tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17654907813545219352024-03-24T16:32:37.098-07:00You Had Your lunch?Well, have you? Was it brilliant? Join me on my food satisfaction mission....never be disappointed again!YouHadYourLunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12239551367110062744noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-24573162469142655692016-12-11T10:20:00.001-08:002016-12-11T10:20:43.399-08:00Andina in Shoreditch: Vibrant tastes, bland service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmon9zLTutEJ5BmzCcGFZcwrnNbU4Sa5Gv8PgZJ-VziwVr3xfNwbh3RTKrJu53LSq5XXDKkFDjg9knSBQIyjZvWOfzv-aiHjFmKqlm85mi4SJPjT6mTf8Ha2fijCCHMbmRXtrJzUEZk8w/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmon9zLTutEJ5BmzCcGFZcwrnNbU4Sa5Gv8PgZJ-VziwVr3xfNwbh3RTKrJu53LSq5XXDKkFDjg9knSBQIyjZvWOfzv-aiHjFmKqlm85mi4SJPjT6mTf8Ha2fijCCHMbmRXtrJzUEZk8w/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> Andina,
Shoreditch, London, UK<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>When: </b>December 2016<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> Modern
Peruvian – picanteria and pisco bar<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a dash up the uber trendy Shoreditch high street to
ensure we arrived at hipster brunch spot Andina in time for our 1pm booking, I
didn’t entirely appreciate being told there would be a 10-15 minute wait for
our table and then being directed to ‘the bar’ where we stood (there were not
seats) crammed between diners and a narrow counter, feeling unwelcome and
awkward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It wasn’t a good start, but I decided to let Andina have
another chance, forcing myself to identify the positives – bright,
Peruvian-inspired décor, open-kitchen spaces to advertise freshness, lots of
young people in skinny trousers and curious hairstyles, and staff that were
either hip or friendly, and all very busy because this Shoreditch outpost of
the picanteria and pisco bar chain is currently one of The Places to Brunch on
superfoods with Peruvian sparkle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGM5HUY9Ue5aUReJOeZp0M9HTYgJ_OaCgurzI7qq4YraoTMOgeLdaDPBiowkjzxNXvosuChhoqNr51vioDasHYNEQwuE0VCJYc_kupifK0TO9-mi3_1CFpzn7ykubYygWVdGI4g-k7C8/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGM5HUY9Ue5aUReJOeZp0M9HTYgJ_OaCgurzI7qq4YraoTMOgeLdaDPBiowkjzxNXvosuChhoqNr51vioDasHYNEQwuE0VCJYc_kupifK0TO9-mi3_1CFpzn7ykubYygWVdGI4g-k7C8/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small space is well-decorated, with open kitchens for chef-viewing</td></tr>
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Think ceviche, smoothies thick with chia seeds and cocoa,
and a mixture of South American inspired tapas and well-delivered brunch
staples (lots of eggs, however you like ‘em). There is an admirable drinks
lists, with pisco cocktails being the star attraction, but we stuck to sedate
choices (albeit with a bottle of red wine). While the steep price/tiny size of
my soft options was a little stinging, I enjoyed the fresh taste and
interesting combination that was the Hot Emoliente: barley, linseed, alfafa and
quince.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zNzO2O5OtpNrbb1iFoKezaxU7Ha_akWQO7dXp_WyfWTQAkIgEhQO29pM7AluNKeKWDZcu_J31y019x4MSol6ypHKxTDnXXI-JXksVJDZBLbV08SO3WMRPjDK32Z1E-nNaWTjqvTr6Dc/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zNzO2O5OtpNrbb1iFoKezaxU7Ha_akWQO7dXp_WyfWTQAkIgEhQO29pM7AluNKeKWDZcu_J31y019x4MSol6ypHKxTDnXXI-JXksVJDZBLbV08SO3WMRPjDK32Z1E-nNaWTjqvTr6Dc/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast options and funky Peruvian tapas are available all day on the weekend</td></tr>
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We also enjoyed the depth charge of superfoods in the Green
Vaheyo (£5), which was a blitzed mix of avocado, pear juice, mint, spinach and
lime, as fresh as it was filling.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jf1bs04LysGkIwhrcRl0FuXt1Wn7GJhEdtXsPu27JspHdNX6yI35us06RdmpqlYOZaHVYAxWHmydzNvw598OOZnZ__GLuET0fuTVVs8P-2v66vU__CcIQc2x9ycPFaVK2y0OZYJReBQ/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jf1bs04LysGkIwhrcRl0FuXt1Wn7GJhEdtXsPu27JspHdNX6yI35us06RdmpqlYOZaHVYAxWHmydzNvw598OOZnZ__GLuET0fuTVVs8P-2v66vU__CcIQc2x9ycPFaVK2y0OZYJReBQ/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">healthy smoothie + unhealthy beer = balance</td></tr>
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Freshness was to be a theme, and everything that arrived at
our table tasted freshly made and well-sourced, not to mention well put
together by the kitchen team (who we were assured had been trained by the
Peruvian founder for authenticity where required).</div>
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Flavour was in abundance, right from the plump, rich olives
we nibbled on to line the stomachs as we deliberated over the menu, and
everything that came out looked bright and sang with flavour, neatly presented on
small dishes that soon packed our table.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWrHd81Kj8kDc5s7OWrh89oX3FB7gQ3zvkNcG2qNW4rKLzvlDe0PkDqGZzQAwMWsb5WbatgkdG9Ji1jFrx3RFefoqYqYTqkEX4LWUQHNLc41jT7gpahonhuVyTEvc_NFmE655Uwll0Kc/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWrHd81Kj8kDc5s7OWrh89oX3FB7gQ3zvkNcG2qNW4rKLzvlDe0PkDqGZzQAwMWsb5WbatgkdG9Ji1jFrx3RFefoqYqYTqkEX4LWUQHNLc41jT7gpahonhuVyTEvc_NFmE655Uwll0Kc/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't fault the grilled octopus other than to wish it was bigger...delicious!</td></tr>
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The stand-out was the octopus – or Pulpo Chancón (£13) – a bold tentacle that had been grilled until
caramalised outside but tender and juicy within, finished with a rich tang from
the chancaca and limo honey sauce.</div>
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We were also
thrilled with the freshness of the Ceviche Andina (£9), which was swimming in
tiger’s milk rather than dry in a squeeze of lime as I expected, but the sea
bass was tart and fresh and thrilled the only one of our party who had been to
Peru – high praise!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JDkzDILXxUJmu8L51iE7qX6-bFGUAfvc4HIzydf8hyRxvoDYl3qJ2QQofNL-ZQnj2-dAKKeQcl_cvblq2HaHaNtOQEgs3pf3oQ_DqfaWP_uke1hPyHYIjOGiw6ZOTrNu3S5gM4BoxCI/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JDkzDILXxUJmu8L51iE7qX6-bFGUAfvc4HIzydf8hyRxvoDYl3qJ2QQofNL-ZQnj2-dAKKeQcl_cvblq2HaHaNtOQEgs3pf3oQ_DqfaWP_uke1hPyHYIjOGiw6ZOTrNu3S5gM4BoxCI/s640/IMG_0152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pato Sampa - marinated duck breast with black quinoa sauce and sweet potato puree</td></tr>
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Two orders were made
of the Pato Sampa (£11), and it was the black quinoa sauce that delighted the
palate as much as the tender, marinated duck breast it accompanied.</div>
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Completing the meat fest was the crispy pork belly Chancho
con Mani (£9.50), the layers of meat and soft fat topped with crisp skin and
partnered with coriander and choclo corn puree and a peanut amarillo chilli sauce.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip655bCTezh0jjQksk9XPvBlT9naDNYbThrBo3p8BUyPC5swh2s24A5i9_f-1e9CDwhgRJUrI9TZ86ZdUvEwPK1TNtkyUuJ3cWi9VIRvbNlVB4uKgvw6-5Gog4q5EnSIC2jmOk_llRax4/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip655bCTezh0jjQksk9XPvBlT9naDNYbThrBo3p8BUyPC5swh2s24A5i9_f-1e9CDwhgRJUrI9TZ86ZdUvEwPK1TNtkyUuJ3cWi9VIRvbNlVB4uKgvw6-5Gog4q5EnSIC2jmOk_llRax4/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy pork belly - ordered once, arrived twice...hmmm</td></tr>
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The menu is a crowd-pleaser, encompassing most meats and
fish (except chicken) and with many tasty vegetarian options and gluten free
choices, such as the quinoa burger with kiwi yoghurt.</div>
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Sides are a choice of thoughtful salads – we sampled the
Chullo Salad (£4.50), a multi-coloured combination of beetroot, pumpkin, orange
segments and popcorn shoots with tasty blobs of beetroot mustard and chilli vinaigrette.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaYgo52EUFuuCa35uSqmehYJYSQH2UWGbBaqJzZOJrT3hW8i7su3-7uHAfYzfo69CiCUj2sIUFDIdEGFKmKTZwccQQkPZhaEiXMGMD3RSZ4sqEUJapS-3UpKFUlRGynzS7OpCsQGnVdU/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaYgo52EUFuuCa35uSqmehYJYSQH2UWGbBaqJzZOJrT3hW8i7su3-7uHAfYzfo69CiCUj2sIUFDIdEGFKmKTZwccQQkPZhaEiXMGMD3RSZ4sqEUJapS-3UpKFUlRGynzS7OpCsQGnVdU/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small but bright Chullo Salad screamed freshness</td></tr>
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There was also an order of chips with a cheesy amarillo chilli
sauce (£3.50), which did the job but would’ve been more satisfying had we not
had to ask three times for them to arrive.</div>
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Most of our choices were from the all-day menu, but we
sampled one brunch option with a dinky but well-delivered Huevos Q’apachana (£8): two poached eggs,
spicy potato puree, spinach, chestnut mushrooms and Huancaina sauce (pictured below). It was the
odd note of simplicity, but showed a willingness to appeal to the masses –
commendable if a bit cowardly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibusH8MnFJqHTQ8P7EZEeSQVnvPmv-Sm_Xllb1DHi95p6WNerwnDUERSKGrsomsPBcel6TziQFctsaSBpZyRVsm7_3yDxPIy-hplvylQ6Yb_QlIGOfQCEMoabpQej6C7x5HXHmawKfAk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibusH8MnFJqHTQ8P7EZEeSQVnvPmv-Sm_Xllb1DHi95p6WNerwnDUERSKGrsomsPBcel6TziQFctsaSBpZyRVsm7_3yDxPIy-hplvylQ6Yb_QlIGOfQCEMoabpQej6C7x5HXHmawKfAk/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch options for the unadventurous include poached eggs</td></tr>
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Vivacity and creativity was back in the dessert menu
however, where such options as lucuma flan and confit butternut squash pique
the curiosity, although the ‘comfort’ option is surely the Picarones Doughnuts
(£9.50), which is of an ideal size to share, provided there are only four of you.... The texture was a little lacking –
these are made with pumpkin to make them ‘healthy’ but less satisfyingly dense.
Disappointment was tempered by the very pleasing accompanying dips: chocolate
fudge sauce and purple maize syrup.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLFdet7WphzApO2kq78kuoi4nryN-dz13VBlB3fGU-C94YH8neCf6eN9dhPgRGoGMuQx_ge8etNOWTQPkFJS3O-NFTb4Sq8a3Nd6xUMz5nEB0CJ7h3Fw5JAeYkKF9VRro9qhlzXC7gTI/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLFdet7WphzApO2kq78kuoi4nryN-dz13VBlB3fGU-C94YH8neCf6eN9dhPgRGoGMuQx_ge8etNOWTQPkFJS3O-NFTb4Sq8a3Nd6xUMz5nEB0CJ7h3Fw5JAeYkKF9VRro9qhlzXC7gTI/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picarones Doughnuts made with pumpkin for less heft than we'd hoped..</td></tr>
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Andina deserves its diner enthusiasm for the vibrant
flavours and creative, multi-faceted menu, but I felt the service was lacking
and the atmosphere slightly fabricated, the gaudy colours and encouraging
cocktails not quite managing to pull off authentic warmth in trendy Shoreditch. There was also an underlying note of sloppiness - tasteless plantain chips, a lack of attention from service staff and forgotten or duplicated orders. With so many fantastic options at similar prices, Andina needs to try a little harder if it wants returning customers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdurT1HpRMmLx32n3p4pPpVOX7OMU_HLIEJMXCvq4qaXdLuXfhT4hz2NPR_UHo7Gg2YBUIKLarPbEJSWQPi3e_77RuSA50PpBn1z1tp9h9sywtZ_0y-qe8goEnHN3QN4HMEIpKV6z4pY/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdurT1HpRMmLx32n3p4pPpVOX7OMU_HLIEJMXCvq4qaXdLuXfhT4hz2NPR_UHo7Gg2YBUIKLarPbEJSWQPi3e_77RuSA50PpBn1z1tp9h9sywtZ_0y-qe8goEnHN3QN4HMEIpKV6z4pY/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The company was perfect - lovely to see you girls!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmyV3todO9VUtNlJFxknILZy_Xwhil7oRoz1W72O77T9-HeM4uUvhwZJRdgyMyNSKO6Pwylng7wLJD9XyclCseyDeYaLhssV1xSCJF-vKRRRnM_6VBmgG3I69Slq-5gKUTKFpxcrj5rA/s1600/IMG_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmyV3todO9VUtNlJFxknILZy_Xwhil7oRoz1W72O77T9-HeM4uUvhwZJRdgyMyNSKO6Pwylng7wLJD9XyclCseyDeYaLhssV1xSCJF-vKRRRnM_6VBmgG3I69Slq-5gKUTKFpxcrj5rA/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Andina<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1 Redchurch Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shoreditch<o:p></o:p></div>
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London<o:p></o:p></div>
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E27DJ<o:p></o:p></div>
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UK<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/SARAH/Documents/Documents/Food%20Blog/www.andinalondon.com">www.andinalondon.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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0207 920 6499<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Monday-Friday 8am-11pm, Weekends 10am-11pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sister branch: Casita Andina, Soho<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-41176974273197543062016-03-09T01:04:00.001-08:002016-03-09T01:04:23.187-08:00Anason in Barangaroo: Charmed by Turkish warmth and flavour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxIJf70VUabbiPtUYMzyyU_DAnAgKrgZv6W-BdUR-SfuRqk1LYNc8ubMlOQnceNVPL7Bem8XagarGsuew-KKXC0DI89tard5fPr1cBIilANO5qx17R30S52I435YArvIZBLtCKG9NIz8/s1600/IMG_9656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxIJf70VUabbiPtUYMzyyU_DAnAgKrgZv6W-BdUR-SfuRqk1LYNc8ubMlOQnceNVPL7Bem8XagarGsuew-KKXC0DI89tard5fPr1cBIilANO5qx17R30S52I435YArvIZBLtCKG9NIz8/s320/IMG_9656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> Anason, Sydney,
Australia</div>
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<b>When: </b>March 2016<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> Turkish<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was with a gush of Aegean blue that Anason arrived into
my life, the blue sky of a gorgeous afternoon competing with the rich blue tiles
topping tables and the neat, blue wood slats of this charming new Turkish mezze
bar.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At once rather sleek and cosily welcoming, the décor was
complemented by the staff, who were slightly eccentric but well-meaning in
their eagerness to please, and it wasn't long after seating that we were
supplied with glasses of unexpectedly delicious Turkish wines and given a quick,
enthusiastic introduction to the menu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9to_BUAfVvjcLkQdLj_S48dRAQqbBD7V4gJ4JjSZhUCjqmV7IvbAhZzZigNA2yXN6EbxL4PHuxoRgKITb2agurKNpicGp5TV7MTjdDjWqAPkAi7rLN2ayskUDshq84RgPsJOVjjW0reQ/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9to_BUAfVvjcLkQdLj_S48dRAQqbBD7V4gJ4JjSZhUCjqmV7IvbAhZzZigNA2yXN6EbxL4PHuxoRgKITb2agurKNpicGp5TV7MTjdDjWqAPkAi7rLN2ayskUDshq84RgPsJOVjjW0reQ/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al fresco dining is your only option, although a couple of spots lurk inside</td></tr>
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The newest venue from the owner of the Middle Eastern
stalwart Efendy, Anason is styled to be a modern <i>meyhane</i> (traditional
Turkish eatery) with chef/owner Somer Sivrioglu gathering a team of Turkish
chefs to help him deliver slick modern mezzes for daily grazing while supping
some super wines.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uS6663fJjkf59xDoxS-gp4QIzfo5N_7DirEUpq6a8r1Yp21uTJRfWg3HMfb0TXKoo4p8n3vMhO0_h3O-rQpUlzkgpxQWvgYAkGSUvd3IQsD4yz4r5C2RVV0Qt1YpRKxE0yLnIUh3aew/s1600/IMG_9657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uS6663fJjkf59xDoxS-gp4QIzfo5N_7DirEUpq6a8r1Yp21uTJRfWg3HMfb0TXKoo4p8n3vMhO0_h3O-rQpUlzkgpxQWvgYAkGSUvd3IQsD4yz4r5C2RVV0Qt1YpRKxE0yLnIUh3aew/s640/IMG_9657.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that sunshine! The little bar area/kitchen is rather charming</td></tr>
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Available by the glass, carafe or bottle, the wines cover
Italian, Turkish and Australian, with good advice offered by the softly spoken
gent I assume acts as sommelier – we both went Turkish and were delighted!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPcEog3LnjLQUHgu_msbjj_ssMrnlQ_EgjQ5wc0v8uy89HJMZFAxKao4ghQ4o08ffd5Hq3PzK0jwDKwmWxrLfq2Uiw5OB2sKWgHA1peUWKA5HatG7e2Cuxr8DWrK2Jwsn3PIt75Tl0lE/s1600/IMG_9660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPcEog3LnjLQUHgu_msbjj_ssMrnlQ_EgjQ5wc0v8uy89HJMZFAxKao4ghQ4o08ffd5Hq3PzK0jwDKwmWxrLfq2Uiw5OB2sKWgHA1peUWKA5HatG7e2Cuxr8DWrK2Jwsn3PIt75Tl0lE/s640/IMG_9660.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Somer keeps an eye on things at the pass</td></tr>
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The menu is mezze only, with a suggestion of around three
dishes per person as the portions are pretty small – its good in terms of
facilitating more things to be tasted, but no so good for the wallet when the
prices sit rather higher than the servings would seem to warrant.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV_aqWiuPvSc-gXs8Fz6hA1JktauM4efW3Ud9Pfz8Q0wgfTuXx2estX8w5Okx0e7Xg73RUFuoEAQEHkjpPc3NSLeZ_oHk4lJiynmkyCOS6xOxxllom-sOwyaV9OFNnsn9pX0tJcD62iY/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV_aqWiuPvSc-gXs8Fz6hA1JktauM4efW3Ud9Pfz8Q0wgfTuXx2estX8w5Okx0e7Xg73RUFuoEAQEHkjpPc3NSLeZ_oHk4lJiynmkyCOS6xOxxllom-sOwyaV9OFNnsn9pX0tJcD62iY/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkish paraphenalia adds an authentic touch, and Somer's book tempts the satisfied diners</td></tr>
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But then Anason does sit in some of the most expensive real
estate in Sydney, the new Barangaroo development on the water’s edge, with Noma
just a few skips away. And then the quality of the raw materials is
impressively high, and obvious from the first few bites that came our way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PUYUwIemP9Y37KWNyEoz1q04QzUIAD6yUx7ub9hsy8BP-E4DlA1lC5ocAaK7Hk6tdVG7XRFa0Qkxv58exykfK3JRYIo9ksZB1XhIVr9PZZUCVr3drUo9A2fFWXuQHuTi3p6GJBjho7g/s1600/IMG_9662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PUYUwIemP9Y37KWNyEoz1q04QzUIAD6yUx7ub9hsy8BP-E4DlA1lC5ocAaK7Hk6tdVG7XRFa0Qkxv58exykfK3JRYIo9ksZB1XhIVr9PZZUCVr3drUo9A2fFWXuQHuTi3p6GJBjho7g/s1600/IMG_9662.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glorious pumpkin humus - more please!</td></tr>
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As if the combination of sunshine, wine and a welcome warmer
than the afternoon wasn’t enough to make me terribly content, the pumpkin humus
($16) turned up to eke out a warm sigh of satisfaction. The artistic if
diminutive smear of bright orange humus was topped with toasted chickpeas,
boasting a silken texture and a lovely balance of sweet with nutty, lighter
than one would have expected. It seemed to improve with each scoop ingested on
the house made pita ($3 per piece).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS1CAToF-05VxDpCV3cfqX1TYxLdI4dfdDQH6bO7KAWPEP7pCtHNQfAh9zONu5EnGp-kCZfMadwGvZvliRF500P5TvpUJDY9p61XR-X0FUsGhDsVWOQ31zcuiNx4ttXwPhNlrZL3JSNk/s1600/IMG_9665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS1CAToF-05VxDpCV3cfqX1TYxLdI4dfdDQH6bO7KAWPEP7pCtHNQfAh9zONu5EnGp-kCZfMadwGvZvliRF500P5TvpUJDY9p61XR-X0FUsGhDsVWOQ31zcuiNx4ttXwPhNlrZL3JSNk/s1600/IMG_9665.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pita was so soft and tasty it was bitten before I could snap!</td></tr>
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The next plate out onto our small table (thankfully dishes
came out in succession otherwise we would have run out of space sharpish) was
the salad of heirloom tomatoes, crumbled feta and simit chips ($19), the various
sliced varieties of tomato beautiful examples of quality and the creamy feta
bouncing off the scattered capers to great effect. It danced a pirouette on the
palate in the approaching dusk, leaving me longing for a larger potion.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbK9zbApHVA5rzF2mNnXETL36WHnenfCIgisCFXiz5-R2YyHHAzksUp7gW1eWz7aCOSed7Lo1vaY27bSnJrIudYBNvFF4pJ-HiH8QT8CcgBTKYkFHqcBbF_t931aixz3vhIcLObJ1fdw/s1600/IMG_9664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbK9zbApHVA5rzF2mNnXETL36WHnenfCIgisCFXiz5-R2YyHHAzksUp7gW1eWz7aCOSed7Lo1vaY27bSnJrIudYBNvFF4pJ-HiH8QT8CcgBTKYkFHqcBbF_t931aixz3vhIcLObJ1fdw/s640/IMG_9664.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family of heirloom tomatoes are delicious even before you factor the toppings</td></tr>
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The came the principal dancer in the vegetarian company, and
a masterclass in how bloody brilliant the cauliflower is. Half a cauli was
roasted and doused in a walnut tarator before sprinkled with fresh thyme ($19),
the veggie softer than you think you'd approve of, with the slight charring of
the edges charming the warmly soothing flavour of the flesh. The tarator – a
silky sauce of ground walnuts, garlic and tahini – was rich and addictive, a daub
here and there bringing out the best in the cauliflower, and everything else it
touched!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kBcQ40EqwlXphbEwV20FhnWby02DHy3TZD4mtdF1PRXW1FdOn9TjMvKX2MahyphenhyphenWsbF4tHhhDwa51-l2IjeO4FtzupkES4-ci4P19DRoFpDJOh6SA_3kJu3kArX_hRdw-8Tj1L29g0ROY/s1600/IMG_9672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kBcQ40EqwlXphbEwV20FhnWby02DHy3TZD4mtdF1PRXW1FdOn9TjMvKX2MahyphenhyphenWsbF4tHhhDwa51-l2IjeO4FtzupkES4-ci4P19DRoFpDJOh6SA_3kJu3kArX_hRdw-8Tj1L29g0ROY/s640/IMG_9672.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let us worship the cauliflower and bathe in tarator</td></tr>
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For those in a seafood mood there are plenty of options; prawns,
calamari and mussels feature, but we opted for the bonito takoz-cut with a
radish salad ($27). The four careful slices of fish were fat and fleshy, coated
in spices that failed to deliver much flavour or conceal the taste of frying
that lingered on the flesh. It was beautiful fish despite the oil after taste,
and cheered by the tang of finger limes amid the slices of radish.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lgDpJCFU1zetROjjxzrFUkpx8T6p70l5tXe92DadgpmQBlc6PQCSpGM2Qi5LyhbhQMKaBIIIr-CCbrD54iQ8rXCMHFqF0zrnZm6Yuw4hRplhXi2b_nJtyacyWApaPZGmfBXrd3fYOCc/s1600/IMG_9666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lgDpJCFU1zetROjjxzrFUkpx8T6p70l5tXe92DadgpmQBlc6PQCSpGM2Qi5LyhbhQMKaBIIIr-CCbrD54iQ8rXCMHFqF0zrnZm6Yuw4hRplhXi2b_nJtyacyWApaPZGmfBXrd3fYOCc/s640/IMG_9666.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bonito was a fine fish but rather underseasoned</td></tr>
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When ordering, we were torn between the veal koftes and the
lamb fillet – when in doubt, order both! The former came as four neat patties
($26) alongside a white bean and tahini tayiz topped with a lightly poached quail's
egg. The bean-egg combination was pretty bland, allowing us to focus our whole
attention on worshipping the gorgeous koftes. So much flavour and such
beautiful meat!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTD-Qn568zeJC4Fd36ll1mvcO_FTMV2CkWIPCtZPGdC46tf59gf9X-Tn9bjL0yqryBO3yV3DIbNK9CzqeIPljLsU72THFrlzqjtMaMEfoTAiIJUg2kTF-JHHHxlzF6VSxU2kCIk5hhQk/s1600/IMG_9670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTD-Qn568zeJC4Fd36ll1mvcO_FTMV2CkWIPCtZPGdC46tf59gf9X-Tn9bjL0yqryBO3yV3DIbNK9CzqeIPljLsU72THFrlzqjtMaMEfoTAiIJUg2kTF-JHHHxlzF6VSxU2kCIk5hhQk/s1600/IMG_9670.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superb veal koftes overshadowed the rather bland bean tiyaz</td></tr>
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Clearly the same awesome butcher supplies the lamb fillet
($26), which was simply superb, lightly seared and free to ooze its own
flavours and juices around. The compact portion was spread neatly across a
heaping of eggplant begendi, a puree of smoked eggplant that was more sweet
than smoky but satisfying with the juicy meat.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_l2xAHaTtOZn8NAv6g1XhrXa8Aa0qemlNZi_JYkqzmF9L4DlJiM0svTgRCtlNyg0XU8zP-VPXemS_B4qLA9fpZXiPw_mZT0QWmNwEBLmkUHqp4pLCJU0ejWK3BztX-QTityi81UzjQ/s1600/IMG_9669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_l2xAHaTtOZn8NAv6g1XhrXa8Aa0qemlNZi_JYkqzmF9L4DlJiM0svTgRCtlNyg0XU8zP-VPXemS_B4qLA9fpZXiPw_mZT0QWmNwEBLmkUHqp4pLCJU0ejWK3BztX-QTityi81UzjQ/s640/IMG_9669.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lamb was luscious, with eggplant puree below and spicy-tomato above </td></tr>
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The combination of dishes was superb, with the few slippery
elements carried along by the many fine examples of careful cooking and
sterling ingredients. Presentation was neat and pretty – even the assorted
plates were charming if somewhat challenging to manage on a small table. If you
let the wine and the setting soften your alarm at the bill, its a hugely
winning evening out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nsFGZP-LIOdw1QBsagh6_oTP_sitts_5eLqhdCQiqUqeoj45BZnkx5SGOIwHsYR1ZBMwo0pVkm03nvwxkEZzaLe0PTn2Z_oyZICHPbu9DXKfb68zTmIYDBiBTrOrrtHaenCycjCAoCs/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nsFGZP-LIOdw1QBsagh6_oTP_sitts_5eLqhdCQiqUqeoj45BZnkx5SGOIwHsYR1ZBMwo0pVkm03nvwxkEZzaLe0PTn2Z_oyZICHPbu9DXKfb68zTmIYDBiBTrOrrtHaenCycjCAoCs/s1600/IMG_9655.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional, in-house made simit is also available to accompany the food</td></tr>
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I was happily satiated but my companion gamely continued
into dessert, where just three options linger. His cardamom rice pudding came
topped with dried fruits and was, to my surprise, cold. But it was a delightful
bundle of textures and flavours, light on rice and so offering a creamy but
light end to a meal of many flavours.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZwrD-Ui0QuIiq0FpAlPV56G1rcLMoPCK1tWSXBde0rR4nLVwoESahWW5VomcZUxp3rXjW85Ffa8LsUkCpmkww3E2Dc_VX3XOgWpsEDI9o2ShxkDDfje5E3upoinP-VTAvpDYtqKkdfg/s1600/IMG_9673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZwrD-Ui0QuIiq0FpAlPV56G1rcLMoPCK1tWSXBde0rR4nLVwoESahWW5VomcZUxp3rXjW85Ffa8LsUkCpmkww3E2Dc_VX3XOgWpsEDI9o2ShxkDDfje5E3upoinP-VTAvpDYtqKkdfg/s1600/IMG_9673.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardamom rice pudding dotted with fruits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anason is a real asset to Barangaroo, the new waterfront
precinct that is set to become Sydney's next dining hub, and with such a
beautiful setting and design the high prices will be forgotten, especially
after a plate of the roasted cauliflower. I left feeling a glow of pleasure –
quality ingredients treated with care and served in a setting that can almost
trick you into believing you have escaped to the lazy-friendly coast of Turkey,
albeit at a venue more chic than your local village <i>meyhane</i>. And don’t forget Somer, a big bear of a man with a low-key
demeanour but a warm and cheery outlook. This is a chef that cares about his
food, and delivering plates of pleasure at his new venue.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBnoVM0wuCR7vOq9SQKkzLFK8rVS807n3wtsl2eBr7viz4p16uShJibdk0ijcGFq0hDuAp4udoB5q2Y7cmw2-2l2X1tIuwRDngmrI6_0mcR1GGBDmi0FqZ9u1pN9E7148x3sYmlgnQPc/s1600/IMG_9661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBnoVM0wuCR7vOq9SQKkzLFK8rVS807n3wtsl2eBr7viz4p16uShJibdk0ijcGFq0hDuAp4udoB5q2Y7cmw2-2l2X1tIuwRDngmrI6_0mcR1GGBDmi0FqZ9u1pN9E7148x3sYmlgnQPc/s320/IMG_9661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Anason<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5/23 Barangaroo Avenue<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barangaroo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2000<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.9188 1518<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.anason.com.au/">www.anason.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
info@anason.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Monday-Saturday 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-11pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-37197266000812518542015-12-29T16:32:00.000-08:002015-12-29T16:32:12.413-08:00Little Bird Organics in Auckland: Clean and delicious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0BG2xBtsvhaUXaheXwMFSSYkV9ZpaFEqT_xcUpmA9GRXiNY_QXioIbhnWolrTXZ18zOJHBTyebPXOcLbTHqyY0edXRxa-0wIOmQUEAXWNYNpD9c9-0Mbxo8RWQN0hdvPovf8L83rAfs/s1600/IMG_9623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0BG2xBtsvhaUXaheXwMFSSYkV9ZpaFEqT_xcUpmA9GRXiNY_QXioIbhnWolrTXZ18zOJHBTyebPXOcLbTHqyY0edXRxa-0wIOmQUEAXWNYNpD9c9-0Mbxo8RWQN0hdvPovf8L83rAfs/s320/IMG_9623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Little
Bird Organics, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>December 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> organic,
raw, vegan café<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much like Sydney, Auckland seems a jigsaw of funky suburbs,
each with its own character and charm and packed to the gunnels with
independent eateries staffed by adorably friendly people. Oh and the sun shone
all the time – had I stumbled into paradise?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of all the eating places that I graced with presence over my
week in Auckland, Little Bird Organics (the 'unbakery') was my absolute favourite, and it seems
to be a pretty big hitter in the local scene too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTitkapoVKONDiM2PaItKCiOluC1KlZLa_t4WyBr49LnRnpiI2rmSN2AJ8C7Tl7HOYV0SgrjxrzxodzBwQLuC7UhWvc0aO0_sVUacvFNQ8cJAplx1YAsPdxzq8iYawpP1J15Fdwbujiho/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTitkapoVKONDiM2PaItKCiOluC1KlZLa_t4WyBr49LnRnpiI2rmSN2AJ8C7Tl7HOYV0SgrjxrzxodzBwQLuC7UhWvc0aO0_sVUacvFNQ8cJAplx1YAsPdxzq8iYawpP1J15Fdwbujiho/s640/IMG_9628.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ponsonby branch is the largest of the 'unbakeries'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Kiwi company grew from one woman’s need to eat a
cleaner, raw diet to cope with her various health problems. She started with
pre-packed ‘grawnola’ and now has three cafes, cook books, and a range of pre-packed
goodies that are sold in her own venues as well as various health food shops
across the city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcBzlzQTpK_p9Fv5SjhfaQSGk_Q-ythnWqUlPFtpwN5oCFZ59iyng8OqphUtQqUFJ7pcYUMQVPo7r93abnKkFHN_Ydr9NkgVRupTSuTqpxDjoRgos1AM2Um-_cxRelqgDAgc7GAgqin0/s1600/IMG_9625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcBzlzQTpK_p9Fv5SjhfaQSGk_Q-ythnWqUlPFtpwN5oCFZ59iyng8OqphUtQqUFJ7pcYUMQVPo7r93abnKkFHN_Ydr9NkgVRupTSuTqpxDjoRgos1AM2Um-_cxRelqgDAgc7GAgqin0/s640/IMG_9625.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of organics snacks, drinks and ingredients to buy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet for all the commercialisation of the brand, the
philosophy remains a wholesome one – clean eating for happiness and health –
and even the stores and cafes reflect that with their fresh design and simple
charm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Ponsonby branch is rather hidden (look out for the bird
box!) and pretty small, but basking in natural light with a brick-and-wood
theme that taps into the raw and organic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
vibe that underpins everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm6tqqGGHsysbItanqumGeOCs2-gSp8FoE2cxJfj6It3suWSV8qnSJQp_qVfo0MB6RfDaMFpz8cUtEiN9U0utRU_daz2KHMIsn3GeKvP0sqfwSjuBx1LXv_p-Xw3Sxyat0aRw10tlnTk/s1600/IMG_9638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm6tqqGGHsysbItanqumGeOCs2-gSp8FoE2cxJfj6It3suWSV8qnSJQp_qVfo0MB6RfDaMFpz8cUtEiN9U0utRU_daz2KHMIsn3GeKvP0sqfwSjuBx1LXv_p-Xw3Sxyat0aRw10tlnTk/s640/IMG_9638.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The subtle frontage certainly doesn't stop the crowds locating this place!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all the nutritional discussion over what ‘raw’ food is
and means, what matters to most of us is how things taste, and I tend to find
that ‘raw’ food is utterly delicious, the flavours coming to life when not
destroyed by heating or frying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combine raw with vegan and organic and this becomes food that
demands serious creativity, translating into carefully created and
fantastically executed dishes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE-shU8wxNnZOrbRWDzZFB1dDZ408q2Ij8yNYNR1SxHQhnMze4WU3NBDsyPnScyECCBybxCrcBn0tjG2T_THLMvbCfKg7C9F0vNA1GvOSllaaoPw1pOjoingYLANZxGGLOvO9wpr8tXY/s1600/IMG_9636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE-shU8wxNnZOrbRWDzZFB1dDZ408q2Ij8yNYNR1SxHQhnMze4WU3NBDsyPnScyECCBybxCrcBn0tjG2T_THLMvbCfKg7C9F0vNA1GvOSllaaoPw1pOjoingYLANZxGGLOvO9wpr8tXY/s640/IMG_9636.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright and 'natural' interiors maximise the small space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little Bird gets quite a buzz for its raw cakes (cheesecakes
and crumbles made without sugar or dairy, mostly with fruits and nuts) and it
also has an impressive list of drinks, both hot and cold (including housemade
kombucha) that cater to any intolerance you can think of!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can only vouch for the savouries, which are a choice of
all day breakfast or lunch options ranging from various things on sprouted
bread and salad bowls to pancakes, tacos and curries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6DrZwh0DkBTXOiDuUrQF2_xi1_XdDjzPfk82l7SJ1jQQM3M9bG2mwA3L0GoLltY_Z3-CrumU9gXI7vnJuwR-xDIBoEabtqAT16VY8QVjwWKHn_jRQwLoGF-upqvLk9WDyFpDOOP3I4A/s1600/IMG_9626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6DrZwh0DkBTXOiDuUrQF2_xi1_XdDjzPfk82l7SJ1jQQM3M9bG2mwA3L0GoLltY_Z3-CrumU9gXI7vnJuwR-xDIBoEabtqAT16VY8QVjwWKHn_jRQwLoGF-upqvLk9WDyFpDOOP3I4A/s640/IMG_9626.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What would you order?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Choosing just one is a challenge, as intrigues lie at every
turn (kimchi and chickpea pancakes almost had me) with specials to add confounding
options (raw pad thai with almond ginger sauce). I settled on the Raw Taco
Plate (NZ$18.50), choosing both of available toppings (black beans and/or
Mexican spiced mushrooms). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoIV-p6amuMetqGGLQVrBFGR8RTqjfYFe9HPRNEvFv-nHd5MVUCubfkPEelRM_4BUIvTmlPamyDnPJHBx41WZBa7nbn1lZbELosgRxNkYQuLOhapPz1XcSr37yo-zcGnw3OgT6cjzVHI/s1600/IMG_9633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoIV-p6amuMetqGGLQVrBFGR8RTqjfYFe9HPRNEvFv-nHd5MVUCubfkPEelRM_4BUIvTmlPamyDnPJHBx41WZBa7nbn1lZbELosgRxNkYQuLOhapPz1XcSr37yo-zcGnw3OgT6cjzVHI/s640/IMG_9633.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Taco plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These raw tacos are made with spinach and corn that has been dehydrated, forming surprisingly soft little wraps that are piled with chosen fillings
and jalapeno coleslaw, chipotle green salsa and chimichurri sauce. Accompaniments
of sprouted beans, dirty ‘rice’ (cauliflower based) and guacamole complete a
winning plateful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfWx2uy2bQDQV4otTjYK_Sf6P0v9WHGpUa5iNsUC394a-ADcCrJhfccoGf1RYWKMJBQJJlsxokUaVxcgBGkXDZejOV0ZwQbLR3bfOxlvhdZZM2Jn4H7gJIVqzjqQjIUs9aF5FGLTD1Fw/s1600/IMG_9634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfWx2uy2bQDQV4otTjYK_Sf6P0v9WHGpUa5iNsUC394a-ADcCrJhfccoGf1RYWKMJBQJJlsxokUaVxcgBGkXDZejOV0ZwQbLR3bfOxlvhdZZM2Jn4H7gJIVqzjqQjIUs9aF5FGLTD1Fw/s640/IMG_9634.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They tacos don't go soggy as I feared they might...and they are soooo delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only did it look colourfully cheerful, everything on my
plate was delicious and so brimming with fresh, well-judged flavours. It was
filling for a vegan meal, and had the added benefit of leaving behind a glow of
wellness – psychological perhaps? But marvellous nonetheless.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sound like an advert, right? But I kid you not – the
flavours are so clean and light you will have one plateful and wish you could
eat like this every day. Oh Little Bird, fly over to Sydney soon please! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qHcEmhB4iMwsWSkRLFb2nFggwqlV84DpiIOuUdZTXk2tBXRpGvxK6f4EC71YXKp3V97qjZLB5T6jD2yE0WA_ygcrsIzCU0fRziaFhCwL5JRJ6OTab2QjY2keZD66G5a3-NFFjF66kuM/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qHcEmhB4iMwsWSkRLFb2nFggwqlV84DpiIOuUdZTXk2tBXRpGvxK6f4EC71YXKp3V97qjZLB5T6jD2yE0WA_ygcrsIzCU0fRziaFhCwL5JRJ6OTab2QjY2keZD66G5a3-NFFjF66kuM/s320/IMG_9637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Little Bird Organics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Corner of Summer Street and Ponsonby Road<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ponsonby<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Auckland 1011<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New Zealand<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: (+64) 9555 3278<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.littlebirdorganics.co.nz<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: daily 7am-4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other branches: CBD, Kingsland<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-65145600859662468672015-11-30T00:38:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:38:13.728-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOF9CZHXEpSXQAaM6dUDwlOrAWYAlDo8zKnYkHDFvhUyiw8YhT885cYFdf8U2f4fY9061yL9Mn6UP3sdQ_lZEMO4ivnKfbDid25OqrgSrvgMoNQHm9mmB3LS6_CqAPeLw9_MkICSRXjY/s1600/IMG_9535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOF9CZHXEpSXQAaM6dUDwlOrAWYAlDo8zKnYkHDFvhUyiw8YhT885cYFdf8U2f4fY9061yL9Mn6UP3sdQ_lZEMO4ivnKfbDid25OqrgSrvgMoNQHm9mmB3LS6_CqAPeLw9_MkICSRXjY/s320/IMG_9535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Samaras in Wollongong:
Lebanese through and through</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Samara’s,
Wollongong, NSW, Australia</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>November 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> Lebanese
and Mediterranean<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">My mania for Middle Eastern food continues to burn, and this
weekend I discovered a real gem, certainly sweeping the board in terms of
authenticity and freshness, and a bit of quirky old-fashioned charm to boot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">I was off to the ‘Gong on a sunny Sunday to meet up with
a good friend, and she was generous enough to let me commandeer the lunch
venue. As luck would have it have it, not only was there a Lebanese restaurant
on our path, it was an award-winning' joint with glowing reviews on Trip
Advisor. So off we went, my patient pal happy to tag along with my quest for
perfect falafel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Like much of Wollongong, Samaras Restaurant is pleasingly
low-key and 'real' – none of the modern, trendy (and perhaps a tad superficial)
glitter of Sydney but masses of the sort of wholesome awkward charm of a place
where people live contentedly rather than competitively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-KsimbZjJf35-v_Gs5CU0_kg8IXbelF8tk-zf5KaK6cc0rTZs2djmdJ4VanLWFyYfzVDD4kYF-h8MIE8VVqJYPBye0O4-HbHF2ANklz-qwVqSjzjkpLu9Gr4tur6GwHSCpx-OaV5tOo/s1600/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-KsimbZjJf35-v_Gs5CU0_kg8IXbelF8tk-zf5KaK6cc0rTZs2djmdJ4VanLWFyYfzVDD4kYF-h8MIE8VVqJYPBye0O4-HbHF2ANklz-qwVqSjzjkpLu9Gr4tur6GwHSCpx-OaV5tOo/s640/IMG_9546.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Al fresco eating is welcome, but comes with the noise and fumes of the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The restaurant’s outside eating area was a tad scruffy
and came with the lively soundtrack of a busy road, so inside we went to an
interior which was dated and well-meaning – white table cloths, token photos of
the Middle East on the wall, and a glowing wedding photo of the owners taking
pride of place behind the bar that was all mirrors and glasses and lights (but
no alcohol…BYO).</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlssLa7bCIvI5YawVv144KBCngLmkfou1EM_0RnQTm5kAWXKF186bVgP3uS79EjmcWaFjc2PTc3X00pFoYnkMZqWW1NM5tJJZs36KGozO4oP53gFqLVJwMUC9sYVzO1IsjND-5-UPWqs/s1600/IMG_9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlssLa7bCIvI5YawVv144KBCngLmkfou1EM_0RnQTm5kAWXKF186bVgP3uS79EjmcWaFjc2PTc3X00pFoYnkMZqWW1NM5tJJZs36KGozO4oP53gFqLVJwMUC9sYVzO1IsjND-5-UPWqs/s640/IMG_9536.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat and smart, if old-fashioned in its way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The husband and wife were both in attendance – the missus
seating, ordering and serving with broken English and a patient smile, while
the master was in the kitchen making fabulous things happen with food. He made
a brief appearance to enquire after the quality of the falafel, and scurried
off before I could ask him to move into my kitchen and cook for me daily.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">But I jump ahead. The cheery, smart place had a clutch of
customers at lunch – inside and out – and we all shared the run of a decent
menu that took us the best part of 30 minutes to engage with, mostly because we
were talking too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbaTMqdEHhk0vYP9GQ-kW1VpeGC_8gHSuCP5y1VPsltUY1PgcgpxrZjdGH399kE39lo7GGwRGH6g72jS6l_W_mTdi8QVRN9yJb9nDQxYL_DE4C9JJYDHAMeIUvLw-61U7QDbz2nhfT9A/s1600/IMG_9545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbaTMqdEHhk0vYP9GQ-kW1VpeGC_8gHSuCP5y1VPsltUY1PgcgpxrZjdGH399kE39lo7GGwRGH6g72jS6l_W_mTdi8QVRN9yJb9nDQxYL_DE4C9JJYDHAMeIUvLw-61U7QDbz2nhfT9A/s640/IMG_9545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos of the Middle East are the token decor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The place bills itself as 'Lebanese and Mediterranean',
but the leaning is definitely on the former, with the familiar line up of hot
and cold mezzes, dips, salads and meat-focused main courses offering various
tastes of the chef's home cuisine. The Med gets a slight look-in with dishes
such as chicken schnitzel and parmigiana.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">We dived on our favourites and opted to share everything,
with the food coming as it was ready, neatly presented and plated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">First out was the Baba Ganoush ($8.90), the smoky
eggplant whirled with garlic, tahini, spices and lemon juice into a stodgy,
slippery mixture, a blob of olive oil sitting in the centre to loosen all
together. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcEY78Zuu0tjOy-NtsZgBXllLB0QAWzTPkESMeMOaF3r3epgfPqSnsrrud0EEhF5Aqy7pM4MRqqrFCZrp8ZxrCZME7U533VflKuA_PTFh7vm7ew2LrHwpTPgX_QkPZkVdViYmUBUeJnk/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcEY78Zuu0tjOy-NtsZgBXllLB0QAWzTPkESMeMOaF3r3epgfPqSnsrrud0EEhF5Aqy7pM4MRqqrFCZrp8ZxrCZME7U533VflKuA_PTFh7vm7ew2LrHwpTPgX_QkPZkVdViYmUBUeJnk/s640/IMG_9538.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baba ganoush you will wish was four times the size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The chunky texture was pleasant but the flavours were phenomenal – it
couldn't have been fresher, with the bite of garlic perfectly balanced with the
nutty tahini and the sour zing of lemon emboldening the eggplant. In a word,
divine, and definitely a contender for the best BG I have eaten in Australia.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">From the mains we shared a plate of kafta ($20.90), which
would’ve been a hefty portion for one: two long lamb mince kebabs reclined on a
swirl of hummus and heap of garlic dip, a tabouli keeping the green count up.
