I look into the mirror and stare at myself, acutely alarmed. Somehow I’ve managed to give myself a Pirate look without trying – a look I try and avoid unless we’re going to a dress up party. I know I’m running late to meet Christie but I know I’ll be the laughingstock of the very chic Merivale Ivy complex, you know where impossibly thin and chic people congregate. I quickly remove the boots and the swashbuckling sword (ok I kid, there was no swashbuckling sword), regroup, redress and try to look less Pirate-y again. Mr NQN comes home from work and being the darling husband that he is, drives me there as the rain starts falling. Christie sends me a text that they’ve moved the dinner up to the third floor due to the rain. Breathless, I make it with one minute to spare.
Where the dinner would have been held
Christie and I take our place on the long table which seats about 40 people. The laneway dinners can seat up to 100 people and at one end is a large party of twelve and the rest are groups of two to four to six. We take a look at the menu and it looks comprehensive and we assume that we get a choice of one of the entrees. We’re offered red or white wine (the $60 tariff includes wines) and we also order some sparkling water. Before we know it, a large bowl of sourdough bread is set down in front of us as well as olives in orange and cinnamon, a large round of butter, olive oil and a creamy asparagus and feta dip. Everything tonight we’re told is to be on platters and shared amongst six people. Lucky we have some friendly folk near us!
The Iggy’s sourdough bread is lovely and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and I love the olive oil that it’s served with. The dip is interesting – it’s creamy with a slight saltiness from the feta but not too much. We ask the waiter what is in it and he comes back a couple of times as he has a temporary memory loss and the best we can ascertain from him is that there is asparagus and feta and possibly avocado. I don’t really go for the cinnamon olives – they’re a bit too close to a baked good.
Braise of tomatoes, eggplant and basil, merlot vinegar
What we thought would be an option for the entrees we quickly learn is not the case and we get all three dishes. Three huge platters of food come out and we help ourselves to the first dish. I put some of this soft eggplant on top of my sourdough as it’s thick and rich. I’ve possibly been too ambitious taking the amount that I have but it’s good and not too vinegary, a nice balance of flavours and is similar to a caponata but not cut up into cubes.
Proscuitto, figs, large leaf rocket
If there’s something that I just love it’s figs and proscuitto and it’s delicious with the salty proscuitto and sweet, plump figs. The large leaf pepper rocket is good too and adds another dimension beyond the sweet and salty.
Pepperonata, smoked mozarella and lemon with fried basil leaves
I adore this dish and I go back for seconds. The deep fried and crumbed mozarella pieces remind me of halloumi, a cheese I am addicted to and it’s paired beautifully with the pepperonota and a squeeze of lemon and deep fried basil leaves.
Osso Bucco in bianco with semolina
The platter of this is huge and we hold the gigantic platters for each other-it helps at these dinners if you have nice folk next to you that will hold the platters for you while you take the reigns of the serving forks and spoons as there’s not a great deal of space on the tables for the platters. There is a bit of minor debate, they tell us that it is fine polenta but we’re absolutely convinced it is semolina. The Osso Bucco is soft and tender but a touch bland particularly with the semolina which is simply creamed and is a contrast after the flavoursome entrees and to be fair, we were all quite full after the entrees. Still I enjoy scraping out the jiggly marrow and mixing that with the meat which gives it more flavour. Christie and I lament not bringing the boys along as the amount of food would have meant we would have had two very full and happy gentlemen.
Roast Potatoes
I try a bit of these and I wish that they were browned to a crisp a bit more.
Crisp iceberg lettuce, light lemon dressing
Not particularly crisp, the iceberg lettuce is dressed in a creamy lemon dressing.
In between dessert some of us attend to the task at hand-there’s a drawing competition where someone can win a night at the Establishment as well as dinner for two and all sorts of other goodies. The only problem? I can’t draw 
Please tell me you see a cupcake…
That is getting eaten and eaten by a hungry mouse…
…and who lies back stuffed full of cupcake (he’s not dead!)
I do the only thing I can draw, a cupcake (and a plain one at that) and they woman sitting next to me suggests drawing a four part story image of a mouse eating the cupcake. I sneak in a little “Merivale” touch by using their signature M-after all aren’t we always told in meetings to work in the brand? 
I won’t be holding my breath to win this though especially after I saw the other entries 
Chocolate Mess, berries and vanilla cream
Another huge platter arrives and it’s a version of the famous Eton Mess dessert where meringues are smashed up and mixed with whipped cream. This “mess” is also mixed with soft mixed berries and chocolate shavings, chocolate sauce and the meringue inside is chocolate. I make great inroads with this as I do love meringues and cream.
