Rubicon | Essendon | A Chronicle of Gastronomy

Rubicon - Herb crusted barramundi with potato purée in a chilli, lemon and Napoli salsa

22 Jun Rubicon, Essendon

Posted at 20:10h in Essendon, Food, Italian, Restaurants, Rubicon by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

A short walk from Essendon station, this site has long been an Italian restaurant, but rebranded to Rubicon a year ago under the guidance of chef Michael Ibrahim and owner Teddy Hakim.

Rubicon - Tasting Platter for Two - Lightly fried calamari, chargrilled baby octopus, crispy haloumi cheese, rocket salad ($37.50) — Tasting Platter for Two - Lightly fried calamari, chargrilled baby octopus, crispy haloumi cheese, rocket salad ($37.50)

Rubicon - Antipasto Platter for 2 - Cured meats, marinated vegetables, arancini, olives, crispy cheese, homemade crusty bread ($28.50) — Antipasto Platter for 2 - Cured meats, marinated vegetables, arancini, olives, crispy cheese, homemade crusty bread ($28.50)

We come in to try the new menu, and begin with some sharing platters. The Tasting Platter for Two comes with lightly fried calamari, chargrilled baby octopus, crispy halloumi and a rocket salad. The chargrilled baby octopus is a little sour and fishy, but the calamari are tender. The Antipasto Platter is laden with cured meats, olives, and marinated zucchini, artichoke, and eggplant. Although the rice grains of the arancini are indistinguishable, they’re nice and crispy on the outside, and have a light cheese flavour. Crumbed slices of halloumi are popular around the table; just as well they’re present on both platters.

Rubicon - Pulled Beef Pizza w San Marzano tomato, mozzarella cheese, pulled beef, spinach and fresh tomatoes topped w yoghurt sauce ($23.50) — Pulled Beef Pizza w San Marzano tomato, mozzarella cheese, pulled beef, spinach and fresh tomatoes topped w yoghurt sauce ($23.50)

Rubicon - Marinara Pizza - San Marzano tomato, mozzarella cheese, tiger prawns, Hervey Bay scallops, mussels, pippies calamari, garlic oil, oregano, fresh basil ($24.50) — Marinara Pizza - San Marzano tomato, mozzarella cheese, tiger prawns, Hervey Bay scallops, mussels, pippies calamari, garlic oil, oregano, fresh basil ($24.50)

The 13″ woodfired pizzas have thin and crispy bases, apart from where the more liquid ingredients soaked in. The Pulled Beef Pizza has a San Marzano tomato base, and is topped with tender beef, mozzarella cheese, spinach, fresh tomatoes and yoghurt sauce. The Marinara Pizza has fresh seafood consisting of tiger prawns, Hervey Bay scallops, mussels, pippies and calamari. Mozzarella, garlic oil, oregano, and fresh basil are the co-stars.

Rubicon - Chicken Parmigiana Mexicana w tomato salsa, jalapenos, nachos and mozzarella topped w sour cream ($29.50) — Chicken Parmigiana Mexicana w tomato salsa, jalapenos, nachos and mozzarella topped w sour cream ($29.50)

Chicken Parmigiana Mexicana is an interesting dish with tomato salsa, jalapenos, crunchy nachos, mozzarella and sour cream. Despite the thickness of the crumbed chicken, it’s perfectly cooked and juicy. The Herb Crusted Barramundi is nice and flakey, and has a good level of seasoning in the crust. It’s accompanied by potato purée and a spicy chilli, lemon and Napoli salsa.

Rubicon - 14-hour slow cooked baby goat with creamy mash potato, baked bacon — 14-hour slow cooked baby goat with creamy mash potato, baked bacon

The highlight for me is the tomato-based baby goat with vegetables and rich and hearty sauce. Slow cooked over 14 hours, the goat is tender, and served simply with roasted pumpkin, mashed potato and baked bacon.

While it may not be super fancy, Rubicon serves up some tasty fare.