LOCATIONKew.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIATaking its name from the owners’ favourite art house film, Baraka is a suburban bistro that has become a firm favourite with its local clientele. This is not a restaurant that serves standard restaurant fare either, instead expect traditional, provincial European dishes from the likes of Italy, Spain and France. Two large blackboards dominate the walls, another positioned out on the street, denoting daily specials and other menu items. The decor is simple, as are the settings, making for unpretentious and refreshingly welcoming surroundings.
Owner Paul Kelesi wears many hats here though he tends to stick to back of house assisting his head chef, allowing his wife to rule the front. Lunch specials are available and may include fish and chips or schnitzel washed down with a glass of wine. Hearty mains might include the staple favourite, duck all’arancia, stuffed pork belly with sauerkraut, or tempting fresh seafood, all served with potato and vegetables. Room permitting, try a tempting dessert such as the lemon tart with burnt orange sauce. The reasonably priced wine list leans away from more mainstream wines comprising mostly boutique varieties with plenty of selections by the glass. BYO is also welcomed for $3.50 per head, drinkers only.
Veda Wickens, February 2007
