I don’t remember how I came across gastropub Frankies at Forde, but the website menu had such a variety of food that I organised a group lunch there one weekend. There is plenty of indoor seating as well as outdoor seating out by the street and in a rear courtyard.
Orders including drinks are taken and paid for at the bar. Letters of the alphabet are provided rather than numbers to place on your table.
I ordered a berry mocktail (can’t remember price) and was disappointed with it as it was more cordial than anything else.
Luckily the fish and chips ($23) made up for the bad mocktail as I received two thick pieces of beer battered barramundi. I was at first deceived by what looked like thin slices of fish, but these were actually very thick and chunky. The fish was cooked perfectly and the batter was crispy and not too oily. The thick cut chips were also cooked to perfection – chunky, crunchy when bit into, soft on the inside and seasoned well. There was agreement from around the table that these thick cut chips were awesome. The small side salad was unexpected but appreciated. It was dressed well with a light vinaigrette that helped cut through some of the fatty fried elements. I thought the whole thing was also presented nicely.
A friend ordered the pulled pork burger ($19) with apple slaw, cider reduction and mustard aioli. This was a large burger piled with plenty of pulled pork. I’m pretty sure most people would be satisfied with the size of the burger, portion of meat AND the yummy thick cut chips which come with all burgers.
Another ordered the franks weiner ($22) of kransky, beer onions, braised cabbage, mustard, cheese, bacon and fries.
Another ordered the Philly Steak roll ($22) of grain fed rrump steak, chorizo compote, tomato, rocket, cream cheese and tomato relish. Look at all of that steak! You’ve got to be satisfied with the portion size of this roll. Oh it also comes with a side of thick cut chips which are actually hiding behind the roll, you just can’t see it because this roll was seriously massive.
Another friend ordered the warm chicken salad ($22) of marinated chicken breast, roast capsicum, bocconcini and lemon thyme vinaigrette.
There were 10 pizzas on the menu and a friend chose the politician pizza ($24) of chorizo, bacon, ham, spanish onion, pineapple, cherry tomato, capsicum, olives and baby spinach.
Another tried one of the specials of the day – kangaroo bangers and mash (unsure of price). He found it very dry and wasn’t particularly pleased with the dish. It is hard to cook kangaroo without drying it out.
Another ordered from the ‘breakfast at lunch’ menu and chose the Frankies BIG Brekky ($19.50) with fried eggs, bacon, mushrooms, chipolatas, house made beans, spinach, tomato and a rosti. That’s a good deal for under $20.
I can see Frankies at Forde as being a good neighbourhood gastropub for families and those wanting a casual drink. There were TV screens playing whatever sporting game that was on at the time. Most of the staff were relaxed although we did find one waiter a little aggressive when delivering food to the table. The food took about 20 minutes to arrive. The majority of my friends enjoyed their meals and I did like my fish and chips. Vegetarian and gluten free items are clearly marked on the menu. Gluten free pizza bases are available for an additional $2. There is also a ‘Junior’ menu for the kiddies.
Would I go back? Not in a hurry as it is a long drive for me and there wasn’t anything exceptional that I would drive all the way there for that I couldn’t get closer to home. But if you live around the area, there is a lot of variety on the menu and it does seem family friendly.
Foodgasm 7/10
Value for money 7.5/10
Service 6.5/10
FPJ score 21/30
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