Savouring the good life

Not every restaurant is as cherished or has such an avid following as The Carriage House Brasserie, which is located within Aveo’s retirement community, The Clayfield. Set amongst some of Brisbane’s earliest residences, the retirement village blends modern amenities with heritage style.

The hub of the vibrant community is The Carriage House Brasserie, where fine food and wine is served seven days a week. The Carriage House’s Food and Beverage Manager Christina Schellander, who is supported by a team of 10, satisfies the palettes of the residents.

“Many of our residents are well travelled and appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy their dining experience surrounded by good friends from within and outside of the community at The Carriage House,” Christina says.

“Our diverse, seasonal menu includes at least three new items every day. We also have regular theme nights such as oyster nights, Oktoberfest, Christmas in July, or a menu with foods from a particular country like Japanese sashimi. The favourites remain our premium steaks, laksas, or the classics – with homestyle, healthy cooking always popular.”

Christina said one item that always creates hype are the homemade sausage rolls. “They are sold out in 10 minutes,” she says. “The residents share an internal phone app and when the message goes out ‘fresh sausage rolls’, the residents start flooding into the restaurant. We have a lot of residents who come in to dine in the restaurant every day, and I understand – I think I’d be doing the same.”

The restaurant also caters for residents’ special events celebrated with family and friends, with the dining room in Highlands House a popular backdrop for private dining events.

One of The Clayfield’s newest residents, Lynda Larsen, moved into her stylish apartment a month ago and says settling in has been easy.

“It’s just the loveliest place to live and everyone is so friendly,” Lynda says. “I am really enjoying the restaurant, it’s a lovely space. My favourite night is Wednesday, steak night, for the eye fillet. I join my neighbours from my floor, and we go down with a bottle of wine.”

Fellow residents Glen and Lindsay Williams are also loving the food and service at the restaurant. “The convenience of the restaurant is fantastic, but we probably use it too often as our favourite past time is eating,” Glen says. “The menu changes often and the staff are fabulous.’’

The Clayfield offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with prices ranging from $295,000 to $810,000. For information, or to arrange a tour of the village, phone 13 28 36.