Manny’s Wine & Fish will never Greece to amaze us.
Manny’s Wine & Fish will never Greece to amaze us.
Proving yet again that sometimes the best things come in small packages, one thing we can all a-greek on, is that if there’s one culinary player punching waaaay above it’s (geographical) weight, it’s Greece.
For a country that’s no-bigger than the whole state of Victoria, they sure are churning out a whole lot of iconic flavour-filled dishes that pack a mouthwatering punch.
Aaannd phew, that took far too educational of a turn there for a second, but we promise that officially concludes our momentary brush with anything resembling a geography lesson.
From here on out we’ll strictly stick to the one thing we are actually experts on: talking about our OG true love that is food, glorious food. Sometimes, when life gives you lemons – or a defunct local pub as the case may be, you do what any worldly, semi-retired chef would do and make.. a Greek eatery (better than lemonade, tbh).
Just a lazy block back from our beloved Talle creek, Manolis ‘Manny’ Patunas was drawn to the historical site of the old pub and the village and community feel of Burleigh and the Tallebudgera Valley beyond. A renowned chef of over 40 years with a specialty in Seafood and Greek cuisine, Mr Patunas is proof that sometimes the restaurant life chooses you.
In Manny’s case, not even (attempted) retirement could keep him from his adoration of cooking and creating fresh, culinary experiences. And let’s be honest, our tastebuds are the real winners in this equation.
Enlisting the expertise of Victoria Millar-Wise of VMW Worldwide Designs, the duo set to work creating a vibe somewhere between ‘quaint greek abode’ and ‘eclectic bohemian elegance’, while staying true to the GC village locale.
The interiors have unmistakably been inspired by the iconic pastel-hued facades adorning the Santorini hillside – or, judging by the delicious pink of the feature wall framing the bar and kitchen beyond – perhaps even a good taramasalata (move over ‘Viva Magenta’, we’re calling ‘taramasalata pink’ for Pantone colour of the year #2024). Rustic timber surfaces bring the charm, and what can we say, some well placed fairy lights will never not elevate our alfresco eats.
To start, the Prawn, avocado, halloumi and mint just sounds like Greek summer on a plate, or for the diehard seafood connoisseurs – are you squidding us with the Pickled octopus, lemon, caper berries, mixed olives and oregano?
We’d also quickly make a mezze the Grazing Platter – with artichokes, mixed olives, cheeses, smoked capsicum, eggplant, cold meats and of course those delightful little parcels, dolmathes.
Moving right along because this menu just keeps getting feta.
For mains, the BBQ Atlantic salmon, tarama, lemon, rocket, balsamic vinaigrette sounds truly grill-iant, as does the Spit Roasted Lamb, Chicken Greek Salad with tzatziki.
And the real yiro of the hour – who can resist a smoked pita, stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, tzatziki and greek yoghurt chicken. Well, maybe we could, but only in lieu of opting for the alternate filling of Oregano rubbed lamb shoulder.
Or maybe the Cypriot Haloumi… Perhaps at this point we should just go with one of Manny’s Banquets to sample a mix of his authentic specialties and call it a day.
Speaking of specialties, don’t skip on washing it all down with a Manny’s Misbehave – Cointreau, Frangelico, Lime Juice with a v. mysterious secret addition and thank us later.
We should be souvlaki to have Manny’s Fish & Wine on our doorstep, a welcoming fish house & bar with an enigmatic master of Greek eats at the helm. If you’re yet to say hello, well, it’s feta late than never!
Where: Shop 2/33 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Burleigh Heads
When: Wed – Sat 11.30am to 8pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Photos by Belinda Symons.