(It usually comes with chips but we skipped in favour of bread.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jsobYGOSAhwCA41HMdyFPMOsMIDAT04B7D2WQ1e1waBJCS2Xkh-xP6wG1xIMpAfYmyIEka2Z9D3WMjJGClA7f7m6MxsCdW9o-TwdWggJ7oVtGgKHmjMgfIZNEdirBPUXfKRz8L91y3Y/s1600/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jsobYGOSAhwCA41HMdyFPMOsMIDAT04B7D2WQ1e1waBJCS2Xkh-xP6wG1xIMpAfYmyIEka2Z9D3WMjJGClA7f7m6MxsCdW9o-TwdWggJ7oVtGgKHmjMgfIZNEdirBPUXfKRz8L91y3Y/s640/IMG_9540.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kafta - generous serving of minced lamb kebabs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Not one to immediately opt for lamb, I was delighted my
pal had made the choice because these soft, herby morsels (chargrilled to
perfection), once eased off the sticks, were rich and flavourful, tender to a
tee and leaving no lingering heaviness that can come from cheap, fatty meat
cuts.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">A dab of garlic dip gave one dash of flavour, while the
sinfully smooth hummus was my preferred creamy accompaniment, its subtle
nuttiness a real lesson to cheaper, less attentive versions. And how on earth
does anyone get chickpeas so damn silky?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1vojDJyUjbA_3Rc-Md9Yrruj_VN2N-Cw0_7RMVO-sfJEBML6VL1SfljiMn45ENjTbBleUOJPgeQ-ubBm0yugB1z4bhiWXxP1qX6ZHxgRAZjv8nU-10J1SMNGLx_bR-r8gLYKk549n8s/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1vojDJyUjbA_3Rc-Md9Yrruj_VN2N-Cw0_7RMVO-sfJEBML6VL1SfljiMn45ENjTbBleUOJPgeQ-ubBm0yugB1z4bhiWXxP1qX6ZHxgRAZjv8nU-10J1SMNGLx_bR-r8gLYKk549n8s/s640/IMG_9542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavenly hummus...so smoooooth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The tabouli was sublime; fresh and zingy, with a slight
bite of tomatoes amid the greenery, and the richness of the parsley yet more
proof that these are fine ingredients prepared to order.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">And then there was the falafel ($8.50). My first thought
was that a portion of three is a little short-sighted on behalf of the chef –
how to amicably share three between two when they taste so damn fine? The
unnaturally purple pickles sat alongside the trio, and a creamy tzatziki waltzed
behind, but the chickpea patties were the stars of the show, fluffier and
lighter than any I have eaten, springy to the touch and unpacking herbs on the
tongue without leaving any after taste of oil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvd0WYl5xX6zBDwkMxjHbXZ6Ya49pe6ClZzddAn2NDGUpXXyOYS6PmEj6wfOASHZGvK2kH3d5_AVbGCwONKWOe6_d5V8Wxy_T83N8kcVrJ0VUbp8o1j-8pJaxJLCsLOqao-sviE4W-SE/s1600/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvd0WYl5xX6zBDwkMxjHbXZ6Ya49pe6ClZzddAn2NDGUpXXyOYS6PmEj6wfOASHZGvK2kH3d5_AVbGCwONKWOe6_d5V8Wxy_T83N8kcVrJ0VUbp8o1j-8pJaxJLCsLOqao-sviE4W-SE/s640/IMG_9544.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't fault the falafel, I just wanted more!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Once again I marvelled that chunky chick peas could ever
become the spongy deliciousness that we dabbed in hummus and moaned over, and
sadly my deficiency in Lebanese lingo left me none the wiser – neither chef nor
server could enlighten me beyond 'chickpeas'.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Desserts, if you are that way inclined, should be picked
from the counter where those intensely sweet pastries and Turkish delight cubes
sat waiting to spike the blood sugar. I spotted that they have special lunch
deals and banquet options, as well as catering services for those in need of
Lebanese feasts at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Fresh, wholesome, bursting with flavour and clearly made
in according to traditional recipes, the food at Samaras is an absolute treat.
Once again, my only lament is that this gem has to be situated so far from my
kitchen, but then visiting the 'Gong will never be hardship, not when there is
a beach and a wonderful friend waiting for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2qIqQcSc2l9ANBf1YjSvcsrh4JTFtKQsVgEFvZhQR5vlmXKWI-iIDa8BA6I2OUE6sLtr9rIir_yr7N6yhu-KfCVAb0NgVAX59jMKiGtarRt7BGUcUwedZM4Au5JTrjS_tPekYMxI6JU/s1600/IMG_9535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2qIqQcSc2l9ANBf1YjSvcsrh4JTFtKQsVgEFvZhQR5vlmXKWI-iIDa8BA6I2OUE6sLtr9rIir_yr7N6yhu-KfCVAb0NgVAX59jMKiGtarRt7BGUcUwedZM4Au5JTrjS_tPekYMxI6JU/s320/IMG_9535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Samaras<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
123 Corrimal Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wollongong<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2500<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.4229 6950<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.samarasrestaurant.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Daily 11am-9.30pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Second branch in
Woonona<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-71127467204208620002015-11-23T00:52:00.001-08:002015-11-23T00:52:10.751-08:00Ungaro Raw in Rozelle: Filling and fresh vegetarian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SAPRZ-b5fs1M1YKhXswU3s4LWTFK_AeAH3-_R0cNFiJs0Ji_yZBgb2EQr_BjcNfY6nImrk8JOuHLCDCDMgZGUOOsu3D0w2vHfz66uqV6FCLQDt9bTL5bfggi9kLy0Zz6oKIkVWVjD3I/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SAPRZ-b5fs1M1YKhXswU3s4LWTFK_AeAH3-_R0cNFiJs0Ji_yZBgb2EQr_BjcNfY6nImrk8JOuHLCDCDMgZGUOOsu3D0w2vHfz66uqV6FCLQDt9bTL5bfggi9kLy0Zz6oKIkVWVjD3I/s320/IMG_9530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Ungaro Raw,
Rozelle Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>November 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> Vegan,
vegetarian, organic<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The true, professional food reviewers insist on at least
three visits to a restaurant before they can offer a fair critique, which casts
me into the murky role of subjective amateur. I usually bound in with my offhand opinions after one visit, Expect for this time, as I have
genuinely dined thrice at Ungaro Raw before putting fingers to keyboard to
launch my verdict into the world. And this is a venue worth sharing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Ungaro Raw is a bright and cheery vegetarian eatery on a
prime spot in Rozelle – the weekend markets are opposite and attract a steady
stream of shoppers needing sustenance, although dinner time can be somewhat
lonely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphCmUe8mrtrQ2fya2wTKyF_QCSYva53GxArqoPbONVwfq2mx-CQbZCb5Nko5Wwr7cYhVHkAMARmPjeuhuvtgCWtKvRR6Dahs0DKXplhl0NwCt7qHzZhyqJxlVDL-D8WQLevJb-9yCliQ/s1600/IMG_9528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphCmUe8mrtrQ2fya2wTKyF_QCSYva53GxArqoPbONVwfq2mx-CQbZCb5Nko5Wwr7cYhVHkAMARmPjeuhuvtgCWtKvRR6Dahs0DKXplhl0NwCt7qHzZhyqJxlVDL-D8WQLevJb-9yCliQ/s640/IMG_9528.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ungaro has a homely feel with its jumbled decor and friendly welcome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">However busy or empty the venue, the staff are always friendly and
patient, and the place is speckled with thoughtful touches that speak volumes
about the people behind this venture – blankets are available in winter when
the temperature drops, while sharp corners of the wooden shelves and ledges within have
rubber stops to protect the heads.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-lt4OuO7v6GSWxtQgfPO39Tb1_CZFnP0Lnz6-4HnnmDW99B7-1dYi8-_Y92BWeMIbinGrLsvUYyFAwJD6GmtXWKwSM0dc5fw8KTcwVQliFlBwrBVDLsvL3jLNwKmtarMICcVZ2MyGY0/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-lt4OuO7v6GSWxtQgfPO39Tb1_CZFnP0Lnz6-4HnnmDW99B7-1dYi8-_Y92BWeMIbinGrLsvUYyFAwJD6GmtXWKwSM0dc5fw8KTcwVQliFlBwrBVDLsvL3jLNwKmtarMICcVZ2MyGY0/s640/IMG_9524.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spoon collection worth sharing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The décor is a jumble, with a large shelving unit
dedicated to decorative spoons and lots of blackboards proclaiming the
specials, but the only eye-candy I need is provided in the long shelves of wine
bottles and the counter full of raw treats (various cakes and bars created with
dried fruits and nuts).</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrK8wtcIslU1TJA9ODWRCenEY1t9WtMGWd1j2znsVFkRPsM0-Uosg-NzBf8jHw9lPNtYQ9YTYdP4cMAryJx_DwWM2D9FM7nmQ6CjpL2XwTKOzryllQalR3fV1iw69BmDbvO6PuLGKSao/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrK8wtcIslU1TJA9ODWRCenEY1t9WtMGWd1j2znsVFkRPsM0-Uosg-NzBf8jHw9lPNtYQ9YTYdP4cMAryJx_DwWM2D9FM7nmQ6CjpL2XwTKOzryllQalR3fV1iw69BmDbvO6PuLGKSao/s640/IMG_9527.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty treats without the guilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">It's a meat-free zone but the choices are still broad,
ranging from the light (salads and wraps) to the hefty (curries, burritos and
burgers), with all-day breakfast included to make choices even harder to make.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpwOUacwxO27u5L2LzhBY7aJzrLe4qzLTglho6A5giEucs-0ATpBrZd19z608ofxXuZjefcQzj2LLnxrk-B4p5Ac5ZR0XC5bZfHhRNqSl-dd7o8ZLZHW7zYfrR_vCr0Dkj1ehXkVSXNU/s1600/IMG_9523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpwOUacwxO27u5L2LzhBY7aJzrLe4qzLTglho6A5giEucs-0ATpBrZd19z608ofxXuZjefcQzj2LLnxrk-B4p5Ac5ZR0XC5bZfHhRNqSl-dd7o8ZLZHW7zYfrR_vCr0Dkj1ehXkVSXNU/s640/IMG_9523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add in an all-day breakfast menu too and decisions are tough!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">The drinks list is even larger, with super-healthy super-charged smoothies and
juices, teas ans coffees, and a fair choice of wine including – praise be! </span><span style="color: #222222;">–</span><span style="color: #222222;"> beautiful organic wines.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2WHD467XxSbTH_fEYLhxAohCNiKhA-Ogbl0OXbcJNAuzryeXePzqv8AbJJq0Mk7UCtv5hjuF7vI0h_1Ottn0EKQjfraBEYhA25PJpEZHQ5o5JzUYSlD9ZF98KPDTRgFNcDIcyvE-Pvs/s1600/IMG_9525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2WHD467XxSbTH_fEYLhxAohCNiKhA-Ogbl0OXbcJNAuzryeXePzqv8AbJJq0Mk7UCtv5hjuF7vI0h_1Ottn0EKQjfraBEYhA25PJpEZHQ5o5JzUYSlD9ZF98KPDTRgFNcDIcyvE-Pvs/s640/IMG_9525.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super smoothies are worth stopping by for</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">On more than one occasion I have ordered and tasted the
two meals we polished off for my recent lunch, and the Raw Zucchini pasta ($16)
has been a little inconsistent. That said, it is always fresh and filling, the spirals
of zucchini piled high and slippery with basil pesto and sun dried tomatoes. On its better days it has been stupendous, the pesto engulfing the taste buds without oilying up the strands of veg.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg9yvJzJS5U3sq2uhiqju4mieoTgY-iNiR51Hl06n2LZnqIeK5NvgtLnDEK-K6LLps8G-ZeKk2soXU4rIjcQ5P4W9sA1n-ZK3lBe5YpT97n2VqDmltCdZhkTwIpuBIY7_KeAZBmrM3SA/s1600/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg9yvJzJS5U3sq2uhiqju4mieoTgY-iNiR51Hl06n2LZnqIeK5NvgtLnDEK-K6LLps8G-ZeKk2soXU4rIjcQ5P4W9sA1n-ZK3lBe5YpT97n2VqDmltCdZhkTwIpuBIY7_KeAZBmrM3SA/s640/IMG_9534.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Zucchini pasta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">It was advertised with rocket but came most recently with lettuce, and I lamented the lack of the former for flavour enhancement that lettuce can't deliver. An addition of a poached egg ($4) for this incarnation
worked nicely – the yolk oozing into the veggies – and even though a tad bland it
left me feeling wonderful afterwards.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Never less than outstanding, however, are the Ungaro
Veggies Balls ($16), which come with either toast or salad and lurk
ungracefully and secretively in a tomato sugo ready to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>whomp</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the taste buds with unexpected richness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UQyNxXgjlh5ZGeqL0CiJ8cr-h4axdeLZq_x-J57lVbuQ-6r16xOVCkhBkdB2X4-fAAhU-35o1UofTjcDfBYnO1Ga7yZF4O1OZYPcfzOwA_WKpqdywlaXd-tTwu_BI_g1jzGkXCmLPQs/s1600/IMG_9532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UQyNxXgjlh5ZGeqL0CiJ8cr-h4axdeLZq_x-J57lVbuQ-6r16xOVCkhBkdB2X4-fAAhU-35o1UofTjcDfBYnO1Ga7yZF4O1OZYPcfzOwA_WKpqdywlaXd-tTwu_BI_g1jzGkXCmLPQs/s640/IMG_9532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ungaro Veggie Balls with toast - humble but delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Roasted vegetables are mashed up, mixed with lentils,
shaped into balls and then baked, before being topped in a rich tomato sauce. The balls just beg to be mashed and mixed, the hefty, flavourful patties enlightened
by the red topping and the whole mush ideal slathered on toast or lightened with lettuce. And they are hefty and filling, proving wrong all that mutter darkly about the lack of content in vegetarian food.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuk2TgIHEn1XeyczxRwxJbF6BCZ8FZPmlrJhYHzx7JDt-MsqzRC9cWHf9_y9vNIhqVpkTt_t9DzRYFyYUtbRAT6_9BWX-s_3KVJqOB6FilvJE9aB2dN9x7-BE_rv0t5j-j-C4LK5kJvk/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuk2TgIHEn1XeyczxRwxJbF6BCZ8FZPmlrJhYHzx7JDt-MsqzRC9cWHf9_y9vNIhqVpkTt_t9DzRYFyYUtbRAT6_9BWX-s_3KVJqOB6FilvJE9aB2dN9x7-BE_rv0t5j-j-C4LK5kJvk/s640/IMG_9529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its comfortable, it's tasty, and the wine is good - that works for me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">I will continue to return to the charming and chilled
Ungaro Raw, tempted back by their smoothies and treats, as well as more
curiosities on the menu (the raw tacos sound yum, and the Jalfrezi curry
is a good one).</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;">As a wholesome option for a lazy post-market lunch, you
can't go wrong with Ungaro, and the fresh and healthy food helps balance out
the glass (or two) of sumptuous organic wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqtDc5JoVFb1RXbfASxUsKXDvbAzT3Xo3f6576s_30SVxo8CtA6z5LTQdOa1P50DnTHHmdrYHTIL06AVxxMTP7Hw5XXThGmcvBfeba4FryobtrqY_8ktcOdPwhS8plUWUw-8mIz9RQiQ/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqtDc5JoVFb1RXbfASxUsKXDvbAzT3Xo3f6576s_30SVxo8CtA6z5LTQdOa1P50DnTHHmdrYHTIL06AVxxMTP7Hw5XXThGmcvBfeba4FryobtrqY_8ktcOdPwhS8plUWUw-8mIz9RQiQ/s320/IMG_9530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Ungaro Raw<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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656 Darling Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rozelle<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2039<o:p></o:p></div>
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02.8964 9223<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.ungaroraw.com<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: daily 7.30am-5pm, Friday-Saturday until 10pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-13244554570957634952015-11-10T00:43:00.000-08:002015-11-10T00:43:27.659-08:00Shenkin Eatery in Darlinghurst: Some hits, some misses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6ygS8eO3lNg46HJeuC4lLA8Y3rx6cvdKH69lfmoTMcumEzPIByY8w4CKy60dL_wuiJ8fg5fNNNzzder9_bNLAeT1V-sJZqb-VXXlu8SlsriOTHXq7t0QyoC1NatJ0YGIfRARuxT8Qhk/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6ygS8eO3lNg46HJeuC4lLA8Y3rx6cvdKH69lfmoTMcumEzPIByY8w4CKy60dL_wuiJ8fg5fNNNzzder9_bNLAeT1V-sJZqb-VXXlu8SlsriOTHXq7t0QyoC1NatJ0YGIfRARuxT8Qhk/s320/IMG_9515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> Shenkin
Eatery, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>November 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> Middle
Eastern/Australian cafe<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is nothing like a nice story to make an eatery sound
more appealing, and Shenkin pulled at me for the dual power of Middle Eastern
food and a foundation story that starts in Poland and ends up with a café named
after a road in Israel (check out their <a href="http://cafeshenkin.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a> for the detailed version).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just to make matters easier, the name Shenkin applies to
three venues that combine Australian breakfasts with Middle Eastern nibbles, so
I picked my closest and off we went to Shenkin Eatery in Darlinghurst so see if
the nice story was backed up with some delicious food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk7fSbTeyMUWiVsqScTm1HIUM9kbh6ttm2BB2LXRPNCtHwngrsHZEJqLDHshvRYemZdYhnkWugJldWqiRtv3xYX7885JcSea5AclznSzGQXDUdM9M-iNDL9RHcNan9zqJjcUKUqeIGFQ/s1600/IMG_9512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk7fSbTeyMUWiVsqScTm1HIUM9kbh6ttm2BB2LXRPNCtHwngrsHZEJqLDHshvRYemZdYhnkWugJldWqiRtv3xYX7885JcSea5AclznSzGQXDUdM9M-iNDL9RHcNan9zqJjcUKUqeIGFQ/s1600/IMG_9512.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior was spacious if not entirely coherent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Shenkin Eatery is a modest little place, with small dark
wood tables paired with stools made for the small-bummed. The décor is, well,
odd; blotchy brown paint on the wall, tropical tiles dotted haphazardly, and a
set of coat hooks hanging with a Vietnamese conical hat and walking cane were
just three design touches that served to make me suitably confused.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e0MPfRi7RY9jbVj1kAJsI2mT7Lc4QP1X6JZa0Koc6HJZViSFRdgK4FChTGRBm2BZOBl3Zw5hFNi8JII1fZbeZp2cAlS5049vwjr1BoLnqtkF8scMHXF-4jBs7Tp9IE62lNNr5O-w8uQ/s1600/IMG_9511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e0MPfRi7RY9jbVj1kAJsI2mT7Lc4QP1X6JZa0Koc6HJZViSFRdgK4FChTGRBm2BZOBl3Zw5hFNi8JII1fZbeZp2cAlS5049vwjr1BoLnqtkF8scMHXF-4jBs7Tp9IE62lNNr5O-w8uQ/s640/IMG_9511.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some warm Middle Eastern decor would've been nice...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the staff were sweet and the menu was clear if overly
enthusiastic, covering everything from multiple omelettes, salads, ‘big
breakfasts’, Middle Eastern pastries, hummus, falafel, and all manner of wraps.
Two sides of A4 bamboozled us for a while, but eventually our choices were made
and we settled in to wait.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXITqX3fRAQO9roNoTTVXQKK09uOT4HCu6UX8gxUagJcZWjuIQUlMLWLom4oz0E9mKJwb4BZmUrQb-jy8Ga7JFidVuRZfhh0JCbf6q29mEw-nPHkEOfW0RPy5vpgNjYC1ce6p1nAvMP4/s1600/IMG_9508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXITqX3fRAQO9roNoTTVXQKK09uOT4HCu6UX8gxUagJcZWjuIQUlMLWLom4oz0E9mKJwb4BZmUrQb-jy8Ga7JFidVuRZfhh0JCbf6q29mEw-nPHkEOfW0RPy5vpgNjYC1ce6p1nAvMP4/s640/IMG_9508.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian breakfasts meet Middle Eastern inspired lunches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The drinks list is comparatively concise, with coffees and
teas and some bottled juices being the whole line up, so we stuck with our tap
water and killed time by admiring the glorious-looking cakes lined up by the
counter to warn that not leaving space for dessert could prompt regret.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlSYkXyFPu08L05OHSMJ7NsexoHScyJotwJAFlshjNUqWkvM4bgE8QJ4HkuvY9f4GMcZkEU4Ajx5d4TDHnhnwNKHH2_ji0pVT9ZiE64pfXcxQGs_9RQPZ52Z2kjEiHFCNWRFkSY6DlYY/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlSYkXyFPu08L05OHSMJ7NsexoHScyJotwJAFlshjNUqWkvM4bgE8QJ4HkuvY9f4GMcZkEU4Ajx5d4TDHnhnwNKHH2_ji0pVT9ZiE64pfXcxQGs_9RQPZ52Z2kjEiHFCNWRFkSY6DlYY/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cakes and pastries are quite glorious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our fellow customers were tucking into a variety of things –
I spotted leafy salads and plates piled with the lashings of a full English, as
well as some patrons dunking pita into shakshuka and a gent munching on fat
falafel.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My falafel love had been trumped by my enthusiasm for
eggplants, so my order was the King’s Meal ($18.50), which topped half a
grilled eggplant with a wedge of chicken and a daub of tahini. An Israeli salad
completed the picture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_xoIc1SGGKJZqkiuIN6l-5XB_nG9mAjnX4VzgM2r1niDKUnFaTya_wg_M7ANWI6KSY6piYtyyslcZcmhSzPIHvaklv5EALECDHMi0bsc-ImJ8sjONNKfx9wtZaI-gMUbA0B8RcuwF4c/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_xoIc1SGGKJZqkiuIN6l-5XB_nG9mAjnX4VzgM2r1niDKUnFaTya_wg_M7ANWI6KSY6piYtyyslcZcmhSzPIHvaklv5EALECDHMi0bsc-ImJ8sjONNKfx9wtZaI-gMUbA0B8RcuwF4c/s640/IMG_9520.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King's Meal was regal in portion but meagre in flavour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll be honest; I was crushingly disappointed. The eggplant
was gloriously soft and mushy, but the chicken was dry and chewy, with an
aftertaste that served as a reheating confession, and the tahini tasted of
absolutely nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80mQvu1LX3elupV4LX_FUsNu47V-737VXQ3pjgWndEr0zHdTrYcwMJ4J85lXy8XOvSxdCvz8RflRpa5c5QfK165mVr27om_kOcAxpHsGduP-YjwcrcWZb9kZz37P15bRGblphBzunBnk/s1600/IMG_9518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80mQvu1LX3elupV4LX_FUsNu47V-737VXQ3pjgWndEr0zHdTrYcwMJ4J85lXy8XOvSxdCvz8RflRpa5c5QfK165mVr27om_kOcAxpHsGduP-YjwcrcWZb9kZz37P15bRGblphBzunBnk/s640/IMG_9518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Angelita Special had the wonderful texture of roti </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My companion pitied my despondency as I prodded the
mistreated chook and offered me a taste of his far superior Angelita Special
($17). This was a Middle Eastern pastry supersized, and the softly chewy and
buttery pastry was packed with melted cheese, a fried egg and some veggies. The
winning touch was the special shakshuka sauce that was fresh and bursting with
tomato richness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO7UKPAwyznhic28gn5LYmdq5eX-bZPiFidxTXRx42q5x4Q36B3zblSprF6pWzH8Z_4hwZsHyhEexLY3rw5fFz8oEeKP6oDif8zOd_gt1NqzyTTZCE1LBwvMCGZpNKQpqj1bgsf8VH-I/s1600/IMG_9519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO7UKPAwyznhic28gn5LYmdq5eX-bZPiFidxTXRx42q5x4Q36B3zblSprF6pWzH8Z_4hwZsHyhEexLY3rw5fFz8oEeKP6oDif8zOd_gt1NqzyTTZCE1LBwvMCGZpNKQpqj1bgsf8VH-I/s640/IMG_9519.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty shakshuka sauce mingles with vegetables and an egg </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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What a contrast! I wondered if I had mis-ordered, or just
got unlucky, as it was clear that the food was pretty fresh and made in-house.
