It’s no secret that having a great local pub is worth its weight in gold (or at very least, XXXX Gold), and for a long time, Edgar’s has been one of the inner north’s best kept secrets – a prized gem among Ainslie locals and a great destination for anyone looking to grab a drink in a casual atmosphere.
And indeed, just like any good ‘local’, Edgar’s welcomes people from all walks of life with open arms. Head in at any time of the day and you’ll find a mix of young and old; tradies, suits and students; and singles, couples and families. Whether they’re there to take in some live music, watch the sport on the big screen, gossip with friends about their other friends, or simply laze away a sunny afternoon in the beer garden, you can be assured of one thing – they’re all there to relax and enjoy the laidback atmosphere that Edgars always delivers.
To celebrate the change of seasons, Edgar’s has just launched its new summer menu. Among the new additions, there’s a 10-hour brisket burger, spaghetti with fresh summer vegetables, and a braised duck and cabbage salad – all designed to be enjoyed on a warm evening. But don’t fret if you’re just in the mood for some good old fashioned pub grub – you can still sink your teeth into favourites like the beef burger, chicken parma and beer battered fish & chips.
If the thought of fried chicken gets your appetite going, you’ll want to order a plate of Berto’s Fried Chicken. The chicken is coated by a thin, crispy batter that awakens the tastebuds with a hint of spice; and on the inside, it’s juicy and tender, almost to the point of falling off the bone. Dip it in to the bowl of hot sauce and you’ve got an addictive, moreish snack that you’ll want to keep all to yourself!
There’s nothing more Australian than going down to the pub for a schnitty, and the Chicken Schnitzel at Edgar’s will have you feeling like you’ve just donned the baggy green and scored a century on debut. The schnitzel is fried to golden perfection, and when it’s accompanied by crunchy fries, a fresh garden salad and a velvety mushroom gravy, you simply can’t go wrong.
The crown jewel of the new menu is the 400g Dry Aged Rib Eye, served on the bone with caramelised onions, green beans, hazelnuts and Café de Paris butter. Not only is the piece of steak a feast for the eyes, it’s well cooked and mouthwateringly tender, thanks in part to the dry aging process it’s undergone. The Café de Paris butter adds a wonderful richness to the dish without overpowering the flavour of the beef, while the caramelised onion, beans and hazelnuts are a great supporting cast with their contrast of textures and flavours.
For a light, fruity finish, it’s hard to go past the Raspberry and Mango Sorbet with Deep Fried Cookie Dough. The sorbets are simple and refreshing, while the doughnut-like balls of deep fried cookie dough are a playful addition that adds a bit of fun and theatre to the dish.
Edgar’s has all of the elements of a great local pub – great food, a wide selection of premium beers and boutique wines, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Make sure you get there before the secret gets out even more!
