Are you overspending on this simple family favourite? The hidden cost might shock you!

Lasagne, whether bolognese or vegetarian style, is a delicious, comforting and beloved dish by many.

It's a classic family favourite that's been around for decades, and for those who grew up eating it as a meal, it can evoke surprisingly strong emotions.

However, one Brisbane restaurant is about to make your eyes water for an entirely different reason when it comes to this classic dish.


Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst first invented her take on lasagne back in 1992.

Her invention came to life when a whopping 400 portions per week of sand crab lasagne were served to ecstatic diners at Brisbane’s now-closed fine dining hotspot Il Centro.


79422262_3236922103044517_7090797478764609536_n.jpg
Il Centro’s iconic sand crab lasagne is the inspiration behind Chef Hirst’s lasagne recipe. Credit: Il Centro Restaurant & Bar Facebook


Now, Zazu Dining in Brisbane’s West End is trying to revive the iconic dish after a decades-long slumber.

Their version of the classic Italian dish comes filled with creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in abalone bisque and topped with a spoonful of black caviar.

Sounds delicious, right? Wait ‘til you read the price.


It’s a whopping $75 per serve, considerably more expensive than the ‘90s original!



Zazu says their portion can be split between two people, but the dish has been described as a 'hungry solo diner's dream' by food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who sampled the dish and wrote about it.

The price tag on this version of the lasagne is certainly high. But if you’re on the hunt for a similar luxe lasagne made with duck meat, head over to Lollo in the W Melbourne for a much more wallet-friendly price of $58.


But there’s more than just the faithful classic dish on offer at Zazu.

The restaurant has splashed together an array of fusion flavours, like edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) and Thai beef salad ($26), as well as Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.



Key Takeaways

  • A Brisbane restaurant, Zazu Dining, is serving a sand crab lasagne that costs $75 a serve.
  • The dish is a recreation of a popular menu item by celebrity chef Gillian Hirst from the now-closed restaurant Il Centro.
  • Despite the high price tag, the portion can be shared between two people, yet can easily be consumed by one, according to reviews.
  • Zazu Dining offers an eclectic menu of global flavours, featuring dishes such as Thai beef salad, Balkan-style kofte kebapi and Middle-Eastern style pizzas.

Now, of course, luxury can be alluring when it comes to some of these dishes, and we here at SDC are certainly not telling you not to treat yourself or your friends—but with so many cheaper alternatives, we just want to make sure that you don't get suckered into overspending!

If you're on the hunt for a cheap Italian treat, make sure you research all the cafes, restaurants, and eateries in your local area. Check out online reviews, compare pricing, and don’t forget to take advantage of any special offers they might have.

That said, members—have you ever made (or tried) a ‘luxurious’ version of lasagne or another family dish? Can you believe the prices of these meals? Tell us below!
 
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$75 goes a long way towards our grocery budget.
I don't think I would walk through the doors, let alone order the lasagne.
Give me Mama's classic at the local Italian restaurant any time. We are not in the market for nose in the air dining. Much rather nose down to smell the garlic, herbs & spices dining at a quarter of the price.
Good luck to them if they can get people to pay the price. They wont be people like me.
 
$75 goes a long way towards our grocery budget.
I don't think I would walk through the doors, let alone order the lasagne.
Give me Mama's classic at the local Italian restaurant any time. We are not in the market for nose in the air dining. Much rather nose down to smell the garlic, herbs & spices dining at a quarter of the price.
Good luck to them if they can get people to pay the price. They wont be people like me.
Don't worry. They probably charge an admittance fee too!
 
On the menu frozen vegetarian lasagne from any supermarket, much cheaper at under $5 for smaller size, 260g, and under $10 for 400g I find is very good and satisfies any craving I get for lasagne. Have never tasted caviar and have no desire to.
 
We had a private chef come to my daughters on Saturday night , we paid $100 a head .

Entre 1 . was focaccia topped with potato and rosemary

Entre 2 was Bruschetta topped with some amazing toppings

Main
. Oh my goodness Nona's slow cooked Regu Lasagne with cream cheese drizzled on the plate. I felt it was the best lasagne I've eaten, my girls said mine was better

Desert was a chocolate tart that I didn't think was good.

To me I could have cooked all this plus a better desert all for under $60 for the 10 of us instead of $1000

I am going to cook the lasagne soon and when I gave will post recipe and pictures .

This is from our night


Screenshot_20230918_163101_Gallery.jpg
I made these for the table

Screenshot_20230918_163702_Gallery.jpg
 
I have eaten the crab lasagne at Il Centro in Brisbane several times. One of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. I would definitely pay $75 for this dish......once, just to taste it. It's a luxury dish with a luxury price, but sometimes you just have to spoil yourself.
 
