Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort recently unveiled its new restaurant, Forest, led by Executive Chef Etienne Karner. Karner has made a seachange to Byron Bay from Sydney, bringing with him his world-class experience to champion the region’s abundance of stunning sustainable ingredients.
Boasting a career spanning restaurants in France, Germany, Dubai, India, Ireland, the USA and the Caribbean, Etienne joins the Forest from Park Hyatt Sydney, where he held the position of Executive Chef.
Forest’s opening menu serves contemporary, approachable and distinctly Australian cuisine. Highlights include poached Ballina king prawns with avocado, green apple and coriander, Paroo kangaroo tartar with lemon myrtle mayo, line caught local Jewfish with Windaboo mushrooms, or for the sweet tooth, a nest of Kataifi pastry with white chocolate and salted caramel parfait.
Karner says Forest is a hyper-local ode to the area’s exceptional produce, artisans, and farmers. ‘Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and every effort has been made towards sustainability in line with Crystalbrook Collection’s commitment to responsible luxury.’
Set next to a lush rainforest oasis, Forest is passionately local with over 80 per cent of ingredients coming from within a three-hour drive of the restaurant. The utmost care for the surrounding landscape has been woven throughout the menu, with only sustainably sourced seafood and free-range proteins being used in Karner’s dishes. Guaranteeing transparency in regards to food sourcing, Forest’s wet and dry aged beef is farmed at Crystalbrook Station near Cairns.
Throw in an organic herb garden, on-property beehives, and a worm farm fit for a TV garden guru and you’ll start to get the idea.
Thirsty for something a little different? Try the Butterfly Gardens signature cocktail with Ink Gin infused with rosemary, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lavender and fresh lemon. Alternatively, peruse the national and international wine list, with options for every budget, as well as a selection of more than thirty sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines.
Northern Rivers locals can enjoy a 15 per cent discount on food and drinks when they sign up online for Crystalbrook Local.
