PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAThe one hatted Bistrode is the lovechild of Jane and Jeremy Strode who have triumphed in bringing British food back into vogue. Having been converted from an old butchery – the sugar-cured corned beef sign is still visible on the heritage listed shopfront – the restaurant is elegantly cosy and pays homage to its previous occupants. Quite fittingly, the bang-up crowd-pleasing dish would have to be the corned beef with English mustard. But if you want some real country nourishment, try the duck egg with black sausage and tomato ketchup to start, and follow with the smoked eel with bubble’n’squeak and bacon. The honey tart marries wonderfully with peanut butter ice-cream creating what the Strode’s believe is the perfect dessert. Wine is abundantly shelved and hails from France, Italy and Australia.
A courtyard at the rear of the restaurant can function as a private dining room for up to 16 people where a vagola opens and closes depending on weather and mood.
Black and white portraits of chefs that have inspired or taught Jeremy, including Gordon Ramsey, smile (or grimace) over the tables and act as a constant reminder of the roots of British cuisine. The couple’s cookbook, Two Cooking, plus their Kitchen Sync products are on display along with fresh bread and fruit dotted artistically about the room. So, for a taste of the motherland in downtown Surry Hills, get on the dog and bone and book your cane and able.
Annabel Wise, April 2008
