Pippin Took² — Restaurant in Queensland

Firstly, I'd like to say that if I could give 1000 stars then I would!

We had our wedding reception at Pippin Took back in January of this year. As we only had a small party (~30 people all up) we wanted somewhere a bit smaller and more intimate than a big package elsewhere could offer. Well, we definitely made the right choice in choosing Helen and Ross at Pippin Took.

The menu options we had to choose from all looked amazing and what we settled on (alternating dishes of Duck Confit, Paris Mash, Pickled Red Cabbage; and Slow cooked Angus Beef Cheeks, Paris Mash, Pea Puree, Red Wine Jus; plus vegetarian options) couldn't have been more delicious. As were the starters/entree (Salmon Mousseline, Rice Pilaf, Sauce Beuree Blanc, Salmon Pearls; and Zucchini, Corn and Haloumi Beignets, Aioli) and the beautiful Hors Doeuvres.

As we are located in WA but were getting married in QLD Helen arranged everything for us via email and phone and made the whole process easy. Helen's easy going and fun nature proved an absolute lifesaver for us too as our wedding was during the time when Mt Tamborine was without power for several weeks following the big Christmas storms. As a result we didn't know until relatively last minute whether Pippin Took would have its power restored in time, but after last minute confirmation they'd receive generator power Helen organised everything for us efficiently and we were able to have everything on our original menu. Given the stress that the power issues must have been causing everyone in the area, it's a credit to Helen and a debt that we could never repay that she and Ross were still able to host us and give us such a memorable evening.

All of our guests said that the food was the best they'd ever been given at a wedding and I can definitely echo that. I really can't do justice to what a beautiful evening and meal we had, it's one that we'll never forget and it's all down to Helen and Ross.

If you're looking for a perfect intimate place for a small wedding reception or private party then you really won't find anywhere better. Plus, to speak frankly, the price per person was a fraction of anything we were offered at "wedding package" venues, and Pippin Took being BYO saved us an absolute fortune.

Once again, my wife and I would just like to extend our sincere thanks to Helen, Ross and the whole Pippin Took team! We can't wait to drop back in next time we're on the Gold Coast for a family visit :)

(ps Helen I am so incredibly sorry that I'm only just writing this review now! I was waiting for some good pics to come back but still waiting for the best ones so I thought I'd do this at long last and add some...

Visited last weekend for lunch.

astounding.

The cheese souffle and duck spring rolls for entree were truly amazing. Actually, the souffle was incomparable. Someone knows what they're doing here!

Mains were chicken breast and beef cheek. I won't suggest the beef cheek was incomparable..for that may undermine what I've said about the souffle. How about...it's testament to a chef who takes great care and exercises masterful precision in what they serve guests. It was that melt in your mouth texture. It could turn a vegan into a raging carnivore.

Then onto the baked custard and the toffee date pudding. Yes... I'm at it again. What on earth was in that baked custard? Twas sublime. Right down to the filo pastry.

My recommendation is the souffle, beef cheek and baked custard trio.

Decor is a curious accumulation of 'what works best'...I couldn't sense or describe a theme, but it leaves you feeling eminently relaxed and comfortable.

The owners / staff really do deserve whatever praise comes their way. A small, unpretentious little gem nestled in a leafy backstreet up in the hills, it's an experience you really ought to try. (Zero parking hassles by the way)

BYO! The 1980s are calling and they want you to take your wine with you! This is even better, because there's a bottle-o right next door where you can get exactly the right drop to match exactly what you plan to eat. You be the sommelier and let the chefs do what they do best.

Shout out to the little Aussie 🦘 pastry shop 3 doors down too. Grab a strudel for next morning's brekky as you make your way home.

No insta photos from me.... I'm too busy...

Worst experience at this restaurant. Way overpriced for the small servings . $55 charge for a tiny fillet steak which arrived cold with 5 only chips. When female owner was advised it was cold it was taken to the kitchen and placed in microwave . Same steak arrived back on hot plate. We were advised that it was too hard to warm a steak when ordered blue. Not so in other restaurants when we order. Owner proceeded to ignore us collecting plates with vegetables we were still eating making nil comment on the microwaved steak also nil comment as to the enjoyment of the 2 tiny serves of duck for remaining 2 meals. I went to pay $178 for the 3 tiny meals which included $12 for very few vegetables in a small bowl together with a surcharge of $15 for the privilege of using their 3 wine glasses. Thankyou from the owner was not forthcoming for my payment. She stood at the counter as we left not opening the door or even saying thankyou to my paying visitors. This is disgraceful way to treat local residents who would otherwise return. Disgraceful food .Certainly not value for money. Disgraceful non existent service Owner. needs lessons in customer service So hungry after leaving that we needed to return home to eat. Heard this from other locals Tonight's outing to Pippin Took confirmed what others have said " Don't bother going back, to be ripped off " And left...