Before I start this review, I want to throw it out there that not every place I eat makes its way into the pages of MyCity Logan.
There are some that simply don’t cut the mustard, if I’m to be given the license to use a foodie pun. In fact, I’d be ducking for cover if I wrote what I thought about some places.
Just because I don’t like something doesn’t mean someone else won’t think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
But there are general rules of thumb – frozen or packaged food is generally the low end of the stick, cleanliness is essential, and common courtesy from staff is a must.
Beyond that, there’s a mountain of value judgement in this exercise. I personally would much rather discover a hole-in-the-wall Asian delight than hoe down a parmi every night. Yet, a great parmi can be a joy, particularly if the chef thinks a little outside the square.
That said, it’s time to look at HQ Underwood which has some great pub grub.
Pub food is often borderline when it comes to frozen and packaged food (calamari is a real example which for the record I didn’t try here, but if fresh it’s great … if it comes from a box, it can be downright horrible). Thankfully, this place manages to hold its own in the fresh food stakes.
Salads on the menu are made with wonderfully fresh produce, anchovies and decent sized prawns if that sort of topper is your jam.
The bar has a nice greenery effect down the front ledge, and there’s the biggest fish tank I’ve seen in a restaurant in this area. Not the Chinese variety where you choose your dinner, rather little colourful fish just for show.
The high ceiling gives the place an outdoor feeling without the bugs and weather, and the warehouse interior is a modern look and feel.
Pizzas here are good. Try the lamb and halloumi with beetroot powder and mint yoghurt.
And there are a couple of things you normally might not find on a pub menu including market fish with crisp pancetta, almonds, green beans and mustard cream. Or try the pork belly with mash, parsnip, greens and apricot jus.
Vegetarians aren’t always looked after, so the pulled jackfruit tacos are a nice addition, as is the mushroom arancini burger.
This pub is a member of the Australian Venue Company which seems to have a fairly standard grill and burger menu across all its stable.
Dessert is limited with a chocolate walnut brownie and apple crumble, another thing which seems to be standard across most of the group’s pubs.
The company has a great promo right now, offering 50% between 5pm and 6pm, but only if you order and pay via your phone.
