Rockhampton Steak
February 6th, 2008 by Tiffany Miller
The slight gestures of kindness and generosity you encounter unexpectedly on your travels can become some of your most fond memories. And they don’t need to cost you $199 including tax and transfers.
While visiting the Ascot Hotel in Rockhampton today, I had the pleasure of meeting Robby (or ”Mum” as she is known to anyone who’s been there a day), the angel who runs the hostel and treats you like you are her favourite child. We sat for tea while she folded some of the guests’ laundry, and chatted about travellers and hostels and life. I could have stayed there with her all day, but work was calling, so I got up to leave. I told her and Will, the kitchen manager, that I was heading north on a four-hour drive to my next destination. Will took one look at my skinny legs and sat me down in a chair with a “you’re not going anywhere, lovey,” and ran into the kitchen. Minutes later he was back with what I believe to have been the entire bottom half of a cow, searing on a hot stone next to some steamed veggies. Will chuckled wildly at the expression on my face, and proceeded to instruct me on exactly how to enjoy “The Best Steak in Australia.” He uses a method called Stone Grilling, where you slice off bite sized pieces and let them cook to your preference, while keeping the rest of the steak hot, and locking in the moisture. With just a tiny pinch of salt, I can say that each bite was more tender and flavourful than any steak Ive ever had. And I ate every bite.
The lovely couple tried to convince me to stay the night in the hostel, but I politely (and reluctantly) declined. So, after some more storytelling and chatting, Will made me promise to drive safely and return some day. He sent me off with a full stomach and a warm heart. These are the moments that make travel so rewarding.
If you are on the Capricorn Coast, I highly recommend a stop in this place. The hostel is old but charming, a home-away-from-home type of place. If you are just passing through, nothing will fuel you up for the long desolate stretch of highway going north like one of Will’s steaks. They also grill crocodile and kangaroo meat for the more adventurous, and though it is a bit tough on the budget, I think its worth every penny. I will more likely remember this afternoon years from now than a day spent trudging through some museum.
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