Dempsey on a Monday was far from bustling (like a Friday) but neither was it a ghost town. Perfect to unwind after a rocky blue Monday for a gf's birthday! Reservations are not necessary for a weekday, at least.
Checked napkins with a fun table mat seemed to hint at a fun dinner ahead.
The casual surroundings...there was a private art display for viewing and a "glass house" outside that seemed for private meals.
Cutesy plates that amused me.
Once again major apologies for the horrible photos...time to jump ship to another camera brand. :P *wishes upon an xmas star*
Red Pepper and Tomato Soup ($9)
I found it overthetop with the flavours though it is a rich soup. The tomatoes gave it a sour aftertaste which either makes you a fan or foe.
Pantagonian Wagyu Beef ($25)
Served Gaucho-style with Sweet Potato Sticks
The teaser was "wagyu beef" more than the rest of the description. Pleased as punch that the wagyu cubes were juicy and well marinated, the sweet potato sticks pretty much sealed the deal. Think sweet potato mush coated with a crunchy layer and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
One Metre Long Sausage ($25)
Served on a bed of rocket with mustard to dip
I was expecting a full 1metre sausage but well, the presentation got us all excited..one that dragged across the whole table. We opted for spicy chicken sausage which was one of the more memorable ones I had in a while. The spiced meat was drooliciously good and polishing off the 1 metre was easy-peasy.
Old American Sliders ($24)
A pair of burgers cooked medium well and served with a mixture of sweet potato and truffle fries, extra toppings of bleu cheese and bacon
Another spectacular. Beef patty was done to such perfection, resembled a steak though it was patty without the crumbly texture. Well charred with smokey fragrance together with stinky bleu cheese and bacon, I've already found another reason to return.
Truffle fries are their signature but there are two camps for this. I sat on the fence as to whether I loved it or hated it. The truffle oil only hits you after you chew and attempt to swallow.
Barracks Good Ole Fish & Chips ($27)
Cod Fish paired with truffle fries and malt vinegar and spicy ketchup dips
Cod fish really brings fish & chips to a new level altogether, giving the taste more dimension as opposed to soft, flimsy dory fish. The firmness of the flesh was plain addictive.
It could have been the amount of truffle fries and sweet potato fries accompanying most mains we ordered that triggered off a fear for truffle fries. In comparison, sweet potato fries are more pleasing on the palette. Thankfully we cancelled the separate side order of truffle fries!
Anchovy Skinny Pizza ($18)
Anchovies, Cherry Tomatoes, Bocanchini, Fresh Pesto, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Spinach & Egg Skinny Pizza ($18)
Spinach, Grated Egg, Ricotta Cheese, Sage, Olive Oil
Skinny Pizzas are signature so we had to give it a try. At the very beginning, we were told there were certain flavours that were out of stock but it only sunk in when we tried ordering that nearly all the meat flavours were sold out! On a Monday, no less. Apparently, they do not stock up daily. With sheer disappointment, we headed for vegetarian ones.
The pizza base reminded me of cream crackers that got soggy after awhile with the avalanche of ingredients piled on top. Neither stood out brilliantly, coming across as bland and uninteresting. Fou de Fafa anyday!
Green Tea Tofu Tiramisu ($10)
This came in a glass so tall, it had better be good. The green tea tofu was too thick and tiramisu was yet to be deciphered.
Freeform Lemon Tart ($10)
For presentation, this was innovative. I forgot once again how "deconstructed" is all the rage...sigh, I never learn, do I? The base of crushed biscuits with a dollop of lemon curd is simply what it is. The scoop of ice-cream like blob is well, whipped cream. House did not get the flavours right on this one, too sour I found.
Overall dinner was enjoyable. The company and I only had one conclusion, we would be better off with Ben and Jerry's sundaes for dessert.
House
Dempsey
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