A winter lunch conjured up thoughts of urban location, intimate dining room, and sophisticated bistro-style menu so we opted for O’Connell St. Bistro and we were well rewarded. Classical menu, exemplary cuisine from executive chef Alex Strobach and totally professional service made this a very successful occasion. Proprietor Chris Upton has operated the restaurant for around 20 years and the experience shows in every detail.
MENU
Entrees
Crispy fried Squid, pickled vegetable & herb salad & wasabi mayonnaise
Pork, Chicken liver & Pistachio terrine, pickled vegetables, tamarillo chutney & crostini
Raviolo of confit Duck on Cauliflower puree w bacon,peas & sage red wine jus
Mains
Roasted Duck breast & cinfit leg, Pork sausage & Chestnut cassoulet, kale & orange jus
Market fish, nero risotto, mussels & clams, slow-cooked leeks & smoked roe butter
Southland Lamb rump, crushed chickpeas, aubergine & tomato ragu, salsa verde & thyme jus
Desserts
Coconut, Yoghurt & Honey Pannacotta, pineapple rum compote, deep fried lychee & passion fruit sorbet
Poached Pear, golden rum sultanas, poppyseed marzipan cake & pain d’espice ice cream
Dark Chocolate Ganache & Quince w orange granita
The following wines were served throughout the meal;
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2012
Salomon Undhof & Berg Gruner Veltliner 2012
Navaherreros Garnacha 2010
Marques de Riscal Tinto Reserva 2008
Michele Chialo Nicvole Moscato d’Asti 2012
Chris Upton’s cellar is renowned and this selection of wines less commonly encountered gave everyone the opportunity to make any number of interesting and rewarding food matches. The whole experience was most enjoyable and instructive and left us well pleased – and possibly a trifle smug.
To view the menu and booking details, please click here.