There is something happening at Hedonist, and it starts in the kitchen. Meet Joaquin Bordato, an Argentinian chef who has brought the flavours, the traditions and the generous spirit of South America to the Beaches. His cooking runs on bold flavour, good produce, and the idea that food is better spread across a table and shared.

Thursday belongs to Steak Night. A beautifully cooked steak, fries and a glass of house wine, across two sittings. It has become one of the busiest nights of the week at Hedonist, and recent weeks have sold out, so booking ahead is the sensible move.

Then there is Joaquin himself. Take a closer look and you might notice something familiar. There is more than a passing resemblance to Lionel Messi. Nobody is suggesting he swapped the football pitch for the kitchen, but it makes for a very good conversation starter. The real reason to know him is on the plate.

If a long lunch suits you better, Hedonist Lunch now runs Thursday through Sunday, with a choice of entrée and main, or main and dessert.

Then Sunday gets the Argentinian treatment. The Argentinian Roast is built for sharing. Asado beef ribs, rump cap steak and chorizo, served alongside garlic bread, broccolini, potato salad, rocket and parmesan, chimichurri, and an empanada to start. Order it, open a bottle, and let the afternoon take its time.

More keeps coming out of Joaquin's kitchen. The Iron Skillet Provoleta arrives bubbling, melted provolone with confit cherry tomato, oregano and baguette. The 300g Pork Chop comes with fennel, apple and purple cabbage salad, and more of that chimichurri. The Ossobuco Spaghetti is slow-cooked veal shank in a rich tomato sauce with a red wine reduction, over egg spaghetti.

Add Tango evenings and the kind of hospitality that comes naturally to an Argentinian kitchen, and Hedonist has built something with real personality.

Come for the steak. Stay for the atmosphere. Meet Joaquin, and find a little of Argentina in Collaroy.

What's On At Hedonist

THURSDAY | STEAK NIGHT

A beautifully cooked steak, fries and a glass of house wine. Two sittings, and one of the busiest nights of the week. Recent weeks have sold out, so book ahead.

THURSDAY TO SUNDAY | HEDONIST LUNCH

A long lunch done properly. Choose entrée and main, or main and dessert, then settle in with a glass of something good and let the afternoon look after itself.

SUNDAY | THE ARGENTINIAN ROAST

Built for sharing. Asado beef ribs, rump cap steak and chorizo with garlic bread, broccolini, potato salad, rocket and parmesan, chimichurri, and an empanada to start.

EXPERIENCE | DINNERS & DANCE | TANGO EVENINGS

Argentina on the floor as well as the plate. Dinner, music and dancing, with all the warmth of a Buenos Aires night, right here in Collaroy.

Hedonist is also open for dinner Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 10pm

Hedonist Collaroy | 1135 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy 2097 | For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 712 743 | www.hedonistcollaroy.com.au