There was quite a fuss in the leadup to the opening of the Parisian-inspired Bar Heather at Jonson Lane. And on our visit we learned that this was, indeed, justified.
Yes, the wine list offers over 700 wines that represent sustainability in the vineyard and low intervention in the cellar. And these people own Luna Wine Store on Jonson Street as well as Lo-Fi Wines, an importer of wines from smaller independent producers. Alongside all this, however, Bar Heather is a serious foodie haunt.
When we booked we were asked if we preferred ‘restaurant seats’ or ‘restaurant stools’ and we chose stools, having no idea what that entailed. Upon arrival, my husband, teenage son and I were seated at the ‘mortadella pink’ horseshoe marble bar for eight. The other five guests acknowledged us with knowing smiles. Hannah, the bar’s dedicated sommelier, was known to these guests and an easy banter ensued.
We should try the Yuzu Shu, they told Hannah. And so she poured us complimentary samples of this incredible blend of yuzu juice (a Japanese lemon) and sake. As we contemplated the menu we received nods and encouragement from our fellow travellers… er… diners.
The Betel leaf, pork and pickles ($16) was probably my favourite dish. A twist on a classic Vietnamese street food, it just brought back so many memories. Executive Chef Ollie Wong-Hee (whose credentials include Ester and Sixpenny in Sydney, and Franklin in Hobart) has made this his own with lightly pickled vegetables and charred pineapple salsa.
Another favourite for our family was the Potato chip, comté and shiitake ($9). Wong-Hee is taken with the quality of mushrooms in the Northern Rivers and the raw shitake is testament to this. It’s just a sensational dish – Manchego custard, Japanese cut potatoes cooked crispy and thin.
With the exception of the oysters, all the produce on the menu is sourced from the Northern Rivers.
Between dishes my husband slipped out to purchase a bottle of the pinot noir he was drinking and two bottles of the Yuzu Shu (which then graced our Christmas table) from Luna Wine Store across the road.
When we said goodbye to our new friends our bill was $280 for three people including nine dishes, five individual glasses of wine and one non-alcoholic beverage.
Bar Heather is inclusive, warm and abundantly creative. For a drink at the bar for one or a gathering with family and friends, I think you may love it like we did.
Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Open 5pm till late, Wednesday to Sunday.
The writers visited anonymously and paid their own way.