There’s no stopping the Merivale group… with such a large presence in the drinking and dining scene here in Sydney, it almost feels as though they’re going to take over. Paling’s Kitchen & Bar is one of the latest additions to the empire, located on level one of the ivy. It is an open air beer garden, a working kitchen as well a series of bars, featuring several different and affordable food and beverage offerings, all in one space. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of George Street and while it is a huge barn-like space it has a relaxed feel enhanced with timber furnishings and lush greenery.
Aiming to be CBD’s new inner ‘local’ food and drink destination, Paling’s prides itself on delivering ‘quality food that you love to eat’. The menu is extensive, not married to one particular cuisine or style as such, rather touching on a range of different cuisines, in turn appealing to a wider audience. There’s sanwiches, salads, wood grilled meat and seafood skewers, melt in your mouth wagyu and a daily changing roast. The menu has been created under the guidance of consultant Tim Pak Poy and Head Chef Christopher Whitehead who ran the kitchen at the venue’s predecessor, Mad Cow.
Sunnee’s Thai Canteen in the far corner gives Paling’s more of an international flabour, serving up traditional street style Thai favourites, overseen by head chef Wii Trissanamaneewong (ex Sailors Thai ivy).
Acclaimed pastry chef, Lorraine Godsmark (ex Yellow) ensures sweet tooths are satisfied with a selection of her favourite desserts on offer at Palings as well as her retail venue, Lorraine’s Patisserie, located in Palings Lane.
To celebrate it’s arrival, we were invited down for the Paling’s Bar & Kitchen experience. See below for a range of images of food and drinks from the night. Special mentions must go to:
- The best cheese toastie I’ve ever tasted, definitely beats the usual Sunday night dinner.
- Head chef Chris Whiteheads favourite menu item: the ‘David Blackmore skirt steak, stuffed peppers, green sauce’ which absolutely melted in your mouth.
- The Saltwater potatoes with spicy pebre sauce which had the most delicious salty crust encasing the fluffy potato.
- Last but DEFINITELY not least, all desserts by Lorraine Godsmark. That lady truly is a God. Not being an avid dessert eater, even I was converted. It’s impossible to choose my favourite dessert so make sure you try them all; Strawberry mascarpone, Petit croquembouche, ‘Ruby’s cake’, New York cheesecake, Rhubarb pie and the Flourless chocolate cake.
Paling’s Kitchen & Bar is a great new addition to the ivy complex and the Merivale group. It offers a range of different dining and drinking options, from bar and table service to restaurant seating, as well as casual communal tables where customers can entertain at any time of the day.
Palings Kitchen & Bar
Level 1, ivy, 320 George St
Open Monday through Friday from 12pm till late, with happy hour available from 5.30pm, along with Sunee’s Thai Kitchen which is also open Saturday from 8:30pm- Late.
02 9240 3000.
http://merivale.com.au/palings/
