As I pulled open the heavy front door and was enveloped by the warmth and bustle, I realised I had actually been to Punch Lane before. It was last year at 1am after a fairly indulgent work Christmas party, and we had dropped in for a nightcap – one of the finest wines of the evening (and there had been a fair bit of fine wine that evening). I had vowed to return, and now I was.
We started with a glass of the beautifully fresh and sherbetty NV Belussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOCG ($14) and perused the extensive menu. We decided to share a few things from the bar snacks and entrée sections.
Pancetta wrapped dates with blue cheese ($5 for 2)
Who knew a bit of ham wrapped around a date (and stuffed with blue cheese) could be such a taste sensation. Well, Punch Lane clearly. These were elevated by being warm and the pancetta being crispy. I could eat an entire bowl to myself.
Their famous Charcuterie plate ($26)
Honestly the image does the talking here.
House cured duck ham, fresh fig, truffled honey, hazelnuts and goats cheese ($19.50)
I’m going to make an admission here, I’ve never really enjoyed figs, other than aesthetically. Clearly I’ve been doing them wrong through because this was an explosion of fresh, sweet and salty that should not be missed.
I usually find octopus a bit chewy and disappointing but this was one of the dishes of the night for me. The octopus was perfectly tender and there was an explosion of umami with all the other components of the dish.
To go with this random selection we chose a bottle of 2013 Underwood Pinot Noir from Oregon ($58), largely because I always get excited about the opportunity to taste American wine, we see so little of it in Australia. The generous palate of ripe red fruits and rounded tannins was a lovely match for spicy meats and and some strong flavours.
Without even meaning to we pretty much ordered everything on the menu for mains, meaning a wide selection of #foodporn for you 🙂
The decisions were tough because everything sounded so good! I followed my rule though ‘When there is duck, order duck’ – one of the only times my life is simple.
Gosh I was in a happy place. They achieved that perfect balance of sweetness with the gamey meat and perfectly rendered fat and skin. One of the ironies of my love of duck is I don’t much like fatty meat but when there is just a tiny silky layer under a crunchy skin then I am in foodie heaven.
Hennie went for the daily special which was a Wagyu rump cap served with all kinds of deliciousness I can’t remember ($41). I did taste the raddichio puree (because I didn’t believe it could be done- purée a raddichio?) and it was marvellous.
Sheena had the Salmon fillet, confit celeriac, Jacqueline sauce ($37)
Tom went for Western Plains pork belly, slow roasted leeks, peppered apple purée ($38)
Jessica (JP) had the O’Connor’s Black Angus scotch fillet, bullhorn pepper, chimichurri ($43)
Jessica had one of the entrées – Roasted quail, raddichio, salted grapes and candied walnuts (19.50)
Photo courtesy of Jess because I forgot to take one
And because we are all food bloggers we had to get some (seriously fat and crunchy) Hand cut Dobson’s chips ($9.50)
With this we chose the 2013 Angelo Negro Angelin (Langhe) Nebbiolo ($59). Largely because when I suggested Nebbiolo there was much enthusiastic murmering around the table. The tannins were nicely approachable for a fairly young nebbiolo, and the perfumed fruit and fresh acidity went beautifully (and perhaps rather selfishly) with my duck.
The milk tea ice cream was a revelation for me – subtly flavoured and balancing the sweetness of a chocoholics dream.
Fortunately Hennie wanted to share so I also got to try Warm gingerbread, buttermilk curd, roasted quince, crème fraîche ice cream ($16)
This was the perfect winter dessert with warm chunks of spicy gingerbread balanced by tangy curd and ice cream.
There was some serious #cheeseporn happening down the other end of the table too.
The service is exceptional. There was a lovely Friday buzz and the restaurant was full, however staff were relaxed and friendly whilst providing a high level of table service. This is full-service dining without any pretention.
I was so impressed with Punch Lane. Certainly the company helped, but this was one of the most completely enjoyable dining experiences I have had in quite some time. Faultless service, amazing food and a creative and well priced wine list.
Looks absolutely delicious! I haven’t been to Punch Lane since they did the renovations and re-jig last year. It’s such an institution though. You’ve inspired me to get back there for a date night!
That duck, fig and goats cheese salad looks delicious. I might have to try and recreate that, we have a fig tree so I am always trying to find ways to use them.
I am sure I have seen that someone is going to make a salad using those ingredients on Tonights Masterchef Australia!
Those handcut chips!! Yum.
Looks like a great meal.
Wish we were a little closer. We took the red eye and did 4 days in Sydney earlier this year, my next ‘tourist at home’ needs to be Melbourne.
Love the look of that Tea & Lamington dessert! Food Blogger blind date – sounds like lots of fun, I bet there was plenty of photos being taken 😉
Quite a few, yes. It was such a lovely night. 10.5 weeks until that will be us 🙂
Looks absolutely delicious! I haven’t been to Punch Lane since they did the renovations and re-jig last year. It’s such an institution though. You’ve inspired me to get back there for a date night!
I can’t believe I’ve not bee before now (or that night in December) – so impressed.
God that food looks good! I’ve felt the same way about figs actually…they’re wonderful but I prefer to eat them with other flavours.
So glad it’s not just me 🙂
I love your review, Nicole! I agree, it was a perfect dining experience and I loved meeting you on our blogger blind date!
Thank you 🙂 Hope to catch up again soon.
Oh wow this sounds amazing! And how awesome to have a lovely bloggy dinner!
It was so lovely 🙂
That duck, fig and goats cheese salad looks delicious. I might have to try and recreate that, we have a fig tree so I am always trying to find ways to use them.
I am sure I have seen that someone is going to make a salad using those ingredients on Tonights Masterchef Australia!
Those handcut chips!! Yum.
Looks like a great meal.
Wish we were a little closer. We took the red eye and did 4 days in Sydney earlier this year, my next ‘tourist at home’ needs to be Melbourne.
The food looks absolutely delicious! I’m especially drawn to the Tea & Lamington dessert.
I’m heading over to Melbourne in August and think I’ll need to try this place out!