DETAILS
Little Grumpies becomes a licensed premises in the evening and people can overflow into there if the Pigeonhole is full. It is popular with larger groups and families dining with children in the evenings as there is a great kid's menu, which includes home-made chicken schnitzel crumbed with organic sourdough breadcrumbs, carrot and cucumber sticks, kids salad and pan-fried snapper. Pigeonhole is an adults-only affair with soothing beats and child-free conversation.
PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
Opening a wine bar in Vaucluse is not an easy task. Just ask Michael and Deb, who in November 2012 decided to expand upon their already successful hospitality portfolio (which includes The Grumpy Baker café on the corner of Old South Head Road and an adorable children's cooking school ‘Little Grumpies') with the addition of Pigeonhole.
With local crowds swarming the tiny cafe every weekend, The Grumpy Baker has solidified its place in the Eastern Suburbs brunch scene. Unfortunately, whilst the locals were ready for the delights of freshly baked fig and walnut sourdough or perhaps their organic carrot loaf, the thought of a glass of vino and an intimate dinner sent shivers down their spines.
"Think of all the loud noise it will cause!" they whaled. But low and behold, after countless council and resident meetings the shallow banter was swept aside and Pigeonhole was born. Like the name rightly suggests, Pigeonhole is a teeny den only large enough for about 15 people. The smartly dressed space sports weathered brick walls, wrap-around leather bench seating and chic cowhide ottomans. The bar is illuminated by a hanging installation of glass-jar lights, and tea-light candles adorn each table, keeping the atmosphere intimate and worthy of sweetheart wooing.
The menu is composed of Modern Australian share plates spanning from pan-fried haloumi wrapped in vine leaves to slow cooked lamb shoulder. There is a good assortment of vegetable sides too and a list of chef's specials that change regularly. A starter dish of tuna carpaccio, dappled with pieces of soft-boiled egg, comes alive with a tangy wasabi and soy dressing. The chef's special – a perfectly pink rump steak adorned with two prawns and a liberal butter-infused dressing is easily a one-person main course. There is a small wine list showcasing Australian and international drops with a handful available by the glass.
Opening a wine bar in Vaculuse is a brave thing to do and we just hope the locals get behind it as this is exactly what the area needs.
Sami Jo Adelman