By Abbey Cannan
The Ohana Group’s latest venture Lanai Restaurant Noosa has launched its new spring menu with tasty dishes matching the laidback warm aesthetic.
Located along Noosa River, the restaurant was created with love by local founders of The Ohana Group, partners Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rashi Fitzpatrick.
The Ohana Group is a team of wedding, event and private dining specialists creating unique food and event experiences to remember.
Ryan, renowned Noosa chef and Rashi, an event specialist from Fiji, the two combined their passions for their careers with the values of togetherness and joy to create a premium event and dining experience.
“Our first events were Noosa Eat and Drink, Noosa Alive, Noosa Surf Festival, so we’re pretty heavily involved in the Noosa event scene. Our most recent baby is Lanai which is located where the old Thomas Corner Eatery was,“ Ryan said.
Lanai Noosa’s spring menu features Australian seafood with approachable plates, using ingredients from local indigenous producers, and new wines from sustainable and biodynamic producers.
Having met through mutual friends while working in Fiji, the newly-weds know a thing or two about island hospitality.
“When we founded The Ohana Group, we wanted to continue the island theme with the hospitality and service that you feel when you go to these places. We’ve channeled that throughout the culture in our company and the restaurant as well.“
Lanai translates to verandah or porch, which is quite fitting because everyone knows Thomas Corner or Lanai as having the outside porch area with stunning views of the river.
“Lanai is for any occasion, whether you want to come in for a glass of wine and a few light snacks or just a quick light lunch if you’re on a break from the office,“ Ryan said.
“There’s larger share style dishes with a bit more of a Hawaiian influence like Huli Huli Chicken, which is a favourite on the North Shore. We do our version of it which is basically a pineapple, soy glaze, finished over the charcoal. It’s smokey, sweet and salty and delicious. Another favourite is the Kingfish Poke.
“Through our Australian seafood-focussed menu with island influences, we want to deliver delicious food to enjoy with great company, in a laid back atmosphere.“
Lanai is the extension of the already created service that The Ohana Group has formed here on the coast.
“We will also be opening on Wednesdays from 4 October as we’ve had quite a few enquiries about this. We look forward to having all the locals down to try our new menu. We have all-day dining from 12pm-9pm and accept both reservations and walk-ins.“
To make a booking visit lanainoosa.com.au
Find Lanai Noosa at 1/201 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville and for more information call (07) 5449 4425.
