Today a guest post from Jetsetting Mum and she tries out newbie Sage on Ann…
Sage on Ann is another fairly new restaurant in Brisbane CBD. Business took Jetsetting Dad and I again to the city centre and we decided to try this new place after reading a couple of good reviews from the local papers and The Courier Mail.
Just for a change I’m going to do this review in a reverse order and comment on the dessert before the main meals.
Before me in the cold cabinet were three cakes—a chocolate cake, an orange and poppy seed cake and a Spanish cheesecake. They were single-layered without any decorations; honestly, they looked rather boring. The cheesecake, in particular, looked a little crumbly. Well, the word “Spanish” suggested something different from the common cheesecake so we decided to give it a try. Now my new motto is: “Don’t judge a cake by its appearance”. The cheesecake was simply fantastic – light, with a “melt-in-your–mouth” texture, and just the right dose of cheesy flavour and sweetness. When I commented on how good the cake was, one of the friendly staff told me that all of their food was made on the premises and they’re trying to offer “something different”.
Their savoury menu does offer something different, including cheese and macaroni (very retro); salad nicoise with fresh seared salmon; roasted pork belly on Vietnamese salad; and German bratwurst in a roll with a choice of condiments which come in small jars brought to the diner’s table. Freshly made sandwiches and wraps are also offered.
Now rewind back to our main meals. We were placing our order at the counter, still undecided, when we saw a tray of steak pies being lifted out, piping hot, from the kitchen oven. They looked huge and totally irresistible in their individual ceramic dishes. So that decided that. Our pie arrived promptly at our table topped with mushy green peas. The puff pastry was light and crispy and the filling was hot with tender beef, chunks of vegetables and plenty of gravy. For $8.90 it made a very satisfying lunch dish.
We also shared a plate of wild mushroom risotto ($13.5). I must admit that I’m a diehard risotto fan. Despite numerous disappointments, I’m always in search of a good risotto. Now I think I’ve found one. Our risotto was perfectly cooked, smooth and creamy, yet al dente without being too crunchy. The stock was flavoursome without being overly cheesy or buttery. The finely cut spring onions added a refreshing dimension to the flavour. It is definitely a dish worth returning for.
Always a discerning coffee drinker, Jetsetting Dad gave a thumbs up for his cappuccino ($3.35).
Our only complaint was about the ventilation in the kitchen. Apparently, it needs an upgrade. On the day of our visit, the air-con wasn’t working too efficiently and the greasy kitchen odour which wafted from the semi-open kitchen to the dining area was a bit overwhelming. Other than that, it was a very pleasant lunch.
For other great lunch options in the CBD, try Top Sushi, Boulevard St Michel and Vapiano.
- Sage on Ann, 140 Ann St, Brisbane +61 7 3221 4471
It’s 5am in the morning here in the U.S. I stumbled upon this blog while looking for good writers who are experts in their cities. I am now craving mushroom risotto! This looks delicious. Great site.
This restaurant seems worth the visit from the description of the dessert alone! Yum, will be checking Sage on Ann out very shortly. Thanks.
Went recently myself – this is an inner city food revelation. The pork belly was amongst the best I have ever had (and for less than $15!!!) and turkish eggs for brekky were also amazing. Definitely recommend.
Hi Jason
Welcome to the blog and happy to hear you had a great meal. We’ll certainly be back for that pork belly!
Jetsetting Joyce
I went there for brekky. It was pretty ordinary. Had basic bacon & eggs & bacon appeared to have been microwaved. Wouldn’t bother going back for brekky.
Hi Maree
Sorry that you had a bad experience – did you return your bacon and eggs? Microwaved (or what looks like microwaved) fry-up is no good at all!
Jetsetting Joyce
Definitely a NOT this time. Revisited after 15 months, how the food quality has declined!!Chicken pie was microwaved, pastry soggy and stodgy, chicken overcooked and dry, sauce thin and salty. Had to return dish. JS Dad had roast beef sandwich, a few sorry strips of caramelised onion, a tiny bit of mustard sauce,totally bland. A refund of the pie dish couldn’t compensate for the disappointment.