jones the grocerShop 5018, Level 5 Westfield Sydney
Cnr Market & Castlereagh St,
Sydney CBD
jones the grocer was remodelled in January 2014 and paired with this change inside was a new menu.The place has been revamped to provide a more relaxed feel with some lounges being added - perfect for those dropping in for coffee and cake, dessert or just a drink and a nibble.
It's a big place with a variety of spaces inside as well as a take away counter out the front. Its also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for snacks in between.
The menu has a good selection with plenty of choices for everyone. Drink options are also just as well catered for - with specialty coffees and teas, cocktails, wine and beer and juices.
Mlady had a bottle of Parkers Organic Sparkling Drink - guava and cranberry which she thoroughly enjoyed.
I went for a more traditional 2011 Fattoria Zerbina ceregio Sangiovese from Romagna Italy.
This is a must try starter. The eggplant relish and hummus were both full of flavour but the French onion was possibly the best we've had with big chunks of soft onion in it and amazing flavours!
Our next starter was something a bit spicier.The Suca Spanish sardines in tomato, herbs, Parmesan, pickles and toasts has a real Mediterranean sound to it.
It was rich and tangy with strong flavours, as expected from sardines, but exactly what we had hoped for at the same time. With plenty of bread it was another big starter too.
We love arancini - as many people do and many people know from our reviews. This particular version was made with beetroot, thyme and fontina cheese so it was rich and had quite a distinct colour. It arrived on a bed of rocket salad with aioli and a vincotto dressing. The bitter rocket contrasted well with the arancini and it all provided a nice mix of flavours, textures and colours. I also had a tasty watermelon and orange juice which was freshly squeezed and very refreshing. 
The thought of twice cooked pork belly always excites me. I just love a good pork belly. This main course serving came with caramel apple, prune puree, pickle fennel and walnut salad.
The lovely crackling exploded in my mouth - it was just beautiful. Just as importantly, the pork underneath was juicy and tender. I loved this dish.
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| Chef Tom |
Mlady, perhaps with her English heritage showing through, chose the fish and chips. Described as tempura battered barramundi it came with rustic chips, miso tartare and lemon.
The fish was nicely cooked and there was certainly plenty of it. Mlady also loved the thick cut chips which were beautifully crisp on the outside and light and fluffy inside.
For once in her life Mlady wasn't able to fit dessert in - but that didn't stop me ordering a Black Forrest trifle.It was made with chocolate mousse, marscapone cream and cherries and tasted great. If you have a sweet tooth and if you're a bit of a chocoholic then order this.
What a dessert!
jones the grocer is a nice open airy place. Service was friendly and helpful. All the meals were also generous and well presented. There's certainly something for everyone here from coffee or a snack right through to a full meal.Sir and Mlady dined as guests of jones the grocer. Special thanks to Chef Tom and to Loic and Angie for looking after us so nicely. Thanks also to Lily Montana from Cavcon for arranging our visit.
