Bianca: A quick Sunday catch up with my friend Ameriza, saw us at the Pymble Hotel a pub in the heart of the upper north shore. A true blue stalwart in the local area. Falling under the umbrella of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group or ALH, with over 330 venues within their portfolio. Hospitality is clearly in the DNA.
It’s your standard pub setup here, nothing to flash. But the dining room is quaint and the near floor to ceiling windows overlooking the back of the pub is a nice little escape from the main hubbub of the gaming area and TV screens.
We settled on the Gambas – Spanish style prawns sautéed in garlic & chilli, served w/ Turkish bread $9.90. Plump and juicy prawns in an arrabiata type sauce, with a slight kick from the chilli. The onion added just a hint of sweetness.
The Chicken Souvlaki skewers – w/tzatziki and Turkish bread were an ample stater for those wanting to boost the protein factor. Tender with a decent amount of spices.
No question as to what I ordered. The Pymble Beef burger –w/ homemade beef pattie, cheese, bacon, egg, pineapple, lettuce, tomato and ranch sauce & chips $17. I made some alterations to the burger nixing the pineapple and egg because they have no place on a burger and added double cheese. This was actually quite decent. The patty was cooked slightly over my preference, with no discernible pinkness. But it was tender and still juicy. The cheese was in abundance but would have been better had it been melted completely over the beef patty. The bun wasn’t cumbersome and too ‘bready’. A few more minutes on the griddle for the bacon to crispen up and it could have bumped a few notches up in my books. For the FBAS facebook crowd, a 3.2/5 pickles.
The humble schnitty has a place in most Aussie hearts and I’m always keen to try one to rival mumma squads. The Chicken Schnitzel –w/chips and salad $19. Is breaded in-house, always a bonus. Was juicy with that verifiable crispy exterior, always a must with a good schnitz. They do have a few variations if you like to gussy yours up.
The food isn’t exactly ground breaking but as far as pub food goes, for the price you really can’t complain. Generous portions and tasty food.
Bianca
