Ishka

Chris and I have been waiting to go to Ishka for a while now, despite some of the criticism we have read on other reviews. I have always loved the ambiance of The Breakwater and the food at the downstairs bar has always been very tasty and quick to come out (surprising for such a busy bar). The upstairs foyer was very inviting, I love the contrast of the warm oranges and chandeliers with the chrome and black furnishings. When we arrived at our seat we were promptly served our table water, which was refreshing since the last few restaurants we have been to it has taken quite some time for this to happen. I ordered a Taltarni pink sparkling wine and was asked for ID. Usually this does not bother me but considering I had entered the venue and had a stamp from the bouncers downstairs, I do not see how this was necessary and I found it quite condescending perhaps because we are a young couple. Despite this I enjoyed my wine, although $11 for a fairly cheap bottle is a little excessive. The menu was quite extensive and each dish seemed to have a combination of flavours that would push some peoples boundaries. I will admit that I have only started eating more exotic food in the last few years and am a terribly picky eater but I decided I would go for something that I wouldn't usually eat. I chose the Mt Barker chicken breast with a potato and spring onion rosti, kale, mushroom and thyme. Firstly, I had never had kale since I am not a huge fan of dark green leafy things and secondly I have always disliked mushrooms. I hesitantly put the chicken, mushroom and kale with the thyme sauce in one fork-full to get all of the flavours at once. It was incredible. All of the flavours and textures complimented each other perfectly. The potato and spring onion rosti was delicious, although I think a little bit too much spring onion was used.

 I could definitely see why they included the rosti with the other parts of the dish as it needed something with a bit more "zing". Chris and I also shared some Kippler potatoes with rosemary. I was looking forward to them, but to be honest they were nothing special. I couldn't taste the rosemary very much and used them to just soak up the yummy sauce I had left. Too full from the mains, I didn't even consider dessert!

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal but I wouldn't have expected any less for the price. If anyone goes for the views- there isn't much point because at night you see nothing special anyway. Without the entertainment card I would not spend that type of money as it was even a little excessive with the discount ($75 for the two of us).

Rating: 4 out of 5