The Apo | 690 Ann Street, FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006
Dinner at The Apo was exactly what I wanted and needed.
The other travel bunnie and I had a function to go to later on that night, so we thought it would be smart to make the most of a Minibun George free night. Located in the heart of the Valley is The Apo - the brainchild of the team behind one of Brisbane’s favourite restaurants, Gerard’s Bistro and Lychee Lounge. Occupying the space of what used to be an apothecary, The Apo is a two-storey bar and restaurant that you would want to visit at least once (and then you’ll be hooked, so you’ll visit again and again).
We were seated in the middle of the restaurant facing the open-plan kitchen. The decor of this place is raw yet intimate with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, blooming orchids and purple lighting. The menu is filled with creative and delicious options, from small things like the smoked tartare, aniseed and juniper, potato and egg yolk ($5 each) and Lebanese taco, spiced goat, garlic yoghurt, pickled pepper, mint and onion crisps ($8) to larger sharing options such as the Moreton Bay Bug, black garlic, whipped mullet roe, lemon aspen ($18) and lamb belly cooked in date juice, eggplant caviar, pickled walnuts ($26).
We started with an Apo old fashioned ($18) made with bourbon, rye, palm sugar, cocoa nib and bitters and a refreshing mocktail. While waiting for the food, we nibbled on some puffed tendons, Aleppo and sumac spice ($8) - it was like eating a grown up version of prawn crackers. The tartare and tacos followed. I absolutely loved the silkiness of the tartare and the crispness of the potato, every bite was like a saucy tango in my mouth. What took me by surprise was the presentation of the fried quail, Bekaa wing style roasted harissa, garlic yoghurt, rose and mint ($18); it was pretty and slightly frightening all at once. As expected, the lamb belly was just soft and so moreish, and so was the Moreton Bay bug. In comparison to the arrays of beautifully presented food that we received, the desserts, crème caramel, mandarin, cardamom ($12) and honey and orange blossom Mille Feuille ($12) looked flat and simple, but don’t let their looks fool you as they tasted great.
The Apo is a such a little gem, but instead of medicine, they now serve awesome, interesting dishes that are set to impress and cure your hunger ailments.
Total Bunnie Dollars Spent: $150
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