Cliffy and I amble into Yulli’s Byron Bay for an early Thursday night dinner. We’re greeted warmly by Gabby, the lovely restaurant manager, along with fragrant chilli and garlic cooking in the kitchen. Cliffy promptly orders his favourite Yulli’s Brews beer, the Norman Australian Pale Ale, and starts with the beer chat. Before he really gets on a roll, I cut in with my Chilli Margarita order. Gabby knows us well and there’s an unspoken question: ‘Banquet for two?’ At $44 a head it’s an absolute bargain and a great way of sharing lots of little bits from the menu.
Our dinner opens with Yulli’s secret song, the Tom Yum Broth. Not mentioned on the menu, this flavour-packed broth is a punchy mix of citrus and spice with a savoury finish that preps our palates for our meal.
Our first course is a very pretty tasting plate of zingy Leek and Ginger Dumplings, gorgeous Edamame and Coconut Money Bags and decadent Korean Fried Broccolini.
My margy is slipping away and I think it’s time for a glass of skin contact wine to enjoy with our second course. First off are Falafels served on Swiss Chard. We dollop the pineapple and ginger salsa and harissa relish onto the crunchy little balls then eat through the leaf. All the elements come together with a bang!
Next we have the Kratong Tong and… OMG. This is my favourite dish of the night. Served in activated charcoal cups, they burst with flavour – think umami peanuts, textual water chestnuts, a subtle vegetable sweetness then an explosion of kaffir lime.
By now, Cliffy and I have melted into our chairs and conversation. The final savoury course includes a Turmeric Cauliflower Pad Thai, Eggplant Involtini and a mixed leaf salad. The diverse styles work together with the zesty Pad Thai complimenting the deep flavours of the Involtini, and then the mixed leaves give a balanced freshness.
Well, our silence professes our satisfaction and before I can whisper the words ‘elegant sufficiency’, Gab is setting us with dessert spoons. We tuck into a couple of absolute crowd pleasers in Sticky Date Pudding and Berry and Rhubarb Crumble served with scoops of house-made coconut and apple and cinnamon ice cream.
As we wander to the flicks, Cliffy comments that something about Yulli’s is just right. The beautiful food plus professional, caring staff and an edgy but comfy venue make for a wonderful dinner out.
More info: yullisbyronbay.com.au
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