As we get older, I've realised it' becomes harder and harder to fit meet ups into everyone's busy schedules which is always a shame. But that just makes catch ups (when possible) even more special! Miss LB Slaya and I always try to squeeze in time together to do what we enjoy doing best - eating food! We definitely took advantage of Merivale's $33 meal deals through the month of March and early April and that is how we ended up at Ash St Cellar that night.
 |
| L to R: 2010 Villa Maria 'Cellar Selection' Pinot Noir, 2012 Villa Maria 'Cellar Selection' Pinot Gris |
This particular deal came with wine! $33 gave you a glass of wine and a main course. Wine is definitely a welcome sight after a long day at work :P Red wine, as always, tastes much better after you let it rest for a while to let the flavours develop.
 |
| Complimentary bread |
 |
| Shellfish and chorizo paella |
We cooed over how cute the paella was when it arrived - it was the smallest single serving pan! The shellfish gave the paella such a wonderful depth of flavour and finding a piece of chorizo was like finding a little nugget of gold but I was just sad that there wasn't a crispy bottom which is the part I always look forward to most.
 |
| Half roast duck, salad of witlof, orange, olives & walnuts |
Duck is one of my favourite game meats so I was a tad disappointed that this roast version was quite dry. The rub on the skin gave it a crispiness that really would've gone well together with tender duck meat.
I suppose Ash St's Cellar's specialty wouldn't be their food but their large selections of house wines on offer. Most customers there seemed to be having after works drinks with a few nibbles on the side - that seems like the way to go!
Ash St. Cellar
1 Ash St
Sydney,
NSW, 2000
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 11:00pm
A shame about the duck. And yes I know what you mean about plans being difficult. I only see a couple of friends on our birthdays because we're always travelling! Thank god for email and other forms of communication :P
ReplyDeleteTechnology does make keeping in touch much easier! Though face to face catch ups are infinitely better I must say :)
DeleteLuckily the shellfish was split ! I hate peeling prawns or anything that gets my hands dirty. That half duck looks pretty small =\
ReplyDeleteSame - I'm a tad fussy like that :P The top piece was covering the two underneath it so it wasn't small at all!
Deletethe paella looks good but no crispy bottom?!?!
ReplyDeleteI was so sad! I need the crisp in my life!
Deletethat is a cute paella pan! I have to agree in regards to wine at the end of a working day (esp friday!!)
ReplyDeleteHehe I couldn't get over how adorable it looked :P Wine always helps us relax at the end of a working week :)
DeleteI've only had one dish here before - the ocean trout, and I was very impressed. I'll know to avoid the duck, and you'll know to get something else (trout *hint hint*) next time!
ReplyDeleteAaaah I didn't even see it on the normal menu. But if I see it next time, will definitely order the trout!
Deletetried their paella at one of merivale's events recently. was sooo yummy!
ReplyDeleteIt tastes so good! But a nice crunchy base would've been the cherry on top :D
DeleteI'll have to try this place out. It's a shame about that paella crunch and the duck though..those are literally 2 of my favourite things (out of many things)
ReplyDeleteFew things can beat crunchy rice :P But I have to agree - I have too many favourite foods!
DeleteLooks like you had a great night! And a pretty good deal too.
ReplyDeleteA night is always a great night with wine! The merivale meal deals are always good value for money :)
DeleteI want to try all the specilaties of the Ash St. Cellar..
ReplyDeleteDefinitely go for the wine in that case!
DeleteDear Sherrie,
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered about this place when I ate a Felix a few times and I have never been disappointed with any of the Merivale restaurants I have been to so far.
I do have to say I'm generally quite impressed with the Merivale chain - I've had great meals at many of their restaurants!
DeleteThanks for the review! At least they fared well with the house wines.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Gourmet Getaways
I suppose being their specialty, it has to be top notch!
Deletethat paella looks so good!
ReplyDeleteThe flavours were absolutely delicious!
Delete