Even in this candy coloured environment, the vibe for Abby Dobson is relaxed and low-key at her free Thursday night Red Door Set. The crowd is a collection of upwardly mobile couples, mostly straight and moneyed, with a raggedy bunch of older singles sipping beers. Women seem keener on exploring the reasonably extensive cocktail list, offering options like the High Tea ($16) bearing house-infused chamomile and vanilla gin. As Abby’s lilting tones lull the audience into peaceful reverie of loves long gone, we’re kept engaged with a collection of dude food favourites from crisp cream and jack cheese stuffed Jalapeño Poppers ($12) to Crab Cakes ($15.50). While the former is a zesty mouthful, the latter benefits from the on-table selection of hot sauces (chipotle’s my favourite). The smile-makers are fresh, vibrant (though somewhat overstuffed) Grilled Marinated Prawn Tacos ($5.50) with ‘slaw, scallion and mojo verde; and The Quack ($5.50), a baby burger bearing duck and smoky BBQ sauce. “Don’t ask for more,” croons Abby, doing a song she recorded for The Secret Life of Us. My arteries tend to agree; so after scraping dry our retro plastic pint pail of summery Rosé Sangria ($28/jug) brimming with fresh strawberries and green apple, we melt into the night.
The Workers
1/292 Darling Street, Balmain
Ph: (02) 9318 1547 www.theworkersbalmain.com.au
Bar Food, Cocktails $$
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