We’ve known of Crooked Tailor for months now but unfortunately we’d never made it there until recently. We’d heard good things and it had been firmly at the top of our list to check out. So when the opportunity to visit and try out the new menu with a couple of friends popped up, we couldn’t say no. Now all we’re wondering is why we didn’t visit much much sooner!
The joint was pumping when we arrived, with all sorts of patrons visiting. Young bearded hipster types, older suave couples, Hills mums, love-struck uni students…. they were all here. And that’s one of the great things about this venue – it actually caters for everyone. We had a quick chat to Karl, one of the owners, as he was buzzing around and he said their demographic is anyone from 20 to 60 year olds. So in other words, super inclusive and it’s totally working for them. It creates a comfortable relaxed vibe which is helped by the lovely staff. Another thing that really works for them is the music – we certainly felt right at home with a bit of Private Eyes by Hall and Oates and Aerosmith’s Janie’s got a gun!
The space is great – not overdone but still a bit special. Again, it helps to make you feel relaxed and like you could settle in for the night to graze on good food and slurp numerous cocktails…. oh ok then, if we must.
The new menu has recently launched following the arrival of new chef Lex. He has a truckload of international experience and has recently returned to his native Hills to sink his teeth into his new project – overseeing the Crooked Tailor as well as several other bars run by these clever lads.
We sampled a variety of dishes – lots of things on the menu are designed to share, which is a great way to get to try many things – nom nom! A mix of the crostinis was a lovely starter, our favourite (if we had to narrow it down) being the pea, mint and ricotta, with the ocean trout with crème fraiche and salmon pearls running a close second. While we didn’t try this combo, we were certainly intrigued by the bone marrow and Vegemite option too!
And it was here where we left the mainstream dishes and tried a few of the more interesting options on the menu. First off was the Fish Bubbles with Dashi Mayo. We pondered these extremely tasty morsels for quite some time, trying to determine exactly what they were made of. Lesson learned – don’t ask, just enjoy!
Next up were the NY Cheeseburger Spring Rolls – this really needs no explanation at all, as fusing two culinary icons can only mean one thing….YUM!
Tin Tuna with Summer Vegetables was both quirky and tasty – why don’t our veggies taste like this at home?! And the Black Figs with Goats Curd and Vincotto provided a simple and sophisticated end to the savoury section of our meal. Divine!
We put up a mild protest at the thought of dessert but quickly backed down at the sight of the Chocolate Fondant with Milk Jam. We figured this was definitely balanced out by the Yoghurt Hearts with Raspberry, Strawberry and Sesame Clusters – surely that oozes healthy and good for you with the inclusion of all that fruit!
Also on offer are some sensational cocktails, so if you’re a mummy now and miss your pre-bub nights out in the city living the high life, this might offer you a more local fix!
We had an awesome night and enjoyed the venue, food and drinks immensely. Sure, it’s not the cheapest night out you could have but it’s worth the little splurge for a fun girls’ night or a great date with your other half. We’ll be heading back again soon that’s for sure!
Crooked Tailor
250 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill. (Note, there’s no obvious sign so keep your eyes peeled.)
Tues – Fri 4pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm to 10pm
Ph: 9899 3167
Thanks to Crooked Tailor for hosting us.
