Ex Executive Rockpool Chef Mike McNearney is the mastermind behind Kitchen by Mike. His philosophy on food is simple, to go against traditional restaurant dining norms and find something that is (in his word) honest. This idea, while not new, is refreshing to hear from a chef that headed one of Sydney's finest restaurants, and it's easy to see what the fuss is about. Fresh produce is purchased daily morn from the markets, which is why their menu varies day to day. It's about seasonal, simplicity and freshness, but you can always expect at least 2 meat/fish dishes and minimum 5 different salads to choose from.
The place was surprisingly difficult to find. We found the address, but found no one dining outside and questioned whether it was the correct address, or maybe it was closed? We found the large sign and knew were were the right place, but where was all the happy lunch diners? Snooping around we opened the giant brown door to the warehouse to find it filled with people and the delicious smell of my lunch.
Display of daily salads
Herb Roasted Chicken, Parsnip, Aioli $7.50
Woodroast Sweet Potato, Pomegranate, Coyo
Pear Tart $8
Assorted Sweets
Herb Roasted Chicken, Giant Parsnip, Aioli and Roast Carrot, Labneh, Chickpeas Salad $7.50 each
I was given the option of breast or thigh, and chose the thigh cause breast can get dry sometimes. While the chicken was little cold (having been pre-made), it was tender and full of flavour. With a little of the aioli, it was like a gourmet version of El Jannah's. My first time trying parsnip (not a very Asian veggie) and will probably be my last time. The roasted parsnip was a bit cold/soggy as well but the flavour (sort of nutty-ish) just didn't take my fancy. The salad was delish, the combination of flavours and textures worked well together and could of eaten more. However, $7.50 for the portion of salad given seemed a bit hefty.
Woodroast Sweet Potato, Pomegranate, Coyo $5
The best dish of the meal! The potato was roasted with this sweet glaze that was amazing eaten by itself. The coyo (coconut yoghurt) gave it a bit of tartness and surprisingly went well together.
Grilled Gemfish, Long Rocket, Tapenade and Brocollini, Lemon, Chilli Salad $7.50 each
Fish was well cooked, however Miss O didn't enjoy the tapenade and found it a bit salty. We both also thoroughly enjoyed the brocollini salad and found this was much more worth the price tag than the carrot one above.
Rustic Sourdough $3.50 and Orange Juice $5
Sourdough is baked fresh on premises. The outside seemed a bit burnt but the innards were soft and fluffy, perfect with a smidge of butter. And by golly what amazing butter it was! Possibly the best butter I've had!
Kitchen by Mike blend Coffee $3.50
Not the most tastiest blend of coffee, but by far not the worst. I'm pretty particular with coffee, having worked in cafes my younger years, so I get a bit annoyed especially with supposedly acclaimed restaurants can't make perfect milk. Milk should be silky smooth, with no air bubbles like above :-(
There is also a shopping/interior design area at the back of the warehouse behind the kitchen. Great to have a browse at, unless you really want to buy copper pots for $200 a piece.
That guy in the corner is Mike of Kitchen by Mike!
I've read many discouraging reviews on the wait and food from Kitchen by Mike, and I'm happy I didn't experience the same. I waited perhaps 15mins to be served (I went during lunch time on a Wednesday) which gave me plenty of time to ogle at what others were eating and decide myself. The service was friendly and efficient. For a 'canteen' style lunch, the price tag is less than what you would consider value. Generally the food was delish though, and I would return to see what they will serve next (and if not, for that butter at least!).
Food: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Atmosphere: 3/5 (can get a bit noisy)
Interior: 4/5
Revisit: 3.5/5
Labels: food