Saint Crispin - a cause for celebration

It was a big happy birthday to the gorgeous Kathleen as we headed to Saint Crispin to celebrate.

We arrived at the venue for the grandma sitting  (St Crispin has two sittings - a 6:00pm sitting and an 8:30 pm sitting which, while understandable from a commercial standing, seems either ghastly early or incredibly late on a school night to be eating a 3 to 5 course extravaganza!). Nonetheless, we were led to our table by incredibly friendly staff in a surprisingly small (intimate?) venue which oozed French provincial hipster sheek (that’s a style right?).
 

After being recommended a sensational white wine from Portugal (2011 Quinta de Mondego ‘Munda’ – Encruzado DOC at $70) we ordered the three course option at the set price (and incredible value) of $65.

To start with I had the crispy buttermilk chicken, 63 degree pullet egg, cos and popcorn. While the flavours were excellent and the techniques impressive (there is no way I could pull of a 63 degree pullet egg!), for me it lacked a certain dimension and needed a touch of sourness or zest – a squeeze of lime juice perhaps.

For main I had Brad’s courgette flower, parmesan gnocchi, celery and ricotta.  This was hands down the meal of the day.  Sensational flavours, perfectly balanced and a meal that tasted as good as it looked.  As my friend Hamish from my old work Sportsbet used to say...LIFE...CHANGING.

Then came desert, which was strawberry, lychee, sumac, goats curd and caramelised white chocolate.  For someone who claims to not be a fan of deserts I seem to be having a good run lately as this desert was delicious – not too sweet and a refreshing (but elegantly creamy) way to finish off a three course meal.

Incredible techniques, fantastic value and friendly staff made Saint Crispin a restaurant I look forward to going back to.

Food: 3.75/5
Decore: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5