NATALIE JOHNSON
With the cooler weather setting in, (for locals perhaps!) food is just that much yummier!
In celebration, this week’s local business focus is all about food … and wine … and cocktails! Natalie takes five with Rhys from ‘Salsa’, to talk new ideas, iconic birthdays and how to break her linguine pepperincino habit.
It’s been a while, but how long has Salsa been operating for now?
Well, we had a big 25th birthday celebration this year … unfortunately, it was in April, so we were
unable to do a lot!
What can diners expect from Salsa now we are coming out of lockdown?
We are currently operating three days a week, Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. We are
hoping to get back to our normal, seven-day week, but this depends on the continued opening of
the borders and the influx of tourists to our lovely part of the world. With the reduced operating
hours, we have used the time to design a menu that is changing slightly every couple of weeks or so,
while keeping our local customers happy with some of their favourite dishes still available.
Did being in lockdown bring out any creative new ideas the chefs are keen to try?
It was a trying time for everyone.
Over the lockdown, we held several cooking classes for the staff to upskill, including classes on
bread, pasta, butchery, and dumplings, to name a few. All the chefs attending the classes either
gained some new skills or sharpened current skills they may not have used for a while.
I am an absolute sucker for the Linguine Pepperincino and order it every time – what do you recommend to get me out of my comfort zone?
Well, that’s a very hard question! You are not alone when it comes to this little treasure, and this is
the reason why the dish is so popular and still going strong 25 years on. On the current dinner menu,
I suggest you try the Wild Barramundi with Szechuan sauce, bang bang noodles and smashed
cucumber mojo – it’s a real hit!
Do you believe new opportunities have arisen for Salsa due to COVID-19?
I certainly hope so. These are uncertain times, and it’s going to be a long road ahead before we have
any idea how this pandemic has truly affected our little piece of paradise.
Thanks Rhys – now for today’s quandary – linguine pepperincino or wild barramundi?
I think I’ll just visit twice!
You can find ‘Salsa’ at 26 Wharf Street, Port Douglas. Currently, the team are operating Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For reservations, phone 4099 4922, go online at www.salsaportdouglas.com.au and follow them on
Facebook here.
