Phone: 02 92113805
Website: http://www.essenrestaurant.com.au/
It has been a while since both J & C had been to Essen, home to Northern European cuisine. Both of us had been eagerly waiting to eat some schnitzel and Friday was the night where it all happened. We had read reviews about different places, however we knew the schnitzel was good at Essen so we decided to revisit and play it safe.
Essen is located on the main road and is hard to miss as it is written in big gold letters. There is street parking nearby and if worst comes to worst, Broadway shopping centre is fairly close.
If you are hungry, this is the place to go. If you are worried about portion size, Essen will definitely wipe any concerns you have for stingy servings. With any schnitzel order, it is accompanied by a serving of rosti (crunchy baked potato) and a white cabbage salad with a sprinkle of what appears to be chilli powder (it isn't spicy for those weary of chilli).
Atmosphere: As soon as you enter, you are greeted by friendly European staff and the atmosphere really feels as though you are in medieval pub. The restaurant has stone and varnished wood walls, an odd barrel or two and of course a bar.
J: 8/10
C: 7/10
Service: We were greeted by a lovely staff member directing us to a table near the front window. We were given a jug of water and menus. We asked if there was any gravy but unfortunately the "jus" (red wine) was not close to a gravy. The staff offered a different alternative and suggested that the mushroom sauce was more creamier and thick in consistency. The staff were always friendly and attentive. Food did not take long to come out.
Ratings:
J: 7/10
C: 7/10
Food: We decided to order a veal and chicken schnitzel and for entree we ordered crumbed camembert with a cranberry compote dipping sauce. The crumbed camebert is always a good option as we love our cheeses. The deep fried piece of cheese just melts and oozes into your mouth.
Crumbed Camembert with Cranberry Compote $11
The veal seemed a bit dry. However the chicken was cooked just right and the meat was tender and moist. We have asked for an extra serving of mushroom sauce for both and the servings were generous. One schnitzel in and our tummies were already feeling full and found it difficult to finish.
Jager Schnitzel- Veal $22.50
Jager Schnitzel- Chicken $22.50
extra creamy mushroom sauce and white cabbage
Rosti (side serving of potato)
No matter how full we were, there is always room for dessert. C has been having a big creme brulee addiction of late. Much to seize her delight, creme brulee was on the menu. TOO much sugar on the side of the brulee that has not been torched. Dessert isn't Essens strong suit.
Creme brulee $11
Ratings:
J: 8/10
C: 8/10
Overall this place is worth giving a go for a nice hearty meal accompanied by a few cold German beers or a party as there are plenty of seats located upstairs. There is also regular food challenges for the big eaters.
Much love from J and C.
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