#4: An Aussie Food Safari THERE’S more Australian food in Brooklyn than the clichéd Aussie-Tizers on offer at the Outback Steakhouse. No real offense meant towards the chain, but a menu that rides heavy on throwing “shrimp on the barbie,” but omits “fair dinkum” pies, sausage “saussie” rolls, Down Under’s take on coffee and something called a “lamington” is just not doing the “cobbers” and “Sheilas” any favors. Native Australian Bec Couche and a couple of her Aussie mates set out on their kangaroos to sample some of the motherland’s cuisine, promising to avoid all clichés – other than those already mentioned in this paragraph. Smooch We kick-started the safari with high expectations, ordering a meal called Tamarama, named after one of Sydney’s most glamorous beaches. Two pieces of ciabatta covered with lashings of creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, basil and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, washed down with a flat white (a coffee that manages to fill the void left between the latte and the macchiato) did not disappoint. 264 Carlton Avenue, Fort Greene. The Milk Bar Our quick stroll around the Brooklyn Flea was anything but, and the effects of the flat whites were waning. En route to Prospect Park, the group made a pit stop for an iced coffee. The Australian take on the New Yorker’s summer drink of choice translates to a couple of shots of espresso served over ice cream, and despite being more of a dessert than a refreshing beverage, it was totally delicious. 620 Vanderbilt Avenue, Prospect Heights. The Pie Shop This place smells like sausage rolls (spiced ground pork rolled in buttery puff pastry), meat pies and tomato sauce – which for those who don’t know, is kind of amazing.
Between us, we ordered a steak pie, a sausage roll and a chunky square cake called a lamington. The baked goods were delicious, but the jam-filled light sponge rolled in melted chocolate and coconut took the prize. 211 Prospect Park West, Windsor Terrace. Café Madeline The ride around Prospect Park to reach this cute café built up a hunger and earned us another go at the pie. Available in either traditional meat or curry, the Sheep Station Pie, with its tasty relish and side salad, transformed the savory, meaty pastry bite from humble snack to gourmet delight status. 1603 Cortelyou Road, Flatbush. Sheep Station The real draw at this bar is the flagship Shearers Burger, served with egg, beetroot and pineapple. Quite the taste sensation, and after the meat/pastry/cake/coffee intake today, it was best washed down with a couple of beers. As everyone knows, real Australians don’t drink Foster’s, we settle for a few Coopers Green – aka pale ales. 149 4th Avenue, Park Slope. Five Leaves Liking the taste of the beer, we dump our bikes and catch the train into Greenpoint. Australian actor Heath Ledger didn’t live to see the opening of his bar – but his business partner Jud Mongell did justice to his vision of creating a cool, classy neighborhood hang-out. Toying with the appropriately named In Between menu, we order a serving of arguably Australian Devils on Horseback (dates wrapped in bacon). Eager to get this Saturday night sorted, we settle for another round of Coopers Green. Cheers! 8 Bedford Avenue, Greenpoint. Illustration by Liza Corsillo