Before the storms came through today, it was sweltering ~ 35 degrees C heat so we made quick decision on Cru Bar to relax, cool off, chill with some drinks and fill up on some nosh. Today, Miss food hunter finally made it out with Mr food hunter and his 2 brothers, the more the merrier!
Both Mr and Miss food hunter have patronized Cru several times now and each and every visit had been a splendid one! Today's experience fell short a little and that was due to a rather grumpy looking waitress. She was by no means rude. She carried out her duties well, making sure the water was topped and all, but you can't help but feel the slightest bit uneasy or offended when you are waited on by someone who didn't seem happy to provide service to you. We don't mean to be harsh, but we are living in a pragmatic world and in this day & age and in an establishment like this one, service comes full package i.e. with a smile...
Right, that was a mouthful as usual from Miss food hunter and on a lighter and brighter note....the drinks esp. the white wines by the glass were as always fresh & crisp. The Pinot Gris by Red Claw was delicately refreshing and the Pelorus Sparkling was lively with a dry finish.
L to R: Makers Mark, Chimay beer, Pelorus Sparkling & Rew Claw Pinot gris |
We shared 2 plates as starters, one a Gorgonzola and the other a Trio of Risotto cakes. These were followed by our mains of Rocket & Smoked Mushrooms on Turkish for Miss food hunter, Atlantic Salmon for Mr food hunter, an Eye Fillet and lastly, Calamari from the share plate option.
Gorgonzola w quince paste, muscatels, lavosh & baguette |
Risotto cakes w marmalade & rocket |
The Risotto cakes had mushroom, pinenuts and parmesan in them. We couldn't quite detect the mushrooms and parmesan to be honest but they were nonetheless light, beautifully crisp and interesting to have with the marmalade.
Rocket & smoked mushrooms sandwich |
Calamari w wasabi mayonnaise |
Eye Fillet w tower of onion rings |
Mr food hunter's younger brother ordered the Eye Fillet medium rare and his dish was perfect through and through! The fillet was extremely moist and tender and there was not a drop of sauce left on the plate!
Grilled Salmon on Skordalia |
We would liked to have given better insight to the components of the Eye Fillet and Calamari but the menu on Cru's website has not been updated though, majority of the dishes can be found on their current menu. Despite, a lapse in service and a few issues here and there, we still love Cru Bar. We don't know of another place that has as extensive an alcoholic beverage menu as Cru. The quality of both food and wine is apparent, the presentation and execution of dishes are applaudable , the setting is quite lush and the ambience particularly at night is splendid, relaxed & 'chilled'! Weekend nights are usually packed right to the entrance so come prepared with a reservation.
Cru Bar + Cellar
1/ 22 James street
Fortitude Valley
Opens monday to friday 11am to late
saturday & sunday 8am to late
Wow, fantastic!!! The sight of that eye fillet and grilled salmon is enough to make me weep :) Great review guys!
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