew Hales, guests will get to sample the limited edition Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée, which launched globally in June.
The critically acclaimed Penfolds 2015 Grange will be showcased at a private barefoot, five-course degustationstyle dinner hosted by Mr Hales and Lizard Island executive director Greg Magi.
“We believe fine wine and fabulous food are two key ingredients for a truly memorable holiday, and coupled with a luxury lodge like Lizard Island in a destination like the Great Barrier Reef, the Penfolds event makes for a magic weekend,” Mr Magi said.
Mr Hales said Lizard Island was a very special place to share the wine company’s newest wines with an intimate group of wine enthusiasts.
“We’re thrilled to invite guests to enjoy The Penfolds Collection 2019 wines in such an incredible setting during our special 175th anniversary year,” he said.
Guests will also have the opportunity to head out on private dinghies to picnic on one of the island’s 24 beaches, dive the inner or outer reefs or snorkel over corals in the Clam Gardens and meet the island’s resident groper Simon.
Rates for the Lizard Island Penfolds Collection Weekend start at $5828 for two people based on twin-share accommodation and include all dining and beverages, Lizard Island Signature Experiences, air transfers from Cairns Airport and all Penfolds Collection Weekend events. The event will take place over three days from November 15-17.