Chefs to pay tribute to Queensland's summer at Hats Off Dinners

When it's come time to devise their Good Food Month Hats Off Dinners, two of Brisbane's top restaurants have looked to Queensland's summer favourites - beer and seafood.

October is brisbanetimes.com.au Good Food Month, a 31-day culinary celebration for Brisbane foodies, chefs and restaurateurs.

The Hats Off Dinners, held throughout October, will see the hatted chefs of the Queensland Good Food Guide set aside their regular menus and offer diners a different cuisine for one night only.

At its event, the Good Food Guide’s 2013 Restaurant of the year, Esquire, will feature beers from the Fortitude Brewing Company along with a selection of fine foods.

Executive head chef and owner Ryan Squires explained that although the beers were a definite part of the menu, the restaurant would keep the meal, currently expected to be street food with a twist, something of a surprise.

“In Esquire tradition we don’t like locking into anything,” he said.

However, he promised diners wouldn't be disapointed.

At ARIA restaurant, meanwhile, chef and co-owner Matt Moran said they would be serving a modern take on the classic surf and turf.

“We wanted to do something fun and Queenslanders are known for their love of seafood and beef so it seemed like the perfect fit,” Moran said.

“...I like the play on the surf and turf concept, with the main course which is roast Ranger’s Valley sirloin with prawn pastilla, red cabbage and shallot puree."

He said while the dish was not typical ARIA fare, customers could expect it to be presented with the same style and quality the restaurant was known for.

Nine Brisbane restaurants will hold Hats Off Dinners during October.

For more information about the dinners and other events during October visit the Good Food Month website.