A staple food for millions around the globe, the humble potato has been around for centuries and is still the go-to vegetable for most of us.
The possibilities are endless with this tuber…mashed, roasted, fried and used as a base for pancakes, pasta, pizzas and so much more.
Potatoes are the world’s fourth most important crop behind rice, wheat and maize and the first among non-grains. What makes the potato so irresistible is its unrivalled nutritional value, easiness to cultivate and versatility in meal options.
As we celebrate all things potato this week, here are five venues to get your fix from gnocchi to pizza, bread and pancakes:
Inspired by Turkey’s rich culinary history Safran restaurant on Ocean View Road delivers authentic recipes with contemporary twists to Ettalong Beach diners. From dishes cooked in Ottoman Palace kitchens to street food, Safran covers all tastes and palates, enjoyed in stylish surrounds of a green tiled bar, recycled timber flooring, arched windows and Middle Eastern-style lights.
For an ideal start to any feast, order fermented potato bazlama bread with hummus, sumac, sesame and herb oil, moving on to lamb backstrap, peppers, potato galette, smoked eggplant, yoghurt and chilli butter.
Breakfast lovers in Kenmore can escape reality at Method to the Madness on Marshall Lane for temptations like sweet potato pancakes, with cinnamon, butterscotch, toffee apple, orange labneh, seasonal fruit and almond crumbs.
This Shakespearean-inspired café takes its name from the well-known saying from ‘Hamlet' and is the result of two Chefs' adventurous journeys that led to a vision of creating a space where people come together over food. A warm, modern style offers an inviting vibe to bury yourself in one of Shakespeare's plays from the bookshelf while indulging in housemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
Those visiting or living at Tamborine Mountain head to Trattoria MK III on Main Street to find an Italo-Americano restaurant and bar loaded with classic charm. Wooden panelling, black and white tiled floors, archways and trailing greenery beckon for lingering over a classic menu showcasing pasta and pizza to tempt all tastes, best enjoyed with a glass of wine with family and friends.
Housemade potato gnocchi, gorgonzola cream sauce and mushroom duxelles showcase the spud in a whole new light, before a classic crème brûlée, berry compote and shortbread to finish your meal.
Taste family pride and tradition in every bite taken at Bella Italia on Hunter Street in Newcastle. This authentic Italian ristorante dishes up a slice of Italy in stylish surrounds of exposed brick, dark wooden table settings, softly glowing bulb lighting and a lively buzz of conversation, as family and friends gather over a memorable meal.
Pizzaholics indulge cravings with a slice of Bimba – mozzarella, potatoes and rosemary - or delve into housemade gnocchi, pork shoulder ragu, Italian sausage mince and Napoletana sauce.
Dedicated to perfecting the art of coffee along with café fare with flair, Sydneysiders head to Black Sugar on George Street in the heart of the city to appease hunger pangs and caffeine deprivation. Taking pride in serving exclusive, locally roasted blends and single-origin coffee, this eatery in the Telstra Building is ideal for picking up a selection of ready-to-eat lunch options for those on the go; or settle in and order from the full kitchen menu.
Don’t go past the housemade Italian potato dumplings, with a sautéed medley of mushrooms, spinach, lardons, pecorino crumb and fresh herbs, or add a basket of rosemary and sea salt fries to any menu choice.
