Today was a day too busy to cook. John had to check in with his GP to get reminded that he’s tired because he had a heart attack and to rest and reduce stress. For some reason he thinks he should be able to hop right back in the chair and get back to work.

John’s dad had to get a cancer cut out today of whatever the side bit of the ear is called. They ended up freezing it off and a few other spots. He said it didn’t hurt but I’m sure if it happened to me, I’d complain.

We left the last appointment and I said, “I’m starving,” which is something I usually say just after noon every day.  I doubt I’m starving; in fact I think I could probably live quite well without eating for oh, maybe a month. Still, I was hungry and so was Rob. John had a big breakfast this morning of porridge, fresh squeezed orange juice, a bowl of fruit and some wholewheat grain toast.  Still, he thought he could eat a little something.

We don’t have a lot of restaurants to choose from in Minyama where we live on the Sunshine Coast.  There’s an Indian place, a few fish n chips places, a fancy hamburger restaurant and a brand new place called The Groove Train at the new enlarged Kawana Shopping Center.  It was decided that we’d try there.

The Groove Train is one of a chain of restaurants started in Melbourne and is growing rapidly. The food is good, the decor is modern with a bit of retro and the service is delightful. The ceiling is covered in wooden pallets and the walls with corrugated iron and brick.

I went in first while John took his dad to see a man about a horse (doesn’t everyone call it that?) and I was met at the door by the manager and part-owner, Nathan Skipper – he’s the one behind the bar. He brought me to a table and within a  minute or so, a server had taken my order for dips. Remember I was STARVING.

The dips arrived and I was sure the menu had said trio of dips but no, it was duo. Hummus and something else that was quite hot and spicy. Points off for not telling us what was in the dips.

John and Rob arrived and in spite of hinting, they both went with the barramundi and chips. I know, I can hear you. I said it too. He reminded me how good he’d been with porridge and fruit for breakfast. Definite eyeroll.

Barramundi is an Aboriginal word for this fish. Outside Australia it’s called sea bass and this was crunchy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. Both men were happy.

My chicken arrived at the same time and one look told me I could never eat all that for lunch. I ate about half and the chicken was moist and tender. It looks saucy in the photo but there wasn’t much at all and I’d have liked the cheese melted a bit on top. Otherwise, it was a brilliant meal.

The restaurant has only been open a few weeks but the service couldn’t have been better. No waiting to be seated, no waiting to order and when John’s glass was nearly empty, a new one was offered. We didn’t have dessert because well, it WAS lunch and we’re trying to behave ourselves.

The verdict was that we’ll go back to try one of their wood fired pizzas.  The bread with the dips looked like pizza bases and it was delicious. They have some really good starters, salads, pasta and risotto as well as a big list of mains.

I asked Nathan why he and his partners chose the Sunshine Coast and he tried to be nice when he explained that there wasn’t a lot of competition in Sunshine Coast restaurants and the area was starved for some good food. We agree.

I brought my leftover chicken home for the dog.  He was grateful.

The Groove Train

Shop 565 Kawana Shopping World
Buddina, QLD 4575
(07) 5477 5685

This meal was independently paid for.