Letra House- Sydney, NSW
I’ve always had a soft spot for tapas- the idea of small bites, shared with company and excellent alcohol. A true embodiment of variety and a community meal.
Sydney has an excellent balance of traditional elements and modernised takes on wonderful classics- a city truly moulded by an undying respect to tradition, modern takes often distill the elements of the classic into its purest form before finally choosing to adapt it. This is a sense of respect I can greatly appreciate as a foodie, identifying the classics and the essence of a dish before evolving it, bringing it into modern times.
Oyster Gazpacho
Easily the highlight dish of the evening, we ordered some as the appetiser and added on more after consuming all the food ordered. If that is not statement enough, this oyster gazpacho is a must have!
Refreshingly light, the gazpacho was clear, bearing just the right amount of balanced tartness accentuated by the brininess of the Sydney Rock Oysters, acting perfectly to whet one’s appetite and then subsequently as a palate cleanser to end off the meal.
Duck liver parfait, pickled rhubarb, brandy snap
The duck liver parfait was smooth, the texture light against the sweet and crisp brandy snap, the rhubarb providing a contrast to the richness of the liver.
A classically well executed pairing of sweet and savoury, richness of the liver and pickled rhubarb.
Raw Red Carid prawn tostada
The prawn tostada highlights the sweetness of the prawn, the texture firm and succulent- gone in a few bites, yet wishing I had room for more!
Socarrat, pippies, firefly squid
A simple luxury of a risotto is the socarrat, also known as the crunchy rice from the edges of the pan.
This dish embodies that simple luxury- made up of the toasted rice, the sauce creamy and full of umami, highlighted by the sweetness of the firefly squid and the pippies.
Cuttlefish, smoked jowl, chickory
The cuttlefish was sliced thinly, tender and not rubbery, the mild bitterness of the chicory complimented by the aroma of the smoked jowl.
While I enjoyed the dish, I did feel the proportion of the smoked jowl did overpower the dish with just a touch too much salt and as we approached the end of the dish, it began to feel just a bit overpowering.
With a set menu priced at 90pp with 9 dishes on their sample set menu, Letra’s set menu is quite a steal when you take into account the quality of the dishes that are produced by their kitchen. Letra House was quite a find in an unexpected corner of the city- the cuisine a tasteful blend of modernity into the traditional small plates served for tapas. Their drinks menu is as extensive as their food menu, bringing a significant variety of wines, cocktails and drinks to each dining experience.
I would love to return to try more from their assorted menus and to experience the seasons through their lens.
Old Kent House, Rear/344 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia