PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAYou might not expect a watering hole in Alexandria to be serving up anything more inspired than your standard selection of pub grub, but the Buckland Hotel, has taken a fresh view when it comes to dining at your local. And by fresh, I mean a classy menu of Japanese dishes, designed for grazing over wine and cocktails. Big screen televisions and pokies have made way for a sleek space that oozes inner-city style, while still keeping it friendly. Low ottomans are grouped together, ideal for chilling out with friends as you work your way through the menu of small Japanese dishes.
Executive chef, Kyochi Kai, was part of the team that opened Darlinghurst’s Toko 2. His menu at the Buckland is a seasonal offering with immense attention to detail placed upon each of the grazing or tapas dishes. The lunch menu sticks to the more usual pub favourites but there are a few stunners thrown in, such as the Atlantic salmon with mushroom risotto, anchovy butter and balsamic sauce. As the sun sets the tapas menu comes into play with its fabulous collection of flavours that you can pick and choose from to create your own banquet. Order some bowls of spicy edamame beans, poached tuna in ponzu sauce or the marinated soft-shell crab with garlic spice and wasabi mayonnaise. The chef’s platter with yakitori, spring rolls and sushi is a delicious showcase of Kai’s ability that will have you lingering on well into the night.
Amy Looker, May 2008
