On a day off, I venture towards Campbell to try out Peonee. It’s a small intimate restaurant and I am interested in trying the 3-course lunch ($77 pp).
There is an alcohol-free section of the drinks menu with house made kombucha, Lyre’s, Heaps Normal, Strange Love, and Non. I’ve noticed that this is happening more and more in some restaurants and love it!
Lunch is a set menu (no choice of options except for dessert).
Course 1 – scallops, daikon, nashi pear and Geraldton wax. A very delicate and fresh dish with diced scallops (like a ceviche) in a vinegary yet sweet cold broth topped with finger lime. The daikon provides a bit of crunch and some neutrality, while the thinly sliced nashi pear compliments the scallop with sweetness. This is almost like a palate cleanser, a very pleasing one, and I really enjoyed this first course.
Course 2- pork neck with apple, witlof and pork fat. This pork neck is cooked to perfection and the entire cut is superbly tender and soft. I wonder if it has been sous vide but I forget to ask. It’s topped with a sticky jus with a small quenelle of mash on the side. The witlof salad is served separately as a one quarter chunk, slightly charred, topped with pear and a wonderful light zesty yoghurt dressing over the top. A delicious accompaniment to the pork neck. I’m getting quite full now but know that dessert is coming.
Course 3 – the description on the menu is caramelised yoghurt with citrus. I had to ask the chef what exactly that meant, and he said it’s a scoop of yoghurt ice cream with meringue and a few other items. It sounds unique so I choose this for dessert. I’m surprised and quite stunned when dessert arrives. It looks so beautiful. And equally, tastes magnificent. There are so many things going on – but all complementary. Tart and cold yoghurt on a bed of crunchy, small chunks toasted meringue, slices of kumquat, grapefruit, and little honey/molasses, topped with red finger lime (which I’ve never seen before). Sweet, sour, crunchy, smooth, cold, and fresh. All good things!
Peonee uses fresh and native ingredients. It’s a light well-balanced lunch cutting through any richness. I left feeling full, clean and happy.
Note, I was walking around the building trying to find the entrance, so make sure you enter via Pentland Street.
Peonee
12 Pentland Street, Campbell, Canberra
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