Tamborine talent

IF you can dodge the overpriced Devonshire teas, Mt Tamborine has so much to offer foodies.

DeliVino, which opened in 2011, is a great spot to get acquainted with local produce.

The wine and tapas bar, attached to a treasure trove of a deli, features an innovative menu and staff who know their stuff.

Street parking is easy (unlike Gallery Walk on a weekend) and there’s a park across the road where kids can play.

I sit on DeliVino’s elevated timber deck in dappled winter sun for a dose of fresh mountain air, borrowed blanket spread on my lap.

If you’re not the blanket type, a warming mulled wine will do the job.

Heavy on homegrown labels, the drinks list also includes O’Reilly’s Organic Chardonnay, Witches Falls Verdelho and Mt Tamborine Brewery Rainforest Lager.

The delights from “down the road” continue on the tapas menu.

Witches Chase chevre is showcased beautifully in goat’s cheese strudel ($14).

A sweet dash of onion jam sets off the creamy little pastry parcels, with toasted walnuts for textural contrast.

Kataifi (shredded pastry) wr- apped tiger prawns are another option, served with a drizzle of plum sauce, or choose mixed, warmed olives ($9) from the deli.

Clean, colourful presentation is consistent across the board.

The full a la carte menu suggests more substantial serves.

Pumpkin gnocchi ($28) is a highlight from the latest version, which debuted the day before my visit.

Studded with gorgonzola, roast shallots, wood-ear mushrooms, baby beets and peas, it’s a fresh take on a comforting classic.

Market-fresh fish ($29), salmon on this occasion, is also given an innovative tweak in the form of a panko scallop crumble.

It’s teamed with steamed new potatoes, wok-tossed greens with confit garlic, sesame and smoked tomato hollandaise.

For dessert, silky, rich custard and a caramelised cap to crack through make dark-chocolate brulee a must-do ($12).

A dollop of dense white-chocolate mousse, baby pear, raspberry sauce and wedge of praline complete the pretty plateful.

Vanilla pannacotta ($12) is a lighter option, but decadent amereno cherries will leave you feeling indulged.

One of the mountain’s most active proponents of local produce, DeliVino hosts regular tastings, classes and other events.

Keep an eye on the website – www.delivinotamborine.com to stay in the loop.