The Sunburnt Calf: An 'Aussie' Experience

is my go-to location for special occasions. When it first opened late last year on Vanderbilt Avenue promising to introduce “Australasian cuisine” to Brooklyn, I was intrigued. My wife and I had had the best meal of our lives at Tetsuya in Sydney and even a simulacrum of that lofty experience would be welcome.

So last November, when the place was newly opened, I took my wife there for her birthday, with the kids. My son Elan must have liked his meal because in February, when I suggested taking him out to celebrate his 7^th birthday, he said he wanted Australian food. Decision made.

On both occasions, the service was extremely friendly. The first time we were brought two small, complimentary, drinks called The Sunburnt made of passion fruit juice and infused tequila. It set just the right tone for the evening, not too sweet with a south of the border kick. In my opinion this cocktail is superior to the sweeter Infusion—mango juice infused with vodka and pineapple juice.

Over the course of these two meals we tried several Small Plates, the Wrap N Roll, Chicken Pad Thai, and Curry Crab Fried Rice. In the Small Plates category, I preferred the more unusual steam bun with red braised pork belly over standard chicken satay or papaya salad. The long-cooked beef and bun were moist and savory, nicely offset by the delicate crunch of the radish and pea sprouts garnish.

Their signature dish is their Wrap N Roll. Choose one of four meats (crispy Thai chicken, the aforementioned braised pork belly, curry short ribs, or roast duck) you will be served a platter with roti and small bowls filled with a variety of vegetable toppings and sauces. It’s a high-end version of the classic Chinese take out dish, Moo Shu Pancakes.

The Pad Thai had a somewhat briny element due to the chef tossing in generous dollops of dried shrimp, also found in the fried rice. Not a real problem but it may not be everybody’s thing.

Both meals concluded with home-made cupcakes spiked with candles, on the house. Good food, attention to the customer, relaxing setting, it will remain my go-to place for a special night out. A lot cheaper than a flight to Australia