Pub of the Week: Doutta Galla Hotel, Kensington
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Doutta Galla Hotel
Where: 339 Racecourse Rd, Kensington
Phone: 9108 1227
Internet: www.douttagallahotel.com
SCORE: 14/20
JUNE 12
VENUE: Revitalised and running under new stewardship, The Doutta Galla (Doot) has had its share of aliases over the journey, most notably as the Sydney Liars Club, replete with oversized Spitting Image characters.
Never in doubt was its popularity when run properly covering three majestic levels in the shadows of Newmarket station. It was a beacon to young and old in the North and Western suburbs, so its chequered trading path is a surprise. Most of the action takes place on the ground floor, with the upper levels used for events and hotel rooms.
This iteration is set for a long, long, run. The pub promises much and delivers.
The Doot has been modernised without losing its pub heritage. Mix of sandblasted brick and old world timber, it remains unmistakably as your local. Installed is some noise reduction equipment, so while you are enjoying a meal on one side of the bar, line dancing and country music won’t distract you on the other.
Most nights there’s a special or two, happy hours, steak/parmas, trivia. This is a traditional pub and after 10 months, appears to have returned to its glory days.
Smart staff welcome, range of beers on tap to slake your thirst, snappy pub grub elevated, another year in and the Doot will be absolutely flying.
MENU: There is no chance you will not find something to enjoy. Starters/classics have 12 each to choose from.
There’s a Josper grill for prime cuts, (over 15), ten choices of pizza, (not one for pizza, but if eggplant/caramelised onion/feta/basil is your preference, then be my guest!).
Here’s a couple of starters to consider;
– Truffle mozzarella arancini, sugo (5/$19) or sticky tamarind lamb ribs, pickled radish ($21). Also a range of shellfish is offered amongst the starters.
The classics list many favourites e.g, Honey chipotle chicken burger, chicken thigh, bacon, pickle, American cheese, kimchi slaw, chips ($30). The voluminous red curry duck leg, coconut rice, pickled cucumber ($35) safely feeds two. Ditto the sticky Asian BBQ pork belly, soy herbed rice, cucumber, bok choy, fried shallots @$36.
Tap beers aplenty, favourites and independents ($5 handles, 4-6pm M-F), wine fairly priced from a range of sizes (150/250/750ml), and you are set for a fine time.
Average Prices:
Entrees/starters: $19
Mains: $34 (steaks from $46)
Desserts: $19
Surcharges: None displayed. Cards, yes.
Beer: Carlton D pot, $9
Wine: $15pg
Roast: Yes. $32
Tab: No.
Pokies: No.
Jack Ginnivan Steak Index (JGSI): This week; Doutta Galla, Kensington. 250g grass fed striploin, $46. W/slaw/chips/sauce.
HIGHLIGHT/S:
Main: Red curry duck leg. Coconut rice, pickled cucumber, $35. Tasty, ridiculously rich, massive piece. Duck is rarely seen on pub menus, making this offer a pleasant diversion from the norm.
Something Different to Eat: Small. Pork belly bites, lime caramel, $19. For sure, there’s plenty of versions of pork belly bites, but getting all three parts: Meat/crackle/fat can prove elusive in pubs.
Spot on here, the accompanying sauce making it better again.
Summary: The Doutta is one of three pubs to be reopened within a small radius over the past 18 months, so staking out your territory can be difficult, especially if you are not ready from the get go.
Here, no such misstep. The Doot is providing the right hospitality to meet its market. The mix is bang on for food/drink/service.
Suggest the Doot is in for a long run.