As we leave we lament not bringing the hungrier menfolk. It’s a dinner we find would really suit a large group of friends who love wine, communal food and sharing.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you often late for appointments because of your outfit?
Pop Up Lane Way Dinner at The Ivy
Ash Street, Sydney CBD, NSW
6.30pm – 10pm Nights of 17th, 24th, 25th February; 2nd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st March; 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th April.
* No dietary requirements
$60 per person including wines
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55 Comments | Add your own
YES!
I loved your mouse!
Can’t help but think that some of those dishes aren’t idea as large shared plates, specifically the osso bucco and the “mess”..
Gorgeous food but I was also admiring the street scene outside, it almost looks like Rome.
Oh and I meant to say, my outfit doesn’t make me late but my husband frequently does. He has a knack of not leaving me free to get ready to go out until I have nine minutes left. I cannot remember (well yes I can, it was before I had Ted) when I last had the luxury of time to linger over getting ready before going out.
That looks like great value. I can never view pepperonata the same after Carlo Petrini!
Now I think I’m going to have to request a pic of you in your pirate outfit
Yeah! I am always late – I change like three times in the morning!
Oh you love haloumi too? It’s my second favourite cheese. Ahahha your picture is hilarious. I can’t draw either. Ehehhe.
wow that all looks so good! I too am a huge fan of figs and proscuitto – such a great flavour combination!
What gorgeous food! You are lucky. I want to dive into the chocolate mess – literally!
The food looks delicious and it seems like a fun place to go with friends.
Mimi
Ooh, we were thinking of going to one of these pop up dinners just a couple of weeks ago! Didn’t end up going, but I might have to reconsider now… Luckily you had nice & friendly people sitting next to you, otherwise food sharing could get awkward
Did you win anything for your “Cartoon”?
Everything looks so delicious.
I adore Ash St Cellar – the food is great and the atmosphere is so very European. The wine list is fantastic too – so many interesting things to choose from! I’m so glad you had a nice time. The chocolate mess looks awesome.
Wow… that is one heck of a lot of food. I loved the cupcake, Lorraine… quick and
with panache… the secret of a line drawing. Well done!!
Wow, the food looks great.I really like all of it, my type of food. I’m not generally late because of an outfit. I hate being late for things so I generally prepare ahead of time,is that a bit boring on my part?
I’ve been deciding ont his event for ages… good to see generous servings, but wouldn’t it have been lovely in the laneway?
hehe very cute 4 part story, i like the mouse lying on its back ^^
Looks like you did well for you $60 if you were full before you hit the mains, let alone dessert.
The drawing comp seems like an interesting touch.
the mouse is cute! What did you end up wearing?!
Going to the Ivy makes me nervous! I’ve been there twice, (and to the Establishment once…although when I used to work next door, we would have to use the Establishment’s bathrooms…)…off topic..sorry…um, what was I saying…oh yes, the Ivy makes me nervous – being overweight and not one for dressing up unless I absolutely have to, I feel a little (ok, a lot) out of my depth there!
Looks like you did pretty well for $60 – and that drawing competition…how fun! Your doodle was cute
As for the question you asked – I’m usually late for an appointment due to the fact that I can’t drive, so I rely on either public transport or my dad or sister to drive me – this is the option that usually makes me late..especially if my sister’s the one driving me. She likes to take her time, mainly because it’s not something SHE’S been invited to, therefore, it’s not super important for me to get there on time!
The mouse is SO cute.
All the food looks wonderful. It looks like a big homemade meal, and I mean that in a good way.
$60 is really reasonable…good idea.
That whole meal is my idea of Heaven! I love the idea of shared platters, although it is very concerning if you share with an impossibly thin person who manages to eat their body weight in food..it makes you wonder if they eat like that at home. They would not wonder the same about myself, I have curves..
Was the wine good too?
i’ve already had dinner, but reading this has made me feel insatiably hungry…
must find food. immediately.
love the drawing… wish interesting things like that happened at my favourite haunts…
Hahaha you make me laugh – I want to see the pirate outfit!
That is a huge amount of food but I think I agree with you; the entrees definitely look the best. And your drawing is cute!
I think that’s how Picasso started. Really! You know, drawing on restaurant napkins. I predict a long and storied artistic career for you with that lovely cupcake rendering.
Haha, I think you CAn draw! I love them, they are so adorable! It looks a bit like the drawings in Roald Dahl’s book! Have you ever seen them?
