Profiled by de Groots MediaTruly unique in this part of town, one can only hope that the opening of Almond Bar (and the new NSW liquor laws) portend more venues to come that are as intimate, relaxed and character-filled as this one. Owned and run by Carol Salloum, whose mother and sister do all the cooking, Almond Bar specialises in mezza which is like the Middle Eastern take on tapas. The idea is the same: social eating and drinking without the formality of a meal, the point being to relax and enjoy yourself. Everything about this place seems to have a diminutive theme – little food on little plates, little glasses on little tables, and a little, intricately decorated dining room that seats only about 45 people. Almonds, of course, also play a major role. The green and brown colour scheme reflects the almond’s life cycle, and different kinds of almonds are available for purchase by the bag.
Upon arrival your table will receive a complimentary plate of sugared or spiced almonds to nibble at, and you’ll most probably get a few chocolate-coated nuts with your bill as well, plus they make an appearance quite a few times on the (again, little) menu. The menu offers around 10 dips and 20 mezza, plus a bunch of yummy Middle Eastern sweets. There are tasting plates of five tastes for $18, but I’d suggest just ordering anything you like the look of and sharing it around. Sumbusic is a house specialty, a traditional pastry filled with lamb, onion and pine nuts; and you’ll be pleased to know that most of the herbs are home-grown, as are the vine leaves the dolmades are wrapped in. Match it with one of the many cocktails, or enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern coffee with a delightfully sweet filo-wrapped lady’s arm.
Sarah Theeboom, December 2007
