PUBLISHED March 25th, 2013 02:27 am | UPDATED June 2nd, 2016 02:21 pm
Walking out of the rain and quite literally into the shelter of this French inspired tavern, I felt a bit like I’d stumbled through a portal, or a wardrobe (depending on how big on C.S. Lewis you are), and ended up in some Hansel and Gretel house full of yum and rum. I’ll get to the rum..
Complete with a deer head on the wall and an open kitchen with rotisserie….
this really is much like a modern tavern that you’d find in Europe. Although the presentation of the food is generally on point, some of the dishes were, quite rightfully, a bit misshappen because real food isn’t sent from spherical sensational-ness. There’s something very homemade and home grown about this little place, which has a lot to do with the oak interior, communal dining table and the big old sturdy barn door.
Although this tavern is famous for its rotisserie selection, it’s the kind of place you could just escape to mid-week to gorge on a bottle of wine, from its varied selection, and munch on some beautiful pastry. Firstly we tried a combination of rustic treats to get your mouth watering starting with pies and seafood quiche. Totally delicious, buttery and flaky and just the kind of food you’d expect from this cosy set up. We highly recommend the Seafood Pie with Hake, Prawns and Mussels in Chili Crab Sauce ($11). Packed with fresh fish flavours and very morish with a tangy Asian twist!
For something a little less filling to accompany that lonely glass of red, I’d recommend the beautiful Country Style Pork & Roasted Pistachio Terrine ($12) – a great constancy and full of flavour.
If seriously rich and flavoursome is more your bag, then try the super silky smooth Portobello Mushroom Soup ($9). Creamy and thick, but with a little bacon crunch. This is a special and on a rotation.
It would be a crime to visit and not try some of that gorgeous meat! Fresh off the rotisserie we tried some Crispy Skin Suckling Pig marinated with ‘Aromates’ ($35)– salty, crackling piglet belly with mash puree and gravy. Crispy skin and supple meat make for a lovely piece of pork!
Dessert wise, it’s all about the Saint Honore Cake ($8/slice)! Velvety, creamy and with toffee flavours this really is absolutely luscious and a naughty little number. Highly recommended to finish off your evening, however much you may have indulged. Again, this is a special on rotation, but keep your eyes peeled for this one. You can check the Shelter in the Woods weekly specials on their Facebook page. The Chocolate Tart is also delicious ($7). Salty and complete with a peanut underside, all pressed upon a crisp base. Yum!
It would be a very silly mistake to finish this off without mentioning the mastermind which is the rum. For those rum lovers among you, there is a selection of 26 homemade macerated rums from restaurant Manager Maxim. There’s everything from Tagadas, a rum made with the strawberry Haribo sweets, to Earl Grey and honey rum.
We personally liked the Passion Fruit Chilli, fruity and smooth with a little bit of after bite from that chilli. Future plans for Shelter in the Woods include creating a cocktail menu including these thoughtfully flavoured rums. A rum selection fit to please all tastebuds!
In summary, good food and a chilled dining experience and an escape from the city madness. Get lost and find some shelter in the woods!