Billabong-Part 1
I have only had a chance to visit the popular Billabong (on Osborne Street), once previously and that was before the bistro doubled in size by acquiring the space next door. The new section where the dining room has expanded, has a simple decor which reminds me of the narrow dining rooms of Manhattan. A rich colour scheme, uncluttered table tops and soft lighting provided by table lamps meant we were relaxed and at ease as soon as we sat down.
The evening was our last opportunity to spend extended time together before I headed out to the cottage for a month long stay and so we were determined to take our time and savour the moments.
We started with a couple of bites of a variety of tastes:
The calamari tossed in corn meal flour had its heat zipped up with chili flakes and jalapenoes. If the heat was a bit too firey, the tzatziki could cool you down.
Black bean, shrimp and baramundi meshed together beautifully in their spring rolls with a soya drizzle for seasoning. We had not tasted baramundi before but liken it to our beloved pickerel.
There was shrimp from the barbie (of course)-so tender and perfectly cooked that we had to inquire as to whether they were fresh. Of course that was impossible in the middle of the prairies but tasted that good. A just crushed peanut sauce accompanied these.
Next up were Mrs. Keating’s Old Fashioned sausage rolls (the Keatings being family of the proprietor’s). Unlike any I had tasted before-they were so meaty and savoury, with a flaky pastry that made a wonderful mess with each bite.
We also sampled the Kangaroo Tacos! The unusual square shape was as a result of Chef David cleverly utilizing a won ton wrapper as his crunchy holder. The tiny pieces of marsupial were perched a top cole slaw, mango and red Thai chili dressing ensuring that the meat was well appointed.
I know that it is hard to imagine that we were just getting started but this was exactly the case. Stay tuned for next courses.
Kath’s quote: Once a jolly swag man sat by the billabong (a small lake).
