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Winter fare with a view

Staff ReporterEastern Reporter

The once-tired hotel has undergone a multi-million dollar transformation and is well on track to relive its glory days of the 1990s.

I visited the hotel to try out the Straits Cafe and was pleasantly surprised that it too is riding the waves of the recent changes.

Gone is the dated decor that once filled the lobby, restaurant and rooms. Instead we were greeted by a smart, modern and stylish look that was the theme throughout the night.

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Now on to the food: menu selections including fresh Australian oysters, Shark Bay crab cakes, chorizo croquettes and pork belly were some of the choices available for an entree, while crisp Norwest barramundi and pot roast black angus beef cheek were two options for mains.

I tried the chorizo croquettes with spiced cauliflower puree and crispy sweet potato ($16) while my plus one settled for the twice-cooked, free-range pork belly with seared scallops, honey and cinnamon infused pumpkin ($23).

The croquettes were cooked golden and inside it was melt in your mouth goodness at its best, while my dining companion’s pork belly was on the money.

Next up was the oven roasted lamb special, served with seasonal baby vegetables and jus ($37), while my companion chose the pot roast, black angus beef cheek with soft polenta, saut�ed capsicum, zucchini and braising jus ($35) and side of beer battered fries and chipotle aioli ($7).

My lamb was cooked perfectly, medium rare and truth be told there was no need for the fries as it was more than enough on its own.

The pot roast Black Angus beef cheek fell apart beautifully and was the perfect winter warmer.

With just enough room for dessert, apple tart tatin ($16) and dark chocolate fondant with vanilla bean ice-cream and coffee sauce ($15) hit the spot to end an indulgent night of gluttony.

With excellent service and attention to detail, the new and improved Straits Cafe in Scarborough is the ideal place to sip on a cocktail and watch the sun set.