Backlog…. I have a love/hate relationship with the back log. I love it for its perpetual source of content but it’s like a bottomless pit. I have dozens of meals from Europe, Melbourne and of course my home town, Sydney, that I have not gotten around to due to lack of time. I am only going to add more to it as I am sure a weekend trip to Berry, the South Coast, Canberra and the Southern Highlands will include food. Anyway, I may as well dig one out one from the ‘archives’, a memorable meal at Felix, which I had before Christmas last year!
Located in the Ash Street
laneway, Felix is Merivale’s take on everyone’s favourite French
classic, the bistro. It is quite a faithful representation of the
quintessential French brassierie, from the décor, to the waiters’
long-aprons and French accents.
And just like in Paris, they have outside tables; which is where my wife
and I were seated on the night. It might be a bit awkward facing
directly onto the street, but these tables are really great for people
watching! It was a Friday
evening and early-December
too, so we were able to see a lot of different outfits from Christmas
parties at the Ivy. Great Gatsby and superhero themes seemed to be the
most popular on the night.
We went for the prix fixe menu (a cheaper set menu available only between 5.30pm and 6.30pm).
The wait staff didn't give us the prix fixe menu when we were seated so
you will probably have to ask them for it or risk missing out on the better pricing! You can
go 2 courses for
$45 or 3 courses for $55. I am never satisfied with 2 courses when I eat
out, so we went for the 3 course option.
Bread
Like any other good French bistro, you get complimentary bread at Felix. The bread at all Merivale venues is from Sonoma, so you know it's going to be good. This one is soy and linseed, one of my favourites in the Sonoma range.
Entree
 |
| Chicken liver pate, grilled sourdough, current relish, cornichons |
Ah Chicken liver pate... one of my all time favourite dishes at the French bistro. This one certainly delivers, so much so that I think this is one of the best pates I've had in Sydney. So smooth, so rich, so good! Perfect to spread on a crispy piece of grilled sourdough. Cornichons are an essential part of the experience to cut through the richness of the pate.
 |
| Twice baked Gruyere souffle with onion puree, rocket, walnuts |
My wife had the Gruyere souffle. Felix's souffle is a great version of yet another French favourite. This one is not as rich as other souffles I've had - it was quite light and airy. Gruyere is such a tasty cheese and the flavours really shine through in this souffle.
Main
 |
| Confit duck leg, frisee, lentil and green bean salad, lyonnaise sauce |
I decided to have confit duck leg for my main. This was a hearty dish with enjoyable flavours. The duck meat was tasty and the meat was falling off the bone. The only problem was that it was a bit dry and not as juicy as I would have hoped. The lentil and green bean salad is a great classic pairing with the confit duck leg.
 |
| Saute of gnocchi romaine, grilled sweet corn, zucchini, pesto, goats curd |
My wife ordered the sole vegetarian dish on the prix fixe menu, the gnocchi. This was a rich, satisfying dish with flavour combinations that just complement each other. The pan fried gnocchi were fluffy pillows with great flavour. The pesto sauce was nice and garlicky. Sweet corn kernels provided bursts of sweetness. And there were two kinds of cheeses: creamy and salty goast's curd and umami-filled parmesan.
Dessert
 |
| Peach and nectarine gratin, blueberries, raspberry sorbet |
I do love a bowl of fruit salad with a rich custard poured over the top. The peach and nectarine gratin with blueberries was exactly that. The tartness of the raspberry sorbet was the perfect companion with the sweet, gratinated custard.
 |
| Profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream, salted caramel, pistachios, hot chocolate sauce |
Who doesn't love profiteroles? Deliciousness abounds in this dessert! Scoops of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between profiteroles served with an amazing salted caramel, chopped pistachios and drenched in hot chocolate sauce is my idea of the ultimate comfort dessert!
Verdict
Highlight: Chicken liver pate at Felix is one of the better pates I have had in Sydney.
Lowlight: Having to ask for the prix fixe menu despite coming in before 6pm.
Overall: Felix Bistro is one of the top French bistro experiences to be found in Sydney. This is comfort
food at its finest, with generous portions of rich, tasty food. I would happily
come back to try other French classics such as steak tartare and
soufflé. 7/10 (Great)
Felix Bistro and Bar
Address: 2 Ash St, Sydney NSW
Contact no: 02 9240 3000
Website: http://merivale.com.au/felix
