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| Authentic Sicilian fare at Bar Idda. |
I was so happy to discover Bar Idda. Once inside, you are no longer in Brunswick East, but at Nonna’s Sicilian homestay. The food was seriously delicious. And I was lucky to have my friend with me, who was just as eager to try everything vegetarian on the menu.
Chicory Salad: This was done with sultanas, soaked in dressing for extra sweetness and bitter and crunchy chicory. The dressing was tangy and citrus. This was my least favourite of all our dishes, but still really tasty and refreshing.
Tomato Salad: My friend absolutely loved this dish. It was made with different colours and varieties of tomatoes and all were really flavoursome like they were straight out of Italy. It was served ith buffalo mozzarella and oregano. The tomatoes were soft and ripe. This had a vinegar dressing.
Eggplant: This was done as a sweet and sour caponata. The eggplant was cubed and served with raw capsicum for a pleasant crunch. It was salty, but also sweet and tangy. The eggplant was soft and pine nuts balanced the strong flavours.
Pasta: This was so garlicy and smelt fragrant for it. The broccoli had been chopped so finely that it was like a pesto. The pasta was fresh and well-cooked. It was served with cheese. My friend loved this one too.
Corn: The corn was barbequed so that it went black on the edges. The sauce was so delicious. This was my favourite (along with the eggplant and pasta).
Dessert: Our desserts were incredible. My friend had the granita which was flavoured with lemon, thyme and bay leaf. It was so refreshing (despite its sweetness) and generously served. It was the perfect finish to a rich meal.
I had the ricotta cake. This was so authentic, just like the farm house I stayed at in Sicily years ago. The ricotta held small chunks of chocolate with the crunch of marzipan on the exterior. Absolutely delicious.
Bar Idda
132 Lygon Street
Brunswick East 3057
03 9380 5339
www.baridda.com.au
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 6pm – 10pm, Sunday 5.30pm – 10pm.