TASTE TRAIL - POP-UP FOOD REVIEW

by A. Tablehopper

The Woombye Pub – 3 Blackall Street, Woombye

I am an ‘average Joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology! I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the hinterland eateries I visit, for their service/ambience and presentation/flavour. 

It was a birthday lunch for a friend that saw us mosey on down to Woombye to try out their fare.

The décor is fresh and minimalist, with wooden seating, bright palm leaf-print cushions, some cheery poster artwork and big plants. There is also a pizza oven hidden behind the main bar, so wood-fired pizza lovers will be happy!

The tragedy is they have completely removed the stage at the back, so this once buzzing live music venue, which supported local and travelling bands, is no more. I almost walked out then and there, such was my disappointment in their decision.

Hungry teens in tow meant we had to stay put, so we ordered from very amiable staff and sat in the breezy front verandah area of this attractive Queenslander.

The pub states they serve ‘good honest pub food with a modern edge, and I think that’s pretty accurate from the menu choices. We mainly chose pub classics and waited a while for our food to arrive, but it was busy and I heard they were understaffed, so all good.

The teenagers each had a Steak Sanga, with caramelised onion, cheese, tomato and lettuce, topped with aioli and smokey barbecue sauce, and a side of chips. These were very successfully consumed and, apparently, the steak was tender, the bread was “really nice and just the right thickness” and the chips were “great”. Such is a review from a teen.

I had the Roasted Vegetable Gnocchi, which looked delicious and hearty on presentation and didn’t disappoint. A perfect blend of veggies (capsicum, zucchini, roasted pumpkin and spinach) to feel healthy, mixed with a creamy Napoli sauce topped with Parmesan cheese, to give it some decadence. The balance was spot on.

Beer-battered Fish and Chips, Chicken Parmigiana topped with Napoli sauce, ham and mozzarella, and Sea ‘n’ Surf grilled snapper with creamy prawns and calamari were all consumed by the others present.

Everyone enjoyed their meals, and general comments included “classic pub food”, “okay portion size, but needed more chips”, “very tasty” and “well presented, decent flavours, no surprises”.

So, there you have it. A pub that does what it says on the tin. Enjoy your meal, enjoy the décor, but if you’ve been there in the past, you may leave with an emptiness in your musical soul…