Kelly's Bar and Grill - Miranda - Sydney, Australia

Another visit to Westfield Miranda, another restaurant to tick off the list. Kelly’s Bar and Grill is a recent addition to the dining precinct, originating from the eastern suburb of Bondi. They are well-known for their steak and ribs, following a similar concept to Hurricane's Grill.

After completing the hike from Bundeena to the Wedding Cake Rock, deciding on what to have for lunch was a difficult one. It was either try something new or eat at a restaurant we’ve been to before, and the votes went both ways.  We all knew we were starving and exhausted, but no one could make a decision. After suggesting Kelly’s Bar and Grill in Miranda, we all came to a mutual decision and Kelly's it was.

Surprisingly, for a Sunday lunch it was a full house and we had to wait for a table, albeit not very long.

The contemporary space is nicely decorated with wooden furnishings. Their style of cooking is based on the African style of cooking where the meat is basted in a special sauce for many hours then grilled to perfection.  

There are an array of dishes to choose from not just grilled meat but also vegetarian and seafood options too.

We started off with ‘Complimentary House Bread’ served with a side of butter. A huge loaf of freshly baked brioche style bread sat a top of a wooden board. 

When slathered with the side of butter, it melted within the warm bread and tasted like a sweet, buttery croissant.  For us hungry people, it was like heaven.

The ribs are available in either lamb or pork in a full rack only. What I like about Hurricane's Grill is the option to choose the half rack of ribs if you’re not very hungry, but here you aren’t given that choice. All items from the grilled section come with either a choice of chips, mashed potato or baked potato.

The ‘Pork Ribs 500g ($36.95)’is a delicious full rack of ribs basted in Kelly's special sauce. It sounds like a lot but it isn't really as it mainly consists of bones. 

The ribs were grilled nicely with a perfect char texture, leaving the soft and tender meat falling off the bone. The marinate was just right in terms of saltiness and sweetness.

The ‘Sirloin Steak ($26.95)’ is not your normal pub steak. It’s marinated in Kelly’s special sauce which makes the meat moist and gives it that extra flavour without the need for a side of sauce like you would usually need for a regular steak. Here it is ordered with a ‘Peppercorn Gravy ($2.95)’ which gives it a nice spice kick. The baked potato is soft and creamy on the inside and comes with a side of sour cream.

The ‘Grilled Chicken with Peri-Peri Sauce ($19.95)’ is served as half a chicken with the bones still intact and a side of peri-peri sauce. While the chicken was nicely grilled and the meat was still moist, it would have absorbed more flavours if it brushed with the sauce. The chips were deliciously golden and crunchy.

The ‘Side of Corn Cobs ($8.95) wasn’t really a side for one but more a side for four people as there were four decent pieces of steamed corn cobs. We asked for a side of butter which we thought would have been standard with corn. The corn was ultra-sweet and bursting with juices. Well worth ordering if you like eating corn.

The food is tasty and the ingredients used are fresh. Prices are on the steeper end but for the occasional event here and there it’s a good place to meet up as the food is generally liked by the majority and there is plenty of space. 

Where?

Level 3, Westfield Miranda

Kiora Rd

NSW 2228

Australia

Phone no: 02 9540 9447

Opening Hours

Lunch

Monday – Friday: 12:00pm to 2:30pm

Saturday – Sunday: 12:00pm to 3:30pm

Dinner

Monday – Sunday: 5:30pm Onwards

Website

www.kellys.net.au

Hurricane's Grill - Brighton Le Sands - Sydney, Australia

Hurricane’s Grill Brighton-Le-Sands

Hurricane’s Bar & Grill are renowned for their huge ribs and mouth-watering steaks. They’ve recently opened up their fifth branch in Brighton-Le-Sands a few months ago. From the main road, it looks like average sized restaurant with minimal glass windows.

 

It is not until you walk inside that you actually notice how big it is and the number of diners it can accommodate. Glass windows are a plenty so no matter where you sit; you should get a glimpse of the beach outside.

