My kind of hang out joint is the type
where you can both just chill and enjoy great honest food. Surry Hills has an
abundance of these places. There’s a new joint that has recently opened and
aint nothing like it in town at the moment. It’s a restaurant and bar that’s
full of “feel good” vibe and food that comforts the mind, body and soul. I’m
referring to the Jamaican themed Queenie’s. Yaman!
Queenie’s is an 80-seat restaurant located above the renowned Forresters Hotel
(corner Riley and Foveaux Streets), in Surry Hills. As mentioned before, the
theme of the place and food is Jamaican. What’s even more exciting is that the
menu was created by one of the coolest chefs in Sydney, Jamie Thomas. When I
think Jamaican, first thing that comes to mind is “laid back” and that’s
exactly the type of atmosphere at Queenie’s. The setting is vibrant, rustic and
a little bit contemporary urban. The bickle (Jamaican slang for ‘food’) here is
so awesome that it makes my soul groove. The reggae tunes playing in the background
surely got me into chill out mode. It was a catch up lunch with my Ramen League
crew, so we ate up a storm!
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| Las' lick jerk sauce (won't be the las' time for me) |
The essential condiment for every
Jamaican dish is jerk sauce. Despite
the amusing name of this particular one, the sauce was perfect as a dip for
your jerk chicken or sweet potato fries. It has a spiced vinegar flavour with
hints of garlic and pepper. Warning, it is very addictive! For those who are
not familiar with jerk spice, it is a commonly used spice mixture in Jamaican
cuisine.
 |
| Curried oxtail patties |
The curried
oxtail patties ($14) were great to start with. It was like crispy fried
empanadas with nicely spiced yellow curry and tender oxtail inside. The yogurt
dip goes well with the curry flavour.
 |
| Calypso coffee ribs |
The complimentary calypso coffee pork ribs ($15) and only available for
dinner) were totally awesome! It was so tender that the meat was falling off
the bone. The barbecue sauce was tangy and slightly sweet. Towards the end of
every bite, smoky taste emerges. The pickles on the side, which includes
cauliflowers, brings balance to the dish.
 |
| Pushcart chicken wings |
I was told that pushcart chicken wings ($14) were really good. My friend Tonkotsu
Bexx described the taste tangy and smoky.
 |
| Jerk chicken with jungle slaw and potato fries |
I had a bit of taste of the jerk chicken with jungle slaw and potato
fries ($18) and I must say that it was amazing. I even noticed that most
tables ordered this item in particular. The combination jerk spice and smoky
flavours gives this dish a lot of character. I also enjoyed pouring some jerk
sauce on it. I can’t get enough of that jerk sauce.
 |
| Fried pork burger in brioche bun with sweet potato fries and spiced mayo |
My main event was the fried pork burger in brioche bun with sweet
potato fries and spiced mayo ($16). The pork had a super crispy
spiced panko and coconut crumb around it and inside was meat that was cooked
perfectly with its natural flavoursome juices intact. The brioche bun was also
fluffy and buttery. A bit of jerk mayo completes the burger and makes it a
champ!
 |
| Kingston donuts with jerk custard and chocolate sauce |
Last but not the least was the Kingston donuts with jerk custard and
chocolate sauce dips ($10). The donuts had crispy crusts and were soft
inside. My absolute favourite between the two dips was the jerk custard. It had
a milk cinnamon taste at first and then the jerk spice kicks in right at the
back of the palate. Best way to end our lunch!
 |
| Queenie's lunch menu |
Big up to Chef Jamie for giving Sydney
another fantastic range of dishes to fall in love with! Queenies is the place
for exotic comfort food and an overall “feel good” experience. The food
servings were quite generous too. I can’t wait to get my jerk on again at
Queenie’s.
Queenie’s (Pan Tropical Specialties)
Level 1, Forresters Hotel
Corner Riley and Foveaux Streets
Surry Hills NSW
(02) 9212 3035
bookings@queenies.com.au
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 6pm till late
Friday lunch 12pm till 3pm
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