Fresh seafood by the water – yes please!
With perfect views of Pittwater reaching out to Scotland Island, Pasadena undoubtedly has one of the best restaurant locations on the Beaches. While there are alfresco dining options on the deck, the weather has started to turn so we head into the Palms Dining Room where we enjoy the magic scenery through large arch windows. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed as we settle into the crisp, modern interior and enjoy a non-alcoholic amaretto and a crisp glass of rosé.
Pasedena specialises in the classics like truffle and mushroom arancini, squid, and ricotta stuffed tempura zucchini flowers, head chef Steve Medak tells us. “The kitchen’s personal favourite is our tuna tartare, our signatory dish,” he says.
And on savouring the freshness of the yellowfin tuna tartare with dashi and yuzu dressing, complimented with the crunch of rice cracker and nori, it’s easy to agree. The prawn tostadas with avocado, lime and poppyseed are equally delicious, as are Pasadena’s oysters – both natural and kilpatrick!
The surprises keep coming as we try the grilled sourdough with whipped ricotta, peach, onion jam and lemon balm. It’s sweet and compliments our other starters. Steve even makes one of the sourdough servings dairy-free, and says they can customize dishes for their customers. “So there are more options than what’s on the menu,” he adds. In fact, many of the dishes are already either vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free, leaving everyone to enjoy a meal out.
Steve is classically trained in French- English cooking and has worked previously at Wildfire and Sean’s Kitchen. “Our approach to casual dining is probably a little bit different to the perception people have. A lot of people think it’s like fine dining, but we’re not charging that price point of fine dining. We’re giving that casual dining price with that fine dining feel,” he says.
Proof of this is in the chicken supreme main with crisp gnocchi, peperonato and basil, and the grass- fed black angus sirloin, served with thousand sheets potato and truffle jus. Beautifully presented, tender and full of complimenting flavours, the dishes feel very special. And dessert – a crème brulee with pastry cream, honeycomb, candied walnuts and raspberry, is a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds!
Pasadena will be hosting sunset sessions on Sundays in January, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, featuring DJs, live music, drinks specials and a la carte offerings on the waterfront lawn. Drop by to catch your own taste of summer.
Pasadena 1858 Pittwater Road, Church Point pasadenasydney.com / 8998 7814