Behind every great dish is a chef with a passion for fresh ingredients and bringing flavours to life.
For Saint Marthe Brasserie head chef Angeline Olive, that passion is no different, with her love of traditional cooking and experimentation at the heart of the Tamborine Mountain restaurant’s kitchen.
Having previously worked alongside Saint Marthe owners Marcus McKay and Malie Tambling at El Burro Cantina, Angeline jumped at the opportunity to take on a new culinary challenge.
“I told them if you’re going to do anything really cool, let me know. I’m with you guys,” she said.
“As soon as they said, ‘We’ve got this big project coming up’, I was like, ‘yes please’.”
While transitioning from Mexican to French cuisine has brought new experiences, Angeline said the foundations of French cooking were all about respecting the ingredients.
“For French cooking, you’re starting with basics, so you need to really respect the product that you’re working with and how you cook it,” she said.
For Angeline, that attention to detail extends beyond the menu.
With the creative freedom to experiment, she has been exploring everything from pickling and fermenting to producing her own vinegars.
“I’ve been able to learn how to make vinegars and the whole process myself,” she said.
“They’re just like, hey, if you’ve got an idea, go for gold.”
While the restaurant’s French-inspired menu offers plenty of familiar favourites, Angeline encourages diners to step outside their comfort zones and try something they have never experienced before.
“We’ve had a lot of people who have never had a soufflé before,” she said.
“Don’t be scared to give it a go.”
For those looking to explore something different, Angeline also has a soft spot for steak tartare, a dish she says is not often found on restaurant menus.
With Saint Marthe’s spring menu also on the way, diners can look forward to another opportunity to experience the creativity coming from Angeline’s kitchen.
Saint Marthe Brasserie is located at 13 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain. For bookings phone 5620 0555 or visit saintmarthe.com.au/
