Vanilla Bean was recently taken over by new owners John Latsky, his wife Stephanie Vingos Latsky and Stephanie’s sister Gina Rossides.
John says: “We aim to entertain”.
We certainly relaxed and enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
Our visit was on a chilly return to winter afternoon and we relished the thought of a hearty soup to warm us up.
I chose the smokey tomato soup served with Parmesan and fresh basil while my guest Nicolette opted for the chicken and roasted butternut soup (a twist on the two classics — chicken and blended butternut) with onion and cinnamon.
We both polished off the tasty, warming soups which were declared “souper” and almost a meal in themselves.
After much conversation and a sip or two of wine we selected our mains.
Nicolette decided on the vegetarian spring rolls (three baked spring rolls served with Asian salad, with a sweet chilli dipping sauce and crispy fries).
I couldn’t resist the call of butter chicken and prawn curry but asked for mixed veges instead of rice. The steaming curry arrived flanked by a beautiful crisp poppadum and sambals.
My curry was delicious, with a good strong bite, helped along by the crispy poppadum.
Nicolette was convinced that her choice of the spring rolls was the best.
Vanilla Bean will definitely see me again, maybe for a breakfast (Eggs Benedict, Mmm, sounds to die for) or the wide selection of meals ranging from burgers, pancakes, sandwiches, quiches, wraps, homemade pies, tramezzenis and delicious sounding salads to main meals such steak egg and chips, beef lasagne or lemon chicken, not to mention good coffee with the daily choice of cake specials. Some new additions to the menu are in the pipeline including a breakfast pita or breakfast bun, trinchados and fillet steak in a creamy sauce.
Vanilla Bean open from Monday to Saturday from 7.30am to 5pm, and 8am to 2pm on Sundays. The venue is licensed. HG
