As we continue to be locked down against the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought I will just start a new blog on local foods that I like. So, on one hand I have something to look forward to once this is done and over, and on the other hand, I can share some new ideas for you when you can finally dine out again. Before I start, I need to emphasise that I am not a food critic or anything. I am just a regular guy who likes to enjoy some food that pleases my taste buds from time to time. So, this is about what I like but not from a professional food critic point of view. Also, it is based on my experience at those venues, and as staff and management could change, your experience could be different from mine too. Please do not hold anything against me if you eventually tried out those joints but did not like it.
First up, Bat Country is a local café and bar that my friends and I used to frequent. Used to frequent because my pal who usually went with me have moved back up north, so my regular Bat Country buddy is no more. However, every time he visits Sydney, we made it a point to down a few pints at our old joint.
In the morning, Bat Country sells really good coffee, and from Monday to Friday, they sell a combo of bacon and egg roll with coffee at a reasonable price (by my standard of course). I am not a big bacon fan (no riots please) but Bat Country is one of the few places that I would actually enjoy a good bacon and egg roll. For me the secret lies in their unique hot sauce in the roll. They were just ridiculously appetising despite (in my view) the greasiness of that big piece of bacon inside. For me, it does some magic to neutralise that greasiness that I personally do not like about bacon. From time to time, on my way to work, if I wanted to treat myself before a projected long and arduous day, I will go to Bat Country, and grab a bacon and egg with coffee combo for the road. In an area filled with cafés every two steps, Bat Country had found its unique spot in my heart.
Bacon and egg rolls are not the only things Bat Country sells in the morning though. Their BAT rolls with chunky tomato and lettuce is also one of my favourites. Also, in the morning they have limited supply of freshly baked bread and rolls right next to the coffee station. I am not a big bread person, but a lot of times their bread sold out quite quickly in the morning. I guess that shows they are pretty good?
In the evening, Bat Country transforms itself into a café bar. The whole vibe of the place changes completely. My usual order there, which a number of staff over there already knew is the Young Henrys Larger. I have tried Young Henrys in other places, but the taste never stuck with me as with the Bat Country’s version. I was told that there were several different brews, so I guess I only have hearts for the Bat Country Brew. The larger is easy to drink and quenching. Especially during summer, after a long day at work, I would stop by and have a larger before heading home. It was also the larger that got my colleague and I starting the ritual of Wednesday night dinner and drinks before he moved back north.
At night we don’t usually order food at Bat Country, as they are mostly finger food and, well, food that can’t really fill me up for the night. They are totally fine with ladies and small eaters, but as the abyss of meals, those just won’t cut it as a substantial dinner for me. However, I do have a love for their buffalo wings. First of all, they are extremely reasonably priced, and second of all, they came with a great dip that fits well with both carrot and celery sticks and the wings themselves. Also, the wings were not too oily for me (as you probably know by now, I am not a fan of excessive oil in food) and the spicy taste was just right. So, for me sometimes half a dozen of wings with two larger is a great way for a weekend break of video game at home, particularly on a hot day.
In winter, in the past, they used to sell mulled wine. A staff member there was really good at it and it used to be my drink of choice when I went there during winter. However, last winter the mulled wine period was shortened. I asked one of the staff members why, I was told it wasn’t selling as good. Maybe the recipe had changed, but I never had a chance to taste that version of the mulled wine, as the original staff member had left employment to further his career.
Apart from beer and mulled wine, Bat Country serves a lot of cocktails and wine too. I haven’t tried a lot of them, but for the few cocktails I tried they are quite balanced and tasty. Bat Country is certainly a joint for both locals and visitors (it is opposite to the Ritz Cinema in Randwick). During the day it is more family friendly but the clientele changes to a younger crowd and the more outgoing groups when the sun sets. Staff members there are usually very nice unless people get disorderly. I personally have not had a single bad experience with the staff members there so far.
If you are interested in trying it out after the lockdown, Bat Country is right on The Spot opposite the Ritz Cinema. You can also find their website here.
