Today I had the most amazing gastronomic experience at the Rubicon Restaurant in Griffith, ACT. The Tarte Tatin is absolutely to die for. But as this was the dessert course, I am getting ahead of myself.
Paula and I had just spent the morning shopping and when it came time for lunch we decided to head to Rubicon, a restaurant we had researched on the net. It had already received exceptional reviews so we wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
We were greeted at the door and ushered to our table by a cheerful young man, who served us water and then left us to ruminate over the wine list and menu.
After much discussion we decided on the following entree: Crisp pork belly, sesame caramel, fennel and Fuji apple salad which cost $19.90.
As we intended to have 3 courses we decided to share the entree, and told the lovely young waiter that we were sharing this dish. When the entree arrived, the chef had thoughtfully plated up two plates for us.
The pork rind was beautifully crisp and the sesame caramel sauce was delicate and extremely tasty. The flavor of the thinly sliced apple beautifully complimenting the pork. I found that my pork was a little dry for my taste, but that didn’t detract from the overall dish. We were so taken with this dish that we forgot to take photos. Also it would have been unfair as it wasn’t a true representation of the actual serving size.
For mains, Paula had the Lamb Shank and I had Duck Confit both costing $29.90.
Paula’s meal was a beautifully prepared Lamb Shank served on a bed of nicola mash with green beans, carrots and roast garlic. The meat was very tender.
My Duck Confit was just divine, with soft, tender meat and a crispy skin. It was served with an assortment of roast vegetables – carrots, potato, parsnip, onion, turnip, and something I have never thought to roast before, beetroot, which I really enjoyed. There was also a serve of broccolini.
Both meals were very tasty, beautifully prepared and served.
Then came the piece de resistance. For dessert Paula chose a dark chocolate mousse and I selected the Tarte Tatin both priced at $14.90.
Paula’s Dark Chocolate Mousse, Steamed Date Cake with brandied cherry and chocolate crackle was certainly a hit. The mousse was beautiful and smooth and very rich.
As for my dessert, well what can I say, my first mouthful of the Tarte Tatin was amazing. the flavor just burst in my mouth and I loved it. This is a dish that I will definitely be back for.
The Caramalised Apple Tarte Tatin was served with a sweet, but not overpowering, butterscotch sauce, creme anglaise and vanilla ice cream.
When we were leaving, and I mentioned how wonderful the tarte tatin was, I was advised that this is their best selling dessert and that they had removed it from the menu at one stage but had to reinstate it because there was an outcry. I can well believe it, this dessert is something you must try.
We definitely recommend Rubicon for a relaxed atmosphere, great food, great service and an overall enjoyable experience. We will definitely go back.
Rubicon
6a Barker St
Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: (02) 6295 9919
Fax: (02) 6295 2012
Located in the Griffith Shopping Centre, which is about two minutes from Manuka and around seven minutes from the Canberra CBD and airport.
There is plenty of free parking at both the front and at the rear of the restaurant.
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday 12pm – 2pm
Dinner: Monday – Saturday from 6pm
Leave a Reply