Cairns culinary scene just got better … Sales by Hemingway set to open on Friday

Foodies across Cairns can taste the unique fusion of South American and Asian flavours at a brand new Nikkei-inspired restaurant, set to open on Friday.

Sails restaurant and bar is now open on Trinity Inlet, in the location of the former Mondos restaurant. The Tiradito dish at Sails. Picture: Brendan Radke

Foodies across Cairns can taste the unique fusion of South American and Asian flavours at a brand new Nikkei-inspired restaurant, set to open on Friday.

With unspoilt sea views, Sails by Hemingway’s has created a Peruvian and Japanese fusion menu inspired by family recipes, a mix of culture and Far North Queensland’s unrivalled fresh produce.

It sits on the site previously occupied by award-winning Mondo on the Waterfront, under the Hilton Hotel.

Head of hospitality at Hemingway’s Brewery Roman Haslinger said restaurant goers should expect an explosion of flavour designed to be shared.

“We will use lots of chilli … we will use a lot of seafood … the seafood is the hero, and then the other things just tie it all together,” Mr Haslinger said.

“So think octopus, think squid, think Coral Trout, Nannygai … the joy living in Far North Queensland is that we have a lot of good produce here … and we want to highlight that.

“The idea is to put it in the middle of the table and share … to go with the approach of sit down at the table with five people and say, everybody order one dish, I want to try a little bit of everything.”

Sails restaurant and bar is now open on Trinity Inlet, in the location of the former Mondos restaurant. Sails head chef Karel Polo Solis, venue manager Emily Williams and head of hospitality Roman Haslinger enjoy the Nikkei inspired Peruvian-Japanese cuisine while soaking in the waterfront views with a cocktail. Picture: Brendan Radke

The unconventional blend of flavours is inspired by Nikkei cuisine, which arose after Japanese gold miners rushed to Peru in the 1800s.

The clashing cultures both relied heavily on seafood but a shortage of traditional Japanese ingredients meant migrants had to adapt, creating new and delicious variations on cultural favourites.

Peruvian head chef Karel Polo has worked with Hemingway’s for a number of years but said the opportunity to recreate dishes he grew up with, albeit with a fine dining twist, made him incredibly proud.

“The menu takes a long, long time to prepare … inspiration comes from everywhere but basically the fresh products that we can source in Cairns,” Mr Polo said.

“The ideas come from all the cooking during old times … you take ideas from mum and even develop recipes from mum.”

“I can’t describe it, but I’m really proud of what we are doing.”

Sails restaurant and bar is now open on Trinity Inlet, in the location of the former Mondos restaurant. Sails bar supervisor Mirko Mauri mixes up some delicious cocktails for thirsty diners. Picture: Brendan Radke

The restaurant joins Hemingway’s already tremendously successful portfolio that includes Hemingway’s Brewery in Cairns and Port Douglas.

Mr Haslinger said the restaurant is open from Friday and encouraged anyone that is curious to walk in.

“We are running seven days a week, 12pm to 9pm for food and if you want to hang around until about 10pm, have a couple of drinks, enjoy the beautiful evening breeze,” Mr Haslinger said.

“So just come by, take a seat, try it out, and let us know what you think.”

Originally published as Cairns culinary scene just got better … Sales by Hemingway set to open on Friday