looking for a low-key casual meal last night, we head to the paddington arms hotel. the place was pumping on this saturday night with the bistro side full. fortunately we were able to order from the full dinner menu whilst lounging on the couches just by the the bar in full view of the footy and fellow bar-hoppers.
the entree menu offers popular english classics including scotch egg, duck liver parfait and smoked mackerel with pickles. unfortunately they are out of the mackerel tonight, so we go with spiced crab dip on toast with avocado relish and the scotch egg. the yolk is slightly runny and the sausage is enjoyably gamey-tasting. the toast with the crab is a little bit burnt and cold, but the crab itself is delicious. for main we try the market fish of the day which tonight is nz hake. the fish is delivered still wrapped in al-foil, not so atheistically pleasing, but practical in keeping the fish warm while we finish our entrees which come out at the same time. the fish is lovely and buttery in both taste and texture, and perfectly cooked. i loved the simplicity of the favours in that it let the natural flavours of the hake shine, but for my dining partner the flavours were a bit too simple (despite him gorging on all the thyme in the bag).
we were joined on the couches by some barely-dressed, rowdy girls partying on after derby day at the races. it wasn't the perfect end to what was otherwise a casual and relaxed meal. not everyone enjoys their hake with a side of nipple, but i guess that's all part of the fun when you're not early enough to grab a table on the bistro side.
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| paper baked nz hake w/ cabbage, tomatoes and thyme |
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