South Coast Portraits: Berry and beyond

The Bureau is going through some corporate re-jig. I don't know what's going on, Molly. Don't know how much you know.

This ground was recently trodden by the extremely capable Not Quite Nigella, and other places in the region by the reasonably capable me. But this time I've been sent down to Berry to 'get some perspective'.

 

Pavilion Restaurant, Berry -- or -- Who's that Chef?

A couple of disclaimers for this report, Molly:
1. In the week before I visited Berry I was sick. Real sick. So my tastebuds were not at their peak.
2. My party of four received complimentary champagne, a shared entree, and dessert wine.

This story begins with me arriving for a nice, quiet 'recovery' dinner with friends...

Hungry Duck, Berry - or - The Burning Question

Whoa, Molly. Did I get a little preachy last night? It must have been the Shiraz. And the Port. Both lovely, lovely drops.

The food ranged from pretty good to great, with only a couple of dishes that I'd only try once. (The alpaca sausages and the plantain chips, Molly, if you're wondering.) The pork buns were a standout favourite, Molly. So unlike what we get around the corner at yum cha.

The garden was beautiful, Molly, as I think I've mentioned. Inside was modern with touches of that old country charm. Glass light fittings, wooden floors, bonsai plants. You know: modern cottage Asian fusion? It works.

The service was great. Kudos to our cheery waitress, Renée. Her recommendations were spot on. Made the night a pleasure. Helpful, too. She found out the providence of the pork for us. Is providence the right word, Molly? You know: where it came from. (Pork from Tamora, beef from Gerringong.)

I get a travel allowance, right Molly? I ordered on that assumption. A la carte. The damage was $304 for four, plus a good tip. That includes the bubbles, wine and aperitifs to get the clients talking. I could have gone the 5-course banquet for $45pp, but I know you believe in freedom of choice. Look, I'll just file the receipts with Finance. I have your signature on file…

Detective Chow

Case file 20110917

Hungry Duck

85 Queen St, Berry

http://www.hungryduck.com.au/ | Facebook

Green Box Regional Food Co-operative

http://www.greenbox.org.au/