In the warmer months, sitting outside would be perfect as you can bask in the sunshine. The view is absolutely picturesque as you get a full blue sea view of the bay with the occasional airplanes flying in the background.

 

We chose to sit outside as it was fairly warm on the day but with the sun was pointing in the opposite direction; there was no sun on us. There was a slight breeze which made it cold and after a request, the staff turned on the outdoor heating not too long after and that definitely made us feel warmer. However, I don’t recommended sitting outside when it chilly, as the food gets cold really quickly.

 

I’ve actually tried the steak back a few years ago at the Hurricane’s in Darling Harbour, but found that there was nothing special about the food and that it was an overpriced piece of meat. I never had an interest in going back till To To picked this new Hurricane’s for our meet up, located not too far from where I reside. She is a big fan of Hurricane’s and frequents it at least once a month to either have their ribs, steak or a combination of both.

Complimentary ‘House Bread’ is served fresh and hot from the oven. Add a dollop of butter and wallah, you get yummy bread. Unfortunately, you only get one small roll between every four diners and as a table of five; we only had the one to share.

As a starter, we shared the ‘Garlic Mushrooms ($12.00)’ as recommended by To To. Champignon mushrooms prepared with fresh garlic, olive oil and garlic butter. That sauce at the bottom is oh so delicious. If only we had more bread to scoop up that remaining sauce at the bottom of the dish.

This time around I order the ‘Half Rack of Pork Ribs with Chips ($34.90)’. With the price comes the high expectation that it will be good, very good. My rack of ribs was unfortunately overcooked. It was burnt and charred at bits, which meant the meat didn’t fall off the bone as it should have.  Chips were good though. Crunchy and crispy chips dipped with that BBQ basting sauce from the ribs.  The half-rack was the perfect size for me and I commend those that can finish a full-rack, including To To, as this is a feat in itself.

‘Steak and Ribs Combo ($44.90)’ included half a rack of ribs and a short cut sirloin (200 grams).Plus a side of ‘Mushroom Sauce ($2.50)’. Miss Shopaholic was very hungry before she ordered but struggled to finish her meal due to the enormity of the dish.

‘Chicken and Ribs Combo ($44.90)’ included half a rack of ribs and Portuguese chicken. Tall Boy said that the local charcoal chicken tasted better than the chicken he had.

‘Fillet of Tenderloin ($39.00)’ with a side of ‘Pepper Sauce ($2.50)’ is an eye fillet. It’s known to be the most tender of the beef cuts with a juicy, mild flavour. Was this piece of meat worth its price tag? Miss Strawberry believes it was and enjoyed her dish and she is usually one picky eater.  She not a big eater and didn’t end up finishing her chips, but these were happily eaten by To To and me, even though it was no longer crunchy.

Those that had ribs at the table, had the same opinion and found their ribs slightly overcooked. Disappointed with the food but the good company and that amazing beach view made up for it.

Funny thing is, the steak orders got switched around which meant one person ended up with a well done steak while the other ended up with the medium when they ordered the opposite.

'Coca Cola ($4.00)'.

 

Great place for lunch and dinner meet ups but relatively expensive. The chef who made our ribs on the day must have not been paying too much attention. You’re paying for the good food (most of the time) and the beautiful view is definitely worth it.

Book ahead or be prepared to wait on Friday nights and weekend dinners.

Where?

The Grand Parade,

Brighton Le Sands NSW 2216

Australia

Opening Hours

7 Days a Week

Lunch

Monday – Friday

12:00pm – 3:00pm

Dinner

Monday – Friday

5:00pm to Late

Saturday – Sunday

12:00pm to Late

Website

www.hurricanesgrillbls.com.au

Pancakes on the Rocks - The Rocks - Sydney, Australia

Pancakes on the Rocks

'Pancakes on the Rocks' has been a favourite of mine since high school. A cheap and cheerful family restaurant that is easily accessible with its many locations around Sydney. It's not only famous for its pancakes but there are also other American based dishes on the menu at very decent prices that not only look great but the portions are fairly large as well.

