Ten minutes’ walk from Edgecliff station is Double Bay’s nightlife hub which is based around Bay Street. Noisy, packed bars line the streets, thronged with the great and the good of the Eastern suburbs. However, if you’re looking for more intimate surroundings with table service and a less frenetic atmosphere then Pelicano has you covered.
The short and sweet one-page menu consists of half a dozen small dishes and the same amount of more substantial meals, all designed to share. The style is best described as modern Australian with a Mediterranean influence with a good balance of seafood, red meat, poultry and vegetarian fare. Pelicano’s wine selection is impressive with both the old and new world represented, but we started night with a gin based cocktail with a hint of mandarin and syrup. According to its name it’s served to the geisha’s pleasure.
We decided to begin with one meat and one seafood dish. Generously portioned Lamb Ribs ($19) are coated in an unusual quinoa and herb crumb which provides a contrasting texture to the rich and tender meat.
Unlike salmon sashimi or carpaccio, Seared Salmon ($20) is sliced to roughly 2cm thickness and served in a soy dressing with black garlic. The thickness of the cut provides a chunky bite of the fish, a perfect way to enjoy the freshness and tenderness of the seafood. Dishes like this are typically served with a citrus dressing but Pelicano’s soy version really works in this instance.
Too often when we order Lobster Roll ($25), we end up questioning the quality of the seafood and whether it actually is lobster. No such concerns here though – picking through the mixture reveals thick chunks of white meat can only belong to the exclusive crustacean. The brioche bun is soft and fresh, accompanied by thin cut chips and aioli.
Beef Fillet ($31) is first cooked sous-vide before being pan fried. The cooking method ensures that the meat is cooked consistently throughout and is fabulously moist and tender.
As the taste of fresh lobster and beef lingered on, we were presented a house-made Pavlova. One bite revealed a light and airy dessert with no sign of chewiness in the meringue. The cream is fluffy and not overly sweet either.
Not only does Pelicano provide a relaxed and sophisticated dining room, on the way out we noticed a DJ booth that shows it can double as a party venue into the small hours. That’s just one more reason to travel a short distance out of city centre and seek out this eastern suburb nightlife hotspot.
Pelicano
24 Bay St, Double Bay, Sydney NSW
Phone: (02) 8021 4050
Web: pelicano.com.au
