17/10/2012 - "More than comfort food"
There are those days when you're just minding your own business and you come upon a place that you've always wanted to try (but never got around to). Well, this was one of those days, strolling around New Farm mid-week, enjoying the sunny weather, intending to visit Chouquette (the french boulangerie and patisserie) but instead happening onto The Continental Cafe. "Ah, is this where it is!". Chouquette would just have to wait.
We walk inside and The Continental exudes a European vibe. Maybe its because we had just come back from Europe or maybe its the wooden furniture and old paintings which adorn the wall, that you could be forgiven for thinking you were in downtown Rheims, France. The space at The Continental seems equally perfect for those relaxed family occasions or for more intimate affairs, eliciting comfort in one's heart.
It was fairly quiet, with not many customers inside, and we were greeted immediately by the friendly waitress. After sitting down and perusing the menu, she came over and mentioned their specials for the day, which was the tomato and roasted capsicum soup and chermola crusted yellow kingtail fish, saffron couscous, harissa paste. She did this with such passion that we were both convinced to order both. We also decided to have a glass of white wine. She also brought over some water, which always wins bonus points in our book.
The large bowl of soup arrives with grilled bread on the side, and we immediately spoon a mouthful. And another, then another. We look at each other knowingly that this soup tastes absolutely amazing. The bread is a nice addition, perfect for dipping into the soup. The waitress asks how everything is, and we jokingly say that its so good she's not allowed to leave until we get the recipe. Okay, we were half serious!
She brings the glass of wine, and much to our surprise it wasn't the white wine we had ordered but a red instead. It wasn't a big deal, and we had this rectified straight away. The mains came out, and its quite a large portion, which we are pleased to see, given the price point of the dish (just under $30)
We take our time to devour this beautiful mediterranean inspired dish. The texture of the crusted yellow kingtail fish, the aroma of the saffron couscous, and the spicyness of the harissa paste all combine for an unforgettable sensory and aesthetic experience.
Despite the wine mix-up, service throughout was excellent.Its easy to see why The Continental has lasted for so long, and a favourite amongst locals. New Farm residents are a lucky bunch indeed. The two - course lunch with wine wasn't cheap by any means ($95), but we dont' do this everyday (as much as we'd like to), and the dishes were unique, high quality, and generous in portion. This is more than comfort food, its food for the soul. read more