Homage Restaurant

Gastronomic gourmets should seriously consider heading up to the country retreat, Spicers Hidden Vale, at Grandchester for the pleasure of dining in the resident restaurant, Homage.

Homage is helmed by Executive Chef Luke Wakefield, who pays homage to the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley areas by serving up delectable local, seasonal produce. With the Homage philosophy of using local produce – including vegetables grown in their own 89-bed market garden, fruit from their orchard and mango trees and honey from their beehive – you can be sure that everything is absolutely fresh.

Upon entering the spacious Homage in the historic homestead overlooking the 12,000-acre working farm, you’re struck by the combination of tasteful décor and country-friendly service. Plush leather sofas, white tablecloths, fireplaces and bookshelves set the elegant mood, and as the retreat caters for families, conferences, romantic getaways and anything else imaginable, the clientele is mixed. Diners can opt to sit inside or on the verandah, a perfect choice on a balmy evening. 

Homage offers a delectable la carte menu for lunch or dinner, with the option of two courses for $75 or 3 courses for $89.

On the menu you'll find the likes of emu, native pepper and tomato or coal roasted pork with charred pineapple and saltbush for entree and for mains, wood-roasted chicken, sweetcorn, macadamia and jalapeno; lamb, yoghurt, lamb fat, cucumber and toasted almonds or Murray cod cooked over olive wood, spring greens and charred lime. And for dessert, there's heavenly choices such as local Brie cheesecake, strawberries and orchard mulberry or Homage lemon tart and marscapone.

To supplement the menu, there’s a comprehensive wine list with choices from Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy.

On the whole, a dining experience here is definitely a special one and well worth the 60-70 minute drive from Brisbane (30 minutes from Ipswich), and there's always the option of staying in the charming cottage accommodation.

Need to know - Homage is open to the public from Wed-Sun, and on Mon-Tue for in-house guests only. Lunch is served from 12pm, with dinner sittings at 5.30pm or 7.30pm.

The menu may have changed since our visit.