YOU have to question where Aron Michieli, chef and general manager of Nautilus Restaurant, and soon-to-be-opened Churrasco, a Brazilian BBQ and bar, finds the time to meet his ever-growing list of commitments.

In managing Nautilus, one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas – which has catered to the likes of Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States and wife Hillary – you would think he has enough on his plate.

But this ebullient and amicable restaurateur will now head up a second restaurant in the town and on June 3, Churrasco, on the corner of Macrossan and Owen, will open its doors.

A churrascaria is a restaurant serving grilled meat, many offering as much as one can eat: the waiters move around the restaurant with the skewers, slicing meat onto the client’s plate. This serving style is called espeto corrido or rodízio, and is quite popular in Brazil.

“The Nautilus Crew is delighted to be bringing a new restaurant concept into town, the famous Brazilian BBQ known as Churrasco. Prepare yourself for this unique culinary experience. Large skewered meats barbequed on an open flame, vegetables, seafood and antipasto,” said Michieli.

“It’s an amazing way to eat with waiters doing the rounds with large cuts of mouth-watering serves on swords offering as much as you can eat. Take away and late night menu are also available. 

“Be transported to Brazil with music nights on selected weeknights and Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoon live music sessions. Check the Facebook page churrascopd for the program. Kids eat free under 5 with special rates generously offered up to the age of 12.”

And as Michieli races to meet his June 3 deadline, Nautilus has been one of the stars of an Origin Energy TV campaign where some of Australia's best regional chefs share their signature recipes – all cooked with Origin LPG.

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* Churrasco is opening on Friday 3 June, with an Newsport and tourismPORTDOUGLAS.com.au client invitation only taster event from 5pm-7pm. Bookings are open to the public from 7pm with music and entertainment kicking off at 9.30pm. To join the party and for more information visit www.churrascopd.com.au

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The TV commercial starring Michieli showcases a dinner recipe with fresh produce specific to the tropical North Queensland region, creating a flavoursome crayfish dish with a fresh panzanella salad.

For Nautilus Restaurant in Port Douglas, merging alfresco dining with the tropics has delivered a completely unique experience. With no indoor seating area, guests are encouraged to embrace the weather: sunshine, heat or humidity. It’s one of several ways the Nautilus team takes advantage of the local area to create unforgettable food.

“We have high-quality seafood here in Port Douglas, and crayfish offers an elegant opulence. The panzanella salad which accompanies this dish is also close to my heart,” said Michieli.

The other three restaurants and chefs that provide signature dishes that feature in the campaign are:

• Wild Canary, Glen Barratt, Brisbane – breakfast 

• Little Fish Café, Steve Delandemare, Port Macquarie – lunch

• St Isidore, Alex Delly, Milton – Dessert

Andrew Bills, General Manager Origin LPG, said the campaign aims to showcase a range of recipes that can be cooked on a gas stove top and inspire everyday home cooks.

“We understand that LPG users love having nights in with a home cooked meal; and that is why we are delighted to feature such a signature dish from one of the regions premier chefs. We hope these recipes help inspire people to experiment in the kitchen, enjoy these meals with family and friends and maybe even create some signature dishes of their own,” said Bills.

Michieli said he is honoured to have been a part of this commercial. “It provided an ideal opportunity to showcase a dinner recipe and how Nautilus differs from many of the other restaurants in our region,” he said.

To watch videos of the chefs in action and download the recipe book, visit www.originenergy.com.au/lpgrecipes.