The Vineyard, Crows Nest

Warm chocolate tart with vanilla bean ice cream $11.00

There were many things to take note of, during a recent fleeting visit to The Vineyard: the abundance of plastic grapes that hang above the entrance; the resplendent cushion room in vibrant hues of maroon, scarlet and crimson at the back; the delicious-looking waygu beef pies with delicate lids of puff pastry that arrive at a table nearby. But the thing that excites me most is the bathroom, a swing door next to the kitchen that gives you a sneak peak at the galley before you descend the stairs towards your real purpose.

Coming back up the stairs, you casually dawdle the last few steps, admiring the bustling chefs, the flurry of dockets, the masks of concentration as garnishes are given a final tweak.


Vanilla bean creme brulee with biscotti $11.00

We're here for dessert only tonight. My warm chocolate tart isn't quite what I expected, more a molten chocolate pudding in a tart shell. It's a rich dessert, and the vanilla bean ice cream is quite sweet too, adding to the overwhelming fullness in my stomach.

So I'm more than happy to trade half-way for a taste of the vanilla bean creme brulee. The generous specks of vanilla bean are a reassuring sight, a creamy decadent concoction that is quite wet and smooth on the tongue. The accompanying almond biscotti threatens to do damage to your teeth though. Everyone has to crunch down on the unrelenting plank of biscuit with their back teeth, tasty as it is.


French apple tart with ice cream $10.00

There's also a forkful of French apple tart, a disc of flaky pastry topped with thin slices of caramelised apple and a scoop of sweet caramel ice cream.

My favourite was the brulee. Next time I might have to order the wagyu pie in the cushion room. And make a bathroom stop, of course.


The Vineyard
104 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9966 0906

Tuesday to Friday 11.30am till late
Saturday 9am till late
Sunday 9am-4pm
Closed Mondays

Related GrabYourFork posts:
Crows Nest--Not Bread Alone
Crows Nest--Paradoxe Restaurant Francais
Crows Nest--Ryo's Noodles (Aug07)
Crows Nest--Ryo's Noodles (Jul07)