Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Before avocado toast and flat whites became the Australian dishes of choice here in NYC, we had meat pies and sausage rolls. It’s the working class food of Australia loved by meat eaters across the country much like our hot dogs and hamburgers.
But for some reason the rise of coffee culture and health-conscious trendsetters from Melbourne, focused on the lighter (and more expensive) side of Down Under cuisine.
Well, good news. Bourke Street Bakery has brought it full circle. The famous Sydney-based bakery opened their first American outpost to much fanfare with both smashed avo and their iconic sausage rolls on the menu.
When I showed up on a Friday lunch, they were sold out of their pork & fennel roll but had some of the lamb rolls left. They took them out of a heater cabinet and asked if they could charge me an extra 60 cents for housemate ketchup. I declined (which means I didn’t get the ketchup).
Slightly annoyed that they didn’t just include the ketchup, I was soon amazed by how good this meat log tasted and felt like the additional sauce was not necessary.
I could see how tangy ketchup would have heightened this much like it does meat loaf or a dirty water dog. But the sausage roll was still excellent. The buttery pastry surrounding the ground lamb was buttery and crisp without being overly rich. Spiked with harissa, the lamb had a restrained gaminess and a nice amount of spice. Almonds gave it some extra oomph and a pleasant texture.
Before I knew it, the lamb roll had disappeared into my belly, I left feeling surprisingly light and satiated. Yet not to the point where I couldn’t indulge in their amazing ginger creme brûlée.
Although the dozens of Australian imports have somewhat started to get a bit tired with their overpriced “health” food, Bourke Street Bakeryis a welcomed change and a reminder of the basics. Don’t miss it. Price: $7.50
| BOURKE STREET BAKERY |
| 15 East 28th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenue), Nomad |
| bourkestreetbakery.com |
