Customs House Restaurant and Bar
Hello everyone,
The university semester is virtually over for me so I can continue my food blogging without interruptions and I will also be upgrading my blog so watch this space!
Today, Customs House Restaurant and Bar released their November specials which include Gourmet Hot Dogs, and a meat and beer tasting plate. I was fortunate enough to be able to sample their exclusive tasting plate and a few other delicious menu items.
My first impression of the restaurant and bar from the outside was 'this looks like your traditional bar'. However, with the Oak barrels, antique street lamps and corporate clientele, the rustic vibe that I adore became more and more apparent.
I was greeted and seated by the friendly wait staff who were standing at attention at the entrance.
I explained to the staff that I would like to make some modifications to some menu items due to dietary requirements with which all my needs were met. The staff showed great hospitality as they described ingredients of some meals and shared their preferences. Let's just say I went a little crazy with the ordering.
1. Witlof Salad: Crisp witlof leaves, thin slices of pear, vibrant sweet peas, dried fig pieces, refreshing roquette, seasonal edible flowers and thin toasted slices of bread.
2. Roasted Young Chicken: A succulent breast chicken fillet topped with citrus salsa, served with a side of asparagus nestled in a contemporary garden salad.
3. Truffle Arancini: Crispy balls of cheese and truffle accompanied with a deliciously creamy aioli.
3. Truffle Arancini: Crispy balls of cheese and truffle accompanied with a deliciously creamy aioli.
4. Parmesan Fries: 'They're just hot chips, how nice could they be?' OMG YOU HAVE NOT LIVED UNTIL YOU HAVE HAD THESE BAD BOYS! The parmesan fries were something out of a foodie love story, where everything is played in slow motion as you dip your parmesan fries into the truffle aioli then take a bite into the crunchy fries. Ahh my hero <3
5. Tajima Wagyu Burger: Juicy Wagyu beef patty with a melted slice of Swiss cheese, crisp lettuce and beetroot on a soft brioche bun (that doesn't taste like a croissant) served with a cherry tomato salsa and gherkins for variety (IT REALLY IS A CUSTOM HOUSE!).
6. House Chilli & Lime sauce: Now, this wasn't a menu item, however, it is complimentary when you dine. It tastes like peri peri salsa but oh so much better! Punchy and full of flavour!
7. Guava Mocktail: This was absolutely beautiful, it was served with an orange peel and a sprig of mint. It was very refreshing and really gave me the Summer vibe.
8. The Tasting Plate (What I was really here for): The tasting plate had 3 different meats matched with 3 Matilda Bay beers.
Chermoula Chicken matched with the Alpha Pale Ale - Succulent chicken skewers w subtle herb flavours.
Wagyu Beef Satay matched with Ruby Tuesday - Spicy beef skewers cooked to perfection.
Ham Hock and Pistachio Terrine matched with Dirty Granny Cider (-).
Once you order your food and it lands on your table, you will forget that you're in a bar. I cannot stress to you how juicy and moist the meats were. I could not believe just how perfectly cooked they were. They really embraced seasonal foods especially fruits and vegetables which was evident throughout the menu which meant that most foods were sourced locally from Australia.
By the end of the afternoon, I needed to be rolled back home. I could not place another morsel of food into my mouth. I was so full! The company was great too! I had had such a great time. Definitely will make my way back down!
(Can you spot me in the reflection?)
