Balzac set for new beginnings
Since dining at Restaurant Balzac for their Friday $39 lunch special they’ve now extended the offer to include Thursdays. It’s pretty good value although sadly the last week will now be 25-26 August before they close for some renovations on 29 August 2011. So if you’re keen to experience the 3 course lunch special don’t delay and book yourself in. I wonder if a more relaxed dining experience like The Devonshire and District Dining might be the outcome with a possible bar area and a focus on shared plates which seems so popular these days? Here's a bit of a preview article from SMH, it'll be called the 'The Montpellier Public House'.
I’ve always enjoyed their Bread and butter (complimentary) and the generous portion of Zucchini Flower and Brandade Beignets with Lemon Aioli was cooked to a nice crisp with tasty filling. The flavours in the Sweet Corn Veloute with Confit Chicken and Basil Chantilly were nice although wondered if some of the chunks of confit chicken were a bit on the large size for such a delicate soup — although it did provide a homely rustic texture. Bold flavours and very tender meat were found in the Risotto of Braised Wagyu Beef and Pine Mushrooms with Red Wine Jus but it was also quite a heavy dish — good for the blokes. I liked the good combination of flavours and ingredients in the Crisp Skin Salmon with Petit Pois à la Française which was also very buttery — MasterChef judges would have approved.
The Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hazelnut Brittle seemed to be unfortunately missing the Hazelnut Brittle listed on the menu. It had nice flavours although I wondered if serving without the peach seed would have made it a little easier to eat. I liked the Upside-Down Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard which had a nice balance of flavours. I loved the introduction of cute little succulent plants on the table which provided an extra homely warmth to the décor — I’d love one for home and work. I look forward to keeping an eye on the new beginnings of the restaurant menu after their pending renovations which I’m sure will remain seasonal and high quality.
Since dining at Restaurant Balzac for their Friday $39 lunch special they’ve now extended the offer to include Thursdays. It’s pretty good value although sadly the last week will now be 25-26 August before they close for some renovations on 29 August 2011. So if you’re keen to experience the 3 course lunch special don’t delay and book yourself in. I wonder if a more relaxed dining experience like The Devonshire and District Dining might be the outcome with a possible bar area and a focus on shared plates which seems so popular these days? Here's a bit of a preview article from SMH, it'll be called the 'The Montpellier Public House'.
I’ve always enjoyed their Bread and butter (complimentary) and the generous portion of Zucchini Flower and Brandade Beignets with Lemon Aioli was cooked to a nice crisp with tasty filling. The flavours in the Sweet Corn Veloute with Confit Chicken and Basil Chantilly were nice although wondered if some of the chunks of confit chicken were a bit on the large size for such a delicate soup — although it did provide a homely rustic texture. Bold flavours and very tender meat were found in the Risotto of Braised Wagyu Beef and Pine Mushrooms with Red Wine Jus but it was also quite a heavy dish — good for the blokes. I liked the good combination of flavours and ingredients in the Crisp Skin Salmon with Petit Pois à la Française which was also very buttery — MasterChef judges would have approved.
The Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hazelnut Brittle seemed to be unfortunately missing the Hazelnut Brittle listed on the menu. It had nice flavours although I wondered if serving without the peach seed would have made it a little easier to eat. I liked the Upside-Down Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard which had a nice balance of flavours. I loved the introduction of cute little succulent plants on the table which provided an extra homely warmth to the décor — I’d love one for home and work. I look forward to keeping an eye on the new beginnings of the restaurant menu after their pending renovations which I’m sure will remain seasonal and high quality.
Other visits to Restaurant Balzac:
• 1 Jan 2011 - Zucchini Flower, Sweet Corn Veloute, Risotto of Braised Wagyu Beef, Crisp Skin Salmon, Poached Peach, Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard
• 1 Jan 2011 - Zucchini Flower, Sweet Corn Veloute, Risotto of Braised Wagyu Beef, Crisp Skin Salmon, Poached Peach, Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard
• 5 Nov 2010 - Carpaccio of Marlin, Slow Roast Pork Belly, Pineapple Tatin
• 14 Feb 2009 - Seared scallops, Foie Gras Parfait, Panfried Ocean Trout, Roast Wagyu, Bittersweet Chocolate Tart, Vanilla Creme Brulee
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Well-presented and tasty dishes, Fresh ingredients, Seasonal ingredients, Dishes change each week, Nice décor and love the addition of the table plants
CONS: Billing system unfortunately went down at the time so had to ask for the bill 3 times which took around 20 minutes sorting out — technology can be a b*tch sometimes, Mains were quite heavy on the butter (but that’s French cooking I guess), I work in the city so Randwick isn’t convenient for lunch unless I take a day off
MUST TRY: Keeping an eye on the new restaurant renovations and possibly new menu
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Bread and butter (complimentary)
Cocktail: French Resistance-Poached apricots, Galliano, Vodka and Vanilla ($10)
Zucchini Flower and Brandade Beignets with Lemon Aioli
Sweet Corn Veloute with Confit Chicken and Basil Chantilly
Risotto of Braised Wagyu Beef and Pine Mushrooms with Red Wine Jus
Crisp Skin Salmon with Petit Pois à la Française
Upside-Down Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard
Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream and Hazelnut Brittle (missing?)
Upside-Down Cumquat Pudding with Orange Custard
$39 3 course menu and beverages
Seating
Loving the table setting of little plants
Seating
Downstairs seating
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