Hartsyard, Enmore

Hartsyard is the new kid on the block in Enmore and it's brought a bit of life to a part of Enmore Road that's been a bit of a barren wasteland up until now.  The restaurant is owned by husband and wife team, Greg and Naomi.  Naomi has kept a blog leading up to the restaurant opening (and she's still keeping it up to date). It's fascinating reading - especially if you've ever wondered what goes on before a restaurant flings its doors open; or how tired restaurant staff actually really are as they're flinging plates on our tables each night.

Hartsyard has been packed out every night since it opened in June.  With a spate of recent restaurant closures it's made me think about why some restaurants go gang-busters from the moment they open and others slowly whither away and die. Whatever the formula for success is Hartsyard has worked it out.  It has a great fit out - it's a bit industrial and a bit homely, there's great menu of southern USA inspired comfort food, super-friendly staff, great cocktail list...and George the Duck who overseas the goings on from his perch at the front counter.

My dining companion decides to kick things off with a drink.  The Bloody Caesar ($17.50, not sure how much this was as she had it without Vodka and it was given to her as a freebie as she knows Naomi) takes her eye: clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, HY hot sauce and smoked cherry tomato. I've never liked Tomato Juice drinks but I try a sip or two of this and it's pretty decent...I like the spiciness of the hot sauce.

Despite the restaurant only being open for a short while the Oyster Po'boy ($16.00 for two) has gotten itself quite the reputation.  A homemade English Muffin sandwiches crumbed oysters (they're fantastic - even non-oyster fans will LOVE them...trust me), mayonnaise and coleslaw. I top mine with some of the house-made hot sauce...I'm totally addicted to these Po'boys after only one try. Can't wait to come back and stuff myself with more more more (oh, I did come back and I ate FOUR po'boys all to my self. Best Day EVER)!

The Shaved Mushroom and Raw Artichoke Salad ($17.00) is another winner of the dish. The Parmesan crisps and condensed-milk mayonnaise make this more than just any old salad.

Another little dish that also already has a BIG reputation is the delicious Poutine ($19.00).  Super chunky fried potatoes topped with Oxtail gravy, crispy beef threads, cheddar and beer sauce. It sounds like a heart attack on a plate, but this dish actually felt far less artery-hardening than I thought it would be...there's only a sprinkling of cheese after all.  

The Cold-smoked Fried Chicken ($26.00) on the other hand is certainly not a dish endorsed by Weight Watchers but man is it GOOD!  The chicken has a super-crispy outer shell but the meat is still moist and tender.  I loved the buttermilk biscuit (that's Yankee for savoury scone) with sausage gravy. Sausage gravy = heaven!

I was full before the Fried Chicken arrived at our table, but my dining companion was keen for dessert.  We decided to share the increible looking (and tasting) Peanut Butter + Banana Sundae ($16.00) with pretzel ice cream, banana doughnut and salted fudge.  The bowl may not look that big but it defeated us (and many other couples in the restaurant).

The food at Hartsyard isn't going to win any ticks from Weight Watchers...but it's fun, it's delicious and it's made for sharing...so that means somebody can share the worry about the calories.  I can't wait to come back and eat more, way more, Oyster Po'boys.

Hartsyard is at 33 Enmore Road, Enmore.  Phone them on 8068 1473 or make a booking via their website.