Li'l Darlin: Wine Bar & Tapas, Randwick (17 May 2012)

51 Perouse Road, Randwick NSW 2031
http://www.lildarlin.com.au

A li'l spot to wine and dine

Just when I thought Alice met Charlie Dessert Factory was on a good thing they mysteriously closed not long after opening and is now replaced by Li'l Darlin. The new tapas wine bar seems to be a welcomed addition for locals although nearby tapas bars The Spanish Fly and El Bulli now have some competition. The Icyee Lychee ($12) is a blend of lychee liqueur, Absolut vodka, lychee, grapefruit and lemon juice (pictured above) which is easy to drink although beware of the brain freeze. House white ($7.50) and red wine ($7.50) was decently quaffable for a casual drink and the Crispy chilli chicken drummers served with chipotle mayo ($9.90) was quite flavoursome although perhaps a couple more for the price would be nice. The Salt and Pepper Calamari served with nahm jim and aioli ($9.90) was tender and quite tasty but the lemon wedge is cut just a bit too thin to squeeze easily. Home-made quesadillas with chorizo and chilli served with guacamole and sour cream ($12.90) was good and easy to eat.

Marinated olives ($7.90) were flavoursome and served cold but these days my preference is when they're served warm. I think a few more could have been topped up in the small bowl and I would have thought this dish could have been quickly served first. The Caprese salad with mixed tomatos, buffalo mozzarella ($11.90) had nice flavours but with perhaps a bit more salt would be more to my liking. If you're ordering a few dishes keep in mind the tables are quite small so it can get a bit awkward fitting all the dishes. The service was quite friendly although seemed to be still finding their feet with our forgotten table water and extra glass of house white ordered. The full restaurant at the time probably put some strain on the kitchen service as we felt it necessary to ask after 20 minutes about how our food order was going — serving up the olives first would have probably distracted us a bit from our hunger. I think the place has a nice buzz which suits The Spot as a cheeky drinking hole and I'm definitely keen to revisit to try their advertised $4.50 pizzas between 5 and 6 pm — sounds like such a bargain too good to refuse.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Cosy and buzzing atmosphere, Reasonably priced menu, Staff were friendly although seemed a bit run off their feet, Located near the Ritz Cinema

CONS: Can get noisy, Small tables can be a challenge for space, I felt still finding their feet in terms of kitchen turnaround time, Finding parking in the area is generally a nightmare

MUST TRY: Revisiting for the $4.50 pizza special and trying other dishes on the menu

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House white ($7.50) and red ($7.50)

Crispy chilli chicken drummers served with chipotle mayo ($9.90)

Salt and Pepper Calamari served with nahm jim and aioli ($9.90)

Home-made quesadillas with chorizo and chilli served with guacamole and sour cream ($12.90)

Marinated olives ($7.90)

Caprese salad with mixed tomatos, buffalo mozzarella, basil tossed in olive oil and balsamic ($11.90)

Small tables can get a bit awkward when trying to fit a few tapas dishes

Bill $88 for two

Pizza menu

Tapas menu

Side, share plates and desserts menu

Free lychee shot if you like them on facebook!

All pizzas $4.50 from 5 - 6 pm — definitely need to come back for this

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