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Hunter Gatherer in North Sydney evolves

Hungry homo sapiens can indulge their primal love of meat at this nature-inspired rooftop bar and eatery in North Sydney.

Old and new ideas collide at Hunter Gatherer.
Old and new ideas collide at Hunter Gatherer.

Hungry homo sapiens can indulge their primal love of meat at this nature-inspired rooftop bar and eatery in North Sydney.

New owner Gary Cauchi took over the reins of Hunter Gatherer mid-last year, and has since renovated the space and completely revamped the menu.

There are spots for the whole tribe.
There are spots for the whole tribe.

A charcoal-fired churrasco barbecue now takes pride of place in the kitchen, where a selection of meats are marinated, skewered and flamed daily.

“We run four different meats every day, and we chop and change the selection weekly,” says Hunter Gatherer bar and restaurant manager Thomas Folan.

“The idea is that you pile up a board with a whole load of different meats, salad and veg, and you share it family-style,” he says.

Chef Chris Hulm and manager Thomas Folan at Hunter Gatherer. Picture: Adam Yip.
Chef Chris Hulm and manager Thomas Folan at Hunter Gatherer. Picture: Adam Yip.

Carnivores can sink their teeth into mustard-crumbed beef cheeks, coq au vin-style chicken thighs, juicy fennel-roasted pork belly and a marinated lamb leg with mustard aioli.

There’s also a mammoth selection of veg, including a fresh and vibrant Windsor kale and summer pea salad, topped with wobbly mounds of fresh ricotta, and the buttery pan fried brussels sprouts, smattered with salty, fatty bacon bits and freshly shaved parmesan.

Hunter meat boards combine barbecued and smoked meats with veg.
Hunter meat boards combine barbecued and smoked meats with veg.

According to head chef Chris Hulm, one of their most mouth watering, chest-beating dishes is their take on Canadian poutine. Alongside the usual fries topped with cheese and gravy, Chris also adds a mound of crispy, juicy meat ends, taken from the churrasco grill.

In the absence of a roaring bonfire, guests can sit around the gas fireplace and share food and swap stories.

Fishers are catered for too. The salmon fillet with pumpkin, quinoa, chimichurri and micro herbs.
Fishers are catered for too. The salmon fillet with pumpkin, quinoa, chimichurri and micro herbs.

With the onset of spring, customers are expected to spill outside into the urban wilderness of the Greenwood Plaza rooftop, where a sprawling outdoor area lets you sip under the stars.

In terms of moonshine, the drinks list features a strong selection of craft ales, as well as local spirits, classic cocktails and natural wines.

“We also have a list of beer specials, which change seasonally,” says Thomas. “Right now we’ve got eight dark beers on offer, from stouts to porters and IPAs. As we move into spring, we’ll trade this up for brighter pilsners.”

Cheesecake and banoffee pie are made fresh in-house.
Cheesecake and banoffee pie are made fresh in-house.

There are plenty of spots to kick back with a beer, from the slatted benches in the dining hall to the tan leather booth seating, which fits the whole tribe.

In contrast to the cascading greenery and blonde, unfinished timbers, one side of the venue reveals a particularly eye-catching LED-lit wall mural.

Changing colour from electric pink through to blue and neon green, the elaborate artwork reveals a series of hunting and gathering scenes, albeit with a modern, psychedelic edge.

Details
What: Hunter Gatherer
Where: The Rooftop Greenwood Plaza, 36 Blue Street, North Sydney
When: Mon — Tue 12pm — 4pm, Wed — Fri 12pm — late
Web: thehuntergatherer.net
Instagram: @huntergathererbar

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/mosman-daily/hunter-gatherer-in-north-sydney-evolves/news-story/b4c1489d7f28a620c9f5e55bbeff4654