As a stubborn East-resident of Sydney, I rarely venture to the ‘other side’ (the North) for food. However, having just joined Full Society and looking to try something new for my anniversary with DS, we stumbled upon Neutral Bay Bar & Dining, a place I had never heard of but located in the culinary-reputable suburb of Neutral Bay. The experience was totally great – the restaurant feels like a combination of American diner and Italian trattoria, but still somehow manages to look understated with its wooden booths and neutral colouring. Attention to detail is also evident, such as funky coat hooks and small nooks to put the cutlery between the booths. However, the thing that excited me most about this restaurant is seeing two different prices per dish – THEY HAVE HALF PORTIONS! The world of people with small stomachs, who still love to eat, rejoices.
- What we ate:
DS and I shared the Spice cured Ocean Trout with horseradish, ginger and blood orange (full portion $16). What a great way to start a meal! – the zesty flavours of the blood orange really add up to the flavours of the fresh fish. DS then had the Barossa Valley Berkshire pullable pork shoulder with cabbage/apple slaw & killer crackling (full portion $30) which may be described as ‘dude food’ that every man loves, while I enjoyed a half portion of the Kanungra wild boar ragu with pappardelle & Tuscan pecorino (half portion $16). There’s something really great about ragu when the cheese is so entwined within the dish you barely notice it, but its absence would be sorely missed. We also ordered a side of shooting broccoli ($8). To finish, DS and I shared the Doughnut with cookies n’ cream ice cream & butterscotch ($15), an obvious hark back to the American diner side of the restaurant. No complaints there!
Neutral Bay Bar & Dining
132 Military Road, Neutral Bay
Sydney 2089
http://www.nbbaranddining.com.au/
