Rose of Australia - Howards
1 Swanson St
Erskineville, Sydney
Attending the "Hello Howard" launch for Howard's Cantina & Cocktail Bar at the Rose of Australia in Erskineville was truly an amazingly visual an appetising experience.
Rose of Australia is a beautiful pub with so much to see. As you enter, you see the lovely bar, stools covered in black and white "cow hide", giant corks for tables and comfy lounges to sit back in and absorb this ever so picturesque establishment.
We noticed too that some of the steps resembled the black and white keys of a piano. You also feel the great buzz or should we say "the vibe" of the place. It was very inviting.
Upstairs, in relaxed surroundings we sat at a table, again marvelling at just how much there is to see here. There is a picture on the wall of a girl but on closer inspection you can see that her face is made up (tastefully) of scantily clad females - attracting a lot of selfies in front of it on the night.
Mlady had a couple of lovely Merlots - thanks to licencee Scott Leach for kindly sorting this out. Incidently, Howards is named after and is a homage to his father. Sir indulged in a couple of cocktails - The Negroni which features a smoke garnish made from hickory chips soaked in Grand Marnier and an Espresso Martini. Sir enjoyed both and also Mlady joined Sir for an Espresso Martini of which she too enjoyed. It was hard to be restrained with these lovely drinks on offer.
Our food, served by knowledgeable wait staff and all temptingly presented, consisted of :-
Seaweed crisp, lightly dressed cucumber,
Raw tuna, house water cracker, smoked shallot, preserved lemon,
Trout pastrami, horseradish creme fresh,
Bresaola, smoked tomato petal, orange,
Appleboy smoked lamb ribs, fresh oregano, lemon, chilli,
Mini pork and veal sausage roll, rhubarb puree, aioli,
Howard's lobster roll
Mother-in-law orange cake, pine nut aniseed.
The food really was good, very flavoursome, artfully created and there was plenty of it to go round. A good variety of food to cater for everyone's taste. It was a fun afternoon and everyone was enjoying the experience.
Sir and Mlady dined as guests of Rose of Australia. Special thanks to licensee Scott Leach for sitting and chatting with us and sharing his passion. Thank you to Phillip for chatting with us. Thank you also to Chef Chris Bell - we loved your creations and combinations - and your mother-in-law orange cake with pine nut aniseed really was sensational!
Thank you to Catherine, Lola and Sophie from Papaya PR for arranging our visit.