So… who won the drawing competition? Yes Lorraine, I see a cupcake there so don’t worry.
I love Ash St Cellar and I wonder where and when the next Pop Up Dinner is!
Yes, I think it’s about the only thing that can make me late.
I love your little mouse and cupcake! If I had a vote, you’d win!
Love the look of those starters
i can’t tell you how many times i’ve nearly made myself late because i can’t pick out my clothes. more often than not, i end up wearing the first thing i tried on.
and wait a second–are you saying a swashbuckling sword isn’t stylish? drat.
Most times I plan in advance but there are rare moments when the outfit just doesn’t work in reality as it did in my imagination and it’s back to the old standbys! What a fabulous idea, hope they don’t get discouraged by the weather, that laneway is so European!
I don’t know where it’s from, but someone once said, when you’re dressed and ready to go out, look in the mirror and take one accessory off and I can never decide which piece
I looove the looks of those dishes. But what I love more is that they’d appeal to my husband who doesn’t like to eat out at top restaurants where we can’t pronounce what we’re eating – but that fried mozzarella, osso buco, chocolte mess – mmm mmm mmm
..BTW, I’m so moved by this post, I just rang Merivale to see if I could get a reservation, but they were closed. I’ll try again in the morning, but I doubt I’ll get a spot now
Love the cupcake drawing! hahahaha – and the fat mouse.. I’ve heard Iggy’s bread is lovely – yet I still haven’t tried it….
I’m a compulsive early get-readier, but that usually just leaves me more time to fret about what I’m wearing when I’m hanging around round the corner from my destination…
I’m SUCH a fan of breaded mozzerella, our local italian serves it with a heavily herbed tomato sauce, but the pepperonata sounds like a heavenly combination!
I don’t know why but I’m usually the one that gets ready last at my place, so I’m always being hurried along
Love the idea of the long table and eating ‘Al Fresco’, very Italian and very me
Food looks wholesome and very appetising, just wish all these lovely places weren’t in the city!
Nice dinner, I would love to try that fried mozzarella dish. Love the drawings!
What a wonderful dinner!!!
MMMM, Chocolate mess, that sounds like a delicious variation of eton mess. The osso bucco sounds sooo yummy, especially for colder nights.
The food looks divine and the drawings are pretty good too!! Yes, Yes! I do see a cupcake and the mouse and the full (almost dead) mouse!!!
in Paris there is a trend to be late but not more than 15 minutes !
I love the chocolate mess : type of food I like ! Pierre
I would have kept the sword and added a parrot.
I love the dessert is “chocoalte mess”.
Oh here we go again!!! This looks divine!!!
I had to laugh out loud at that pirate bit! It reminded me of something…I had a roommate in college who wore a lot of hoop earrings. One day she lost one of them and she unknowingly walked around all day with one earring like a pirate before the end of the day when she realized that one was missing.
Gorgeous dinner…that smoked mozzarella sounds fantastic!
Another great evening with you darling! I’m still dreaming of the smoked mozarella! X
Not really, but then again, I’m not lucky enough to have the makings of a pirate outfit in my wardrobe
Though I spent most of last year, my thesis writing year, wearing crazy unmatched clothes that made me look like a Court Jester.
Ar ar, me hearties!
Hi Sasa-hehe!
Hi Celia-Thankyou so much!
I didn’t mind but the platters were quite heavy-lucky we had nice people next to us! 
Oh yours is like mine! He won’t start to get ready until 5 minutes before we have to leave 
Hi Liss-What did he say about pepperonata? haha only for a fancy dress!
Hi trissa-Oh so I’m not the only one!
Hi Katherine-I’m crazy about it!
hehe I admire people that can!
Hi Lisa-Isn’t it great! all that saltiness and sweetness
Hi Cakelaw-hehe it does look very diveable doesn’t it!
Hi Mimi-Yes it’s really ideal for a get together with friends
Hi Betty-Ahh yes there are a few left. They’re really good value, I was surprised at how much food we got!
Yes absolutely I agree 
Hi Madbunny-Ahh I think it’s drawn at the end of the month or something
Hi Mary-It was pretty good!
Hi Sian-I must make it there soon! There are so many places in there!
Hi deana-Aww thanks Deana, you are so sweet!
Hi Portuguese Kitchen-No not at all! I try to but it doesn’t always work!
Hi Tina-Absolutely, I was a bit disappointed when it started raining!
Hi amy-hehe thankyou!
Hi Simon-Yes it’s fantastic value-I’m surprised it wasn’t more booked out!
