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A view from The Balcony
BANGALOW
Take a small group, a dinner and show and a severe time constraint. We ended up at The Balcony for some lively and timely tapas. This is a place that I’ve eaten in only a few times. I arrived late and choices were already made for me. The young guy serving us drinks was alerted to our time restriction. We asked if he could send along someone to take our order. With a studied and polite manner, he quickly made our host feel at ease and offered to take our orders, then and there. No pad, no pen and no mobile device – this guy was in a sense ‘free-balling’. There were six of us, and there was the usual confusing backward and forward flow of ideas with many changes and thoughts on the selections. The waiter was taking note
Bangalow Dining Rooms
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of every order, a guest asked if he needed a pad. ‘This is what I do all day’, he reassured, and off he went with our complex list of foods, drinks and exclusions. Impressive – a savant perhaps? While waiting for our meal another older, more composed waiter came forth, enquiring if we would like anything. This was a serious type armed with an acerbic wit combined with very proper service, a combination that might make some diners uncomfortable. The addition of this subtle friction didn’t however detract from the service: it was good and efficient; the atmosphere soft and pleasant. The food came and everyone enjoyed it immensely, including me: Mejillones – a serve of organic black mussels with sherry, coriander, chilli, garlic and the addition of a crusty organ-
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Bangalow Hotel Open 7 days Lunch: 12 – 3pm Dinner 5.30 – 9pm All day bistro menu
BYRON BAY
BRUNSWICK
6687 1144
ic sourdough; Paletilla de cordero – a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with cumin, lemon and coriander yoghurt; arancini, an Italian fave of mine, filled with wild mushroom, thyme and goat cheese with truffle aioli; saltand-pepper squid, pickled fennel and preserved-lemon aioli; with a finale of ‘Stone & Wood’-cured salmon with blood orange-pickled baby vegetables and goat cheese (Salmón curado). Nicely plated and carefully balanced dishes. The other guests ran off to their show and I stayed to observe one of my favourite courses – dessert. I asked our sharp old waiter if he could reseat me as the long table wasn’t a fit for one person alone. He jumped on it, and in the fashion that appears to be his style, organised me in a flash. So we worked together. For dessert I asked for his recommendation without sighting the menu. I wasn’t disappointed. A superb chocolate fondant floated onto the table and I went off into a chocolaty coma (I hoped the drool wasn’t apparent). All that was left on the plate was the reflection of my smile. The tapas concept is found in every cuisine if you look. This isn’t a cheap eat to accompany a drink as would probably be the case in Spain but, keeping this in mind, a few glasses of good
Enjoy our balcony restaurant, intimate dining room and generous bistro food in the pub. With reasonable prices our menu reflects the wonderful local and fresh produce of the region. SMH GOOD PUB Large groups welcome. FOOD GUIDE We also offer off-site catering. 2013 AND 2014 www.bangalowdining.com
Dominic’s Ristoranté
CLOSING DOWN Many thanks to all our wonderful valued customers. It’s time to say goodbye as we close the doors.
Fingal St, Brunswick Heads 6685 1688
Above: Quick and lively tapas. Below left: Hot and lovely choc fondant. Below left: Soft and pleasant atmosphere. Photos by Matthew Michaelis
wine and a well-plated meal at The Balcony is an easy recommendation. COFFEE ROASTERY & CAFÉ Q The
Balcony Fully Licensed 9am to 10pm: 7 days Upstairs, Cnr Lawson and Jonson Streets, Byron Bay 6680 9666 reservations@balcony.com.au www.balcony.com.au
Monday - Saturday • 275 River St Maclean Wholesale 1300 540 337 Café 6645 5541
Italian Cafe/Restaurant 11 Marvell Street
Byron Bay 6680 9960 targabyronbay.com
The Treehouse on Belongil Open Mon-Sun 7.30am-11pm Woodfired pizzas - share platters - cocktails - licensed restaurant - bar 25 Childe St, Byron Bay 6680 9452
The only exclusively Vietnamese restaurant in town, this intimate space spilling out into a courtyard offers up fabulous dishes packed full of herbs, spices and varied textures. The traditionally light and healthy style of cuisine ensures the freshness and natural tastes of food are preserved as much as possible. It’s a popular spot so bookings are recommended.
Red Bamboo @ Byron
Bombay to Byron
Serving Authentic Indian Cuisine
Authentic Indian Food Shop 12 Woolworths Plaza Jonson St. Byron Bay Open 7 days 12 to 9:30pm Ph 6680 8355 Follow us on Facebook http://bit.ly/bombaybyron
• Lunch specials from $10.90 every day till 3 pm • Blackboard special • Masala Dosa • Snack time favourite Chai & pakora • Coming soon: Idli with coconut chutney & Sambhar (Southern Indian special) • Signature dishes: chicken chettinad, lamb & fish nilgiri & chocolate naan • All our curries are gluten free. Heaps of yummy vegan & vegetarian options available
Italian at the Pacific
Lemongrass Dinner Mon-Sat Lunch on weekdays Shop 3/17 Lawson Arcade Phone orders welcome 6680 8443
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
7 nights from 5.30pm Fully Licensed BYO Wine Shop 10, Feros Arcade, Jonson St, Byron Bay 6685 6737
Open for Dinner & Cocktails 7 days from 6pm till late Next to the Beach Hotel Bay Street 6680 7055 italianatthepacific.com.au
Breakfast/Lunch: 7 days from 7am Dinner: from 5.30 pm Tuesday - Saturday Winter Special: 20% off all food ordered by 7.30pm Tuesday - Thursday Coffee all day, bar open from lunchtime. OPEN FIRES, FOOD TO HEAT THE BELLY AND MUSIC TO WARM THE SOUL! Our all new winter menu includes hearty soups, daily specials and the full cocktail bar also features our famous mulled wine. Presenting incredible original music in Byron’s most intimate atmosphere. Check our website or facebook for the gig guide. www.facebook.com/treehouse.belongil www.treehouseonbelongil.com
BYRON BAY CONTINUED
Matthew Michaelis
VIETNAMESE AND ASIAN CUISINE Specialities: Rice Paper Rolls Vietnamese Pho (noodle soups) Vermicelli Salad Bowl From the Wok: Szechuan style Good choices for vegetarians and vegans www. redbambooatbyron.com.au
Italian at the Pacific provides a bustling atmospheric restaurant, dishing up contemporary inspired Italian cuisine and some of Byron’s finest cocktails and wines.
The Byron Shire Echo August 26, 2014 19