Blue Plate Bar and Grill (Formerly South)
24 Young Street
Neutral Bay
9935 - 2942
http://www.blueplate.com.au/
(Reservations recommended)
Z decided she wanted to try Sydney's version of "authentic cajun food", so the trio headed north for South, only to discover South was now incorporated into the Blue Plate Bar and Grill, a short walk away. At least the menu still featured "Yankee favorites" for homesick North Americans. The native North Americans in the trio would be the judge of just how authentic said foods would be.
Z favoured New Orleans fare with a starter of gumbo ($15) and a main of jumbalya ($26). The gumbo came in a deep bowl and probably could have sufficed as a meal itself with a side salad and perhaps a slice of bread (although sadly, we didn't notice cornbread or hush puppies on the menu, which would have been appropriate side fare). As for authenticity, the gumbo was savory and spicy - a mix of okra, celery, chicken, sausage, shrimp, and spices, but lacked the thickness that distinguishes gumbo from soup. The jumbalya was overpriced for the size of the portion, and was too pasty. Real jumbalya is loose, not stuck together like a stiff risotto. Again, it was spicy but the flavor was too heavy on the tomato. Alas, the Aussies haven't quite done it the way they do back home.
D went for a Waldorf Salad for starter ($15), hoping to reawaken a taste memory of having sampled it before at a buffet in Canada, and cleared his plate in a matter of moments - the cool mix of apple, grapes, nuts, celery on lettuce, coated in a homemade mayonnaise hitting the spot. He followed with the waitress recommended Cajun Chicken ($24), grilled in spices, and accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, and mash potatoes. The chicken was well grilled but juicy, retaining a perfect flavor while the corn was equally juicy and delectable. D had no problems clearing his plate.
S started with good but unremarkable Guacamole Dip and chips, ($12) then wavered between the Crispy Duck and the Salmon ($25), before deciding on the fish. Her plate smelled wonderful as the thick, succulent slice of salmon sat atop a block of smoked wood, giving our whole table a faint scent of a warm cozy wood fire in the hearth of a cabin. It sent Canadian D right back into his childhood, while Z recalled rugged up American winters, defrosting herself in front of the fireplace. S also devoured her salmon, and sides of asparagus and rice. Happy plates all round for the Gastronauts!
Z's mouth was on fire, so some ice cream was in order, which evolved into ice cream with a side of pecan pie ($12) for Z and a shared apple pie ($12) and ice cream split between D and S. The Pecan pie was authentic, heavy on the corn syrup and sugar, richer than Richard Branson, while D was disappointed the apple pie was more "pie" than "apple". It resembled a small meat pie, with apple and some sultanas hiding inside. S also capped off with a decaf cappuccino.
Over all, it was satisfying, but also ridiculously expensive for the portion sizes and meals. American fare is not difficult to prepare, and certainly the North American contingent of our trio could do as well if not better than what we were served. We did like the decor of the Blue Plate Bar and Gill, which resembled more of a New York City high end restaurant, with its floor to high ceiling windows, chandeliers, and burgundy drapes and wallpaper, than a "bar and grill". Middle American fare being peddled at high end prices. The service was good and the waitstaff was attentive and in good spirits.
Go for the experience and atmosphere, but invite an American friend over to your house to cook for authenticity and savings.
Ratings: (out of 10)
Z= 5.5
S= 7
D= 7
