Hearing I was going to ‘La De Da’ scared me. I am an embarrassment to the people I go out with – I am always the guy with sauce on his shirt, more food on the table than I have consumed, you get the idea, I am a grub. My angst was immediately calmed upon meeting Aaron and the friendly team at La De Da. I was also instantly blown away by the spectacular view, on a beautiful sunny afternoon in an amazingly designed and set bar.
I was served a ‘Raspberry Collins’- a tantalising mix of sweet juice and sour berry with the perfect bite from the gin. Viewing the interior and exterior made me pinch myself at the surreal nature of this experience. Experience is the best way to describe ‘La De Da’, it is clearly evident this is the love child of a fun, architecturally imaginative and artistic team. Everywhere you look tells a different story, from the art on the walls, the menus made out of old records and the intimate deck setting provide a place for every type of person.
Head Chef Lovemore, yes that’s right Lovemore of African descent and trained in France, ran us through his new Tapas menu. His excitement for what he was cooking was nothing I have ever experienced and ultimately contagious as I was salivating. We were given the Prosciutto-Prawns, Chorizo Salsa, Scallops on Fish-cakes and the Seafood Pizza. Astounded by the beautiful presentation, mix of amazing colours and care given to the art of food in front of me, I was quickly turned to a drooling mess.
First of all I tried the Prosciutto Prawns; large and full-flavoured prawns with an excellent sweet carrot purée sauce were a delicious fusion of deep flavour with a light hint at the end. I could not believe my taste buds and quite frankly at this point, did not care if I buried my head in the plate in front of everyone. I held my composure although just, grabbed a slice of the seafood pizza and was lost in the many flavours of smoked salmon, prawns, olives and a spiced aioli drizzled over the top. The colours of the scallops grabbed my attention next, the juicy scallops with barramundi fish cakes and Thai chilli sauce squeezed on the side, again perfect. Finally, the barbecued chorizo slices with a balsamic glaze on fresh Turkish Pide and fresh salsa pushed me over the edge; I was officially lost in a sensory overload.
Upon regaining my calm and reflecting on my chat with Lovemore, it is decisively clear the care and passion he has in his preparation and presentation, he could in fact; love no more. The same could be said for owner Aaron, who prides himself on providing a place that can entertain and fulfil all walks of life and interests. ‘La De Da’ plays host to many different entertainment events, from art battles by ‘Commit No Nuisance’, and amazing live acts from nationally and internationally recognised artists.
‘La De Da’ is more than just a place for casual drinks, it is in experience waiting to be discovered and re-discovered time and time again. I can-not recommend ‘La De Da’ enough, it surprises you every turn and never lets you down, and it is the best mix of bar, dining and event venues around.
