Sorry for the tardiness in posting recently. The creeping cold is robbing me the ability to operate outside the comfort of my warm bed. I should have been born an animal that requires a hibernation period a quarter of the year.
One thing that gets me up and out though, is celebrating birthdays with friends at lovely places. You may recall I did an interview with Rhys from Small Fry a while back? Last night I returned to the little eatery for a completely different experience – a 3 course dinner. Small Fry is mostly a day time place, serving breakfast and lunch, but they will take special requests and cater small private functions at night as well. 12 of us were treated to stellar service and friendly chats (ably provided by Brynn) and Rhys’ careful and deliberate hand crafting dinner while we all snacked on whisky caramel popcorn, roasted house nuts, and the ubiquitous ‘small fry’ – lightly chili roasted anchovies with very satisfying savoury crunch.
In that intimate, planned setting you could really feel the vibe that Rhys described growing up and what he wanted to recreated in the Small Fry space. As we all mingled and caught up, in the background he efficiently worked away in the kitchen while Brynn kept the glasses topped up with whatever tipple was requested. As each course was plated and served, we were given a run down of what it was we were about to partake, the menu being unknown beforehand. To some, the extra ceremony might seem unnecessary and a bit ‘faffy’ and that’s all right. For a special occasion though, introducing the food and what components made the dish helped me understand what I was eating, as well as appreciate the skill and effort the human element (i.e. the chef) puts into each plate. You come to Small Fry for quietly and skillfully prepared food, sincerely made, with the full confidence that what you’re consuming has been created from decent, quality ingredients with flavours that are complimentary and will always work.
Find Small Fry at 3/129 Bathurst Street, open 7 days a week, or online here, where you can also find their food and drinks menu and contact details to book your own privately catered function.
