Pembroke Bar and Kitchen, Surrey Hills

17 Sep Pembroke Bar and Kitchen, Surrey Hills

Posted at 12:24h in Food, Modern Australian, Pembroke Bar and Kitchen, Restaurants, Surrey Hills by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

It’s always pleasant surprise to find restaurant gems that aren’t in the city, and Adrian Morrissy wanted to prove that it is possible to keep to the suburbs for good food. Pembroke Bar and Kitchen is his latest venture set in his local neighbourhood, Surrey Hills. The interior, designed by Fiona Lynch, is classy but not uptight, and the large courtyard is the perfect setting for our lunch on this warm and breezy day.

Pembroke Bar & Kitchen - Espresso Martini - 42 Below vodka, kahlua, white crème de cacao, espresso ($18) — Espresso Martini - 42 Below vodka, kahlua, white crème de cacao, espresso ($18)

Pembroke - Focaccia and olives — Focaccia and olives

Pembroke - Zucchini fritter, yoghurt, mint ($4 ea) — Zucchini fritter, yoghurt, mint ($4 ea)

Pembroke - Mushroom croquette, truffle aioli ($5 ea)

The kitchen is manned by Christos Milionis – ex-sous chef from two of my favourite restaurants, Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria. We begin with Zucchini Fritters, and the delicious mushroom-packed Croquettes with truffle aioli. Things are off to a promising start.

Pembroke - Burrata, green pepper, croutons ($19) — Burrata, green pepper, croutons ($19)

Pembroke - Kingfish, fennel, grapefruit, lime mayonnaise ($18) — Kingfish, fennel, grapefruit, lime mayonnaise ($18)

Pembroke - Octopus, harissa, skordalia ($22) — Octopus, harissa, skordalia ($22)

The Kingfish with fennel, grapefruit and lime mayonnaise is a light and refreshing small plate, contrasted by the bolder flavours of Octopus with harissa and scordalia. The tender octopus is charred nicely, and there’s plenty of punch in the harissa.

Pembroke - Braised goat, chickpeas, cavolo nero ($36) — Braised goat, chickpeas, cavolo nero ($36)

Pembroke - Duck maryland, red cabbage, bulgur wheat, raisins ($32)

Braised Goat is tender, and the chickpeas are cooked such that they still possess some texture. The Duck looks unassuming but has so much complexity coming through. We’re reluctant to leave any sauce behind on the plate, so it gets swept up along with the rest of the bulgur.

Pembroke - Coffee, cake, chocolate ($16) — Coffee, cake, chocolate ($16)

Pembroke doesn’t let us down on the dessert front either. Their Coffee, Cake, Chocolate has very well defined flavours, and isn’t too sweet. It’s a wonderful dessert to end our lazy lunch in Surrey Hills.

Pembroke Bar and Kitchen was a great discovery, and is marked down in our books as one to revisit.