Rosemary in Kingston is now open at night and it’s well worth a visit, says dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.
Rosemary – across from Pomegranate (a fine place to dine) on Tench Street – has a spacious indoor area and an elevated, outdoor wooden deck area enclosed with lovely greenery.
The Rosemary Tasting Menu is $79 each (minimum two guests) and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu
$69 each (also minimum two guests). The a la carte menu is compact but inviting.
A super start is the focaccia, light and fluffy. It’s served with a dollop of smooth whipped ricotta on the side with a vibrant and intense (but in a good way) parsley oil. This is a tantalising start and your taste buds will thank you for it ($7).
Scallops are one of my all-time favourites and Rosemary’s didn’t disappoint. They’re pan-seared (two for $18) and exciting with soubise, chilli butter offering a slight kick, and juicy lemon. Rosemary cooked them to perfection.
Our group loves sharing and that’s exactly what we did with the Angus scotch steak with two sauces accompanying in small white dishes – a burnt garlic and a zesty chimichurri (300 grams for $56). The wait staff recommended we mix the two sauces and we did with great delight. The meat was lovingly cooked and super tender. Not a bit was left on the plate.
We also shared cauliflower steak, a popular dish on many menus these days. Rosemary’s version was yum. It features caramelised tahini, mixed herbs, grapes, dukkah, walnuts for crunch, and a pomegranate molasses dressing ($26). If it all sounds a bit much, don’t fret. The combination of textures, flavours and ingredients is magic.
Sides include an innovative green salad with loads of fried wonton pieces perched on top. It’s a super fun, delicious salad and the special dressing added life to the fresh lettuce leaves. The salad was finished off with sesame seeds.
Mains on our visit also included barbecue pork ribs (full rack for $58), pan-seared barramundi ($32) and a squid ink risotto ($29).
Rosemary’s sweets line-up featured a tiramisu ($15) and a vegan coconut ice-cream with a passionate fruit gel and crumb for texture ($14), which sounds lovely. We were too full to indulge.
Lots of gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available, all creative and tasty options.
BYO is $6 per person with a large bottle shop across the road and up a bit. Service was attentive.
Inside, Rosemary sells Eche handmade pots (eco-friendly and Canberra designed) and locally grown, gorgeous bunches of colourful flowers by Rosewood Cottage (chemical-free and $35 a bunch). A nice way to support the locals.
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