We've been to Rockpool once and really enjoyed it and it's always been a special occasion type place for us as we know that when we go, we'll splurge and it'll end up being a hefty blow to the wallet. That coupled with the fact that reservations are necessary meant that we never returned yet we have been to Spice Temple several times. Strange - but Rockpool just seems to be require a little too much effort for us so it's been dropped from our places to go list.
Karly had a conversation with me about potentially going with her mothers' group just to the bar area for the burger and that reminded me that we could make Rockpool more accessible and work for us for lunch or a less planned dinner.
So on a Monday lunchtime, when I had the week off (in between jobs you see) I propositioned Steve and he met me there for lunch. There were perhaps two other dining couples in the bar area and one or two seated at the bar on high stools.
We found this less formal area to be just as comfortable as the main area, slightly more relaxed and it worked for us.
The bar menu had enough to keep us entertained and enough for us to want to return and either repeat the experience or try something new.
We decided to go for a burger, the meat pie and share some chips. We were informed the pie would take 20 minutes so we went for a started of seafood ceviche to share to break up some of the time!
The ceviche was zingy and citrussy with a big hit of lemon which just stopped short of overpowering the delicate fish. There was a decent amount of fish and Steve and I enjoyed it.
Karly had a conversation with me about potentially going with her mothers' group just to the bar area for the burger and that reminded me that we could make Rockpool more accessible and work for us for lunch or a less planned dinner.
So on a Monday lunchtime, when I had the week off (in between jobs you see) I propositioned Steve and he met me there for lunch. There were perhaps two other dining couples in the bar area and one or two seated at the bar on high stools.
We found this less formal area to be just as comfortable as the main area, slightly more relaxed and it worked for us.
The bar menu had enough to keep us entertained and enough for us to want to return and either repeat the experience or try something new.
We decided to go for a burger, the meat pie and share some chips. We were informed the pie would take 20 minutes so we went for a started of seafood ceviche to share to break up some of the time!
The ceviche was zingy and citrussy with a big hit of lemon which just stopped short of overpowering the delicate fish. There was a decent amount of fish and Steve and I enjoyed it.
I went for the acclaimed burger or as the menu describes it David Blackmore’s Full Blood Wagyu Hamburger with Bacon, Gruyere Cheese and Zuni Pickle.
The brioche was light and toasty, soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside and round the edges. The burger was juicy and meaty, lightly seasoned. The pickle and relish had the perfect balance of sweet and sour and added crunch to the soft bread and pattie textures. I just managed to eat it with my hands without it all falling apart but there definitely was some juice dribbling down the arms! Undisputedly a wonder burger and one I would happily pay the $25 for. It's twice the price of a Grill'd burger but it is definitely twice as good.
The brioche was light and toasty, soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside and round the edges. The burger was juicy and meaty, lightly seasoned. The pickle and relish had the perfect balance of sweet and sour and added crunch to the soft bread and pattie textures. I just managed to eat it with my hands without it all falling apart but there definitely was some juice dribbling down the arms! Undisputedly a wonder burger and one I would happily pay the $25 for. It's twice the price of a Grill'd burger but it is definitely twice as good.
Beef and Guiness Pie with Potato Puree was Steve's choice and the crucial question is whether the 20 minute wait for it was worth it.
Happy to report that it was! The pasty was beautifully golden and flaky. I'm not a fan of pastry as I find it dry but this was buttery and delicious and it was packed with beefy goodness. I thought it might be a bit dry and I think I'd have loved some gravy if it were my dish but Steve loved it. The mashed potato was decadent and creamy and the whole dish was just heaving with butter! Great if post lunch activity consists of lying on the sofa, not so good when there are a couple of client meetings to attend and some accounts to review!
Happy to report that it was! The pasty was beautifully golden and flaky. I'm not a fan of pastry as I find it dry but this was buttery and delicious and it was packed with beefy goodness. I thought it might be a bit dry and I think I'd have loved some gravy if it were my dish but Steve loved it. The mashed potato was decadent and creamy and the whole dish was just heaving with butter! Great if post lunch activity consists of lying on the sofa, not so good when there are a couple of client meetings to attend and some accounts to review!
We shared the chips which were a pricy $12. Arguably, we could have shared these across 3 or 4 people though so I guess that makes it slightly better value. Good chips though - crunchy on the outside with a fluffy centre and no hint of grease.
Lunch at Rockpool was a success and we look forward to hitting the bar again whether for lunch or dinner. I just hope there is always room for us!
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