Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Smorgasbord of delicious options at Margy’s Bistro at the Wintersun

Some occasions merit grand celebrations — birthdays, anniversaries, and, of course, the culmination of a school year. With three kids wrapping up their academic year and two teachers on the verge of crossing the finish line, we decided to treat ourselves to a well-deserved meal at Margy’s Bistro, nestled within the Wintersun. While the Wintersun and its offerings are likely familiar to many in Geraldton, our recent visit revealed substantial improvements in their overall operations. Margy’s Bistro, with its abundant seating, recommends reservations during peak times. Even its spacious areas get occupied on weekends. Parking was straightforward, and we were fortunate to secure a spot right outside the front door. Diverse tastes among us led to a variety of choices. Despite our initial differences, we ended up sharing each other’s dishes. To start our meal, we opted for the spinach and artichoke dip and the guac and grilled prawn crostini. The main course featured chicken nuggets for the little one, nasi goreng for our vegetarian companion, and two of the house seafood specials — fish tacos and octopus salad, accompanied by a serving of Szechuan barramundi fillet. Adding to this array was the perennial favourite, the steak sandwich, complemented by a side of charred broccolini and a poke bowl. All this was washed down with a couple of house cocktails and some good old-fashioned sodas. At just under $170 for all of us, including drinks, it was good value for money, especially considering portion sizes and the quality of the dishes. Where to begin? The dip, boasting a smooth, creamy texture and topped with tangy melted cheese, served as the perfect appetiser. Everyone indulged and sampled its goodness. The grilled prawn crostini was a favourite, especially for my young companion, thanks to its tender prawns and luscious guacamole. Our attentive server shared insights into the dishes, mentioning that the artichoke dip, less known in Australia, is a staple in her native Canada. Service overall was top notch, you can tell the staff are very proud of their place of work. Margy’s certainly know how to do seafood. The fish tacos, octopus salad, and Szechuan barramundi were all big hits, with the tacos particularly standing out for their crispiness, tanginess, and robust flavour. The homemade chipotle sauce was so delightful that we wished it could be bottled for takeout in pint-sized containers. The barramundi, presented on a bed of pear quinoa and coconut salad, proved to be an unexpected and delightful surprise. We hadn’t anticipated such sophistication from a place renowned for its pub classics — a genuine treat. Then the octopus salad, my oh my what a treat! My boy is the fussiest of eaters but even he gobbled down bits of tender spicy octopus like it was going out of style. The poke bowl with its rice, avocado, beans, and mix of tangy veggies was enjoyed by all and was used as an alternative side dish with the broccolini, which was charred to perfection. The big highlights, however, were the nasi goreng and what we deemed the ultimate steak sandwich. The nasi goreng left a lasting impression, and my vegetarian daughter was thrilled with the fresh and tasty ingredients that catered well to her dietary preferences. Yet, the pinnacle of our dining experience was the steak sandwich and our sole regret was not ordering two servings of it. Featuring prime scotch fillet, caramelised onions (cooked for an impressive six hours) and delightful crunchy bread, this dish surpassed our expectations. While many places have their own version, rarely have we encountered a steak sandwich so tender, bursting with flavour, and generously portioned. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. All this and crispy fresh hot chips to boot. Despite feeling satiated, the server’s mention of the panna cotta and lava cake made it seem impolite not to indulge. Needless to say, both desserts, shared among the five of us, were a resounding success. The firm panna cotta with delectable berries and the soft, creamy lava cake with ice-cream and whipped cream were simply divine. Would we recommend Margy’s Bistro? A resounding yes. Conversations with the server and fellow patrons left us thoroughly impressed with the bistro and the Wintersun’s direction. With different seafood specials each week, a commitment to sourcing local produce — such as the octopus in the octopus salad — and a diverse menu that caters for pretty much every demographic, Margy’s Bistro at the Wintersun is on a commendable path. They really are pulling out all the stops to get their name on the region’s culinary map.