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Luke Benchmark Restaurant & Oyster Bar

luke benchmark Article Lead - narrow
luke benchmark Article Lead - narrowSupplied

14/20

The Shire can be a bit dire when it comes to finding genuinely fine cooking, making it easier to excuse this somewhat lacklustre location on the Princes Highway. After all, chef Luke Collins has set a new benchmark in the 'burbs, one clearly appreciated by locals who rave about his deft handling of complex dishes. The dozen oyster tasting plate is a drawcard for canoodling couples - a selection from (cold) soy mirin pearls, pickled ginger and wasabi to (hot) spinach, ricotta and blue cheese mornay. A first course of oxtail gow-gee served with seared Japanese scallops is also a worthy fixture. Although an eye fillet was a notch more medium than rare, it was correctly seasoned and served with sensational sides of buttery wild mushrooms, kipfler potatoes and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. Twice-roasted free-range duck is presented on sweet potato mash; perfect date night material. If you don't want dessert to have the final word, you can order the selection of artisan cheeses.

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