Simon Hill

Seems this man knows what he's doing. From Isis to Ortiga he's impressed people. In fact, in 2008, when it was Isis, his bar won Gourmet Traveller's Qld State Award for Wine List of the Year. The judges have recently concluded their findings for 2010, and he's followed that up by winning the award again this year, this time as Ortiga. It's worth noting too that he didn't have his doors open in 2009. Not bad. Here's a tid bit of what they said:

"The presentation and impeccable service led by Simon Hill and sommelier Matt Brooke rounds out the wine experience with world-class attention to detail. Guests can tap into any section of this extensive wine list with confidence, knowing they’re in experienced hands."

So, let's check it out. Next Wednesday, 29 September, 7:30pm - head for Ortiga for a glass, a chat, a mingle. It's at 446 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. Look forward to seeing you there.

Pause

And so it was, a quiet moment with a German - Villa Wolf Pinot Gris from the Pflaz. This is the Palatinate region which is home to Germany's oldest wine road. The wine was a nice white - crisp yet soft as well as sweet. The bar is good too. Worth a visit. The perfect place for a pause. There's atmosphere, but you can still hear yourself think. A great space and a cool ceiling fan. The wine list is brief, but if it's a bottle you're having, you can access the full wine lists from The Euro and Urbane restaurants (downstairs), which are very solid.



The night finished up at home with a fantastic Shiraz chosen by Si. Part of Wirra Wirra's range, an RSW McLaren Vale Shiraz. This is one of their flagship wines named after Robert Strangways Wigley who established Wirra Wirra wines back in 1894. Not surprisingly, this is a very fine drop. And once again, I was reminded why Australian Shiraz has such a renowned name.