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2013-11-07
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This was my second restaurant I visited for Restaurant Week last month. I've always walked past this place but never tried the food there before so I thought this was a good time to sample the food. My 3 course meal cost about $25 which was super worth it! Came here during lunch and there it was almost empty save for a couple at another corner. The place was quite nice and bright and has a sophisticated feel when you step in. Seems to be an open bar area and a TV which probably makes this a good
Came here during lunch and there it was almost empty save for a couple at another corner. The place was quite nice and bright and has a sophisticated feel when you step in.
Seems to be an open bar area and a TV which probably makes this a good place during soccer season. One thing I have to note, because this restaurant is located beside loads of greenery, there were quite a few mosquito buzzing around. I got bitten a few times! I would choose a table further away from the door if possible.
First up was some complimentary olive bread. The bread was warm, chewy and delightful to dip into the olive oil and vinegar. We wish we have a bigger stomach space to ask for another basket but we didn't want to spoil our appetite for the meal itself (who makes themselves full on bread before getting to the mains?)
The first course was the Oven-roasted Tomato Soup with Herb Oil. The soup was tangy, light and a fantastic start to the meal! You really taste the robust flavours of the tomato and the earthier flavours of the herb balances out the sour tang of the tomatoes. Save some of the bread to dip in this soup!
My main dish was the Boneless Chicken Thigh, Potato Puree, Mixed Vegetables and Au Jus. Now when I read the words 'Au Jus' it racked up major points as Au Jus are super tasty concentrated gravy made from the natural oil and flavouring from the dish. The chicken was so tender and juicy! And that Au Jus was very nice too! I did like the medley of vegetables as they were cooked to the right texture (not too mushy or crunchy) and I love the potato puree. I need more of that puree! Highly recommend this dish. It's safe and simple but because it is done right, it's comfort food after a hard day at work.
Lastly was the Lemon Cheesecake with Chocolate Crumble. I'm slightly disappointed with the dessert. The presentation was beautiful and looks like a galaxy system with the fruits as planet. But the cheesecake was a little too dense for my liking hence it felt a little dry as I ate it. The crumble was quite sticky and I didn't enjoy it too much. Nice to look at but I would give this dessert a skip. Overall, I enjoy the ambiance of the place and the starter and main dish were winners so I would come back to try other items. I reckon this place would be quite romantic at night so if you're in town and you feel like Italian food, why not give Ochre a go?
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