Cuckoo Callay Bacon FestivalShop 324B Newtown Station
Newtown, Sydney
Cuckoo Callay is one of those places that has steadily increased it's mark on the Sydney food scene. Even though its favourites are still on their menu, it is constantly moving forward. Its current Bacon Festival is proof of that! Yes it is all free range of course - in case you were wondering - and it's all from Black Forest Smokehouse.
Fortunately, this piggalicious Bacon Festival which started a couple of weeks ago is here for 12 weeks so you have a good window to get in there and try these tasty treats for yourself!
Owners Ibby and Ella together with their talented Head Chef Andy are constantly enchanting and delighting your taste buds, taking you to new boundaries and occasionally over them to memorable culinary adventures.
It's always the first thing we start with - and sometimes we even have a revisit cup before we leave!
Their Single Origin Roasters House Blend always hits the spot for us.
Ever had chocolate coated bacon???? Neither had we - until now that is! Yes we know it sounds kind of weird - but it turned out to be great. Where's you're adventurous spirit? Give it a go and be surprised like we were. The drizzle sticks are made from crunchy Black Forest Smokehouse streaky bourbon bacon drizzled in chocolate and hazelnut. They are unique, weird and delicious all in one!
Then there was the Shake 'n' Bacon drink. Yes - a bacon drink - you're not reading this incorrectly!! This shake is made with maple bacon that gave it a subtle infusion then some of the crispy bits were crumbled on top. Again a surprise and a winner.
The surprises continued with a bacon jam to spread on our toast.Described as Jammin' Bacon - it was sourdough toast served with homemade bourbon and bacon jam.
Again the bacon didn't overpower everything, but it was still there of course. We hadn't had bacon jam before (maybe they invented it for all we know) but it was certainly worth trying.
Next up was the again uniquely named "What a Croque of Bacon".If you love croquettes like we do it's a must order dish. This was bacon, basil and vintage cheddar croquettes served with bourbon bacon, pea puree and two poached eggs.
It was a sea of colour and flavour all on one plate. The egg yolks when cut open drizzled golden across the plate. Oh yummo!
Our final dish - and we wished we had space for more - was the Austin Powers themed "Bacon, get in ma belly".
This was crispy pork belly with sticky sweet chilli and fennel seed sauce with bacon, caper, coriander and lime salad.
Again, it was packed with flavour and colour and we just kept nibbling away even though we were stuffed - it was that kind of dish.
Cuckoo Callay is a favourite of ours. It offers exciting and interesting dishes that always seem to take your palate to new places that are worth visiting.
Their current Bacon Festival is no different. It's a creative culinary journey that you will remember fondly. As it runs for 12 weeks there's also plenty of opportunity to try plenty of the menu choices.
The main challenge here is not to limit yourself. Be brave, bold and adventurous like their menu, and you will be rewarded.
Sir and Mlady dined as guests of Cuckoo Callay and owners Ibby and Ella. Special thanks to Ibby, Ella and Andy for spending time with us and sharing their food, drinks and passion. A big thank you also to the good people at Wasamedia and to Vanessa Gregory there for arranging our visit.
