A Feast Fit For A King - Dining @ Essen

Have you ever watched Game of Thrones?

Pete and I are absolutely addicted to it. Created for HBO, the American TV series is based on medieval fantasy, where noble families struggle to control The Iron Throne. Tonight we are dining at Essen in Broadway where the only struggle you will encounter here is being able to finish your meal due to the generous sized portions on offer.

Think big hearty meals, in keeping with the tradition of European cuisine - meat dishes dominate, along with schnapps, beer and more meat!

St Ambroise - Pale Ale - Apricot $7.00

I start the evening with a St Ambroise Apricot Wheat Ale - it's fruity and has a unique flavour. I'm usually not a huge fan of beer but this one is nice and it's very refreshing.

Deep Fried Camembert $10.00

The waitress asks us if we would like an appetiser and judging by the size of the meals coming out around us, I ask if she can suggest something small and light that Pete and I can share. Deep Fried Camembert fits this bill perfectly. It is hot, oozy and incredibly comforting. It is served with a dollop of cranberry compote which compliments the richness of the cheese and provides a lovely sweetness.

Reuben Sandwich $ 22.50

Enter Pete's Reuben Sandwich - it is huge and skewered with a knife! It looks as if it has come straight off the set of Game of Thrones and we are impressed. German rye bread generously filled with marinated beef brisket, melted Gruyere cheese, Hungarian sauerkraut and a creamy Russian dressing. It is served with house made pickles and thick cut chips. Along with the Reuben, Pete is presented with two types of Horse Radish Relish for that extra kick as desired. The Reuben tastes amazing. Available for lunch on Thursday's & Friday's it also comes with a German beer all for only $22.50. 

The Ginormous Reuben - Worthy of 2 photos!

Pork Knuckle $29.50

My main is presented and once again I can't help but be reminded of our favourite TV show. Marinated in honey, thyme and rosemary brine, the slow roasted crispy pork knuckle is huge. It's piping hot and the meat just falls away from the bone. It is served with a side of bread dumpling and gravy which are both great. This dish is normally served with a side of sauerkraut however just prior to ordering our waitress overhears me telling Pete that I really want to try the pork knuckle but would rather potato roesti instead of the sauerkraut, and offers to substitute it for the roesti. 

My uncle and I share a great love for potato roesti, often comparing new roesti tastings when we catch up. Upon trying this one I know he too would enjoy this one. This shredded potato dish has just the right amount of crunch on top and underneath - hot buttery potato goodness. The perfect accompaniment for this cool weather we are experiencing here in Sydney at the moment.

Although envious of the desserts being delivered to tables nearby, Pete and I are full and decide we cannot possibly fit in another bite. Instead our waitress suggests a little nip of Barenjager Honey Liqueur. This delectable liqueur is syrupy and sweet with a hint of spice. Distilled by Germany's oldest family owned companies - Schwarze & Schlichte who have over 340 years of experience. Their experience shines through, this liqueur is absolutely delicious and the perfect finish to our meal.

Completely satisfied, we step out into the crisp night. One guess which TV show we watched when we got home...

Essen Restaurant is located at 133-135 Broadway,Ultimo and is within walking distance of Broadway shopping centre where you can secure 3 hours free parking. Service is friendly & efficient, food is hearty & delicious and portions are generous. Make sure you visit Essen this winter to get your meat fix, then head home and settle in for a few episodes of Game of Thrones.

The Food Mentalist & Pete dined as guests of Essen & Wasamedia