Eating Out - Fishy Flicks

Reporter: Ada Nicodemou

 

Eating Out Competition And if you love a fishy tale, listen up because Sydney Weekender is giving away a meal for two at A Fish Called Coogee AND The Codfather. To be in the running cast your line and call 1902 55 77 08 and hope you reel it in! M.NET 55 cents max call cost. Mobile phones extra. Lines open when Sydney Weekender airs on 13/09/08. Lines close 18/09/08 at midnight NSW permit number: LTPM 07/20585, ACT permit number TP07/05446 Terms and conditions are available by contacting The Seven Network

 

*Winners’ details will be published in the Australian newspaper on Monday 29th September 2008.

 

 

Ada dives in to a couple of fish & chip joints with a difference. She visits A Fish Called Coogee in Coogee and The Codfather in Stanmore. This review is going to be a blockbuster. Move over David & Margaret, Ada’s calling the shots now!

 

A Fish Called Coogee

 

Trent Demos is the head chef at A Fish Called Coogee and he buys all the restaurants produce from the Sydney Fish Markets as well as fruit & veges from Flemington Market.

From 10am the chefs fillet fish and make marinades for the daily fresh display.

 

 

Trent Demos came up with the concept of A Fish Called Coogee on his travels to Indonesia. In Bali he saw that the fishing boats go early to catch their haul for the day and once they get to shore, people choose their fresh fish plucked straight from the sea.

This is essentially what happens at a Fish Called Coogee but here you buy a marinade to go with your catch.

Trent finds that it’s the people who visit the restaurant for a sit down meal who come back time & time again to buy fresh fish they can cook easily at home. This is a great way to have your food prepared, especially if you’re planning a barbecue with friends, or want a stay at home meal without the fuss.

The restaurant is full of wooden tables and because of the great food and small space it really comes alive, especially in the summer months. Eat with a group at the communal table, check out the beach and sit at a table outside or keep an eye on your catch by the barbecue and watch the chef prepare your meal.

All the fish at A Fish Called Coogee is top-end sashimi grade fish. The type of fish available depends on the time of year, so the menu changes seasonally. Some fish used throughout the year include kingfish, yellow fin tuna, wild barramundi, John Dory, Atlantic salmon, ocean trout and perch. There are about 8 – 9 different varieties of fish available at any one time as well as favourites like Thai fish cakes, garlic prawns, barbecued octopus and calamari.

 

 

The key to A Fish Called Coogee’s success is that all the fish is bought fresh at the Sydney Fish Markets and the produce is hand picked from the Growers Market. This means seasonal and consistently fresh food is served and because you can see the chef fillet, prepare and cook your meal in front of you, you know it’s the good stuff.

Some of the dishes you may find on the menu:

Main

• Lime & Coconut Perch
• Balinese Sambal Salmon
• Brazilian Style Barramundi
• Sashimi of salmon, tuna, kingfish and trout
• Chilli & Garlic Tuna
• Peppered Swordfish

 

More Information A Fish Called Coogee 229 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee Telephone: (02) 9664 7700 Open for lunch and dinner 7 days and meals start from $10 (sold by weight).

 

Prices correct as at 13/09/08

 

 

The Codfather

 

The Codfather is a local seafood bistro situated in a 100 year old corner building in the lovely village of Stanmore shops.

From the creators of Oscillate Wildly, The Codfather opened its doors in August 2008 and hasn’t looked back since.

Ross Godfrey started up the restaurant with a mate who’s a fish & vegetable supplier and another mate who’s a chef. Obviously good friends cook together.

With menu items like freshly shucked oysters, seared scallops and a daily selection of fresh fish, The Codfather has developed a reputation for excellent seafood while catering for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

 

 

Since opening, The Codfather has turned into busy and buzzing restaurant with more & more locals coming back for more.

Humour and an easygoing approach are part of The Codfather's appeal. It's cheap and cheerful and with Spanish chef Javier Carmona at the helm the dishes are exciting and delicious.

Inside the restaurant is little and busy with acoustic panelling at the back, a black & white vinyl floor, a big wall of street art and a wallpapered roof. Ross’ wife is an interior designer so the whole restaurant has a funky, stylish vibe that carries on to the food.

There’s an a la carte menu and daily specials, with three courses for $45 which is exceptional value.

Outdoor seating is available as well as a private dining room for parties up to 12.

Bookings are recommended, particularly on weekends.

 

 

Some of the dishes you may find on the menu:

Entree

• Torched salmon with silken tofu, hot ginger water and red radish
• Boulliabaisse of poached fish with prawns, pippies, mussels and fennel relish
• Angel hair pasta with braised beef cheek, smoked tomato and mint gremolata (cooked Al Pacino…er…al dente!)

Main

• Smoked roe & potato galette with Swiss brand mushrooms and watercress
• Pink snapper with beer braised cabbage and oyster mayonnaise

Dessert

• Chilled orange blossom buttermilk pudding with fresh coconut and green papaya salad

 

More Information The Codfather 83 Percival St (Cnr Myrtle St) Stanmore Telephone: (02) 9568 3355 Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Sunday Mains start from $25.

 

Prices correct as at 13/09/08