Share plates is a type of dining that became popular in the United States after 2000 and has gone on to take the culinary world by the whisk.
When you are out with friends enjoying Friday night drinks, most of us just want to graze on several different plates that tantalise taste buds and harmonise with our cocktails.
Here are five venues that epitomise share-plate dining:
Delicious Shared Dining Destination
Celebrate with the pop of a cork, cocktail and delectable food at sophisticated wine bar and restaurant The Wine Room on Ethel Street in Seaforth. Whether you are looking for a romantic rendezvous, after-work drink or girls’ night out, this dining destination doesn’t disappoint; think tan leather banquette seating, softly glowing copper pendents, wine barrels and an eclectic mix of accents, ideal for lingering over a meal.
Perhaps share smoked lobster tail, cauliflower, prawn cracker and Hollandaise, on brioche, or Peking duck dumplings with shiitake, water chestnuts and hoisin sauce; before larger plates of herb-crusted lamb backstrap, croquette, sweet potato, zucchini and onion. Finish sweetly with sticky date pudding, brown butter, butterscotch and vanilla mascarpone.
Shared Tacos and Tequila
Inspired by the dramatic sunsets of Cabo San Lucas, La Costa Cantina on Pacific Street in Crescent Head pays homage to the travels of wandering souls. Bringing Mexican vibes to the Mid-north Coast of NSW, sandy feet are welcome at this cantina where chilling out with tacos and tequila is the name of the game; either alfresco under thatched umbrellas, or indoors where neon signage sets the tune for evening fun.
Order a shared taco platter for two with smoked brisket, tortillas, dos dalsas, pico de gallo, habanero and pineapple, pickled onion, cabbage and chilli; or chow down on nachos supreme with marinated grilled chicken, corn chips, seasoned beans, pico de gallo salsa, melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream, washed down with an ice-cold cerveza.
Artisanal Smokehouse Cooking
Discover the art of artisanal smokehouse cooking along with estate wines at Poachers Pantry on Nanima Road in Springrange. This restaurant, cellar door, farm shop and country wedding and event destination uses only traditional hand-crafted techniques and natural wood smoke to produce award-winning dishes in spectacular surrounds, whether taking in vineyard vistas from the alfresco deck or sampling wines while dining indoors at cosy table settings.
Choose from sharing options that may include lamb collar, mint, cumin and brassicas, salted plum and saltbush, paired with Poachers Vineyard Pinot Noir, or scallop crudo, elderflower and honeydew melon, grilled cucumber, crème fraiche and radish, accompanied by a glass of Poachers Vineyard Chardonnay.
Laid-back Neighbourhood Eatery
Discerning New Farm foodies head down Welsby Street to laid-back neighbourhood eatery and bar, Common Vice to discover Pan-Asian food to share. Housed behind a red brick façade, this restaurant has you covered whether looking for a refreshing drink on a hot Summer day or a warm cup of coffee to start your morning, there is something on the menu for all to enjoy.
Dive right in by sharing yuzu karaage chicken, with cucumber, fried shallot, lemon and mandarin zest and mayonnaise, or seared beef tataki, ponzu and ginger sauce, marinated radish, spring onions and roasted sesame seeds; moving onto confit hoisin duck pancakes, shallots, bean sprouts, coriander, fresh chilli, cucumber and sesame seeds, or Szechuan calamari, citrus saffron mayo, watercress and lemon.
Authentic Shared Greek Flavours
Find yourself enveloped in the warmth of Greek hospitality at 10 Greek Plates on Martin Street nestled in the heart of Brighton. This family-owned and operated Melbourne restaurant takes immense pride in serving authentic Greek flavours passed down through generations in stylish surrounds of neon signage, potted greenery and an open kitchen.
Start your shared feast with char-grilled octopus, potato, capers, lemon, smoked paprika and fresh oregano, or pork skewers with Greek slaw, pita tzatziki and lemon; then order a platter for two with gyros chicken, lamb, meatballs, beef and garlic sausage, pita, tzatziki and chips. Decadent desserts of traditional baklava, with walnuts, almond and orange await those with room left to spare.
