Local produce is the star of Pyrmont wine bar Mister Percy’s sleek new vegetarian menu.
Set back from the buzz of Darling Harbour lies Pyrmont’s neighbourhood wine bar, Mister Percy. The low-lit lounge bar is known for its thoughtfully selected local wine list, and more recently, its move to a vegetarian, produce-led menu curated by Head Chef Courtney Blyde.
In late 2020, Mister Percy along with the rest of the Ovolo Hotels group’s bars and restaurants made the admirable choice to go vegetarian for 365 days, becoming the first hotel group of its calibre to make such a commitment globally.
With Italian food at its core, this transition was natural for Blyde and his team. The menu shines a spotlight on the abundance of fresh produce available on our doorstep, serving up an array of delectable dishes such as Squashed Lasagne, Whole Roasted Cauliflower, and Deep-Fried Gnocchi.
Venue Manager Antonio boasts an extraordinary knowledge of food and wine, and after an hour or so into our dining experience, we decided he would be our ideal accomplice in a culinary journey of the streets of Italy.
With our selection of dishes expertly recommended by Antonio, we started with the smalls. The Smashed Edamame served with crispy fried nori sheets and umeboshi sesame seeds ($12), was a delicious way to start.
Next up was the Deep-Fried Gnocchi served with truffle butter ($19). The garlic, truffle butter sauce infused with fragrant herbs has to be the closest thing to liquid gold!
Every vegetarian menu should feature a celebration of the humble carrot, which was exactly what we experienced with the Orange Roasted Carrot ($17). Beautifully served on a bed of yogurt, it was the perfect zesty accompaniment to balance the rich aromas of the gnocchi dish.
Next, we tried the ‘Drunken Carbonara’, a modern twist on a Roman classic. With smoked eggplant mimicking bacon, cured egg yolks, and a splash of red wine, the velvety sauce is unforgettable in both its deep colour and delicious flavours.
The local produce continued to shine as we tried the Potato Cake with curry sauce and fresh herbs ($25) and the Iceberg Salad with ranch, paprika and cheese ($10). Our glasses were never empty as Antonio recommended his favourite drop of rosé, and as we moved on to mains, red wine.
Be sure to leave room for dessert. You won’t be able to resist indulging in the devilish Dark Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding. Charged with aphrodisiacs of dark chocolate, raspberries, and star anise (just to name a few), you can choose to slink upstairs for the night and enjoy it as an in-room dessert for two for $199 (if you’re so inclined).
Much like the food, the venue mixes the classic with the contemporary, setting the scene with an effortless blend of vintage furniture and modern décor.
For genuinely warm hospitality, creative takes on Italian classics, and a beverage menu to keep you satisfied long into the night, check out Pyrmont’s hidden gem, Mister Percy.
Find Mister Percy at 139 Murray St, Pyrmont, open Wednesday till Saturday, 6pm till late. Book your table here.