I am forced to withhold judgement for now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The décor could certainly do with a redefinition, and the
menu is far too long, but Shenkin has some integrity with it’s food. Perhaps a
trip to the other sibling venues might prove more satisfactory? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnle4tKjmSkNUvsZIf05lxePqDPV11ta94nYBBOynf4UqURep2TgmXqiHZ-4YdPkvX81V7lZfUpHPaIBMBptgqlOCTNX-cDiGiejbHotvNlv1Z0q51diR6VBpSibV8hVA_phepHaNsLF4/s1600/IMG_9509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnle4tKjmSkNUvsZIf05lxePqDPV11ta94nYBBOynf4UqURep2TgmXqiHZ-4YdPkvX81V7lZfUpHPaIBMBptgqlOCTNX-cDiGiejbHotvNlv1Z0q51diR6VBpSibV8hVA_phepHaNsLF4/s320/IMG_9509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Shenkin Eatery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
290 Crown Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Darlinghurst<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2010<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.9357 7495<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.cafeshenkin.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
info@cafeshenkin.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Sunday-Tuesday 7am-4pm, Wednesday-Saturday 7am-9.30pm<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-41770549237448347402015-10-26T00:57:00.000-07:002015-10-26T00:57:56.674-07:00Kepos Street Kitchen in Redfern: Middle Eastern magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHOCG20Lj9n-dRLFG9472_jk2UHAInEqOs73tOSkbaeyPXPIZsOrCAZc-S57KuLqXQq8jtGX-KBdgkylZVEhOwPEpOE34G-FAqKPx-Rdg0q8w9_axBWNgtWabhErDyPNboGsxNru9qRI/s1600/IMG_9497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDHOCG20Lj9n-dRLFG9472_jk2UHAInEqOs73tOSkbaeyPXPIZsOrCAZc-S57KuLqXQq8jtGX-KBdgkylZVEhOwPEpOE34G-FAqKPx-Rdg0q8w9_axBWNgtWabhErDyPNboGsxNru9qRI/s320/IMG_9497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Where:</b> Kepos
Street Kitchen, Redfern, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>October 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> café
classics with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern twist<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael Rantissi is a man to be judged by his falafel. And
his deep-fried chick pea patties are absolutely stupendous, bursting with
flavour and dancing the line between moist of soggy with style. Plus they are
vivid green inside – like a coriander surprise!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rantissi was brought up in Tel Aviv but is now a stalwart of
the Sydney scene, having worked in various top venues around the country before
opening Kepos Street Kitchen (KSK), a wonderful corner café in Redfern with a
menu packed with things I want to eat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu99Qg1FwIEEwUwyArz8meqtzMulZSkEyduuKWosJKLrWGmOE8NJeS-oUaNehDppAyw6LwefB7rCKIvXSJmgKlS7hPAKpoWwysY6hmZquzOrk37fZKlQ2kI9CNsqkoi9BGhg1XY5oZa0/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtu99Qg1FwIEEwUwyArz8meqtzMulZSkEyduuKWosJKLrWGmOE8NJeS-oUaNehDppAyw6LwefB7rCKIvXSJmgKlS7hPAKpoWwysY6hmZquzOrk37fZKlQ2kI9CNsqkoi9BGhg1XY5oZa0/s640/IMG_9496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't that present a welcoming impression?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Let me be more specific – the food at KSK is café classics
with a Middle Eastern sparkle, with Rantissi keeping the menu short to maintain
quality and consistency, taking pride in all his ingredients and suppliers (if
you ever met him, ask him about the eggs!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrsGwro5lQSbQWrtd11SxdcPH3RITgxGEIwT4N7UwZAw094QtZMN0CIX2zkArptvvq1tu3g60E1dE-l4j7-2iYUPB1htp8nGEIPkGznO07b9WUr1axL0tcJHo5sLn8fV9H0dYwWFlmDY/s1600/IMG_9494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrsGwro5lQSbQWrtd11SxdcPH3RITgxGEIwT4N7UwZAw094QtZMN0CIX2zkArptvvq1tu3g60E1dE-l4j7-2iYUPB1htp8nGEIPkGznO07b9WUr1axL0tcJHo5sLn8fV9H0dYwWFlmDY/s640/IMG_9494.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Options are suitable for sharing or not, depending on your generosity!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus vary only slightly, and at
lunch time there is a healthy mixture of starters (hummus and falafel of
course), light lunches (salads and burgers) and more hearty mains (risotto and
steak).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVZHjgvMA5UN1uVtj-_UsfUN718ltJCc3azcpHBR_nqNkATWrTGpXWDuVXR5fykfCqKWtF29w4sRP0oNGMY6ztnjiIwLHAnomVUCT40Pt43BVDqFUUKhmORKcHiWwvajS_oay34SyCSQ/s1600/IMG_9507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVZHjgvMA5UN1uVtj-_UsfUN718ltJCc3azcpHBR_nqNkATWrTGpXWDuVXR5fykfCqKWtF29w4sRP0oNGMY6ztnjiIwLHAnomVUCT40Pt43BVDqFUUKhmORKcHiWwvajS_oay34SyCSQ/s640/IMG_9507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney's best falafel? It's a serious contender!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So far so typical you may think, but then you start
unpacking the flavours and the combinations and everything lights up with splashes of Middle Eastern magic – how
about green pea risotto with mint and smoked feta? Or – and we simply <i>had</i> to order this – Moroccan lamb cigars
with watercress, goat’s cheese, boiled egg and vegemite-tahini dipping sauce
($17).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaDWeqsieOYykeI83aQCj7azuXzQ3loDB8aDtV8r6eEwuaLhU-6QEF0Ufpx1yKxWaxGjJ5d8WXRTL9LUVzw6aq-0exYvjORAIaizZnzWwu93AQzSqFWx_k0jdfrr97pSB5CvU3A-JLWA/s1600/IMG_9505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaDWeqsieOYykeI83aQCj7azuXzQ3loDB8aDtV8r6eEwuaLhU-6QEF0Ufpx1yKxWaxGjJ5d8WXRTL9LUVzw6aq-0exYvjORAIaizZnzWwu93AQzSqFWx_k0jdfrr97pSB5CvU3A-JLWA/s640/IMG_9505.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moroccan lamb cigars with watercress, goat's cheese, pine nuts, boiled egg and vegemite-tahini dipping sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think flaky pastry encasing lamb that is as tender as it is
flavourful, accompanied by creamy cheese, a crash of pine nuts, an oozy egg and
a sauce that see-saw with nutty tahini and salty-malty vegemite. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An octopus salad ($19) proved to be another explosion of
fabulous flavour, with the care of the kitchen visible in the charred yet tender
tentacles and body of octopus that sat amid a combination of asparagus, sugar
snaps, coriander, chives and olives that screamed freshness and flavour. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U09gDmsw2ccXgknRX-VAMMgmpG9AymBZIgYZPF2UhEEanY9J22YrIDTcjetSv7wS4DfaJ21OxWhrotr7OTkP0KHh00F9PhL899V_J80SOi__H7JP7G11DvYnTm4lhdfA1RuP13wjsGA/s1600/IMG_9504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U09gDmsw2ccXgknRX-VAMMgmpG9AymBZIgYZPF2UhEEanY9J22YrIDTcjetSv7wS4DfaJ21OxWhrotr7OTkP0KHh00F9PhL899V_J80SOi__H7JP7G11DvYnTm4lhdfA1RuP13wjsGA/s640/IMG_9504.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octopus salad appears small but is mighty in flavour and quality</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even burgers are given the attention they deserve, and I
fell a little in love with the soft-shell crab that was again crisp-fried yet
tender and juicy, stuffed within a burger bun alongside coriander aioli, herbs
and avocado salad ($21). The chips were just showing off, crisp yet fluffy in a
way that melts the stoniest of hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcd46owtfZSRJkQvqRhzk1mdMVo5mjlR0sByLBw40Zc1X_XUmkoNpubjdKVmHTZsWxc2Sbmdwsw3SRzy4n4TBgY0KWmdiSJHoIgf7goJFUFfXMo70D-p7kFsZvBnGJcQIfj1Oxxah4q0/s1600/IMG_9506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcd46owtfZSRJkQvqRhzk1mdMVo5mjlR0sByLBw40Zc1X_XUmkoNpubjdKVmHTZsWxc2Sbmdwsw3SRzy4n4TBgY0KWmdiSJHoIgf7goJFUFfXMo70D-p7kFsZvBnGJcQIfj1Oxxah4q0/s640/IMG_9506.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A soft-shell crab burger that will take some beating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
I think it’s safe to say I adored
Kepos Street Kitchen, with the combination of an intriguing menu, high quality
ingredients, explosive flavours and fresh fillings. I can’t imagine anything
from that kitchen being bland or half-hearted, and the packed café and happy
eaters around me added further proof to be thoughts. (At busy times people
queue for up to an hour for a seat.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkvKquHcv6FMJUhFt40_r0FW8mpQYFWnQI8onSsZpTfSPbuCiLx8hLHpJ7FwKz6B0lXIq0PXquk9UjFn-2rGHHHdxa1dPf5-4GDeQOyQhT5TAdMwnqdJSJGG617g4ry_HQYNU_yW4l88/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkvKquHcv6FMJUhFt40_r0FW8mpQYFWnQI8onSsZpTfSPbuCiLx8hLHpJ7FwKz6B0lXIq0PXquk9UjFn-2rGHHHdxa1dPf5-4GDeQOyQhT5TAdMwnqdJSJGG617g4ry_HQYNU_yW4l88/s640/IMG_9495.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior design makes the most of a small space - it oozes comfort and welcome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The package is made complete by the charming if pocket-sized
venue. The team have made the most of an awkward corner lot, with a small front
dining area and a small back dining area, both blessed with massive windows and
divided by the kitchen and the counter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiN9-bb195SnGwaFutS1pwINWhFpWHLPPO3soDopB4epW9MAt9t43ovm1byZqckEueTeDTaSKOTslP0HcvYAxOWLSTQfnTTqoT9h_7y62MP5aXL-LofhkeIpAO_hxNUdwySz14IaMQCU/s1600/IMG_9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiN9-bb195SnGwaFutS1pwINWhFpWHLPPO3soDopB4epW9MAt9t43ovm1byZqckEueTeDTaSKOTslP0HcvYAxOWLSTQfnTTqoT9h_7y62MP5aXL-LofhkeIpAO_hxNUdwySz14IaMQCU/s640/IMG_9502.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little splash of Middle Eastern decor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The kitchen is a hive of activity and the counter a point of
distraction – the Israeli pastry chef makes resisting temptation a challenge
with his array of cakes and sweet goodies, and even I stopped a moment to
admire the tall banana-caramel sponge cake that groaned under the weight of
thick icing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjtskpjZDCSJT8m6ZZVV7bOxQEgE9eu6JvIQ5FVd-ZZl_bcKheFIYJlQ0DPJkBq95nUIXKSzTVPojgS-a-FEC-ML7mqRDm2OXZzXc-n8bIpnIGkQGxpImLSgwDlTeTvAcKumwN-vipo/s1600/IMG_9499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxjtskpjZDCSJT8m6ZZVV7bOxQEgE9eu6JvIQ5FVd-ZZl_bcKheFIYJlQ0DPJkBq95nUIXKSzTVPojgS-a-FEC-ML7mqRDm2OXZzXc-n8bIpnIGkQGxpImLSgwDlTeTvAcKumwN-vipo/s640/IMG_9499.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go on....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drinks range from tea and coffee to refreshing mocktails,
right into a selection of wines and beers served from lunchtime, complementing
the food and allowing KSK to work any time of the day or night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSixt7RNPtPHPvHqXNK33m7U55_oFujbBjXVwVZc2TySbL47UYSh2KeBb7Ufw2G_sas66g4yi2pMbQiBq_L96E2L-ImcoK4vp-9m-nr14oRivDB2XKIkX5WPKGpr1It3pfvH3o_bScm0I/s1600/IMG_9501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSixt7RNPtPHPvHqXNK33m7U55_oFujbBjXVwVZc2TySbL47UYSh2KeBb7Ufw2G_sas66g4yi2pMbQiBq_L96E2L-ImcoK4vp-9m-nr14oRivDB2XKIkX5WPKGpr1It3pfvH3o_bScm0I/s640/IMG_9501.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or may be an eclair?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seek this lovely place out for a meal that will enliven your
tastebuds without pressing too hard on the wallet – such great value for the
quality of the food! It will also – as it has done to me – pique your interest in
Rantissi’s newer sister venue: Kepos & Co is just up the street and slightly
more ‘restaurant’ than the first born.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now know where to go for falafel that makes me loopy and
lunches that leave me happy all afternoon – see how generously I share my
secret? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K59M-pF7miyVMtzUFOnjCYTL4SAyvnEF1hGW5TA8EIdr9F_G-vwwexJ7rq11zUWWwvPdgnhlhcZikgEfNeC8z4MYLRVMvOSbDeK4HGPgU-fAHvqfV2WWaWJXwifU6wpkWP9ojobAfiM/s1600/IMG_9493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K59M-pF7miyVMtzUFOnjCYTL4SAyvnEF1hGW5TA8EIdr9F_G-vwwexJ7rq11zUWWwvPdgnhlhcZikgEfNeC8z4MYLRVMvOSbDeK4HGPgU-fAHvqfV2WWaWJXwifU6wpkWP9ojobAfiM/s320/IMG_9493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kepos Street Kitchen<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
96 Kepos Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Redfern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.keposstreetkitchen.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.9319 3919<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Tues 7.30am-3pm, Wed-Friday 7.30am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm,
Sun 8am-3pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(dinner reservations only)<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-40309998090718437882015-09-16T00:41:00.000-07:002015-09-16T00:41:58.754-07:00Café Oratnek in Redfern: Gentle Asian lunches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtw1g9Meh1-W9dLMFhLsY-UTdn4Q-YWhhDcBPE3vDYSo4ji2qf90RNM1MWE5IjIqGdmPDPrQJT7ule9c4lFlIFV2umjdx5GaS15ZTVh1s_XO2EIt_T_3eMONGyeYWeB4M8xvk-ZEMbzE/s1600/IMG_9480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtw1g9Meh1-W9dLMFhLsY-UTdn4Q-YWhhDcBPE3vDYSo4ji2qf90RNM1MWE5IjIqGdmPDPrQJT7ule9c4lFlIFV2umjdx5GaS15ZTVh1s_XO2EIt_T_3eMONGyeYWeB4M8xvk-ZEMbzE/s320/IMG_9480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Café
Oratnek, Redfern, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>September 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> breakfast, Asian-inspired
lunch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another Sunday and another café ticked off The List, which grows
as effortlessly as the laundry pile in this vibrant foodie city. This one has
been on the list for a month or so, ever since I read about the pocket-sized
but unique Café Oratnek in Redfern, the first solo venture by the iconic Bill’s
(Darlinghurst branch) former head chef.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The intentions are wholesome ones, with a commitment to
locally sourced, seasonal produce and a promise that everything is made fresh
in house, or at least that is what I am assuming chef Kenny Takayama means on
the website when he declares his ‘moto’: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
'Finished everyday, fresh the day the after'.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXRfweBJYiFRZuc9vvOHXWkXxB6n7XtHooQtYz92J7U7_Cuo_fKzo14rkujkIYErZ4cxyZz0p6ylRMOfz13mlyPH9FTVbXy85GAv0vs6uncZisr6K3tx7Q1P5D45SP0lboBg4e3Fu8U/s1600/IMG_9479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXRfweBJYiFRZuc9vvOHXWkXxB6n7XtHooQtYz92J7U7_Cuo_fKzo14rkujkIYErZ4cxyZz0p6ylRMOfz13mlyPH9FTVbXy85GAv0vs6uncZisr6K3tx7Q1P5D45SP0lboBg4e3Fu8U/s640/IMG_9479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being within a converted house makes Cafe Oratnek very welcoming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that’s ok, he’s a cook, not a writer, and the fact that
we had to wait for a table on a Sunday lunchtime at a joint hidden away in a
pretty but very sleepy suburban corner of Redfern says something about the
reception of his food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The place itself is charming – an old town house complete
with wrought iron gates around a neat little front terrace that is made homely
with plants and a little tricycle. The interior is trendy-stark – rough walls,
scrubbed wooden tabletops – that is saved from feeling unwelcome by the blazing
sunshine that pours in the open windows and the high quality finish that lets
you know you are walking into a professional joint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzvs-Tl99SLMOd-nnwopL9hNH9mwvqoss7EpG9UI2m3JlF3yhLuwWCkKmJ-Xc3ZSs8lOL4M65oUOrI_ZDVHogNFGLugoX1Du5a7hLn-bXzm3ZCoJmw3AOeOFvaX_vOOcXkmn2HsMQ_1Y/s1600/IMG_9478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzvs-Tl99SLMOd-nnwopL9hNH9mwvqoss7EpG9UI2m3JlF3yhLuwWCkKmJ-Xc3ZSs8lOL4M65oUOrI_ZDVHogNFGLugoX1Du5a7hLn-bXzm3ZCoJmw3AOeOFvaX_vOOcXkmn2HsMQ_1Y/s640/IMG_9478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's kinda cheesy, but very cute</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With just 25 seats inside, the space feels intimate and low-key,
with a counter holding sweet goodies and shielding the hard working staff from
the collection of tables which are either high with stools or low and comfy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were perched on the high stools and took an admitting look
at the menu, which is divided into breakfast and lunch, though both mix
reliability with creativity and splashes of Asia, and speak of an experienced
chef.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXn7lqBKxZeDTK8nUlJWzfj6b6MQu0WF9Shhy-GNU6q2U4NOssqQljdnGz4wgcRT0iVMOKUuRgEkWw_-CxQplod-YWgB_9-kzLJCiiQXiVItt4xtfSfJVcecI6eViZ9lLPCFOZmIxaiI/s1600/IMG_9476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXn7lqBKxZeDTK8nUlJWzfj6b6MQu0WF9Shhy-GNU6q2U4NOssqQljdnGz4wgcRT0iVMOKUuRgEkWw_-CxQplod-YWgB_9-kzLJCiiQXiVItt4xtfSfJVcecI6eViZ9lLPCFOZmIxaiI/s640/IMG_9476.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'rough' look is very carefully and neatly achieved</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
Breakfast doesn’t stray far from reliable (various things on
toast with eggs or a light and lovely chia and quinoa porridge pot), while
lunch shows that salads and sandwiches can be far more creative than most
places will brave – how about sticking Japanese fried chicken and kimchi mayo
between your bread?<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are hot main meals too, and this is where the Asian
feel is let loose from the Australian constraints – miso bbq boneless beef
short ribs comes with leaves to be filled with meat, while the sake, garlic
steamed clam pot with sourdough is clearly a hit (it was sold out by 1pm).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTwyC-MiZb8-8LSXmDGZJA2V_-Y80A4e0JPbn3WF-EpQQ5gJ6VJ5wijK_7GtCqKjIlbrkFUh_JMukHVpd81XILbfnxgkUSrjRGY4LBrW6ia5TufyGciK_gIS6ycP-v1IuYa4tR1ZJVcs/s1600/IMG_9483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTwyC-MiZb8-8LSXmDGZJA2V_-Y80A4e0JPbn3WF-EpQQ5gJ6VJ5wijK_7GtCqKjIlbrkFUh_JMukHVpd81XILbfnxgkUSrjRGY4LBrW6ia5TufyGciK_gIS6ycP-v1IuYa4tR1ZJVcs/s640/IMG_9483.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A popular place, and staff were efficient</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was rather too warm a day for a hot meal, so we selected
from the salads and sandwiches range, and were taken aback at the haste with
which they arrived – even before our drinks, although effusive apologies were
offered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drinks were both selected off the interesting
made-in-house cold refreshments that complement the hot coffees and teas
(alcohol available too), and both looked pretty and came laden with produce.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBWsUYIvzvEPZBcFDFtOYQHZN3fQvKqSCr7aaHmgAhyphenhyphen0GFIStTbzondPPdC3t32FzZEWQPZsniw2ckj2MzAOD4dn9DIAQONzhkgO3FJzvGqjtZSgG1fGGGCeFTN_Smz616KmNtCvqTCU/s1600/IMG_9489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBWsUYIvzvEPZBcFDFtOYQHZN3fQvKqSCr7aaHmgAhyphenhyphen0GFIStTbzondPPdC3t32FzZEWQPZsniw2ckj2MzAOD4dn9DIAQONzhkgO3FJzvGqjtZSgG1fGGGCeFTN_Smz616KmNtCvqTCU/s640/IMG_9489.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fruity ice tea and a rather bland 'detox' soda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>The mint, cucumber, soda detox ($5) sounded encouraging but
was devoid of flavour – I assume the cucumber and mint had been thrust into the
soda five seconds prior to arriving at the table, with no time for flavour
sharing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The iced tea had more going on – a sharp tea softened by peach,
mango and mint ($6) – and proved to be comforting and refreshing, a good option
on a warm afternoon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the salad department I couldn’t help but order what I
thought could be a real challenge to get right considering the simplicity of
ingredients: daikon, wild mushroom, white onion and roasted sesame dressing
($17).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRog9ZObh-KcbNCTOEKhCVLyRFKQLYJwprFzmUt1KpRycQvRqNA4lSLEatTYyTykF2JP0TiDHG25jlp4hfcjmtIdL1CPhHtrw_xHsx16EVVcpK_urgV5x92t9mxhbtdxyjYObgGwJg6YM/s1600/IMG_9488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRog9ZObh-KcbNCTOEKhCVLyRFKQLYJwprFzmUt1KpRycQvRqNA4lSLEatTYyTykF2JP0TiDHG25jlp4hfcjmtIdL1CPhHtrw_xHsx16EVVcpK_urgV5x92t9mxhbtdxyjYObgGwJg6YM/s640/IMG_9488.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daikon, wild mushroom, white onion, sesame dressing...delicate as a flower </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may have been meat free, dairy free and gluten free, no
doubt pleasing lots of special diet folk, but it was also substance free and
lacked a final ingredient that would have made it filling and satisfying rather
than just light and delicate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That isn’t to say it wasn’t finely executed with beautiful
ingredients handled with mastery – the mushrooms were a textural jumble, some
thin and tangled, others fat and meaty but all tasty, while the daikon and
white onion were thin slivers of freshness. The sesame dressing was creamy but
subtle to the max, and I really had to tune down my taste buds to find the
nuances and subtleties. Beautiful but unsatisfying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAfvSup9-CQrHxRFZaRWlUwFyBbMAcoxlDBFTj6YWsREc-Y6WICKnbGV2rJ1FFk5bpHyVE-lwSKXQswCo-SkvSheRtGYFZ3jy6mOK18E6-OqeiL05Q4WZTk_q-CSADQsL8C_ctjNqWfg/s1600/IMG_9485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAfvSup9-CQrHxRFZaRWlUwFyBbMAcoxlDBFTj6YWsREc-Y6WICKnbGV2rJ1FFk5bpHyVE-lwSKXQswCo-SkvSheRtGYFZ3jy6mOK18E6-OqeiL05Q4WZTk_q-CSADQsL8C_ctjNqWfg/s640/IMG_9485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good chicken in good bread - the ideal 'sambo'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sandwich delivered more heft but looked a little lost on
its vast wooden board without not a shred of green or anything to join it. This
was the aforementioned Japanese fried chicken with Kimchi mayo version, great
value at $10 considering the quality of ingredients and deemed very satisfying
and tasty by the happy eater.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I left Café Oratnek feeling a little unsure. The place is
beautifully finished and designed, in a charming setting with an intriguing
little menu but a welcoming aesthetic. But that light loveliness extends too
far into the comestibles, and I found full up yet slightly unsatisfied. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67k88J4zPds2qydHvJ8P09vajUVuE3HLTsTTRTLyH0RoJTw47sO9TYE1jZMZdAWBiAtsT2BFFE_89HOOAty7XV4kBTOVEydo1OaY9PnR9a7w6XF5bRT2QD17LpvSr8ODpFeb1ThaWe4c/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67k88J4zPds2qydHvJ8P09vajUVuE3HLTsTTRTLyH0RoJTw47sO9TYE1jZMZdAWBiAtsT2BFFE_89HOOAty7XV4kBTOVEydo1OaY9PnR9a7w6XF5bRT2QD17LpvSr8ODpFeb1ThaWe4c/s640/IMG_9482.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast is served all day, and most people were opting for it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps I mis-ordered, and perhaps I am not doing justice to
a place that clearly uses high quality ingredients and treats them with the appropriate
care and attention. It’s worth seeking Café Oratnek for something different and
delicate – and it is still a newbie, so perhaps the flavour settings will be
adjusted in due course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXf7Fc0G_JZaXhz8fgx9CwizCIb0EL_Q3cDoWZrPXIfDTB6Bok10UxascXEUuAvF5-aPv-Bzq8htKCWcgm5TodCeITRrRFN6cTOMaHqxU1X72wGkbZbh2-D__K3H3BKwbJyNZjvN9S_0/s1600/IMG_9481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXf7Fc0G_JZaXhz8fgx9CwizCIb0EL_Q3cDoWZrPXIfDTB6Bok10UxascXEUuAvF5-aPv-Bzq8htKCWcgm5TodCeITRrRFN6cTOMaHqxU1X72wGkbZbh2-D__K3H3BKwbJyNZjvN9S_0/s320/IMG_9481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Café Oratnek<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 Pitt Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Redfern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.cafeoratnek.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:mail@oratnek.com.au">mail@oratnek.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.8394 8550<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Monday-Saturday 7am-4pm, Sunday 8am-4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(no reservations)<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-90651337993005205602015-09-06T01:01:00.000-07:002015-09-08T14:34:28.257-07:00Three Williams in Redfern: Established for the urban dweller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zAQNOw1drQqN5dweNDHwBPHZNHf25y5I4RwnBY_MjgYZXaempA-gpN2dyv7oiJNfX3VhCjvxIdYbOtWys_fXXc9RuvHqzpKFCR3LvXZV0MemdZaeXl0r3swYjgpn_ABeMYwPM22Ww68/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zAQNOw1drQqN5dweNDHwBPHZNHf25y5I4RwnBY_MjgYZXaempA-gpN2dyv7oiJNfX3VhCjvxIdYbOtWys_fXXc9RuvHqzpKFCR3LvXZV0MemdZaeXl0r3swYjgpn_ABeMYwPM22Ww68/s320/IMG_9474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Three
Williams, Redfern, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>September 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> breakfast,
lunch, catering, coffee<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three Williams comes with quite a reputation – what else can
ensure this sub-terrain café, unidentifiable venue hidden up the slightly dodgy
end of Elizabeth Street is packed on a sunny Saturday lunchtime?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I struggled to find it, requiring the help of Google to at
last locate a plain building with a subtle logo on the wall and a wide doorway
where a lady was waiting to welcome me. I was surprised to descend stairs into
a large, mostly plain space dominated by a counter and a huge dead tree hanging
from the ceiling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYNTkSlxRN9_l512Zz0gctAF029E4HuyqAp2XL1BcbLvCDOAaFIDkoURPfHMBQMJwqPizBEKJHyjZDZHfLHUx7bDUGUYhyorpC262I21e7Ae8yVvJVu5R6WcXKt1zlh75eEJ3wEQvYz0/s1600/IMG_9475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYNTkSlxRN9_l512Zz0gctAF029E4HuyqAp2XL1BcbLvCDOAaFIDkoURPfHMBQMJwqPizBEKJHyjZDZHfLHUx7bDUGUYhyorpC262I21e7Ae8yVvJVu5R6WcXKt1zlh75eEJ3wEQvYz0/s640/IMG_9475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It doesn't scream 'cafe' to me...subtle but classy..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow it works, the rough walls and untailored space
cheered by comfy little tables and an atmosphere that hummed with happy patrons
and charming staff, the latter kitted in neat aprons and bursting with
enthusiasm for life in general. Get them on the menu and my goodness they are
off!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBcDxVREjA4LMI3CVJwlXfA8Tw2Kn7ynyU6BorMQbQEej896BXM6V1yTEOGjF-MUTPqA8A_EenNFPYCAFdD_-SS1T0lyO8-CNPks4-NDG5kvi9HYw5oF_0byM-j_3UoW1Nw-K-sIY0Sk/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBcDxVREjA4LMI3CVJwlXfA8Tw2Kn7ynyU6BorMQbQEej896BXM6V1yTEOGjF-MUTPqA8A_EenNFPYCAFdD_-SS1T0lyO8-CNPks4-NDG5kvi9HYw5oF_0byM-j_3UoW1Nw-K-sIY0Sk/s640/IMG_9473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Industrial meets dead tree...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The menu options are satisfying and very ‘Sydney’ – all day
breakfasts featuring avocado, halloumi and stacks of various things on
sourdough, before salads and “narnies” offer a select few options for those
feeling more like lunching.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are also sweet treats, both made to order and waiting on the counter, which are just the ticket for afternoon tea-seekers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOBKXKCyo-GF0Oevn30XjIfVGrfU1NfvxxGRma4ApoMGxtkTDug55bWxJ6kvAkYpCyj_izadqzFIudCkGpEQW1BturoVBwHKx9Pgkvqh7wkmvOvtWKgjf_kffiGxArLVghOlHIUZ9Wjk/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOBKXKCyo-GF0Oevn30XjIfVGrfU1NfvxxGRma4ApoMGxtkTDug55bWxJ6kvAkYpCyj_izadqzFIudCkGpEQW1BturoVBwHKx9Pgkvqh7wkmvOvtWKgjf_kffiGxArLVghOlHIUZ9Wjk/s640/IMG_9472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a tart?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drinks menu covers all basis, with hot beverages (I’m
told the coffee is good), lots of smoothies and juices, and even a selection of
wine, beer and cider available from 10am for those in need of a heavier drink
with their lunch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the place being packed, we were attended to very
quickly, scoring a cosy corner table and asked three times for our food order
before we managed to stop talking and pay some attention to the edibles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8IEhtNBnora5Atev6CyUNFrHltDkSBHpaGHlH3_I-oMxzbb2eTFiOkSxFbp360RdlJ6Clji0iPemkBCCZ0AA5dY6OCQ8I5BE3J3avPbEQK42w0Ckc-9OBCn69HoWnGYIRoQGZypKd2Q/s1600/IMG_9463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8IEhtNBnora5Atev6CyUNFrHltDkSBHpaGHlH3_I-oMxzbb2eTFiOkSxFbp360RdlJ6Clji0iPemkBCCZ0AA5dY6OCQ8I5BE3J3avPbEQK42w0Ckc-9OBCn69HoWnGYIRoQGZypKd2Q/s640/IMG_9463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew I should've worn my tutu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Then, once the order had been placed, the food was on the
table in record time – you certainly can’t fault the service – and delivered thoughtfully
(“I brought some extra mayo as without the gherkins the sandwich can be dry”) and
with genuine endorsement (“the chicken salad is <i>brilliant</i>!”).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wouldn’t have said the chicken salad was ‘brilliant’, but
it was tasty and fresh and featuring some of the lesser appreciated vegetables
cooked well – roasted cauliflower and sprouts hid within a heap of pea shoots,
the latter being a challenge to eat gracefully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxbGg5yzgpOX5QA3CmPZDwQ3r0lYzpT8gbvQVxVZOD8_mM-PFUw4Yp9YlZQj-f9DNgHZ8uZFUNg5KXUPGL0gtvM_uJ-VMY4g69aSncGh686z7QGWA8e_8WJdH7NyxLmYApCRM1U2sf2o/s1600/IMG_9468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixxbGg5yzgpOX5QA3CmPZDwQ3r0lYzpT8gbvQVxVZOD8_mM-PFUw4Yp9YlZQj-f9DNgHZ8uZFUNg5KXUPGL0gtvM_uJ-VMY4g69aSncGh686z7QGWA8e_8WJdH7NyxLmYApCRM1U2sf2o/s640/IMG_9468.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original chicken salad paying respect to cauliflower and sprouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a fairly delicate portion of chicken (but tender)
but the chimichurri dressing brought the whole together well without wowing anybody. For $17 it was
satisfying but not something I would race back to eat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the sandwich selection, we’d ordered a grain fed beef
brisket narnie ($15) with house-made slaw, gherkins (on the side please) and
chipotle mayo. The USP is that the filling is slid within a folded, housemade
naan rather than bread slices, which looks cool but is ridiculously difficult
to eat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVbHG9pkmsIeAu_iLko_kcHPx-cv3arMwtkYz23mqEKnbv9erw759xVssLNPw2DyHZcIWOU3KTSNeWXOmrSM2N2rv8EWfG8nzPJGehHf5sdPkSj60GJmCcZTeXLvcSgsmzcUogc6u8jM/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVbHG9pkmsIeAu_iLko_kcHPx-cv3arMwtkYz23mqEKnbv9erw759xVssLNPw2DyHZcIWOU3KTSNeWXOmrSM2N2rv8EWfG8nzPJGehHf5sdPkSj60GJmCcZTeXLvcSgsmzcUogc6u8jM/s640/IMG_9466.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef brisket narnie with tender tasty meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But who doesn’t love a challenge and a pleasurably sloppy
lunch? The beef was tender and tasty, the mayo and slaw fresh and the gherkins
winningly tangy. Extra brownie point for making the naan in house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I liked the vibe, I liked the selection of food and the very
cool setting – Three Williams is definitely up there with the good cafes of
Sydney, and a winner in terms of staff loveliness. Just ask Google maps for
help finding it… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBWa0H5Gz-T0f47XHRE99UkaC4_BW-U4QtM6nNSHf4dJaLGtqctUucTWjcs6wmaTv4px6K9_ooNqMYwVpGJ7CwHgSRPaGmxYZHb-aw_qTZ58I47FpEIWVM_45fwNY7t1s57Y4nGf6tk8/s1600/IMG_9462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBWa0H5Gz-T0f47XHRE99UkaC4_BW-U4QtM6nNSHf4dJaLGtqctUucTWjcs6wmaTv4px6K9_ooNqMYwVpGJ7CwHgSRPaGmxYZHb-aw_qTZ58I47FpEIWVM_45fwNY7t1s57Y4nGf6tk8/s320/IMG_9462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Three Williams Cafe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
613 Elizabeth Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Redfern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.threewilliamscafe..com/">www.threewilliamscafe..com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
info@threewilliamscafe.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: daily 7am-4pm (kitchen closes 3pm)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-70778874293045420722015-09-02T14:35:00.000-07:002015-09-02T14:35:50.378-07:00Sue'z Kitchen in Windsor: Faultless find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97TCJYPzdTXUgaMaruqWpwcRpBK52B3Is95lvsTguTumzA3VF78ZvZSOnp2nB8ZF3QNbf9YcogIiirxMfsKd2W42PvKwo_vBUiViX5VxRoLIJEEBf4XLO8ijhQHAco-0umzxHP_zKsk8/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97TCJYPzdTXUgaMaruqWpwcRpBK52B3Is95lvsTguTumzA3VF78ZvZSOnp2nB8ZF3QNbf9YcogIiirxMfsKd2W42PvKwo_vBUiViX5VxRoLIJEEBf4XLO8ijhQHAco-0umzxHP_zKsk8/s320/IMG_9442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">What: </span></b><span lang="EN-AU">Lebanese
cafe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Where:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> Sue'z
Kitchen, Windsor, NSW, Australia<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">When:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> August
2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The Mother and I were tickled to be
weekending in Windsor, Australia, when weekends in the UK often involve coffee
in it's namesake. We were also charmed to find this historical little place
(third oldest settlement in the country!) was quiet and considered, with a
smattering of old buildings and a warmth that radiated from every local person
we spoke to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">And while the chap at Sue'z Kitchen was
undeniable warm and jovial when we lingered by the menu board at lunchtime, it
wasn't his welcome that tempted us to a chair, but the lure of traditional
Lebanese food that generates some serious enthusiasm on social media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ2ijwVQSYq9iMIR4RWALke-Gxc7X8_zi-mTfIXqcagVdyhyphenhyphenFxaXk5soM7R8Wy-qA0Ceb6wCwJuKyJspzRMRXxz3gWq9SiOWPQd7oOiP-IjccOGxr2ENWo2uT3aKZa8JGPymPbixuUvc/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ2ijwVQSYq9iMIR4RWALke-Gxc7X8_zi-mTfIXqcagVdyhyphenhyphenFxaXk5soM7R8Wy-qA0Ceb6wCwJuKyJspzRMRXxz3gWq9SiOWPQd7oOiP-IjccOGxr2ENWo2uT3aKZa8JGPymPbixuUvc/s640/IMG_9443.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sue'z Kitchen has something for everyone, but miss the Lebanese food at your peril</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Located in the pedestrianised market area
of Windsor high street, Sue'z is a local institution with Lebanese Sue in the
kitchen working her magic on authentic savouries and eye-popping desserts while
her daughter leads a team of wait staff that treated us like family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlpgKJDt7eITuHfy3RjUUq6bUaGE9KcdFKuNnCg6pfBRJO93NbRNPQqwne2v5H1SE-gBb28TeLcgPdtufzruKLTgJVevFE-QBD690RLCpJ3vbuAlEZ4Yir4HOfyGmfWFkJsLHLntEObw/s1600/IMG_9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlpgKJDt7eITuHfy3RjUUq6bUaGE9KcdFKuNnCg6pfBRJO93NbRNPQqwne2v5H1SE-gBb28TeLcgPdtufzruKLTgJVevFE-QBD690RLCpJ3vbuAlEZ4Yir4HOfyGmfWFkJsLHLntEObw/s640/IMG_9450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mismatched cosy inside the light cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The small interior was a cosy jumble of
furniture and wall hangings, but we opted to sit outside and bask in the warm
weather, while also basking in the temptations on the menu.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAnaS2uiLVK2Oe1bke4Da5tdi3xXHwHDZPrMBbdDJndCbM6-ND_Ola5UV02hSrlnCWxarboTAdW7pPjxkVFR6t9PmPP6wncDWLWhmgy9jqdewRXKufWPGa6f_4cNtSAUNWGe9qrWXpvc/s1600/IMG_9447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAnaS2uiLVK2Oe1bke4Da5tdi3xXHwHDZPrMBbdDJndCbM6-ND_Ola5UV02hSrlnCWxarboTAdW7pPjxkVFR6t9PmPP6wncDWLWhmgy9jqdewRXKufWPGa6f_4cNtSAUNWGe9qrWXpvc/s640/IMG_9447.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market square is a great spot to bask and people watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a game bid to please everyone, the menu
balances its traditional Lebanese food with Australian choices (breakfasts and
lunches of the usual variety, and what we witnessed looked plentiful and
tasty). The Lebanese grub is also arranged to suit both sharers or those
preferring to have their own meal, as well as lending itself to light lunches
or longer, extensive dinners.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GmM2mG7W4aFoeZ_mh93wHenQTV__7Y-xkmHEsjJlv_MKC2Gh-RdkqXJlaZvxGXoDDgMtirZQ0PfOJOVqMz1INBMN_vnVDgWz2BKsngi4XC53d-7sIJ9OO3ReavcnyNbs1tVHAWYdeiE/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GmM2mG7W4aFoeZ_mh93wHenQTV__7Y-xkmHEsjJlv_MKC2Gh-RdkqXJlaZvxGXoDDgMtirZQ0PfOJOVqMz1INBMN_vnVDgWz2BKsngi4XC53d-7sIJ9OO3ReavcnyNbs1tVHAWYdeiE/s640/IMG_9451.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lebanese decor is charming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>We developed our own mini platter by
selecting all the things we wanted – namely two salads, falafel and a dip,
which came accompanied with toasted sourdough and Turkish flatbreads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">“You picked really awesome stuff” the
waiter dude with a fluffy beard told us as he set down a substantial wooden
board on our sun-drenched table. “Good choices.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLbL7Fq5jCTKCT9ny1Aewd12HgQRCkm3mLVScWizSwSlV9zEnacy7HJtyfVIaH7ukuT8z7KDjzziSZIVHwNupHuvhLCYpB3qQ8e_Ppvq7l19vc7gZtNf_GteOhN40f7E6RZB4kDEX6DU/s1600/IMG_9454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLbL7Fq5jCTKCT9ny1Aewd12HgQRCkm3mLVScWizSwSlV9zEnacy7HJtyfVIaH7ukuT8z7KDjzziSZIVHwNupHuvhLCYpB3qQ8e_Ppvq7l19vc7gZtNf_GteOhN40f7E6RZB4kDEX6DU/s640/IMG_9454.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lebanese lunch of loveliness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Awesome” was the operative word, and with
no word of exaggeration, what passed my lips was some of the best Lebanese food
I have eaten. I began plotting trips back to Windsor before I had got through a
mouthful (a 3-hour round trip seemed entirely worth it for lunch like this),
and the staff checking in on our satisfaction levels were met with moans of
delight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Everything was light and fresh, clearly
made that day and not drowning in the oil that seems to tar so many Middle
Eastern offerings. Flavours sparkled in everything, and the goodness of the
food filled us up yet kept us wanting more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Salad number one was Mixed Roasted Vegetable ($15.50) –
sounds dull but proved to be bountiful in deliciousness. Fresh root veggies
were roasted till just soft and sweet (not oily!) then topped with misshapen
lumps of local goat's cheese that oozed creamily and with such richness that
supermarket cheese seemed bland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezzzwqflEX7kvMRk7ZbxtbwxlvT6g2DlLzAY5VDWXunH3Vf-SjU1OF0eooMPg0nqUjZHqWUVaiLRuvv05Kugt6b9CUl21u7QdIIcZppWvds4167zqNEzTRcEy7l_R_nEHEuIRfKyo8ow/s1600/IMG_9457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezzzwqflEX7kvMRk7ZbxtbwxlvT6g2DlLzAY5VDWXunH3Vf-SjU1OF0eooMPg0nqUjZHqWUVaiLRuvv05Kugt6b9CUl21u7QdIIcZppWvds4167zqNEzTRcEy7l_R_nEHEuIRfKyo8ow/s640/IMG_9457.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh, tasty salads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salad number two was the Traditional Tabouli ($12.90) – chopped parsley, cucumber and tomatoes mingled with bulgar and were
tossed with lemon juice and mint, zinging admirably yet dancing with lightness.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The falafel duo ($4) were crisp and dry (not oily!
Again!) on their shells and soft and herby inside, unpacking a glorious flavour
and reminding me how falafels are supposed to taste (I must stop buying
pre-packed...).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Nc-_2SU6JBfAFN3FfmHrfDW8RSYKxvK-oOyP0t83kFXDnRa6NxEUlmfWezM8cIKyHKRzOnbM29AI-j0FJnysU0lZWBtBPyldjuj4pWjFgsHpulYZnNDxqOlSlUVEHVGA5Vl90CB7HA/s1600/IMG_9456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2Nc-_2SU6JBfAFN3FfmHrfDW8RSYKxvK-oOyP0t83kFXDnRa6NxEUlmfWezM8cIKyHKRzOnbM29AI-j0FJnysU0lZWBtBPyldjuj4pWjFgsHpulYZnNDxqOlSlUVEHVGA5Vl90CB7HA/s640/IMG_9456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falafel how it should be done</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there was the Baba Ganouj ($5.50). Oh my.
