Speakeasy, South Yarra

Speakeasy - Chilli and Caramel Tart w white chocolate ganache, banana crisps, caramelised walnuts, meringue and whipped cream ($12.50)

21 Oct Speakeasy, South Yarra

Posted at 18:22h in Bar/Pub, Food, Modern Australian, Restaurants, South Yarra, Speakeasy by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

Inspired by the speakeasy culture of the 20s and 30s, Speakeasy isn’t exactly a secret, nor illegal. Aside from its main dining areas, the spacious restaurant and bar has an upstairs function room, and a large, enclosed courtyard bar around the corner from the kitchen.

Speakeasy - Espresso Martini - Vodka, Kahlua, Frangelico, Fresh Espresso ($18) — Espresso Martini - Vodka, Kahlua, Frangelico, Fresh Espresso ($18)

Speakeasy - panner crab & sweet potato cakes w pickled rainbow salad, lemon & coriander (4 for $12.50) — Spanner crab & sweet potato cakes w pickled rainbow salad, lemon & coriander (4 for $12.50)

Speakeasy - Spiced cured ocean trout w crispy rice paper, pickles & citrus cream cheese ($15) — Spiced cured ocean trout w crispy rice paper, pickles & citrus cream cheese ($15)

The menu is a mix of modern Australian dishes and French bistro classics. The Spanner Crab & Sweet Potato Cakes are available in different forms for lunch and dinner. At night time they come with pickled rainbow salad, lemon and coriander. The mayo is quite tangy, providing a nice lift to the moist cakes. The firm-fleshed spiced and Cured Ocean Trout is eaten together with thin rice paper crisps, pickles and a sweet citrus cream cheese.

Speakeasy - Beer and miso lamb ribs w chilli yoghurt & lemon ($15) — Beer and miso lamb ribs w chilli yoghurt & lemon ($15)

The Beer & Miso Lamb Ribs are tender and slightly sweet. Chilli yoghurt, lemon and shaved cucumber moderate the richness of the meat.

Speakeasy - Crispy ocean trout w chilli citrus tabbouleh, goat cheese curd, apricot and lychee dressing and lotus roots crisps ($28) — Crispy ocean trout w chilli citrus tabbouleh, goat cheese curd, apricot and lychee dressing and lotus roots crisps ($28)

For mains, we order Crispy Ocean Trout with chili citrus tabbouleh, goat cheese curd, apricot and lychee dressing, apricot puree and lotus roots crisps. The trout is cooked nicely, though I’m not sure the combination of flavours was quite to my taste.

Speakeasy - Crispy duck breast w honey glazed persimmons, fried spud, baby king mushrooms, radish, pistachio and sourCrispy duck breast w honey glazed persimmons, fried spud, baby king mushrooms, radish, pistachio and sour plum jus ($32) plum jus ($32) — Crispy duck breast w honey glazed persimmons, fried spud, baby king mushrooms, radish, pistachio and sour plum jus ($32)

Crispy Duck Breast comes with honey glazed persimmons, fried spuds, baby king mushrooms, radish, pistachio and sour plum jus. Though a tad dry, the duck goes well with the sweet, almost fig-like persimmon. The sweetness of the persimmon is countered by the sourness of the plum jus. Sweet potato chips are a welcome textural addition.

It’s a heavy dish, but if you can fit it in and have a sweet tooth, the Chilli and Caramel Tart is worth your while. Rich, viscous caramel is decorated with white chocolate ganache, banana crisps, caramelised walnuts, meringue and whipped cream. The chilli is not too noticeable, but adds a little something to the dessert.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, each with slightly different menus, Speakeasy is sure to meet your needs no matter what time of day it is.