Eating Out - Beer Gardens

Reporter: Mel Symons

  

The Oaks

Since 1885 people have been meeting in the centre of Sydney's North Shore, at The Oaks Hotel. Of course, back then Neutral Bay wasn't the thriving hub of cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment that it is now.

 

 

 

 

The famous Oak Tree is still providing a welcome spot to relax and enjoy award winning hospitality. You will find The Oaks offers a variety of atmospheres and will meet your every expectation.

 

The magnificent Oaks Tree (Quercus Robur) was planted in August 1938 By Kathleen McGill (nee Furlong). The original seedling, 30cm high came from the old Anthony Horden's department store in George Street Sydney. It was a custom of the store in those days to give an Oak Tree to any patron spending more than Ten pounds in one purchase.

 

Members of the Furlong family held the license for The Oaks from 1918 -1975.

 

 

 

 

It is a tradition that luck comes to those who are struck by an acorn when they fall in Autumn. At The Oaks, they would like to think there's something here for everyone, so when you go and see them, for lunch, dinner or just a quiet drink, take your time and walk around before you decide on where you'd like to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

 

So join them for a drink in one of their bars, order a gourmet pizza or choose from the best local meat and seafood to put on the famous Char Grill. And no matter what your taste, there's sure to be a fine Australian wine in their well stocked cellar to compliment your meal.

 

Some of the dishes you may find on the menu:

Tasting Plate

  • Grilled Cypriot Haloumi Cheese served with lemon, cracked pepper, thyme and oregano
  • Szechwan Soft Shell Crab served with capsicum marmalata, baby rocket and lemon

 Pizzas

  • Smoked Salmon (cold) with Spanish onions, creme fraich, capers and baby rocket leaves
  • Prosciutto pizza

 Steakhouse

  • Rib Eye on the Bone Angus Hereford, Grain Fed - Dry Aged, Gympie Reg QLD, 20 mths includes a jacket potato, fresh salad, a bread roll and your choice of herb and garlic or anchovy, dijon and chilli butter
  • Provencale Mussels cooked with tomatoes, herbs & garlic
  • 3 - Nth QLD Barramundi Fillet includes a jacket potato, fresh salad, a bread roll and choice of herb & garlic or anchovy, dijon & chilli butter 

 

More Information

The Oaks

118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay

Telephone: (02) 9953 5515

www.oakshotel.com.au 

Open every day

Pizzas start from $19 and mains are from $22.

 

 Prices correct as at 15/09/07

 

Dolphin Hotel

The Dolphin Hotel has always been recognised for it's central location, versatile spaces and delicious and innovative food. With a major renovation completed, the Dolphin Hotel has been transformed retaining its unique style and character, but adding new lighter and open spaces in conjunction with intimate private areas and a fantastic new outdoor terrace over 2 levels.

 

   

 

The open plan areas are complimented by fabulous new bars on three levels, split level function spaces with traditional fittings and subtle contemporary style and a new relaxed and informal bistro with a delicious and tantalizing menu created by award winning Executive Chef, Colin Holt.

 

See all the Sports action live on 8 new plasmas and Sydney's biggest projector wall running 1 storey wide and 2 storeys high.

 

The Bistro

The Dolphin bistro focuses on fresh, seasonal produce under the direction of Chef Colin Holt. Colin's experience with hotel bistro food produces some of the finest casual cooking available in Sydney.

 

His philosophy is to combine first rate ingredients with simple and tasty recipes to bring us the sort of good value pub food we want to eat - dishes such as the Classic Prawn Cocktail, Crispy Squid, Citrus and Almond Braised Duck Leg with spiced cous cous and Grilled Sirloin with Café de Paris Butter and Mash.

 

Our delicious and simple menus combined with a contemporary hotel renovation has provided for an open seating format allowing patrons to enjoy a quick business lunch or late afternoon or evening meal in a stylish and relaxed setting.

 

 

 

Some of the dishes you may find on the menu:

Entree

  • Smoked Trout Salad with fennel, grape tomatoes & baby sorrel
  • Pressed Pork Belly and Leek Terrine with sauce gribiche & sourdough

 Mains

  • Braised Oxtail Pappadelle with smoked buffalo mozzarella
  • Pan Seared Blue Eye Cod with spinach dhal
  • Pork Cutlet with roast potato and leek salad & apple balsamic

 Desserts

  • Hazelnut and Butterscotch Tart
  • Individual Sticky Date Pudding with Vanilla Bean Gelato

  

More Information

The Dolphin

412 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Telephone: (02) 9331 4800

www.dolphinhotel.com.au

Open for lunch and dinner every day and mains start from $19.

 

 Prices correct as at 15/09/07