We had a private chef come to my daughters on Saturday night , we paid $100 a head .

Entre 1 . was focaccia topped with potato and rosemary

Entre 2 was Bruschetta topped with some amazing toppings

Main
. Oh my goodness Nona's slow cooked Regu Lasagne with cream cheese drizzled on the plate. I felt it was the best lasagne I've eaten, my girls said mine was better

Desert was a chocolate tart that I didn't think was good.

To me I could have cooked all this plus a better desert all for under $60 for the 10 of us instead of $1000

I am going to cook the lasagne soon and when I gave will post recipe and pictures .

This is from our night


View attachment 30180
I made these for the table

View attachment 30178
Aldi have a reasoable lasagne for $2.99 . 7mins in micro . 8mins in airfry , then cover with streaky bacon [everything tastes better with bacon] and cover with fresh parmesan another 6mins . yummmmmy
 
Nah, doesn't appeal one little bit! For a start, it will be an extremely cold day in hell before I would eat seafood! Yuck, yuck, yuck!

I make my lasagne from scratch (however, using lasagne sheets) - I am pretty good at making bechamel sauce. Uneaten lasagne is cut up into portions and kept in the freezer for the odd lunch.

As to lasagne sheets, I do know how to make pasta, but I can't be bothered to do so. Same as I have made some pretty good bread - my kids used to loooove my bread rolls especially the ones with poppyseed sprinkled on top. There was also a time when I had to supply my work colleagues with home made pizzas. And real Austrian Apfelstrudel!
 
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Lasagne, whether bolognese or vegetarian style, is a delicious, comforting and beloved dish by many.

It's a classic family favourite that's been around for decades, and for those who grew up eating it as a meal, it can evoke surprisingly strong emotions.

However, one Brisbane restaurant is about to make your eyes water for an entirely different reason when it comes to this classic dish.


Queensland celebrity chef Gillian Hirst first invented her take on lasagne back in 1992.

Her invention came to life when a whopping 400 portions per week of sand crab lasagne were served to ecstatic diners at Brisbane’s now-closed fine dining hotspot Il Centro.


View attachment 29720
Il Centro’s iconic sand crab lasagne is the inspiration behind Chef Hirst’s lasagne recipe. Credit: Il Centro Restaurant & Bar Facebook


Now, Zazu Dining in Brisbane’s West End is trying to revive the iconic dish after a decades-long slumber.

Their version of the classic Italian dish comes filled with creamy bechamel sauce and sand crab bolognese, bathed in abalone bisque and topped with a spoonful of black caviar.

Sounds delicious, right? Wait ‘til you read the price.


It’s a whopping $75 per serve, considerably more expensive than the ‘90s original!



Zazu says their portion can be split between two people, but the dish has been described as a 'hungry solo diner's dream' by food journalist Anooska Tucker-Evans, who sampled the dish and wrote about it.

The price tag on this version of the lasagne is certainly high. But if you’re on the hunt for a similar luxe lasagne made with duck meat, head over to Lollo in the W Melbourne for a much more wallet-friendly price of $58.


But there’s more than just the faithful classic dish on offer at Zazu.

The restaurant has splashed together an array of fusion flavours, like edamame with truffled butter and smoked garlic salt ($9) and Thai beef salad ($26), as well as Szechuan duck pancakes and confit chicken roulade.



Key Takeaways

  • A Brisbane restaurant, Zazu Dining, is serving a sand crab lasagne that costs $75 a serve.
  • The dish is a recreation of a popular menu item by celebrity chef Gillian Hirst from the now-closed restaurant Il Centro.
  • Despite the high price tag, the portion can be shared between two people, yet can easily be consumed by one, according to reviews.
  • Zazu Dining offers an eclectic menu of global flavours, featuring dishes such as Thai beef salad, Balkan-style kofte kebapi and Middle-Eastern style pizzas.

Now, of course, luxury can be alluring when it comes to some of these dishes, and we here at SDC are certainly not telling you not to treat yourself or your friends—but with so many cheaper alternatives, we just want to make sure that you don't get suckered into overspending!

If you're on the hunt for a cheap Italian treat, make sure you research all the cafes, restaurants, and eateries in your local area. Check out online reviews, compare pricing, and don’t forget to take advantage of any special offers they might have.

That said, members—have you ever made (or tried) a ‘luxurious’ version of lasagne or another family dish? Can you believe the prices of these meals? Tell us below!

The one pasta dish I dislike?
 
I have eaten the crab lasagne at Il Centro in Brisbane several times. One of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. I would definitely pay $75 for this dish......once, just to taste it. It's a luxury dish with a luxury price, but sometimes you just have to spoil yourself.
Totally agree👍
 
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Reactions: Monmc

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