My latest instalment for local newspaper The Echo.
Plump and delicate JUST how we like our Oyster!
We all need to make the time to go to The Italian Byron Bay for a little “Me Amore”.
We started our evening on Saturday with cocktails, because hey why not! I headed straight for a classic Passionfruit Sour which was a perfectly balanced dance between vibrant fruit, liquor, sour and sweetness with organic eggs used to make the sour super fluffy whilst also providing an extra clean mouthfeel too. Big tick!
An old school classic with a clever twist tasting next level under the skilful hands of chef and co-owner Will Ennis
I found myself in a rare mood for not wanting to make any menu decisions. So after our epic cocktails, Dave & I asked our waitress to see if chef would be keen to send us food that he loves best off the menu, and he said yes! And wowza, does life taste good when you hand complete control over to a chef with the skill and flare of Will Ennis.
We started with the plumpest of Pacific Oysters, with a pickled Apple Verjuice garnish, a clever and fun little flavour combination for our delicate juicy bivalves. Followed by the most divine Arancini w Taleggio and Romesco Sauce. I’m always looking for different flavour pops on my fork and the Snapper served with a silky smooth Cauliflower Puree, Broccolini w Apple, Almonds & Herbs was bang on the money! Next came an old school classic with a twist pairing of Free Range Pork Belly w Parnsip Puree, Roasted Pear & Candid Walnuts, OK so I may have discretely licked the plate here! Ah, and if you love fresh homemade pasta you simply must yes must, order the Ravioli w Goats Cheese. Oh and please make sure you save room for dessert, so you can indulge in the moreish Chocolate, Peanut & Banana Trio, because each spoonful will have you nodding knowingly at your dinner date and thinking, yes this really is the perfect finish to the most perfect night!
Trust me, you need to have this dessert at least once in your lifetime!
Be sure to follow THE ITALIAN BYRON BAY @theitalianbyronbay for more of their delicious food porn.
Until next time.
T xxx
