Spago by Wolfgang Puck

On Spago’s a la carte lunch menu is this flavourbomb of a Korean-inspired BLT.
Like a super coordinated K-pop band, the “K.B.L.T.” is a slick package of style and substance. First to grab your attention are the vibrant colours and graphic form. Then it’s the bold combo of housemade bread, Korean-style braised pork belly, gochujang aioli, vine-ripe tomatoes and wild rocket that storms in to rock your world.
Even the house-made Brussels sprouts kimchi served on the side is such a ferociously spicy thing it demands a share of the spotlight.

Poultry when cooked and executed well, I think becomes the best tasting protein and such is the case with Spago’s brioche stuffed Australian quail.

This dish doesn’t have a strong gamy taste but instead is packed full of flavour due to the coating of finely chopped pistachio gremolata. The quail is ever so tender and juicy, and sits atop a bed of smooth fennel purée together with a Swiss chard and caramelised Comice pear slices.

This dish is available as a main on Spago’s Express Prix Fixe 3-course lunch menu at $45++.

It’s not often you find quail on a set lunch menu, let alone one that is cooked and presented so perfectly it sent everyone who had a piece, into rapturous exclamations.
The petite fowl, with a brioche stuffing, was cooked till nicely tender and juicy. It was then neatly carved and plated with Swiss chard, pistachio gremolata, fennel purée, caramelised Comice pears and natural quail jus. I found the little elements of sweetness to go so well with the quail.
If you are looking for a lovely natural light-flooded restaurant with several options across all three categories in their set lunch menu, I highly recommend Spago. At $45++, the value they offer is as astonishing as the deliciousness of their food.