Are we so sophisticated as consumers that we require the bombardment of food choice at every venue?
Let me just say that it was a relief to be met with such a modest and functional menu at The Fox Hole, Sydney's laid-back cafe and bar.
A boutique bunker or "fox hole" in the centre of a bustling business zone, and as such, one might expect an etiquette of attitude beholden to young urban professionals. There was none of the sort.
Among the presence of smartly attired clientele, the feel was one of warmth and welcome. Nothing so inviting on a grey day, than a watering hole with the right vibe and bar staff who are friendly and engaging.
Gone are the expected advertisements posturing choice, instead, a simple bar with real service at the bar and at your table from a small, competent staff team.
Let's take the brew. Anything from a coffee to a glass of vino is on offer, but it's modest and it's verbal unless you choose to pick up a menu. There's no massive menu boards to break the feel of it being a place away from the 'salesy' city throb and throng.
Most surprising is the two beers on tap. Left or right, pale or crisp, it's as simple as that. And let's face it, there are pubs everywhere in Sydney with a plethora of beers. At The Fox Hole, the dualistic offer of choice has a certain unpretentious nature about it.
The thing is, most people choose this venue as a meeting place for a chat and a shared experience.
Yet it's a gutsy business move to cater to that kind of consumer choice without cluttering things with multiple options that require focused judgement.
Here's more good news; the food is just too good for the coin.
Again, the menu is simple but the food is not, it's lovingly made and presented. On a cold evening a delicious, hearty soup with a kick that will clear the sinuses and warm the soul, and heavy bread on the side, loaded with goodness and crunchy seeds. The dumplings are another surprise, they delight the palette and fill the belly. Quality Asian style food with fresh ingredients and ample helpings. The breakfast menu caters to regular foot traffic with staple offerings of Spelt Maple Muesli or a variety of cooked breakfasts. Most delightful is the smashed boiled egg with spicy tomato relish and a little bacon on the side, and the toasted muesli with yoghurt has a delicious sweet, roasted nut flavour.
No doubt this is the venue choice for corporates in the area, with a comfy little cellar for groups to socialise, and the ground level made intimate with low light, warmth of candles and timber flooring.
The Fox Hole on the corner of Erskine Street and Kent Street in the Sydney CBD is a rare find and one well worth writing about.
Dale Ross - Writer & Producer
MAD Australia Productions read more