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La Boca Bar and Grill(Inside Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport)
241 O'Riordan St
Mascot, Sydney
If you think of meat slowly grilled over hot coals for most of the day till it's cooked tender and juicy in time for you to devour it - then think La Boca. Kicking the frequent trend of expanding out of Sydney, La Boca has spread its wings from Adelaide into Sydney - and it's going to keep on growing.
Sir and Count N were there for a Zomato Meetup and to try the basted and BBQ'd goodies. However, it soon became clear that while La Boca does do a mean BBQ they offer much more than this. The menu has plenty there for those that don't drool at a BBQ or just want something different. We started with a few sangria's and a chat with Chef Nicolas Arriola who flies in and out from Adelaide regularly to keep an eye on things. It was great to hear his stories and see his passion.
Our first bites were the cold picadas - as selection of house cured charcuterie with bread and cheeses.The long torpedo's of sliced bread were topped with an array of goodies so that each mouthful tasted a bit different as we eagerly worked our way along this starter.
It was like an antipasto open sandwich.
We then moved on to a trio of seafood picadas. A fresh oyster with criolla sauce (a salsa of onion, capsicum, vinegar and oil) disappeared quickly. The grilled prawn with lemon and garlic sauce was tender and tasty and much more subtle than its name may have suggested. The smoked scallop with sweet tomato pesto combined so well with a hint of fire that didn't overpower the other subtle flavours.
Mains time and they were very simply described as a mix of asador cooked meats. We'd been watching the meat since we got there, displayed on giant racks at 45 degree angles out over the hot coals and eagerly awaiting this phase!
We each had a board of meat, slow cooked, steaming hot and smelling delicious. They were garnished and had corn too - but to be honest all we could notice was that meat!
There was pork, lamb and beef that almost dissolved when it was cut - or pulled apart. The flavours were simply divine in these big hunks of tender meat.
There was pork, lamb and beef that almost dissolved when it was cut - or pulled apart. The flavours were simply divine in these big hunks of tender meat.
Save room or just force it down - you won't regret it.
La Boca is a big place but well set out and not cavernous.Do take a look at the asador - or BBQ - from behind the safety line. It's impressive and will definitely tempt you with the sights and smells of that beautiful meat. Chat to Chef Nicolas if he's there - and hear about the food and vision of the place. Then sit back and enjoy some great food and service and enjoy the "show".
Sir and Count N dined as guests of La Boca. Special thanks to Naomi at Zomato for inviting us.