Sitting at a window seat overlooking Manly beach on a balmy evening, with the waves gently lapping on the shore is certainly a very relaxing night out.
With the smell of the sea wafting in the open window, you can feel yourself transported to another place. Head chef Francesco Armillis has placed scents of his native Italy throughout the menu, inspiring locals to try something different.
So you will find unique offerings like squid ink linguine with king prawns and blue swimmer crab, and risotto with stracciatella cheese and zucchini flowers; alongside grass fed sirloin and Atlantic salmon with apple aioli. It’s all part of Francesco’s desire to expand people’s palates while savouring the beautiful view.
Francesco learnt the ins and outs of cooking seafood in Naples, then perfected meats in Tuscany, before coming to Australia several years ago. He brought his extensive experience to The Pantry earlier this year. Charcuterie is cured in house, and teed with crunchy bread for a tasty sharing plate for starters. Francesco jokes his office is the sea, as the kitchen overlooks the beach, providing an inspirational backdrop for his culinary creations.
Australians are adventurous when it comes to food as they have travelled the world, Francesco says. So putting seaweed prawn pillows on the menu, which is actually a ‘street food’ in Naples, has gone down well. Offset with fresh lime, the fluffy ‘pillows’ are lightly fried and make a good starter, especially paired with a fruity cocktail like mojito on the beach or the frothy amaretto sour. It is easy to understand why The Pantry won most outstanding restaurant at the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards in August.
Since starting in March, Francesco has expanded the menu, suggesting people try something new, like spiced spatchcock with tomato coulis instead of chicken. Unlike many restaurants which are pairing down their desserts menu, Francesco ‘loves’ desserts and has put in some delightful options. For vegans – or those wanting a lighter dish – warm torta caprese on a bed of raspberry sorbet and coconut vanilla anglaise is just gorgeous. And the chocolate cannolo on pistachio and strawberry coulis is the type of treat you pick up and eat with your hands, then lick your plate clean. Look out for more inspiring choices in the upcoming summer menu.
The Pantry
Ocean Promenade, North Steyne, Manly
thepantrymanly.com
Phone 9977 0566
