Freda's, Chippendale (maybe)

You know I actually have no idea what suburb Freda's is actually in. I mean, it's right near Railway Square at Central, but is Central even a suburb? Is it technically Redfern? But how can it be Redfern if it's basically on the doorstep of Central station? Actually now that I think about it Freda's is probably in Chippendale...maybe, but probably not Surry Hills.  Wherever it is, Freda's is TOPS!

My fellow workers at the cubicle-farm where I spend my weekdays decided it was high time we ventured out for a lunch together and whoever picked Freda's picked a winner.  Freda's is a large-sized "small bar" that doubles as a Canteen during daylight hours. It's housed in what looks to be an old loading dock and fitted out in the standard retro/shabby/industrial that is all the rage these days.  It's cool and I like it. A LOT!

The lunch offerings seem fairly basic upon first glance - just sandwiches + salads.  But these are not just any old sandwiches + salads.  Sandwiches fillings like Muscovy Duck or Wagyu Corned Beef takes things to the next level. Teamsters that had the Muscovy Duck sambo were beyond impressed at the wonderful flavours and all muttering words of lunchtime delight. And...all the sandwiches came with a little bowl of olives...cute.

We're told that the meat is all free range, but I'm still not 100% convinced (or even 50% convinced) that Bungalow "Sweet" Pork is actually pasture-raised. So whilst the Roast of the Day, Porchetta with Crackling, is pretty tempting (esp when it arrived on the table for somebody else) I decided to go for the Smoked Trout Salad with Kipfler Potoats + Roasted Peppers which was DELICIOUS.

From middle photo: my trout salad; Porchetta; Corned Beef Sambo & the Muscovy Duck Sambo.

Freda's has a lunch special - where you can choose a glass of wine OR dessert for an extra $5. The sweet tooth's in the team couldn't go past something sweet to finish up the meal.  And because I'd just had a salad for lunch (ok, with a kinda oily dressing, but it was a salad none-the-less) I enjoyed a taste of both desserts.  The enormous slice of Jaffa Cake was big enough for everyone to try, but it was the moist apple torte, caramelised full of fruit + nuts,  that was the favourite.

Freda's is a great Friday lunch spot - big, relaxed, with really friendly staff and a cool vibe. The great tasting food makes it a must re-visit I think.

Freda's is at 107-109 Regent Street, Chippendale/Central/wherever.