Hi gastronomygal-I ended up wearing a silk top, a Finnish wrap and jeans and heels. I think the Finnish wrap looked a bit piratey as did the headband and boots so I changed the headband and removed the boots
Hi Liv-It’s a slightly crazy place isn’t it! everyone there is so well groomed and I’m just talking about the staff!
Thankyou! 
Ahhh yes pub trans can definitely contribute to lateness. Ahhh I see, yes I know someone else does is like that too 
Hi Marlo -Hehe thankyou! Yes it was actually now that I think about it. It’s such good value!
Hi Anna-hehe that can be very disconcerting!
Yes this is true although some are lucky to have really good metablisms. so not fair 
I did like the white wine that they served but I didn’t catch the name
Hi clearlytangled-hehe terribly sorry!
Hi megan-I think more places should have drawing competitions! It was fun! :d
Hi Alex-I hope no-one sees that outfit
I would love another serve of that smoked mozarella! 
Thankyou!
Hi Carolyn-LOL no really!
Hehe you are too funny! 
Hi sophia-Now you can draw I know that but as for me not really, not at all
I love Roald Dahl books! 
Hi Trisha-I’m not sure, I think they draw it at the end of the month or something. It’s a pretty big prize so it’s probably one per season.
Hi MaryPoppinsinHeels-But I bet it’s worth it in the end!
Aww shucks thankyou darlin! 
Hi Fiona-They were very good!
Hi grace-Haha you know I’m the same!
It’s the first outfit again! Hehe I knew you’d have one! 
Hi Moya-Yes one always has to have good standbys! Yes I think that it was just the one night with the rain
Hi Toni-I think that was Coco Chanel!
yes this is perfect guy’s food. Plentiful, hearty and good 
Oh no were they? What a shame but it’s worth going to. I’d love to know what you think! 
Hi Anita-Hehe thankyou Anita!
It is really good!
Hi wenchie-hehe you are so funny
It was so good. I want to get my hands on some now! 
Hi Matilda-Oh really. I hate being hurried
Ahhh yes I think Lotus is the only place of theirs outside the city.
Hi 5 Star Foodie-thankyou!
Hi Dzintra-It was made even better by good company
Hi Dharm-hehe but he’s not dead, he’s just full!
Hi pierre-ahh like a bride at a wedding!
Hi Blond Duck-Hehe I know you would Duckie!
Hi Mama Holli-thankyou!
Hi Faith-LOL yes and I was channeling the pirate look without the single hoop!
It was so delish! 
Hi Fig & Cherry-’twas a fun night sweetie! Mmmm that was fabulous wasn’t it! x
Hi Hannah-haha no really?
that’s too funny! I think you have an inner pirate 
Oh Lorraine you tease! No photo of the piratey attire?
In other news….. fried cheese! Yay!
Haha, I just laughed out loud because only the other day I accidentally dressed like a pirate too! Only I didn’t realise until I was already out the door. But i’m ALWAYS running late for sartorial reasons…
This sounds divine. Is there anything funner than a pop-up shop/restaurant? They really do them well in London, so glad to see Sydney is catching on.
Miss B xx
http://agirlastyle.wordpress.com
Aw Lorraine, the stuffed mouse is too cute
I am always late! Usually I can decide on clothes fairly quickly, but it’s my love of accessories that makes me late all the time! I have so many that I find it hard to decide on just one or two pieces to wear out.
My friends and I have been talking about attending one of the many dining options the Ivy has to offer, and your review has convinced me that the laneway dinner is the way to go.
Loving the story and your webiste in general – was surprised to see myself in the photo up there! I’m still dreaming about the braise – fantastic venue and value too despite the fact that it had to be moved indoors. Sorry to hear so many people on the blog who are foodlovers feel intimidated to try restaurants because of how they might dress!? I never let anything much get in the wasy of my fooooood obsession and the pop dinner was no exception! I was also inspired by the polenta as a side although with the rest of the food I reckon it might’ve been a touch heavy.
Love the communal sharing and the look of the dessert but, goodness, so much food!
Hey NQN,
I too am loving the trend of communal eating (have you tried Table for 20 – Surry Hills)…I was at Ash St Pop Up Dinner a couple of weeks ago – just awesome! Loved meeting all the interesting people and the food just rocked (Beef wellington and summer fruits)…my friend described your meal to me so i guess her party was there that night too.
I found your blog through the latest Latte issue – well done you its a fabulous read a very informing, i’ll be trying your recipes ASAP!
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