My company sent out their yearly 'Entertainment 'card just in time for the start of the new year. One of the offers on the card was 20% off our total dining bill at this restaurant and we couldn't wait to go but finding time to meet up was difficult with conflicting schedules. However, we did manage to fit in a Friday dinner and we chose to dine at the original 'Pancakes on the Rocks' as we have noticed that the food always tastes better.

I called a day earlier to make a booking as the wait time can be over half an hour on Friday's but they told us only bookings of 8 or more could be made. We arrive at 6pm and find that the restaurant is half-empty and got a table straight away. Yay!

We ordered the 'Lemon Lime Bitters' as our drinks and then three mains to share. On this particular night we didn't have dessert, the famous 'Pancakes', as we went to the new Max Brenner in Westfields. All three dishes came out at the same time. We had our usual dishes consisting of 'Chicken Caesar Salad ($15.95)', 'Nachos ($12.95) and 'Pork Ribs in Honey Soya ($25.95)'.

 

I would have to say that they serve one of the best 'Chicken Caesar Salads' in Sydney. It has the right mix of lettuce, chicken, bacon, cheese and sauce. The chicken breast was grilled but wasn't dry. We wiped the dish clean with no leftovers seen  in place.




The 'Nachos' were delicious consisting of crunchy corn chips smothered in beef sauce, jalapeno peppers, melted cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomato salsa and a sprinkle of shallots. The balance of flavour was spot on. 





The 'Pork Ribs' were juicy and plump served with a side of salad and wedges.

By the time we finished the three dishes we were extremely full. Service was quick and the wait wasn't long. One of my favourite places that I would definitely recommend to those after a great tasting meal. 'Pancakes on the Rocks' at 'The Rocks' is open 24 hours for those who want to grab a snack at the wee hours of the morning.

Where?

The Rocks
4 Hickson Rd,
The Rock NSW 2000

Phone: 02 9247 6371

Opening Hours
24 Hours

Website

http://pancakesontherocks.com.au

Hurricane's Grill - Sydney - Sydney, Australia

Hurricane's Grill

My best friend's wanted to try the food at Hurricane's, best known for their steak and ribs after hearing so many good reviews from others. With locations in Ryde, Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach, we chose to go to Darling Harbour with a full days shopping in plan.






The skies were clear, the weather was warm and it was a perfect summers day. Without a prior booking, we were lucky to get a table in less than 5 minutes considering it was rather busy on a Friday due to the school holiday season.



We all ordered the 'Lemon Lime Bitter's' which lacked the bitter and was rather sweet .




Complimentary bread and butter arrives shortly thereafter and it's crunchy and warm filling us up even before the main dish arrives.




The 'Junior T-bone Steak (400g)' was served medium-well with chips and pepper sauce on the side ($31.00 + $2.50 sauce). The steak was tender and succulent but that basted sauce was overpowering. I found the pepper sauce to be very creamy and not to my liking. It was an enjoyable mean but I still prefer cheap bistro steaks.





The 'Short-cut Sirloin Steak (200g)' served medium-well with chips ($26.00). It was overcooked and dry.




'Half-rack Pork Ribs' served with chips ($28.00). The serving size was huge. Great tasting ribs basted in their special rib sauce.

We also ordered a 'Caesar Salad ($20.00)' to balance our meat intake. The portion size was small and it was drenched in caesar dressing. Wont be ordered again. 
 

Overall, a great place for a meet up but a bit on the pricey end. Think I will stick to the ribs next time.

Where?

Shop 433-436,

Level 2, Harbourside Shopping Centre
Darling Harbour NSW 200

Phone no: 02 9211 2210

 

Opening Hours
Open 7 days
12pm to 3pm for lunch
5.30pm to late for dinner

Website
http://hurricanesgrill.com.au/about-hurricanes