The serving was small – I could have eaten ten times this amount – but the
flavour was titanic, with a smoky taste that tripped over the tongue as the
eggplant, tahini and spices eased down everything it touched.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C7XzmgWmsb1wWF4X5XIMc8Jwcs7iSUeQ-zfFH78HRygUuTZo9DU6n22AMdmlmmqlD7NuyJywWuoInkbhk2TcydSwdy1N5-oGUiVB0MAtPH8kC0x3WS_m9NrrdyEk4AFsmIrnYHKzNBc/s1600/IMG_9455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C7XzmgWmsb1wWF4X5XIMc8Jwcs7iSUeQ-zfFH78HRygUuTZo9DU6n22AMdmlmmqlD7NuyJywWuoInkbhk2TcydSwdy1N5-oGUiVB0MAtPH8kC0x3WS_m9NrrdyEk4AFsmIrnYHKzNBc/s640/IMG_9455.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Best Thing. Ever - baba ganouj</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>If tum space had allowed, we would have
made a trip to the front counter where Sue'z homemade cakes and desserts – both
Lebanese and Australian – looked to be as terrific as her savouries. Never
mind, another reason to come back – as if I need any!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0nOKVUhj3C8NG7DV8ZZ4fO9H1jRC98dulkkVhbI9zYl3Z1JfdTZ-hG9HNaFnzE3vdGxMphpA2m-xbRrWtDPVRC9kk4xK0YvE-yhJZJLnZKDnWVygFB_ivtGNHUQUeyNTVoF74Ig1FpA/s1600/IMG_9444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0nOKVUhj3C8NG7DV8ZZ4fO9H1jRC98dulkkVhbI9zYl3Z1JfdTZ-hG9HNaFnzE3vdGxMphpA2m-xbRrWtDPVRC9kk4xK0YvE-yhJZJLnZKDnWVygFB_ivtGNHUQUeyNTVoF74Ig1FpA/s320/IMG_9444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Sue'z Kitchen</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Lachlan Court<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Windsor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">NSW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Australia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">0411 156 048<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Open: Tuesday-Sunday 8am-4pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-34965967365592271332015-08-26T01:54:00.000-07:002015-08-26T01:54:11.556-07:00Shot on Military in Cremorne: Brunching in a cupboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0sanCRfKJz80y93wZ2h6GYFwv3AshHM6KnLQ58wytIuF8J-FXh-cwTPwt1hs_YvIOaUNU6-TIjsn613F_3gdJH6xG78nRzh5_KZ48CTjW_t3b57AAh5K7Vh_CZvRr8Pxd9G3HdQv6Wc/s1600/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0sanCRfKJz80y93wZ2h6GYFwv3AshHM6KnLQ58wytIuF8J-FXh-cwTPwt1hs_YvIOaUNU6-TIjsn613F_3gdJH6xG78nRzh5_KZ48CTjW_t3b57AAh5K7Vh_CZvRr8Pxd9G3HdQv6Wc/s320/IMG_9436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">What: </span></b><span lang="EN-AU">neighbourhood
cafe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Where:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> Shot
on Military, Cremorne, Sydney, Australia<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">When:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> August
2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">One of the many things I've learnt about
the Aussies in my tenure so far is that the weekend is all about brunch. I'm
all for it – brunch menus are a delightful and delicious mix of breakfast and
lunch and usually bristling with creativity to try and establish some USPs in
this over populated market. But then it's not just about the menu, the location
and the ambiance are key when it comes to the precious hours of work-free life
that constitute the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">But I digress. Brunch. I went out for it.
In a pocket-sized but pleasing little cafe called Shot on Military that was
selected due to its proximity to my pal's apartment (as in, it is next door)
and because she highly recommended it for freshness and tastiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKPZ5VNpdf5sZg29-4HbQynAKvgJYnc9lufpNOHeDRQjWNlzZRm16xLBNSs1AtWbvXS3ziMRr-0yW1YO23cnaBqNxM6Nj87QVMxe-71f6Pb_W2U5i2-kJEXUxLDxOY7ZcA6Oq0x_tO2s/s1600/IMG_9435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKPZ5VNpdf5sZg29-4HbQynAKvgJYnc9lufpNOHeDRQjWNlzZRm16xLBNSs1AtWbvXS3ziMRr-0yW1YO23cnaBqNxM6Nj87QVMxe-71f6Pb_W2U5i2-kJEXUxLDxOY7ZcA6Oq0x_tO2s/s640/IMG_9435.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The owners have made the most of a very small space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We squeezed our way in, past the tiny
road-view bar and counter (the latter serving as the entire kitchen, which is
frankly miraculous) and were waved up the steep spiral staircase to a small
mezzanine dining area complete with a handful of tables.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTacS-3U_FtvefOKuwbGSBax1PeoOrPjs5LY0mOeFFvxGt2o3jdcSul16FumQpyStDaVmQD5ZWv2rWXyDJ2KdPpc697QKu4nsoLd7nVi-CJF0NZtr7GMbBaYj0NNLyaPAppNnfJSIrW3M/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTacS-3U_FtvefOKuwbGSBax1PeoOrPjs5LY0mOeFFvxGt2o3jdcSul16FumQpyStDaVmQD5ZWv2rWXyDJ2KdPpc697QKu4nsoLd7nVi-CJF0NZtr7GMbBaYj0NNLyaPAppNnfJSIrW3M/s640/IMG_9422.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sit upstairs and watch the comings and goings in peace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>The cafe is miniscule but neat and funky in
a scrubbed-table kind of way, with menus on clipboards and special scrawled on
blackboards that hang beside off-centre mirrors, and don't forget the 'vertical
garden' and jar lights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQTZbRMI7plu4IIJi1KPEL5Ab7ZB8_Ajd2I0hgMfY-DjFvbWlyTFW9MJIlg-n2RzF131u_Z93EAmihxGqkoE43koYqKRMlT6G10nt_fgGeJrMRwEqf-yqniyzbFt8ZumVNuwlvgwu6v8/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQTZbRMI7plu4IIJi1KPEL5Ab7ZB8_Ajd2I0hgMfY-DjFvbWlyTFW9MJIlg-n2RzF131u_Z93EAmihxGqkoE43koYqKRMlT6G10nt_fgGeJrMRwEqf-yqniyzbFt8ZumVNuwlvgwu6v8/s640/IMG_9420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tables are select, but there were plenty available on the Sunday we visited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The brunch choice was a good one – the
usual suspects of toast, egg, avocado mixed up in pleasing ways – and extended
into lunch offerings such as sandwiches, burgers and salads; an incredibly long
menu for a place with a kitchen the size of my desk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFzVwkagM41zTEiNAKn58mR3d2BpKZ3npVKS_V6GRZkvTluJ-knOa7rOj1qiEFrypBrwVXUkBWk2_uM778nrWdIO9VH7LEks5ggNFy6xgHZeyOaLrw6GPkh88XXpM_WUKjGtAcBdwVkw/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFzVwkagM41zTEiNAKn58mR3d2BpKZ3npVKS_V6GRZkvTluJ-knOa7rOj1qiEFrypBrwVXUkBWk2_uM778nrWdIO9VH7LEks5ggNFy6xgHZeyOaLrw6GPkh88XXpM_WUKjGtAcBdwVkw/s640/IMG_9433.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of the long menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>Coffees, teas and fresh juices are the
drinks on offer, although the place will soon become a wine bar with tapas
after the sun goes down – worth a return trip I think.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s8Qi0Hu9Q2rR-KdskglD0SAJooJy6moTy9BpyZmq_w9re43W1PMH8EqNLJppuSlA-PW7fWcDkstNy6j3ZcXQx_bs6M9-NdAqTG-DackQXBdSLGDJALjW_WaalE3vZYe8n7-YVRjJ6nk/s1600/IMG_9424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s8Qi0Hu9Q2rR-KdskglD0SAJooJy6moTy9BpyZmq_w9re43W1PMH8EqNLJppuSlA-PW7fWcDkstNy6j3ZcXQx_bs6M9-NdAqTG-DackQXBdSLGDJALjW_WaalE3vZYe8n7-YVRjJ6nk/s640/IMG_9424.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange juice - the only fresh juice available during my visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were three, and so three tastes of the
menu were ordered and fairly quickly delivered. My OJ came in a glass jar (all
the rage) and was delicious, while the pair of teas were in beautiful
Japanese-style pots that seem to be springing up all over Sydney.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5i2G0o_UlMW1ccOquSE0v_0DbYB0gjrcbtWTvCzms3EFdfY-0i-1SapJ_RBCYn6Ap7qyLSai7UGKkgPuxgVCrjrybpNxN4Za9yXMhJylzFP0gQ-8VK9QXYImnwgjJa3zwFPXxo-INvE/s1600/IMG_9427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5i2G0o_UlMW1ccOquSE0v_0DbYB0gjrcbtWTvCzms3EFdfY-0i-1SapJ_RBCYn6Ap7qyLSai7UGKkgPuxgVCrjrybpNxN4Za9yXMhJylzFP0gQ-8VK9QXYImnwgjJa3zwFPXxo-INvE/s640/IMG_9427.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex's Fav is my pal's fav too! Bacon crisped to perfection..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The food wasn't too far behind, and my pal
had opted for her 'usual' of Alex's Fav ($11) – smashed avocado, roasted tomato and free-range bacon on
toast, the pork as crisp as requested and the whole a pretty and tasty way to
bring the morning towards noon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The Mother had strayed into more lunch territory,
selecting a Joelenie ($12) sandwich that saw halloumi, bacon, rocket, mayo and tomato relish crammed between pieces of bread, and she
declared it very filling and satisfying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vrqtrcIHaIpO4VjWilDBjTGkhWunLjv5lbw3_IEcFo8FQdUxiYZjFGSGBNPzkHNm3SXoifCF9BRFd2O6uJkkqP0a1amPC1KfEX5G81yUPDqwSuXKl96gv6ivFibLqYuZArMKBJc6Iog/s1600/IMG_9431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vrqtrcIHaIpO4VjWilDBjTGkhWunLjv5lbw3_IEcFo8FQdUxiYZjFGSGBNPzkHNm3SXoifCF9BRFd2O6uJkkqP0a1amPC1KfEX5G81yUPDqwSuXKl96gv6ivFibLqYuZArMKBJc6Iog/s640/IMG_9431.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joelenie sandwich throws together halloumi, bacon, mayo, rocket and tomato relish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My choice was the chef's special, an
Israeli breakfast of poached eggs, shanklish, tomato, aubergine, capsicum and
halloumi in a neat copper frying pan and kept company by slices of toast. It
was a little small for the $18 price tag, but the flavours were lovely – the
eggs cooked in the stew mix but still soft enough to ooze around when prodded. The
vegetables were sweet and soft, and the crisp shards of excellent bread just
right for dunking and dipping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXnPnRoKEy3qLyj0Uzr-GclFYvCGOWaKNjsZU_nhXp8-FOi6NnChBhfZTiJqonjYK7DViwd2MReYy2_pMylr1hdVGtzAHnmvXtJdKkywt1YX3ut3vGzvmwO6ympsYWO9f8lgK5-w4KX0/s1600/IMG_9428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXnPnRoKEy3qLyj0Uzr-GclFYvCGOWaKNjsZU_nhXp8-FOi6NnChBhfZTiJqonjYK7DViwd2MReYy2_pMylr1hdVGtzAHnmvXtJdKkywt1YX3ut3vGzvmwO6ympsYWO9f8lgK5-w4KX0/s640/IMG_9428.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Special Israeli Breakfast was charmingly presented</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>We couldn't fault the welcome, the interior
was quirky, and the menu certainly presented enough to tempt one back for more,
especially as food was so fresh and wholesome and emerged as if by magic from a
non-existent kitchen (not to labour the point, but there really was no
kitchen!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYklp4_4UJSJdfKeaztyNcBJAuQqJ0v7aX7GyBnCcgZsccD6sYKal6Cf3xC1PpzlDoPHzaA-UJPWXZ9rs3LtN2bm57Szxw5K9uP_o6KLUxgO1dY6Y1bArF1ocQJiSLefr3I10Cgda7LGQ/s1600/IMG_9419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYklp4_4UJSJdfKeaztyNcBJAuQqJ0v7aX7GyBnCcgZsccD6sYKal6Cf3xC1PpzlDoPHzaA-UJPWXZ9rs3LtN2bm57Szxw5K9uP_o6KLUxgO1dY6Y1bArF1ocQJiSLefr3I10Cgda7LGQ/s320/IMG_9419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">We squeezed our way back out, nodding to a
man with an incredible moustache who was eyeing me and my camera, and declared
the Shot a charming little place for some brunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Shot on Miltary</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">1/307 Military Road<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Cremorne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Sydney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">NSW 2090<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Australia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">02.9007 2376<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.shotonmiltary.com.au/">www.shotonmiltary.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Open: Tuesday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 7.30am-5pm,
Sunday 7.30am-2.30pm (N.B. Kitchen closes at 2.30pm every day)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-65575815578862398182015-08-21T14:49:00.000-07:002015-08-21T14:49:07.597-07:00Pure Wholefoods in Manly: Conscious of health, not customers?<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7FEu58zCQdVj0Vwc9-8SPSwdziXKt2fZH0WQ5AlQQ-Gwrh_NXaSMSPLY5UbfPyhotMnxYFzWYyuKpE6R1fDug5MNbN7l6NHUAWeLsabOjkPNR9ZiRijqggGw7PllKpM18178JhYOmiA/s1600/IMG_9402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7FEu58zCQdVj0Vwc9-8SPSwdziXKt2fZH0WQ5AlQQ-Gwrh_NXaSMSPLY5UbfPyhotMnxYFzWYyuKpE6R1fDug5MNbN7l6NHUAWeLsabOjkPNR9ZiRijqggGw7PllKpM18178JhYOmiA/s320/IMG_9402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>What: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">organic,
healthy breakfast and lunch</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Where: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Manly,
Sydney</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>When: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">August
2015</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The
Mother was fresh off the boat from London and Sydney was showing off.<br />
<br />
The sky was so blue it hurt, the sun boasted down upon us making a
mockery of our hats and gloves, and the luscious strip of beach at
Manly was idyllic in its simplicity.<br />
<br />
Then some dolphins starts
leaping around and I thought the Mother was going to melt with
excitement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhTfapvmYQm2jT9yS8x_bIgRqgkE-fBkU0HTWRS4039bu56DNkF_KJvKFnZnHPXla9C4KM6A4GsGdaI6kiCksJWdbTtpyyvrEydLsbBRi4JNOCUc9h8kDwR7uD-Fjcgoe80ey1bImDgY/s1600/IMG_9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhTfapvmYQm2jT9yS8x_bIgRqgkE-fBkU0HTWRS4039bu56DNkF_KJvKFnZnHPXla9C4KM6A4GsGdaI6kiCksJWdbTtpyyvrEydLsbBRi4JNOCUc9h8kDwR7uD-Fjcgoe80ey1bImDgY/s640/IMG_9382.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for a winter's day (UK can learn something here..)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To
complete the moment of nature's glory, I led us towards a cafe that
worships wholesome, natural, organic, healthy everything: Pure
Wholefoods. This small cafe is tucked down a side street and adorned
with so much green foliage inside (leaves painted on the walls) and
earthy wooden tables that it feels a like dining in a garden centre.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9DQSMH4JhBwptsr1p5a_2u_vnJrSv05cH7RKpUBKLKfWZEvxXiD929DFs-RV2NqBfaqu3hLRklm0RFKfK4GCFloZZG3p3FzQPKagsU3_72V9AAzbR7ia1f_90gG0okTkJQhxJ-oupRw/s1600/IMG_9392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9DQSMH4JhBwptsr1p5a_2u_vnJrSv05cH7RKpUBKLKfWZEvxXiD929DFs-RV2NqBfaqu3hLRklm0RFKfK4GCFloZZG3p3FzQPKagsU3_72V9AAzbR7ia1f_90gG0okTkJQhxJ-oupRw/s640/IMG_9392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pure also sells products to take-away, such as tea, chocolate and grains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It
was also pretty cold (I am a wimp), but I could forgive the
aesthetical bumps of Pure Wholefoods because it had a long, tempting
menu and a counter rammed with breakfast and brunch options that
combined colourful vegetables and proteins in miraculous ways.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3xKNADr2G-qHLZpuSZw19BzaOv88hwb3G1BMHdXNgft3yJxgE_4yFHppBnS_zu22JEecvEIV5q8wFKSGe6MG7RXGOyMNehjYBBt-3VdowpE3jXUTKsz8tf_AkuscV4WMTdeCHl35qC0/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3xKNADr2G-qHLZpuSZw19BzaOv88hwb3G1BMHdXNgft3yJxgE_4yFHppBnS_zu22JEecvEIV5q8wFKSGe6MG7RXGOyMNehjYBBt-3VdowpE3jXUTKsz8tf_AkuscV4WMTdeCHl35qC0/s640/IMG_9388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The counter of temptations..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All
the trendy health stuff was in attendance – chia, goji berries,
vegan and vegetarian options galore, plus gluten free goodies – but
there were also hearty options for those who turn cold at the thought
of too many veggies, such as nasi goreng and toast piled high with
eggs, avocado and bacon.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMvklcdZRdFTnAo0lCHG5-4MRH5dYhZmm24tJroNmsmIkJYd5S9FSVJVQzIBIRGBlvdIhv_s0dsl5bHIxNB7PtWFoLhtJTHoujKejlAkjFnv37HpbG93QEJFKnJUj1PG7fsRsbJMaZR4/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMvklcdZRdFTnAo0lCHG5-4MRH5dYhZmm24tJroNmsmIkJYd5S9FSVJVQzIBIRGBlvdIhv_s0dsl5bHIxNB7PtWFoLhtJTHoujKejlAkjFnv37HpbG93QEJFKnJUj1PG7fsRsbJMaZR4/s640/IMG_9386.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of options, both delicate and robust but all healthy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Daily
specials supplement the menu, and the salads in the display cabinet
can be mixed and matched to create your own bountiful lunch (small or
large sizes available). There were also lots of cakes and other
goodies, mostly healthy and 'raw' for some guilt-free indulgence.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fnhdEM7eqNIp1LSevpGzysA_joQxcoaC8G59X_pRwLd1Wk6vliCU0HQeRd4xIkeBflkm9WLk6pRBQ7oHqll_NctykPbaAACK8z18jv1Gqo0Am33FvFptzPELnNO8_IUfSU3Pi__DCDA/s1600/IMG_9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fnhdEM7eqNIp1LSevpGzysA_joQxcoaC8G59X_pRwLd1Wk6vliCU0HQeRd4xIkeBflkm9WLk6pRBQ7oHqll_NctykPbaAACK8z18jv1Gqo0Am33FvFptzPELnNO8_IUfSU3Pi__DCDA/s640/IMG_9389.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the sweet treats are 'good for you' - rejoice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So
the menu was a delight but the service a little less so. Ordering at
the counter, my server was eager but a bit unsure (her first day,
poor chick), whereon her imposing, looming boss swooped in to scold
her publicly and berate her for giving me too much salad for a large
size. Way to make your customers feel important.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJzI1tfvPXRGDpO3VeBHkaLa6w6tv8LUMKVeojXeMiUF2axpcB6JExNRhrNsuWWhPeYYL-aC-P-352aKV7vYSMFTH3NBEc_AeTcafVomZ-r6Sa2qqbYKYNi4e24zjUY_7CLwSQhQcTYI/s1600/IMG_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJzI1tfvPXRGDpO3VeBHkaLa6w6tv8LUMKVeojXeMiUF2axpcB6JExNRhrNsuWWhPeYYL-aC-P-352aKV7vYSMFTH3NBEc_AeTcafVomZ-r6Sa2qqbYKYNi4e24zjUY_7CLwSQhQcTYI/s640/IMG_9391.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The daily salads include vegetarian options and meat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
ordering, we waited a fair amount of time for a wrap to be made to
accompany my salad, but both were large and colourful when they
arrived and we tucked in happily. The mixed salad plate (large $12)
contained roasted vegetable, a Chinese-style mushroom and 'noodle'
(carrot and zucchini) salad and avocado salad, supplemented by a fat,
golf ball of a falafel ($3) that was full of herby goodness and very
satisfying.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUbmS3izN8Mj_HNGdKZiv9magKBOdAbLA5IA0JP6KL3U07QjGIMFIjiPKk0Icut8CkMblGBWoJjQH4wH3aIwYDEgHQ29HnvuGhCf_q1M9cs5iMEvjMdCps5aRgos6yx3GD1vywrNfkM/s1600/IMG_9397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUbmS3izN8Mj_HNGdKZiv9magKBOdAbLA5IA0JP6KL3U07QjGIMFIjiPKk0Icut8CkMblGBWoJjQH4wH3aIwYDEgHQ29HnvuGhCf_q1M9cs5iMEvjMdCps5aRgos6yx3GD1vywrNfkM/s640/IMG_9397.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bowl of yum! A large salad hits $12, with the falafel extra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It
was filling but a oilier than I had expected, and I wondered if the
salads had been sitting around in the counter for a little too
long... The wrap ($13.50) was as fresh as a daisy and rotund as an elephant
leg, the wholemeal tortilla filled with vegetables and falafel (other
choices include meat or halloumi).</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMEXzpUxpTa7G8Crae0LeUG0_Co27qDlbhB9RSgNmvMWOCiSJf_j3GKkjxiQf_pjdCbNGr84g2aT20Wnq7k0jxFZNVE3zFTcTVuvjPCrYHIYQj7PyZ-VNqE_xI5ef5fzwsA2BrDG39KQ/s1600/IMG_9395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMEXzpUxpTa7G8Crae0LeUG0_Co27qDlbhB9RSgNmvMWOCiSJf_j3GKkjxiQf_pjdCbNGr84g2aT20Wnq7k0jxFZNVE3zFTcTVuvjPCrYHIYQj7PyZ-VNqE_xI5ef5fzwsA2BrDG39KQ/s640/IMG_9395.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The falafel wrap was huge and filling but super fresh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
grappled with the paper wrapping (you either eat paper or unwrap and
send the contents flying everywhere) but declared the whole very
satisfying and filling, leaving a pleasant feeling that lingers after
fresh, wholesome food.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz7Mt3GQHZxBmtaxaFiK5RHzyFVrcEx7bIKUS4FhGAbidTSSiLdRLYNN42s4WIhRWlTSC2iKDORydiwVdDfQnvSvRFeH2a12KAEOihLcyQMeL51-ZIgooRXOPTLyvqnvB9MvyKJFr75c/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoz7Mt3GQHZxBmtaxaFiK5RHzyFVrcEx7bIKUS4FhGAbidTSSiLdRLYNN42s4WIhRWlTSC2iKDORydiwVdDfQnvSvRFeH2a12KAEOihLcyQMeL51-ZIgooRXOPTLyvqnvB9MvyKJFr75c/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well now you know..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We
had tea and admired the steady rush of dishes from the kitchen, all
of which looked glorious and softened our feelings towards Pure.
There is no doubt this is a superb option for those who are on
special diets or simply want to be kind to their bodies, and the
steady stream of visitors suggested the locals are wise to its charm
too.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-C_0gE5tdesM7aTdkimwVtu1JT-rwWEUi_con5TB1EC1PKg_S0NgsbpDGC-g46sMtJUrrM-OsWMeng3L0Qdq_9Pqvs-M9FCBxrqkYu8JeYK4EQptDE5zjj9ito5tJjcxx35Td-ezDio/s1600/IMG_9401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-C_0gE5tdesM7aTdkimwVtu1JT-rwWEUi_con5TB1EC1PKg_S0NgsbpDGC-g46sMtJUrrM-OsWMeng3L0Qdq_9Pqvs-M9FCBxrqkYu8JeYK4EQptDE5zjj9ito5tJjcxx35Td-ezDio/s320/IMG_9401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Pure Wholefoods</b></div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5/10
Darley Road</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Manly</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sydney</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
NSW</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
02.8966
9377</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Open:
daily 7am-5pm (take-away only after 3pm)</div>
<div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
www.purewholefoods.com.au
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-18007068023293987442015-07-29T01:19:00.003-07:002015-07-29T01:19:47.765-07:00Baraka in Pyrmont: Popping up the goods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAIoBgXKpoC5Ud356a5vtVmalBalQac8D21Eoq9TZmEQjBbn2uiHFnSxlL2qaXJvYYgNa07NpuxXCr2GgSwFSOjiUj4VlBLOM8ZSnAwHBb9Osq3X3okv_YOPxfVRec2xrpqhtbtu3Z4s/s1600/IMG_9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAIoBgXKpoC5Ud356a5vtVmalBalQac8D21Eoq9TZmEQjBbn2uiHFnSxlL2qaXJvYYgNa07NpuxXCr2GgSwFSOjiUj4VlBLOM8ZSnAwHBb9Osq3X3okv_YOPxfVRec2xrpqhtbtu3Z4s/s320/IMG_9259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Where:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> Baraka, Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">When:
</span></b><span lang="EN-AU">July 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">What:</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"> food inspired by the Middle East<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Australia certainly embraces the idea of
impermanence when it comes to dining – may be that’s the only way to survive
when customers (especially in Sydney) are always looking for something new and
shiny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">I'm all for the pop-up phenomena – it's fun
and keeps things fresh – but the price paid is that wonderful establishments like Baraka are not
going to be around for as long as I would like, namely, <i>forever</i>, because
this is the sort of place I would eat every single day of the week given the
resources and the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">‘Food inspired by the Middle East’ is the
cuisine at Baraka, with a committed to local, fresh, seasonal ingredients,
sustainable seafood, whole foods, no nasties – music to my ears. While this
inevitably nudges up the price, it also launches the flavours up too, and chef
Fouad Kassab has become my new hero. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ODXakhVs9AaiI2jneFfUXgejIb02F8vrQeMYVH9l3Lacj6kPlsU-X_Sbb22aQbaaVuAK6lm3kl9EiOTcdZYAj81ARCi6klakCidcJSgYwQ8981BtCPcbCoZnruiAzbqwFcVk4ZyWDwk/s1600/IMG_9254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ODXakhVs9AaiI2jneFfUXgejIb02F8vrQeMYVH9l3Lacj6kPlsU-X_Sbb22aQbaaVuAK6lm3kl9EiOTcdZYAj81ARCi6klakCidcJSgYwQ8981BtCPcbCoZnruiAzbqwFcVk4ZyWDwk/s640/IMG_9254.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baraka means 'blessing', and this place certainly is</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kassab is the chef and brains behind the
operation and is already known on the food scene for his pop-up Chic Pea.
Baraka is the older sibling, and occupies an empty lot in Pyrmont until the end
of August when the site is being flattened.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">That gives you a month to get yourself down
there and try what I feel is some of the best, tastiest Middle Eastern food I
have eaten in recent years – it’s probably not authentic, but who cares when it
tastes this good?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs_AuZnVI_4MrErTJOaN-zh1tx5RSeWkUJVlLj4jRXkQpb-LgoPiZ0KYQ_49ay8FEnbXkkQdAWCD9lSKgblABmkQKg3tqeTntXlF4YZhOsqtx06akh0dCKHKwSEhDwCfQMq24Eq45X6M/s1600/IMG_9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs_AuZnVI_4MrErTJOaN-zh1tx5RSeWkUJVlLj4jRXkQpb-LgoPiZ0KYQ_49ay8FEnbXkkQdAWCD9lSKgblABmkQKg3tqeTntXlF4YZhOsqtx06akh0dCKHKwSEhDwCfQMq24Eq45X6M/s640/IMG_9249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu changes daily depending on what is fresh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The menu changes nightly and is designed to
share, tripping from dips with bread to hot mezze, cold mezze, large plates,
salads and ending at dessert. Two of us had a mezze, a dip, a large plate and a
salad to achieve fullness, while a chef’s tasting menu is available for $65 per
person (mandatory for parties of 7 or more).<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT43QZYA9kHGmFf_niWyOXkVnQDmLLQmtUbDwoZ9WqRPpNEhMrKQD1RC8zis7Yq1niqS7HxcrqFT519w7gr_G7hYgqXW1hNDQsQdEZc5LX4gIzcJu8unffBzTrzYBonUOhShzwIhzGqg/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT43QZYA9kHGmFf_niWyOXkVnQDmLLQmtUbDwoZ9WqRPpNEhMrKQD1RC8zis7Yq1niqS7HxcrqFT519w7gr_G7hYgqXW1hNDQsQdEZc5LX4gIzcJu8unffBzTrzYBonUOhShzwIhzGqg/s640/IMG_9242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderfully sweet beetroot dip topped with pistachios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things started off superbly with a dreamy
dip of maple caramalised beetroot with pistachio ($14) – sticky sweetness of
maple syrup to balance the earthy beets, and a silky smooth texture interrupted
by pistachio pieces. We scooped and slurped courtesy of housemade spelt bread
that tasted of bakeries and hugs ($2.50 per piece).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxBuYjzGYfG8avkE8mLda_QSj0xJKCvaiOP5FDxosBZ7ymv3zbUTEhy9Pt-WjWfgoU90GG1p5Btm_eZw4-3AuCRcj_fy5Gx8xPxtGuhUURsMtkMs3DIDeUohsLORQsZ9RE5i-gNnw0S8/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxBuYjzGYfG8avkE8mLda_QSj0xJKCvaiOP5FDxosBZ7ymv3zbUTEhy9Pt-WjWfgoU90GG1p5Btm_eZw4-3AuCRcj_fy5Gx8xPxtGuhUURsMtkMs3DIDeUohsLORQsZ9RE5i-gNnw0S8/s640/IMG_9243.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade spelt bread rolls are ideal for dipping - gluten-free available too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our mezze was a twist on the traditional
kibbeh nayeh (raw meat with burghul wheat and spices), featuring raw yellow fin
tuna ($20), the meaty fish conquered by a comforting blend of spices and the
mellow burghul wheat. Somehow soothing and stimulating simultaneously.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7l0he6Gyc5FL6kdb5IUT5Mhi_jztN5MI_dz6oUVmtXpq6MZdECi-wDcApjFdKRYL5RU9yG24thXvF6ViSEaYv0CIYrbmVlOOHJsh1LFTgmzBlp2S3YT_mk-ZiUd9xfwh8LWfl2kZQQY/s1600/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7l0he6Gyc5FL6kdb5IUT5Mhi_jztN5MI_dz6oUVmtXpq6MZdECi-wDcApjFdKRYL5RU9yG24thXvF6ViSEaYv0CIYrbmVlOOHJsh1LFTgmzBlp2S3YT_mk-ZiUd9xfwh8LWfl2kZQQY/s640/IMG_9248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kibbeh nayeh made with tuna instead of the traditional lamb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stayed with fish for our main and were
both delighted with the barramundi with pistachio cream and Mediterranean herbs
($28) when it finally arrived (a busy night and a long-ish wait). It was a fish
cooked to perfection – crisp smokey skin and tender light flesh, with a
generous swab of pistachio cream beneath and an ample heap of herbs. The
flavours were beautiful together, fresh and light, and the ingredients tasted
like they had emerged from the earth moments before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFOMp92lktfLRKFe_ybYZD6GcTUI5vfyEMEYL9_JWPwgJaeKcxF3AUBBAfrrQBS5PHzWDojzOhIm5nbTeN53xIee32_1lfFx09ur3wMT6I9J8X1TkpzpswXkizpe0HhG0SNUsYV2prbI/s1600/IMG_9253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFOMp92lktfLRKFe_ybYZD6GcTUI5vfyEMEYL9_JWPwgJaeKcxF3AUBBAfrrQBS5PHzWDojzOhIm5nbTeN53xIee32_1lfFx09ur3wMT6I9J8X1TkpzpswXkizpe0HhG0SNUsYV2prbI/s640/IMG_9253.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautifully cooked barramundi made a super main</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The same freshness was evident in the red
cabbage, Middle Eastern cheese and Iranian raisins salad ($16) that dazzled
purple and profoundly tasty, with sweet pops of raisins and rich cheese
bringing the cabbage to life.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmNWxoQXOv19FKCF3WiYpOABudFW8W0YnJR2g69xKMmE1Ve7d3eL1HIgUJdM8SfhGqV0tlVCkCD2a7XzH6OYsCoiy5K6faX2l1gbQG5H896imtU5X7WWnOu1cwiYO_Oiew6DLf1taG8/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMmNWxoQXOv19FKCF3WiYpOABudFW8W0YnJR2g69xKMmE1Ve7d3eL1HIgUJdM8SfhGqV0tlVCkCD2a7XzH6OYsCoiy5K6faX2l1gbQG5H896imtU5X7WWnOu1cwiYO_Oiew6DLf1taG8/s640/IMG_9251.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew red cabbage salad could be so gloriously tasty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn’t want it to end – we both ate to
extinction and deemed ourselves seriously impressed. The quality and freshness
of the ingredients is undeniable and makes the whole meal, and its great to see
Middle Eastern flavours applied creatively to such great effect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcXua1G9kF31iC0hFeGJYuOdHwksryMYqGNHulXrKEY6ZvME3nYMDtu70uZf_Yy1nYE7JG1u2rIlSOBvIOcbUb0MWhwsqltsVNlYRGaupQyhb6WAp1Jw02R2SHdrOomG7tuW6Adrn0EE/s1600/IMG_9258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcXua1G9kF31iC0hFeGJYuOdHwksryMYqGNHulXrKEY6ZvME3nYMDtu70uZf_Yy1nYE7JG1u2rIlSOBvIOcbUb0MWhwsqltsVNlYRGaupQyhb6WAp1Jw02R2SHdrOomG7tuW6Adrn0EE/s640/IMG_9258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">\The wine list is satisfying, with drinks available by the glass and bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The décor is pretty bland – the price paid
for being a pop-up – and tables are crammed in a little too close than I would
like, but it works in a place where informality and sharing are key. Plus the
food is comforting, tasty and inspired – who cares about wobbly tables? Baraka,
please stay forever.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFq3-Ulc0XDGtpbYYmYG_oMcCk_FAkur8T2ntE2aK_r8hSK7RcZF71MYXxdliLF5pI4GXzUe40_3GPCaHVy9nGmuMX4nVM3Sglqm_KdPGq5BJ-Zj8WjdRxjWe_dCfDTYJjaBRZ3KVC1Y/s1600/IMG_9255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFq3-Ulc0XDGtpbYYmYG_oMcCk_FAkur8T2ntE2aK_r8hSK7RcZF71MYXxdliLF5pI4GXzUe40_3GPCaHVy9nGmuMX4nVM3Sglqm_KdPGq5BJ-Zj8WjdRxjWe_dCfDTYJjaBRZ3KVC1Y/s320/IMG_9255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-AU">Baraka</span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">55 Harris Street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Pyrmont<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Sydney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">NSW 2009<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Australia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Phone: 02 8065 3657<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.barakaoz.com.au/">www.barakaoz.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">fouad@barakaoz.com.au<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Open: Thursday-Saturday from 6pm (until end August)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-1929109131820975842015-06-24T04:22:00.001-07:002015-06-24T04:22:17.596-07:00Emmett's in Suffolk: Age-old charm and fresh produce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQWBWE_EpceZjzqRBS_d1y6MC52OWSGo22fvRTDdW7O4rYKk4TwI4q9Hkwc1ltJvCMaBQ3AMaujP6Xvo5xBZ-k56yW8W-XNsQtcM4AOKNut2mT6fto7NyacM0WlVbaG6aCA2C8n3D0LY/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQWBWE_EpceZjzqRBS_d1y6MC52OWSGo22fvRTDdW7O4rYKk4TwI4q9Hkwc1ltJvCMaBQ3AMaujP6Xvo5xBZ-k56yW8W-XNsQtcM4AOKNut2mT6fto7NyacM0WlVbaG6aCA2C8n3D0LY/s320/IMG_9144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Emmett’s,
Peasenhall, Suffolk, UK</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>When: </b>June 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> deli, shop
and cafe<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whatever the moans we can make about the weather, England
can be truly beautiful. After nine months in charming but ‘youthful’ Australia,
it was a delight to find myself holed up with the family in a 400 year old
cottage in the gorgeously pocket-sized village of Peasenhall in Suffolk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We arrived after a long drive gasping for food so navigated
ourselves down the street (there is only one in pretty Peasenhall) to the
world-renowned <a href="http://www.emmetsham.co.uk/" target="_blank">Emmett’s</a>, masters of locally-sourced bacon and ham since 1820.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0n2-uwXhUqocwTjxHCkX7_PbmUlxw0HQVtwikND-KPW23HGrLppdme_i9XEHS33Fzp7TwQ_un1YYkaR9bDxzAawEQmTZriLnwQpC0qFy7uYgXo2f0EaqRFaEow3fkwrrPWOZt5IQi40/s1600/IMG_9133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0n2-uwXhUqocwTjxHCkX7_PbmUlxw0HQVtwikND-KPW23HGrLppdme_i9XEHS33Fzp7TwQ_un1YYkaR9bDxzAawEQmTZriLnwQpC0qFy7uYgXo2f0EaqRFaEow3fkwrrPWOZt5IQi40/s640/IMG_9133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deli has a mixture of local produce with imported goodies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today the darling little store is a haven of sumptuous and
very local fruits, vegetables, chutneys, cheeses, cakes and porky goodies, supplemented
with imported oil, olives, alcohol and other ingredients perfect for a picnic
you will take hours to recover from.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSHIryGKXs-se3HoMrKHO-KXig4AOIOAP-IYx7zYVc3pky42w3DRhcg0jLq4OfKgYqMmpsZsv_Q-nv7Pntg6eup_4XeFPzWNkhMO5tHy2QVkdjahSORLv_9Q-F19ebyFyXMuQDPvmTkc/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSHIryGKXs-se3HoMrKHO-KXig4AOIOAP-IYx7zYVc3pky42w3DRhcg0jLq4OfKgYqMmpsZsv_Q-nv7Pntg6eup_4XeFPzWNkhMO5tHy2QVkdjahSORLv_9Q-F19ebyFyXMuQDPvmTkc/s640/IMG_9139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade cakes are tall and inviting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Through the shop in a little room of scrubbed farmhouse
tables on wooden floorboards is a café, small but perfectly formed and homely.
