What a way to spend a sunny Thursday....

There was no excuse needed to jump in the car last week, roll down the western freeway and pull up a chair at the newly opened Albert St Food & Wine Store in Brunswick.
A grand, deep charcoal building on the cnr of Sydney Rd & Albert sts with high ceilings, industrial style light fittings and a slick fit out.

 

With a glass of Laurent-Perrier in hand we were able to peruse Philippa Sibley's menu comprising a mix of light dishes and heartier fare.

The glass cabinet brimming with salamis and other cured goodness was far too inviting, so first order just had to be the Albert St charcuterie plate.  This was followed closely by grilled sardines with capers, currants & pine nuts, a sweet and salty combo that just worked.

Not one to easily skip past Haloumi on a menu, Albert St's version was next up with some sweet and tangy zucchini pickle on the side. It did not disappoint. A 2010 Tarrington Chardonnay from Henty provided flinty acidity to balance the salty and oily goodness of this dish.

Our top little mid week lunch was finished off with the Albert St special - a pizza of pork & fennel sausage with roasted peppers and smoky mozzarella all aboard a crispy base.