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Fortitude Valley's Freestyle Tout closes as Delfina's Bistro opens

Natascha Mirosch

New arrivals: Chef Matthew Ostrenski and owner Kellie-Ann Aston at Delfina's Bistro.
New arrivals: Chef Matthew Ostrenski and owner Kellie-Ann Aston at Delfina's Bistro.Chris Hyde

Many diners will be missing their regular fix of sticky date pudding and chocolate sundaes after the closure of Freestyle Tout.

New owners Fresh Events, an event management and staffing agency, took over the site in February but continued to trade as Freestyle before re-opening after a quick refit as Delfina's Bistro last week. The chef is Matthew Ostrenski, previously from of A Touch of Salt and Seasoned in Townsville.

A Brisbane icon for almost 20 years, Freestyle originally set up shop in Rosalie in the city's west: at the time our only dessert-themed restaurant. It continued to reign after moving to the Emporium with queues common.

Quail with tarragon emulsion.
Quail with tarragon emulsion.Chris Hyde
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Former owner Martin Duncan stirred up controversy last year when he instigated a directive that diners had to order at least one course, after finding many shared a dessert and drank tap water, making a serious dent in profit margins.

Managing director of Fresh Events, Kellie-Ann Aston, says Delfina's is based on memories of her grandmother. "She loved nothing more than a glass of fine wine over dinner with friends and family. We wanted to create a venue that paid homage to her and the things she loved."

The contemporary European menu includes dishes such as quail with tarragon emulsion, swede fondant, duck breast with de puy lentils, and braised leek and market fish with lemon puree, cassava and squid ink.

"This is a place that is all about family and food," Aston says. "Sitting down to just enjoy a great meal with your family and friends is an experience everyone should cherish more often and we've created the perfect place to do just that."

Delfina's Bistro, shop 50/1000 Ann Street, The Emporium, Fortitude Valley, open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, (07) 3252 0214, delfinas.com.au

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