The menu is compact but offers omelette and bacon and egg for brekkie, light
lunches for midday, hot drinks and cakes for afternoon slumps and tapas, cooked
meals and alcohol for evenings out.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtfHdZ7-BFGjNtLQctVcjXmLtZwhoGLB2AHx8AHERzk6xZUDkek71bUBINn1h4t3tAwCePbGSNoLZAtJLDeeR4ceFVFUiS_u_faGN9gw9XHnXQCc_VwGtbraQv9BlJpesY4uEi_zsRrw/s1600/IMG_9135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtfHdZ7-BFGjNtLQctVcjXmLtZwhoGLB2AHx8AHERzk6xZUDkek71bUBINn1h4t3tAwCePbGSNoLZAtJLDeeR4ceFVFUiS_u_faGN9gw9XHnXQCc_VwGtbraQv9BlJpesY4uEi_zsRrw/s640/IMG_9135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafe shelves are lined with temptations</td></tr>
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<o:p> </o:p>The lunch menu is brief but held enough to suit us hungry
travellers, with the man choice being salad (green or Emmett’s) or a toasted
sandwich. There are also charcuterie boards available for those more in a
grazing mood. We opted for sandwiches and Emmett’s salad, and while the wait
was reasonable (hunger may have slowed the minutes!), all arrived looking
inviting and blossoming with freshness.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf00oyWgfaqY7QBDMH50XAYeSbPDQWYhUVZ1NUS5p4YDWTB6J6oCFOc79eVZ51LvW8kMOkwQZUlK3MXNLF-UfU1QCIi6v0ag_eXXVHsna5zIcLWnWY2j3qE9E16eJmQboUFQnx_4NGdTo/s1600/IMG_9143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf00oyWgfaqY7QBDMH50XAYeSbPDQWYhUVZ1NUS5p4YDWTB6J6oCFOc79eVZ51LvW8kMOkwQZUlK3MXNLF-UfU1QCIi6v0ag_eXXVHsna5zIcLWnWY2j3qE9E16eJmQboUFQnx_4NGdTo/s640/IMG_9143.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small but perfectly formed toasties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The toasted sandwiches (£5.95) came on a pig-shaped wooden
board in deference to the fat slathers of Emmett’s bacon (free range, local and
dry cured on the premises) that were paired with Bungay Bigod Brie (oozing and
powerful) inside (award-winning local) Pump Street Bread. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSRNnQ3MDrFEvtsHUq4J4RnRC1F9Uh4g0x19ty0SHGA72spIMcCb9Utk2-lXNoinitTo21VwfHjYsj0lW7OAAUqsjm0sMy36WwZ7YJPnKO_JzJO1z6pceWyxuWqFK6ehmD6PaTTHunLg/s1600/IMG_9145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSRNnQ3MDrFEvtsHUq4J4RnRC1F9Uh4g0x19ty0SHGA72spIMcCb9Utk2-lXNoinitTo21VwfHjYsj0lW7OAAUqsjm0sMy36WwZ7YJPnKO_JzJO1z6pceWyxuWqFK6ehmD6PaTTHunLg/s640/IMG_9145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local bacon, local cheese, local bread - its a taste of Suffolk!</td></tr>
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</o:p></div>
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A splash of green salad might have been nice to cheer the
vista, and the wobbly fat didn’t go down too well with some members of the
party, but it was a filling, unfaultable sandwich, the quality of ingredients justifying
the price tag.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PV-3SImeDrJUGuoVcBufAcPMbVhPZw6Dyodr1W_Ify-sG89s22ou-G7WTi-QV9_M2w362tx01HOluZ__Is8-ysaA1SYIWk5gtCvYEQwGu-1Ol27IJDxrhfv4jbP44wN25EHYHxlf3Ho/s1600/IMG_9141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PV-3SImeDrJUGuoVcBufAcPMbVhPZw6Dyodr1W_Ify-sG89s22ou-G7WTi-QV9_M2w362tx01HOluZ__Is8-ysaA1SYIWk5gtCvYEQwGu-1Ol27IJDxrhfv4jbP44wN25EHYHxlf3Ho/s640/IMG_9141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett's salad changes each day depending on what is fresh</td></tr>
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The Emmett’s salad (£11.95) came as a huge bowl of greens
topped with a selection of the freshest fruits, vegetables and meats of the
day. Our order presented green leaves neatly plied with yellow courgette,
cherry toms, orange segments, peach and apple slices and Suffolk ham.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbDp0p-Ddpoiev59e129cjxFuuiAvvUV-TIuJIJcwFdK8RLSep96Zrjb_BqI5cj63cQ0UGsirhnWzEHag-pnqANUXaylTqoogUU7zbANkYQ7xxmhknLvJCc_pyqq7N5bwjSCMD4IqZw0/s1600/IMG_9142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbDp0p-Ddpoiev59e129cjxFuuiAvvUV-TIuJIJcwFdK8RLSep96Zrjb_BqI5cj63cQ0UGsirhnWzEHag-pnqANUXaylTqoogUU7zbANkYQ7xxmhknLvJCc_pyqq7N5bwjSCMD4IqZw0/s640/IMG_9142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful and tasty1</td></tr>
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Another reasonably high price was forgiven with freshness
and quality, and the combination proved to be refreshing and invigorating in equal
measure. It lacked a decent dressing, but a serving of chutney (requested) was
all it needed to become delicious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_w3CD8gT5vSsfhKTyt84RhuyCv2UKjEAgR3dfyUgLOcjoxQMgdLLOQeUTZ0_NH-6OvMMERQVvy5bQsQNCUsNN2LthUaNpqcMGxVQKYzRM8W_NKSL32_VO6hKnKLElxYOTCMS_TjaMhI/s1600/IMG_9136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_w3CD8gT5vSsfhKTyt84RhuyCv2UKjEAgR3dfyUgLOcjoxQMgdLLOQeUTZ0_NH-6OvMMERQVvy5bQsQNCUsNN2LthUaNpqcMGxVQKYzRM8W_NKSL32_VO6hKnKLElxYOTCMS_TjaMhI/s640/IMG_9136.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmett's cafe could be someone's cottage kitchen - delightful! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Emmett’s was a delightful welcome to Suffolk and it is easy
to see why this store has remained popular for almost 200 years. After a
lingering tour of admiration around the deli (I wanted to buy pretty much
everything!), we wended out way back to <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/3711873" target="_blank">Oakley Cottage</a> (named after its former
cobbler owner), hearts already melting for Peasenhall. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq96Rcw6U6eA3uXrVejzB7tezAeYVWuFJXpFNw8w5YMgJVj2l-NLlUhH96qma5A7AMzLQAM571DaFJw5wVR3wkDzaFMUXMYt_OsF5BN_NBdsLsNE6CL9-CEBJrQzazGsbrY4b3zdhkUc/s1600/IMG_9168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq96Rcw6U6eA3uXrVejzB7tezAeYVWuFJXpFNw8w5YMgJVj2l-NLlUhH96qma5A7AMzLQAM571DaFJw5wVR3wkDzaFMUXMYt_OsF5BN_NBdsLsNE6CL9-CEBJrQzazGsbrY4b3zdhkUc/s640/IMG_9168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family line up outside our glorious weekend pad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<b>Emmett’s </b></div>
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The Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Peasenhall<o:p></o:p></div>
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Saxmundham<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suffolk<o:p></o:p></div>
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IP17 2HJ <o:p></o:p></div>
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UK<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: (+0044) 01728 660 250<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.ebacon.co.uk/cafe">www.ebacon.co.uk/cafe</a>
or <a href="http://www.emmetsham.co.uk/">www.emmetsham.co.uk</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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mail@emmettsham.co.uk<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-5pm <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-47149204660101506982015-06-11T04:02:00.002-07:002015-06-11T04:02:48.865-07:00LuMi Bar and Dining: Delicate degustation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ti02813_C9ZkDwCGiXEmQba8kxGtCA_DD6owKLh2LVZH3sHIRxh7T3lQ7DoNNeIcMmc2Y4gp_XwAnKY5Udt00XOpuFY7p79oMOddETyzV9Y52lENHWBbt7VkqzjKPTr50lyTXrCb_s/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ti02813_C9ZkDwCGiXEmQba8kxGtCA_DD6owKLh2LVZH3sHIRxh7T3lQ7DoNNeIcMmc2Y4gp_XwAnKY5Udt00XOpuFY7p79oMOddETyzV9Y52lENHWBbt7VkqzjKPTr50lyTXrCb_s/s320/IMG_9036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> LuMi Bar
and Dining, Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>June 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> degustation<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Are you sure it's down here?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Frenchman was sceptical as I led the way down the
boarded quay, past sleeping boats and darkened apartments snoozing in the dusk
towards a restaurant boasting one of the best locations in Pyrmont. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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LuMi is not a stumble-upon place, but well worth the hunt –
I gasped with delight as we stepped into the window-walled eatery that sparkled
like Christmas, the naked bulbs dancing in their own reflections on the pane
that offers a glorious view of the dark water and the dazzling city beyond.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDBCSqV1jttO6dkTImb1FTl64T-OM8-7YAD3CCYCFFIwmY6YQRCYw3mYp_AdtyRsBE9FbSvM4phP_dwKmhm6l7cet-f_RZhqj8xkDkxKXUs3g-PSjwmlewYQBjJSWhBQL3jp5lLj5TuE/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDBCSqV1jttO6dkTImb1FTl64T-OM8-7YAD3CCYCFFIwmY6YQRCYw3mYp_AdtyRsBE9FbSvM4phP_dwKmhm6l7cet-f_RZhqj8xkDkxKXUs3g-PSjwmlewYQBjJSWhBQL3jp5lLj5TuE/s640/IMG_9034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior is comfortable, with a superb view of the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is the illuminations that make the rather simple place
seem special, as even the open kitchen looks a little too work-a-day – yes its
fun to watch chef's work, but not to see them amble amid the clutter.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, the gentle movements of the kitchen, orchestrated
by the calm but creative chef Federico Zanellato, produced creative yet elegant
food that remains imprinted on my palate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The clarity of my memory is impressive considering the
volume of cocktails tasted, and while the menu was a little lacklustre in both
presentation and content, we did find some treats (I loved the </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Celery Tonic
$18, a refreshing blend of celery juice soda, agave syrup, vodka and lemon).
The only serious miss was the Coffee Bar Americano, a strange love child of a
negroni and an espresso martini.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTSMEuUCJSo91O_S2CGRVDiomBx-fzGrkRasZj_3igPuQMJr8NfKx1eTvbk2aZ2pcn5Fbtl1squdYm34gKjCuETAV2K_JWgqQfRExVQWJej_5kZZ-fE4zahhuFkwNqozTL0w2owhGB4g/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTSMEuUCJSo91O_S2CGRVDiomBx-fzGrkRasZj_3igPuQMJr8NfKx1eTvbk2aZ2pcn5Fbtl1squdYm34gKjCuETAV2K_JWgqQfRExVQWJej_5kZZ-fE4zahhuFkwNqozTL0w2owhGB4g/s640/IMG_9042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread to nibble with our drinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we were LuMi-ing on a Sunday, no food choices were
required – it was degustation only, offering an 8-course menu priced at $95 per
person. Wines can be matched for an additional $80 per person, but we had come
equipped with a special bottle that was handled with care by the staff (corkage
$25).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjyCU6lCuymormvmQZWJ0jcBTWpDTHCB9dZ4n96C6FYzl6dyjUQ7RWS3XMazva3xg3dJawqbvnCHvvKyiXuWUnXzOlFNl49iXdJ-ox03W7ghAdi762cI-kdZQcQCe-DS1e2BXu1MntSQ/s1600/IMG_9038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjyCU6lCuymormvmQZWJ0jcBTWpDTHCB9dZ4n96C6FYzl6dyjUQ7RWS3XMazva3xg3dJawqbvnCHvvKyiXuWUnXzOlFNl49iXdJ-ox03W7ghAdi762cI-kdZQcQCe-DS1e2BXu1MntSQ/s640/IMG_9038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porcini Brisee, Mascarpone, Walnut Capers, Nori Chips, Tomato Powder, Onion and Chicken Liver Macaron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opening shot was a collection of different bites that
delivered hugely in flavour despite the unimaginative presentation. The taste
that lingers in my mind is the sweet-savoury caramalised onion macaron filled
with chicken liver pate – my mind reeled as it tried to pair the rich savoury
taste with a silky smooth macaron, sweet yet not, strange yet delicious.
Another top taste was the Jerusalem artichoke chips – subtle but moreish.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hVBnJFg0QhYdoelU-4eW7KUf2TGyWDFqHwwMo6Gf7jp7y0gYzUBqIRnhbRiommAgA43Iyw_4_Sx_lQBh2aeBCn4lROGhLlGGCBwSpT4IMjx0WzXd77vtdWsxF5Y5TYtW343x5nmFEjU/s1600/IMG_9040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hVBnJFg0QhYdoelU-4eW7KUf2TGyWDFqHwwMo6Gf7jp7y0gYzUBqIRnhbRiommAgA43Iyw_4_Sx_lQBh2aeBCn4lROGhLlGGCBwSpT4IMjx0WzXd77vtdWsxF5Y5TYtW343x5nmFEjU/s640/IMG_9040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chawanmushi came infused with Italian flavours - delightfully surprising</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Expectations fought with appearances again when the
legendary chawanmushi appeared – Federico's version of this delicate Japanese
custard tanged of parmesan cheese as the slippery mouthfuls slithered down. Not
sure how to feel about it, we could still admire the delicacy of its creation
and the imagination behind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoYmVPwCVU14_izngtlVOsg_CZ6oeX7Hil1Tnma0PrdyuJDyPn0HvTZ5GImCrVHcqQ9DQgaYBS27Xur7MSHWyXPOgq8V4tJF0Mdpr7Yq-pdDyWfwmfaXugJHtAJkrINUwb_OK8dcipIs/s1600/IMG_9045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoYmVPwCVU14_izngtlVOsg_CZ6oeX7Hil1Tnma0PrdyuJDyPn0HvTZ5GImCrVHcqQ9DQgaYBS27Xur7MSHWyXPOgq8V4tJF0Mdpr7Yq-pdDyWfwmfaXugJHtAJkrINUwb_OK8dcipIs/s640/IMG_9045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanner crab, milk curd, tomato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Delicacy was a strong theme across all the courses that
followed, from the luscious spanner crab blended with milk curd and tomato to
the beautifully soft ravioli that oozed gruyere cheese and porcini butter onto
the tongue.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICSFqiXZMCda8dLJBTNGhFjMBpIc93AZUVD2qMFVoKPjqlYcuFHeb54vQ81Y5bddr5vQXpWk8I4pdgZOgRW_yb6U54nSs8YAsNE6FAj08Dxt_dHsDkwThtgt6qXSCAmv1Vsj6_Asy8Y/s1600/IMG_9048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICSFqiXZMCda8dLJBTNGhFjMBpIc93AZUVD2qMFVoKPjqlYcuFHeb54vQ81Y5bddr5vQXpWk8I4pdgZOgRW_yb6U54nSs8YAsNE6FAj08Dxt_dHsDkwThtgt6qXSCAmv1Vsj6_Asy8Y/s640/IMG_9048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quartet of glorious ravioli with cheesy goodness within</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The touch was a little too light in the burnt semolina
spaghetti, a generous portion of carbs that lacked oomph and showed minimal
sign of the quail ratatouille promised alongside it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1jCOElllZUel3Pke1Tb6gWKhYMut2gW2q2bmzmsKaFUXc2S0yQ5CnExWCHTuP7v8JCwSul45c2zSeil5VlPNaGXqHwi_a80ZwS7-SpOsWl6Idnazf2r1ubYdTM2UJxgSM_grAHn00LE/s1600/IMG_9053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1jCOElllZUel3Pke1Tb6gWKhYMut2gW2q2bmzmsKaFUXc2S0yQ5CnExWCHTuP7v8JCwSul45c2zSeil5VlPNaGXqHwi_a80ZwS7-SpOsWl6Idnazf2r1ubYdTM2UJxgSM_grAHn00LE/s640/IMG_9053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burnt Semolina Spaghetti, Quail, Cime di Rapa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand, flavours exploded in the beetroot course,
where a cylinder of (slightly too firm) beetroot was shrouded in three glorious
sauces – cherry and beetroot reduction, mascarpone cream and black sesame
sauce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EN7KRHdytmMMxKX6YQ6sjPOJnw9vMfEJsLf5K7RXwtgS8sC0dh6BHJvoeyn_QhK4LKVE9bAakz1KQZ7WEn3ITE7mgqkDcvntnUy04CwX11taYVOHKidlu28tlc1PcWocIOX2hbKdAqk/s1600/IMG_9046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EN7KRHdytmMMxKX6YQ6sjPOJnw9vMfEJsLf5K7RXwtgS8sC0dh6BHJvoeyn_QhK4LKVE9bAakz1KQZ7WEn3ITE7mgqkDcvntnUy04CwX11taYVOHKidlu28tlc1PcWocIOX2hbKdAqk/s640/IMG_9046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worship the beetroot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beef on the menu had been switched with lamb rack, but
the phrase 'second best' is laughable when applied to lamb that slipped off the
bone like jelly from a spoon and tasted of the reason why </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'd never turn
vegetarian. The presentation was dull but the flavours superb, the juicy meat
accompanied with a zing of lime pesto and a sturdy but satisfying chunk of
roasted celeriac. (N.B. The Frenchman liked it so much he requested another
portion, which was promptly delivered.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KrP3NIvtbVxm8opqv6iZvVNeASDNsiNJRihFvITbuCF2dUl10IYeEUQvMB1-t_ho16B73mqMtNZyJhUw-40fL4FX_5CtOI4FO80ZkHj9afAc9Pl7tjlbk2EKF0a5CvNAA7mz39jUyd0/s1600/IMG_9055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KrP3NIvtbVxm8opqv6iZvVNeASDNsiNJRihFvITbuCF2dUl10IYeEUQvMB1-t_ho16B73mqMtNZyJhUw-40fL4FX_5CtOI4FO80ZkHj9afAc9Pl7tjlbk2EKF0a5CvNAA7mz39jUyd0/s640/IMG_9055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb rack lacked in presentation but delivered in flavour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Main courses completed, Federico cleansed our palates with another gorgeously balanced and surprising dish – slices of yuzu with sharp mandarin, licorice shards and wakame powder
– before the meal ended with a glorious dessert of ginger ice cream topped with
shards of white chocolate, yoghurt and pops of passionfruit. It was delicious,
fresh and light on the sweetness; a beautiful end to a charming meal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjimrA3sQWeKpwo7JpV4y_nY6_ISp90ulKumDA3ylbgwWDRn0wCI3vHeR0Vs2EUfrVipTs2Cfy9zEln_TB-cbQP7NC_scWr5iEV_lsjpGfDG8IZCcYMCQ3QwLupuAqdyBo1M1NCV2mDw/s1600/IMG_9058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjimrA3sQWeKpwo7JpV4y_nY6_ISp90ulKumDA3ylbgwWDRn0wCI3vHeR0Vs2EUfrVipTs2Cfy9zEln_TB-cbQP7NC_scWr5iEV_lsjpGfDG8IZCcYMCQ3QwLupuAqdyBo1M1NCV2mDw/s640/IMG_9058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuu, Mandarin, Licorice, Wakame Powder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was likely the first time I have reached the end of a
degustation without feeling steamrollered by the sheer volume of meat and
richness of flavours – LuMi's food is luscious and light, created with
imaginative boldness but delivered with elegance and subtlety. Federico does not
need to come out all guns blazing because he has confidence in his talents, and
so he should.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qmf4yR0KX1XfnBBns81eru5oDus1to3M1MEjWucQSX66fil-QusqPvcOSfhFTsgJBsOyKMutCqc6sQEZPU4Cy0t1TecYyIlD5p3wqGRXGu3V64KC8rtF6yZw-_qXLrJaJRKWVYjgSDo/s1600/IMG_9060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qmf4yR0KX1XfnBBns81eru5oDus1to3M1MEjWucQSX66fil-QusqPvcOSfhFTsgJBsOyKMutCqc6sQEZPU4Cy0t1TecYyIlD5p3wqGRXGu3V64KC8rtF6yZw-_qXLrJaJRKWVYjgSDo/s640/IMG_9060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger Ice Cream, White Chocolate, Passionfruit, Yoghurt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Special mention should also go to Riki, Federico's cousin
who delivered every dish with a warm smile and an introduction that jangled
with glee, making everything taste all the better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visit LuMi at night for the lights, the view, and food that
will challenge you gently, caressing the tastebuds and leaving contentment in
its wake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEScvkNbBEX9WsB83lwqRl6nsJcG6waMrCmn9UX8tkbfp3ylSymAzjFW3gfSCq9z0oXXYTe6wckPQbj1d00gMErXFbnCvdR7UajPBk7JebwJXfXMhw6ZJ7xL-S4Bure2FPQ2GnpTNkZPA/s1600/IMG_9036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEScvkNbBEX9WsB83lwqRl6nsJcG6waMrCmn9UX8tkbfp3ylSymAzjFW3gfSCq9z0oXXYTe6wckPQbj1d00gMErXFbnCvdR7UajPBk7JebwJXfXMhw6ZJ7xL-S4Bure2FPQ2GnpTNkZPA/s320/IMG_9036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>LuMi Bar and Dining</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
56 Pirrama Road<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pyrmont<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2009<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02.9571 1999<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:info@lumidining.com">info@lumidining.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.lumidining.com/">www.lumidining.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lunch Friday-Sunday 12pm-2.30pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dinner Wednesday-Sunday 6pm-10pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-49387965980596416452015-05-02T22:21:00.001-07:002015-05-02T22:21:19.476-07:00Firedoor in Surry Hills: Setting stomachs a-blaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBgxVSUcu-Ey3vRaiskd-LkE90UA_Q4SX5gXcwuIraqhGsJfeNc5LGdU2_-BmM_411cpCFMUxp3YkCJP5YlSvgWsPSTy0IcDgw0Wi_a6K0v8k6v_BXSoRf2TRhS4FXAy-uearwWWW4Vc/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBgxVSUcu-Ey3vRaiskd-LkE90UA_Q4SX5gXcwuIraqhGsJfeNc5LGdU2_-BmM_411cpCFMUxp3YkCJP5YlSvgWsPSTy0IcDgw0Wi_a6K0v8k6v_BXSoRf2TRhS4FXAy-uearwWWW4Vc/s1600/IMG_8894.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Firedoor,
Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>May 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> fire-cooked
lunch and dinner<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's a golden rule in restaurant reviewing: you shouldn't
critique a venue until it’s warmed up a bit, mastered the inevitable wobbles
and gathered itself appropriately. I considered this for all of ten seconds
when a foodie pal suggested dinner at Firedoor on day two if its life, but the
desire to eat in a place where wood was an ingredient in a kitchen powered by
fire beat my morals hands down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I will go with an open
mind</i>, I said, yet the open mind was entirely unnecessary during an evening
that delighted me in every possible way. You’d have thought the staff had been
doing it for years, yet their enthusiasm and excitement at the new-ness shone out and gave the
dinner a thrill often lacking in long-standing venues. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt4ek4_Xma2d2HJPftRmNR3fw2y52-v7ujH5RVheq__mYJZBzeMLIho4Pcny5pA0qBnQ-uYDzM44doeZsY94HcmYteqE3LkmWUiUj9m8o1q6KNAtQzvkbSYS8yUr38i4WJA1i0cusR7Q/s1600/IMG_8906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt4ek4_Xma2d2HJPftRmNR3fw2y52-v7ujH5RVheq__mYJZBzeMLIho4Pcny5pA0qBnQ-uYDzM44doeZsY94HcmYteqE3LkmWUiUj9m8o1q6KNAtQzvkbSYS8yUr38i4WJA1i0cusR7Q/s1600/IMG_8906.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sit at the bar or the open kitchen to fee part of the action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The food was simple outstanding, not a shaved fennel strip
out of place, which is testament to the skill of chef Lennox Hastie who has
waited three years for the chance to get his novel idea into restaurant form.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFA21670fP4-x1HPfADziZ-YuYLb0TACtQhCCD66Yixi3S2n0JbkIbo0iG1USj14rOo8rOhVG_mf-9c51gkvhGOC2-cC0eg5znp3nOYLuGzzxXliaci2GIEFtzD1JpYxugjJ0R04fv2Y/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFA21670fP4-x1HPfADziZ-YuYLb0TACtQhCCD66Yixi3S2n0JbkIbo0iG1USj14rOo8rOhVG_mf-9c51gkvhGOC2-cC0eg5znp3nOYLuGzzxXliaci2GIEFtzD1JpYxugjJ0R04fv2Y/s1600/IMG_8896.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lennox Hastie (left) at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Hastie is the fire that fuels Firedoor: his passion for
wood and flame underpins the whole place, but it's clear he
embraces the primal nature of the cooking method rather than viewing it as a
gimmick and that integrity leaks into every mouthful of beautifully judged food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL03nYutVzvzh_ljuRsVmqjkmsQgQMl88yo-2DvtmcFCvTWUtljvePZN_HclH5Azt3wjSEwB5R0j3UwQfWQvhYmtHBFSnSLHhFPrnkPDi9ny4oEzHzOGeJFpdy4gzyyQ78olStw0GJPc/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL03nYutVzvzh_ljuRsVmqjkmsQgQMl88yo-2DvtmcFCvTWUtljvePZN_HclH5Azt3wjSEwB5R0j3UwQfWQvhYmtHBFSnSLHhFPrnkPDi9ny4oEzHzOGeJFpdy4gzyyQ78olStw0GJPc/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design is neat, with splashes of artistry </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The place tastefully reflects that premise – this spacious
restaurants has a classy, subterranean style but a welcoming feel thanks to long
share tables and a very open kitchen and bar. It manages to be cosy despite the
very precise décor and abundance of ornamental logs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu77VrtKkZmHKwqbt55aJCgP70kjF9_YSOvEJcNsfwpLpgHUMEIjw9UdjAFmv0ewEyw-u9OufvzVej3exFk495Mi8l_CUbtvsnshVBmg2BAlfAKLOr4vVKyQhTf7LmsPO9dTdVXWM75Y/s1600/IMG_8897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu77VrtKkZmHKwqbt55aJCgP70kjF9_YSOvEJcNsfwpLpgHUMEIjw9UdjAFmv0ewEyw-u9OufvzVej3exFk495Mi8l_CUbtvsnshVBmg2BAlfAKLOr4vVKyQhTf7LmsPO9dTdVXWM75Y/s1600/IMG_8897.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worship the wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>The bar is not afterthought, with wines selected by a master
of wine Ned Goodwin and cocktails crafted by the experienced Phil McElroy to
match the flavours on the food menu. Intriguing options abound, but I found the
cocktails sounded more exciting than they tasted to my palate – my Swiss Pear Bellini
($14) was carefully balanced but quickly forgotten. I was more interested in
the select but satisfying wine list, and welcomed the fact that even wine by
the glass is poured at the table as if you're dining at a pal's house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlygN9XsLW2ubWwO_rHLb1RP4Aa-i5Lp9ZRruRuBm-RZKSXKpVFIQzonHDgn7GWlvOnSFJ-i4xm9lYRS_WWvduiBhu4whagi20v4TP-LPpAvH2vdKOXDrjbvRp66r1BrXdVZ7Lanf2yM/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlygN9XsLW2ubWwO_rHLb1RP4Aa-i5Lp9ZRruRuBm-RZKSXKpVFIQzonHDgn7GWlvOnSFJ-i4xm9lYRS_WWvduiBhu4whagi20v4TP-LPpAvH2vdKOXDrjbvRp66r1BrXdVZ7Lanf2yM/s1600/IMG_8902.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative cocktails are well-priced</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The menu is a daily surprise, comprising of the freshest
ingredients available, and choices are listed from light to heavy to guide those with
differing preferences. Fish, meat and vegetarian options all get a look in,
while the reverse of the menu provides a list of the woods being used and why.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqtuRMW_w3KNY-oat_epcmIm86RmDcv8yWcrS9AigL_OtTD8VGFq4douEjzlUXcU1opmqCSckxkBwDnpuS5L-T3Asozya8Ly76bSdTMEZ5aWGaQ0WepEvIhaXOIvQCzyHggAn5mhg4g0/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqtuRMW_w3KNY-oat_epcmIm86RmDcv8yWcrS9AigL_OtTD8VGFq4douEjzlUXcU1opmqCSckxkBwDnpuS5L-T3Asozya8Ly76bSdTMEZ5aWGaQ0WepEvIhaXOIvQCzyHggAn5mhg4g0/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The risk of the menu is that you will want everything</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quartet of dishes were all our stomachs could handle, but
it was enough of a sample to show that Firedoor takes its 'back to basic'
approach to heart. Ingredients are of a fabulous standards and treated with
respect, the wood and preparation serving to merely enhance the natural
wonderment and additions kept to a thoughtful minimum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsdQfnOTYLLf_A-qaP4p7EY2_CNbSKXzbM0Uw1CsPiLkTZ9A9r9cdMm6x_vs1d2dzq8P5Mc0GnE-nTK5bBTVlDlsfTzpZrMJezHTsDmP38vSSpjIHRefsWBZ9MCO3iPoSZ9I-7g01TIU/s1600/IMG_8895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsdQfnOTYLLf_A-qaP4p7EY2_CNbSKXzbM0Uw1CsPiLkTZ9A9r9cdMm6x_vs1d2dzq8P5Mc0GnE-nTK5bBTVlDlsfTzpZrMJezHTsDmP38vSSpjIHRefsWBZ9MCO3iPoSZ9I-7g01TIU/s1600/IMG_8895.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen team worked like a well-oiled machine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing proved this better than the Mushrooms ($22), with
six different varieties cooked over mallee wood and served with pulpishly sweet
fire-roasted aubergines. How often can you say you are in raptures over a bowl
of vegetables? But this was superior stuff, and the textures of the different funghi varieties just added another level of mouth pleasure as this serving
disappeared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAEohS6eLamWP5X7-u9G5UYMnFN8BGCQE7c9ktalLs6BBKEr_ZJ5dMpWdHi9YJEDEHqwBLWpFeadcdPkn4_ozws8GhA5D6zsRR8XMgscKG5R1HG7rnaPhcUKfJBismdKNKlqnyuFC43I/s1600/IMG_8916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAEohS6eLamWP5X7-u9G5UYMnFN8BGCQE7c9ktalLs6BBKEr_ZJ5dMpWdHi9YJEDEHqwBLWpFeadcdPkn4_ozws8GhA5D6zsRR8XMgscKG5R1HG7rnaPhcUKfJBismdKNKlqnyuFC43I/s1600/IMG_8916.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushrooms and eggplant, both treated beautifully</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While one would expect red meat to be the centrepiece of a
grill restaurant, Hestie emphasises seafood, and from a number of tempting sea
options we selected the Wild Mulloway ($33) and the Bonito ($22), stumbling
upon a showcase of the deft delicate touch of the chef.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8FwXsmSaTD5VNDtdYamRSp1cNsoOY6wgkqPt9ikaGoMNm9q3R3yjNv8m7sK92D9T2FQlISH3xMhw7cCV6OPypPKYNUJugFzdDT56OpAFzrWkXPiT50dhou4wvPc2UXp6tdgEuaqKFjU/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8FwXsmSaTD5VNDtdYamRSp1cNsoOY6wgkqPt9ikaGoMNm9q3R3yjNv8m7sK92D9T2FQlISH3xMhw7cCV6OPypPKYNUJugFzdDT56OpAFzrWkXPiT50dhou4wvPc2UXp6tdgEuaqKFjU/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wild mulloway was expertly cooked </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mulloway was a masterclass in careful cooking – the
flesh so soft and the skin so crisp, both of which whispered of apple wood but
ultimately tasted of themselves done super. The accompaniments were excellently
judged: a slight citrus tang of lemon, a sour note of olives and sweet roasted
fennel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfNYXomto3KqxrKNzQeIUhGPPBx1U57k3vCvKFQGDYAWXvXxqX_ZmVrTyP631uxPocLzTcrzRxYG2TrMnlDn7S17yrPmh1FHlO3gdeOmd2uB-lHzCGl9RdGPCNOGhhfX4v49q0MhA60s/s1600/IMG_8924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfNYXomto3KqxrKNzQeIUhGPPBx1U57k3vCvKFQGDYAWXvXxqX_ZmVrTyP631uxPocLzTcrzRxYG2TrMnlDn7S17yrPmh1FHlO3gdeOmd2uB-lHzCGl9RdGPCNOGhhfX4v49q0MhA60s/s1600/IMG_8924.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonito as you've never tasted it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bonito was something of a paradox – slightly smoked and yet
lusciously raw, the richness of the fish tempered slightly with the wood note
and paired wonderfully with sweet-sour pomelo and shaved fennel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But don’t think meat gets overlooked; lamb, quail and 150-day
dry aged beef were on the menu, and we picked the first for our taste of the
heavier stuff. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO4z-WHSwykgFUQvdi5y3EHGl8pKUGPFuU_1-RqxPFpdOkyFjs9wwa2Mf1DFLbHbHCRojZ5eSZ3nRqMZO9ZUu4TDQldDUqfEtQeaMS82-pI0y6kPZCTNEDg3lXuUK1Zm9RZYZgHN9MIA/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO4z-WHSwykgFUQvdi5y3EHGl8pKUGPFuU_1-RqxPFpdOkyFjs9wwa2Mf1DFLbHbHCRojZ5eSZ3nRqMZO9ZUu4TDQldDUqfEtQeaMS82-pI0y6kPZCTNEDg3lXuUK1Zm9RZYZgHN9MIA/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lamb rump reminded me just how good this meat can be</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lamb Rump Cap ($42) looked glorious and proved to be tender,
juicy and swarming with honest flavour (grapevines used for firing this baby).
Even the cavolo nero sitting beneath the meat tasted winning, joined by plump
and tasty borlotti beans in a sumptuous sauce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was the simplicity of it all that we loved the most. For
all the conceptual intricacy, Firedoor is about presenting excellent
ingredients at their best, with a few careful enhancements merely serving to
light them flatteringly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XoJZUZti0evAFbI8Rup5_HvGfiGdhHDrIb1l1tpAmgehV0A9NBaz6gz4W01jKzuYgyyCRsHqHl8ixvKlxe9KZ-HG7ZP7xRzlXby4I_VnYEyYtN-HFS3loK8tlstFULqx54hDy_Ern5w/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XoJZUZti0evAFbI8Rup5_HvGfiGdhHDrIb1l1tpAmgehV0A9NBaz6gz4W01jKzuYgyyCRsHqHl8ixvKlxe9KZ-HG7ZP7xRzlXby4I_VnYEyYtN-HFS3loK8tlstFULqx54hDy_Ern5w/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table arrangement allows for communal eating or a bit of privacy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s seriously fine food yet the sort of grub you could eat
every single day if you had the money, so fresh and wholesome and honest it was.
