Little Jack Horner owner brings beach vibes to Jack’s Diner
A new kid-friendly eating spot in Coogee, Jack’s Diner is hosting a launch party this Saturday — and you’re invited
Southern Courier
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Little Jack Horner’s BJ McHatton is giving the beach bistro a family-friendly edge with Jack’s Diner at the Coogee Beach Club.
McHatton together with Andrew Stewart, who a lot of locals will recognise from his time at the Clovelly Hotel and Maroubra’s Bay Hotel, opened the beach-themed Jack’s Diner six weeks ago and the launch party this Saturday is their chance to show-off their new digs.
There will be a petting zoo and free ice-cream for the kids and an American-style smoker will be rolled into the beer garden, serving smoked delights like apple-infused port belly, maple-brushed chicken thighs and pulled pork brisket served with jacket potatoes and salad selection.
McHatton is in America next week visiting two of the countries biggest BBQ restaurants in Austin, Texas to immerse himself in the traditions of southern-style American smoked meats.
“Smoked meats are a growing trend,” McHatton said.
“Everyone loves their meat cooked low and slow, it adds flavour and tenderness.”
On the Jack’s Diner menu McHatton said the focus was on families looking for great food that won’t break the bank.
“I’ve been in Coogee for 15 years now so I have a bit of an idea about what Coogee people want,” he said.
“We don’t want to be the type of place they visit once a month, we want them to come two or three times a week.”
The former Coogee Bowling Club site still has active bowling greens but the middle green also doubles as a family-friendly and barefoot bowls area.
This has been a big hit at Jack’s Diner, providing plenty of green space for children to play.
Inside the beach theme is light and bright with bright coloured beach hut wall installation adding an element of fun.
One of the menu favourites is the house-crumbed chicken schnitzel ($22.90), with plenty of crunch in the coating and a tender chicken breast underneath. It is served with chicken gravy and salad with friend onion shavings for extra crunch.
There is also a seafood platter for two ($49.90) with beer battered barramundi fillets, prawns, grilled octopus, salt and pepper calamari, natural oysters, chips, sauces and lemon.
On the burger menu the royale with cheese ($19.90) is a standout with an angus beef pattie, tomato relish, lettuce, Roma tomatoes, pickles, American cheese and Jack’s burger sauce.
The weekly specials include: Wednesdays: $200g rump steak, chips and salad with a beer, soft drink or glass of wine ($14.90); Thursdays: schnitzel chips and salad or fish and chips with a soft drink ($14.90) and; Fridays kids eat free.
There are also separate function menus, including one for children’s parties.
FIND THEM
51 Dolphin St, Coogee. Phone: 9665 5782. Web: coogeebeachclub.com.au
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