Getting my Straya on at Fortune of War

As far back as I can remember, a casual Saturday arvo with my family always included us lunching and doing nothing else but dining and chatting. The past Saturday was the first one in quite a while that I've spent with my parents.

When I was younger, Saturdays spent together , just the 3 of us, were always so special because it was very rare that Dad could get time off work (he was an entrepreneur and always had businesses to take care of) and we can spend time together but since then things has changed a little: Saturdays are still special but it's generally because, it's very rare that I could get a weekend off from my busy schedule, be it during the semester or during the holidays. Something else has changed too... back in the day, we would lunch at a cafe but now that I'm 18, it's widened our options and it seems as though Bistros, Bars and Pubs are our place of choice.

When asked by my parents as to where I'd like to go, a pub on Sydney's The Rocks (opposite Museum of Contemporary Art) came to mind. My bestfriend, Brittney, had suggested it to me not too long ago and I was keen to see how delicious it actually is. The pub is called 'Fortune of War'.

Brit had told me that the pub's interior was nothing extraordinary, but the food was simply contrary to that, so when I walked into the old pub, I wasn't really phased. However, given that it's almost Christmas and a Saturday, the pub was so loud and packed with pre-Chrissy drinks-goers (not a word, but you know what I mean)... definitely not a place for a nice family catch-up session, so we took refuge in the the bistro section of the pub where it was much quieter.

I was starving by the time we got ourselves seated so I ordered what Brit told me to get straight away - Calamari Chips and Potato Chips - while my parents opted for the Chicken Parmigiana. Classic Strayan pub food, which is what I love most about going to pubs though they're not really the healthiest of options... but it's a Saturday, so what?!

The Bistro Bar

We also ordered some drinks - Cider for the parents and Lemon Lime Bitter for me.

Nisa, you're at a pub... and you order Lemon Lime? What?

I should probably address this now for future posts too - I don't drink at all and Lemon Lime is my go-to. I mean, I'll have the occasional Cider or a few sips of Wine/Champaign/Cocktail but call me crazy, not a big fan of alcohol.

Lemon Lime Bitter

The Lemon Lime was rejuvenating, just the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The lovely bartender also put in a slice of lemon and lime respectively which added some freshness to the soda.

I had a few sips of the Cider but it didn't tickle my fancy... too bold if you ask me. A far fall from my favourite Cider, the Sydney Cider (punny, I know). However, dad really enjoyed it so maybe he's a better judge since he is a little bit of a cider lover.

Not long after the food came and Brit, if you're reading this... you're right, it did not disappoint.

Calamari Chips with Sea Salt and Aioli

The Calamari Chips were heavenly. Crispy and salty at first bite but melts in your mouth after the second. Paired with the creamy aioli, I couldn't help but finish the whole basket by myself... even though it is probably the heart-attack special. Slightly oily (which I usually despise) yet so delicious.

Potato Chips

The chips were okay but nothing too special if you ask me, especially after the calamari chips. The potato chips were extremely crunchy and the aioli was yum but I think that when you've eaten the calamari chips with it, it's just far too much oil and I did wish that I traded the potato chips for a salad because I didn't feel so great after. I think I only ate 1/4 of the basket but perhaps, had you only ordered the chips, it would've been pretty delicious.

Chicken Parmigiana

Mum and dad opted for the Chicken Parma. I didn't try it but apparently it was flavoursome, cheesy, crunchy, well seasoned and melts in your mouth - all that a Parma should be. It was also served on a bed of potato chips and with a side of Coleslaw.

Coleslaw

I didn't have a try of the coleslaw either (probably should've) but mum raved on about it. She said that it was the best coleslaw she's ever had and she doesn't even like coleslaw... so hopefully, that's reassuring. 

On the whole, it was definitely a nice place to lunch and have a casual chat with the family (or friends). The food was delicious, as were the drinks and the ambience wasn't so bad either. So thank you Brit for recommending this place to me! It's a little funny because they were playing an NBA game on the big screen whilst we were lunching there and it made me think you even more.

Forever and Always,

Nisa.