So this is my second visit to The Grounds of Alexandria and this time I decided to try their new extension- The Potting Shed. As mentioned in my previous post on The Grounds, I was very excited to go because I love the atmosphere and it is a great place to hang out with friends.
My friends and I arrived around 3:30pm and the main Grounds cafe was about to close but The Potting Shed opens until late- they're open for dinner, how cool is that! The Potting Shed was quite empty since it was a weekday and late afternoon but this was good for us that means we don't have to wait and we can have a nice and peaceful late lunch. :) The Potting Shed is located next to the flower shop and it does follow the main cafe theme- rustic and "farm" themed.
The menu has options of small dishes which is recommended to be shared with friends and also main dishes. My friends and I decided to order the pork belly sliders, Angus short rib and the fish and chips. The prices of the dishes are slightly more expensive than the main Grounds cafe and to be honest I don't think it is as worth it as the main Grounds restaurant (read more below).
My friends and I arrived around 3:30pm and the main Grounds cafe was about to close but The Potting Shed opens until late- they're open for dinner, how cool is that! The Potting Shed was quite empty since it was a weekday and late afternoon but this was good for us that means we don't have to wait and we can have a nice and peaceful late lunch. :) The Potting Shed is located next to the flower shop and it does follow the main cafe theme- rustic and "farm" themed.
The menu has options of small dishes which is recommended to be shared with friends and also main dishes. My friends and I decided to order the pork belly sliders, Angus short rib and the fish and chips. The prices of the dishes are slightly more expensive than the main Grounds cafe and to be honest I don't think it is as worth it as the main Grounds restaurant (read more below).
Pork belly sliders w/ pork crackling | $15
I have been seeing pictures of these cute, little pork belly sliders all over Instagram and I knew that I had to try them! On the menu it said $15, it didn't specify how many pieces but we were given 3 sliders since there was 3 of us- that means $5 each (my general maths coming in handy :P) which to be honest is not that worth it for the size. I knew what a slider was and the size of it but my friend who didn't know what it was, was quite shocked and disappointed! I think the novelty of this dish is what sells it. In terms of flavours you get a thin slice of juicy pork belly covered in a tangy, spciy- I think it was kimchi sauce. The black seeded bun was soft and fluffy. The crackling on the side was extremely crunchy, I felt like the customers sitting on the other side of the restaurant could hear it! Overall, it was a decent dish but definitely not worth the price.
Slow Cooked Grain-Fed Angus Short Rib with Sweet and Sour Glaze, Spiced Eggplant and Garlic Chips
The slow cooked Angus Short Rib was unbelievably tender and juicy! This was definitely my favourite dish that we ordered. The sweet and sour sauce complimented the short rib really well and it gave a nice coating. The eggplant was cooked to the point it melted instantly in your mouth and it was soaked in the sweet and sour sauce which gave it a very unique flavouring and texture. As my friends and I were sharing this dish, we got at least 2 pieces each.
Battered Market-Fresh Fish of the Day | w/ served with handcut potato chunks and rosemary salt, lemon, watercress, radish and tartare | $22.00
Out of all the dishes, the fish and chips were my least favourite but that doesn't it mean it wasn't good! The fish was evenly coated with a crunchy batter. The fish was tender and was cooked to perfection- not undercooked or too dry. Instead of the traditional chips that accompany the fish in a fish and chips dish, The Potting Shed serves it with handcut potato chunks, this was my favourite part of the dish- I love spuds! :) The potatoes were seasoned lightly with salt, I would happily eat a whole bowl of it!
We even did a photoshoot for my friend (pictured above), Lenny, who is a fashion blogger- visit her page http://thepinkframe.blogspot.com.au/ :) Follow her for fashion tips and styles- you'll definitely won't regret it!
Overall, The Potting Shed has a lot to offer and I'm glad that The Grounds of Alexandria is expanding and growing in popularity. The Potting Shed is a great place to grab some food and drinks with friends, and the best part is that they open until late (open for dinner). It is a little bit pricier than the main Grounds cafe but I'm glad that I got to try it and experience a different part of the Grounds.
Happy eating x
Overall, The Potting Shed has a lot to offer and I'm glad that The Grounds of Alexandria is expanding and growing in popularity. The Potting Shed is a great place to grab some food and drinks with friends, and the best part is that they open until late (open for dinner). It is a little bit pricier than the main Grounds cafe but I'm glad that I got to try it and experience a different part of the Grounds.
Happy eating x