Profiled by de Groots MediaRhubarb Rhubarb has recently been lavishly refurbished and is looking rather swanky for a suburban restaurant tucked away in the leafy suburb of Woolowin. Owner and head chef Linton Smith has worked some magic in the two small rooms that are Rhubarb Rhubarb, keeping the crimson coloured walls but jazzing the decor up a bit with classy chandeliers, antique smoked mirrors and rich artworks. The overall effect is bright, cheerful and sophisticated; the perfect environment in which to relax, sip on a glass of wine and await a three-course French extravaganza.
The menu is a marriage of French cuisine and popular Australian ingredients, taking the best of both worlds and creating something unique. Taking advantage of the local seafood, start with the pan seared scallops served on prawn and crab dumplings with Pernod cream sauce. Or perhaps the traditional blue cheese souffle served with a Waldorf salad. Next try the seared ocean trout with tarte a l’oingon, asparagus and fennel drizzled in a citrus beurre blanc; or the twice-baked breast of Bendele farm duck, with potato Dauphinoise, wilted greens and blood orange glaze. Desserts are typically French with tarte au chocolat, creme brulee and tarte tatin on offer.
Meagan Hepworth