We went for a catch up. We left full. We left happy.
@wellingtonroadbistro is a proper neighbourhood bistro. Warm room, relaxed crowd, the kind of place you wish was around the corner from your own house.
We started with the dip. Smoked eggplant, charred capsicum, macadamia crumb, warm tigelle bread. Good opener. Then the baby octopus croquetas landed and I did an actual happy dance at the table. Crisp outside, soft inside, salted cucumber and tomato cutting through. One of the best things I've eaten in a while.
Roast bone marrow was rich, truffle oil doing its job properly, house pickles keeping it honest. Sourdough for mopping, as it should be. The tartare was very nice. Well seasoned and the mustard through it was a clever touch. Simple done properly.
Duck Maryland was a standout main. Burnt orange and carrot puree, pickled carrot, duck jus. Excellent. We hadn't planned on the steak. We were having too good a time to stop, so we added it. Jacks Creek MB3+ sirloin, grilled well, clarified butter underneath. Confident cooking.
Green beans with toasted macadamias and smashed kipfler potatoes with honey and whipped feta rounded it out nicely. Don't miss this side-dish. The cheese and honey mix is excellent.
Staff were chill and knew their wine properly, which always earns my trust. I've already been back since. That tells you everything.