wilbur's place - kings cross

pigs are great. bacon. ham. pork. homer simpson was justified to question the existence of a “wonderful, magical animal,” that could produce so much deliciousness. like homer, i'm in mystified awe of the humble pig. my last meal on death row would definitely be a plate of babi guling (suckling pig), the kind served up at ibu oka, a street stall in ubud, bali. the moist pulled pork, blood sausage and salty crackling all swimming in pan juices would make the transition to heaven seamless. 

the closest substitute to this revered dish in sydney is dished up at wilbur's place. this no frills joint serves the tastiest suckling pig plate ($15) i've uncovered upon this land girt by sea. the price-to-serving ratio places the dish well beyond the need to haggle and makes this bargain comparable [in relative terms] to its balinese counterpart. the succulent pieces of pork come with sides of cannellini beans, tangy pickles and shredded cabbage. the dish is crested with an exquisite piece of pork crackling and a fat wedge of home baked sourdough. the boys running the show are ex-bourke street bakery so they know how to turn a bit of flour and water into something truly exceptional. 

suckling pig plate ($15)

suckling pig roll w pickles and dill mayo ($12)

 other picks off the menu include a suckling pig roll w pickles and dill mayo ($12). the super soft olive oil panini is filled with the same porky goodness as the plate including the crackling. the roll is made with extra virgin olive oil and milk, making its nimbus-like insides the perfect sponge for the piggy juices. fatty slow-braised beef on the brisket plate ($15) is equally complementary to the same accompaniments from the suckling pig plate. in a statement as ridiculous as it is treasonous, my friend suggests that the brisket could even be better than the pork. definitely try both and choose for yourself which is most worthy of the crown. if roast meat is too much of a tummyful  for lunch,
then you’re soft
the cured salmon salad of the day ($15) is a healthy substitute and just as wonderfully balanced. on our visit it comes with crunchy witlof, herbs, citrus vinaigrette and creamy salmon slices.

cured salmon salad of the day ($15)

the bakers offer a sweet selection of after main meal treat (sadly without any pork. although, i know that dan hong’s stoner’s delight at ms g’s features candied bacon and sticky pork pieces are served at the end of the deg at momofuku seibo, so fingers crossed porky puds one day goes mainstream!). the toasted brioche icecream sandwich ($12), is exactly as described, “buttered” with what must be dulce de leche. it’s tickles the sweet tooth just like i wanted, but falls short of tell-your-friends amazing. 

toasted brioche icecream sandwich ($12)

wilbur's place offers a more lengthy and diversified menu for dinner (that i haven’t yet had the chance to try) and may well be the perfect stop off before a raging night out in the cross. they've also commenced all day breakfast on saturdays and home deliveries for those on the other side of a big one and still not safe to drive. in a city where the cost of living is "what's up", wilbur's is an anomaly, offering delicious food at extremely reasonable prices. it’s crazy to think that a porcine panini costs little more than doner kebab from one of the grease spots on the same strip. with wilbur's help i can finally stave off my cravings for babi guling until my next trip to bali (and die happy on my island home).

wilbur's place
licensed and byo
36 llankelly place, kings cross
p: 9332 2999
http://wilbursplace.com/