And with a little mischievous mingling in mind, where better to settle in for a windy winter’s evening for a warming whisky and plate of satisfying fare than mood-lit Gertie’s. Hot off the stove, the new winter menu is full of hearty options like Sweet Potato & Spinach Curry, Beef Brisket Pie and Pan-Fried Chorizo to keep the winter chills away. But the shining star of flavour is the Zucchini Tart with Pickled Beets, Goats Cheese, Pinenuts and Basil Oil. Featuring a thin, soft doughy base and a smooth, creamy centre, the texture and flavours of zucchini tart are perfectly contrasted to the tartness of the beetroot and goats cheese and the crunch of the pinenuts.

Continuing the textures trend are the Chickpea Chips with Garlic Mousse. If Gertie’s regulars have been missing the eggplant chips of years gone by, these new additions fill the void tenfold. Drawing the thick, prism-like chip close to your mouth, you inhale the scent of a doughnut, before biting through the outer crust to a heavy mashed chickpea inner. With many meals topped with edible flowers and microherbs, mix the freshness of the food with a dirty martini for equal parts naughty and nice.

Gertie’s Bar & Lounge
699 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Ph: 07 3358 5088
Open: Tuesday to Sunday