the bucket list - bondi beach

the other day, we were on dad-minding duty. long-time couples seem to be at a loss when their partners go away, both emotionally and organisationally.  this was the case with my dad (known to his loved ones as pad) when his wife went away so we invited him to lunch. it’s always a challenge convincing the approaching-elderly to roam outside their suburban comfort zones, but they’re invariably chattering on the way home about how dramatically places have changed and how nice it is to see so many young people out and about.

it was a nice day so we took pad down to bondi beach to last summer’s ‘be seen’ beachside drinking hole – the bucket list. initially established as a pop-up bar for the ‘11-‘12 summer season only, the boys behind fringe bar made such a killing in the old nick’s pizzeria site that they’ve put down more permanent roots.

the real estate is prime. occupying one of the three or so titles at the bondi pavilion, the bucket list is within salt-spray distance of the waves, giving courtyard loungers unequalled nose-bleed views of surfers shredding and beach bodies bathing. inside is huge, with two bars, long tables and interesting art, lauded over by a tyre sculpture of a giant tortoise of ‘sculptures by the sea’ fame.

the outdoor area is populated by miss-matched furniture, long tables, beach umbrellas and stools made from torn up wooden pallets. it’s the perfect spot to soak up rays, stare at the beach and get distracted by barely-dressed beach walkers such as… but wait, who’s that? pad’s arrived wearing jeans, no shirt and an old-dude hat that, upon the brow of a younger boy, would be devastatingly hip. pad vaults over furniture to land in a reclined position on the comfiest available couch, proclaims that we’re sharing dishes - his shout - and settles into a discussion about investments. old guys rule!

the menu is vast so we’re able to pick a selection of dishes that is summery and refreshing on this bright autumn day, but also rich, warm and soothing for when a rogue cloud casts its likeness over the beach. we order at the bar, take a number, then settle in for a more than pleasant wait in the sun…

first to come out is a salad of kingfish sashimi. the greens are fresh and crisp and the citrus dressing is tart, complementing the sweet slices of fish. we’re pleasantly surprised by a crushed nut crumb on top of the fish which brings texture and a touch of oil and tastes fantastic. the rest of our order comes all at once and has trouble finding a spot on the tiny barrel that’s fashioned itself as our table. thick slices of fat-rimmed, slow cooked pork shoulder are tossed with an attractive array of zucchini and radicchio. quinoa (this year’s coolest south american new kid) and pomegranate seeds add crunch and juice.

slow roasted pork shoulder w/ radicchio and zucchini salas

on the more autumnal side of things we have a braised beef short rib hot pot with heirloom (read: little) carrots and barley. the winner here is the stock lurking at the bottom of the heavy pot which is so yummy to scoop up along with the chewy barely once the rich (perhaps too fatty) ribs are digesting. last but far-from least was a side of fried brussels sprouts with hazelnuts. an inspired combo! the oils in the nuts accentuate the butteriness in the sprouts and have us mmmm-ing after every bite.

braised beef short rib w/ heirloom carrots

for dessert, again we choose to straddle seasons, with a poached quince crumble and vanilla ice cream. not the most inspired version of this autumn menu staple, but still spicy and comforting without being heavy. no cheers, but no gripes either.

chef tom walton (ex-bistro moncur) has moved seamlessly from serving woolhara’s glitterati to bondi’s boho beach babes. and why not when the only difference between these distinguished social groups is a pair of ray bans and greater proximity to the ocean? his pub-munching fare is perfectly suited to the environs and we’re certain that a passing bucket of crispy queensland tiger prawns would taste even better with a brew.

we’ll be back at night, having ditched the old dude, armed with our drinking hats and a handful of one-liners to chat-up the stupidly attractive wait staff.


the bucket list
shop 01, queen elizabeth drive, bondi pavilion, bondi 
p: 9365 4122
http://thebucketlistbondi.com/