Plus the portions were more generous than I had expected, so the bill seemed
fair for the fabulousness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firedoor certainly lit a blaze of enthusiasm within me and I
am scanning the calendar for the next opportunity to eat Hestie’s smoky
sensations. Don’t be cautious about it’s newbie status – Firedoor has hit its
stride from day one and is burning up the competition in Surry Hills with
gusto. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgRBDNDvSLhurj1d7Z0iGer5Ern10i-xqk0Rj-harFq57bWeOCUqy6CmkoRhHG-92hkYoMpnkL1A4t0mK5R94_niLB6m1mJ0SsOXnhR6IvOYRApk9c_akppeRTSG-AdHnBjRFySS0N7Y/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgRBDNDvSLhurj1d7Z0iGer5Ern10i-xqk0Rj-harFq57bWeOCUqy6CmkoRhHG-92hkYoMpnkL1A4t0mK5R94_niLB6m1mJ0SsOXnhR6IvOYRApk9c_akppeRTSG-AdHnBjRFySS0N7Y/s1600/IMG_8898.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Firedoor</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23-33 Mary Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surry Hills<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2010<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
02 8204 0800<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:info@firedoor.com.au" target="_blank">info@firedoor.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.firedoor.com.au/" target="_blank">www.firedoor.com.au</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 5.30pm-10.30pm, Friday 12pm-3pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-42094406274932420692015-04-20T23:08:00.000-07:002015-04-20T23:08:11.409-07:00Social Brew and Gourmandise de Paris: Pyrmont lunch crawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzyv2bsLnfExDFc0BEE0SsC9G5j2tFGpZ3CJXCMYHJ2HI4f8oLr-N5U5p_kEVZ8mDrsvCRla82yXkECD2YOVrJhNJ-r3YoYHk43Ar0shcNhVjkzSs3M0hrCGC-cmsPCjwTCr20Jo-Buw/s1600/IMG_8808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzyv2bsLnfExDFc0BEE0SsC9G5j2tFGpZ3CJXCMYHJ2HI4f8oLr-N5U5p_kEVZ8mDrsvCRla82yXkECD2YOVrJhNJ-r3YoYHk43Ar0shcNhVjkzSs3M0hrCGC-cmsPCjwTCr20Jo-Buw/s1600/IMG_8808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b>Where:</b> Social
Brew, Gourmandise de Paris, Pyrmont Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>April 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> lunches and
crepes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday seems to be the day that burgers are craved in our
household, and this Sunday we decided to bold and shun our regular for burger
horizons new.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our feet led us to Social Brew, a café perhaps better known
for its coffee and sweet location on a little square (albeit at a very busy
junction) than its burgers. This neighbourhood joint attracts a steady gaggle
of people at the weekend who either nestle inside the small café or on the
layered terrace area outside.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4DpeiLpL0Inp9IkuHcOppiA9c7Ca7bdC5g1w2ezPkQTGyAVwZQ-YBKekD0noNqBhjvtP88AGgh4P6RALUtvYjeepZWP_MhIjN5SE1_5XTensIvfJ8B3wxdnPmB-AoMY0cN60ZrLXh2g/s1600/IMG_8798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4DpeiLpL0Inp9IkuHcOppiA9c7Ca7bdC5g1w2ezPkQTGyAVwZQ-YBKekD0noNqBhjvtP88AGgh4P6RALUtvYjeepZWP_MhIjN5SE1_5XTensIvfJ8B3wxdnPmB-AoMY0cN60ZrLXh2g/s1600/IMG_8798.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A gloomy paint job can't put a dampener on a lovely corner spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The menu is a pleasing one – all-day breakfast with
interesting options beyond eggs and a lunch menu that covers salads, meatier
mains and the all-important burgers. Drinks move from coffee to tea, smoothies
and juices to bottled liquids, and select evenings offer wine and tapas.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But drinks were not our focus, this was about burgers. We
ordered the only two on the menu – vegetarian and wagyu beef – and were
relieved to see them bouncing towards us in the hands of a very friendly waiter
before too much time had passed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrjPCORu2AWbPBH8dNcg-jEQDIYckfHtcdRl6DuJ5QRvIKTDlAMWa7sjGyhSPwWebzIRcYDyQxUnNzQRSsJmlpkbrNMGrj6laXxl7ksHyplBEyvHzpGvmh7c9WFzoamQ8__uRiGEuMjU/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrjPCORu2AWbPBH8dNcg-jEQDIYckfHtcdRl6DuJ5QRvIKTDlAMWa7sjGyhSPwWebzIRcYDyQxUnNzQRSsJmlpkbrNMGrj6laXxl7ksHyplBEyvHzpGvmh7c9WFzoamQ8__uRiGEuMjU/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG" height="446" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know boards have been overdone and all, but they still make for good burger plates!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Presented on neat wooden boards, both too tall for the
average mouth to handle with grace, the burgers were both well-made patties,
generously laden with fillings and topped and tailed with a very soft and
spongey brioche bun (easy on the mouth but akin to eating a sponge).<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESu7h6z6xeHu_lp4CU8qpsC_FFbORwAWNCByYcr6a0tqnMJhOhcWpLxlaRlGSt8ZsYnN0L2yekTTHKsYrvcOyd80m-29sOAPmKKTJBLQ2TTx5iWqmCUqmwyDwjl4XWc7pFM0LTunFP-Q/s1600/IMG_8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESu7h6z6xeHu_lp4CU8qpsC_FFbORwAWNCByYcr6a0tqnMJhOhcWpLxlaRlGSt8ZsYnN0L2yekTTHKsYrvcOyd80m-29sOAPmKKTJBLQ2TTx5iWqmCUqmwyDwjl4XWc7pFM0LTunFP-Q/s1600/IMG_8801.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vego-burger was just as satisfying as a meaty beast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My vegetarian patty ($18) – a firm, hearty but slightly oily
patty chickpeas, lentils and roasted pine nuts – came topped with a generous
wedge of Persian feta and roasted veggies. A jar of chili sauce delivered a
zing to enliven the veg, and the whole was wholesome and satisfying.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6KXLAD21DT4Dubdc49T5J1RNdy2V0qeRDXBY6uF2-FA9H4Jp_ojt98fFizKpb4e8M8Gh-yomHkHjOE-OMuexnquLxe2cdHMd1sXO-aAbbrqvgsOJL5B2NiG8njovaXTMS5GzUwYhl8A/s1600/IMG_8803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6KXLAD21DT4Dubdc49T5J1RNdy2V0qeRDXBY6uF2-FA9H4Jp_ojt98fFizKpb4e8M8Gh-yomHkHjOE-OMuexnquLxe2cdHMd1sXO-aAbbrqvgsOJL5B2NiG8njovaXTMS5GzUwYhl8A/s1600/IMG_8803.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open presentation conceals just how damn tall it is! How to eat??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Equally satisfying was the wagyu beef burger ($18), a lofty
preposition laden with tomato chutney, grilled onion and cheese and joined on
the board by a little frying pan of crisp, skinny fries.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrD9TiE_J1heg1XK4d3ZeXyQsOPkvNVi1ohjDbY8IrS06RwLLsTgzNeOmVfaC68eknm-Keox42lZtP3fYXp6BeOrFxsR3sfo-cItPHLzMwvpaHjTe1suk2BnkqfrkULeqMlIHvroagEg/s1600/IMG_8800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrD9TiE_J1heg1XK4d3ZeXyQsOPkvNVi1ohjDbY8IrS06RwLLsTgzNeOmVfaC68eknm-Keox42lZtP3fYXp6BeOrFxsR3sfo-cItPHLzMwvpaHjTe1suk2BnkqfrkULeqMlIHvroagEg/s1600/IMG_8800.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu beef burger oozing with cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Food was decent and priced as expected; service was good,
and the menu offers a few more options I would like to come back and eat. I can
see Social Brew becoming a regular haunt.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The walk home took us past Gourmandise de Paris, a French
creperie that we had always threatened to visit when the urge took hold – it seemed
the day was here at last.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-m7GUy1UjuZnFdqT8V6JyhD_bMP_126FhdUnjTUKDF9SMpHZAAq1RqclA8NwzrucsBORN2DKy2Bn1TCzw5nRw29U85TR_95mU5wyySCiTkXFLmWFy2KWRpQMW3tSe0vDhPVlnK_Xo3E/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-m7GUy1UjuZnFdqT8V6JyhD_bMP_126FhdUnjTUKDF9SMpHZAAq1RqclA8NwzrucsBORN2DKy2Bn1TCzw5nRw29U85TR_95mU5wyySCiTkXFLmWFy2KWRpQMW3tSe0vDhPVlnK_Xo3E/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sold on the decor...that is wallpaper pretending to be stone btw..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The place is unashamedly French, complete with staff in
jaunty red berets, stirring French tunes and walls and tables covered in
pictures and signs. There are even elaborate black moustaches on glasses and
tea pot, although not sure how French facial hair is….<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBkt_U57-oagDogZp_nyUDHEJdrvvUqQ4EPY8zA_owVLvf2gGYysqxXqCpX-H8cC08AAsATqxgeGS0id88EcnXXwttfW7uZKRDlWd_apQ-4qMxCQjEcDAR2IPpMhyphenhypheneER1imc4RdM4d_E/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBkt_U57-oagDogZp_nyUDHEJdrvvUqQ4EPY8zA_owVLvf2gGYysqxXqCpX-H8cC08AAsATqxgeGS0id88EcnXXwttfW7uZKRDlWd_apQ-4qMxCQjEcDAR2IPpMhyphenhypheneER1imc4RdM4d_E/s1600/IMG_8812.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'taches are fun, but French?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems a little cramped with table but was cosy
nevertheless, the counter piled reassuringly high with buttery breadibles while
the open kitchen allowed a clear view of Monsier du Crepe doing his thing at
the pan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6cYLEKm2V-buVHMU-2QNyA9RG6v9BLYAVx7d0m7-KGzNsOJFU_ft1FqicGn-Y6eGCLIFm0Pmy9bp0mYkxELPyAQrG-EkwkdmqVv5bizYb_sYnajX_ab_rX_NVC6J6cbzbNWbOX4AVwA/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6cYLEKm2V-buVHMU-2QNyA9RG6v9BLYAVx7d0m7-KGzNsOJFU_ft1FqicGn-Y6eGCLIFm0Pmy9bp0mYkxELPyAQrG-EkwkdmqVv5bizYb_sYnajX_ab_rX_NVC6J6cbzbNWbOX4AVwA/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch your crepes coming to life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The menu has a few breakfast and lunch options (salads,
quiches, croissants), but the crepe is the thing. Savoury and sweet varieties are
available to meet any whim, with extras encouraging personalisation.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FHImVN8Rs_Y12mxF9T_ybRPQzDvGyTUj7usOkIqAviwmx0W6ZVw2x0mj4MmAO19w99EXN8VvLcoSNoP2UBUEbmVmO4Zjc2pSdKMpHX3NZXXG2kPpDa0JjocUrsJPRVfynakig67XMDw/s1600/IMG_8816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FHImVN8Rs_Y12mxF9T_ybRPQzDvGyTUj7usOkIqAviwmx0W6ZVw2x0mj4MmAO19w99EXN8VvLcoSNoP2UBUEbmVmO4Zjc2pSdKMpHX3NZXXG2kPpDa0JjocUrsJPRVfynakig67XMDw/s1600/IMG_8816.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey crepe with almond slivers hiding inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not in the mood for elaborate, I ordered a honey crepe ($6)
with almonds, while the Frenchman plunged in for a Crepe Suzette ($13) – a more
glamorous creature daubed in butter, sugar and orange zest. The waiter whisked
it over, coated it in Grand Marnier and set fire to it at the table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKml8Wh096DZcQ9BJxD3NWLU_I2bBgIDBVAiW3Y6AwlBQf3zr2XeOOBy2ZG2nmBT8eVwUGbXyhDeVpdXbzt1MM5LfXSAyJarCLyi9kjIcBqOnI9M6tznlHGCYHVOKnX_ieFabg2pBxyQ/s1600/IMG_8817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKml8Wh096DZcQ9BJxD3NWLU_I2bBgIDBVAiW3Y6AwlBQf3zr2XeOOBy2ZG2nmBT8eVwUGbXyhDeVpdXbzt1MM5LfXSAyJarCLyi9kjIcBqOnI9M6tznlHGCYHVOKnX_ieFabg2pBxyQ/s1600/IMG_8817.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flambe at the table for the crepe suzette!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And thus the excitement ended. Both pancakes were bland and
rather uninteresting, mine overly sweet and slightly chewy, the almonds those
sad slivers that barely had flavour, while the Suzette was overpowering yet
dull.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQnqtDl6HQ1oD8eefAxae4W1TrBCvN-77D-HR2LVKCuG0sGomsejGZn3MTUdagl-_ZToKJey-TDjyn6-FIHUAxGb94h8IubTyDKXls9SV-KQITRQF-U056eqt3Y53YHPl1h8TqvxgArk/s1600/IMG_8818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQnqtDl6HQ1oD8eefAxae4W1TrBCvN-77D-HR2LVKCuG0sGomsejGZn3MTUdagl-_ZToKJey-TDjyn6-FIHUAxGb94h8IubTyDKXls9SV-KQITRQF-U056eqt3Y53YHPl1h8TqvxgArk/s1600/IMG_8818.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Suzette was drowning in Grand Marnier and somewhat chewy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The décor should have given us a hint – anywhere that needs
to write ‘bonjour’ on the table to prove its Frenchness probably doesn’t have
the subtle art of crepe flipping. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKQUc4qOVOzR9EZCXMHAMhA5Gztpc9VHkS_3F6ZzwAZWxEDD5XjJLgJgtA11aJnp5U9dMDyBKbUce6C_y0fyHRNrWThtL5QZdJP3aGytw_7JOGUAKvmAmbY4VilkRUaBamfT03_KnPjY/s1600/IMG_8806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKQUc4qOVOzR9EZCXMHAMhA5Gztpc9VHkS_3F6ZzwAZWxEDD5XjJLgJgtA11aJnp5U9dMDyBKbUce6C_y0fyHRNrWThtL5QZdJP3aGytw_7JOGUAKvmAmbY4VilkRUaBamfT03_KnPjY/s1600/IMG_8806.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much subtlety in the 'Frenchness'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let’s give the place its due, the staff were <i>charmant</i>, the moustaches were cute, the
menu satisfyingly vast, but, sadly, the raison d’etre – the crepes – were not
worth the trip.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi727Rn3NVWs9UU2oNeh_N7KFt8KWahaznA83DoatEJZHzuyLYNgBiaxvn57vI2P3YBw_EvM31IomL18_ysGozeSig1KHbrbDqncuFMSBt47c9rVIvX1F2xCpIVBATxQujAmRKJoG3g4/s1600/IMG_8815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi727Rn3NVWs9UU2oNeh_N7KFt8KWahaznA83DoatEJZHzuyLYNgBiaxvn57vI2P3YBw_EvM31IomL18_ysGozeSig1KHbrbDqncuFMSBt47c9rVIvX1F2xCpIVBATxQujAmRKJoG3g4/s1600/IMG_8815.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Social Brew<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
224 Harris Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pyrmont<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2009<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: 02 9571 8792<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.facebook.com/socialbrewcafe<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1792552/restaurant/Sydney/Social-Brew-Pyrmont"><img alt="Social Brew on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1792552/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Gourmandise de Paris<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
186-188 Harris Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pyrmont<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2009<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: 02 8065 0078<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
www.gourmandisedeparis.com<o:p></o:p></div>
Open: Monday-Thursday 6am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6am-12am,
Sunday 7am-10pm<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1936444/restaurant/Sydney/Gourmandise-de-Paris-Pyrmont"><img alt="Gourmandise de Paris on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1936444/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-71497526552605814602015-04-14T14:26:00.000-07:002015-04-14T14:26:24.546-07:00Efendy in Balmain: Dip to die for, leave the rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OXbqYIIWwE2EFZvc3GLnVS021JWp1VoWr0c633esT4Yz954hpv01PEhxt4tIjbg3IDJt5OQu0APbqQVnzq20AUuHi3Y1jmg4tbapi_Libzer_3K0-YviGz8xHS67VO_QuKd9tPrIdJw/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OXbqYIIWwE2EFZvc3GLnVS021JWp1VoWr0c633esT4Yz954hpv01PEhxt4tIjbg3IDJt5OQu0APbqQVnzq20AUuHi3Y1jmg4tbapi_Libzer_3K0-YviGz8xHS67VO_QuKd9tPrIdJw/s1600/IMG_8777.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Efendy,
Balmain, Sydney, Australia</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>April 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> Turkish<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Efendy had everything going for it – a sun-dappled
courtyard, a cosy restaurant with funky décor and a roaring fire, and the tantalising
prospect of my first Middle Eastern grub since washing up in Sydney six months
ago. I spotted baba ganoush on the menu, smelt lamb roasting on a spit, and I
had no choice but to pull up a chair and prepare to be in heaven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it all started off well. The staff were friendly, the
menu was filled with many things I could eat for the rest of my life, and the
ambiance was chilled and charming, gorgeous things rushing out of the kitchen
to sway our decisions as we poured over the menu.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy65ZzhJPX1NtRt2rUfbwCAnatRcOyy1AL2egeYw73Wvl_0jJCd51ec3p1h8QEEZPR4odR6vjIJkNCnq9k7cYAGkkaWDF5bCidi3EpllDTQK3YSQdiL1wgOAJNrrR6ue7uoZyac8zNUTQ/s1600/IMG_8784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy65ZzhJPX1NtRt2rUfbwCAnatRcOyy1AL2egeYw73Wvl_0jJCd51ec3p1h8QEEZPR4odR6vjIJkNCnq9k7cYAGkkaWDF5bCidi3EpllDTQK3YSQdiL1wgOAJNrrR6ue7uoZyac8zNUTQ/s1600/IMG_8784.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posters on the wall add an informality to the interior</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Efendy is situated in a generous corner spot off Balmain’s
busy high street and grand gates give way to a neat courtyard and a charming
multi-floored building that is cosy and bright. The plates were pretty, the
walls splashed with colour, and a Wishing Tree sat beside out table in the
courtyard – darling indeed.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3FxLIbWCIjZqr3BLID-vMCehYPQcRGx0m-2-imWDCN_ILiWEHUcObZ9j5oyoajXZ6znUI5ffqCrVIg4tM3fr_iLPxj1cCvLY6J2jbeNDF3aBljjRUmCkBDEDbraXDFMO5ohXpRO_2FI/s1600/IMG_8780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3FxLIbWCIjZqr3BLID-vMCehYPQcRGx0m-2-imWDCN_ILiWEHUcObZ9j5oyoajXZ6znUI5ffqCrVIg4tM3fr_iLPxj1cCvLY6J2jbeNDF3aBljjRUmCkBDEDbraXDFMO5ohXpRO_2FI/s1600/IMG_8780.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It could almost be dining in a home, complete with roaring fire!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orders were placed with smiling staff and the food shuttled
out to us with minimal delay. From the first taste of baba ganoush ($14) licked
off a warm, springy pita enough I was sent to my happy place.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohXBy1Nk-mgnPl9AnMFMoJUcnKa4wsbgofwqAu3XbcmdH_H5deXGOxyrWJxkIolnEgg1gHUQVeW_y6O57wzS-pyd0cI_5MLBcNOeDnaA50GZyOUOk7_dKzSiW05_64ew27Y_eg-MgMTQ/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohXBy1Nk-mgnPl9AnMFMoJUcnKa4wsbgofwqAu3XbcmdH_H5deXGOxyrWJxkIolnEgg1gHUQVeW_y6O57wzS-pyd0cI_5MLBcNOeDnaA50GZyOUOk7_dKzSiW05_64ew27Y_eg-MgMTQ/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baba Ganoush, I pine for you....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was seriously superior eggplant dip, smoky and smooth
with a wonderful sweetness from pomegranate seeks laden on top, and I felt
certain that any place that can nail a dip and bread was going to be a top
lunch choice.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEtn9FLROKdg5wc_WM2wHBuQgnsP8LALQ88ggk_87tftQJG3jNEjxErCrPIT1cZZU2vzR8z8T5AHZgx6eUyxvnO3AfGH8-7ugggXPk3u2dkTXcqNg3SjShLPD-0FLqIgAz4N7S9bWPMo/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEtn9FLROKdg5wc_WM2wHBuQgnsP8LALQ88ggk_87tftQJG3jNEjxErCrPIT1cZZU2vzR8z8T5AHZgx6eUyxvnO3AfGH8-7ugggXPk3u2dkTXcqNg3SjShLPD-0FLqIgAz4N7S9bWPMo/s1600/IMG_8790.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refreshing Omer Special</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then my Omer Special ($8) beverage arrived – the cost of
a wine but consisting of pomegranate juice, soda, mint and lemon. It was
refreshing but rather uninspiring – and it was quickly followed by a rather
ok-ish plate of Pirasa ($17).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyzvAc-1dvOt_WvW4TK62qHTGc2mup1NMM8xRpIQgGcFelefXK4ALnbzpknKUuhH06IWq9Mkp7VAWgBLg9aVba6AjpWzhHKGWBXLN66HXqix5lGcfyo2-B5vwdryrVXBb9rPzcXyipTo/s1600/IMG_8785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyzvAc-1dvOt_WvW4TK62qHTGc2mup1NMM8xRpIQgGcFelefXK4ALnbzpknKUuhH06IWq9Mkp7VAWgBLg9aVba6AjpWzhHKGWBXLN66HXqix5lGcfyo2-B5vwdryrVXBb9rPzcXyipTo/s1600/IMG_8785.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit portion of Pirasa didn't bowl me over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your Turkish not the best? Pirasa is leeks braised in olive
oil with slithers of purple and Dutch carrots that all hung out in a thin
tomato sauce. It was pleasing but forgettable, with the portion somewhat small
for the price, and I felt my high hopes begin to falter.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4ozqz4T4bjJVs6Fwse0kqE8z6odYkHvsqrkwuZ9JXT1wH95JU1dBuVrpUUkXDfopZkEPrqlDVVMTBKIM44VFXPtLNOsimCXoUVmL1OI_KdVSIqc7X5S4zF8S4jrPQ2i0cex1_RHp1eA/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4ozqz4T4bjJVs6Fwse0kqE8z6odYkHvsqrkwuZ9JXT1wH95JU1dBuVrpUUkXDfopZkEPrqlDVVMTBKIM44VFXPtLNOsimCXoUVmL1OI_KdVSIqc7X5S4zF8S4jrPQ2i0cex1_RHp1eA/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb carved off the rotisserie comes with pita, pickles and spices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Last out was the lamb - $27 for 250g off the rotisserie –
which looked attractive, sprawled in a pitta bread bowl and accompanied by
spices and pickles. The pickles were a bit superfluous if authentic – hummus
would have been nicer – and the meat was a decent portion if nothing to stretch
the belly too much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UqcY3E849QVWdC4Fv9lygi1ySHyvFiw9rk5QxjS8bX5uvMCvbEMpHGyTOl-j4SZjgrvI8SRvvGm_7LqY3AFUqCGc3rWbcCJdndZruYvLCxW0GCE0Ayf-LyA-nH7bnLusn6sP6H0jgmQ/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UqcY3E849QVWdC4Fv9lygi1ySHyvFiw9rk5QxjS8bX5uvMCvbEMpHGyTOl-j4SZjgrvI8SRvvGm_7LqY3AFUqCGc3rWbcCJdndZruYvLCxW0GCE0Ayf-LyA-nH7bnLusn6sP6H0jgmQ/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks succulent, but our portion was a little tough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The meat cooking was inconsistent, with the odd tender bit
lost amid the chewy, tough, fatty sags of meat, some charred with burnt spice,
and the aftertaste was of old oil, killing my enthusiasm with each morsel.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmqsmIYVeY634E3dr3OPPNNA21aJZ7Jk9BLkkHyoEnZXGItx1kc4ppvqX6cSPys8IrHgIA2k3XZ6JoCd7vzf7IJTg1-K78nYYjRer534Gnl7GJw71M-WFiJUxfiFobvmaQ9fAbuLj74s/s1600/IMG_8788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmqsmIYVeY634E3dr3OPPNNA21aJZ7Jk9BLkkHyoEnZXGItx1kc4ppvqX6cSPys8IrHgIA2k3XZ6JoCd7vzf7IJTg1-K78nYYjRer534Gnl7GJw71M-WFiJUxfiFobvmaQ9fAbuLj74s/s1600/IMG_8788.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't fault the warm and springy pita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Were we just unlucky? The meat on the rotisserie looked
tender and succulent and folk of Turkish sih descent were happily tucking in to
similar platefuls, the lamb seeming a serious step down from the heavenly baba
ganoush that opened the meal.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJDEGEUv622uCppEUD8UJO3IrlaAw27XK1XZWdmQGrPXcZmEzHxAtsMeLevFL7ktEN3nTMawXyUjCHzyGLIdoc3iEtThf-89AKYqNKqwgHfYI_PB5mvzQZuw5EKq5Ejq1zit5DU7yfaA/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJDEGEUv622uCppEUD8UJO3IrlaAw27XK1XZWdmQGrPXcZmEzHxAtsMeLevFL7ktEN3nTMawXyUjCHzyGLIdoc3iEtThf-89AKYqNKqwgHfYI_PB5mvzQZuw5EKq5Ejq1zit5DU7yfaA/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute crockery adds a nice touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I won’t lie, I felt disappointed. I was geared up for a
cosy, rich and satisfying Turkish meal and instead I was left lethargic,
wishing we had just ordered six bowls of baba ganoush with bread and left it at
that.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmTg89veg3b9DRsZD3nomsY3XXsveI1bCiWSdQRPjEGLMrMJl2VG-U_ABKmh_esYnXvXje9HLUPjU41h_UDey-oj6qxwXWUcZtN9pppBbn4e8Z2vIicn_Y_M0DYNC1Bmpe-BtWgltNfc/s1600/IMG_8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmTg89veg3b9DRsZD3nomsY3XXsveI1bCiWSdQRPjEGLMrMJl2VG-U_ABKmh_esYnXvXje9HLUPjU41h_UDey-oj6qxwXWUcZtN9pppBbn4e8Z2vIicn_Y_M0DYNC1Bmpe-BtWgltNfc/s1600/IMG_8776.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well now you know about Efendy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That isn’t to say other things might be great, and the joint
has won awards for its Van breakfast – a plank laden a wooden plank with fresh
and tasty goodies ($29). But would I return to try it out? Hmmmm…….</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsopNlk64aNQHDr-dk_bkLY5O954TbEtaGfiR6fG8t-Jk2eIov1U3zk-2jXQ9qMRafVrvkyPsm8sXlK82E6mnBzrt32y9E6TuFWqDPYxAcS2z2PobcPTwiEIjXT_vZ-gIGDWS9noJoBA/s1600/IMG_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsopNlk64aNQHDr-dk_bkLY5O954TbEtaGfiR6fG8t-Jk2eIov1U3zk-2jXQ9qMRafVrvkyPsm8sXlK82E6mnBzrt32y9E6TuFWqDPYxAcS2z2PobcPTwiEIjXT_vZ-gIGDWS9noJoBA/s1600/IMG_8795.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bill comes in a Turkish comic for some light entertainment to distract you from the figures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What did surprise me was the decent wine list and a
collection of fun cocktails – not always expected in a Middle Eastern
restaurant – so I could imagine a dusk spent watching the sun set in the
courtyard, nibbling breads and mezzes with a bottle or two could be quite
satisfying.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKubGP8qESEfkg4JFvNNSos6-ejGJ-PaUAqgoRRwUCXLu09jRe_UyfYFOZctxZVNNEc8QKr0GfaQa8JX2dNN6IIhvkao1l5rP1fV5yn9D-KX0qmXDhgMDWwSeiYVSBlLfi3yrXDh3z74/s1600/IMG_8782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKubGP8qESEfkg4JFvNNSos6-ejGJ-PaUAqgoRRwUCXLu09jRe_UyfYFOZctxZVNNEc8QKr0GfaQa8JX2dNN6IIhvkao1l5rP1fV5yn9D-KX0qmXDhgMDWwSeiYVSBlLfi3yrXDh3z74/s1600/IMG_8782.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Efendy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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79 Eliot Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Balmain<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2041<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 02 9810 5466<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.efendy.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Open: Lunch Friday-Sunday, Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Breakfast
Sunday only<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/750755/restaurant/Sydney/Efendy-Restaurant-meze-bar-Balmain"><img alt="Efendy Restaurant | meze bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/750755/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-7226474713945462822015-04-10T02:54:00.000-07:002015-04-10T16:25:03.066-07:00Haven Cafe in Surry Hills: Coffee to suit you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fQ0S6GJ8yA0IHO_GbXmxEEn3sJhfCGThIuSONgjjLWn0yutDlAbAlez1YzuVJemjfkANEaEtoCqn125iKjvab-Frn-UZ3LVhkq6o8ySM0BVN48FyBr_kGy3HpeCNel3agG4m5HuyPr8/s1600/IMG_8730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fQ0S6GJ8yA0IHO_GbXmxEEn3sJhfCGThIuSONgjjLWn0yutDlAbAlez1YzuVJemjfkANEaEtoCqn125iKjvab-Frn-UZ3LVhkq6o8ySM0BVN48FyBr_kGy3HpeCNel3agG4m5HuyPr8/s1600/IMG_8730.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Haven Cafe,
Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>April 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> tailored
coffee and café food<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney certainly seems to the city of cafes, and there is no
higher proportion of them than in Surry Hills, where you can't swing a cat without crashing it through the front window of a sandwich or coffee place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do all these coffee folk survive in a
seriously competitive market? Easy - do something no one else is doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haven cafe, in the shade of Central station, has certainly hit the mark when it comes to unique, and I warrant this is the only coffee place in the city where your beverage is tailored to suit you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO2pyFvy3umimSQ9ZWRYABFZvjiEmdPclPTWSB0oI3Eq0SBevJEd2aacNDiQXtTiTym6qFmzgcfKuKixl1V-CFGYCKO6GejlVOYtId9J3Vz0i6MfHrSjR1_7phMIJaR9mp3igcfMWh08/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO2pyFvy3umimSQ9ZWRYABFZvjiEmdPclPTWSB0oI3Eq0SBevJEd2aacNDiQXtTiTym6qFmzgcfKuKixl1V-CFGYCKO6GejlVOYtId9J3Vz0i6MfHrSjR1_7phMIJaR9mp3igcfMWh08/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cafe is a haven for caffeine seekers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No I don’t mean ‘would you like milk with that’, Haven
coffees are built around your preferences, with the sweetness, aftertaste, acidity
and flavours all altered to suit your preference. The coffee even comes complete with a little bowl of
suitable snacks (chocolate, almonds or currants) to enhance the desired taste profile. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRGj7UHzyHO-6NglXFHOFPTQNNCOvNQCvJHW7KQQITswROabDhEQA1Z59RpUj_HsbNu9PXvaMqBgNbln4GDbk5NqEYWOBXZXmp04eS4nZCB4NOP5H9ETnXsi0N65ceykeEaWIjQAHVxQ/s1600/IMG_8721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRGj7UHzyHO-6NglXFHOFPTQNNCOvNQCvJHW7KQQITswROabDhEQA1Z59RpUj_HsbNu9PXvaMqBgNbln4GDbk5NqEYWOBXZXmp04eS4nZCB4NOP5H9ETnXsi0N65ceykeEaWIjQAHVxQ/s1600/IMG_8721.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee made just for you - sounds like a winner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p>Obviously such an approach needs a brain behind it, and who better than Bruno Koo, an award winning barista and </o:p>former world barista championship judge who oozes with knowledge and enthusiasm. He has trained his fellow baristas to a similar high level, and promises that these tailored coffees take no longer than a 'regular' coffee - and yes those are available at Haven if you are too tired to think. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7k2kD_Jenka3ZqO4xjqhNa6_2xQv56b2OlngzFLFVsQx3XowFy9Q0PBnKgTyMvlfTEBx14qUKvsjV9YaEU_Ejta4mPR1urS2FmHZgo_WgAu0XrnAttjjHjg69vR9clETR3NxDztR5B0/s1600/IMG_8742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7k2kD_Jenka3ZqO4xjqhNa6_2xQv56b2OlngzFLFVsQx3XowFy9Q0PBnKgTyMvlfTEBx14qUKvsjV9YaEU_Ejta4mPR1urS2FmHZgo_WgAu0XrnAttjjHjg69vR9clETR3NxDztR5B0/s1600/IMG_8742.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bruno Koo is an experienced and knowledgeable barista</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Haven is not just about the coffee – they also have a
superb range of loose leaf tea and superior hot chocolate (made with real
chocolate peeps) – and you would be a fool not to sample some of the food when
you stop by for a caffeine fix.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A21m63cyLDY829TFe_r3Kf4rXYX6tQ0FP78Rr-sX2FQomBDEQTGByFsFTn-5K-bRaGRseuKmTeyl3TLHvWFNkw7kd5_RCj5J28KxhAbKv9kFHdXrKPwNAIoJ87VPWutfBUiiJj2BloE/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A21m63cyLDY829TFe_r3Kf4rXYX6tQ0FP78Rr-sX2FQomBDEQTGByFsFTn-5K-bRaGRseuKmTeyl3TLHvWFNkw7kd5_RCj5J28KxhAbKv9kFHdXrKPwNAIoJ87VPWutfBUiiJj2BloE/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that is what I call a tea pot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Edibles are the domain of chef Thomas Spencer Taylor, and
his commitment to healthy, organic and local is music to my ears and translates
into tasty and wholesome breakfast, lunch and brunch options, not to mention some
fine pastries and cakes for afters (less healthy, admittedly).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7iuO1RKzlzBD6mDmKdLI_W6MItImLhwcpWNS8A_XjR5pRQlxNvnPhJ_aeg2Pw7NhJxTVp5KoVYrxT075q1e9ENa-ve2Tla5ZM3zUrikVlgltz8O_hfQ51eKXXqr3_rWlZduqlbE86CM/s1600/IMG_8735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7iuO1RKzlzBD6mDmKdLI_W6MItImLhwcpWNS8A_XjR5pRQlxNvnPhJ_aeg2Pw7NhJxTVp5KoVYrxT075q1e9ENa-ve2Tla5ZM3zUrikVlgltz8O_hfQ51eKXXqr3_rWlZduqlbE86CM/s1600/IMG_8735.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food is fresh, tasty and conscious of providence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eggs, toast, quinoa porridge and plum parfait are some of
the stars of breakfast, while lunch can be light with a kale chicken Caesar, or
hefty with their signature Pork Belly Kimcheese Burger ($20), which combines
cheese, spicy kimchee and pork inside a fluffy bun for quite an extraordinary bite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlgy9KgMLIPt_iSyBbXDYTvdId7xpbCFgNxPVNuCxZapDAQmxjlOw_s-7sBlAr3inBN-MokK0CnSAgbJ81IsvqKc3F_ICU4w0TLrCbmKkLnTpWqzSm_x1RobOkFLg_23L9_MUNCRYDnk/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlgy9KgMLIPt_iSyBbXDYTvdId7xpbCFgNxPVNuCxZapDAQmxjlOw_s-7sBlAr3inBN-MokK0CnSAgbJ81IsvqKc3F_ICU4w0TLrCbmKkLnTpWqzSm_x1RobOkFLg_23L9_MUNCRYDnk/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork belly, kimchee, cheese, apple, kale, radish and sesame omelette - wowza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As this was a launch event, the canapes were small bites of
larger dishes on the menu – fresh cubes of watermelon topped with housemade yoghurt,
currants, pumpkin seeds and roasted plum reduction were a mini version of the
Forest of Melon ($16).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-T3eB6e6Sb3f96QWenGNLsWAUH5sSb6dCT2PdF5BKmoCAi-rAY4ekRIy-JLYuuymiAGWgs9WV53_oNLq5Rxt5dbhLseHko5yvo7OixA1G77_AzNoNI1r0TCDQQUxEE1sVOpWBJfu1T8/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-T3eB6e6Sb3f96QWenGNLsWAUH5sSb6dCT2PdF5BKmoCAi-rAY4ekRIy-JLYuuymiAGWgs9WV53_oNLq5Rxt5dbhLseHko5yvo7OixA1G77_AzNoNI1r0TCDQQUxEE1sVOpWBJfu1T8/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The humble watermelon dazzles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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There were also little tasters of roasted pumpkin topped
with Goat’s cheese, pomegranate, pumpkin seeds and tahini dressing as a small
version of the same ($16). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL-AWJ1kieaQDcFgZiOokj7H2xXFqt5LZXTHGCbujXovlhC8nWd9eKkKn-z-MBwfD4OfUGAIGYJd-ZhXJolb5p13DHqnIWExmwE95jhRCCDi4bbzzspALBcA92M6BcA2nE_aGD8HBa28/s1600/IMG_8728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL-AWJ1kieaQDcFgZiOokj7H2xXFqt5LZXTHGCbujXovlhC8nWd9eKkKn-z-MBwfD4OfUGAIGYJd-ZhXJolb5p13DHqnIWExmwE95jhRCCDi4bbzzspALBcA92M6BcA2nE_aGD8HBa28/s1600/IMG_8728.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted pumpkin and Goat's cheese - always a tasty combo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We were told good things of the cakes and
pastries (perfect for garb and go when the coffee is ready), while the menu offers two puds: a Soy Chai Pannacotta and a ‘Masfogato’
(brownie with frozen Marsacpone and an espresso shot). Creativity but comfort - a welcome approach.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEujtSdZZrP3-ZHMwZhtgMnxMJ_ar2EfR4mzcC4z6dP-8jIGF4fPf5_RvJySdpveTmhv1aCmodGd1_G1GXqbNIzBfCvjxGKIxf3hzX6IlGb6VnLvZHsB0PdxLNTZsic50G1gqceZA57Xw/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEujtSdZZrP3-ZHMwZhtgMnxMJ_ar2EfR4mzcC4z6dP-8jIGF4fPf5_RvJySdpveTmhv1aCmodGd1_G1GXqbNIzBfCvjxGKIxf3hzX6IlGb6VnLvZHsB0PdxLNTZsic50G1gqceZA57Xw/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cakes will make for great companions to your coffee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Despite being more-of-a-tea-person, I loved the idea of
tailoring a coffee to suit the palate and was impressed with Bruno’s knowledge
and passion. This is no gimmick, and with reasonable prices to match a
reasonable waiting time for creation, you’d be silly to go elsewhere for you fix.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaPKkF5Vo3XEfCTK-4aHyWfoyfvxsOHJj1gsMU7T8v88YoFga9TA9X2K1h8t4wK1Arh_ZJyDSkT6DXjjPJci3J8iTc7_sPsHDWkqvQ5bh9bJJMfKv8Ir1IFRVoM-2azsCv0Hq95WKtPE/s1600/IMG_8724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaPKkF5Vo3XEfCTK-4aHyWfoyfvxsOHJj1gsMU7T8v88YoFga9TA9X2K1h8t4wK1Arh_ZJyDSkT6DXjjPJci3J8iTc7_sPsHDWkqvQ5bh9bJJMfKv8Ir1IFRVoM-2azsCv0Hq95WKtPE/s1600/IMG_8724.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposed ceiling, wood and bricks fit the trend for clean-industrial in Surry Hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was also charmed by the spacious and bright café –
windows, pale wood, and a coffee bar stretching to the open kitchen all made
for an appealing ambiance – and would certainly chalk this up as a lunch option
or a place for grabbing some treats before catching a train. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4qbZlhHeFfwAfKIUzCfTXqLZCPzbdqlJJFVyXqQBT1kutOWQKUhs1VChAJ1Bg6-5pUX5RT1rC53nmm_PZTBClIlu_NqKnUpCB_FPj6jYzSGzX5B79i4SDe3US5nSu2KXPflUG1pxpMc/s1600/IMG_8731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4qbZlhHeFfwAfKIUzCfTXqLZCPzbdqlJJFVyXqQBT1kutOWQKUhs1VChAJ1Bg6-5pUX5RT1rC53nmm_PZTBClIlu_NqKnUpCB_FPj6jYzSGzX5B79i4SDe3US5nSu2KXPflUG1pxpMc/s1600/IMG_8731.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Haven Cafe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30-34 Chalmers Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surry Hills<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2010<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: 02 <o:p></o:p></div>
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www.tailoringcoffeejoyously.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1939066/restaurant/Sydney/Haven-Surry-Hills"><img alt="Haven on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1939066/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-27404651040546760142015-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:002015-04-10T16:24:17.853-07:00Bang Street Food in Surry Hills: Explosive flavours, super service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVYytoxsMk8fZLPMDSIIAk2TsnlK8wTkm_Yqv0KeSuzCldAxTMOLgmOrMEzJVsIWMUjVvM-RU0gQfeJQYsrOHHru9Q5GZlIg9a_CoqUiSQC2ETWc7nwT0-T9GCZn6Ta6mZOI7P2AkjQE/s1600/IMG_8754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVYytoxsMk8fZLPMDSIIAk2TsnlK8wTkm_Yqv0KeSuzCldAxTMOLgmOrMEzJVsIWMUjVvM-RU0gQfeJQYsrOHHru9Q5GZlIg9a_CoqUiSQC2ETWc7nwT0-T9GCZn6Ta6mZOI7P2AkjQE/s1600/IMG_8754.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Bang
Street Food, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> Bangladeshi
street food<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been itching to get myself to Bang since it opened a
few months ago, lured by the promise of funky and explosively-flavoured Bangladeshi
street food in a cool corner of Surry Hills. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet it is not the easiest place to find, tucked inside a
rather drab brick building that looks more like an insurance brokers than a
gloomy but welcoming street food joint where the staff where jaunty t-shirts
and are attentive to a tee.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9jAV7oPV3Bd4KRrRisS29mDZWdInMXYqvwlohECEjp352f-FN6ojPDDEV_IX7KBTePSXGj9Uczz0Fz6kFeRremPgM__Qhuulovik82fRPu9XN9SawlhLk_U04w79-O7OMcvNZXf2Mhk/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9jAV7oPV3Bd4KRrRisS29mDZWdInMXYqvwlohECEjp352f-FN6ojPDDEV_IX7KBTePSXGj9Uczz0Fz6kFeRremPgM__Qhuulovik82fRPu9XN9SawlhLk_U04w79-O7OMcvNZXf2Mhk/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick walls and exposed pipes give the place an industrial feel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was asked at least three times if I wanted a drink within minutes of arriving, and
two kindly ladies came to take our order in quick succession, explaining how
the menu operates: snacks, entrees and mains are flung together, followed by
some sides and desserts, and I challenge you to not simply want to order
everything on the menu.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ykLQZJ6D9xFB62k4FlSQxdJHeHW5KXnltArv7FRAiA1eTEQ84kApcjZ9_1Mxcq-3g4biZxL5AdpViBhso1TusRrPNuxfVnyKvGo552HbMeHhqKGRHYEBdaBnjnfV1PihKZP8VSgX4-I/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ykLQZJ6D9xFB62k4FlSQxdJHeHW5KXnltArv7FRAiA1eTEQ84kApcjZ9_1Mxcq-3g4biZxL5AdpViBhso1TusRrPNuxfVnyKvGo552HbMeHhqKGRHYEBdaBnjnfV1PihKZP8VSgX4-I/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well you can have almost everything for $55..wowza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Street food is something of a superfluous term – these are
restaurant prices for Bangladeshi bites that may not be the largest of portion
but rock out in terms of construction, delivery and flavour.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYyuDZxum5CXUrJy5Q04zCZWWFgj0b90FIcbi3e1pSBmyDpw0_XjlogbyhfuBwLCP-VBhH2yZ21naShkzr0SbsfBp-USwSHIiGyhhqztqcie6H6dVEcTYQjkAP0DDXORsJTgo7UUlmW4/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYyuDZxum5CXUrJy5Q04zCZWWFgj0b90FIcbi3e1pSBmyDpw0_XjlogbyhfuBwLCP-VBhH2yZ21naShkzr0SbsfBp-USwSHIiGyhhqztqcie6H6dVEcTYQjkAP0DDXORsJTgo7UUlmW4/s1600/IMG_8753.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute quips on the menu give the place a jaunty vibe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Snacks are mostly of the deep-fried variety, and we ordered a
portion (two pieces) of Dal Puri ($8), small circles of puri stuffed
with lentil dhal and accompanied with a mustard mayo that gave the herby, rich
Dal that final dash of awesomeness.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTMpCloqkR8LduXdrA0PYNmZ_AR0d4fZoT9WGvwr-nhxMgla9u79-WDmbMhs_6sgNcX-VzybQUNawXshzPfWNQiGXatvlHJp_qFIqRYfHhYtZBr5kgy__au9rsIs9xwMNk2NSF49ToHc/s1600/IMG_8752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTMpCloqkR8LduXdrA0PYNmZ_AR0d4fZoT9WGvwr-nhxMgla9u79-WDmbMhs_6sgNcX-VzybQUNawXshzPfWNQiGXatvlHJp_qFIqRYfHhYtZBr5kgy__au9rsIs9xwMNk2NSF49ToHc/s1600/IMG_8752.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dal Puri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Encouraged, we had high hopes and tingles of intrigue at our
entrée of duck egg omelette ($23) with blue swimmer crab, green chilli, grape
tomato and garlic chives. Duck egg omelette doesn't spring to my mind when I
think of street food, and while this orb of egg looked rather unenthusiastic and naked,
it was actually a superbly cooked and flavoured protein bomb. Subtle was the word - and welcome when you consider the flavour hefts that came next - and is a lovely entree for those with an appreciation for a finely cooked omelette.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DP1Tx1kA7IN5KRBhDdS0RXXA5VViyt067atgmWmJt3MY1HXDgRp0-z7NGnLZ7fuVLX1uSj8n5A_FDgDBbxX30I4K9UPQHZ1EHDLKrYxrJ8lKqatHuc-fwHTyKjoLE-xkWC1v0ZsOMgs/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DP1Tx1kA7IN5KRBhDdS0RXXA5VViyt067atgmWmJt3MY1HXDgRp0-z7NGnLZ7fuVLX1uSj8n5A_FDgDBbxX30I4K9UPQHZ1EHDLKrYxrJ8lKqatHuc-fwHTyKjoLE-xkWC1v0ZsOMgs/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duck Omelette was small but exquisitely formed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Two main courses were to complete a filling meal, plus a
side of snake beans ($11) which slipped with a sweet, sticky sauce containing
sultanas and sliced almonds and were impossible to stop picking at.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDt5LxX7MxMpanDkfKWmSfPBsSNF_Kop2TXvD-hsP25m-Z5Nzp0xhnjpp5hB2hyphenhyphenLOk2GPYiMS_ip1MKmh6iMzYc9akwb44_nQNO2p2tQMuxdeReGLmDXb1a2an19d8LK94FBYwt0valM/s1600/IMG_8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDt5LxX7MxMpanDkfKWmSfPBsSNF_Kop2TXvD-hsP25m-Z5Nzp0xhnjpp5hB2hyphenhyphenLOk2GPYiMS_ip1MKmh6iMzYc9akwb44_nQNO2p2tQMuxdeReGLmDXb1a2an19d8LK94FBYwt0valM/s1600/IMG_8759.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snake beans slither with a sweet dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But oh my goodness the main courses. This was the sort of
food that sounds great, looks great, tastes great and leaves a lingering
disappointment when you are full and the plate is empty, and the glorious
moment of eating is gone.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMT_8G70OuQGlqqrIVDNLd2QeS0XDM300rdUUUijNLWrhzHwhRzyy8r6y2o0V2p2qf-AvUfgDrB5iQDP3sAmBginFFnu9bICZMrAI_JIuzdA1hH-6b9AJqPYGgjYqe2I24i1x9nqU-hc/s1600/IMG_8756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMT_8G70OuQGlqqrIVDNLd2QeS0XDM300rdUUUijNLWrhzHwhRzyy8r6y2o0V2p2qf-AvUfgDrB5iQDP3sAmBginFFnu9bICZMrAI_JIuzdA1hH-6b9AJqPYGgjYqe2I24i1x9nqU-hc/s1600/IMG_8756.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail tandoori to send your tastebuds into orbit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Quail tandoori ($28) caught my eye immediately upon
receiving the menu and while it may have looked little more than a jumbled heap
of charred quail limbs, it tasted like something eaten in heaven. The tender,
tasty morsels of quail were coated in a charred, sticky skin that unpacked
spices onto the tongue with ridiculous ease, the flesh flavour and texture complemented by the mushy-sweet
nuggets of eggplant bhorta and the caramalised Dutch carrots hiding beneath.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuZRffmA315FoILOYBU6f2eMXgMBlMe-b1bhaIpfpK-N-Et_L26odnERHWmaXH8aUQn42VYLon1zVxCg59TTxfqadmIT7W7Tg96weJT1VqtTWBGLXC178BogqzdTzW-7Ay2VKMJGv5pc/s1600/IMG_8760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuZRffmA315FoILOYBU6f2eMXgMBlMe-b1bhaIpfpK-N-Et_L26odnERHWmaXH8aUQn42VYLon1zVxCg59TTxfqadmIT7W7Tg96weJT1VqtTWBGLXC178BogqzdTzW-7Ay2VKMJGv5pc/s1600/IMG_8760.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BANG boti kebab is ideal late-night, post-drinks grub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I thought the quail couldn't be beaten, but the BANG boti kebab
($20) stormed in a serious contender, armed with the kebab-indulgence-greasiness comfort factor. A wonderfully pliant and buttery paratha was ready to be rolled around a
gorgeous tender and tasty hangar steak, all of which was offered a slight fire by the daikon and
watercress sprinkled on top.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxXs4nTPpXzaW3pgWtCYBlMgL-3ck0d_MCFrXyFpc0rC5KMY4PCUqkeVAQ81TvUkxn_wycKPUkGmr4z95w7eelMY9Fk5m7rxKZnHVc_TMSCVqZStD6hsMUObDphnyLqbbcs4baHmhGFc/s1600/IMG_8762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxXs4nTPpXzaW3pgWtCYBlMgL-3ck0d_MCFrXyFpc0rC5KMY4PCUqkeVAQ81TvUkxn_wycKPUkGmr4z95w7eelMY9Fk5m7rxKZnHVc_TMSCVqZStD6hsMUObDphnyLqbbcs4baHmhGFc/s1600/IMG_8762.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangar steak to show up the rest of the cow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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The meat was magnificent, both in quality and preparation,
and each mouthful worked together wonderfully, allowing this to disappear
faster than you can say Bangladeshi. More would have been welcome. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Not only did I want to eat those dishes again immediately, I
also wanted to try everything else on the menu, confident now I knew that
things are cooked and balanced with superior skill for a neighbourhood joint.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTUuvkrn2w55TMOdQXyOiSygtOCY-yFeIh_023sDtQht4z0iVASj60e_zrfH13NyyDaDpOUSlm7OH1JYbfkikytH_qiFKFthK0jZMVm-W8w0CMyB-LHEWmsY7cFflkAzUspZa_8yjhFs/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTUuvkrn2w55TMOdQXyOiSygtOCY-yFeIh_023sDtQht4z0iVASj60e_zrfH13NyyDaDpOUSlm7OH1JYbfkikytH_qiFKFthK0jZMVm-W8w0CMyB-LHEWmsY7cFflkAzUspZa_8yjhFs/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benches give a communal dining feel - come with friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Goat curry with chat potato green chilli would tempt me, as
would the Cobia tartare with fennel pollen, coriander seed and tapioca popadom.
