Casa Esquina
79 Elliott Avenue, Balmain NSW
casaesquina.au
Images by Steven Woodburn. Equipped.
Casa Esquina is newest venue from Atticus Hospitality, famend for such beloved institutions as Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird and Sydney CBD’s Esteban. Nestled within the iconic nook constructing on Elliott Avenue, Casa Esquina breathes new life into the previous dwelling of L’Unico and Efendy.
With a deal with fiery Argentinian fare, led by Head Chef Will Quartel 9previously of Esteban and Tequila Mockingbird) alongside Atticus Hospitality Director Michael Fegent. Their inspiration stems from a three-week culinary odyssey via Argentina, the place they immersed themselves within the nation’s vibrant tradition and culinary traditions. Moreover, they honed their craft amidst the Australian outback, mastering the artwork of open-flame cooking, usually crafting menu delights round a campfire.
On the coronary heart of Casa Esquina lies a dynamic open-flame parrilla and a bustling open-plan kitchen, providing patrons an immersive eating expertise. Exterior, within the expansive leafy courtyard, a BBQ spit awaits, serving up genuine Argentinian road meals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, whereas Sundays characteristic a custom-built parrilla BBQ, flame-cooking entire beasts like lamb and sucking pig—a culinary spectacle distinctive to Balmain.
“Exterior, within the expansive leafy courtyard, a BBQ spit awaits, serving up genuine Argentinian road meals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, whereas Sundays characteristic a custom-built parrilla BBQ, flame-cooking entire beasts like lamb and sucking pig.”
Whereas Casa Esquina’s menu is centred round premium cuts of meats, together with Wagyu beef tongue pastrami and kangaroo empanadas, vegetarians will discover many choices showcasing the range of fire-cooked delicacies. From contemporary rolled pasta to revolutionary dishes like black garlic pasta with stracciatella and pecorino, every plate tells a narrative of culinary exploration and craftsmanship.
Complementing the fare is a thoughtfully curated drinks menu. Head Sommelier Sophie Gitterle delves into the wealthy tapestry of South American wines, providing an eclectic choice from speciality importers alongside Australian and Spanish varietals.
In the meantime, crafted cocktails by Atticus Group Bar Government Mark Crawford pay homage to Casa Esquina’s roots, together with the enduring Tequila Mockingbird cocktail (a nod to their different venue) and creative concoctions just like the Fernet Royale, a tackle Fernet-Branca and Coke (thought-about Argentina’s nationwide drink). For this one, Fernet is mixed with Cynar, one other amaro, together with a secret Buenos Aires bitters mix. The completion is a topping of charred wood-infused Coca-Cola foam.
“For this one, Fernet is mixed with Cynar, one other amaro, together with a secret Buenos Aires bitters mix. The completion is a topping of charred wood-infused Coca-Cola foam.”
Casa Esquina’s structure revolves round two majestic camphor laurel bushes, evoking the landscapes of Patagonia and the Australian outback. They’re additionally blessed with a captivating courtyard and versatile eating areas, giving company loads of choices.
