Giving Thanks for the Danks

Danks Street Depot is my new favorite place in Sydney.  I love it there.  I recognize this will not be of tremendous utility to those of you who are not, say, living on this continent; but if you’re ever in Sydney and looking for a great, casual place to have a meal, I cannot recommend Danks Street Depot highly enough.  We have been for brunch every weekend for three weeks running and I am only growing more and more enamoured of the place.

 

The exterior of the restaurant is an unassuming blank concrete.  If you didn’t know to come here, you could easily pass it by.  The interior has high ceilings and large windows with views out to the street, which afford plenty of daylight – perfect for leisurely perusal of your periodical of choice.  The decor is warm and inviting and the chairs are real chairs, not the flimsy plastic scoops that are so prevalent (and such a deterrent).  In addition to the standard four top tables, there is also a long communal table for diners to share.  The bar features a few stools and, in the afternoon, is laid with mouth-watering pastries and desserts.

 

The food itself, of course, is the real draw.  I would characterize it as “modern farmhouse bistro” fare, i.e., fresh local produce prepared with a light touch but with intensity and brio.  The menu, which changes daily, reflects a careful balance of comfort, luxury and wholesomeness that I find irresistible.  Everything that walks out of the kitchen looks fresh and exciting.  So far highlights include creamed eggs with roasted mushroom and truffle oil, served with a two-inch thick slab of grilled sourdough.  The chunky house-made bacon hash with poached eggs is a crowd pleaser (also comes in a veggie silver beet (Swiss chard) version).  On our first visit Michel enjoyed a braised beef sandwich that was a sticky, smoky, messy triumph.

 

We have yet to visit the Depot for dinner, but it’s on the list.  I have high hopes!  More info at http://www.danksstreetdepot.com.au/

 

We owe this discovery to Hugh, our neighbour and “food-purveyor-to-the-palates-that-matter,” who sources seafood for the Depot.  Thanks Hugh!

Have You Seen This Duck?