Myrtle-roasted lamb from Touch of Salt, a fine-dining restaurant near Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in Queensland, Australia. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
American troops training in Australia are finding ample opportunities to explore this distinctive culture, including its outstanding cuisine.
A Touch of Salt — situated along Ross Creek in Townsville, Queensland — is the perfect setting for a casual dinner or a special event. Just off Victoria Bridge, this restaurant offers a fine-dining experience in a calm setting without the stuffy pretense.
Reservations are preferred via its website — space is typically available on the day — but A Touch of Salt welcomes walk-ins, too. It is easy to reach by foot from downtown Townsville and about a 15-minute drive from Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville.
A Touch of Salt, situated along Ross Creek in Townsville in Queensland, Australia, is the perfect setting for a casual dinner or a special event. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
I can’t say enough about the friendly service. The staff greet guests with a cordial smile, checked on me throughout my meal and attended kindly to every request.
The Touch of Salt menu borders on universal; it accommodates every taste and comes with gluten-free, dairy-free and plant-based options from appetizers to entrées to desserts.
Myrtle-roasted lamb from Touch of Salt, a fine-dining restaurant near Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville in Queensland. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)
My choice of myrtle-roasted lamb came cooked just as I ordered, with soubise (a thickened onion sauce) a spicy chimichurri and sides of sweet potato and green beans. It cost 44 Australian dollars, or about $28.37. Cleaning my plate was no problem.
A Touch of Salt is typically booked solid, but I lucked out and was seated as a walk-in. My table had a view of the Coral Sea as a tide of patrons filled the dining room.
A Touch of Salt
Location: 86-124 Ogden St, Townsville City QLD 4810, Australia
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through Thursday; Noon to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.
Prices: Appetizers start at 12 Australian dollars. Entrees top out at 24 dollars. Plant-based items 18 to 28 Australian dollars, depending on the size.
Dress: Business casual
Directions: A few blocks north from Queensland Country Bank Stadium, right off the Victoria Bridge. Taxis and public transportation serve the city.
Information: Phone: +61 7-4724-4441; Online: atouchofsalt.com.au
