The dining scene in Brisbane’s bayside is scorching right now, especially the arrival of The Consortium Queensland’s (Tide on the Jetty) new fire-powered restaurant The Arsonist in Manly. The Arsonist has taken over the space previously home to cafe Little and Oliver’s on Manly’s Esplanade. As one can probably glean from the name, The Arsonist specialises in fire-licked fare, with the majority of the menu cooked over charcoal and open flames. Chef Mat Fulford (former executive chef at Sirromet Winery) is spearheading the kitchen, which boasts a custom-made fire deck, equipped with a fire pit and flame grill with a moveable gantry that allows the chefs to change techniques and temperatures as needed. The menu spotlights freshly-sourced produce, using the caress of flame and smoke to bring out some earthy flavours. This smoked beef-fat doughnuts, barbecued local king prawns with garlic and samphire, woodfired figs with stracciatella, Schultz family farm suckling pig with coal-roasted apple sauce, Smoked free-roaming chicken, Stockyard brisket with local king prawn and 63-day dry-aged Stockyard OP rib on the bone. The Arsonist’s beverage list features a 110-strong whisky selection, range of signature cocktails, wines sorted by style rather than grape and a tight selection of tap and bottled beers. A breakfast service expected to be added in July – stay tuned for more!