The Precinct

I've been so bad and have been neglecting this blog for a few weeks. Not so much because I have nothing to write about but more because I have too much to write about and too much going on that I haven't had much energy or time to unwind and slow down my thoughts.

So finally I have, at 1240am in the morning. So to continue with the theme of desserts we should continue onto The Precinct. I must admit The Precinct is a rather nice addition to the Albany Hwy Victoria Park area, mainly because it adds that "nice small bar" amongst all the pubs and cheap italian restaurants (not that there is anything wrong with pubs or cheap italian restaurants.. it just adds that something something).

I'm not sure if it's because it's still unknown, or whether Victoria Park hasn't been picked up as the place to go on a Saturday night (and rightly so, there still isn't that much going on but it is picking up.. there is a lovely book store a few doors down and a few boutiques I wouldn't mind checking out that sells bits and bops, along with the usual pubs and a handful of good places to eat other than pub food), but The Precinct was rather quite for a Saturday night.

The precinct has two clear divisions where there are diners and the bar (no idea why a clear partition is needed considering no one came into the bar to drink but lots of diners - unless the "partition" is actually part of ensuring structural soundness of the place?).

The place had wooden tables and chairs (and area where there is almost a canteen like dining table for "sharing table" with others). The walls on one side is exposed with a recurring theme of a dog taking a piss on a pole. Nice. Oh and a motif of the queen's face. Random. But loving it so far. The kitchen area is also exposed so guests are invited to observe and watch chefs under pressure.

The menu at The Precinct was pretty impressive when we went there with pork belly, half chicken and the likes on offer. But we had just finished eating at the Prophet and was instead more interesting in their dessert menu.

There was a few to chose from but the thing that stood out and impressed me the most was that they had a dairy free and gluten free bread and butter pudding (which in itself is an amazing concept! especially considering the name and the nature of the traditional bread and butter pudding - needless to say I was intrigued).

MR chose it considering she was severely allergic to lactose. It came warmed and smelling lovely. perfect for a chilly night. It was obviously not as creamy as the original, but nor was it runny like it was just water. To be perfectly honest considering it was guten and dairy free it was a rather enjoyable dessert. I immediately thought of taking one of the girls from work here! I think she would enjoy it!

Bf opted for the deconstructed banoffee pie. Needless to say it was sweet and rich but delicious nonetheless. I would recommend sharing because the portion is generous, but then again if you have a sweet tooth, go all out and have one yourself.

The deconstructed banoffee pie

MM and myself onthe other hand, opted to share desserts - the cheese - delice de cremiers, pear sorbet, pear tullie and the lemon meringue, lemon curd.

The lemon meringue with lemon curd was also somewhat deconstructed as the lemon curd provided that tartness that generall comes with lemon meringue but this had to be eaten with a constructed meringue that was a little too sweet to eat on it's own. I felt as though it didn't work so well, only because the lemon curd ran out too quickly versus the meringue bit and I was just left with too sweet a meringue. Unless of course that is what you are after? I've never had too much a of sweet tooth.

The lemon meringue, lemon curd

The cheese on the other hand was lovely, I would have preferred they gave us crackers or bread instead of the tuille, because the tuille was rather blah and ran out way too quickly, that you were just left with cheese. The cheese was too strong to not have with crackers. Crackers were needed. The sliced glazed pear, only four was given, little disappointing there. But I liked the cheese! (Most important part - if only there were crackers!)

Overall the Precinct is a lovely venue and one worth checking out (although I hate saying that only because then it gets too packed and I can't go back because it's too crowded and I never end up with a seat!) We did a walk in and got a table (share table nonetheless but a table) and I would hate it if we couldn't do that anymore. The only compliant I have is the "hipster" waiters, the one that served us was rather rude and condescending when we asked more questions about the menu. Like DUH we haven't been there before of course we would ask. Such attitude!

Apart from that the menu looks fantastic and I can't wait to try more than just their desserts. Perhaps ask their staff to lose the attitude of "I'm too cool for school" because clearly they are not at school.