Rockpool

3rd July 2011

As a reward to myself after a 30km run into the city i choose to tick off one of the more expensive restaurants from the list and go to Rockpool. Located in Crown, it featured a classy and stylish entry way and restaurant.

Having been seated at a table near the window with view of the outside walkway and river, i was offered an array of drink options with an excellent selection of wine, beer and other drinks spread over a 56 page book. Of which i chose the Truman Pilsner from Austria and a glass of Domaine Bernard Defaix chardonnay. The knowledgeable waiting staff then went through the extensive menu in particular the extensive selection of cuts of beef.

For starter i went with a ceviche of scampi, kingfish, cucumber and jalapeno. Beautifully presented on a thin plate with a vibrant mix of colours offered a preview for the bold and vibrant mix of flavours. Fish flavours mixed with bold lemon and lime juice and crunchy vegetables and a kick from the jalapeno. It was an amazing dish that showed both flair in presentation and a boldness in flavour that showed the quality of cooking.

For main course i decided that if i was going to do Rockpool, i was going to go all out and went with the Wagyu Rib eye steak. With the rich wagyu flavour, slight charred outside and perfectly cooked pink medium/rare centre and marbling texture it was a beautiful cut of meat ruined slightly by a sliver of fat running through the middle of the steak and average presentation. Overall it was an excellent steak but not sure given its price it was so much better than other steak to warrant the extra cost.

Also as the steak came on its own apart from a choice of sauces i ordered 2 sides to accompany it from the vast selection of sides (about 20 in total). First i went with the onion rings - a single ring of Spanish onion covered in a crunchy batter they were excellent. The second choice i enlisted the help of the waiting staff to find a side that complemented the first 2 choices. He recommended a fresh salad and went with the chopped cob with capsicum, croutons and a healthy dash of a zingy juice to top it off.

I rounded off the dinner with a truly amazing desert. The chocolate jaffa mousse cake was both intricate and delicious. The base was a ring of meringue covered with a jaffa jelly upon which rested the rich yet light jaffa chocolate mousse with a chocolate biscuit base and covered in a dark chocolate glaze. An amazing dish to put together and even better to taste, it was an amazing way to finish the meal.

Quality service and knowledgeable waiting staff and quality ingredients and cooking, however came at a hefty price. Come with your eyes wide open that there are few bargains on the menu (Tell your credit card to watch out as it will be hit) but the highest quality ingredients cooked expertly and well worth a visit if only for a special occasion. It was worthy of the 2 hats but would be at the lower end of that category for me.