By Franz Scheurer
The Pacific Highway side of Chatswood station, upstairs, is an unlikely location for a CBD style restaurant with a New York feel. Rocket Bar and Grill is a superbly designed modern space, glittering chrome and subdued colours, hard edges and soft lighting, a sealed wooden floor and comfortable chairs at tables with enough space for privacy.
When I made our booking, I was surprised by the enthusiasm and friendliness on the phone, which was continued by excellent service in the restaurant. Nothing seems too much trouble; the floor staff is as efficient as they seem happy to do what they do so well.
Timing is perfect, menus offered immediately, pre-dinner drinks served without delay, daily specials offered at the beginning, and attention to details like bread, water and wine service perfect.
The menu offers a good selection of Mod Oz dishes and there is something for everyone.
The “Ocean King Prawns with Crabmeat & Angel Hair Pasta Salad & Gazpacho Dressing” is a study in balance and subtle flavours. Perfectly cooked, very fresh prawns lifting this dish way beyond the ordinary. The “Crumbed West Australian Sardines with Goat Cheese, Rocket and roasted Tomato Dressing” is full of ocean flavours with great complimenting textures. The “Ocean Trout wrapped in Nori with Tempura, Wasabi Mayo, pickled Vegetable & toasted Sesame” reminds me a little of Neil Perry’s Whiting fillets in Nori with Tempura batter and is just as good. The pickled vegetable adds enough acid to the dish to cut through the richness of the fish working in tandem with the Dromana Estate Chardonnay ordered from the small but well chosen wine list. The “Rack of Lamb with Fondant Potatoes, White Beans, Olive poached Tomatoes, Horseradish and Paprika Aioli” shines with its presentation and perfectly seared, succulent and tasty meat, cooked exactly to order. The only criticism of the whole meal: the beans undercooked and still a little chalky. We only managed one dessert to share and the “Grand Marnier Ice Soufflé” lived up to the rest of the meal.
This is serious food. Combined with a fabulous space, terrific service and great value for money this is a ‘must visit’. They are open for lunch, Monday to Friday and for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday.
Score: 8/10
For more information or bookings:
Rocket Bar and Grill
Cnr. Help and Railway Streets
Chatswood NSW 2067
Tel.: 02 9411 8233