Stanley St Merchants: IconPark Temporary Residence Restaurant, Darlinghurst (13 May 2014)

78 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

http://www.iconpark.com/stanleystmerchants

https://www.facebook.com/stanleymerchants

Stone the forager

"Our award-wining internationally renowned chef Matt Stone is bringing his own unique brand of locally foraged produce to your table. From honey harvested in Neutral Bay, to paper bark sourced on the streets of Marrickville, let us show you how good locally sourced food prepared with care can taste."

Stanley St Merchants have opened their IconPark crowdfunded restaurant space this week and take temporary residence for the next 3 months as Season 1 champions. I popped by to check out the space and tried the Angasi Rock Oysters, finger lime ($5 each) which were large with good flavour from the natural brine. The Beef & Kim Chi Sesame Bun ($6) was tender beef tongue on a soft brioche style bun. Flavour combination was nice although I was expecting a chilli kick from the kim chi which wasn't particularly noticeable. Diners sitting next to me grabbing an afternoon cake fix let me try their Charcoal toasted marshmallow, ryeberries, flowers and ants ($10). Yes ants are sprinkled on top of this fine looking dessert and give it pops of citrus. Upstairs seating is still to be finished off which will help accommodate the crowds already flocking to this place. Service was efficient, friendly and switched-on. Menu looks interesting and adds something different to the dining scene for Sydney punters. For a quick take away fix there's house made cakes, cookies and muffins to tempt you at the door entrance — their Fresh Fruit & Baked Custard Tart looked pretty good.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Interesting menu, Locally sourced and foraged produce, Switched-on service, Buzzing atmosphere

CONS: Only open for 3 months so get in quick if you want to try, Upstairs still to open

MUST TRY: Angasi Rock Oyster with finger lime

VERDICT: Seems like a pretty cool addition to East Sydney

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Real napkins make for a nice touch

Check out the size of these Angasi Rock Oysters compared to my slider 

Angasi Rock Oysters, finger lime ($5 each) — large size, enjoyable flavour combination with the noticeable brine, lasting flavour finish
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Beef & Kim Chi Sesame Bun ($6) — tender tongue, soft bun, nice flavour combination, was expecting more chilli kick from the kim chi though
WORTH TRYING :-) 

Those black things are the ants in the Charcoal toasted marshmallow, ryeberries, flowers and ants ($10) — I tried a bit offered by other diners sitting next to me, I thought was quite nice

Ants in the dessert

They even have kim chi as a side for breakfast

Angasi rock oysters — yes please!

Charcoal Toasted Marshmallow comes with ants

Aperitif options

These look pretty good 

St Ali Coffee in da house 

Meet and greet

Afternoon tea takeaway

Upstairs and downstairs

Extra seating upstairs still to be finished

Toilet taps and sink

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