Haberfield is my old stomping ground. The rowers was always there, down the end of the street,…read morealways in use, but also in need of a good make-over. Imagine my surprise when it finally happened (some 20 years too late, as might be argued). Gone is the dodgy mission brown structures with their green fibreglass sheeting, the over-patched concrete and the tacked on extensions. In place now is a building more suited to the outlook, incorporating broad decking, floor to ceiling glass and a view to impress, especially as the sun sets. The launch area is a wide expanse of clean concrete with enough room to manoeuvre boats and equipment that avoids accidentally knocking people in to the drink.
It looks impressive inside, too. I'm talking about the restaurant, which is positioned upstairs. Bar on one end, kitchen opposite, huge table area to suit groups, or small tables. Just move the tables around like a Tetris game.
Does the service and food live up to the standard? Hmm, I'd say no. They could do with a few more wines either by the glass or as a bottle on the menu. And please, no imports. Australia produces enough of the not just good, but great stuff, guaranteed to please. The current wine list looks like someone went down to Dan Murphy's and picked up the specials.
How about the food options? There were a couple of things that sounded and/or looked good, but sadly, did not translate well to palate. The tacos were too sloppy and of the MYO variety. Meh. The stuffed zucchini flowers were pretty good, as were the oysters. But really, how can you stuff up a natural oyster? The mains list was uninspiring and dull - so much so we didn't order any of it. We stuck to the entrees and salads, also selecting the laksa flavoured prawns (not bad), the pork belly and scallops on pea puree (served too cold and the puree was too lumpy) and the rocket and pear salad (pretty good but very, very salty).
I'm not particularly fond, either, of the 'order and pay at the bar' system, as, depending on where you sit, you are crossing the path of the people entering and the meals coming out or plates going back to the kitchen. It's a bit of a shambles.
My suggestion would be to head there for a party or event, but not for an intimate dinner.
Another point to note is that there is also now a coffee window operating at ground level, on the Leichhardt Oval side of the building. Great for a pit stop if you're tackling the bay walk on the weekends.
