Blancmange

Each time I return to Blancmange, I leave with a new reason that I’m glad it’s my local. This time it was the mostly for the house-made vegetarian Gnocchi ($28) with butternut pumpkin, which arrived at the table topped with a wonderful warmed wheel of Soignon Buche Blanc cheese. Ah the decadence! The Chicken Liver Parfait with Pinot Noir Jelly, Cornichons, Onion Jam and toasted Sourdough ($16) transported me to the rustic French farm-stay of my dreams. In my bliss I totally ignored my dining companion getting stuck into the rich pleasure of the Twice Cooked Cheese and Herb Souffle ($16). Lucky for me I’d tried it last time, because he made pretty fast work of the dish, leaving me but a smear of the creamy cheese sauce. After stealing a good sample of his Black Angus Rump Steak ($28) with mash, bone marrow and parsley sauce, I was too full to take up the restaurant’s good value option of three courses for $50. While my eyes caressed our neighbours’ desserts, my stomach convinced me that since they’re just down the road with free, convenient parking, I can pop back for dessert sometime soon. The service was warm and welcoming, with the right amount of flair.

Blancmange
1 Station Street, Petersham
Ph: (02) 9568-4644
Modern European $$$