Bird Cow Fish

Posted by: Angela N | 8 August 2009, 8.11pm

The atmosphere was comfortably buzzy, the decor was modern but warm, our server for the evening was charming and attentive, and our food was... spectacular! We ordered a bottle of Syrah and started off with the marinated labneh with croutons. The silky-smooth labneh had just the right amount of sourness, which we smeared on to the croutons - thinly sliced, light and holey pieces of crispy bread. Next was our entree of potato gnocchi with sauteed prawn (of MasterChef fame). I was blown away by the wonderfully soft and suprisingly light texture of the gnocchi, and the delicate flavours in the perfectly cooked prawns and heavenly burnt butter. The capers quietly accented the accompanying verjuice and the sage provided a gentle contrasting texture with its delightful crispiness.

For my main, I ordered The Pie, after reading rave reviews about it online. When it arrived, freshly baked, the buttery smell of the pastry was deliciously enticing. The pie lid made a satisfying crackle as I excitedly delved into its glorious filling of braised Cape Grim beef cheek with slow roasted Jerusalem artichokes, onions and red wine veal jus. The rather sexy texture of the beef and the combination of flavours had me gobbling down most of it within minutes - and it was a generously-sized pie! My slightly envious partner had ordered the lamb two ways - roasted loin and crumbed braised breast. The latter was naughtily fatty but very flavoursome. The lamb came with a warm potato, globe artichoke, roasted almond and parsley salad. It was nice enough, but no beef cheek pie on a cold winter's night! On the side we ordered the steamed beans and broccoli. When we received zucchini instead of broccoli, our waiter apologised by removing it from our bill. This was the only flaw in the night, and hardly one at that. For dessert I had the delightful rosewater bavarois, which sat, aplomb, on a pistachio meringue, complemented by a citrus salad with ras el hanout. The citrus was extremely sharp and refreshing, so combined with the decadent sweetness of the bavarois and meringue, it was harmoniously yummy.

Our perfect meal came to $160 for the two of us, and it was worth every dollar. I experienced two bests here (and I've eaten a lot of food): best gnocchi ever; best pie ever. Unbelievable. I had no idea I would be this impressed. Dinner was perfectly wonderful. Being locals, we're so proud and lucky to have such a venue in our 'hood! BCF is going to become one of our regular treats. I'd also like to go back there for breakfast one day.

Food:			Visit: Fri 7 August 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Coppell | 24 February 2009, 5.48pm

I am not 100% convinced about this place but will definitely go back and decide.
I was in a party of 6 and when I arrived the first thing I noticed was the great atmosphere, it was bustling and busy and had a general great vibe.
Once sat we had to wait for 10mins to order wine which we did not overly mind as the wine menu is great!! Once ordered we then waited another 10mins until we managed to get the waiters attention to remind him of our order. 5mins later our wine arrived . 25mins in total.
Our Entrees took ages to come and then some were forgotten and the mains I felt were not worth the dollars charged.
I think they probably need more staff??
If you want a great atmosphere then this is the place but be prepared to wait, and be forgotten about and then not get amazing food.
Staff are great and happy but seem to laugh off the mishaps!

Food:			Visit: Tue 24 February 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Gourmet Grrl | 10 November 2008, 6.45pm

We came back here at the urging of several friends. While the food was excellent as usual, we waited at least 40 minutes for our meal to arrive (and the place was only half full). We will not be coming back.

We were treated with the utmost contempt by our waiter-with-attitude. I have never experienced anything so unpleasant in my life.

Food:			Visit: Mon 10 November 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Registered user - name withheld | 12 March 2007, 11.17am

It was our fourth time in three months - our guest's first. They agreed with us and everyone else we had brought there in the past, that the food is outstanding. So many places you go to are okay, but you're hard pressed to remember what you ate the next day. Not so with Bird Cow Fish. The food is memorable. The gnocchi, in particular, to die for. The service is friendly and knowledgeable. They talk to you like real people giving you real world descriptions of things.

The acoustics can make conversation difficult when the place is full. It's that vicious circle, the louder it gets the louder people talk, the louder it gets...

So far we've always managed to get a table, yet I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this "no bookings" policy that's becoming increasingly popular amongst restaurants. I won't wait more than 20 minutes even for yum cha. Turn me away on two occasions and I probably won't bother trying again.

Food:			Visit: Sat 10 March 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Sergio B | 10 October 2006, 10.48pm

Would strongly NOT recommend for a group between 5-8 people on a busy night, as with the 'no bookings' policy you'll need two tables to be cleared close to simultaneously.(Big groups can book front table.) Our group of 5 weren't advised of our chances when we lined up at 6.15pm, and found out from an indifferent waitress a ridiculous 2.5 hours later. Would have been appreciative if the staff knew how to manage the queue that comes with no bookings. Food looked great, but lousy service left sour taste - we won't be returning.

Food:			Visit: Tue 10 October 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: G e o | 6 July 2006, 10.23pm

It might cost $30, but the beef cheek pie would have to be one of the best pies available in Sydney. Highly recommended!

Food:			Visit: Wed 14 June 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: annier | 14 April 2006, 8.58am

As locals we've recently been a few times to this place. Both times the food was superb, I love the combinations. It's the sort of food that you wouldn't think of, and I wouldn't be gutsy enough to try at home even though I love to cook. We've shared meals with our friends there, and from the taste test we did, all dishes were great. The wine list was a great selection and complemented the meals perfectly. Love the gnocchi!

Food:			Visit: Fri 14 April 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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