We arrived at the venue just after 2PM. As usual, the actual restaurant was packed and had a waiting line for seating. As I have heard recommendations that sitting outside in their gardens is more relaxing and less hectic, we decided to find something to buy takeaway and sit outside in the garden. I guess for the entire restaurant experience I would have to try inside, but I'll write about what I tried.
Looking at the takeaway menu it was fairly straightforward. They have four menu boards, two with breakfast and two with lunch. If I am not mistaken, buying lunch takeaway is significantly cheaper than eating in, but I'm not entirely sure if there is any difference in terms of the food you receive. However, I am assuming the eat-in menu is far more extensive and is a more complete experience. The atmosphere is fairly typical of a cafe, although being perpetually busy.
After a bit of pondering I decided to try their steak sandwich, which suprisingly only cost $8.50. Was quite tempted to order either their Chicken Burger or Fish Burger, either for $13, and looked delicious, but felt like trying their sandwich. On the other hand, my friend decided to eat healthy and ordered some Quinoa. Ordered it at the takeaway bar and fairly soon after it was ready, and we walked off to find space to sit down and enjoy our lunch.
Lunch: Quinoa
Lunch: The Steak Sandwich.
I am very new to food blogging and food photography, so apologies if my writing and photos are somewhat subpar. I only realised that I should have spread the sandwich a bit to show the inside, but it was already too late. It was a very nice sandwich, with great texture, mild but complementing flavours that melded together exquisitely. The steak itself was well done, and of the perfect size to fill the entire sandwich. Not too thick and not too thin, which made the sandwich enjoyable to eat. The bread was very light and fluffy, with the lettuce providing the refreshing crunch with every bite. I am not entirely sure what sauce was used (possibly garlic aioli), but it was light and creamy and melded with the caramelised onions perfectly. Also just the right amount of sauce, not too little which would leave the sandwich dry, but not too much which would overpower the steak completely. And not to forget the tomatoes too. However, the presentation was a bit meh, but understandable considering it is takeaway. Overall, a very enjoyable takeaway steak sandwich, which I would not mind coming back for.
Dessert: Hazelnut Cake
Unfortunately since I ordered take away, the presentation of the meals were not of the higheset priority. Regardless, the Hazelnut cake was very rich and sweet, and just a delight to eat. I was very keen to try this with the famous coffee of Grounds of Alexandria, however it was just a bit too warm in the afternoon to justify purchasing a hot drink. The texture was perfect, with equal amounts of hazelnut filling, icing and sponge cake creating a very pleasant experience from the first bite to the last. The strawberry on the top finished it off, with the last hint of refreshing fruitiness to linger in your aftertastes.
According to the cashier, the most popular dessert to be had at the Grounds of Alexandria. And for good reason. The crown of glazed strawberries sat gloriously upon custard in a chocolate coated tart. And the resulting taste sensation is droolworthy. The custard isn't excessively sweet, but the chocolate covered base more than makes up for it.
Very impressed with both the venue and the food, will defitely be back for more.
The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A, No. 2 Huntley St, Alexandria, NSW, 2015.
Tel: +61 (02) 9699 2225
No comments:
Post a Comment