Beach vibes on the menu for new Hi Tide head chef

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Jeremy Lebeuf

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INSPIRED. Head Chef Adam Pownall is inspired by Port’s beach vibe and Hi Tide’s amazing proximity to iconic Four Mile Beach. IMAGE: Michelle Lockwood Photography

It’s no little secret that Port Douglas has a bit of a reputation for being a place for foodies, for the little township it sure carries one heck of a culinary wallop, however, there are only a few spots that boast the moniker of a bucket list bite that is the envy of those you’d expect to find in world cities.

Hi Tide By the Beach is one of those unicorn eateries, it blends all the nuances of a magical dining experience that remains with you forever.

A mosaic of nourishing fresh ingredients, a harmony of warmth and friendliness, swathed in the tropical lifestyle makes for a truly captivating celebration of wondrous Port Douglas.

Adam Pownall, the gent behind the apron as new Head Chef said his menu is inspired by Port’s beach vibe and Hi Tide’s proximity to iconic Four Mile Beach.

“Hi Tide is one of those spots that needs to be experienced!

“With one of the best locations in Port Douglas, a menu inspired by the views from the kitchen pass and a cooling ocean breeze, it is a restaurant that needs to be on the list for favourite dining options in Port Douglas.

“From casual breakfast dining to a refined dinner experience, perfect for a relaxed dinner or a special celebration,” said Mr Pownall.With well over 15 years of dedication to his craft traveling the world studying a variety of cuisines and techniques under some renowned chefs and mentors, Mr Pownall is excited to use his vast experience to better elevate Hi Tide’s foodie profile.

“From cooking competitions to executing world-renowned functions like Diner En Blanc has been a massive high for me and the biggest part is finding my true self as a chef and what is me on a plate.

“That’s everything you can accomplish; it shows when creating menus and running a professional yet happy culture in the kitchen reflects on the plates.”

For a passionate culinary champion like Mr Pownall, a place like port Douglas that’s backed up with some of the freshest and robust local ingredients that one could dream of at a spot like Hi Tide checks a lot of boxes.

“To me, the food, tells a story and that’s what I look for in a dish. So, when I write my menus, I get a feel for the surroundings and the culture that is within the town.

“Port Douglas has so much to offer on the market with plenty of well-established businesses and some very talented chefs. This is a great drive for me to become the best I can be and help Hi Tide be one of the hotspots to dine for tourists and the locals,” said Mr Pownall.

With the sea as inspiration, a plethora of fresh produce, seasonal products that focus on sustainability, and tropical flavours highlighted by ethics, it doesn’t get much better than that for a motivated head chef.

The team at Hi Tide source the freshest locally grown produce and even have a little herb garden of their own for garnishes and cocktails.

They aim to be sustainable as much as they can as it is a real passion for both Mr Pownall and General Manager Bobbie Murphy. By using bio-degradable packaging, saving coffee grinds for the garden, reducing waste with water on tap, using canned items over plastic they strive to make a difference for generations to come.

Mr Pownall said he was in awe of the high ceiling potential of Hi Tide and calling the community of Port Douglas home.

“I feel I can offer a style of menu and experience that sets us apart from other venues. With such a beautiful view for diners and workers makes for a relaxed atmosphere for any type of occasion.

“There will be some frequent changes, but this is only to keep up with trends and sourcing only the freshest and most local ingredients available,” said Mr Pownall.

“Adam brings character and life to Hi Tide with his passion for meeting guests and answering foodie questions or simply just chatting with them,” said Ms Murphy. “He is humble yet proud of his menu, whilst always looking to surprise and delight guests with chances or unexpected offerings.

“With one of the best views in Port Douglas, a continually changing seasonal menu full of flavour and fresh ingredients, friendly and welcoming service in an intimate and casual space, it's hard to go past Hi Tide when you are looking to celebrate or unwind,” said Ms Murphy.

Cool, casual and just steps from the beach the next time you’re looking for somewhere to go for date night, friends and family get-togethers, or a relaxing time remember the beach vibe is humming at Hi Tide where you’ll get epic views minus the hustle and bustle.


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