Any place that is serving fennel pollen is not as ‘street’ as they like to
think – and the prices are certainly up there with other restaurants in Sydney
(expect to pay $50 for food and one drink per person).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_81DE0-FHti8oNJUk5gMVAw1Z0BdURS8ztGbZ5xamg4LvuB5nQ1YLFLwdlxhP5vyiAL2RyY20_GEGsaiZvpk-ljgEAC_rj6psxyxUv2n5z8l8QlsRV06QpvWKFAAVyRWIlc4r21Uvwt0/s1600/IMG_8763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_81DE0-FHti8oNJUk5gMVAw1Z0BdURS8ztGbZ5xamg4LvuB5nQ1YLFLwdlxhP5vyiAL2RyY20_GEGsaiZvpk-ljgEAC_rj6psxyxUv2n5z8l8QlsRV06QpvWKFAAVyRWIlc4r21Uvwt0/s1600/IMG_8763.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reasonably priced and reasonably interesting cocktauls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Drinks I can’t comment on, antibiotics preventing me from
enjoying the wine list (not much choice by the glass) or the cocktail list (very funky!), but it
would be the latter I would sample on my return visit. Lassis are a good
option for those avoiding the hard stuff, or the staff will keep you topped up with tap water without you even having to ask.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Bang certainly exploded into my hit list, and while I would
have welcomed a little more light (why do all eateries seem to think we like
gloom?), I could not have asked for more flavour, creativity or satisfaction in
the gastronomy department. This is a fun options for a different dinner – seek
it out and celebrate it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityJvStzN05FRqtQE9XQ3t9gX7VFCHY5Z8nhz_z5guTjQdlcGDK4soHIdZzLvpxgfgTYnO6m1mdzp_ksvj-fdUYQ21BO7bkIQlmphv6kP9d7UyPCulRU20paMG6QReklXrC_2rZTk3nkg/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityJvStzN05FRqtQE9XQ3t9gX7VFCHY5Z8nhz_z5guTjQdlcGDK4soHIdZzLvpxgfgTYnO6m1mdzp_ksvj-fdUYQ21BO7bkIQlmphv6kP9d7UyPCulRU20paMG6QReklXrC_2rZTk3nkg/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Bang Street Food<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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3/410 Crown Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surry Hills<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2010<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 02 8354 1096<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.bangstreetfood.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-late, Friday-Saturday 12pm lunch
and 6pm-late<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1930853/restaurant/Sydney/Bang-Street-Food-Surry-Hills"><img alt="Bang Street Food on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1930853/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-17500032310566251612015-03-31T13:14:00.000-07:002015-03-31T13:14:23.371-07:00Masterclass: Pork Cutlets with Warm Fennel and Red Capsicum Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFIhtF5R_56H6gdwkY4V4Yuf2T6zdZhKPlD0tzRsG2yys1yDgIH6fHG_T9a_Drwu0tSf4lVavQDEX7TmhtbU7v6G2TFvO36wAg52sJueIuXv0inO-WpMh1brokefcLTCtnKvTZCdbUrY/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFIhtF5R_56H6gdwkY4V4Yuf2T6zdZhKPlD0tzRsG2yys1yDgIH6fHG_T9a_Drwu0tSf4lVavQDEX7TmhtbU7v6G2TFvO36wAg52sJueIuXv0inO-WpMh1brokefcLTCtnKvTZCdbUrY/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> TAFE NSW
Riverina Institute, Albury, Australia</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> pork
masterclass with Chef Manu Fieldel, Murray Valley Pork (Rivelea)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I would like it to be known that my dedication to this blog
caused a minor incident at the recent pork masterclass you are about to read
about. So busy was I snapping pictures and taking notes that I let my
concentration slip, thrusting a knob of butter into my frying pan when the
thing was at scorching point prompting a whoosh of flames, the fire alarms and,
subsequently, three fireman to turn up looking for the drama.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Thankfully, we were saved by chef Manu Fieldel, a
charismatic French chef known to the Australian public as a judge of reality TV
show <i>My Kitchen Rules</i> and as the face
of a number of good recipe books. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpB6foXGWBkz7HlpGb3l5BjDkHBh6XpLMsvn8zH8oyVky-DFYQCshNMYStHJDMqwuMkkgjX5r_RciRgMUkhqtf3gic5P5Wv5BoYMdQRRSWbAF_6A0Y1b-IddR4m46xppsK6RvwP4I0uk/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpB6foXGWBkz7HlpGb3l5BjDkHBh6XpLMsvn8zH8oyVky-DFYQCshNMYStHJDMqwuMkkgjX5r_RciRgMUkhqtf3gic5P5Wv5BoYMdQRRSWbAF_6A0Y1b-IddR4m46xppsK6RvwP4I0uk/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Manu in action - he has firefighting skills too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But putting out fires in the nick of time was a
supplementary skill to his cooking talents and his role as ambassador for
Aussie brand Murray Valley Pork, with the meat being put through its paces as he guided a group of us through the steps of making <b>Pork Cutlets with Warm Fennel and Red Capsicum Jam</b>.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAJkZM4GzsctnQA5MVHIIrewBrqAyJU2G6UtbwKf94E4tIOpbfHYINz9IQGbc78Rbo42IEDraFDEMN8eQuDxJl-MUVnHqWaVWS3zoljMjiIZXN0cAQVyy_3n5nBrSSoY6a2K88wlGnUI/s1600/IMG_8653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAJkZM4GzsctnQA5MVHIIrewBrqAyJU2G6UtbwKf94E4tIOpbfHYINz9IQGbc78Rbo42IEDraFDEMN8eQuDxJl-MUVnHqWaVWS3zoljMjiIZXN0cAQVyy_3n5nBrSSoY6a2K88wlGnUI/s1600/IMG_8653.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's one I made earlier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was (despite my fire issues) a straightforward and quick
but very tasty dish to make, with the bulk of the time spent slicing fennel,
onion and red peppers and frying them until soft and caramalised.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MbqjBUpQdbW16PpX4-Q2Ft_tJsIcNoqzPk4Dq7bQ0078nSPhR2rcr0BtDXl0NqpQ1r46w6i0Xoiucqvbx2-cIWMcNVI5ma-P4CEdZbq8peDgqIvHl-QN_NgJqdrzMpGI493BQMbuHJU/s1600/IMG_8626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MbqjBUpQdbW16PpX4-Q2Ft_tJsIcNoqzPk4Dq7bQ0078nSPhR2rcr0BtDXl0NqpQ1r46w6i0Xoiucqvbx2-cIWMcNVI5ma-P4CEdZbq8peDgqIvHl-QN_NgJqdrzMpGI493BQMbuHJU/s1600/IMG_8626.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fennel, red pepper and onion ready for the pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To transform the soft veggies to jam, red wine vinegar,
herbs and sugar is added and the mixture is cooked until stewed and sweet.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4PL4QZwXbPH8DhBrWbdEwdSoe4dGMfeOSys9gJ8A9KO6dX7T1RtxW2wsWG_AdX67pma5c0mHFr-q5yEvww87uiCKWIAlsumLKHK61Hbbnycj22Y7I7rs0kK_8c5sOTh8nw1x5VWMnVw/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4PL4QZwXbPH8DhBrWbdEwdSoe4dGMfeOSys9gJ8A9KO6dX7T1RtxW2wsWG_AdX67pma5c0mHFr-q5yEvww87uiCKWIAlsumLKHK61Hbbnycj22Y7I7rs0kK_8c5sOTh8nw1x5VWMnVw/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm jam ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The pork cutlets (from Murray Valley Pork of course) were
glorious hefts of meat that we fried in a hot pan with olive oil, a sprig of
thyme and a garlic clove, before adding butter to the pan and basting the meat.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo00ERzwNyHpHhg1DAQ2Rp1z2EKirVdCWhUpoxEWP9i418775iMNUevYHkmysUT7jZFAorH2aAEz9OdU8GIZ3siVwLH0EEzm4Eah-4rhQ7oEdPqrygBuDWTI8Uu1hKTdg0kY3MLLReZ8/s1600/IMG_8640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo00ERzwNyHpHhg1DAQ2Rp1z2EKirVdCWhUpoxEWP9i418775iMNUevYHkmysUT7jZFAorH2aAEz9OdU8GIZ3siVwLH0EEzm4Eah-4rhQ7oEdPqrygBuDWTI8Uu1hKTdg0kY3MLLReZ8/s1600/IMG_8640.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook to your meat preference - a little pinky and tender is best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that’s it! We served this charming duo with a pork
fillet, pea, asparagus and lemon risotto, a creamy and rich combination topped
with a generous shaving of parmesan.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqWa96GAtfakjygZNInZt5ARRmgTIx5xyKgbLZiljLVljddBMpYwSKMnaSAY5mlSKwDgScl_WHWxAS8G847Vwh4wiJbCCw6lmHrnmMXHbjFKVOBS6nkmlm9DhT5wnpUaUt_xr32BpOtQ/s1600/IMG_8648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqWa96GAtfakjygZNInZt5ARRmgTIx5xyKgbLZiljLVljddBMpYwSKMnaSAY5mlSKwDgScl_WHWxAS8G847Vwh4wiJbCCw6lmHrnmMXHbjFKVOBS6nkmlm9DhT5wnpUaUt_xr32BpOtQ/s1600/IMG_8648.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Risotto is so versatile - any fillings are good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Risottos are easy if a little time consuming, and this one
commences with the pork fillet being fried until crisp, and then removed from
the pan. Next fry the garlic and shallots and add the rice, mixing until the
grains are coated in oil. Add the wine a little at a time, stirring until all
is absorbed, and then starts adding the stock in the same way.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPU4obasP-dJxgpIc2zVeBRO8HeNzA_a0D-iyTNMsVDkVbulJm3ewJ1lglRAP4r2PMm9iIPxVURo0KlZHTFd5lCdQC0kh6m6fHnWO6BjJwFs0zQb9UiR4c72385txd0dNHM1Nzibu1io/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPU4obasP-dJxgpIc2zVeBRO8HeNzA_a0D-iyTNMsVDkVbulJm3ewJ1lglRAP4r2PMm9iIPxVURo0KlZHTFd5lCdQC0kh6m6fHnWO6BjJwFs0zQb9UiR4c72385txd0dNHM1Nzibu1io/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of liquid, lots of stirring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Complete by stirring in the peas, asparagus, pork, lemon
juice, butter, parmesan and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuVS5B5R7AnOWiPchqj94HJ5PJEku7uH8Moo0TOcBm8w__sQrh4tHvUBJXdq4CRuGJr85r4kcJLRQa-Uvh4X0zn9Xt0-0GrxQz7kFKc-pyDQnKtHZ5DKb7Q6B1gfKmk-CQ-zF91TVmcQ/s1600/IMG_8652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuVS5B5R7AnOWiPchqj94HJ5PJEku7uH8Moo0TOcBm8w__sQrh4tHvUBJXdq4CRuGJr85r4kcJLRQa-Uvh4X0zn9Xt0-0GrxQz7kFKc-pyDQnKtHZ5DKb7Q6B1gfKmk-CQ-zF91TVmcQ/s1600/IMG_8652.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table is set for luncheon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We were then ushered into a neatly laid dining room to enjoy
our food and be looked after by the TAFE students who had allowed us to use
their teaching kitchens for the morning. The hospitality students had served us
coffee upon arrival while the patisserie and bakery students had created so
many splendours, from a chocolate Eiffel Tower (in Manu’s honour) to selection of sweet treats to complete our
meal and ensure not a stomach left the table unladen.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxVaAtYHCMtWB5olF163fp50V2S0-2Cu7HQ_ESThBghm9bsDXJT3Q2ZsZzesZBau2lHJE-KTr7yc0cJPQr2JPxkK9D3fUyhqsSmOos0vBeDLQ43ITcODVFQrtUd3A-6Z9An9KvkJwU9E/s1600/IMG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxVaAtYHCMtWB5olF163fp50V2S0-2Cu7HQ_ESThBghm9bsDXJT3Q2ZsZzesZBau2lHJE-KTr7yc0cJPQr2JPxkK9D3fUyhqsSmOos0vBeDLQ43ITcODVFQrtUd3A-6Z9An9KvkJwU9E/s1600/IMG_8617.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TAFE patisserie students showed off their skills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am not a regular pork eater, but I was impressed with the
ease of this very tasty dish – its definitely one to try at home for a super
midweek dinner.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW4T2lMRPP1CyVp5MRfYN6aXfMvjQAL90zG8M95cL8edN6zgF0G4r-SFmzFx9aDLNvpjnKqsou7O_SqHR3-S9SuTGq7U2-77QEqWz1QvaJFIRM4uIBu7r-V1lCnBV8_J3eX2ynfmQgeM/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW4T2lMRPP1CyVp5MRfYN6aXfMvjQAL90zG8M95cL8edN6zgF0G4r-SFmzFx9aDLNvpjnKqsou7O_SqHR3-S9SuTGq7U2-77QEqWz1QvaJFIRM4uIBu7r-V1lCnBV8_J3eX2ynfmQgeM/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pork Cutlets with
Warm Fennel and Red Capsicum Jam<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pork cutlets<o:p></o:p></div>
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Olive oil (for frying)<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 onion, peeled and sliced<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 bunch sage, leaves shredded<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pork fillet, pea, asparagus
and lemon risotto<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ pork fillet, cut into small strips<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tbsp olive oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 shallots, chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 garlic clove, chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf9gl3Bo2k0w1KAQfB0dN8iKxtvKyV06-Nn94Pcw_1LQDHbhLGzi8OTsyLxdp07OJ36ZRRJ5Ia92kSPewkBTM8t2fQoyo9mxnWp5oBq5ABUHU2i7e4mbr1c9857tt6u3BZizTxNN24H4/s1600/IMG_8619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGf9gl3Bo2k0w1KAQfB0dN8iKxtvKyV06-Nn94Pcw_1LQDHbhLGzi8OTsyLxdp07OJ36ZRRJ5Ia92kSPewkBTM8t2fQoyo9mxnWp5oBq5ABUHU2i7e4mbr1c9857tt6u3BZizTxNN24H4/s1600/IMG_8619.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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200g risotto rice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
250ml white wine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
500ml chicken stock<o:p></o:p></div>
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6 asparagus spears, blanched and chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 handful frozen peas<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Juice of a lemon 50g butter<o:p></o:p></div>
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75g parmesan, grated<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 tbsp chopped parsley<o:p></o:p></div>
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Salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-45017283336218928012015-03-25T00:41:00.000-07:002015-03-25T00:41:11.195-07:00The Powder Keg in Potts Point, Sydney: Potential and enthusiasm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5C6dZHVTEx16weJ8-wHUzsDJ7O9E0PiZet9cNwTHxqbXIzTsZjMmQ3Z2WFqIeaBHbEWb5AmoD3Lc6RtGXxOo27rNyoTgrz6XyYswjwb9nc9VedqJmvWMhzuC8gdhCMnUOqL0uHUcFbQ/s1600/IMG_8590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5C6dZHVTEx16weJ8-wHUzsDJ7O9E0PiZet9cNwTHxqbXIzTsZjMmQ3Z2WFqIeaBHbEWb5AmoD3Lc6RtGXxOo27rNyoTgrz6XyYswjwb9nc9VedqJmvWMhzuC8gdhCMnUOqL0uHUcFbQ/s1600/IMG_8590.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> The Powder
Keg, Pott’s Point, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> Modern
European/Australian<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Who wants to belong to one category when you can rock out in
two? As Sydney desperately tries to pin the label of ‘bar’ and ‘restaurant’ on
venues, places like The Powder Keg are exploding onto the F&B scene,
worshipping at the altars of both food and drink and delivering a one-stop
destination for a seriously good night out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just four months old, The Powder Keg already has the feel of
a more established joint thanks to its glorious location – a handsomely
restored terrace house that exudes the grandeur of a Georgian front room – not to mention a bountiful clientele.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYpKI_PjvRKWwuujmKhCsj0l97w76KuWX9iJWtrZkoi3ioS6HdDqTc8bhaCH8mSmV2W3Lpj_NphIsVaF3q4UGpjytyw-g1doatTxaz3_NJ8RR7TRJeCq4N9Qd-TmCxRKYaFZjwLPpO3U/s1600/IMG_8583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYpKI_PjvRKWwuujmKhCsj0l97w76KuWX9iJWtrZkoi3ioS6HdDqTc8bhaCH8mSmV2W3Lpj_NphIsVaF3q4UGpjytyw-g1doatTxaz3_NJ8RR7TRJeCq4N9Qd-TmCxRKYaFZjwLPpO3U/s1600/IMG_8583.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining on the front terrace is super in Summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step from the street, under a fairy-light-clad trunk and
through a little terrace into what forms the main dining room of TPK. There is also a narrow corridor of atmospheric
booth seats through to the back, offering a nice variety of seating inside and out for patrons.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge74wVq6xEM_mqzb5ShAeS5Smtj1d0fF95mjeafhj1MWZty8mjCV4Ds34VbW6OiTtzeaGBgqLoHbRoriijy7cUZWj7IkWeGILYk9OMbwbLdpPl1mWb6DiS44HsSYIutM6jrf_qWFssGys/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge74wVq6xEM_mqzb5ShAeS5Smtj1d0fF95mjeafhj1MWZty8mjCV4Ds34VbW6OiTtzeaGBgqLoHbRoriijy7cUZWj7IkWeGILYk9OMbwbLdpPl1mWb6DiS44HsSYIutM6jrf_qWFssGys/s1600/IMG_8585.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Understated but kinda classy...more light wouldn't go amiss though</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At the back of the space is the witches’ lair where magical men and women (they call themselves ‘bartenders’) are creating
stunning, intriguing, surprising and downright fun cocktails (<i>mais oui,</i> mixologist Grant Collins in
the man behind this venture).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_pm9-Go4ePpVjTuidA4WsVF9MMZWr489lb4mSDBMaOlvxuhn1fyC6muSRRqUGeNIjXhUxUTRphS5lhJYDX9arfnIV6Ynr3KXGRUAj3ZHVWwvn-cZCozPS-NsvXzrv8Zxwgt5s_3yTJs/s1600/IMG_8586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_pm9-Go4ePpVjTuidA4WsVF9MMZWr489lb4mSDBMaOlvxuhn1fyC6muSRRqUGeNIjXhUxUTRphS5lhJYDX9arfnIV6Ynr3KXGRUAj3ZHVWwvn-cZCozPS-NsvXzrv8Zxwgt5s_3yTJs/s1600/IMG_8586.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come for drinks and you will not leave disappointed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A Gin Palace was the intended feel, and while the gin
selection is truly impressive – the largest boutique collection in South East
Asia – those looking for some smoke and bubbles (literally) should not miss the
cocktails.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-E_voX088A6Olb_VmjIVES2fDgmWiXS1A2iCUDVy3Mqprq1QpSP8B1TtIW62JUMAQKaB-T7EpSigAIp6hty01wczg1c53uGHZcY0OShuZvDvJqe0s-rdpqHCIN6atqoS7pNBX95eZYY/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-E_voX088A6Olb_VmjIVES2fDgmWiXS1A2iCUDVy3Mqprq1QpSP8B1TtIW62JUMAQKaB-T7EpSigAIp6hty01wczg1c53uGHZcY0OShuZvDvJqe0s-rdpqHCIN6atqoS7pNBX95eZYY/s1600/IMG_8605.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming soon...cocktails in jelly globes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Gunpowder Plot comes in a clothe of smoke and mixes up
spiked gin, fernet branca, gunpowder syrup, dandelion and burdoch bitters and
fresh citrus, while the TPK Bloody Mary comes topped with maple-infused bacon,
cherry tomatoes and beef jerky. I challenge you not to start to smile like a
goofy fool at the thought of drinks like that!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mRdGG1lwYKQLHUbrk67rKTXjLKm-KkKx_zimTWP1kFWERITOhYq_ShAUTedFDZzcuU_gDbvv2iY9K1Hr9H2r3xvO05ThVUWpAvVIjO0ux5DwD4s3Q8XE3CCbJ7i5WqnXZikvW4QhSiM/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mRdGG1lwYKQLHUbrk67rKTXjLKm-KkKx_zimTWP1kFWERITOhYq_ShAUTedFDZzcuU_gDbvv2iY9K1Hr9H2r3xvO05ThVUWpAvVIjO0ux5DwD4s3Q8XE3CCbJ7i5WqnXZikvW4QhSiM/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining in a posh front room makes for a relaxing meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Having already lubricated ourselves sufficiently before
arrival, we settled ourselves in the dining room to find out if the food is
given as much attention as the drinks list. A glance down the menu was enough
to set the standard: creativity and sparkle combined with a celebration of
comfort food and prices that were comfortably beneath those charged in the top fine-dining
joints of the CBD.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XRCisPQxB5a61j-aqh-f-4zWEnoiIbN9A6ueCOGu_nXEtUmW4grpeNRRGUWN2mKumBoZ1C0R_G3U1Oc__-AjJxezN5W_6ui_GMN4RiSIHeB4klJBw7tztuATEWH_0pcexkVmpighysg/s1600/IMG_8588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XRCisPQxB5a61j-aqh-f-4zWEnoiIbN9A6ueCOGu_nXEtUmW4grpeNRRGUWN2mKumBoZ1C0R_G3U1Oc__-AjJxezN5W_6ui_GMN4RiSIHeB4klJBw7tztuATEWH_0pcexkVmpighysg/s1600/IMG_8588.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are super keen, reserve a table as space is limited</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before we had even ordered a young, fresh-faced chap
bubbling with excitement had bounced to our table with “a little something for
you to try” – crisp, eat-em-whole prawns touched with seaweed lettuce and ready
for dunking in a superbly decadent oyster mayo. All came perched on a rock, and
as the server rushed away I realised he was in whites – the chef himself!<br />
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Chef Elijah Holland is the force of energy and excitement that
throbs in the kitchens of TPK and I adored the fact that he spent
the entire evening sporadically abandoning his hob to deliver dishes, his introductions to each plate laced with glee.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi7p_SuK-hzT5DKR0tm3f_2jtUP9EBk71oChM849cJSDYA5m69CCmGaLDJIO-alIsQijYn2wMIfeLejHozrvNGi7J5PaZPnHPfZwlM4ny1hxJS5g4blKh4q2PEiDDjY6dvhcvpuU8Nck/s1600/IMG_8591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi7p_SuK-hzT5DKR0tm3f_2jtUP9EBk71oChM849cJSDYA5m69CCmGaLDJIO-alIsQijYn2wMIfeLejHozrvNGi7J5PaZPnHPfZwlM4ny1hxJS5g4blKh4q2PEiDDjY6dvhcvpuU8Nck/s1600/IMG_8591.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little something from the chef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So many ingredients were followed by “I foraged that on the
beach/forest this morning” that I felt quite the Girl Scout, and his genuine
delight was lovely to see when one is so used to more serious, reserved chefs.</div>
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The food is European-inspired and choices are
straightforward – snacks are good for drinkers, small plates serve as starters
or sides, while larger plates are main courses. We opted for a snack, two
small plates and two larger plates and it proved sufficient to stuff two people up
like pin cushions and give us a good taste of the range on offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHyOWInwlvJSjtcAgPr3n_t0EYlIF28hjKHKqqguJzWxu9idJ-tqwOgMYrzv6wk21ecojYIUKvUr4bBzQwCL2qWU6O29iPHINQ3g4h4CbmZqVd5gQAz4rFjKxTtv9QLwbDJcMYqpP47o/s1600/IMG_8594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHyOWInwlvJSjtcAgPr3n_t0EYlIF28hjKHKqqguJzWxu9idJ-tqwOgMYrzv6wk21ecojYIUKvUr4bBzQwCL2qWU6O29iPHINQ3g4h4CbmZqVd5gQAz4rFjKxTtv9QLwbDJcMYqpP47o/s1600/IMG_8594.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail Scotch egg is a classic done superbly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Quail Scotch egg ($16) was at my companion's insistence and it surprised me with its prettiness. It was also perfectly executed – the crisp outer shell, then a
layer of meaty yum before a still-soft yolk – and made me realise how good Scotch eggs were before English supermarkets mass-produced them into tasteless balls of breadcrumbs. Pancetta and earthy bites of mushroom gave this an English breakfast feel, albeit one with serious class and delicacy.</div>
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Another snack ordered at the insistence of my companion (and
oh how right he was!) was the Mature Cheddar Puffs ($6), accompanied by pancetta
crumbs and seeded mustard. This trio of puffs were each akin to a profiterole that
oozed with cheddar and tasted of a toasted cheese sandwich - it was pure
comfort taken to a higher level of precision. The cheese was rich and hefty, the pastry crisp - simple things executed beautifully. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmSK6EZjb22UHFMD5NNjsA2_-mf4WdtwuqjV09O-H6UVL9DGjCcrsACg0SseIpzCcCPn7V-1quXp62Yl-3_Zk049yj2E72F_QC98Vp8HqWBlp_BgUKjZwGwajxbFJAC0Lbg5Ggl0OI8o/s1600/IMG_8595+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmSK6EZjb22UHFMD5NNjsA2_-mf4WdtwuqjV09O-H6UVL9DGjCcrsACg0SseIpzCcCPn7V-1quXp62Yl-3_Zk049yj2E72F_QC98Vp8HqWBlp_BgUKjZwGwajxbFJAC0Lbg5Ggl0OI8o/s1600/IMG_8595+(2).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Useless picture of a glorious cheesy bite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To continue the hurrah for British traditional food, I
picked the Charred Brussel Sprouts ($15). This proved to be a generous but somewhat bland serving of veggies, with the coffee-infused
carrots trying their best with the under-seasoned sprouts. Even the crunchy mixture of cabbage and pancetta didn’t
deliver much beyond texture and a glorious purple hue..<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ07Bum_7tYGMCp4SD_UNfCfMxOmvtyz7UbLvfuYnNNB98iijyumc-LhuqyiXQIVJD7h75KLj87jpVO1Y4uW_-I6fkTpFjexi9nbfL8FLhF1LqdNhAlyh7_xDKLQG9CUU8LniOffr0_4I/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ07Bum_7tYGMCp4SD_UNfCfMxOmvtyz7UbLvfuYnNNB98iijyumc-LhuqyiXQIVJD7h75KLj87jpVO1Y4uW_-I6fkTpFjexi9nbfL8FLhF1LqdNhAlyh7_xDKLQG9CUU8LniOffr0_4I/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The charred brussel sprouts plate needs a little something more..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sadly, a similar fate was to be endured by the pork fillet
($29), a plateful that looked a little untidy and lacked seasoning. The pork
was dry, the crackling was all texture, and there seemed to be a little too
much happening in a small space. Edible flowers were sprinkled generously, caramalised peaches were sweet if superfluous, and
the accompaniment of square, hefty and slightly bland barley-risotto cake was enlivened by the smear of deliciously sweet black garlic puree, the latter my favourite thing on the plate! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB2ajZsFd37-FrGgp-a-tQU-w_WRYr3lODA9_7spnAoEtgwg_mrHf5UuBTuZwTekVD4Rs19F75SzXXv2hSb4VZxFiS1pz60MOVkMAxWZQlGXtOIgI-scpjYmCgcZHyT-l5Kp3XdNRh38/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB2ajZsFd37-FrGgp-a-tQU-w_WRYr3lODA9_7spnAoEtgwg_mrHf5UuBTuZwTekVD4Rs19F75SzXXv2hSb4VZxFiS1pz60MOVkMAxWZQlGXtOIgI-scpjYmCgcZHyT-l5Kp3XdNRh38/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork fillet, crackling, smoked black garlic and caramalised peaches</td></tr>
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The winner of the night was the Smoked, Charred Chicken
($27); the bird smoked in-house (allow an extra 20 minutes) and a showcase of just how glorious chicken could be when cooked to perfection. The skin was crisp and full of flavour
and the meat was tender and juicy and herby-smoky-yum – it needed no adornment
to be utterly satisfying.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-8cK-vsrwlIhX2wdORRuCqdaowo7RQSPXcVq-kU15YrjFZPcbvYNlU4BcjNUYf6tMFER_cLkC-jjzmqm8pDK2Kx3diWWVxAts9Qe920s1-cwRQycdQzBIwywHojMFwxVWVWTOZJ6xw8/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-8cK-vsrwlIhX2wdORRuCqdaowo7RQSPXcVq-kU15YrjFZPcbvYNlU4BcjNUYf6tMFER_cLkC-jjzmqm8pDK2Kx3diWWVxAts9Qe920s1-cwRQycdQzBIwywHojMFwxVWVWTOZJ6xw8/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smoked charred chicken overshadowed its platefellows completely</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it didn’t come out alone, with some roasted artichokes, green beans and a heap of lentils that completed a substantial and satisfying plate, although the seasoning needed tweaking to ensure the veggie accompaniments performed closer to the level of the chook.<br />
<br />
The plates were cleared and we mused over the food - I sensed that this young, very keen chef was still finding his feet and refining his skills, with some hits being balanced by a few misjudged plates. There is no doubting the quality of
the ingredients on offer, and the thought, creativity and presentation
– not to mention the generous portions – all set The Powder Keg out as one to
be patient with. Great things are coming...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35e58uMOZYAmNdK1iEYQwzITQp5BrhDWNhO_GzsEKBe-35ADiYfBGH3MjPikGqZTuS7HDlRpr7EoCn6Ptx-4owdWvmioAmvjwNd5Q1Ob_-eiYA4aLxPNqXKWWqzxOsOzLZxcFaKBqn1c/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35e58uMOZYAmNdK1iEYQwzITQp5BrhDWNhO_GzsEKBe-35ADiYfBGH3MjPikGqZTuS7HDlRpr7EoCn6Ptx-4owdWvmioAmvjwNd5Q1Ob_-eiYA4aLxPNqXKWWqzxOsOzLZxcFaKBqn1c/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Negroni Ice Cream Sandwich - I could live on those grapefruit marshmallows lids!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And one such great thing has already arrived in the form of the Negroni Ice
cream sandwich ($15), which proved to be more refined but just as awesome as we had hoped. An orange-infused buttery biscuit was topped with neat globes of gloriously bitter Negroni ice cream, which is turn was topped with a sour-sweet grapefruit marshmallow. The chef was there to deliver this trio of beauties, spraying a little negroni over the top before we tucked in to these pleasing sandwiches.<br />
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I left TPK very full but satisfied in the exchange of cash for an evening in a funky joint in the presence of a jolly chef on his way up. I will be back to check
up on his progress and taste some of those incredible alcoholic creations that
grace the menu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhR5JcOhgEfM0HBuVtaCUbRLZ7XQv6F6QH4lvIpOR3ciplXOq2smnCrLFwT9R3TlMM81-lGEbXTbJuVV9euYS_yDVcCx-EimnJlozy_XJEB0dqBN7H214rwNaIEKRUCLAEYrRa5WN3_Y/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhR5JcOhgEfM0HBuVtaCUbRLZ7XQv6F6QH4lvIpOR3ciplXOq2smnCrLFwT9R3TlMM81-lGEbXTbJuVV9euYS_yDVcCx-EimnJlozy_XJEB0dqBN7H214rwNaIEKRUCLAEYrRa5WN3_Y/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The Powder Keg<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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7 Kellett Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pott’s Point<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2011<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 02 83540980<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.thepowderkeg.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Wednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday 5pm-2am, Friday-Saturday
4pm-2.30am, Sunday 3pm-12am (closed Monday and Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-14424647932115353592015-03-18T02:44:00.000-07:002015-03-18T02:44:05.871-07:00The Gantry in Sydney: Fresh produce with a sea view<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEMS-LQbqWglfNzLPr3lis0LlowWhtijqDo-bay4ZTkimd6tiBn4CYd2-XjI6BBkq2kN7PeRsU8lhVU_YxQmxxdRG6gGTzoG_uzV-zKOOn5UTArYQ2JN_ODjRYM56P6TdhIgjm5vIiU/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPpEMS-LQbqWglfNzLPr3lis0LlowWhtijqDo-bay4ZTkimd6tiBn4CYd2-XjI6BBkq2kN7PeRsU8lhVU_YxQmxxdRG6gGTzoG_uzV-zKOOn5UTArYQ2JN_ODjRYM56P6TdhIgjm5vIiU/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> The Gantry,
Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>What:</b> seafood,
local produce<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m a sucker for the sea, so when my voyage to The Gantry
took me along the coast in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge, I felt myself
warming to the venue before I had even arrived.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Located in Pier One at Walsh Bay – on the edge of The Rocks
and ten minutes from Circular Quay – The Gantry is right in the hub of
touristville and yet tucked pleasantly away in a rather exclusive hotel sitting
within converted warehouses on the sea front.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This new eatery is being manned by Canadian chef Chris
Irving who has delighted the industry with his flashy CV – he has worked with Gordon
Ramsay and as a personal chef for David Beckham among other jammy jobs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG8AInaruVChfP8xFYoSVexEmQSGWZWe5vv8rwf8f2HqJth2jV1fFaf686aRh8moxLAkqJfC1hpV9hjUfUgqIyNfYKDMzgH6i7pdFefjSv0mdY0e2uKYIOUUuMAb8oAc7t8q-QKvb5CM/s1600/IMG_8574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG8AInaruVChfP8xFYoSVexEmQSGWZWe5vv8rwf8f2HqJth2jV1fFaf686aRh8moxLAkqJfC1hpV9hjUfUgqIyNfYKDMzgH6i7pdFefjSv0mdY0e2uKYIOUUuMAb8oAc7t8q-QKvb5CM/s1600/IMG_8574.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood is the star at The Gantry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is also passionate about local, seasonal produce and promises
to celebrate the great fresh goodies Australia has to offer, which is a recipe
for a great menu that includes seafood a-plenty, both fresh at the seafood bar
and served at the table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbN3aTxsKW_lDTskdvL5MGEjqFzsk_z_3x4JA76jomsOmT0RJtB0FLxdwMUHuPm4mhq8L341i07FP3wAEBRve_kGxD8cdNtMktw6qmzz4VohM0QAXW_7TE_67i0T4YRMVHHo7gCgeGuQ/s1600/IMG_8573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbN3aTxsKW_lDTskdvL5MGEjqFzsk_z_3x4JA76jomsOmT0RJtB0FLxdwMUHuPm4mhq8L341i07FP3wAEBRve_kGxD8cdNtMktw6qmzz4VohM0QAXW_7TE_67i0T4YRMVHHo7gCgeGuQ/s1600/IMG_8573.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood tastes better by the sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>As my visit to The Gantry was for the launch party, it was hard
to gauge the restaurant interior set-up save to feel it was all rather dark and
gloomy – low ceilings and beams with low lighting and lots of black. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3-HJMo1bYju7eYx6wyxaDSecWftUF66g2tbsFm7rBb7thc6FL6M-tkK6iVulRfDUnk4MN8R-s-jgEEwPypFjlw3pQaieiP98aZC1hBAxBo3rXQ_BBikaKpsue72rpWgNnGVs2PESTD8/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3-HJMo1bYju7eYx6wyxaDSecWftUF66g2tbsFm7rBb7thc6FL6M-tkK6iVulRfDUnk4MN8R-s-jgEEwPypFjlw3pQaieiP98aZC1hBAxBo3rXQ_BBikaKpsue72rpWgNnGVs2PESTD8/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bar area is sleek and the cocktails were delish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mercifully
this was balanced by the superb deck area where 60 can dine with a view of the
water and the glorious sights of Sydney. The interior also has a bright bar area with high ceilings, so all was not lost inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjYDu9-zk-zWxdqG5teBJwwskRiwYqbXJqTe2Fn6IUhGPCJoBAFJkKIvGKYrvHyUhIZPU2J8k8zC6-KZaAXhIZbfu_WVP1X8hspHq4aFtJy2OwRCFpr7h2vkdTe7RSQDJfxBgA5fYw4/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVjYDu9-zk-zWxdqG5teBJwwskRiwYqbXJqTe2Fn6IUhGPCJoBAFJkKIvGKYrvHyUhIZPU2J8k8zC6-KZaAXhIZbfu_WVP1X8hspHq4aFtJy2OwRCFpr7h2vkdTe7RSQDJfxBgA5fYw4/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining on the deck will be a must in the summer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>The foodie bites on offer whetted my appetite for a return
visit, with a dazzling spread of chilled seafood including fat succulent prawns,
fresh oysters and little crabmeat bites.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZNfwZarYD63i4V0otgUUlBMpwIJk6UeQVNV6sgciXDSX6Dj2aGPWRpoo8dzwD8c0twj5B_9tgj5l-3lSlps2otPFl-zBCCRKSd5uNHeMlYBk1GOpkznOA0Niia4D-xHTgSZmlahDLgQ/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZNfwZarYD63i4V0otgUUlBMpwIJk6UeQVNV6sgciXDSX6Dj2aGPWRpoo8dzwD8c0twj5B_9tgj5l-3lSlps2otPFl-zBCCRKSd5uNHeMlYBk1GOpkznOA0Niia4D-xHTgSZmlahDLgQ/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh produce showcases local ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Charcuterie meat was being carved to order, while the cheese
selection – all local varieties – attracted a massive queue and was exquisitely
presented on fig and walnut biscuits with winning relishes (I am a sucker for a
good relish).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu-XpMH5Mq0OtuIs_kVgzW_-1RtKX14wPnBQ7VOwUZuR3S5PjCHag1ebOkXgemmoRIQYT3EuCA1YrfI-Unf3nQvxrHnRQKwnRxKE3kcwB7aQkQlHD2wMd9bKvO_mCcRbgcfRkmPqaNgM/s1600/IMG_8579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu-XpMH5Mq0OtuIs_kVgzW_-1RtKX14wPnBQ7VOwUZuR3S5PjCHag1ebOkXgemmoRIQYT3EuCA1YrfI-Unf3nQvxrHnRQKwnRxKE3kcwB7aQkQlHD2wMd9bKvO_mCcRbgcfRkmPqaNgM/s1600/IMG_8579.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian cheese that may even satisfy the Frenchman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>The hot food coming from the kitchen included veal tartare,
spanner crab rolls and zucchini flowers stuffed with goat’s milk curd, with the
balance of flavours serving to show Irving’s deft touch despite the usual
trials of catering for a large gathering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqoQYeBOqc6D7AjB6z81wPIhtb2cGOIu3g7tt4wFYbtQE8wKzroPKhQ_MK9rK1bmCiBiz7NngKoyjL2o3s6-oamzX8ua0uwTxW9-d75Zq8LugAazWjhBcLbiVkP7AxzrvEKQZFFNoIoU/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqoQYeBOqc6D7AjB6z81wPIhtb2cGOIu3g7tt4wFYbtQE8wKzroPKhQ_MK9rK1bmCiBiz7NngKoyjL2o3s6-oamzX8ua0uwTxW9-d75Zq8LugAazWjhBcLbiVkP7AxzrvEKQZFFNoIoU/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Chris was keeping the vessel sailing smoothly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man himself was flitting around, checking on his food
and keeping an eye on proceedings, and I had to fight the urge to ask about
Beckham’s dining habits. I settled for slurping champagne instead, and marked
The Gantry down as a good spot for some oysters by the sea.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb5sjuzGQ07upCjhlIK4Dxi-l_PmsLPn0xIgiQGMEN8SthHrzKothTg9i4SwDpds4F_zizjX8z6QXHOODd3QsoUW6rr0OYYy1GDseOFe_vSrGJP-Nxk4jD1wVmfXploG4gE8jSw4UHLQ/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb5sjuzGQ07upCjhlIK4Dxi-l_PmsLPn0xIgiQGMEN8SthHrzKothTg9i4SwDpds4F_zizjX8z6QXHOODd3QsoUW6rr0OYYy1GDseOFe_vSrGJP-Nxk4jD1wVmfXploG4gE8jSw4UHLQ/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Gantry Restaurant
and Bar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Pier One<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11 Hickson Road<o:p></o:p></div>
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Walsh Bay<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
NSW 2000<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: 02 8298 9991<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.pieronesydneyharbour.com.au</div>
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<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-9713114126773812872015-03-13T00:52:00.001-07:002015-03-13T00:52:34.197-07:00Bentley in Sydney CBD: Perfect execution but no "wow"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8oFFu7WCb6SiXIfKsGp2ekXEHrcMFcGAT_JFbSWCF5xXKK-9WoscA5mHD0sfU-JZFs1aaa8pQgQK0sHmNWHWzE2sEPred8e2O1YoMXrob40GR99OXQHwLJ8p9ICZXbxkXFj4Ts9bhhQ/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8oFFu7WCb6SiXIfKsGp2ekXEHrcMFcGAT_JFbSWCF5xXKK-9WoscA5mHD0sfU-JZFs1aaa8pQgQK0sHmNWHWzE2sEPred8e2O1YoMXrob40GR99OXQHwLJ8p9ICZXbxkXFj4Ts9bhhQ/s1600/IMG_8455.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Where:</b> Bentley, Sydney
CBD, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> Modern
Australian<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bentley is a venue that had been sitting high up on my list
of must-tries on the Sydney dining scene, associated with high quality food and
drinks courtesy of the duo chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hidlebrandt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was also intrigued knowing that the restaurant,
established in 2006, had actually moved from the cosy neighbourhood of Surry
Hills to the heart of the CBD two years ago, now occupying a spot within the
Radisson Blu while remaining autonomous from the hotel brand. Risky move or a
step up in the game of industry?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqRulQROUBZtUYIwmiSulZV7T1CDIHIQasLfJjLrhMkURifWiyLqvfmimNHvE2xNeTWIdT-QY2GpfdyNtjbO_DqOZjykp9Pvjg4Wg1rlfKPnO3r8m2GYPgn3IFcozGpmZe_PgEmyAt14/s1600/IMG_8431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqRulQROUBZtUYIwmiSulZV7T1CDIHIQasLfJjLrhMkURifWiyLqvfmimNHvE2xNeTWIdT-QY2GpfdyNtjbO_DqOZjykp9Pvjg4Wg1rlfKPnO3r8m2GYPgn3IFcozGpmZe_PgEmyAt14/s1600/IMG_8431.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small interior was a tad gloomy..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Upon arrival at the early hour of 6.45pm for dinner, I was
surprised to find the interior was small and heavy with dark and gloom, with limited
decoration supplied by the curious gathering of metal piping dangling from the
ceiling.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The area was cheered up by the light and bright open kitchen
and the toasty-warm welcome of the staff, who were charming, chatty and
attentive for our whole – very long – dining session.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6w_NSoJHwkaEcxuGwneHlCsupBpSkaqQAM0Lnwr9d41HPFEc2zMgwYvG145PXXNYxkdvJ5tKQPDp8iBLKSMsVSm846KN9OCXlcbNvDi4UdVySuGdBW_mXwxWvlxGvG1FqW3rufa4AJg/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6w_NSoJHwkaEcxuGwneHlCsupBpSkaqQAM0Lnwr9d41HPFEc2zMgwYvG145PXXNYxkdvJ5tKQPDp8iBLKSMsVSm846KN9OCXlcbNvDi4UdVySuGdBW_mXwxWvlxGvG1FqW3rufa4AJg/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice bar area would tempt us back for drinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bentley serves up modern Australian cuisine and rides the
current trend of using a majority of local produce. These ingredients form the
basis for creative combinations that are presented with as much as care as
there are crafted, and there was much to whet the appetite.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYRdoUMuWWoQzI0xOeKFun58E1eTWm9CHfdpACuGyYTsTs_FnGnhDH-S642WXLRcCfe90JqvOveoGN33KoXmUUq8lE3uA6tSab5GXlZ4ovpigP4gq9gRNFeUVtxFv0XZLd91v0IKJ5Z4/s1600/IMG_8434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYRdoUMuWWoQzI0xOeKFun58E1eTWm9CHfdpACuGyYTsTs_FnGnhDH-S642WXLRcCfe90JqvOveoGN33KoXmUUq8lE3uA6tSab5GXlZ4ovpigP4gq9gRNFeUVtxFv0XZLd91v0IKJ5Z4/s1600/IMG_8434.JPG" height="486" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful and seasonal creations are a delight for the senses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The menu begins with raw and cured goodies (the oysters we
had were <i>sublime</i>) before bleeding into starters such as Cauliflower Custard + Mushrooms + Black Garlic. The main courses cover red and
white meat, fish and one vegetarian option, which may make the herbivores
feel a little left out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is compensated for in the presence of a vegetarian
tasting menu alongside the main tasting menu, and the latter was our vehicle
for test driving Bentley, eager to be at the mercy at the chef. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DuqidyZNJqdnQEn0gJ6Q3Qxmd7mUeu09sFid6RxXE5uLk3sPI9mNRDf5tfWuLnVim9kZRB00CALbe0oyLg3wTresokjgTjcORzIMGDbE2UTtjvstYd5GGWcSosYe-z5iDvHcOK1BKJI/s1600/IMG_8432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DuqidyZNJqdnQEn0gJ6Q3Qxmd7mUeu09sFid6RxXE5uLk3sPI9mNRDf5tfWuLnVim9kZRB00CALbe0oyLg3wTresokjgTjcORzIMGDbE2UTtjvstYd5GGWcSosYe-z5iDvHcOK1BKJI/s1600/IMG_8432.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of crisp and tasty bites to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The eight-course menu comes in at $150 per person, plus an
additional $80 for wine pairings. We opted for food only – with a French
sommelier as my date for the evening I was in capable hands! We instead sampled some
treasures from an extraordinary wine list that left us longing to return for
more, with Bentley offering some of the best natural wines we have seen on Sydney menus.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly, the food didn’t prove to be quite as memorable as the alcohol, or could that been due to the quantity of the latter consumed..? That is not to say that everything we ate was not beautiful and lovingly
presented, with the quality of ingredients and attention to detail quite
astonishingly good.<br />
<br />
If I am being harshly honest, the food was akin to a cupcake without a sprinkling of
chocolate drops; a wow factor gone astray – I admired it all but it didn’t
linger in the mind, and my palate was still waiting to be challenged after the final
plate had disappeared.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiLqoCWCi__Q_XiN1IGNxM7mnjRrBRYIu2oA7lUZscQ1fvWj56QmJo7cc4dfj2bHBecgTC2xUW0u2JX4h7pKOXqG0Kn0yW5JpdAlqLWRqvxaHvRivsSckNxhaX_Kw2hFW0lyWLw7jyO4/s1600/IMG_8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiLqoCWCi__Q_XiN1IGNxM7mnjRrBRYIu2oA7lUZscQ1fvWj56QmJo7cc4dfj2bHBecgTC2xUW0u2JX4h7pKOXqG0Kn0yW5JpdAlqLWRqvxaHvRivsSckNxhaX_Kw2hFW0lyWLw7jyO4/s1600/IMG_8447.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rangers Valley Wagyu Skirt Steak + Fennel + Mustard + Olive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But a gastronomical journey of indulgence it most certainly
was, with subtle flavour combinations that kept us wanting more and careful
choices ensuring that we didn’t feel stuffed like olives too early on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were enchanted by the scallops and minted greens peas and
creamy ricotta, which slid around the mouth and refreshed the palate so
pleasantly while a crunch of sweet onion shell finished a textural treat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwA6Oc5k4vAjBStkyugoeYzeSNWY91pMW-BO-eP3uf_Cj9wureNxWiPpnYTvpwPJD1AjhEC03FvxUb5koQJLZdFWwg0YZKfSaEIJRzo8ZwavvmHERKcg_8MEv168_DCdwR2lNw1wFdOY/s1600/IMG_8436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwA6Oc5k4vAjBStkyugoeYzeSNWY91pMW-BO-eP3uf_Cj9wureNxWiPpnYTvpwPJD1AjhEC03FvxUb5koQJLZdFWwg0YZKfSaEIJRzo8ZwavvmHERKcg_8MEv168_DCdwR2lNw1wFdOY/s1600/IMG_8436.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silky scallops that tasted of an English garden (green peas!), a crunch of onion finishing the dish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I marvelled in the cooking of the meats – the quail was a
pale pink and a slice of molten cloud, shining out in what we felt was a
slightly slippery combination of smoked celery and white soy dressing.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTBZnlSGqHsXitJFsY3fjSsPA5laLz78KhKrnJiEfZR1afpSWBuE85GQ2W59V6hTlE-fAdyKElSCHxfjOKPcJXqFLca8CCn91xfGdJXs4S2vWhxVeK23nCAu-MmBImpc_0PzwHvjadbM/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTBZnlSGqHsXitJFsY3fjSsPA5laLz78KhKrnJiEfZR1afpSWBuE85GQ2W59V6hTlE-fAdyKElSCHxfjOKPcJXqFLca8CCn91xfGdJXs4S2vWhxVeK23nCAu-MmBImpc_0PzwHvjadbM/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quail + Smoked Celery + White Soy Dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The pork cheek was similarly a masterpiece in cooking, the
incredibly tender flesh topped with a crisp brioche crisp that seemed to have
been made for it, while the sweet, charred caramalised leeks were friendly
bedfellows. The rosemary sprig was sprightly but superfluous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiska6H8RIegAP_evvfwBkDn_04LHYuhgOg1eJFi20HdenO8RxyVm_5dvYjVNQ9xtKlXAdsxy3y5cPUPEpdUvgTF4S5fwoULvkIhCAxDSgQGn0AAQCvsJBcjIU9TMTUW_2TDb7QhL3cK0I/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiska6H8RIegAP_evvfwBkDn_04LHYuhgOg1eJFi20HdenO8RxyVm_5dvYjVNQ9xtKlXAdsxy3y5cPUPEpdUvgTF4S5fwoULvkIhCAxDSgQGn0AAQCvsJBcjIU9TMTUW_2TDb7QhL3cK0I/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork cheek cooked beautifully</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the dessert category, it was the Violet Ice Cream with
Cocoa Crumble and Blueberry that made me sit up and take note, the blueberries
a pop of tartness alongside the bittersweet cocoa and an ice cream that tasted
of violet sweets and happy times. A pencil of meringue perched a-top was a
visual delight and a great texture to bring to the party.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnuEsbRyIEXbo7NBv4TdBxgXCKJkBA1jdoInwLqJpW6jzJtpe6N5xIK0QsLZ0zH8yJmiJEOm_O-oAC0bXkj5PNugTI42oVq9PxwnQhedAQnQ3K3ldzDszmMtJ3NcpiYFo1za0x1z400Q/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnuEsbRyIEXbo7NBv4TdBxgXCKJkBA1jdoInwLqJpW6jzJtpe6N5xIK0QsLZ0zH8yJmiJEOm_O-oAC0bXkj5PNugTI42oVq9PxwnQhedAQnQ3K3ldzDszmMtJ3NcpiYFo1za0x1z400Q/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adored the violet ice cream finished with a blueberry compote and blueberries crumbed in cocoa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Frenchman was not contented without cheese, so we
sneaked a cheese course into our mammoth meal and enjoyed a selection of four
with bread and crackers for $25 extra. My stomach didn’t need it but boy did I
want it when I tasted the beautiful selection that was yet more proof that Bentley
have the simple things down pat.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLwBKJrxBl-1w_hMmhZaXAWEUYDDOLTTKbS9N5rSD5n2to2MwnWIbeXWRL2LhVHjAMoshGBQpl8jS_BvQpvy_bdAG4W3xSDfkuIuawwT2nkuL7ysRigNDKIBcZDQWg-1WKX62o0_DpOs/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLwBKJrxBl-1w_hMmhZaXAWEUYDDOLTTKbS9N5rSD5n2to2MwnWIbeXWRL2LhVHjAMoshGBQpl8jS_BvQpvy_bdAG4W3xSDfkuIuawwT2nkuL7ysRigNDKIBcZDQWg-1WKX62o0_DpOs/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cheese selection was impressive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is no denying the superior skills of the head chef and
his team at Bentley, and some of the ingredient combinations and techniques are
impressive. I just found the creations a little too subtle, and hard to recall the next morning in a way that the wine could never be.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTX85qf96jcKUzZjgv1i0UxQpVw5AzDtNhVM8ylqWWiZW-rZ93vypKCN1b_XRMVfSchH2WqdFDzSWp6fvJVWRtUyED2MOvj5fc3vzmiCH0ihFAjwKbiDe7y5UOsjRNPWy451XpK8NtmE/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTX85qf96jcKUzZjgv1i0UxQpVw5AzDtNhVM8ylqWWiZW-rZ93vypKCN1b_XRMVfSchH2WqdFDzSWp6fvJVWRtUyED2MOvj5fc3vzmiCH0ihFAjwKbiDe7y5UOsjRNPWy451XpK8NtmE/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bentley Restaurant
and Bar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Corner of Pitt Street and Hunter Street<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2000<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phone: 02 8214 0505<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.thebentley.com.au<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: lunch Monday-Friday from 12pm, dinner Monday-Saturday
from 6pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1765490781354521935.post-13792748440789402982015-03-03T22:22:00.000-08:002015-03-03T22:22:06.945-08:00Scupi's 78 Espresso Bar in Pyrmont: Patient service, wholesome food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzjbOlyGbpyzvGod14r5aVfXZ9wM8jbqg2292xnZl7o1U94BY2kAhZqcCBWE7znhdHSQ0PIAhnEXP1OOKdmPo-PGhDYo6vEvERfWYq8gJ1FfrbPcfCurU9ckhAjC-9gCAjI_m3F4mwj8/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzjbOlyGbpyzvGod14r5aVfXZ9wM8jbqg2292xnZl7o1U94BY2kAhZqcCBWE7znhdHSQ0PIAhnEXP1OOKdmPo-PGhDYo6vEvERfWYq8gJ1FfrbPcfCurU9ckhAjC-9gCAjI_m3F4mwj8/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where:</b> Scupi’s 78,
Pyrmont, Sydney, Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When: </b>March 2015<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What:</b> lunch and
breakfast<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lunch time coincided superbly with a power cut at chez moi one
day this week, so the Frenchman’s visions of a quick pasta had to be replaced
with a traipse down the road to find somewhere for a bite to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we usually head to Café Kebo, we decided it was time
to try something new, and Scupi’s 78 Espresso Bar was my selection. I was
attracted by the bright space and simple frontage that seemed to say, ‘we’re
nothing fancy, but we make good food’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgTOcIzQ-oTw1SjoK4yEcSXvP7kgNo47JBxO9STZoOa3mq8Tgo9q0HSS4K6OIbYd8K5HBZEWpEW6a-u1lVZFf9z6gTChaSMIDT_ebrZOiYtQi3V9aa16s2yPF_SUD8kkpXd98wKsntVE/s1600/IMG_8427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgTOcIzQ-oTw1SjoK4yEcSXvP7kgNo47JBxO9STZoOa3mq8Tgo9q0HSS4K6OIbYd8K5HBZEWpEW6a-u1lVZFf9z6gTChaSMIDT_ebrZOiYtQi3V9aa16s2yPF_SUD8kkpXd98wKsntVE/s1600/IMG_8427.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low-key but welcoming frontage, complete with outside seating</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We climbed the stairs up into an open area, with wooden
floors and funky paraphernalia set off by dark walls. A blackboard tempts with smoothies and juices, a white wall
is daubed with burgers galore, while a neat clipboard menu lists breakfast and
lunch options (salads and wraps) as well as a decent selection of drinks.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYdFio8DPTPQ4qPWFGtNzT17m8xeJHvLj98BEi9LfZf01hHz6EJAQC4OqRFGqGKLMiK2t_JfcEj7Xpzsf5Kzc5wHejBie7jV8U0blj2q41WvSc9rlGLApu_lsKe5FoTOmcn-cGBdHm-Q/s1600/IMG_8403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYdFio8DPTPQ4qPWFGtNzT17m8xeJHvLj98BEi9LfZf01hHz6EJAQC4OqRFGqGKLMiK2t_JfcEj7Xpzsf5Kzc5wHejBie7jV8U0blj2q41WvSc9rlGLApu_lsKe5FoTOmcn-cGBdHm-Q/s1600/IMG_8403.JPG" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casual and unpretentious interior, complete with miniature camper van</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Frenchman made his mind up within four seconds and then
proceeded to grumble like a washing machine while I dithered and deliberated,
tempted by the falafel and hummus, the chicken wraps, the salmon salad and the
burgers in equal measure.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZTkuU-bagVcKZC-KIXMfBjkYSogPHSz5huAO8r4ybWXCOYdMXBYw3rD5_DLUJE8PwJlkeEq6yv7neRX4ePjs6jPiFcmXJkVWJPLQOL0uVcvV2jl1bckT0Q4o44KvoLVXurlVeLX0v8w/s1600/IMG_8404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZTkuU-bagVcKZC-KIXMfBjkYSogPHSz5huAO8r4ybWXCOYdMXBYw3rD5_DLUJE8PwJlkeEq6yv7neRX4ePjs6jPiFcmXJkVWJPLQOL0uVcvV2jl1bckT0Q4o44KvoLVXurlVeLX0v8w/s1600/IMG_8404.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A satisfying choice of vegetarian and meat-based meals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The girl behind the counter deserves a medal for her
patience. She didn’t even bat an eye lid when I dashed up to change my order
five minutes after we’d placed it. “It’s important to take your time to make up
your mind,” she reassured me. The Frenchman rolled his eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvP40AyB2yO0pyAQo3wbXsgs6zZZUIZhGAnFri_-8gmG2cyPpPGHMKIuRmTJidPbef0Mqgjt_pcr1vXsD04luT6_fEaei8NwIuYp93DfbePLfn3s2iUOl3KY-ikedqsq5PoIl39a2BLw/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvP40AyB2yO0pyAQo3wbXsgs6zZZUIZhGAnFri_-8gmG2cyPpPGHMKIuRmTJidPbef0Mqgjt_pcr1vXsD04luT6_fEaei8NwIuYp93DfbePLfn3s2iUOl3KY-ikedqsq5PoIl39a2BLw/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafe space is clean and bright, with cosy armchairs to sink into</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Further brownie points were earned for the staff informing
us before we’d ordered that there would be a wait on food, what with a table of
seven having just ordered and just one merry soul in the kitchen. Forewarned,
we could sit back and chatter away, slurping our lovely juices ($6.50 a pop)
and watching the workers of Pyrmont trooping in and out for their lunch (wraps
and salads are available for take-away).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomSgObdHJLx9YREL9-0SujhipgdnIrAK7HDI_ovenpoAxM7vESUlAEZfBjMQlizflCEXyMK4nww3rZUf63Ur0m2DJEHcX3SvzAsEkwX7HBGCAMpzu4Lx5GvEOb0AAapBhd6MRiGptr5Y/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomSgObdHJLx9YREL9-0SujhipgdnIrAK7HDI_ovenpoAxM7vESUlAEZfBjMQlizflCEXyMK4nww3rZUf63Ur0m2DJEHcX3SvzAsEkwX7HBGCAMpzu4Lx5GvEOb0AAapBhd6MRiGptr5Y/s1600/IMG_8418.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Detox (beetroot, spinach, ginger, orange) and Fresh Summer (watermelon, mint, apple)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They also serve ‘award-winning’ coffee, which is indeed
excellent – the double espresso ($4) downed by the Frenchman to calm his nerves
after my dilly-dallying with the menu was proclaimed “very good”. Plus it came
in a bright little cup and saucer with a charming ornate spoon. It’s the small
things…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV57bJlFhjlNSZmr-Wti-Zcadf_MZglCELIBbA1ey7_Gw3pS_stYEJ5quRd03045E9kA5ybuITwIoI0da4i0-goIFLiVAIADf3LpF3WZF0TRhY4DvG18lapmchwUXF0uqdNRe8l47LNU/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV57bJlFhjlNSZmr-Wti-Zcadf_MZglCELIBbA1ey7_Gw3pS_stYEJ5quRd03045E9kA5ybuITwIoI0da4i0-goIFLiVAIADf3LpF3WZF0TRhY4DvG18lapmchwUXF0uqdNRe8l47LNU/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coffee is up there with the best in the vicinity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty minutes has ticked by when our burgers finally came
gliding out of the kitchen, ferried in US-style red baskets and standing alone
– kumera fries ($8), potato fries ($6) and halloumi fries ($14) can be added.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5J7JRf5XU8xLrULmG_g66_EAS40wY963ht3q0KQGpzJ8_SYiARVNgc1AI5N5gdKEW-q5r1M_lNF5NYAZBCxUEQLhzJhTTPVwg_2BE3g1fpvnbnBUynC9t5p5SS_ICqD5nlw4biW3v-o/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5J7JRf5XU8xLrULmG_g66_EAS40wY963ht3q0KQGpzJ8_SYiARVNgc1AI5N5gdKEW-q5r1M_lNF5NYAZBCxUEQLhzJhTTPVwg_2BE3g1fpvnbnBUynC9t5p5SS_ICqD5nlw4biW3v-o/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgers burgers burgers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Frenchman had ordered the largest on the menu, a Sky
High Lamb Burger ($14) that topped a lamb pattie with ajvar (red pepper
relish), double brie, mayo, bacon, egg, mixed leaves and tomato.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwAfa7HbZLWfGepKRQYuzU9h5TT3ic2MOw9Cxm7Fq2NUkopkTrOJs8_ejwJr1S-mnDqfDJ7CgtSoMgnu8PFHRcY5bmjAMOFA1lBA1FaZoklI53h8VVxgXRAyGt7oz_jfXV4_BiY-2oHs/s1600/IMG_8420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwAfa7HbZLWfGepKRQYuzU9h5TT3ic2MOw9Cxm7Fq2NUkopkTrOJs8_ejwJr1S-mnDqfDJ7CgtSoMgnu8PFHRcY5bmjAMOFA1lBA1FaZoklI53h8VVxgXRAyGt7oz_jfXV4_BiY-2oHs/s1600/IMG_8420.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky High Lamb burger reaching for the clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was as tall as one could hope for, oozing relish down the
hand with every mouthful and, despite its magnitude, the Frenchman devoured the
lot in a minute and a half, nodding with satisfaction as he wiped his fingers. “Good”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnCep4aU1cBnxF-8cw5pnXKt6Ri1Gl-7kBNfrgEu39k9SoQrIyVoDEmlKi6J4hmae1Myb-9_9vg4hAIhU6g0S8lnHhSsL2U26BrOVeRQMTrTtTvKuAbwyqHiORriUA7OI5OH6DraCsrg/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnCep4aU1cBnxF-8cw5pnXKt6Ri1Gl-7kBNfrgEu39k9SoQrIyVoDEmlKi6J4hmae1Myb-9_9vg4hAIhU6g0S8lnHhSsL2U26BrOVeRQMTrTtTvKuAbwyqHiORriUA7OI5OH6DraCsrg/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious squashing is needed to get the beast in the mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ten minutes later I had finally won the battle with my
Frango and Avo Burger ($14) – frango is Portuguese for chicken, and my hearty
breast of chicken was flavoured and grilled to tender tastiness and topped with
tomato chutney, avocado, ‘tasty’ cheese, house mayo, mixed leaves and tomato.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq4QqahfS0vrzXFuYFXoUM18V5Cg8DvGnpkqWj6HI_zFx73OtNBErMVxoIorQb1lk5b6JY8CVdu2oZ4OlstEwQSy3Afl815JHtpJn3anvevq_zh1-yPoKpyRvIIHM-lmt4JRNne73D24/s1600/IMG_8423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq4QqahfS0vrzXFuYFXoUM18V5Cg8DvGnpkqWj6HI_zFx73OtNBErMVxoIorQb1lk5b6JY8CVdu2oZ4OlstEwQSy3Afl815JHtpJn3anvevq_zh1-yPoKpyRvIIHM-lmt4JRNne73D24/s1600/IMG_8423.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frango and avo burger oozing cheese pleasingly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>It was large but it was a winner, the tangy chutney joining
forces with the creamy mayo, the cheese proving to be tasty and glooping
pleasantly in its rich cheesy way while the hunk of chicken was dominant and
satisfying. The challenge was getting the thing into my mouth, and I resorted
to using around forty five napkins to mop up the chutney-mayo mess in the
process.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both burger fillings were crammed within satisfactory buns –
the right balance of fluffy with substance, and not a trace of the sweetness
that some burger joints think is appealing in a bread bun (it’s not).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wfz-xyXcfjM8ZItPS_FTtEaNy5YuSiVoc1uk9-ihKPsZXNaNmVfakjZr3dEonalSf7-KCASPxU18vCdYMq-Lj3EiBzBKnRV6-V7d6r0IbF8HjrjB3BKQGoMTkq5pMDL-mxb8iWtgK6Q/s1600/IMG_8407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wfz-xyXcfjM8ZItPS_FTtEaNy5YuSiVoc1uk9-ihKPsZXNaNmVfakjZr3dEonalSf7-KCASPxU18vCdYMq-Lj3EiBzBKnRV6-V7d6r0IbF8HjrjB3BKQGoMTkq5pMDL-mxb8iWtgK6Q/s1600/IMG_8407.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab a paper and let the afternoon disappear...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scupi’s food matched its exterior – no nonsense and
straightforward. Fancy it may not be, but the quality of the ingredients and
the creative flourishes spoke volumes about the team behind this venture, who
are clearly passionate about their product. They also make most things in-house
including the relishes, sauces and fries, so freshness is guaranteed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1PVl5fZsodQSrVkMRX-db_VQFanwkGYw99c4UOOlzDeGkIT_zTTKGTy4hiFlqqq0Igft1VpGVSmJwES87cLjYI_165d1JrRmGfmbFLE3-rVKzXbwR9FBqva5zFZEKw7EFj2nlJ7pSM/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1PVl5fZsodQSrVkMRX-db_VQFanwkGYw99c4UOOlzDeGkIT_zTTKGTy4hiFlqqq0Igft1VpGVSmJwES87cLjYI_165d1JrRmGfmbFLE3-rVKzXbwR9FBqva5zFZEKw7EFj2nlJ7pSM/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxed environment and pleasing food - a good combination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel confident that a return visit to Scupi’s will be in
order to taste some of the other options when we are next in need of an
unpretentious lunch…or perhaps breakfast. The morning menu (served till
11.30am) sees a range of eggs creations served with organic sourdough balanced
by healthy muesli and a decadent banana bread topped with ricotta and honey.
Yum.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrUDU-UPxc2Khl988OgG2uMTUdg7dYb6F3EyPTs9RDbRJBioULxQcGpuxerJdeUvs8EXG79QvAWjfrhupi7JohRBPuHE5C9QN9upT3izTn2LZx3af0k2euz56xslExoaTjYoej7_2niM/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrUDU-UPxc2Khl988OgG2uMTUdg7dYb6F3EyPTs9RDbRJBioULxQcGpuxerJdeUvs8EXG79QvAWjfrhupi7JohRBPuHE5C9QN9upT3izTn2LZx3af0k2euz56xslExoaTjYoej7_2niM/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Scupi’s 78 Espresso
Bar<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
135-137 Harris Street<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pyrmont<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney<o:p></o:p></div>
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NSW 2009<o:p></o:p></div>
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Australia<o:p></o:p></div>
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Phone: 02 89705443<o:p></o:p></div>
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www.facebook.com/Scupis78<o:p></o:p></div>
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Open: Monday-Friday 7am-2.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-2pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/70/1781622/restaurant/Sydney/Scupis-78-Espresso-Bar-Pyrmont"><img alt="Scupi's 78 Espresso Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1781622/biglogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 34px; width: 104px;" /></a></o:p></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12043747129296859446noreply@blogger.com3